Liberty

 Hi,

We’re in that cloudy/sunny days and rain at night mode.  The temps are in the high 80s most days, with high humidity.

This week’s ‘Easy Monday’ song was “Billie Jean” by Michael Jackson.  It’s ‘Jazzy Wednesday’ time again:

“__ __ __, sweet comic __, you make me smile with my heart.  Your looks are laughable, unphotographable, yet you’re my favorite work of art.”  Hint:  You should know it from just the first lines.  Sung by many artists, including Chet Baker, Johnny Hartman, and Frank Sinatra.  

Last night we had another big storm.  It wasn’t as flashy as some other ones, but we could hear the force of the rain.  It must have stopped in time to let the yards drain quite a bit, it was soggy and not flooded.  The air had that fresh smell and feel and made our porch-sitting very comfortable.  JaiDee decided to play a little ‘Football’ (soccer).  That meant a little catch with Lisa, and then running around the yard, holding it in his mouth.  We leave it slightly deflated so he can hold it.  He’s so proud of himself when he does this.

After the ball play we took him to Chivit Thamma Da.  He had the ice and a rawhide bone, we had coffee and scones and everybody was happy.  A lot of  his server friends came by to say ‘Hi’ and give him a pet.  It was a nice lazy visit to one of his favorite places.

We swam again this afternoon.  The rain made the water colder, but I finally got in and did some swimming.  For me, when I get ‘up to speed’, it will be my best form of aerobic exercise.  I’d love to run like the people we see in the evenings, but the structure will not permit it.  Swimming’s just fine at this point. 

On the evening walk we ran into most of JaiDee’s friends and some of ours within the first 5 minutes.  Among them was our friend Dr. Nan, who is training for a marathon later this month in Lampang, near Chiang Mai.  The arch nemesis Beagle was out for his walk as well, we seem to be on the same schedule these days.  At least his owner is trying to cooperate and move him to the other side of the path.  JaiDee is still too interested, and pulls a lot.

It feels like a Wacky Wednesday.    Don’t rush to the ‘old normal’.  Wear that mask and distance yourself.

                               Peace,

                                         Danny

“I grew up like a neglected weed,

ignorant of liberty, having no 

experience of it.”

~Harriet Tubman

Person

Hi,

The weather in Chiang Rai is basically in a ‘very cloudy’ phase.  It can look like rain, but not rain.  We do get cooler days as a result, so it’s fine with us.  

The ‘Easy Monday’ song didn’t get the response I was expecting.  Maybe the chorus will bring your memory back.

“__ __ is not my lover.   She’s just a girl who claims that I am the one, but the kid is not my son.  She says I am the one, but the kid is not my son.”  Clue:  It’s ‘Easy Monday’ after all. 

This morning we did our front porch thing and then had a Skype conversation with Lisa’s dad Joe.  It’s always good when we talk.  Keeping up with each others' lives makes the distance seem not so far.  It also lessens the time, in a way, since we saw him in person.  It’s been over 9 months since our last visit to the States.  We always have a portion of the conversation that includes the world of animals.  

We went to The Wanderer for coffee and roti before going to Big C.  Going to Big C after 10am seems like more of a challenge than when we go right after they open, but as long as they don’t change the location of products, we can move through the store in a pretty efficient manner.  

Across the Super Highway is Central Plaza Mall, and inside the mall is Top’s Market.  The lower floor was our target, but when we arrived, there was no parking there.  Winding up the ramps, we ended up on floor ‘First B’, as the voice at the elevator announced.  While waiting for the ‘car’, I noticed a poster for ‘VIP’ parking.  It’s days like today that make that sound like a good idea.  Today was probably one of the fastest visits to the mall in ages.  We left as soon as we picked up the two items on our list.  Amazing.

Today’s photo was taken by Lisa.  It’s titled “Porch Dogs”.  This is a typical morning pose while chewing their kong toys.  

This afternoon we went swimming for the first time in a long time.  The water was pleasant, not the temperature that our little ‘fish thermometer’ said it was, but not really cold either.  I did some swimming and it felt good.  Probably the most vigorous exercise since my ‘event’.  I’m estimating my progress with things like this by how easily I recover afterwards.  Today was a lot different than before and this is good.

Have a Happy Tuesday.

                          Peace,

                                    Danny

“I can’t go back to yesterday

because I was a different 

person then.”

~Lewis Carroll

Equality

Hi,

We had more rain over the weekend.  There were moments of sunshine, but the sky was dominated by thunder, lightning and water.  They’re on break right now (555).

The ‘Old School Friday’ song was (officially) “Two Kinds of People In The World” by Little Anthony & The Imperials.   It’s ‘Easy Monday’ time.  “She was more like a beauty queen from a movie screen.  I said, ‘Don’t mind, but what do your mean I am the one who will dance on the floor in the round?  She said I am the one who will dance on the floor in the round.”  Hint:  It’s from 1982, and it thrilled his fans.  The title is a name.  

There is a dog on the street leading to The Wanderer that we have named ‘The Mayor’.  He’s an older black Labrador-looking guy who likes to sleep in the street in the morning, soaking up the morning rays and the warmth of the pavement.  He doesn’t just nap in the street, he does it in the center.  This morning I stopped and waited for him to get up, but he didn’t budge.  I tapped the horn lightly and he raised his head and looked at me as if to say ‘Please, are you serious?’.  I drove around and that was that.  Yes, he is the mayor.

Somehow we missed the fact that there was a carnival across the river.  It must have been small, because the only clue was the music, and it wasn’t very loud.  From the walking place we could see colored neon lights, a sure sign that something is happening.  We were very happy that they kept the volume down.  

Sunday morning there was a race of some kind.  Tables were set up near where we walk, since it’s the start/finish for most of the mass ‘walk, run, bike’ events in Chiang Rai.  We could hear the loudspeaker early in the morning, giving instructions on starting.  Life is returning to normal on the local level.  

Today’s photo is our friend Atom and her dog ‘Gutyon’.  He’s a mix of Poodle and Pomeranian and just turned one.  Those ears give him a unique look, like a cuddly toy.  The only thing is, he’s not very friendly.  Maybe later.  Gutyon had never seen a dog as large as JaiDee and it freaked him out.  One of these days they may become friends.

I am still fascinated by things like Monday morning at Makro, when all the mom and pop store owners come to restock their shelves, and restaurants get ready for the week.  The place was really jumping this morning.  Tomorrow we tackle Big C.  

Have a Great Week.

                         Peace,

                                   Danny

“You learn about equality in

history and civics, but you find out

life is not really like that.”

~Arthur Ashe

Friday Funnies

Hi,

The day began with the look of more rain.  Then the sun appeared and it seemed like the storms had passed.  Around 3pm it started to sprinkle and before we knew it, another downpour was in progress.  It’s the rainy season.

The ‘Jazzy Wednesday’ tune was “Mr. Kicks” by Oscar Brown, Jr., 1962.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gFhV07ubVxY   It’s time to go back, into the vault for an ‘Old School Friday’ song:  “There’s __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __, why can’t we fall in love?  __ __ __ __ __ __ __, they are a boy and girl.  Boy meets girl and love begins.  Oh  what a feeling you get from within.  Oh, I should know for I’m in love.  I’m the boy, you’re the girl, all the stars up above.  __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __, why can’t they fall in love…”  Hint:  From 1959,  never made the charts, but was a popular ‘B side’ of a big hit for a group with a lead singer who was ‘little’.  There are two people involved.

JaiDee finally got to go out and ‘travel’ today.  We went to The Wanderer and hung out for a bit.  He spotted a cat right outside the ‘Glass House’ and they stared at each other until the cat left.  That didn’t stop JaiDee from looking deep into the woods, hoping for another sighting.  It was nice because he was calm and quiet the whole time we were there.  From The Wanderer we went to Browney Pet World, one of his favorite places.  He has a friend there who always brings him treats.  Then we drove down the highway to an area he’s not familiar with, to buy a fish net for scooping leaves from the pool.  JaiDee was checking everything out as we rode through town.  It was a busy morning for all of us.

This afternoon we went to the ‘Land Office’ to take care of some business.  The photo for today was taken there, demonstrating that you can encourage ‘social distancing’ in a fun way.

Just as we were leaving the land office it started to sprinkle.  By the time we got home it was raining.  

For the first time in a long time, we went out to see some entertainment.  Our friend Lisa wrote and invited us to see some friends perform (singing cover songs) at The Hungry Wolf.  It was right at the time we usually walk JaiDee, but it sounded like fun so we went.  When we got there we learned that they’re playing tomorrow night.  We made an evening of it anyway.  I splurged and had a pineapple smoothie (basically ice and juice), and we all shared an order of smoked chicken wings.  We talked and laughed for about an hour and came home.  Big night out.  Life in the city.  (555)

We’re getting up early in the morning (4:20am) to attend a Zoom wedding reception in Ontario, Canada.  This is a new one, and I guess it’s one of the benefits of the new form of communication.  Cousin Ellen of the New Hampshire Cousins and new Cousin Gerry are getting married and we get to be a part of it.  This is going to be fun and interesting.

Have a Wonderful WeekEnd.      Time for the ‘Funnies’.   Formula 1 is in Russia this weekend.  Zoom.

                             Peace,

                                       Danny

Nobody

Hi,

The weather finally went and did it.  Last night and this morning we had the ‘Storm of the Century’, again.  This one brought the first real yard flood this year.  Everything eventually drained, with some help from Gong, and things are looking normal again.

The ‘Jazzy Wednesday’ tune has one follower so far.  Here’s more to digest:  “I teach a course in ruination from the Devil’s text, to fools who can’t withstand temptation, step right up you’re next.  I hail from a hollow hell hole down along the river Styx.  Allow me to introduce myself, the name is __ __.”  Clue:  Clearly a scoundrel, the guy is pure evil, out for a good time.  It came out in 1962, in case you’re keeping score.

We spent another day at the homestead.  The rain slowed enough that we could still hang out with the dogs.  Later in the morning, I went to a meeting, via Zoom, in California.  Lisa did some work with the dogs, mainly trying to get TongDee used to walking on a leash.  There must have been a bad experience in her past, because when one is attached, she just stands very still.  She has to be bribed with treats to move forward.  Progress is slowly being made so we press on.  

Today’s photo is another from the adventures of Nitchanan and JaiDee.

This evening Cat and Noom joined us on the walk.  Noom and JaiDee took off jogging and we didn’t see them for a whole lap of the track.  They apparently had a good time.  On the second time around they ran when they encountered ‘The Beagle’ (our nemesis) and walked the rest of the way.  When we got home JaiDee drank some water and went to sleep.  

Have a Thrilling Thursday.

                            Peace,

                                      Danny

“Nobody is as powerful as we

make them out to be.”

~Alice Walker

Artist

Hi,

Today’s weather was basically a hot, cloudy day.  Because of the previous rains, the pool wasn’t quite to our liking, but maybe tomorrow.  

The ‘Easy Monday’ song was “59th Street Bridge Song (Feelin’ Groovy)” by Simon and Garfunkel.  On to ‘Jazzy Wednesday’ and an obscure tune that some of you might know.  “Permit me to introduce myself, the name is __ __.  I dwell in a dark dominion, way down by the river Styx.  The Devil has sent me here because I’m full of wicked tricks.  And I’m such a popular fellow, among all you lunatics.”  Hint:  The name of the character rhymes with the name of the river.  

Every week deserves at least one quiet day at home.  This was that day.  This morning our friend Chalit came over for coffee and conversation.  We’ve been friends since the ‘early days’.  Chalit is a photographer with a focus on portraits.  Through the years we have had deep discussions about what it means to create, the why and the how, etc.  Today it came down to the art of getting back to the art.  Before we knew it, we had been at it for two hours.  

This afternoon we left the house to go to the post office.  The ballots have been mailed.  Yea!  

Yesterday afternoon Prince JaiDee and Princess Nitchanan strolled through the kingdom.

Tonight we braved the walking track, even though it looked like it might rain.  Lisa took an umbrella with her, but I, who knows everything, left mine in the van.  About one third of the way around, it started sprinkling very lightly.  I went back and got my umbrella and finished my walk alone.  It meant that I actually went farther than usual.  This is good, the strength is coming back.  

Feels like a Wacky Wednesday.   Take care, mask up, wash up, and stay aware.

                             Peace,

                                       Danny

“Every child is an artist.

The problem is how to remain

an artist once we grow up.”

~Pablo Picasso

Good

Hi,

The morning sky looked like it might want to rain.  Within a few hours it was a hot, sunny day.  

A lot of you knew the ‘Easy Monday’ song.  Here’s more for those who just couldn’t quite remember:  “Hello lamppost, what'cha’ knowin’?  I’ve come to watch your flowers growin’.  Ain’t’cha got no rhymes for me?  Doot-in doo-doo, __ __.  Ba da, da, da, da, da, da, __ __.”  Clue:  There is a bridge involved.  

We slipped out of the house without JaiDee today.  Our destination was Big C and he just couldn’t go.  We stopped at Work@Home for coffee, knowing they would be expecting him to be with us.  When Lisa told Katai that JaiDee wasn’t with us her response was, ‘Why not?’.  Now we owe them another visit.  Katai told us a very funny story when I asked how Towan’s car rally went.  He was on the road during the Italian Formula 1 race and called her every 30 minutes to find out the status of Alex Albon, the Thai driver.  She knew that every time the phone rang, it was for an update.  When the race was over and Albon placed third, she cheered all by herself.  Towan cheered and we also cheered.

We went to the mall for lunch and were surprised to see that the place was quite crowded.  Did we miss a holiday?  Some prime parking was blocked off so we had to use one of the ‘odd’ levels.  It meant taking an elevator to the main floor.  Today’s photo was waiting for us as we waited to get on.  Sometimes the best intentions don’t quite work.

Natcha was sick over part of the weekend and yesterday.  Today she felt better and surprised us with a big batch of cookies and dinner this evening.  

This evening Lisa prepared the envelopes for our ballots.  We got info from the U.S. Consulate telling us how to take care of our voting.  

On our walk tonight, we were joined by our friend Lisa and her dog Duke.  It was their first time at the ‘walking place’ and Duke couldn’t get enough of all the new smells.  At first, the dogs thought it was a play-date, but once the leashes were untangled and the dogs separated, they understood it was about walking.  

Have a Happy Tuesday. 

                             Peace,

                                       Danny

“Do your little bit of good where you are;

it’s those little bits of good put together

that overwhelm the world."

~Desmond Tutu

Thoughtful

Hi,

The weekend brought a lot of rain.  There were some partly cloudy times, but the rain was a big part of conversation.  Today was nice, not too hot, and not too cloudy.  There is still more rain to come so we’re not celebrating yet.

The ‘Old School Friday’ song was “Since I Don’t Have You” by The Skyliners.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ngZh6ZSRoYg  Let’s see if you know this ‘Easy Monday’ song:  “Slow down, you move too fast, you got to make the morning last.  Just kicking down the cobblestones, lookin’ for fun and __ __.”  Hint:  The complete title is not in the lyric.  It’s a duet from the mid 60’s.

Saturday morning was weird.  I got up knowing I couldn’t have any breakfast.  I had to fast until the blood test before my doctor appointment.  Timing is everything.  We went to the hospital at 11am for the test, because the slip said my appointment was for 12noon.  Well, what they didn’t tell me was that the appointment was for 1pm.  This meant that we had a lot of time to kill after the test.  Solution:  We went to The Wanderer and had lunch.  We finally saw the doctor at 1:20 and learned that my cholesterol had dropped very close to where he wanted it.  It still has to go lower, to be on the safe side.  I can’t imagine what else I can do, outside of the ‘fat-free cardboard’ diet.  They also checked my heart and it’s doing good.  I go back in 2 months and they’ll add another test, the echo cardiogram.  

This was a weekend of large gatherings in Thailand.  In Bangkok, there was a huge rally in support of changing the government.  At the northern border there was a large gathering of trucks trying to cross the border into and out of Burma (Myanmar).  The problem is, there have been many positive tests coming from the other side of the border and of course Thailand is very concerned.  Many of the truck drivers with produce were actually setting up stalls on the roadside and selling their loads rather than see it rot in their trucks.  

My passport needs to be renewed and it looked like I was going to have to mail it to the consulate, due to the restrictions brought on by the virus.  Today there was a notice that the Chiang Rai office will be open for regular business.  This means we could go there and start the process and it would take less time.  It would have to be after the trip to Bangkok, since one needs a passport to fly, even within the country.  Everything has it’s little complications, but they can all be dealt with.  Yeah, that’s what ‘he’ said.

Today’s photo is our house, taken from the corner of the Spirit House.  It’s not a usual perspective, but does offer a different view.  In the foreground you can see the left over ‘stream’ caused by the Sunday storm.  

Have a Great Week.

                         Peace,

                                   Danny

“A small group of thoughtful people

could change the world.  Indeed, it’s 

the only thing that ever has.”

~Margaret Mead

Friday Funnies

Hi,

At times it looked like rain, or maybe a monsoon, but it all passed and we actually had a dry day.  There is a storm lurking from the east over the weekend. 

The ‘Jazzy Wednesday’ song was “Stardust” as sung by Nat ‘King’ Cole, in 1957.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DjU6ZjrQulc  The ‘Old School Friday’ song might be familiar.  “I don’t have plans and schemes, and I don’t have hopes and dreams.  I don’t have anything __ __ __ __ __.  I don’t have fond desires, and I don’t have happy hours.  I don’t have anything, __ __ __ __ __.”  Hint:  Big radio hit in 1959.  DJs wound have listeners call in with the count of how many times the last word was sung.  

In the mornings when Nitchanan goes to school, we’re usually sitting on the front porch with the dogs.  She comes out and greets us with a wai and a smile.  On Friday’s the kids don’t wear their uniform dresses.  They wear long-sleeved T-shirts and shorts.  Today, when she came to the driveway, she modeled her outfit, making sure we noticed that it was different clothes.  She also had a flower and a butterfly clip in her hair.  It was a special morning.

We left JaiDee at home again so we could make another trip to the nursery.  Before the nursery though, we stopped at Chivit for coffee and a scone.  We saw Joakim out in front, wiping off his 1967 MGB.  He told us that it just passed the smog test at the DMV, which made him laugh since the car has no smog control features.  He asked us where our ‘little dog’ was and we had to chuckle.  

At the suggestion of a friend, we watched the Netflix docudrama “The Social Dilemma”.  It’s about the evolution of the power that artificial intelligence exerts on users of social media.  A rather chilling reality.  I won’t tell you a lot, but I came away with this quote:  “If you are not paying for the product, you are the product.”  It brought me one step closer to leaving that world.

Today we heard the sound of dump trucks, more specifically, the sound of their tailgates banging against the beds after they dump the dirt.  The weird thing was, we couldn’t see them or tell exactly where they were.  We just know that it’s somewhere behind us.  All this concern is really just curiosity.  We thought the little street behind us was all filled in, but more tiny houses are apparently coming.  Our ‘spot’ is safe for now.  Quiet neighbors all around.

I’ll end the week with another dog pic.  This would not have been possible a few weeks ago.  They are enjoying their Kong toys, slurping a special treat mix.  Being this close used to brings growls from TongDee.  

Tomorrow morning I will be in the midst of a fast until 12noon.  I have my first appointment with the cardiologist since the procedure.  I will be very hungry, hope they don’t take too long (555).  I have to go make a list of questions to remember to ask.  Never a dull moment.

Have a Wonderful WeekEnd.           Time for the ‘Funnies’.

                            Peace,

                                      Danny

Avoid

Hi,

Today we finally got the ‘storm’ that was predicted.  It wasn’t as long as predicted, but it had everything that makes for a ‘good’ storm.  Wind, rain, and thunder were there in abundance.  Everything will continue to be green.

This week’s ‘Jazzy Wednesday’ was recognized by a few readers.  Here’s a little more, and a line that may be more obvious:  “Sometimes I wonder why I spend the lonely night, dreaming of a song, the melody haunts my reverie, and I am once again with you…now my consolation is in the __ of a song.”  Clue:  There are stars involved.

After the morning hang-out on the front porch, we took JaiDee to The Wanderer for an ice snack and a chance to see other people.  He met two women who were really taken by his charm.  One of them posed with him while he got in funny positions with his rawhide bone hanging out of his mouth.  He was performing for them and seemed very aware of the effect.

We had lunch at Sabroso with our friends Caty and Lisa.  It was a fun two hours with a wide range of topics and reactions.  At times we were serious, and then laughing so hard we had tears in our eyes.  It’s great when the energy just flows around the table and it’s all very spontaneous.  For a time, we were the only patrons in the restaurant, so it really didn’t matter that we were having little outburst of laughter.  It think the staff got a kick out of it.

Today’s photo was taken a few evenings ago on our walk.  Cat and JaiDee stopped briefly for a photo shoot.

Have a Thrilling Thursday.  

                               Peace,

                                         Danny

“The only way to get the best

 of an argument is to avoid it.”

~Dale Carnegie

Strength

Hi,

The weather folks did it again.  They predicted 80% possibility this afternoon and yet, it remained hot and dry.  

The ‘Easy Monday’ song was “You Didn’t Have To Be So Nice” by The Lovin’ Spoonful.  It’s time for another round of ‘Jazzy Wednesday’.  This time we’re going to play with a standard that many of you should remember (555).

“And now the purple dust of twilight time steals across the meadows of my heart.  High up in the sky the little stars climb always reminding me that we’re apart.  You wander down the lane and far away leaving me a song that will not die.  Love is now the __ of yesterday, the music of the years gone by.”  Hint:  As with all standards, many have sung and recorded this song, but one artist’s version became the most popular, and helped it achieve it’s status.  Singer was known for his silky voice.

I guess one could call today an ‘Active Day’.  We started the day at Chivit Thamma Da, without the puppy.  After the mid-morning coffee/scone snack, we went to a big nursery on the Super Highway.  It’s actually smaller than it used to be.  I think many of the vendors moved on during the shutdown.  Anyway, we bought some small bushes and flowering plants for the garden Lisa and Gong are re-doing.  She had him remove everything, including some dirt, and now it’s being refreshed with more of a garden look.  Before, it was mostly big bushes.  

From the garden center we went to one of the most fascinating stores in Chiang Rai.  It’s the place you go to replace dead remotes for any device you could imagine.  They have all the pieces to build many electrical and electronic items, and wire of every size and description.  Today we replaced an air/con remote.  I just remembered, they couldn’t fill our request for a new gate remote.  Hmm, they should give us something.  Oh yeah, they gave us batteries (555).

A stop at Khun Orn for a pocket mend and we were back on the road again.  She’s such a trip, fixed the pocket while we waited and didn’t charge.  

Our next stop was the giant nursery near our house.  After cruising up and down the little streets, we left with another truck load of plant life.  

There was also a trip to the Talat (the main market place) for various items from the fabric and notions store.  I forgot my mask in the van, but there was a huge selection not far from the entrance.  I found a black satin item that will be perfect with my tux (555). 

Today photo was taken yesterday while JaiDee and I were chillin’ by the pool.

After dinner we went to the walking place for the evening exercise of the dog, and the humans. 

Feels like a Wacky Wednesday.       Mask up and stay safe.

                             Peace,

                                       Danny

“There are two ways of exerting 

one’s strength: one is by pushing down,

the other is by pulling up.”

~Booker T. Washington

Found

Hi,

This was the day the weather folks had all wrong.  They predicted lots of rain, we got none.  It was a good thing, since we needed time to dry out after the last new days.  

“You came upon a quiet day, you simply seem to take your place.  I knew that it would be that way, the moment that I saw your face… __ __ __ __ __ __ __, I would have liked you anyway…”  Clue:  The group took us from daydreams to summer in the city and back again.  The source of their name comes from a blues tune.  

There are some streets in our area where the police set up little surprise road-blocks.  Sometimes we see them searching a vehicle.  Our street is a nice short cut between two major thoroughfares.  We’ve been told that they could be looking for anything from drugs to refugees.  We are usually asked where we are going and when we tell them ‘home’, they wave us through.  Downtown, in front of the police station, there is a regular motorbike check that most people expect.  One block south, on a one-way side street, there is another check, just in case you thought turning left would avoid the check.  When I figured this out, everything became clear.  Life in the little big city.

We spent the day at home again.  Lisa has been in her studio, working on a paper sculpture of a face mask.  We’ve also been researching our trip to Bangkok at the end of October for the opening of an exhibit where some of her paper work will be shown.  It’s been a long time since we were in Bangkok for more than one day of business.  We would like to spend a little time as ’tourists’ while we’re there.    

Today’s photo was taken this morning while we were walking the dogs.  This is ‘Blue’s Tree’, still thriving and reminding us of him.  It took a lot of work in the beginning, but now it’s really maturing.  

At the Formula 1 race last weekend in Italy, Alexander Albon came in third place.  He is Thai/English and chose to race under the Thai flag, even though he was raised in England.  We’ve been rooting for him since he joined the Red Bull Racing team last year.  It’s the first time in the history of Formula 1 that a Thai driver has reached the podium.  Zoom!

Have a Happy Tuesday.  

                     Peace,

                               Danny

“I have not failed.  I have just found

10,000 ways that won’t work.”

~Thomas A. Edison

Smile

Hi,

Lately our weather has consisted of storms when we least expect them.  This morning we crossed the river, coming home from downtown and just as we arrived, so did a huge downpour.  This evening was clear and warm.  

The ‘Newish Old School Friday’ song was “Roundabout” by Yes.  In case you didn’t remember, the ‘B’-side was “Long Distance Runaround”.  Oh, the memories.  Now it’s Monday and time for ‘Easy Monday’.  “__ __ __ __ __ __ __, I would have liked you anyway.  If you had just looked once or twice and gone upon your quiet way.  Today said the time was right for me to follow you.  I knew I’d find you in a day or two, and it’s true…”  Hint:  From ’66 by a group that was actually a jug band (what?).  About a budding romance.

Our weekend was pretty mellow.  We went to Work@Home on Saturday, but missed our friends.  We’ll go on Tuesday so they can have a play-date with JaiDee (555).  Towan had a rally this Sunday, somewhere out of town.  One of these days I’d like to go to one and watch the cars flying through the countryside.  

Saturday lunch was at The Hungry Wolf.  We met our friend Lisa and her dad ‘Win’.  Win had never been there so it was fun introducing him to some of the oddities of the place.  Lisa recently returned from Bangkok, where she is partners in a shoe/handbag company.  She is a shoe designer and they're making things work during the pandemic.  She brought a ‘book’ that she created for our 50th anniversary.  She took our story and made up a fairy tale, complete with photos of us she collected from the internet.  It’s a really wonderful reminder, and also very comical.

Today’s photo was taken as we were leaving The Hungry Wolf.  

Sunday morning we took JaiDee to The Wanderer for the usual, and also got lunch to-go.  I had a 1pm appointment with the eye doc so it wasn’t a lazy Sunday.  Things have really improved, so I don’t have to go back for 3 months.  That’s great, ‘cause I’m tired of being ‘messed with’.  

We seem to have really turned a corner with the dogs.  TongDee has started playing with JaiDee and seems to be having fun.  They race around the front yard with smiles on their ‘faces’ and when they’re done, they collapse in the kitchen next to each other like old buddies.  The other night they were sharing the bed in the kitchen.  TongDee is “home" and JaiDee is getting mellower.  

Have a Great Week.

                     Peace,

                               Danny

“Because of your smile, you make 

life more beautiful.”

Thich Nhat Hanh

Friday Funnies

Hi,

The weather here was mostly sunny, with occasional puffy clouds and a brief afternoon rain.  

The ‘Jazzy Wednesday’ tune was “Route 66” as first recorded by Nat ‘King’ Cole, and written by Bobby Troupe.  I guess I’ll have to call this next one a ‘Newish Old School Friday’ song:  “I’ll be the __.  The words will make you out ’n’ out.  I spend the day your way, call it morning driving through the sound and in and out the valley.”  Hint: This 1972 progressive rock hit comes from across the pond.  The title is a traffic feature.  Hmm.

We woke up to a dry yard, with only a hint of an aftermath from last night’s storm.  The morning was spent at the house, hanging out on the porch and then catching up on various things on the computers.  We had a nice Skype visit with Sebastian, in the U.S. and before we knew it, it was time for lunch.

This afternoon there was a ‘tiny’ rain just as we were leaving the house.  Fortunately, it wasn’t too hard because it was near the time when Natcha and Gong go to pick-up Nitchanan from school.  If it rains hard, we let them use the van.  

I have been in touch with several friends who are in areas of California where the fires are close to their homes.  One family had to evacuate to Oregon, and a friend in Oregon sent photos of the orange sky very close to his farm.  This is a very strange time.  

Today’s photo is from my archives.  We have many discussions about food with friends and sometimes the understanding of things gets a little muddy.  The product in this package is a total contradiction.

Cat and her boyfriend Noom met us at the walking place this evening.  Of course, JaiDee was very pleased.  When we first took off, JaiDee took advantage of the faster walkers and they set a pace that left us in the dust.  A couple that we see every night approached and asked, “Where’s JaiDee?”  We motioned that he was up ahead and their minds were set at ease.  Lisa walked with me until I got to the place where I end my walk.  This evening I listened to a Korean vocal jazz group that I recently discovered.  Really cool stuff.

Tomorrow we have lunch at Chivit Thamma Da with our friend Lisa.  Before that, we’ll take Mr. Dog to Work@Home for ice and maybe a visit with Towan and Katai.  

Have a Wonderful WeekEnd.         Time for the ‘Funnies’.     Another weekend of Formula 1, from Tuscan, Italy.

                         Peace,

                                   Danny

Power

Hi,

The famous forecasters said 20% chance of rain.  Today that didn’t happen.  We got mostly sunny skies with afternoon clouds.  And let’s not forget, it was hot.  It’s 8:40pm and the rain just swept in and it’s not playin’.  I guess this lets the forecasters off the hook, this time.

This week’s ‘Jazzy Wednesday’ tune is a standard, written in 1946 and recorded that same year.  It became a hit on two charts.  The artist in mind was the first to record the song, at the request of the writer.  “Now you go through St. Looey, Joplin, Missouri and Oklahoma City is mighty pretty.  You see Amarillo, Gallup, New Mexico.  Flagstaff, Arizona, don’t forget Winona, Kingman, Barstow, San Bernardino.  Won’t you get hip to this timely tip, when you make that California trip.  Get your kicks on __ __ __.”  Clue:  It was written while driving from east to west on the highway that will take you all the way.

This morning we met our friend John for coffee at The Wanderer.  JaiDee was very happy to see him and gave him quite a greeting.  Lisa had the foresight to bring one of the special rawhide rings and that kept JaiDee pretty occupied for most of the time.  We had a lot of catching up to do and, of course, a lot of laughing to do also.  When people hear about TongDee, they often ask if she is going to join us on our coffee adventures.  Tong doesn’t know how to walk with a leash yet.  Something stunted a lot of her growth.  When a leash is attached to her collar, she just stands there looking a little afraid.  Another thing that will take time.

This afternoon we swam.  I actually did more than lounge in the water.  It felt good to use my body and get some low-impact exercise.  This evening I walked for the second night and that felt good as well.  Now, it’s about gradually adding time to these exercises.  I see a visit to the gym in my future.

Here is a link to the photo shoot that Lisa did at Wat Rong Khun (White Temple).

https://www.facebook.com/tanapong.1985/

The Thai government has increased it’s patrols along the western border with Burma (Myanmar) after it was discovered that people were crossing over into Thailand illegally.  Many are coming because the hospitals are crowded in Burma and they’re seeking medical help.  All are being tested and placed in quarantine.  It adds a great deal of pressure to the plan to reopen the borders.  If control can’t be maintained, they will probably stay closed for a longer time.  

Today’s photo was taken after dinner.  Both dogs are enjoying their ‘Kong Toy’ treats.  Now they’re actually leaning on each other as they enjoy their dessert.

Have a Thrilling Thursday.

                         Peace,

                                   Danny 

“When the power of love

overcomes the love of power

the world will know peace."

~Jimi Hendrix

Result

Hi,

Chiang Rai started out cool and turned into a warm, sunny day without a hint of rain.

The ‘Easy Monday’ song was “Get Off My Cloud” by The Rolling Stones.  Next up, a travel song on ‘Jazzy Wednesday’.  “If you ever plan to motor west, travel my way, take the highway that is best.  Get your kicks on __ __ __.  It winds from Chicago to L.A.  More than two thousand miles all the way.  Get your kicks on __ __ __.”  Hint: There are numbers involved.  You see this song title on signs across America.

Today was a big day.  This is the day we moved back upstairs to our bedroom, office, den.  It’s been 3 weeks tomorrow since I ‘lived’ in this room.  Climbing the stairs feels effortless, which is no scientific measurement, but if I feel better afterwords, then it’s a good thing.  Natcha and Gong were a big help in making the transition.  They’re getting good at this moving thing.  They do most of the work whenever we find it necessary to stay downstairs.  We are very grateful.  

The day began with a trip to Chivit Thamma Da for coffee without JaiDee.  It never fails, whenever we’re asked about JaiDee and we tell them he’s at home, it gets a big laugh.  I guess because we’re all referring to him as if he’s a person.  Even though it’s very relaxing without him there, we still miss him.  It’s nice, sometimes, to be able to relax and watch the river and the birds without being concerned about the dog eating a chair (555).

The major work on the Super Highway in front of Browney Pet World is almost done, which makes going there less of a hassle.  We got what we went for, and also a new collar for TongDee.  Now her collar and harness match.  While we were at the check stand, I was looking at the packaged meals in the frozen section and made this discovery:

Just another example of how a word can have different meanings in different parts of the world.  Hmm.

JaiDee and TongDee are becoming buddies.  She is gradually learning to ‘play’, and that’s making everyone at The Big Brown House very happy.  When Natcha takes them out to run, TongDee takes off right next to JaiDee and sometimes will poke him in the side to get him to chase her.  When she first arrived, all she would do was growl at him.  They hang out in the kitchen side by side, watching Natcha cook.  Tong, as we call her sometimes, is still a little guarded when it comes to edibles, but it’s getting better.  All in all, she’s become a part of our household and she’s happy.

It feels like a Wacky Wednesday.

                             Peace,

                                       Danny

“The highest result of education

is tolerance.”

~Helen Keller

Revolution

Hi,

We got rain!  It started last night while Lisa was walking JaiDee.  It continued all night until mid-day today.  Nothing heavy, but it did make rivers in the yard and lakes in the street.  Local weather drama can be so exciting.

A few readers knew the ‘Easy Monday’ song.  Maybe another verse will help you remember.  “The telephone is ringing, I say ‘Hi, it’s me who is it there on the line?’  A voice says, ‘Hi, hello, how are you?’  Well, I guess I’m doin’ fine.  He says it’s 3am, there’s too much noise, don’t you people ever want to go to bed?  Just ‘cause you feel so good, do you have to drive me out of my head?’  I say Hey! You! __ __ __ __ __, Hey! You! __ __ __ __ __.  Hey! You! __ __ __ __ __, don’t hang around ‘cause twos a crowd, on my __ baby.”  Clue:  It’s by something that gathers no moss, about a guy who is being invaded by the outsiders around him.

Yesterday, while we were at the mall, we noticed a very tall young woman.  Then we saw a few more and realized that there must be some sort of beauty pageant in town.  I saw a jacket that read “Miss Grand Thailand” and decided to Google it.  It is a pageant and they were in town for activities before the main event in Bangkok.  Thailand has lots of pageants through out the year, this is just another one.  There is a Facebook page with photos of their various activities.  That were at Art Bridge for a tour and had a Lana Fashion Show at Le Meridien Resort.  Looks like Chiang Rai is on the circuit.  Hmm.

This morning we went to The Wanderer in a light rain.  As we were getting out of the van, which I drove, it struck me that this was Tuesday and normally they are closed.  Later, we talked with Khwan and learned that they are now open 7 days a week.  This is a good sign that locally, some businesses may be doing better.  On a larger scale, there have been a few cases of covid reported within the quarantine at the airport, and it has put a damper on the outlook for a rebirth of tourism.  We are maintaining our own ‘security’ by wearing our masks, even when others are not.  

Since my two trips upstairs yesterday didn’t wear me out, we are inching closer to making the move back to our home base.  I went up last night to program some tennis and it felt great being up there.  

Today’s photo was taken this morning.  The flowers growing on the front wall were thought to be ‘done’, then they suddenly appeared again.  Loving nature.

Have a Happy Tuesday.          Protect yourself and others.

                         Peace,

                                   Danny

“Those who make peaceful revolution

impossible will make violent revolution

inevitable.”

~John F. Kennedy

MIracle

Hi,

Saying that we’re having the same cool mornings, hot days, and moist nights probably means nothing to many of you in California.  You have my deepest sympathies with regards to the record temps.  Not to open a can of worms, but this is way past a warming trend.

The ‘Old School Friday’ song was “Rikki Don’t Lose That Number” by Steely Dan.  Here’s an ‘Easy Monday’ song for you:  “I live in an apartment on the ninety-ninth floor of my block.  And I sit at home, lookin’ out the window imagining the world has stopped.  Then in flies this guy who’s all dressed up like a union jack and says I have won five pounds if I have his kind of detergent pack.  I said, ‘Hey, you, __ __ __ __ __, hey, you __ __ __ __ __, hey, you, __ __ __ __ __.  Don’t hang around ‘cause twos a crowd, on my __ baby.”  Hint:  It’s a warning to intruders, of sorts.  By a quintet from across the pond.  

Time can be a crazy thing.  Or should I say, the perception of the passing of time.  Sometimes it just drags along, taking it’s time (555).  On other occasions it zips by so fast that you don’t realize what just happened.  The fact is, every moment is the same, it’s there and then it’s gone.  There goes another one.  All that to say that I think I experienced a little of both this weekend.  

We frequented The Wanderer this weekend.  Maybe there really is something comforting about the embrace of the woods, but I feel very comfortable there.  Even having the same thing, iced Americano and roti, doesn’t seem boring.  JaiDee seems to like having ice every time, so I know it’s not just me.  On Sunday, when we arrived, there was a family with two small children visiting from Bangkok.  They spotted JaiDee and their focus was on how to get closer.  The little boy was 2 and his sister 4.  They wanted to pet him but were afraid of this big thing.  Their mom finally came over and met JaiDee and tried to get the kids to get closer, but no deal.  

Today we went to Central Plaza Mall to get a new battery installed in Lisa’s laptop.  This was going to be a big day to test my strength, since we planned to be there for a few hours.  The morning began at Big C and that went pretty smooth for me.  I have no idea what my endurance level should be, I only know what it feels like to get tired.  After Big C I still had more steam so we pressed on.

We arrived at the mall just as it was opening.  Today was a holiday so there were lots of people arriving early.  After dropping off the computer, we went to Starbuck’s for coffee.  The plan changed and we decided to have lunch at the mall.  That meant that we had lots of time to wander, hang out, or shop.  We actually did all of that.  People watching is so different when you can only see half of the face.  I’ll let you use your imagination as to how it changes, and next time you’re out, think about it.  Anyway, we did some of that and picked up things we needed.  As we were leaving Top’s Market, we heard someone call my name.  It was my friend Earl, who lives in Mae Chan.  He was having lunch with some new friends he’d made who live in Tung, a long way east of us.  We had a fun conversation with them and finished our morning.  We accomplished a lot and taking little breaks allowed me to not get over tired.  Not that I wasn’t tired by the time we finally got home, I was.  

Today’s photo is a portrait of a tired dog.  I wonder what he’s thinking about.

Have a Great Week.

                       Peace,

                                 Danny

“Could a greater miracle take place than 

for  us to look through each other’s eyes

for an instant?”

~Henry David Thoreau