Forgiveness

Hi,

Repeat, repeat, repeat is the forecast for yesterday, today and tomorrow.  We did have a coolish breeze this morning, but it was soon replaced by a warm blast.  Clouds came and teased rain, but scooted off with the wind.

The ‘Easy Monday’ song has many movements. Let’s skip forward to something you may recognize:  “I see a little silhouetto of a man, scaramouche, scaramouche will you do the Fandango?  Thunderbolt and lightning very, very frightening to me.  (Galileo) Galileo.  (Galileo) Galileo, Galileo Figaro Magnifico-o-o-o-o….Nothing really matters to me.”  Clue:  Much has been written about this group and their lead singer.  There was an Oscar involved.

Today was one of those laid-back days when staying at home seemed like a really good idea, so we did.  That is not to say that there was no activity at The Big Brown House.  Khun Na came and cleaned the pool, much to JaiDee’s delight.  Right after lunch we had a visit from CAT Telecom to assess the best place to put a WiFi extender.  We’re trying to get the internet into the little apartment where Natcha, Gong and Nitchanan live.  After deciding that the house was too big to just relocate the main router, they decided on the extender.  It was my first thought, but it seems that my ideas are not often translated well (555).  A little later we had a visit from Khun Nung to install more plugs in the kitchen for the new device.  Yeah, a simple laid back day.  

Yesterday I mentioned the ducks that adopted Sutheera and Nukoon.  Here is a photo of the little family.

Thailand had reported that the international borders would open up on July 1, but now it’s been extended until the third or fourth quarter.  The fear is a Second Wave of the virus.  There have recently been Thai arrivals who tested positive.  There is a plan to allow arrivals from countries that are virus free.  It’s an ambitious plan that will take longer to implement.  I am really happy to hear that they are being extra careful.  The pressure from the tourism industry is enormous, but the government is thinking about the big picture.  

Drinking lots of water is getting easier.  The food thing is another story.  When salt is taken away, one realizes how much it enhances the flavor.  So far, I have found that a bite of fruit mixed in can make all the difference in the world.  Yum.

Have a Happy Tuesday.

                            Peace,

                                      Danny

“Without forgiveness, there’s no future.”

~Desmond Tutu

Survive

Hi,

Our weather is still hot.  The temps were supposed to drop over the weekend, but if they did we couldn’t tell.  The humidity is high so it feel warmer than the numbers.  

The ‘Old School Friday’ song was “Money (That’s What I Want)” by Barrett Strong.  Looks like we need an ‘Easy Monday’ tune.  Here’s an easy one from 1975:  “It this the real life?  Is this just fantasy?  Caught in a landslide, no escape from reality.  Open your eyes, look up to the skies and see, I’m just a poor boy, I need no sympathy, because I’m easy come, easy go, little high little low.  Any way the wind blows doesn’t really matter to me, to me…”  Hint:  Welcome to the opera.  The title is not sung in the lyrics on this one.  The group is named after a royal title.

The big event of the weekend was the play-date with Duke on Saturday.  The boys picked up where they left off, taking only a few minutes to remember each other and begin the ritual of play.  After a bit of bumping and nudging they started nipping at each other, then some wrestling, and then a rest.  Round two began with a shouting match (actually, barking) that went on for a long time.  They clearly had things to say.  More wrestling with lots of teeth showing and then another rest.  We all went to the back yard and they played under the shade of a big tree.  Walking around like pals, they let us know that everything was cool.  Below are a couple of photos.

After the doggie date we met our friend Sutheera for lunch at Chivit Tamma Da.  She told us she’s learning how to record her lectures in preparation for online teaching at Rajabhat University next term.  It was interesting to know that not only does she have to record her lectures in business, but also edit them.  She and her husband Nukoon have a big pond at their house.  Months ago, a wild duck landed in the pond and decided to make it her home.  Now they have two cute little ducklings as well.  

This morning we went to Bangkok Hospital for consultations with a couple of doctors and an ultrasound for me.  When I got my last blood test results, it showed issues with one or more of my kidneys.  The short story is that I saw my insides on a big screen while the doctor explained what we were seeing.  My kidneys are not as efficient as they used to be, but not in a dangerous way.  I have what is called ‘Chronic Kidney Disease’.  We can keep it from progressing through diet.  We met with a dietitian and got some input, and will meet with a nephrologist (a kidney specialist) for more guidance.  To say that my mind is now preoccupied would be an understatement.  Now we have all these doctor appointments, blah blah, tests, etc.  The biggest challenge will be eating salt-free and liking it (555).  Life goes on.

Have a Great Week

                      Peace,

                                Danny

“If civilization is to survive, we must

cultivate the science of human relationships,

the ability of all peoples, of all kinds, to live

together in the same world at peace.”

~Franklin D. Roosevelt

Friday Funnies

Hi,

Well, we end the week with almost the same weather as the previous four days.  It was hot.  This afternoon we had a very boisterous thunder storm.  Just noise, no water.  The other night, when it rained, we had a performance by the Chiang Rai Frog Chorale.  They were wonderful.

The ‘Zany Day’ song was “50 Ways To Leave Your Lover” by Paul Simon.  Time now for a very easy ‘Old School Friday’:  “The best things in life are free, but you can give them to the birds and bees.  Give me __, (that’s what I want) that’s what I want, (that’s what I want)…. Your lovin’ give me such a thrill, but your lovin’ don’t pay my bills, I need __ (that’s what I want) that’s what I want….”  Hint:  It’s been called the root of all evil, among other things.  It can be used for good as well (555).  

We have been on a journey to find the perfect muzzle for JaiDee.  The destroyer of gardens has also been the master escape artist when it came to devices to keep him from biting the plants.  Today we finally nailed it, found the right fit and try as he might, he can’t get it off.  Hopefully, he will grow out of this phase and we won’t need to deal with this in the future, but if he doesn’t, we’ll have a little collection waiting for him.

This morning we went to Work@Home for coffee.  JaiDee perked up as soon as we pulled into the driveway.  Both Katai and Towan’s cars were in the carport so his gaze was fixed.  Neither one of them appeared but it didn’t discourage JaiDee.  We had our coffee, he had a bit of ice and we left.  

After our nap, we decided to go swimming.  It was early, but the sky was relatively clear and the dog was still asleep.  Near the end of our usual time in the pool, Natcha, Gong and Nitchanan came home from getting cold drinks.  Nitchanan immediately went in and took off her shirt and announced to her parents that she was going swimming with us.  She came out, went into the storage room and got her ‘floaties’ and prepared for fun.  She has gotten very brave after many lessons with Gong.  She is not afraid of the water, but respects it and takes few chances.  We took turns escorting her around the pool.  She held her breath, kicked her feet and sometimes used her hands and swam a whole lap and back.  While we were hanging out she made a motorboat sound and looked up proudly and said, ‘bubbles’.  She pushed a few limits, just to see if we’d let her do things she knew weren’t OK, and was cool about it when we said no.  Natcha brought JaiDee out and he was so excited to see us all in the pool, that I thought he might fall in.  He and Nitchanan are becoming friends again and it’s very cute.  She’s like a big sister.  

Today’s photo is a sight we see every morning on our walk.  The old log is covered with petals from surrounding trees, giving the appearance that flowers are growing there.  Still, it’s a beautiful sight and it keeps changing.

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

                       Peace,

                                 Danny

Dream

Hi,

The Chiang Rai weather report is: Same as it ever was.  Hot and humid with clouds that looked like rain but didn’t (5).

A couple of you knew the right number.  It’s the key to the title of this 1975 song by a former member of a successful duo:  “She said, ‘It’s really not my habit to intrude.  Furthermore, I hope my meaning won’t be lost or misconstrued.  But I’ll repeat myself at the risk of being crude.  There must be __ __ __ __ __ __’.  You just slip out the back, Jack.  Make a new plan, Stan.  You don’t need to be coy, Roy, just get yourself free…”  Clue:  An abundance of exit plans.

This morning was what they would call a ‘Double Header’ in baseball (I think), or a mini tour in performing.  We met puppy Duke and his people at The Wanderer, only to discover that the kitchen was closed.  Since our friend Lisa and her dad wanted breakfast, we changed locations to Chivit Thamma Da.  Once we all got there, the boys got reacquainted.  They did a little vocalizing (barking at each other), and eventually played.  Duke took top honors as ‘Man of the Hour’, as puppies will always upstage teenage dogs.  Who could resist the little ball of fluffy fur.  The humans had some interesting discussions about the state of the world and plans were made for a Play-Date at our house on Saturday morning.  That will be fun, now that they have more experience.

Today’s photo shows JaiDee getting a grip on his new football (soccer ball).  With more air he won’t be able to bite it.

The covid pandemic has been out of the public eye in some parts of the world, but it has not gone away.  Here in Thailand, 17 new cases were reported, mostly Thais retuning from the Middle East.  Many were workers along with some students.  They were tested on arrival and retested a week later.  This is how the government health officials are making sure that there is not another outbreak.  Many of the returnees showed no symptoms.  The bottom line is, this virus is still out there and we all need to be careful.

Lots of businesses have been given the green light to reopen.  The Bangkok Post listed such places as pubs, concert halls, sports competitions and wet massages.  That last one is something we need clarification on (555).  Beaches are also seeing the return of visitors.  All these openings are under the stipulation that some kind of disease control measures are taken.  We saw a video clip from Sri Lanka where they had an outdoor concert and everyone had to stay in or next to their cars.  Some were rocking out in the sunroofs.  It looked like fun.  

Have a Thrilling Thursday.

                         Peace,

                                   Danny

“What happens to a dream deferred?

Does it dry up like a raisin in the sun?

Or does it explode?”

~Langston Hughes

Understanding

Hi,

Well, it was another hot day in Chiang Rai.  We’re still livin’ in the 90° oven, with humidity on top of that.  Rain would be nice.

This week’s ‘Easy Monday’ song was “For What It’s Worth” by Buffalo Springfield.  I guess this next song could be categorized as a ‘Zany Day’ song:  “'The problem is all inside your head’ she said to me.  ‘The answer is easy if you take it logically.  I’d like to help you in your struggle to be free, there must be __ __ __ __ __ __.”  Hint:  There is a number involved.

Mr. JaiDee, the focus of most of our attention, had a busy morning.  He got up early, 5:45am, for starters.  When I took him out to the front porch for our morning coffee, a cat jumped off the outside kitchen sink and ran to the wall.  This set off the alarm bell to chase the cat.  Even when cats are long gone, there is a compulsion to chase anyway.  In the course of searching the bushes, JaiDee ran into a row of thick sticks that Gong had used to make a ‘fence’ some time ago.  That’s all the distraction he needed.  The stick was pulled out of the ground and paraded around the front yard in a victory lap, and then taken to the porch for chewing.  

After the short ‘morning walk’, we went to Chivit Thamma Da for coffee, scones and ice.  We didn’t see as many of JaiDee’s friends this morning, but he still got a lot of attention.  From Chivit, we went to Browney’s for some treats and a different muzzle.  We’ve started using these devices so he doesn’t destroy the flowers and plants.  When we walked in the door, one of the staff brought him treats.  We could just take him there for breakfast (555).  Below: Making himself at home at Chivit Thamma Da.

We dropped the dog off at the house and went back into the street.  This time we went to Little C, the smaller version north of us in Ban Du.  We got two soccer balls that are much tougher than the first balls we got him.  They are also heavier and will take a little more work on his part.  While we were choosing the balls, a guy recognized me and started a conversation.  He had borrowed a friends car and my "Gratidude is Powerless” CD was in the player.  He went on and on about how much he enjoyed it and played it over and over.  That was music to my ears and a wonderful surprise.  The beat goes on.

Tomorrow we’re meeting our friend Lisa and Duke, the chow puppy, at The Wanderer. This should be interesting hanging out with the budding buddies.

It definitely feels like a Wacky Wednesday.

                       Peace,

                                 Danny

“Anger and intolerance are the enemies

of correct understanding.”

~Mahatma Gandhi

Rights

Hi,

Chiang Rai experienced overnight rain, which was good for everything.  As far as I can tell, it was a pretty good storm.  I say this based on the puddles on certain streets and a few in our yard.  I’m very scientific about these things (555).  

The ‘Easy Monday’ song was quickly recognized.  If you know it, let me know, otherwise I’ll think your memory is gone.  “There’s battle lines being drawn, nobody’s right if everybody’s wrong.  Young people speakin’ their minds, getting so much resistance from behind.  It’s time we stop, hey, what’s that sound?  Everybody look, what goin’ down?  Clue:  Sunset Blvd, Hollywood clash between club patrons and police.  Rock and roll suspected.  The writer of the song later became part of a group known by it’s initials.

This morning we did our little walk thing with JaiDee, saw lots of big puddles, and then went to Work@Home.  Sitting on the back patio section, JaiDee had a clear view of the home of his favorite aunt and uncle, Katai and Towan.  Neither was home, but he kept a sharp eye on the place just in case one of them appeared.  A little later, a black Porsche came down the driveway and the morning was saved.  JaiDee gets very excited when he sees certain people and Katai is one of them.  He makes a little sound, almost like a whimper, an anxious sound of expectation.

They had a big greeting and he finally negotiated a place next to her on a wooden bench.  I think that made his day.  

Today was Natcha’s birthday.  We took her and Nitchanan to dinner at Chivit Thamma Da.  Gong stayed home and babysat JaiDee.  Natcha and Nitchanan had never been to Chivit and it was fun watching their faces as they took in the scenery.  Nitchanan is so much like JaiDee, looking here and there, trying to see everything there is to see.  A few times she took off, eyes wide, wanting to see it all before it disappeared.  We had a fun dinner, the adults ate and the child drew and watched Youtube.  On the way to the restaurant Nitchanan was in her ‘why’ mode.  Natcha told Lisa that this is the phase that can go on and on.  She wanted to know about my hair and then Lisa’s hair and many other things.  At the end of the meal the staff surprised Natcha with the birthday song and two slices of yummy looking cake.  They took the cake home for later.  

Thailand has roughly one more month before things really open up again.  July 1 is when the airports open to international flights and more restrictions will be lifted.  We still have a curfew from 11pm to 4am.  Not much happens around here between those hours, except when the clubs are open, and they’re not.  Granted, there could be a lot going on and I wouldn’t know, but that’s OK (555).

Keep wearing your mask, washing your hands, and keeping a safe distance out there.

Have a Happy Tuesday.

                             Peace,

                                       Danny

“We will never have a true civilization

until we have learned to recognized the 

rights of others.”

~Will Rogers

Accept

Hi,

It goes without saying that the weekend was hot.  We had a little thunder, lightning and rain just to make us feel like we weren’t being neglected by the weather.  

The ‘Old School Friday’ song was “Johnny B. Goode” by Chuck Berry.  This week’s ‘Easy Monday’ song should bring up memories of the 60’s for some.  “There’s something happening here, but what it is ain’t exactly clear.  There’s a man with a gun over there, telling me I got to beware.  I think it’s time we stop, children, what’s that sound?  Everybody look, what’s going down?  Hint:  The title is not in the lyrics, the group was named after a steam-roller.  The year was 1966.

Saturday morning we went to Big C bright and early.  It seems like every time we go to any of the big stores, there is an upgrade in their tracking system.  While we were there, we remembered that we wanted to get JaiDee a large ball to play with.  Since he doesn’t really relate to little balls, we thought he’d like something like he sees the big boys playing with at the walking place.  The one we got him had pictures of Doraemon (a cartoon character), not that he knows who that is.  When we presented it to him, his first instinct was to bite it, but it was too big.  He proceeded to kick it around, chase it and bark at it, which was what we hoped he would do.  It lasted for about 24 hours before he finally managed to accidentally hit it with a tooth and it deflated.  Tomorrow we’re getting him a soccer ball.  That should make him very happy (555).

The Central Plaza Mall was our next stop.  We’re back to our little routine of getting coffee at Starbuck’s before entering the mall.  A couple of the staff members keep asking me if I want a ‘Skinny Blueberry' muffin and I have to remind them that I’m on a diet.  It’s the easiest way to defuse the conversation before telling them all the reasons ‘why not’.  Oh, but it would taste so good with the iced-coffee.  I delivered my laptop to the repair center for a new battery and we went to Top’s market with our list of things we needed.  There have been a few dietary changes since we got the results of our recent blood tests.  General health is still good, just fine-tuning a few things.  One thing I’m realizing is that my taste buds have been conditioned to identify certain flavors as good and reject blander ones as bad.  Then, when one gets to a certain age, the taste is not the issue but rather, whether it is worth it to just eat for the taste.  We’ve been label readers for a long time and it’s still amazing what my mouth had approved as acceptable.  I may end up eating ice with JaiDee and liking it (555).

The weekend news from America was/is most unsettling.  There are so many memories, feelings and realities swirling around in my head and heart.  I’ll let you sit with it in whatever way you need to.  There will be a time when everyone will have to face the truth about many things.  

Meanwhile, Thailand reported one new case of the virus today, and things are opening up as far as movement is concerned.  There was actual traffic on the streets, and people sitting in restaurants.  Most people are masking up and trying.  The hardest part for many is the “Social Distancing” thing.  Like standing in line to go through the screening at the big stores.  There are lines on the ground telling you where to stand, yet someone will just walk right up and stand a foot away.  Irritating to say the least.

Today’s photo is titled “Wild Kingdom”.

Have a Great Week.

                        Peace,  

                                  Danny

“I am no longer accepting

the things I cannot change.

I’m changing the things 

I cannot accept.”

~Dr. Angela Davis