Example

Hi,

We can almost count on the weather to deliver moister around dinner time.  Tonight was no exception.  

The 'Zany Day' song this week seems to have baffled everyone.  How can that be?  Here's a little more for you:

"My Maseratti does one-eighty-five.  I lost my license, now I don't drive.  I have a limo, ride in the back.  I lock the doors in case I'm attacked... Lucky I'm sane after all I've been through.  I can't complain, but sometimes I still do.

__ __ __ to me so far."  Hint:  The artist was in a gang, then tried to walk away from the rocky mountain way.  This is a crazy look at the life of a rock star.   

For reasons that we don't quite understand, the direction of traffic was changed on one of the main streets around the main market.  Today we drove down one of the perimeter streets that it usually clogged with traffic and it was moving freely.  So, maybe the purpose of the direction change was to ease the flow in the most congested spot.  The nice thing, if there can be one, about when the street was crowded, was the opportunity for Lisa to jump out, get vegetables and return to the van before it had moved very far.  I know, not a good reason to keep a traffic jam.

Walking down the main business thoroughfare this morning, we couldn't help but notice the eye glass shops.  There were four within one block and two of them were part of the same franchise.  Hmm.

We just returned from dinner out at Boonrawd Farm.  They have a new restaurant that is farther up the hill from their old one, and much nicer.  The view of the landscape was stunning with views from every side.  It's a typical Thai design, with open sides so it feels like you're outside, enjoying the fresh breeze.  The heavy clouds muted the sunset, but it's something to look forward to after the rainy season.  Today's photo is from the restaurant.

Have a Thrilling Thursday.

                 Peace,

                           Danny

"The world is changed by your example,

not by your opinion."

~Paulo Coelho

Gettin' Funky, Thai Style 

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Nice

Hi,

This morning we couldn't tell that it had rained hard all night.  That storm I told you about just parked itself overhead and spent the night flooding the yards.  I'll say this, it does keep things green.

Our 'Easy Monday' song was "Sunshine of Your Love" by Cream.  Now it's time to get 'Zany' as in a song.  I think this one fits the bill:  "I have a mansion, but forget the price.  Ain't never been there, they tell me it's nice.  I live in hotels, tear out the walls.  I have accountants pay for it all.  They say I'm crazy but I have a good time.  I'm just looking for the clues at the scene of the crime.  __ __ __ to me so far."  Clue:  The tune is an assessment of the singers life.  He seems rather pleased.  He used to fly with eagles, so to speak.

Today we went to the giant store south of town that sells everything you could imagine that relates to building.  As we approached the lighting area, there were eight young people waiting to be of service.  We went for light bulbs and to check out their assortment of solar patio lights.  We ended up with two small lights to see how they do.  The only things about solar lights is the fact that you need the sun to charge the little battery inside.  These days, sun light is not in great supply.  They're going to need a full day of sun before we can decide if they meet our needs.  Eventually the sun will shine all day.  

I remember when the Central Plaza Mall was being built and people were speculating as the whether anybody would really relate to a 'big city' type mall.  Well, based on what we saw this morning, people like it.  We arrived a few minutes before opening, thinking we'd be part of a small crowd of early shoppers.  Wrong.  The parking lot wasn't full, but there were aisles full of cars, and crowds at every entrance, waiting for the guards to open up.  

There is an interesting thing we have noticed while out and about:  The abundance of coffee shops and eye-glass shops.  I was reminded of this again today as we walked through the mall.  A new 'Eye' place had replaced another company that also sold glasses.  There are several in the mall and even though we rarely see anyone inside, they mostly seem to thrive.  On some streets in the business area you might see four shops within two blocks, all basically selling the same thing.  It's good for comparison shopping, but seems like overkill.  It's the same with coffee.  Around the Clock Tower, which is in a traffic circle, there are four or five places to get coffee.  They all offer a slightly different environment, but it's still coffee.  One of these days I'm going to actually count how many there are on a given street.  

At a traffic light with a countdown timer, I sat and watched as a monk approached the curb.  He didn't look at the counter, which showed 4 seconds left for him to cross the street.  He stepped off the curb as our light turned green.  I held my breath and watched as nobody moved.  This was an intersection where motorbikes are notorious for jumping the gun and turning in front of oncoming traffic.  Nobody moved.  When the monk was safely on the other side, it all returned to the normal, mad rush.  Amazing.

The photo for today shows what happens when it rains every day.  This is a view of our front yard, looking toward the street.  We're really enjoying the way it looks this time of year.

Time for Wacky Wednesday.

                  Peace,

                            Danny

"The world is full of nice people.

If you can't find one, be one."

~Nishan Panwar

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Flow

Hi,

Chiang Rai almost had a rainless day.  Well, at least it didn't rain during the day.  It started about 8:45pm and it's a big storm, the kind with those big drops and lots of thunder and lightning.  Nothing new, but oh my.

This week's 'Easy Monday' song was not a mystery to a few of you.  Here's the second verse, just to be clear:

"I'm with you my love, the light's shining through on you.  Yes, I'm with you my love, it's the morning and just we two.  I'll stay with you darling now, I'll stay with you till my seas are dried up.  I've been waiting so long, to be where I'm going, in the __ __ __ __."  Hint:  It's 'Easy Monday' and this is easy.  The lead guitarist's nickname is 'Slow Hand' and they came from across the pond.  The group name is that stuff that rises to the top in milk.

Today was our first day out into the world after the fast.  We went to Makro and the vegetable market and didn't fall out in the aisles, so I guess we're doing better.  At Makro they have things stacked up above the shelves like at Costco or Home Depot.  When they need to get something down they block off the aisle to bring in the fork lift.  It never fails that the very aisle you need is the one they just blocked off.  How is that?

On our way to Makro we stopped by Art Bridge.  They were preparing for a special meeting about their earthquake recovery program.  They had a photo display showing some of the damage and the recovery efforts.  It's heartwarming to see the amount of local effort that has gone into the clean-up and rebuilding of the villages at the epicenter.  A few of the photos showed school children carrying tables and chairs, and helping with the documentation of the damage.  

This evening at dinner, Lisa and Boot were talking in the kitchen about how we couldn't find frozen spinach anymore.  Cat asked what that was and when Lisa gave her the Thai word from her dictionary, Cat responded with:

"Oh, Popeye likes that".  We were quite surprised at this and Cat told us she had seen lots of Popeye cartoons.  We both told her how we also used to watch them when we were young.  Hmm, Popeye is old.  (555)

Today's photo is one aspect of the drive from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai.  It's a striking contrast to the vast, flat fields of rice in other parts of the journey.

Have a Happy Tuesday.

               Peace,

                         Danny

"Those who flow as life flows,

know they need no other force."

~Lao Tzu

Gettin' Funky, Thai Style 

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Doors

Hi,

As you may have guessed, it's still raining in Chiang Rai.  We have at least one storm a day.  The 3 day fast lasted 2.5 days and we're recovering.  

The 'Old School Friday' tune was "Hello Stranger" by Barbara Lewis.  Youtube it - it's great.  'Easy Monday' is:

"It's getting near dawn, when lights close their tired eyes.  I'll soon be with you my love, to give you my dawn surprise.  I'll be with you darling soon, I'll be with you when the stars are falling.  I've been waiting so long, to be where I'm going, in the __ __ __ __."  Clue:  It's by a group that was probably the first 'power trio' in rock.  This was one of their signature songs.  Something to do with that big ball of fire in the sky, and his girl.

Saturday morning it felt strange to wake up and just drink water.  Stranger than it did on Friday.  Going up and down the stairs, mainly to deal with Daku, became a real struggle.  It was the climbing that got us.  We began to see the concept of food as fuel more clearly.  The day was spent watching things from our TV collection.  Between Start Trek Voyager, Dark Angel, Scrubs, and the X-Games on TV we stayed distracted and entertained.  Oh yes, and there were naps.  It was a very strange day.  When we woke up on Sunday morning we both felt totally drained of energy.  We had to call Boot and have her take the dogs out to play.  We ended the fast at 7am and had some juice and a bit of fruit. We had mashed potatoes for lunch, and that evening we had some chicken and rice soup that Boot made for us.  Today (Monday) we have had three meals and we're starting to feel much better.  

Through this experience, I have a tiny bit of understanding of what it must feel like for those who live on very little nourishment during a typical day.  It has made me very grateful for the food that I eat every day, and gives me more compassion for those who don't get as much.  Now I have the task of gaining some weight.  Please, pass the pie (555).

While we have become used to the nature of the 'rainy season', it still changes some routines in life.  For us humans, it means we have to use an umbrella if we go out, can't go for a swim because of lightning, and sometimes the rain wants to come inside and visit.  For the dogs it means they don't get to go out and play.  BamBam would love to go out, and would dry off pretty quick if we'd let her.  Daku has a very thick coat and it takes forever for him to dry out.  He loves his afternoons in the yard and when today's storm began, he sat up and watched, as if there was something special to see.  Maybe there was.

Have a Great Week.

                  Peace,

                            Danny

"The doors will be opened 

to those who are bold enough 

to knock."

~Unknown

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Friday Funnies

Hi,

Dark skies and lightning brought no rain today.  Day one of the water fast brought thoughts of food, but not a bite was bitten.

This week's 'Zany Day' song was "Money" by Pink Floyd, from the 'Darkside of the Moon' LP.  'Old School Friday':

"__, __ (ooh) it seems so good to see you back again, how long has it been?  (ooh, seems like a mighty long time, shoo-bop, shoo-bop, my baby, ooh).  It's seems like a mighty long time.."  Clue:  It's a greeting.  If you know, you know.  It's had many covers, so 'Cool Points' if you know who did it first.

We are approaching what will be one of the quietest weekends ever.  One of the goals of this water fast is to allow the body to 'reset' and eliminate certain waste.  Without any food intake, there is less strength so we're taking it easy.  This morning we sat by the pool and sunned.  A cooling dip into the water without swimming felt nice.  We went out this afternoon for the short trip to Art Bridge to deliver a painting for a special exhibit.  All of the participating artists painted something on a 12"x12" canvas that will be on display and offered for sale.  There was a great temptation to wander into the restaurant area, but we didn't.  

It struck me, while we were in Chiang Mai, that there is a special bond between the various drivers of Tuk-Tuks, Samlors and Song Taews.  Even with the competition for fares, there seems to be a 'Culture of Transportation'.  They hang out when things are slow, help each other with their vehicles, and have that brotherhood of the hustle.  I didn't mention the taxis because I don't think they see them as being the same.  When the metered taxi service was announced in Chiang Rai, the Tuk-Tuk drivers united against the move.  It became rather volatile at one point.  Territories have been marked and all is calm now.  

Normally, when it's time to feed the dogs their dinner, it means that our dinner is next.  Today it felt weird not to go downstairs and have a meal.  Hmm, what was I thinking?  I was thinking that some kind of 'taste' in my mouth would be a nice change.  (555)  

Today's photo is the fruit basket we gave to Dr. Nan and Khun Nu (her husband).  There is a shop in the fruit market that sells the baskets with the fruit already shrink-wrapped and ready to go.  We took it to one of the many flower 'stylists' down the street and picked out the flowers we wanted and let him work his magic.  

Tune in again on Monday when I'll have tales to tell of the foodless weekend.  By then I will have eaten a few meals and I'll have my strength back (555).

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

                    Peace,

                              Danny

Gettin' Funky, Thai Style 

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Better

Hi,

It feels good to be back in Chiang Rai after our short trip to the big city.  We handled our business and enjoyed the day.

Well, only one person recognized this 'Zany Day' song.  It's from an epic LP ironically, from the dark side.

"I'm in the hi-fidelity first class traveling set, and I think I need a Lear Jet.  __, it's a crime.  Share it freely, but don't take a piece of my pie..."  Hint:  Oh, come on now. A one word title.  It's said to be the root of all evil.  What more can I say?

Going to the U.S. Consulate office in Chiang Mai is always an experience.  Before we went inside we had to present our passports and appointment reservation to a guard on the sidewalk.  While standing in line we read what could not be taken inside.  When it was our turn to go through the thick glass door, we put everything in baskets for x-ray.  We made sure we'd turned our phones off.  After the metal detector walk-through, our bags were searched and things like our phones, memory sticks, and headphones were put in a plastic bag.  That was phase one, we still had another area to enter.  Business at the Consulate mostly seems to center around citizens having the proper documents in order to deal with Thai immigration.  There are also things like passport renewals and adding extra pages to passports.  Sometimes immigration wants proof from the U.S. government that what we say is true.  The Consulate can only verify that what we say is true under oath, so a form is filled out, a hand is raised, and it's done. Oh yes, there is also an exchange of money for this service.  We accomplished our mission and returned to the front window, where we were given our 'devices' that were being held.  

To get back to our hotel, we hailed a Song Taew (pick-up truck with two rows of seats).  We were the only passengers and in a way, it was kind of fun.  We rode passed the flower market and through parts of town we were vaguely familiar with, and then the final, narrow road to our hotel.  

The middle part of the day was spent at Central Festival, a huge, five-story mall.  We strolled up and down on a few floors checking out the layout.  There is one floor that is mostly spas of every description.  One place had the phrase 'perfectly white' in it's name.  It was a skin whitening spa.  You can also get facials, body sculpting, weight control, and hair growth treatments right there in the mall.  While we were eating lunch I noticed that 'Mr. Bun' was right next door to 'Auntie Anne's, with made me wonder if they were a couple.  (555)  Eventually, it was time to hit the road.

Today's photo was taken at the entrance to the parking structure at Central Festival.  It speaks for itself.

Winding our way through the countryside we saw many dogs.  One dog sort of popped out of a corn field and we named him 'Corn Dog'.  Then there was the dog strutting along the side of the road with a purpose.  His name is 'Road Dog'.  Nothing like a little fun on the highway to pass the time.  In an effort to get back home we drove right by Charon Gardens.  That's right, didn't stop for pie.  Hmm.

Tomorrow we will begin what is to be a three day fast.  Nothing but water.  What?  I guess you could call it a detox.  I'm going to give it a try.  Boot is still not convinced that we can do it.  She said, "You will get hungry".  Yes, this is true, and then we will drink water.  Hmm.  I'll let you know how day one went.

Have a Thrilling Thursday.

                    Peace,

                              Danny

"The less I needed,

the better I felt."

~Charles Bukowski

Gettin' Funky, Thai Style 

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Good

Hi,

Today I'm coming to you from the 18th floor of our hotel, where the WiFi doesn't dare go.  I'm using my phone to power the internet on my laptop.  Ain't technology grand.  Chiang Mai seems so busy and full of everything compared to Chiang Rai.  

The 'Easy Monday' song was "You Keep Me Hanging On" by The Supremes.  If you need a little 'Zany Day' craziness, try this:  "__, get away.  Get a good job with more pay and you're OK.  __, it's a gas.  Grab that cash with both hands and make a stash.  New car, caviar, four star daydream, think I'll buy me a football team."  Hint:  Some say it makes the world go 'round.  Hmm.

This morning, after our usual routines, we hit the highway for Chiang Mai.  We made a stop at Charon Gardens for lunch and pie, of course.  The various 'views' on this road are spectacular this time of year.  One minute we're seeing wide expanses of green valleys with tree-covered mountains in the background, and then it's a mountain road with thick, dense jungle on either side.  It certainly helps make the trip more interesting.  

This evening I went to a meeting near the Ping River.  It's not far from the hotel so I took a Tuk-Tuk there and back.  Both drivers tried to entice me into everything from a massage parlor to an evening with young girls (his words).  Single men are targets here, since so many come to Thailand to 'play'.  It's unfortunate that such a large segment of the tourist industry has accepted the negative reputation and embraced it as a legitimate asset.  Hmm.

Anyway, I just laughed them off as we raced through the streets, happy to get out safely.

The photo for today is an entry we were happy to see, and yet a little surprised.  This group of kids made a real statement by dressing in drag and promoting identity 'freedom'.  I wonder if their school knew about this in advance.  It was bold move, especially in a small city like Chiang Rai.  

Tomorrow we do the Consulate thing, visit Central Festival Mall, and proceed back to Chiang Rai.  It will be good to get back.  I guess we really are turning into 'small town' folks.  (555)

It looks like a Wacky Wednesday.

               Peace,

                         Danny 

"Do your little bit of good where you are.

It's those little bits of good put together

that can overwhelm the world."

~Desmond Tutu

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