Hi,
We had quite a busy weekend here in Chiang Rai. The curfew has been lifted so we can run the streets from midnight to 4am. (Yeah, right) We went to a party, watched old movies, and saw an exciting F1 Grand Prix.
I got lots of response to the 'Old School Friday' song. It was "Book of Love" by The Monotones. It's 'Easy Monday' time, and I know you know this one: "Diamond life, lover boy, he moves in space with minimum waste, and maximum joy. City lights, and business nights when you require streetcar desire for higher heights... No need to ask, he's a __ __." Hint: It's a smooth sound about a 'player' by a singer with one name.
Saturday we got invited to a party at the home of Nate and Rachel. We knew most of the guests, and met some new 'visitors'. In the course of conversation I mentioned to our friend Libby, who lives in an Akha village on a mountain, that the pool was now warm and inviting. As a result, we're having another swimming party on Wednesday afternoon. After we left the party we settled down for the qualifying session for Sunday's Turkish GP.
Sunday we decided to try the lunch buffet at the Rimkok Hotel. We were told that they had a new chef, and that the food was much better. Well, it wasn't true. It was the same tacky offerings we'd had before. We will only go back to the Rimkok to use their pool when ours goes through coming repairs.
Since we don't have TiVo or anything like it, our Sunday dinners usually center around when the race will start. This week we tried something different. I went to Big C and ordered two of our favorite dishes 'take away', which is how 'food to go' is referred. As I entered the busy shopping center I saw our friend Tye, her daughter Napa, and a friend of theirs. When I mentioned that I was picking up dinner for the race, her friend said that her husband was also a big fan of Formula One. I ordered our meal, went upstairs to the market and got a watermelon, and went back down to get the food. While I was there Deirdre, a new friend who works with the Sold Project, came in for coffee. They had brought a group of kids from their center for a birthday lunch, and shopping. I went over to Mr. Donut, met some of the kids, and made my way out of the complex.
Since it hasn't rained in days, I watered both of the lawns this morning. Not a simple task, but it's getting easier. A few more items, and my system will be just right. This afternoon, while we were swimming, we kept coming up with new ideas so we dubbed the pool our 'Think Tank'.
Tomorrow the workers will start work on the canopy over the back patio. It is clear plexiglass, and will make it possible to sit outside during light rain. As long as it's not windy, it should be a nice addition. There is shade from the house during the afternoons, so the clear will provide shelter with light.
I got a call this afternoon from Chiang Rai Toyota, reminding me of my service appointment tomorrow afternoon. It's a nice touch when they call to let you know. The 10K service will be about $6, with a free car wash. Nice.
Have a Great Week.
Peace,
Danny
"Wherever you are,
whatever your circumstances may be,
whatever misfortune you may have suffered,
the music of your life has not gone.
It's inside you.
If you listen to it, you can play it."
Nido Qubein
Gettin' Funky, Thai Style
www.flickr.com/photos/gratidudepics
http://blog.risingstardom.com/
www.lisamosesgallery.com
Monday, May 31, 2010
Friday, May 28, 2010
Friday Funnies
Hi,
It was another clear day in Chiang Rai. The rain gutters are done, and the yard is once again ours. We cruised around this morning, and swam in the afternoon. Tonight we're going to the Night Bazaar.
The song you may have known was "These Eyes" by The Guess Who. I'm going to my 50th high school class reunion in July. This means a lot of candidates for "Old School Friday" have been running through my head. Like this one from the same year that Eddie Cochran had the 'Summertime Blues', The Four Preps went '26 Miles', and the Poni-Tails were 'Born Too Late'. It was 1958, and I was in my Junior year. This was one of the songs of the day: "...Chapter one says to love her, you love her with all your heart. Chapter two you tell her you're never, never, never, never, ever gonna part.... Oh, I wonder, wonder who, Bee-doo-doo who, who wrote the __ __ __." Clue: You don't have to be a semi-mature person too figure out the theme of this one. The group is named for something that stays on the same note. This should be easy.
While the workers finished up the gutters we went downtown to check out a new coffee shop. It's a small semi-outdoor place with cool music, computers, and a nice vibe. The only problem was the proximity to the street traffic. I've never understood why one would want to eat, or drink right next to the traffic. I won't go into that. Our plan was to stop by the new Fair Trade Hill Tribe store, but it was closed. Today was a major Buddhist holiday and many business were closed.
Around the clock tower, up the street, and we were in the market district. We looked at fabrics in several stores, got a few treats, and then went to the grocery store for juice. Simple stuff that makes for a pleasant morning, and keeps us connected with our community.
And now for a bit of trivia. Formula One is 60 years old. Can you tell me the one team that was there from the beginning, and is still racing? Over 600 million people watch each F1 race. That means one in every eleven human beings watches each race. This weekend is the Turkey F1 GP. Don't miss it.
Have a Wonderful WeekEnd. Time for the 'Funnies'.
Peace,
Danny
A cop pulls over a carload of elderly women.
Cop: "Ma'ma, this is a 65 MPH highway -- why are you going so slow?"
Driver: "Sir, I saw a lot of signs that said 22, not 65."
Cop: "Oh, that's not the speed limit, that's the name of the highway you're on!
Driver: Oh! Silly me! Thanks for letting me know. I'll be more careful.
At this point the cop looks in the backseat where the passengers are shaking and trembling.
Cop: Excuse me, ma'am, what's wrong with your friends back there? They're shaking something terrible.
Driver: Oh, we just got off of highway 119.
Gettin' Funky, Thai Style
www.flickr.com/photos/gratidudepics
http://blog.risingstardom.com/
www.lisamosesgallery.com
It was another clear day in Chiang Rai. The rain gutters are done, and the yard is once again ours. We cruised around this morning, and swam in the afternoon. Tonight we're going to the Night Bazaar.
The song you may have known was "These Eyes" by The Guess Who. I'm going to my 50th high school class reunion in July. This means a lot of candidates for "Old School Friday" have been running through my head. Like this one from the same year that Eddie Cochran had the 'Summertime Blues', The Four Preps went '26 Miles', and the Poni-Tails were 'Born Too Late'. It was 1958, and I was in my Junior year. This was one of the songs of the day: "...Chapter one says to love her, you love her with all your heart. Chapter two you tell her you're never, never, never, never, ever gonna part.... Oh, I wonder, wonder who, Bee-doo-doo who, who wrote the __ __ __." Clue: You don't have to be a semi-mature person too figure out the theme of this one. The group is named for something that stays on the same note. This should be easy.
While the workers finished up the gutters we went downtown to check out a new coffee shop. It's a small semi-outdoor place with cool music, computers, and a nice vibe. The only problem was the proximity to the street traffic. I've never understood why one would want to eat, or drink right next to the traffic. I won't go into that. Our plan was to stop by the new Fair Trade Hill Tribe store, but it was closed. Today was a major Buddhist holiday and many business were closed.
Around the clock tower, up the street, and we were in the market district. We looked at fabrics in several stores, got a few treats, and then went to the grocery store for juice. Simple stuff that makes for a pleasant morning, and keeps us connected with our community.
And now for a bit of trivia. Formula One is 60 years old. Can you tell me the one team that was there from the beginning, and is still racing? Over 600 million people watch each F1 race. That means one in every eleven human beings watches each race. This weekend is the Turkey F1 GP. Don't miss it.
Have a Wonderful WeekEnd. Time for the 'Funnies'.
Peace,
Danny
A cop pulls over a carload of elderly women.
Cop: "Ma'ma, this is a 65 MPH highway -- why are you going so slow?"
Driver: "Sir, I saw a lot of signs that said 22, not 65."
Cop: "Oh, that's not the speed limit, that's the name of the highway you're on!
Driver: Oh! Silly me! Thanks for letting me know. I'll be more careful.
At this point the cop looks in the backseat where the passengers are shaking and trembling.
Cop: Excuse me, ma'am, what's wrong with your friends back there? They're shaking something terrible.
Driver: Oh, we just got off of highway 119.
Gettin' Funky, Thai Style
www.flickr.com/photos/gratidudepics
http://blog.risingstardom.com/
www.lisamosesgallery.com
Thursday, May 27, 2010
Beginning
Hi,
Today began with a clear, blue sky with no rain in sight. Tonight it's raining. Happens like that all the time. I learned a few more things about Chiang Rai today. Read on.
A few of you recognized this tune from a Canadian band. I'll leave you with the chorus, which gives you all the clues you'll need: "__ __ are cryin'. __ __ have seen a lot of loves, but they're never gonna see another one like I had with you." Hint: As for the band's name, I gave it to you in yesterdays hint. Hmm.
This morning I went into town to get light bulbs and bread. No big deal, but when I got to the bakery I ran into a new friend that I met at the recent art show. He mentioned that he knew a guy from Belgium who was looking to get together with some guys to play music. He also told me that there's a jazz club here in Chiang Rai. Who knew?
Speaking of clubs, today I was following a truck that had a banner on the back. It was advertising a show for a young man who is billed as Boy Peacemaker. He's going to be at the Face Bar on June 9. Hmm.
The work on the rain gutters continues. Since it seems our rainy season is coming early, our timing is just right. They bring the basic pieces to the house, then cut and solder it in the driveway. It's always interesting to watch craftsmen do their 'thing', and this is no exception. When they're done, all of the silver channels will have to be painted brown. Right now they stick out like a sore thumb.
Late this afternoon while Lisa was teaching ballet, I had coffee with a friend of mine from Chiang Mai who was traveling through. Since he was on the highway we met at Big C, and spent about 45 minutes catching up. It's nice to be in a small town.
Have a Mellow Thursday.
Peace,
Danny
"There will come a time when you believe everything is finished.
That will be the beginning."
~Louis L'Amour
Gettin' Funky, Thai Style
www.flickr.com/photos/gratidudepics
http://blog.risingstardom.com/
www.lisamosesgallery.com
Today began with a clear, blue sky with no rain in sight. Tonight it's raining. Happens like that all the time. I learned a few more things about Chiang Rai today. Read on.
A few of you recognized this tune from a Canadian band. I'll leave you with the chorus, which gives you all the clues you'll need: "__ __ are cryin'. __ __ have seen a lot of loves, but they're never gonna see another one like I had with you." Hint: As for the band's name, I gave it to you in yesterdays hint. Hmm.
This morning I went into town to get light bulbs and bread. No big deal, but when I got to the bakery I ran into a new friend that I met at the recent art show. He mentioned that he knew a guy from Belgium who was looking to get together with some guys to play music. He also told me that there's a jazz club here in Chiang Rai. Who knew?
Speaking of clubs, today I was following a truck that had a banner on the back. It was advertising a show for a young man who is billed as Boy Peacemaker. He's going to be at the Face Bar on June 9. Hmm.
The work on the rain gutters continues. Since it seems our rainy season is coming early, our timing is just right. They bring the basic pieces to the house, then cut and solder it in the driveway. It's always interesting to watch craftsmen do their 'thing', and this is no exception. When they're done, all of the silver channels will have to be painted brown. Right now they stick out like a sore thumb.
Late this afternoon while Lisa was teaching ballet, I had coffee with a friend of mine from Chiang Mai who was traveling through. Since he was on the highway we met at Big C, and spent about 45 minutes catching up. It's nice to be in a small town.
Have a Mellow Thursday.
Peace,
Danny
"There will come a time when you believe everything is finished.
That will be the beginning."
~Louis L'Amour
Gettin' Funky, Thai Style
www.flickr.com/photos/gratidudepics
http://blog.risingstardom.com/
www.lisamosesgallery.com
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Commitment
Hi,
It's been a beautiful day here in Chiang Rai. A little cooler, but still warm, and humid. I ran some errands, and we got another lesson in Thai pronunciation. Tonight we get a massage.
Your 'Easy Monday' assignment was to remember "Purple Rain" by Prince and The Revolution. Oh, the hints, and yet many of you didn't get it. Oh, maybe it's because you were singing 'Purpun Rain', Thai style. (555) Here's a hard one:
"__ __ cry every night for you. These arms long to hold you again. The hurtin's on me, yeah, and I will never be free, no, my baby. You gave a promise to me, yeah, an' you broke it, an' you broke it, oh no..." Hint: Can you guess who sang about the windows to the soul?
Yesterday, when Lisa returned from teaching ballet class, she asked me if I knew how to say 'Donald Duck' in Thai. I paused, and had no idea. I'm going to spell it the way you would say it: 'Doughna Duh' (the first syllable is like dough). Practice, there will be a quiz.
This morning I left the house with the plan to get the 10k service on our car. They were booked up until next Tuesday so I made an appointment. Then I went across the highway to Big C to exchange some computer speakers that were faulty. Customer service is always very courteous, and today was no exception. The desk is outside of the store proper, so there's a lot of red tape involved for any exchange. They called someone from the department to come out and complete some forms. At one point, the young woman helping me dropped her pen, and it flipped towards me. She immediately wai'd me, giggled, and retrieved the pen. Inside the store, the unit I had was plugged in so they could hear the weird sound it was making. A new one was opened, tested, and I was on my way.
This morning, at dawn, thousands of Bangkok residents gathered at sites around the city where buildings had been burned, and people died. Along with 1,000 Buddhist monks, Muslim imams, Christian priests, and Hindu faithful, they prayed for peace.
It just might be time for a Wacky Wednesday.
Peace,
Danny
"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful,
committed citizens can change the world.
Indeed, it's the only thing that ever has."
~Margaret Mead
Gettin' Funky, Thai Style
www.flickr.com/photos/gratidudepics
http://blog.risingstardom.com/
www.lisamosesgallery.com
It's been a beautiful day here in Chiang Rai. A little cooler, but still warm, and humid. I ran some errands, and we got another lesson in Thai pronunciation. Tonight we get a massage.
Your 'Easy Monday' assignment was to remember "Purple Rain" by Prince and The Revolution. Oh, the hints, and yet many of you didn't get it. Oh, maybe it's because you were singing 'Purpun Rain', Thai style. (555) Here's a hard one:
"__ __ cry every night for you. These arms long to hold you again. The hurtin's on me, yeah, and I will never be free, no, my baby. You gave a promise to me, yeah, an' you broke it, an' you broke it, oh no..." Hint: Can you guess who sang about the windows to the soul?
Yesterday, when Lisa returned from teaching ballet class, she asked me if I knew how to say 'Donald Duck' in Thai. I paused, and had no idea. I'm going to spell it the way you would say it: 'Doughna Duh' (the first syllable is like dough). Practice, there will be a quiz.
This morning I left the house with the plan to get the 10k service on our car. They were booked up until next Tuesday so I made an appointment. Then I went across the highway to Big C to exchange some computer speakers that were faulty. Customer service is always very courteous, and today was no exception. The desk is outside of the store proper, so there's a lot of red tape involved for any exchange. They called someone from the department to come out and complete some forms. At one point, the young woman helping me dropped her pen, and it flipped towards me. She immediately wai'd me, giggled, and retrieved the pen. Inside the store, the unit I had was plugged in so they could hear the weird sound it was making. A new one was opened, tested, and I was on my way.
This morning, at dawn, thousands of Bangkok residents gathered at sites around the city where buildings had been burned, and people died. Along with 1,000 Buddhist monks, Muslim imams, Christian priests, and Hindu faithful, they prayed for peace.
It just might be time for a Wacky Wednesday.
Peace,
Danny
"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful,
committed citizens can change the world.
Indeed, it's the only thing that ever has."
~Margaret Mead
Gettin' Funky, Thai Style
www.flickr.com/photos/gratidudepics
http://blog.risingstardom.com/
www.lisamosesgallery.com
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Who?
Hi,
We had a busy day on the compound today. Banging, cutting, digging, mowing, and a little raining. The mystery has been solved, and the dogs get a new treat.
Well, a few of you jumped right into 'Easy Monday'. I even heard from friends who don't usually play. Here's more:
"I never wanted to by your weekend lover, I only wanted to be some kind of friend... It's such a shame our friendship had to end. __ __, (repeat 5 times) I only wanted to see you underneath the __ __." Clue: At one point the artist was known as a symbol, the song/movie were in a category of their own. There is a color involved.
This morning the yard crew showed up, right before the rain-gutter crew. Imagine the mix of lawn machines, hammers on tin, drills, and weed-wackers, and you get a pretty good idea of how it sounded around here. Mid morning we had to escape so we went to the 'little market' in search of spinach. We didn't find any but Lisa found an interesting looking leafy vegetable that was pretty tasty. We also got some pineapple.
A few days ago Lisa was reading about nutrition for dogs, and found an entry that mentioned frozen carrots as a chew treat. Yesterday the dogs got their first frozen carrots. They loved them. They had another one this morning, and while they don't last as long as the rawhide bones, they're much healthier. They finished their carrots, and looked up as if to say 'Where's the bone?'. It's like we tell Boot, they're always hungry.
This morning I told Boot about the people I saw by the road last night. She said they were collecting bugs. Some kind of flying things that swarm, and I guess, get knocked down by the rain. Anyway, Boot laughed when I asked her if she'd ever eaten them. She's from the south, and said northern people will eat anything. She was joking, I think.
So there you have it. Bugs are a delicacy for many people here in Thailand. No, I haven't tried any, but when Sam was here he ate several kinds. Hmm.
Since the night time is the only time the yard is ours, we're off for a swim.
Have a Happy Tuesday.
Peace,
Danny
"If I try to be like him,
Who will be like me?"
~Yiddish proverb
Gettin' Funky, Thai Style
www.flickr.com/photos/gratidudepics
http://blog.risingstardom.com/
www.lisamosesgallery.com
We had a busy day on the compound today. Banging, cutting, digging, mowing, and a little raining. The mystery has been solved, and the dogs get a new treat.
Well, a few of you jumped right into 'Easy Monday'. I even heard from friends who don't usually play. Here's more:
"I never wanted to by your weekend lover, I only wanted to be some kind of friend... It's such a shame our friendship had to end. __ __, (repeat 5 times) I only wanted to see you underneath the __ __." Clue: At one point the artist was known as a symbol, the song/movie were in a category of their own. There is a color involved.
This morning the yard crew showed up, right before the rain-gutter crew. Imagine the mix of lawn machines, hammers on tin, drills, and weed-wackers, and you get a pretty good idea of how it sounded around here. Mid morning we had to escape so we went to the 'little market' in search of spinach. We didn't find any but Lisa found an interesting looking leafy vegetable that was pretty tasty. We also got some pineapple.
A few days ago Lisa was reading about nutrition for dogs, and found an entry that mentioned frozen carrots as a chew treat. Yesterday the dogs got their first frozen carrots. They loved them. They had another one this morning, and while they don't last as long as the rawhide bones, they're much healthier. They finished their carrots, and looked up as if to say 'Where's the bone?'. It's like we tell Boot, they're always hungry.
This morning I told Boot about the people I saw by the road last night. She said they were collecting bugs. Some kind of flying things that swarm, and I guess, get knocked down by the rain. Anyway, Boot laughed when I asked her if she'd ever eaten them. She's from the south, and said northern people will eat anything. She was joking, I think.
So there you have it. Bugs are a delicacy for many people here in Thailand. No, I haven't tried any, but when Sam was here he ate several kinds. Hmm.
Since the night time is the only time the yard is ours, we're off for a swim.
Have a Happy Tuesday.
Peace,
Danny
"If I try to be like him,
Who will be like me?"
~Yiddish proverb
Gettin' Funky, Thai Style
www.flickr.com/photos/gratidudepics
http://blog.risingstardom.com/
www.lisamosesgallery.com
Monday, May 24, 2010
Boomerangs
Hi,
We began the week with a trip to the bank, the market, and the experience of 'Drive Like You Want To' day. This evening a new mystery presented itself. Hmm.
If you're old enough to remember 'Bandstand' then you should have remembered "At The Hop" by Danny & The Juniors. Now it's 'Easy Monday', and this one just might bring back some memories from 1984. There was a movie.
"I never meant to cause you any sorrow. I never meant to cause you any pain. I only wanted to one time see you laughing. I only wanted to see you laughing in the __ __." Hint: By a revolutionary artist with one name. Title is in two words about something from the sky.
We got an early start on our Monday by going to the bank right after it opened. Since it had been closed since Thursday we figured it would be crowded. It was mildly busy, but we got taken care of by our friend Bobby. While we were waiting, one of his trainee assistants started practicing her English with us. She told Lisa she wanted her email address so she could write. It's quite charming the way some students will assert themselves to learn more English.
After the bank, we went to the market. We have a few favorite stops these days. There are two stalls with 'treats' that we like, a shoe shop with remarkable deals, and today we discovered 'Pink Gold'. I'd never heard of it, but when the woman showed us a tray of rings, I told Lisa to pick one out. She did, and I bought it. The beauty of shopping in the market is that it doesn't break the bank. (555)
There seemed to be something in the air this morning. People were moving in and out of lanes, driving without looking, and basically in freeform mode. Hence the name: 'Drive Like You Want To'. Oh my.
On the front page of the Bangkok Post today there was a photo of two teenagers sweeping up a street in Bangkok. Over 4,000 volunteers turned out to clean up the city. That's a wonderful thing.
Tonight, as I drove towards the bridge near our house, I noticed people walking along in the street picking something up. There must have been at least ten small groups, with their motorbikes parked, searching the ground. It was either something that falls from the trees, or some kind of insect. This happened once before, that I can remember. I'll have to ask around and let you know after I solve the mystery.
Have a Great Week.
Peace,
Danny
"The game of life is a game of boomerangs.
Our thoughts, deeds, and words
return to us sooner or later,
with astounding accuracy."
~Florence Scovel Shinn
Gettin' Funky, Thai Style
www.flickr.com/photos/gratidudepics
http://blog.risingstardom.com/
www.lisamosesgallery.com
We began the week with a trip to the bank, the market, and the experience of 'Drive Like You Want To' day. This evening a new mystery presented itself. Hmm.
If you're old enough to remember 'Bandstand' then you should have remembered "At The Hop" by Danny & The Juniors. Now it's 'Easy Monday', and this one just might bring back some memories from 1984. There was a movie.
"I never meant to cause you any sorrow. I never meant to cause you any pain. I only wanted to one time see you laughing. I only wanted to see you laughing in the __ __." Hint: By a revolutionary artist with one name. Title is in two words about something from the sky.
We got an early start on our Monday by going to the bank right after it opened. Since it had been closed since Thursday we figured it would be crowded. It was mildly busy, but we got taken care of by our friend Bobby. While we were waiting, one of his trainee assistants started practicing her English with us. She told Lisa she wanted her email address so she could write. It's quite charming the way some students will assert themselves to learn more English.
After the bank, we went to the market. We have a few favorite stops these days. There are two stalls with 'treats' that we like, a shoe shop with remarkable deals, and today we discovered 'Pink Gold'. I'd never heard of it, but when the woman showed us a tray of rings, I told Lisa to pick one out. She did, and I bought it. The beauty of shopping in the market is that it doesn't break the bank. (555)
There seemed to be something in the air this morning. People were moving in and out of lanes, driving without looking, and basically in freeform mode. Hence the name: 'Drive Like You Want To'. Oh my.
On the front page of the Bangkok Post today there was a photo of two teenagers sweeping up a street in Bangkok. Over 4,000 volunteers turned out to clean up the city. That's a wonderful thing.
Tonight, as I drove towards the bridge near our house, I noticed people walking along in the street picking something up. There must have been at least ten small groups, with their motorbikes parked, searching the ground. It was either something that falls from the trees, or some kind of insect. This happened once before, that I can remember. I'll have to ask around and let you know after I solve the mystery.
Have a Great Week.
Peace,
Danny
"The game of life is a game of boomerangs.
Our thoughts, deeds, and words
return to us sooner or later,
with astounding accuracy."
~Florence Scovel Shinn
Gettin' Funky, Thai Style
www.flickr.com/photos/gratidudepics
http://blog.risingstardom.com/
www.lisamosesgallery.com
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