Stranger

Hi,

All the rain clouds blew away overnight.  We were left with patchy clouds, a cold breeze and a beautiful day.  Everything got washed and, as Natcha put it, “The trees are happy”.

The ‘Easy Monday’ song must be in your mind somewhere.  Only a couple of you wrote with the answer, but you must know this:  “When the sun shines they slip into the shade, and sip their lemonade.  When the sun shines, when the sun shines.  __, I don’t mind.  Shine, the weather’s fine.  I can show you that when it starts to __, everything’s the same, I can show you, I can show you.”  Clue:  I don’t think you need anymore clues than the lyrics.

Last night we finished watching the most pitiful Super Bowl game in years.  I enjoy sports when there is competition, a balance of talent, etc.  Somehow one side left their good stuff at home and the other side was super ready.  Oh well, there will be many more games on many more fields.  We don’t get to see any commercials on the feed we get, so I’ll have to go to Youtube and check out this year’s productions.

This morning it was cold.  Middle 50’s cold.  We bundled up and went to The Wanderer with JaiDee.  There was no one there but us for most of our stay.  The very tall trees have a hypnotic effect if you stand among them and look straight up.  When they sway in the light breeze they seem almost alive, in an animal sense.  

Our stay at The Wanderer was brief because this was a morning when we talk to Joe, in Palo Alto, California.  Today we got unexpected good news.  He got his first COVID vaccine injection.  

This afternoon we took JaiDee to the vet’s.  He wakes up in the mornings and can’t stop scratching.  It’s sort of random and hard to define the cause.  Unfortunately we didn’t get a definitive answer, but maybe the medicated shampoo will help.  We weighed him and he’s 57 lbs.  I guess he’s going to be a little guy after all, which is fine with us.  He’s enough to handle at that weight.  He still has some growing to do, maybe, but he won’t be a heavyweight.  

Coming home was interesting, driving through rush-hour traffic.  We’re usually not anywhere near the downtown area during rush hour, so this was something to see.  When it goes slow, one gets a chance to savor what’s going on with the shops along the way.  Who’s open, who is closed down, stuff like that.  

Today’s photo was taken from the van.  I noticed a new coffee shop (Greyhound Coffee) at the major Honda dealership.  It was the artwork that caught my eye.

Have a Happy Tuesday.       Mask up, Wash up, Distance yourself.  Do Your Part.

                          Peace,

                                    Danny

“I had crossed the line.  I was free; but there was

no one to welcome me to the land of freedom.  

I was a stranger in a strange land.”

~Harriet Tubman 

What?

Hi,

So, last week I mentioned that everything was so dry and browning and that a little rain would be nice.  Well, we got a lot of rain last night and all day today.  Big thunder, occasional flashes of lightning, and lots of water.  Be careful what you wish for (555).  Oh, and it’s cold, which means it probably came down from China as opposed to the east.  

The ‘Old School Friday’ song was “Kansas City” by Wilbert Harrison.  Time once again for ‘Easy Monday’.  You should know this one by now, it’s my ‘go to’ song when the sky is falling:  “If the __ comes, they run and hide their heads, they might as well be dead.  If the __ comes, if the __ comes.”  Hint:  I think you get the picture, it’s a weather thing.

The weekend started out cloudy, with a chance of rain.  I take these thing with a grain of salt because it usually doesn’t happen when ‘they’ say it will.  Saturday was a pretty routine day.  We had coffee at The Wanderer before doing some shopping, which meant we left JaiDee at home.  

Sunday was our big outside day.  Cat came over early and we went to Starbuck’s for coffee and treats before the mall opened at 10am.  The plan was to look for running shoes for Lisa and Cat, plus a few other odd mall things.  While they looked at shoes, I had the screen protector replaced on my phone.  After a few drops, the glass had some chips around the edges that didn’t seem safe.  I cruised around in the phone shop area and notice that there was a ‘Mi Store’.  This is a shop for Xiaomi products.  The first thing I noticed was the face masks.  Then it hit me, we had their masks last year during the smokey season.  They are the KN95 type, which is on the approved list for protection in both directions when it comes to the virus.  I got a couple, put one on and continued to look around.  I got my phone, connected with Lisa and Cat and we went back to the Mi Store for more masks.  A little more browsing and it was time for lunch at Sizzler.  Menu changes are often just the right things to make a place more attractive and that was the case on Sunday.  I got the grilled Salmon with baked potato and had a very nice meal.  

This is a Strawberry Rainbow at Sizzler.  

By the time we got home, we were ready for a nap.  While we were sleeping, I was charging another item I got at the Mi Store, a Bluetooth speaker.  Seems like a small thing, and it’s kinda small, but it’s a big thing when your laptop is really like a TV.  Most of our archived favorites are watched on the computer, either upstairs while hanging out, or downstairs in the dining room.  Sharing the AirPod set is OK for some things, but a speaker is more sound.  So we tested it out after I got it working, and now it travels with us.  

We thought it might rain during our walk time so Lisa devised a game of hide and seek with the dogs to exercise them.  I would hang on to JaiDee and she’d go down the hall and hide in one of the rooms and then call him.  He would race off and search, sometimes finding her and sometimes coming out as if to say, ‘where’d she go?’.  Eventually he’d find her, and TongTong even got in on the action.  They were very cute and had fun hunting in the house.  It turned out that we got a chance to have our walk and that was good.

I programed the DVR for the Super Bowl and this afternoon when we went to watch, the time had been wrong and it started broadcasting at the half time show.  No problem though, they played it again so I recorded that.  It was messy so we’re piecing it together without the TV edits so we can see all the plays.  This was also the first day of the Australian Open Tennis.  Sports fans in our house are happy.

No walk tonight but the dogs are sleeping anyway, and the rain has stopped for the moment.  Time for football.

Have a Great Week.

                        Peace,

                                  Danny

“What to the Slave is the 4th of July?”

~Frederick Douglass 

Friday Funnies

Hi,

This was the hottest day of the week.  The weather people got it right all week.  I didn’t check their homework, but it got progressively hotter every day.  If this keeps up, I’ll have to put a toe in the water and see how it feels. 

This week’s ‘Jazzy Wednesday’ tune was “The Nearness of You”, written by Hoagy Carmichael and Ned Washington. It was first recorded in 1939 by The Glenn Miller Orchestra, sung by Ray Eberle.  Since then, it has been recorded by countless artists from all genres.  It lends itself to improvisation nicely.  Now, time for ‘Old School Friday’ and a special easy one.  “I’m going to __ __, __ __ here I come.  I’m going to __ __, __ __ here I come.  They got some crazy lil’ women there and I’m gonna get me one.”  Hint: It’s a blues, originally recorded in ’59, the title is a place and there’s a team from that place that will play a big football game this Sunday (depending on your time zone).  

Our morning began with a road trip.  We traveled about 25 minutes up the Super Highway to Doy Din Dang, the ceramics studio and factory of Sompong Supaluk and his wife Tamiko.  Lisa took them one of her small paper sculptures.  They are some of our very special friends from within the art community.  To our surprise, when Tamiko arrived she had brought us a bag of freshly picked salad greens from her organic garden.  She also had a bag of the red flowers that bloom once a year.  These flowers are used in a soup that is a delicacy in Northern Thailand.  The trees that produce the flowers grow near us and every day we see people out on the side of the road putting them in bags.  Some will take them home and make the rice noodle soup, others will collect as many as they can and sell them.  Apparently they bring a good price at the market, but you have to have a lot of flowers.  Our conversations ranged from art to politics to culture.  They keep up with world news and always have insights and questions that make it enjoyable to visit.  

Today’s photo was taken at Doy Din Dang.  Only the center of the flower is used in the making of the soup.

Our timing worked out perfect for our next appointment.  We had a 12 noon lunch date with what can best be described as a meal crew.  We seem to get together for meals to celebrate this or that, or nothing at all.  We met at Sabroso, and Mexican food.  Today I tried something new and really enjoyed it.  I had a chicken Chimichanga.  We had a discussion about an immigration drama that one friend is going through, and the possible solutions.  Of course there was virus talk, school and travel, and the ever-important silliness for no reason.  At one point the co-owner came in and we learned that she’s been taking a ‘coffee class’.  How interesting, learning all about the beans that are so prevalent in the north.  Two hours later we were more than ready to go home and rest.  

After our nap, Cat came over during an unexpected break at school.  I got the info on the ‘red flower soup’ from her while we were hanging out.  She said it’s good, but usually very spicy.  She spent her day monitoring testing in 5 classrooms.  We asked if the kids try to cheat and she said some did.  She just told them, ‘I’m watching you’ and they stopped.  

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

                         Peace,

                                   Danny

Dangerous

Hi,

As you guessed, we had another warm day in Chiang Rai.  The overnight temps are getting warmer and easier in the mornings.  The only problem is the lack of rain.  The landscapes are getting that brownish look. 

The ‘Jazzy Wednesday’ tune only had one response.  Maybe when you read and hum the bridge you’ll get it.

“When you’re in my arms, and I feel you so close to me.  All my wildest dreams come true.  I need no soft lights to enchant me, if you’d only grant me the right to hold you ever so tight, and to feel in the night __ __ __ __.”  Clue:  This song began life back in 1939 and has been sung through the years by countless jazz and would-be jazz singers. The writer of the music has a name like a sandwich.

This morning we went to Chivit Thamma Da with JaiDee.  We arrived at the same time as our friend John, and he and JaiDee had a very warm greeting in the parking lot.  Today we took what we call a ‘Babysitter Bone’ for JaiDee and this kept him occupied for a long time while we humans talked about current events and discussed health care in Chiang Rai.  We also noted that it’s been rather quiet at most of the places we’ve gone lately.  At Chivit this morning it wasn’t empty, but it wasn’t busy.  The staff even mentioned it to Lisa.  On the way home the traffic was very light.  I joked about back in the ‘old days’ this was how the streets were.  We both laughed, because it was true.  

Today’s photo is from our other hang out.  I haven’t had a chance to ask The Wanderer staff what it is, but it’s pretty amazing looking.

Tomorrow we’re going to Doy Din Dang for coffee and conversation with Tamiko and Somluk, who has a new ceramic exhibit opening in Chiang Mai.  From there we’ll have lunch at Sabroso with one of our little circles of friends. 

Have a Happy Thursday.    Don’t forget take care of yourself.

                             Peace,

                                       Danny

“Nothing in all the world is more dangerous

than sincere ignorance and conscientious stupidity.”

~Martin Luther King, Jr. 

Fear

 Hi,

We seem to be in a wonderful weather loop.  Today it was 86°, tomorrow 87° and the beat goes on.  It’s a nice rut to be in I suppose.

The ‘Easy Monday’ song was “Right Place, Wrong Time” by Dr. John.  This week’s ‘Jazzy Wednesday’ should be easy:

“It’s not the pale moon that excites me, that thrills and delights me, oh no it’s just __ __ __ __.  It isn’t your sweet conversation, that brings this sensation, oh no, it’s just __ __ __ __.”  Hint:  So, proximity comes to mind.  

 

This morning, when we got downstairs, the horse was standing on the patio looking into the house.  Very creepy at first, then we got used to him being there (555).

After our morning routine at the house, we went to The Wanderer for warm drinks and roti.  The decorations were up for Chinese New Year.  I’ll take some photos to show you how it looks.  The bright red in contrast to the natural shades of green is very dramatic.  In the meantime, here are some examples of large Bird’s nest ferns that I like.

We returned to the place that sells glasses to pick up Lisa's reading glasses.  She’s very happy with the new prescription.  Now we both have clear views of our screens and other things we’re supposed to read.  I’m getting adjusted to looking through a lens all day.  It’s weird because for so long, I used to wear ‘store bought’ readers over my contacts.  Now there’s something on my face all day and, well, at times I take the new glasses off, thinking they’re the reader.  And still, life is good.

Feels like a Wacky Wednesday.

                              Peace,

                                        Danny

“Fear of something is at the root of 

hate for others, and hate within will

eventually destroy the hater.”

~George Washington Carver

Dignity

 Hi,

We have been having temps ranging from 59° to 86°, with variations from day to day.  It’s very comfortable after about 9am.  A little more water and things would be even more beautiful.  

Quite a few of you recognized the ‘Easy Monday’ song.  It’s by an artist who is a doctor, but not a doctor.

“I been in the __ __ but it must have been the __ __.  My head is in a bad place, but I’m having such a good time.  I been running trying to get hung up in my mind.  Really got to give myself a good talking to this time.  Just need a little brain salad surgery…”  Clue:  It’s about those times when time and place are out of alignment.  His last name is a first name.

This morning the dogs woke us early, and got us up too.  Just as we were getting used to the 7:15 wake up, today it was an hour early.  As a result, I was sleepy all morning.  It’s because we didn’t ‘walk’ last night as a result of our massage.  It was suggested that we take the night off.  Tonight the dogs got their exercise and are sleeping already (not quite 9pm).  Maybe we’ll get to sleep in tomorrow morning (555).

One of the cool things about the sports channels we get is the number of repeats of certain events.  Right now we’re enjoying the NFL repeats.  You never know what game it is until it starts, they just show a number, but you know it’s gonna be a football game.  We’ve managed to see all of the playoffs and now we’re ready for the Super Bowl, which we’ll see on Feb. 8, sometime in the morning.  Oh, one thing we don’t like is how they edit the games.  Someone can make a touchdown and the next thing you see is them with the ball approaching the goal again.  What? Someone got permission to broadcast what seems like the entire archive of Formula One races through the years.  Well, maybe not entire, but there are so many that it’s just too much to watch.  The Australian Open tennis tournament is coming soon.  

This afternoon we went into town and I got my new glasses.  It has been many years since I wore glasses and it’s definitely more than a notion.  I’m having to remember to move my head to get the best view of things.  I’m still learning where the different strengths start and end.  I guess I’m still a work in progress.

Today’s photo was taken from inside our car port.  It was the scene this morning, just the way Nitchanan staged her vehicles last night.  

Have a Happy Tuesday.    Don’t forget your mask when you go out.

                           Peace,

                                     Danny

“The most luxurious possession, 

the richest treasure anybody has,

is his personal dignity.”

~Jackie Robinson

Choose

 Hi,

Chiang Rai had a warm, sunny day.  Saturday we got a big wind and rain event.  Strong winds led to lots of rain but the ground was so dry around here that it just soaked in right away.  Also, there was lots to clean up.

The ‘Old School Friday’ song was “Glory of Love” by The Velvetones.  Now it’s time for ‘Easy Monday’, and it is.

“I been in the __ __ but it must have been the __ __.  I’d have said the right thing, but must have used the wrong line.  I been on the right trip, but I must have used the wrong car.  Head was in a bad place, and I wonder what it’s good for…”  Hint:  The four blanks are all part of the title.  There are hints in the verse, you’ll see the pattern.

We had a pretty quiet weekend.  Our travel was limited to The Wanderer.  JaiDee got to go out several times and Sunday we had a bit of a reunion with an expat friend.  

When the covid virus first got serious, many people left Thailand to return to their home countries.  Some just left to visit, thinking it would be a short stay.  Our friends Brenda and Eric left and ended up staying in the States to be with family.  After 10 months, Eric decided to return to Thailand.  It took him 4 months of dealing with red tape, and two weeks of quarantine in Bangkok, but he’s back.  We got to hear the saga of his return on Sunday.  There were also the life highlights that one misses after all that time.  

Whenever there is a big storm we can always count on something being blown down from one of the trees.  The palms are generous contributors.  This storm was no exception.  JaiDee found the biggest palm frond and brought it from the back yard to the front, to show us.  

This morning we went to Big C and Starbuck’s.  It was quite empty in Big C, which is just the way we like it.  Not only is it safer, but it’s quicker.  It was the same at Starbuck’s.  Monday morning and the city’s starting slow.  

Today was massage day at The Big Brown House.  Jin came over at 12:30 and didn’t leave until 5:30.  Natcha and Lisa had 1.5 hour massages and I went to 2 hours.  There were parts that needed work that I didn’t know I had (555).  

Most of the covid in Thailand is down at the Gulf of Thailand.  Migrant workers that are being tested account for most of the cases.  Things may get a little tense with the military coup in Burma.  I suspect there will be refugees arriving on a regular basis.  Testing will be the key to identifying and treating those who need it.  We still have no real concrete time frame for the arrival of a vaccine.  Vigilance is what we’ve got.

Have a Great Week.

                         Peace,

                                   Danny

“An artist must be free to choose what he does,

certainly, but he must also never be afraid to do 

what he might choose."

~Langston Hughes