Light

Hi,

Our old friend, the rainy season seems to be back in town.  We had another big downpour and a series of showers today.  More is expected tomorrow.

The ‘Easy Monday’ song was “All My Lovin’” by The Beatles.  Time to get busy with another ‘Zany Day’ song.  I’m sure you remember:  “Take out the papers and the trash, or you don’t get no spendin’ cash.  If you don’t scrub that kitchen floor,  you ain’t gonna rock and roll no more,  __ __ (don’t talk back).”  Clue:  Chores can be a drag.  

It was another day in Chiang Rai.  We ran a few errands, had a nice chat over coffee at Work@Home, got an estimate on home improvements, and went to dinner with friends.  Oh yeah, and we watched way too much CNN, which threatened our sanity.  

I had a lot of thoughts about my day that I was going to share with you, but they’re all just flying around in my head.  I remember that we were asked about the election, but it was ‘too early to call’.  There were text messages from Thai friends who were feeling sad, and wondered how we were doing.   

While waiting at the fruit market, I thought about how hard life is for so many people here.  It’s one thing to sit at a location all day, selling something, but then to go home and work all evening to make more things to sell the next day must be exhausting.  

The Prime Minister has now requested that everyone wear mourning clothes for a full year.  That means more black, which is fine with me.  I love wearing black.  It’s going to be difficult for a lot of folks, but a black ribbon on the shoulder makes it acceptable to wear something else.  A group of Mahouts brought their elephants to the Grand Palace to pay tribute to The King.  They had powdered them down so they looked like white elephants, which are believed to be sacred.  The all lined up and then knelt and lifted their trunks in a salute.  The visual was very moving.  The way it was accomplished is disturbing.  The ‘training’ of elephants is not gentle or humane.

We passed by Doi Chaang Coffee and the shop is gone.  The end of an era, at least on the corner we’ve known and loved for nine years.  It’s been a landmark for many tourist and locals alike.  The new location is not as close to downtown so it won’t be a short walk for coffee.  We still have The Wanderer and it’s closer than anything else.  

Today’s photo was taken from our bedroom balcony.  The giant palm type plants are what have to be ‘thinned’ so they don’t disturb our neighbor.  They used to be tiny.

Definitely a Wacky Wednesday.

                Peace,

                          Danny

“See the light in others,

and treat them as if that

is all you see.”

~Dr. Wayne Dyer

Treasures

Hi,

There was a forecast for rain today.  For a while we didn’t believe them…then the clouds came…then the storm came in two big waves.  It was some of the heaviest rain this year, and we got to watch the whole show.  

This week’s ‘Easy Monday’ song is pretty high up on the ‘memory list’.  Just in case you missed it, here’s more:

“I’ll pretend that I’m kissing the lips I am missing, and hope that my dreams will come true.  And then while I’m away I’ll write home every day.  And I’ll send __ __ __ to you.”  Hint:  Judging by the response so far, you don’t need any hints.

It’s a very odd feeling when you arrive at Big C before the doors open.  For some reason I thought they opened at 8:30am, but it’s 9, which meant we had to sit in the van, listen to music and watch the people who were also early.  Entering the building, the first thing that hit us was the smell of fish in the food-court.  It was not a pleasant smell at that time of morning.  We had a pretty clear path to everything we needed and that was fun.  

Yesterday’s trip to the nursery was incomplete and we needed to get more plants for the garden, and some stone slabs to put under the tiny elephants.  After dropping off the groceries it was off to the nursery.  Lisa found more beautiful flowering plants and we picked two irregular shaped pieces for our little ‘pets’.  In an unprecedented bit of bravery, we drove to the talat to check on some sewing.  The lucky parking place meant that we’d be diving into the hustle-bustle of the market.  After holding our breath past the shrimp table, we made it off the main aisle and clean air.  We have to return tomorrow with more material before the work can be completed.  The market seems to be calling us more lately.  

Today’s photo was taken at the nursery.  I have never seen bamboo displayed like this, but it’s interesting.  I’m guessing the red paint is to keep the stalks from growing.  I will search for a deeper explanation (555).   

For those of you in the U.S., this is a special day.  Some of you voted early, others will vote today.  Cherish the privilege.  We get to vote from here, but only for the President and a Senate seat.  Ahh, the life of an expat, no propositions to ponder.  I trust you will carry on and keep the place running smoothly (555).

Have a Happy Tuesday.

                     Peace,

                               Danny

“I have just three things to teach:

Simplicity, patience, compassion.  

These three are your greatest treasures.”

~Lao Tzu

Children

Hi,

The cold season is slowly creeping our way.  It’s not cold by any stretch of the imagination, but the mornings and evenings are signs that things are changing.  There are also signs on the streets and in the markets that the weather is about to change:  vendors are selling used warm clothing.  

Our ‘Old School Friday’ song was “Since I Don’t Have You” by The Skyliners.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ngZh6ZSRoYg   ‘Easy Monday’ should be just that for all you fans of those lads from Liverpool.  “Close your eyes and I’ll kiss you, tomorrow I’ll miss you, remember I’ll always be true.  And then while I’m away I’ll write home every day, and I’ll send __ __ __ to you.”  Hint:  The year was 1963, the invasion had begun, the the title is a total commitment.  Hmm.

We had a ‘Wanderer Weekend’.  Saturday evening we had dinner with a friend from Chiang Mai and introduced him to The Wanderer.  On Sunday we met Katai and Thowan at The Wanderer for lunch.  They loved the place and plan to return.  It was the first time we’ve had a chance to have a meal with them and really talk.  We learned more about them and their backgrounds.  We also learned that they are old friends of the family that owns Doi Chaang and The Wanderer.  They told us how they used to sit around with Khun Witcha (the founder of Doi Chaang) and hear his stories from around the world.  He truly was a wanderer.  Sunday evening we went to Sawadee with Cat for home-cooked Thai food and some shopping in the Night Bazaar.

When we planted the ‘original’ bushes and trees in our yards, they looked like civilized, polite bits of nature.  Eight years later, we have towering trees, full bushes and a row of fan palms that are starting to encroach on our neighbor to the east.  Apparently, through rough translation, when it rains they send extra water into her yard, or words to that affect.  She wants some of them cut back or eliminated.  They are huge, and it’s not a one man job, so Gong is going to need help.  We have a few possibilities of who to ask for help.  They were planted partly for the privacy they provide.  They have gone beyond the job description (555).

This morning we went to our local nursery and got plants for a shady spot in the front of the house.  It’s so difficult to decide, if it were left up to me, which plants to get.  So much beauty, so many variations.  We also got a plant that we’ve seen at The Wanderer.  Theirs has giant leaves that look like big fans.  Ours is a little baby, but in time it will be just as dramatic.  

Today’s photo is from our trip to the nursery.  It appears to be a succulent of some kind.  I love the unique presentation and the surrounding foliage.

We also reserved a table at the Wiang Indra (Rimkok) Resort for the Loy Krathong Festival.  We now have a view of the river without anyone in front of us.  In theory, we’ll be able to watch the Krathongs as they float down the river from other locations.  More on that later.

Have a Great Week.

                     Peace,

                               Danny

“Taking care of children has nothing to do with politics.

I think perhaps with time, instead of there being a 

politicization of humanitarian aid, there will be a 

humanization of politics.”

~Audrey Hepburn

Friday Funnies

Hi,

There was a definite chill in the air this morning.  In fact, we wore jackets during doggie play time.  Later it warmed up to somewhere in the 80s, but it looks like our cold season is about to begin, and early.

The ‘Zany Day’ song was “Politician” by Cream.  It’s time for ‘Old School Friday’.  Do you remember this ballad?

“I don’t have plans and schemes, and I don’t have hopes and dreams, I-I-I don’t have anything __ __ __ __ __."

Hint:  This happened around ’59.  At the end of the song, we used to count how many times  a certain word was sung.

This morning we went over to the old Rimkok Resort to get tickets for their Loy Krathong buffet on the 14th.  Our friends Cornelis and Anoi told us about it and it sounds like fun.  There will be samples of Northern food, local entertainment and we will be given a Krathong to set in the river.  While they were preparing our tickets, we talked to the new room manager.  We learned that he spent a year in Dubai as a train conductor.  He was very animated about his experiences, especially the differences in living in such a different place than Thailand.  There is a saying here, that the choice you make is ‘Up to you’.  He found just the opposite while living in Dubai, where his life was dictated by the rules of local faith.  The hotel is under new ownership and it appears that they are slowly changing the whole management staff.  The woman who sold us the tickets is a native of Chiang Rai, but just returned from years of living in Bangkok.  We’re hoping the resort will thrive with it’s new owners.

As we sat at the big intersection with the Super Highway, I noticed that one of the giant advertising screens was conforming with the mourning protocol, black with a respectful message.  The one next to it was back to running commercials.  Hmm, I think someone didn’t understand.  

Our Thai teacher, Kruu Awe is planning a one-day language trip.  It will be a group made up of English speaking students and native Thai speakers.  My guess is, we’ll be forced to spend the day communicating in Thai as we go different places.  Another adventure on the horizon.

Today’s photo is the latest cast acrylic print by Lisa.  A friend of ours commissioned her to create a tribute to The King.  

Have a Wonderful WeekEnd.      Hang on for the ‘Funnies’.

                  Peace,

                            Danny

Truth

Hi,

The weather turned out to be a big tease this afternoon.  We started with clear skies.  Clouds began to drift in and by dinner time it looked like it might rain.  A little sprinkle would be nice.

It looks like this week’s ‘Zany Day’ song has left your minds (555).  It’s by the original ‘Power Trio’ of R&R.

“I support the left, though I’m leaning, leaning to the right.  I support the left, though I’m leaning, leaning to the right.  But I’m not there when it’s coming to a fight.  Hey now baby, get into my big black car……”  Hint:  One of these things is trying to get you to vote for them.  What are they called?  Play nice, even in your own mind.

We went to the talat this morning.  Our goal was to find new material for a bedspread.  I was also searching for a new bag to carry ‘stuff’ when we’re out and about.  We knew exactly where to go for the material and we found some beautiful fabric.  The bag was not as easy to find.  I looked at almost all the bags on the little alley where they’re sold, but I didn’t see the one I’m looking for.  Oh well, tomorrow’s another day.  

At the Healthy Market we saw most of our merchant friends as we picked up assorted veggies and fruits.  This morning one of the women gave Lisa a little extra of one thing, so the weight would be right for the price.  Things are priced by the kilogram and sometimes what you put in your basket might be less than a kilo.  It’s fun to shop like this.

As we were buying our fruit, I noticed a pick-up truck from Boon Rawd Farms pull up and park.  The truck is distinctive because there is a zebra painted on the side.  The farm also has a mini-zoo with zebras, giraffes, and sheep.  A young man and woman proceeded to unload bags of vegetables and take them inside to some of the vendors.  I had no idea they were one of the suppliers of local goods.  The parent company is a major brewer (Singha Beer), but they have expanded their vision.  Today’s photo is part of Boon Rawd Farm.

We had another productive Thai lesson this afternoon.  There’s almost too much information to try and stuff into our brains at each sitting.  We’re going to stick with it and hopefully keep it relevant and useable.  

Have a Thrilling Thursday.

                 Peace, 

                           Danny

“All fixed set patterns are 

incapable of adaptability or 

pliability.  The truth is outside

of all fixed patterns.”

~Bruce Lee

Artist

Hi,

We had a rather dark, cloudy day today.  The ground felt like it rained last night.  It was good to have the cool air.

The ‘Easy Monday’ song was “Ain’t No Sunshine” by Bill Withers.  It’s ‘Zany Day’ time again.  Who remembers?

“Hey now baby, get into my big black car.  Hey now baby, get into my big black car.  I just want to show you, what my politics are.  I’m a political man, and I practice what I preach.  I’m a political man, and I practice what I preach.  So don’t deny me baby, not while you’re in my reach.”  Clue:  I realize I use this tune a lot, but right now it’s the last zany opportunity before the U.S. elections and it seems timely.  The title is one word.

I guess you could call this a light day as far as activity goes.  The highlight of the day was coffee at The Wanderer, where it’s so laid back in the mornings that it’s like a little vacation.  While we were waiting for our coffee, a cool groove came from the speakers.  I got up and went to the iPad that’s connected to the sound board.  The CD that was playing was “The Jazz King” and was made up of compositions by The King, performed by Larry Carlton and an all-star cast of players.  I found it on Amazon, but still looking for a local source.  You just never know what you’re going to learn on any given day.  We got another surprise as we were leaving.  Khun Kwan and Khun Kern, who run the place with their mom, were in a meeting outside.  We went over to give them some treats for Mercy and the couple they were with were planning a wedding.  It turns out we know them.  He is a ceramics artist and a member of Art Bridge.  We got invited to the wedding on November 12.  Small world.

When we returned from our coffee date there was a lot happening in the front.  Gong was cutting grass around the edges of the yard using the weed-wacker, and Natcha was pushing the lawnmower.  On the front porch, Neetchanon was being entertained by Gong's sister Gope.  In the back yard Khun Na was cleaning the pool.  Our little village is thriving.

Lately, I’ve been watching a lot of what the Australians call ‘American Grid Iron’, or football.  Most of the time I don’t have a particular team I’m rooting for.  Sometimes I choose like my mom did, if they have cool uniforms or they’re underdogs they’ll get my cheers.  If you’ve ever watched rugby, football can seem a little tame, but it’s all just a game and they all get beat up at some point.  Maybe that’s why tennis and the other net games seem so civilized (555).

There are some very old trees in Chiang Rai.  We’ve been told that it’s not unusual to see trees that are over 100 years old.  Today’s photo is a very old, very large tree at The Wanderer.  Lisa is standing by it to show the perspective.

Could be a Wacky Wednesday.

              Peace,

                        Danny

“Every child is an artist.

The problem is how to remain

an artist once we grow up.”

~Pablo Picasso

Rebellion

Hi,

The day was bright, sunny, and a little bit cooler.  This is the way I like it.  It’s time to get serious about the solar panels if we’re going to swim this cold season.

‘Easy Monday’ appears to be easy.  I got lots of correct responses to this one.  Here’s a little more:

“Wonder this time where she’s gone.  Wonder if she’s gone to stay.  __ __ __ when she’s gone and this house just ain’t no home anytime she goes away.  And I know, I know, I know, I know….Hey, I oughtta leave the young thing alone, but __ __ __ when she’s gone.”  Hint:  Really, you know this.

This morning we had what could be called a brunch with our friends Sandy and Ady.  They recently returned from a month in Israel and we all had lots of catching up to do.  After a giant greeting from Daku, we all settled around the dining room table and talked and learned more about each other.  Our conversations covered a lot of territory and it was very stimulating.  We discussed everything from pre-school options in Chiang Rai to multiple passports and world travel.  

Yesterday, while at Work@Home, the topic of dogs came up.  The Wanderer has a Husky named Mercy, who likes to take off on her own adventures.  One night she was spotted many miles from home and retrieved, thanks to Facebook.  Thowan has a friend who told him that in Chiang Mai, there are many ‘missing dog’ flyers all over town and they’re mostly for Huskies.  It seem that they like their freedom.  

Our friend Claire, in the U.S., looked up the giant moth and discovered it is The Atlas Moth.  It’s found in tropical and subtropical forests of Southeast Asia and the Malay archipelago.  Now you know.

Today’s photo is the table at our house this morning.  Yum.

If you held out any Trick or Treat candy, it’s time to get rid of it.  This has been a public service announcement.

Have a Happy Tuesday.  

             Peace,

                       Danny

“The thing worse than rebellion

is the thing that causes rebellion.”

~Frederick Douglass