Friday Funnies

Hi,

The north continues to be a topic of conversation.  It’s all about the cold.  Some areas are below freezing, which is very unusual.  Folks living on the mountains are really feeling the chill.  

The ‘Zany Day’ song was “Rudolph the Red-Nose Reindeer” as sung by Bing Crosby and thousands of others.  The other day, it followed us around the mall.  We must have heard 4 versions inside of an hour.  I got a suggestion/request for this week’s ‘Old School Friday’ song.  “Out of all the reindeers you know you’re the mastermind.  __, __ __, __ ain’t too far behind.  __, __, __, Santa’s got to make it to town.  Santa make him hurry, tell him he can take the freeway down.  __, __, __ ‘cause I’m reelin’ like a merry-go-round.”  Hint:  I think you know who this is about.

This morning Neechanon was introduced to her new bike.  She has seen her father on his bike so she knew the concept, almost.  The first thing she tried to did was get on the seat.  At her age, one needs to experiment, test, and evaluate.  She sat on the rack over the rear fender, not worrying about whether the thing would move or not.  We just let her do what she wanted.  

Today’s photos show a little of the stages of her approach.

Before we left for the airport, we had fun ‘talking’ with Neechanon.  I have become her ‘favorite’.  When she races upstairs she always makes sure I’m going too.  If I have to leave she gets upset.  She can now say my whole name, both syllables loud and clear.  The whole family took us to the airport, and on the way she counted to ten in Thai and English with Natcha, and then named everyone in her family.  For now, Lisa is still ‘Ka’ but she’s working on it.  

I had every intention of getting this message out much earlier, but things happen.  We didn’t leave Chiang Rai on time.  In fact, we were two hours late.  In Bangkok the lines were very long for immigration (called ‘Passport Control).  Lisa is not one to stand in line if there’s the possibility of a better way.  She discovered a ‘Premium’ line and after a compassionate plea about my not being able to stand that long, they asked our ages.  That clenched it.  The new line consisted of one person.  

Finally at the gate for our flight to Taipei, we were told that it would be a smaller plane, with no enhanced coach, although that’s what we pay for every time.  Some blah blah about something we couldn’t understand with a bottom line: no refund or adjustment.  In Taipei we averted another very long line while looking for the ‘toilet’, as it’s called.  We now have a 4 hour wait before we leave for Los Angeles.  

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

                    Peace,

                              Danny

Worth

Hi,

It’s the one word that’s on everybody’s lips: Cold.  It was colder last night, like 45F, and it seemed to linger until it was time to take the dog out.  It finally warmed up, but not so warm that two shirts and a vest felt too hot.  Tonight is supposed to be somewhere between 42 and 47 degrees.  Living in thermal clothing.

It looks like the ‘Zany Day’ song is the first real easy one in a long time (555).  I know it’s one of the most popular holiday songs in Central Plaza Mall (cringe).  “…Then one foggy Christmas eve, Santa came to say, ‘__ with your nose so bright, won’t you guide my sleigh tonight?’  Then how the __ loved him, as they shouted out with glee.  __ __ __-__ __, you’ll go down in history.”  Hint:  Seriously? 

This morning we went up to Shong Cafe for coffee before tackling Makro, only to find them closed.  There was a note on the door in Thai, and due to the cold, we didn’t try to figure it out (555).  Next door is a place called ‘Harmony Cafe’ and I’ve been wondering about it for months.  Today we sampled this new little spot.  It’s got comfortable seating, like a living room or den, and a very mellow feel.  If only the coffee were hot and they had the little cookies and tea we might leave Shong forever.  Maybe it was a bad day.

Your first photo is a typical aisle at Makro.  I took this pic after I looked up and realized how much stuff is in there.

Our lunch with Cat was fun.  Of course, we talked about dealing with the cold and how much she didn’t like riding her motorbike in this weather.  She’s on a break from school until the 8th of next month.  Her substitute teaching is over so she’s working in the milk shop a lot.  Over New Years she is going camping with a bunch from her department at school.  They are going to Nan, where it is very cold.  I asked if they’re sleeping in tents and she said yes.  Oh my.  We got a ’Toon Update’ and he will be arriving in Chiang Rai on the 23rd, at her college at 7am.  She says it will be too cold and too early to go out and see him, but I’m betting she goes.  Everyone we talk to knows about Toon and the run to save the hospitals.  Cat told us that Chiang Rai Hospital, which is a government hospital, will be one of the units benefitting from the funds.  All Thai people are eligible for very inexpensive insurance that guarantees them some degree of medical care for a nominal fee.  It sometimes takes all day to see a doctor, and one may end up in the hall on a gurney, but they’re being served.  Toon’s efforts could change that a great deal. This guy is making history.

This evening we met Nukoon and Sutheera for dinner and had a good time.  We did some reminiscing and realized how long we’ve known them.  They told us about a duck that has taken residence in their pond.  It sleeps in a tree at night and flies down to the water every morning.  Nukoon acted like he didn’t like the duck, but then produced a movie clip on his phone.  He likes the duck (555).  

Today’s second photo is the centerpiece of the flower show.  The aroma is wonderful.

Have a Thrilling Thursday.  Tomorrow I’ll say goodnight/morning from Bangkok.

                    Peace,

                              Danny

“Nothing is worth more

than this day.”

~Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

Stumbling

Hi,

The colder weather arrived last night.  It meant putting an extra blanket on the bed and a sweater on the dog this morning.  We decided that the hardest part is the getting out of bed.  Just wrong.  Tonight, the coldest is supposed to be 48F early in the morning.  

The ‘Easy Monday’ song was “Please Come Home for Christmas” by The Eagles.  You shoulda known.  Anyway, here’s another seasonal favorite that fills the ‘Zany Day’ song requirement:  “__ __ __-__ __, had a very shiny nose. And if you ever saw it, you would even say it glows.”  Hint:  I think this one is obvious.  My gift to you (555).  So, there’s a name in there.

There is something about this cold weather that seems to stifle activity.  We didn’t go to one of our usual haunts this morning because most of them would have been too cold.  Instead, we had coffee at home.  What a concept.  We left the house to run one errand to the vet and that was our morning.  When we got in the van, the front seats were in different positions, and when I turned on the key, the rear wiper started going.  Guess who was practicing her driving?  For now, Neechanon is happy in the carport.  Hmm.

This afternoon we went downtown and that was an experience.  The traffic was heavy for some reason.  Maybe it’s the fact that there’s only one lane in each direction through the center of town.  Or maybe it’s the time of year (555) with all the tourists and the various vehicles that bring them and haul them around.  Whatever the reason, it was very busy.

We stopped at Work@Home for coffee on our way home.  It was a little late for coffee, but I have lots to think about if I’m awake tonight (5).  We didn’t know that Katai was in her office, so it was a nice surprise when she came down and visited with us.  She and Towan are going to another city tomorrow on business.  There will be an agricultural festival, and since they are part of that community (supplying tractors), they will dress in local attire.  It’s one of the interesting things about life here, the ways that villages and small towns maintain their cultural heritage.

  When I left my meeting at 6pm on Bus Station street, there were tour buses unloading visitors for the Night Bazaar.  It wasn’t even dark yet.  The cold doesn’t seem to be stopping the need to shop.  

Neechanon has been learning how to call us for meals.  Her version of ‘yoo hoo’ comes out like ‘Ha Ha’ followed by a name.  This evening when Natcha called for Lisa to go downstairs, Neechanon called and when I didn’t appear, she called me specifically.  Lisa had to explain to her that I was not at home.  It’s all happening so fast, this growing up thing.  

Two more ‘Sleepings’ and we’re off on another adventure.  It will be different for us on this trip than in the past.  I just realized that we will leave Chiang Rai on the last flight of the evening, and leave Bangkok around 2:30am.  Once in the air, they will feed us and then, 3 hours later we will arrive in Taipei.  When do we go to bed?  Oh my.  We will have a long layover in Taipei so that may be a chance for a few winks before the long flight.

Some of my AOL friends may not have received yesterdays message.  I got feedback to that effect.  Let me know if you want it, or if it came through.  Remember, you can always got to the blogsite:  gratidude.blogspot.com

Today’s photo shows Neechanon starting her campaign to go upstairs.

Feels like a Wacky Wednesday.

                 Peace,

                           Danny

“Stumbling is not falling.”

~Malcolm X

Answer

Hi,

The cold is here.  The ‘Hawk’ has landed.  We woke up to a brand new form of weather.  It almost warmed up during the day.  In the sun, when the wind stopped, it was nice and warm.  Daku got his bath and we all sat in the sun.

Only one person has responded to the ‘Easy Monday’ song.  I’m surprised, but oh well.  This is a busy time.

“Choirs will be singing ‘Silent Night’, Christmas carols, by candlelight.  __ __ __ __ __, __ __ __ __ __, if not for Christmas, by New Years night.  Friends and relations, send salutations, sure as the stars shine above.  But this is Christmas, yes, Christmas my dear.  The time of the year to be with the ones you love…”  The group that sang this also told you about a hotel in California. 

Countdown mode is in full effect.  In addition to making sure we have everything in place for the house to operate smoothly, meaning Daku’s needs will be met and Natcha has what she needs, there are also visits with close friends, things to take with us, things to order for delivery in California, and, oh yes, packing the suitcases.  Whew.  I know I missed something, and that’s the way it goes.  It always happens that I take too many shirts that never get worn because it’s too cold.  Not this time.  I’m not falling for that, ‘Oh, it’s just like the temps in Thailand’ routine.  It’s a different kind of cold and I’m coming prepared (555).

Yesterday afternoon our friend Atom came over.  We had a nice visit and got caught up on various things.  At her family’s building supply location they have installed a giant statue of two elephants hugging.  They are also having the finishing touches put on a very old Teak house that was disassembled up north and brought to Chiang Rai and put back together.  It will be a kind of Heritage display.  

A few weeks ago I told you about the Rock singer, Toon Bodyslam, who is running through Thailand.  He started in the south and is raising money for the small hospitals all over the country.  He’s on his approach to Chiang Rai and hopes to be in Mae Sai, at the border with Burma, by 25 December.  So far he has raised just under 900,000,000 Baht.  That’s 27.5 million US Dollars.  It boggles the mind.  I would imagine a little vacation will be in order after this heroic feat.

Last night Lisa got a call from our friends at The Wanderer, inviting us to a specially cooked dinner.  It is a very touching gesture.  When we get back from the States we will get our ’special meal’ from dear friends.

Thursday will be a busy day.  In addition to all the last minute ’stuff’, Cat will join us for lunch at the house.  In the evening we will have dinner with Nukoon and Sutheera, long-time good friends.  Every year we attend Nukoon’s birthday dinner as part of the family.  This year we leave on the night of the event, so we’re taking him to dinner.  Nukoon met us at the airport in 2001 and supplied us with a government van and driver for the three days we visited Chiang Rai.  When we moved here, Sutheera came to our hotel room and introduced herself.  Through the years we have kept a strong friendship.  

The first of today’s photos was taken at The Wanderer, from our table.  The second is Lisa and the ’Scarf Lady’ in the Night Bazaar.     

Neechanon has been visiting us and talking up a storm.  She now has words for Lisa, Daku and me.  Lisa is ‘Sa’, Daku is ‘Koo’ or ‘Too’, and I am ‘Nee’.  She seems to favor the second syllables at this time.  We’re gonna miss her for the three weeks.

Have a Happy Tuesday.

                    Peace,

                              Danny

“At the center of your being

you have the answer; you know

who you are and you know what 

you want.”

~Lao Tzu

Door

Hi,

The Chiang Rai temps are slowly dropping.  Last night was cold, tonight is supposed to be a little colder, and so on and blah, blah.  During the day it still gets to a comfortable level and tomorrow Daku gets a bath.

The ‘Old School Friday’ song was “Santa Baby” by Eartha Kitt.  Here’s hoping this ‘Easy Monday’ song has more friends.  “Bells will be ringing, this sad, sad news.  Oh, what a Christmas to have the blues.  My baby’s gone, I have no friends to wish my greetings once again…”  Hint:  This holiday blues was made famous when covered by a popular band.  The title is a plea. 

Saturday morning we went to Central Plaza Mall to check out the mini-exhibition of the Women of ArtBridge.  We knew it was a small space that they had, so we wanted to see how it had been integrated into the bigger floral display.  When we walked in, there was a huge garden with live flowers, set in a garden-like arrangement.  Off to one side we found the artwork.  The set-up hadn’t been completed yet, but Lisa’s work was already in place.  What we didn’t realize was, this flower show was ‘The big one’ for the season.  What used to be a huge, outdoor event is now inside the mall.  This means that for the first time in many years, we got to see the flowers.  

Sunday, when we went to The Wanderer for lunch we got a pleasant surprise.  Just after we ordered, our friend Chalit and his girlfriend Zen arrived and we invited them to join us.  We had a wonderful time talking and learning.  Zen lives in Bangkok and her family’s clothing business has been involved with producing clothing in the former King’s colors, mainly yellow and pink.  She told us about the changes that had to be made last year, when everything went to black garments.  We also discussed the pros and cons of giving names to visual art.  That included the issues that arrive when having to translate them into another language.  I really enjoy these little roundtable discussions, they’re always stimulating.

Cat came over to visit in the afternoon and told me about an ‘app’ called Shazam.  She knew how frustrated I get when I hear a song I like while in a store or restaurant, and no one knows the title or who is singing.  Shazam listens to the music and tells you who it is.  Simply amazing!  

In the evening we went to the Night Bazaar for dinner and a final pass at gift shopping.  Then we returned to the mall to see if the art exhibit had been finished.  There were four other artists there and the booth looked good. 

Have a Great Week.

                  Peace,

                            Danny

“Don’t spend time beating 

on a wall, hoping to transform it

into a door.”

~Coco Chanel

Friday Funnies

Hi,

We’re not sure what to make of the recent forecasts.  First off, this morning was very cold.  Supposedly, 59F and it’s going to keep dropping.  After the morning chill, it got hot.  Maybe this is just the tune-up we need before going to So. California.  Hmm.

That ‘Zany Day’ song that seemed troubling was “50 Ways To Leave Your Lover” by Paul Simon.  It’s been a tough week in ‘Tune Town’ so I’m making ‘Old School Friday’ an easy one:  “__ __, slip a sable under the tree, for me.  I’ve been an awful good girl, __ __.  So hurry down the chimney tonight.”  Hint:  Imagine it being sung with an earthy voice, with feeling.  It’s a holiday classic.

This morning, after Daku’s exercise time, it was time for me to do the routines that Juan gave me on Wednesday.  We took the video Lisa shot and transferred it so we could watch it on the TV.  We both followed him through the workout and could feel a difference.  To be continued for sure.

It’s less than a week before the big trip across the water.  The lists keep expanding as more things come to mind.  Today we went to the mall before it opened and shopped at Top’s Market.  We went in for one thing and came out with bags of stuff, all relevant.  They totally rearranged the store again.  This time, not only did they change the location of products, they eliminated a major aisle that ran the length of the store.  So not cool.  It takes more time, which is the whole point, to get from one item to the next.  Very clever indeed.  

In the center of town, we went to see Watch Guy for a couple of bands.  He ask us to return in 30 minutes, which was just enough time to visit downtown.  After essentials at Watson’s, we went to a phone case store and I got a better case for my new phone.  Watch Guy had finished but the bands were two links too large.  We returned after lunch and all is right.  There are still a few things to be done, but we have a few days to work with.

Today’s photo was taken at Suvarnabhumi Airport in Bangkok.  Imagine my surprise, as we walked out of the arrival area and saw this:

Tomorrow we will go back to the mall and check out the exhibit containing2 of Lisa’s cast acrylic prints.  It turns out that the Chang Beer music thing is running for several weekends.  The tables and stage are still set up.  

Chiang Rai will host the first Thailand International Jazz Festival in February, at Singha Park.  It will feature artists from Singapore, Indonesia, South Africa, Japan, United States, and Thailand.  I’m going to order my tickets this weekend.  The headline attraction is Brian McKnight, who many of you know.  Our little town is getting on the map.

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

                    Peace,

                              Danny 

You

Hi,

Clear blue skies and moderate temperatures, that’s what our Chiang Rai weather was today.  Meanwhile, our friend Claire, in an eastern part of the States, reported 3 degrees.  Feeling grateful.

The ‘Zany Day’ song is very clever and quite wordy.  I’m going to give you the chorus and see if that works for you:

“You just slip out the back, Jack, make a new plan, Stan.  You don’t need to be coy, Roy, just set yourself free.  Hop on the bus Gus, you don’t need to discuss much.  Just drop off the key, Lee and set yourself free… There must be __ __ __ __ __ __.”  Hint:  Singer/writer was once half of a successful duo.  Be glad this isn’t about shades of grey (555).

This morning, Daku was in a running mood when we took him outside.  It might have been the beauty of the day, the cool air, or the fact that he gets treats when he runs, or all of the above.  We had a good time and he was smiling a lot.

Out in the street, we began at Shong Cafe for coffee.  They have changed the place and made it more of a restaurant.  No more soft, mini-couches and cozy spots.  Now it looks like a cafeteria, with tables for four in tidy rows with the same thing on each one.  We still like the place, but it may not get the frequent visits as much.  There’s so much coffee in this town, well, there are plenty of choices.

After Shong, we went across the highway to the big post office in our zip code to try and handle the mailing we skipped out on a few days ago.  We had to wait, but we stuck it out and got it done.  Our next stop was at our bank.  They were upgrading their ATM system, specifically, changing the cards that could be used with merchants.  Since we don’t use it as a debit card, the whole thing seemed pointless, but what are you gonna do?  We sat and signed lots of paperwork, entered a new PIN in a little box, signed copies of copies, and finally left with our new cards.  At first, the manager didn’t know what we wanted to do.  We found out about it from the ATM machines.  A man at the desk next to us, who spoke very good English, had just finished the process and verified everything we were trying to explain to the manager.  

Our last little adventure took us to the southeast corner of town and a place called Global House.  We were looking for a large piece of thin wood or fiberboard to support a large piece of polyethylene for a new print Lisa is working on.  We found the perfect piece but they don’t cut anything.  It was too big to put in the van, so we may ask Gong to get it and bring it home in his pick-up truck.  I have another place I want to try and I know they have big saws and they cut stuff.  And so it continues. 

This evening, after dinner, we took two of Lisa's prints featuring flowers up to ArtBridge.  They will be in an exhibit at Central Plaza Mall that will be comprised of works by women.  The focus is on flowers, I suspect it has to do with the annual flower show that begins in December and runs through early January.  

Today’s photo is another from the Chiang Rai airport.  We were sitting in Doi Tung, waiting to board our flight, when Lisa noticed this sign advertising a new drink.  We are still puzzled as to what it is.  Never heard of ‘coffee jelly’.  Is this a take-off on the ‘Jello shot’ and is this really a good idea?  (55)  I’ll let you know when I know.

Have a Thrilling Thursday.

                    Peace,

                              Danny

“You, yourself, as much as

anybody in the entire universe,

deserve your love and affection.”

~Buddha