Friday Funnies

Hi,

The sky decided that tonight would be a night of no rain.  It’s the last night of the ‘official’ celebration of Loi Krathong and the bands are playing and fireworks are going off with great frequency.

The ‘Zany Day’ song was “19th Nervous Breakdown” by The Rolling Stones.  ‘Old School Friday’ is next and it’s a classic:  “__ __ __ __, to love you dear.  __ __ __ __, to hold you near.  __ __ __ __, to squeeze you dear, that’s why I love you so… I won’t forget all those things you have told to me.  Things in my heart won’t let me forget your love.  __ __ __ __, to love you dear…."  Clue:  This ballad was a hit in 1956 and again in 1969 by the same group.  

Today was a mellow day-after-Loi-Krathong day for us.  When we went out with the dogs this morning there were seven lanterns in the yard.  When they come back to Earth, they are gray from the smoke inside while in flight.  It’s an eerie sight to see these ‘bodies’ lying about.  One was perched on a high branch of a coconut tree.  That is one aspect of Loi Krathong that many never think about.  It made me wonder what the riverbank must look like today.  Oh my.

Last night Blue got a great shot of a Krathong being placed in the river.  One might say that there is an exercise in letting go involved here.  

Tonight, Cat and her friends Pawn and Jiw are across the river at the carnival.  She and Pawn went last year and had a good time.  We’re glad she has a chance to experience it again.  Ah, youth.

In approximately six weeks we will be traveling to the states for our Winter Visit.  Most of the reservations have been made and in between planning the art exhibit, the elephant project, and life on a daily basis, a few lists will be compiled regarding what to take and what to bring back.  Life is never dull.

Have a Wonderful WeekEnd.      Time for the ‘Funnies’.

               Peace,

                         Danny

Gettin' Funky, Thai Style 

www.flickr.com/photos/gratidudepics

www.lisamosesgallery.com

Remember

Hi,

It was a drippy day in Chiang Rai.  It rained off and on all day.  This evening there were sprinkles for Loi Krathong, but it didn't stop a thing.

Our 'Zany Day' song came from across the pond.  A few of you knew it, and some may still get it.  Here's more:

"When you were a child you were treated kind, but you were never brought up right.  You were always spoiled with a thousand toys, but still you cried all night.  Your mother who neglected you owes a million dollars tax.  And your father's still perfecting ways of making sealing wax.  You better stop, look around, here it comes.... Here comes  your __ __ __."  Clue:  The group that recorded this song is still active over 50 years later.  They just keep on rolling along.  It's a wonder they haven't broken down (555).

We had a very productive day today.  In town we did everything on our list, and it was a long list.  Back at the hacienda we had a pipe repaired by our electrical guy, Nueng.  We didn't know he had other skills.  One can never have too many 'handyman' resources.

The big adventure was the Loi Krathong celebration at Le Meridien Hotel.  Cat, Blue, Lisa and I had dinner with Stephan, Claire and Michele at La Favola Restaurant which is on the hotel grounds by the river.   We had fun talking and looking out at the fireworks from across the river.  Several city agencies set up an event directly across from Le Meridien and they had lighting effects, fireworks, and music.  After dinner we stood on a little dock by the river and watched all the Krathongs that had been set afloat upstream.  I had never seen this and it was fascinating to see the variations.  Some still had burning candles, others had turned over, while others were slowly sinking.  We watched hotel guests place Krathongs in the river and light lanterns that rose into the sky with sparklers dangling from them.  Local residents were told that it would be safe to set them off after 9:30pm, since flights from the airport had been changed to earlier times.  By the time we left the hotel the sky was filling with the orange glow of the lanterns. 

This photo by Blue shows a lantern just after lift-off, with sparklers adding a touch of excitement.

Here at home, there is the constant sound of explosions from the carnival across the river.  There are display fireworks, and lots of random firecrackers mixed with what sounds like bombs.  Add to that, the ever-present thumping bass and you have an idea of the ambient noise of the evening.  It's amazing to think that all over the city, there are streams of lanterns rising and fuses being lit.

Have a Thrilling Thursday.

               Peace,

                         Danny

"Can you remember who you were

before the world told you who

you should be?

~Unknown

Gettin' Funky, Thai Style 

www.flickr.com/photos/gratidudepics

www.lisamosesgallery.com

Do That

Hi,

It's the first night of the Festival of Loi Krathong and the joint is jumping across the river.  A little rain didn't dampen the spirits of the revelers, they just kept going.  

This week's 'Easy Monday' song was "Do You Know The Way To San Jose" by Dionne Warwick.  'Zany Day' what?

"You're the kind of person you meet at certain dismal, dull affairs.  Center of a crowd, talking much too loud, running up and down the stairs.  Well, it seems to me that you have seen too much in too few years.  And though you've tried, you just can't hide your eyes are edged with tears.  You better stop, look around, here it comes, here it comes, here it comes, here it comes.  Here it comes your __ __ __."  Hint:  There's a number associated with a mental state.  

Today's photo was taken by Blue.  It's a traditional instrument of the Karen Hill Tribe.  Played something like a harp, it stands alone as a piece of art. 

Our friends Brenda and Eric invited us to dinner at the Condotel, where they live.  There is a new restaurant there called The Bistro and the food was good.  They have traveled around Thailand and told us about some interesting places.  We talked about many things and shared stories of our lives in Chiang Rai.  While we were eating we watched a rain storm outside and wondered about the riverside crowd.  When we drove home the rain had stopped and people were still arriving to take part in the carnival atmosphere.  True to the folklore, more rain before Loi Krathong.  Tomorrow night is the official night and we've been invited to Le Meridien Hotel to join in their festivities.  

Time for Wacky Wednesday.

                  Peace,

                            Danny

"Whatever's good for your soul,

do that."

~Unknown

Gettin' Funky, Thai Style 

www.flickr.com/photos/gratidudepics

www.lisamosesgallery.com

Create

Hi,

The weather in Chiang Rai continues to be a mixed bag.  We've had more nighttime rain and cooler days.  

This 'Easy Monday' song seems to be alive in the memories of many.  Here is the first chorus and a little more:

"__ __ __ __ __ __ __ __?  They've got a lot of space, there'll be a place where I can stay.  I was born and raised in __ __, I'm going back to find some peace of mind in __ __.  Fame and fortune is a magnet..."  Clue:  One of many hits by a brilliant songwriting team and a talented singer.  

Not long after I sent yesterday's message, we had another big storm.  Before it hit, the music was thumping across the river.  When the storm broke the music stopped as if someone flicked a switch.  At 12:30am, when the rain ended, the music began again for about 30 minutes.  We're wondering what was going on while it was raining.  Did the crowd stay?  Did they know when the storm would lift?  They're back at it again tonight and rain clouds hang overhead.  The drama continues.

Loi Krathong, also spelled Loy Krathong, is celebrated in Burma and Laos.  For some, the festival is a time to ask for forgiveness of the river for any harm done to it or fellow humans.  There is another festival that coincides with Loi Krathong and that is the Lanna (Northern Thailand) Yi Peng, which means 'floating lantern'.  These are the thin paper 'tubes' with a small flame in the bottom.  The heat from the flame fills the tube and the lantern is lifted into the night sky.  There have been many cautions and restrictions lately in larger cities because so many lanterns fill the sky that it causes a hazard to aircraft.  Last year some flight plans had to be changed.  I saw my first one of the season this evening.  On the night of Loi Krathong the sky is filled with the glow of hundreds of lanterns floating up until they burn out.  The day after, we always find the aftermath in our yard and the field next door.  Still, it is a beautiful sight.

When we come to the states we always enjoy eating at several Thai restaurants.  One of those is Thai Boom on Venice Bl.  We have been friends with the owners Woody and Suni since before we moved here.  Two weeks ago while we were at Boon Rawd Farm we saw Woody.  He was visiting Thailand and going to have dinner with some friends before returning to Bangkok.  It was one of those chance encounters that boggles the mind. 

There's always room for a surprise when shopping at Makro.  On our latest trip I couldn't resist taking this photo and sharing 'Jazz Apples' with you.  

Have a Happy Tuesday.

                   Peace,

                             Danny 

"Your imagination should be used 

not to escape reality, but to 

create it."

~Unknown

Gettin' Funky, Thai Style 

www.flickr.com/photos/gratidudepics

www.lisamosesgallery.com

Stronger

Hi,

The skies over Chiang Rai have been sunny, cloudy, and everything in between.  We finally got an overdue gift from it all.

The 'Old School Friday' song was "Daddy's Home" by Shep & The Limelights.  It was the answer song to "A Thousand Miles Away" by The Heartbeats.  Both groups were made up of the same personnel.  'Easy Monday' is next:  "L.A. is a great big freeway, put a hundred down and buy a car.  In a week, maybe two, they'll make you a star.  Weeks turn into years.  How quick they pass, and all the stars that never were are parking cars and pumping gas.   __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __?"  Hint:  This tune is asking for directions to a location in California.  

All around Chiang Rai there are signs of the upcoming holiday.  Decorative lanterns hang in front of shops, temporary fireworks booths are popping up, and posters announcing 'Float Fest' are being tied to trees and posts.  Loi Krathong is celebrated on the full moon of the 12th month and originated from the ritual of paying respects to the river spirits.  The Krathong is a small float made from banana stalks and leaves which are decorated with flowers, incense and a candle.  A wish is made as the Krathong is placed in the river.  In modern times the base is sometimes made from bread.  The use of styrofoam is being discouraged since it takes years to decompose.  The festival has grown into a time of gathering for families, villages and communities.  More on the rituals tomorrow.  The park area across the river from us is a massive party that began tonight and will last all week.  

Today's photo was taken at Wat Jet Yod, in the downtown area.  This highly decorated carriage will be part of the temples celebration of Loi Krathong. 

Speaking of holidays, this year we saw lots of Halloween costumes around town.  We saw clerks at a few stores with witch hats, decorations, and a costume parade of pre-schoolers at a local private school.  Thailand likes holidays regardless of origin.  Makro has Christmas decorations on sale already.  

While rain has been lurking for several days, we had all but given up hope for a good soaking.  Last night (Sunday), around 4am, the sky opened up and we had a major storm.  Cat may have been the only one in the house that didn't hear it.  This morning the yard was a lake and the puddle down the road was huge.  While having coffee this morning with our friends Katai and Thowan at Work@Home, Katai mentioned the folklore story of rain always coming just before Loi Krathong, so the rivers would be full for the celebration.  

Have a Great Week.

 

                  Peace,

                             Danny

"The stronger you become

the gentler you will be."

~Unknown

Gettin' Funky, Thai Style 

www.flickr.com/photos/gratidudepics

www.lisamosesgallery.com

Friday Funnies

Hi,

We had a very hot day today.  The Loy Kratong holiday is coming next week and we can hear sounds of music from across the river.  The celebration begins Wednesday and will go until Friday.  

The 'Zany Day' song was "Along Came Jones" by The Coasters.  Our 'Old School Friday' song should be familiar to many of you.  If you remember last weeks 'Old School' tune, you should have no problem with this week's entry:

"You're my love, you're my angel, you're the girl of my dreams.  I'd like to thank you for waiting patiently.  __ __, your __ __ to stay.  How I've waited for this moment to be by your side.  Your best friend wrote and told me, you had teardrops in your eyes.  __ __, your __ __ to stay."  Clue:  Back in the day, answer songs were very popular.  Same crew, different name, but vocals just as smooth.

We spent the whole day at The Big Brown House.  Lisa worked on various aspects relating to her upcoming exhibit that opens on November 29.  The catalogue is at the printer, but there are still invitation designs, demonstrations, and press releases that have to be prepared.  

I spent most of the day sifting, or rather shoveling through two storage areas that have accumulated a lot of unnecessary baggage.  It's amazing how much can grow in the dark (555).  There is a fine line between being sentimental and being a pack rat.  I tend to save things, the thinking being that I might someday need, or have a use for them.  Today was the day when I faced the music and let them go.  I can now say that I have Thailand memories that are nice to recall, but not worth saving.  What do you do with a business card that you cannot read, or a phone number to someone you don't remember?  And then there are the little tech things that didn't quite work, but were just too cool to toss.  They're all in the trash, along with some magazines that are now obsolete because technology has made such rapid leaps.  In the midst of all the things that are going away, there were some items that just have to stay.  Missing music, memorabilia from conventions, and gifts from a long time ago that remind me of special people are the things I keep.

Today's photo was taken by Blue this evening.  We have been having some very dramatic cloud formations and he caught one of them just as the sun was setting.  

Tomorrow we will probably venture out into the world.  Cat needs a badminton racket and proper shoes, and we always have a running list of things for the house.  This weekend is the Formula One U.S. Grand Prix and because of the location, we will have to record the events and watch them later.  I'm not getting up at 3am to watch (555).

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

                 Peace,

                           Danny

Gettin' Funky, Thai Style 

www.gratidude.blogspot.com

www.flickr.com/photos/gratidudepics

www.lisamosesgallery.com

Failed

Hi,

Chiang Rai had another hot day.  There had been indications that the cold season was coming, but I think it's on hold.  

Wow, a bunch of you knew this 'Zany Day' song.  It's a lot of fun, especially if you can visualize the scenes.

"Commercial came on, so I got up to get myself a snack.  You should've seen what was going on by the time that I got back.  Down in the old abandoned mine, sweet Sue was a-havin' fits.  That villain said, 'Give me the deed to your ranch or I'll blow you all to bits'.  And then he grabbed her (and then?), he tied her up (and then?), he lit the fuse to the dynamite (and then? and then?).  Ack-ack, and then __ __ __.  Tall, thin __, slow-walkin' __....."  

This morning the yard crew came to do their thing.  During the rainy season everything grows so fast that things need attention more often.  There was a misunderstanding about our bamboo plants today.  They were trimming it when we returned home and I told them to stop cutting, but the cutting continued.  Later, Lisa told me I'd be disappointed with the result and I was.  Instead of a bushy, naturally growing bamboo plant, we have a manicured stalk with a burst of leaves at the top.  It's not OK.  

Our adventure today included a massage, followed by lunch at Central Plaza.  Mid-day Wednesday is a lot less crazy than the weekends at the mall.  During lunch Blue and I discussed the community center aspect of the mall.  Not only does it provide activities and events, but there are full-service branches of all the major banks, and counters where you can pay various bills, like power, internet, and TV services.  There are semi-fancy restaurants on the upper level, a low cost food court near the theater, and traditional food served on the lower level.  With Chiang Rai expanding the way it is, it's nice to see that within the growth, there is a place where community can be nurtured.  

This evening our friend Rachel came by with some photos of Cat and her mother.  When asked if the photos would make her feel happy or sad she said, "Both".  The pics were taken when Cat was 10 years old.  We all went to dinner at Sawadee Restaurant at the Night Bazaar and had a fun time.  It's always good to see her and hear about the growth of The Sold Project.

Today's photo was taken at the frame factory, where the little elephants for the art project are being made.  This little guy is the model.  You're getting an early look at what the artists will be working with.

Have a Thrilling Thursday.

                Peace,

                          Danny

"I have not failed.  

I've just found 10,000 ways

that won't work."

~Thomas A. Edison

Gettin' Funky, Thai Style 

www.flickr.com/photos/gratidudepics

www.lisamosesgallery.com