Friday Funnies

Hi,

The weather was good to us for most of the day.  When the sun was not covered by clouds, it was blazing hot.  This evening we're on our second little storm.  More sightseeing was on the schedule for today.

Most of the usual players wrote to tell me the 'Zany Day' song was "Dr. Funkenstein" by Parliament (featuring George Clinton).  This week's 'Old School Friday'song may seem easy for some, but I think it's time for easy.

"__, just a little bit longer.  Please, please, please, please tell-a me you're going to.  Now, your daddy don't mind, and your mama don't mind if we have another dance.  Yeah, just one more, one more time.  Oh won't you __, just a little bit longer..."  Hint:  Should be pretty obvious, but he doesn't want her to go.

The capsule version of the day goes something like this:  I drove Claire to Bus Station #2 where she got a ticket for her Sunday departure, we toured Wat Rong Khun and were thoroughly amazed, had an afternoon swim that was followed by a rainstorm, had dinner at the Night Bazaar, saw the Clock Tower lights, and got home just before another rainstorm hit.  Whew.  

Cat is making a remarkable recovery from her two teeth extractions.  Her spirits are good and the pain is lessening.  Considering that she has to go through this again next Friday, most of the big fear is gone.  She now has a scheduled date for the installation of the braces and has something to look forward to, although that's also gonna hurt.

We are in the beginning of a four day weekend.  Today was a National Holiday, and one of the traditions during this celebration is to return to one's home village.  For some businesses, this means closing, either because the help will be gone, or the owners are going on vacation.  At our usual Sunday restaurant, Sawadee, they are leaving tomorrow and won't return until Wednesday.  Hmm.  

With so much rain, the river is looking healthy again and that familiar sound of the long-tailed boats is once again filling the air.  When the river is very low, there are many places that are almost impossible to pass because the bottom is irregular.  At a medium level it's sometimes necessary for the operators to get out and walk the boat around a sand bar.  Today they could run free.

At the frame factory they are busy building a giant fish for an installation in Chiang Sen.  Today's photo shows a large piece of foam that is being carved into a decorative shape.  It will be sanded and then used to make a fiberglass mold to make the final object.  

Have a Wonderful WeekEnd.        Time for a laugh.

                  Peace,

                            Danny

Gettin' Funky, Thai Style 

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www.lisamosesgallery.com

Listen

Hi,

What was forecast to be a stormy day turned out to be quite beautiful.  A morning road trip, an afternoon swim, and adventures at the dentist.  A full day.

A few of you got your groove on and named the 'Zany Day' song.  This verse may help your memory.

"We love to funk you, __, your funk is the best (talk!).  Take my body, give it the mind to funk with the rest (kiss me on my ego).  Hit me with the one and then, if you like hit me again.  We love to __ (ohhh, over!)."  Clue:  The singer portrays a character who has an advanced medical degree that is mentioned in this verse.  The title is a take-off on a famous monster movie.  

Seeing the sights with a houseguest is always a variation on a theme.  Both of our recent guests are involved with university life so it was only natural that we show them the two campuses in our area.  This morning Claire and I drove up to Chiang Rai University.  As we turned onto the main street leading to the entrance we saw a huge parade of students on the other side.  It was in honor of Asahna Bucha Day, the beginning of the Buddhist Lent period.  It's also known as the 'Rains Retreat'.  Offerings are made of flowers and candles that will be burned at the temples.  Some of these candles have elaborate carvings.  All of the schools have some sort of ceremony in honor of this holiday.  From Chiang Rai University we drove to Maefarluang University to experience the trees and lakes.  Both campuses offer a very tranquil setting for learning. 

The main bus station in town is in direct contrast to the vibe of the campuses.  It was mid-morning and it looked like all of the buses were at the station at the same time.  At the information window Claire asked about a bus ticket to her next destination, and the woman's reply was: 'Station 2'.  This is the 'new bus station' south of town.  We saved that trip for tomorrow.

The dogs have really become good hosts.  They have made our guests feel at home, and they enjoy the constant attention. It's good training for them in terms of their socialization.  The excitement time has shortened and they go into mellow mode sooner.  

With all the rain we've been having, the pool has not been a priority.  Today, the sun was blazing and even though the water was a little cool, we went for a swim.  It was just what we needed.

Tonight was the night that Cat was to have two of the four teeth extracted in preparation for her braces.  Dr. Upra is a very compassionate dentist and took his time, making sure Cat was comfortable.  She'd been worrying about this for several days.  Lisa stayed in the room with her and I sat in the waiting room, listening to a man selling some life insurance to what I presumed was a patient.  I should have taken my headphones.  When we left, Cat was in good spirits, and quite numb.  We'll see how things go later this evening.  

Today's photo is from our trip to Chiang Mai.  A crew was cleaning the water inlet next to our hotel, using whatever ingenuity they could drum up.  Don't have a boat?  Use a tub.  I don't know why, but the water was as black as it looks in this photo.  Hmm.

Have a Thrilling Thursday.

                 Peace,

                           Danny

"You will never be able to 

escape from your heart,

so it is better to listen to 

what it has to say."

~Paul Coelho

Gettin' Funky, Thai Style 

www.flickr.com/photos/gratidudepics

www.lisamosesgallery.com

Love

Hi,

Today began with more rain and we were not impressed.  By mid-day it had stopped and later the sun was shining.  Things were looking up.  The ground was at that level of saturation where another storm would have caused problems.  The river is big again and I'm sure the long-tail boat operators are happy about that.

Well, four readers knew the song, so it wasn't a complete bust.  They recognized The Rolling Stones and "Paint It Black."  Let's see how you do with this week's 'Zany Day' song:  "Whoa!  They say, the bigger the headache, the bigger the pill, baby.  They call me the big pill.  __ __, the disco fiend with the monster sound, the cool ghoul with the bump transplant.  Hip bone connected to my thigh bone, my thigh bone connected to my leg bone... I get so hung up on bones.  __ __ here, preoccupied and dedicated to the preservation of the motion of the hips..."  Hint:  This should be easy for all you funkateers out there.  Oh, and yes, he has a medical degree (555).

This morning we went out while the rain was nothing more than a light mist.  The puddles around town were almost lakes and we saw motorbike riders lifting their feet as they rode through them.  Our pool guy had one of the most ingenious set-ups I've seen for dealing with the rain on his motorbike.  He had a piece of plastic tucked into the chin strap of his helmet and it hung down over his chest, preventing the water from going into his jacket.  Brilliant.  

We were early for our appointment with Khun Gahn so we drove down the country rode she lives on, just to see where it went.  There were rice fields, giant houses, and a lot of land that was just open space.  We also saw a restaurant with giant statues of the various Hill Tribes mounted on the roof.  

This evening we went to Central Plaza for dinner and some shopping.  The place was very busy for a Wednesday night.  Walking through the mall, Cat spotted one of her teachers and they spoke briefly.  In Top's Market the staff had little flags painted on one cheek in honor of the World Cup.  It seems to be something that happens every time there's a World Cup.  At Big C they had decals for various countries.  Most of the clerks this evening had a German flag, but I'm sure if I looked hard enough I could have found an Argentine flag as well.  There are promotional posters for product 'deals' with a World Cup theme all over Thailand.  'Football' is a major sport here so it's only natural that the fever would be high.

We picked up our guest, Claire, from the bus station.  She just arrived from Chiang Mai.  She and Lisa and Cat are downstairs hanging out.  Daku has a new friend and tomorrow we will do some sight-seeing.  

Today's photo is from Doi Din Dang.  Another bit of whimsy from a ceramic master.  A wall of cups and saucers.

It feels like a Wacky Wednesday.

              Peace,

                        Danny 

"Love is happy when it is able

to give something.

The ego is happy when it is able

to take something."

~Osho

Gettin' Funky, Thai Style 

www.flickr.com/photos/gratidudepics

www.lisamosesgallery.com

Task

Hi,

The weather today was rainy, but lighter than yesterday, with lots of breaks.  This was good for man and beast.  The dogs got to play a bit.  How interesting that on this side of the world there is an abundance of water, while in California there is a draught.  

Is this thing on?  Is anybody out there.  Nobody wrote me with even a wrong answer.  Hmm, guess it's not an 'Easy  Monday' song after all.  "I look inside myself and see my heart is __.  I see my red door and must have it __ __.  Maybe then I'll fade away and not have to face the facts.  It's not easy facin' up when your whole world is __."  

Hint:  The last word in the title is called a color, but it's really the absence of color.  Another word in the title refers to the act of applying said color with a brush.  

We just returned from dinner with our friends Stephan and Claire.  We went to a fairly new restaurant that is billed as a 'restaurant/gallery'.  The gallery portion of the place consist of lots of antique radios, clocks and cups.  Apparently the owner, in Bangkok, is a collector and offers these old things for sale.  Near the end of our evening they played 'My Sharona'. What?  

When the house was built we realized that there was one lightbulb that was so high up, we'd probably have to call someone to come in and change it.  Now that I have my handy lightbulb-changer pole I decided that it might be possible for me to change it.  All it took was the medium size ladder, a deep breath, and the pole and we have light again on the stairwell landing.  

Tomorrow we have another houseguest arriving.  Here's hoping the weather is like today so we can show her a few sights.  Our last guest, Irene, is in Japan and was scheduled to leave today, hopefully before the big storm gets to Tokyo. 

The photo for today was taken at Chivit Tamma Da, and shows the river bank in it's 'rainy season splendor'.  They just let it grow wild and it's like a mini jungle.  The scene across the water is actually an island in the middle of the river.  

Have a Happy Tuesday.

              Peace,

                        Danny

"Our task must be to free ourselves

by widening our circle of compassion

to embrace all living creatures and 

the whole of nature and it's beauty."

~Albert Einstein

Gettin' Funky, Thai Style 

www.flickr.com/photos/gratidudepics

www.lisamosesgallery.com

Follow

Hi,

All weekend we wished it would rain.  Today it has rained all day.  It has been a steady, medium, tormenting rain from clouds that parked overhead and never moved.  Hmm.

The 'Old School Friday' song was "I'm Just An Average Guy" by The Masqueraders.   Since nobody knew it, 'Easy Monday' should be a welcome relief.  "I see a red door and I want it __ __.  No colors anymore, I want them to turn __.  I see the girls walk by dressed in their summer clothes.  I have to turn my head until my darkness goes."  Clue: The title is three words, one of them is a color, and it's by a band that has been at it for 50 years.  Whew

Our rainy season may have arrived, again.  The forecasts are all different, but one of them calls for rain all week.  The "super typhoon" moving towards Japan is not affecting us, we're just getting good old Thai rain.  Around town, construction was at a stand still, and by late morning, puddles had formed in the usual places.  We're used to it now, but avoid driving in it whenever possible.  

Sunday marked the beginning of a big adventure for Cat, and us.  She's going to get braces and we went for the first consultation with Dr. Nan at her beautiful clinic.  When we arrived we were greeted by her husband Nu and their daughter Poon-Poon.  Over the long weekend coming up, Cat will be recovering from having two teeth pulled, with two more coming out the following week.    

At Doi Chaang Coffee, we shared a table with one of Cat's (three) English teachers.  He's an American from Laguna Beach in his 20s, and he teaches the spoken portion of the English classes.  Now we know that what she hears in his class will be correct.  Some of the written work in the other classes is still questionable, based on what we see of the homework assignments.  

We are in one of the seasons when lots of fruit is in abundance.  Today's photo is one of the tables at the stand where we buy fruit.  

This morning we ran errands and ended up having coffee at Work@Home and hanging out with our friend Katai.  We haven't seen her in a long time so there was much to talk about.  She and her husband are big car rally fans and in September they're going to Australia so he can participate in an event as navigator.  We enjoy her quick wit and worldly insights.  It's good to spend quality time with people who are fun to talk with.

The dogs missed their morning exercise session and had to stay inside all day.  This afternoon Lisa and Daku had a training session where he got to have a mental workout.  He responds to various commands and always seems to enjoy it.  He's completely healed from his hotspot episode and we're all happy about that.  

Have a Great Week.

              Peace,

                        Danny

"Follow your heart, 

but take you brain with you."

~Unknown

Gettin' Funky, Thai Style 

www.flickr.com/photos/gratidudepics

www.lisamosesgallery.com

Friday Funnies

Hi,

Chiang Rai had another sunny, muggy day.  Normally, this time of year would find us complaining about the rain everyday, but most weather conversations are about how little rain has fallen.  Hmm.

Our 'Zany Day' song this week was "My Sharona" by The Knack.  You shoulda' known.  'Old School Friday' time:

"If I were a rich man, I'd spend every dime, just to prove to you that I want you to be mine.  If I were a poet, I'd write lots of beautiful poems.  The words would come from the depths of my heart, to express my love for you.  Oh, but __ __ __ __ __ and I don't know how to show you, that __ __ __ __ __ and I don't know how to tell you that I love you..."  Hint:  With lines like these, he's really more than he says he is.  The title is an overly humble display.  The last two words are key.  The group name is what you might call people at a masked ball.  Have fun with this.

This morning we toured the fabric stores in the big market.  We were searching for material to make a bedspread.  When you're not looking for something, you see it everywhere, but when on a mission, it seems to disappear.  Hmm.  We finally found something that we liked.  As we walked from shop to shop we saw the usual 'regulars' who work the aisles.  We also saw someone who I hope does not become a regular.  There is a young girl, about 8 years old who sits on the ground with a tin can in front of her.  She wais everyone as they pass, but most ignore her.  Unfortunately for her, they know she is not there on her own, so we don't contribute.  We've seen this before on the street where many tourists walk, but never in the market.  I hope the vendors have the courage to chase the person controlling her away.  She should be in school.

We had a great time in the pool this evening.  Cat gave us a detailed account of how she used to go to school in town each morning when she lived in her village.  All I can say is, it was a brave thing she did each day just to go to school.  A bike ride, a truck ride, and a walk across town every morning, and then home again.  Whew.  Now it's just a van ride from home to school and back.  

Today's photo could almost qualify as a 'Friday Funny'.  It was taken at one of the checkpoints on the highway to Chiang Mai.  This officer is always ready for whatever happens.  No matter how many times we see him, he brings a smile.

Have a Wonderful WeekEnd.   On to the 'Funnies'.

             Peace,

                       Danny

Gettin' Funky, Thai Style 

www.flickr.com/photos/gratidudepics

www.lisamosesgallery.com

Talking

Hi,

It was a full day for us here in Chiang Rai, and the weather cooperated, a little.  It didn't rain, but it was very hot.

So far, only one person knows this song.  How can that be?  This 'Zany Day' song is also a little risque, but they played it on the radio.  "Never gonna stop, give it up, such a dirty mind, always get it up for the touch of the younger kind.  __ __."   Hint:  Since everyone is having a hard time with this, I'll tell you that the first word is a possessive form and the second is a variation of a name that rhymes with baron.   

Today was the first time we'd been to Wat Rong Khun since the earthquake.  We weren't sure how much of the complex we would be able to see, based on damage reports.  Most of the buildings were open and we were surprised to see so many new structures as well.  We got there early, and by the time we left there were a lot of visitors.  I always enjoy listening to the languages, and trying to figure out where they are from.  Today there were many visitors from China.  The photo for today is the top portion of one of the newer structures that looks like an ornate sala (a small resting area).  

It seems like this was a day for visiting places we hadn't been to in a long time.  Arisara massage used to be one of our regular places to go.  We returned today in order for Irene to experience a Thai massage.  The three of us left there feeling quite relaxed.  

One of the most beautiful hotels in Chiang Rai is Le Meridian.  The grounds offer many breathtaking views so we thought it would be a nice place to end our whirlwind, three day tour of our town.  As we sipped coffee by the river we spotted our friend Stephan, the General Manager.  He joined us and we learned a great deal about the state of things in the hotel/travel industry.  He explained that occupancy is down at all of the hotels and a big part of the lack of tourists relates to the travel warnings given by many countries.  We also learned that the large pond by the pool is very deep and contained huge fish.  The hotel recently lowered the level in the pond to take out the fish, not knowing that they had grown to giant proportions.  The fish were relocated and the pond rehab continues. 

Tonight we said goodbye to Irene.  Next week we will have another houseguest.  This is the most company we have had in a couple of years.  It's fun to show friends where we live, and hang out at the Big Brown House.  

Daku seems to be back to his 'old self' after a week of treatment.  He's playing and 'working' like he used to and it's a relief to see him happy again.  

Have a Thrilling Thursday.

               Peace,

                         Danny

"I've never learned anything while I was talking."
~Larry King

Gettin' Funky, Thai Style 

www.flickr.com/photos/gratidudepics

www.lisamosesgallery.com