Bicycle

Hi,

We had another rainless day, even though there were storm clouds looming overhead.  All the boys are out of the cave and now four rescuers may need help.  

This week’s ‘Easy Monday’ song had a lot of responses.  It’s one of those songs that’s hard to forget.

“He sat in her boudoir while she freshened up, the boy drank all her magnolia-wine.  On the black satin sheets, oh I swear, he started to freak.  Itchi gitchi ya ya da da.  Itchi gitchi ya ya here.  Mocha-choca-lata ya ya.  Creole __ __.  Voulez-vous coucher avec moi, ce soir?  Voulez-vous coucher avec moi?….”  Hint:  The group use the last name of the lead singer, who went on to become a major artist.  There used to be Blue Bells too.

The antics of Chopper the dog continue to frustrate everybody at The Big Brown House.  Yesterday Gong planted some grass in the form of squares of sod.  As soon as Chopper stepped on them, he realized they would be fun to play with.  Gong was not happy.  The biting is not better and everyone, including Daku, is ready for him to be gone.  More will be revealed, it just wasn’t the right time.

This morning we met our friend Atom at The Wanderer.  She brought a friend with her and we had a really neat time.  She had told us about him in the past, and they have worked on some projects before.  His name is A (not sure how he spells it) and he lived in England for 11 years.  He and Atom told us about their latest adventure and we shared some ideas.  It was nice to be able to put a face to a name.  A is a big fan of Nagas, mythological dragons, and was wearing an interesting ring.  

Today’s photo is a Naga worn by our new friend A.

The Wild Boars, the football team of the boys who were trapped, went out on the field (pitch) today.  It was their first time kicking the ball around since their team mates disappeared.  The whole community is preparing to help the boys recover from their ordeal.  

Have a Happy Tuesday.

                  Peace,

                            Danny

“Life is like riding a bicycle.

To keep your balance, you must

keep moving."

~Albert Einstein

Attitude

Hi,

The weekend weather was the usual hot, with just a few showers during the day.  We got rain on Sunday afternoon but it didn’t last too long.  Rain is now equated to slowing the rescue of the ‘football boys’ and we don’t want any of it.

‘Old School Friday’ was “So Much In Love” by The Tymes.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zsGy-ndBhUc

The ‘Easy Monday’ song is a rowdy number from 1975.  “Hey sister, go sister, soul sister, go sister (repeat).  He met __ down in old New Orleans, struttin’ her stuff on the street.  She said, ‘Hello, hey Joe, you wanna give it a go? Mmm, mmm.  Itchi gitchi ya ya da da, itchi gitchi ya ya here.  Mocha-choca-lata ya ya.  Creole __ __.”  Clue:  One of the few hit songs, to my memory, that covers this subject so boldly.  Hmm.  Song was featured in a Broadway musical, years later.  

A huge collective sigh of relief was heard as the first group of football boys emerged from the cave.  There is still a lot of work to do in order to get the others out, but when the first four came out, there was an energy shift throughout the area.  It takes time to replenish the oxygen tanks for the boys who are waiting, and the trip is taxing for the divers.  Another group of four has come out and now there are five, including the coach, waiting for rescue.  It’s difficult to know exactly what’s happening due to the many news sources and inconsistent information.  The big hope is that they can complete the extractions before the next storm.

Saturday afternoon Khun Noot, from The Wanderer, came over with her long-time friend and garden specialist, Thomas.  They inspected ‘Blue’s Tree’ to see why it looked so unhappy.  Apparently, it’s a tough tree to keep going after transplant, unless you know what you’re doing.  There are parasites that have attacked the roots so it’s not getting proper nourishment.  Thomas got his watering can, poured in some powder and watered the tree.  He also sprinkled some volcanic dirt on the top.  They were pretty sure it will come through and start growing again.  

The evening was filled with two art exhibit openings.  The 9 Art Gallery exhibit of works by Cornelis Hoeke was a nice gathering of friends and artists.  At the ArtBridge Gallery, they had already turned out the lights by the time we got there, but they opened the room for us.  The work was by alumni of the main technical school and we knew most of the artists.  A few had ventured out into new styles and/or mediums and it was interesting.  There is now a ‘cafe’ on one side of the building, not to be confused with the restaurant.  The cafe was the location of the afterparty.  Even though the gallery was closed, the artists were holding court and having a great time.

Sunday evening we went to the mall for dinner.  While we were strolling around we saw these Ferrari scooters and roller skates.  Hmm.

This morning I stepped out of my comfort zone and, after some convincing, went with Lisa and got my first pedicure.  It’s a very nice place and I found the experience to be not nearly as intimidating as I imagined (555).  I have ticklish feet and there were only a few times when they jumped all by themselves.  Now I have pretty toes.  What?

Have a Great Week.

                    Peace,

                              Danny

“Your attitude, not your aptitude,

will determine your altitude.”

~Zig Ziglar

Friday Funnies

Hi,

Rain was forecast and until this evening, we thought they had missed the mark again.  The wind came up after dinner and there was some rain, but nothing significant.  It’s still very hot here.

The ‘Zany Day’ song was “Bang Bang (My Baby Shot Me Down)” by Cher.  It was written by Sonny for her first solo project.  Here comes another ‘Old School Friday’ song that some of you may know.  “As we stroll along together, holding hands walking all alone.  __ __ __ are we two that we don’t know what to do.  __ __ __ (__ __ __) In a world of our own (__ __ __).”  This mid-60s ballad is about, well, you know.  The title is actually four words.

Our Friday was one of those days when we got things done in a progression that just worked.  We started in Ban Du, just north of town, with coffee at Shong, followed by a trip across the highway to Mega Home.  One block away to the south was the post office for the package we missed, and then on to Browney’s Pet World.  When you buzz around this town awhile, pictures of how to get places appear in the eyelids (555).  A few more stops and it was time for lunch.

We met our new friend Sly, who is visiting Chiang Rai, at The Wanderer for lunch.  He lives in Saigon and had never been to Chiang Rai.  There were not many people there, so the stroll through the gardens and the woods was very relaxing.  As usual, the food was good, the laughter was abundant, and we all left with big smiles on our faces.  Someday, we may visit Sly and his family at a coastal spot in Viet Nam.  That would be cool.

At The Big Brown House a new decision about Chopper was made.  Gong has been doing a lot of extra work cleaning up after and dealing with the 6 month old Husky and he has reached his limit.  We don’t know exactly when or if this will really happen, but he wants to take Chopper to live in Mae Sai with his family.  Chopper would have lots of space and could live like a ‘Thai Dog’.  We would all miss him, but for Natcha and Gong, it’s like having two kids plus their regular work.  They have started selling food again in the evenings, and they seem to have found their groove.  

On Saturday we have two art openings to attend.  One at 9 Art Gallery for our friend Cornelis, and the other at ArtBridge, featuring young artists from the technical school that many local artists attended.  We’ll start at 9 Art and then drive up to ArtBridge.  The opening at ArtBridge will have lots of speeches and stuff, so it will take longer to get to the ribbon cutting.  At least that’s our theory.  The weekend of doubles wouldn’t be complete without a sports double.  The Wimbeldon Championships are continuing, and Formula 1 is in England as well.  Whew.

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

                  Peace,

                            Danny

Science

Hi,

We had another hot day today.  No rain again and that’s a good thing.  Everyone is hoping that things stay dry so the water can be pumped out of the cave where the boys are still trapped.  The less water, the easier they can exit.

So, a couple of people got the ‘Zany Day’ song, so far.  Here is the second verse of this disturbingly zany song.

“Seasons came and changed the time.  When I grew up, I called him mine.  He would always laugh and say, ‘Remember when we used to play?’  __ __, (__ __ __ __).  __ __, (__ __ __ __). __ __, (__ __ __).  __ __ (__ __ __ __ __ __).”  Clue:  All of the little lines are not the same phrases, but would totally give it away (555).  

Before we left on our adventure today, we searched for a menu from Hacienda Cafe and Bakery.  There is no Mexican food in the hacienda, nada.  We met Susan and Noy after finding the place with no problems.  It used to be a big house that was converted into what it is today.  The first thought that came to mind was, ‘This doesn’t feel like Thailand’.  It has a lot of European style art, classical music playing in the background, and menu items that might be labeled Euro/Thai.  The food was good and the view of the valley was spectacular.  During lunch it was noted that there are three venues we can visit with distinct views.  Chivit Tamma Da has a river view, The Wanderer has the woods, and Hacienda has a valley and a foothill.  We learned more about lettuce and pesticides today.  There is always something to learn when spending time with Susan and Noy.  Today’s big lesson:  Just because it’s hydroponically grown does not mean it’s organic and pesticide free.  Noy explained that most farms do not completely seal their growing beds from the outside world.  It means that plants can be contaminated by spray from other farms, or, because pests get on the crops, they are sprayed while growing in their hydroponic tanks.  Now we know.

Today’s photo was taken from the upstairs porch at Hacienda Cafe.  

One of the nice things about this heatwave with no rain is the warmish pool.  It gets a little better every day.  Today was a good temp for an easy workout.  

I’m finding it interesting to hear perspectives on cities from visitors.  I had dinner this evening with a friend who has lived in Saigon for 20 years.  When I mentioned that Chiang Mai felt dense and very congested, he commented that it felt relaxed to him, compared to Saigon.  We both agreed that Chiang Rai was a very relaxed atmosphere, even when the traffic ‘seemed’ heavy.  This musical hook sums it up pretty good, “Tryin’ to make it real, compared to what.”  (Cool Points if you know the tune and who made it famous)

Have a Thrilling Thursday.  Note: Just realized that I wished you a Thrilling Thursday on Wednesday as well.  Oops.

                  Peace,

                            Danny

“Science is a beautiful gift to 

humanity; we should not

distort it.”

~A.P.J. Abdul Kalam

Freedom

Hi,

The weather in Chiang Rai today was HOT.  It was listed as 92, with a real feel of 102.  I believe that.  It may be hotter tomorrow.

The ‘Easy Monday’ song was “The Girl From Ipanema” by Astrid Gilberto and Stan Getz.  And now, the ‘Zany Day’ song:  “I was five and he was six, we rode on horses made of sticks.  He wore black and I wore white, he would always win the fight.  __ __, (__ __ __ __), __ __, I hit the ground, __ __, that awful sound, __ __, (__ __ __ __ __).”  Hint:  Kinda the dark side of zany, written by the husband of the singer.  Title is two words, both the same.

Last night the van did something weird that seemed related to the transmission.  This morning there were no signs of the odd behavior, but we took it to Suzuki to have it checked.  They said they would reset the computer, which made sense to someone who doesn’t completely understand how a car works anymore (555).  That gave us an hour to either sit in their waiting room, or explore the changes on Bus Station Street.  We were on our way to a known coffee destination when I spotted a sign on a side street.  The place had a modern look so we checked it out.  It’s called “Sound, Brown Coffee”.  We don’t know why, maybe the words just sounded good.  The coffee was good and the sounds they played were Korean ‘K-Pop’, a very slick form of modern R&B that I like.  One of the guys who works there remembered seeing us at The Wanderer many times and referred to Lisa as Cat’s ‘Auntie’.  I guess we do get around.  We’ll be going back to SBC from time to time.  We liked the vibe.

There is a stretch of Bus Station Street that is filled with shoe and bag shops.  Lots of browsing to be done.  Since it was early in the day, most of them were empty and made it easy to get help if we needed it.  As we were leaving the last shop on the ‘row’ I noticed a new way to avoid copyright infringement.  

Neechanon hung out with us upstairs before lunch.  Now that she’s really talking, we’re trying to use English words along with the Thai words she understands.  It’s a slow process, but she is very smart and always repeats the new words.  

In the afternoon we met our friend John, and his niece Haley, for coffee at Chivit Tamma Da.  It was 2pm and the place was absolutely buzzing.  We’ve never seen it so busy.  Before we found our friends, I congratulated the co-owner, Joaquim on the Swedish teams World Cup victory over Switzerland.  He was very excited, of course and then laughed about how so many people think they are the same country.  Geography is not a big subject here.  

We found our friends and a quiet table in the air/con room.  Haley just finished her first year of college in the States, and is majoring in Computer Gaming Graphics through the art department.  Getting an understanding of what she will be doing helped us see the bigger picture of art education on some levels. There are infinite possibilities when one is prepared.

Our big adventure for this week will be tomorrow’s trip to Mae Chan, to find a hilltop Mexican restaurant called Hacienda.  We meeting our friends Susan and Noy.  Now I just have to figure out how to get there.

Have a Thrilling Thursday.

                      Peace,

                                Danny

“May we think of freedom, 

not as the right to do as we please,

but as an opportunity to do what

is right.”

~Peter Marshall

Opinions

Hi,

We stayed mostly dry today.  A brief downpour was all we saw, for a few blocks.  Looking like a dry night ahead.

This week’s ‘Easy Monday’ has a lot of friends.  Here is more of the song, just in case you don’t remember:

“Ooh, but he watches so sadly, how can he tell her he loves her, yes, he would give his heart gladly.  But each day when she walks to the sea, she looks straight ahead not at he.  Tall and tan and young, and lovely, __ __ __ __ goes walking, and when she passes, he smiles but she doesn’t see, she just doesn’t see….”  Clue:  This 1964 hit is from Brazil.  The name of a famous beach is in the title.  That’s all you get.

The big news in Thailand is the rescue of the 12 member youth football team and their coach.  They were trapped for 10 days in the caves north of Chiang Rai, near the border town of Mae Sai.  Their rescue became an international story and attracted various professional search teams from around the world.  The caves are very extensive and when heavy rains came, the boys got cut off due to flooding, but were able to move to higher ground.  The people who found them had to use SCUBA equipment in order to reach them.  There have been vigils by every religion, sect and belief system, praying for their safe return.  They are still not able to leave the cave because it will be a difficult exit.  The boys have no training in diving and don’t swim.  It will be weeks or months before they can be reunited with their families, but they are safe and mostly healthy.

Today we had lunch with our friend Sutheera at Chivit Tamma Da.  Arriving early has it’s perks.  We got a balcony table with no ‘neighbors’ and it was perfect for conversation with a view.  By the time we finished, the section had filled up.  Sutheera teaches at Chiang Rai University, in what they call the Business Faculty.  They are in summer school now and she has Master and Doctoral students.  On a recent trip to Bangkok with her husband Nukoon, they spotted her book at a major bookstore, next to some noted authors.  That always feels good.  There was lots of talk about travel, eating while traveling, and of course, the football team.  As we were leaving, we had a little love-fest with the two resident dogs.  When we got home, Daku couldn’t get enough of the new scent.

The photo below is from our Saturday visit to 9 Art Gallery.  We’re standing in front of one of Lisa’s two-panel paper sculptures.

Have a Happy Tuesday.

                Peace,

                          Danny

"The greatest deception men

suffer is from their own

opinions.”

~Leonardo da Vinci

Dark

Hi,

The weather has been mostly cloudy with occasional downpours.  Some of those have been during the day, and problematic.  Well, only because we got wet during our Sunday lunch at The Wanderer.  And the umbrellas were in the van (555).

The ‘Old School Friday’ song got lots of action.  It was The Supremes singing “You Keep Me Hanging On”.  This week’s ‘Easy Monday’ should be just that, easy:  “Tall and tan and young and lovely, __ __ __ __ goes walking.  And when she passes, each one she passes goes, ah.”  Hint:  You may remember this as the song that introduced America to a musical form it was unaware of on a large scale.  Something to do with a beach.

Saturday afternoon we revisited Lisa’s exhibit with a friend who is a big fan of her work.  His name is John and he’s originally from Holland.  He used to be in the art world as a curator, putting exhibits together.  He wanted to meet us in the empty gallery so we could look at the work without crowds of people.  I must agree, one cannot fully appreciate the art with people standing in front of it taking photos, although that can be loads of fun.  Anyway, it was good to get his impressions, observations, and observe his sense of wonder.  At the end of the visit, he took some photos.  I’ll post those later.  Khun Nine, the owner of the gallery, suggested we return in the evening, after the sun is down, and take a video of the exhibit without the outside light bouncing off the work.  We did and it made a difference.  We now have a series of video clips, documenting the exhibit.

Sunday morning we drove up to Mae Chan for another appointment with Dr. Mark, aka "Dr. Happy."  I was beginning to get some pain in my lower back and we felt that it would be best to treat the inflammation before it got too bad.  He agreed and I got ‘the treatment’.  It definitely makes a difference.  

Driving up and down the highway, the weather was great, as in dry.  We went directly to The Wanderer for lunch and things were looking a little darker, but not rainy.  We were almost finished with our meal when it began to rain.  It didn’t take long before it was in full downpour mode, forcing a leak in our table’s umbrella.  We kept shifting around, but it started splashing and finally we gave in.  No time to relax at the table, it was time to get help.  One of the servers brought a big umbrella, we went inside and paid the bill and then dashed to the van.  All of the distances were short and we were laughing all the way.

Today we went back to Nine Art Gallery to pack up the show.  Actually, the staff had already taken the work off the walls and had it wrapped in bubblewrap.  All we had to do was have them load it in the van, and Gong’s pickup.  

This afternoon we had a very nice swim.  Since we’ve missed the gym it was a perfect way to stay on schedule.  I recently discovered, from Dr. Perry in Chiang Mai, that magnesium citrate would alleviate a nagging foot cramp when doing the flutter kick.  It works and I was able to do some serious swimming today.

Today’s photo was taken before dinner, when Neechanon was entertaining us with her new toy.  Before she came to the table, she had been feeding him yogurt.  We never did get his name.

Have a Great Week.

                    Peace,

                              Danny

“There is nothing in the dark 

that isn’t there when the lights are on."

~Rod Serling