Friday Funnies

Hi,

I’m sure the forecasters are dancing around the room with joy.  It rained in Chiang Rai, finally.  After a hot, muggy day and a teaser sprinkle this afternoon, we had a windy storm this evening.  

So, one reader gave it a valiant try, but in the end, no one got the ‘Zany Day’ song, “Buick ’59” by Vernon Green and The Medallions.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3LYa-93BYj0  Now you know.  ‘Old School Friday’ is next, even though we just came from way back when.  Here’s one that I think most of you will remember.  

“They say the neon lights are bright __ __ (__ __).  They say there’s always magic in the air (__ __).  But when you’re walkin’ down that street, and you ain’t had enough to eat, the glitter rubs right off, and you’re nowhere (__ __).  Hint:  It’s about a famous street in NYC and you can see if from up on the roof.  Cool Points for the name of the first to record this classic.

This morning we ventured out in the heat.  At Big C we examined the fortune machine and discovered that the Fortune Cat was not that at all.  The balls contained tiny toys.  Oh well, maybe there’s a toy in my future.  Upstairs in the store, the section with the school uniforms was crazy.  It was packed with parents and children searching for the right sizes of this and that.  It’s interesting to watch the different approaches to finding the right fit.  Some parents held the shirts and shorts up to their child to make sure there was room for growth.  Others had the kids try the clothes on right there in the aisle.  On the other side of the check-out area there is a table where the shirts are left to have school and student names embroidered on them.  A few days ago there were hardly any items, but today there was a huge stack of bags waiting for the computerized sewing machine to do it’s thing.  School starts next week.

Across the highway at Central Plaza Mall, the customers were standing in a crowd at the base of the escalator, waiting to get inside.  The lower floor opens an hour earlier and our destination was Top’s market on that level.  It was 11:03am and folks were getting restless.  None of our business so we started shopping.  One thing we were looking for was the frozen turkey breasts that they have from time to time.  Sadly, they were all gone, which means we’ll probably have to wait until November for the next round.  We had a collection of them that is down to the last one.  Oh well, it’s been good.  In the intense heat, the mall has lots of visitors.  Where else can you stroll, sit, watch, and maybe have something cool to beat the heat?

Today’s photo is a close-up of the flowers on the big orange tree from a few days ago.  

Life at The Big Brown house is totally cool with our new housekeeper, Natcha.  She has really added a special something to the ‘vibe’ around here.  Having someone who is bright and happy, who pays attention to detail, and remembers how to do things is making all the kitchen activity much easier.  There is a lot of preparation involved in our meals and Natcha has learned how to do most of it already.  She and Daku are best buddies and she prepares his evening meal.  The whole happy thing is going both ways.  She told Lisa she is very happy here and that was our goal.  She and Gong swim in the evening and the Thai kitchen is working out.  The one thing we have to do is create a small platform in front of the sink.  We made the sink height closer to a Western style sink, but Natcha is very short so it’s a reach for her.  

On Saturday Cat returns from her village. We’ll attend the opening of a ‘Young Artists’ exhibition at Art Bridge and our friend Rachel, the Director of The Sold Project, will have dinner with us.  

Have a Wonderful WeekEnd.    It’s time for the ‘Funnies’.   Formula One this weekend from Spain.  Zoom.

                 Peace,

                           Danny

Some race horses staying in a stable. One of them starts to boast
about his track record. "In the last 15 races, I've won 8 of them!"

Another horse breaks in, "Well in the last 27 races, I've won 19!!"

"Oh that's good, but in the last 36 races, I've won 28!", says
another, flicking his tail.

At this point, they notice that a greyhound dog has been sitting there
listening. "I don't mean to boast," says the greyhound, "but in my
last 90 races, I've won 88 of them!"

The horses are clearly amazed. "Wow!" says one, after a hushed
silence. "A talking dog."

Gettin' Funky, Thai Style 

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Humor

Hi,

Today was another day like the day before, except that we didn’t get the 'promised' thunderstorm.  

It seems that no one has recognized this ‘Zany Day’ oldie.  Maybe if I had put in all of the sound effects you might have figured it out (555).  “Don’t be mad at me boys, if your buggy don’t ride like mine (__ __, __ __), don’t be mad at me boys if your buggy don’t ride like mine (__ __, __ __).  You oughta buy yourself a __ __ (__ __, __ __).  Ooooh, let’s cruise, let’s cruise… Aw Oh, I done run out of gas.”  Hint:  There is a number involved and it comes right before 60.  Some of you might remember the equally popular back side, “The Letter”.  There, that should hold you.

This morning’s adventures in town turned out to be mildly productive in spite of the strange circumstances.  Our first stop was the bank, where it turned out to be unusually crowded.  We waited a bit and then left.  At Thai Airways we wanted to get our tickets to Bangkok for our June trip to the states.  They no longer have flights from Chiang Rai on the main branch of the carrier, only ‘Thai Smile’ which is not part of the Star Alliance, which means we can’t check our bags all the way through to Los Angeles.  We left the office and walked down to Boot’s Pharmacy, but we were too early and they hadn’t opened.  Hmm, time to go home (555).

There is a new motoring fad that seems to be happening:  Colored headlights.  This evening we saw a car with red headlights.  Later I saw one with blue lights.  I can’t imagine that these lights offer much visibility in the dark, but if you’re looking good who cares.  Since there are no motorized police vehicles, there is no one to stop them and tell them that it’s dangerous.  The colored headlights combined with strings of LED lights make some cars look they just came from the circus.  There are discrete lighting touches that add a little something special, but when you have lights all over the car, it gets bizarre.  Hmm, am I getting old?

The photo for today is the second machine spotted at Big C.  I call it ‘Fortune Cat’.  Put your money in the slot and you get a plastic ball with a fortune inside.  At first I thought it was a giant gum-ball machine.  

With all the talk about weather, it seems that there really was a major storm south of us.  In Chiang Mai and the surrounding area, they had the biggest storm in 60 years, with high winds that lifted the roofs off of houses and caused a lot of damage.  We are quite grateful that it didn’t come over the mountain into our ‘neighborhood’.  

Have a Thrilling Thursday.

                Peace,

                          Danny

“Like a welcome summer rain,

humor may suddenly cleanse

and cool the earth, the air, and you.”

~Langston Hughes

Gettin' Funky, Thai Style 

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Never

Hi,

Chiang Rai was hot again today, with higher humidity.  We still get forecasts for thunderstorms and we’re starting to believe them.  Last night we had lightning and thunder.  I guess they were right.  They never promised rain.  With that in mind, we got the van washed today.  Tempting fate can be fun sometimes (555).

The ‘Easy Monday’ song was “Born To Be Wild” by Steppenwolf.  Our ‘Zany Day’ song could easily qualify as an ‘Old School’, but it’s so crazy I couldn’t resist.  “Would you like to go a-ridin’ in my __ __? (repeat line) Well, I’m tellin’ you baby that the ride is mighty fine.  Got an eight cylinder motor and a jet propelled overdrive (repeat).  Got two carburetors and a super charger on the side.  Veroom, veroom, veroom, verooooom, pop, pop… Got to turn the corner man, got to turn the corner.  Errrr, Bluuua…”  Clue: It’s a song about a car.  The song was released in 1954, but is about something in the future.  Hmm.

Our Wednesday adventure began with a trip into town.  We were directed to drive over the new portion of ‘our’ bridge.  It provided only half a thrill since the original portion is now closed off for renovation.  We’ll have to wait for the official opening to get the full effect.

At Big C, Blue and I spent some time taking more photos of the big orange tree.  When we went inside I noticed a new addition.  Right next to the escalator they had installed two new machines.  Let’s just say that they both can help with knowing what is in one’s future.  Today’s photo reminds me of the machine in the movie ‘Big’.  It looks like you put in a coin, the little guy spins the wheel, and you take a slip of paper from the corresponding compartment and read your fortune.  Maybe next time.

This afternoon we had coffee with our friend Jaffe.  That’s when the van got washed.  Jaffe showed us the latest edition of a travel magazine he edits.  It’s directed toward the Chinese tourists so we couldn’t really read it, but the pictures were great.  There were two places in the mag that we’d like to see someday.  While that was happening a man stood up at the table next to us and it was our old friend Supat.  We go way back with Supat, to the early days of the rental house.  He located the land where we built our house, and showed us a lot of Chiang Rai when he was our ‘driver’.  It was a nice little flashback.  

During our after-dinner swim we watch the clouds roll in, bringing with them the possibility of rain.  Not long after we got out of the pool, Natcha and Gong went in for an evening dip.  

Time for Wacky Wednesday.

                Peace,

                          Danny

“Be there for others,

but never leave yourself behind.”

~Dodinsky

Gettin' Funky, Thai Style 

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See

Hi,

Chiang Rai weather is around 95F but feels like 104F, with 49% humidity.  How they can predict a thunderstorm when the sky is clear is beyond me.  It is what it is.

This week’s ‘Easy Monday’ song was kind of an anthem in the 60s.  I expected to hear from all of you (555).

“I like smoke and lightning, heavy metal thunder, racin’ with the wind and the feelin’ that I’m under.  Yeah darlin’, go make it happen.  Take the world in a love embrace.  Fire all of your guns at once, and explode into space.  Like a true nature’s child, we were __, __ __ __ __.  We can climb so high, I never want to die.  __ __ __ __, __ __ __ __.”  Hint:  The song was featured in ‘Easy Rider’.  

The bright orange tree in yesterday’s photo is just one of the colors in the trees that are currently blooming.  We are also enjoying yellow, pink and purple.  Riding around town, the van is filled with oohs and aahs as we take in the sights.  I will try and get a photo from the tall bridge coming into town.  From there you can see the tops of all the blooming trees and it’s magical.

One of the great things about living in a town like Chiang Rai is the sense of community that presents itself from time to time.  The way Natcha came into our lives was a result of our ‘community’.  There is an expat page on Facebook for buying, selling and trading items and information.  Just reading through the listings and the exchanges lets one know that there are warm, friendly people who are willing to help when it’s needed.  The art community is another little world that offers a sense of belonging.  The longer we stay here, the more we become a part of all of this.

Today’s photo is another from Browney’s Pet World.  I like to call it the ‘Wall of Cat Stuff’.  

This afternoon Lisa helped Natcha with her English homework.  Some of it seemed a little advanced for beginning English, but she’s smart and with a little help, she will do well.  It will be especially helpful having the opportunity to try words and phrases on a daily basis.  

Have a Happy Tuesday.

                 Peace,

                           Danny

“If we all could see the world

through the eyes of a child,

we would see the magic in everything.”

~Unknown

Gettin' Funky, Thai Style 

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Past

Hi,

We figured out why the hot feels so heavy.  The humidity is high and it feels as though we’re pushing through something.  Darn those dense molecules.  Other than the heat, life continues to be good.

The ‘Old School Friday’ tune was “Only You” by The Platters.  Time for ‘Easy Monday’.  It’s one for the road.

“Get your motor runnin’, head out on the highway.  Lookin’ for adventure, and whatever comes our way.  Yeah, darlin’ go make it happen.  Take the world in a love embrace.  Fire all of your guns at once, and explode into space…”  Clue:  It’s by a band that’s named after a book, and it’s about claiming a specific birthright.

I didn’t realize until after the fact, that the benefit for Nepal on Friday night had a theme.  “Let Our Children Help Nepal” was the theme for the evening and that’s why the kids were doing everything from selling items to performing and drawing pictures and making signs.  

Saturday Natcha had her first English class at AUA and felt a little overwhelmed.  The class had already met once so they had a week head start.  It reminded me of times in my life when I was in the same situation.  That feeling of being lost and seeing no way out.  We will try and help her catch up.  

Sunday morning I took Cat to the Talat so she could get the Song Taew to her village.  She will be there for the rest of the week.  The Tree Project is winding down and will have several meetings.  They will also walk in the forest and pick edible plants, then bring them back to the village and cook them.  Hmm, there’s an adventure.  On Saturday there will be the big meeting of The Sold Project and the distribution of scholarship money for the coming school year.  

With the exception of a few necessary shopping trips, we have been staying pretty close to home.  So many places we might visit are outdoors that it’s much more comfortable to stay in the air/con.  We’ve been swimming in the afternoons and that has been wonderful.  Natcha and Gong have also been enjoying the pool.  

Since the new Thai kitchen is being used it has become the focus for Daku when he goes outside.  Oh, what wonderful smells of things on the counter and things that used to be there.  Today he examined all the reachable surfaces and turned toward the front yard.  Then he stopped, turned around and went back for a second inspection.  After that, he continued his rounds of the yard.  This dog’s life will never be the same.

Today’s photo was taken right after we pulled into Big C.  Trees like this are blooming all over town.  

Have a Great Week.

               Peace,

                         Danny 

“When your past calls, don’t answer.  

It has nothing new to say.”

~Unknown

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www.lisamosesgallery.com

Friday Funnies

Hi,

Yesterday I neglected to give you the link I mentioned for making donations to the Nepal relief effort.  

http://www.directrelief.org

This week’s ‘Zany Day’ song was “Pinball Wizard” by The Who.  ‘Old School Friday’ is next.  This goes way back:

“__ __ can make this world seem right.  __ __ can make the darkness bright.  __ __ and you alone can thrill me like you do, and fill my heart with love for __ __.  __ __ can make this change in me, for it’s true, you are my destiny.  When you hold my hand I understand the magic that you do.  You’re my dream come true, my one and __ __.”  Clue: The song is by a group that had a sting of hits, all romantic ballads.  Named for a nickname for records.  

Our week in the high 90s with no rain started yesterday and it’s keeping true to the forecasts.  This evening we saw a bunch of people hanging out in the river, trying to stay cool.  

This morning, while we were at the Healthy Market, Blue was at the Mixed Hill Tribe Village.  He took them copies of his postcard/poster.  Some of the women in the poster live in that village.  They filled him in on the latest news about members of the village.  He also got a better insight as to the interconnected nature of the tribes.  The Hill Tribes are not as ‘separate’ as some might think.  There are inter-tribal marriages as an example.  

It was nice to be out of the house while the yard crew was doing their thing.  The grass-cutting machines are very noisy.  When it’s lunch time the whole world seems so quiet.  Several trees had to get new braces to hold them in the wind.  Our newish flowering trees are going to need taller supports soon.  When they leave, the yard looks so clean.  It’s weird, but we also like it kinda messy.  

This afternoon we took Natcha to her apartment to get the rest of her things.  We waited outside as she brought bags and kitchen things to the van.  I noticed a motorbike with curious things hanging from it.  When I got close I realized it must have something to do with fishing and I was right.  I still have to find out more about how they are used, but I’ll find out.

After dinner we went to the benefit at 9 Art Gallery.  The event started hours before we arrived and it was going strong.  In addition to cash donations, there were items for sale like hand made jewelry, art work, and a collection of music cassettes of mostly Western popular artists.  There was an ‘art table’ where adults and children were drawing/painting images with messages of hope for Nepal.  I think there might have also been some kind of auction going on.  It was a great turnout by the artists of Chiang Rai. 

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

                 Peace,

                           Danny 

Gettin' Funky, Thai Style 

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Lift

Hi,

So far, the forecasts have been true.  No rain, just hot.  Maybe some of our rain can drift over to California and ease the drought.  

The ‘Zany Day’ tune is part of a Rock Opera.  This song is establishing the principle character.  Pre-Game Boy.

“He stands like a statue, becomes part of the machine.  Feeling all the bumpers, always playing clean.  He plays by intuition, the digit counters fall.  That deaf, dumb and blind kid sure plays a mean __ __.”  Hint:  The word you’re looking for usually describes a man in a robe and a pointy hat, waving a wand.  

This morning we made the Makro Run.  While we were there we picked up some pencils, paper and rulers to send to the kids in Nepal.  We’re going to a benefit gathering at 9 Art Gallery tomorrow evening.  There are many ways to help.  Here is a link to an organization with a very high rating for delivering the goods.

Yesterday I mentioned the various stages of planting and growing going on around us.  This morning we were reminded of another thing that happens; abandonment.  There was a small plot not far from us, that was cleaned up and cultivated.  Water tanks and pipes were brought in and seeds were planted.  It looked like it was going to be an interesting vegetable ‘mini-farm’.  Today it’s all grown over with weeds and wild flowers.  

Today’s photo is the planting next to us.  There are three people visible in this shot, plus the man with the plow. by the end of the day there were ten planters out there.  Each one carries an umbrella, and a little can tied to their side containing the corn seeds.  The whole field was finished in half a day.  Now we wait for rain and then corn.

This afternoon, when we walked into AUA, there was a big greeting between Natcha and the woman at the intake desk.  They know each other, which helped ease the tension of enrolling in a different kind of school.  Several of the teachers came through the office and they all knew Cat from when she studied there.  Natcha is very excited about studying English.  She’s also excited about moving in tomorrow.  Life is changing for everyone and it’s great.

Have a Thrilling Thursday.

                Peace,

                          Danny

“There is no exercise better

for the heart than reaching

down and lifting people up.”

~John Andrew Holmes

Gettin' Funky, Thai Style 

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