Friday Funnies

Hi,

There was a definite chill in the air this morning.  In fact, we wore jackets during doggie play time.  Later it warmed up to somewhere in the 80s, but it looks like our cold season is about to begin, and early.

The ‘Zany Day’ song was “Politician” by Cream.  It’s time for ‘Old School Friday’.  Do you remember this ballad?

“I don’t have plans and schemes, and I don’t have hopes and dreams, I-I-I don’t have anything __ __ __ __ __."

Hint:  This happened around ’59.  At the end of the song, we used to count how many times  a certain word was sung.

This morning we went over to the old Rimkok Resort to get tickets for their Loy Krathong buffet on the 14th.  Our friends Cornelis and Anoi told us about it and it sounds like fun.  There will be samples of Northern food, local entertainment and we will be given a Krathong to set in the river.  While they were preparing our tickets, we talked to the new room manager.  We learned that he spent a year in Dubai as a train conductor.  He was very animated about his experiences, especially the differences in living in such a different place than Thailand.  There is a saying here, that the choice you make is ‘Up to you’.  He found just the opposite while living in Dubai, where his life was dictated by the rules of local faith.  The hotel is under new ownership and it appears that they are slowly changing the whole management staff.  The woman who sold us the tickets is a native of Chiang Rai, but just returned from years of living in Bangkok.  We’re hoping the resort will thrive with it’s new owners.

As we sat at the big intersection with the Super Highway, I noticed that one of the giant advertising screens was conforming with the mourning protocol, black with a respectful message.  The one next to it was back to running commercials.  Hmm, I think someone didn’t understand.  

Our Thai teacher, Kruu Awe is planning a one-day language trip.  It will be a group made up of English speaking students and native Thai speakers.  My guess is, we’ll be forced to spend the day communicating in Thai as we go different places.  Another adventure on the horizon.

Today’s photo is the latest cast acrylic print by Lisa.  A friend of ours commissioned her to create a tribute to The King.  

Have a Wonderful WeekEnd.      Hang on for the ‘Funnies’.

                  Peace,

                            Danny

Truth

Hi,

The weather turned out to be a big tease this afternoon.  We started with clear skies.  Clouds began to drift in and by dinner time it looked like it might rain.  A little sprinkle would be nice.

It looks like this week’s ‘Zany Day’ song has left your minds (555).  It’s by the original ‘Power Trio’ of R&R.

“I support the left, though I’m leaning, leaning to the right.  I support the left, though I’m leaning, leaning to the right.  But I’m not there when it’s coming to a fight.  Hey now baby, get into my big black car……”  Hint:  One of these things is trying to get you to vote for them.  What are they called?  Play nice, even in your own mind.

We went to the talat this morning.  Our goal was to find new material for a bedspread.  I was also searching for a new bag to carry ‘stuff’ when we’re out and about.  We knew exactly where to go for the material and we found some beautiful fabric.  The bag was not as easy to find.  I looked at almost all the bags on the little alley where they’re sold, but I didn’t see the one I’m looking for.  Oh well, tomorrow’s another day.  

At the Healthy Market we saw most of our merchant friends as we picked up assorted veggies and fruits.  This morning one of the women gave Lisa a little extra of one thing, so the weight would be right for the price.  Things are priced by the kilogram and sometimes what you put in your basket might be less than a kilo.  It’s fun to shop like this.

As we were buying our fruit, I noticed a pick-up truck from Boon Rawd Farms pull up and park.  The truck is distinctive because there is a zebra painted on the side.  The farm also has a mini-zoo with zebras, giraffes, and sheep.  A young man and woman proceeded to unload bags of vegetables and take them inside to some of the vendors.  I had no idea they were one of the suppliers of local goods.  The parent company is a major brewer (Singha Beer), but they have expanded their vision.  Today’s photo is part of Boon Rawd Farm.

We had another productive Thai lesson this afternoon.  There’s almost too much information to try and stuff into our brains at each sitting.  We’re going to stick with it and hopefully keep it relevant and useable.  

Have a Thrilling Thursday.

                 Peace, 

                           Danny

“All fixed set patterns are 

incapable of adaptability or 

pliability.  The truth is outside

of all fixed patterns.”

~Bruce Lee

Artist

Hi,

We had a rather dark, cloudy day today.  The ground felt like it rained last night.  It was good to have the cool air.

The ‘Easy Monday’ song was “Ain’t No Sunshine” by Bill Withers.  It’s ‘Zany Day’ time again.  Who remembers?

“Hey now baby, get into my big black car.  Hey now baby, get into my big black car.  I just want to show you, what my politics are.  I’m a political man, and I practice what I preach.  I’m a political man, and I practice what I preach.  So don’t deny me baby, not while you’re in my reach.”  Clue:  I realize I use this tune a lot, but right now it’s the last zany opportunity before the U.S. elections and it seems timely.  The title is one word.

I guess you could call this a light day as far as activity goes.  The highlight of the day was coffee at The Wanderer, where it’s so laid back in the mornings that it’s like a little vacation.  While we were waiting for our coffee, a cool groove came from the speakers.  I got up and went to the iPad that’s connected to the sound board.  The CD that was playing was “The Jazz King” and was made up of compositions by The King, performed by Larry Carlton and an all-star cast of players.  I found it on Amazon, but still looking for a local source.  You just never know what you’re going to learn on any given day.  We got another surprise as we were leaving.  Khun Kwan and Khun Kern, who run the place with their mom, were in a meeting outside.  We went over to give them some treats for Mercy and the couple they were with were planning a wedding.  It turns out we know them.  He is a ceramics artist and a member of Art Bridge.  We got invited to the wedding on November 12.  Small world.

When we returned from our coffee date there was a lot happening in the front.  Gong was cutting grass around the edges of the yard using the weed-wacker, and Natcha was pushing the lawnmower.  On the front porch, Neetchanon was being entertained by Gong's sister Gope.  In the back yard Khun Na was cleaning the pool.  Our little village is thriving.

Lately, I’ve been watching a lot of what the Australians call ‘American Grid Iron’, or football.  Most of the time I don’t have a particular team I’m rooting for.  Sometimes I choose like my mom did, if they have cool uniforms or they’re underdogs they’ll get my cheers.  If you’ve ever watched rugby, football can seem a little tame, but it’s all just a game and they all get beat up at some point.  Maybe that’s why tennis and the other net games seem so civilized (555).

There are some very old trees in Chiang Rai.  We’ve been told that it’s not unusual to see trees that are over 100 years old.  Today’s photo is a very old, very large tree at The Wanderer.  Lisa is standing by it to show the perspective.

Could be a Wacky Wednesday.

              Peace,

                        Danny

“Every child is an artist.

The problem is how to remain

an artist once we grow up.”

~Pablo Picasso

Rebellion

Hi,

The day was bright, sunny, and a little bit cooler.  This is the way I like it.  It’s time to get serious about the solar panels if we’re going to swim this cold season.

‘Easy Monday’ appears to be easy.  I got lots of correct responses to this one.  Here’s a little more:

“Wonder this time where she’s gone.  Wonder if she’s gone to stay.  __ __ __ when she’s gone and this house just ain’t no home anytime she goes away.  And I know, I know, I know, I know….Hey, I oughtta leave the young thing alone, but __ __ __ when she’s gone.”  Hint:  Really, you know this.

This morning we had what could be called a brunch with our friends Sandy and Ady.  They recently returned from a month in Israel and we all had lots of catching up to do.  After a giant greeting from Daku, we all settled around the dining room table and talked and learned more about each other.  Our conversations covered a lot of territory and it was very stimulating.  We discussed everything from pre-school options in Chiang Rai to multiple passports and world travel.  

Yesterday, while at Work@Home, the topic of dogs came up.  The Wanderer has a Husky named Mercy, who likes to take off on her own adventures.  One night she was spotted many miles from home and retrieved, thanks to Facebook.  Thowan has a friend who told him that in Chiang Mai, there are many ‘missing dog’ flyers all over town and they’re mostly for Huskies.  It seem that they like their freedom.  

Our friend Claire, in the U.S., looked up the giant moth and discovered it is The Atlas Moth.  It’s found in tropical and subtropical forests of Southeast Asia and the Malay archipelago.  Now you know.

Today’s photo is the table at our house this morning.  Yum.

If you held out any Trick or Treat candy, it’s time to get rid of it.  This has been a public service announcement.

Have a Happy Tuesday.  

             Peace,

                       Danny

“The thing worse than rebellion

is the thing that causes rebellion.”

~Frederick Douglass

Kindness

Hi,

The weekend was so dry we got the car washed.  Still have to look out for puddles, but it’s very clean.  No rain is expected until next week. 

The ‘Old School Friday’ song was “Stop, In the Name of Love” by The Supremes.  Hopefully, the ‘Easy Monday’ song will be just as easy.  “__ __ __ when she’s gone.  It’s not warm when she’s away.  __ __ __ when she’s gone and she’s always gone too long, anytime she goes away.”  Hint:  The title is an English teacher’s nightmare.  If you’re having trouble remembering, lean on me for more clues (555).  

We had what you might call a ‘Wanderer Weekend’.  Saturday we had lunch there with a couple who are visiting Chiang Rai from the States.  It’s always fun to tell people all the reasons we love living here and to show off our favorite place to hang out.  While we were there we saw two of the largest moths ever.  Apparently the had just flown in and were just resting up in the trees.  There was also a monkey sighting at The Wanderer.  Monkeys are abundant in the south of Thailand, but one hardly hears of them up north.  They gave it some bananas and it took a bite and then threw the rest back at them.  Hmm.  Today’s photo is one of the giant moths.

Sunday, after my morning meeting, Lisa, Cat and I went to The Wanderer for lunch.  Then we went to Art Bridge to get a canvas for the next project.  All of the artists have been invited to paint something related to The King.  This will be a very interesting exhibit.  It opens while we will be in America, but we’ll get to see it when we return.

While we were getting the van washed this morning, we had a fun visit with Katai and Thowan at Work@Home.   We hadn’t seen Thowan since the Singapore experience, so he wanted to know about the F1 Grand Prix.  Their big question was whether I had seen K.C. & the Sunshine Band perform.  It turns out they are big fans of some 70s music from the States.  He also told us that there is a Mustang on the showroom at one of the exclusive car dealers.  We’ve never seen a Mustang in Chiang Rai, and we spotted it later in the day - bright red.  

Another Thai lesson happened today.  We’re learning some interesting things about the cultural aspects of the language.  Hard to explain, but as an example, there is a word that relates to the heart and emotional state when used with other words.  Our new book also has 5 pages of Thai words taken from English, like ‘futbon’ is football, and ‘gee-taa’ is guitar.  Fascinating, seeing the roots of English words placed into the pronunciation patterns of Thai.  We’ve been told that the CIA ranks it as one of the hardest languages to learn.  

Neetchanon continues to expand her vocabulary and carries on conversations as if we understand.  It was great hearing her little voice from downstairs while she played with her cousin, Gop.  It won’t be long before real words will have us answering questions like ‘what’s that?’.

Have a Great Week.

                      Peace,

                                Danny

“Kindness is the language

which the deaf can hear and 

the blind can see.”

~Mark Twain

Friday Funnies

Hi,

The weather report is in repeat mode.  Fortunate for us, we had a cool morning, which meant the downstairs was just right for our ‘Powerless’ morning.  The power company cut us off at 8:30am, half an hour early, but turned it back on at 2pm instead of 4:30pm.  It was a good day.

The ‘Zany Day’ song was “Duke of Earl” by Gene Chandler.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QQnfooEED8Y

I would like to apologize to all of you who had to hear this song in your head for a day or more (555).  Now we need a new tune from the ‘Old School Friday’ library.  “__ __ __ __ __ __ before you break my heart.  Baby baby, I’m aware of where you go each time you leave my door.  I watch you walk down the street, knowing your other love you’ll meet….. Think it over.”  Hint:  Three gowns, three wigs, and three talented singers brought us a ton of hits in the 60s.    

Our lunch at the Rimkok Buffet was passable, but not the tastiest meal.  They did have some lemon cake that I enjoyed.  Lisa had more choices since she can eat spicy food.  Many of the dishes were what is called ‘Northern Style’, which includes ranges of ‘heat’.  It was a nice diversion, but we’ll probably not return for quite a while.

We managed to take a nap in the growing afternoon heat.  The smell of someone burning trash woke me up.  As I was trying to decide whether to close the window or move us to another room, I realized I was hearing the sound of a motor.  It was the pool filter pump and that meant that power had been restored.  We moved the show back upstairs, turned on the air and relaxed.  Daku was also happy about the cool air.  

Today’s photos are from the memorial service for Blue.  In the first, the monks are chanting.  In the second, the monk is blessing the gathering by throwing water.  

It looks like we’ll have a fairly busy weekend.  We have a lunch date at The Wanderer, Cat is staying over, and Sunday our deck is getting a special cleaning.  We have go to the the mall and schedule another visit from our internet provider.  When the power came back on today, our internet did not.  Not cool, but they will make it right.

Have a Wonderful WeekEnd.       The ‘Funnies’ are coming.    Formula One is in Mexico this weekend.  Zoom.

                   Peace,

                             Danny

Greatness

Hi,

We had another beautiful day in Chiang Rai.  It started out cloudy like it might rain, and ended up with bright sun.

This week’s ‘Zany Day’ song was recognized right away by all of the subjects of this ‘ruler’ (555).  Here’s more:

“And when I hold you, you’ll be my duchess __ __ __.  We’ll walk through my dukedom and a paradise we will share.  Yes-a, I, oh I’m gonna love you, oh oh.  Nothing can stop me now, ‘cause I’m the __ __ __….”  Hint:  I gave you a big hint in the lyrics.  If you catch it, you’ll know.

Our morning adventure was a trip to Art Bridge to see the mural depicting the life of The King.  We arrived a few minutes after the gallery opened and families had already begun gathering in the parking lot to take photos.  The entrance to the lot was blocked in order to provide a clear view of the giant mural that spans the width of the building.  It was organized and completed quickly and is very moving to see.  Several of the groups viewing the mural consisted of three generations of family members.  It is difficult to describe the love and adoration that is expressed toward The King.  

Today’s photos are of the mural.  I took three shots, moving from left to right.  There are numerous photos on the Art Bridge Chiang Rai Facebook page, showing the production of the mural.  This link will take you to the Art Bridge page showing the whole process.  https://www.facebook.com/ArtBridgeChiangRai/?fref=ts  Scroll down until you see the mural entry with 335 photos.  You don’t have to look at all of them (555).

Periodically, during the day National Thai TV broadcasts proceedings from the Grand Palace.  Sometimes it is the monks chanting, and other times there are ceremonies taking place.  They are now giving narration in English so we can understand what we’re seeing.  It has been very enlightening, giving us a glimpse into the very complex processes of paying tribute to The King.

Since we will be without power for most of tomorrow, we've had to figure out what to do with ourselves.  If we have another cool morning, we can hang out downstairs in ‘Cat’s Room’ until lunch time.  Then we’ll go to what used to be called The Rimkok Resort, down the road from us.  It has new owners and we’ve been told that the lunch buffet is quite good.  We have a Thai lesson at The Wanderer that should end at the time the power returns.  The adventure continues.

Have a Thrilling Thursday.

                Peace,

                          Danny

“The greatness of a man is not in 

how much wealth he acquires, but in 

his integrity and his ability to affect

those around him positively.”

~Bob Marley