Shame

Hi,

Today has been a very full day.  The annual Plowing Ceremony, a visit to the vet, and the 'Storm of the Century'.

That 'Easy Monday' song was "Johnny B. Goode" by Chuck Berry.  For 'Bad Ass Bass' we go to the 70s, and this:

"I'll be the __, the words will make you out 'n' out.  I'll spend the day your way... Call it morning driving through the sound and in and out the valley..."  Clue:  I'd have to say that this might be a tough one and yes, a little obscure, but there's no getting around the bass line.  

This morning when I went downstairs, the TV was on and it was broadcasting the Plowing Ceremony that is held this time every year.  It's a major deal to find out how the coming season will be for crops.  Two Royal Oxen are led up and down a 'field' in a small arena.  They are preceded by a man sprinkling water in their path.  There are a group of men in red costumes that attend the oxen.  Once the field is plowed the oxen are presented with baskets of various grains, seeds and grasses.  What they eat determines how the season will be for farmers.  Today the oxen ate grass, which means there will be adequate water and a bountiful harvest.  The ceremony is attended by members of the Royal Family, business leaders, farmers and monks.  Check out the front page of the Bangkok Post   http://www.bangkokpost.com

Daku had a play-date with Jago this morning.  They had a wonderful time running, chasing, and checking out more of the yard.  Jago is still a puppy and has a lot more stamina for playing than Daku.  Whenever Daku would take a break, Jago would taunt him and try to get him up.  Today Taht came out and watched the dogs play.  He's being a little less shy and that's a good thing.

This afternoon we took BamBam to the vet to have some tests done.  She drinks a lot of water during the day and we've been a little concerned that it might be an indication of something.  One of the tests was negative and the other is pending.  On our way to the office we saw a big police check-point that was stopping motorbikes, cars, and trucks.  They were checking everything, not just helmets and the line at the pay table was long.    

About 4pm the clouds got darker and we knew it was about to rain.  Then, just after the rain began the wind started blowing.  That meant check windows, close doors and grab a few towels.  The wind reached that monsoon level and the next thing we knew, water was appearing inside the house.  It was made even more intense when the power went out.  Armed with flashlights, we walked up and down the hall, in and out of rooms looking for signs of water.  We'd put towels down to absorb a leak and then discover another one.  Then water started dripping out of the light fixtures in the hall.  Oh what?  It finally ended, but not until every towel in the house, and several pans were all in service.  Somehow, the gap between the roof tiles has to be sealed to prevent horizontal wind from entering the house.

  The Entire Front and Back Yards were Flooded by the Storm

During the course of all this drama, BamBam stayed very close.  Sometimes so close that I almost tripped over her.  Daku stayed with us as well, investigating everything we were doing.  Now it's time to relax.

Feels like a Wacky Wednesday.

                  Peace,

                             Danny

"There is no shame in not knowing;

the shame lies in not finding out."
~Russian Proverb

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Joy

Hi,

Today we saw the sun.  Most of the day it was cloudy, very humid, but dry.  Preparations have begun for our overseas adventure, and Lisa has finished another stunning cast acrylic print. 

The 'Easy Monday' song is still easy on Tuesday.  "His mother told him 'Someday you will be a man, and you will be the leader of a big old band.  Many people coming from miles around, to hear you play your music when the sun go down.  Maybe someday your name will be in lights saying __ __ __ tonight.  Go, go, go __ go.  Go, go, go __ go...__ __ __."  Hint:  The title is a name that is also a play on words.  It's by a man some consider to be the Father of Rock & Roll.  A lot of guitar players have tried to do his crazy 'walk' across many stages.

This morning it occurred to me that it's almost time to start conditioning my mind for driving in California.  There are just a few things that are not 'acceptable practice'.  I have to stay on the right side of the street for starters.  I have to remember not to turn in front of on-coming traffic even though I think I can make it, and the law of perpetual motion does not apply.  I have to stop at red lights and stop signs.  Oh my, that's a lot to ask.  Actually, if I drive in a polite manner everything will be just fine.  (555)

This afternoon we went to Central Plaza to do some shopping.  Actually, Lisa shopped and I looked, at toys.  Robinson Department store has a really fun Toy Department; something that has disappeared from most major department stores in the States.  I hadn't seen what was happening in toys in a long time and it was fun.  I watched a demo of a tiny little radio-controlled helicopter that flew around the store, saw replica model cars that looked like the real thing, and discovered that there are more super heroes and transformers than I ever knew possible.  Now there is such a thing as a 3D puzzle.  Who knew?  

           So, you've been looking for some spicy food?  He can help.

Late in the afternoon we started hearing thunder.  That was BamBam's cue to run upstairs and take her place at my side for protection.  It rained a little and then stopped.  It looks like we're in a serious pattern until we leave. Rain all week.  It didn't stop me from bringing one of the suitcases upstairs to officially start the process.  

Have a Happy Tuesday.

                 Peace,

                            Danny

"Recognize joy when it arrives in the

plain brown wrappings of everyday life."

~Judith Viorst

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Appreciation

Hi,

Chiang Rai had rain almost all weekend.  Needless to say, we're a little tired of the rain.  During a break on Saturday we had a visitor and spent time on the patio talking and learning more things about Thai ways.  We also had a visit from some unwanted guests on Sunday.

The 'Old School' song was "Earth Angel" by The Penguins.  You knew that.  Here we are, back at 'Easy Monday' and a song I'm sure you'll remember:  "Deep down Louisiana close to New Orleans, way back up in the woods among the evergreens there stood a log cabin made of earth and wood, where lived a country boy  named __ __ __, who never ever learned to read or write so well, but he could play a guitar just like a-ringin' a bell...."  Hint:  Song about a guitar hero by a guitar hero.

Instead of having our usual afternoon rains, we've been having steady rain day and night.  The only break came on Saturday afternoon.  The timing couldn't have been better since a woman we met at Central Plaza called to say she was in town and wanted to visit our house.  Khun Noi lives east of town and when we met her she told us she used to live in Alaska with her husband.  She's spending time in Thailand because Alaska is just too cold and isolated.  She arrived on her motorbike, which seemed like a brave thing to do with all the rain.  Her English is very good and we had lots of interesting conversations about life in Alaska and Thailand.  She wants us to come out to 'the country' to see where she lives.  They grow all their food and it's very rural.  Sounds like an interesting adventure.  

The dogs have not been happy with all the rain.  They have missed several of their morning play sessions.  BamBam loves water and ran and splashed around the first time out.  Today she wasn't so keen on spending a lot of time outside.  Daku doesn't like to walk in deep water or get rain in his face.  He's easier to deal with during this weather.  Wednesday Daku has a play-date with Jago.  Let's hope it's not raining.

We managed to take care of some of our usual errands over the weekend.  Big C has an inside parking garage so we used that on Sunday.  The place was jumping with last minute back-to-school shoppers.  Today, we went to Makro and a rather interesting thing happened.  As we were entering the store the security guard stopped me and asked me to take our umbrella out of the shopping cart.  He took it and gave me a little tag with a number on it.  He had a basket full of umbrellas.  I guess it serves two purposes: They don't have water dripping on the floor and if there's an umbrella in your cart as you exit, it had better be on your receipt.  Hmm.

  Taking Fresh Veggies to Market on the Super Highway

Sunday evening we were invaded by little flying things.  They seem to crave the light.  It happened last year after a lot of rain, but there's no telling when they will arrive.  We spent almost an hour trying to clear them out upstairs and in our kitchen.  Tonight we kept the lights out in most of the house and outside.  It seemed to make a difference.  This evening, in town, I noticed swarms of them all around the street lights.  Very weird.

The time has come to bring the suitcases into the house and begin the methodical practice called 'packing'.  (555)  Armed with a memory of past trips and many lists, it shouldn't be too big of an ordeal.  Remember those words.

Have a Great Week.

                         Peace,

                                    Danny

"Appreciation is a wonderful thing;

it makes what is excellent in others, 
belong to us as well." 
~Voltaire

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Friday Funnies

Hi,

Needless to say, it was hot today.  It's supposed to cool down over the weekend, according to the forecasts, with possibilities of rain.  We went to the big market again, and Daku went to the vet.

Congratulations to those who recognized "Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic" as the 'Bad Ass Bass' song.  It's time to turn back the clock with some 'Old School Friday'.  In 1955 this R&B hit was one of the first to cross over to the Pop charts.  "Oh, oh, oh oh. Wah-ah-ah, oh, oh, oh, oh.  __ __, __ __, will you be mine?  My darling dear, love you all the time.  I'm just a fool, a fool in love with you."  Clue:  This is classic stuff by a group named after a bird that appears to be wearing a tuxedo.  (Too easy)

This morning our trip to the market meant an encounter with tons of back-to-school shoppers.  The crowds we saw last week at Big C had nothing on the budget-minded buyers who were swarming the shoe shops and uniform stores.  I'm amazed at how some of the shops know where all the stock is located, and they seem to find whatever is needed.  We got two of the three things on our list and got out.

           One of the Shoe Stores in the Market

Daku has a hot spot on one of his front legs and we've been concerned about it so we took him to the vet.  Our regular vet is on 'holiday' so we saw a new doctor.  Dr. Tom is really nice and related to Daku and made him comfortable.  It looks worse than it is and he told us what to do.  It's nice to be able to communicate with doctors without the fear of misunderstanding, at least in this case.  

I made my usual trip out to New Life this afternoon while Lisa had a Thai lesson at the house.  When I got back we went for a swim.  While we were in the pool the dogs were out in the yard watching Taht and Teung, Boot's cousins, rake leaves.  At one point Taht came running around the side of the house with a big smile on his face.  Daku was running behind him and they were playing a game of some sort.  It was a classic scene and made us smile.  It's nice that Taht has a buddy to play with while he's living with us.  His school doesn't start for another two weeks so he does a little yard work, studies, and now has a friend.  

It looks like we'll be having a laid-back weekend.  Maybe we'll even get to stay in and hide from some rain.  

Have a Wonderful WeekEnd.    Time for some 'Funnies'.

                      Peace,

                                 Danny

More Classic Headlines:

Defendant's Speech Ends in Long Sentence

Asbestos Suit Pressed

Complaints About NBA Referees Growing Ugly

Hershey Bars Protest

Milk Drinkers Are Turning to Powder

Police Begin Campaign to Run Down Jaywalkers

County Officials to Talk Rubbish

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Harmony

Hi,

Today we survived what was possibly the hottest day of the season.  There was more art on the menu, and a night on the town.

Several readers knew the 'Bad Ass Bass' tune and the group that sang it.  Maybe the chorus will help:

"__ __ __ __ __ __ __, everything she do just turns me on.  Even though my life before was tragic, now I know my love for her goes on."  Hint:  There's an obvious rhyme scheme present, and there's magic involved.  Oh, I've said to much.  

This morning we spent some time with our friend Lisa Malcolm.  She is an artist and wanted to share her work with us.  When we got to the front gate of the community where she and her family live, the guard didn't want to let us in.  He wanted us to park outside.  After calling Lisa, she told us to wait and she walked to the front gate.  As soon as the guard saw her he handed me a visitor pass.  Lisa said I should have mentioned her husband's name and the response would have been different.  I mention all this to make a point: This is a very chauvinistic society.  

We really liked a lot of the work that Lisa showed us.  She has been working as a graphic artist and is making the transition into fine art.  The works are abstract acrylic on canvas and her use of color is exciting.  She's also making handbags and purses made out of canvas she has painted.  She's developing a line of original pieces and we can't wait to see what happens.  

                A 'Ladder Guy' going Door to Door

Khun Jaffee came over for a dinner meeting to discuss Lisa's art exhibit in Bangkok next November.  Most of the planning had been done last year.  New ideas keep popping up and now we have plenty of time to implement them.  It seems like a long way off, but not really.  

After dinner we went to the Night Bazaar to look for a few things.  We found those things and a few more.  The place was jumping with visitors and this is not really a tourist time.  When we first got to the entrance a bus was unloading a tour.  This is good for the community.  The Night Bazaar has missed quite a few nights due to the storms, so a hot evening full of visitors can help.  

Rain has been predicted and we're hoping they're right.  A little coolness would be nice.  

Have a Thrilling Thursday.

                        Peace,

                                   Danny

"You don't get harmony when everybody sings the same note."

Doug Floyd

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Live

Hi,

If it was supposed to be really, really hot today then we had perfect weather.  We had a wonderful afternoon swim/dinner and another arrival from Rayong.

The 'Easy Monday' song was "Lean On Me" by Bill Withers.  Here's a 'Bad Ass Bass' tune I'm sure you remember:

"Though I've tried before to tell her of the feelings I have for her in my heart.  Every time that I come near her I just lose my nerve as I've done from the start.  __ __ __ __ __ __ __..."  Hint: The bassist only has one name.  If you miss this one you may get arrested. 

This morning I had my weekly massage and it was right on time.  When I returned to the house I helped Khun Taht get his laptop on our internet network.  He gave me a big smile when it worked.  Later, Boot took him to get registered at his new school.

              Planting corn in the field behind our house

For our little 'mini party' Lisa made a shrimp dish and rice.  Our guests, Bob and Noni also brought a dish.  When they arrived the first order of business was to get acquainted with the dogs.  Our dogs have totally different approaches when it comes to new people in the house.  BamBam came out barking, smelled the scent of their dog and barked more.  It wasn't until we had our guests kneel down that she was able to become friends.  Daku came out of the kitchen ready to be instant friends for life.  Once all that was over we moved outside.

We stayed in the pool for a long time.  Occasionally someone would swim a lap, but it was mostly conversation on various topics.  Today I learned a lot about living in India, Tibetan art, and the empty 'disco' building south of town.  We also got an overview of a major art project that is developing in Chiang Rai.  When hunger hit, we got out and the food was warmed.  Lisa's shrimp dish was a big hit.  We'll be having that again.  Noni made a chicken and potato concoction that was quite good.  More conversation and then Noni and Lisa went back into the pool.  Bob and I sat on the patio and wandered into topics like creativity, and art business.   Late in the visit Lisa showed Bob and Noni some of her current art work and discussed the process.  It was a great afternoon for all of us.

While we were eating, Boot's cousin from Rayong arrived.  She will be living with Boot indefinitely, helping her with housework.  

Feels like a Wacky Wednesday.

                    Peace,

                               Danny

"Live out of your imagination, not your history."

~Stephen Covey

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Values

Hi,

The weather here is hot, but that's nothing new.  Boot got a very special welcome from the dogs, and we have a studious teenager staying with us.  

The responses to the 'Easy Monday' song let me know that it is indeed easy.  Here's a little more to digest:

"You just call on me brother, when you need a hand.  We all need somebody to __ __.  I just might have a problem that you understand.  We all need somebody to __ __."  Hint:  Remember, the title is actually three words.  Easy.

This morning Boot called from the bus station.  She and Taht (her nephew) had arrived.  They had been riding the bus since yesterday.  Taht is 16 and a good student.  He has come to Chiang Rai because he wants to go to a better school and then go to college here and become a pharmacist.  Boot said all he does is study, which is how he got a scholarship.  On Thursday Boot's cousin will arrive and share housekeeping chores.  She will stay with Boot.  The adventure definitely has moved up a level.

When we got to the house BamBam heard the car and knew Boot was home.  Both dogs were in the pen and BamBam got to greet Boot first.  Daku was so excited that he actually barked.  He never barks.  Boot was impressed with that and when we let Daku out he behaved better than in the past.  The training is paying off.  

In the fields around our house the plowing and planting has begun.  A few heavy rains to moisten the soil and then plant something and let it grow.  What makes us happy is the fact that they are planting seeds and not buildings.

     A Neighboring Field Gets Plowed.  A Small Engines Replace the Animals

Last night we watched an episode of Stargate SG-1.  Cousin Joel wrote the music for the series and some of his themes were quite inspired.  "Maternal Instinct" had a mystical, 'Zen-like' aspect and Joel captured the gentle nature of the story in a very moving manner.  Today was a difficult day for us as memories come to the front of the mind.  If you click on the link you can learn more about Joel's career.  You may have enjoyed his music and didn't even know it.

http://www.variety.com/article/VR1118053333?refCatId=16#.T58m2dPPbYs.gma  

Tomorrow we're having our friends Bob and Noni over for an afternoon of swimming and food.  They're celebrating their 25th anniversary.  We always have interesting conversations with them since they've had many adventures around the world.  Noni is a teacher and Bob is an accomplished artist.  

Have a Happy Tuesday.

                    Peace,

                               Danny

"Beauty, truth, friendship, love, creation -
these are the great values of life.
We can't prove them, or explain them,
yet they are the most stable things in our lives."
~Jesse Herman Holmes

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