Difficult

Hi,

Cooler weather is back in Chiang Rai. We had a quiet weekend. The street fair is over, more lights and decorations are up all over town, and I finally put more photos up on the Flickr site.

I know it was a reach, but Cousin Trudye and Frank knew it was "Young Blood" by The Coasters. And now it's time for 'Easy Monday'. It's a song by a group from the 60's who also had a song that referenced someone named Alice. "When the truth is found to be lies, and all the joy within you dies. Don't you want __ __ __...?" Clue: It poses a musical question, and statement at the same time. Hmm.

Since you have 'songs' on your mind, I have to tell you about a little something I'd like to try. Our Friday song was definitely 'Old School' R&B but it was a tough one. Lisa told me no one would know it, except 'older people'. Well, that may be true, but those were the days. So, for awhile, Friday's will be 'Old School Fridays' and I'll go into the vault and pull out some gems.

Our town is really lit up at night. Between the King's birthday this coming Saturday and some early Christmas decorations, it looks like a wonderland of tiny bulbs. Apparently any occasion is a reason to put up lights. It's fascinating that so many places put up colored lights even though it's not a holiday they celebrate. As one Thai person told us, 'It's just fun'.

Speaking of lights, tonight I saw a new twist on the use of LEDs on a vehicle. There was a row of lights on the grill of a car and they were red, white, and blue in the configuration of the Thai flag.

The street fair that I told you about is over and done. It ended last night. We've come to the conclusion that it was a neighborhood thing. It's not uncommon for a village or a neighborhood to put on a street fair for a week. It brings everyone together with a common focus: food and fun.

Today I went searching for some fine grit sandpaper. Hmm. I found it at the second hardware store. The first one was the biggest and I was sure they'd have what I needed. They have an interesting take on store promotion. At the entrance to the store, which has is entirely open on the front, they play music through big speakers and have young women in sundresses and/or disco outfits to greet the customers. I guess they figure since 90% of there customers are men, it might be an attraction. Not sure - I didn't buy anything. (Ha)
I did find the sandpaper at the next stop where it was no frills shopping. It's interesting to me that both of these stores are run by women.

Be sure and check out the new batch of pictures at the Flickr site. You can see the sights from the Doi Chaang adventure. Even the 'scary' bridge. More to come soon.

Have a Great Week.

Peace,
Danny

"Undertake something that is difficult;
it will do you good.
Unless you try to do something beyond
what you have already mastered, you will never grow."
~Ronald Osborn

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

Friday Funnies

Hi,

The forecast for tomorrow is 82 with scattered clouds. So now we're in what I call 'winter/summer'. Today there was a ballet class, the car got washed, and I had some more driving insights.

The answer to the math question is: "Nothin' From Nothin'" by Billy Preston. Here's a favorite of mine for the weekend. "I saw her standing on the corner, a yellow ribbon in her hair. I couldn't stop myself from shoutin', 'Look a-there, look a-there, look a-there, look a-there! __ __, __ __, __ __, I can't get you out of my mind." Clues: The title is two words. It's an old-school word for someone of lesser years. The group is named after something that rolls down a hill. Hmm. By the way, this is really old so don't feel bad if you don't know it.

This morning I exercised the dogs. This is something that Lisa usually does, but today I did it. There's not much to it really. Give BamBam the green squeaky toy and she runs around with it and Daku chases her. Sometimes she'd bring it back, I'd throw it, and the chase would begin all over again. There was also some training mixed in but near the end, their attention got scattered. BamBam loves to run. Daku will run if motivated. They each have distinct personalities and working with them together can really make that clear.

This afternoon, while we were driving to ballet class I mentioned that driving was like running an obstacle course. Kind of like a driving game where things pop up and you have to avoid them. After we finished laughing we decided to give the term 'pop up' to all the things that seem to come out of nowhere. It eases the tension when I can add some levity to the situation. While we're on the subject of driving, we've been noticing more and more variations on the colored light theme. The blue LEDs seem to be the most popular, followed by green lights under the car. Today we saw blue, purple, and green on the same vehicle. We're going to get some blue lights, just not sure where they'll go.

After I dropped Lisa at ballet, I went to the car wash. While the car was getting washed I went to a pharmacy run by a couple who speak pretty good English. He studied in Switzerland and has been a great resource. On my walk back to the car wash I had a brief conversation with a police officer who was controlling traffic. It was the usual 'where are you from' thing and he got very animated when I told him I'd been here two years. Oh, controlling the traffic means that he changed the duration of the signals manually. This really seems to keep the flow going during rush hour.

Now it's time for the 'Funnies', sent to me by my friend Alan. Have a Fabulous WeekEnd.

Peace,
Danny

I was walking down the street when I was accosted by a particularly dirty and shabby-looking homeless woman who asked me for a couple of dollars for dinner.

I took out my wallet, got out ten dollars and asked, 'If I give you this money, will you buy wine with it instead of dinner?'
'No, I had to stop drinking years ago', the homeless woman told me.

'Will you use it to go shopping instead of buying food?' I
asked.

'No, I don't waste time shopping,' the homeless woman said. 'I need to spend all my time trying to stay alive.'

'Will you spend this on a beauty salon instead of food?' I asked.

'Are you NUTS!' replied the homeless woman. I haven't had my hair done in 20 years!'

'Well, I said, 'I'm not going to give you the money. Instead, I'm going to take you out for dinner with my husband and me tonight.'

The homeless Woman was shocked. 'Won't your husband be furious with you for doing that? I know I'm dirty, and I probably smell pretty disgusting.'

I said, 'That's okay. It's important for him to see what a woman looks like after she has given up shopping, hair appointments, and wine.'

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

Thanksgiving

Hi,

The weather has done a turn around, at least in the day time. It's actually hot again. The nights are cool, but not cold. We stayed home all day, but had a visit from our seamstress, and our insurance man. There was also a lot of watering.

I only got two responses to our current song. Surely somebody else remembers this mid 70's hit by a guy who recorded with The Beatles. "__ __ __ leaves __, you gotta have somethin' if you wanna be with me (repeat)."
Clue: Here's a giveaway: what happens when you subtract zero from zero? You should get this just by doing the math. That extra blank is there so I don't completely give it away. (Ha)

For those of you in America, Happy Thanksgiving. We didn't find a turkey dinner, but we were thankful for the shrimp and rice dish that Boot served us. Yum. Have a wonderful day.

Lisa spent most of the day in her studio, working on another masterpiece. I watered the north forty (back yard) and also made sure the waterfall got it's daily misting. We haven't had rain in a long time so now we have to water on a regular basis.

This afternoon Ghan, our expert seamstress friend, came by to pick up some things that needed fixing and also to start on another bag for me using the material that Daku enjoyed the other night.

We also had a visit from Khun Surachet, our insurance guy. He brought us a check for the repairs on the front gate motor. We sat and had quite a chat with him about business and his recent trip to Phuket. We were all in agreement that Chiang Rai is the best place to live in Thailand.

This evening I went downtown and on my way back, I passed the street fair I told you about. The street is blocked off and I could hear music and merriment as I made my detour. Chiang Rai knows how to party.

I leave you with a few quotes about Thanksgiving.

Peace,
Danny

"Thanksgiving, after all, is a word of action."
~W. J. Cameron

"Feeling grateful or appreciative of someone or something in your life
actually attracts more of the things that you appreciate and value
into your life."
~Northrup Christiane

"As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest
appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them."
~John Fitzgerald Kennedy

"If a fellow isn't thankful for what he's got,
he isn't likely to be thankful for what he's going to get."
~Frank A. Clark

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

Live

Hi,

Today was a warm day. I'm not complaining a bit. We had a pretty mellow morning. There was school, ballet class, and more signs of the coming festivities next month.

One of the cleverest answers to a song yet came from Sandy up in the Bay Area: "(It) Hurts So Bad" that I have "...Tears On My Pillow, pain in my heart caused by..." Little Anthony and the Imperials! There you have it. "Hurts So Bad" was the tune you were searching for. Now it's Wednesday and it may not be so easy. Do you know this?
"I'm not tryin' to be your hero, 'cause that zero is too cold for me. I'm not tryin' to be your highness, 'cause that minus is too low to see." Hint: There's a little simple math involved here. The title is in three words, two of which are the same.

This morning we woke up to discover that 'Daku the Destroyer' had been at it again. He pulled down a piece of material that I'd just picked up at the Night Bazaar, for a waist bag. The edges had been chewed and ripped and it was over by his toys. Fortunately it's still usable, but I'm keeping an eye on Daku and everything that's mine. (Ha) He's now 10 months old. Waiting for the 'mellow age'.

This afternoon we had another Thai lesson. We learned that there are four different applications for the word 'Hai' and that the word that sounds like "cow" can be pronounced four different ways, with as many meanings. It's also a trip to realize that going from English to Thai, fewer words can get the same meaning across. Hmm.

After school we had enough time to relax a bit and then head out for the ballet class. I took an alternate route for part of our drive to avoid a bottleneck we discovered earlier. There is a section of street in front of a large school complex that has been transformed into a street fair. There were musicians setting up on a stage, booths selling food and other items, and cars and bikes going in all directions. Looks like it's going to be a fun time. We have no idea how long it will go on, but if it's for the Kings birthday, it will be through next week.

We've been trying to find out if any place will be serving turkey on Thanksgiving, but so far it doesn't look like it. We will be missing BBQ turkey on the 5th because we'll be in Chiang Mai. Our teacher, Janya and her husband Barry are having a party. She said she'll save us some 'bird'.

I think it's going to be a Wacky Wednesday.

Peace,
Danny

"There are those of us who are always about to live.
We are waiting until things change, until there is more time,
until we are less tired, until we get a promotion,
until we settle down -- until, until, until.
It always seems as if there is some major event that must occur
in our lives before we begin living."
~George Sheehan

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

Believe

Hi,

Chiang Rai weather is being a little unpredictable right now. Last night it was really cold, today it was warm. Today we hung out at a pharmacy visiting a friend, and hit the Night Bazaar in the evening.

Well, it was kind of an 'Easy' tune. I did get responses. Maybe the bridge into the chorus will help you sing it.
"Why don't you stay, and let me make it up to you. Stay, I'll do anything you want me to. You loved me before, please love me again, I can't let you go back to him. Please don't go, please don't go, __ __ __, don't make it __ __ __..." Hint: We clearly have a man in pain and she's the only one who can stop that.

This morning we started our day outside the compound with a trip to the bank. When we arrived, we didn't see Khun Bobby, our young friend who takes care of us. Instead, his boss, Khun Jutiporn offered to help us. She's helped us in the past, but not the same as Bobby. First of all, she doesn't speak English. Not that it's a big deal, but when you're dealing with your money, you want to be understood and understand. She quickly pointed out what to fill in on the forms and that's when we had our chuckle. Bobby never makes us fill them out, he does it for us. We laughed at how spoiled we'd become at the bank. The service we get is very special. Anyway, we got the forms filled out, and then Bobby came to the desk and took over, like the cavalry riding to the rescue. We had our usual small talk with Bobby and our visit was complete. He always makes a point of asking us something personal and remembers things from the previous visit. He'll go a long way in the biz.

We left the bank and drove across town to a small pharmacy that's owned by Tye's sister, Dtu. Dtu and her husband have gone to Nepal and India on a pilgrimage to the sites of the Buddha's birth and death. They will stay at a temple and live like the monks. Tye is watching their shop for 11 days, thirteen hours a day. During the time we were there, people came in about every 3-4 minutes to get something. Tye enjoyed the company and we'll probably do it again.

It was so warm today that after lunch we sat on the front porch for half an hour and baked in the sun. Daku hung out with us, in the shade. Then we all went upstairs for nap time. Daku takes the first part of his nap with us and then continues outside in the pen. He's a growing boy.

This evening we went downtown to the Night Bazaar to pick up some things we'd ordered, and do a little shopping. It looks like business is picking up with the influx of tourists. It's very interesting to watch how this segment of the community is affected by the seasonal tide of tourism.

Looks like it's time for a Happy Tuesday.

Peace,
Danny

"Believe as a child believes
and the magic will find you."
~Teresa Langdon

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

Path

Hi,

The weather finally made the big jump into winter. We went to a party where mostly English was spoken. I also grieved the loss of a friend.

Our weekend song was only known by two of you. I don't believe it. Lisa and Eileen knew how to "Boogie, Oogie, Oogie". That was by Taste of Honey. The last time we used this song, more of you knew it. Hmm, brain fade?
"I know you, don't no what I'm goin' through, standin' here lookin' at you. Well, let me tell you that it __ __ __, it makes me feel so sad..." Hint: It's a ballad in three words. This little guy has had some pretty big hits. He shed tears on his pillow.

We had to make a definitive wardrobe shift this weekend. The thin cotton just got moved to the rear of the closet and the thermals have taken center stage. The thought of wearing a jacket used to make me cringe, now I don't leave without it. From all we can tell, it's coming down from China and it happened like this last year. The temps in Chiang Rai are very close to the numbers in Los Angeles. It's not really that cold to some people, but when the drop is so drastic, it feels like a deep freeze. Actually, it's warm in the sun, but it will go away and then Mr. Chill will come out.

Saturday night we went to a birthday party for our new friend Nate. He and his wife Rachel live in a wonderful wooden Thai house that they're renting. It's on a compound that makes you feel like you're in the woods. There were lots of 'young' people there, mostly from the U.S. and Canada. There were also their Thai friends from the language school and some other members of different volunteer teams. We had a great time talking about everything you could imagine. Now we have more new friends and our circle is getting even bigger.

Chiang Rai has started putting up decorations in preparation for the celebration of the King's birthday. There are also huge posters of the King, colored lights, and stages where various events will be held. Even though we'll miss the actual celebrations of the day, I'm sure there will be festivities for a few days.

Saturday also brought news of the passing of a friend. I have mentioned 'my dear friend' Lois many times in my messages. We had been friends for about 25 years and she was one of the early readers of this 'blog'. She loved the songs from the 50s and 60s and, as she put it, was in love with Mr. August. She hounded me about putting the stories about August into a book. She will definitely be missed.

Have a Great Week.

Peace,
Danny

A young but earnest Zen student approached his teacher, and asked the Zen Master:
"If I work very hard and diligent how long will it take for me to find Zen."
The Master thought about this, then replied, "Ten years."

The student then said, "But what if I work very, very hard and really
apply myself to learn fast -- How long then?"
Replied the Master, "Well, twenty years."

"But, if I really, really work at it. How long then ?" asked the student.
"Thirty years," replied the Master.

"But, I do not understand", said the disappointed student. "At each time
that I say I will work harder, you say it will take me longer. Why do
you say that?"

Replied the Master, "When you have one eye on the goal, you only have
one eye on the path."
~Unknown

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

Friday Funnies

Hi,

We spent most of today around the house. We got word that the art shipment arrived in Bangkok, plans were set for another trip to Chiang Mai, and I took a stroll in the business district.

Well, it looks like the song was a bust. That's too bad because you missed singing "The Night Has A Thousand Eyes" for two days. It was a hit for Bobby Vee. For the weekend I think I'll give you a break. This is from '78, so you'll need your dancin' shoes. "Git up on the floor, cuz we're gonna __ __ __ til you just can't __ no more." Hint: Yeah, it's about dancing and it's three words, two of which are the same, and not really words anyway. The other blank is there 'cause it would just give it away. (555)

Our adventures in the art world continue to escalate. It was quite a relief to find out that the four art pieces arrived as promised. We will visit the showroom when we go to Bangkok on our way to America. After we return, Lisa will give a presentation on the cast acrylic process to the staff so that they can explain it to their clients.

December 5th is the King's birthday and it's referred to as 'Father Day'. There will be a major art fair in Chiang Mai beginning on the 5th and our friend Nat has invited us to come and see the fair and visit her booth. She would like for Lisa to show some of her paintings next year. The big treat is that we'll be staying at a somewhat elegant boutique hotel for that night. It's run by a friend of Nat's and we think it's her treat. She told us it was sold out and the only available room is the honeymoon suite. So, well be going on a little honeymoon. Nice.

Today was a ballet class day and while Lisa was teaching, I went in search of printer ink. I stopped at a fairly new store we noticed on the way to class and ended up committing a social goof. I hadn't noticed all the shoes by the door as I went in. It wasn't until I was getting my change that I noticed someone taking off their shoes at the door. A quick look around and, with the exception of one woman, everyone was barefoot. Oops. I'll remember next time.

My search for ink wasn't over. I still needed one more so I headed up to what I call the business district. Friday traffic was slow and messy but I finally got there. I checked a couple of shops and then just started walking. I counted five barber shops in one block. Hmm, all but one had customers so I guess it didn't matter. It's a Thai thing. I found the other cartridge, learned more about what's on the street and felt a sense of accomplishment. (Ha)

Now it's time for the 'Funnies', sent to me by my friend Marty, who lives in Pai, Thailand. Enjoy.

Have a Wonderful WeekEnd.

Peace,
Danny

Jokes to Exercise By

It is well documented that for every mile that you jog..... you add one minute to your life. This enables you at 85 years old to spend an additional 5 months in a nursing home at $5000 per month.

My grandmother started walking five miles a day when she was 60. She's 97 now and we don't know where she is.

The advantage of exercising every day is that you die healthier.

I joined a health club last year, spent about 400 bucks. Haven't lost a pound. Apparently you have to show up.

I have a philosophy about exercising to lose weight. I don't think you should punish your legs for something your mouth did.

I have to exercise early in the morning before my brain figures out what I'm doing.

I don't exercise at all. If God meant us to touch our toes, he would have put them further up our body.

I like long walks, especially when they are taken by people who annoy me.

If you are going to try cross-country skiing, start with a small country.

I don't jog, it makes the ice jump right out of my vodka tonic.

I am in shape. Round is a shape.

Not afraid of heights -- afraid of widths.

Practice safe eating -- always use condiments.

I plan on living forever. So far, so good.


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