Do

Hi,

It took Gong most of the day to rake up all the leaves left by our surprise storm.  At least he had a beautiful day to do it in.  

So the ‘Easy Monday’ song was “Daddy’s Home” by Shep & The Limelights, previously known as The Heartbeats.  That leaves us with nowhere to go but to the ‘Zany Day’ song.  “__ __ __ __ and don’t you come back no more, no more, no more, no more.  __ __ __ __ and don’t you come back no more (What you say?)  Oh woman, oh woman, don’t treat me so mean, you’re the meanest old woman that I’ve ever seen.  I guess if you say so, I’d have to pack my things and go.  (That’s right)  __ __ __ __ and don’t you come back no more…..”  Hint:  Someone’s being asked to leave in no uncertain terms.  Is that why he left Georgia?

Today was ‘Father’s Day’ here in Thailand.  December 5 is the birthday of the Late King Bhumibol Adulyadej, Rama IX.  It was a National Holiday and government offices and banks were closed.  The holiday is not only in honor of The King, but all fathers.  Families usually do something special for the ‘father’ in the house.  It’s a big day for restaurants.  

We had a quiet morning here at home.  I stopped taking all the medicine the doctor gave me, trying to let my body return to normal, whatever that is.  The anti this and that started having negative effects.  After reading the information available, we discovered that elevated blood-pressure was one of the symptoms of a tablet I was taking with breakfast.  No more of that or any of them.  As a result, I hurt today, but found that an ice pack helps.  Eventually, this has to come to an end.  Right?

After lunch we went into town and picked up Lisa’s artwork from the framer.  They did a good job and we’re happy with the outcome.  Next week we’ll deliver it to ArtBridge.

There was a commotion coming from the kitchen and it involved a little girl, so Lisa went to investigate.  Nitchanan and Natcha were having a stand-off and it wasn’t pretty.  The little one came to our room and she and Lisa looked at a book she hadn’t seen yet.  She got pretty involved and her mood changed completely.  Sometimes a little distraction is all it takes.  Oh yeah, and there was the part about visiting me.  

Today’s photo is an ‘Oldie but goodie’ from April of this year.  Nitchanan was helping her dad in the yard.

It feels like a Wacky Wednesday.

                        Peace,

                                  Danny

“You must do the things

you think you cannot do.”

~Eleanor Roosevelt

Conflict

Hi,

Late last night the weather pattern was broken.  We had a big rainstorm that was a surprise and left the yards soaked and full of leaves.  

The ‘Easy Monday’ song has a lot of friends.  For some it brought back memories.  See if this verse rings a bell.

“How I’ve waited for this moment, to be by your side.  Your best friend wrote and told me you had teardrops in  your eyes.  __ __, your __ __ to stay….. I’m not a thousand miles away.”  Hint:  It’s still easy, especially if you knew the Friday song.

We had kind of a busy day, considering how many days we’ve been house bound.  We went to The Wanderer for coffee and then downtown to a frame shop we’ve used in the past.  Lisa is submitting a collage/painting to an exhibit and all entries are to be framed.  We landed a parking spot right by the front door, so she could get inside on her crutches.  The woman who runs the shop was very helpful and it will be ready tomorrow.

While we were at The Wanderer we made our weekly call to Joe, Lisa’s dad.  He’s in a skilled nursing home following his partial hip replacement surgery.  He will be going home next Monday.  The last time we spoke he commented that he would definitely recover from this.  That’s what I call a 94 year old with spirit.  Today’s photo was taken in his studio earlier this year.

My back is still not well so we’re throwing every healing possibility at it.  Today I went to Overbrook for acupuncture treatment.  It’s not a quick fix, but I have had good results in the past.  After getting lots of needles placed, they connected me to the electrical stimulation and cooked me for 30 minutes (555).  I listened to some peaceful music and it was over before I knew it.  I go back next week for another treatment.  

The building site next door has a couple who are living on the site.  This is a normal occurrence, as a matter of security.  The only problem is, they cook over an open fire, which means we get the smell of smoke in the morning and again in the evening.  Our bedroom is isolated, but as soon as we step into the hall, there is that smell.  I’m thinking of putting an air filter machine in the hall.  Hmm.  

Natcha and Gong went to Big C this morning and experienced the curse of the store shuffle.  You know, when they change the location of everything so you have to go up and down all the aisles to find what you want, and see everything you don’t want.  They also got surprised by Thai Environment Day, a day without plastic bags.  It’s a good thing.

Have a Happy Tuesday.

                        Peace,

                                  Danny

“Conflict cannot survive

without your participation.”

~Wayne Dyer

Learn

Hi,

Our cool weather has warmed up and we’re back in to ‘normal’.  We’re enjoying the blue skies and moderate temps.

The ‘Old School Friday’ song was “A Thousand Miles Away” by The Heartbeats.  For ‘Easy Monday’ we’re going to hum the sequel/answer song.  “You’re my love, you’re my angel, you’re the girl of my dreams.  I’d like to thank you for waiting patiently.  __ __, your __ __ to stay.”  Hint:  It’s sung by the same personnel with a different group name. 

There was a big concert at Central Plaza Mall on Saturday night.  We didn’t know about it until that afternoon when Cat came over.  That’s when she told us she was going.  Even if I had known, I probably would not have gone, even though I like the artists on the bill.  The headliner was Palmy, a singer/writer I have liked for years.  The opening act was Potato, a group we first heard on our reconnaissance mission before we moved here.  The days of standing through a concert are over for me.  I still remember the shock of going to see music in a club and discovering there were no seats.  What?  The times they are a-changing.   

We had a quiet weekend at The Big Brown House.  Our neighborhood was not quiet though.  It didn’t bother us much, but there was the definite sound of building next door.  By the size of the rooms, defined by concrete blocks on the ground, it really is going to be a coffee shop.  Across the road the grown men with big machines were still playing in the dirt.  This remains a bit of a mystery.  We’ve been told that it’s going to be some kind of hotel or resort.  They brought dirt in, sculpted it, then took some away.  Today they brought it back.  I’m getting very curious (555).

The household has adjusted to it’s new rhythm.  The morning kitchen thing is different, but it works.  Natcha cooks breakfast while Lisa fixes the dog’s food.  I take Daku out twice, and make the coffee.  Chopper gets to stay in the kitchen until Daku returns and then he goes out and roams the yard.  After Natcha returns from taking Nitchanan to school, she takes Daku out for exercise and play.  It all just works.  Feeling grateful to have a flexible situation.  

The view from the guest room is the backyard gardens and the pool.  It’s a different view from our upstairs bedroom so it’s been a treat.  At night, if there’s no burning, we open the sliding door and the smell of the night-blooming flowers comes in.  

This afternoon we discovered that there was no water coming onto the property.  We had water in the storage tanks, but that was it.  Gong went down the road and found out that a construction crew had broken a pipe.  That meant getting dinner from an outside source.  We had two meals from The Wanderer yesterday so we needed something different.  The Hungry Wolf came through and provided a nice, simple meal that we could order over the phone.  It was like a picnic, featuring glazed chicken wings, two kinds of potatoes, and a mixed salad.  We’ll have to remember this.  

In the mornings, when Chopper comes into the kitchen, he usually has something very important to tell me.  He does that Husky talking thing and I answer him.  We are such a pair.

Have a Great Week.

                      Peace,

                                Danny

“When one teaches, two learn.”

~Robert Half

Friday Funnies

Hi,

Our weather is in a repeating pattern these days.  Cold mornings changing to moderately warm days and then cool evenings.  It’s really a nice pattern.  The only thing getting in the way is smoke.  

The ‘Zany Day’ song was “Jumpin’ Jack Flash” by The Rolling Stones.  Here’s an ‘Old School Friday’ some of you might remember:  “You’re __ __ __ __ but I still have your love to remember you by.  Oh, my darling dry your eyes, Daddy’s coming home soon.  On my knees every day-ay all I do is pray, baby, just for you.  Hope you a-a-always want me too.  Daddy’s coming home soon.”  Hint:  This one’s from 1957, but it’s still on a lot of play lists.  Your mileage may differ, but there are a lot of them in the title.  Group name is the thing everyone has in their chest, if you listen.

Except for a short trip to the 'Cafe In The Woods’ (The Wanderer), we spent another day at the house healing.  

I’m getting better but it seems like the whole ordeal will have lingering aches and pains.  The major scary pain is gone.  Things are more localized and that’s a good thing, I think.  Lisa is having dreams of walking so that tells me she’s getting better.  

There has been a lot of helicopter activity in the area recently.  They are the big Hueys that were left over from the Viet Nam conflict.  They take off from the army base near us and seem to like flying low.  We can only guess what’s going on.  

Chiang Rai has been ‘Action Central’ for the past few weeks.  We’ve had Thai kick boxing at the mall, an extended Loy Krathong, The Thailand Games, and now The Farm Festival.  Who says we/they don’t know how to party.  Friends have been posting photos of the events so we get to see things without being there.  

Gong and Natcha have been wonderful during our days of recuperating.  Natcha takes Daku out for his morning exercise and he always comes back happy.  They have a bond that’s pretty cool.  She can call him from the kitchen and he’ll jump up and dash to see her.  Some days, if it’s not too hot, Gong will take him out for playtime.  Whatever we need, they’re willing to help and that makes us feel secure.

With all the building going on around us, it’s nice to be able to look out from the upstairs window and see the little farm still happening.

When Nitchanan comes to visit, one of the things she like to do is see pictures of Daku and BamBam on Lisa's computer.   

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

                        Peace,

                                  Danny

Energy

Hi,

It was definitely a cooler day today.  Anytime we can go through the day without using the air/con means it’s cooler.  This evening we had to turn on the air/con due to smokey air.  

This week’s ‘Zany Day’ song has lots of friends out there.  “I was raised by a toothless, bearded hag.  I was schooled with a strap across my back.  But it’s all right now, in fact it’s a gas.  But it’s all right, I’m __ __ __, it’s a gas, gas, gas.”  Clue:  It’s by one of the oldest performing bands in R&R.  They just seem to keep rolling along.

For the last couple of days Natcha’s nephew Gop has been staying with them.  He’s about 8 or 9 years old and a very sweet boy.  He and Nitchanan get along great.  They play and have long conversations about whatever they know about.  This afternoon Gop played with Chopper and later I saw Gong playing football (soccer) with him.  

We had a quiet morning and that was good.  This afternoon I took a deep breath and went to the Thai version of the DMV.  When I walked in I was surprised to see a completely different configuration.  The counter I had my sights set on was gone.  What shall I do?  I went to the information window and, in broken English, was told to take a number and that it would be a wait.  After almost an hour of watching the ‘queue numbers’ stay the same, I asked what I should do.  That’s when she told me the internet had failed.  I guess the van registration renewal will have to wait.  

I think I drove more today than I have in about a week.  It was nice to be out in the world.  I made a few short stops and went back to the house, careful to take the ‘village short cut’ to our house.  Knowing a few tiny streets can make a difference in one’s composure during rush hour (555).

We are always amazed by the way certain things get over 8,000 miles from their origins and become a part of the local setting.  Today’s photo is a case in point.  Not quite half way between Chiang Rai and Chiang Mai there is a big gas station with lots of shops and restaurants.  The photo is the window of a clothing shop.  Amazing Thailand.

Meanwhile, progress is being made on the coffee shop next door.  A cement truck came today and poured the first stage of the ‘footings’ and foundation.  It may be time for me to go and inspect the happenings.  Color me curious.  

Have a Thrilling Thursday.

                   Peace,

                             Danny

“Energy and persistence

conquer all things.”

~Benjamin Franklin

Cross

Hi,

This morning it felt like winter.  The air was cold and crisp.  It never did warm up to the usual 85F.  They say it was 79F.  Tomorrow will be back to the mid 80s.  Wonderful weather for all the visitors from the colder climates.

The ‘Easy Monday’ song was “Imagine” by John Lennon.  Now it’s time to get down with a ‘Zany Day’ song.  “I was born in a crossfire hurricane.  And I howled at my ma in the driving rain.  But it’s all right now, in fact it’s a gas.  But it’s all right, I’m __ __ __, it’s a gas, gas, gas."

We spent today hanging out at the house.  There was brief contemplation on where to go for coffee, but it felt good to be still.  I think my back is out of ‘crisis mode’ since I was able to get out of bed without the usual agony.  The problem is still there and it still reminds me, but I think the worst may be over.  

If I were superstitious I’d tell you that it’s going to rain because Gong washed the van.  I’m not going to say that, but now you know we have a clean van (555).  

This afternoon I went into town for a meeting.  Chiang Rai is really bustling with buses and vans and people from other places.  We’re really happy when this time of year comes because it means a boost for many local shop owners.  

Today’s photo was taken from the van while sitting in traffic.  I did a double take when I saw the tree since it’s still November.  Someone must have spent time in the States.

This was the last day of The Games.  Cat and some of her classmates were ask to participate in the closing ceremonies at the sports complex.  I hope it doesn’t get too cold.  I have no idea which provinces won which events, but I’m sure there will be a translation in the future.  It did a lot to bring elements of Chiang Rai closer together.

It feels like a Wacky Wednesday.

                          Peace,

                                    Danny

“You can’t cross the sea

merely by standing and

staring at the water.”

~Rabindranath Tagore

Time

Hi,

This morning it was actually chilly.  It remained cooler than usual during the day.  It's getting to be time to cover the arms and legs.  The forecast for tonight is 54F.  That’s cold in these parts.

The ‘Easy Monday’ song got lots of responses.  The one word title is asking us to think about things differently.

“You may say I’m a dreamer, but I’m not the only one.  I hope some day you will join us, and the world will be as one.”  Hint:  The writer/singer was once a member of that pesky foursome from across the pond.  

This appears to be the month for family calamities.  Lisa’s ankle, my back, and most recently her dad Joe, who fell in his front yard and had to have partial hip replacement.  He’s doing ok and will be well taken care of during his post-surgery time.  He’s 94, works out 3 times a week and has a very bright outlook.  We keep him in our thoughts and hope that he’ll be in his studio before long.

We went to The Wanderer this morning for our usual coffee/roti outing.  Gong put the wheelchair in the van and the young men at The Wanderer took it out.  We had a nice visit with Kwan and she explained an article we’d seen on Facebook about her late dad.  The company that owns Doi Chaang Coffee in Canada, had named a new product line ‘The Wanderer’.  That’s pretty cool when you think about it.  

Today’s photo shows a unique way to utilize a dead palm tree.  The top was removed and a fern placed inside.

It’s a bit eerie not hearing the activity from across the river.  Not that I’m complaining. I’m lovin’ the quiet.  Even the little restaurants on our side of the river are quiet.  There was a time when Karaoke would serenade us into the night, but that hasn’t happened in quite some time.  That’s the nature of Chiang Rai - it is ever changing.  

The horrible back pain that I’ve been having in the mornings was less today.  It still hurt, but not quite as much.  Yesterday was the two week mark and now it seems that I may be coming out of the woods.  This is the time when I have to treat it gently and not get too enthusiastic.  My goal is to be stable by the time we leave for the Winter Visit to the states.  There are still a few treatment options to be explored and time is still on my side.  

Have a Happy Tuesday.

                        Peace,

                                  Danny

“Time moves in one direction,

memory in another.”

~William Gibson