Adventures In Thailand

Wednesday, January 8, 2014

Direction

Hi,

The big event in my life today was an adventure at the DMV. For someone who hasn't been inside the building in years, it was an almost overwhelming experience. There was a lot more going on than in our local Chiang Rai office.

The 'Easy Monday' song was "Jumpin' Jack Flash' by The Rolling Stones. Bravo to those who knew. 'Zany Day' is next, by a zany group of singers. "One day while I was eating beans at __ __ __, just sittin' diggin' all the scene at __ __ __, a chick came walkin' through the door that I had never seen before. At least I never saw her down at __ __ __. And I started shakin', when she sat right down next to me." Hint: The three word title is the name of a place.

There seems to be a weird pattern with traveling to America. I get here and I get a cold. This morning we got up extra early so I could go to the DMV to renew my driver license, but the idea of standing in a long line in the cold morning air, coughing and blowing my nose was not so appealing. Anna suggested I go in the early afternoon when it's not so crowded. That's just what I did and it made a difference. The line ended just outside the door and I got a number in about 15 minutes. Then I sat down to wait for the number to be called. My number was G139 and they were somewhere in the 50s. Hmm. I found a seat, put on my headphones and listened to music while playing solitare on my phone. I also did a lot of 'people watching'. I really got a taste of the diversity of the west side while sitting there. Seeing teens with a parent, obviously there to get their first license, brought back memories.

My number finally came up and I went to the window. The first thing they wanted was my money. After I paid the $33, it dawned on me that I hadn't taken the written test yet. They didn't even know if I'd pass, but they took my money. Hmm. Then there was the electronic thumb print, which is a great improvement from the old ink pad days. After a quick eye exam I was sent to the photo station to have my picture taken. Again, I still hadn't passed the test. After my picture they wanted another thumb print, then the woman behind the counter told me to read the test questions twice, and gave me a couple of answers to questions that might be on my test. Hmm again. Another line to get the test. I had studied so I figured that the odds were good I could get 15 out of 18. Another line after the test. Then the moment of truth, I got 16 out of 18. Yea me. Another thumb print and I was done. The whole process took 2 1/2 hours, but I'm legal.

Driving around after reading the handbook and taking the test has given me sharper eyes. I see all the offenses and unsafe driving practices mentioned in the book. I was giving out mental 'tickets' all the way home. (555)

Today's photo is of Daku and BamBam waiting for us to come home. Hang on puppies, it won't be long. Can you tell we miss them?

It's time for Wacky Wednesday.

Peace,

Danny

"Seek direction from one who's already there."
~Old Zulu Saying

Gettin' Funky, Thai Style

Tuesday, January 7, 2014

Dreams

Hi,

Our last week of the Winter Visit began with a busy day, and the motorbikes are coming.

It looks like this 'Easy Monday' song is still on your Top 20 lists. It was also the title of a movie you may know.

"I was raised by a toothless, bearded hag. I was schooled with a strap right across by back. But it's all right now, in fact it's a gas. But it's all right, I'm __ __ __, it's a gas, gas, gas! Hint: Oh, come on now. Judging by the response, this is easy.

Today we braved the chilly morning air to have breakfast at S&W Country Kitchen. We used to go there a long time ago and it's still the same. It's a great place for people who like to eat a lot of food. We're not so much into 'building a breakfast' as the menu offers, and they let us have what we wanted.

Most of the day was spent in Marina del Rey having coffee, lunch and tea with friends from Lisa's former job. For the first time in the years of visiting, I had lunch with Lisa and her buddies and it was fun.

This afternoon I took C-Bass to West L.A. College for a class and it reminded me of the 'old days' when I would take him to school as a child.

Tennis season is back and I guess you know what that means. We found the Tennis Channel and we're enjoying the matches. When we get home we can recuperate with the Australian Open. I wonder if 'Watch Guy' is watching? Last night we watched some ice hockey with C-Bass and August. We all had trouble following the puck, but it was fun.

I saw quite a few little motorbikes on the streets today. Could this be the beginning of a trend? The next thing you know, it will feel like Thailand. (555) That got me thinking about the price of fuel, which led me to think about our little Vios. We used an unleaded grade, but the thing will run on anything, including diesel. What's really interesting is the fact that in Thailand, diesel is the cheapest fuel and here in the US, it's the most expensive. Hmm.

We are still in communication with Tatt, the young man who lived with us last year while he finished high school. He sends us greetings on holidays, and has sent us games he has programed in college. Today's photo was sent to us by Tatt and it shows monks on a pilgrimage. He was part of the support team. The road was covered with cloth that was covered with flower petals. We don't have any background on the event yet, but it's quite impressive.

Now it's time for me to do some studying for my written test at the DMV today. Oh joy.

Have a Happy Tuesday.

Peace,

Danny

"All our dreams can come true,
if we have the courage to pursue them."
~Walt Disney

Gettin' Funky, Thai Style

Monday, January 6, 2014

World

Hi,

The weekend was great. We had fun meals, saw sights, and I celebrated 24 years of Recovery.

The 'Old School Friday' song was "Goodnight Sweetheart, Goodnight" by The Spaniels. Time for some 'Easy Monday' with this R&R oldie. "I was born in a cross-fire hurricane, and I howled at my ma in the driving rain, but it's all right now, in fact it's a gas! But it's all right. I'm __ __ __, it's a gas, gas, gas." Hint: One might say it's about a survivor who's been through it all and is bouncing back (in a manner of speaking).

Saturday we had lunch with a charming 4 year old named Leilani. Her parents, Paul and Joy were also there. We hadn't seen Leilani in a year and of course, she's grown a lot and has an amazing vocabulary. It was a good time for all.

In the evening we had a family dinner with The Valley Cousins. We talked for hours and it probably could have gone longer. It was our second Thai meal of the day but and it felt a bit like being at home. All we needed was Boot's cooking. (555) Staying connected to family is one of the main reasons we return twice a year and it feels good.

Sunday was a big day for me. For the 24th year, Lisa and my mom gave me a Recovery Birthday cake at the same morning meeting. I am extremely grateful.

This week is going to be full of reunions with friends from many years ago. It's also our last week in the country and that means planning the packing for the return to Thailand.

Today's photo was taken in the parking lot across from ToysRUs on Sepulveda Bl. The guy was playing a soprano sax for the shoppers.

Have a Great Week.

Peace,

Danny

"You can make your world so much larger
simply by acknowledging everyone else's."
~Jeanne Marie Laskas

Gettin' Funky, Thai Style

www.gratidude.blogspot.com

Friday, January 3, 2014

Friday Funnies

Hi,

We're about half way through the Winter visit and things are going well.

We continue with 'Old School Friday' and a song that some of you knew. It's one of those slow songs.

"Mother and your father won't like it if I stay here too long. One kiss in the dark, and I'll be going, you know I hate to go. __ __, well it's time to go. __ __, well, it's time to go. I hate to leave you but I really must say, __, __, __." Clue: The group is named for a breed of dog. The song was featured in 'American Graffiti' and 'Three Men and a Baby'. I know you've heard it.

Last night Anna made a pot of delicious chicken soup. It was just the thing on a cold winter night. For dessert we had pumpkin pie.

Breakfast at Dinah's is always a challenge. What to eat? With so many choices, ordering can take a while. Today I played it safe and stayed away from the yummy, gooey stuff and had a simple meal. The 'best' stuff has milk and butter and that means danger. (555) We had a good visit with our friends Pam and Steve hearing about their cruise of the British Isles.

No trip to the states is complete without a visit to Ross. In fact, we went to two locations today and there was success.

We had lunch with our friends Linda and Jaime. Linda helps us with our car rental needs every time we visit and we are very grateful. It was our first meal at Thai Boom since we've been back. It's always good to see Woody and Sunee, the owners, and talk about Thailand and their business. Our lunch was fun, with lots of talk about lots of things. We could have stayed longer but there were other things to do.

Have you ever pulled into a parking lot and decided to leave based on the traffic? That's what happened to us today at Costco. There was no way we were going to try and find a place, go inside and then stand in line forever. I guess we've been spoiled at Makro and Big C. (555)

We had a coffee date with Nate and Rachel at 'Cow's End'. It's a coffee shop near Venice Beach. Since we got there early we strolled out on the pier. It's the first time we'd seen the ocean from ground level. It was a beautiful scene, the tide going out, people playing on the beach, and a general feeling of calm. We're hoping to get back. Rachel is the founder of The Sold Project and she and Nate sponsor Cat. We hadn't seen them in a few years and it was fun catching up and filling them in on how things are going with Cat.

Today's photo was taken at Venice Beach from the pier. Something to remember when the temps rise back in Chiang Rai.

Have a Wonderful WeekEnd. Now, the 'Funnies'.

Peace,

Danny

PS While the system is being wacky, if you don't get a photo, email me and I'll try sending it again.

Gettin' Funky, Thai Style

Thursday, January 2, 2014

Smile

Hi,

Well, here we are in 2014 and I find myself trying to lasso a cloud. An iCloud to be specific. Why is it that everything technical has to be updated, even though it's working just fine. I know, progress is the answer but sometimes it takes one step forward and two steps back. I hope you all are getting these messages.

The 'Easy Monday' song was "My Boyfriend's Back" by The Angels. Since I didn't send a 'Zany Day' song, I'm giving you two days to figure out the 'Old School Friday' tune. It's very old, but it was featured in two popular films years later, so you just may have heard it. "__ __, well it's time to go. (repeat) I hate to leave you but I really must say __ __, __." Hint: The actual title is three words. The recording had a great vocal bass line.

We rang in the New Year with August. He and Lisa played a long game of Monopoly, we watched the ball drop and then tried to make noise with some popping things that didn't pop. It was more fun that way I suppose. We did a lot of laughing.

I always enjoy the Rose Parade. It's cool that they play it all day, just in case you missed part of it. That was the case today, since we left in the middle for a trip to Altadena. We hung out with my mom and that is always a treat. My condolences to all the Stanford fans out there. It was an exciting game.

One of the things that really struck me while we were driving around Palo Alto was the number of 'High End' motor cars. From the luxury to the exotic, I guess the per-capita income is reflected in the machines people drive. They even have a McLaren dealership. (If you've never seen one, Google it) I was getting a sore neck from trying to take in all the sleek things I only see on the internet. (555)

Hummingbirds are only found on the North and South American continents. We miss them, but one has been coming to visit us at the feeder outside our window. Lisa captured this beautiful moment through the shade.

Have a Thrilling Thursday.

Peace,

Danny

"There are hundreds of languages in the world, but a smile speaks them all."

~Unknown

Gettin' Funky, Thai Style

www.gratidude.blogspot.com

Wednesday, January 1, 2014

Happy New Year

Hi,

Happy New Year

Here is the photo I wanted to send you yesterday. It's a working printing press from the studio of Peter Koch.

And you thought you were getting old. (555)

Have a Wacky New Year,

Peace,

Danny

Happiness is not in our circumstances,
but in ourselves.
It is not something we see, like a rainbow,
or feel, like the heat of a fire.
Happiness is something we are.
~Unknown

Gettin' Funky, Thai Style