Ability

Hi,

The warming trend continues here in Chiang Rai.  By the end of the week we’ll be in the 80s during the day.  Time to break out the light cottons and put the heavy jackets in the back of the closet.

The ‘Easy Monday’ song was easy for a few, but maybe the rest just need more lyrics.  Here’s the rest of it:

“We take a walk, the sun is shining down, burns my feet as they touch the ground.  And then we lie, beneath a shady tree, I love her and she’s loving me.  She feels good, she knows she’s looking fine.  I’m so proud to know that she is mine.  __ __ __, __ __ __, __ __ __.”  Clue:  Has to do with that big, bright thing in the sky, which shines in some places sometimes. 

Today there was a notice in the mailbox that we had two items waiting at the post office.  We have been waiting for our boxes from America so we went to the PO to get them.  What we got were two envelopes, both telling us that our boxes were at Customs in Mae Sai.  Ah, memories of 6 months ago.  Tomorrow we’ll take a road trip north and retrieve our vitamins, etc.  The thing is, I don’t exactly remember how we got there last time, since we followed a motorbike taxi guy.  Hmm, ask Mr. Google.

After many trips to immigration, it looks like tomorrow will be the day that Blue gets his Retirement visa.  It’s cause for celebration, since it makes living here more secure.  

During our travels today we noticed that Browney’s Pet World is getting closer to completion.  They are starting to put ‘stock’ in the store.  We can’t wait until they open this mega-store for pet lovers.  Just the idea of something so big in Chiang Rai will probably draw every animal lover in the province.  

Last weekend, Cat went to her village to work on an on-going project.  This time, her sister took a group of young people on a walk through the forest, pointing out all of the edible plants.  They photographed them and took notes.  They will put a book together as part of the ‘Tree Project’.  It’s a part of village education that could easily be lost as the kids move into the modern age.  Next weekend they will dye silk, using colors derived from plants in the forest.  What a great experience.

Today’s photo was taken in our yard.  Our ‘Orchid Tree’ is where we hang our orchids and a bunch of them decided to bloom at the same time.  

Have a Happy Tuesday.

               Peace,

                         Danny

“Ability will never catch up

with the demand for it.”

~Confucius

Gettin' Funky, Thai Style 

www.flickr.com/photos/gratidudepics

www.lisamosesgallery.com

Rewards

Hi,

The weather in Chiang Rai is getting warmer.  It’s a slow process, but it’s happening.  The weekend was spent finding various ingredients for a special diet.  

The ‘Old School Friday’ song was “What’s Your Name” by Don & Juan.  My brother, Denny got Super Cool Points for including the final bit from the song:  “Shooby-Doo-Bop-Bah-Dah”.  Those were the days.  It’s time for another episode of ‘Easy Monday’.   "I need to laugh and when the sun is out, I’ve got something to laugh about.  I feel good, in a special way.  I’m in love and it’s a sunny day.  __ __ __, __ __ __, __ __ __.”  Hint:  It’s by those four lads from across the pond and it’s a happy love song.  Should be easy (555).

We have become students again.  This thing with my intestinal thing has us studying various websites and lots of literature.  The logical way to heal something is to first stop hurting it.  That’s where I am right now and the list of things to eat that will stop the harm was interesting.  Nothing weird, just not what I would want to eat.  An organic egg in the morning, along with gelatin flavored with pure grape juice.  Fortunately, there is an operation called ‘Hilltribe Organics’ located right here in Chiang Rai and they are marketing organic eggs at Top’s Market in Central Plaza.  We first discovered these eggs at Doi Chaang Coffee, when they were introducing the company.  Not only are the eggs delicious and ‘clean’, their sale is providing a livelihood for members of one of the Hill Tribes.  You can learn more at:  http://www.hilltribeorganics.com  

A search of the usual markets did not find any pure grape juice, with nothing added.  Then Cat suggested we buy some grapes and put them in our juicer.  It worked, and now we have grape-flavored gelatin and a pleasant drink, when diluted with water.  This diet is almost consuming our lives, but it’s worth it.  

There has been an event across the river for most of the week.  We can see the tents, and hear the music so we know it’s some kind of ‘expo’ with food, vendors selling things, and music.  For several days the music has been really good.  It’s Monday night and the quality is not the same; verging on shaky.  On the bank of the river near all of this activity, a small dock is being built so the long-tailed boats can drop off passengers.  The main dock is on the north side of the river and for most tourists, it means having to cross the bridge that’s still being remodeled, and then walk into town.  The bridge is slowly getting it’s new lane.  There is still a large open space, which makes it look a little strange.  The Chicken guy who sells at the base of the bridge is still there, but the construction is slowly pushing him out.  His domain is falling apart and it’s just a matter of time before he’ll have to relocate.  

In a conversation with a friend today, we learned that there will be a wedding at one of the major hotels this week.  That’s not unusual, but it will begin at 3am.  That is the time that the monks said it would be most auspicious.  Hmm, I wonder how many guests they expect at 3am?  We will be attending a wedding reception on Saturday, at 6pm.  Now that’s more like it.

Our van desperately needs to go to the car wash, but I don’t think we’ll be taking it to this operator.  Somehow, I don’t think this is what the customer wanted.  

Have a Great Week.

                 Peace,

                           Danny

“Men (people) are rich only as they give.

He who gives great service gets great 

rewards.”

~Elbert Hubbard

Gettin' Funky, Thai Style 

www.flickr.com/photos/gratidudepics

www.lisamosesgallery.com

Friday Funnies

Hi,

Well, it seems that Mr. Lag is not completely done with having his way with us.  There are still times when we just fall asleep, without even trying, or wake up hours before the alarm.  

The ‘Zany Day’ song was “Charlie Brown” by The Coasters.  ‘Old School Friday’ will be easy for some.  

“__ __ __?  I have seen you before.  __ __ __?  May I walk you to your door?  It’s so hard to find a personality with charms like yours for me, Ooh-ooh, ooh-ooh, ooh-ee.  __ __ __?  Is it Mary or Sue?  __ __ __?  Do I stand a chance with you?  It’s so hard to find a personality….”  Hint:  Sung by a male duo, asking the introductory question. 

Today’s experience with taking down the exhibit was nothing like we imagined.  We were told that the crew at Art Bridge would take the works off the walls and wrap them.  When we arrived at 12:30pm, that part of the job was done and they were having lunch.  We hung out and relaxed, which was good timing since I was having an ‘episode’ with my pain thing.  Then we were told that they would load the work into the van.  Wonderful.  We had planned on making two trips to the house since all the work wouldn’t fit.  Khun Poy, the gallery manager, told us that they would load the remaining art into the gallery van and follow us home.  When we got to the house the two young men brought everything inside and it was over.  We didn’t have to lift or carry anything.  What a great way to end it all.  

There is some kind of celebration going on in our neighborhood that we know nothing about.  Yesterday a marching band from the local school did their thing on the main road.  This afternoon BamBam went crazy, barking at the remains of a lantern that landed in our yard, and tonight there are fireworks going off behind us.   We just never know when something like this is going to happen.  It keeps life interesting (555).

Friday nights in Chiang Rai are ‘going out’ nights.  On the road into town we passed several restaurants and they all appeared to be full.  We’re still in the High Season, but these were places that are not on the tourist lists, just local eateries.  It’s nice to see that business is good.  The new restaurant that was the ‘Soul House’ and then became the ‘Safe House’, now has both signs up, so we don’t know what to call it.  Maybe it will become the ‘Safe Soul House’.

Today’s photo was taken on the way to Chiang Rai.  We were approaching the southern end of the area when I took this one. 

Have a Wonderful, Long WeekEnd.    It’s time for the ‘Funnies’.

                  Peace,

                            Danny

Gettin' Funky, Thai Style 

www.flickr.com/photos/gratidudepics

www.lisamosesgallery.com

Soften

Hi,

The Chiang Rai weather is slowly getting warmer, a few degrees at a time.  I was reminded of a few temperatures in various eastern United States locations and I guess it’s not really cold here.  So why am I wearing layers of clothing? 

“Who walks in the classroom, cool and slow?  Who calls the English teacher Daddy-O?  __ __, __ __, he’s a clown, that __ __.  He’s gonna get caught, just you wait and see, (Why is everybody always pickin’ on me?).

Hint: It’s another in a string of novelty hits by a group you should be familiar with by now, named after something that rolls down a hill.  

By maintaining our usual schedule, we seem to be allowing Mr. Lag to have his way without interrupting our lives too much.  He still calls us, but we press on until it’s nap or bed time.  Take that, you tormentor.

Today we went to Art Bridge to discuss the ‘move out’ details.  Most of the work will be done by the staff, which is a great relief.  One of the guys will follow us home and help unload the van, so we don’t have to do a lot of lifting.  That is, until hanging time arrives and we fill the walls (555).  

This afternoon we went to the Healthy Market.  It was our first time there since we’ve been back and it was nice to get the warm greetings from our vendor friends.  From there we went to Aye’s Deli to pick up my custom made rye bread.  It will be nice to have something to eat with my breakfast, and to create acceptable sandwiches.  I just have to figure out what to put between two pieces of bread that falls within my diet.  Oh joy.  At the deli, Khun Oh has a note on the wall listing the ingredients for my bread.  It’s nice to have such caring service.

This evening at dinner, Blue and I took a trip down memory lane, recalling TV shows from the 50s.  It all started when I mentioned Korla Pandit, an organ player who had a daily show that was very trippy.  He wore a turban and sat at a Hammond organ and just stared into the camera as he played.  Hmm.  Then there was Howdy Doody, Soupy Sales, Space Patrol, Beanie and Cecil, Roller Derby, and a host of others.  We laughed a lot.  Good medicine. 

It seems like we’re finally getting adjusted as far as the days of the week are concerned.  We left L.A. on Sunday, arrived on Tuesday, and thought it was Wednesday for two days.  I think we’ve got it now.  Whew.

Today’s photo continues with a garden theme.  This garden is at Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK).  It was created since our last trip to Bangkok so it’s new to us.  Small, colorful gardens can be found throughout the airport.

Have a Thrilling Thursday.

                Peace,

                          Danny

“Acquaintance softens prejudice.”

~Aesop

Gettin' Funky, Thai Style 

www.flickr.com/photos/gratidudepics

www.lisamosesgallery.com

Happy

Hi,

The weather in Chiang Rai is cold.  At 6am it was dark and cold and it stayed that way until early afternoon.  It is very similar to being in Culver City.  The high was supposed to be 73F with a low of 52.  Tomorrow should be a few degrees warmer.  Still feels cold to me.  Mr. Lag is working overtime.

The ‘Easy Monday’ song was “Monday, Monday” by The Mamas and The Papas.  ‘Zany Day’ is next and it’s easy.

“Fe-fe, fi-fi, fo-fo, fum.  I smell smoke in the auditorium.  __ __, __ __, he’s a clown, that __ __.  He’s gonna get caught, just you wait and see.  (Why’s everybody always pickin’ on me?)  Hint:  The title is a name.  Anybody got any peanuts?

Last night I had a ‘system shutdown’ at 12m.  Just couldn’t keep the eyes open.  The 6am alarm came too soon.  When I took Daku out after his breakfast it was dark and the air hurt.  I told myself that it would be over in a few minutes and I’d be back in the slightly warmer house.  There is no heat in the house except for the space heaters in our respective bedrooms.  Those are used on a limited basis, so it never really gets warm.  

I think we were pretty active for our first day back in Thailand.  We wrapped up and went to Makro and the thin cloud cover kept the sun from warming the air.  When we came out, the muted sun felt good.  By the afternoon, when we went to Big C and Central Plaza, the sun was blazing and we’d dressed too warm.  Now that we know, we can adjust our wardrobe.  As soon as the sun goes down the cold walks in and reminds me that it’s still winter.  At least there’s no snow on the ground.

Tomorrow is the last day of Lisa and Joe’s art exhibition at Art Bridge.  That means that Friday is the day we have to move everything out of the gallery.  Most of the work that we will be bringing home was unframed when it left.  It’s time to get creative with our use of space.  We will no doubt hang art in places where it’s never been.  This should be interesting.

Today’s photo was taken at the Taipei airport.  It is a relaxation garden with paths that wind around the floral arrangements.  In the rear there are massage chairs.  The only thing that breaks the mood are the posters of close-up photos of bugs.  Hmm.

Time for Wacky Wednesday.

             Peace,

                       Danny

“The only thing that will make you  happy 

is being happy with who you are,

and not who people think you are.”

~Goldie Hawn

Gettin' Funky, Thai Style 

www.flickr.com/photos/gratidudepics

www.lisamosesgallery.com

Door

Hi,

We’re back in Chiang Rai.  We are also very tired.  It feels like Mr. Lag may have beat us to the house.  I’d better make this short, before my forehead drops on the keyboard and types something I didn’t mean to say (555).

The ‘Easy Monday’ song was easy for some.  Just in case you missed it, or opened the message on the wrong day, its title is mentioned in the last sentence.  “__, __, can’t trust that day.  __, __, sometimes it just turns out that way.  Oh, __ morning you gave me no warning of what was to be.  Oh, __, __ how could you leave and not take me?”  Clue: The title of the song is one word twice.  

The hardest part of the trip home was not being able to eat much.  I basically dined on little rye bread and honey sandwiches that Lisa made, along with apple sauce and popped potato chips.  She made the bread from scratch and it was good.  

The dogs gave us one of the wildest greetings yet.  They were both so happy to see us that they could barely contain themselves.  BamBam was doing her ’singing’ thing and Daku wanted to jump up and hold an arm in his mouth.  We managed to keep him from doing that, but it was hard for him.  When we opened the bags they were busy investigating.  Boot made us dinner and we had a chance to find out from Blue and Cat, what we’d missed while we were gone. It’s good to be home.

It has been our experience that jet lag seems to be harder on the trip back to Thailand.  As I mentioned, Mr. Lag is already doing his dirty work.  I think he likes the fact that we lose a day coming home.  There is so much to unpack and he just keeps getting in the way.  We’re trying to stay awake so we can rise to the occasion when Daku gets us up in the morning.  

Today’s photo was taken in the Taipei airport.  The lighting is what caught my eye, but there was nothing for me to eat.  

Have a Happy Tuesday.

                 Peace,

                           Danny

"There is no key to happiness. The door is always open."

~Unknown

Gettin' Funky, Thai Style 

www.flickr.com/photos/gratidudepics

www.lisamosesgallery.com

Curtains - Do not open until Monday morning

Hi,

As I write this, it’s actually Sunday night and we’re sitting in the Star Alliance lounge at LAX.  It’s the nicest lounge in our journey and it’s busy right now.  If I didn’t send you this little message, you would not hear from me until Tuesday, and that would not be OK.  Some of you were maybe hoping for a break?  (555)

The ‘Old School Friday’ song was “My Guy” by Mary Wells.  Now it’s time for ‘Easy Monday’.  “__,__ so good to me.  __ morning, it was all I hoped it would be.  Oh, __ morning, __ morning couldn’t guarantee that __ evening you would still be here with me.”  Hint:  If you opened this message as directed, on the correct day, then you know half of the title of this song.  

The weekend was a combination of busy and mellow.  We finally finished the last of the lists.  It’s amazing that even though we’ve been doing this for years, it’s never exactly the same and there’s always something to look for before we return to Thailand.  

Sunday morning was a real treat.  Lisa and my mother Jean gave me my last cake at the Gratitude meeting, celebrating 25 years.  Then we had lunch in the Marina.  It was a very special time since it also marked 25 years of this little ritual.  

In the afternoon I experienced another form of culture shock.  I went to Best Buy to buy a new electric razor.  It’s been years since I set foot in the store of distraction.  Somehow, it looked like they managed to get more stuff in the same space.  Hmm, I guess that’s possible.  I forced myself to focus on the mission, though I did get a little sidetracked as I passed the cases for my new phone.  I found a razor similar to my current one, which is now obsolete.  There were so many variations on the theme of rotary haircutting devices.  I quickly made my way to the cashier and left with my sanity.

After the bags were packed we hung out with Jeff, Anna, C-Bass and August.  Mr. August showed me a guitar speaker cabinet he rebuilt.  Jeff and I discussed music stuff, and C-Bass and I had a deep talk about how American football really should be called Gridiron, like it is in Australia.  Anna and I had our familiar banter about my intestinal shortcomings.  When it was time to go we had lots of hugs and said farewell once again.

Today’s photo was taken at The Legend Resort in Chiang Rai.  This is one of the tallest Spirit Houses in town, and unique in it’s paint motif.

We board the plane for the first leg of our journey in 30 minutes.  Time to pack things up.  See you from the other side of the Pacific.

Have a Great Week,

             Peace,

                       Danny

“Open the curtains of your mind.  

If there is light outside, it will come in.

If there is light inside, it will go out.

Keep the curtains open.”

~Unknown

Gettin' Funky, Thai Style 

www.flickr.com/photos/gratidudepics

www.lisamosesgallery.com