Tag Archives: massage

September 18, 2026 · 4:43 am

Friday 9-18-2026

R.G. Ryan – @RGRyan777 on X

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I am finishing up a ‘normal’ Friday here, meaning that I’ve had a really nice day.

The gym was good. I wore my old shoes because it was sprinkling and the forecast was for 100% rain all day long. Since I had JUST gotten my regular tennis shoes dry, I didn’t want to chance it. I take personal credit for it NOT raining on us this morning. If I had been wearing my regular shoes, it would have drowned us again as it did Wednesday.

The Ugly American was not at the gym. I was locked and loaded and ready, so, of course, he didn’t come. My problem now is that I’m afraid if I confront him, I’ll find out that in addition to being an oblivious, rude American, he is NOT visiting, but is LIVING here and I’ll have to put up with him forever. I would rather keep my illusions that he is visiting and will go back home soon as long as I can.

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I had a really good, though strenous, massage this morning. Khun Weaw was visiting family at home. Khun Sulee handled my massage. She is very skilled and kind, but she is much rougher with me that Khun Weaw. I feel so good, though, it would be perfect if I had one of the therapists one week and the other therapist the following. I’m just super greatful that there are two ladies there and that K. Sulee will take me when K. Weaw is absent.

Brian and I had a snack after my massage and then we headed for the cafe. I had a good session there, finishing two sketches and starting another.

My place is sparkling from Khun Pom’s care, so I’m one happy camper as I type.

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Here are my latest sketches –

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Women’s Health

A shout-out to my talented friend Sheila “Spiral Sister” Murrey who was on a podcast featuring her “Moves” videos, was featuring two songs, and who has lost 2 inches from her waist doing her exercising. You can find her on Substack – @sheilaspiralsister too. KUDOS!

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Lizzie Beth

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September 4, 2026 · 1:28 am

Friday 9-4-2026

LindenShieldARTs.bsky.social

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Today is a different Friday than we normally have.

Brian and I went to the gym, as usual, and guess what! – Ugly American was there in all his glory. I’m not sure how he got in today, but he said “Good Morning” to us, which we ignored as we entered. He proceeded to go to the back, making lots of noise with the heavy equipment. Then the walking up and down behind me and loud talking on the phone started up again.

I definitely need to work on my character-building. I was so busy trying to ignore him that it had the opposite effect. I found myself straining to listen each time he passed to hear if he were speaking English or not. I couldn’t hear him but Brian told me later it was, in fact, English. Then I was mentally seeing news signs about “old American lady arrested for assault at a local gym, the victim sporting teeth marks on his calf that match the teeth in the old woman’s mouth….”

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When we got back, my favorite cleaning lady met us in the lobby with a big bag of gorgeous bananas. Apparently, she has a banana tree and grows her own! We each had one as part of our breakfast this morning and they were delicious!

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Brian got a text from Khun Bpaum, our housekeeper, this morning saying that she was sick and so wouldn’t be here today.

I went to my massage as usual. Khun Weaw was back and I got a really nice massage. I am very, very lucky that both ladies there are so good and willing to give me massages.

Brian texted me soon after I got back to my place from that, asking if I wanted him to bring a “Sanak” as he calls it. Sanak (सनक) most commonly means a sudden whim, craze, obsession, or a fit of madness in Hindi and Urdu. As if he really needed to ask… We shared a really decadent treat and then had a glass of lemonade. Whoopeee!

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I will be heading to the cafe soon to enjoy some sketching.

These are my latest sketches.

An amazing thing happened at the cafe yesterday. I walked in and a young man was sitting at the front. I turned and started toward the back. He stopped me, stood up and said, “I’m in your spot.” I laughed and told him that it wasn’t ‘my spot,’ and that I could be comfortable at the back. He said, “No. I’ve seen you drawing before and you need the light. I’ll move somewhere else.” He insisted, and moved to a spot in the outside area. Can you believe that?

Heidi came and we had the nicest visit. I feel as if we could talk for hours and never run out of things to talk about. When she left, she was going first to Canada, then to the States, and finally to India. I’m in awe of her calmness telling me of her plans to see family. She is planning to be back here in the spring, so that gives us both something to look forward to. Meanwhile, we can keep up with each other via email and chat, and maybe even carrier pigeon… :0)

After she left, I finished the sketches above.

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Sue Elliott

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August 28, 2026 · 4:47 am

Friday 8-28-2026

Pamela Schifano – @pammypoo on Substack

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Here are my latest painted sketches –

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We just got some photos from the nursing home. Harvey was on the front porch in his wheelchair with some other patients, trying to sign his name on a big sign they put in his lap. First, he hasn’t agreed to allow them to try to get him into the wheelchair for quite a while. Second, he hasn’t wanted to meet anyone else there. Third, it looked like he was going to try to shake hands with another patient in one of the pictures. Definitely a good day for him. Brian just sent another picture and a video with Harvey having been wheeled out past the porch and outside the gate where he can see the progress in one of the rice fields. It looked like he was taking an interest. We will go visit tomorrow.

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I posted an article on Substack called, “Moving to Thailand – How Do You Pack 56 years into ONE Suitcase and a Backpack?”

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I had my massage this morning. Khun Weaw, my regular therapist, wasn’t there. Khun Sulee took her place. She is more aggressive than Khun Weaw, and did a fine job of folding me into a paper airplane in some cases, JUST on the edge of being too much. I drank a bottle of water when I got back to my place, hoping to prevent any soreness. I really feel good right now. I’m am very lucky to have TWO therapists that do a great job for me.

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Brian and I shared a treat at my place and then we went to the cafe to get of Khun Bpaum’s way while she was cleaning my place. I had a good time with sketching, avoided a hard rain shower, and we will eat dinner soon.

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Annette Tomplait

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August 21, 2026 · 7:42 am

Friday 8-21-2026

Sue Hewson Artist – @srh_sue on X

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The night crew was busy and noisy last night. (1-4am). They had a truck with a really long, heavy trailer that was carrying humongous coils of wire or pipe or “something.” They used two hoe-digger vehicles to get the coils off the truck and onto the road. One coil covered half of the road. The road was narrowed down to one lane while they did this with people directing traffic. The workers tied one end of the coil to one of the vehicles and the other to the 2nd vehicle. The first drove down the road pulling the coil straight and running it along the edge of the street. (When one man stood inside the coil, he disappeared, the coil was so big.) They did this procedure for each of the 4 coils. I don’t know what happened after that. I got 3 hours of sleep last night and wasn’t the brightest bulb in the light socket today.

I went to the gym and then shared breakfast with Brian. Then I came and took a nap until it was time for my massage. I got a great massage! Brian and I spent some time at my place and then we went to the cafe to get out of my housekeeper’s way while did performed miracles on my place.

While we were at the cafe, my friend Heidi came! We had a great time together, getting to know each other better (although she is someone I feel like I’ve known for years.) We had a wonderful conversation, then moved to creating some art together. I worked on one of my sketches and Heidi had brought her collage materials and proceeded to make two collage pieces – giving one to me and keeping the other companion piece as mementos of our afternoon.

It’s on my wall beside my computer where I can see it every day. She wrote a nice note on the back, too. A really lovely woman.

We came back home and had some dinner, and now I’m just betting to writing blog posts.

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I should have some artwork to show you tomorrow. We’re going to see Harvey at the nursing home in the morning and then I’ll be at the cafe in the afternoon.

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Tracy Chrest On Substack

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July 24, 2026 · 7:36 am

Friday 7-24-2026

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I had a really good day today. It was a busy one, so I’m just now sitting down to write blog posts.

I opted out on the gym this morning, needing more sleep, but I’m hoping I can get there tomorrow. I hate to miss it, but I think I’m over the sore throat now. I had my massage, which was wonderful, as usual. Brian and I spent time at my place and then went over to the cafe while my housekeeper made my little condo spotless.

The cafe felt like an international hub this afternoon! The man from India showed up as I was getting my stuff settled, saying that he and his group were leaving and vacating my “spot.” He actually helped me move! I met his very nice wife, who had been visiting him, and another man. The man I met had shown her the couple of photos he took of my artwork and she was really nice about it. They had to leave to catch a plane out, so the visit was very short, but really, really, great.

Then, later, a man who introduced himself saying he was from China, asked if he could video me drawing! He did that, thanked me profusely and said he really liked the drawing I was working on (I finished it and will post it here in a second.). Anyway, I felt special.

Finally, a lady came and complimented my artwork, introducing herself as “Heidi.” She didn’t have time to visit, but apparently she lives close around. She said she would come back very soon, hoping to have time to visit and see more of my stuff. I think she was either a tourist or an expat from the U.S., but I could be wrong. I hope I can find out. She was very nice.

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This is the painting the Chinese man liked.

This is the bird that sounds (to us) like he’s saying, “Fur REAL!”

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Tomorrow we will visit Harvey at the nursing home and I’ll take the picture of Calvin & Hobbes for his Happy Wall. I’m really hoping that he is feeling better and more comfortable than when we saw him last. There is a new owner of the nursing home with changes happening, so I’m hoping he will be there so we can talk with him about what to expect.

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Jill Schweizer

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July 17, 2026 · 12:33 am

Friday 7-17-2026

Dee Dee

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Hospital Update – Harvey was awake and watching TV this morning in ICU. Pim, his nurse from the nursing home, said tests would be run today. The hospital wants to keep him another day. They will keep him busy with tests. Other than that, he should sleep while the antibiotics do their work, so we will plan to go see him wherever he is tomorrow.

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I had a really nice massage this morning and Brian and I are hanging out at my place until we move to the cafe to get out of the housekeeper’s way.


http://www.bangkokpost.com

This bird is called the Greater Coucal. I have never seen a bird with the beautiful chestnut colored wings and back. In certain light his tail looks green, and you can see his red eyes here. He makes a whoop-whoop-whoop sound. Today, when I was changing from my massage clothes to my rest-of-the-day clothes, one of these was in the tree outside my bedroom window! Brian tried to get a picture, but it flew off before he could.

I also had a teeny, tiny gecko helping me get my laundry out on my drying rack on my balcony this morning. He is smaller around through the body than the last one I had, but longer and skinny and blazingly fast. I only saw the last one once. I don’t know if I’ll see this one again or not.

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Roos Peeters

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July 10, 2026 · 12:06 am

Friday 7-10-2026

This was taken last year about this time in my first rainy season. Sometimes umbrellas aren’t enough and a ‘rain suit’ sold by the locals is a great solution. It is a light trash bag with sleeves and a hoodie. I carry it in my carrier, along with my umbrella, in my carrier all the time, since you usually don’t get much warning that it’s going to rain, how hard, how long, etc. Mine is actually purple, though it looks pink in this photo. It’s an invaluable clever product.

This morning our rain suits got a good workout. It’s down to a ‘regular rain’ now, rather than a blowing harder rain. We’ve been to the gym, had breakfast, I’ve had a really nice massage, and we’re spending time at my place before we go to the cafe to get out of my housekeeper’s way. (She’s at Brian’s place now.)

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An old lady’s hand (mine).

A rooster

Another in the Thai Scene series

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I’ve put my guitar in its case and propped it up in a corner where it will stay until after dinner. I’m finally making a bit of progress with the C progression of chords on my guitar. I’m remember the order of the chords and I remember where my fingers go without checking my diagrams, but I’m still really slow. I move from one chord to the next, trying to get a clean sound. I can usually try the round of 4 chords three times before my fingertips throw a fit. Then I put the guitar down, go do something else, and then pick it up and try again later.

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I’m finding lots of things I want to share with you. I’m trying to make some kind of a plan on how to group the different things. It’s wonderful to know that there are so many great things out there that we can enjoy.

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Lana Signs Fliearman

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July 3, 2026 · 12:29 am

Friday 7-3-2026

Jutta Bauer – PsychoBitch

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I’m having my usual Fabulous Friday. I did fine this morning at the gym. We had a good breakfast and I got a truly wonderful massage. It had been a while since I thanked the two ladies especially, so I gave them hand-painted thank you cards today. They seemed to really like them, smiling and showing each other the card they received. :0)

Brian and I just had a snack and we’re spending some time at my place and then will move to the cafe to be out of the housekeeper’s way in a bit. Meanwhile, I’m writing posts for the blog and catching up on some other things.

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These are my latest sketches. The bottom one shows two women on their hands and knees scrubbing the outside, floor, and steps of a building with rags, a brush, and buckets of soap. I was really impressed at how hard they worked and that it seemed to be a normal part of their duties.

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When I came home from the cafe yesterday afternoon, Brian was at my place finishing up installing a brand new shower assembly! The shower head I was using was 7/8 clogged and the whole thing was leaking pretty badly. It had gotten to the point where I was scrunching myself up in the corner in order to get enough water to soap up, wash my hair, and rinse off again. Brian called the maintenance man who brought a tool to install a means of securing the bottom part of the assembly more securely, and the job was done!

This morning was the first time I used it. I was in Heaven! I didn’t want to come out. I actually have a luxurious rain head in there now, plus a 2nd hand-held head if desired (you can switch back and forth) plus it’s the one the housekeeper uses for cleaning the shower. I already had the instant hot water heater, so I’m simply delighted!

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I had a fun time at the cafe yesterday. A lady from China (I think) stopped and asked me if she could see some of my sketches. I showed her, and we had a really nice conversation. She is an artist and does her drawings on something electronic. She showed me a drawing of an eye that was stunning. She was really good. Anyway, she was going back home yesterday afternoon, but it was the kind of spur of the moment thing that can happen in a large city like this that has a lot of tourists. I just love it!

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Pamela Schifano – Mermaid Musings – @pammypoo on Substack

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June 26, 2026 · 4:05 am

Fabulous Friday 6-26-2026

John Rinaldo – The Positive Pen – Substack

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This is another Fabulous Friday, starting with the gym, shower, and breakfast, then great massage, then spending time with Brian in my place while the housekeeper is cleaning his, then going to the cafe to get out of the way while she cleans mine. Today she wanted to come early, so that worked out fine.

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These are the latest painted sketches.

I had a nice thing happen on the way to the gym this morning. As we walked through the lobby, one of the cleaning ladies for the building greeted us. I said my usual version of a Thai ‘hello,’ and she said to Brian that my Thai sounded GOOD! Then, delighted, I turned and said my version of Thai ‘thank you,’ and she hugged me. What a beautiful, encouraging person she is!

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I had fun sketching at the cafe today. I got ‘my spot’ – something that I haven’t had this week, so I was super comfortable with my picture window, a table, two chairs, and a wide window ledge where I can spread out my supplies. I had a latte with ‘less sugar,’ so the atmosphere was perfect. I can watch people come in and out of the cafe, watch people and traffic on the street, and sit there comfortably working on one of my sketches.

Today I did two simple sketches and have started one that I HOPE will give people the idea of what goes into the planting of rice here.

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Brian ordered new air filters for our systems and they were delivered today. We brought them up, got the old filters out which were completely filled with ‘stuff’ from the hot and hazy season – produced by the farmers burning off the residue of their fields and getting ready to plant again. We are now able to dial the intensity of the systems back to a more regular level, making them quieter and not having to work so hard. We won’t have to change them again until the NEXT hot and hazy season.

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I have my a/c on and my fan swiveling in my clean condo, so I’m sitting at my computer happily talking to you now. I hope that things are good where you are, too.

Ingenious Umbrellas

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June 19, 2026 · 12:36 am

Friday 6-19-2026

@openwings – Substack

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These are the latest painted sketches.

I’m thinking about doing a series of sketches to represent the Thai Zodiac. I’ve done a goat awhile back, for “year of the goat.” This is the year of the horse – specifically the year of the RED horse that only comes around every 60 years. There are 12 to be done, and I could research what each one means, characteristics of people born under a certain sign, etc.

I also feel that I’m on a different planet with all the different cartoon and other popular characters here. I’m going to research that, too, educating myself on why everyone seems to absolutely love these sweet little characters. I have ideas about what I can try to draw to represent this.

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I had a wonderful massage this morning, so I’m sitting here at the computer all relaxed and smiley. Brian is here because his place is being cleaned. We’ll leave in awhile to go to the immigration office to finish up the renewal process on my retirement visa. I’m really grateful an agent from our visa lady’s office will meet us there to get us through the process.

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Gulf News

Brian got us a snack this morning, but we agreed that we would get ONE treat and cut it in half, since my blood sugar has been higher than usual lately. Of course, since the shop owner likes Brian, she included an extra goodie… So, we made the supreme sacrifice and cut that one up, too, and devoured it. I haven’t been drinking water like I should, so I will redouble my efforts to drink an extra bottle three times a day, plus I’ll make a series of adjustments to what I’m eating and drinking and test myself once a week until I have a good number again.

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Imam Ali – QuoteFancy

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June 12, 2026 · 8:11 am

Friday 6-12-2026

Adrian – @lead-castle.bsky.social

What a drawing!

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I’m finally settled after a really nice day. We went to the gym – getting a bit wet in spite of umbrellas – but I felt good about my walking this morning. No handlebars and the time seemed to go fast. I went for my massage and came back feeling totally relaxed and happy. Brian and I worked at my place until it was time to go to the cafe.

At the cafe, the owner came in. She came over and, after we visited a bit, I thanked her again for the glorious bouquet of miniature pink “fairy” roses and gave her the greeting card of the goat. She was surprised, having forgotten that she shared that the goat was her animal icon for the year of her birth. She teared up and hugged me. She insisted we take a selfie together and both of us felt good about the friendship we’re building.

These are my latest painted sketches.

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Brian and I had a delicious dinner of cheese lasagna with chicken with a side of black beans and rice. We share one order, and I eat 1/3 while Brian eats the rest. It works out nicely.

When I got back to my place, Khun Nong’s sister, Khun Bpaum, had left these!

It’s hard to bring plants home here, with riding in a cab, the heavy pot, soil, plant, elevator, etc., so I have made do with the plants I have received as gifts. Today I now have two more wonderful plants that I hope will thrive. I also am sprouting a jackfruit seed – it’s sprouting! – just for what I hope will be some nice leaves.

And finally,

The cheetah puzzle print was delivered yesterday! I’m delighted with how it looks. The Rooster Runway puzzle print has been ordered and so should arrive in a couple of weeks or so.

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June 5, 2026 · 12:30 am

Friday 6-5-2026

Mr. Natural – @neilmathestonb66.bsky.social – Diane Leonard

I’m in awe of the person who painted this. The light here is magnificent, just glowing – through the air, bouncing off the girls’ clothing, showing in the reflection in the water!

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I’m just back from my massage, feeling loose as a goose and smiling. Khun Weaw, my massage therapist, is getting better and better at zeroing in on different ways to reach the areas where I tense up the most – and then fixing them for me. There is no way to thank her enough.

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Brian and I are at my place, doing this and that until it’s time for us to get out of the way so Khun Nong’s sister can clean my place. I’m hoping that I can write the posts I have planned before we need to vacate.

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My new puzzle “Beach Cats” was delivered yesterday, so I told Brian I had finished the “Rooster Runway” puzzle. He took a picture of it and sent it off yesterday for a glass print to be made. We haven’t received the glass print of the Cheetah yet, so he’s looking down his nose at me, saying I picked a puzzle that was too easy and didn’t take me long enough. It’s true – the Rooster one went fast, but I choose based on the picture and how I’ll feel while I’m trying to put it together, so Brian will just have to “deal.” (Actually, he’s being wonderful about my new past time.)

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Brian has decided that we should have a “snack” on Fridays when we’re both here at my place before going to the cafe. He usually orders it from the same place – the place that makes the to-die-for ‘creme brulee’s or whatever they are that we love and we are enjoying a lemonade with that. Today we opened the delivery bag to find this nice note and the sweet little drawstring bag as a ‘thank you.’ Isn’t that amazing?

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Rebecca Verastigui

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May 29, 2026 · 12:26 am

Friday 5-29-2026

Mike Saunders – @hardwaterhacker.bsky.social

I love this place. My husband and I used to ‘judge’ whether or not we would like to live somewhere by ‘whether Fedex probably delivered or not.’ Noooo – I don’t think this would be practical, but I DO love it.

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This is my latest painted sketch – “The Ice Cream Man – Thai Style.” Hearing the music played when he came down the street brought back some wonderful memories. Back in the Dark Ages when I was a kid, we would hear it and run like nuts all over the house, trying to gather enough money to buy what we loved. Then we would run out of our doors to meet him. We lived in a neighborhood in Tulsa, OK then, where there were two mile-long parallel streets, each with a house in the middle of an acre-and-a-quarter piece of land. You could see the kids running out, exactly as I was, all with happy faces in anticipation.

THIS ice cream man does not have kids running to greet him. He is traveling the super busy streets of Chiang Mai, with what to MY eyes is traffic that would challenge the most experienced driver. Kids are taught at an early age to not dart out into the street. There WERE 6 to 10 ladies who worked at a nail salon across the way who did rush out to meet him, money in hand. He stopped, apparently knowing this was a good stop on his regular route. All looked happy.

My son says the people who come by selling veggies (I haven’t seen one of these yet) have a “squawking-rubber-duckie-or-chicken” noise that is equally distinctive…

I will try to finish the elegant lady sketch when we go to the cafe in a few minutes. I’ll share that probably tomorrow.

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On Fridays now, with Khun Nong’s sister taking her place as our housekeeper, our timetable is different than it used to be. When I come back from massage, Brian is here working, because the housekeeper is at his place.

He surprised me with ordering a to-die-for cream brulee treat and some lemonade for us. They surprised HIM with an extra one as a thank you for being a good customer! It is so wonderful to be able to splurge like this every once in a while without blowing my whole diet. My numbers are still good and my weight is holding steady, so I can indulge without guilt. Hooray!

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The “Bucket and Towel Brigade” seems to be pretty much retired! We had some hard rain last night that would have triggered a much of the night vigil with towel wringing into the bucket and rolling the towels back up to catch as much water as possible as it leaked in onto the the window sills, down the walls and onto the floor. Last night I got up, checked, and then went back to bed. I checked again first thing this morning, saw there was not a drop of water anywhere, and texted Brian. Maybe THIS rainy season we’ll be able to see that it’s raining, smile, and enjoy the fact we’re inside and dry. :0)

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May 15, 2026 · 12:29 am

Friday 5-15-2026

Ali Khaliq-@kahliqali.bsky.social

I want to go here sit somewhere beside it, and simply listen and absorb.

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Latest two sketches.

I have decided that when Brian and I go to the cafe today to get out of the way of our housekeeper, I will fill the chair beside me with my carrier and my art backpack. The Chinese man yesterday was very nice, but I got the distinct impression that he might be there again today, expecting to spend whatever time I have there with me. If I HAVE to, I will just have to say, “I need to work today. Can we chat at another time?” I HATE that!

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Easy Peasy Foodie

My morning has been really nice. We went to the gym and shared breakfast. Our favorite breakfast is one “I” call a “Breakfast Burrito.” Do you remember the Wendy’s commercials showing people trying to eat a Wendy’s hamburger, taking a bite, then putting it down, wiping their faces and hands with a napkin, then taking another bite – stopping – over and over, with a whole pile of napkins? This is the way we are with the burritos. They are a flour tortilla filled with scrambled eggs, bacon, and a whole lot of salad (lettuce, carrots, etc.) plus some kind of salad type dressing. We each eat half of the burrito. It’s to-die-for delicious, but impossible to eat. Brian holds his, eats it while it’s falling apart, then goes to his sink and practically takes a shower to clean up from it. I eat a few bites until it starts to drip all over the plate and fall apart. I then put the rest on my plate, using a fork and knife to cut up the rest of it. I still end up mopping my face….

Thaiger

This morning was my massage. Ahhhhhh! Khun Weaw is back now on a steady basis, so I can feel myself relax as I go in. She finds and fixes all that ails me. I never have to worry about it being too much, even though there is one thing she does that feels like she’s twisting me into a corkscrew and that I might suddenly ‘pop.’ I’m drinking a bottle of water as I type this, supposedly to avoid soreness. I don’t know the science behind it, I just do it.

Brian was here working when I got back from the massage. I changed clothes and then did my backup of my phone and computer data. He then announced he had ordered a ‘snack.’ We have just enjoyed the impossibly decadent cream-filled-whatever-it-is with lemonade on the side. Did I tell you I am becoming the most spoiled woman on the planet?

We will work here for a while and then head for the cafe for the rest of the afternoon. Hopefully, I will get several sketches done. I am going to TRY to sketch the head of an otter, a concrete elephant sculpture we saw recently, and a type of shrine people build and display here when they build a house or shop to appease the spirits. They hope the house will take the place of the land that they are using. A kind of ‘Bless this House’ and good luck wish. It is also a place where people leave offerings of food, drink, and flowers. Then there are several images on my phone I would like to put my spin on…

I hope that you have a good weekend ahead. Please remember to consciously include some FUN in each day!

Wisdom Quotes

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May 8, 2026 · 12:27 am

Friday 5-8-2026

“Burning Horizonz’ – Mira – @deepgreens.bsky.social

I think this is stunningly beautiful.

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Today is Friday, our ‘out-of-pocket’ day, as far as schedules go. My throat is still sore and I was coughing much of the night, so opted out of the gym this morning. Brian was the same.

I have just come back from a beautiful massage from Khun Weaw, and am feeling really good, otherwise, now. Brian had to vacate his place because of Khun Nong’s sister cleaning, so he has been working down here. He just went to pick up a snack he ordered for us. YUM!!

After a while, we will pack up and go to the cafe to spend the afternoon so that the housekeeper’s sister can clean MY place.

Happy Birthday Messages

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April 24, 2026 · 12:37 am

Friday 4-24-2026

JPK-@jpk-art.bsky.social

I want to take a walk here and play in that wonderful sunlight! What a gorgeous place!

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Today has already been a nice day. After the gym and breakfast, I did some chores and then went for my massage. I feel loose as a goose now. The only problem is that we have things to do and I could use a nap… 😁

Since our regular housekeeper, Khun Nong, is out of town, our schedules for Fridays are different, starting with Brian having to get out of the way for Khun Nong’s sister to clean his place this morning – rather than in the afternoons on Tuesdays. He was at my place working on his computer when I returned from my massage. Khun Nong’s sister is coming to clean MY place at 2:00, so we have to be out of here then. We’ll go to the cafe, as usual.

Brian said he was going to get us a snack a while ago. This is very unusual, as you know I’m still trying to lose the last of my lard. Anyway, Brian came back with two to-die-for custard pie type things and twisted my arm off as I yelled for help, finally succumbing to his superior strength and the offer of a napkin and a spoon. It was delicious. 😋

So Brian is working at my dining area table while I work at my computer table. We will have to leave in about an hour to get out of the way. I’ve brought in the laundry from the balcony and put it away, and taken out the trash, so things are ready for cleaning.

QuotesGram

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April 3, 2026 · 1:00 am

Friday 4-3-2026

“Sunset” – Michael Hall – @mhallarts.bsky.social

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Caroline Gardner

Today would have been my parents’ 85th wedding anniversary. My dad, who had an amazing sense of humor, wanted to get married on April Fool’s Day. My mom looked him in the eye and said, “I’m not foolin’.” They married in Chicago in 1941, had my brother and me, moved to Levittown NY. My dad had a chance to do the advertising for a company in Tulsa, Oklahoma when I was 5. We moved to Tulsa in 1952 when there was almost nothing there yet. I lived in the home they had built until Harvey and I got married in 1969. My dad had started a one-man advertising agency with my mom acting as an unpaid ‘do-everything-else-but-write-and-record-the-radio-ads’ person -ads that won The Silver Addy Award for Lifetime Achievement from the advertising community. They made a mark.

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This is my latest painted sketch.

I am now using one of the small backpacks we used to move here as my ‘Friday Pack.’ Every week I have crammed my carrier/tote full of what I needed for our afternoons at the cafe while Khun Nong cleans my place. I carried what wouldn’t fit in my carrier, trying not to drop or lose anything.

I had a “Duh!” moment when I figured out I could use the backpack, putting everything in it I wanted for Fridays at the cafe and just keep it packed. I’ve been working out of it this week and it’s working well. When we leave, I’ll just zip it up and carry it and my tote to the cafe! Sometimes it amazes me how long it takes me to figure out a solution to a ‘problem-I-didn’t-realize-I-had.’

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This is the reading of the air pollution index here now.

Yesterday it got my attention because the reading was 216 – into the ‘very unhealthy’ range. It has only been that high for that one day so far. I’ll just monitor things, keeping my windows closed and my air filters and a/c on.

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Pet Nurture

I got a massage this morning. Ahhhhhh! My regular therapist was back! With the magic of pantomime and determination, I figured out that Khun Weaw’s place was being remodeled, so she had to move EVERYTHING out, have the remodeling done, and then move EVERYTHING back in again. A lot of work!

She again mentioned my weight loss. I was able to show her the numbers on the calculator on my phone and pantomime, doctor/keeping my mouth shut/ and exercising.

I hugged her, and the nice lady, Khun Sulee, who substituted for her, today, thanking them for taking such good care of me.

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Good Housekeeping

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March 27, 2026 · 12:34 am

Friday, 3-27-2026

Pinterest

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Thaiger

I had a wonderful massage this morning. My regular therapist was still gone, but will be back tomorrow, according to Khun Sulee, the therapist who has been taking Khun Weaw’s place the past 3 weeks. I made sure she knew how happy I was that she agreed to do my massage this morning and did such a great job.

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As I told you yesterday, Brian and I have a very busy day today. Once we leave, we won’t be back until dinner time.

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I am trying a supplement and thought I would share it with you. It’s called Beet Root Powder. I may be the last one to the party on this, but I read information on it not long ago and wanted to add it.

Sunshine Market


“Beetroot powder is a nutrient-dense, vibrant red superfood made from dehydrated beets, often used to improve athletic performance, boost circulation, and lower blood pressure. Rich in nitrates, it offers a mild, sweet flavor suitable for smoothies, juices, sauces, and natural food coloring. It is commonly used as a pre-workout supplement or to add nutritional value to meals.”

Key Health Benefits

  • Boosts Exercise Performance: High nitrate levels can improve oxygen usage, enhancing athletic endurance.
  • Lowers Blood Pressure: Known to support cardiovascular health and increase blood flow.
  • Nutrient-Dense: Contains essential micronutrients that support heart and gut health.
  • Cognitive Support: May aid in increasing blood flow to the brain, improving cognitive performance. 

What are the top 10 health benefits of beetroot?

  • Rich in protective antioxidants. …
  • May have anti-cancer properties. …
  • May have anti-inflammatory properties. …
  • May lower blood pressure. …
  • May improve exercise performance and support energy levels. …
  • May improve digestive health. …
  • May protect the gut.

AND – “MAY” make me look like Julia Roberts!!!!!! 😜

(It didn’t actually SAY that, but with all the OTHER stuff it may do, I’m willing to believe it’s possible…)

I couldn’t find any downside unless you take more than the recommended dosage, so I started it last night.

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This is my latest painted sketch.

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I hope your day and evening is great. Pass the smiles around!

“If you have good thoughts, they will shine out of your face like sunbeams, and you will always look lovely.” —Roald Dahl

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March 26, 2026 · 12:08 am

Thursday 3-6-2026

FlipKart

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I’ve been getting ready for my housekeeper to come tomorrow – changing the sheets on my bed, gathering trash, getting out fresh towels…

Do you realize what i just said? “Getting ready for my housekeeper to come tomorrow.” What a joy this is. I’ll never even really get USED to it, much less take it for granted. I’ve never been able to afford to have help. All I have to do in my sweet condo now is keep things picked up. “My housekeeper” handles everything else, and she is quite thorough. I’m absolutely thrilled. 🤗

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Lingokids

I’ve been doing a bit of sketching, but I haven’t had a chance to paint any of the sketches yet. I’m hoping to make some time this afternoon.

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I am FINALLY beginning to make a bit of progress on my puzzle! You might notice a small detail – I haven’t even BEGUN to put the big turtle together who lives in the middle of this. He is hiding in a gazillion pieces and I’ll have to work my way to the center before he emerges…

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Tomorrow will be a very busy day.

  • We go to the gym first thing as usual
  • Shower and share breakfast
  • I go for a massage (Ahhhh!)
  • We go to the big mall to the immigration place to finish renewing Brian’s passport
  • We may do a bit of shopping at a clothing store we both like after
  • We will come home – but to Brian’s place – where I have stashed my stuff so we won’t bother Khun Non who will be cleaning my place
  • We will gather our things to go to the cafe to wait the rest of the time while Khun Nong finishes creating her miracle.
  • I will sketch, read, hopefully getting my favorite seat where I can watch the traffic
  • We will go back to Brian’s to share dinner
  • I will come home. (WHEW!)

I say this because I MAY be able to write a post tomorrow or may not, depending on timing.

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“There comes a day when you’re gonna look around and realize happiness is where you are.” ―Chief Tui, Moana

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March 20, 2026 · 12:34 am

Friday 3-20-2026

FlipKart

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Today is my “thoroughly-pampered” day of the week.

It started out really nicely because we met the other housekeeping lady for the building as we left for the gym. I was finally able to give her a belated St. Patrick’s Day card. She grinned a HUGE grin and hugged me. She was the last one on my list. I’m not sure if Thai people celebrate Easter or not. I’ll have to find out so I can make some cards for my core people here if they do.

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BC SPCA

I’m just back from a really nice massage. Every week I still miss Lynn Moody, my wonderful massage therapist in Greenwood, Arkansas. Lynn is not only a super good massage therapist, she and I are FRIENDS. Each month we would catch up on what was happening in our lives. I was so lucky to find her.

My regular therapist was not there again this week. With our pantomiming, Khun Sulee told me (I THINK) that my regular therapist, Khun Weaw, had to move from her place, pack THAT DAY last week and move. She apparently has a new place, but is either painting it herself or having it painted before she moves in. I THINK she will be back next week.

I’m really lucky that Khun Sulee was available to do my massage this morning. I feel great now!

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Altenew

I have time now to write posts for the blog and catch up on a few things before we leave for the cafe. My place is ready for Khun Nong to come and scrub my place while I am having a mocha, sketching, reading the book on my Kindle, or hopefully watching the traffic out the front window.

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I tried the 10-minute video of Qigong yesterday afternoon. I found it very interesting. It usually takes me several times before I feel comfortable following a video and relax into it, so I’m planning to do it today after I return from dinner. So far, I’m impressed. I followed the lady’s instructions as best I could and DID feel tingling in my hands and arms, and DID feel more relaxed when I finished! I thank my friend Linda Smith again for letting me know about this, plus I found out my friend Sheila Murrey also does this practice. I feel a bit late to the party, but I’m delighted to add something like this to my day.

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“The present moment is filled with joy and happiness. If you are attentive, you will see it.” ―Thich Nhat Hanh

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March 13, 2026 · 1:20 am

Friday 3-13-2026

Freedom to fail is a beautiful, freeing thing. Then you can enjoy no pressure, just pleasure, concentrating on what you’re trying to do without inner or outer voices making you doubt.

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MrFunnyMals – YouTube

I had a really nice massage this morning. The lady who works with my therapist told me that my therapist couldn’t be there today, but that she would give me my massage. I was grateful.

I had decided to take the St. Patrick’s Day cards there this morning, since the next time I see them St. Patrick’s Day will be over. Khun Sulee, the other therapist, was delighted that the shamrock meant good luck and put it with the other cards I have given her on the wall of the shop. I also gave her the card for Khun Weaw to give her when she returns.

Every therapist has a different style, a different emphasis. I am very lucky to have two ladies who understand that I’m old and might break if moved too abruptly or they use too much pressure. I am feeling wonderful right now.

Oh, last week Khun Weaw made a motion with her hands after my massage that I didn’t understand. I asked Khun Sulee, hoping that she might be able to explain. It turned out that they had noticed I had lost weight. I got out my calculator and put in 68.3 kgs (150.5 lbs.) (what I weighed when I got my first massage there) and then a subtraction symbol, and then 52.15 kgs (114.9 lbs) (what I weigh this morning) showing a weight loss of 16.15 kgs (35.6 lbs.) She understood the word “doctor” 🩺 and I pantomimed zipping my lips 🤐 and then exaggerated walking motions , followed by 💪🏻. She smiled and gave me a big hug.

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Gleem Cleaning

I’m pretty well ready for my fabulous housekeeper, Khun Nong, to come this afternoon to scrub my place. I’m trying to be neat in my new life here, and I keep things picked up and put away for the most part. I change the sheets, gather and empty the trash, and put out fresh towels before she comes. I feel like a slob because she scrubs everything within an inch of its life and lines everything up. She even washes and dries my bars of soap!

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I’m anxious to go to the cafe this afternoon, where Brian and I go to get out of Khun Nong’s way while she’s working. I started a sketch yesterday with leaves and I want to see what I can do with it. I don’t know if it will turn out somewhat as I envision or will be a mess. It’ll be fun to work on it. PLUS, I’ll be drinking an iced mocha while I draw, or I can switch to reading my book on my Kindle, or – if I get my favorite spot – I can goggle at the incredible traffic going by. Last week a motorcycle went past with a man with his child sitting on his shoulders, 3 kids behind him, and then his wife, who was laden with packages hanging from her arms. Amazing.

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“Despite March’s windy reputation, winter isn’t really blown away; it is washed away. It flows down all the hills, goes swirling down the valleys and spills out to sea. Like so many of this earth’s elements, winter itself is soluble in water…”
― The New York Times

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March 5, 2026 · 11:11 pm

Friday 3-6-2026

This is my newest painted sketch.

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Purr’N Pooch Pet Resorts

I had a glorious massage this morning and am feeling WONDERFUL right now! I am drinking a glass of water now because I read – “you should drink water after a massage to rehydrate muscles, aid in flushing out metabolic waste released during the session, and reduce potential soreness or headaches. Massage acts similarly to exercise by increasing circulation and, when dehydrated, lymph can become sluggish. Aim for 8-16 ounces shortly after, continuing throughout the day.” Ahhhhhhh!

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Vecteezy

We will go to the cafe this afternoon where I’ll sketch, read, and hopefully watch traffic if I get my favorite spot there. The cafe staff welcome you to stay as long as you like. I get an iced mocha and Brian gets an iced chocolate drink. Later on, if they can, we have them make us a lemonade. My favorite spot is a wonderful place to relax and sketch. I lose track of time as I sit comfortably, concentrating on trying to draw what I’m looking at. I usually do several sketches, then switch to reading on my Kindle, and then finally just sitting there watching the traffic whiz past – or watch as the cars, buses and trucks sit clogged up, while the motorcycles, motor scooters, bicycles and pedestrians, wind their way in and out between them. Simply amazing!

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The people at our chocolate place have gotten koi fish! This picture is awful, but I wanted to share the fact that the fish were very busily swimming around as we left.

Have some fun today!

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February 26, 2026 · 11:22 pm

Friday 2-27-2026

“Walk Around the Lake” – Wallace Stevens-Patrick Visser – Substack

I love this painting. I want to GO here….

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Quora

I just returned from a WONDERFUL massage. Ahhhhhhhh! All my sore spots, kinks, and tension are gone, thanks to Khun Weaw, my massage therapist. She knows just how much to do without hurting me. I can fully relax. Such a gift.

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Freepik

I continue my day of being totally spoiled rotten here by going to the cafe this afternoon while my housekeeper, Khun Nong, makes my place sparkle. I have the sheets changed, the trash collected and taken out, fresh towels up, money and thank you card waiting.

I am looking forward to doing some sketching this afternoon. The sleepy rabbit yesterday was my last sketch in my book, so I need to get my pencil hot today and see what I can do. I’m also in the middle of J.D. Robb’s “Stolen In Death” book on my Kindle, so I’ll read a bit of that, as well. Fingers crossed I have my seat by the window so I can be amazed, once again, that the traffic, which looks completely chaotic to me, flows so well with everyone knowing what they’re doing. I think the thing that amazes me the most is all the motorcycles and motor scooters zipping in and around the vehicles at what looks like break neck speed.

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Delish

Do any of you remember the old Wendy’s Hamburgers commercials in the states years ago? They featured people trying to eat a hamburger, taking a bite of the incredibly thick, juicy burger, then putting it down while they used yet another napkin from a thick pile to clean up their faces, then did it all over and over again.

That’s the way Brian and I are on the mornings we eat a breakfast burrito. It’s scrambled eggs, bacon and salad wrapped up in a tortilla. It is absolutely delicious, but it’s one of those things, like corn on the cob, where you really shouldn’t eat it in public. You take a bite, and – if you’re lucky – get maybe one more bite before it starts to leak badly all over your hands. Each bite gets ‘stuff’ all over your face. I end up putting mine down and using my knife and fork to finish it. Brian, being a do-or-die sort, finishes his, then goes and practically takes a shower in the spray thingie in his kitchen sink…

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Seattle Green Cleaning Fairy

I’m going to enjoy another hour of glorious breezes here with my windows open before closing up and turning on the air filters again. The air pollution chart says ‘moderate,’ but I want things to be really comfortable for Khun Nong while she’s cleaning. I’ll close up and turn on the a/c.

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Enjoy your day or evening. I hope you’re smiling and sharing that smile with someone else. They’re contagious, you know… 😁

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February 20, 2026 · 12:29 am

Friday 2-20-2026

This little guy says he wants to watch over us and keep us safe. I think we should give him a try. What do you think?

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Animal Emergency & Referral Center of Minnesota

I am loose as a goose after my massage this morning! Ahhhhh and ahhhhhh again. I am SO relaxed I could easily just sprawl on my couch and doze off. We are leaving soon, though, to get out of Khun Nong’s way while she makes my place shine, so no sleep for me.

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Taipei Times

It’s 87 degrees F. right now and quite sunny. I had the windows open this morning but actually closed up and turned on the a/c this afternoon for the first time since “The Cool Season” started several months ago. It looks like I won’t need my hoodie, jean jacket, and sweatshirts for much soon…

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Kudos today to ML – a wonderful person, a dear friend, and my SIL! She helped Brian and me with a problem we could not solve here. THANKS, ML!

🎶 You’re simply the best! 🎶

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I hope you have had a wonderful day.

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February 12, 2026 · 11:45 pm

Friday 2-13-2026

Tracy Chrest – @tracychrest989204 on Substack

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This lucky lady enjoyed getting a massage this morning, and is smiling as she types, not hurting ANYWHERE. 🤗

I do have one, teeny, tiny gripe about the obtuseness of other people – a couple came in while Khun Weaw was working her magic on me. They were loud, totally unmindful that anyone else was there, or didn’t care. There were several times when there were things banging as accommodations were apparently being made for both of them to have adjoining pallets to have massages simultaneously. The lady who has subbed for Khun Weaw was handling one and the owner of the massage place was handling the other. They wouldn’t be in a position to tell customers to be quieter or mindful of the relaxation of others, but it’s my opinion that you shouldn’t have to be ‘told’ something as simple courtesy and paying attention. – End of gripe.

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Brian and I will go to the cafe soon to get out of the way while Khun Nong makes my place shine. I’m eager to do more sketching while I’m there. I’m also in the middle of one of my Jake Moriarity series books by R. G. Ryan, so I can dive into that. ✍🏼 📕 I’m hoping I get my window seat so that I can watch the insane traffic for a while. 🤣

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Shout out to Lisa Richey, a very talented, lovely lady who is experiencing increased health challenges right now. I’m trying to send warmth, relief, and love in her direction.

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Kudos to Team USA in the Milan Cortina Olympics! I’m having real trouble actually watching the competition since I live in Thailand – but I’m following the news as much as I can. At today’s reading, the USA has won 4 gold medals, 7 silver medals, and 3 bronze medals. HOORAY!

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Have a wonderful day. Don’t forget to include something FUN in your day – even if it’s just for a few minutes.

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January 30, 2026 · 12:19 am

Friday 1-30-2026

“Gnarly Birch” – Matt Oliver – “Among Trees” – Substack

This photo takes my breath away! What a life this tree has had…

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Thai Gestures: Learning the Thai language is coming very slowly for me. I AM learning essential phrases, such as,

“Hello – may you have a blessed day,” (pronounced “sawat dee Ka’ah)

“Thank you,” (pronounced “cawp coon ka’ah”) and

“I’m sorry.” (pronounced “caw toad ka’ah”)

I’m also learning essential Thai gestures – ones to make and ones to avoid at all costs –

When you say “hello,” you perform the “Wai” (pronounced “Why“). It’s the praying hands and bowing gesture. This is many times complicated because you’re carrying things, so doing it with one hand is okay – and be sure to smile! 🙏🏻

If you gesture “Come here” with the waving toward yourself gesture common in the States, you have just performed a major insult. You have called them an animal or treated them like an animal.

When you want to gesture “come here,” in Thailand, you make a crawling or digging gesture with your fingers, palm down toward the floor.

Got that? There will be a test later…

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4 GIFs.com

I had a massage this morning. I had some really sore muscles right around my waistline on my right side. They aren’t completely fixed now, but my massage therapist, Khun Weaw. did a wonderful job. I’m so lucky that I can tell her where I’m hurting, put myself in her hands, and know that she won’t hurt me. I can completely relax and let her perform her magic. Ahhhh! (And this is all with ‘pantomime,’ since I don’t speak Thai and she doesn’t speak English – PRICELESS!)

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Facebook – traffic in Chiang Mai

In a few minutes, Brian and I will go to our cafe to get out of Khun Nong’s way while she cleans my place. I will take my sketchbook, drawing supplies, my kindle and my sweatshirt. I will get an iced mocha. 😃

We’re lucky to have a place that encourages people to feel comfortable “whiling” away some time. I’m hoping I get my favorite spot by the front window so I can goggle at the amazing traffic that goes by. The last time I was there, an entire family (man, woman, two children, and their dog!) went by on a motorcyle…

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January 22, 2026 · 11:46 pm

Friday, 1-23-2026

“Elephant and Bird” – Shaaz Jung

This is one of the most wonderful photos I have ever seen. I just love it.

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BC – SPCA

I had my massage this morning so I’m feeling wonderfully loose and comfortable right now. Ahhhh!

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Yesterday right at 4pm it got very quiet outside. This is really unusual because there is always a lot of activity on the street. I got up to see what was happening – or not. There were lots and lots of policemen on foot, stopping the traffic and even the pedestrian traffic on the road. Everything was at a complete standstill. The road was empty!

Suddenly, a police car came speeding down the street, lights flashing. It was followed by at LEAST 20 more, one after the other. Then a white van passed, followed by three more. When they were out of sight, the policemen on the street motioned that activity could resume. Immediately, the street was full in both directions with cars, buses, tuk-tuks, motorcycles, motor bikes, scooters, bicycles and people walking as if nothing had occurred. A truck came by with a man who was grabbing cones and putting them in the back of the truck. Another came out in the opposite direction.

I tried to find out what had happened, who was in the motorcade, but Google showed nothing scheduled for that time, and the general explanation was that it was probably a governmental official.

Certainly was dramatic! 😳

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We’re going to the cafe soon to get out of Khun Nong’s way while she cleans my place. I will bring my sketchbook and supplies, my Kindle, my earbuds, and my sweatshirt, because sometimes they keep the temperature in there like a freezer…

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I’ve read that a LOT of the U.S. will get really nasty weather starting tomorrow and lasting through Monday or so. UGH. My former home, Arkansas, has declared an emergency, as well as several other states. I hope you can all stay safe and warm. ‘Hole in’ if you can, getting all you need before it hits, and then staying home. I hope your power stays on and that you ‘weather’ this storm well.

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January 16, 2026 · 6:18 am

Busy Friday 1-16-2026

Nature Nomad – @naturecompass.bsky.social

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Today we were gone essentially all day. It’s now after dinner and I’m preparing for tomorrow – getting up at 4:30 a.m. to go to the gym.

I went to the gym, showered, had breakfast with Brian. I had a massage soon after that. It was absolutely what I needed. For some reason, I was tied in knots that Khun Weaw patiently kneaded out. I changed clothes quickly and we traveled to visit my husband at the nursing home. One bright spot on the trip over was they were getting ready to have a parade for the Bo Sang Umbrella Festival that started today and will run through Sunday, with ladies in traditional Thai dresses carrying handmade bamboo umbrellas. There will be classes in how to make the umbrellas, contests on painted umbrellas, the parade, a talent contest, and more during the three days. It was nice to catch a glimpse of the finery.

My husband wasn’t having a good day today. He was constantly routing around on the sides of the bed ‘looking for his gun.’ He insisted that he needed to be ‘ready.’ He insisted that he could get up and walk – which hasn’t been true for several months now and was frustrated with us that we were discouraging that. (It takes 3 people now to get him up into a wheelchair… ) He was also complaining that some ‘crazy’ lady came every day to hug him. When we talked to him about it some more, he agreed to give her some slack, that she was trying to be nice to him, and that just because he felt he didn’t know her, he should give her the benefit of the doubt and accept the fact that she was trying to make his day more pleasant.

We got back from the visit in time to grab our stuff from Brian’s place and head to the cafe to be out of the way while Khun Nong cleaned my place. I had a good time sketching, reading, and then watching the traffic outside my favorite spot at the front window. A man came over and introduced himself. He was an ex-pat, also from Arkansas, if you can believe it. He was a former teacher, like I am, showed interest in my sketches – telling me he had seen me in the cafe before and ‘stole’ a look at my sketch as I worked. He showed me a painted sketch he had done of a building near here somewhere. He was a much better artist than I. He goes back and forth from Chiang Mai to Vietnam, but has pretty much decided to stay here. It was an enjoyable visit.

We went back to Brian’s for dinner and now I’m finally back in my place. Whew! A nice, busy day. Tomorrow is a free day after the gym, so I can do some catching up, including writing blog posts.

Sorry I’m shorting you today. I’m too sleepy to do more. I hope your day is wonderful.

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January 8, 2026 · 11:48 pm

Friday, 1-9-2026

Tracy Chrest – Substack

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Newest painted sketch.

I have two more sketches to paint in my sketchbook. I’m taking a new sketchbook to the cafe to get out of Khun Nong’s way while she cleans my place. This new sketchbook has about 100 pages, like the old one, so I’m hoping to see and feel some improvement in my drawing skills by the end of it.

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My Pet Nutritionist

Last week Khun Weaw, my wonderful massage therapist, went home to be with her family for part of the holidays. I’ve been feeling my body calling her name particularly the last few days, so it was wonderful to have her back. She worked miracles on me, getting rid of knots, finding lots of sore or stiff places that needed her attention. I feel wonderful right now as I type. AHHHHHH!

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If you aren’t signed up to enjoy Substack, you might consider giving it a try and see what you think. I’m just kind of on the periphery, not really having an ‘account’ where people can support you – or not, as they choose – but I’m having a good time posting my stuff on there and seeing what’s going on.

There are a lot of good articles, news, photographs, art, and more. As I connect to more people, I am very interested in the caliber of people there.

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MAKE this is a great day.

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December 25, 2025 · 11:15 pm

Merry Christmas 2025

Giphy

I love the fact that this doggie seems to be enjoying being a Christmas tree.

Cardfool.com

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Brian and I went to a get-together yesterday afternoon and evening at the beautiful condo of a friend nearby, joined by our adoptive family and a BUNCH of other people. I knew some of them and met a whole lot of others. There were three kids there as well as the adults, so it was a fun mix.

A beautifully decorated table was groaning with all kinds of finger foods. Brian kept going and filling our plate with more – and I ate ALL of my share, loving every bite.

As we got ready to leave, I thanked our hosts and gave them a Christmas card. I then went around the room, distributing the cards I had made. My Christmas gift was seeing the surprise and pleasure the cards brought. If you could ‘see happiness,’ it was overflowing out of the top of my head…

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Yesterday morning we visited Harvey at the nursing home. It was a visit I will treasure. It started with him greeting me saying, “Hi, Babe.” He was alert, not in pain, and not complaining about anything. I gave Khun Yuwaret, his nurse, the card I made for her and we cried and hugged each other. We have been so lucky to have her take care of Harvey. She will be missed and no one will ever replace her.

Harvey told me that he had ordered 40 gallons of coffee for me and a handbag. (there is no way he can actually DO this, thank goodness). When I reminded him that we had loved each other for over 64 years now (56+ married and then 9 years or so before that while we were dating), he said, “64 years is a good start.” And then he said, “You are my Miss Universe.” He also said that I was his ‘favorite’ wife. (He has announced he has married several others since his stroke and has fathered children on Mars.) I told him that as long as I was his “Number 1” wife, he could have as many women in his harem as he liked. There was just a glimmer of a smile at that. Both Brian and I saw it. It was the first since April’s stroke. To say that I will never forget this visit is an understatement.

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On the way back from visiting Harvey, we stopped at Central Festival, the big mall in Chiang Mai, so that I could see the decorations and we could see if I could find a pair of jeans that fit.

The decorations were pretty, but not what I expected. There were signs here and there of the queen mother, who passed away last month, saying celebrations had been held to a minimum in deference to her passing.

I did find two pairs of jeans and two new tees. Since my weight loss, I had no clue what size I wear. Compounding this problem, Thai people are very small. That means that if there is any ‘size’ to YOU, you have to think to get several sizes larger than your normal size in order to have a chance of getting into it. We just held them up in front of me and I took a trip to the dressing room.

I still don’t know what size I wear – 26 cms – 12A – 6-B1 were on the labels, but I feel GOOD that I am close to my weight loss goal now and I’m delighted that I feel so much healthier. I’ll continue to try to get to my goal, but my focus is changing to adding more varieties of exercise to my day to increase stamina, flexibility, strength, and balance. Merry Christmas to me!

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I had my weekly massage this morning and it was terrific, as usual. This afternoon we will go the cafe to get out of Khun Nong’s way while she cleans my place. I love being a pampered “Lady of Leisure!”

Merry Christmas!

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December 12, 2025 · 12:38 am

Friday, Dec. 12, 2025

@dailybunnies.bsky.social

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Tenor

I went to the gym, ate breakfast, then went for a terrific massage this morning. Ahhhhhhh!

Be Secure Locksmith

A locksmith came to add new locks to Brian’s and my doors – ones that use the same key – for security and to bypass the keyed doorknob on mine that is a pain. He got the lock installed in Brian’s, but needs to come back tomorrow to do mine, after he discovered he’ll have to modify the hole to make it larger before he can install mine. I’m happy that (1) my swollen door has been planed and repainted, and (2) that tomorrow the lock will be one that locks and unlocks my door easily. It’ll bring peace of mind that Brian will be able to get in here, should an emergency occur. 🔑 Being able to use the doorknob to simply open and close the door will be so good!

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Soon we’ll go to the cafe to get out of Khun Nong’s way while she cleans my place. I have my sketchbook and supplies, my Kindle, and my sweatshirt ready to go. I’m looking forward to doing some sketching, and then I’m starting Book 3 of ‘The Lost Bride” trilogy by Nora Roberts, “The Seven Rings.”

I’m hoping to get ‘my’ favorite seating place by the front window where I can watch the amazing traffic go by. There are two official lanes in both directions, with vehicles steering around each other when the opportunity occurs (or they can MAKE one occur), plus a gazillion motorcycles, motor scooters, and bicycles who have brought weaving in and out between vehicles on both sides to an art form, plus the pedestrians walking up and down the street on both sides, or trying to cross the street. Good luck! 🤞

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This is ‘my’ chair. We have passed it a couple of times in our travels, and I love it more every time I see it. I can just picture it in one corner between my dining and living areas. It would look absolutely GREAT. The fact that it will take me winning the lottery in order to buy it, and then pay to have it delivered to my place are annoying ‘details.’ When we passed it recently, there was a white cat asleep on the cushion! As I looked at it, assuming it was a stuffed animal, it opened one gorgeous blue eye and yawned and stretched. I. WANT. THIS. CHAIR!!!!

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