Anger

Hi,

Just because it looks like rain, doesn’t mean that it will rain.  It was like that all day.  It was a nice break from yesterday.  Tomorrow?  Who knows, we’ll be here either way.

"They took all the trees, and put them in a tree museum.  Then they charged the people a dollar and a half just to see’em.  Don’t it always seem to go that you don’t know what you got ’til it’s gone.  They paved paradise, put up a parking lot.”  Clue:  The actual title is in the last verse.  There is a color involved.

This morning we went to Bangkok Hospital so the doctor could treat Lisa’s ankle.  This will be a daily thing, probably for the rest of the week.  We were joking during our ‘stay at the BKK’ that we might just check in and relax.  Since we got such good service, we could get pampered for a few days.  When we pulled up to the doors this morning, a young man opened Lisa’s door and ask if she needed a wheelchair (she didn’t).  Sometimes it's the little things.

We went to The Wanderer for coffee and roti and had a nice visit with Kwan.  She showed us a plant she had in mind for Daku’s grave and it’s beautiful.  It will become a bushy tree with big fragrant white flowers.  We talked about her dogs and how they are doing on the veggie mix we gave them.  Mercy and Joey like it a lot and we all agreed that Jai Dee will come and be a regular visitor.  Mercy and Joey can show him how to play and get dirty in the woods (555).  At one point, Kwan mentioned how she wished she could have lived through the major technological transitions that we’ve seen.  That led to some telephone memories and then a brief history of the internet.  That’s when we realized it was almost lunch time.  We were having such a good time, but that was the point.

This afternoon I noticed what looked like a big plume of smoke just west of us.  I quickly closed the upstairs windows and as I watched, it moved.  Then, from inside the cloud I saw a figure and immediately knew that it was a fumigator.  We’re in mosquito season so the city sends these brave men into the streets with motorized blowers that spew insecticide into the air, the storm drains, standing water and under brush.  It was pretty eerie, especially when he got to our front gate and suddenly it was inside the cloud.  If it helps with the mosquito infestation I’m all for it.  This is being a bad year for Dengue fever, so we’re all being cautious.  

Last night there was an animal sound that went from interesting to annoying in about 2 minutes.  It sounded like someone sitting in the bushes by the pool, tapping on a wood block.  It was one of many frogs that like our little tropical corner whenever it gets rainy.  This one just stuck out from the rest.  It finally got tired and stopped.  It’s a jungle out there.

Today’s photo shows the pool and the lair of the frogs on the left, where it’s dark and mysterious.

Have a Happy Tuesday.

                     Peace,

                               Danny

“You will not be punished for your anger,

you will be punished by your anger.”

~Buddha

Afraid

Hi,

The weekend weather in a word: Rain.  Yes, we finally got a steady diet of rain.  Sometimes light, sometimes heavy, but always very wet (555).

The ‘Old School Friday’ song was “Rainy Day Ladies 12 x 35” by Bob Dylan.  Don’t ask me how the title relates, I don’t know.  It’s ‘Easy Monday’ time with a song that should bring back a ton of memories from 1970:

“They paved paradise, put up a parking lot, with a pink hotel, a boutique and a swinging hot spot.  Don’t it always seem to go that you don’t know what you’ve got ’til it’s gone?  They paved paradise, put up a parking lot.”  Hint: The title is in a line in a later verse.  You know this one. 

Saturday morning we went to Bangkok Hospital so the doctor could do a treatment on Lisa’s ankle.  The infection had returned and was becoming painful.  After he completed the ‘work’, it became very painful and he suggested that she stay at overnight so they could monitor the pain.  I went home and packed small bags for a short stay.  When I got back, Cat was there with Lisa.  She stayed for a while and went to her dorm before it got dark.  Sunday morning the ankle wasn’t much better, so we knew we’d be there at least one more night.  The nurses were very attentive and took very good care of their patient.  I hung out/slept on the couch and we were able to order meals for me from the menu.  I must say though, the kitchen needs a little help on the food side.  One bright spot was the meals from home.  Natcha made us dinner both Saturday and Sunday that were just what we needed.  Another cool thing was the Doi Chaang Coffee shop on the first floor.  All I had to do was appear at the counter and say ‘same’ and the young woman on duty knew just how to make our order.  The staff on our floor seemed to make sure that our regular nurses spoke English.  It made it so much smoother when Lisa needed to communicate something.  We had a few moments when there was a breakdown, but the nurse would get help right away.  After an MRI and a consult with her doctor, he was sure that she will be alright after a round of medication.  Still, there’s no place like home.  We returned to The Big Brown House this afternoon (Monday).  Natcha made Lisa’s favorite dinner and that was good for the soul.  Once again though, it was hard to come home.

Gong, Natcha and Nitchanan were supposed to go to Mae Sai today.  Gong has two wisdom teeth that needed to come out, and Natcha has an old friend that she planned to see.  The rain changed things and Gong went by himself, in the rain on the motorbike.  You do what you gotta do.  He came home late this afternoon in a lot of pain.  

Nitchanan has this thing she does sometimes, where she repeats everything we say.  I know this is a very typical thing, sometimes meant to annoy, but in her case, she’s learning phases, hearing them as she says them and remembering.  I don’t know if she was taught to do this or not, but it’s a brilliant idea.

Today’s photo was taken in our backyard.  This is Blue’s Jasmine tree, given by Atom in memory of Blue.  It’s really growing well.  

Have a Great Week.

                   Peace,

                             Danny

“We can easily forgive a child who is

afraid of the dark; the real tragedy of 

life is when men are afraid of the light.”

~Plato

Friday Funnies

Hi,

The sky went through a few changes during the day, and finally settled on an afternoon downpour.  As the sun was setting, dark clouds loomed over the area.  Not necessarily bringing rain, but looking like they could.

The ‘Zany Day’ song was “Like A Rolling Stone” by Mr. Zimmerman aka Bob Dylan.  Until we visit more of his catalog, here’s an ‘Old School Friday’ where the title is not sung in the song:  “Well, they’ll stone ya when you’re trying to be so good.  They’ll stone ya just a-like they said they would.  They’ll stone ya when you’re trying to go home.  Then they’ll stone ya when you’re there all alone.  But I would not feel so all alone, everybody must get stoned.”  Hint:  There are numbers and water from the sky involved.

This morning we had coffee with our friend John, at Polar.  It’s near his house and he can ride his bicycle there so it’s convenient.  We had another of our free-form, streaming conversations that always leads us to new information and lots of laughs.  One of our recurring themes had to do with memory; when does it start to go and can we get some more (555). 

Today’s photo was taken at Polar coffee and bakery.  The sign says it all:  “Two Wheels Parking”.  Oh, that’s John’s bike in the proper place.

When we left Polar, we followed the suggestion of the owner and John, and tried taking a different way to the main road.  The access road we usually take is bumpy, cracked concrete and is not fit to drive on if you want to keep your tires and your teeth.  The alternate way we took was smooth.  There is also another way that uses the new highway, but it’s not officially opened until this weekend.  Maybe next time.

I’ve been doing some ‘research’ into the Hz Frequency therapy I mentioned a few weeks ago.  It turns out there are two types:  Binaural beats and Isochronic tones.  There are suggestions that various frequencies can cure, enhance or alter anything you need changed, including memory.  One must approach such things with a grain of salt and more than a few trials.  Last night we tried an isochronic sleep tone that started as a theta wave and turned into a sub-harmonic delta wave after an hour or so.  We had the volume up a little too much, but I did return to sleep faster.  It doesn’t require headphones so it made it easier to try.  It could usher in a brand new world, or render me a walking wave tone.  

Have a Wonderful WeekEnd.   Stay for the ‘Funnies’.  Formula 1 is in Hungary this weekend.  Zoom!

                      Peace,

                                Danny

Become

Hi,

The weather in Chiang Rai was hot and humid today.  There was a morning rain and then clouds with occasional sunshine.  The evening sky is a combo of blue sky and dark, threatening clouds.

The ‘Zany Day’ song was stored in many memory banks.  Congrats to all who knew.  There is still a chance, last verse.

“Princess on the steeple and all the pretty people, they’re all drinkin’, thinkin’ that they got it made.  Exchanging all precious gifts, but you’d better take your diamond ring, you’d better pawn it babe.  You used to be amused at Napoleon in rags and the language that he used.  Go to him now, he calls you, you can’t refuse.  When you ain’t got nothing, you got nothing to lose.  You’re invisible now, you got no secrets to conceal.  How does it feel….like a complete unknown, __ __ __ __.”  Clue:  Appears to be about the fall of a ‘privileged’ person into the real world.  Hmm.

This morning we stopped by the main post office to mail three light-weight items to the States.  It cost $2.14 and at first I thought I misheard.  This brings me to an observation I’ve made before, but merits revisiting.  The postal service in Thailand, at least in Chiang Rai, seems very efficient with it’s band of motorized carriers.  They leave the post office with their motorbikes packed with saddlebags full of mail and small parcels tied to the passenger part of the seat.  If it’s too heavy they leave a note.  When we get a package our guy usually rings the bell, rides up to the  porch, gets the signature and he’s done.  The other part that amazes me is the fact that they will deliver almost anything from one city to another.  You need to send someone a motorbike, you can mail it and it will arrive.  I’ve seen bikes and small machines on the loading dock, ready for local delivery.  

There has been some building activity in the neighborhood.  The coffee shop next door added a roof extension that may be for their kitchen.  Something is beginning to happen at the rear of the lot that might be the start of a house.  The house behind us has been very quiet until today.  I saw someone sanding a concrete wall, so maybe the work will continue next week.  All this is to say that not much is really happening around here, which is fine with us.  Oh yeah, Natcha said there are now only 3 cats visiting from next door on the other side.  Much better than 7.

Today’s photos were taken in the back yard this afternoon.  The rain has really livened up things up.

The government has installed cameras on the 4 lane highways and at major intersections, bringing us into the 21st century when it comes to curbing roadway offenses.  Those driving over the posted speed limit of 100 k/ph (62 mph) or the higher speed of 120 k/ph (75 mph) will have their photos taken and get their ticket in the mail.  Hmm, I will not be testing this system.  Going over 100 on most sections of the road through Chiang Rai seems pretty fast.  I suspect it will be a long time before we have pursuit vehicles.

There is a storm headed our way, due tonight and tomorrow afternoon.  Looks like errands in the morning and staying dry the rest of the day.  That’s if it actually happens.  The forecasters are doing pretty good at looking out of the window lately (555).

Have a Thrilling Thursday.

                      Peace,

                                Danny

“When I let go of what I am,

I become what I might be.”

~Lao Tzu

Need

Hi,

The forecast was for rain and we got it.  Yea.  Today’s water from the sky was a real storm.  It lasted about an hour and created a river in our front yard and a big lake next door, behind the coffee shop.  

The ‘Easy Monday’ song was “Blowin’ In The Wind” by Bob Dylan.  My brother reminded me about Stevie Wonder’s version of the song.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y8q1I9f1l4U  Time for another ‘Zany Day’ song:

“Once upon a time you dressed so fine, you threw the bums a dime in your prime, didn’t you?  People’d call, say, ‘Beware doll, you’re bound to fall’, you thought they were all kiddin’ you.  You used to laugh about everybody that was hangin’ out.  Now you don’t talk so loud, now you don’t seem so proud about having to be scrounging for your next meal.  How does it feel?  How does it feel to be without a home, like a complete unknown __ __ __ __?  Hint:  It is said that a key word in the title gathers no moss.

This morning we set out into the world with a list and a sequence that made sense.  At our first stop, Khun Orn the seamstress was not in her shop.  Her neighbor said she was eating.  Second stop, Supalak was not in.  Third stop was Work@Home for coffee.  We had hoped to see Katai but she was at yoga.  The coffee was in, so we relaxed.  Across from the coffee shop there was a big event going on.  I think it had to do with first-aid, first responders and volunteers.  That’s something that I find very interesting here in Thailand.  There are ‘clubs’ made up of young men and women who operate vans and pick-up trucks and race to situations where people need help.  They are all trained, and some do it part-time after their jobs at hospitals.  Some of the trucks have been modified for speed, and handling.  One night I saw several clubs taking group photos and that’s when it hit me that they are a bit like car clubs, with a focus on giving aid.  Very cool.  

When we were in Taipei I noticed an interesting decor above the entrance to an electronics store.  At first I couldn’t figure it out.  Then it hit me, it was circuit boards and various things to either move or mute electricity.  It almost looks like a city.  Note: This is a close-up.

We had a conversation with the dog ‘brokers’ today and learned more about what they do.  After more research, we are feeling very confident about their role.  After 35 days we’ll get to see photos and a video of the two male puppies who are available and we can choose one.  They will look more like dogs by that time (555).  You can be sure I’ll keep you posted.  

Hang on for a Wacky Wednesday.

                     Peace,

                               Danny

“You have succeeded in life

when all you really want is

only what you really need.”

~Vernon Howard

Freedom

Hi,

Our rain forecast was a day early.  It wasn’t the steady light rain like last Friday, but came in bursts.  Starting at 12:45pm, it came, it went, and came back again.  Now this is what I call the rainy season.

The ‘Easy Monday’ song began as a poem set to music and became an anthem.  It is still a meaningful work:

“Yes, and how many years can a mountain exist, before it’s washed to the sea?  Yes, and how many years can some people exist, before they’re allowed to be free?  Yes, and how many times can a man turn his head and pretend that he just doesn’t see?  The answer my friend, is __ __ __ __.  The answer is __ __ __ __.”  Clue:  What do you do to put out birthday candles?  It’s a key word.

It was a Big C day today, with good timing.  The traffic in the store was light, possibly due to the fact that yesterday was a holiday.  We’ve been taking our own insulated bags when we shop there and doing our part.  The way they would bag items, we’d leave with a big bunch of plastic bags.  The only place we don’t have to take bags is Makro, because they don’t use anything.  You leave the store with your cart looking just like it did when you entered check-out.  They have a person who checks your receipt and looks in your cart before you leave.  We’ve been told that they are making sure you didn’t miss a "promotional gift", but I have my doubts.  

We stopped by Starbuck’s for coffee and then home.  Lisa had a lunch date with our friend Sutheera and I ate at home.  I’m way behind on some of ‘my shows’, mostly Marvel Sci-Fi TV stuff, so dining alone is not so bad.

This afternoon we returned to the mall for some art supplies, but first, an iced coffee.  We debated the wisdom of this decision and, since Mr. Lag is still present, we chose to rebel and go for it.  In the process, we discovered that the Doi Chaang Coffee spot was gone.  It was a cool spot on the second level, with couches and soft chairs.  A perfect spot to people-watch and enjoy a break from the mall walk.  You leave for two weeks and things change.

Even though we found a puppy, we can’t get him until September, but it has taken a bit of the edge off.  There is still the matter of the memories of routines, patterns, objects seen and not seen, and how unprepared we were for all of this.  There are still things that make us smile and we are very grateful.  Nitchanan has a way of entertaining us before and after dinner, that always brings a new mood.  Tonight, before dinner, she put the red plastic bowl on her head.  Then she discovered that if she spoke into it, it changed her voice.  Oh, what joy to have such a big voice.  After dinner, it was a big piece of dough under the table that captured her imagination.  

Today’s photos are from the kennel where our puppy was born.  His name will be ‘Jai Dee’, which means Good Heart or Kind.   We requested photos of his parents.  Here are Mom, dad, and the litter.  

Have a Happy Tuesday.

                      Peace,

                                Danny

“Freedom is never given;

it is won.”

~A. Philip Randolph

People

Hi,

The weekend weather in Chiang Rai seemed to be a mixed bag, depending on where you were.  We had all day rain on Friday. There was rain everywhere, all day.  The rest of the weekend was sunny and warm.  

The ‘Old School Friday’ song was “School Days” by Chuck Berry.  On to ‘Easy Monday’ and another solo artist.

“How many roads must a man walk down, before you can call him a man?  How many seas must a white dove sail before she sleeps in the sand?  Yes, and how many times must the cannonballs fly before they’re forever banned?

The answer, my friend is __ __ __ __.  The answer is __ __ __ __.”  Hint:  Moving air is sometimes called this (as in the title).  In his early career, the artist proclaimed himself a writer, not a singer.  Yep.

Saturday morning we went to The Wanderer for coffee/tea and Roti.  Even though it had only been two weeks away, it felt like a different place.  I suppose things do grow when it rains for two weeks (555).  We had nice visits with Kwan and her mom, Noot.  We took them some healthy dog treats, a vegetable blend that Natcha makes.  Joey, the little rescue dog was a ball of energy and finally calmed down and went to work when he got one of the healthy bone chews.  When we told them about our plan for burying Daku’s ashes, they said they would find the right plant for us to put over them. 

Our next destination was the one we’d been avoiding since before our return.  Going to Dr. Arnon’s clinic to get the ashes was as tough as we suspected.  We took all of the unused medication, and returned them to Dr. Arnon.  He said he would give them to families that didn’t have much money.  That made us feel good.  Then it was time to leave and they gave us the ashes. We left as quickly as we could.  We held on until we were in the van.  

Saturday afternoon we went to Little C on our way home from trying to hunt down a Golden Retriever kennel we read about.  It seems that they have been out of business, even though everyone in the area knew who they were.  

At Little C we discovered that it’s the place to be on a Saturday afternoon.  Young people streaming into the multiples theater, families strolling, eating, shopping in the ‘north of the river’ version of the mall.  It was very cool to see.

Sunday, after my meeting, we went back to The Wanderer for lunch with our friend Edwin.  It was another fun informative time.  We gave our impressions of the ‘Old Country’ and considered the things that would not happen in Chiang Rai.  The thing that sparked the new thread was when I told him about the parking meters wanting credit cards.  The 4 Baht crew would be out of work if meters came to town.  We didn’t know that you can park all day for 10 Baht.  We’ve never been inclined to want to stay downtown all day, but it’s good to know.  

Sometimes, being a consumer can be a difficult thing.  Imagine my confusion as I read about this product.

This week began with tea at The Wanderer with Atom and Cat.  The four of us had a great time.  It was still a little cool from the night before and everything seemed alive.  Today was a holiday, celebrating the birthday of The King.  The actual day was yesterday, but that means a Monday off.  By the time we were leaving, the place was getting crowded with lunch parties.  

Our plan to get another puppy is in place.  We finally found one in Chiang Mai, through a place that protects breeders by not subjecting the dogs to lots of visitors.  They take care of all of the early tests and make sure the pups are healthy, have a GPS chip, and all of their shots.  We have to wait until he’s 8 weeks old, so we have 6 weeks of torture before we can bring him home.  He’ll start life with us on the road trip from Chiang Mai.  

Have a Great Week.

                   Peace,

                             Danny

“How sad it is that we give up on

people who are just like us.”

~Fred Rogers