Masks

Hi,

Our neighbor to the south, Chiang Mai, has maintained the title of ‘Dirtiest air in the world’, so you can imagine what ours tastes like.  This is the year that the dialog began regarding air quality.  The finger-pointing is over and now the real work must begin.  The question is, do you try to fix this season or work toward preventing it next year.  The jury is out as to what will happen.  Hot and smoggy is the forecast.

The ‘Old School Friday’ song was “Diamonds & Pearls” by The Paradons.  I still don’t know the origin of ‘paradon’ or why they were named that.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nKnV-VHGpcA  This week we’re going to try something different.  All three songs will be by the same artist or group.  After the first tune, you have a big clue for the next two songs this week.  Let’s get started with ‘Easy Monday':  “Well, she was just seventeen, you know what I mean, and the way she looked was way beyond compare.  So how could I dance with another, Ooooh, when __ __ __ __ __?”  Hint:  Don’t tell me ‘Easy Monday’ doesn’t rock.  1963, from across the pond.  If one isn’t sitting, they are probably what?  That ‘Ooooh’ is kind of a nod to Little Richard.  

Today’s photo was taken Friday at the entrance to the main market.  Mom and Dad keep the baby happy in a swinging hammock.

Saturday we mostly hid from the air.  That was OK ‘cause there was F1 practice to watch, and then Qualifying.  There is a new driver/car combo to cheer for this season.  Alex Albon, a rookie driving for Toro Rosso is half Thai and flies the flag proudly.  His dad was a British racing car driver.  Zoom.

We altered our usual Sunday lunch due to the atmosphere.  We went to Central Plaza Mall and had lunch at Sizzler. It was probably not the cleanest air in Chiang Rai, but with various air/cons and devices, it was better than being outside.  We’re definitely still getting better because we can go longer with the walking and standing than before.  There is still a ‘wall’ to be hit, though we try to stop before the crash.  We left just in time on Sunday, and as we were walking into the parking garage we saw our friend Caty, who had just returned from the states with her twin girls for a visit.  We’re going to their 6th year birthday party next Sunday.  That should be fun.  There will be people there that we haven’t seen in a long time.  

Most of the time, we feel confident that we can get the latest news from around the world if we feel so inclined.  When there is a big event/story, we want to get different perspectives.  The major papers dropped the ball on the story of the young people marching for the planet.  The story got neatly tucked away in the ‘Kid’ section in one outlet, and others just got it out of the way.  It was a major, world-wide event.  Not cool.  note:  Editorial over.

This morning we went to Big C and did the shopping.  The ‘turnout’ was light, which was fine with us.  We got a late start so that was the only thing we did outside.  During dinner, Nitchanan came to the table in a new swimming dress and made sure we saw it and announced that she was going swimming, and then mimed the swimming action.  Natcha took Nitchanan and her cousin Gop to the water, complete with floatie devices.  They had a fun time, though the air was still not good and the water is cold.  Nitchanan is at the age for swimming lessons and as soon as the air clears, we’ll get that going.

We’re also happy to report that Daku is doing much better.  He had his last laser treatment on Saturday morning and he’s not obsessed with trying to get at the healing hot spot.  We can let him hang out without the ‘hoodie’ and he’s much happier.

Have a Great Week.

                       Peace,

                                 Danny

“Love takes off masks that we

fear we cannot live without

and know we cannot live within.”

~James Baldwin