Friday Funnies

Hi,

From my brief time outside today, I can tell you that it really is hot in Chiang Mai.  Thailand is racing into the hot season for sure.

This week’s ‘Zany Day’ song was “Poison Ivy” by The Coasters.  Time to go ‘Old School Friday’ on you.  

“Never know how much I love you, never know how much I care.  When you put your arms around me, I get a __ that’s so hard to bear….”  Clue:  A condition of elevated temperature in the body.  Easy.  Oh, Original artist from 1956 please.

Morning in the hospital began with breakfast that I had ordered the night before.  What a relief to get food I wanted to eat.  From the stories I’ve heard, it could have been pretty bad.  Late last night my nurse came to the room for my last dose of pain medication and mentioned that she had been on duty for 16 hours and had 4 more to go.  That’s a long day on any job.  Nurses are definitely underrated and sometimes under appreciated.  This woman was cheery and helpful even after her long day.  She told us that the hospital only had two vacant rooms.  That’s a busy place.

I got the green light from my doctor to go back to the hotel.  I rode downstairs in a wheelchair.  It would have been a long and painful walk otherwise.  The staff arranged for our ride back to Chiang Rai on Monday and I also made an appointment to have an eye exam before we leave.  

The remainder of the day was spent in the hotel bed.  Following doctor’s orders can be a drag, but in this case it was not a problem.  When lunch was delivered to our room, our favorite dining room person came up to make sure everything was alright.   

Last week I neglected to tell you an interesting story.  We finally got new windshield wipers.  Big deal, right?  The place where we went was a complex of auto accessory shops.  The young man who helped us is the son of the family that runs Browney's Pet World and he remembered us.  He said his family told him we were long-time customers.  He also gave us a little discount on the wipers.  Love Chiang Rai.

Some of you may have already seen today’s photo on Facebook.  I couldn’t resist clowning around by the pain chart.  I love the hospital pajamas.  It would be cool to have something like that at home.

Have a Wonderful WeekEnd.    It’s time for the ‘Funnies’.

                  Peace,

                            Danny

Health

Hi,

I can’t tell you much about weather conditions today.  I’ve been ‘under the weather’ in a manner of speaking.  Now there’s a term that warrants investigation (555).

The ‘Zany Day’ song has a few friends out there.  I think this verse will give you all the clues you need to remember:

“You’re gonna need an ocean of calamine lotion.  You’ll be scratchin’ like a hound, the minute you start to mess around.  __ __, __ __.  Late at night when you’re sleepin’ __ __ comes a creepin’ around.”  Hint:  Really?

Today’s surgery went well.  It lasted 2 hours and started an hour earlier than planned.  The first half of the day was rather surreal since I was taken directly to surgery after doctor consults.  I received the ‘open-back’ gown and was told to put everything in the bag they gave me.  In a pre-op room I met Dr. Sleep and then got shaved.  I still hadn’t been given the ‘I don’t care’ meds, so I was very aware of every move.  The strangest part was when they rolled me into the surgery theater and started doing things to me.  One doctor was sticking sensors on parts of my body, another had my arms out to the side with mild restraints.  Now I’m getting nervous.  Then a voice said, “You will sleep now” and a mask was put over my nose and mouth.  Next thing I knew, I was in the recovery room and Nurse Nicky was telling me where I was, how long it had been, and that she had called Lisa.  

My/our room was upgraded because all of the standard ones were booked.  Our ‘Superior’ room is like an apartment.  There are two rooms, two bathrooms, two kitchens, two big screen TV sets, my bed and a bed for Lisa. She will stay the night with me.  One side has a dining room table.  Quite awesome.  Like before, the staff is very good at what they do and they’re taking great care of me.  Not to gloss over this part, but, there is pain.  It might be a little different than last time, but it’s there.  On the wall there is a chart that leaves a little to be desired, but it's your photo for the day.  

Tomorrow we’ll go back to the D2 hotel.  In the meantime, I’ll just try to stay awake until bedtime.  Hmm.

Have a Thrilling Thursday.

               Peace,

                         Danny

“Cheerfulness, sir, is the principle ingredient

in the composition of health.”

~Arthur Murphy

Sit

Hi,

The weather in Chiang Mai is very hot.  The weather folks list the daytime temps as being close to Chiang Rai, but being in the concrete and asphalt of this city makes it seem much hotter.  The nights are definitely warmer.  

The ‘Easy Monday’ song was “Girl” by The Beatles.  That means it’s time for another ‘Zany Day’ song.  “She comes on like a rose, but everybody knows.  She’ll get you in Dutch, you can look but you better not touch.  __ __, __ __, late at night when you’re sleepin’ __ __ comes a creepin’ around.”  Hint: ‘She’ can be a botanical nightmare.

Our morning routine began a little earlier today since we had to do our last minute stuff for the trip.  Daku is now tuned in and when the suitcase gets zipped up he becomes tense.  It’s really nice to have the whole household bidding us goodbye when we leave on trips.  Our little family was there to see us off, including Neetchanan.  

The bus ride was fairly normal.  We did encounter some road work, but we couldn’t see what was going on, just that the bus had to slow down and share a lane with oncoming traffic.  We stayed occupied/distracted watching Stargate Atlantis.  That will make you forget you’re on the bus.  

When we arrived at our hotel we got a greeting we didn’t expect.  My taxi door was opened and a smiling face said, “Welcome Back”, all of the bellman greeted us like we were cousins or something.  Later in the afternoon we saw one of our favorite waiters from the dining room and she gave us a big greeting as well.  They have no idea how comforting that is.

Today’s photo was taken on the way to our hotel.  There is an area in front of the Governor’s mansion that always has a special sculpture on display.  This trip it was giant tulips.

The Night Bazaar in Chiang Mai begins to take shape in the early afternoon.  At about 1pm workers start assembling the stalls that vendors turn into mini stores.  A lot of work goes into creating this sidewalk market-place.  Late at night it all comes apart and the next day the cycle starts all over again.  On our way back from dinner the whole street was in full swing.  Amazing Thailand.

Now it’s time to assemble what I’ll need for my overnight stay at the hospital and go to bed.  Who ever heard of going out of town, staying in a hotel and getting up at 6:15 in the morning unless it was for sightseeing?  

See you tomorrow with all the latest news from ‘hospitaland'.

It really is a Wacky Wednesday.

               Peace,

                         Danny

“All of humanity’s problems stem

from man’s inability to sit quietly 

in a room alone.”

~Pascal

Care

Hi,

We had a gorgeous day in Chiang Rai today.  The weather in Chiang Mai - tomorrow’s destination - will be 90 degrees.  

So, ‘Easy Monday’ didn’t look so easy to a lot of you.  There are some who remember this song from 1965.

“When I think of all the times I’ve tried so hard to leave her she will turn to me and start to cry.  And she promises the earth to me and I believe her, after all this time I don’t know why.  Ah, __ __”  Clue:  The title can be used as an indicator for the gender of a friend.  

After a busy, but productive day we had a chance to wind down at the opening of The Wanderer this evening.  When we arrived there were already a lot of people there enjoying the ambience.  The main seating area was almost full, the chamber orchestra was setting up, and the kitchen was buzzing.  We took a fruit basket we had made and added it to the large number of floral gifts inside the coffee shop.  Before we found a table, one of our hosts asked us if we wanted coffee.  We sat down and a few minutes later coffee appeared.  There was a buffet with many options that satisfied our hunger several times over.  As the sun went down some of the trees were illuminated with color-changing lights.  Looking past the main patio it was totally dark.  The whole thing was a little magical.  

Today’s photos are of our fruit basket and a shot from the upstairs area looking down over the part of the patio.

Tomorrow morning we catch the bus for Chiang Mai.  In the afternoon Lisa will meet with a gallery owner who showed her work in the past.  Thursday morning I will check in at Bangkok Hospital for pre-surgery tests and basically put myself in their hands.  I’ll be in touch, of course.  I have been trying to figure out why my attention span has been erratic lately and I’ve pinned it down to the upcoming event.  

Time to pack the bags for the stay at the Dusit D2.  We’ll be there from Wednesday until Monday morning.  I won’t be taking much, just stuff to wear while hanging out in bed.  Hmm, I suppose a backpack would probably be enough (555).  

Have a Happy Tuesday.

                 Peace,

                           Danny

“I feel the capacity to care 

is the thing which gives life

its deepest significance.”

~Pablo Casals

Reaction

Hi,

Chiang Rai has been having hot days, warmer nights, and strong breezes.  The breeze thing is good because it’s keeping the air a little cleaner than usual.  No rain in sight.

The ‘Old School Friday’ song was “Rescue Me” by Fontella Bass.  Not many knew it.  Time for an ‘Easy Monday’ tune:

“Is there anybody going to listen to my story all about the girl who came to stay?  She’s the kind of girl you want so much it makes you sorry, still, I don’t regret a single day.  Ah, __, __.”  Hint:  Title is one word and it’s in the verse. Should be easy for fans of those four guys from across the pond.

In this part of the world El Nino has the opposite affect from what happens in the States.  We are in a growing drought mode.  There are water shortages in some provinces and the government is asking people not to throw buckets of water during the upcoming Songkran holiday.  If you recall, Songkran is when some streets become a giant water-fight.  Children and adults of every age get in the street and throw water at each other, moving vehicles, and themselves.  Last year there was a move to curb roving pick-up trucks with big drums of water in the back, tossing water on other motorists and pedestrians.  The idea of going back to the old custom of just sprinkling a little water may not get much traction among the young.  Time will tell.  We sure don’t have the water to waste.

The strange construction down the road from us is taking shape and we still can’t tell what it’s going to be.  There seems to be a row of little rooms that face into the property, but that’s all we know.  It’s a mystery.

At the intersection of our road with the main road we got a big surprise this morning.  There had been a two-unit structure that had a small cafe and a coffee shop, but this morning the little building was gone.  They must have torn it down on Sunday.  We didn’t drive in that direction yesterday so we missed the whole thing.

Today the pool repair people showed up and did a lot of work on restoring the grout.  They have another day’s work and they may be done.  Now comes the big question:  What is the current price of water in light of the drought? We have our suspicions that it may have gone up, but it’s all speculation.  This will be interesting.

Yesterday evening we had dinner at Le Meridien with our friends Claire and Stephan.  Just as we got there I noticed a group of young monks across the river.  The temple has a lot of youngsters and we often see them enjoying free time.  In this photo a few are climbing out of the river, while another group is playing football in the distance.

Getting excited about the open-house tomorrow at The Wanderer.  

Have a Great Week.

               Peace,

                         Danny

“Sometimes the best reaction

is to not react at all.”

~Unknown

Friday Funnies

Hi,

We are back in a cold spell and that’s spelled ‘Brrrrr’.  This weather is brought to us by an arctic front coming through China and flowing over us.  It’s supposed to lift on Monday.  

The ‘Zany Day’ song was recognized by one person, my brother.  The song was “How Come My Dog Don’t Bark When You Come Around?”, by Prince Partridge.  Listen to the whole song and see why we still remember it.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WCULQwdYZeU  This week’s ‘Old School Friday’ won’t be as old as the ‘Zany Day’ tune so rest easy.  “__ __, take me in your arms __ __, I want your tender charm ‘cause I’m lonely and I’m blue, I need you and your love too.  Come on and __ __.”  Hint: So easy, but someone needs help.

Today was a very productive day.  One of the highlights was at the flower mart.  We wanted an assorted bouquet for Cat’s graduation.  The woman at the stall we used was very helpful and when it was time to pay she gave a price and then discounted it, and then thanked us.  

Our goal for the afternoon was to be at Cat’s school by 3:30pm for the ‘Congratulation’ ceremony.  We made it before that time and met some grownups from The Sold Project who were waiting.  All around us there were kids on the way to somewhere.  There was no order to it.  In a big concrete area in the middle of the school there were large circles of seniors.  They were all doing some kind of ritual.  All of them were different, but with lots of enthusiasm.  It sounded like multiple pep rallies mixed with tribal chanting.  At the end of this scene, some of the circles literally exploded with balloons and powder.  As the kids dispersed, some kids were covered in powder, others in glitter, all laughing and smiling.  

There never was a ceremony.  We were all ready to endure long speeches but there were none.  The seniors darted around giving each other gifts, and exchanging things with their "little sisters" and “brothers."  All of the kids have one or two ’siblings’ that they do things with during the year.  It’s a nice idea.  Cat’s big sister, who graduated last year, came to the school for this year’s festivities.  We found out that diplomas will be given at a later date.  Finals are Monday and Tuesday, but for the time being there are lots of gifts to enjoy.  Today’s photos show the loot that came home with us.  

This afternoon Natcha came into the house with Neetchanan, who was actually awake.  Daku got to sniff her little feet and then went to his bed.  Lisa took some photos.  Pics next week.

This evening we ended up back at the Night Bazaar with visitors from Australia.  I have a good friend who is from there and lives in Chiang Mai and he had a couple visiting from Oz (that’s what they call it) and they drove up to see the sights.  It was a very enjoyable time and we hope to see them again some day.  Friday night on the town is something we haven’t done in a long time.  

As we were leaving the Night Bazaar we stopped at the Scarf Lady’s stall.  Lisa found a scarf she liked and our friend tied it around her neck, said it looked perfect, and gave it to her.  That was the biggest surprise yet.  Life in Chiang Rai is good.

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

                 Peace,

                           Danny

Feelings

Hi,

Well, the rain that was predicted happened last night.  We had a good storm that soaked everything and also blew a big bunch of the giant leaves into our yard from the trees across the road.  The temperature dropped so today was cool and this evening even cooler.  As I suspected, there was no work on the pool today.

I realize I threw you a real curve with this week’s ‘Zany Day’ song, but it is a worthy submission.  Here’s verse two:

“Yeah, he’s about the meanest dog there is in town.  He’d bite anybody, my sister or my brother.  Why, he’d even take a plug out o’ my old feeble mother.  Yeah, he even bit the mailman, and he sees him every day.  You say he’s never seen you before, but he wants to jump up and play.  Now I ain’t got a clue as to what you puttin’ down, but 

__ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __?”  Clue:  The song was first released in 1955 by another singer named for the son of a king.  The title is questioning the allegiance of the singer’s dog.

This morning we stopped by the side of our road and found one of the red flowers I wrote about yesterday.  We were fortunate enough to find a complete flower.  Each petal is 4 inches long and it seems that some people use the inside of the flower while others use just the petals.  

It isn’t often that we get visitors from far away.  A very old friend of Blue’s, who became a friend of ours, comes to Thailand on a regular basis.  I first met Clifford while he was performing in San Jose back in the mid-90s and saw him again at a hotel gig in Phuket a few years ago.  He and Blue talk by phone almost daily.  For this trip, Clifford brought two friends, David and Joel.  They started their adventure in Pattaya, then went to Chiang Mai.  From Chiang Mai they took a road trip up north to Chiang Rai.  They met us at the house and we went to the Night Bazaar for dinner.  We had a wonderful time sharing common experiences, discussing Chiang Rai, and enjoying another great meal at Sawadee restaurant.  We invited their driver to have dinner with us.  He’s been working on his English so he enjoyed listening to the conversations.  I don’t like to drive in Chiang Mai so we may contact him when we visit there.

Tomorrow we will have another new experience.  We’re going to Cat’s high school graduation in the afternoon.  If nothing else, we have experience in sitting through long presentations in Thai and appearing to be comfortable.

Have a Thrilling Thursday.

                Peace,

                          Danny

“Feelings are neither bad or good,

They just are.  It’s what we do with them

that counts.”

~Unknown