Today the weather was great. It was the typical cold morning thing, but by the time we got into the day, it was warming up. According to the weather people, it’s going to continue to get warmer. Yea!
Our ‘Jazzy Wednesday’ tune was “Take the ‘A’ Train” by Duke Ellington, as sung by Ella Fitzgerald and countless other vocalists. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dQnNnPLC_b4 This song was written by Billy Strayhorn and was inspired by a letter sent to him by Duke Ellington, giving directions from Pittsburg to New York. The final leg of the directions were to ‘Take the ‘A’ train into Harlem. The song became the signature tune for the Ellington Orchestra and Strayhorn became an invaluable member of the orchestra. The ‘Old School Holiday Special’ is next, and it’s a song we’ve remembered through the years. “__ __ __, you sure did treat me nice. __ __ __, you sure did treat me nice. Gave me a diamond ring for Christmas, now I’m living in paradise.” Hint: The first two words are that of the holiday. You got this, baby.
This morning we had a special breakfast (French toast) and prepared for Natcha, Gong and Nitchanan to come over for their gifts. Only Natcha and Nitchanan came, but it was still just as exciting. Her little face lit up when she saw the gifts under the little tree on the dining room table. She was very excited as she opened each one and knew what some of them were, and discovered new things with others. Natcha explained each gift as they went along. There will be lots of busy work on her school break. There were fun things too, like a sticker book of cartoon unicorns. We now have at least a dozen stickers on our dining room door. She was very interested in ‘Snakes & Ladders’ and couldn’t wait to go home and learn how to play. It was a wonderful morning.
This afternoon we drove out to Santiburi Golf Community under clear skies and warming temps. We didn’t know anyone except our hosts, but that quickly changed as we were introduced and drawn into the conversations. Boui, our hostess, had the men at one table on the patio, and the women at another. Lisa was at a table with a group of Thai women who fortunately translated from time to time. I was at a table of expat men, all speaking English. The guys I was with all knew each other so I had to figure out the common thread. They love to play golf. There was lots of friendly joking discussion of the changes in Chiang Rai, and the various beers of Thailand. I just sat and listened. There were 12 people total for the big dinner. Jimmy and Boui provided a table of wonderful traditional dishes, and made some concessions for our food ‘issues’. Jimmy made a dairy-free pudding using almond milk and it was yummy. Boui made gifts for everyone and that was a big surprise.
After dinner we came home, walked the dog and started a typical evening. I hope you all have a happy, safe holiday, whatever you’re celebrating.
Have a Wonderful WeekEnd. Time for the ‘Funnies’.
Peace,
Danny
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