Constants

Hi,

The weather in Chiang Rai is hot.  Today it was 92, and it’s going up to 102 on Saturday.  Nights are in the low 70s, so we just might be able to get back in the pool by the weekend.  

The ‘Easy Monday’ song was at the front of many minds.  “Well, she looked at me and I, I could see, that before too long I’d fall in love with her.  She wouldn’t dance with another (Woo) When __ __ __ __ __ __.”  Hint:  If you’re at a dance and you’re not dancing or sitting, you’re probably doing what?  

This morning Daku got a bath.  He did not like his bath.  He made terrible, distressed faces.  Now he smells nice.  The end.

We are slowly figuring out how to deal with Chopper and his obsession with biting Daku.  When Daku needs alone time in the yard, the little dog either goes in his pen, which he hates when the gate is locked, or he goes in the kitchen and hangs out with Natcha.  After breakfast we shuffle the dogs so they don’t play.  Daku gets sick if he’s too active after eating.  Life is not without it’s complicated moments.

Chivit Tamma Da was our coffee stop today.  It was quiet by the river and the clean air was a treat.  The post office has little pink slips that they leave if we’re not home and something has to be signed.  We never know what it is until we get there.  Today we got such a slip and drove up to Ban Du village to check on our prize (555).  Of the two items, the one that needed the signature was not worth the trip.  Oh well.  We noticed heavy traffic on our return route so we took a scenic alternate route back to The Wanderer for lunch with our friend Atom.

Lunch was fun, hearing stories about Atom’s recent trip to Japan and sharing our trip to Perth, etc.  She lived in Japan and studied language for 6 months.  She became quite familiar with the various districts of Tokyo, the trains, and places to shop.  We had decided that if we ever go to Japan, she will go with us as our guide.  

Today’s photo is another from ‘Yard Work’.  Notice the determination.  

Have a Happy Tuesday.

                Peace,

                          Danny

“There are three constants in life…

change, choice and principles.”

~Stephen Covey

Task

Hi,

Chiang Rai has been having some special weather lately.  The smoke is gone, the skies are clear and the temps are hot.  You’d never know this is the prelude to the rainy season.  It’s perfect weather for Songkran, especially if you like to play in the water.  

The ‘Old School Friday’ song was “I Only Have Eyes For You” by The Flamingos.  Time for a really easy ‘Easy Monday’ song.  “Well, she was just seventeen, you know what I mean.  And the way she looked was way beyond compare.  So how could I dance with another (Oooh). When __ __ __ __ __ ?”  Hint:  Fab Four, 1963, let the invasion begin.  Cue screaming teens.  

We had more rain over the weekend.  Not a lot, but water just the same.  Most of the time it was ideal.  The two art exhibits we attended were both stimulating and it was a chance to reconnect with friends and meet a few new people.  Cat told us that one of the students she teaches is also an artist.  She went to a student workshop at ArtBridge and won a prize in a drawing contest.  We saw her work before Cat told us and it was quite good.  She’s 12, so there’s lots of time to learn.  

Chopper continues to grow and we can’t wait for the biting phase to be over.  When he’s not obsessed with chomping on Daku or one of us, he’s very cute.  Watching him play by himself keeps us laughing.  Gong made a shelter for him inside his enclosure and it has a tunnel that ends with his bed.  I would have loved something like that when I was a kid.  Lisa figured out that Chopper will eat his food as long as there are no veggies.  He doesn’t mind the meat or the coconut oil.  I guess he’s like lots of kids (555).  

This morning we went to the gym.  This is a big deal.  We got there about 9:30am and it wasn’t very crowded at all.  We did a little warm-up and did a few things to get back in the groove.  We weren’t there very long, we know how easy it is to over do it.  I got that familiar feeling, the one that says I can do more.  We’ll be going back Wednesday and we’ll add a little bit more.  The gym has a wide variety of machines and we noticed that there were a lot of people working with trainers, as in personal trainers, not shoes.  More of that cross-cultural language blah, blah.  

When we were in Australia you may recall that I had to go through a whole thing of resetting my phone because I hit a wrong button.  I have since discovered that some words on my phone are spelled differently as a result.  The ‘trash’ in my mail in now called the ‘bin’, and the word ‘center’ is now spelled ‘centre’.  Oh, very sneaky indeed.  Now I’m looking for more subversive words on my phone (555).

Today’s photo is from a series I call ‘Yard Work’.  Neechanon’s parents took the pic and I just love her expression.

Have a Great Week.

                      Peace,

                                Danny

“Your task is not to seek for love,

but merely to seek and find all the

barriers within yourself that you 

have built against it.”

~Rumi

Friday Funnies

Hi,

I’m happy to say that we had another fairly beautiful day in Chiang Rai.  It was nice to have the windows open last night.  It got hot again today, but that’s to be expected, it’s Thailand.

The ‘Zany Day’ song was “We Gotta Get You A Woman” by Todd Rundgren.  ‘Old School Friday’ is one that we’ve hummed before.  Even if you don’t know the group, the title of the song will do.  “My love must be some 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…”  Clue: A standard that became an R&B hit by a group named after a large pink bird.  Easy. 

This was what might be called a ‘laid back Friday’.  It started out like any other day, with the feeding of the dogs.  Lisa discovered that Chopper would eat as long as it was just dry kibble, no veggies and no extras.  He still wanted to be fed by hand, but at least he ate.  The mornings always reveal what the puppy does overnight.  One of my ‘outdoor’ shoes was in his bed, and one of Neechanon’s plastic blocks was in the front yard.  He knows how to play by himself.

We met our friend John at Paam Sai-Aua for coffee.  That’s the new wooden place I showed you a few weeks ago.  He and Aey are going on the trip to Greece and we got to hear about the preparations, and fill him in on our Australian adventure.  

Neechanon has been getting bike-riding lessons from Gong.  She still doesn’t get the whole thing, but she knows her feet are supposed to go on the pedals, but not much after that.  Gong pushes her around and it’s just a matter of time before she’ll be buzzing around the driveway.  Whenever her little cousin comes over and rides the bike I’m sure it increases the motivation to master this machine.  

Chiang Rai is getting new pavement in some of the busiest parts of town and it’s creating some interesting traffic.  The main north/south thoroughfare is being blocked in one direction.  This has led to alternate routes becoming clogged.  One of those routes is the road past the government hospital.  We’re still trying to figure out what the ambulance drivers are doing when it’s bumper-to-bumper.  Hmm.

Tomorrow we begin distributing the posters for Lisa’s May 4 exhibit at 9 Art Gallery.  We’ll also drive out to the countryside to deliver two more works for framing.  It should all look nice and fresh after the rains.  

It’s going to be an art weekend.  Saturday night there’s an opening at ArtBridge, and Sunday afternoon there’s an opening at 9 Art.  

Today’s photo is from the Busselton Jetty, Australia.  It’s a lot to remember, pay close attention (555).

Have a Wonderful WeekEnd.   Stay tuned for the ‘Funnies’ and set your DVR or VCR for the Formula One Gran Prix from Bahrain.

                   Peace,

                             Danny

Suffering

Hi,

The air was quite breathable today.  All the little storms and showers are making a difference.  Last night I saw the stars and this morning the sky was blue.  Life is good.

Unless I hear something soon, you’ve been stumped by another ‘Zany Day’ song.  “Leroy, boy, you’re my friend.  You say how and I’ll say when.  Come and meet me down the street, take a seat, it’s my treat.  You may not ever get this chance again, that empty feeling’s just about to end.  __ __ __ __ __ __, it’s like nothin’ else to make you feel you’re alive… And when we’re through with you, we’ll get me one too.”  Hint:  That’s what friends are for.

Chopper has many ‘play names’ that I have given him, but I like the newest the best.  I’m referring to him as ‘Howlin’ Wolf’ lately because of the way he greets me.  Every morning, when I go down to the kitchen, he and Daku are waiting for their breakfast.  As soon as I open the door he turns to me and gives me the cutest little baby howl, as if to say, 'good morning, I’m about to get fed’.  Most mornings he is very enthusiastic about eating, but today he wanted nothing to do with food.  Like some little humans, he just wasn’t hungry.  Late this afternoon Natcha fixed him some food and finally got him to eat.  She’s such a good mom.  

Chopper getting spoon fed.

This afternoon we went for our first swim of the year.  The water was warmer than I expected.  That first lap is the one that must be endured, then it feels good.  Chopper was very curious about us being in the water.  I just hope his curiosity doesn’t get the best of him when no one is around.  He has to learn how to get out of the pool.  

This morning I was fooling around with Google, looking for the gym we plan to use, and I discovered Chiang Rai likes to work out.  I had no idea, and why should I (555).  If the air holds, we’ll start working out next week.  Fitness is big business.  With the lack of chain gyms, it’s quite affordable.  Hmm, I just have to remember that I’m not 25 and not to get too excited.  Going to the gym with young people can be hazardous to one’s health (555).  

Have a Thrilling Thursday.

                     Peace,

                               Danny

“Although the world is full of suffering,

it is also full of overcoming it.”

~Helen Keller

Nature

Hi,

What began like any other ordinary, smoggy day turned into the afternoon rain storm of the week (555).

The ‘Easy Monday’ song was “Born Under A Bad Sign”, originally recorded by Albert King and covered by many artists, including Cream (my favorite).  Now it’s time to get into a ‘Zany Day’ tune from 1970.

“Leroy, boy, is that you?  I thought your post-hangin’ days were through.  Sunk-in eyes and full of sighs, tell no lies, you get wise.  I tell you now, we’re gonna pull you through, there’s only one thing left that we can do.  __ __ __ __ __ __, it’s like nothin’ else to make you feel sure you’re alive.  __ __ __ __ __ __, we better get walkin’, we’re wastin’ time talkin’ now…”  Hint:  Something to do with match-making.

Last night’s storm didn’t create as much tree-trash on the front lawn; mostly seed pods.  The backyard mainly had a mess right in the center of the lawn.  It was our resident puppy, who had found a small new plant in a plastic container just too irresistible.  He’s easy to forgive, he’s so adorable.  The little dog is learning all of his lessons very fast.  He’s not biting Daku as much, and he had us worried this morning, that maybe he thought he wasn’t supposed to play with the big dog.  He’s also not biting us as much, and that’s a relief.  My finger has finally healed, though I can’t say the same for all the shoes he has munched on since he’s been here.  

Around Chiang Rai, there were lots of puddles that had been refilled by today’s storm.  This afternoon the blue sky through the clouds was a sight for sore eyes.  The forecasters have predicted another storm front coming our way from China.  Let’s just hope it all ends by the beginning of Songkran.  They have already begun building the temporary village by the river near us.  At Big C this morning there was the annual ‘water-gun wall’, filled with all kinds of water delivery systems.  At the opposite end of the display were racks of Hawaiian style flower-print shirts.  

We’ve been on an emotional rollercoaster since the middle of last week.  It’s been a combination of events that have snowballed, each one adding to the next.  Once the sensitivity is heightened, that fine line between grief and joy becomes a tightrope.  The three days that we attended the funeral, hearing music in a show we watch that reminded us of cousin Joel, and Songkran and the selfie I took with Blue a few years ago, all seemed like a heavy weight.  Add the fact that today would have been Blue’s 75th birthday and I think you get the picture.  We managed to look at the bright spots and even laugh a bit, but it’s deep.

Neechanon and Chopper still bring smiles.  You know the world is different when a two year old gets upset because she can’t watch her videos on Youtube.  She’s been overdoing it and now she’s on ‘restriction’.  Hmm.

It’s gonna be a Wacky Wednesday.

                  Peace,

                            Danny

“Nature never breaks 

her own laws.”

~Leonardo da Vinci

Change

Hi,

It seems like every time I fuss about the weather and then surrender, it rains.  Last night we had a big storm.  It began with just wind.  Then the wind started sounding like rain, even though there was none.  Then the hard rain came and stayed for over an hour.  Lightning flashed, power went out for awhile, and the thing we wanted was upon us.  Today the air was ‘better’ by a lot.   

“You know, wine and women is all I crave.  A big bad woman’s gonna carry me to my grave.  __ __ __ __ __, I’ve been down since I began to crawl.  If it wasn’t for bad luck, I wouldn’t have no luck at all.”  Hint: Mid 60s, The original artist is always welcome, but if you know someone else, don’t be afraid to mention them.  It’s a very popular blues. 

When we took the dogs out for the morning exercise, the yard was a mess.  There were twigs, giant leaves and seed pods from the big trees across the street.  The dogs didn’t care at all.  Chopper has been paying attention lately and has not been attacking Daku as much as before.  His little brain still wants to bite, but most of the time he’s mouthing instead of chomping.  I’m sure Daku is happy about this change.  He’s been avoiding the little dog sometimes.  Today, they played and Daku was in charge.  He would roll on his back and literally invite Chopper to jump on him.  Then he’d do that thing of controlling him with his legs and he was happy.

Yesterday, while we were out, we stopped by a gym we have noticed for months.  It was very busy for a Monday morning, but there were still lots of machines and weights available.  It’s like a big warehouse space filled with machines and mats.  When we asked about cost, we found out that we can go without ‘joining’ for $1.60 US.  As soon as the air is healthier we’ll start working out.  

Today’s photos were taken in the front yard.  Chopper is really changing physically.  His legs are getting longer and he’s much heavier.  He’s still a puppy, but the effect has changed.  

Have a Happy Tuesday.

                    Peace,

                              Danny

“Education is the most 

powerful weapon which you 

can use to change the world.”

~Nelson Mandela

Write

Hi,

The so-called rain has been a tease.  Bits of water fall from the sky, but the sky remains unwashed.  It hasn’t cooled things off either.  In other words, we have had the same weather. 

The ‘Old School Friday’ song was “Donna” by Ritchie Valens.  ‘Easy Monday’ is a blues that should be familiar:

“__ __ __ __ __, I’ve been down since I began to crawl.  If it wasn’t for bad luck, I wouldn’t have no luck at all.  Bad luck and trouble’s my only friend, I’ve been down ever since I was ten.  __ __ __ __ __, I’ve been down since I began to crawl….”  Clue:  Easy for all you astrology buffs (555).  Hey, what’s your sign?

The weekend was a bit draining.  We came to that realization Sunday evening.  Physically and emotionally, we felt spent.  The service on Saturday evening was a larger crowd, more conversations and more of everything.  It turns out that the list I was put on as one who took gifts to the monks, was for the duration of the funeral.  It wasn’t difficult, it’s just that ‘feeling’ that one gets when you know that they know that you’re not from around here (5).  A bit of a curiosity for many.  I managed to fulfill my duties without falling down or making a big mistake, so that was cool.  At the close of the service, four women did a traditional Thai dance in the evening light.  

On Sunday we went to the temple in the morning.  Cat came with us and mentioned that it was the first time she had been to a funeral in the city.  There were more monks than before and lots more extended family and business friends.  After the service, while we were waiting for lunch, a big flatbed truck drove into the compound and parked.  We knew from past experience, that this truck would take the casket to the crematorium.  Lunch was mostly food I can’t eat, and it was good that we brought a dish from home.  After lunch, a group of men lifted the casket onto the truck and then it was decorated with the flowers from the service area.  After the procession through part of town, there was more chanting, some speeches, and a chance for everyone to leave a little palm tribute.  Sutheera asked Lisa to read the English translation of her mother’s obituary, and add something in her own words.  It was the most moving part of the verbal tributes because it was from the heart.  The whole affair was about 3 1/2 hours.  

In the course of traveling around town and sitting at the services, we had many conversations with Cat.  Some of it centered around what the monks were saying, various traditions, and her experiences when her mother died.  After the service it was coffee and desserts at The Wanderer, we all felt a little overwhelmed.  

Sunday evening we met Cat and Lucy, a young woman from The Freedom Story, at the Night Bazaar for dinner.  Lucy will be flying to the States with Cat in two weeks.  It’s nice to know that Cat will not be alone for the first part of her adventure. 

Today we were filled with the other side of the spectrum.  Lots of joy and smiles from Daku, Chopper and especially Neechanon.  As if they were given instructions, they all played a part in making this a happy day.  Chopper is slowly learning not to bite Daku so much, Daku is being less of a ‘dog mat’ when it comes to being bitten, and Neechanon was playing the role of ambassador of cute.  This afternoon, when I took Daku out, she was in the yard with Gong.  She decided she wanted to hang out with me, so we followed Daku and she just chattered away.  We talked about the dogs, and at one point she was walking along counting to ten in English.  Natcha wants us to speak to her in English and she and Gong will speak to her inThai.  The journey continues.

Today’s photos are of the ‘young ones’.  Neechanon in a rather serious face, but check out her new shark shoes.  

Chopper crashed in one of his new favorite places in the afternoon.  The tile is cool and there’s plenty of shade.

Have a Great Week.

                 Peace,

                           Danny

“If there is a book that you

want to read, but it hasn’t 

been written yet, you must be 

the one to write it.”

~Toni Morrison