Courage

Hi,

Chiang Rai never looked so good as it did on our return from Pattaya.  The weekend was productive, and we also had a chance to relax.  

The 'Old School Friday' song was "Stagger Lee" by Lloyd Price.  This week's 'Easy Monday' song should be a snap.

"__ is the word I use to describe all the feeling that I have hiding here for you inside.  You don't know how many times I've wished that I had told you.  You don't know how many times I've wished that I could hold you.  You don't know how many times I've wished that I could mold you into someone who could __ me as much as I __ you."  Hint:  It was a six-man vocal group that had a friend named Mary.  They were associated with great harmonies.  One word title meaning to hold something dear, or lovingly.  Hmm.

Saturday was the day for our Regional business meeting.  It was an all day affair, with a break for lunch.  When it was over Lisa and I went for a swim in the giant hotel pool, all by ourselves.  It was a perfect way to unwind.  The thought of going out into the party atmosphere of the city was not on our list of things to do.  We ordered in and had a great time hanging out in the hotel.   Today's photo is the pool at our hotel, looking down from our 7th floor room.

During lunch on Saturday we were told of a place to get a nice breakfast, so on Sunday morning we set out on an adventure.  The little streets around the hotel are narrow and dense with activity.  We were about to give up when we came upon a place that had an extensive menu and served Western food.  It was a sports restaurant and pub.  This place had 15 TV screens with maybe 5 or 6 different sports going at the same time.  After I focused on what to eat, it became a dizzying experience.  The eyes settled on Track and Field and that was pretty cool.  We took a Song Taew back to the hotel and prepared to leave.  

The bus ride back to Bangkok went fast, since there was no work traffic.  We had time before our flight so we did what we usually do, and got a foot and shoulder massage.  There is a woman who works there who remembers us from when she did massage work in Chiang Rai and she always makes a point of greeting us.  Bangkok Air had another amazing 'courtesy counter' near our departure gate.  They had coffee, juice and Thai snacks with the ingredients posted in English by each item.  When we got to our gate we saw our friends Jen and her son Pui.  They had been in Pattaya and Bangkok on a short vacation.  We sat and looked at photos of her grandchildren and they told us about their adventures in both cities.  The time passed quickly and then we were flying home.  

When we got home, the dogs reacted like we'd been away for weeks.  Cat came up and told us about her trip to Chiang Mai and brought Lisa some of her favorite treats.  Everyone was back home and it felt good.

Have a Great Week.

                  Peace,

                            Danny

"One of the happiest moments ever,

is when you find the courage to 

let go of what you can't change.

~Unknown

Gettin' Funky, Thai Style 

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Friday Funnies

Hi,

I'm writing to you from Pattaya, Thailand.  Today we flew in a plane, rode in a bus, and saw a large expanse of water.  

That 'Zany Day' song you were wondering about was "Summertime Blues" by Eddie Cochran.  'Old School Friday' is going to be a challenge for some of you, and probably unknown to others.  It's been an easy week so far (555).

"The night was clear, and the moon was yellow, and the leaves came tumblin' down... I was standin' on the corner when I heard my bull dog bark.  He was barkin' at the two men who were gamblin' in the dark.  It was __ __ and Billy, two men who gambled late.  __ __ threw a seven, Billy swore that he rolled eight..."  Hint:  The title is a name. 

Our adventure began with a flight on an airline that just recently started flying out of Chiang Rai.  Bangkok Air was an unknown to us, but won us over on the first flight.  After we went through the final security check-in, we were invited to a little buffet serving free coffee and desserts.  On the plane, before taking off, they played the usual video about the safety features, but it was preceded by a music video song and dance number promoting the airline.  Most unusual and very creative.  Once in the air, we got our special meals (unusual for a 1-hour flight) and they were better than most.  We'll be flying with them again for local flights.

There is a bus company that has a monopoly on mass transit to Pattaya so unless you want to hire a car at a much higher price, you take their bus.  We bought tickets and they told us the bus was ready to go.  When we got to the bus the two seats were at opposite ends of the bus.  What?  We were told we could negotiate with the passengers.  We went back to the desk and heard, "You didn't say you wanted to sit together".  What?  The next two hours were spent relaxing and having lunch before boarding a bus with two seats together.  

There is a lot of truck traffic on the roads south of Bangkok.  The area is a major shipping hub for Southeast Asia.  We saw what looked like 'cities' of containers.  Things are dry here.  It's quite a contrast to our lush, northern green. 

Pattaya is a very popular vacation spot for tourists from around the world, as well as some Thais.  This is my third time coming here and I still don't find it appealing.  It just rubs me the wrong way.  Maybe I'm spoiled, living in Chiang Rai.  There are so many Russian tourists visiting Pattaya that menus now feature Russian, Thai and English.  The road along the beach front is lined with bars that look out onto the beach.  Bar girls make sure the glasses stay full as the men stare at the passing traffic.  Kind of a sad scene actually.  There has been a crack-down on the taxi mafia by the new government and other clean-up measures are being taken.  Away from this 'zone' there are some rolling hillsides covered with condos and beyond that it gets back to being Thailand as we know it.  Hmm.

The photo for today was taken while riding through town this evening.  It sort of sums up some of the sleaze factor.

Looking at the ocean at night, the horizon is dotted with the green lights of night-fishing boats.  It's a beautifully eerie sight.  Tomorrow it's meetings all day and a boat ride in the evening.  Sunday we bus/fly home.

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

                     Peace,

                               Danny 

Gettin' Funky, Thai Style 

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Learning

Hi,

Today was a day of rain, light traffic, and a visit from friends.  The big news in Chiang Rai for some, is that the local golf course on the army base has reopened.  At least when it's not raining.  

When non-'players' know the 'Zany Day' song, it means that I should be hearing from some of you 'regulars'.

"I gonna take two weeks, gonna have a fine vacation.  I gonna take my problem to the United Nations.  Well, I called my congressman and he said quote, 'I'd like to help you son, but you're too young to vote'.  Sometimes I wonder, what I'm a-gonna do, but there ain't no cure for the __ __."  Clue:  The season is part of the title.  

The rain that began last evening stayed with us all night, and all day today.  It never turned into a fierce storm, just one of those friends that never leaves.  We didn't let it hold us back.  Out into the day, umbrellas at the ready, they stormed the streets (555).  The day was looking good, things getting done, list getting shorter, and then it was time to go home for lunch.  When I pressed the button on the remote to open the gate, nothing happened.  Hmm, it could only be one of two things.  Either the power was out, or the battery in the remote was done.  Climbing over the wet gate turned out to be a bad idea, so we headed back downtown to the 'Watch Guy' for a new battery.  The gate opened and we smiled.  

This afternoon we had a visit from nurse Pay and Boy.  They had been to Doi Din Dang and wanted to stop by our house.  We sat on the patio enjoying the yard and then got into a interesting 'lesson' on the history of certain amulets of The Buddha.  Boy has made this his hobby of sorts, and knows all about where certain ones come from,  and how they are created.  He has two that he wears and he showed us some details that were amazing.  He pulled out a small magnifying glass and had us look closely at the images.  There were tiny flecks of color imbedded in the surface.  We could see green, red, blue and yellow, which came from dried flowers that were mixed into the clay.  They were from offerings that had been made in the temple where they were made.  I also learned that my favorite amulet is a copy, and that those made in the temples are never black.  Using the glass, I could see the true color of the clay where the paint had worn off.  Hmm.  He is going to give me an authentic amulet the next time we get together.  

Tonight we have to pack the bag for our weekend trip to Pattaya.  I will be attending a Regional Service Committee meeting, and we'll see some sights while we're there.  I've been there twice, but Lisa has never seen this seaside resort town.  It will be good to be near the ocean again.

Cat is also going on an adventure this weekend.  Early Saturday morning she and her classmates will board a bus for Chiang Mai.  They will visit a university campus in the morning and then spend the afternoon at the zoo.  

Today's photo shows that irresistible smile that Daku produces.  Well, of course you can have a treat (555).

Have a Thrilling Thursday.

                   Peace, 

                             Danny

"I am learning to be patient and compassionate with myself
as I gain the courage to be true to myself."
~Shakti Gawain

Gettin' Funky, Thai Style 

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Better

Hi,

The cloudy sky produced some light sprinkles all afternoon, and turn into a shower in the evening.  So, this thing called the rainy season is not over.  

This week's 'Easy Monday' song was "A Song For You" by Leon Russell.  Your 'Zany Day' song is easy.  Have fun.

"A-I'm a-gonna raise a fuss, I'm a-gonna raise a holler.  About a-workin' all summer just to try to earn a dollar.  Ev'ry time I call my baby, try to get a date, my boss says, 'no dice son, you gotta work late'.  Sometimes I wonder what I'm a-gonna do, but there ain't no cure for the __ __."

Today was a day for negotiating the streets of Chiang Rai.  A lot was accomplished, and yet, it's not over.  Some of our 'stops' were in vain, so we will try again tomorrow.  Parking has become a real issue in some parts of town.  What Chiang Rai needs is a few multi-level parking structures.  In the business district it's really a matter of timing.  Unless someone is leaving a spot, there never seems to be a vacancy.  Going around the block can be frustrating because some of the blocks are big.  If the weather was cooler it might be different.  Walking in the hot sun is not fun these days.  Add to that, the fact that some merchants put chairs or cones in front of their businesses, saving parking for friends.  Makes you just want to go home.  (555)

The battle with the ticks continues.  This has got to end sometime, but when?  Daku has become quite the passive pup when it comes to our twice daily debugging process.  He just takes a deep breath, rolls onto his side, and lets us do what has to be done.  He only puts up a fight when it comes to his feet and his tail.  Sometimes it seems like we're winning the war, and other times it's overwhelming.  

The 'New Bridge' by the main police station has undergone the storm drain treatment and now they're repaving what they tore up.  That means the bridge is closed on one end.  The intersection is now a 'T', with traffic sent to alternate streets to enter the bridge.  For some reason, the traffic lights are off, which now causes new problems at certain times.  Since we avoid driving during those times, we're not affected, but I have visions of what might happen.  

Sitting at a light this morning, I watched a motorbike rider take his helmet out of his basket and put it on his head.  That's all he did.  He didn't fasten it.  I started keeping track of who had their chin straps buckled and it was a very small percentage.  Hmm.  There's been talk of making the driver license test more difficult by adding more questions.  Having driver education might also be a good idea, but I'm just a guest.

Tomorrow is 'Science Day' at Cat's school.  Her group is doing a project with some younger students that sounds like fun.  The kids are to make paper airplanes and have a contest to see whose flies the farthest.  I know there's some science in there some place.  It brought back memories of the hours spent trying to master the right folding technique to make the perfect plane.

Today's photo is part of our backyard, taken from Lisa's upstairs studio.  Just another reason why we like to come home.

Time for Wacky Wednesday.

                 Peace,

                           Danny 

"Do the best you can

until you know better.

Then, when you know better,

do better."

~Maya Angelou

Gettin' Funky, Thai Style 

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Avoid

Hi,

It looks as though Chiang Rai will get through the entire day without rain.  What?  Lots of dark clouds coming and going, but nothing dropping on us.  

Based on the responses, this really is an 'Easy Monday' tune.  Maybe the second verse will help you remember:

"I know your image of me is what I hope to be.  I've treated you unkindly, but darlin' can't you see.  There's no one more important to me, darlin' can't you please see through me, 'cause we're alone now and I'm singing this __ __ __."  Clue:  The actual title of this song has four words.  It's been sung be hundreds of singers in many styles.  If you can't remember the original writer/artist, that's OK.  

We spent the day on the compound.  It was one of those quiet days where things got done.  I did leave the house in the afternoon to pick up Cat from the Song Taew 'Depot' at the big market.  On my way, I saw lots of little families on motorbikes, small eating spots doing a brisk business, and people carrying bouquets.  Mother Day is the second biggest selling floral holiday after Valentine's Day.  If we were to go to the mall, we would have seen families waiting to eat in the nice restaurants, treating moms to a special meal.  There were, no doubt, parts of town where it was just another day.  

During dinner we heard all about Cat's visit to her village.  She spent most of the time with her sister.  She told us about going mushroom hunting with her sister and how their three dogs encountered a cobra.  The dogs apparently got sprayed in the eyes with venom.  They rinsed their eyes but Cat doesn't know what will happen next.  She also visited with her uncle, who is a monk.  They have a great relationship and besides being a monk, he is the patriarch of the family.  Now it's back to the routine of books, tests, and projects.  Cat just came upstairs with a Mother Day gift for Lisa.  Very Sweet.

Though we didn't get a 'live' view of the Super Moon, our friend Claire gave us the view from Virginia, and Barry sent an L.A. photo, so we feel like we almost know what it was like.  

Today's photo will give you an idea of what the Art Bridge exhibit was like.  Too much to absorb in one evening.  

Since this week actually begins tomorrow (Wednesday), we have a long list of things to do and errands to run.  

Have a Happy Tuesday.

                Peace,

                          Danny

"There is only one way to avoid criticism:

Do nothing,

Say nothing,

and Be nothing."

~Aristotle

Gettin' Funky, Thai Style 

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www.lisamosesgallery.com

Enough

Hi,

The predictable weather in Chiang Rai has continued in the usual manner.  We were looking forward to seeing the Super Moon, but the clouds rolled in and blocked the view completely.  Hope you got to see it.

The 'Old School Friday' song was "Sea Cruise" by Frankie Ford.  Time for an easy 'Easy Monday'.  This one's for you.

"I've been so many places in my life and time.  I've sung a lot of songs, I've made some bad rhymes.  I've acted out my love in stages, with ten thousand people watching, but we're alone now and I'm singing this __ __ __."  Hint:  It's a bit of a confessional, there's no masquerade going on here.  

The big event this weekend was the opening of the "Small Paintings" exhibit at Art Bridge.  The turnout was amazing and many of the paintings were 'reserved', meaning people wanted to buy them.  As we walked through the crowd we noticed the red dots signifying a 'reserve'.  A giant buffet was served in the restaurant and there was live music in the outer gallery.  The opening of the exhibit was rather dramatic when, as if by magic, the two large doors to the gallery swung wide with no one touching them.  As we entered, there was a woman from Holland playing the violin in the center of the room.  One of the pieces she played was about The King, and the room erupted in applause.  Today we stopped by the gallery and learned that the big doors have a remote control to swing them open.  We also learned that there was a red dot by Lisa's painting.  That made the day.

The photo for today is Lisa's 'Small Painting' titled "First Flight".  

We have an artist friend who lives out in the countryside.  He told me of a recent incident that happened while he was painting a Naga (a traditional Thai dragon).  As he began to paint, his dog started barking.  When he went to look, he saw a cobra in his yard.  After several attempts to scare it away, it finally left.  The next day the dog barked again when he began to paint and another snake was approaching the dog.  On the third day it happened again.  After he finished the painting of the Naga, the snakes stopped coming around.  Hmm.

Chiang Rai, and all of Thailand, is in holiday mode.  Tuesday is The Queen's birthday, also called 'Mother Day'.  It is a national holiday and since if falls on Tuesday, many businesses took a long weekend.  The Queen's birthday color is blue, so the flower shops are full of bouquets and large arrangements with the color blue as the prominent theme.  Each day of the week has a color and the day you were born is 'your color'.  The King's color is yellow.  In addition to paying respects to The Queen, mother's are also treated to a special day.  Cat went to her village to spend some time with her family and will return Tuesday afternoon.

Have a Great Week.

                Peace,

                          Danny

"You alone are enough.

You have nothing to prove 

to anybody."

~Maya Angelou

Gettin' Funky, Thai Style 

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Friday Funnies

Hi,

The weather was fairly dry on our side of the river today.  We seem to be fully recovered from our fast, and back into the swing of things.  

This week's 'Zany Day' song was "Life's Been Good" by Joe Walsh.  Maybe you'll do better with some 'Old School Friday'.  "Old man rhythm is in my shoes.  No use sittin' and singin' the blues.  So be my guest, you got nothin' to lose.  Won't you let me take you on a __ __?  Ooh wee, ooh wee baby, ooh wee, ooh wee baby...."  Clue:  It's gonna take a body of water and a boat to pull this off.  Cool Points if you can tell me who had the first hit in '59.  Extra Points if you know who wrote it.  

This morning the yard crew showed up.  This time Khun Kek brought them instead of his wife.  He is the man who made the original landscape design, but he's been away on resort projects.  It was good to see him again.  He had his spray guy do the lawns with what we think is a tick specific compound.  Here's hoping it works.  When I went out in the afternoon to check out the yard, there was a big rooster walking around in a shaded area.  Now that was a real surprise.  It belonged to Kek and it's like a pet.  He rode over in Kek's pick-up truck and was just hanging out.  

That merits the photo of the day spot.  

This evening we had dinner at Black Canyon with our good friends Sutheera and Nukoon.  We hadn't seen them for some time and it was good to get together.  We learned that the earthquake and its aftershocks have had a negative effect on real estate in the area.  It will take time for that to fade from people's memories.  We used to eat at Black Canyon a lot when it was at Big C.  Since it's been in the mall, there have been more choices, so we don't go there as much.   Even though the staff has changed, the chef spotted us and came out to say hello.  

Friday night is the big night in Chiang Rai, and the mall is one of the places people go to just unwind.  Tonight, as we strolled through the mall we stopped and talked with an artist friend and his wife.  It was another reunion since we haven't seen them for months.  More of that small town flavor that I like.  

Tomorrow night we will go to Art Bridge for the opening of the "Small Paintings" exhibit.  About 170 of the member artists each painted on a 12" x 12" canvas.  The work covers a range of styles and subjects.  The opening will be less formal than usual, but it will be a chance to see many of our friends in the art community.  It's amazing what can be done on such a small canvas.  If you go to the link below, you can see some of the work that will be in the exhibit.

https://www.facebook.com/ArtBridgeChiangRai/photos_stream

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

                    Peace,

                              Danny

Gettin' Funky, Thai Style 

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www.lisamosesgallery.com