Drive

Hi,

I’m happy to report that it may be warming up a tiny bit.  Cold mornings into hot days requires careful dressing (555).

The ‘Easy Monday’ song was “Sherry” by The Four Seasons.  Let’s get to the ‘Zany Day’ song and see what happens.

“One day while I was eating beans at __ __ __, just sittin’ diggin’ all the scene at __ __ __, a chick came walkin’ through the door that I had never seen before, at least I’d never seen her down at __ __ __.  And I started shakin’ when she sat right down next to me.”  Hint:  The title is the name of a place where food is served.  It’s also the name of a hit musical based on many the songs this group sang.

One of the surprises we got on our return to Chiang Rai was a new set of lights on our bridge.  This may sound like a small thing, but when you’re traveling over a bridge at night, it’s nice to have a bright, clear view of things.  Even though it’s a short bridge, the lane closest to the center was a little dim.  Sometimes motorbikes don’t have taillights and you don’t see them until you’re very close.  The new side of the bridge has new, fancy lights and the old side has plain lights with a pinkish glow.  I vote for having the same lights on both sides.  Hmm, who listens to me?

Daku is not only a talented, interesting dog (555), but he’s also deep.  For most of his life he has been into meditation.  At first we thought it was a random action, but over the years it has been a very deliberate action.  Here’s a photo of a typical session where he might go for 10 to 15 minutes without moving.

We are still having a problem with ticks even though we’ve changed spray services and tried numerous non-poisonous sprays on the dog.  Tomorrow they will spray the yard again, hopefully with something more powerful.  We thought the ticks would leave when the cold weather came but they’re still here.  Part of life in the country I guess.

Time to check in on day 3 of tennis from Australia.  

 

Feels like a Wacky Wednesday

               Peace,

                         Danny

“Darkness cannot drive out darkness;

only light can do that.

Hate cannot drive out hate; 

only love can do that.”

~Martin Luther King, Jr.

Dreams

Hi,

We had a little break in the weather today.  That is, if you consider wearing two shirts and a jacket a warming trend.  The morning was chilly, but didn’t have that ‘face biting’ chill and the afternoon was sunny and warm (one shirt).  

A few readers recognized the ‘Easy Monday’ song.  I’m sure today’s hints will help your focus.  It’s a fun song.

“(Why don’t you come out) With your red dress on, (come out) Mmm, you look so fine.  (Come out) Move it nice and easy.  Girl, you make me lose my mind.  __, __ baby.  __, __ baby….”  Hint:  Four guys from Jersey, their story took them all the way to Broadway.  Group name relates to summer, fall, winter, etc.  What are those?

This morning, after a trip to The Healthy Market, we stopped by Doi Chaang Coffee.  It was a bold trip to see if they had any pie.  While they were packaging my purchase for ‘take away’, one of the waitresses said hello to Lisa by name.  She had looked at her gallery on Facebook at the recommendation of her art teacher.  She had been studying in Chiang Mai, and had also been to the latest exhibit at Art Bridge.  This was all a surprise for our artist in residence.  

At the Talat (market place) we walked down one aisle that had tons of red and gold decorations for Chinese New Year.  When we got home I looked up the date and it falls on February 8 this year.  One can’t start too early preparing for the celebrations.  Thailand has a very deep Thai/Chinese population that goes back to the late 40s, not to mention immigrants who have been here for generations, maintaining old country traditions.  It is very apparent in the North so we’ve become used to it.  It makes for more celebrations and cultural variations and that makes life interesting. 

Natcha has started her maternity leave, but can’t seem to stay out of the kitchen.  Her sister is handling the house work and is supposed to be doing the cooking, but Natcha is there giving tips, helping cook and ‘watching’.  We think she gets bored in her apartment.  It’s nice having them in the house.  There is the feeling of a big family, which is what they are used to anyway.  Daku also loves having them around.

Today’s photo shows you the setting for the mini-exhibit of Lisa’s work on display at Chivit Tamma Da coffee house.

Thankfully, we seem to be out of the grip of Mr. Lag.  We no longer have uncontrollable urges to sleep at inappropriate times, and no more waking up at 5am, ready to start the day.  Whew.

Have a Happy Tuesday.

               Peace,

                         Danny

“No person has the right to 

rain on your dreams.”

~Martin Luther King, Jr.

Walk

Hi,

It would appear that the cold air in California followed us to Thailand.  This morning, while we were out with Daku, it was 48F.  That’s just wrong.  We did get a forecast from Accuweather over the weekend that we would have ‘delightful’ weather.  What?

The ‘Old School Friday’ song was “Stop! In the Name of Love” by The Supremes.  ‘Easy Monday’ might be easy.

“….__ can you come out tonight?  (Why don’t you come out, come out) to my twist party.  (Come out) where the bright lights shine.  (Come out) We’ll dance the night away.  I’m gonna make you mine.  __ baby (__ baby) __ can you come out tonight.”  Hint:  Title is a name, also a type of wine.  

Saturday morning I took Cat to the bus station for her big adventure.  She went to Thammasat University in Lampang, which is four hours away, to take entrance exams.  It’s the first time she’s gone that far and stayed overnight by herself.  The campus is not in the city, but in the country.  The nearest ‘7’ is 3k from the school.  Hmm, how do they top-up their phones? (translation of the last sentence: The 7-11 is 1.8 miles from the school.  ‘Topping up' one’s phone means putting money on it for more talk-time)  

Lisa has another ‘mini-exhibit’ at Chivit Tamma Da.  It’s a very casual thing with six pieces on display in the solarium.  The work looks great in the setting.    

While we were out getting a supply of coffee we saw our friends Stephan and Claire at Doi Chaang Coffee.  They’ve been in Australia and we haven’t seen them in over a month.  Lisa and Claire had lunch today, and the Fearless Four will meet them for dinner on Sunday.  Getting back in the groove.

Note-To-Self:  Do not go to the Healthy Market on Saturday morning.  We tried it and it was a nightmare.  The traffic into the area got snarled by a big pick-up truck whose owner decided to just leave it and shop.  Cars in both directions were trying to deal with one lane and it wasn’t working.  We never did get what we went for, we just left.

Even though there hasn’t been rain for some time, a lot of Chiang Rai still has a very green look.  The view behind our house is still beautiful, due in part to the big trees with their deep roots.  There is also the heavy overnight dew that may be helping a little.  

It would be an understatement to say that Daku makes friends easily.  Everyone seems to love him and he loves them.  Today’s photo is Daku and his new friend Gop, Natcha's nephew.  They seem to be investigating the lawn.  It’s a 'boy thing’.

This ‘winter’ seems like it’s the coldest since we’ve been here.  It makes me wonder how the people who live in ‘open’ houses get by.  Many traditional Thai houses are not very weather proof when it comes to cold air.  There is no glass in the windows, just a little door.  Windows don’t seal tight even when they are closed, there is lots of room for air to come in.  Considering the very warm weather most of the year, it doesn’t make sense to be too concerned about sealing things tight, but these new winters are something else.  

The Australian Open Tennis Tournament has begun and the DVR is running.  Oh boy.  We’ve also become American Football fans, sort of, so there’s also that.  We get to see the football without all the commercial breaks and that makes the game more fun to watch.  The latest development here is Netflix making their streaming service available worldwide.  It may just be a ‘game changer’  (555).

Have a Great Week.

                 Peace,

                           Danny

“It is better to walk alone,

than with a crowd going in the

wrong direction.”

~Unknown

Friday Funnies

Hi,

We’re slowly getting used to the warm days/cold nights pattern here in Chiang Rai.  Long sleeves and socks in the morning feels weird, but necessary.  I won’t be long before we’ll be wishing it was cool again (555).

The ‘Zany Day’ song was “Let’s Dance” by David Bowie.  It’s time for ‘Old School Friday’, from back in 1965.

“__, __ __ __ __ __ before you break my heart.  Baby baby, I’m aware of where you go, each time you leave my door.  I watch you walk down the street knowing your other love you’ll meet.  But this time before you run to her, leaving me alone and hurt.  (Think it over) haven’t I been good to you?  (Think it over) haven’t I been sweet to you?

__, __ __ __ __ __….”  Hint:  This song is by a trio of young women from that place where they used to make cars.  The singer is urging her boyfriend to cease his current behavior.  

This morning we made our first trip to Makro since our return.  Friday morning is hardly the best time to do this since everyone is shopping for the weekend.  The place was very busy, but we got what we needed.  Some things never change, especially at the vegetable pricing counter.  I was quickly reminded just how orderly shopping can be in the States.  As with driving, there are situations where taking turns seems to be out of the vocabulary.  Blue and I were setting our bagged vegetables on the counter so the staff person could weigh and price them.  Other shoppers would walk up and just stick their bags in front of ours, or hold them so the checker had no choice but to take them.  A similar things happens in the meat department.  We just shake our heads and wait.  Hmm.  

Today’s photo was taken on the bluff overlooking Santa Monica beach.  There were many trees like this.  Nice memory.

Natcha’s baby is due next month and her sister, Fone, has been learning her job so she can take over at that time.  

Today, after school was out, we met Fone’s daughter Shampoo (means Pink).  She and Daku became buddies quickly.  Lisa took her some drawing supplies and she loved that.  Awhile later her little brother, Gop arrived.  He and Daku had already met, so now Daku has two new playmates for at least 3 months.  He’s great with both of them.

This evening we went to the reopening of NorThai.  It was good to see friends and get back in the ‘groove’.  

Sometime this weekend we will try to see the little flower show in town.  Mr. Lag is in charge of our activities so who knows what will really happen.

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

                Peace,

                          Danny

Think

Hi,

Let me just start by saying that the weather in Chiang Rai is noticeably warmer than in So. California.  It’s cool in the overnight hours, but from mid-morning until sundown it’s very comfortable.  There has been no rain in over three weeks, so it looks like we’re in the El Nino ‘drought effect’.

Some fans have jumped on the ‘Zany Day’ song quickly.  Here are my favorite lyrics in this song.  Not really zany, but oh well.  “If you say run, I’ll run with you.  If you say hide, we’ll hide, because my love for you would break my heart in two, if you should fall into my arms and tremble like a flower.”  Hint:  This artist was bold enough to present himself in many disguises or personas.  This song represents a more ‘earthly’ chap.  See how I got that clue in there, he was from across the pond.

So, day one of the return and Mr. Lag definitely had a seat on the plane.  He followed us all the way home just to make sure we got here safely (555).  He’s also here to reek havoc.  Today’s nap could have happened at 10am, but we held off until after lunch.  What a tyrant.

Our first order of business in the streets of Chiang Rai was to check on our refrigerator.  We had a suspicion that there was a misunderstanding about when we wanted it delivered and we were right.  It was ready and scheduled to be delivered today.  We wanted it at the house as soon as it was done, but all they heard was the date of our return.  Anyway, it’s here at the house and everyone is happy.

It was good to be out on the town today.  Blue went with us and that’s one of the things I missed while we were gone.  We always laugh and come up with some of the craziest things.  Today, while Lisa was buying fruit, Blue noticed a bunch of fake-fur jackets hanging in the outdoor used clothing store.  That turned into a whole scene, complete with animals picketing because the fur didn’t look authentic.  The van needed washing so we hung out at Work@Home while that happened.  The staff gave us a warm welcome and it was nice to be there.

For years I have been fascinated with the artistic ’stacking’ of merchandise displays.  Today’s photo from Big C is an example of such stacking.  Want a cookie?

Mr. Lag says to say goodnight.  Ok then, good night.

Have a Thrilling Thursday.

                 Peace,

                           Danny

“Happiness is something that you are,

and it comes from the way you think.”

~Wayne W. Dyer

Choose

Hi,

We are back in Thailand.  We are also tired, happy, and ready to get back into our routine.  Tales from the road coming soon.

The ‘Easy Monday’ song was “Never My Love” by The Association.  This week’s ‘Zany Day’ tune is from an artist who did a lot of zany in his career.  “__ __, put on your red shoes and dance the blues.  __ __, to the song they’re playin’ on the radio…”  Hint: The title could be described as an invitation to make merry, trip the light fantastic.

When we arrived in Chiang Rai we were sent to International Baggage, since our bags flew from the states.  That seemed like a perfectly reasonable thing.  Then they wanted us to put each bag on the conveyor belt for x-ray.  What?  The bags were studied before they were put on the first plane, and have been out of our custody for the whole trip.  Anyway, they went through a machine and they let us out (555).

Rudi was waiting for us at the airport and I drove home.  That felt great.  I was sleepy on the plane, but being back in CR and seeing ‘new’ sights revived me.  

Lisa called Cat and had her put Daku in the pen behind the house.  Needless to say, he was very happy to see us.  He raced around and gave us a greeting like he thought we weren’t coming back.  It took awhile, but he finally calmed down.  He did, however, manage to let a bunch of his little friends into the house while we were gone.  We’re getting sprayed tomorrow.  Has to be done.

Today’s photo was taken in the airport in Bangkok.  The garden gets a seasonal update and is always a favorite photo-op.

Eyelids are drooping.  Time to give in to the sandman.

Have a Wacky Wednesday.

                 Peace,

                           Danny

“If you have to choose between 

being kind and being right, choose

being kind and you will always be right.”

~Unknown

Leap

Hi,

So, we’re in Taipei, it’s 6am and cold.  The airport is just waking up.  Our flight across the water was 14 hours of mostly smooth air.  

The ‘Easy Monday’ song was recognized by quite a few readers.  Here’s more, starting from the bridge:  “What makes you think love will end when you know that my whole life depends on you (on you)?  __ __ __, __ __ __.  You say you fear I’ll change my mind, and I won’t require you.  __ __ __, __ __ __.”  Hint: Three words, so easy.  

Our afternoon and evening were very pleasant.  We hung out with C-Bass and August, and spent time with Anna.  When it was time to go, August picked up the suitcases like they were empty.  That was really cool, not having to struggle.

At the car rental shuttle bus, a guy from Australia helped us put our bags on the bus, and then apologized because he’d be getting off before us.  When it was time to exit the bus, another stranger helped us.  

A new discovery was made as we settled into the Star Alliance Lounge.  There was a semi-private room by the front entrance that we could use.  It was like having our own space.  Something to remember.

Today’s photo was taken at the County Museum.  It’s an installation of street lamps.  The more you walk around it, the more interesting it gets.

Have a Happy Tuesday, what’s left of it. 

             Peace,

                       Danny

“Leap and the net will appear.”

~Zen Saying