Love

Hi,

The weather in Chiang Rai was cool over the weekend.  We’ve had a cloud cover in the mornings that doesn’t burn off until the afternoon.  The strange thing is, there are forecasts for 99F on February 21.  What?  How could anyone possibly know that?

The ‘Old School Friday’ song was “Goodnight Sweetheart, Goodnight” by The Spaniels.  It’s time again for ‘Easy Monday’.  “__ __ __ __ __ __ __, that’s why I’ll always be around.  You are the apple of my eye, forever you’ll stay in my heart.  I feel like this is the beginning, though I’ve loved you for a million years.  And if I thought our love was ending, I find myself drowning in my own tears.  __ __ __ __ __ __ __, that’s why I’ll always be around…”  Hint:  This should be easy.  Once again, singing about that big bright ball in the mid-day sky.

Saturday was a busy day at the Big Brown House.  There was lots of preparation for the dinner party in the evening.  Cooking and doing things around the house.  Having guests over was just what we needed to put some of Lisa’s artwork back on the walls.  In the afternoon I picked up my friends Bonnie and Harvey, who are touring Southeast Asia, and brought them to the house for coffee and conversation.  We hung out on the patio and helped them map out their ‘one day’ to see the sights.  Blue and Cat negotiated with a woman who drives a taxi, explaining where they wanted to go and it all worked out.  

The dinner was a huge success and we all had lots of turkey and trimmings.  As always, we had fun talking with Stephan and Claire.  There’s always something new to learn about the hotel business and Australia when they’re around.  They will be leaving on a trip to the states soon and it was interesting to see what they were looking forward to doing.  

This afternoon we went over to Browney’s Pet World to see how it looked on the day of the official opening.  As we left the driveway there was a man pushing a cart full of cut firewood.  I didn’t get a photo, but it brought up something I hadn’t thought about.  There are people who still cook over a wood-burning fire.  For some, a gas burning stove would be an extreme luxury.  Not only did it make us realize we are in the country, but also how some things are easily taken for granted.  At Browney’s, they had peeled off the covering on the front of the building to reveal wood-grained aluminum siding that was very impressive.  The parking lot was almost full and things were in full swing.  We took a bouquet of flowers and the staff insisted on having us pose for a photo with the son and a manager.  There was a row of baskets from well-wishers along the office wall.  Next time I’ll remember to take a few pics.

Today’s photo is a little bush that produces two different colors of flowers.  When Daku was a puppy he couldn’t get enough of the scent.  Now the flowers are higher and he’s lost interest.

Have a Great Week.

                    Peace,

                              Danny

“Love is wanting others to be happy.”

~The Dalai Lama

Gettin' Funky, Thai Style 

www.flickr.com/photos/gratidudepics

www.lisamosesgallery.com

Friday Funnies

Hi,

The weather in Chiang Rai was decidedly different today.  It was overcast and cool, compared to earlier this week.  We left the comfy confines of the house and ventured out into the world.

The ‘Zany Day’ tune was “School Boy Crush” by Average White Band.  ‘Old School Friday is by a group who draws it’s name from a breed of dogs.  “__ __, well, it’s time to go.  __ __, well it’s time to go.  I hate to leave you but I really must say, __ __, __.  Well, it’s three o’clock in the morning, baby, I just can’t treat you right.  Well, I hate to leave you baby, don’t mean maybe because I love you so.  __ __, well, it’s time to go….”  Clue:  The two word title is a way of bidding farewell.

The U.S. Consul was in Chiang Rai this morning, at Le Meridien Resort.  We were there at 8:30am to handle a passport renewal.  When we arrived there were already 8 people ahead of us.  After almost an hour, the business was handled in a few minutes and Lisa's new passport will be ready in 2 to 3 weeks.  That will require a trip to Chiang Mai, but we plan to be there around that time anyway.  The people from the Consulate are very friendly and efficient.  That always makes things like this bearable.

Our next stop was Makro, which was rather calm for a Friday morning.  We may have missed the early rush.  The real excitement happened after we left Makro.  We had noticed that there were cars in the lot at Browney’s Pet World so we decided to stop and see if they were open.  The official opening will be Monday morning, but they let us come in and shop.  The place is huge inside.  I have never been in a pet store with so much inventory.  We started looking around in the ‘treat’ section and a young man who spoke a little English helped us deal with labels that were all in Thai.  When we found what we wanted, he got a basket and carried it around for us.  We had a conversation with the owner and complimented him on his new store.  When the interior is ready, I’ll take pics so you can see what all the fuss is about.

This afternoon we went to the organic farmers market near out house.  It only happens on Friday’s.  We got some really fresh vegetables and some delicious pineapple.  When Lisa spoke to the women vendors in Thai they were quite taken by it.  This was a clear sign to us that they haven’t had a lot of interaction with Thai-speaking foreigners.  It was fun watching their reactions.  

Today’s photos from the yard are both colorful reds in their own way.  The bougainvillea bush is one of several growing in both yards.  This one is really full right now.  The Ginger plants grow by the waterfall area and seem to enjoy their spot a lot.

Tomorrow evening we’re having guests for dinner, which hasn’t happened in a long time.  We’re having a combined turkey dinner with Stephan and Claire.  It should be a lot of fun and a lot of food.  

Have a Wonderful WeekEnd.        Time for the ‘Funnies’.

                 Peace,

                           Danny 

Gettin' Funky, Thai Style 

www.flickr.com/photos/gratidudepics

www.lisamosesgallery.com

Rise

Hi,

Today was another beautiful day spent behind the walls of The Big Brown House.  

Well, a few of you knew the ‘Zany Day’ song right away.  This crucial line in the chorus may help you out.

“Whenever I try to think of what it feels like, to feel it for the first time, and was it really such a thrill.  She said, ‘Look boy, but don’t you touch, and that ain’t much.  It’s only a __ __ __’”.   Hint:  The singer is clearly trying to make first contact with the object of his desire.

While we were out with the dogs this morning, we surveyed the yard for a possible location for a solar device to heat the pool.  It will need sun for whole day and that can get tricky, given the amount of foliage we have.  We have to look at how the sun hits the yard at different times during the day before we commit to a location.  It all starts with a dream.

The big event of the day was the installation of a new water system in the kitchen.  We got a Kangen Water System from the distributor in Bangkok and the family drove all the way to Chiang Rai to set it up and train us in its use.  The father and daughter team did most of the work, while the mother and aunt provided support.  The daughter, Sine, went to school in San Jose and speaks English very well.  Another member of the ’team’ that we didn’t expect was ‘Big’, who owns the local health food store with his wife.  They have the same unit we bought and he came to watch the installation and help out.  We are now able to have various levels of alkalinity in our drinking water and also acidic water for cleaning.  There is another level that has antiseptic properties.  The alkaline water is very beneficial for the body and we will all be drinking it. 

Cat returned from a hot day at the camp, where she gave the same talk on voluntary service to eight different groups of kids.  They also played games and painted faces.  When we asked her what she was going to do this evening she said, “Take a shower and go to bed”.  A day in the sun will do that to you.

Photos from the yard today are of two of the brilliant hibiscus that we have.  There are also deep reds in addition to the colors shown.

Apparently the music from across the river is continuing for the rest of the week.  Last night I heard one band that played a very unique tune both rhythmically and melodically.  I grabbed my phone and ran to the window to try and record a bit, but it ended just as I got there.  There have been many times when I have heard something special, and then it’s gone.  There is a lesson in there, something to do with the impermanence of everything.  Hmm.

Baby elephant is progressing nicely.  One side is almost done and it’s magical.  Now we’re researching the best way to coat the entire work when it’s done, to protect it from touching as well as the elements.  He won’t be bathing in the river, but he may end up outside on display at some point.  

Have a Thrilling Thursday.

                  Peace,

                            Danny

“We rise by lifting others.”

~Robert Ingersoll

Gettin' Funky, Thai Style 

www.flickr.com/photos/gratidudepics

www.lisamosesgallery.com

Dance

Hi,

The weather is almost the same, except now the nights are warming up a bit.  Today I actually wore shorts in the afternoon.  For the first time in a long time we didn’t leave The Big Brown House all day.  

It turns out ‘Easy Monday’ wasn’t a bust after all.  The song was “Handyman” originally sung by Jimmy Jones and made famous by James Taylor.  Now you know.  ‘Zany Day’ takes us to the world of Scottish Funk.  You know it.

“Meet me in the playground at a quarter to four, wait till everybody’s long gone.  There must be so many things that we can explore, maybe I can walk you home.  If it starts to rain, we can take some shelter.  I’d like to hold your little hand.  My heart is spinning like a helter-skelter.  We’ll get to know each other if we can.  She said, ‘Hey, wait a minute, hold on.’  She said, ‘Hey, just a little bit, hold on.’….  Hint:  Sounds like he has an after school special in mind.  Title is in three words.

Wednesday mornings the pool guy, Na, comes and cleans the pool, waterfall, and checks everything out.  Today he went above and beyond by getting into the cold water to survey the cracks from the last earthquake and fill them with some tricky glue stuff.  While he was working I discussed the concepts of solar heating for the pool with Johan, our pool expert.  There may be warm water in our future.  Johan has built an experimental unit to ‘test the waters’ for his pool and the outlook is good.  Maybe by the next cold season we can be swimming.   

Lisa spent most of the day dividing her time between the elephant and the kitchen.  The painting is going great. The little guy has become quite a canvas for our resident artist.  I wont give anything away, but the detail is amazing.  In the kitchen, Lisa has been preparing things like pear sauce, banana cake (just banana and eggs), and coconut shakes to help me with my healing diet.  I’m getting used to eating super clean, healthy food but I must say, I miss some of my favorite Thai dishes.  Today’s special was a shake made with coconut milk, banana, and cocoa.  So good.

Cat had the day off, but worked all day on a school project.  Her class is involved with the preparations for a ‘camp’ for the 10th graders.  I’m not sure exactly what they’re doing, but Cat will give a talk about the importance of volunteering; something she knows a lot about.  Her friend Oum (pronounced ‘Ooom’) will pick her up at 6:30am to go to school tomorrow.  They will visit the camp, in Mae Chan, but not stay for the three nights.  She was very happy she didn’t have to camp out.

Today’s ‘Photos from the Yard’ features our Bird of Paradise plants.  We have several of these plants that have grown quite large since we first planted them.  They really add to the tropical vibe of the yard.

It’s time for Wacky Wednesday.

                    Peace,

                              Danny

“If you stumble,

make it part of the dance.”

~Unknown

Gettin' Funky, Thai Style 

www.flickr.com/photos/gratidudepics

www.lisamosesgallery.com

Lead

Hi,

Chiang Rai is having moderate temperatures these days, due to the thin clouds that hover above.  Today was in the low 70s.  

It’s looking like ‘Easy Monday’ may be a bust.  I guess too much football can dull the memory (555).  I did get one correct answer so I know more of you may get it.  “I’m not the kind to use a pencil or rule, I’m handy with love and I’m no fool.  I fix broken hearts, I know that I truly can.  If your broken heart should need repair, then I’m the man to see.  I whisper sweet things, you tell all your friends, they’ll come running to me…”  Hint:  If some of the lyrics seem different than the version you know, it’s because these are the original words.  The title is someone who obviously does repairs, of a sort.  Hmm.

Last night I thought the music from the river was over, but just after I wrote to you, they started up again.  Blue and I are still very curious as to how many people are there and how many are actually standing in front of the bands.  It will remain a mystery unless someone goes and reports back to us.  We did hear that the festivities at the old airport were great and that we should have gone.  Oh well, maybe next year. 

Apparently, when the young man was setting up my computer, he missed something in the language set-up.  Most of my new laptop is in English, but the utility for migrating from the old machine to the new is in Thai.  Imagine my surprise when it opened the program and told me to click ‘continue’, only to be stopped because what followed was all in Thai. So, this morning, after a brief stop at Big C, we went back to the mall to the Apple Store.   They worked on it, called tech support, but it’s still in Thai.  I think I have a couple of ways to work around it.  Just one of those things that makes living in another country ‘interesting’.  

Today’s photo from our yard shows ‘Twin Orchids’ that are blooming outside of Boot’s door in the rear of the house.  

One of the benefits of buying fresh food from the same vendor is the knowledge that they share.  For instance, the fruit lady will tell us when a season changes.  She had some Dragon Fruit but it was the ‘White’ kind, which is not as sweet as the ‘Pink’.  She told us that the pink would not be out for another month.  Hmm.  The same holds true with some of the vegetables.  Slowly, we’re learning these ‘other seasons’ that locals seem to grow up knowing.  Life here is always presenting something new to know or learn.  We also see something new and/or different almost every day.  Today Blue and I saw two people on a motorbike, with a Husky sitting on the floorboard.  His head was sticking out on one side and his tail was waving on the other.  Amazing.

Have a Happy Tuesday.

                   Peace,

                             Danny

“To lead people,

walk behind them.”

~Lao Tzu

Gettin' Funky, Thai Style 

www.flickr.com/photos/gratidudepics

www.lisamosesgallery.com

Worry

Hi,

The weekend was rather quiet at The Big Brown House.  Between elephant painting and new computers, we were totally engrossed.  It was not quiet across the river.  I’m hoping Sunday night was the end of it.

The ‘Old School Friday’ song was “I Only Have Eyes For You”, by The Flamingos.  Time for some ‘Easy Monday’.

“Hey girls, gather ‘round, listen to what I’m putting down.  Hey babe, I’m your __ __.”  Hint: We’ve played with this song before and you knew it.  I expect a full inbox.  Extra Cool Points if you can name the original artist.  This is where it gets fun (555).

The weather has been a little cooler than earlier in the week.  A thin cloud cover has kept the temps down, so we’re having warm days and cool nights.  I basically judge the changes in the weather by how much I need to wear when going outside with Daku at 6:15am.  Today was the warmest yet, just a thermal top and a thin jacket. That’s progress.  Before long I’ll be stepping out in a T-shirt and shorts.  

Warmer weather means thoughts of swimming, in a warmish pool.  This week the cracks are to be filled, which will keep the water level consistent, which will stabilize the salt content and make the water ‘better’.  Then it’s up to the sun to do the rest.  There is a new shop near the highway that is selling solar panels and I’m wondering if they have any knowledge about pool heating.  That would really change things around here.  

After much deliberation, we decided to part with our old refrigerator.  The doors have a wood-grain look that is part of the reason we bought it 6 years ago.  How do you get rid of such a cool ‘thing’?  Well, by realizing that the new one is big enough, that it would have to sit outside, and it has served its purpose.  Today an ad was placed and within an hour there was a response.  We sold it to a friend of ours, which makes it even sweeter.  Now we know that it will go to a loving home.  She fell for the doors as well.  

This weekend we could have just vegged out on sports, but thanks to the wonders of modern technology, I recorded the finals of the Australian Open, and the Super Bowl so we can watch when we want, and slowly fall asleep.  The Super Bowl aired live this morning (Monday) which still cracks me up.  We were talking to my mom and watching it together, in the background.  Even though we know the outcome of most events, it’s still fun to watch the actual playing of the game, whatever it is.  And remember when it was just a game?

With all the flowers doing their thing in Thailand right now, this week’s photos will have a theme:  ‘Flower Week’ around our yard.  Today the focus is on our Bohinia tree.  The second photo is a close-up of the flower.

While shopping at Healthy Market for vegetables over the weekend, it struck me that the whole thing is like a village.  All of the vendors spend their whole day in this indoor market selling variations on the same thing.  They trade, borrow, barter, and cooperate with one another.  It’s a community that is surviving in part, on the good will of neighbors.  Hmm, what a concept.

Have a Great Week.

                    Peace,

                              Danny

“Worrying about the future is like

trying to eat a hole in a doughnut.

It’s munching on what isn’t.”

~Barry Neil Kaufman 

Gettin' Funky, Thai Style 

www.flickr.com/photos/gratidudepics

www.lisamosesgallery.com

Friday Funnies

Hi,

Well, it was hotter than yesterday, but still quite pleasant.  There’s a beauty pageant at the mall and another new addition to the house.  Read on.

Our ‘Zany Day’ song this week was “The Leader of the Pack” by The Shangri-Las.  It’s time for ‘Old School Friday’.  This week it’s a ‘recycled tune’, so maybe more of you will know it.  “My love must be a kind of blind love.  I can’t see anyone but you.  Are the stars out tonight?  I don’t know if it’s cloudy or bright.  __ __ __ __ __ __, dear.  The moon may be high, but I can’t see a thing in the sky, __ __ __ __ __ __.”  Hint:  Group named after a big pink bird, and they’re singing about a vision impairment.

This morning we went to Art Bridge, where we learned that they are building an art supply store in an unused part of the building.  They will feature paints from all over Thailand, plus other supplies, at reduced prices.  This is an incredible idea for the artist community.  

Our trip to our internet provider was interesting.  Every year we pay for the entire year, to avoid having to deal with monthly payments.  When you pay for one year you get one month free.  This means that each year it’s due at a different time.  Today, with Cat’s help, we asked about getting faster service.  After looking on Google Earth to determine exactly where our house is, they told us that there aren’t enough customers in our area to warrant changing whatever it is they change.  So, we’re still on the ‘outskirts’ of town.  Eventually the town will reach us and then we can get big city internet.  It’s still not that bad, but knowing there’s faster makes me want it (555).

I got a call from iBeat (our Apple Store) telling me that the laptop I ordered had arrived.  I wasn’t expecting it for a week.  This afternoon we went to Central Plaza to pick it up.  While they were helping Lisa transfer some photos on her machine, I went outside and saw a large stage set-up.  At the rear of the stage I discovered the purpose:  The Miss Bangkok Air beauty pageant.  Two days ago Lisa had seen a long procession of tall, beautiful young women walking through the mall and wondered what it was about.  They were contestants in the pageant.  In one of the parking lots of the mall another stage was being erected for a big musical show.  I guess one could say Chiang Rai knows how to party.  While all this is going on, there are still festivities at the old airport, and the music just started across the river.  Hmm, it’s a busy little place.

Today’s photo was taken by Lisa this morning while we were exercising the dogs.  It’s a view of our front yard, looking toward the street.  It’s so easy to stay at home.

This weekend we will be in learning mode.  Between transferring files and photos, and learning new system quirks, I think we’ll be pretty busy.  

Have a Wonderful WeekEnd.          Time for the ‘Funnies’.

                Peace,

                          Danny

Gettin' Funky, Thai Style 

www.flickr.com/photos/gratidudepics

www.lisamosesgallery.com