Friday Funnies

Hi,

It was a beautiful day in Chiang Rai. The air was crisp, the sky was almost clear, and the traffic was heavy. We left the house for a morning excursion into town. The dogs are very happy.

The 'Summer of Love' segment was brought to you by The Turtles, singing "Happy Together". 'Old School Friday' goes way back this week. This song was written and first recorded in 1933. You get a 'free pass' on the artist since so many have recorded it. "Don't know why, there's no sun up in the sky __ __..." Hint: It's about something I've been fussing about all week. This is easy. 'Cool Points' will be awarded if you can tell me the first vocalist to record this song.

Last night we kept checking to see if the rain had really stopped. It had, and this morning the pavement outside was dry. When I took Daku out on patrol it had been days since he'd actually smelled the ground. I knew everything had changed so I let him take his time. It's interesting to see how methodical dogs can be sometimes.

We set out for town with a list of things to pick up, and drop off. As it happened, most of it was on Bus Station street so that was our destination. First stop was the guitar store for a set of strings. While I was waiting for change, I noticed an electric violin on the counter. Hmm, things are getting progressive in Chiang Rai. Down the street a bit we found the perfect parking place right in front of the pet supply store. It was time for another giant bag of dog food and some treats. When that was done we just walked back a few yards to Sahapaiboon to see our friends and pick up a tool box for Lisa's art supplies. As we were checking out, I saw a spray bottle of a product to stop slipping on tile surfaces. We definitely need something like that. Non-slip tile is just a fantasy.

A few minutes drive up the highway and we were at 9 Art Gallery. We had to return a bowl that Khun Nine brought on Sunday. It had contained a fish salad. Lisa also had a 'thank you' gift for the many nice things she did during the course of the exhibition.

This evening we're hanging out watching sports shows. The tennis from Indian Wells in on, and also the Asian Winter Games so we're going back and forth. Next weekend the Formula One season begins. Zoom.

Tomorrow we're going to Mae Chan in the evening for the opening of an exhibition/open house. The artist apparently is turning his home into a permanent installation. I'll tell you about this on Monday. It's going to be an evening to remember, with most of the 'community' probably turning out. One of the patriarchs of the Chiang Rai scene will be the presenter.

Today's picture is Daku all bundled up on a recent chilly night.

Have a Wonderful WeekEnd. It's time for the 'Funnies' and a 'Thanks' to my friend Christopher.

Peace,
Danny

During a recent password audit by Microsoft & Google,
It was found that a blonde was using the following password:

"MickeyMinniePlutoHueyLouieDeweyDonaldGoofySacramento"

When asked why she had such a long password, she said
She was told that it had to be at least 8 characters
Long and include at least one capital.

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

See

Hi,

It finally stopped raining. Three days of straight rain gets a little tiresome. I won't be watering the lawns for some time now. On top of the rain, it got really cold. So cold that we had to bring in the heater, and put a quilt on the bed.

Well, a lot of you remember this one. A few of you couldn't get the name of the group. I'll give you more clues.
"Me and you, and you and me, no matter how they tossed the dice, it had to be, the only one for me is you, and you for me so __ __. I can't see me loving nobody but you, for all my life...." Clues: The group name is an animal that carries its house on its back, so to speak. Some live in the desert, and some swim in the sea. The song is a happy love song.

Not much has been happening around here other than the water from the sky. The dogs have been wanting to go out and play, but since they can't, they're very frisky around the house. BamBam is sporting her sweater and Daku keeps looking out the window, hoping for something to happen. I took him out this afternoon during a slowdown in the rain. He ran all over, and chased the frisbee until he was beat. I found my rain boots so now I can go out and slosh around with him in the puddles.

I went into town for an hour this morning and life was going on as usual. One good thing about the rain; it forces people to wear their helmets. If nothing else than to keep their heads dry. Sadly, the Night Bazaar merchants lose out in this kind of weather. I suppose the vegetable vendors that sit on the street in the market also have to stay at home. Speaking of home, there are many people who live in what could only be called a shelter. Some have thatch houses and others, like the people down the road, live in sheet metal sheds that do little to keep out the cold. These nights must be very difficult for them.

Next week we'll be going down to Chiang Mai to get my new passport. I'm just hoping the skies are cooperative and there's no rain.

Have a Thrilling Thursday.

Peace,
Danny

"It’s not what you look at that matters, it’s what you see."
~Henry David Thoreau

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

Universe

Hi,

Blue leaves tonight and we'll miss him for sure. The weather has become the topic of conversation in Chiang Rai. It's still raining and now it's cold. Winter is supposed to be gone. We're supposed to be wearing light cotton, swimming in the afternoon, and running the air/con. Instead it's layers of clothing, fans off, windows closed, and I'm wearing socks. It's just not right.

For those of you still pondering, the 'Easy Monday' song was "(I Can't Get No) Satisfaction" by The Rolling Stones. It's time once again, to ramble back to 1967 and the 'Summer of Love'. "Imagine me and you, I do, I think about you day and night, it's only right, to think about the girl you love and hold her tight, so __ __..." Hint: It's a cheery song by a group that had many incarnations. In this one they were named after a self-contained being. Hmm.

This morning we went to the vegetable market, and then hung out at Doi Chaang. We lunched at Big C, and it was weird to go there and not go upstairs to shop. After lunch we took Blue to see the Fair Trade Hill Tribe store near the Clock Tower. They've made some improvements and now there are little cards telling about the tribes. The selection keeps growing and it's nice to know that the people doing the work are getting a fair price for their labor and creativity.

The dogs don't like it when it rains like this because they don't get their extended play outside. This morning I went out with Daku and stood under an umbrella while he 'checked' the yard and ran through puddles. I think if it had been raining harder he would have come right back to the house. Both dogs have taken every opportunity to get attention from Blue. BamBam is a little more sophisticated about it. She sits next to him and offers her paw and enjoys the petting. Daku wants to be all macho, trying to get Blue to get up and play, or go outside. This doesn't work and we usually have him sit or lie next to us until he calms down. He's still a teen-ager at heart.

One thing about all this rain is that everything is turning green. It's really the 'brown' season so this is very cool. The golf course is looking good, just like our yard. If it would do this once a week I could live with that. Three days and a forecast for more is just too much. OK, I'm done complaining about the weather.

Yesterday I mistakenly called it Wacky Wednesday. This is really It!

Peace,
Danny

"The universe is full of magical things
patiently waiting for our wits to grow sharper."
~Eden Phillports

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

Read

Hi,

Last week I went on and on about how hot it was, and now it's over. Today it rained off and on all day, and it's cool. We went out this morning, spent the afternoon inside, and went out this evening. Nice day.

A few of you got this 'Easy' song. I expected to hear from more of you, but I guess you're waiting for more clues.
"When I'm ridin' 'round the world, and I'm doin' this and I'm signing that, and I'm tryin' to make some girl, who tells me 'baby better come back later next week, 'cause you see I'm on a losing streak.' (__ __ __ __), oh no no no..."
Clue: Some folks can't be satisfied until they have all the clues.

The yard crew came to groom the compound this morning. It started to drizzle but that didn't stop them. They work almost all day and the place looks great.

Once the yard folks were settled in we went to Big C for some supplies. Blue wanted to get a Chiang Rai United jersey for Ming, and we needed a few things so Lisa can bake cookies this evening. Our local football (soccer) team played their first game of the season on Sunday. It was one of those 0-0 endings, but the word is that we were robbed of a goal. There was quite a buzz around the table where they were selling the team stuff. There are clocks, scarves, hats, watches, shirts and more, all with the CRUTD logo. This little town is really growing up.

After we left Big C we made the U-turn on the highway and paused at the Bigger C, the new Central Plaza, so Blue could take some photos. The construction is going full steam ahead since they have a supposed March 30 opening date that's being advertised. The crews are working 24 hours a day to complete the entire project. Hmm, it's going to change the whole area with what it has to offer.

This is Blue's last full evening in Chiang Rai for this visit so we went to the Night Bazaar for dinner. It was still raining lightly and most of the vendors had not set up. It was a bit eerie to see all the empty spaces. After dinner we drove to the traffic circle where The Clock Tower lives and went to a place called Kaffee Hub. It's a very trendy spot that's a coffee shop/restaurant with a chic atmosphere, lots of wood, and a mystic that says 'you must be here'. We sat near the sidewalk and watched the Clock Tower light show that goes on at 8pm every night. There must have been some rain damage because near the end of the final sequence the lights just went out. They finally came back on, but without the pretty colors. Oh well, it's not like we've never seen it before. It's one of those things you have to do when you come to town.

Feels like a Wacky Wednesday.

Peace,
Danny

"You may be the only Bible somebody ever reads."
~Mark Twain

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

World

Hi,

We had a big storm here in Chiang Rai, an art show at the gallery, a party at the house, and a Hill Tribe expedition. There was also sadness for the people of Japan.

The 'Old School' song was "Be-Bop-A-Lula" by Gene Vincent. It's time for 'Easy Monday' and we'll start the week with this: "When I'm drivin' in my car and that man comes on the radio, and he's tellin' me more and more about some useless information, supposed to fire my imagination. (__ __ __) oh no no no. (__ __ __ __) __ (repeat). 'Cause I try, and I try, and I try, and I try...." Clue: Singer isn't getting what he needs. It's by a band who came across the water in the 60s, and they're still around.

Saturday afternoon we were just leaving downtown when it started to sprinkle. By the time we got home it was really raining. It rained hard for several hours. We planned to go to 9 Art Gallery for the opening of a new exhibit and wondered if we'd make it. The rain slowed down and we decided to go. There was a small gathering at the gallery and the show, by two artists, was very nice. We saw people we knew and got invited to another opening next week at the home of a local artist who will make it a permanent installation.

Sunday was spent preparing for the party. Lisa made her Thai style tuna salad, and little chicken sausages. Blue and I had lunch at the River House and then returned with ice and plates. The guests began arriving in the early afternoon and by 3:30 it was in full swing. We had about 20 guests, and there were a lot of interesting conversations on the patio. The sky was cloudy, but never rained. Everyone had a good time, and after the last folks left, we dashed off to meet Sutheera and Nukoon for dinner. That was very enjoyable, with good food, lots of laughter, and the sharing of some good memories.

This morning Blue and I went up the highway to visit two Hill Tribe villages. He had photos he had taken last year that he wanted to pass out. It was fun watching the looks on the peoples' faces when they saw themselves in the photos. One village is very productive, with farms maintained by each of the tribes. The second village was very primitive, but still full of smiling faces.

This afternoon we went to Arisara for a massage. As always, we left feeling very relaxed. I had a different person this time but she did a very good job of working out the 'kinks'.

I have to readjust the schedule in my mind so I can start my message to fit with the new time on the west coast in the U.S. One of those little things that happens every time Daylight Savings time goes into effect.

Have a Great Week.

Peace,
Danny

"The world is round, and the place which may seem like
the end may also be only the beginning."
~Ivy Baker Priest

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

Friday Funnies

Hi,

It was a hotter day in Chiang Rai today. This morning we went to Big C, marveled at the size of Central Plaza, and went to the Night Bazaar this evening. Attention is very divided right now, watching earthquake coverage.

Most of you who play the song game knew the song in spite of my first day error. The actual title is: "San Francisco (be sure to wear some flowers in your hair)". It was sung by Scott Mckenzie and was written by John Phillips of the Mamas & Papas. Now you know. Hey, it's time for 'Old School Friday' and I hope this is easy for you: "Well, she's the girl in the red blue jeans, she's the queen of all the teens. She's the one that I know, she's the one that loves me so. Say __-__-__-__, she's my baby. __-__-__-__, I don't mean maybe (repeat) __-__-__-__, she's my baby love, my baby love, my baby love." Clue: This is from 1956, and is a good example of the 'Rockabilly' style that emerged. You should also know that the title is more of a string of sounds as opposed to specific words. Hmm.

This morning we started our day with a visit with an architect friend of ours. We'd never been to his office so it was a treat to see examples of his work hanging on the walls.

On the way to Big C we stopped at the Tractor Store so Blue could see Jen and her sons. It was a great reunion, with the usual questions and conversation. We continued south to view the Central Plaza from it's main driveway. We usually see it from the highway, but this gave a different perspective. The Plaza is scheduled to open on 30 March, even though it doesn't look like they could possibly finish it. The crews are working around the clock, so it just might happen.

At Big C, we started with lunch and then went upstairs to shop for the weekend and the party on Sunday. We're expecting about a dozen friends over for food and drinks. If it stays this hot they'll either jump in the pool or stay in the house. (Ha)

For your information, the tsunami will not be coming to Thailand. If you have family or friends in Japan, I hope they're OK. We're watching the reports to see if Hawaii and the west coast are affected. If they tell you to move inland, move inland, or higher.

Have a Wonderful Weekend and enjoy the 'Funnies', a few random one-liners.

Peace,
Danny

Last night I lay in bed looking up at the stars in the sky and I thought to myself, where the heck is the ceiling.

An escalator never breaks . . . it only becomes stairs

People never grow up; they just learn how to act in public

I totally take back all those times I didn't want to nap when I was younger.

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

Mistake

Hi,

We had a very productive day here in Chiang Rai. Everyone was talking about the heat, but we just kept going. I saw some of the countryside east of town, we lunched in the city, did some banking, hung out at Bliss, and brought home a few pieces from the art exhibit. We also took a dip in the pool.

It turns out that there were too many blanks in the lyrics yesterday. I added four that shouldn't have been there. Doesn't make much difference really. Anyway, here's more of this song that was a major smash all over the world for some strange reason. "For those who come to __ __, summertime will be a love-in there. In the streets of __ __, gentle people with flowers in their hair..." Hint: There's the name of a city in there, and now it should be obvious.

This morning Lisa had a hair appointment and after I dropped her off, I drove into the area east of Chiang Rai to visit some new friends at a place called 'New Life Recovery Center'. It took 30 minutes of driving through farmland, villages, and rolling hills. I passed a sign that pointed to a place called 'Happy City'. I'll have to find out more about that. I was told that after I passed a big lake, I would see a turn-off. The lake was huge, and one of those things we'd never heard about. When I got to the center I was quite surprised to see beautiful new buildings in a 'modern Thai' motif. It looked like a resort. I spent an hour talking with one of the men who runs the place. I'll have more on this in the future.

After returning to town Lisa and I went home, picked up Blue and we went to lunch at Connect Cafe. The food was pretty good and we got to see one of the twins. From there we went to the bank, and then over to Bliss photo studio. Blue and Chalit really hit it off, talking cameras and photo processes. Chalit has started a book drive, collecting various books for the children at the Sold Project Resource Center.

When we arrived at 9 Art Gallery we expected all of Lisa's prints to be gone. The show is over and the framer was going to pick them up for some retrofitting. Everything was still on the wall so we just took the things that weren't for sale, like her fathers piece's. We'll be going to the opening of a new exhibit there on Saturday night.

Back at the house the temperature in the pool was 83 degrees so we decided we should go in. It still felt chilly getting in, but after a few minutes it felt great. We swam a bit and then talked a bunch about the various projects that are coming up. Chiang Rai will be celebrating it's 750th birthday all next year. There will be lots of exhibits, events, and opportunities to be involved. It's been an exciting day to say the least.

Have a Thrilling Thursday.

Peace,
Danny

"Allowing an unimportant mistake to pass
without comment is a wonderful social grace."
~Judith Martin

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