Love

Hi,

Today began with more rain and we were not impressed.  By mid-day it had stopped and later the sun was shining.  Things were looking up.  The ground was at that level of saturation where another storm would have caused problems.  The river is big again and I'm sure the long-tail boat operators are happy about that.

Well, four readers knew the song, so it wasn't a complete bust.  They recognized The Rolling Stones and "Paint It Black."  Let's see how you do with this week's 'Zany Day' song:  "Whoa!  They say, the bigger the headache, the bigger the pill, baby.  They call me the big pill.  __ __, the disco fiend with the monster sound, the cool ghoul with the bump transplant.  Hip bone connected to my thigh bone, my thigh bone connected to my leg bone... I get so hung up on bones.  __ __ here, preoccupied and dedicated to the preservation of the motion of the hips..."  Hint:  This should be easy for all you funkateers out there.  Oh, and yes, he has a medical degree (555).

This morning we went out while the rain was nothing more than a light mist.  The puddles around town were almost lakes and we saw motorbike riders lifting their feet as they rode through them.  Our pool guy had one of the most ingenious set-ups I've seen for dealing with the rain on his motorbike.  He had a piece of plastic tucked into the chin strap of his helmet and it hung down over his chest, preventing the water from going into his jacket.  Brilliant.  

We were early for our appointment with Khun Gahn so we drove down the country rode she lives on, just to see where it went.  There were rice fields, giant houses, and a lot of land that was just open space.  We also saw a restaurant with giant statues of the various Hill Tribes mounted on the roof.  

This evening we went to Central Plaza for dinner and some shopping.  The place was very busy for a Wednesday night.  Walking through the mall, Cat spotted one of her teachers and they spoke briefly.  In Top's Market the staff had little flags painted on one cheek in honor of the World Cup.  It seems to be something that happens every time there's a World Cup.  At Big C they had decals for various countries.  Most of the clerks this evening had a German flag, but I'm sure if I looked hard enough I could have found an Argentine flag as well.  There are promotional posters for product 'deals' with a World Cup theme all over Thailand.  'Football' is a major sport here so it's only natural that the fever would be high.

We picked up our guest, Claire, from the bus station.  She just arrived from Chiang Mai.  She and Lisa and Cat are downstairs hanging out.  Daku has a new friend and tomorrow we will do some sight-seeing.  

Today's photo is from Doi Din Dang.  Another bit of whimsy from a ceramic master.  A wall of cups and saucers.

It feels like a Wacky Wednesday.

              Peace,

                        Danny 

"Love is happy when it is able

to give something.

The ego is happy when it is able

to take something."

~Osho

Gettin' Funky, Thai Style 

www.flickr.com/photos/gratidudepics

www.lisamosesgallery.com

Task

Hi,

The weather today was rainy, but lighter than yesterday, with lots of breaks.  This was good for man and beast.  The dogs got to play a bit.  How interesting that on this side of the world there is an abundance of water, while in California there is a draught.  

Is this thing on?  Is anybody out there.  Nobody wrote me with even a wrong answer.  Hmm, guess it's not an 'Easy  Monday' song after all.  "I look inside myself and see my heart is __.  I see my red door and must have it __ __.  Maybe then I'll fade away and not have to face the facts.  It's not easy facin' up when your whole world is __."  

Hint:  The last word in the title is called a color, but it's really the absence of color.  Another word in the title refers to the act of applying said color with a brush.  

We just returned from dinner with our friends Stephan and Claire.  We went to a fairly new restaurant that is billed as a 'restaurant/gallery'.  The gallery portion of the place consist of lots of antique radios, clocks and cups.  Apparently the owner, in Bangkok, is a collector and offers these old things for sale.  Near the end of our evening they played 'My Sharona'. What?  

When the house was built we realized that there was one lightbulb that was so high up, we'd probably have to call someone to come in and change it.  Now that I have my handy lightbulb-changer pole I decided that it might be possible for me to change it.  All it took was the medium size ladder, a deep breath, and the pole and we have light again on the stairwell landing.  

Tomorrow we have another houseguest arriving.  Here's hoping the weather is like today so we can show her a few sights.  Our last guest, Irene, is in Japan and was scheduled to leave today, hopefully before the big storm gets to Tokyo. 

The photo for today was taken at Chivit Tamma Da, and shows the river bank in it's 'rainy season splendor'.  They just let it grow wild and it's like a mini jungle.  The scene across the water is actually an island in the middle of the river.  

Have a Happy Tuesday.

              Peace,

                        Danny

"Our task must be to free ourselves

by widening our circle of compassion

to embrace all living creatures and 

the whole of nature and it's beauty."

~Albert Einstein

Gettin' Funky, Thai Style 

www.flickr.com/photos/gratidudepics

www.lisamosesgallery.com

Follow

Hi,

All weekend we wished it would rain.  Today it has rained all day.  It has been a steady, medium, tormenting rain from clouds that parked overhead and never moved.  Hmm.

The 'Old School Friday' song was "I'm Just An Average Guy" by The Masqueraders.   Since nobody knew it, 'Easy Monday' should be a welcome relief.  "I see a red door and I want it __ __.  No colors anymore, I want them to turn __.  I see the girls walk by dressed in their summer clothes.  I have to turn my head until my darkness goes."  Clue: The title is three words, one of them is a color, and it's by a band that has been at it for 50 years.  Whew

Our rainy season may have arrived, again.  The forecasts are all different, but one of them calls for rain all week.  The "super typhoon" moving towards Japan is not affecting us, we're just getting good old Thai rain.  Around town, construction was at a stand still, and by late morning, puddles had formed in the usual places.  We're used to it now, but avoid driving in it whenever possible.  

Sunday marked the beginning of a big adventure for Cat, and us.  She's going to get braces and we went for the first consultation with Dr. Nan at her beautiful clinic.  When we arrived we were greeted by her husband Nu and their daughter Poon-Poon.  Over the long weekend coming up, Cat will be recovering from having two teeth pulled, with two more coming out the following week.    

At Doi Chaang Coffee, we shared a table with one of Cat's (three) English teachers.  He's an American from Laguna Beach in his 20s, and he teaches the spoken portion of the English classes.  Now we know that what she hears in his class will be correct.  Some of the written work in the other classes is still questionable, based on what we see of the homework assignments.  

We are in one of the seasons when lots of fruit is in abundance.  Today's photo is one of the tables at the stand where we buy fruit.  

This morning we ran errands and ended up having coffee at Work@Home and hanging out with our friend Katai.  We haven't seen her in a long time so there was much to talk about.  She and her husband are big car rally fans and in September they're going to Australia so he can participate in an event as navigator.  We enjoy her quick wit and worldly insights.  It's good to spend quality time with people who are fun to talk with.

The dogs missed their morning exercise session and had to stay inside all day.  This afternoon Lisa and Daku had a training session where he got to have a mental workout.  He responds to various commands and always seems to enjoy it.  He's completely healed from his hotspot episode and we're all happy about that.  

Have a Great Week.

              Peace,

                        Danny

"Follow your heart, 

but take you brain with you."

~Unknown

Gettin' Funky, Thai Style 

www.flickr.com/photos/gratidudepics

www.lisamosesgallery.com

Friday Funnies

Hi,

Chiang Rai had another sunny, muggy day.  Normally, this time of year would find us complaining about the rain everyday, but most weather conversations are about how little rain has fallen.  Hmm.

Our 'Zany Day' song this week was "My Sharona" by The Knack.  You shoulda' known.  'Old School Friday' time:

"If I were a rich man, I'd spend every dime, just to prove to you that I want you to be mine.  If I were a poet, I'd write lots of beautiful poems.  The words would come from the depths of my heart, to express my love for you.  Oh, but __ __ __ __ __ and I don't know how to show you, that __ __ __ __ __ and I don't know how to tell you that I love you..."  Hint:  With lines like these, he's really more than he says he is.  The title is an overly humble display.  The last two words are key.  The group name is what you might call people at a masked ball.  Have fun with this.

This morning we toured the fabric stores in the big market.  We were searching for material to make a bedspread.  When you're not looking for something, you see it everywhere, but when on a mission, it seems to disappear.  Hmm.  We finally found something that we liked.  As we walked from shop to shop we saw the usual 'regulars' who work the aisles.  We also saw someone who I hope does not become a regular.  There is a young girl, about 8 years old who sits on the ground with a tin can in front of her.  She wais everyone as they pass, but most ignore her.  Unfortunately for her, they know she is not there on her own, so we don't contribute.  We've seen this before on the street where many tourists walk, but never in the market.  I hope the vendors have the courage to chase the person controlling her away.  She should be in school.

We had a great time in the pool this evening.  Cat gave us a detailed account of how she used to go to school in town each morning when she lived in her village.  All I can say is, it was a brave thing she did each day just to go to school.  A bike ride, a truck ride, and a walk across town every morning, and then home again.  Whew.  Now it's just a van ride from home to school and back.  

Today's photo could almost qualify as a 'Friday Funny'.  It was taken at one of the checkpoints on the highway to Chiang Mai.  This officer is always ready for whatever happens.  No matter how many times we see him, he brings a smile.

Have a Wonderful WeekEnd.   On to the 'Funnies'.

             Peace,

                       Danny

Gettin' Funky, Thai Style 

www.flickr.com/photos/gratidudepics

www.lisamosesgallery.com

Talking

Hi,

It was a full day for us here in Chiang Rai, and the weather cooperated, a little.  It didn't rain, but it was very hot.

So far, only one person knows this song.  How can that be?  This 'Zany Day' song is also a little risque, but they played it on the radio.  "Never gonna stop, give it up, such a dirty mind, always get it up for the touch of the younger kind.  __ __."   Hint:  Since everyone is having a hard time with this, I'll tell you that the first word is a possessive form and the second is a variation of a name that rhymes with baron.   

Today was the first time we'd been to Wat Rong Khun since the earthquake.  We weren't sure how much of the complex we would be able to see, based on damage reports.  Most of the buildings were open and we were surprised to see so many new structures as well.  We got there early, and by the time we left there were a lot of visitors.  I always enjoy listening to the languages, and trying to figure out where they are from.  Today there were many visitors from China.  The photo for today is the top portion of one of the newer structures that looks like an ornate sala (a small resting area).  

It seems like this was a day for visiting places we hadn't been to in a long time.  Arisara massage used to be one of our regular places to go.  We returned today in order for Irene to experience a Thai massage.  The three of us left there feeling quite relaxed.  

One of the most beautiful hotels in Chiang Rai is Le Meridian.  The grounds offer many breathtaking views so we thought it would be a nice place to end our whirlwind, three day tour of our town.  As we sipped coffee by the river we spotted our friend Stephan, the General Manager.  He joined us and we learned a great deal about the state of things in the hotel/travel industry.  He explained that occupancy is down at all of the hotels and a big part of the lack of tourists relates to the travel warnings given by many countries.  We also learned that the large pond by the pool is very deep and contained huge fish.  The hotel recently lowered the level in the pond to take out the fish, not knowing that they had grown to giant proportions.  The fish were relocated and the pond rehab continues. 

Tonight we said goodbye to Irene.  Next week we will have another houseguest.  This is the most company we have had in a couple of years.  It's fun to show friends where we live, and hang out at the Big Brown House.  

Daku seems to be back to his 'old self' after a week of treatment.  He's playing and 'working' like he used to and it's a relief to see him happy again.  

Have a Thrilling Thursday.

               Peace,

                         Danny

"I've never learned anything while I was talking."
~Larry King

Gettin' Funky, Thai Style 

www.flickr.com/photos/gratidudepics

www.lisamosesgallery.com

World

Hi,

The weather in Chiang Rai is being pretty consistent these days.  Hot with a chance of rain, and humid enough to feel like it just did.  

The 'Easy Monday' song was "A Day In The Life" by The Beatles.  For your 'Zany Day' consideration, try this one:

"Oh my little pretty one, pretty one, when you gonna give me some time __.  When you make my motor run, my motor run gun it, coming off the line __."  Hint:  The title is actually two words, one is a name.

This morning we took Irene to Chivit Tamma Da for coffee.  It's been a long time since we've been there and the plant life around the place has really grown.  They seem to have let the shoreline foliage go wild with the rain.  The island in the middle of the river has also taken on a jungle look.  

There is nothing like a tour of the Talat to awaken the sense of smell and suppress the appetite.  At least when one enters by way of the fish tables.  We only saw a fraction of the city within the city, but it was enough for our guest to get the idea. 

We had two heavy rain showers today and the yard seems happy about that.  If only we could get a cold rain, one that cooled the air while it's watering everything.  This 'hot and very humid' thing is getting old. 

Some days plans can be made, and then they change, and then they change.  This evening we planned to go to the 7pm Clock Tower light show.  Just as we were about to leave the house, we realized it was still light outside and the show would not have the same effect.  We went back to the Night Bazaar instead, so Irene could look for mementos of Chiang Rai.  Last night we got rained out.  Our new plan was to go to the 8pm show at the Clock Tower, but there were still things to see so we decided to visit our friends Martin and Kay at NorThai and catch the show at 9pm.  Eventually, we did everything we'd planned for the evening, but all in a different order.  Oh, the benefits of flexibility.

We have lived here long enough that we have fond memories and stories from our 'past' in Chiang Rai.  There have been tales of the Wong Come Hotel, where we stayed when we first arrived, stories from the Gatong Village era (when we lived in a rental house), along with people and places that are part of our new life.  Sometimes it takes a visitor to put things in perspective.  

Time for Wacky Wednesday.

                Peace,

                          Danny

"To the world, you may be one person;
but to one person, you may be the world."
~Unknown

Gettin' Funky, Thai Style 

www.flickr.com/photos/gratidudepics

www.lisamosesgallery.com

Acts

Hi,

Our whole household is tired after the day we had.  Lots of sightseeing and story telling.  

This weeks 'Easy Monday' song is from an album that marked the end of the groups 'live' career.  

"Woke up, fell out of bed, dragged a come across my head.  Found my way downstairs and drank a cup, and looking up, I noticed I was late.  Found my coat and grabbed my hat, made the bus in seconds flat.  Found my way upstairs and had a smoke, and somebody spoke and I went into a dream..."  Hint:  The song is the finale of a pivotal recording by a pivotal group from across the pond.  Like it or not, it changed things.  

Today we covered a lot of ground around Chiang Rai.  From HomePro just south of town, to Maefarluang University north, and numerous stops in between.  One of the highlights of the day was Doi Din Dang, where we saw beautiful ceramic art.  Although we have been there many times, something different always catches the eye.  There is so much to see, whether in the gardens, the gift shop, or the gallery.  Khun Somluk's work has the ability to instill calmness and stimulate the pleasure centers.  I really enjoy the subtle blending of Zen and whimsy that seems to pop up every time we visit.  Today's photo is a good example.  

Before we had lunch at Art Bridge, we had a chance to view the 'Young Artists' exhibit with the gallery all to ourselves.  Irene and I had fun snapping photos of some of the work, and discussing what we liked about various pieces.  

At Chiang Rai University we drove through parts of the campus so Irene could get a feel for a Thai university.  It was orientation day and there were large crowds of students gathered in various spots.  As we were driving toward the library we had to turn back in order to avoid a large procession of students taking up the whole road.  At Maefarluang University there were 'Welcome Freshies' signs which let us know that their term was also about to begin.  

This evening we dined at the Night Bazaar.  There weren't many people there and many vendors were also absent.  We had a talk with the owner at Sawadee restaurant and he told us that things were not good.  Many tours had been canceled and it was having an effect on everyone.  We all knew what he was talking about without the words being spoken.  He's hoping that the next 'High Season' will turn things around.  Just as we started browsing the stalls, a light rain started to fall and the vendors began packing up.  Life in the rainy season.

Have a Happy Tuesday.

               Peace,

                         Danny

"When you carry out acts of kindness you get a wonderful feeling 
inside. It is as though something inside your body responds and 
says, yes, this is how I ought to feel."
~Harold Kushner

Gettin' Funky, Thai Style 

www.flickr.com/photos/gratidudepics

www.lisamosesgallery.com