Tuesday, July 21, 2009

Dreams

Hi,

Today was a day that should have been caught on film. It was a day to baffle and confound, annoy and bring joy. Just another day in Thailand.

The song we're working on is considered a classic by some. Many of you knew it at once. Here's a little more:
"Do you remember when we used to sing 'Sha la la la la la...La dee dah'" Clue: It's actually a song about memories of the good old days.

Adventure number one today was to find a set of 'jumper cables' (make that cabun) so I could start the truck that's been sitting for three weeks. Since we got the new car the hoopty hasn't seen much action. I started my quest on an access road to the Super Highway where I'd noticed some garages. My first stop gave me directions I didn't want to believe. He told me they sold them at 711. What? Down the Highway to the first of two gas stations with their very own 711s. The first yielded nothing. At the second I walked around a bit since it had some repair shops in the rear. By this time I had drawn one of my famous pictures. As I headed to a shop in the back I saw Khun Kek, our landscape guy. Now there were two of us looking. On our third shop we found them. Kek only knows a few words in English but communicates very well anyway. We had a fun few minutes on our quest. Oh, I took the cables home, applied them to the batteries and they burned up. Back to the Highway.

We had just begun lunch when Boot got a call and informed us that the 'man for internet' was at the gate.
This was the designated day for the CAT people (sounds funny) to come and install our ADSL line. They actually showed up. All eleven of them. Since we knew they were coming it wasn't such a surprise, except that Nina, back at the office, kept referring to 'the technician' which sounded like one guy to me. Anyway, I think about four or five of the eleven did most of the work. There was much discussion in English and Thai as to where to put the cable, the box and the holes in the walls. We finally got what we wanted: Internet in the bedroom, upstairs. Just before the guys left I had them give me a push down the driveway and I started the truck. I let it run and charge the battery, and tomorrow I'll take it out for a spin while I do errands.

After wrestling with Airport for a bit, I got it working and we now have a steady signal that isn't dropping if I look at it too hard. I can even get a signal downstairs in the music room. That means we're done. No more wires, no extra boxes or devices. We still want more speed, but doesn't everybody?

This evening we went down to the Night Bazaar to show Paladorn and Mau the mock-up of the catalog for the art show. They had been by the 9 Gallery today and brought back a stack of invitations for us to hand out. The excitement is building. As soon as the printer is done with the 'book', we'll motor down to Chiang Mai and look at a proof. If it meets our satisfaction then they will print them and send them to us on the bus. That's right. Many items are 'shipped' on the VIP bus and sometimes the local routes. That means you can get same-day delivery. Really, it's three hours from point to point. Amazing.

Time now for another Happy Tuesday.

Peace,
Danny

"Most people never run far enough on their first wind,
to find out if they've got a second.
Give your dreams all you've got and
you'll be amazed at the energy that comes out of you."
~William James

Gettin' Funky, Thai Style
www.flickr.com/photos/gratidudepics
http://blog.risingstardom.com/
www.lisamosesgallery.com

Monday, July 20, 2009

Never

Hi,

Today we'll spend a minute in the Taipei airport and then make our way to Bangkok. Every trip is the same but different. It's always an adventure no matter what happens.

The weekend song was "Break On Through" by The Doors. Cindi wrote with a description of seeing them in a club in N.Y. when they were just 'a band' playing for dancers. She danced. I remember seeing them at the merry-go-round at Griffith Park during a 'Love In'. Those were the days.

Since it's 'Easy Monday' here's an oldie that may also spark some memories. It's by a guy from across the water: "Hey, where did we go, days when the rains came? Down in the hollow, playin' a new game..." Hint: Something about eyes in there. (Ha) Have fun.

I mentioned that I was going to tell you about the EVA lounge in Taipei but we actually never got there. When we got off the plane we were sent to the 'transfer gate' where we went through another inspection. Unlike the past, it was the middle of the night and things were laid back. Seemed to be a theme on this trip. We didn't have as much time as we thought until our flight to Bangkok so I sat by a WiFi station and sent my message. We walked a bit and then went to our gate for check-in. I did notice that the Hello Kitty fun zone had been expanded. Now there's a complete gift shop. Oh joy. Taipei has one of the most beautiful airports I've ever been in. It's like going to a mall. Nice if you've got the money. Most of the shopping is rather high end but fun to look at.

Our flight to Taipei was actually shorter than usual because we flew straight across the Pacific instead of going north up the west coast of the US and over the Bering Straights. I think it had something to do with the Jet Stream being farther north. Just a guess. At any rate, it was quicker.

We arrived in Bangkok around 1:30am with our connecting flight to Chiang Rai leaving at 6:35am. What to do to fill the time? First we checked our bags at a place that lets you leave them for 24 hours. It was too early to check them with Air Asia. With just our carry-ons we made our way to the foot massage parlor and got a little relief. After that we hit Starbucks and then decided to go to the level where our gate was located. There's a food court with various fast food joints and we got a snack. By then it was nearing time to board. The time really did go by pretty quick.

Flying over Chiang Rai in the early morning, with the sun shining, was a real treat. Our friend Tye was waiting when we landed. Our plane was due at 8am and she'd been there since 7am. She laughed and told us she had breakfast in the airport. She handed me the keys to our car and I was immediately sent into shock, driving on the other side of the car and the road. I did the usual thing with the wipers and the turn signals.

Have a Great Week.

Peace,
Danny

"He that gives should never remember,
he that receives should never forget."
~Talmud

Gettin' Funky, Thai Style
www.flickr.com/photos/gratidudepics
http://blog.risingstardom.com/
www.lisamosesgallery.com

Friday, July 17, 2009

Hi,

Coming to you from Chiang Rai, Thailand with today's message. We had a beautiful trip back. I'll try to fill you in if I can keep my eyes open. Having a sleep attack.

Supertramp was the group that brought us "The Logical Song". It featured 'tackled' sound from the Mattel digital football game. How's that for trivia? For the weekend you might be singing this tune by an L.A. band:
"You know the day destroys the night. Night divides the day. Tried to run, tried to hide, __ __ __..." Hint: If I finished that line it would be too obvious. By a group named after something you walk through. Hmm.

When we returned our rental car on Wednesday, one of the things I was not looking forward to was lifting the heavy bags out of the trunk. Just as I was about to do just that, a young man came up and asked where we were going. When I told him LAX he said not to worry about the bags, he'd take us in the car we just turned in. Out of the blue, we were driven to the terminal, and he took the bags out of the car. We avoided the wait for the shuttle, the bus ride and lugging the bags around. That was just the beginning.

Our arrival at EVA Airlines was a little tense because we knew our baggage was overweight. The gentlemen checking us in was very diplomatic in explaining the limits but didn't charge us for the overage. Now it's getting good.

Next stop was everybody's favorite part of flying: The TSA inspection. Something must have been in the water because everyone there was smiling and in a good mood. Lisa and I got separated in the line and she mentioned to a woman that I was her husband. The man inspecting my ticket and passport said: 'You couldn't lose him if you wanted to.' He was right, of course. Everyone cracked up as they continued with their scrutiny.

This is a good place to end part one of the journey. Monday we'll visit the EVA Lounge and take off for China.

Have a Wonderful WeekEnd and enjoy the 'Funnies'. These were sent by my dear friend Lois.

Peace,
Danny

Signs:

I have kleptomania but when it gets bad, I take something for it.

My short-term memory is not as sharp as it used to be. Also my short-term memory is not as sharp as it used to be.

I may be schizophrenic, but at least I have each other.

I am Nobody. Nobody is Perfect. Therefore, I am Perfect.

Corduroy pillow are making headlines!

When you work here you can name your own salary. I named mine 'Fred'.

Gettin' Funky, Thai Style
www.flickr.com/photos/gratidudepics
http://blog.risingstardom.com/
www.lisamosesgallery.com

Thursday, July 16, 2009

Wisdom

Hi,

I'm writing to you from 38000 feet above sea level, over the Pacific Ocean. We'll be passing the south side of Tokyo in a while as we make our approach to Taipei. Still have about three hours to go on the first part of the trip.

Bravo to those of you who got the song on the first day. "But then they send me away to teach me how to be sensible, __, responsible, practical. And they showed me a world where I could be clinical, intellectual, cynical."
Clue: When you think about it, the answer is quite logical.

Wednesday morning was very mellow. We went to the book store for some inflight reading and I dashed over to the sports store for one of those super absorbent towels like the divers use. After all, pool time is near.

We spent some time with my Aunt Sara and that was really nice. Lisa has some video clips of the house and the dogs as well as her art work. Sara and Ruthie, her caregiver, got to tour the house and yard. It was fun to share it all with them.

Back at the house, as we finished the final packing (make that stuffing), C-Bass hung out with us. Jeff and August left earlier in the day. We said our good-byes when August left for movie camp. Once the bags were done we sat out in the yard with Anna, C-Bass and the dogs, Peaches and Lola.

Parting seemed easier this time, at least on the outside. As I write this I'm already missing C-Bass and August. It's been said that when one becomes an expat, one misses the place they are not.

Time to watch another movie and doze until we land. Just noticed that we're going 887 kph. At that rate we should be there in no time. (Ha)

Have a Great Thursday.

Peace,
Danny

PS On a technical note, I'm having trouble making the so-called hyperlinks at the bottom 'hyper'. They are not clickable. If you copy and paste them into your browser's address window, you can visit them. All the sites are active.

"In seeking wisdom,
the first step is silence,
the second listening,
the third remembering,
the fourth practicing,
the fifth teaching others."
~Ibn Gabirol, poet and philosopher (ca. 1022-1058)


Gettin' Funky, Thai Style
www.flickr.com/photos/gratidudepics
http://blog.risingstardom.com/
www.lisamosesgallery.com

Wednesday, July 15, 2009

Story

Hi,

Well, today's the day we fly back to Chiang Rai. In some ways it seems like we just got here. In other ways it's like we've been here a long time. I think it's called dazed and confused.

A bunch of you finally got the Glen Campbell song. It was "Wichita Lineman". It was written by Jimmy Webb who also wrote Campbell's hit "By the Time I Get To Phoenix". I think this next one will pose more of a challenge.
"When I was young, it seemed that life was so wonderful, a miracle, oh it was beautiful, magical." Clue: This 1979 song is still being played. It's a song about innocence lost.

This morning we got a lot accomplished. That is, if you consider two art supply stores, a dance supply store, and a visit to the accountant, doing a lot. There was also a lunch date in there, and then more errands. We spent the afternoon and evening with the boys and had a great time.

August had found an album that we got about 34 years ago. It was a staple in our house when little ones visited. We played it for both boys when they were young. He pulled out his record player and played both sides and we all remembered the times.

Later in the evening Lisa and both boys made things with Playdough and there was lots of laughter. There wasn't too much talk about our leaving, we just stayed close. C-Bass brought it up after August had gone to bed, but it wasn't like it's been in the past. He's growing up.

Speaking of growing up, last night we were just about packed and ready to go. That's pretty amazing in itself. It will make today a more relaxed day instead of having to rush at the last minute.

There are so many people that we didn't get to see this time, but it's almost impossible to see everyone in our lives on every trip. If we didn't see you this trip, there's always December. My next message will be from the airport in Taipei.

Now it's time for Wacky Wednesday.

Peace,
Danny

"If you want your life to be a magnificent story,
then begin by realizing that you are the author;
and everyday you have the opportunity to write a new page."
~Mark Houlahan

Gettin' Funky, Thai Style
www.flickr.com/photos/gratidudepics
http://blog.risingstardom.com/
www.lisamosesgallery.com

Tuesday, July 14, 2009

Infinity

Hi,

It appears that the 'busy' is winding down. Not over, just winding down. Yesterday we went from the Marina to Altadena.

Our 'Easy' song brought in lots of mail so it must have been familiar. It's nice to hear from some of you quiet ones. If you're still pondering the song, here's more: "I hear you singing in the wire. I can hear you in the whine. And the __ __, is still on the line." Hint: He's a country singer who had a few 'Pop' hits in the early 70's. The first word is a city in Kansas. You gotta know.

We hit the street yesterday morning with our list in hand in an effort to tie up loose ends. We got metal name tags for the dogs and a sensor for Slingbox. We met our friend Richard for lunch in the Marina. It's one of our regular things each trip. We always have a great time talking about many different things.

After lunch we jumped on the freeway and got right off. It wasn't that it was too crowded, we needed coffee. A pit-stop at Tanner's and we were back on the road. It didn't take long since it was early afternoon.

The new TV looks great in my mom's living room. She already has an appointment for the cable people to come and add a line so she can watch the Dodgers, Lakers, and Trojans from her couch. (Ha) I installed new ink in her printer and set up a DVD player in her bedroom. Lisa gave her some pointers on Apple mail and helped her consolidate her mail. She gets an amazing amount of email. I think getting her into the computer era suits her just fine.

Blue and Ming came over to Altadena while we were there. Blue brought a sample of what the art show brochure will look like, and he and Lisa discussed the layout and possible changes. He's done a beautiful job of putting together all the pieces that have been flying in over the internet from Thailand. Now the whole thing will go back to Thailand as a three page book and we'll go back to Chiang Mai to see the 'proof' at the printers. If it all looks good they will print them and that part of the show prep will be done. Stay tuned.

We left Altadena around dinner time so we stopped for a bite to eat. Since we got here we've been wanting some KFC (Kentucky Fried Chicken) and when we spotted one, well, we just had to stop. Here's the funny part: We have one in Chiang Rai at Big C, but we've never eaten there. It's probably not the same recipe, but it just struck me funny that we'd come half-way around the world and want the taste of something we have at home and haven't tried. Hmm.

Have a Happy Tuesday.

Peace,
Danny

"With imagination we can capture infinity.
With love we can make infinity worth imagining."
~Brian Henke

Gettin' Funky, Thai Style
www.flickr.com/photos/gratidudepics
http://blog.risingstardom.com/
www.lisamosesgallery.com

Monday, July 13, 2009

Friendship

Hi,

With two full days in L.A. remaining, a low-level anxiety is creeping in and it's all about the hours in a day. There just don't seem to be enough of them.

Your weekend assignment was to sing The Beatles "Day Tripper" at the top of your voice. (Ha) Now it's time for 'Easy Monday'. This one may take a little thought: "I am a lineman for the county, and I drive the main road..." Clue: The singer drove to Phoenix once. Now he's looking for Dorothy. Hmm.

The weekend was a full one that will provide many wonderful memories. Friday we had lunch with our friends Kerrina and Michael and their three kids. You may remember her as 'The Krusher', our physical therapist. They drive in from beyond Magic Mountain to visit every time we're in town and it's always a treat.

Saturday was Anna's birthday and she had a giant party. On Friday the yard was decorated with lights, lanterns and visual accents. Saturday morning the stage was set for DJ August to do his thing. He set up in front of the garage, leaving the whole driveway as a dance floor. The backyard had tables and chairs for dining and conversation. By early evening the yard was buzzing with guests. Many of them knew each other but many new friends were made. August was in charge of the popcorn machine since he had one at his party and knew how to work it. As parties go, this one was a trip because everyone who was invited showed up. It was a very special day.

Sunday we drove out to Sherman Oaks and had lunch with the Valley Cousins. Nowell and Jennifer's house has gone through some remodeling and it was fun to see the results. They also have been doing some elevated gardening in their front yard and we got to sample some of their veggies during lunch. Then there was Tina, a beautiful, sweet chocolate Labrador Retriever. She calmly made sure everybody got her loving attention.

I went to dinner with eight old friends at a Thai restaurant and it was one of the best reunions ever. We talked about the times, past and present and laughed a lot. There is a bond between us that will last forever.

We're off to find some of the items that are not available in Chiang Rai. Have a Magnificent Monday.

Peace,
Danny

"Friendship consists of only one soul;
inhabiting two bodies."
~Aristotle

Gettin' Funky, Thai Style
www.flickr.com/photos/gratidudepics
http://blog.risingstardom.com/
www.lisamosesgallery.com