Talents

Hi,

The art show came to an end, the music room got a makeover and Daku finally got to come home. There's a lot more so stick around.

I got a few answers to this one. It was The Temptations with "I Wish It Would Rain". 'Easy Monday' song:
"Though I've tried before to tell her, of the feelings I have for her in my heart. Every time that I come near her I just lose my nerve as I've done from the start." Hint: English group who patrolled the charts for some time. This one is about a shy guy who can't quite tell her what she means to him. Hmm.

Over the weekend we had visits with Daku and today we brought him home. He was so excited to see daylight. He still has to wear the big cone until Friday and he has no idea how much it hurts when he bashes us, but it's all done with love. (Ha) BamBam was also very excited, but a little freaked out by the cone. She wanted so much to give him a proper greeting but that thing just made her bark. They finally had a nose-touching, face-licking moment but they still can't play together. Makes us feel like such 'meanies'. They'll get over it soon.

There's nothing like house guests to motivate one into getting things done. My music room has been on 'hold' since we moved in and Lisa finally figured out what was wrong. The whole setup was backwards. We switched the furniture around, got a few new storage pieces and hung some paintings and now it has a real 'vibe' that I'm happy with.

The guests are Blue, Ming and Andi, Ming's girlfriend. They'll be with us for eight days and we're pretty jazzed about the visit. They've been in Bangkok for three days and it's been raining there. Hopefully our weather will hold and they can see some sights and do some proper hanging out. We'll get to play tourist again and maybe see some new things ourselves.

Lisa's art show actually ended today (Monday) but the gallery is closed. They're going to keep everything on the walls tomorrow so Blue and the crew can see the show. Then we'll pack up all but the pieces that sold and bring them home. The walls have been lonely.

There seem to be a lot of tourist in town, which is good for the local economy. It adds a sort of carnival atmosphere to the evenings downtown. It's a far cry from Krabi since it's based on people coming to see the culture and not the attractions. We have attractions but it's the simpler charms that make this place the destination of travelers. Just an opinion but I'm sticking to it. Hmm.

For those of you in the fire areas of SoCal, we're keeping up as best we can and hoping things get better soon.

Have a Great Week,

Peace,
Danny

P.S. There are 30 new photos from the Krabi vacation at the Flickr site.

"Use what talents you possess;
the woods would be very silent
if no birds sang except those that sang best."
~Henry Van Dyke

Gettin' Funky, Thai Style
www.flickr.com/photos/gratidudepics
http://blog.risingstardom.com/
www.lisamosesgallery.com

Friday Funnies

Hi,

Today we went out for provisions (Ha), visited with Daku and had a mutiny at the ballet class. Oh yeah, and evening thunder.

Wednesday's song was a stumper. It was "Wild Night" by Van Morrison. The weekend song is dedicated to all you cats and kitties out there burnin' up in SoCal. Relief my be in sight.
"Sunshine, blue sky, please go away. My girl has found another, and gone away...I know to you it might sound strange, __ __ __ __ __." Clues: Looks like 'My Girl' flew the coop and left his tears wanting company. Hmm.

Since we hadn't been to Big C in over a week, there were a few things we needed. Armed with a list, we went early to beat the crowds. They have a counter you go to after you check out and if you've purchased certain items, you get a gift. It might be a glass, a container, or something real special. Today we got 'special'. Four eggs and a bottle of Pepsi. Rock on Big C.

After lunch we were getting ready to go visit Daku when Boot asked if we could take BamBam with us. Bam's been very lonely and it was a sweet idea, but we let her know that only people could visit the animals. The three of us spent a short time with a very excited Daku. I think he was hoping we would take the cone off and help him with his bandages. After he calmed down we all took turns comforting him. And the beat goes on.

Today in ballet class one of the girls noticed a baby gecko inside the grill of the fan. She became very concerned for his safety and suddenly all three of the girls were determined to rescue the baby. Lisa went over and tried to explain that it was not in danger but it fell on deaf ears. It wasn't until Lisa convinced them that I could take the fan apart and save him that they relented and refocused their attention.

We had planned to go for a swim this evening but then the thunder came. The sky is clear above the house but we saw lightning in the distance. There we were, swim suits on, towels in hand and ready to go and the sky said 'wait'. Guess we better wait 'til tomorrow. (Does that sound familiar?)

Have a Cool WeekEnd if you can.

Peace,
Danny

'Bless me Father, for I have sinned. I have been with a loose girl'.

The priest asks, 'Is that you, little Joey Pagano ?'

'Yes, Father, it is.'

'And who was the girl you were with?'

'I can't tell you, Father, I don't want to ruin her reputation'.

Well, Joey, I'm sure to find out her name sooner or later so you may as well tell me now. Was it Tina Minetti?'

'I cannot say.'

'Was it Teresa Mazzarelli?'

'I'll never tell.'

'Was it Nina Capelli?'

'I'm sorry, but I cannot name her.'

'Was it Cathy Piriano?'

'My lips are sealed.'

'Was it Rosa DiAngelo, then?'

'Please, Father, I cannot tell you.'

The priest sighs in frustration. 'You're very tight lipped, and I admire
that.

But you've sinned and have to atone. You cannot be an altar boy now
for 4 months. Now you go and behave yourself.'

Joey walks back to his pew, and his friend Franco slides over and
whispers, 'What'd you get?'

'Four months vacation and five good leads.

Gettin' Funky, Thai Style
www.flickr.com/photos/gratidudepics
http://blog.risingstardom.com/
www.lisamosesgallery.com

Power

Hi,

This morning was a little tense, waiting for news about Daku. We got a call around 10am from Dr. Arnon telling us that the surgery was over and Daku was doing fine. Meanwhile, the sky was clear, the air was hot and our afternoon massage was a welcomed tension reliever.

I've only had one response to the latest song. Barry wrote with the answer. Hopefully these lines will help:
"...And ev'rything looks so complete, when you walk out on the street. And the wind catches your feet and sends you flyin', cryin'. Woo-woo-wee! __ __ is calling, alright (repeat)" Hint: The sun has set and the party is on.

This afternoon we went to visit Daku. He was frisky and very happy to see us. We finally got him calmed down and had a nice time. We told him how much Boot and BamBam missed him and he snuggled at our feet. He was a little put out that he had the big cone thing around his neck. We'll visit him tomorrow and bring him home on Monday. Things aren't the same without him around.

The corn in the fields around us is being harvested this week. It's interesting that they plant it and just leave it until it's done. I guess with all the rain and sun there's not much else to do. It looks kinda gross, like it's all yellowish-brown and dead, but I guess the corn's good enough to harvest. Now Mr. Narong's cows are grazing in the fields. They're the 'clean up crew' around these parts. Four white cows and a big black bull have all the dogs going crazy, barking their heads off. They'll get used to it in a few days.

The local police have been out in force all over town ticketing bikers with no helmets. There are 'ambushes' in the most unlikely places. They've even started ticketing at night since everyone assumes that their day is over. (Ha)

Enjoy your Thursday.

Peace,
Danny

"None of us has the power to make someone else love us.
But we all have the power to give away love, to love other people.
And if we do so, we change the kind of person we are,
and we change the kind of world we live in."
~Rabbi Harold Kushner

Gettin' Funky, Thai Style
www.flickr.com/photos/gratidudepics
http://blog.risingstardom.com/
www.lisamosesgallery.com

Nothing

Hi,

Today was really hot in Chiang Rai. Daku now has inpatient status and BamBam is lonely.

We finally got an 'Easy' one on Monday. It was "Rikki Don't Lose That Number" by Steely Dan. Now sing this:
"And all the girls walk by, dressed up for each other. And the boys do the boogie-woogie on the corner of the street..." Hint: This '71 tune is by an Irish singer who loves the blues. The second verse lyrics describe the scene of an unfolding evening. Hmm.

Yesterday I reported that Baby Daku was going to be alright. Well, he will be but not until he has a rock removed from his intestines. He had a rough night last night and this morning he turned down breakfast. We took him back to the vet and he kept him so they could take x-rays and give him an i-v for nourishment. Poor guy hadn't eaten since yesterday's breakfast. Later we saw the x-ray and it was clear what the problem was. Dr. Arnon will operate tomorrow morning and Daku will stay in the hospital until Monday. It's difficult emotionally but we'll get through this. Daku is with a very competent doctor and we found out today that there's another Golden a month older that just had a rock removed. I guess it's what they do. The other dog is doing fine now.

How hot was it? It was so hot that I saw at least three bike riders carrying electric fans. I guess someone needed relief and they were delivering. It was quite a sight.

The daughter of the carpet guy came over today with more samples. The one we had chosen was out of stock so she brought some new samples and we found an even better choice than before. Many Thais are reluctant to tell us their real names because they think it will just overwhelm us. Such was the case today when Lisa asked about her name. She thought, stammered and then said, "You can call me 'Cutie'". Everyone has a short, simple play name but now I was curious. She told us her real name and it wasn't that hard.

Speaking of names, I'm sure you've Googled yourself at one time or another, just out of curiosity. (Ha) I read an article in the L.A. Times about how easy it is to get access to certain personal information from 'social network' sites and search engines. I went to snitch.name and discovered there are over 130 people around the world with my name. What? I was floored. I became weak and disoriented and my vision blurred. (Ha) It does rattle one. So, setting about to find a new name can be playful, nerve racking and self-centered. Maybe I'll do like they do here. Just pick an object and be that. The list of names that have no specific meaning to the person is long and curious. Short list: Milky, Boy, Boot, Yam, Bam, Moo, and Pun (short for Apple). I have no idea where all this is really going, except that I resent all those people running around with my name. So there.

This really is Wacky Wednesday.

Peace,
Danny

"Nothing is a waste of time if you use the experience wisely."
~Auguste Rodin

Gettin' Funky, Thai Style
www.flickr.com/photos/gratidudepics
http://blog.risingstardom.com/
www.lisamosesgallery.com

Speak

Hi,

Today the weather was fair and warm. We visited 9 Art Gallery and the frame shop. In the afternoon we got a house call from our internet people and we got some speed. Yea. The evening was spent at the vet's with Baby Daku, who was feeling kinda blue.

Something told me that you'd find this Monday's song 'Easy' and I was right. There's still time to write me. (Ha) "__ __ __ __ __ It's the only one you own. You might use it if you feel better, when you get home." Hint: It's about a girl with a name that's usually a boy's. If you loved Lucy then you know the clue. Hmm.

When we left off, we were headed to the last stop on our four island cruise. It was referred to as the last island, but it's really not an island. It felt like one though. Railay Beach is famous for it's caves and cliffs. People come from around the world to climb and explore. Our boat pulled into a quiet, beachless cove and we were led along the shore line, past an exclusive hotel, onto a paved path that had vendors selling hand made items spread out on the ground. We walked a little farther and saw sand and more vendors. The next bend in the path revealed a small bay surrounded by huge limestone cliffs. We had arrived. It was like this secret beach that we'd discovered, along with a few other boatloads of people. There was something magical about being there. A carnival atmosphere filled the air and we all seemed a little giddy. We parked our stuff and went back into the water. Another memorable experience for sure. Oh, that exclusive hotel I mentioned costs about $3,000 per night during high season. I should also mention that there are no roads to any of this. The only access to Railay is by boat.

Saturday night we had planned to go into town and experience the Krabi Night Bazaar but the rain came and we decided to stay in. Besides, there was Formula One Qualifying for the Sunday race. Even though our cruise was over at 2pm, were realized we'd used a lot of energy so rest was a good choice.

Sunday morning we went back up to the area with tourist shops and got some souvenirs. Someday we'll return to Krabi for another holiday.

Daku has a little stomach upset but he's going to be alright. He has go until morning without food or water. Right now he's doing what he does best, sleeping. While we were at the vet's we met two women who have three Goldens at home. There's a handful.

Have a Happy Tuesday.

Peace,

Danny

P.S. Art Show pics are up at the Flickr site.

"If one speaks with a cruel mind, misery follows,
as a cart follows the horse...
If one speaks or acts with a pure mind, happiness follows,
as a shadow follows its source."
~The Dhammapada, a collection of Buddhist teachings

Gettin' Funky, Thai Style
www.flickr.com/photos/gratidudepics
http://blog.risingstardom.com/
www.lisamosesgallery.com

Beauty

Hi,

We're back in Chiang Rai, but the Krabi adventure is far from over. Put on some sunscreen and get ready for the cruise.

The weekend song seemed to be quite popular. It was "Born To Run" by Bruce 'The Boss' Springsteen. And now for the 'Easy Monday' entry. This one's from '74 and I'm hoping it's so easy that you'll write and tell me. (Ha)
"We hear you're leaving, that's OK. I thought our little wild time had just begun. I guess you kind of scared yourself, you turn and run. But if you have a change of heart __ __ __ __ __, you don't wanna call nobody else..."
Clues: It's from a duo that brought us a ton of favorites. The singer is hoping not to be forgotten. Hmm.

Saturday morning we got up early, packed up our 'gear' and had breakfast. We were told that there was no place to change on the boat so we had to dress in layers. A van picked us up from the hotel and took us to a marina that was tucked away. Our 'speed boat' was a very modern, twin-engined outboard. There were 19 passengers and a crew of about four plus our guide, Khun Dao. She was very cordial and spoke pretty good English.

After we motored out of the marina the boat lived up to it's designation and sped us to our first stop, Chicken Island. It's a small island with two little islands connected by what could be called sand bars. We got off the boat and walked around and then noticed that some people were swimming. The water was warm and inviting so we pealed off our clothes and went in. The turquoise color of the Andaman Sea is breathtaking. We swam out about half way to one of the tiny islands and realized that we could stand on the bottom. Back on shore the little kids in our party were wading and a school of Tiger fish swam over. After a brief stay we loaded up and raced off to 'Island Number Four'.

At 'Number Four' we got our snorkeling instructions and they passed out life jackets, snorkels and masks. This was it, no turning back. We stepped off the back of the boat and, after numerous adjustments to the masks, started cruising around looking beneath the sea. There were more Tiger fish,and some long blue fish with iridescent fins. These were our favorites. There were a few other fish that were not part of a school. We watched them as they nibbled on what looked like dead coral and swam in and out of it. The water started getting choppy so we got back in the boat. What a rush. Now we can't wait to do it again in some calm water.

We had lunch at Koh Poda (Koh means island). Dao passed out box lunches of Thai food that was quite good. After we had finished she came around with fresh fruit and cake. Then it was time to stroll around the shore. We went back into the water and took lots of pictures of the surrounding islands. All around us were various sized islands that just stuck up out of the water. So much to take in, it was amazing.

I'll save the last stop for tomorrow. There's so much more to tell. Have a Great Week.

Peace,
Danny

"Anyone who keeps the ability to see beauty never grows old."
~Franz Kafka

Gettin' Funky, Thai Style
www.flickr.com/photos/gratidudepics
http://blog.risingstardom.com/
www.lisamosesgallery.com

Friday Funnies

Hi,

Today we went to Krabi Town, swam, and made plans for tomorrow. After a musical interlude, our adventure will continue.

I guess sometimes you need to have the clues handed to you. It was "I'm Only Sleeping by The Beatles. Hmm.
"It's a death trap, it's a suicide rap. We gotta get out while we're young 'cause tramps like us, baby we were __ __ __." Clue: It's by someone the call 'The Boss' and it became an anthem of sorts. You've got the weekend to figure it out.

The hotel we chose is one of many on the coast of the Andaman Sea. It's in district called Ao Nang and it's only a few years old. Sala Talay is a modern experiment in design. All of the rooms have patios that look out over the swimming pool. The rooms on the first floor have steps into the pool. Breakfast and dinner are served in an open air dining room that looks out over the bay. It reminded both of us of John P.'s dining room at the villa in Bali. Last night we were the only people in the dining room and as we ate, we watched an incredible pink sunset. The clouds were pink and their reflection created a pink sea.

After dinner we took what they call a Tuk-Tuk up the road to the coastal tourist district. Our ride consisted of a motorbike with a large side car with an 'L' shaped bench. Not the same at all, but it gets you there. Anyway, we were looking for some batik and we found it. We strolled along looking into a few of the shops. This place thrives on the tourist trade that the islands and beaches bring. The 'vibe' here is very different from that of Chiang Rai. We live in a town where people come to get a flavor of Thailand. Here, on the beach, everything caters to the tourist. We were constantly asked 'Where are you from?'. When I'd tell them 'Chiang Rai', it stopped them in their tracks. It's an odd feeling, after almost two years of trying to not be a tourist, to be in a situation where I am actually a tourist.

As a tourist, I must tour. Tomorrow were going on a tour of four islands. It's a half day tour with snorkeling at two of the stops, and lunch at one of the beaches. This will be one of the highlights of the vacation.

This morning we went into Krabi Town to see the department store and check out the downtown area. That's where we saw Thai life happening. There are some things that stand out in terms of observations. The south has a large Muslim population due to the fact that at one time some of it was part of Malaysia. The street vendors, the food smells and some of the shops gave us the feeling of being in a different country.

This afternoon we relaxed for a while and then went for a swim in the big pool. The part under our room was empty while the other 'leg' had several families with kids playing and having a good time. Quite a contrast and nice to be able to do our thing without bumping into anybody. The pool is about the same depth as ours so it was easy to get used to. Tomorrow we swim in the sea.

Have a Wonderfilled WeekEnd. It's time for the 'Funnies'.

Peace,
Danny

Grown Up Talk

It was the first day after Christmas vacation in a 3rd grade class.
The teacher told the class that each student could tell the class 1
thing they got for Christmas. So, the teacher calls on a girl to come
up to the front of the class and tell everyone 1 thing she got.

"My daddy got me a Bow-Wow," she said.

The teacher tells the class that they are old enough to know the
correct words for things without using nicknames. The teacher tells
the girl to try again. The girl thinks real hard ........

"My dad got me a dog," she said.
She sat down and a boy got up and said,
"I got a choo-choo!"

The teacher scolded him and told him to try again. The boy thought
hard and said,
"I got an electric train!!"

That boy sits down and a really shy kid gets up and sadly says,
"I got a book"
The teacher feels bad for the kid and she asks,
"What was the title of the book??"

The boy thinks very hard. The class waits as the boy is thinking.
Finally, the boys face brightened and he said,

"Winnie The Sh*t!!

Gettin' Funky, Thai Style
www.flickr.com/photos/gratidudepics
http://blog.risingstardom.com/
www.lisamosesgallery.com