Memory

Hi,

We are definitely in ‘Rain Mode’ these days.  It rained a lot last night, and again this morning.  

The ‘Easy Monday’ song was “I’m Only Sleeping” by The Beatles.  It’s ‘Zany Day’ time and a song from 1978:

“Young man, there’s no need to feel down.  I said, young man, pick yourself off the ground.  I said, young man, ‘cause you’re in a new town there’s no need to be unhappy….”  Hint:  The title is four initials.  Too easy.

Today was a quiet day, letting it all sink in that there will be another month of this ‘Stay home’ business.  There are a lot of people on the streets, considering what the decree is supposed to mean, but I’m not runnin’ nothin’.  The number of motorcycle delivery riders is amazing.  People are really ordering by phone and online, leaving it to underpaid riders to deliver the goods.  A friend of Cat’s started doing it and they only get about $1 per delivery.  In addition, there is no gas money or insurance involved.  The idea of having a job is a big part of the motivation.  If you know the city well enough and don’t waste time, about 10 trips a day would approach minimum wage.

Tonight marked the ‘bloom’ of the so-called rain flies.  We just learned this local name for them this year.  We’ve battled them every year, calling them flying ants.  Anyway, tonight was their night to invade the kitchen.  Outside, they circle around any light that’s on, but inside they seem to be disoriented.  They are a delicacy for Thais, but it takes a lot of them.  In the past, we’ve seen people under street lights catching them in bags, or standing in front of a parked motorbike catching them in the headlight.  Yeah, we don’t do that (555).

Today’s photo is a rare shot of JaiDee on our bed.  It’s rare because he’s not wearing his hoodie.  He’s so taken with his ‘bone’ the he’s not thinking about his ‘problems’.  He’s about 9.5 months.

It feels like a Wacky Wednesday.

                          Peace,

                                    Danny

“A clear conscience is usually the sign

of a bad memory.”

~Steven Wright

Find Peace

Hi,

It was a beautiful day in the neighborhood.  The cloudy overcast thinned out and there was blue sky overhead.  What a wonderful sight.  Late in the afternoon the clouds moved back to their familiar place to prepare for tonight’s rain.  

The ‘Easy Monday’ song is by those four lads from across the pond.  “Everybody seems to think I’m lazy, I don’t mind, I think they’re crazy.  Running everywhere at such a speed, till they find, there’s no need (There’s no need).  Please, don’t spoil my day, I’m miles away, and after all __ __ __.”  Clue:  Singing the praises of closing one’s eyes and drifting off into dreamland.  

The days seem to blend together, the common question around here is, “What day is today?”  One way I keep track is remembering what stage of the song we’re in, as in ‘Easy Monday’ day 2, then it’s Tuesday.  Of course, there’s no guarantee that I’ll remember that much (555).  There’s always the calendar or the phone but that would be too easy.  Even before this stay at home business, I have started messages and then realized that I was on the wrong song day.  I saved it for the right day and went back to square one.  

My handyman skills were on fire today.  I sprayed WD-40 on the rails of the sliding front door and made it better and I changed batteries in a motion light for the downstairs hall.  Whew, what’s next?

The government powers had their big meeting today and decided that the ‘decree’ will continue until the end of May.  Not much changed and some travel going out of Thailand will still be permitted, but you can’t get a flight into the country.  One of the changes will be easing of the restrictions on some businesses.  Shopping malls and hair salons will be permitted to operate, along with others who don’t pose a high risk of spreading the virus.  Entertainment venues will remain closed.  Well, we didn’t go to the movies anyway.  They are trying to slowly revive the economy by letting some people get back to work.  This is the tricky part, all over the world.

With another month of isolation, many businesses will be in trouble.  Lisa brought up Chareon Gardens, our ‘pie place’ on the highway to Chiang Mai.  They had a large staff and a big following.  The place is very much out of the way, so there might not be much of a ‘take away’ market.  So many things to consider.  We have friends who normally go to doctors in Chiang Mai, but now technically, one would have to go into a 14 day quarantine when entering another province.  Hmm, I’m wondering if they’ll finish the road work while everyone is at home.  That would be great.

Today’s photo is the new plants by the pool.  The big-leafed one in the center is about to have a flower that we didn’t know it produced. 

Have a Happy Tuesday.  

                       Peace,

                                 Danny

Ego says: “Once everything falls into place,

       I will find peace.”

Spirit says:  “Find peace and everything will 

       fall into place.”  

~Unknown 

Kind

Hi,

We had a cool weekend with afternoon rain on Saturday and overnight rain on Sunday.  The air is in the ‘Good’ zone and spirits have been lifted.

The ‘Old School Friday’ song was The Temptations singing “The Way You Do The Things You Do”.  It’s ‘Easy Monday’ time:  “When I wake up early in the morning, lift my head, I’m still yawning.  When I’m in the middle of a dream, stay in bed, float upstream (float upstream).  Please don’t wake me, no don’t shake me, leave me where I am, __ __ __.”  Hint:  Something that’s easy to say these days.  What is a favorite thing to do in confinement? 

As we approach the end of the month, a new decree was issued for another month of isolation and restrictions.  There are some things that will be different, like flights leaving the Kingdom will begin again, and some travel within the country may be allowed in some provinces.  Gatherings are still prohibited, so that may put a damper on some businesses re-opening.  Some things are still a little unclear, but what it clear is another month of the same for us.

JaiDee is still wearing the ‘Hoodie’, as we like to call it.  He hasn’t let it dampen his fun in the yard.  He still zooms around, bites things that he’s not supposed to, and enjoys ‘his coconuts’.  They really bring out the beast in him.

Today’s photos show him attacking his favorite yard toy.

Today we went out into the world.  This morning we went to Big C and were surprised to see how empty it was.  There were signs of the times in a few places.  There was a tiny branch of S&P bakery across from the check-out at Big C and it was my favorite cookie spot before Natcha started making the best cookies ever.  Now it’s a lingerie shop.  Some shops on the lower level are gone, with no replacement.  The rents are probably much higher and it’s an uncertain time for a new venture.  Our friends at Connect Cafe on Bus Station street announced that they will soon be taking orders for lunch and dinner.  They will prepare for take-out as well as delivery.  Slowly, things will begin to return to the ‘new normal’.  

The cleaner air has allowed us to spend more time outside.  Our new ‘thing’ is walking or running JaiDee and then hanging out on the front porch with coffee (JaiDee doesn’t get any).  He seems to enjoy it, which is very cool.

Have a Great Week.  Wash your hands and be patient.

                            Peace,

                                      Danny

“Stay kind.  It makes you beautiful.”

~Najwa Zebian

Friday Funnies

Hi,

It was supposed to be cooler today but someone forgot to tell the weather.  It was very hot, and the rain that was predicted may still arrive, but so far it’s been dry.  The air was a bit better today so that’s a good thing.

The ‘Zany Day’ song was “Thank You (Faletinme Be Mice Elf Agin)” by Sly & The Family Stone, 1970.  That brings us to another edition of ‘Old School Friday’.  We’ll have to motor up to Detroit for this one:  “You got a smile so bright, you know you could have been a candle.  I’m holding you so tight, you know you could have been a handle.  The way you swept me off my feet, you know you could’ve been a broom.  And babe you smell so sweet, you know you could’ve been some perfume.  Well, you could’ve been anything that you wanted to and I can tell __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __.”

Hint:  This R&B hit was released in 1964, sung by a quintet, praising the talents of their heart’s desire.

We had a routine day, except for the two cups of coffee this morning.  The dog got walked, watered (where he chases the water), and taken for a ride.  The ride was to the nursery for new plants to go around part of the pool.  JaiDee and I stayed in the van with the air on while Lisa shopped at the drive-thru plant place.  When we got home, Gong unloaded the heavy stuff and, after instructions from Lisa, placed everything by early afternoon.  With all the wind these days, Gong does a lot of clean-up every day.  Working with the plants was probably a great break.

After our nap, we tried to slip past the sleeping dog and go for a swim, but he heard us out by the pool and let it be known that he wanted company.  He calmed down, we swam, and the wind began to blow.  After our swim JaiDee got his way for a while.  After dinner Natcha and Nitchanan went for a swim.  The pool is really being put to good use lately.

It’s mango season here in Thailand and our tree, though a little behind schedule, is on the way to a ‘bumper’ crop.  We’ve never had so many that look like they’ll reach maturity.  Today’s photo is just one portion of our tree.

Wherever you are in the world, try and stay patient and vigilant with the virus protocols.  It may seem unnecessary, but this isolation/distancing thing works.  

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

                         Peace,

                                   Danny

Time

Hi,

It was just another scorching hot day in Chiang Rai.  The temperature was well over 100°F.  There is supposed to be a cooling trend starting tomorrow.  It’s going down to 89° for the high, with rain and thunder symbols; like that means a lot.

The ‘Zany Day’ song wasn’t a mystery for many of you.  Here’s the third verse, it has lots of references to who sang it:  “Dance to the music, all night long.  Everyday people, sing a simple song.  Mama’s so happy, mama start to cry.    still singin’ you can make it if you try.  I want to __ __ (__ __ __ __ __)…”  Clue:  The title has some tricky spelling of words.  

We had a slow day around The Big Brown House.  Most activity was centered around JaiDee.  We’re still trying to find a solution to a problem he’s having.  This afternoon we went back to Dr. View for another exam and consultation.  We’re hoping that some calming therapies will give us all a break until things get back to normal.  

There was actual blue sky above us this afternoon.  The ‘app’ still said it was in the moderate territory, but the sky said, ‘cool’.  The other meter for the air, my nose, said we’re not out of the woods yet.  

Nitchanan was back in the pool this afternoon.  She has a new floatation device that is really efficient.  A foam ring goes around her chest and two small rings around each upper arm.  It holds her up and there’s no slipping out of it.  Yesterday she and Natcha were in the pool, playing and swimming.  Today, Natcha sat on the side and took photos.  It’s fun to hear their little conversations, even though we don’t know what they’re saying.  

All around town it’s quite apparent that we’re in a drought.  Fortunately, Gong has been watering the trees and bushes so our yard still has some life.  Today’s photo was shot while sitting on the front porch with Lisa and JaiDee.

Chiang Rai has gone 23 days without a new positive case of Covid-19.  Things are looking good in our part of the country.  On the whole, Thailand has a very low count, but also very low testing.  Time will tell.  Right now the ‘stay-at-home’ plan is working and will probably be extended.  They have extended the ban on the sale of liquor until the end of the month.  

Have a Thrilling Thursday.   You know what to do.

                            Peace,

                                      Danny

“I saw a bank that said, ’24 hour banking’, 

but I don’t have that much time.”

~Steven Wright

Question

Hi,

So there we were, hiding from the 100+ outside temp, resigned to the fact that the rain forecast said 10%, and BAM, a storm swept in with ferocious wind and rain.  Afterwards, we had to go around the yard and clean up all the things JaiDee would want to keep (555).  Then we swam.

The ‘Easy Monday’ song was “I Can See Clearly Now” by Johnny Nash.  Here’s a ‘Zany Day’ tune for ya:  “Lookin’ at the devil, grinnin’ at his gun.  Fingers start to shakin’, I begin to run.  Bullets start chasin’, I begin to stop.  We begin to wrestle, I was on the top.  I want to __ __ (__ __ __ __ __).  __ __ (__ __ __ __ __).”  Hint:  It’s by a family affair from the Bay area in California.  The title is expressing gratitude for being allowed to be true to oneself.  Whew.

On the days when the temps go above 90°, the heat begins rather early.  By the time we’re ready to take JaiDee out for his morning play, it’s already pretty hot.  He’s been waking up earlier, so maybe it’s a sign to get him out there earlier, like at dawn (555).  Today he got a little treat in the form of a van ride into town.  We needed to go to the pharmacy so we took him along.  He and I waited in the van with the air on while Lisa shopped.  He was pretty cool with that.  Maybe more rides might have a calming effect.  As I type he’s downstairs barking his head off.  Go to sleep.

We had take-out for dinner for the second time in our isolation.  Sabroso Mexican Restaurant was our choice again. This time we had chicken enchiladas and they were great.  

Today’s photo is this afternoon’s storm.  Next time it blows like this I’ll take a little video so you can see the energy that moves through the yard.  This one blew from west to east, which caused us to check certain parts of the house.  Everything is perfectly fine.

Thailand continues to stay focused on containing the virus, and it seems to be working.  I’ll be interested to see what the results are when wide-scale testing begins.

Feels Like a Wacky Wednesday.   Wear your mask and wash your hands.

                     Peace,

                               Danny

“Learn from yesterday, live for today,

hope for tomorrow.  The important thing

is not to stop questioning.”

~Albert Einstein

Leader

Hi,

The heatwave is in full effect.  It was over 100°F today and looks like it will climb even higher as the week goes on.    It was so hot that we went in the pool with masks on, since the air was at the high end of ‘Moderate’.  Relief.

The ‘Easy Monday’ song was pretty easy, but here’s the second verse just in case.  It looped in my head all day.

“I think I can make it now, the pain is gone.  All of the bad feelings have disappeared.  Here is the rainbow I’ve been prayin’ for.  It’s gonna be a bright, bright sun-shiny day.”  Clue:  Something one might say with a new pair of glasses.

Life in these ‘conditions’ has a way of tricking one into thinking that it’s so oppressive that we can’t go on.  Or, to quote an old spiritual: ‘Nobody knows the trouble I see…’, when the fact is, everybody knows.  It’s all a matter of degree and from where I sit, it’s really not so bad.  I have to think about those who don’t have water to wash their hands, or the folks that don’t know what’s happening to them when they get sick.  Hmm, something to think about.

We got mail from the immigration office today, our 90 day check-in was successful.  It’s the first time we’ve ever done it by mail.  The government just extended visas for another 3 months.  That part doesn’t really effect us, but it’s good to know that someone is looking out for the ‘foreigners’.  

A second delivery came to the house today in the form of freshly baked brownies, cookies and scones from The Wanderer.  It’s not the same as sitting in the woods, but the tastes can be a nice reminder.  

Today’s photo was taken in the front yard.  It’s a close-up of the blossoms on Blue’s Tree. 

Have a Happy Tuesday.

                       Peace,

                                 Danny

“No man will make a great

leader who wants to do it all

himself or get all the credit

for doing it.”

~Andrew Carnegie