Spirit

Hi,

Just so you know, we're having cold mornings and hot days.  It either requires changing clothes mid morning, or dressing in layers.  Today was a mix of exploring with Daku, and sitting in traffic.  Both were interesting.

The 'Easy Monday' song was "You've Got a Friend", written by Carole King and recorded by King and James Taylor.  The time has come for the 'Zany Day' song.  Even though it's not summer yet, I give you a summer song.

"She was afraid to come out of the locker, she was as nervous as she could be.  She was afraid to come out of the locker, she was afraid that somebody would see.  (Two, three, four tell the people what she wore)  It was an __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ that she wore for the first time today.  An __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ so in the locker, she wanted to stay.  Hint:  The title is describing, in detail, a garment made for swimming and/or sunbathing.

This morning we took Daku across the river to an area used for festivals.  There is a winding road with shade trees that was the perfect spot for more leash training.  One area is what I would call the 'School Bus Depot'.  The schools do not have their own buses for transporting students so there are privateers who use their own vans, fitted with three rows of long benches.  They take the kids to school and there is nothing to do until they pick them up in the afternoon.  Today there were about 15 vans parked in a random fashion off the road.  Several drivers had hung hammocks from the rear bumper to a tree and were napping.  Others were cleaning their vans and some were just hanging out talking.  Daku was mostly interested in sniffing the fallen leaves, trash, and anything vertical.  He did better than the last time out, so we'll continue with his training in a few days.  When we got home he was bursting with energy and tore around the yard.  It's good to run free.

This afternoon Lisa had her first massage from Khun Joy since our return to Thailand.  It was later in the day than usual and it meant that I got to experience rush hour traffic through a small business district.  Sitting still and inching along gave me time to take in the sights.  I watched as men gathered around the little truck that dispenses potions for whatever you need.  They would drink from small cups, chase it with water, and try to act like nothing happened.  Most of it is strong whiskey and herbs of various kinds.  A friend of mine had some once and swore to never do it again.  Then I spotted a large family of tourists who were walking slowly and trying to take in all the sights around them.  It was easy to tell that they weren't from around here by the way they stopped and pondered various things before moving on.  Heavy traffic on a two-lane street means that it's actually five lanes when you consider that there are motorbikes on either side, weaving around parked cars, and another set of dare-devils going down the center of the road.  Several times I held my breath as a car would cross the traffic, not seeing the center line riders.  Oh my.

In the center of the photo you will see a man on a ladder.  He's cutting down some of the many coconuts that needed to come down from our prolific trees.  We sent most of them home with the yard crew, but saved a few for ourselves.

Time for Wacky Wednesday.

                 Peace,

                           Danny

"Man has never made any material 

as resilient as the human spirit."
~Bern Williams

Gettin' Funky, Thai Style 

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Nothing

Hi,

Chiang Rai is finally warming up.  The afternoon called for a T-shirt instead of a thermal, and socks are now optional.  Next thing you know I'll be wearing shorts and sandals again.  Yea.

Looks like 'Easy Monday' was just that.  If you're still wondering, here's the second verse of this favorite:

"If the sky above you should turn dark and full of clouds, and that old north wind should begin to blow.  Keep your head together and call my name out loud.  Soon I will be knocking upon your door.  You just call out my name, and you know where ever I am... yeah, yeah, yeah, __ __ __ __."  Hint:  Really?

Quite a bit of the furniture that is sold in Chiang Rai is made from 'pressed wood'.  The parts for drawers and some tops of pieces are finished with a veneer that eventually warps or peels.  We have been slowly replacing some of these items with real wood.  Our search for a dresser ended today when we found a solid unit that will last for years.  Another thing we noticed was that most dressers had very shallow drawers.  I have concluded that because apartments are so small, there is not enough room for a standard depth or it would take up too much interior space.  Our new dresser has deep drawers and that's a bonus.  

Sometimes when we interact with people here, we get interesting and often humorous attempts at English.  We had a conversation with Cat last night about learning how to put a sentence together.  Things are done differently in Thai than in English and the outcome can be confusing.  Recently we were talking to a clerk who was trying to communicate with us.  When we were leaving she said, "Hello, Bye-bye".  Later we realized that in Thai the same phrase is used to say hello and goodbye so it seemed logical to her to do the same in English.  The adventure continues.

Today's photo is another example of 'you never know what you'll see' as you move about the city.  I had to capture this example of excess to show you the possibilities.  Actually, it's a demonstration vehicle for an auto sound shop that installs stereos and speakers.  We didn't get to hear it with music, and I should probably be grateful for that.  (555)  Note:  Each round thing you see is a speaker.  The interior looked like the cockpit of a rocket ship.  If you'd like to see more pics, email me and I'll send them.

The next big sporting event for us, besides the Super Bowl, will be the Winter Olympics.  I'm still trying to figure out if any of the games will be televised here in The Kingdom.  In some parts of the world it's not so easy to see major events when the broadcast rights are restricted to specific regions.  There's always a way and I'm sure that modern technology will come through.  Hmm.

Have a Happy Tuesday.

                Peace,

                          Danny

"There is nothing stronger than gentleness."
~Hans Suyin

Gettin' Funky, Thai Style 

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Good

Hi,

The weather is actually warming up a bit.  It may be a temporary thing since there's the forecast of another cold front moving down from China.  Maybe it will get blown away (555).  I can dream.

The 'Old School Friday' tune got lots of responses.  "Cryin' Time" was written by Buck Owens and made a hit by Ray Charles.  Now it's time for 'Easy Monday' and a song you all know:  "When you're down and troubled and you need a helping hand, and nothing, whoa, nothing is going right.  Close your eyes and think of me, and soon I will be there to brighten up even your darkest nights.  You just call out my name, and you know where ever I am, I'll come running to see you again.  Winter, spring, summer or fall, all you got to do is call, and I'll be there, yes I will, __ __ __ __."  Clue:  Two singers recorded this song using some of the same musicians.  The writer won a Grammy for Song of the Year and the other singer was voted Best Male Performance.  They later did a duet.  The title words are something we all want to hear at some point.

Saturday we had coffee in the afternoon with our friend Khun Pay, the nurse from Overbrook Hospital.  When it was set up, we thought it would just be her and Lisa, but when we arrived at Doi Chaang she introduced her boyfriend, Khun Boy.  The four of us spent an hour talking about everything from family to hobbies to flowers.  Khun Boy is a teacher at the Technical College.  We learned new things about Thailand flowers, and discovered many mutual interests.  

I spent the greater part of Sunday behind the wheel.  Cat needed to go to the Rajaphat University library to look for a book on biology.  Her friend Fern was also going, which meant a trip to the bus station to pick her up.  On our way up the highway we came to a red light and realized that a parade was crossing the road.  It went on and on, and I finally turned off the engine.  It was the beginning of the Pokhun Mengrai Maharat Festival which will last 10 days.  The festival celebrates King Mengrai, the founder and King of the Province that is now Chiang Rai.  The parade was ending at Mengrai Square, where we were 'parked'.  We finally got to the school and found the library.  A few hours later I drove back and picked them up.  Fern is an artist and at one point in our travels she said, "Art is much easier than math", and we all cracked up.

Our friends at NorThai invited us to come to the store and watch the Australian Tennis final and hang out.  Lisa, Cat and I showed up before the match began and toured the newly remodeled store, checking out the new jewelry, the artwork, and visiting with Ziggy the fish.  After the first set of the match it was time to go home and feed the dogs.  

The Chinese New Year isn't until the 31 of this month, but that hasn't stopped the fireworks from going off early.  Sounds ranging from the crackle of firecrackers to the thunder of display devices can be heard in the distance, and sometimes close by.  Saturday, as I drove Cat to school, we saw a team of Lion Dancers getting into a truck in front of the Chinese Cultural Center.  I'm sure there will be a parade or two featuring these 'teams' before it's all over.  

We never know what we'll see, driving around Chiang Rai.  Today we came upon this ornate object being towed by a truck, on the highway.  Amazing Thailand.

Have a Great Week.

               Peace,

                         Danny

"Little progress can be made by merely attempting to repress
what is evil; our great hope lies in developing what is good."
~Calvin Coolidge

Gettin' Funky, Thai Style 

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www.lisamosesgallery.com

Friday Funnies

Hi,

Everywhere we go, the talk is about the weather.  From bank tellers to treat vendors, everyone is cold.  Hey, this is a tropical climate, most of the time.  It's supposed to be a few degrees warmer tonight and we're thrilled.  

Day two of the 'Zany Day' song brought more memories back and more right answers.  The song was "Long, Tall Sally" by Little Richard.  Time for 'Old School Friday'.  "Oh, it's __ __ again, you're gonna leave me.  I can see that far away look in your eyes.  I can tell by the way you hold me darlin'.  Oooh, that it won't be long before it's __ __"  Hint:  Clearly a sad 'Love is over' song by a legendary singer often referred to as a 'Genius'.  What'd you say? 

Today we ventured into the Talat (market place) to look for warm things and get some treats.  Parking the car is always entertaining since the 'Ticket Ladies' are so helpful with their hand gestures.  I was backing into a space and she motioned me back and then gracefully twirled her hand in the direction I should turn the wheel.  The usual cast of characters were there, including the blind singer and the women on the floor selling things we would never eat.  The abundance of the color red made it clear that Chinese New Year was close and the marketing was strong for anything to do with the holiday.  We stopped at a shoe shop that was nothing short of chaotic.  They have hundreds of shoes stacked to the ceiling in a very small space and seem to know where everything is.  The husband is a very cordial guy with a big smile and his wife is strictly business with no expression and few manners.  The two of them, plus a helper, had about four customers in progress when we arrived.  Somehow we managed to find some comfortable shoes and get out without too much trauma (555).  A bag of treats and we were on our way home.

After lunch we took Daku on an adventure in the van.  We went to a place that Gary, of Jago and Gary, told us about yesterday during a doggie play-date.  There is a big lawn near the river where he takes Jago for walks.  Daku is still a stranger to the outside world so he's eager to just run crazy.  There are too many possibilities to let him run wild so we kept him on his leash.  Today's outing was a training session and a chance for him to get used to being away from home.  What's interesting is that he was eager to get into the van, but as soon as we turned left out of the driveway he started whimpering.  We were going towards the vet and that meant poking and stuff.  He calmed down quickly and then revved up when we arrived at our destination.  We want to be able to take him places without having him tugging on the leash the whole time.  A few times a week for a few weeks and we think he'll be more relaxed.

Today I give you another photo from the Flower Festival that could have been in the Rose Parade.  This big pink guitar is covered in flowers. 

Have a Wonderful WeekEnd.   Now it's time for the 'Funnies'.

                  Peace,

                            Danny

Gettin' Funky, Thai Style 

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Drive

Hi,

It's still cold here.  The coldest it's been in a very long time.  It's even cold in Bangkok, which is normally always hot.  It warms up a bit during the day, and in the sun it feels hot, but we know better than to get too happy with that.  Waiting for warm.

There have been a couple of responses with half the answer.  The 'Zany Day' song strikes again.  Brother Denny got it, so can you.  "Well, __ __ __ she's built for speed, she got everything that Uncle John need, oh baby, Ye-e-eah baby.  Woo-o-o-oh baby, havin' me some fun tonight.  Well, I saw Uncle John with __ __ __.  He saw Aunt Mary comin' and he ducked back in the alley.  Oh baby...."  Clue:  It's obviously a woman, and she happens to have a height advantage on Uncle John.  Hmm, her name rhymes with alley.  Now I've given it away.  Note:  On the record it sounds like the singer is saying '...Sawn Mary comin'..."  Hey, it's Rock & Roll.

I've been quite proud of my quick 'transition' with the turn signal lever since our return from America.  This morning, on our way home from Makro, Lisa said something about California and at the next turn I hit the wiper lever.  A truly Pavlovian reflex.  

Our big adventure today was dinner at a little fish restaurant.  We were invited by our friends Cornilus and Anoi.  They told us it was the best fish in town so we went for it.  We got there a little early and checked out the set up.  In the very front, right by the sidewalk, was what can best be called a multi-rotissorie table with about 6 or 8 fish slowly turning over hot coals.  They only serve Tub Tim (the correct spelling) and they have different sizes depending on your appetite.  Our friends had ordered in advance and when we finally sat down we were given two small bowls containing sauces, a basket of fresh salad greens and herbs, and a plate of rice noodles.  Then came the fish.  Two giant Tub Tim were placed on the table, one for each couple and we learned how to take off the skin.  The fish was very tender and tasty.  We had lots to talk about since we hadn't seen them for awhile.  The owners name is Pok and they told us he always has a big smile on his face.  We will probably be ordering fish-to-go when Boot goes on vacation later this month.  

Tonight was Cat's first session with a math tutor in Bangkok.  They used Skype and it appears to be going well.  She actually found this teacher on her own and will be getting help with Algebra and Geometry three times a week.  We've also learned that there is a general math course that all students take, and a college prep course that includes the subjects she's getting help with.  If you think that's hard, she has three English teachers and each of them gives tests.  We are in awe at her determination and perseverance.

Have a Thrilling Thursday.

                Peace,

                          Danny 

"Darkness cannot drive out darkness.

Only light can do that.

Hate cannot drive out hate.

Only love can do that."

~Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Gettin' Funky, Thai Style 

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Forward

Hi,

Well, today was Lisa's birthday (1-22).  We spent the first half of the day in the streets, then a fun dinner at home.

It seems that the 'Easy Monday' song was only remembered by a few readers.  "From Me to You" by The Beatles.  Here's hoping you can recall this 'Zany Day' song.  "Gonna tell Aunt Mary 'bout Uncle John, he claim he has the misery, but I know he's havin' fun.  Oh baby, ye-e-e-ah baby, woo-o-o-oh baby, havin' me some fun tonight.  Hint:  The title is three words, two of them describing a person, plus a name.  It's by a man who will boldly tell you that he invented Rock & Roll.  He's been around for a very long time.

One of the interesting things about living in Chiang Rai is making friends from other places and learning about customs in those places.  This morning our friend Johan came by and in the course of our conversation he told me about how he and his family celebrate New Years in Holland.  It's a gathering of many generations for dinner and games.  Then at midnight they do fireworks outside and then more games.  Around 1am the younger members go out and visit with their friends.  

We went to Chivit Tamma Da for a mid-morning breakfast and the place was practically empty.  The meal we ordered could have been split and it would have been enough.  Next time we'll try that.  As we drove away it struck me that part of the attraction of the place is that you don't feel like you're in Chiang Rai, Thailand.  It's like being transported to a European Tea Garden.  There are lots of antiques from Sweden, cool jazz in the background, and a lush view that could be anywhere.  

Dogs have an unusual amount of freedom here and that can be both good and bad.  They nap in the street, move about like they have appointments, and seem to understand the rules of the road, most of the time.  This morning, as we got in the van, a little dog came walking down the small street and greeted us, and then kept going.  A block later we passed him while he was checking out an interesting bush.  He was on his way to somewhere.  Some dogs get enough to eat, and some don't.  Some have a place to call home and some don't.  The feeling here, by many, is that they have their own path and they have to handle it themselves.  Then there are the animals that get the royal treatment with lots of pampering.  The adventure continues.

After excursions to HomePro and Central Plaza Mall, we came home and relaxed watching some tennis.  When Cat came home from school she managed to slip by Lisa without her seeing the little surprise she had cooked up.  We had a fun time talking at dinner and then Cat said she was going to start her homework.  A few minutes later she returned with a birthday cake complete with burning candles.  She and I sang to Lisa, who was totally surprised.  The cake was delicious, requiring second helpings by some at the table.  It was a wonderful evening.

Here's a photo of Lisa and Cat in front of one of the giant displays at the Flower Festival.  The figure in the background is a mannequin wearing a traditional outfit.

It's time for Wacky Wednesday.

                 Peace,

                           Danny

"If you can't fly then run, if you can't run then walk, 

if you can't walk then crawl, but whatever you do

you have to keep moving forward."

~Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Gettin' Funky, Thai Style 

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Things

Hi,

It so happens that the weather in Chiang Rai is very close to the weather in Culver City, CA.  By the end of the month we will be in the 90s.  Oh joy.

I'm a little surprised that only a few of you recognized the 'Easy Monday' song.  Here's the bridge and first verse:  "I got arms that long to hold, and keep you by my side.  I got lips that long to kiss you, and keep you satisfied, oooh.  If there's anything that you want, if there's anything I can do, just call on me and I'll send it along with love __ __ __ __."  Clue:  Fab Four, happy love song.  Think, remember, sing.

All around town preparations are being made for Chinese New Year, which will be on January 31.  It's the Year of the Horse, and banners and lanterns are on sale as well as fireworks.  There will probably be a few parades and lots of special menus at restaurants.  

The last few days we've been hearing the sound of the drum corps practicing at the elementary school.  They keep getting better and better.  This morning was the culmination of all that work.  A parade down Maefarluang Rd., which is the major road near us.  It looked like the whole school had walked down to the Pink Bridge, lined up and then marched back to the school.  They were divided by classes, with the drum corps leading the way.  One class had a little girl of about 7 or 8, carrying a drum major baton, keeping time and strutting her stuff.  The children had tiny flags that matched their uniforms and they were waving them as they walked and giggled down the road.  Fortunately, they kept to the side of the road so traffic wasn't backed up.  

Our yard is turning into a regular fruit farm.  The banana tree now has two bunches growing, the coconut trees are so full they're dropping their fruit, and the tiny little mango tree has flowers already.  The other day Daku tried to eat some of the flowers but was given a lecture and has left them alone.  We also have three different kinds of orchids blooming.  There's lots to see in the yard these days.

Today's photo is an incredible 'wall of orchids' from the flower festival.  All of the flowers are orchids.  It boggles the mind as to how all of this is kept looking so fresh.  

Have a Happy Tuesday.

               Peace,

                         Danny

"If I cannot do great things, 

I can do small things in a great way."

~Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Gettin' Funky, Thai Style 

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www.lisamosesgallery.com