Song

Hi,

We had another hot day in Chiang Rai.  The afternoon was very windy, which was nice for clearing the air but left a lot of leaves in the yard.

‘Easy Monday’ was “I Can See Clearly Now” by Johnny Nash.  This weeks ‘Zany Day’ song is just that.  Do you know this?  “__ __ __ __ __ __ __ protected by a silver spoon.  But now she sucks her thumb and wanders, by the banks of her own lagoon.  Didn’t anybody tell her?  Didn’t anybody see?  Sunday’s on the phone to Monday, Tuesday’s on the phone to me.”  Clue: Someone makes an unusual entrance as seen in the title.  Not sure how it’s relevant, but there it is.  

Somewhere to the south of us, but not far enough, is a venue that has started having nightly music.  All we hear is the constant thumping of bass and drums and not much else.  They are going to have some fierce competition when the stage by the river starts having music again.  Meanwhile, the music to the north must have been a party because it has been quiet since that one night.  I have nothing against music (555) but when it’s in my house, I like to chose it.

Recently, Lisa changed her phone plan so that she pays once a month for what she’s used.  Today she paid her bill for the first time and it was very smooth.  At 7-11 she showed them the message on her phone from the carrier.  They typed in some numbers, she paid, and she got a receipt on her phone.  I may have to try that.  It’s much better than realizing you’re almost out of money and then ‘topping up’.  Oh, this modern world.

In some of the larger cities here, they have what they call a ‘Ring Road’.  It’s a road that goes around the city and connects with the highway so you don’t have to deal with any congestion.  Chiang Rai is in the long process of building such a road.  Yesterday I learned that a large, open area near the road to the airport is going to be one end of the ‘ring’.  More will be revealed, but it would be nice if the big trucks went around instead of through town.  Yea, progress.

This afternoon we got the van washed in preparation for our road trip tomorrow.  Blue, Lisa and I will drive down to Chiang Mai to get documents at the U.S. Consulate Office.  Every year we have to renew a statement declaring how much we get from Social Security, and take it to immigration when we renew our visas.  We’ll stay overnight and return home on Friday, after an appointment with our chiropractor friend.  There will also be some ‘looking’ for a few things we can’t get in Chiang Rai, like soy-free mayonnaise.  Oh, there will also be pie involved (555).

Today’s photo was taken at Browney’s Pet World.  In keeping with this ‘Zany’ Wednesday I thought I’d share.

Baby Tina sleeps a lot, as babies do.  Today Natcha brought her in while she was awake so we could see her beautiful eyes.  

Time for Wacky Wednesday.

                     Peace,

                               Danny

“A bird doesn’t sing because

it has an answer; it sings

because it has a song.”

~Maya Angelou

People

Hi,

We seem to have missed out of the ‘rain every night’ portion of the year.  The days are in the mid-80s and the nights are dropping into the mid to high 50s.  This, I can live with (555).  Like I have any choice.

Some of you recognized the “Easy Monday” song right away.  It’s from ’72, so it’s not too old (555).  Here’s more:

“I think I can make it now, the pain is gone.  All of the bad feelings have disappeared.  Here is the rainbow I’ve been praying for.  It’s gonna be a bright (bright), bright (bright) sun-shiny day.”  Clue:  Clearer vision without a new pair of glasses, so to speak.

The tick wars continue.  A few days ago we went by a vet we used to go to and he suggested a powder that, when mixed with water, could be sprayed on the lawn.  It was specifically for ticks.  He said some sprays are really for mites and don’t to a proper job.  Today the spray people came, mixed up the potion, and sprayed the lawns and driveway.  Again, we wait.  

The search for a play-name for Neetchanon is over.  They asked us for suggestions since they wanted a Western name.  Lisa gave them a list that they studied. Then they asked Lisa to choose.  What?  She chose Susie or Tina.  Gong liked Tina and Natcha was OK with it so that is what we’ll call the baby.  Tina had her first trip out of the house today for a check-up with the doctor.  Natcha’s brother drove them in his truck, whew.  We think she’s doing pretty good, but needs to get some sunlight according to the doctor.  We’re not clear on what’s really happening.  The family is very attentive and our little village is getting into a routine.

Imagine packing a couple of suitcases, and going to a foreign country to live for at least one year.  You don’t know the language, and don’t have many contacts.  This happens everyday and we have had a chance to meet many brave young people who tackle this challenge and thrive.  Today we had a chance to hang out at Art Bridge with such a person.  We met her through The Sold Project, where she works, and this was our first chance to get to know her.  After visiting the exhibit in the gallery, we had lunch in the restaurant.  She shared some of her experiences with us and in my mind, I wondered if I would have had the courage to do what she’s doing when I was in my 30s.  

Today’s photo was taken at Art Bridge.  The bamboo handrail marks the short trail to the water’s edge.  The inlet is somehow connected to the Kok River, the main waterway through Chiang Rai.  There is a little dock that extends over the water, with no real function, just an artistic touch.

Have a Happy Tuesday.

              Peace,

                        Danny

“People are the way they are,

not the way you want them to be.”

~Unknown

Amazed

Hi,

Chiang Rai has been having beautiful weather.  Warm days and cool nights are making life much more comfortable.  There have been forecasts for rain, but we all know how much we believe that (555). 

The ‘Old School Friday’ song was “Knock On Wood” by Eddie Floyd.  Time for an ‘Easy Monday’ tune that’s easy.  “__ __ __ __ __, the rain is gone.  I can see all obstacles in my way.  Gone are the dark clouds that had me blind.  It’s gonna be a bright (bright), bright (bright) sun-shiny day.”  Hint: I think you know this.  Oh wait, that’s not a hint.  

We’re all getting over a very busy weekend.  The Big Brown House has really become a village.  Sunday morning we brought Natcha, Neetchanan, and Gong’s mother home from the hospital.  Once we got home, family members began arriving to help.  Gong’s mom is staying in the apartment, helping Natcha.  As for the baby; she sleeps a lot.  Almost everyone in Thailand has a ‘playname’.  At first, ‘Sydney’ was chosen for Neetchanon, but now they’re looking for a name that would be easier for Thais to pronounce.  They’ve asked us to help, hmm.

After lunch at the mall, we cruised Robinson department store, just checking out the state of the buggy market for babies.  I saw things that we could/should get, like a train set and a little car, but they were voted down.  (555)

It will be interesting to see how traditional methods get mixed with more modern ways to take care of a baby.  When we’re driving around and we see a mother with her baby in a sling on a motorcycle, we cringe at the thought that Neetchanon will ride like that.  Life in another culture can sometimes be hard on the nerves.

Today we made a move to improve our internet.  After doing some reading on the expat forums we went to CAT Telecom, a company we had when we first moved into the house.  They showed us one package that looked like the kind of speed we wanted, but then learned that it was only good for using the internet inside Thailand.  For our international needs we’d need a business package.  We learned that it would be a fiber-optic line and the speeds would be about 6 times faster than our current setup.  Oh, and it will cost less.  It will take two weeks before we take delivery on our super-fast internet.  Things like Skype and Netflix will be smooth.  Now we wait.

Your photo today was taken at the Red Rose Motel.  This is a very curious place where there is a carport for each room.  The ultimate in privacy for those who need it.  There is a fairytale theme throughout.  This shot is at the entrance.  Who knew we’d run into the dwarves and Pluto here in Chiang Rai.

Have a Great Week.

               Peace,

                         Danny

“Sometimes, we just need to be 

amazed by the small things.”

~Angela Pacheco

Friday Funnies

Hi,

We are definitely in a daytime warming trend.  This afternoon was warm.  Now, we just need to get the nights to get on board, then things would be great.  As soon as the sun begins to set a chill sets in.  How long?

The ‘Zany Day’ song was “Leader of the Laundromat” by The Detergents.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qi5yDBvYUcE   My friend Lane was the only one who knew it.  Time for some ‘Old School Friday’ that you might know.  “I don’t want to lose you, this good thing, that I got.  I will surely, surely lose a lot.  ‘Cause your love is better than any love I know.  It’s like thunder, lightning, the way you love me is frightening.  I’d better __, __ __, baby.”

Clue:  This 1966 R&B hit became a standard for club bands.  The hook is based on a superstition.

This morning Gong came by the house.  He had been at the hospital overnight.  He told Lisa that the baby had arrived at 11pm last night.  This afternoon we all went down to meet her and see how Natcha was doing.  They’re both great, although little Neetchawan was sound asleep.  She is less than one day old.

Mother and baby will come home on Sunday.  They are in a maternity ward that is full.  Imagine a very large room full of mothers and newborns, and some fathers sleeping on the floor.  Natcha said it was difficult to sleep last night.  There are no private rooms available due to the illnesses caused by the cold weather.  To get to Natcha’s ward we had to walk through an outdoor hallway that had beds with patients on both sides.  

It has been a search, but we finally found a couple of hot-water bottles.  Ours developed a leak at the cap, and that’s just not okay on these cold nights.  Most of the pharmacies were sold out.  Today we got the last two from a store downtown.  While we were out we also got a warm infant outfit for Neetchawan.  Natcha comes from a big family and I’m sure they will provide more than enough ‘things’ for the baby.  We do need to make a diaper run tomorrow so things will be ready for their arrival.

There is a big piece of land on the other side of our neighbor.  It has been filled in and vacant for over a year.  Last week we saw a ‘land blessing ceremony’ and this week something is happening.  We’re not sure yet, but sharp eyes are keeping watch.  I’m hoping for a single family dwelling.

Chiang Rai is going to have a balloon festival this year.  It might be fun to see if it weren’t for the traffic it will create on the ground.  Maybe they’ll float our way. 

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

                 Peace,

                           Danny

Destiny

Hi,

Today we saw the sun.  It happened in the afternoon.  We danced on the lawn and set off fireworks (555).  Mornings and nights are still cold, but the days are getting better.

The ‘Zany Day’ song has not been named yet.  I knew it was a long shot, but I’m sure someone has an idea.  

“My dad said ‘Find a laundry that’s new’ (find a laundry that’s new).  How can I tell my baby we’re through (tell my baby we’re through).  Gotta drive right into town, I don’t care if my shirts are brown.  I got a date tonight with the __ __ __ __.”  Hint:  I seem to remember a similar song about a pack of bikers.  Hmm.

Our morning adventure consisted of a trip to the ‘Land Office’.  It was time to pay the taxes on the land.  Things have changed a bit and the annual rate, after much confusion, was higher than before.  Even so, it was only $175.  When you think in baht, some things seem very expensive, but comparing it to dollars and past experience, it’s not so bad.

The big news is, we just returned from taking Natcha to the hospital.  She’s having labor pains.  Her little girl will probably arrive tomorrow or Saturday.  The excitement around here was something.  Natcha would call Cat, Cat would run upstairs and relay messages.  Finally, Gong knocked on Cat’s window and said, ‘It’s time’.  The baby will be born at Chiang Rai hospital, which is the government hospital.  Natcha was smart, she took her little heater with her to stay warm. 

The deli section at Big C is where we found this cute little ‘Rice Bear’.  We didn’t buy the meal, but knowing there is such a thing makes me smile.

There is a new ‘Night Spot’ somewhere in the neighborhood behind us.  How do I know?  Live music is flowing into our bedroom.  The band this evening has some nice arrangements of popular songs, but one of the singers is not happening.  We may have to devise a headphone system to block out the various ‘free concerts’ in the hood.

With overnight lows predicted to be in the 40s, we’re still not out of the arctic cold spell, but it’s not as bone-chilling as it was earlier this week.  You know it’s bad when you can see your breath inside the house.  Tonight, no breath (555).

Have a Thrilling Thursday.

                 Peace,

                           Danny

“One meets their destiny often

on the road they take to avoid it.”

~French Proverb

Change

Hi,

We were supposed to get warmer temps today, but a new cold front from Burma came in and left us wrapped up in extra clothes.  Lots of street vendors selling used, warm jackets.  Small appliance stores are having a run on heaters.

The ‘Easy Monday’ song was “Walk On By”, by Dionne Warwick.  Today’s ‘Zany Day’ song is a parody of an already zany song.  See if you can figure it out:  “My folks were always putting her down (down, down), because her laundry came back brown (brown, brown).  I don’t care if they think she’s bad, I fell in love ‘cause she looked so sad.  I got a date tonight with the __ __ __ __.”  Hint: There’s a bit of role reversal going on here (555).  

This morning the four of us went to Biggie C (Big C) for supplies.  It’s nice when Cat goes with us because we can have her read labels when necessary.  Many products have the ingredients in English, but the stores put stickers with the Thai ingredients over the English and they don’t pull off.  There is a real disconnect going on here.  Anyway, we found an oyster sauce without soy and that’s a big deal when it comes to adding flavor to some things.  Now that I’m enjoying more food, it might as well taste good.  (555)

Today’s photo was taken at Big C, in the sports department.  Who knew that Hello Kitty was such a sportster?

The pool is empty and things are on schedule.  Somehow, it looks much deeper without water.  When I stand in the water it comes to mid-chest, but looking at it empty, it looks like it would be over my head.  The magic of perspective.

Last night Lisa picked up Daku’s sweater and asked him if he wanted to put it on.  He jumped up and walked over to her.  He had been wearing it during the day and got used to it.  

We continue to be amazed and surprised by the information we’re getting about our respective family histories.

Our friend Lisa Hamilton at http://PersonalPedigree.com is helping us make sense of the available information and does some real detective work.  From my DNA I know that 63% of me came from Africa and 36% from Europe.  There are lots of specifics that are being discovered and it boggles the mind.  More on this later.

Time for a Wacky Wednesday.

              Peace,

                        Danny

“Change is never easy. 

You fight to hold on.

You fight to let go.”

~The Wonder Years

Better

Hi,

What can I say?  Today was cold and rainy all day.  It didn’t seem to warm up, though ‘they’ told us it did.  We have resorted to tricks, like using the hot-water bottle to get warm.  

This week’s ‘Easy Monday’ song has had a big response.  That tells me it’s easy, so sing the next part and write me.

“I just can’t get over losing you, and so if I seem broken and blue.  __ __ __, __ __ __.  Foolish pride is all that I have left, so let me hide the tears and the sadness you gave me when you said goodbye, __ __ __.”  Hint:  Not this time (555). 

Yesterday Cat’s school told them they could wear whatever they needed to stay warm.  Normally, they have to wear their uniforms with no deviation.  Today she was bundled up and fairly warm all day.  

We stayed home all day, trying to hide from the cold that was omnipresent.  Daku missed his morning play because it was raining.  In fact, he didn’t get much outside time because of the constant rain.  People have been posting the temperature and photos of themselves all wrapped up in warm clothing.  Last night the weather site said it was 42F and a ‘feels like’ of 39F.  We’ve been asking the big question:  who is it that tells them what it feels like and how do they know?  Tomorrow is supposed to be slightly warmer, and so it will go for the rest of the week.  

There is a strange phenomenon going on in The Land of Smiles.  People, mostly in Bangkok I believe, are buying large dolls called ‘Child Angels’ that, when blessed, are supposed to bring good fortune.  These dolls are about the size of a toddler.  They have become so popular that several news stories are reporting that the Thai Smile branch of Thai Airways has set up rules for traveling with the dolls.  If they don’t have a ticket, they will be put in the overhead storage.  That’s not all.  With the ticket, the doll is entitled to a drink and snack.  What?  Never a dull moment.

Today, when we went down for lunch, Daku was curled up on his bed, warm and cozy thanks to Natcha and Fone.

Tomorrow our pool is supposed to be emptied so the annual sealing can be done.  If all goes well, the water will get pumped out and Saturday the patching will be done.  Then we hope for a big rain to fill it (555).  Actually, it will take water trucks to fill the pool.  Then we wait for sunshine to warm it up.  Hmm, this may take a while.

Have a Happy Tuesday.

             Peace,

                       Danny

“It is better to be loved

than feared.”

~African Proverb