Friday Funnies

Hi,

There was rain overnight and more this morning.  It would appear that the forecasters were right, and that means more rain tomorrow.  The lack of evening rain is good for the outdoor food selling adventure of Natcha and Gong.

This week’s ‘Zany Day’ song was “Signs” by The Five Man Electrical Band.  Congrats to those who knew.  Now we go back to the ‘Old School Friday’ era and something you might remember:  “Old man rhythm is in my shoes.  No use t’sittin’ and a-singin’ the blues.  So be my guest, you got nothin’ to lose.  Won’t ya let me take you on a __ __?  

Oo wee,  oo wee baby, oo-wee,  oo-wee baby, ooo-wee, oo-wee baby, won’t ya let me take you on a __ __?”  Clue:  The title would imply that there is a boat involved, but it’s never mentioned.  Just roll with it.  By the same guy who had a terrible case of pneumonia. 

This morning, on our way to Makro, we had coffee and roti at The Wanderer.  Mercy came over to our table and had a lot to say.  Husky ‘talk’ can be very entertaining.  The morning rain subsided just as we got there.  It didn’t really matter since the rain in the trees just keeps falling after the real rain.  Sometimes it sounds like it’s raining in our front yard, but it’s really the rain falling from leaf to leaf in the teak trees across the street.

Everybody has to eat.  In a small town you will eventually run into your friends at the grocery store.  Today we saw an old friend from the early days.  Andrew manages one of the older language schools here in Chiang Rai.  They teach a lot of Thai kids English.  He’s from the States and it was nice to see him again.

This afternoon the sky was kind enough to provide us with a touch of blue sky, and a window in the weather so we could swim.  It wasn’t the warmest water in recent memory, but it wasn’t cold either.  There is swimming water and there is lounging water.  This was the swimming kind (555).

We went to 9 Art Gallery after dinner, for the opening of an exhibit of oil paintings.  There was a big turnout and the whole gang was there.  What starving artist is going to turn down free food and drink?  We got to connect with a few people we haven’t seen and had some interesting conversations.  While I was talking with our friend Bob, a Canadian artist who has been here a long time, two little boys came up to us and just stood and stared.  We smiled and said ‘Hi’ and they got a little nervous and ran off.  One returned and tried to figure out who we were and why we were there.  It was a special moment.

Today’s photo was taken at 9 Art this evening.  This plate of crickets was part of the buffet.  No, haven’t tried them yet.

If you’re looking for something to do over the weekend, there’s an art opening at Art Bridge Chiang Rai Saturday evening.  If you’re in Northern California there is the opening of “Machine,” works of Joseph Zirker in San Anselmo on Friday evening, and wherever you are in the world, the Formula One Grand Prix of Japan is this Sunday.  

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

                 Peace,

                           Danny

More

Hi,

Last night’s rain turned into a real ‘water bringer’.  Gong and Natcha got drenched last night while selling food.  Today was much better.  There were light sprinkles, but it looks like a fairly calm evening.  

The ‘Zany Day’ song has at least one friend out there.  Here’s a little more of the song.  “Now, hey you, mister, can’t you read?  You got to have a shirt and tie to get a seat.  You can’t even watch, no, you can’t eat.  You ain’t supposed to be here.  The __ said, ‘You’ve got to have a membership card to get inside.  Uh!  __, __ everywhere a __.  Blockin’ out the scenery, breakin’ my mind.  Do this, don’t do that, can’t you read the __?”  Clue:  The one word title is a thing you see everyday, no matter where you go. 

When we rebuilt the swimming pool, we bought our tile at Home Sukkapan, one of the large building supply stores.  We didn’t need everything we bought and they took tile back and gave us a credit.  We have slowly been redeeming that credit.  Today we returned in search of paint for the outside of the pool.  It took most of the morning, but we got a color that compliments the deck tile and should hold up to the weather.  Picking the paint was the easy part.  Dealing with the paperwork took forever.  This seems to be typical at the big stores.  There are checks of the double checks, carbon copies of things with three stamps, etc.  Then you have to sign various copies before leaving the store.  When will it end?

While shopping this week at Big C and Makro we noticed that both stores were playing compositions of the late King Bhumibol.  This is a nice change from some of the random things that come out of the speakers on ‘Big C Radio’ and whatever it is that Makro calls their entertainment channel.  There are a few other places that I wish would do the same thing.  

We are waiting to hear what kind of events will be held here in Chiang Rai in honor of the late King.  We’re guessing there will be a parade, and some kind of ceremony at either Mengrai Square or one of the universities.  

Today was a holiday for city workers and many others.  It’s the day that begins Buddhist Lent.  For the next 3 months the monks must spend their nights at their temples.  Many monks stay in their home villages or with their families.  This return to the temples began long ago when monks did not want to walk on newly planted seeds.  At least that’s the story.  

Today’s photo was taken at a ‘7’ (7-11).  It clears up the question of which food group pork belongs in (555).  

Have a Thrilling Thursday.

                    Peace,

                              Danny

“Correction does much,

but encouragement does more.”

~Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

Simplicity

Hi,

The weather gurus have predicted thunder storms for the rest of the week.  Some focused, some ‘scattered’, but it’s been eerily quiet.  Maybe tomorrow.  As of now, 7pm, there is rain quietly watering the yard. 

The ‘Easy Monday’ song was “We Are The Champions” by Queen, of course.  It’s time for that ‘Zany Day’ stuff again.

“And the sign said, ‘Long-haired freaky people need not apply’.  So I tucked my hair up under my hat and I went in to ask him why.  He said, ‘You look like a fine upstandin’ young man, I think you’ll do’.  So I took off my hat and said, ‘Imagine that, huh, me workin’ for you.’  __, __ everywhere a __ blockin’ out the scenery, breakin’ my mind.  Do this, don’t do that.  Can’t you read the __?  Hint:  I should think the title would be obvious (smile).  

We had a mellow, Chiang Rai morning.  After the routine at the house, we had coffee at Work@Home.  Today was the day to restock the lightbulb stash so we went to Sahapaiboon on Bus Station St.  One of the coolest things about this store and HomePro is that they test each lightbulb you buy.  We have a lot of light fixtures in our house and it can be frustrating for one to go out without a replacement handy.  Gong is taking over the light changing duties that Nung used to do, which is great.  

At the fruit ‘row’ we stocked up on mangos (which are back) and pineapple.  There is a woman that we always buy our pineapple from, but she’s been away for a few months.  She was very ill, but is back and it was good to see her.  There is something very special about having these little pockets of community that we see almost every day.  I guess that's why we like to rotate our coffee spots.  

This afternoon we thought we had to report to immigration for our 90 day check-in.  It wasn’t until we were sitting there, waiting for our number to be called, that Lisa looked in her passport and saw that they had given us a new date.  We don’t have to report until November 9, which meant that it was time to go home (555).  Sometimes these things happen.  It’s much better than realizing you’re months late.  

I have not had my camera 'at the ready' lately, so here’s a photo I never posted from months ago.  It’s the control panel for the toilet in the EVA lounge in Taiwan.  I have yet to try it, but I’m told it’s quite refreshing.  You get the idea.

It’s 9pm and there’s a storm outside.  The forecast was right on the money.  Thunder, rain, wind, flickering lights, and now, a leak in the roof.  Oh boy!

It’s another Wacky Wednesday.

               Peace,

                         Danny

“Simplicity is the ultimate

sophistication.”

~Leonardo da Vinci

Shake

Hi,

We had the weirdest weather pattern today.  It would sprinkle for a few minutes and then stop, then start, then stop.  Never got a real rain.  The evening sky is almost clear.  

The ‘Easy Monday’ song is used as an anthem all over the world by sports teams, especially ‘football’ (soccer).  Here is the chorus that always gets the crowds going:  “__ __ __ __, my friends.  And we’ll keep on fighting till the end.  __ __ __ __, __ __ __ __, no time for losers ‘cause __ __ __ __ of the World.”  Hint:  It usually only works then you win the game (555).  

This morning we went to Shong Cafe and met with Cat.  We learned more about the funeral and how things work in a small village.  The actual mourning period is shorter than usual because her uncle, whose mother has passed, is a monk and Thursday is a big ‘Buddha Day’ as they call it, so the service has to be on Wednesday.  Families in the village will help with the planning and preparation.  Cat and her sister will have to do most of the clean up, and the clearing of her grandmother’s house.  She also mentioned that the village is getting smaller as people leave to go to other cities and provinces for work.  A lot of the work in the area was agricultural, with Monsanto being a big employer.  After many workers got sick, it became less of a focus, hence the exodus.  

Cat also told us a little more about what will possibly happen when she finishes university in 2 1/2 years.  After her fourth year, she will spend a year training in the classroom.  This will take place somewhere outside of Chiang Rai.  After that year she will be tested and then get an assignment.  Sometimes new teachers get placed in remote areas and have to teach all the subjects to young students.  She told us that if a village doesn’t get a teacher, the kids don’t get an education.  There is also the possibility that she will have to learn another language in order to communicate.  Some of the remote villages are populated by Hill Tribes that speak their own language.  There are plenty of adventures ahead.

Today’s ‘photo’ is the invitation to the art exhibit of Joseph Zirker, Lisa’s Dad, in San Francisco this weekend.

The opening is on October 7 from 6-9pm at the Smith Anderson Gallery North.  http://www.josephzirker.com

Have a Happy Tuesday.

                  Peace,

                            Danny

“You cannot shake hands

with a clenched fist.”

~Indira Gandhi

Art

Hi,

The Chiang Rai weekend weather was mostly clear.  The temps were down a bit and rain stayed away.  

The ‘Old School Friday’ song was “Stand By Me” by Ben E. King.  I will probably hear from a bunch of you on this ‘Easy Monday’ tune:  “I’ve paid my dues, time after time.  I’ve done my sentence, but committed no crime.  And bad mistakes, I’ve made a few.  I’ve had my share of sand kicked in my face, but I’ve come through.  And we mean to go on and on and on and on.  __ __ __ __, my friends, and we’ll keep on fighting till the end…..”  Hint:  Really?

October will be the final month of mourning for the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej.  He will be cremated on the 26th of this month during a five day period.  Thais and others are encouraged to wear black (the rules on that had been relaxed).  From what we’ve been told, when people leave their homes they should have a solemn demeanor during this time.  The person who told us this said he could not do that.  Some decrees are not always seen as practical by the masses.  

This morning at Big C we noticed more people wearing black.  There were also more black garments on the racks in the clothing sections.  As for the mood, it seemed like always.  We got there early and had a easy time of finding things and moving on to our next stop.  As we were leaving Big C we saw our friend Nukoon, who was also leaving.  We had our usual fun banter and he took a selfie of the three of us.  Across the highway at Central Plaza Mall, we did our coffee thing and waited for the mall to open.  There were a lot of shoppers milling around before the place opened.  

 

At the sporting goods store I realized something:  interest/participation in various sports activities has grown in Chiang Rai.  When the mall first opened, the store had mostly football (soccer) gear.  Now there is a big swimwear department, cycling and climbing gear, and a section selling gym equipment.  Just another sign of a growing city. 

One of the bright spots of the day was when Gong was washing the van.  Neechanon and Natcha were out in the yard watching him and walking around.  Lisa and I were exercising Daku and at one point, Neechanon came out on the lawn.  That inspired Daku to run.  Whenever he approached her, he was very careful and would swerve to miss her.  Later, she decided to join Gong and help.  Today’s photo shows Neechanon giving Gong the bowl she picked up.

Tomorrow we’re meeting Cat at Shong Cafe.  She called this afternoon to tell us that her grandmother, who has been ill for a long time, passed.  The funeral will be in her village on Wednesday.  In the midst of all this, it’s mid-term week.  Driving back and forth, studying, taking tests and feeling feelings will make this a very intense week for her.

Have a Great Week.

                  Peace,

                            Danny

“Art enables us to find

ourselves and lose ourselves

at the same time.”

~Thomas Merton

Friday Funnies

Hi,

It was a stormy morning in Chiang Rai.  You could say it was that pesky ‘lake effect’ rain.  When it comes to hard and fast, there’s just nowhere for it to go.  It just looks at us for awhile and then slowly drains.  

This week’s ‘Zany Day’ song was our old friend “Lola” by The Kinks.  Here’s an ‘Old School Friday’ that I’m sure you know:  “When the night has come and the land is dark, and the moon is the only light we’ll see.  No, I won’t be afraid, oh, I won’t be afraid, just as long as you __, __ __ __.”  Clue:  From 1961, by a drifter of sorts.  All about support.

As a result of the big rain, we stayed behind the wall all day.  We had a visit from Neechanon this morning.  She didn’t go to her aunt’s today so we got to spend some quality time with her.  Once she warmed up, she started talking a-mile-a-minute.  Natcha said she doesn’t know what she’s talking about, but she is clearly expressing some thoughts.  Today a different learning toy was on top of the pile.  Natcha began handing her alphabet letters.  Neechanon said, ‘A, B’ and surprised us all.  She is building a vocabulary of words. 

Since it was raining and we didn’t want to go out, we did a workout based on some of the new things we’ve learned recently and routines from our ‘gym days’.  It felt good to go through the exercises and it left me with a feeling of accomplishment.  

There comes a time in every young man’s life when he must clean out his side of the closet (555).  Today was that day.  With three options for each garment, I began work.  The piles are ‘keep’, ‘store’, and ‘give away’.  One thing I realized today is how many things I had kept for sentimental reasons.  Hmm.  The container for the ‘store’ group is almost full.  I’ll need another to do this right.  Hmm, or maybe give away more.

Today’s photo was taken in our front yard.  These green ‘oranges’ will remain green.  That’s the way they are here.  We don’t know if they will actually mature or just stay like they are, hard as rock.  It may take another season to have viable fruit.  This kind of orange is super sweet and the English translation means ‘Mixed with honey’.

Have a Wonderful WeekEnd.   Stay tuned for the ‘Funnies’.  Oh, and Formula One this weekend will be in Malaysia for the last time.  It’s sure to be a special event.

                 Peace,

                           Danny

Power

Hi,

Last night we had a clear, star-studded sky.  Today is was partly cloudy at times, but mostly a beautiful blue sky.  

The ‘Zany Day’ song must have found you scratching your head.  I don’t know why.  We ‘sang’ this one not that long ago.  Two readers responded so far.  Here’s a little more:  “Girls will be boys, and boys will be girls.  It’s a mixed up, muddled up, shook up world, except for __, _ _ _ _ __.”   Hint:  Those little dashes are for the first syllable of the title/name.  

This morning our main adventure was right here at the house.  We went to The Wanderer very early to get a few pastries.  We were expecting our friend Pete and a business associate around 9:15.  All we knew was that he was affiliated with a paint company and wanted Lisa to try some paints.  Pete and Tom arrived and we had coffee and got to know each other.  We learned that he oversees a paint factory in China and supervises production and marketing.  We went up to Lisa’s studio and Pete gave her 4 tubes of acrylic paint to be sampled.  While Lisa was mixing and blending and experimenting with the paint, we learned more about the factory and their goals.  In the end, the paint was a hit and Tom and Pete were encouraged.  

Gong and Natcha are still going to their ‘spot’ every night, setting up their little kitchen and selling food.  They work very hard, loading all of the elements into their truck, unloading and setting up, and then packing it all in at the end of the evening.  Some nights are OK, and others are not so good.  We don’t really know what that means, but they have to stay consistent or people will think they have left.  I guess it starts with a presence and then you build a clientele.  Small businesses here have their own way of doing things and it usually doesn’t include a business plan.  Our friend Sutheera based her doctoral thesis on why small and medium enterprises fail.  It will be interesting to see how this plays out.

Today’s photo is the last from the Maiiam Museum.  This scooter riding guy sits in the restaurant.

We had a good skype visit today with our friend John, who lives in Bali.  He’s not too near the volcano, and is planning to stay.  A clothes and food drive is underway for the people who live on the mountain.  They had to evacuate and John and many of his friends are donating to the relief effort.  If the volcano actually erupts, nowhere on the island will be safe from the ash.  Here’s hoping it doesn’t ‘blow’.

 

Have a Thrilling Thursday.

                     Peace,

                               Danny

“When the power of love

overcomes the love of power

the world will know peace.”

~Jimi Hendrix