See

Hi,

It’s still cold here in Chiang Rai.  We had a high of 77°F and a low last night of 45.  Now they tell us we’re on a slow climb to more comfortable temps.  It will continue to be ‘cold’ until the end of January, according to the Bangkok Post.  

This ‘Easy Monday’ tune reminds me of the Love Ins of the 60’s, only on the East Coast.  The band is named after a city known for it’s wind.  “Another day __ __ __, I think it was the Fourth of July.  Another day __ __ __, I think it was the Fourth of July.  People talking, really smiling, a man playing guitar (play a song, play a song, play on), singing for us all.  Will you help him change the world?  Can you dig it (yes, I can).  And I’ve been waiting such a long time, for today.”  Clue:  Where is a likely place for a picnic to be held?

Last night Mr. JaiDee went to sleep after all the exercise.  Normally, we wake him up around 9:45pm for a tiny meal and then he might sleep until 5+am.  Last night he didn’t want to wake up so he just slept, until 4:20am.  Should have made him get up.  Tonight we’ll make sure he stays awake before his big crash (555).

This morning we went to The Wanderer for coffee, roti and ice.  When we enter the property, JaiDee routinely turns toward the gate to the apartments where the family lives, looking for Mercy.  Today they were all sitting around the ‘Winter Fire’, as I call it, and when they saw JaiDee a big welcome from everyone surprised him.  Mercy ran over and they started playing before we even had time to order our coffee.  Joey wanted to join in, but he still has to take it easy.  Once inside, Kwan, Kern and their brother Khun joined us and played with JaiDee.  Mercy wasn’t getting enough attention so she came to us and the whole thing was a doggie love fest.  The coffee and roti saved us from the animals (555).

On the first night of ‘The Cold’, Lisa draped a towel over JaiDee while he slept.  He left it there for a long time and then kicked it off, but so cute.

This evening, after dinner, JaiDee was acting like a brat.  In the bedroom he went into The Zoomies and raced around and surprised us by jumping up on the bed.  We thought it was too tall for him, but there he was, up on the edge.  He did it twice, just to prove it wasn’t a fluke.  Now we have that to contend with.  Beds are off limits, no exceptions.  Hmm, there must be a training video that covers this.

In less than two weeks we will start our trek to the States.  There are still plenty of things to do, get, fix, etc.  Oh yes, and decide, as in whether to move back upstairs to our ‘real’ bedroom, or wait until we return.  Meanwhile, the coffee dates are starting to appear on the calendar.

Have a Happy Tuesday.

                         Peace,

                                   Danny

“There are three classes of people:

those who see, those who see when they

are shown, and those who do not see.”

~Leonardo da Vinci

Can't

Hi,

The weather in a word: Cold!  We got that low of 45°F that everyone was forecasting.  It did warm up today, to somewhere in the 70s.  So we’re in the 30° swing thing again.  This year it’s a little more extreme.  

The ‘Old School Friday’ song was “Drown In My Own Tears” by Ray Charles.  ‘Easy Monday’ should ring a bell:

“__ __ __ __, I think it was the Fourth of July.  __ __ __ __, I think it was the Fourth of July.  People dancing, people laughing, a man selling ice cream singing Italian songs.  ‘Eh cumpari, ci vo sunari’ can yoiui dig it (yes, I can).  And I’ve been waiting such a long time for __.”  Hint:  A day of the week is involved, and a group with a big horn section.

The big news at The Big Brown House is that JaiDee likes to sleep in the kitchen.  It began with putting him in there one day during ‘nap time’.  He barked once and went to sleep.  Then we tried it last night and he crashed and didn’t wake up until 5:20am.  This is wonderful, we don’t have to feel tethered to the puppy and it turns out, he likes it.  Could this mean he’s growing even more?  Oh my.  On another note, since we put the ring in the front of his halter, the walks are much better, with less pulling.  

Natcha, Nitchanan and Gong are in Mae Sai for a few days.  It’s time for Gong to take Chopper for a vet visit.  He has grown up to be a big dog with much better manners than when he lived here.  When I asked Nitchanan how he was she spread her arms and said “Big”.  Natcha made us a bunch of food so we can feed ourselves during her absence.  

Saturday night we were going to go to “Walking Street”, something we haven’t done in years.  "Walking Street” is a weekly event that involves closing off a main street that stretches across town for many blocks.  Vendors from Chiang Rai and all around the province set up booths and sell handmade items as well as commercial goods.  There is a whole section of ethnic food and music, and the crowd travels up one side and down the other, as if caught in a tide.   Our plan was to park nearby, then take a Tuk-Tuk to the actual street, and then get a ride back to the van after we were done.  Just approaching the area was a little intimidating.  The traffic was very heavy.  We decided to check out the Night Bazaar first, and see if many vendors were there.  That turned out to be a good decision, with a lot less stress.  We saw our friends, and did a lot of the shopping we needed to do.  

This morning we went to The Wanderer for coffee and the staff were all wrapped up in warm outfits.  They are basically working outside, so the morning part of their shift is pretty cold.  They had even dressed the cats in sweaters.   Below is one of the cutest pics.

Have a Great Week.

                        Peace,

                                  Danny

“My dear friend, clear your mind

of ‘can’t’”.

~Samuel Johnson

Friday Funnies

Hi,

Mr. Freeze is on his way.  It won’t get that cold, but to those of us who live here all year, it’s starting to feel possible.  Everyone is waiting for Sunday night, when it will be the coldest in a very long time.  A temperature of 45°F when you’re used to lows in the 70’s can feel very cold.

The ‘Zany Day’ song was “Hit The Road Jack” by Ray Charles.  ‘Old School Friday’ is next, from his first album:

“It brings a tear, into my eyes, when I begin, to realize, I’ve cried so much since you’ve been gone.  I guess I’ll __ __ __ __ __.  I sit and cry, just like a child.  My pouring tears are running wild.  If you don’t think you’ll be home soon, I guess I’ll __ __ __ __ __.”  Hint:  Crying is involved.  Should be easy.  Note:  Back in the late 60’s I was part of a budding band.  We got an audition to record a demo at R.P.M. Studios in L.A., which was owned by Ray Charles.  I remember the producers talking about how Mr. Charles, as he was called, being able to tell who was walking down the hall by the cadence and rhythm of their footsteps.  

As Fridays go, this was a slow one.  Not much happened, besides the cold.  On the road to town there were a bunch of people selling clothes.  They had racks of warm sweaters and jackets along with lots of jeans.  I’ve always wondered where these clothes come from.  They are clearly used, so it’s not like a warehouse overflow.  There were rumors, years ago, that some of them were donations from other places that somehow got into the hands of enterprising individuals.  That’s all I’m saying on that subject.  Many local groups have fundraisers to buy blankets to take to the mountains for the people who are not prepared for extreme weather.  

I received an email letting me know that plans were underway for the 60th reunion of my high school graduating class.  Now don’t that make one feel a bit old.  Not really, it just seems like such a long time ago, and just yesterday.  Time is a funny thing.  It can make you laugh, or bring tears, sweet memories or nightmares.  I'm choosing the sweet memories these days.  I suppose that’s what gives me so much joy in the old songs.

Today’s photo is a real throwback.  It was taken on the day JaiDee came into our lives.  In a park in Chiang Mai, he’s trying to climb a tree.  What?  Hey, you’re a dog.

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

                           Peace,

                                     Danny

Who

Hi,

Every day is just a little bit colder.  We just make it to 45° on Sunday night.  Those who ride motorbikes are really feeling the bite of this cold snap.  Oh, and just a reminder, most cars here don’t have heaters.

The ‘Zany Day’ song this week is another one of Mr. Charles’ hits.  It’s based on a well used phrase.

“Now baby, listen baby, don’t ya treat me this-a way, ‘cause I’ll be back on my feet some day.  (Don’t care if you do ‘cause it’s understood, you ain’t got no money you just ain’t no good).  Well, I guess if you say so, I’d have to pack my things and go (That’s right).  (__ __ __ __, and don’t you come back no more, no more, no more, no more.  __ __ __ __ and don’t you come back no more.”  Clue:  This one is also from 1960.  Hmm, got no money, just no good, so she threw him out.  Given his traveling papers.

This morning JaiDee slept until 5:30am, which was a big improvement for this week.  After the usual early morning routine with it’s after-breakfast nap, Lisa and I went into town to see Khun Orn.  Yesterday we dropped off a new halter for JaiDee and had her add a ring in the front.  It’s supposed to be easier to control dogs who like to wander off when going for a walk.  On our way to Orn, we had coffee at Work@Home.  We thought we’d be alone in the place but Towan came into the shop and we had a nice ‘puppy talk’.  He and Katai haven’t see JaiDee in over a month so he enjoyed the phone photos.  They have been very busy with the tractor business these days.  We’re hoping to get together before we go to the States.

Our friend Atom has a new puppy that goes to work with her, so we stopped by to meet the pup.  It’s a tiny little mix that looks like a tiny toy.  It weighs about 2.5 lbs and is too cute.  He’s still very young and cautious of new people, but we understood.  Listening to the tales of other puppy owners, we don’t feel so alone.  The things they do are totally normal.

Every year the Christmas enthusiasm grows.  Years ago I asked a good friend of ours how it was that there were so many lights and decorations, since this is a mostly Buddhist country.  His reply was:  ‘It’s fun’.  Keeping that in mind, we see lots of variations.  Today’s photo was taken at Big C.  They are promoting the same gift baskets that are given for various Thai holidays as well as making merit at the temples.  It’s the banner on the bottom that gives it a seasonal flavor.  Hmm, clever.

Have a Thrilling Thursday.

                     Peace,

                               Danny

“You can’t fall into other

people’s understanding

of who you are.”

~Lama Rod Owens

Early

Hi,

The weather is gradually getting colder and colder.  Last night we put a light blanket on the bed.  Before we know it we’ll be wearing sweaters and socks.  What?

The ‘Easy Monday’ song was “Georgia On My Mind” by Ray Charles.  This tune was written by Willie Nelson.  Time for a ‘Zany Day’ tune that we’ve looked at before:  “Woah woman, oh woman, don’t treat me so mean.  You’re the meanest old woman that I’ve ever seen.  I guess if you said so, I’d have to pack my bags and go (That’s right).  (__ __ __ __, and don’t you come back no more, no more, no more, no more.  __ __ __ __ and don’t you come back no more.)  What you say?”  Hint:  Now that you know the artist, this should be a snap.  Oh, he’s being kicked out.

It just occurred to me that the reason JaiDee is getting up earlier has to do with his agenda.  He’s been making plans that we don’t know about, yet.  I mean, why else would a 5 month old puppy start getting up an hour early.  He’s got things to do.  What he has is more toys to play with, more treats to eat, and more friends to meet and greet if we would only take him with us.  He hasn’t been out to visit in about a week.  That will change soon.  He’s been a little on the wild side.  The training is going well and an updated harness will make life smoother for all concerned.  He is being very affectionate and that’s a plus.  How do you convince a Golden puppy that he’s not a watch dog?  We keep saying, ‘be the mellow, cuddly puppy’ and he just barks (555).

This morning we went to Browney’s for treats and harness ideas.  We have a drawer full of wrong sizes and weird designs.  The selections are not very wide here, so we’re looking to bring back some winners from the States.  

Our friend Lisa went to Singapore over the weekend to celebrate her birthday by going to a U2 concert.  I found that rather interesting.  It’s so easy to forget that there are concerts going on all around the world and many people travel to see them.  She had a ball and that’s what mattered.

Today’s massages were all big hits.  Jin worked on Natcha, Lisa and me and we all feel better for it.  Next time, she wants to work on me for 2 hours, to really loosen up some tight muscles.  That’s fine with me.  It would be good to be nice and loose before we cross the ocean for the Winter Visit.

At Farm Fest this year there was a band with a name we just love:  “Silly Fools”.  I mean, why not?  Today’s photo is a daytime shot giving you an idea of the expanse of the event.  The flowers cover a huge hillside.  

It feels like a Wacky Wednesday.

                       Peace,

                                 Danny

“No man goes before his time,

unless the boss leaves early.”

~Groucho Marx

Home

Hi,

We haven’t found the source yet, but there is cold air coming from someplace and it will be getting colder by the day.  This is looking like a very cold ‘winter’ for Chiang Rai and the rest of Northern Thailand.  We have the means to stay warm, but there are many people who don’t have warm enough clothes for extreme temps.  Sunday’s low could be 45°F.  That’s crazy.

‘Easy Monday’ was easy for a lot of you.  Here are more lyrics, just in case:  “Other arms reach out to me, other eyes smile tenderly.  Still in peaceful dreams I see, the road leads back to you.  I said __, __, no peace I find.  Just an old sweet song keeps __ __ __ __.”  Clue:  A ‘state’ of mind.  The title is actually four words.

Our little alarm clock woke up at 4:20am today.  Lisa tried to get him to go back to sleep, but he only went along with it until 5ish.  Puppy management is being a full-time job.  JaiDee has so much energy and is so smart that he knows all our tricks.  He has, unfortunately, discovered the power of the bark.  Now, if we could only get him to use this power for good (555).  As it is, he’s playing it both ways.  "I bark because I want more treats, I bark because I have to go outside to relieve myself, I bark because I want to sit by the pool", etc.  Need to teach him to talk.  

We spent the morning at The Big Brown House.  We talked to Lisa’s dad, Joe, and made arrangements to see an orthopedist in the afternoon.  About a week and a half ago I dropped a shower gel bottle on my foot.  It was heavy and it hurt.  It appeared to be getting better, but a mild pain persisted.  Of course, it doesn’t help when your favorite dog likes to sit/stand on your foot.  We met with the doctor, who told us to call him Dr. Monk because his Thai name is complicated.  He had x-rays taken and discussed them with us.  There was no fracture, but a combination sprain/bruise.  Naturally, the treatment is the frustrating type: keep it elevated, try not to walk too much, and take an anti-inflammatory for pain.  Well, that sounds like fun.  Dr. Monk said it should get better in a couple of weeks.  

When we got home from the hospital, JaiDee and Natcha were sitting by the pool.  Lisa took this candid photo.

Have a Happy Tuesday.

                    Peace,

                              Danny

“The ache of home lives in all of us,

the safe place where we can go as 

we are, and not be questioned.”

~Maya Angelou

Secret

Hi,

I can tell you this, at 5am it’s so cold I need to wear my hoodie when I take the dog out.  At 4am, well, brrr.  The daytime temps are still warm, so by mid-morning everything is fine.  We’re supposed to get a ‘snap’ soon.

Last week’s ‘Old School Friday’ song was “Reelin’ In The Years” by Steely Dan.  This week’s ‘Easy Monday’ should be pretty clear:  “__, __, the whole day through.  Just an old sweet song keeps __ __ __ __.  I said __, __, a song of you (a song of you), comes as sweet and clear as moonlight through the pines.”  Hint:  The key word is a name.  Hmm, could be a person or a place.

This was a busy weekend in Chiang Rai if you like to go to events.  There was 'Farm Fest on the Hill’ at Singha Park, The Light Festival at Wat Rong Khun, a Carnival across the river from us, and another carnival at Big C.  We didn’t go to any of them, but we did get swallowed by the parking lot at Big C on Saturday night.  They had some rides for kids and a big stage that apparently presented a very popular singer.  We left without finding a place to park.  By the time we got home, it was too late to take JaiDee for his exercise, but Natcha and Gong ran him a bunch in the yard, so he got a workout.

Sunday, Cat came over for a visit and lunch.  She’s in her last semester of classroom work and it’s getting harder.  She still has another year before her graduation.  When this semester is done, there will be a year of practice teaching at a school in the area.  She’s handling it all in a responsible manner.  

In an effort to get our shopping done, we headed to The Wanderer for morning coffee.  What a nice surprise to see a ‘remodeled’ waterfall in the main dining room.  Below, is a photo of the whole effect, plus a close-up of the flowers.

After we left The Wanderer, we thought it would be a simple drive down the highway to Big C.  After we crossed the middle bridge into town, the traffic came to a halt.  Way up ahead we could see the reason: A parade.  What better way to start the week than a parade.  We finally made a U-turn (along with a bunch of other vehicles) and took an alternate route.  

This evening we went to Sabroso for dinner and then, after a short break, walked the dog for about 30 minutes.  We all came home tired, especially after he ran back and forth across the front yard.  With all of that, he still proceeded to ‘zoom’ around the kitchen.  Then he was ready for a nap.  Whew.

It’s been a full day.  Wednesday afternoon we all get massages.  Jin will come to the house and Natcha and I will each get one hour and Lisa gets two.  Can’t wait.

Have a Great Week.

                       Peace,

                                 Danny

“The secret of getting ahead

is getting started.”

~Mark Twain