Measure

Hi,

We're back from an adventurous weekend in Chiang Mai.  There was a river cruise, lots of new friends, and Lisa went on a tour of some galleries with the host of her next exhibit. 

A bunch of you knew the 'Old School Friday' tune as "Save The Last Dance For Me" by The Drifters.  'Easy Monday' is an oldie but goodie I'm sure you remember:  "I did you wrong, my heart went out to play, but in the game I lost you, what a price to pay.   I'm cryin', __ __ __, __ __ __."  Hint:  The title is actually an exclamation and one word sung twice.  That should make it easier (555).  

We arrived in Chiang Mai in mid-afternoon and checked into The Empress Hotel.  It's an older hotel that tries really hard.  Since our dinner was going to be later than usual, we decided to go to the hotel coffee shop for a snack.  During the course of our meal our server kept bringing us things.  First she brought us candy bars, the little boxes that have an elephant inside.  Near the end of our meal she brought a single rose and gave it to me.  I remember this from the last time we stayed there.  She whispered to me that I was to present it to Lisa and give her a very big kiss.  I complied and the staff cheered.  

Two of my friends from Koh Samui, an island in the south, were staying in our hotel for the big meeting on Saturday.  The four of us were picked up by a local friend, Tony, and driven to The Riverside Restaurant.  As we began our slow ride down the river, the sun was just going down and the bridges over the river were lit with changing colored lights.  We ate with Tony and Marty, a good friend of mine that I've known for years.  Along the shore, lots of guys were fishing in the light of the many restaurants that populated the bank of the river.  It's amazing to realize that the long string of eateries were all doing big business, each one catering to a different taste.  Our dinner wasn't anything to write home about, but the atmosphere and the company made up for that.  We had a ball.  As we walked through the restaurant after the cruise, a young band was playing in the bar and they were quite good.  Next door there was another band performing.  It seems that live music is a very big thing in Chiang Mai.

          Dinner Cruise on the Ping River, Chiang Mai

Saturday morning, sitting in the dining room having breakfast, we watched as lots of travelers were preparing for their day of adventure in Chiang Rai.  The city has lots of tourist attractions and with some of the groups, I could sense their excitement.  I went to a meeting in the park while Lisa prepared for her lunch with Khun Wantip, the owner of 116 Art Gallery.  

My afternoon was spent in a big room in the hotel, with representatives from areas in Thailand.  I learned a lot and contributed when I could.  During our lunch break, which was around 1:30pm, Lisa and Khun Wantip were leaving for a road trip.  They were in our hotel so I met them in the lobby.  It turned out that Lisa would not be back until late afternoon.  They went to several galleries outside of town, and got to know each other better.  Lisa's exhibit will open on September 14 and run for 6 weeks.  

We spent Sunday evening exchanging stories of the day and just relaxing in our room.  It was a very productive weekend for both of us.  

Have a Great Week.

                Peace,

                           Danny

"The measure of our life is not whether others know our name,
but whether we have touched the lives of others."
~Unknown

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Friday Funnies

Hi,

It seems that the rainy season has taken a brief vacation.  The major storm system has moved on and we're experiencing some gorgeous weather.  The pool temp rose 5 degrees in one day.  Packing has begun for our Chiang Mai weekend.

The 'Zany Day' song was "The Ballad of a Thin Man" by Bob Dylan.  I guess it's time for an easy 'Old School Friday':

"You can dance, ev'ry dance with the guy who gives you the eye, let him hold you tight.  You can smile, ev'ry smile for the man who held your hand 'neath the pale moonlight.  But don't forget who's taking you home and in whose arms you're gonna be.  So darlin', __ __ __ __ __ __."  Hint: Let your mind drift back a few decades to the era of real singing groups, to songs about what mattered (555).  There's a story here.

This weekend Art Bridge is rotating the artwork in the main gallery.  Members can change the art piece they have on display.  Since we will be in Chiang Mai, we made the switch today.  Lisa had a chance to meet the new gallery manager and I had a chance to visit with one of my artist friends.  There was an energy in the air that was exciting.  Tomorrow is the opening of the remodeled restaurant, and also the big art exchange day so the staff was busy getting things ready. Several artists were there to make adjustments on existing pieces and you could feel the 'community'.  My friend Yai and I had a great philosophical discussion after studying a new painting by his girlfriend.  It had to do with the circle of life and things beyond.  We plan to start having our weekly coffee talks next week.  

This afternoon Lisa made a casual check of our new pool thermometer and noticed a distinct jump in the temperature.  Yesterday it was a chilly 81F.  We swam in it, but it was just OK for swimming.  Today it was 86F and perfect for relaxing in the water.  Today's photo is the new thermometer that Johan brought us.  It came from Holland and adds a little poolside whimsy.

At the end of the month we will be renewing our annual visas.  Tomorrow morning we will go to Central Plaza to see our immigration friends.  We just need to make sure the rules haven't changed since the last time we renewed.  One never knows when changes have been made so we always check in advance.  It's mainly a matter of how many copies of various papers they want to see.  

Based on the assumption that we will be packed and ready for our trip by lunch time, we'll eat and then go to the bus station for our ride to Chiang Mai.  I'm going to a Regional Service meeting on Sunday, but we're having a meet-and-greet on Saturday night in the form of a dinner cruise on the Ping River.  While I'm in the meeting on Sunday, Lisa will have a lunch meeting with the owner of 116 Gallery, where she will be showing her cast acrylic prints.  The exhibit will open on September 14 and run for six weeks.  

Have a Wonderful WeekEnd.     It's time for a 'Funny'.

                      Peace,

                                 Danny

Gettin' Funky, Thai Style 

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Visitors

Hi,

Today was another dry day in Chiang Rai.  I don't count the little misty stuff during the rainy season.  If it doesn't make a puddle, it doesn't count.  (Ha)  

So far, only two readers have admitted knowing the 'Zany Day' song.  Here's the second verse, to confuse you more:

"You raise up your head and ask, 'Is this where it is?'  And somebody points to you and says 'It's his'.  And you say, 'What's mine?' And somebody else says, 'Where what is?'  And you say, 'Oh my God am I here all alone?'  But something is happening here..."  Hint:  If it's any help, the singer/writer's real initials are R.Z.  (555)

We have discovered that the dogs are a little more attentive during play time if we give them a few minutes to just walk around and smell things and explore.  At least that was the theory yesterday.  This morning they were given their own space, but came over and demanded to play.  BamBam barked at Lisa to throw her ball.  What?  

An early run to Big C was great for shopping without any 'cart traffic'.  The aisles were wide open and we could take our time.  We went from Big C to Central Plaza, across the highway, for a trip to Robinson.  That's the big department store that opens one hour before the mall.  In front of the entrance, vendors were setting up an OTOP market place.  The sellers are part of a program that promotes 'One Tambon, One Product', a Tambon being a sub-district made up of many villages.  Each Tambon selects a 'typical' product which is then modernized and promoted in OTOP shops in each provincial capital.  Since Chiang Rai is a provincial capital, we get to see many of these little 'expos' and learn more about where products come from.  

This afternoon we went for our second 'cool swim' of the week.  After the initial shock it's not so bad (I keep telling myself).  Timing is crucial with these afternoon dips.  Clouds can look innocent one minute and then dark and menacing the next.  The sun will be blazing and then disappear, which means keeping an eye on the breeze and making sure it doesn't start thundering.  That's usually when we get out, just to be safe.  Between the stairs and the pool, we get our share of exercise.  

The aftermath of the Tuesday night storm was more than we realized.  Our flooded yards were nothing compared to what happened downtown.  Our friend Caty posted this photo that shows the main street of the Night Bazaar with standing water.  The women in the photo normally do traditional dances on two stages during the evenings.

Have a Thrilling Thursday.

                   Peace,

                              Danny

"We are all visitors to this time, this place.

We are just passing through.  Our purpose here

is to observe, to learn, to grow, to love...

and then we return home."

~Australian Aboriginal Proverb

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Teachers

Hi,

Today was a beautiful day in Chiang Rai.  A couple of cloud bursts, but no torrential downpours like yesterday.  The dogs got to play, we had adventures, and the frogs had a party.

Only a few of you remembered the 'Easy Monday' song.  It was "I'm Only Sleeping" by The Beatles.  'Zany Day' is next:

"You walk into the room with a pencil in your hand, you see somebody naked and you say, 'Who is that man?'  You try so hard but you don't understand, just what you'll say when you get home.  Because something is happening here, but you don't know what it is, do you, Mister Jones?"  Clue:  The title is in 5 words that are not sung in the song.  The whole thing is quite mysterious, and long.  Zany for sure.

Late last night the silence was broken by the sound of frogs.  There were a lot of them in our back yard, some in the field next door, and some that sounded like they were in the trees (555).  I'm sure the 'lakes' were part of the reason.  With the windows open we hear all the sounds of the night.  That also means that when the 'jungle' wakes up, we hear that too.  By morning both yards had completely drained and life was returning to normal.  

We went to the downtown market for a quick trip down the center aisle.  It started raining as we entered, but it was over as we left with our treats.  At Doi Chaang Coffee we saw our friend Saowanee, of Nine Art Gallery.  We had a laugh because she was 'doing' Facebook on her phone.  At Work@Home Bakery Lisa had a visit with Jonathan the English Golden Retriever, and when we got home our friend Johan was waiting for us.  It was a busy morning but we got everything done.

After lunch we went to Art Bridge.  Thai PBS was taping a discussion about the project and the art scene in Chiang Rai with some of the senior members of the community.  We had a chance to see lots of friends, have some interesting talks, and watch the preparation for the TV show.  Part of the gift shop became the video and sound control center.  There were computers, mixers and monitors along one wall, and lots of portable screens.  We stayed until they were about to begin, but realized we had no one to translate for us.  It was still a great experience.  Tomorrow the restaurant will reopen for business.  The kitchen is much larger and the staff is ready.  Things are always changing at Art Bridge and today I noticed some new 'art' in the river.  

It's time for Wacky Wednesday.

                  Peace,

                             Danny

"Good teachers are costly,
but bad teachers cost more."
~Robert Talbert

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Story

Hi,

The greater part of the day was rainless.  What a relief, almost.  This evening we're back in storm mode and the lawns are lakes.

Today is your lucky day.  You get to be the first to respond to the 'Easy Monday' song on Tuesday.  Wake up, people:

"Everybody seems to think I'm lazy.  I don't mind, I think they're crazy.  Running everywhere at such a speed, 'til they find there's no need (there's no need).  Please, don't spoil my day, I'm miles away, and after all __ __ __."  Hint:  It's by those 'lads' from across the pond.  It all revolves around a bed, so to speak.

This morning we were about to take the dogs out to play when the yard crew arrived.  This was the one day we told them not to come, and yet they came.  We had a long list of places to go so got an early start.  After Makro, we went to Bliss Studio to pick up some of Lisa's art that had been photographed.  Then it was off to Healthy Market for the good stuff.  Since the market is a block from the bus station, we walked over to get our tickets for our trip to Chiang Mai.  

The downtown bus station is always bustling with activity.  There are local buses, provincial buses and the long-range Green buses.  There are also Tuk-Tuks and Songthaews (covered pick-up trucks with two benches) dropping people off, making it a dizzying sight.  Walking through little side streets, we saw things we've never seen before.  Small shops and supply houses carrying clothing, toys, and mysteries.  Part of our walk included an empty corridor that is a busy part of the Night Bazaar after the sun goes down.  

As we crossed the Pink Bridge toward home we noticed that the level of the river is very high, compared to last week.  The shoreline keeps rising.  In our area there is no threat of the river overflowing, but it's a simple way to gauge how much rain we've had.  There were people standing in the water, in the light rain, fishing with their giant nets.

Our friend Alan came over for lunch.  We hadn't seen him since we returned from the States.  He showed us photos of the house he and his partner Ten are building in the Wiang Chai district, east of town.  It's right in the middle of a village so he gets a different perspective on Thai life than we do living so near the city.  

This afternoon Pat came over to help Lisa come up with names for her artwork for the upcoming exhibit in Chiang Mai.  The idea was to find a titles that would have a similar meaning in both English and Thai.  They sat with each piece until they had something that felt right.  The results are impressive.  

We have had a heavy downpour for several hours this evening.  Lisa went downstairs and looked outside and discovered that the entire front lawn was covered in standing water.  The back is the same.  There are drain holes that sometimes get clogged so I put on 'the boots' and waded into the lake with a long stick.  Lisa held a flashlight and we found both drains.  We couldn't find the drain for the back yard, so it will remain under water for now. The water level has never been this high.  I can only imagine what some places without drainage must look like.  Today's photo was taken this evening.  The lights that look like they're bouncing off of water are just that.  The lights on our front wall are reflected on the lake.

One of the downsides of living far away from family and loved ones is dealing with grief when someone passes.  It's even harder when it's unexpected, as in the case of our Cousin David, who died a few days ago.  We stay close as best we can, through Skype and email, but it's not the same.  Our thoughts are with the rest of the family and all those who knew David.

              Peace,

                         Danny

"Once we know people's stories, we feel compassion instead of judgment.
Today, practice remembering that everyone has a story."
~Mary Manin Morrissey

Gettin' Funky, Thai Style 

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You

Hi,

To say that the rainy season is upon us would be an understatement.  It rained all weekend.  In fact, the northern portion of Thailand is being dumped on with the kind of rain that brings flood warnings.  We're not in any danger, but some areas don't have very good drainage so they may have problems.  We stayed in all weekend.

The 'Old School Friday' song was "Sunshine of Your Love" by Cream.  Time for some 'Easy Monday', if you're awake.

"When I wake up early in the morning, lift my head, I'm still yawning.  When I'm in the middle of a dream, stay in bed, float up stream (float up stream).  Please, don't wake me, no, don't shake me.  Leave me where I am, __ __ __."

Hint:  In my current condition, I'm livin' this song.  This is too easy.

The dogs are quite upset about the rain.  They have had only limited play time.  There has been no 'free time' to just roam around the yard to smell things and eat grass.  It's so soggy that Daku raced back into the house this afternoon.  Between the rain hitting him in the face, and the ground soaking his feet, he was not a happy dog.  BamBam even took to walking under the eves of the roof to avoid the water from the sky.  We have lakes and bogs all around the compound and I've been wearing my knee-high rain boots.  What fun.  Today's photo is two bored dogs.

The lack of wind has made this storm series a lot more bearable.  The rain just drops straight down and we don't have to check for stray water.  (555)  The forecast looks like we'll be in this for the rest of the week.  

Tomorrow we'll go into town and buy bus tickets for our trip to Chiang Mai on Saturday.  A few routine errands will have to be dealt with, but hey, it's only water. 

Have a Great Week.

                     Peace,

                                Danny 

"You yourself, as much as anybody else

in the entire universe, deserve your

love and affection."

~Buddha

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Friday Funnies

Hi,

It's Friday night in Chiang Rai.  The power is out and we're sitting in the dim light of our laptops and a little LED light tower.  Daku is snoozing and BamBam is a little nervous.  Nothing to do but to wait for the power to return, and keep writing.

Our 'Zany Day' song was "Mama Told Me Not To Come", as recorded by Three Dog Night.   For 'Old School Friday' it's an easy one this week.  I expect to get lots of mail.  (555)  "It's gettin' near dawn, when lights close their tired eyes.  I'll soon be with you my love, to give you my dawn surprise.  I'll be with you darling soon, I'll be with you when the stars are falling.  I've been waiting so long, to be where I'm going, in the __ __ __ __. "  Hint:  Recorded by what may have been the first 'Power Trio', named after something that rises to the top.  Hmm, so easy.

This morning felt like rain, but it never happened.  We ended up with a very bright morning.  The dogs played on the lawn until it got too hot.  Our morning expedition into town required that I chart a course in my mind in order to get to the stores we needed.  Fortunately, most of our stops were around the same area.  At the Healthy Market I did my usual thing with 'Fish Guy'.  I walk up near his station, hold up two fingers, he says 'Song', I say 'Song' and a deal has been made.  'Song' means the number 'Two' in Thai.  A few minutes later, after we've finished most of the shopping, I go back and get the cleaned fish.  

While Lisa was in the pet supply store I sat in the car and watched a car carrier pull up with eight Suzuki Swifts on board.  Watching the guy park this giant thing was fascinating.  He moved the giant rig and trailer over to the curb like it was a small van.  I only wish I could have watched them unload the cars.  Some things never get old.

We made a coffee stop at Doi Chaang. The place was empty when we arrived.  While we had our coffee we read The Nation, a daily English language paper in Thailand.  So many things to know about, even if it's a day old.  Looking at newspapers online is not the same as the real thing.  Here in Thailand they will not disappear soon, since most people don't read their news from the internet.  After coffee we walked over to the bakery where we had a chance to hang out with Jonathan, our English Retriever friend.  He's almost 11 years old, and he may not be as spry as he used to be, but he still remembers people and does his thing as ambassador for the shop.  

While we were hanging around at Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK), I noticed another magical ice-cream display.  It's Friday, who wants some Blue Candy ice-cream?

We've been back for over a week, but we still haven't returned to normal.  We keep waking up in the middle of the night.  What's weird is that we don't get that urge to crash in the afternoon.  

Well, the power just came back on.  That means I can send this from home.  There have been times when I had to drive down to Doi Chaang Coffee and send my message from there.  I am reminded of our first trip in 2001, before we had laptops and smart phones.  We wrote everything down in a notebook and when we returned to the US, this daily message began.  Hmm.

Have a Wonderful WeekEnd.    Stay tuned for a laugh and be aware that this is a Formula One weekend.  Zoom.

                    Peace,

                               Danny

Gettin' Funky, Thai Style 

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