“Rest is not idleness, and to lie sometimes on the grass under trees on a summer’s day, listening to the murmur of the water, or watching the clouds float across the sky, is by no means a waste of time.” –Sir John Lubbock
@saintmaker.bsky.social
“Every morning was a cheerful invitation to make my life of equal simplicity, and I may say innocence, with Nature herself.” –Henry David Thoreau
@damienshields.bsky.social
“Adopt the pace of nature. Her secret is patience.” –Ralph Waldo Emerson
@Miya1156.bsky.social
“Always be on the lookout for the presence of wonder.” –E.B.White
@fozziefo.bsky.social
“I firmly believe that nature brings solace in all troubles.” –Anne Frank
@wurfi.bsky.social
“Whoever you are, no matter how lonely, the world offers itself to your imagination, calls to you like the wild geese, harsh and exciting—over and over announcing your place in the family of things.” –Mary Oliver
I asked Brian if I could leave another review for each of the two shops from which we bought the crocheted carriers and smaller, zippered bags. He said he thought that Google Reviews only allowed one review per customer.
Happily, I discovered that, though he was right, I COULD ‘edit’ my original review. I did that, adding a paragraph about the second purchase and the fact that the carrier and pouches washed just beautifully. 😃
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We got a good report from Harvey’s nurse this morning. They had to suction him again to clear his lungs (and hopefully avert pneumonia). That, and the supplemental oxygen allowed him to sleep well last night. Although he is still using a nasal tube for most of his nutrition, they are starting to give him small bites of fruit and crackers in addition. He was in a good mood and talking. HOORAY!!!
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I had a fabulous massage this morning. For some reason, I was really stiff and sore when I got up today, even after I walked my mile at the gym. Now I feel absolutely GREAT. Thanks to Khun Weaw for her caring expertise in making me functional again.
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Since it looks like I may actually finish my current jigsaw puzzle in the near future 😋, I’ve started looking for another puzzle to order. As I’m finding each, I’m bookmarking the page with the puzzle I’ve chosen and putting it into a folder on my computer. It’ll be fun to choose my next challenge.
I’m going to have Brian take a picture of the finished puzzle -when it’s finished and being shown off in all its glory on my puzzle table – so that we can order a glass print of it, as we did with the owls puzzle, so I can keep it on my special treasures shelf in my living area.
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Later today we’ll go to the cafe to spend time while we wait for Khun Nong, my cherished housekeeper, to do her thing to make my place shine. I’m taking my sketchbook and drawing supplies, my Kindle, and my sweatshirt, because it tends to be cold in there.
About half of the blossoms are gone from the spectacular bouquet she left for me last Friday, but I think it still looks great, and I smile every time I see it!
I hope that this day is a fun one for you, full of family and friends.
I LOVE shoebills. I can’t have pets in my condo, but maybe no one would notice this mama and her baby…
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We bought these two ‘pouches’ yesterday to tie inside my new purple crocheted carrier I showed you yesterday. This idea worked extremely well in my old carrier, making it more like a purse than a tote, and not allowing everything to end up in the bottom of the bag, hiding from me while I stood rummaging around – a thing I hate.
I have them in the new carrier now, allowing me to wash the two older ones I had been using. The older ones are drying on my rack on my balcony now. When I need to wash the purple carrier, I can easily switch to the older – now clean – carrier with the soon-to-be-clean pouches with just a couple of minutes work! 👍
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We went to visit Harvey at the nursing home this morning. The staff had moved him to a room across the hall because they are renovating his room! It’s already nice, but they’ll clean and repaint. I don’t know what else.
He was almost completely unresponsive today. He had his eyes open, but wasn’t saying anything or responding to what we said or asked. He did squeeze our hands, so we just sat with each of us holding a hand the whole time. Just as we were leaving, he asked Brian for a grape drink. Brian went and got the nurses’ permission and left the bottle for him, explaining that the nurse would give it to him later today.
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Brian challenged me last night to start trying to meditate. I’ve tried before and was a dismal failure, not able to clear my mind enough to do anything. He suggested that I sit on my couch with my hands at my sides and my feet flat on the floor. Close my eyes, and just think about being grateful. He suggested I talk to myself, just saying something that made me grateful, then saying something else, for 5 minutes. The purpose is to train your brain to switch off the things that are bothering you and to allow positive thoughts to pervade your brain and body. I tried it last night. I set the timer for 5 minutes and began, feeling a bit silly. I’m full of gratitude, but I don’t usually talk to myself – out loud, at least. I surprised myself that I was still listing things when the alarm went off! I talked to Brian about it this morning at breakfast. He reiterated that the point wasn’t to see how many things I could list but to see if I FELT the positive feelings. I’m going to do this every night and see what the results are. If I can retrain my brain to improve my balance and steadiness on the treadmill, maybe I can do this, too!
“Either you run the day or the day runs you.” — JIM ROHN
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I’ve spent a lot of my life with ‘the day running me.’ I felt swamped by my to-do list which only expanded day by day. It didn’t matter how hard or how long I worked, I could never make enough headway to feel I had really accomplished anything.
That changed when we decided to sell everything we owned and move to Thailand to retire close to our son at the first of April. The reasons for the choice were complex, but suffice to say we couldn’t keep up with everything we had built in the states anymore. We were ill and getting frailer. We needed to be in a simpler situation where we could gain strength and enjoy life again.
We made it to Thailand – just barely, since my husband needed a wheelchair by the last two flights, but we did it, mainly thanks to the good planning and arrangements made for the easiest method to get here made by our son. He tried to be in front of us, beside us, and behind us the whole trip, and did an incredible job of that.
We made the choice to try to do what we could to get healthier. My husband agreed to try to adhere to a more strict low carb diet, allowing Brian to choose what we ate. He also agreed to take a walk daily with Brian and me to try to build up his strength. We chose to try to fit into the Thai culture as much as we were able.
Then he had his fall and stroke and ended up in the hospital. We suddenly had to choose a nursing home when he was released because there was no way he could live in the air bnb we were in at the time or the condo into which we planned to move when the purchase was complete. This place isn’t set up for wheelchairs, hospital beds, home health, live-in help, etc., and there was no way Brian and I could take care of him here. Thankfully, we found a place we can trust to do the best possible for him.
I have chosen to live each day to the fullest. I never thought I would get to ‘retire.’ My workload since I stopped working for others simply grew and grew, taking on the jobs my husband could no longer do in the states.
My life is such a gift now! I choose what I would like to do most days. Sure, we have appointments, plus we spend 3 hours going to visit Harvey three times a week to visit, make sure he’s getting the best of care and is staying as comfortable as possible. Otherwise, I live in relative luxury. I LOVE my condo. It is full of huge windows and light. It’s comfortable and welcoming. I’m choosing how to decorate it a bit at a time.
I’m writing my blog posts, a thing that is a constant joy to me, finding and sharing things I think are wonderful with my readers, reading and responding to comments, getting to know some of my readers and considering them friends. I’m working jigsaw puzzles – free to leave the table in the living area covered with pieces until I am finished – a luxury I’ve never had. I have an art alcove where I’m trying to improve my drawing skills and painting my sketches. I’m reading books on my Kindle. I’m watching old movies and YouTube music videos. I’m seeing new people, shops, and interesting things on a daily basis, traveling around with Brian.
I’m going to the gym daily and improving my strength and balance by walking on the treadmill, enjoying virtual vacations by watching the videos on the screen. (Today I was walking on a beach.) I’m within 10 pounds or so of finally reaching my goal healthy weight (having given up on ever getting TALLER). and eating healthy (breakfast and dinner – eating less and paying attention to eating good things for me.)
SO – I am determined to ‘run my day’ now, rather than letting the day run me. I’m treating myself to weekly massages, plus mani/pedis and a haircut every 5 or 6 weeks, and splurging on something for the condo every once in a while. I’m healthier, happier, and determined to make each day count.
I’m sorry that I don’t know ‘where I was walking’ this morning on the treadmill. It was stark and beautiful, with lots of sheer rock cliffs, stone paths both next to and into the cliff themselves. There was scrub type brush over much of it and lots of red dirt. Stone fields with the towers people make balancing one rock on top of another filled one part of the video. I felt myself mentally trying to walk around the towers. 😜
I really wish the talented folks who create these videos used on exercise equipment would have a title or label or something telling you where you are. Some of the paths are becoming very familiar now. I recognize that people will come out of a cave-like area, or that a boy will be taking a walk with his dad and his dog. There is one video where a woman is walking down the sidewalk in the city and drops her beautiful red shawl. I hope the video people let her know about the shawl. MUCH too pretty to lose!
I am getting more relaxed as I walk on the treadmill now. I get a little wonky from time to time, but mostly I’m relaxed with my arms swinging comfortably by my sides, not having to correct a lot to stay on the path. I’m only a bit winded these days, sitting down for a bit on a bench at the gym to make SURE I’m not going to suffer “postural hypotension” and faint like I did once, scaring poor Brian to death. He doesn’t look at me like I’m a time bomb anymore. 😄
After I finished walking through all the cliffs and stone fields this morning, I definitely needed to drink from the bottle of water I carry!
Brian bought this for me yesterday, left it at my door, and then texted me. I’m thrilled. It’s a wonderful shade of purple, is large enough for all my things. I love the crochet work on it. Brian got it so that I can now wash the other carrier I’ve been carrying!
This is the older carrier. I love it, too. The same lady made both of them. I have this one out on my drying rack on my balcony now. I want to take good care of these. The workmanship is beautiful. Brian took a picture of me with one carrier on one shoulder and the other carrier on my other shoulder to send to her. She was very happy, and so am I!
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Unsplash
We are going to the visa place this morning to finalize the paperwork on our 90-day reporting for our legality in Thailand. We think she will either stamp or put a piece of paper showing we did the 90-day reporting into our visas. Then we’ll get my husband’s medical visa back, also with proof he qualified for that, plus did the 90-day reporting. Then we’ll be fixed until mid-January, I think.
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I’m enjoying working on my puzzle. It’s a difficult one, with a whole lot of black throughout, plus a lot of the same flowering tree throughout, making it really difficult to figure out where you’re trying to work. Some of the black has a HINT of green, or a HINT of flowers, but not enough that you can group them well. Challenging – fun – pretty.
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When we get home from the visa place, I plan to paint another sketch I did at the cafe last Friday. I also downloaded a friend’s book (“The Last Summer: A Jake Moriarity Prequel” by RG Ryan) and want to dive into it today.
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It’s a beautiful sunny (!) day here so far. I have lots of laundry drying on my rack on my tiny balcony. I hope Mother Nature isn’t playing games with me…
I “met” RG Ryan on Twitter/X. – (RGRyan777 on X). I followed him (wow, I sound like a stalker, don’t I?) because he’s a musician playing and singing music with his band that I can appreciate; he’s a writer; and because his posts on X are witty, ironic, and sometimes make me smirk, grin, snort, or laugh out loud.
I tried one of his books from Amazon – a series with Jake Moriarity, a ‘finder of people’ as the main character. I find him fascinating. He’s a no-nonsense, “get-it-done-the-best-and-most-efficient-way-possible” type of man; yet there is a softer side he shows rarely that has brought me to tears. He has a wonderful group of friends – made family over time – who are loyal to each other, helping each other at the drop of a hat, a bond that is eternal.
He has very recently expanded his writing to Substack, where he can write what he thinks. Substack is a platform where people appreciate well-written reasoned opinions. The people there feel free to comment, but there is less vitriol or attempts to ‘shoot people down’ because they don’t agree.
I love his posts here, too. He makes me think. He researches, states both sides of an issue, challenging his readers to not just read, not just click on an emoji, not just spew the trending meme, but THINK and maybe rethink your position.
Interesting man with clear thinking, compassion, and many sides to enjoy. I’ve posted links to his work on Amazon, X, and Substack. Maybe I can ‘capture’ one of his posts from Twitter/X where he gives a sample of the band playing… ENJOY.
“Do what you can, with what you have, where you are.” ~ Theodore Roosevelt
My mom was a smart lady, and she said a lot of smart things; one of which was, “Attitude is all.” That really resonated with me and is a cornerstone of my life.
Instead of looking at things happening and immediately assuming the victim – poor me – attitude, I’m really trying to look at each thing as a problem to be solved one step at a time. It may take a long time, try my patience, try to overwhelm me, but I CAN break most things down into pieces and try to do what I can to resolve them. Some of the things here in Chiang Mai have been trying to drive me nuts since the end of March when we first arrived. Piece by piece I (with Brian’s help) am solving them one jagged, frustrating piece at a time. I have finally moved two things off the LONG, LONG list on which I’m working. I will continue to do what I can on each remaining thing until I get a handle on each.
While I’m working on frustrating stuff, I’m embracing my new life here in Chiang Mai. I’m finding more and more to like, feeling more and more at home. I’ve concentrated on trying to get healthier; losing my remaining lard;, eating less, but healthy food; learning more Thai phrases, having a healthy routine to my days, and finding joy EVERY DAY, in my jigsaw puzzle, my sketches, my paintings, my books, my blog posts, the friends and relatives that mean the world to me, and much, much more.
I’m realizing all I have, and am very, very grateful for all of it. I have a chance to build a new life, new friendships, new hobbies, discover things I didn’t know existed, but most of all, to change what I can, make the best of what I can’t change, and keep my focus sharp.
Another great video created by the people who make videos for treadmills in gyms – showed this incredible Norwegian LPG Tanker named Clipper Sky moored in a waterway I THINK was the Neches-Sabine waterway in Port Neches, Texas mid August of this year. I don’t know if it was bringing or purchasing LPG gas, getting some work done, refueling or what, but it sure was impressive to see as I “walked” its length in the waterway on the video. It’s 205 meters long and almost 33 meters wide. It apparently is in the Northeast Atlantic now.
There was also a canopy of flowers over a wonderful pedestrian walkway for arts and crafts sales, a walk along the ocean far below in one place, a walk around the Plaza de Neches and a walk down a facility next to one of the waterways where people watched the ships and took pictures.
This was such an interesting video I ALMOST wanted to walk longer on the treadmill!
There are rice fields everywhere the farther you go in any direction from the city of Chiang Mai. There are some fields near the nursing home where Harvey is, and I got curious, since I knew absolutely nothing about growing rice.
This video shows that much of the work is done by hand. I imagine that with the super large fields, farm equipment is used along with more technology. I find it fascinating.
“Chia seeds are tiny, nutrient-dense seeds from the Salvia hispanica plant that offer numerous health benefits. You should take them because they are packed with fiber, omega-3 fatty acids, protein, and antioxidants, which support heart health, digestion, bone health, and can help with weight management. They can be easily added to your diet by sprinkling them on yogurt, adding them to smoothies, or making chia pudding.”~ Google
Brian introduced us to chia seeds when we arrived in Thailand at the beginning of April. We were having digestion and elimination problems, and Brian suggested we try drinking a glass of water with 1 tsp of chia seeds dissolved in it. Harvey immediately said he wouldn’t drink any more.
Since then, I’ve increased it to 1 tablespoon in a large glass of water each morning, along with a tablespoon of olive oil. I also take a pro-biotic pill in the evenings before bed. I drink lots of water all day and into the evening.
RESULT? Only two problems in 7 months – one of which was a definite reaction to food we ate, because Brian had trouble, too. This is a record for me. I consider chia seeds a miracle for this alone.
“Add chia seeds to your diet because they are a nutritional powerhouse packed with fiber, omega-3 fatty acids, protein, and antioxidants that support heart health, improve digestion, and can help with weight management and blood sugar control. They are also rich in minerals like calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus, which are vital for bone health.”
Improved Digestion
Boosted Energy Level
Heart Health Support
Weight Management
Stronger Hair & Skin
Better Mental Clarity
Overall Wellness Boost
I know I may sound like a commercial, but I have rarely been so strongly sold on one thing I can do for my health everyday – drink the large glass of water with 1 tablespoon of chia seeds. I stir it up, then use a timer to let the seeds soak for 10 minutes. I stir again before drinking it down. At first, the texture of it bothered me. Now I just think about all the good it’s doing for me and drink it down.
As you know, I’ve been trying to improve my ability to draw what I see since I’ve moved to Thailand. I have a small ‘art alcove’ where I have my big, fat sketchbook, regular pencils, colored pencils, a small set of watercolors, and some pastel chalk. I’m enjoying the challenge of the sketching and then trying to paint the sketches.
I have to admit I miss the other art forms I was doing before we moved. The newest one, just before we left, was trying to teach myself wood-burning. I had just gotten started, figuring out which tip did what, experimenting with various techniques, sizes and shapes of wood, etc. I would have loved to continue that here in Thailand, but I simply don’t have the space, and I have no clue where to get the supplies and tools I would need to continue.
I’m just going to share some of the pieces I did, hoping you enjoy them.
We got back not long ago from visiting my husband, Harvey, at the nursing home. Today’s visit was a good one.
As always, there are good and bad parts, but the good started when he looked welcoming, rather than affronted or disturbed, when we opened the door to his room. He looked much better and more alert than he did on Friday.
He started by announcing he had fathered several children on Mars….
But then it got better. We got his agreement to turn off the TV because we wanted to talk with him. He followed what we were saying and actually wanted to know “what we were up to!”
I told him about my idea of getting a tattoo and showed him a picture. I asked him what he thought about it and he said, “Fine.” He then decided HE wanted to get one too – one of a screaming eagle honoring his time in the Marine Corps. Of course, that will never happen, but it was fun to fantasize.
He was very impressed when I showed him a picture of the flowers Khun Nong, my housekeeper, left for me Friday.
He was able to drink the grape drink Brian brought and enjoyed it. At one point, I had to ask him to swallow. He finally did, and then asked, “Are you worried that the grape drink will turn my tongue purple” I told him I didn’t care what color his tongue was – I just didn’t want him to choke. The nurse wanted him to eat a Thai banana and also some Thai “cake” from a package. He turned up his nose at both, but might have eaten them after we left.
I left encouraged for the first time in a long time. It was good that he recognized us, seemed free from pain and was comfortable, actually participated in the conversation some, and looked happy to see us. 😁🙏🏻
I can’t say enough about Megan’s work. She is an animal and pet portrait artist from the UK. Every time she posts a new piece, an older piece, or a collection, it becomes my new favorite until she posts again. 😁
Megan Elizabeth – Artist – @MeganArtUK on X
Megan Elizabeth – Artist – @MeganArtUK on X. This is an example of a finished portrait of “Bean.”
Megan Elizabeth – Artist – @MeganArtUK on X
See more of her work on X. Support her if you are able below.
I am including the URLs to two YouTube videos that will give you an idea of the traffic in Chiang Mai. Actually, in the first video, the traffic seems lighter than we usually see it, but it was taken a few years ago, so many that’s the difference.
Anyway, my hat is definitely off to anyone who can negotiate the traffic here. The Grab drivers we use all the time are masters. Not only can they get where they’re going, they know short cuts, ways to detour around problems, and make it seem effortless.
The people on motorcycles and motor scooters have been driving these since they were very young. I don’t know what the driving age is for these, but they start out as passengers with their parents, so by the time they are doing the driving, it’s no big deal to them. They zip in and out, knowing exactly how much room they need to go between cars and right up to others on motorcycles and motorcycles in front of them.
Add people on bicycles, people on vehicles loaded up with all kinds of materials piled up, tied on, sticking out in all directions, and then there are the pedestrians.
I am beyond grateful that everyone seems to be taking all this in stride. Brian says there are accidents all the time, including ones between vehicles and pedestrians, but I haven’t seen anything, thank goodness, in the almost 7 months I have lived here.
Years ago I was pretty stupid about tattoos and the people who had them. For some incredibly ridiculous reason, I didn’t like them, thought less of the people who had them, would never CONSIDER ever getting one myself.
Then I discovered that guys with muscled arms and ‘sleeve’ tattoos were really wonderful. 😛 (I ain’t dead yet!) And the art for the tattoos is really well done!
And then my sister-in-law, ML, got one.
I LOVE this! Wonderful colors, love the theme…
I told Brian yesterday I was considering getting a tattoo. He looked at me a long time, then asked me to consider it for a long time. Then, if I really wanted it, he would help me get one.
This is the one I’m considering –
Maybe with a couple more flowers in colors.
This is the word to describe how I live my life now. It’s simple, and I think elegant.
Things I’m ‘considering’ are-
I hate needles
As I age and lose weight, I’m actually getting MORE wrinkles – even on my forearm, where I would want this. I want it to be legible, and I’m not sure it’s possible.
I’m a klutz – banging my parts on things as I move around. I bruise more easily (another age perk) and so might get keep getting bruises that mess up the look of the design for quite a while.
SO. I told Brian my pros and cons. I explained that it was like finally breaking from tradition and bridging out on the nail colors I’m wearing now. I see tattoos everywhere and would like to feel like I’m not completely being bypassed.
He looked at me a long time again (he does that a lot lately) and offered to take me to get my head shaved, instead. (There ARE, of course, many monks here. And lots of young men have opted to shave their heads, considering it much more comfortable in this climate. BRIAN is one of those, saying he would do it for me for free).
Getting into the spirit of the ‘game,’ I suggested that we get three houseplants for my place, instead of the head shave.
Carla (in the light green beside the sign) and her son have a race car that was T-boned last week at another race. ☹️ It was iffy if they could repair the car well enough to race in “The Spooker Factory Stock Feature. They not only fixed the car and raced – THEY WON!!!!!!! Big congratulations to all involved. 🥳🏆
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FAVORITE QUOTE OF THE DAY – My good friend Marsha and I were talking about how special our friendship is. We have known each other for years, emailing every day, sharing the good and the bad, and there are simply no words to describe how close we feel, even though we have actually met face-to-face only once. She said, “There should be a better word than ‘love’… just seems too little to me.” I will treasure this. ♥️
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Today I’m using a free day to concentrate on trying to make some progress on my jigsaw puzzle. I think I’m about half way through now. It’s quite challenging because it has not only a lot of black in several areas, but also several SHADES of black. I’m learning determination, perseverance, patience, plus an increased ability to recognize SMALL bits of progress…
I think it’s much more fun for kids and parents to decide what a child should ‘be’ and then figure out how to achieve the look together, rather than simply going to the store and choosing something. Lasting memories are made each year by figuring out ‘what you’re going as’ – figuring out what you already have or can make that can contribute to the look, and deciding what you need to add from elsewhere.
Pirate – Todays Parent
Princess – Todays Parent
Skunk – Todays Parent
I’ve always been fascinated by pumpkins and trying to create Jack-O-Lanterns. When I was a child, we didn’t carve pumpkins. My dad had a disabled arm due to a childhood accident, and so was unable to do this, and my mom simply had no interest, not wanting to get involved with something so messy.
As I grew up, though, I tried to carve a really simple Jack-O-Lantern. I managed to get through this without cutting my arm off, though I did require band-aids a time or two.
As an adult, I was no better, though I continued to try each year. Then I discovered the work of Ray Villafane, a man I consider to be the master of pumpkin carving, bringing it to an art form.
I hope you’re making plans to trick-or-treat, party, or give out treats to children this holiday in the states. In Greenwood, Arkansas, adults would get together and provide a haunted house and scary path for the kids. It’s also a great idea to volunteer to help give a party to provide a safe place for parents to bring their children. Have fun!
Just one example of beauty you see everywhere in Thailand.
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After a super busy day yesterday, Brian and I are enjoying a couple of recoup days. I will do my normal stuff, enjoying the fact that I can move from one activity to another at the time of my choosing, not feeling rushed or obligated, and maybe even sneaking in a nap or two if I feel like it.
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I did well at the gym this morning. I’m trying to retrain my brain to improve my sense of balance since my surgery in February. My loss of hearing at that time also certainly affected my sense of balance.
I now wear hearing aids that are absolutely wonderful. They are so comfortable that I sometimes forget I’m wearing them. I do take them out when I’m alone, just to rest the inside of my ears a bit. So – if you come to see me and I’m not wearing them – and I don’t put them in while you watch – it’s definitely a message to you…. 🤣😂
Now that my hearing is corrected, it remains up to me to retrain my brain and body to keep my balance, whether I’m walking on rough terrain, bumpy streets and sidewalks, or on the treadmill.
When I started going to the gym every morning in May, I held on to the handlebars of the treadmill tightly. I was STILL swaying, listing to the right or left, having to slow my speed, etc., really concentrating on keeping my balance and not falling on my head.
My retraining has slowly worked! Now I am walking on the treadmill without holding on to the handlebars at all. I feel much more steady, able to look around at what is beside the path on the video without losing my balance. I can even check what’s going on outside a bit. Occasionally the video will turn abruptly and cause me to have to recorrect, or I’ll lose concentration and finding myself ‘listing’ to one side or the other, but the daily practice is definitely helping.
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Ah, the life of a retired, spoiled lady! Now that my wash is on my drying rack on my balcony outside, my biggest decision is whether to work on my jigsaw puzzle or start painting a sketch after I finish my blog posts. 😁
Sue wrote me, saying she liked ‘another’ of my cat sketches and had saved it in her favorites. What a NICE compliment!!!! So, this post is for YOU, Sue. I’m showing the cat sketches I’ve done since I’ve been in Thailand. Pick, choose, pitch, whatever you like. You made my day with your NICE comment!
Hope you find something you like, Sue. Thanks again for making my day.
To start, I had a wonderful massage this morning. I gave Khun Weaw the card I painted for her, using both hands to give it to her and bowing, as Brian instructed me to do. She smiled, bowed, then bowed again, and then CRIED. That made ME cry, so both of us were still sniffling a bit when the massage started. I think I got the message across that she is really special and that I’m grateful to have her in my life.
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I changed clothes and Brian and I went to visit Harvey at the nursing home. Instead of 40 minutes one way, it took us a full hour to get there due to traffic snarls and road construction in various places requiring lots and lots of detours. When we walked in, Harvey looked at us, frowning, like ‘who are you?’ We got him to turn off the TV so we could try to talk. He didn’t have anything to say, but seemed comfortable. He wanted the grape drink Brian usually brings, but we couldn’t give it to him because of the nasal tube. As we continued to try to talk to him, he turned the TV back on. We sat together for a time, and then finally gave up. Before we left, we told him we would be back again soon. He finally said something, “Don’t bother.” Some days are like this. After another full hour on the way back, we were home again.
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We went to the cafe to wait while Khun Nong, my terrific housekeeper, cleaned my place. I did some sketching, read a little bit, messed around on my phone, and watched the traffic, since I got my favorite spot with the front window.
When we got back home, this is what greeted me –
My housekeeper left these for me! I think these are the prettiest flowers I’ve ever seen. I just can’t wipe the grin off my face!
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I need to call the insurance company again. I talked to them a week ago to find out why they sent a letter saying they needed medical records on our claim. The lady I talked to said she didn’t see what they were missing. She would find out and email me exactly what we needed to send. SO. It’s been a week and nothing. So I call again…
As I said, a mixed bag. I feel a bit like I’ve been on a roller coaster today. I’ll be ready to go to bed soon.
I’ve been to the gym, showered, eaten breakfast, and will soon go to get my Friday massage. This is truly a gift that I am giving myself. Khun Weaw is a master. She knows without words where I’m sore, where my tensions have settled, how much she can do to help without breaking me me each week. I consider her time and care part of my new health regimen.
The image above is the card I painted to show her in a small way how much I appreciate being able to come to her each week. I know how to bow and SAY “Hello “(and best wishes for a blessed day for you) and “Thank You” now – in awkward Thai, and say these each time I go, but I have no idea how to WRITE “Thank You,” so just had to write that in English.
Brian told me something I hadn’t realized before. He said that when I give someone a gift, I should bow 🙏🏻 and present the gift with BOTH HANDS so that the person understands it’s a gift, so I’ll be sure and do that this morning. I hope it makes her feel special.
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When I finish my massage and get dressed again, Brian and I will go visit my husband in the nursing home. I’m hoping he’s alert and more comfortable than the last time we saw him. He’s having more trouble eating. There are various options, none of which we like. We’re taking this one visit at a time and making decisions as we go. Going to visit him is a 3-hour round trip.
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When we come back from visiting my husband, we will gather the things we need from Brian’s place and prepare to spend the rest of the afternoon at a cafe where they make you feel comfortable to sit as long as you would like. I get an iced mocha, and sometimes Brian and I get a fresh lemonade for the last bit of time we’re there.
I take my sketchbook and supplies, and sit there happily trying to draw images I find on my phone that I’ll paint later on in the week. I also take my Kindle, where I’m in the middle of a book from an author new to me.
Finally, if I’m lucky enough to get the seat at the front of the cafe, I can watch the activity on the big street outside. I’m fascinated to watch the many lanes of vehicles – cars, buses, trucks, Tuk-Tuks, a gazillion (give or take one or two) motorcycles, motor scooters, and bicycles zipping in and out of the lanes of traffic almost without slowing down or stopping. Finally, the pedestrians walking on both sides of the street, crossing the road (some carefully, using good sense – others waiting, then RUNNING full speed, hoping they make it to the other side.)
It’s intelligent chaos. Everyone is used to the flow. They know what to do and not do (except for the runners.) I’m fascinated, and VERY glad my husband and I don’t have to try to drive in this.
(Brian and I use Grabs for wherever we go. It’s amazing how fast they come and how expertly they drive, using their GPS’s to take you right where you want to go, whether they have been there personally before or not). PLUS, I get a lot of practice trying to say “Hello” and “Thank You!”
We’ll get home around dinner time, and then I’ll end the busy Friday lounging on my couch, wearing my headphones, and listening to and watching YouTube before bed.
I hope you have a fun time today. Make yourself a priority for at least a while during the day, doing something you truly enjoy. It’ll fill up your heart and have your smile spilling over onto all around you!
“Whenever the pressure of our complex city life thins my blood and numbs my brain, I seek relief in the trail; and when I hear the coyote wailing to the yellow dawn, my cares fall from me – I am happy.” ~ Hamlin Garland
“Elephants love reunions. They recognize one another after years and years of separation and greet each other with wild, boisterous joy. There’s bellowing and trumpeting, ear flapping and rubbing. Trunks entwine.” – Jennifer Richard Jacobson.
I got curious about whether Thai people celebrated Halloween or not; especially if the kids did the equivalent of “trick-or-treating.”
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“Phi Ta Khon Festival (Ghost Festival) 2025. The Phi Ta Khon Festival, more commonly known as the Ghost Festival of Thailand, is a colorful part in Thailand’s rich tradition of ghost and spirit folklore and bears a passing resemblance to Mexico’s Día de los Muertos or “Day of the Dead.”
Rooted in Asian culture, it is an annual event held to honor and appease restless spirits. Its origins can be traced back to ancient Buddhist and Taoist beliefs. According to ghost festival history, the gates of the underworld open during the seventh month of the lunar calendar.
The Ghost Festival, or Phi Ta Khon, is not held in Chiang Mai but in Dan Sai district, Loei province, during the rainy season, typically late June to early July. It is a colorful festival featuring participants in elaborate ghost masks and costumes, parades, and religious ceremonies to honor spirits.
Activities:
Parade: A major highlight is the main parade on the first day, featuring participants in elaborate ghost masks and costumes.
Religious ceremonies: The event includes prayers and ceremonies at local temples, such as Wat Phon Chai.
Rocket festival: The second day often incorporates elements of a rocket festival (Bun Bang Fai) to ask for rain.
Symbolic rituals: A tradition involves a symbolic discarding of costumes into the river to let go of suffering. “
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This is a much more serious celebration than our Halloween, and though children are included, the masks and costumes of the adults are what have the concentration.
We had some of this as part of our breakfast the past two days. This Thai fruit is called a Pomelo. It’s much like a grapefruit, except it’s sweeter and the sections are huge compared to any grapefruit I’ve eaten in the States.
“The biggest citrus is really an improved grapefruit; a pomelo is at once both sweeter and easier to eat. For convenience, buy one that’s already been cut up (stand back and watch Thai supermarket employees wield immense cleavers).”
Thankfully, it only sprinkled this morning, so my laundry is now out on my balcony drying on my drying rack. I’ll still keep a close eye on the weather, ready to leap up and bring my rack inside, plus put a sheet under it to catch any drips. 😊
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This is my latest painted sketch.
I go for a massage tomorrow. As you age, your bones become more brittle, your muscles more prone to injury; so it’s super important to me to have a massage therapist I can trust. (I was really upset to have to leave Lynn, my wonderful therapist in the States.) I feel as if I’ve won the lottery to have had TWO experts tend to this old body, making me feel loose and wonderful again for a time. It’s beyond price to be able to put yourself in someone’s hands you KNOW won’t hurt you, knows exactly how hard to pull, push, kneed, or twist to get all the knots and sore spots to recede, if not leave altogether.
Because I’m so delighted to have found my second terrific therapist, I’m going to try to paint a thank you card for her. She speaks very little English. I speak even less Thai, but a card, my mangled attempt to say, “Thank you” in Thai, plus a huge smile and saying “yes” to another massage NEXT Friday should get my feelings across. 🙏🏻
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I have done the prep work, mostly, for Khun Nong, my housekeeper coming tomorrow. I’ve changed the sheets on my bed, I’ve gathered trash to take out, I’ve straightened things so that she will find it easy to clean.
We will go to visit Harvey at the nursing home tomorrow. Because Friday is my busiest day, when I go to breakfast at my son’s place in the morning, I’ll take my sheets and towels he washes for me, plus my sketchbook, drawing supplies, my Kindle, and my sweatshirt so that we won’t have to disturb my housekeeper while she’s working. We’ll go to Bri’s when we get back from the nursing home, grab our stuff and head for the cafe where we stay until Khun Nong is finished.
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I hope you are having a great day or evening, and that you are aware and grateful for all you have.
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