Strength

Hi,

The weather in Palo Alto was not what had been forecast.  We were prepared for temps in the 60s, but it was a very warm day.  This segment of our Summer Visit always seems to serve up two family meals and an interesting car encounter.

'Easy Monday' was "Careless Whisper" by George Michael.  See if you remember this 'Zany Day' tune from the 80s.

"I'm not aware of too many things, I know what I know, if you know what I mean.  Philosophy is talk on a cereal box, religion is the smile on a dog.  I'm not aware of too many things.  I know what I know if you know what I mean."  Hint:  Think 'Popeye'.  What?  The singer clearly knows where she stands.  Title is three words.

When we went to get our rental car this morning, at the San Jose airport, we were assigned a Mercedes-Benz GLK 350.  It's like a very glamorous Jeep-shaped vehicle.  It took us a few minutes to figure things out inside.  We usually get a Mazda/Toyota type car with generic controls.  This MB was a whole different ride, starting with the ignition key.  Not a typical key at all, but I got it to start and off we went.  I am calling it a 'San Jose Surprise'.  Some of you may remember the time we were given a Cadillac to drive.  Fun times.

Our 'Cousin's Lunch' in Oakland was fun.  All of our visits this trip, with family and friends seem to include a conversation about the state of things in Thailand.  The more we talk about it, the more we miss home.  

The 'Family Dinner' in Palo Alto was filled with lively conversation in a newly remodeled restaurant that went from traditional Chinese food to Chinese Fusion.  The conversion was successful, the ambience was cool and the food was great.  The motel we chose this time was just a few doors away from dinner.  

Today's photo shows Berhoft in concert at the Troubadour on Monday night.  As you can see, we had a pretty good spot for viewing the show.

 

Time for a Wacky Wednesday.

                Peace,

                          Danny

"Our greatest strength lies not in how much we differ from each other
but in how much - how very much - we are the same."
~Eknath Easwaran

Gettin' Funky, Thai Style 

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Thinking

Hi,

It's very late on Monday night (West Coast time) so I'll make this brief.  We went out on the town to a concert and just got home.  We leave on our Northern California trip in the morning (Tuesday).

While I did get some responses to the 'Easy Monday' song, I just know more of you have been humming it. 

"Time can never mend the __ __ of a good friend. To the heart and mind ignorance is kind, there's no comfort in the truth.  Pain is all you'll find.  I'm never gonna dance again.  Guilty feet have got no rhythm...".   

Tonight we witnessed a magical hour and a half at the Troubadour.  We saw Bernhoft in concert and he was fantastic.  He is a solo artist who literally builds each song production from scratch, right before your eyes using guitars, pianos, a loop station, and his wonderful voice.  He never performs the songs exactly the same, preferring to be spontaneous. The club was packed and a large portion of the audience knew the songs.  On one song the audience was singing the background parts and he stopped to listen to the chorus of voices.  He then jumped off the stage and fell on the floor.  When he came back he thanked us for making him a very happy man.  The icing on the cake came as we walked back to our car and a voice called out to us.  It was Emmaline, one of the Valley Cousins.  She had won tickets to the show and was, like us, still in the glow of the concert.  What a night.  Here's a link to one of his tunes.  There are tons of live performances on Youtube.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b3joWYIUIAY

  

Tuesday in the north begins with the 'Cousin's Lunch' in Oakland, then dinner in Palo Alto with Lisa's dad, stepmom and step-sister.  

Have a Happy Tuesday.

             Peace,

                       Danny

"We can't solve problems by using the same kind of thinking
we used when we created them."
~Albert Einstein 

Gettin' Funky, Thai Style 

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Nothing

Hi,

Our dear friend Mr. Lag stayed with us through the weekend.  I think he may be gone now, but it didn't take away the desire for an afternoon nap.  (555)  Allowing time for our 'intruder' has been tricky, but we've learned how to schedule around him.

The 'Old School Friday' tune was "Moody's Mood for Love" as sung by King Pleasure.  It's based on a horn solo by James Moody for the song "I'm In The Mood For Love".  The style of this song is called vocalese, the art of setting lyrics to an existing instrumental improvisation.  Now you know.  I guess this means it's time for 'Easy Monday'.  

"I feel so unsure, as I take your hand and lead you to the dance floor.  As the music dies, something in your eyes calls to mind the silver screen, and all its sad goodbyes.  I'm never gonna dance again.  Guilty feet have got no rhythm.  Though it's easy to pretend, I know you're not a fool.  Should've known better than to cheat a friend, and waste the chance that I've been given, so I'm never gonna dance again the way I danced with you."  Hint:  It's easy. It's about speaking very softly.  Hmm.

Saturday we had lunch with my mom and our good friend Blue.  We found a place in Pasadena that caters to specific food needs, which made it easier to order.  "Pita Jungle" is willing to work around food allergies and dietary needs, and the food was good.  We had fun driving through town, remembering what used to be on which street corner, and all the memories that came with those places.  A couple that stood out in my mind were Ford's record shop, where I bought my first 78s, and Nell's barbershop.  The very first record I got was 'Bo Diddley' by Bo Diddley.  Hmm.  Nell had a neighborhood shop where she specialized in cutting kids' hair.  She was really nice and would support whatever project we might have going.  I remember one year I was selling boxes of Christmas cards and Nell bought a box from me.  She probably had stacks of them in the back room.  

By the time we finished lunch and visited at my mom's house, Mr. Lag was tugging on my sleeve.  We drove down to Alhambra to visit Lisa's childhood friend Deb and I ended up crashing on the couch.  It was just what I needed in order to be alert for the major traffic jam we encountered on the freeway going home.  We took an alternate route down Wilshire and it was interesting to see a part of L.A. that we usually don't visit. 

We got back to the Westside in time to have dinner with our friend Kathie.  We always meet at Emerald Thai and it's always a fun visit. 

There is a little game that we've been playing in the car.  We make note of driving opportunities that might be undertaken 'Thai style' if we were in Chiang Rai.  The big one (that I wouldn't dare try here) is the practice of making a left turn in front of the opposing traffic as soon as the light changes.  It's one of my pet peeves, and I don't do it unless the oncoming cars just sit there.  Sometimes they will wait, almost expecting you to turn in front of them.  

I hope the Dads out there had a nice Father's day.  I got a card from C-Bass and August that was touching.  Lisa went to dinner with the family and I dined with my dear friend Mark.  

Today's photo was taken in Healthy Market, where we buy our vegetables and fruit.  The artist opened his shop, set out his work and took a nap.  

Have a Great Week.

               Peace,

                         Danny

"Nothing in all the world is more dangerous than sincere ignorance
and conscientious stupidity."
~Martin Luther King Jr.

Gettin' Funky, Thai Style 

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Friday Funnies

Hi,

Mr. Lag is in the house.  Wednesday night we went to sleep about 1am, and woke up around 5ish.  By mid-afternoon Thursday, the eyes closed again. 

The 'Zany Day' song ended up jogging some memories.  The tune was "School's Out" by Alice Cooper.  For all of you who complained about the 'Old School Friday' being too easy, here's one for you.  It's based on a sax solo, with a lyrical variation on a standard.  "There I go, there I go, there I go.  Pretty baby you are the soul who snaps my control.  Such a funny thing, but every time you're near me, I never can behave... Am I insane or do I really see heaven in your eyes?  Bright as stars that shine up above you, in the clear blue skies."  Hint:  The title is not in the lyric, but based on the name of the horn soloist.  Get this one and receive 'Very Cool Points'.

The first thing we noticed as we left the house for our first day in L.A. was the clear blue sky.  Not a cloud to be seen as far as the eye could see.  Usually, in Chiang Rai, there is something looming in the distance giving an indication of what may happen later in the day.  The night sky was very cloudy.  Hmm.  The second thing we realized was the traffic reports on the radio.  What we call traffic is a far cry from what happens here.  One report mentioned a four hour delay and gave alternate routes that might cut a couple of hours off that time.  What?  That's when we knew we were from the 'country'.  For me, the traffic offers so much to see.  So many variations on transportation, and as usual, things one just doesn't see on the road in Chiang Rai.  

Emerald Thai was our first lunch in the big city.  Our friend Nid was very happy to see us.  We talked about the state of things in Thailand and he gave us his perspective from what he saw on Thai TV and the internet.  We assured him that things were still mellow in Chiang Rai and he mentioned that his mother, who lives in Bangkok, was not worried a bit.  The place was empty so he could sit and talk.  It was a nice slice of 'home' to hang out with him.

Going to the store for food, we remembered to take bags with us.  It reminded me of shopping at Makro where nothing gets put in a bag.  We roll the cart to the van and fill our bags in the parking lot.  Once again, being able to read the signs and labels on the food was a real treat.  Another thing that reminded us that most of the year we are illiterate.  Hmm, be grateful that you can read what's all around you.

Today's photo was taken on the streets of Chiang Rai.  Here in America, tow trucks are sophisticated machines with lots of special hydraulic ways to lift a car or truck to move them when they fail.  This photo shows what can be done without the bells and whistles.  

Have a Wonderful WeekEnd.         Time for a 'Funny'.

            Peace,

                      Danny

Gettin' Funky, Thai Style 

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Carrier

Hi,

We have landed in America.  The long part of the trip was pretty uneventful.  Lots of sleeping, a little eating, and a few movies.  The best part is seeing the little hummingbird outside our window this morning.  

I can't believe no one got this one.  Oh well, here is my favorite verse.  Waiting to hear from the teachers (555).

"No more pencils, no more books, no more teacher's dirty looks, yeah.  Well we got no class and we got no principals, and we got no innocence.  We can't even think of a word that rhymes.  __ __ out for summer.  __ __ forever."

Hint:  His boa was not of feathers.  

Tales of the Hong Kong airport are brief, but interesting.  In the giant food court there are all the usual suspects, and a Popeye's Chicken, which came as a surprise.  There is a place that is called a 'Premium Spa' and it offers various treatment packages that can include assorted massages, showers, and facials.  I'll have to 'study' the menu on our return.  The line of people for this attraction tells me business is good.

So, I'm driving on the right side of the street, but the wiper thing is in full effect.  After a few moments with the local news I understand that hockey fever is growing, World Cup starts today, and there is crazy weather across the country.  Culture shock came as soon as we got in the car.  Music on the radio, all kinds of music.  Hmm, one could sit in the car all day, sampling the mix.  More on this as time goes by.

I'm off to enjoy the overcast, cool morning.  Today's photo is the giant Koy fish at Wat Rong Khun.  

Have a Thrilling Thursday.

                Peace,

                          Danny

"Enthusiasm is contagious. Be a carrier."   

~Susan Rabin

Gettin' Funky, Thai Style 

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Awake

Hi,

We're sitting in a very large food court in the Hong Kong airport.  The trip has offered some pleasant surprises so far.  The adventure continues.

This week's 'Easy Monday' song was "Smooth Operator" by Sade.  Ming has suggested a Sade Revival.  I like the idea.  But first we have to get 'Zany Day' under way.  Here's a tribute to this time of year.  "Well we got no choice, all the girls and boys, makin'all that noise 'cause they found new toys.  Well, we can't salute ya, can't find a flag, if that don't suit ya, that's a drag.  __ __ for summer.  __ __ forever..."  Clue:  I think this may be obvious.  Singer had quite a zany visual presentation.

Today's photo is one of the many curiosities we see from day to day.  Most school kids are driven around in vans or pick-ups.  This bus takes the cake for secure transportation, and, it's a long way from Fresno.  When I first saw it, I thought it was a prisoner bus.  Some kids might agree.

This morning Daku knew what was going on.  Actually, I think he knew last night.  At 8am both dogs confronted us and wanted to go outside and play.  We managed to escape to the airport right on time.  While getting coffee at the airport we noticed they were selling frozen dinners.  What?  OK, so you buy a frozen dinner, fly to Bangkok, drive through the traffic in the heat and by the time you get home it's ready for the oven.  (555)

In Bangkok, we were looking at that 7 hour wait.  As we passed the time with a foot massage, Lisa got a call from Cathay Pacific telling her that they wanted us to take an earlier flight so we could connect with the L.A. flight.  Oh, and they'd have to upgrade us to business.  Sweet.  

The Hong Kong airport is like a giant shopping mall.  A great deal looks like it was modeled after Rodeo Drive.  Needless to say, we're not shopping; everything is so overpriced it hurts.  Now if they had a Ross or a Target, well...

In a few hours we will board the plane and spend 11 hours suspended above the clouds, over the Pacific Ocean.  I'm ready for a nap.

See you in a different time zone.

Time for Wacky Wednesday.

               Peace,

                         Danny

"Those who are awake 

live in a state of constant 

amazement.

~Buddha

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Breathing

Hi,

Life is certainly full of natural 'events' here in Chiang Rai.  Last night we had another earthquake.  Today we're currently on our second storm.  Southern California sounds real good about now.

Well, I was expecting more of you to remember this sultry tune about a player.  There is a term used for silk.  Hmm.

"Coast to coast, L.A. to Chicago, Western male.  Across the North and South, to Key Largo, love for sale.  Face to face, each classic case, we shadow box and double cross, yet need the chase... No need to ask, he's a __ __ (x3)."

Hint:  It's by a singer with one name.  

With thunder pounding the night sky, BamBam curled up next to me, I'm trying to concentrate on too many things at once.  The obvious part of the packing is almost done, but there are all those little things that need to be remembered.  

This morning I sat in the little waiting room at the Suzuki dealer while our Ertiga got it's 6 month service.  Morning TV can be interesting, even without knowing what's being said.  I saw news briefs that included a clip of the Royal Thai Police showing things they had confiscated from bad guys, there were yoga stretches, cooking tips, and some really goofy comedy complete with sound-effects.  One of my favorites was a short little show that has been going for years.  In today's episode two young people are in love, but their families are about to go to war about it.  All of a sudden everyone was flung at the feet of a monk.  He listened to them yell at each other, raised his hand and offered some words of wisdom and everyone humbly understood.  There are several shows like this, intended to keep people focused on their spiritual lives.  

Last week I mentioned the tiny pineapples that our friend Khun Gahn grows on her farm.  Today we were back at her house and she had some for sale so I took a photo so you could see them.

This afternoon I got a new mouth, in a manner of speaking.  Dr. Upra had my new bridge ready in time for our trip.  After some work at getting things to line up, I left with more teeth than I walked in with.  Chewing is a pretty important part of life, and now it's fun again.  (555)

Tomorrow morning we fly to Bangkok.  We will have seven hours in the airport before departing for America by way of a layover in Hong Kong.  It's too bad we won't be able to see the city, only the airport.  We will arrive at LAX on the night of the same day we left, only a day later.  Yeah, I know.  I will try to write to you from Hong Kong, so don't be surprised if the timing is weird.  

Have a Happy Tuesday.

              Peace,

                        Danny

"Music to me is like breathing.

I don't get tired of breathing,

I don't get tired of music."

~Ray Charles

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