Hope

Hi,

Today we had a giant storm.  It brought everything, thunder, lightning, wind, and rain.  Some parts of the province even had hail.  The lawns are watered and the sky is scrubbed.  It's been a good day.

This week's 'Zany Day' song has lots of friends.  I'll bet you'll remember it after this verse.  

"Sweet Loretta Martin thought she was a woman, but she was another man.  All the girls around her say she's got it coming, but she gets it when she can.  __ __, __ __, __ __ to where you once belonged..."  Hint:  Those four pesky lads from Liverpool having a silly time of it.

Last nights rain was pretty heavy and we thought it was over.  This morning, when Blue and I went to town, we wondered how it was for those who are 'living' by the river.  I'm sure there was a lot of cleaning up today.  While we were out, Lisa trained Natcha in the ways of The Big Brown House.  Having someone in the house who has experience is a big asset.  She remembers things, takes initiative, and wants to do a good job.  Couldn't ask for much more.  It also looks like she will be moving into the apartment later this month.  

This afternoon Lisa and I went to Big C.  Since we usually go in the morning, we were shocked at the volume in the parking lot.  I forgot that tomorrow is the beginning of 'vacation time' for many workers and that means shopping for the holiday.  The store was not only crowded, but there was an air of excitement that could be felt.  It was an interesting experience.

As we prepared to leave Big C, we realized that it was dark for 4:15pm.  The sky was getting ready to burst.  About half way home it started to rain lightly.  The closer we got to home, the heavier it got.  Blue called to say it was storming at the house.  When we got home we were thinking how happy we were that we have a carport.  The rain came in waves for the rest of the afternoon.  Just when it seemed like it was over, the thunder would crack across the sky and the rain would begin again.  So begins the rain portion of our year.  The forecasts call for nice weather during the three days of Songkran, then more rain.  Hmm.

Today's photo was taken while Blue and I were at the bank this morning.  The little silver cups are used to take herbal water from the bowl in the foreground, and gently pour it over the seated Buddha.  I watched as several bank customers went through the short ritual before going to the counter.  Amazing Thailand.

Have a Thrilling Thursday.

                Peace,

                          Danny

"Hope is like a road in the country; 

there was never a road, but when many people

walk on it, the road comes into existence."

~Lyn Yutang

Gettin' Funky, Thai Style 

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Words

Hi,

It's time to fire the forecasters.  Late last night we had a very brief teaser of a downpour, and tonight we had some wind, thunder, and tiny lightning.  To be fair, they did say 'Thunder Storm', which doesn't really promise any rain.  Hmm.

The 'Easy Monday' song was "Surfer Girl" by The Beach Boys.  Time for a 'Zany Day' song.  Try this one on:

"Jojo was a man who thought he was a loner, but he knew it wouldn't last.  Jojo left his home in Tucson, Arizona for some California grass.  __ __, __ __, __ __ to where you once belonged.  __ __, __ __, __ __ to where you once belonged, __ __ Jojo, go home."  Hint:  It came from across the pond.  The title is two words, about returning to one's origins.

Today was a busy day at The Big Brown House.  This morning Yee brought scaffolding to put a new awning over the rear patio, and Na came and worked on the pool.  We interviewed a prospective housekeeper and Cat acted as interpreter and did a great job.  Khun Natcha has worked for a hotel as well as families, and is a relative of Khun Luka.  This helps relieve some of the anxiety of hiring a total stranger.  She loves dogs and she and Daku got along great.  She starts tomorrow on a week's trial.  

Our little 'camping' adventure last night in the back apartment was a life saver.  It was way too hot to sleep in our bedroom upstairs, and even though the bed was hard as a rock, we didn't have our TV, and it felt very small, we are grateful that it was there.  Daku had no trouble adapting since he's spent many nights there with Boot when we went on long trips.  He had his bed and his meditation toy so he was cool.  This afternoon the air/con got fixed and things are back to normal.

This afternoon our friend Atom came over for a visit.  We all sat around the dining room table and had some wonderful conversations about everything from school testing to adapting in different cultures.  She has spent time in China and Japan recently, and had many tales to tell.  Blue has also been in both countries and it was interesting to see their similar reactions to things.  When the subject of Songkran came up, Atom had memories of when she was a child and how different the celebration was.  It wasn't so much about water fights as it was simple fun, learning to pay respect and being with family.  These are still the practices of many people so it's nice to know that the culture is being maintained on some level.

Today's photo is the front entrance to Browney Pet World.  It reminds me of a big theater.  Definitely not your average neighborhood pet store.  

Time for Wacky Wednesday.

              Peace,

                        Danny

"Words spoken, you are a slave to;

those not said, you are the master of."

~Irish Proverb

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Beauty

Hi,

The weather today was at least 100F.  The low will be 73F.  Tomorrow is supposed to be a little cooler with occasional thunderstorms.  With a prediction of 40% precipitation, I doubt that we'll see rain.  Burning is back and the haze is nasty again.  

I got a couple of swift responses to the 'Easy Monday' song.  Maybe this set of lyrics will ring a bell:

"We could ride the surf together, while our love would grow.  In my woody, I would take you everywhere I go.  So I say from me to you I will make your dreams come true.  Do you love me do you __ __...."  Clue:  Now that you know the sport, and the life-style, maybe it will make sense.

This morning the whole family, Blue, Cat, Lisa and I, went into town.  We stocked up on veggies and fruit, and then hit the mall.  While Lisa and Blue shopped at Top's Market, Cat and I went to the 3BB desk (our internet provider) to try get them to give us our 'speed' back.  Things have been sluggish and we need a better signal for Skype, Youtube and other things in the ether world.  I was given some directions from customer service and told to expect a call from a technician.  Have you ever wondered if they really know what they're talking about? The current solution is to turn off the router once a day for 15 minutes.  What?  I'll do it and see what happens.

With Songkran coming next week, the government has put out a list of 10 new rules of conduct.  Some of the things have to do with increases in the cost of fines for various infractions, like not wearing a helmet on your motorbike, not wearing a seat-belt, etc.  No helmet is normally 200 Baht, about $6.  During Songkran it will cost 1,000 Baht, a little over $30.  Ice will not be permitted in the water that is thrown; a good idea.  The biggest downer for a lot of people is the prohibiting of throwing water from vehicles.  The practice has been to put a 50 gallon drum full of water in the rear of a pick-up truck and ride around town throwing water using small buckets.  Rolling water fights have been common since we've been here.  Even though these things don't go into effect until Songkran, oday there were roadblocks on several streets, checking motorbike riders for helmets, registration, etc.  They were also pulling over cars and trucks.  Needless to say, the traffic got backed up.  Something is in the air.

During our Monday visit to Browney Pet World I couldn't resist taking a few photos.  Today's pic might look like something from a hardware store, but it's actually fish cartilage that has been dried and sold as a dog treat.  Hmm.

This afternoon, we were rudely awakened from our nap by the sound of dripping water.  Our air/con was streaming water onto the floor.  This has happened before, but never with such gusto.  Jumping up from sleep and having to leap into action is not a pleasant thing.  Since it was such a hot day, and our call for service was late in the afternoon, we didn't get anyone out to fix it.  Tonight we're sleeping in the back apartment, camping out.  Moving vital things from upstairs to down is more than a notion.  At least it's cool, and repairs are coming tomorrow afternoon.

Have a Happy Tuesday.

                Peace,

                           Danny  

"Everything has it's beauty,

but not everyone sees it."

~Confucius

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Wander

Hi,

Chiang Rai is still hot, and sad to say, the air is hazy again.  We keep getting forecasts of possible rain later this week, which would be wonderful.  Today was Chakri Day, which I will explain later.

The 'Old School Friday' song was "School Days" by Chuck Berry.  'Easy Monday' should be a snap for those who grew up in Southern California.  Even if you didn't, this tune was a big hit for some boys who loved the beach.

"Little __ little one, made my heart come all undone.  Do you love me, do you __ __, __ __ my little __ __.  I have watched you on the shore, standing by the ocean's roar.  Do you love me, do you __ __..."  Hint:  You already have a big hint in the intro, there is a sport involved.

The Thai kitchen is finished.  We just have to put a countertop stove in it and it's ready for use.  Yee and Min, the husband and wife team who did the work, came back on Sunday and painted the back apartment and part of the kitchen.  When it came time to pay them, Lisa offered more for the extra work they did in taking 'old things' away.  Yee refused the money.  Amazing Thailand.

Saturday night we celebrated Blue's birthday.  After dinner he was surprised by gifts and a slice of Lisa's now famous coconut brownie with a candle in it.  One of his favorite gifts was a tiny model of a 1953 Cadillac El Dorado convertible, complete with working doors and a spring motor.  There was lots of story telling, laughing and warmth.

Today was a National Holiday in honor of the first King of Thailand in the Chakri Dynasty.  The present dynasty began in 1782, so you can see how this definitely warrants a national day.  If you'd like to know more, ask Mr. Google, it's quite fascinating.

This morning the four of us went to Makro for supplies, and then stopped at Browney's Pet World.  We had other plans, but decided that was enough of large buildings so we relaxed at Work@Home with some tea and coffee.  Sometimes it's just nice to sit and 'hang out'.  Blue ordered a fruit salad that came with an interesting utensil.  It had a spoon on one end and a fork on the other.  The outside edge of one fork tine served as a knife. We found out where to get them in Chiang Mai.  Oh yeah.

We are constantly seeing examples of English being used in what might seem like the wrong way.  Sometimes it is just a different way.  Today we saw a sign that read:  "Happy Nest.  Inspiring Hotel".  It may say exactly what they meant for it to say.  Hmm.

The photo for today is the completed Thai kitchen.  We figured out that it took them about four days to build.

Have a Great Week.

                Peace,

                          Danny

"Not all those who wander

are lost."

~J.R.R. Tolkien

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Friday Funnies

Hi,

The weather here remains the same.  Yesterday and today we had strong winds in the afternoon that brought in clouds that looked like rain, but they blew away.  It would be so nice to have just a little bit of rain.

The 'Zany Day' song was "Beep Beep" by The Playmates.  You had to be there (555).  So, 'Old School Friday' is next, with a song from the man many say is the 'Father of Rock & Roll'.  "Up in the mornin' and out to school.  The teacher is teachin' the Golden Rule.  American history and practical math, you studyin' hard and hopin' to pass.  Workin' your fingers right down to the bone, and the guy behind you won't leave you alone."  Hint: The title of the song is not in the lyrics.  The whole song is about the drama of going to school.

Have you ever had a day that felt like a different day of the week?  Today felt like a Saturday for me.  I have no idea why, but I kept thinking of things that happen on Saturday.  Anyway, it really was Friday and I'm over whatever spell I was under.  

Driving over the bridge into town we can't help but notice the 'village' that has sprung up on the beach.  It reminds me of a mini-Woodstock, we laughed, and now its name is 'Rai-Stock'.  I think it's wonderful that one can go down to the shore, set up a little house, and just live there for a few weeks.  No permits, no hassles, just hanging out.  My guess is that this can only happen during a festival period, but it's still pretty cool.  

On the road leading to the bridge there used to be just the fruit stand and the two chicken guys but that's changed.  Now there is a woman selling meat.  When I say meat, I mean raw meat with no refrigeration, sitting on a counter by the busy road.  Sometimes there is a thin cloth covering it, sometimes not.  One day I watched a customer fan flies while she cut up an order.  Hmm, all this a few hundred yards from City Hall.  Amazing.

I found out today that the 10-day 'Songkran Holiday' begins on the 10th and ends on the 19th of this month, although Songkran is officially the 13th through the 15th.  Stores have begun selling bright, Hawaiian style shirts, and squirt guns of every description.  The most ironic thing about Songkran as it's practiced today is that it usually starts during the hottest, driest time of year when water is at a premium, yet it's thrown around in the streets.  Somehow it always rains, either before, during or right after and all is well.

The lobby of Le Meridien Resort Hotel is the scene of today's photo.  The elephants look perfect in their temporary home.  I vote to keep them here.

Have a Wonderful WeekEnd.          Time for the 'Funnies'.

                 Peace,

                           Danny

Gettin' Funky, Thai Style 

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Dream

Hi,

Chiang Rai saw temps around 98F today and it felt like a lot more.  When it's that hot and the air is still it just cooks whatever is outside.  We got cooked.

The 'Zany Day' song seems to have baffled many of you, but a few got it.  We'll skip to the last verse and put an end to all the zaniness.  "Now we're doing a hundred and twenty, as fast as I could go.  The Rambler pulled along side of me as if we were going slow.  The fellow rolled down his window and yelled for me to hear, 'Hey, buddy, how can I get the car out of second gear!'  __ __! __ __, his horn went __ __ __."  Clue:  The group was named after a bunch who lived in a mansion and there was a magazine involved.  The title is still so easy there's not much else to say without giving it away.  __ __!

In our travels around town we noticed a lot of activity on the grounds where the Friday Farmer's Market is held.  It was all in preparation for the celebration of the birthday of, as they say in Thailand, "The Auspicious Occassion of Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn's 5th cycle Birthday Anniversary".  A 'cycle' is 12 years, so the Princes is 60 years old this year.  She is loved by the people of Thailand for her tireless work helping the poor and promoting education in all areas.  

Living in a relatively small town means that there's a greater chance that people you know know people you know.  Such is the case with Luka and Ghan, the parents of Lin, who is working for us.  Ghan has a cousin who works for The Sold Project, and is also friends with Nurse Pay, our friend at the hospital.  And so it goes.  Another reason to be cordial to everyone you meet.

Today's photo was taken at Overbrook Hospital.  Occasionally, local musicians play in an area between the two main buildings.  The group playing in the photo was a typical village ensemble, pure amateur old school.  Sometimes the groups are very tight and it's a pleasant distraction for visitors to the hospital.  Just another one of those cultural things that I enjoy.

Here in Thailand the writing of checks is a very foreign thing.  Credit cards are gaining popularity, but there are still a lot of folks who know better and just use cash.  We have learned that many merchants in other cities use bank transfers as a way for people to pay for goods and services.  When we buy something from an out-of-town vendor, we go to our ATM, punch in the appropriate numbers and the money is transferred from our account to theirs.  We also get a digital and paper record of the transaction.  Sweet.

The Thai Kitchen is almost done.  Now we just need someone who wants to live in the back house and use it for their meals.  The search continues for full-time help, but with many friends offering to help us find someone, we will get what we need.

Have a Thrilling Thursday.

                   Peace,

                             Danny

"You have to dream before

your dreams can come true."

~Abdul Kalam

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Run

Hi,

We had a 'Stay at home in the heat' kind of day.  At one point it was pretty busy though.  The yard crew came, the pool guy was here, and Lin was cleaning inside.  I found out that the little white puffs came from the teak trees across the road.

The 'Easy Monday' song was "I Will Survive" by Gloria Gaynor.  Time for another dose of 'Zany Day'.  Here's a little car drama from way back when.  "While riding in my Cadillac, what to my surprise.  A little Nash Rambler was following me, about one third my size.  The guy  must've wanted to pass me up as he kept on tooting his horn.  __ __!  I'll show him that a Cadillac is not a car to scorn.  __ __! __ __! His horn went __ __ __."  Hint:  This should be pretty easy.  Just imagine the sound a little Nash Rambler might make.  The title is two words.  Actually, it's one word twice (555).

Today was April 1 here in Thailand.  A few days ago Lisa said something about April Fools Day and Cat wanted to know what that meant.  Hmm, how do you explain something you've known about all your life, when you realize you don't know the reason why it exists?  We told her it was a day that people played tricks on their friends and kinda left it at that.  It got us thinking, and wondering about the origin of the whole thing.  There's a lot of information from Mr. Google about it so you can look it up if you want.  The bottom line is, it really means nothing today (555).

Right now there are fireworks going off across the river.  The celebration was brief, but noisy.  With no real regulations on sales of things that go boom, anyone can get just about anything they want and set it off whenever.  There are also those who make their own fireworks.  Hmm, not too sure that's such a good idea.  There's enough loud, colorful stuff flowing in from China that it seems pointless to risk a home-made device. 

Every year, there is a 10 day holiday from work during Songkran.  Not everyone gets to take the time off, but large building projects and some businesses give workers the time off.  That's because part of the holiday, for some, is about returning to their home town or village and being with family.  It definitely keeps the concept of family ties very strong here.

During dinner we heard what sounded like a small plane.  Looking out the window, it was two Ultralights cruising by, enjoying the late afternoon sky.  Up until recently they have been grounded, so to speak.  Who would want to fly around in all the bad air we were having?

There are Morning Glories in the front yard and they grow up one section of the wall.  We recently discovered that part of the plant decided to travel on the ground.  Today's photo shows the Morning Glories in the flower bed.

Time for Wacky Wednesday.

                 Peace,

                           Danny

"Art is the only way to 

run away without leaving home."

~Twyla Tharp

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