Soul

Hi,

The same sad story continues.  The air is bad and there is no rain in sight.  Because offenders of the anti-burning ordinances are being cited, people in some areas are waiting until ‘after working hours’ to burn their trash.  It costs us $3.79 for one year of trash collection.  A worthy cause would be the subsidizing of trash collection for a village. Hmm, go fund that!

It’s good to know that the ‘Easy Monday’ song didn’t fall on ‘deaf eyes’ (get it?).  Just in case more info is needed, here’s the second verse:  “Well, she looked at me and I, I could see, that before too long I’d fall in love with her.  She wouldn’t dance with another, Oooh, when __ __ __ __ __.”  Clue:  They came from across the pond, wanting to hold your hand.  

This morning we roamed the streets, masks in place, in search of a recommended nail salon.  We may have found it, but it was closed, so we went to a known entity.  That was our morning.  We did get to witness the morning ‘busy’ in downtown Chiang Rai and it was amazing.  There were so many people out and about.  It used to be that one could lazily walk across the main street, or easily find a place to park.  We lucked out on parking though, and not having to cross the street, but my observations proved that it’s denser than before.  There is a certain excitement that is derived from all the energy this brings.  Taken at full throttle all day would be just too overwhelming, but in small doses it’s fun.

Our coffee shop neighbors planted a bunch of trees this morning.  I’ll have to take photos of the new landscape.  It’s nice to know that they have a concept beyond selling coffee.  So, I need to find out the name of this place, and when it will open.  If the coffee is good it will be a plus.  

While we’re on the subject of trees, here’s another photo of Blue’s Tree, blooming like crazy.  It makes us smile.

Every 90 days after we re-enter the country, we have to check in with immigration.  We were sure today was the day.  We got all ready after our nap, stopped by The Wanderer for ice-coffee to go and headed up to the office.  It was practically empty, no waiting, only to be told that we were a few weeks early.  Hmm, but the calendar said it was today.  Oh well, it was nice to get out in the afternoon and see the sights (555).  We got some questions answered and picked up extra forms for the next renewal of our visas.  Still a good day.

I guess ever since the TV became a household appliance, it also began it’s evolution as a babysitter.  Now there is Youtube on cellphones and it’s a new age of ‘sitting’.  We watch with mixed emotions as Nitchanan and her cousin Gop move about the house and yard with phone in hand, being entertained, occupied, and sometimes educated by the tiny screen.  There are tons of things for kids and Natcha has a phone dedicated to stories, songs and games just for the little one.  Still, I wonder, and then she’ll do something charming and creative all on her own.  There is hope.

Have a Happy Tuesday.

                       Peace,

                                 Danny

“Life beats down and crushes

the soul, and art reminds you

that you have one.”

~Stella Adler