Try

Hi,

We had another hot, rainless weekend here in Chiang Rai.  In between various activities we watched the finals of the French Open and the Canadian Gran Prix.  So glad we can record these things and not have to stay up late to watch then ‘live’.  The forecasts are now calling for thunderstorms ‘in the area’, which could mean anything and nothing.  Hmm.

The ‘Old School Friday’ song was “Riot in Cell Block #9” original hit by The Robins.  The lyrics I gave you were from the Blues Bros. version, but you didn’t know the song anyway.  Lisa and Cousin Trudye knew it.  ‘Easy Monday’ is next, and I think it should be a snap.  “__ __ __ __, every move you make, every bond you break, every step you take I’ll be watching you.”   Hint:  The cops are watching. 

Our Saturday excursion to Boon Rawd Farm was very enjoyable.  It’s been months since we were there last, and we noticed changes.  There is a new lake, and new construction underway.  They also added a bunch of new speed-bumps on the main road.  This would not be a problem if they had painted them like the existing ones.  In keeping with the wild animal theme, the old bumps have either zebra stripes or giraffe patterns, so you can see them.  The new ones are basically invisible until your vehicle is launched.  Most uncomfortable for the back seat passenger.  We met a few new people at lunch and had fun talking with our friends.  The view was spectacular since all the fields were green from the rain.  The heat was oppressive but we spent most of the time in an air/con dining room.  When the room became too cold, we decided it was best to leave.  When the weather gets a little cooler we’ll have to go back to the ‘farm’ and do it again.

Sunday morning we went to Big C a little later than usual and paid the price.  Oh, the humanity.  

In the afternoon our new friends Anthony and Amelia came over.  Anthony is a Ph.D. candidate studying the Buddhist temple building practices and traditions.  Amelia is an artist and is teaching art at the International School.  They brought some snacks and Blue joined us at the table for conversation and munching.  Then the four of us got in the pool and talked for about an hour.  We shared observations about life in Chiang Rai and learned a lot about the temple building system.  Many artists and craftsmen go to technical school and study very specific subjects dealing with traditional Buddhist art and temple making.  We learned that there is a company devoted to building giant statues like the one up the road from us.  Some temple construction is based on donations, which means that it could take a long time for their completion.  Anthony told us of a temple that took 17 years to finish.  We hope to spend more time with them in the future.

Today we were invited to the property owned by the family connected with Doi Chaang Coffee.  Khun Noot and her daughter Kwan showed us the progress they have made on their amazing coffee shop/restaurant/library.  They have more trees than before, due in part to a friend of the family who brings a new tree every week.  There are almost 300 different trees on the land.  One of the most exciting things to see was the new water feature, shown below.

Have a Great Week.

              Peace,

                        Danny

“Fear of failure must never be

the reason not to try something.”

~Frederick Smith

Gettin' Funky, Thai Style 

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Friday Funnies

Hi,

Today we got tricked by the weather.  We know that every afternoon it gets dark and cloudy.  We had a chance to swim, but the thunder and clouds gave us the impression that the rain was coming soon.  It never came and we missed a swim.  Next time we’ll wait for the water to fall from the sky.

The ‘Zany Day’ song that stumped most of you was “Ballad of A Thin Man”, by Bob Dylan.  For ‘Old School Friday’ 

I bring you an oldie that is similar to an event that recently happened in Los Angeles.  If you read the news then there’s your first clue.  “It was December the sixth, 1983.  I was doin’ time for armed robbery.  At four in the morning, I was sitting in my cell, I heard a whistle blow, and I heard somebody yell: ‘There’s a __ __ __, there’s a __ __ __, there’s a __ __ __ up in __ __ __ __.”  Hint: Lots to artists to choose from on this one.  ‘Cool Points’ if you know the 1954 group that had a #1 R&B hit.  Has to do with chaos in jail.   

This morning Blue and I went ‘adventuring’.  We started with a drive to Ban Du, the community north of Chiang Rai, where the main Post Office for our zip code is located.  We both had business to conduct, in different areas.  Blue got to take a number, I had to sit and wait for the counter guys to get to my notice.  I was at the package retrieval counter, where you put your notification in a window and wait.  Behind the counter there are piles of things that are apparently sorted, but that’s where it ends.  Meanwhile, Blue was waiting for his number to be called.  After showing both my I.D. and Lisa’s passport copy, I got our package.  That was when Blue’s number got called.  The whole thing was about 10 minutes.  Not bad when you consider that this is the main P.O. for a large area.

At the Healthy Market it was mostly fruit and fish in our bags when we left.  We noticed a lot of remodeling going on with some of the stalls.  It would be interesting to know who actually owns the square block of property and how often they upgrade things.  I know that each stall pays rent, but that’s about it.  

Today’s photo was taken at the Healthy Market.  This ‘Rice Lady’ can tell you the origin of each of the tubs of rice.  This is a far cry from going to the store and buying a box or bag of rice.  Take your pick.

This evening we went to two events.  First there was an opening at Art Bridge.  We got there early in order to get a good parking space, and then we hung out in the restaurant during the ‘Conversations’ portion.  It was all in Thai so we wouldn’t have understood anyway.  Cat joined us after her dance rehearsal and the four of us sat at a table that allowed us to meet lots of friends as they passed by.  The exhibit was for two artists exploring the concept of ‘Emptiness & Wisdom’.  It turned out to be a very deep, Zen filled evening when discussing the work with the creators.  During the course of the evening we also learned that the little elephants are in Bangkok and tomorrow they will be featured at Central World.  Some of the Art Bridge artists are driving down tonight (12 hours) for the opening event, and some media interviews.  

The second event we attended was a farewell night at NorThai.  They are closing their doors and invited us to come by and visit one last time.  We had a chance to talk to the couple who founded it and visit with friends of NorThai.  Life goes on. 

We have a ‘packed’ weekend coming up.  Tomorrow we’re going to Boon Rawd Farm for a birthday/baby shower luncheon, and Sunday we’re having guests over in the afternoon.  There is also the finals of the French Open and the Canadian Formula One Gran Prix.  

Have a Wonderful WeekEnd.   On with the ‘Funnies’.

                Peace,

                          Danny

Gettin' Funky, Thai Style 

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Respect

Hi,

Weather wise, we had a day that brought it all.  It began with hot sun beating down on us, and by afternoon it was storming.  Daku had fun walking through the puddles later.

At least 2 readers recognized this week’s ‘Zany Day’ song.  The artist has the initials B.D. aka R.Z.  Remember?

“You raise up your head and you ask, ‘Is this where it is?’  And somebody points to you and says, ‘It’s his’, and you say ‘What’s mine?’ and somebody else says, ‘Well, what is?’ and you say, ‘Oh my God, am I here all alone?’  But something is happening and you don’t know what it is, do you, Mr. Jones?”  Clue:  The title makes reference to a slender physique.

Before we went to Makro this morning, we stopped by the Talat to pick up our new bedspread.  While we were waiting I noticed a large truck full of coconuts.  It was being unloaded by hand, as you can see in today’s photo.

After our return from Makro, Boot’s boyfriend Rudi paid me a visit.  I hadn’t seen him since they came and got BamBam.  Boot and BamBam are doing well and BamBam is happy with her new yard.  Rudi and I talked about lots of things, catching up on the growth of the town, motorcycles, and life in general.  He also asked if we’d need a ride to the airport when we go to America.  That was something I was going to ask him, since he’s done it many times in the past.  It’s nice to have friends like that.

Our handyman guy, Khun Nung came over and fixed a screen for us.  When he had finished, we offered him 200 Baht.  He told us that he would be happy with 100 Baht.  It’s always a guess with him since he usually says, “Up to you”.  

There is an interesting relationship between Thai schools and private enterprise.  Two days this week, Cat’s class is having special presentations on how to study for the ‘placement’ exams that all the students have to take at the end of the year.  These ‘classes’ are being conducted by a company that is one of many tutoring centers in town.  Last year a different outfit did the same thing.  I just shake my head, because it is an obvious ploy to get the students to sign up.  The school is also offering instruction on Saturdays so we’re hoping that will be enough.  As it has been noted before, it’s just different here.

The storm that I mentioned arrived right at the time we were going to go for a swim.  Oh well, there’s always tomorrow.

Have a Thrilling Thursday.

                   Peace,

                             Danny

“He who wants a rose

must respect the thorn.”

~Persian Proverb

Gettin' Funky, Thai Style 

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Magic

Hi,

Today the weather folks got it right, even if they were a few hours late in predicting rain.  We had a nice downpour this afternoon, complete with thunder and lightning.  Just enough to soak the yard and put out a rubbish fire by the river.  

The ‘Easy Monday’ song was “Respect”, written and recorded by Otis Redding in 1965, and Aretha Franklin in 1967.  Now you know.  There’s more to the history of the song, but if you want to know, ask Mr. Google (555).

It’s that ‘Zany Day’ time of the week.  “You walk into the room, with your pencil in your hand.  You see somebody naked and you say, ‘Who is that man?’  You try so hard, but you don’t understand, just what you will say when you get home.  Because something is happening here, but you don’t know what it is, do you, Mr. Jones?”  Hint:  I seriously don’t have a hint, except that the title is not a part of the lyrics.  

While shopping at Big C today, one of the items in our cart didn’t have a ‘bar code’.  This is an absolute necessity when shopping at any of the big stores.  It is usually either something from the produce section, or the meat department.  The item was a piece of fish, and there are two ways to deal with it.  You either set it aside and forget about it, or you run back to the department and have them weigh it and put on a bar code (price tag).  Lisa decided to make a run for it, hoping to be back before the checker finished with our basket.  A member of the store staff intercepted her and took care of it.  At Big C, the distance from check out to produce and meat is not that far.  At Makro, it’s a long haul and can leave one winded by the time you return.  The checkers don’t have to remember the current price of goods, no ‘book’ to refer to, they just scan the bar.  No bar, no sale. 

 As we were leaving Big C, a little Mercedes-Benz sports car pulled in next to us.  They raised the top before getting out and we watched while we loaded the van.  As the driver got out, Blue said, ‘Nice car’, and a very large man with a big smile began a whole conversation with us.  You know, ‘Where are you from’ and all that.  He was from ‘Oz’ (Australia) and seemed lonely for conversation that didn’t require translation.  Little did he know that a little translation might have been required had we met him a few years ago, before learning to understand ‘Oz’ talk (555).  He told us about spending time in America, in Illinois and blah, blah.  As he was leaving he turned and ran back to say, ‘I miss me biscuits.’  We cracked up and Blue told him they had some on sale in the store.  That led us right into a conversation about how it must be very difficult for some people when they move to a foreign country and have no one to talk to in their native tongue.  Grateful.

The photo for today was taken at Browney’s Pet World.  These are the pet carriers I told you about.  If you have a tiny dog that likes to ‘style’, these are just the thing.  My reflection does not constitute a selfie (5).

Time for Wacky Wednesday.

                Peace,

                          Danny

“Love can sometimes be magic.

But magic can sometimes…

just be an illusion.”

~Javan

Gettin' Funky, Thai Style 

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Laughter

Hi,

The day began with clear sky and intense heat.  Then the clouds came.  Later the thunder ripped across the sky, but the rain never came.  Oh well, we had just watered anyway (555).

‘Easy Monday’ has produced a lot of email, so far.  It’s nice to see your preferences on the ‘versions’.  

“Do me wrong, honey, if you want to.  You can do me wrong honey, while I’m gone.  All I’m asking is for a little __ when I come home, ooh, yeah now.  Hey hey hey, yeah now.”  Clue:  One version is by a man, the other by a woman.  Extra ‘Cool Points’ if you know the author and original artist. 

This morning we were just about to take Daku out for his morning play when the gate opened.  It was a friend of Natcha’s who came to spend her birthday with her.  Around lunch time Natcha’s niece came over and the three of them went to the movies.  

The bedspread that Lisa made turned out to be wonderful to look at, but not so pleasant for lounging.  Today we returned to the Talat in search of a more ‘people friendly’ fabric.  We went to the fabric guy and he had just what we were looking for.  When Lisa asked if he knew anyone who could make the spread for us, he knew a woman right there in the market.  First, he converted the dimensions from inches to centimeters and then had one of his staff take us to the seamstress.  After explaining the direction for the pattern, we asked her how long it would take.  We pick it up tomorrow afternoon.  It will cost about $3.00 US.  Amazing.

We have moved into ‘Pre-America’ mode since it’s just 3 weeks until we leave.  This is the time when we begin making lists, counting vitamins and ordering what we’ll bring back, and generally hoping we don’t miss anything.  In a few weeks we’ll start checking the extended weather laughs so we can plan our clothing needs.  I still remember the Summer Visit that turned out to feel like winter and we were unprepared.  I’m putting in an order for warm and sunny just in case.  The last time we were there, we didn’t get to the beach.  This time it’s on a list (555).

After dinner we surprised Natcha with a cake and a few gifts.  She and Gong went out to dinner with her friends and invited Cat to go with them.  It was a good evening.

Today’s photo was taken in our back yard.  We have two banana trees near the rear wall and another on the side.  This tree is heavy with a new bunch of fruit so the yard crew improvised a way to prop it up.  We had saved this old tree part because it had character.  It also has function.

Have a Happy Tuesday.

                Peace,

                          Danny

“Laughter is a tranquillizer 

with no side effects.”

~Arnold H. Glasgow

Gettin' Funky, Thai Style 

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Live

Hi,

As you probably guessed, we had a hot weekend.  A brief Saturday storm helped with the dryness, but we’d still like a little more rain.  It seems like there’s either too much or too little, depending on where you look.  Hmm.

The ‘Old School Friday’ song was “Louie, Louie” by Richard Berry and The Pharaohs.  Here’s a link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z-2CKsaq5r8  Time for some ‘Easy Monday’.   There were two outstanding recordings of this song. You tell me which artist you liked best.  "What you want, honey, I got it.  And what you need, baby, you’ve got it.  All I’m askin’, is for a little __ when I come home, hey now.  Hey, hey, hey, yeah now.  

Hint: It’s something that has to be earned, and in this case, it’s not money.

Saturday was a big day for Gong and Natcha.  They got engaged.  We were going to go to the party but the time changed and it wasn’t possible.  Just as they were about to leave, it began to rain so I volunteered to take them.  I felt like I was taking some kids to a dance or something.  As we crossed the bridge the rain got very heavy for a few minutes.  

This weekend I had a little ‘tech scare’ when the almighty Google told me I couldn’t access my mail because they suspected ‘suspicious activity’.  What?  I kept getting caught in a loop, trying to put in my password in order to get a ‘verification code’ via SMS, that never arrived.  I finally found a link that let me bypass the code business and put in a new password.  That was when it all became clear: I have a new phone number and they have the old one.  The lesson:  Always update any phone changes before you get locked out.  I think what irritated me the most was how all-encompassing the control has become.  So, the more they own, the more they control.  Who remembers H.A.L.?  I’m like ‘Open the pod door H.A.L.’ and he’s like, ‘Sorry Danny, I’m not going to be able to do that.’  He’s back.  Actually, he never went away.  (555)

The French Open was our primary entertainment over the weekend.  The broadcast from Paris starts at 4pm and goes until 1am.  I record it so we can watch the matches of our favorites, pause when we want, blah blah blah.  Hopefully, there won’t be any timing conflicts with the Formula One race from Canada next weekend.  If we were into ‘football’ we’d really be going crazy.

Sunday evening we went on a little adventure.  We picked Cat up from her dance rehearsal and went to The Bistro Cafe at the Condotel.  It’s been a long time since we went out to dinner.  Roast chicken and potatoes were a pretty safe bet and dinner was very tasty.  We took along a couple of spices we like just to add some flavor.  Cat had Thai food and we were all smiles.  After dinner our server asked if we’d like some ice-cream.  Cat ended up having Durian ice-cream.  She knows we don’t want the fruit in the house due to the smell.  The dessert smells just as bad.  Cat enjoyed her little cup of Durian and we all had a good laugh about it.  We also discussed how some tastes are acquired at an early age, and how some things are a part of one’s culture and are deemed acceptable, while other things are not.  She enjoys the occasional insect or two, while it’s the last thing we would consider eating.  Welcome to Thailand.

This morning we had a ‘family trip’ to Big C.  In addition to the usual, Lisa and Cat picked out a couple of birthday gifts for Natcha, who will be 24 tomorrow.  We also ordered a cake from Grace’s Bakery.  As I recall (sob) they make some really good cakes.

Today’s photo is a beautiful young Rain Tree that lives near us.  These trees stay very small for a few years while their root system goes deep.  Then they grow to be some of the biggest trees we see in Northern Thailand.  Chiang Rai has lots of them and it’s always a pleasure to be in their presence.

Have a Great Week.

               Peace,

                         Danny

“Don’t let the shadows of yesterday

spoil the sunshine of tomorrow.

Live for today.”

~Nandina Morris

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Friday Funnies

Hi,

It was another one of those hot days in Chiang Rai.  You know, the ones where the temp is 85F but feels like 109F.  We don’t pay any attention anymore (555).

The ‘Zany Day’ song was “A Horse With No Name” by America.  ‘Old School Friday’ is one I’m sure you know:

“Fine little girl, she waits for me.  Me catch the ship for cross the sea.  Me sail the ship, all alone. Me never think me make it home.  __ __, oh, oh, me gotta go. __ __, oh, oh, me gotta go.”  Hint: This is an ‘Easy Friday’ song for sure.  This was an early Afro/Calypso groove in it’s original form.  Notice: Only the original artist will be tolerated as an answer (555).  Rant over.

There is one parking place at Makro that we consider the best spot on the lot.  It’s right by the front door, in the shade.  Today we got the spot.  It’s the little things sometimes (555).  Makro has very tall storage shelves on each aisle, similar to Costco or Home Depot.  We usually don’t think about it.  Today we wanted something on an aisle where they were putting a few palletes on the top shelves.  The guy operating the electric forklift looked like he was having a ball.  Then it hit me, the realization of just how high all those boxes were.  We continued shopping, but way in the back of my mind is the exit plan in case of an earthquake.  Hmm.

When we arrived at the Healthy Market, there was a young woman from Germany trying to find out about some fruit.  Lisa helped her communicate with the owner.  Whenever we encounter someone traveling, we end up wondering if they’re alone, with a group, passing through or staying to teach.  So many nosey questions that go unanswered.  With fruit in hand, it was off to the Friday Farmer’s market where we found the elusive bok choy.  

Today’s photo was taken at the Healthy Market.  I don’t eat these, but I thought you’d like to see a big chilly from Chiang Rai (555).

During our swim there was clear sky above us, but clouds and thunder to the southwest.  The wind came up and we just knew we’d be getting rain.  The wind blew it all away and we completed our laps.  Getting out of the water when there is a breeze can trick you into thinking it’s not really as hot as it is.  Once dry, one realizes it’s still hot.  

Tomorrow Natcha and Gong will ‘get engaged’.  We don’t know much about this, but we’re pretty sure it’s an Akha ceremony.  It will be held at the home of a friend, we think.  We’re going to go and witness this and hopefully take some photos.  She is very excited about it and this evening she and Cat baked a little chocolate cake for the event.  

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

             Peace,

                       Danny

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