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Printed from https://writing.com/main/books/item_id/1311011-Porthole/sort_by/entry_order DESC, entry_creation_time DESC/page/6
Rated: 13+ · Book · Personal · #1311011
A terminal for all blogs coming in or going out. A view into my life.
Started July 1st 2019 for contests, etc. as other blogs are filling up and have other purposes.

Ferry boat between Solvorn and Ornes across the Lustrafjord i Sogn og Fjordane.




I'm starting a new blog because
BOOK
L'aura del Campo  (13+)
Online journal capturing the moment and the memory of moments. A meadow meditation.
#982524 by Kåre Enga in Montana
had over 1,200 entries and that was getting close to full. I don't want to trim it by deletion. I did that once, much to my dismay. Will be used more for poetry.

BOOK
Hoarfrosts from Hell  (GC)
Anything I'm not happy about or that I don't want in my main blog!
#997339 by Kåre Enga in Montana
is still hidden from the public and will remain so. It's more personal and full of angst. Was used for 30DBC for May 2020 and now used for Blogville.

BOOK
Enga mellom fjella  (13+)
Enga mellom fjella: where from across the meadow, poems sing from mountains and molehills.
#1317094 by Kåre Enga in Montana
was full... until the number of entries was increased. A mixed blog, mostly stories.

I'll be linking to
BOOK
On The Write Path  (13+)
ON THE WRITE PATH: travel journal for Around-the-World in 2015, 16, 18.
#2032403 by Kåre Enga in Montana
as I need to post there about my travels.

 
BOOK
O Pinions!  (XGC)
May my opinions gather wind under their wings and fly, perchance to soar.
#1501776 by Kåre Enga in Montana
is for my opinions. *Laugh*

BOOK
Nurture your Nature  (13+)
Look around. Let Nature nurture your Soul. I record images I sense and share them here.
#1439094 by Kåre Enga in Montana
was set up for nature observations and musings.

 
BOOK
Watt's Gnus  (18+)
On topics and today's gnus. Definitely opinionated. Set to 18+ for a reason.
#1439092 by Kåre Enga in Montana
come out of a need to share interesting stuff I come across. When I was young I did a small newsletter named as such. (or was it column in the newsletter? Been 30 years... I think.)

 
FOLDER
Flash Fiction  (GC)
Short 300 word, more or less, "stories" .
#2190336 by Kåre Enga in Montana
is where I put my flash fictions. Maybe someday I'll figure it out and have enough good ones to publish. Ratings vary and some are hidden from view.

I've started an appendix (I no longer have one personally) to keep track of my Space Cadet journals for Space Blog. It's a work constantly under construction. Mind the mess.
STATIC
Space Cadet - the never ending journal  (18+)
Journeys of an Alien Space crew.
#2226611 by Kåre Enga in Montana


I needed to start a folder for contests as there are so many deadlines and details to remember.
 
FOLDER
Conquest ... to keep track of contests  (18+)
A place to keep track of in progress works and up-coming deadlines as well as any awards.
#2233119 by Kåre Enga in Montana
(also very messy!) *Shock2*

 
FORUM
Blogville   (XGC)
Where bloggers meet and greet to read and share. No required prompt. Alias: blogville.
#2253938 by Kåre Enga in Montana
is for posting personal blog entries in hope that folks will comment and post their blog entries there as well. I will be commenting on all blog entries posted. It's my effort to rebuild a blogging community.

BOOK
Bibimbap 비빔밥   (13+)
Left-overs piled on hot rice and mixed.
#2296648 by Kåre Enga in Montana
an E blog focusing on food and culture. Easily digestible for the Queasy and Questioning.

Previous ... 2 3 4 5 -6- 7 8 9 10 11 ... Next
October 2, 2023 at 10:55am
October 2, 2023 at 10:55am
#1056573
(exercise) = Exor. (observations) = obsv. (s***,shave,shower) = ss&s. (read something) = read. (comment blogs) = bogs. (BoyLove series on-line) = ytBL. (Thai TV BL series on GMMTV25) = tv25. (write poetry or prose) = PorP. (take a daily walk) = walk. (buy something) = shop. (take a photo) = foto. (video) = วิดีโอ. (speak Thai/Lao) = pôod. (learn Thai) Thai. (go-into-the-water) = pool. (clothes) = wash. (cook something) = cook. (tidy up) = mess. (travel) = trip. (noon) = เที่ยง. (talking to ex-pats/travelers/strangers in European) = chat. (Thai teaching book) = book. (hand written journal) = jour. (contests) = test.

8 oktober

We stay in Sisaket

*Checkr* PorP.

Absolutely horrible day. Grab to Rajabhat. Long walk back through garbage, trash and filth. The university is about 5 km from the center. No buses, no transportation. This is the local college for 'poor' students.

Pan acted nasty. 'Nuff said.

Late coffee/tea. Sat outside with Arm, Lay, Golf who were drinking beer, many beers.

7 oktober

We go to Sisaket

*Checkv* PorP.

On bus to Ubon... then another bus. We're in Yasothorn. Need to find out schedule for Yasothorn-Sisaket. It's 15:48. We missed out on the direct bus.

Arrived at Sisaket. Staying in T4 for 3 nights.

6 oktober

*Checkb* exor. 200/100/200/300 = 800. 82 degrees at 09:15. No motivation.
*Checkb* ss&s.
*Checkb* PorP.
*Checkb* walk.
*Xb* trip. Didn't buy ticket.
*Checkb* tv31.

I must pack today for tomorrow. If I'm smart I'll buy the bus ticket too!

5 oktober

*Checko* exor. 350/200/250/300 = 1100. 84 degrees at 08:49
*Checko* ss&s.
*Checko* cook. chicken and pork with lemon, sugar, carrots, greens.
*Checko* ytBL. "I Feel You Linger in the Air" Ep1 Ep2
*Checko* เที่ยง. 89°F 32°C
*Checko* bogs. Sonali/Beholden/Wordsmitty/Harlow
*Checko* chat. P'Nan
*Checko* walk.
*Checko* shop. toilet paper, ice cream.
*Checko* PorP. ""Expired" O5 'delicious' 37w

When did you realize you were dead?

4 oktober

I need to calm down. A bit of drama the last two days. Nothing life threatening; it's just that my nerves are so damaged that I can't withstand any bad news... no matter how petty. I'm trying to get back into routines. It's 10:54 and I already have made some progress on the day. I enjoyed writing on paper. I'll go for water, a walk, visit friends, study? It's an idea. Pan seems happy today. We visit his doctor on the 9th. *Fingerscrossed*

*Checkg* exor. 300/100/200/300 = 900. 81 degrees at 8 a.m. It was very quiet in the shadows.
*Checkg* ss&s. Found my toothbrush.
*Checkg* PorP. ""Dug in" O3 40w 'root'
*Checkg* wash. Pan is washing and cooking today.
*Checkg* agua. another 8 liters.
*Checkg* chat. Nan and German visitor from Brasil.

To KansasCane on YCC: "If the last two centuries have had a steady heartbeat then the last two decades have been a heart attack. It's the uncertainty of it all that disturbs creatures of habit."

3 oktober

https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/opinion/the-world-would-be-better-off-without-rel...

*Checkp* exor. 200/100/200/200 = 700. The sun comes around by 10:00. 84/29 degrees.
*Checkp* cook. rice in pepsi with onion and cilantro
*Checkp* ss&s.
*Checkp* baht. took out money. the closest ATM didn't have the funds.
*Checkp* chat. with David.
*Checkp* walk.
*Checkp* shop. Lotus. Pan and I both bought *Chicken*. *Laugh*
*Checkp* agua. 8 liters.

To Charity on FB: "I find it interesting how small additions help in a kitchen. I value my scissors, my one knife to chop, my rice cooker, my 10 liter jug for filtered water. We have a rack... not as fancy 😊 but it helps. The clothes rack on the balcony is a must in Thailand. Small details, but they matter."

To Renae on FB: "Chris Carpenter, I personally like interacting with people more than robots. I can ask questions. I can receive answers. It's why I don't do drive-throughs like Starbucks, why I don't do delivery. I love old time diners with coffee and a slice of pie. In Thailand I smile and speak to street vendors. The folks selling flowers, roti, chicken-on-a-stick know me. I want to be seen and heard. A machine cannot do that."


2 oktober

*Checky* Trip. train home to Udon Thani.
*Checky* walk.

Up before 7 a.m. Ate breakfast! Out by 7:15? Took green line to blue line to Ban Sue... an empty cavern of a new train station with poor signage and long distances. Horrible place imho. Train was hot. I sat in 3rd class, car 4, seat 38? Anyhoo... no rain but the fields were very green and soaked. There's been bad flooding in some areas today.

Very worn out. Pan was glad to see me, bought me roses (old rose color), made sure I ate. I'm going to bed early as I'm exhausted. Tomorrow I'll unpack and try to restart routines.

I do need to rethink how I'm spending what is possibly the last stage of my life.

8549

40 words... The prompts for the following dates:

Use Nature blog?

10/01/2023- 'reflect'
10/02/2023-'tremendous'
10/03/2023-'root'
         This is how it begins. How it always begins. An urge to seek water and sustenance. An urge to cling to the soil that nurtures us. Finally a shy shoot to greet the sun. While roots... dig deeper in the heart they call home.
10/04/2023- 'instrumental' ???
         
10/05/2023-'delicious' grapes after the frost, a banana before it turns brown, fresh bread and split pea soup.
         So many things are delicious just before they rot: bananas turning black, bread with a spot of mold, your teeth before they fall out. Death becomes you. I can vouch for that.
10/06/2023-'terrific' as in terrifying?
         
10/07/2023-'until' waiting, 17 years, 20...
         Until you bloom like the cutting of a night blooming orchid. I waited 17 years to inhale its fragrance. Tonight I inhale yours.
10/08/2023-fragile' poppy, seedling, chick
         Not everything last. Not youth. Not beauty. Not the fragile petals of a roseate poppy. What endures is the memory of a moment that came in a dream and left on the wings of breeze.
10/09/2023-'determinant' Lead stem, flower, pinch and it branches, chrysanthemum.
10/10/2023-wisdom' Flowers that symbolize wisdom are: Sage, Jacaranda, Iris, Perovskia, Polygonatum (Solomon’s Seal), Aquilegia (Columbine) and Euphorbia (Spurge). September I'll remember. Like an aster, a star fallen to earth whilst the sage shyly blooms, small yellow flowers that defy the coming frost.
10/11/2023-reply' ???
10/12/2023-'collapse' Tired, the petals weep then wither. They have given their all. Only time will tell the fruits of their labor, whether it yielded a harvest of sprouts, a continuance of life itself, someone's last dinner.

Prompt me ghouls...

Week 1: phonebooth *Boothr*
         I followed the emerald ooze. It was coming from the rusted abandoned phone booth. No door, no phone, but I felt a ringing in my ear.
Week 2: pirate flag *Pirateflag*
         She hung the skull-and-bones upside down on the widow's peak. By moonlight, I caught a glint of a silvery hook. Earlier:She hung a black flag upside down on the widow's peak. By moonlight, I caught a glint of her silvery hook.
Week 3: train *Trainv*
         The tracks came into town over 100 years ago. They had been abandoned for over 5 decades. Surely the ghosts of the train wreck had moved on by now. Surely.
Week 4: handprint *Hand2*
         It was small, like a racoon. It was red like fresh strawberry jam. The hand that made it couldn't have gone far.
Week 5: October 31st *Dateoct31*
         No need to stress out. Bad things only happened on the first of the month, they told me. It was still the 31st until midnight.
September 25, 2023 at 11:51am
September 25, 2023 at 11:51am
#1056199
Language facilitates many things: at its most basic, a transfer of information, and at its most complex, an exchange of emotion. But perhaps what I value above all else is that it grants intimacy. — Kat Chow

(exercise) = Exor. (observations) = obsv. (shit,shave,shower) = ss&s. (read something) = read. (comment blogs) = bogs. (BoyLove series on-line) = ytBL. (Thai TV BL series on GMMTV25) = tv25. (write poetry or prose) = PorP. (take a daily walk) = walk. (buy something) = shop. (take a photo) = foto. (video) = วิดีโอ. (speak Thai/Lao) = pôod. (learn Thai) Thai. (go-into-the-water) = pool. (clothes) = wash. (cook something) = cook. (tidy up) = mess. (travel) = trip. (noon) = เที่ยง. (talking to ex-pats/travelers/strangers in European) = chat. (Thai teaching book) = book. (hand written journal) = jour. (contests) = test.

30 กันยายน 2566 = 30 september 2023 >>> 1 October

No place at Pinto so I stayed in Daraya. Which was a good choice. Good breakfast. Nice chat with friends at Pinto. Pet/Max/Apple/Chris really helped me physically, mentally and emotionally.

28 กันยายน 2566 = 29 september 2023

Two travel days. MSO-DFW-DOH-BKK. 34+ hours. Travis got me to the plane on time. American to DFW. Middle seat. *Meh* Qatar to DOH. Long 14 hour flight. Aisle seat = better. Was not impressed. Poor people's "lounge" in Doha is not impressive (Asiana's in ICN is wonderful). Qatar to BKK. Aisle seat on 7 hour flight. *Meh* Very quick through Immigration... then almost an hour waiting for luggage they made me check in Dallas. Overall... can't recommend American/Qatar in cattle-class.

27 กันยายน 2566 = 27 september 2023

*Checkg* ss&s.
*Checkg* chat. Merry, Don, others.
*Checkg* trip. checked-in.
*Checkgr* trip. mostly packed.

Eating dump cake. Finished puzzle. Couldn't find orange backpack. Freaked out. Merry noted that I can't take this level of stress. She's right. Changed seat to 20D (aisle). 'Train' goes from A to D. I have plenty of snacks (Merry).

I'm at a point that "it is what it is". Did my check-list. Found my gov id. Clothes for traveling laid out. Will do final packing in the morning. It's 2 a.m.

26 กันยายน 2566 = 26 september 2023

*Checkp* ss&s.
*Checkp* chat. Robbin, others. Jay.
*Checkp* bank. Transferred money.
*Checkp* mail. Received 2 postcards from Sonali.
*Checkp* walk. Bank, p.o., pharmacy.
*Checkp* trip. updated vaxx card.

Paid rent, ran errands, cooked pumpkin dump cake, worked on puzzle to distract myself. Reminded Pan that we paid rent.

25 กันยายน 2566 = 25 september 2023

*Checky* Woke up. Got up.
*Checky* SCtr.
*Checky* mark. Bread, chicken bologna.
*Checky* cook.
*Checky* chat. Merry, Dan, Phil, others.
*Checky* trip. Arranged ride to aitport.

8527


September 18, 2023 at 6:58pm
September 18, 2023 at 6:58pm
#1055926
Halfways through the year.

(exercise) = Exor. (observations) = obsv. (s***,shave,shower) = ss&s. (read something) = read. (comment blogs) = bogs. (BoyLove series on-line) = ytBL. (Thai TV BL series on GMMTV25) = tv25. (write poetry or prose) = PorP. (take a daily walk) = walk. (buy something) = shop. (take a photo) = foto. (video) = วิดีโอ. (speak Thai/Lao) = pôod. (learn Thai) Thai. (go-into-the-water) = pool. (clothes) = wash. (cook something) = cook. (tidy up) = mess. (travel) = trip. (noon) = เที่ยง. (talking to ex-pats/travelers/strangers in European) = chat. (Thai teaching book) = book. (hand written journal) = jour. (contests) = test.


(Senior Center) = SCtr. (Market) = mark. (Coffee shops) = cafe.


This week's to-do list.

*Xw* Clean. Very little
*Check* Close window for winter.
*Checkp* Get vaxx validated on my card (didn't have it with me).
*Check* Pre-pack clothes and everything except what I'm using.
*Checkv* Decide on gifts. Soap? (3 cakes soap)
*X* Chrome book.
*X* Phone.
*Xo* *Xb* *Xv* *Xr* *Xy* *Xp* *Xg* Reserve hostel. Two places sold out. H-Distric Boutique available. No luck.
*Check* Talk with Pan about dates and plans. He was sick for 3 days. Progress on 26th.
*Checkr* Wash clothes on Sunday. Hung to dry.
*Checkp* Pay rent. Paid for 6 months. By local check.
*Checky* Arrange trip to airport. Travis will take me.
*Checkg* Recheck reservation. (seats, name) Checked in.
*Xg* Print out trip. Can't.
*Checkb* *Checkv* *Checkr* *Checky* *Checkp* *Checkg* Say goodbyes and inform neighbors.
*Check* Card for Michael.
*X* Make some long-term plans that can be changed.
*Checkp* Contact bank. Check activity. State plans. Transferred money.
*Checkp* Post office. Cards from Sonali. Yes, I can pay for box on-line.
*Checkr* Plants. Watered. Need to be rearranged.

A contest to consider: "Honoring the Dead

24 กันยายน 2566 = 24 september 2023

*Checkr* bogs. Jim/Carolyn/Beholden.
*Checkr* cook. Think cheese.
*Checkr* wash. Chad was working instead of Drew.
*Checkr* ytBL.

Worked on puzzle and plants.

23 กันยายน 2566 = 23 september 2023

*Checkv* mark. pears, raspberry pastry
*Checkv* Bogs. Robert/Norma/Tracker
*Checkv* ytBL

To Tracker: "Interesting. The 23rd was my parent's wedding anniversary (48 years). Good for me to remember. I do like Autumn's descent, almost as much as Spring's rising. I'm going back 'home' to Thailand on the 28th. I went to market today and bought pears. I make new memories as well as remember old."

Goodbye to Irina, Tootie... Met Sage who works at Pagoda. Final Fire-and-Ice milkshake at Butterfly Herbs. Some sadness at leaving. Nap. Working on puzzle. Slow, quiet day.

22 กันยายน 2566 = 22 september 2023

Soltice is a-coming in. Laud sing...

*Checkb* SS&S.
*Checkb* SCtr. Jamie, others
*Checkb* trip. Checked on hostels ... still a problem.
*Checkb* chat. Late dinner with Dan-Dan-down-the-hall at Dillon's place across from mine.

Worked on new puzzle that Dan brought.

21 กันยายน 2566 = 21 september 2023

Thursday is an orange day, a day I buy Pan a rose. *Rose* But today... very sick. I didn't go out. Could barely get out of bed.

*Checko* ytBl. Moonlight Chicken. It's making me even sadder than when I first watched it.

This is the song from the 90s they use. I sent it to Pan. Pan was sick for 3 days... I told him I wished I could've been there to hold him.



20 กันยายน 2566 = 20 september 2023

*Checkg* trip. Seats reserved at 2 a.m. 22E 33F 53G.
*Checkg* vaxx. New Covid vaccine.

*Checkg* SCtr. Sat with Merry. Meatloaf.
*Checkgr* ytBL.

Finished puzzle... all 998/1000 pieces. I needed a distraction.

19 กันยายน 2566 = 19 september 2023

*Checkp* trip. Bought plane ticket at 2 a.m.

*Checkp* ss&s.
*Checkp* chat.
*Checkp* SCtr. bought a bright orange vest. $6.
*Checkp* foto. selfie, sent to Pan.
*Checkp* bogs. Petra/Neva/Grace/NormaJean
*Checkp* mark. Sinful. $2. Found out that there were no Paradise peaches this year.

To Neva: "My sleeping cycles are disturbing. I slept (rested) for 6 hours last night. When I'm back in Thailand I may try to adjust to sleep 6 hours (00:00 - 06:00) and nap for two in the afternoon.

Side note: I worry too much."

To Grace: "Oh... to de-clutter... *Laugh* I wish...

Supper tonight was a can of ravioli; I skipped lunch. Later: "sinful" melon and cottage cheese.

My team (Buffalo) won but I've been too stressed out to care. My high-school and college almaters are both 3-0. As are the Montana Griz. A 5-0 weekend that probably won't repeat itself.

Frost already in some rural areas. Overall it's been pleasant."

To NormaJean: "I don't have any oomph and my Muse is on vacation. Doubt I'll participate [in Octoprep or NaNoWriMo] this year. Hope cheerleading goes well as it's a lot of work."

18 กันยายน 2566 = 18 september 2023

*Checky* ss&s.
*Checky* chat. German travelers, Helen and Christopher.
*Checky* SCtr. Meal was very tasty.
*Checky* foto. rose
*Checky* bogs. Joy/Mouse/Grace

To Joy: "The local locusts shy away from autumn. Yellow leaflets litter the lawns. The Equinox beckons but keeps everything in a balance, incuding us.

Thailand has seasons too; but, they are more subtle. Each flower, frog and forest responds to the sun and rain."


To Mouse: "I am very talkative. People find me 1. annoying, 2. enthusing/motivating, 3. amusing. I draw out shy people.

Trauma keeps giving me gifts I can't return to sender. But... many bruises are ghosts of what they used to be."


Merit Badge in Shadows and Light
[Click For More Info]

Hi K,

Congratulations for winning 2nd Place in  [Link To Item #shadows]  with your clever, unique poem,  [Link To Item #2123582] .

Rachel
Shadows and Light


September 11, 2023 at 11:25pm
September 11, 2023 at 11:25pm
#1055609
Almost halfways throuh the year.

(exercise) = Exor. (observations) = obsv. (s***,shave,shower) = ss&s. (read something) = read. (comment blogs) = bogs. (BoyLove series on-line) = ytBL. (Thai TV BL series on GMMTV25) = tv25. (write poetry or prose) = PorP. (take a daily walk) = walk. (buy something) = shop. (take a photo) = foto. (video) = วิดีโอ. (speak Thai/Lao) = pôod. (learn Thai) Thai. (go-into-the-water) = pool. (clothes) = wash. (cook something) = cook. (tidy up) = mess. (travel) = trip. (noon) = เที่ยง. (talking to ex-pats/travelers/strangers in European) = chat. (Thai teaching book) = book. (hand-/ journal) = jour. (contests) = test.

(Senior Center) = SCtr. (Market) = mark. (Coffee shops) = cafe.


17 กันยายน 2566 = 17 september 2023

*Checkr* chat. Jay
*Checkr* read. Finished book
*Checkr* ytBL.

Too stressed out. I worked on a puzzle, drank coffee with Jay, burnt two hotdogs (ate them). Nothing resolved. Never left 'home'.

I'm not doing well.

16 กันยายน 2566 = 16 september 2023

*Checkv* ss&s.
*Checkv* mark. Sinful (melon), cherry pastry, peanut butter fudge.
*Checkv* walk.
*Checkv* chat. Important chat with Barbara.
*Checkv* cafe. Coffee, stressing.
*Checkv* ปัญญา messaged.
*Checkv* bogs. Patricia/Tracker/Charity

15 กันยายน 2566 = 15 september 2023

*Checkb* chat. Jamie, Laxmi...
*Checkb* bogs. Sarah/Whirls/Beholden
*Checkb* ytBL. Moonlight Checken
*Checkb* read.

14 กันยายน 2566 = 14 september 2023

*Checko* cook. hotdogs and potatoes for breakfast.
*Checko* ปัญญา messaged.
*Checko* ss&s.
*Checko* chat. At SrCtr.
*Xo* trip. May have bought ticket? didn't go through...
*Checko* walk.
*Checko* ytBL. Moonlight Chicken พระจันทร์มันไก่

13 กันยายน 2566 = 13 september 2023

*Checkg* read. "A Series of Unfortunate Events" by Lemony Snicket.
*Checkg* cook. pork, potatoes, egg.
*Checkg* bank. Checked balances. Money isn't an issue.
*Checkg* trip. considering two one way flights... less stressful.
*Checkg* chat. Laxmi and others. Jay.
*Checkg* ปัญญา messaged.
*Checkgr* ss&s. water was off earlier.
*Checkgr* ytBl. Moonlight Chicken.

Teresa Teng: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bv_cEeDlop0

Merit Badge in The Prompt Me Contest
[Click For More Info]

Congratulations on the best prompt for August! Loved it!!! *^*Bigsmile*^*
The Prompt Me Contest


12 กันยายน 2566 = 12 september 2023

Went to Le Petit and chatted with David, Kathi and Laxmi. Visited with Jamie at SrCtr and Dirk at the Butterfly. Picked up mail. Letters/postcards/box! from Phyllis, Sonali and Jody.

*Checkp* ss&s.
*Checkp* SCtr. Pork loin and gyro.
*Checkp* Mail. picked up mail.
*Checkp* Chat. various
*Checkp* Cafe. LePetit
*Checkp* Walk. To P.O.
*Checkp* Bogs. Joy/NormaJean/Harlow

11 กันยายน 2566 = 11 september 2023

Saw the crew at Sr. Center. Mostly sat with Dalton. Laxmi will go to Spain this weekend. Looked at flghts. Visited Travis. Very out of it today. Words slip my mind. Loud pounding at 7 p.m. from downstairs.

Saw Kirk. Got receipt. I'd paid for 5 months. I'm good.

*Checky* SCtr.
*Checky* Cook.
*Checky* Chat.

8447
September 3, 2023 at 12:47pm
September 3, 2023 at 12:47pm
#1055090
Transition. A week of transition from Udon Thani to Bangkok then via Korea to Missoula.

(exercise) = Exor. (observations) = obsv. (s***,shave,shower) = ss&s. (read something) = read. (comment blogs) = bogs. (BoyLove series on-line) = ytBL. (Thai TV BL series on GMMTV25) = tv25. (write poetry or prose) = PorP. (take a daily walk) = walk. (buy something) = shop. (take a photo) = foto. (video) = วิดีโอ. (speak Thai/Lao) = pôod. (learn Thai) Thai. (go-into-the-water) = pool. (clothes) = wash. (cook something) = cook. (tidy up) = mess. (travel) = trip. (noon) = เที่ยง. (talking to ex-pats/travelers/strangers in European) = chat. (Thai teaching book) = book. (hand-/ journal) = jour. (contests) = test.

(Senior Center) = SCtr. (Market) = mark. (Coffee shops) = cafe.


10 กันยายน 2566 = 10 september 2023

Missoula

Shopping for food reminds me of how expensive food is in Montana. Bought 3 containers of cottage cheese for 99¢ each though. Spent $25. Ate a pork burger on cinnamon swirl bread once home.

9 กันยายน 2566 = 9 september 2023

Missoula - markets

Saw folks. Gary, Charles, Billie Jo, Tootie... Bought food. Fire & Ice, coffee. cold morning, 44°. Wonky sleeping schedule. UM Griz won.

8 กันยายน 2566 = 8 september 2023

30+ hours BKK-ICN-SEA-MSO

A row to myself to ICN, slept in Asiana's lounge, chatted with a 22 year old Chinese Canadia on long flight to SEA, Indira in SEA, Alexa on flight to MSO. Travis picked me up.

7 กันยายน 2566 = 7 september 2023

Bangkok

Didn't do much. Ate pork satay, chatted with folks. Dilan from Germany helped me check in. Ate with Max, went to airport with Max, met her mother (from Sisaket) and friends. No real problems. Only 5 hours sleep, but I'm okay.

6 กันยายน 2566 = 6 september 2023

Pinto Hostel, Bangkok

Ate and rested all day. Pha, Max and Apple are wonderful. New guest from Indonesia, a member of their female Australian Rules football team competing in Pattaya.

Went to LDS temple. Kittiporn and others showed me around. I was polite. Very lovely rooms for various rituals. White is the theme. Took pictures outside.

5 กันยายน 2566 = 5 september 2023

Udon Thani to Bangkok.

Train was tranquil. Seat 16 was fine. About 32 minutes leaving and 20 minutes late arriving. No rain. Metro? Ban Sue is a nightmare. Very poor signage. No problems at the hostel. Nice folks from Puna, India and Pakistan.

4 กันยายน 2566 = 4 september 20323

Midnight: Mostly cloudy; 27°C 80°F; Precipitation: 19%; Humidity: 92%; Wind: 6 km/h
Rained over night. 77°F in the morning.

*Checky* exor. 200/100/100/200 = 600. 77 degrees at 09:56. A 13 minute quickie.
*Checky* ss&s.
*Checky* pôod. chat. with P'Nan.

To much to do, so some things won't get done: 1. Message Pan *Check* 2. Make decision about bank. 3. Make decision about phone/chromebook - cracked screens (I could use tablet/cameras) 4. finalize my flights. 5. seriously check flights coming back.

6. pack. *Check* 7. clean 8. set alarms. Samsung *Check* 9. do a couple routines just to allow my mind to process. *Check* 10. say goodbye. 11. visit Surada. *Check* 12. reserve temple visit. 13. make sure cameras are juiced and working. *Check* 14. count money. *Check*

Now 1 am. Raining. My alarm is set for 6 am.

8,342 views
August 27, 2023 at 11:53pm
August 27, 2023 at 11:53pm
#1054741
(exercise) = Exor. (observations) = obsv. (s***,shave,shower) = ss&s. (read something) = read. (comment blogs) = bogs. (BoyLove series on-line) = ytBL. (Thai TV BL series on GMMTV25) = tv25. (write poetry or prose) = PorP. (take a daily walk) = walk. (buy something) = shop. (take a photo) = foto. (video) = วิดีโอ. (speak Thai/Lao) = pôod. (learn Thai) Thai. (go-into-the-water) = pool. (clothes) = wash. (cook something) = cook. (tidy up) = mess. (travel) = trip. (noon) = เที่ยง. (talking to ex-pats/travelers/strangers in European) = chat. (Thai teaching book) = book. (hand-/ journal) = jour. (contests) = test.

3 กันยายน 2566 = 3 september 2023


To do: 1. Continue talking with Pan to straighten things out. 2. Make decision about bank. 3. Make decision about phone/chromebook (I could use tablet/cameras) 4. finalize my flights. 5. seriously check flights coming back.

I couldn't do anything all day long except buy my train ticket. I did speak to Pan and got a hug; but, I'm still upset.

I need to write to this when I get a chance: "Enjoy the Ride by Anni Pon .

*Checkr* exor. 400/200/200/400 = 1200. 79 degrees, pleasant. Must've sprinkled over night.
*Checkr* ss&s.
*Checkr* trip. Train ticket bought. Car 3 seat 16.
*Checkr* walk. Saw Vigo.
*Checkr* pôod. chat.
*Checkr* blog. Serious meltdown today my blog entry only touches on the hurt: "Giving up...

Iceland re abortion: "Olafsdottir responded, "We don't look at abortion as a murder. We look at it as a thing that we ended. We ended a possible life that may have had a huge complication... preventing suffering for the child and for the family. And I think that is more right than seeing it as a murder -- that's so black and white. Life isn't black and white. Life is grey."

K Dramas (Crash Landing on You):

If you want a lengthy thriller to get lost in … Little Women (12 episodes)

If you want a snackable legal procedural with heart … Extraordinary Attorney Woo (16 episodes)

If you want to cry and cry and cry … Thirty-Nine (12 episodes)

If you want to be awash in nostalgia … Our Beloved Summer (16 episodes) and Twenty-Five Twenty-One (16 episodes)

If you want to breeze through something silly … Business Proposal (12 episodes)

If you want your zombies with a dash of historical political intrigue … Kingdom (12 episodes)

CWTCH: I could give you a hug; but, would you lean into me, could you feel safe?

2 กันยายน 2566 = 2 september 2023


I woke up at a decent hour... still no energy. I will try to accomplish some of my tasks today: 1. prepack. *Check* progress! 2. buy suitcase. *Check* 3. talk with Pan about his fears and plans (very important). *Check* Some progress. 4. make decisions about phone and chromebook (do I just leave them?). 5. charge tablet and cameras. *Check*

*Checkv* ss&s.
*Clock2* เที่ยง. A few minutes before noon. *Clouds*32°C 89°F; Precipitation: 10%; Humidity: 68%; Wind: 13 km/h. Now 90 with a predicted high of 91.
*Checkv* walk.
e*Checkv* chat. pôod. Pear... now connected on FB.
*Checkv* exor. 200/100/200/200 = 700 around 84 degrees at 20:30. Warm and very late.
*Checkv* tv25. Only Friendsyou
*Checkv* bogs. Neil/Spacefaction/Mouse

Merit Badge in Smile!
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  If we learn nothing in life while traveling this world, 
 it's amazing what this does no matter the place or the culture. 
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 Your writing is like a smile. The words you assemble always leave a warm feeling.
Smile!


To Neil in "Birds of a Feather: "I remember my friends wanting me to drink or smoke. I now understand that they just wanted me to join in the 'fun' so they wouldn't be alone. BUT... it was never my definition of fun. Same with high-school. They were inviting me to join them. BUT... I never was good in joining groups. Even here at WdC... I'm a party-pooper. I feel uncomfortable. I'd rather be left alone."

To Mouse in "Invalid Entry: "I knew someone in Tulsa who wrote here... long ago. once I joined I got the support that you mentioned. It made a difference. I was homeless and penniless at the time. Folks here were understanding. One even sent me an 'extra' computer. It was right out of the box. What a gift, Bruce!

Most of those people have moved on, living or dead.

I was at the 'upgraded' level for a long time. It just became part of my budget. Even now, at a higher level I don't complain. It's not like I'm not eating or don't have a place to sleep. I've been there, done that.

Y'know... the internet was a godsend for some of us. I'm connected with so many people from so many places and here at WdC with so many different kinds of writers.

I'd be lonelier than I am without it."

1 กันยายน 2566 = 1 september 2023


*Checkb* exor. 200/100/200/300 = 800 at 09:35: 84 degrees.
*Checkb* obsv. yellow bell flower and a triplet of violet flowers that missed the grim reapers who maintain the shrubbery. swallowtail, strutting mynas.
*Checkb* ss&s.
*Checkb* walk. Saw luggage for Pan. No new screen for my phone. *Worry*
*Checkb* foto.
*Checkb* pôod. chat. Pim, David.
*Checkb* bogs. Thing/Adherennium/Brian
*Checkb* tv25. Dangerous Romance
*Checkb* trip. reservations at Pinto. Pan is ill so little input from him.
*Clock2* midnight 26°F 79°C; Precipitation: 71%; Humidity: 91%; Wind: 3 km/h

Haley has a point: https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/politics/haley-the-senate-is-the-most-privileged-...

To Bryan {huser:ripglaedr3 in "The Wall Called You: "Hard to care about walls. You can only hug them, plant seeds on them, water them... for so long. Seasons, decades, lifetimes... if necessary. Paint will stick... until it fades or washes away. It takes a long time in Montana to erase the ghost ads on brick buildings. But does the wall care? I've never heard one speak."

To 4 provinces (Thing/Hooves) in "De-cluttering and Coping With Loss: "My advice? (Doncha luv unsolicited sh*t? *Laugh*) Get someone younger to help you that can crawl and fetch. I'm too old to be risking a fall. That said... I did have someone help me last Summer. Bry was a godsherenniumend. Just going through stuff and having her move things I couldn't (like a futon) made my life much better. We also talked which helped. Her wife has similar issues re clutter so she understood that what I was dealing with was overwhelming.

*Eyesleft* Boxes and books *Eyesright*

A-ha moment? Like the group from Norway I saw in person circa 1986?"


To Adherennium: in "what do I want? "I want... a house surrounded by gardens." not exactly what I wrote for my 6th grade essay, but close. I was 12. I knew what I wanted. And in some ways I got that.

But I also wanted to know the world when I was 11.

These days... my goals have bite-size chewable objectives. Get up and do something... has been refined to write, read, exercise, walk, take photos. I'm learning the local language.

My goal? I don't want to die before I'm dead."


Merit Badge in Peak Performance
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Thanks for your brilliant performance.
Peak Performance


31 สิงหาคม 2566 = 31 august 2023


News from Bengaluru: https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/this-trans-woman-was-begging-on-india-s-str...

*Checko* ss&s.
*Checko* เที่ยง. sultry 88 degrees.
*Checko* walk. Took Pan to get a massage. I walked around Nong Prajak.
*Checko* foto. park, wat.
*Checko* bogs. Hooves/Tim/Petra

To Fathertymme in "Three Score and Thirteen+ Day 13, "Yesss... I was starting to worry. The sad part of that? I'm spread thin. I get so easily overwhelmed that I don't always make the first effort to keep in touch.

As in... my brother-in-law died August 15th. I found out when I called my sister on the 22nd for her birthday (August 23rd). I don't forget my sister's b-day... I usually just forget to call.

And that's my life. At some point I just throw up my hands. It is what it is.

I'm having computer issues but I use my phone as a hot-spot so that works really well in Thailand. In Montana? We shall see. I may need to cut back and that's not all bad.

Glad to read about the eyes, the fish, and the garden."


To Hooves in "De-cluttering and Coping With Loss: "I will clean here in Udon Thani before I leave next week. That way I'll 'find' stuff and won't have as much of a mess to come back to.

That said... Montana... I have two closets. I'm not sure what's hidden in their recesses; but, I need to go through at least one once I'm there. I only live in two rooms. It's amazing how much fits into a small place.

My problem is depression. I get overwhelmed... far too easily."


To Petra in "My heart is heavy: "My mother lived on her own till age 97. But once she broke her leg... it was hard on her. She kept most of her marbles but she was happy staying among those that had memory-loss because "they were nice people". My mom aged nicely.

It's hard to move. I'm facing that issue at 71 and if I live to be 82 or older I may have to face it multiple times.

Thailand? Living with someone is a pain... but it's good for me. Yet, lonely without friends.
Montana? Living alone is not good for me. Friends? Define that...

I want to be in Kansas '76 or where-I-grew up '90 or Oklahoma '04 or even Montana '10. It's not like I don't try. I make connections with everyone... kinda..."


Journalism isn't dead... https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/how-unc-student-newspaper-s-emotional-front-pa...

*Checko* exor. 200/100/200/300 = 800. It was 84 degrees from 19:30-19:45. Buggy and exhausting.
*Checko* tv25. "Oh, My Boss" is interesting in that it's Japanese/Thai. The camera work is annoying.
*Checko* test. "I looked towards home, a mere celestial speck dwarfed by the looming threat. I wept then leapt as I engaged my strapped-on thruster." for Da Hook. "The King of the North rode the black turtle accompanied by their pet dragon. They would bring peace... whether anyone was ready... or not." for Prompt Me.

I could 'work' but I'm feeling really weak. Midnight WDC is 11 am. here. Unfortunately, I have more on my plate than I can 'happily' handle.

30 สิงหาคม 2566 = 30 august 2023


10:00 ... Rain, 27°C 80°F, Precipitation: 90%, Humidity: 91%, Wind: 5 km/h

*Checkg* Thai. touch/cheap https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ygv3-Q9RE0M
*Checkg* exor. 200/100/200/250 = 750. Sprinkles, breeze
*Checkg* obsv. wh-t- f--th-r, d--d l-z-rd, b-tt-rfl*, st-ff br--z-, -rch-ds bl--m-ng --t -f s--s-n.
*Checkg* ss&s.
*Clock2* เที่ยง. 82 degrees. Light and shadow with a damp breeze.
*Checkg* wash. This is important because I need to pack before I dirty anything I want to wear.
*Checkg* bogs. Muzzy/Charity/Steven
*Checkg* chat. pôod. Ping, Pear's sister, Nan, Rick. David.
*Checkgr* walk.
*Checkgr* shop. strawberry milk, bread, chips.
*Checkgr* foto. full moon.
*Checkgr* tv25. "Oh, my boss" Didn't interest me. "Wedding Plan" finale
*Checkgr* test. "Not your problem to Seniors.

Responding to Annette (and thinking of {huser:demorm}) who reviewed "Not your problem for July's contest (No... I didn't win). "It was based on personal experience. Esfan in 1989; Gare in 2002. I grew up in a time and place that was very judgmental. Old German Lutheran/Catholics (the strict type) in a Mafia town (no joke). A very treacherous place.

I had very low self-esteem. I still struggle. My dad was laid-back. My mother was controlling. I wasn't allowed to speak to family or choose my friends. I smiled at every stranger like a lost puppy. That's part of it too.

Interesting that you mention combative... the bullying leads to anger, either internalized or outwardly expressed. I seldom felt safe in my community, at work nor with my family.

I didn't connect with the song. That's always an issue with random prompts not of my choosing."


To Charity: "Yes, I remember what you said years ago; but, you were focused on your daughter. Hard to make life choices when you're overwhelmed.

Strangers can see what family cannot. Or... you may be more willing to take the advice of strangers. Either way... congrats!

Mattress on the floor... done all over the world. *Smile*

Hotel rooms have advantages but renting a condo works for me. It's much cheaper here in Thailand."


To Steven: "My writerings = my blog. I do try to do other things but exorcising, walking and chatting every day for physical, mental and emotional stability is also important. I do a bit of a lot of things.

I'll be traveling next week, so that will impact my routine (like... what routine...)."


Pan is still sick. He's also sweating, has a fever, drinking water but won't eat.

29 สิงหาคม 2566 = 29 august 2023


I woke up does that count? fuzzy headed. I need to do my exorcise, maybe think about rainbows today's BCoF prompt and try not to stress out about 1 week left to straighten out my future trips. I leave Thailand on September 8th because... that's when my flight is scheduled and must figure a way back a.s.a.p. I doubt I'll do much around WdC as i don't do birthdays I'll be busy.

*Checkp* exor. 300/200/200/500= 1200
*Checkp* obsv.
*Checkp* ss&s.
*Checkp* Thai. 'eeg' more/again/another https://youtu.be/TJUd236rk4k
*Clock2* เที่ยง. 26C 78F damp.
*Checkp* pôod. Saw P'Noy
*Checkp* walk. Bought two roses: pink, orange.
*Checkp* shop. chicken, spices, 2 potatoes.
*Checkp* pool. Not for long. Right calf was bothering me.
*CheckP* tv25. The Jungle
*Checkp* bogs. Elizabeth/Neil/Mouse

To mousethyme: "I pet a cat today. *Smile* Wish I could have pets.

I have to remind Pan to take his meds. He's been ill. Today was day #4... hopefully he's better tomorrow.

I don't take any meds myself at the moment. Just as well..."

To Neil: "I tend to talk too much. That's a problem for everyone.

I need to leave next week, so I'm struggling to maintain some sanity. Pan has been ill, and that doesn't help.

Looked at return flights in early October."

To Elizabeth: "Summer... in the past I could have probably come up with a lot... but in Thailand the cool > hot > wet seasons are different and I have nothing that I miss because everything is new.

Highlight: trip to Laos, especially beautiful historic Luang Prabang.
Low: didn't get to the park in Chaiyaphum to see the rocks and flowers."

I looked up flights today. About 50,000 baht or $1,500 round trip. I need to make decisions and hopefully can tell Pan when I return before I leave.

28 สิงหาคม 2566 = 28 august 2023


*Checky* exor. 200/100/200/200 = 700. Saw Tom. 82 degrees at 09:52. Shadows were shortening. Must exercise before 10 a.m.
*Checky* obsv. Fragrance, breeze, bird with its beak in the scarlet ginger. pesky fly.
*Checky* ss&s.
*Checky* เที่ยง. 90 degrees with a bit of a breeze playing with the sky-blue curtain slats to the balcony.
*Checky* cook. I didn't like it but ate it anyways.
*Checky* walk.
*Checky* foto. lotus.
*Checky* face. posted fotos from Udon Tha7ni and Khon Kaen.
*Checky* shop. vegetables, pork.6
*Checky* chat. David and Marcel.
*Checky* tv25. The Jungle.
Midnight. Muggy. 80°F 27°C; Precipitation: 14%; Humidity: 86%; Wind: 2 mph.

I'm feeling like crap. Coffee? Can barely stay awake. It's almost 6 p.m. and still sultry.

I would say that Pan is having a rough time. He took his meds at 21:00 but wasn't 'here'.

8253
August 20, 2023 at 10:20pm
August 20, 2023 at 10:20pm
#1054380
(exercise) = Exor. (observations) = obsv. (shit,shave,shower) = ss&s. (read something) = read. (comment blogs) = bogs. (BoyLove series on-line) = ytBL. (Thai TV BL series on GMMTV25) = tv25. (write poetry or prose) = PorP. (take a daily walk) = walk. (buy something) = shop. (take a photo) = foto. (video) = วิดีโอ. (speak Thai/Lao) = pôod. (learn Thai) Thai. (go-into-the-water) = pool. (clothes) = wash. (cook something) = cook. (tidy up) = mess. (travel) = trip. (noon) = เที่ยง. (talking to ex-pats/travelers/strangers in European) = chat. (Thai teaching book) = book. (hand-/ journal) = jour. (contests) = test.

27 สิงหาคม 2566 = 27 august 2023


*Checkr* trip. Khon Kaen to Udon Thani.
*Checkr* pôod. chat. P'Nan and N'Pear.
*Checkr* ss&s.
*Checkr* exor. 300/200/200/300 = 1.000 Not bad for having missed 3 days on 'vacay'.
*Checkr* tv25. Hidden Agenda.
*Checkr* bogs. Robert/Patricia/Tracy/NormaJean

26 สิงหาคม 2566 = 26 august 2023


*Checkv* walk. train station, Wat Pho.
*Checkv* foto.
*Checkv* pôod. วิดีโอ. At park.
*Checkv* ss&s.
*Checkv* obsv. bird pooped on me, children's slide, markets and park come alive at

25 สิงหาคม 2566 = 25 august 2023


*Checkb* trip. to Khon Kaen 72 baht
*Checkb* walk.
*Checkb* pôod. chat. At Lotus.
*Checkb* foto. video. Park, wat... petanque.
*Checkb* tv25. Dangerous Romance.

Dropped my phone. Broke the screen. Still works. At Chada. Don't like it much.

24 สิงหาคม 2566 = 24 august 2023


*Clock* เที่ยง. 31°C 88°F, Precipitation: 6%, Humidity: 68%, Wind: 13 km/h *Clouds*

*Checko* bogs. Grace/Kristina/Scarlett

To {huser:kb6vas in "Things that Make Me Smile Trains, trees and flowers. Plus any cat, stray or not that needs to be petted. I love caramel flan but chocolate...

Small things tend to make me smile.

My favs on your list:

11. The train whistle in the middle of the night and 4:00 am.
I live in a mobile home park near the train tracks. Did you know that the trains sound different late at night than they do during the day? They do. During the day, they sound muffled and always in a hurry. Late at night, they have a hollow and lonely sound, as if they are lost.

12. Trees
Always standing tall, strong and at attention. So many of them have been around for years—generations. I look at them and feel the history that they must have seen. Especially the trees in the forests.


To Scarlett: "In Thailand (when is your next visit... *Smile*) I try to dress according to the color of the day. Thursday is orange. Once I dress accordingly I only need to look at what I'm wearing to be reminded. *Laugh* If I put on the wrong color though...

My life is boring. I have daily routines I
keep track of that remind me I'm still breathing. Plus Pan provides me with support. I've lived alone for years so this is good for me. Today we are in Maha Sarakham."

To Kelly Petersen on FB: "You will not be dead until those who remember you are dead. I like having young friends, but they'll only remember me as an old codger..."

*Checko* walk.
*Checko* news/face
*Checko* PorP "Crossing the river to breathe 🇨🇭 A24 [105] 40w 'pure'
*Checko* blog. "Boring but not dead until I say so.
*Checko* foto.
*Checko* video.
*Checko* tv25. Home School ep.18

23 สิงหาคม 2566 = 23 august 2023


*Checkg* exor. 200/100/200/300 = 800 at 07:45. 77 degrees.
*Checkg* trip. caught the Pink Bus at 10:
00 to Maha Sarakham. 150 baht/each. Strange trip. Different route than Udon-Ubon. I think it took 12 towards Kalasin and passed universities (must check map). Bus filled up in Khon Kaen. We walked to Top Inn from depot. 1.300 baht/total for 2 nights. After a heavy blustery rain we walked to the night market.
*Checkg* foto.
*Checkg* วิดีโอ. rain. posted at fb.
*Checkg* face.
*Checkg* news.
*Checkg* walk. Klong was filled after the storm. Nice market. We both found something to eat.
*Checkgr* shop. Lotus. dates, Sprite, ice cream. Mostly to get change from a 1.000 bill.
*Checkgr* tv25. Home School ep. #17.
*Checkgr* PorP. " Fishermen 🇹🇼 A22 [104] 40w 'policy'

I'm a bit worn out. Did not sleep well nor long enough. Pan did not look well but managed to get going by 9 am. I was concerned that he would sleep in. It's after 10 pm. now and he's sleeping. We were both very tired when we got to our room. 114. The rain kept us in for a rest/nap. Free insta-coffee, has breakfast and, although it's fairly utilitarian, it doesn't seem sterile like the Hop Inn in Chaiyaphum. It's down a quiet lane with barking dogs and singing frogs.

22 สิงหาคม 2566 = 22 august 2023


*Checkp* exor. 200/100/200/300 = 800. 79-84 degrees
*Clock2* เที่ยง. 84 semi-sunny degrees.
*Checkp* obsv.

Return of winged things, white flutterbies, pesky flies, the roar and echo of jets. The towers loom but not high enough to block the sun. I prefer cooler shadows. I must hurry to be done.

*Checkp* ss&s.
*Checkp* ytBL. Enigma Ep. 4

The clothes are drying. They're swabbing the floor today. I scrubbed the threshold as Pan took out the trash. He's like that. I just wanted to get up off my tush to walk down the hall, using the trash as an excuse. But... he wanted to help. He's been sitting a lot too. He told me that I needn't interrupt my work. *sigh* He means well and at least he understands that my writing is 'work'.

*Checkp* PorP. "Pat, pat, pat. 🇲🇽 A21 [103] 40w 'rhythm'
*Checkp* chat. pôod. Pear, P'Nan.
*Checkp* walk.
*Checkp* shop. for trip.
*Checkp* pool.
*Checkp* tv25. Jungle.
*Checkp* trip. started to pack, mostly done.
*Checkp* call. sister. b.i.l. Dan died August 15th, age 89.
Midnight. Cloudy, 26°C 79°F, Precipitation: 17%, Humidity: 92%, Wind: 5 km/h. Rain in forecast.

"Little is known of Yamabe no Akahito other than what we can gain from his fifty poems in the Manyoshu. His thirteen Nagauta poems and thirty-seven Tanka poems were all written between 724 and 737 AD."

My comment at YCC over climate change apathy: "Norwegians have centuries of living on the edge, just one crop failure or fish failure away from starvation. However... the Kingdom of Norway was killed by the Plague, becoming a vassal of Sweden or Denmark. It took 500 years to restore it. May explain their response to Covid compared to Sweden. A collapse of the Gulf Stream would be similar or worse than the Plague as certain areas become unlivable for humans. Facing extinction isn't pleasant. And avoiding or denying reality is understandable in that context."

21 สิงหาคม 2566 = 21 august 2023


Gary's son Gary had his 21st birthday yesterday. I mention this today, not because I forgot, but because I'm just shocked about the passage of time and depressed because that past life is long past. Milestones remind me of this. Will I remember to call my sister? Her birthday is the 23rd.

To Rosemary re historical novels: "A first person point of view could be written in the present. It draws the reader in whereas past tense provides distance, and a telling of a story looking back at it. Both tenses have uses. And... it's fiction, of course! Unless there are actual written records from that time... they tend to be written by someone who was neither then nor there."

*Checky* exor. 200/100/100/200 = 600 84 shady degrees In The Shadow Of The Tower. 10:30-ish
*Checky* ss&s.
*Checky* trip. Made plans to leave for Maha Sarakham and Khon Kaen for 4 days. Thought about leaving tomorrow, but leaving the 23rd.
*Checky* wash. Hung to dry. And drying!
*Checky* walk.
*Checky* chat. Briefly with David. Good to see P'Sam (Sayan).
*Checky* cook. Pan under-cooked the carrots so I added onions, garlic, last of the squash.
*Checky* pool. Not much. Even if I do a little everyday... it counts.
*Checky* bogs. Louise/Stik/Robert
*Checky* tv25. The Jungle

To {huser:howellbard3 for "Invalid Entry "My mind wanders from one thing to the other. I tend to see connections where others only see what they were told to see as a child. I'm no child; but, I lived in wonderment then... and still do. I don't allow my fingers or my pen to lead the way as much as I used to. Perhaps I should.

As for Noah... no rain today... yet."

To {huser:soledad_moon in "Inky Six "When I was younger, I didn't do needles, whether they hurt or not. Even now, I'd rather not. For me there's no urge to ink and no reason.

I met a man years ago who got inked all over to cover a disfigurement. I think of Allison who does colored floral tattoos. She's quite an artist. In Thailand some people do, some people don't.

Personally, I've seen black geometric designs I've liked; but a bird sounds nice."

To {huser:cathartes02 in "Meh. Whatever. "Anachronisms in scholarly works may be unacceptable and scientists eschew all non-verifiable sources and results... but poets... relish in them, as do story-tellers as the art, the music, the message is more important than the mere meaning of a word.

It's why scholars of any ilk are ignored when the street-preacher speaks the truth. Bill Nye comes to mind, but there are many others. They know how to translate concepts and abstractions into a language most people can understand. That's also the strength of metaphor. And parables."

YCC TybeeTimes: "Like Jack Sparrow's compass, a wishcaster's compass always points in the direction your heart desires."

8221
August 14, 2023 at 1:28am
August 14, 2023 at 1:28am
#1054067
Twenty-second Week of the Year 180.

(exercise) = Exor. (observations) = obsv. (shit,shave,shower) = ss&s. (read something) = read. (comment blogs) = bogs. (BoyLove series on-line) = ytBL. (Thai TV BL series on GMMTV25) = tv25. (write poetry or prose) = PorP. (take a daily walk) = walk. (buy something) = shop. (take a photo) = foto. (video) = วิดีโอ. (speak Thai/Lao) = pôod. (learn Thai) Thai. (go-into-the-water) = pool. (clothes) = wash. (cook something) = cook. (tidy up) = mess. (travel) = trip. (noon) = เที่ยง. (talking to ex-pats/travelers/strangers in European) = chat. (Thai teaching book) = book. (hand-written journal) = jour. (contests) = test.


اسماء names (attributes) = اكمال = perfection (excellence, fullness, consummation, maturity}

20 สิงหาคม 2566 - 180 1 اسماء

*Clock* เที่ยง. Oppressive. 33°C 91°F, Precipitation: 12%, Humidity: 72%, Wind: 8 km/h.

To Stephen on Newsfeed: Unfortunately that has been a 2 thousand year old tradition among Christians. Misunderstanding is understandable. Standing by misinterpretations is demanded but inexcusable imho. I'm not Christian. I get tired of the outrage and infighting while basic decency is set aside. You think your 'wrong' neighbor is going to Hell? Give them a going away gift and smile, always smile, genuinely smile. Ask for a postcard. *Smile*

To huser:pickmarvilla for "Welcome to my crazy life update: Glad to hear that things are being sorted out. A car and a dog. Part of me wishes I had both.

Living with someone has been a blessing for me. I go back to my lonely room in Montana next month and may have to ask pointed questions about rent. I cannot afford to pay double what I'm paying. Rich folks are buying second and third houses, turning them into AirBnBs or leaving them empty most of the year. Prices have skyrocketed and rental companies are price-gouging..

I may be forced to relocate to Thailand or elsewhere where at least I can have a nice life without the financial stress. I want to move to Kansas or Iowa but that's more expensive than staying put in Udon Thani. *Sad*

Choices and decisions. We each face them. Sometimes they have happy endings. Enjoy this moment and hopefully your future decisions work out for the best."


To {huser:tuozzo re blog {item:1411600 "I haven't ignored you but I do want to apologize for waiting so long to comment. Memorializing this journey is most suitable for getting back to blogging. It may also help you in the future looking back.

Come September, I hope you can get back to writing poetry and/or songs. And keep blogging.


"When you reread this next year and sigh, "what was I thinking", you'll have a good enough reminder not to do it again!"

"Hmm... lost my comment (computer issues).

This is a bit of a 'wake'.

1. Casserole delivery? Can someone babysit with tea, coffee, crumpets? An old auntie, parent, student, neighbor, friend... someone from church. Not there to do anything except give emotional support.
2. Can your husband take a day or two off... if necessary?
3. What more can be delegated or hired out like you did with the piano?
4. Is there anyone else who can meet with the landlord?
5. You seem to be good at organizing, delegating, knowing your limits, physical and otherwise. Have you given yourself a pat on the back? You deserve one."


To huser:beholden in "A Long Lost Tale "I'd be livid. I do get the 'detachment' concept of having to let go... but others (especially family) stealing, lying, trashing and much much worse... disregarding someone's feelings... is inexcusable. I have my own stories. It erodes trust and once broken that's hard to repair. Healing can take years.

I lost everything years ago. I force it out of my mind because dwelling on it isn't going to bring anything back. I chose forgetfulness and building a new life."


"It's impossible to know what will trigger others. Or what others may find offensive... (I am not always tactful). I tend to be easily triggered due to multiple traumas. I'm just a Big Bruise. Forgetfulness may not be as powerful as forgiveness, but sometimes that's the only tool available."

*Checkr* bogs. Maravilla/Michelle/Beholden
*Checkr* exor. 300/200/200/300 = 1.000 93 degrees.
*Checkr* obsv. 1 fly, few birds, no butterflies, child with a white 'car' (he spoke in English), child picking orange flowers, distant thunder (now close), train.
*Checkr* ss&s.

My computer is acting up today. I lose entries. It randomly changes screens. My nerves are shot.

The 31% chance of precipitation is storming outside in a blustery downpour. I'm sure the temp has dropped! The weather sites are a bit behind the present conditions. *Laugh*

*Checkr* walk. After the rain. 24 degrees.
*Checkr* shop. croissants, Birdy, potatoes
*Checkr* tv25. Hidden Agenda
*Checkr* PorP. Unfinished "From the tower... [180.101] ""Hats off." 🇧🇬🇱🇹 A20 [102] 39w 'requirement'

19 สิงหาคม 2566 - 180 19 كمال

*Checkv* news. The threats by Virus 45 need to stop. The death threats against leaders and their families needs to stop.
*Clock2* เที่ยง. Mostly sunny, 93°F 34°C, Precipitation: 3%, Humidity: 60%, Wind: 2 mph. Sultry.

I'm finally functioning. Pan cooked; I helped (onion, squash, carrot).

*Checkv* PorP. "Open Hearts of Isan 🇹🇭 A19 [100] 40w 'open'
*Checkv* bogs. Bryan/Lyn/NormaJean
*Checkv* chat. Nan at Surada while Pan went to the dental clinic.

It's 97 degrees at 5 p.m. Hopefully the rains come back next week. It's too hot to do anything outside other than sit and chat. It's too hot inside because we have a west wall that soaks up the heat of the sun. I opened the doors and windows as it was hotter inside than out. At some point I'll put on the a/c to bring the bedroom down to 26c degrees.

*Checkv* pool. Found 2 20 baht notes; "dived" for them. Pan asks the girls if the money was theirs.
*Checkv* exor. 200/100/200/400 = 900. 90 degrees at 8 pm-ish.
*Checkv* tv25. Only Friends. At least Pan laughed at one part.

18 สิงหาคม 2566 - 180 18 كمال

A brush caresses his long grey tresses, a hand untangles the strands, a voice calms the stress. To have lived long enough to see the fruits of one's labors to live longer and see it all destroyed... This was the curse his grandfather had mentioned, the one he now knew he had to abide. His thoughts were on the Moon, his silver hair resplendent. The brush moved slower now. There was no one else to attend him.



To Holly on fb: "As in... you can verify. But is it the same for your neighbors? *sarcasm* I know you are talking about weather, but verification (and lack thereof) applies to much of social media when posters repost posts of people they don't know personally about places they have never been and events they have never experienced."

Virus 45: https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/politics/what-s-he-got-to-lose-fascism-expert-say...

*Checkb* edit. "Obituary for a bad boy posted on newsfeed for comments/reviews.
*Checkb* เที่ยง. 90 degrees. Partly sunny.
*Checkb* walk. rose, watermelon.
*Checkb* foto.
*Checkb* SS&s.
*Checkb* chat. with Rick, Pear and guests.
*Checkb* วิดีโอ. at soup place near by. Pan was happy.
*Checkb* tv25. Dangerous Romance... triggered me. The bullying bothered me.
*Checkb* exor. 300/100/200/300 = 900. 88 degrees at 22:02
*Checkb* PorP. "Empty 🇨🇦 A18 [99] 40w 'vast'

17 สิงหาคม 2566 - 180 17 كمال

Decisions. I didn't like the Hop Inn but changing hotels can be a nightmare. Next time I'll try Man U or Lertnimit. Going to sights would've cost 3.000 baht and I wasn't up for it without knowing I had a place to stay. So we headed home. By-the-way, there are 4 buses to Udon and 3 to MahaSarakham/RoiEt. No one seems to know these things. The last bus on both routes leaves at noon.

*Checko* ss&s.
*Checko* เที่ยง. trip. bus to Udon.
*Checko* foto.
*Checko* วิดีโอ.
*Checko* walk.
*Checko* shop. pork, bread, carrots...
*Checko* tv25. Home School... almost finished on tv.
*Checko* exor. 200/100/200/250 = 750. 84 degrees at 22:00.
*Checko* PorP. "Greenland isn't green. 🇬🇱 A17 [98] 40w 'clear'

16 สิงหาคม 2566 - 180 16 كمال

Ached all night (good bed, but...). Morning has broken and we need to go out and eat. There's only coffee until 11 a.m. I managed to spill cup #4 as I went to open the door to room 415. Hop Inn is sterile. Mid-American suburbanites would recognize a chain motel. It's that and nothing more. No charm at all. But... its near the bus terminal for buses to Bangkok (south), Chiang Mai and Nan (west then north) and Surin and Ubon (south then east). Buses north leave from Terminal 1, a bit of a walk. It's a place to stop for one night.

Traveling means:

*Xg* pool.
*Xg* exor.
*Xg* book.

*Checkg* เที่ยง. About 88 degrees and cloudy.
*Checkg* news. or
*Checkg* foto.
*Checkg* วิดีโอ. at wat.
*Checkg* shop. 7/11 for water, snacks, stomach meds. Pan feels better, but...
*Checkg* face. foto of rice with duck and soup, another of Prang Ku.
*Checkg* bogs. Hooves/Jessica/Jeff
*Checkg* walk. Prang Ku. Small Khmer site. Wat. Pan walked! with me.
*Checkg* chat. Swede from Malmo.
*Checkg* PorP. "Ryokan etiquette 🇯🇵 A16 [97] 40w 'formal'

*Checkgr* tv25. Home School and Wedding Plan.

To {huser:soledad_moon question on the Newsfeed "Could someone explain why I've decided a naga uta storem is a good idea?: "Yes.

Oh, you wanted an explanation! Why? Simple... writing outside of one's experience or comfort zone enhances one's ability to write. It's good for the brain and sometimes has felicitous side effects. You may also bring something to the poetic table that others do not. Your unique point-of-view and style of writing expand the corpus and may show what the form is capable of. If not... so be it. You love mental challenges and this is but one of many. My advice? Go for it.


To 4provinces re "You Tube Cute & Educational & Gossipy Videos I watch youtube videos on Thai language but really like subbed Thai TV series. I've learned a lot about culture and admire the actors. Unfortunately, that makes Hollywood ventures disappointing.

I also watch reels and tik-tok and Reddit's AITA (well... sometimes we all are...). I learn some things; but, what I learn most is the point-of-view of those who comment... and how ignorant we all are in general.

If Oliver makes you happy? *Bigsmile* Go for it!


To dunkelhetstern (Jessica) "Ghosts and Memories "My journal and blogs keep so much alive... I've used them to remember, process... then let go.

I sleep 'alone' when I travel, sharing a room if I'm in a hostel. I live alone in Montana; but, sleeping next to Pan makes me happy.

My friend Gary reminds me of my father. I met him about a year after my father died. Marilyn (who helped me get disability) reminded me of Marilyn (my former boss I didn't get along with). Very similar in appearance and personality. Interesting juxtaposition.

I'm glad you had Nan for all those years. *Heart*"


To Jeff in "The Struggle is Real "I have no problem discarding the OT that covers the trials and tribulations of one tribe (out of many). They are of historical use.

Proverbs, some of the Psalms, Ecclesiastes, and the story of Ruth are worthy of reading and rereading by most anyone of any religion. But, some of the other parts of the Ketuvim are bloody and present the xenophobia and vengeful nature of a persecuted minority. Esther and Psalm 137:9 is hardly a way to go forward with peaceful relationships.

The Red Letter Jeffersonian Bible may be easier for non-Christians. The epistles and commentary seem to be time-specific and have been weaponized by some Christians. Hebrews makes some valid points about 'faith' as does James about putting words into action. However, the Bible, even the NT, is not a cook-book imho... just saying.

The texts are old. Reading it in English is as disconcerting as reading any other Scripture not written in English (basically none before 1830). Translation is more than word1 = word2 (too many false cognates in related languages Norwegian/Swedish, English/French... and Thai versus English *Laugh*).

You make a valid point about interpretation. We are not the All-Knowing, All-Embracing Creator. Humility is a key to any approach to Scripture."


To Robert: "I remember the Jetsons. Flying cars! *Laugh* Robots that clean! *Bigsmile*

Those two they got right. But why did it matter at the time? Folks wanted faster, freer, and less work. I suspect that hasn't changed. Starbucks succeeded because people wanted faster and no fuss coffee; the price didn't matter. And AI may succeed for the same reason that Rumba has.

Other, darker, sci-fi-fantasy looked into a dystopian world where even growing food was an act of courage. And that fear... still exists.

Thai culture is more concerned about political/cultural issues (told at a slant) or avoiding them by focusing on nonsense. Lots of nonsense that resembles the American sitcoms of the 50s or 80s. Slapstick, soap operas (lakorn), or friend dramas like "Friends". What succeeds... or doesn't... reflects on the present day psyche of a group of people. Shows like Star Trek, Twilight Zone and All in the Family were indicative of the angst of their times."

15 สิงหาคม 2566 - 180 15 كمال

*Checkp* Thai. 'naa'+ = worthy https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tGGHkfmQHGU
*Checkp* trip. 4 hours by mini-van, Udon Thani to Chaiyaphum.
*Checkp* walk. 2 longish walks.
*Checkp* foto. walking, and from mini-van.
*Checkp* วิดีโอ. from mini-van.
*Checkp* PorP. "Disculpe 🇨🇷 A15 [95] 40w 'freedom'
*Checkp* tv25. The Jungle.
*Checkp* test. "Ides of August Just because... and an entry supports Petra's contest.

Day started out okay. We took Grab to the station, bought tickets 250 x 2 = 500 baht. Trip was uneventful. Hop Inn? Institutional. 1.460 baht for 2 nights. I 'sweated like a pig'. Totally soaked. Very worn out when I lay down. Groggy when I got up. Pan got sick to his stomach. Lost evening.

Chaiyaphum is a bit slower pace. I could carefully cross the streets. There are a couple things to see outside of town (waterfall, parks, flowers, stones, lookout) and Prang Ku ruins from the Khmer. Tomorrow?

14 สิงหาคม 2566 - 180 14 كمال

*Checky* wash. Pan washed; I got 10 liters of water for our jug.
*Clock2* เที่ยง. 88 sweaty degrees... again. It cooled overnight, but as soon as that sun comes out...
*Checky* ss&s. very late before going to bed.
*Checky* foto.
*Checky* walk. twice.
*Checky* shop. snacks for tomorrow
*Checky* PorP. "April in Luxembourg 🇱🇺 A14 [94] 40w 'hard'
*CheckY* chat. David. Went out for pizza.
*Checky* news.
*Xy* bogs. No time.
*Xy* pool. No time.
*Checky* exor. 200/100/100/200 = 600. 81 degrees at 22-ish. Too tired and busy to do more.
*Xy* Thai.
*Xy* tv25. Missed it
*Xy* ytBL. No time.
*Checky* trip. Reservations Chaiyaphum. Checked bus schedule.

August 6, 2023 at 10:46pm
August 6, 2023 at 10:46pm
#1053749
Twenty-first Week of the Year 180.

(exercise) = Exor. (observations) = obsv. (s***,shave,shower) = ss&s. (read something) = read. (comment blogs) = bogs. (BoyLove series on-line) = ytBL. (Thai TV BL series on GMMTV25) = tv25. (write poetry or prose) = PorP. (take a daily walk) = walk. (buy something) = shop. (take a photo) = foto. (video) = วิดีโอ. (speak Thai/Lao) = pôod. (learn Thai) Thai. (go-into-the-water) = pool. (clothes) = wash. (cook something) = cook. (tidy up) = mess. (travel) = trip. (noon) = เที่ยง. (talking to ex-pats/travelers/strangers in European) = chat. (Thai teaching book) = book. (hand-written journal) = jour. (contests) = test.


13 สิงหาคม 2566 - 180 13 كمال

*Checkr* ss&s.
*Checkr* foto.
*Checkr* วิดีโอ. Pan feeding fish and petting them.
*Checkr* shop. Fresh tilapia.
*Clock* เที่ยง. 88 sweaty degrees at 12:34. By noon Pan and I had gone out to eat rice and then stopped by the Chinese Cultural Center where Pan made merit, offerings and fed (and petted) the fish. Then the market. I returned tired and soaked from sweating.
*Checkr* PorP. "Lost in Luang Prabang 🇱🇦 A13 [93] 40w 'classic'
*Checkr* chat. with Pear at Surada. Rained! Temp came down to 77 degrees after the rains.
*Checkr* news. deSantis is going full-fledged fascist.
*Checkr* face. Put video of Pan and his fish ... but not the one I just ate.
*Checkr* bogs. NormaJean/Tracker
*Checkr* pool. Pan watched. I did a bit better with breathing but can't move well in the water.
*Checkr* exor. 300/200/200/300 = 1.000 It was cool after the rain. No problems. No bugs either. *Think*
*Checkr* Thai. Level/With-whom/relationship/Time&place https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lqvoc5ovJc0

Late downpour with wind! Really blew things around! Cooler too. Sprinkles afterwards. It takes time from the clouds to wring themselves out.

12 สิงหาคม 2566 - 180 كمال 12

It's becoming too much effort to just get up. It's already 84 degrees at 10:13. Two cups of coffee... I need to eat. Pan is up and about, has been to 7/11 and cooked. I'm listless.

Today is the Queen's birthday. It's designated as Mother's Day throughout Thailand.

Pan went to Nong Bua Lamphu today. Visited a waterfall.

*Checkv* ss&s.
*Checkv* PorP. " OnTheWayToŠiauliai 🇱🇻🇱🇹 A12 [92] 40w 'similar'
*Checkv* walk.
*Checkv* chat. David, Nan.
*Checkv* foto.
*Checkv* tv25. Only Friends #1 and part of Law of Attraction.
*Checkv* exor. 200/100/200/200 = 700. 86 (30) degrees at 22:00.
*Checkv* Thai. feelings https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-tCvGjIMVZg
*Checkv* bogs. Scarlett/Mighty/Beholden
*Checkv* blog. "Scarlett, Mighty and Beholden

Disaster of a day.
85 degrees at 11 p.m.

11 สิงหาคม 2566 - 180 كمال 11

Forecast:

Isolated thunderstorms
91°F° 33C
Precipitation: 30%
Humidity: 69%
Wind: 9 mph

It's already 83 or so degrees at 08:15. It never cooled over night. I'll need to be careful today (and change into cooler clothing) I cover up in bed because the a/c freezes me even when the fan is on a low setting.

*Checkb* woke. I got up.
*Checkb* exor. 300/100/200/300 = 900. Nine-ish. 82+ degrees. I felt weak and woozy.
*Checkb* ss&s.
*Checkb* bogs. SciFi/Harlow/Neil
*Checkb* เที่ยง. 86 degrees (30C)

To huser:spacefaction in "Biggest Mistake of Them All "I'm having issues with my LeNovo chromebook. The screen jumps around and even shifts or closes tabs. I lost about 300 words a couple days ago and I haven't gotten back to writing. At least, I remember the basic premise. I've considered writing everything by hand.

Glad to hear that you were able to resolve the problem."


To huser:wolfgang in "stoner I am not much of a joiner. I'm part of a couple facebook groups including one of old WdC members. But I have always been contrary and most groups prefer non-boat-rockers.

One sees that here at WdC. Not a lot of critical thinking. Not as much creativity as one would expect. Nor as much expertise as one would hope. The level of experience? We have some new teenage members and those are to be encouraged; however, many groupies who won't venture outside of their circle of safety. I suspect some are literally afraid of going-to-hell if they interact with un-washed heathens.

I miss open-mics. I miss writing groups. I miss cafes. I'm not having any success in Thailand; but truthfully, Montana, post-covid, was dismal as well. The creative people went into their shells and didn't come back out.

To huser:neilfury (Neil) in "Another Step Forward...And Another...And Another. I remember when folks thought of houses as a home instead of an investment. But, I'm living in Olden Tymes.

I exorcised this morning as usual. Unfortunately, I felt weak and woozy. My way of handling that is to not overdo it. It's a few minutes before noon and I've managed to shower and eat. And... I don't feel a need to take a nap. Small victories still count.


*Checkb* PorP. "Red white and grey all over 🇵🇪 A11 [91] 40w 'reckon'
*Checkb* walk.
*Checkb* chat. With Pear, young Japanese guest and Rick. Rick re ex-pats who belly up to the bar: "This is their last train stop before Purgatory."
*Checkb* shop. coffee, Milo, dolly (fish). Ate the dolly for din-din.
*Checkb* foto. orchid.
*Checkb* face. posted pic and video of buffalo.
*Checkb* tv25. final "Be My Favorite"
*Checkb* ytBL. Enigma คน มนตร์ เวท | EP.3 REACTION
*Clock2* Midnight... 83 degrees. *Meh*

In "Salon" by Chauncey DeVega quotes Bessel A. van der Kolk's book "The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma"... "Being traumatized means continuing to organize your life as if the trauma were still going on—unchanged and immutable—as every new encounter or event is contaminated by the past.

"The greatest sources of our suffering are the lies we tell ourselves."


10 สิงหาคม 2566 - 180 كمال 10

Today is "renew my visa" day. So... I did..

To Mr. Fill on the Newsfeed: My "Blood of the Garlic" characters are mostly named for garlic: Ajo, Bawang, Thoom, Sara Shoom, Czeszniak, Knyflok. Clovia? The rest of the cast: Brett, Bunny, Mr. Nightengale, Lily, Old Sniffer, Betty and the boss, Meadowlark. We vampires and wannabes mostly get along. There are so few of us... we hang by our fangs together. Many of the stories/vignettes that need editing are found here: "Blood of the Garlic.

Email to 💙 Carly - aka Joan Watson: I read "A Needed Change. Are you the one stirring the pot with this story? ~ 296 words makes it flash fiction but it's more of a vignette or a first chapter than a short story.

I liked it because I sit in a condo on the 8th floor and can gaze at the clouds gathering. Just took a peak. They seem peaceful; but, one never can tell when a fist fight will break out in the heavens.

Thailand isn't heaven... just so you know; but Udon Thani is fairly peaceful and this 14 story condo (6 towers) is very quiet. In some ways it would work well for an urban get-away.

Pan just cooked. It's nice to have an 'assistant'.


Email to bob county: I just read "The Magic Medication Cap... Yep. Some folks vote for their vagina, others vote with their dick. At age 70+ I try to vote for a better future that I won't live long enough to see. As God is my witness... I'll vote for the betterment of humanity and the life that surrounds it and supports it.

PS: I do not try to control other people's innies or outties.

PPS: You capture some of the present cultural/political issues. Most people have just enough energy to live their daily life, with little to spare.


*Checko* ss&s.
*Checko* visa. Renewed until Sept. 9th.
*Checko* blog. "Setting like the sunset
*Checko* bogs. Carly/Glarg/MuzzyBob
*Checko* news. Maui... *Sad*. Stephen Miller *Angry*.

*Checko* ytBL. Started watching a reaction to Enigma ep. 3 with ENG subtitles. Helps.
*Checko* Thai. Very useful words. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2_9aQYJIdKM
*Checko* walk. saw buffalos. petted one.
*Checko* foto. yellow waterlily. buffaloes.
*Checko* วิดีโอ. buffalo.
*Checko* chat. At Lotus in English and Thai. Croissants.
*Checko* pool. Pan watched. I didn't stay in long, short-of-breath.
*Checko* exor. 200/50/200/200 = 650. Problems coughing at #2. After 7 p.m. 88 degrees.
*Checko* PorP. "No smiles 🇪🇪 / 🇷🇺 A10 [90] 40w 'worst'
*Checko* rose. white.
*Checko* tv25. Home School.

9 สิงหาคม 2566 - 180 كمال 9

*Checkg* exor. 300/200/200/300 = 1.000
*Checkg* bogs. Tracker/NormaJean/Grace
*Checkg* blog. "I do what I want when I can with what I have.
*Clock2* เที่ยง. 84 degrees. Sun and clouds.
*Checkg* ss&s.
*Checkg* walk. got a haircut.

*Checkgr* PorP. "Comiche 🇫🇷 A9 [89] 40w 'attaction'
*Checkgr* chat. Gene, David.
*Checkgr* tv25. Home School and part of Wedding Plan.
*Checkgr* shop. marked down goods at Lotus. Around 7 p.m. is the best time.

8 สิงหาคม 2566 - 180 كمال 8

Dreary morning. Roar of the jets.

*Checkp* bogs. JCosmos/Patricia/Sara
*Checkp* blog. "Thai smiles ... or not... on a Pank Day.
*Clock2* เที่ยง. 84 degrees and a tad muggy.
*CheckP* exor. 200/100/200/300 = 800. Sprinkles and a stiff breeze.
*Checkp* ss&s.
*Checkp* PorP. "White Town 🇷🇸 [87] A8 40w 'tough' "Under a sky full of stars [180.88.zm] 8-lines
*Checkp* ytBL. Final episode of Home School. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IcejvE3edAc
*Checkp* chat. Michel (From Germany. Happy because his divorce was finalized today.)
*Checkp* walk.
*Checkp* shop. Marked down pastries and coffee.
*Checkp* pool. Pan kept watch. 'Cold' water. Didn't stay in long.
*Checkp* tv25. The Jungle. There are two Nannons?
*Checkp* Thai. 10 Foods https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bkc5SxO8ZPY

What happens when the mayfly has one day to live... and it rains all day?

7 สิงหาคม 2566 - 180 كمال 7

Look... I got up. Some days that's enough. The struggle can be real. Even after coffee.

Note: 1 August – 19 August is the Baha'i month of Kamál (كمال) - Perfection, excellence, fullness, consummation, maturity. I'm feeling none of that... sorry.

It drizzled while I exorcised my ennui. Not much to observe. One stray mosquito, no butterflies or even flies! I suspect everything is waiting for the y } peak out. The damp clothes are b.e.a.r.l.y drying. I try to not provoke them.

Pan is up and functioning. Hiccups most of the night... I do appreciate his good mood. But, I'm listless. It's nice when we both have a good day... on the same day.

Ah... Thai and English. "Wing" is part of a bird. And I consider baht to have wings... especially the 20 green plastic note. The 50, 100, 500, 1.000 fold better. In Thai though วิ่ง [wing] means 'run'. Does money fly on wings or does it run?

*Checky* exor. 200/100/150/250 = 700. 81 degrees, 10:46-11:05. Drizzle. *Cloud*
*Clock* เที่ยง. 81°F 27°C; Humidity: 77%; Wind: 3 mph.
*Checky* PorP. "Bless your heart 🇧🇪 A7 [85] 40w 'nice'
*Checky* test. "Jacarandas

Pan left for friends. Who knows when/if he'll be back as he's disappeared before, especially when he's depressed or manic, and broken promises.

*Checky* walk. After 10 p.m. City looks very different when everything is closing down. Pan home before me.
*Checky* chat. David.
*Checky* ytBL. Home School ep. 17. There's hope, but still gruesome.

7721
July 30, 2023 at 9:59pm
July 30, 2023 at 9:59pm
#1053354
(exercise) = Exor. (observations) = obsv. (s***,shave,shower) = ss&s. (read something) = read. (comment blogs) = bogs. (BoyLove series on-line) = ytBL. (Thai TV BL series on GMMTV25) = tv25. (write poetry or prose) = PorP. (take a daily walk) = walk. (buy something) = shop. (take a photo) = foto. (video) = วิดีโอ. (speak Thai/Lao) = pôod. (learn Thai) Thai. (go-in-the-water) = pool. (clothes) = wash. (cook something) = cook. (tidy up) = mess. (travel) = trip. (noon) = เที่ยง. (talking to ex-pats/travelers/strangers in European) = chat. (Thai teaching book) = book. (hand-written journal) = jour. (contests) = test.

*GemBL* 6 สิงหาคม 2566 *GemBL*

*Checkr* news.
https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/the-biggest-threat-to-america-isn-t-trump-or-m...
*Checkr* exor. 300/200/200/400 = 1.000 79 drizzly degrees.
*Checkr* เที่ยง. 79°F 26°C drizzle *Cloud*
*Checkr* PorP "There 🇺🇸 [84] A6 40w 'failure'
*Checkr* bogs. Neva/Lyn/Joy
*Checkr* blog. "August rains down upon us
*Checkr* ss&s.
*Checkr* face. photo of lantern (bought in Luang Prabang) that Pan set up last night.
*Checkr* walk. We went to see Barbie.
*Checkr* foto. Barbie.
*Xr* tv25. We got back late.

Pan has hiccups but doesn't want to go to 7/11... another day he'll spend in bed. Another day wasted for me. I did my exercise in the drizzle. I fetched filtered water. I will attack each task without joy, but in the knowledge that in the end it matters... to me... if no one else. Depression creeps in when I realize 'I matter to no one else". No one calls. No one sends messages. No one comments. I could scream and no one would notice. But that's hyperbole. Someone here would chew me out for screaming.

And, yes, people do care... a little... and even send me a message! or comment on spoosebase! or speak if I speak first! or... well, that's about the extent of it.

To huser:nordicnoir (Ned) "Wonderful poem. I see it in my mind. *HeartO*

I don't have these memories of my childhood. I couldn't see without my glasses and wasn't allowed to play with them. Someone throwing a ball at me was terrifying."

To QotD: "My phone is a hotspot in Thailand. In Montana? Go to a cafe... if one is open.

Activities off line: walk, swim (not alone), try talking to people! (not always successful). In Montana I could read or watch movies. In Thailand I can watch TV.

Years ago... just visit friends and play cards or chat. Years ago... garden. I don't have a garden and I don't have friends anymore."

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For:
STATIC
Playing hide-and-seek  (13+)
Zmitri and I stir the seas up then chase each other through the stars of Pleiades.
#2300770 by Kåre Enga in Montana


*Gemv* 5 สิงหาคม 2566 *Gemv*

*Checkv* exor. 300/200/200/300 = 1.000 10:01-10:35 75-79 degrees. *Cloudgrey* Rain.
*Checkv* news.
*Checkv* wash. Done. Hung.
*Clock2* เที่ยง. 79°F 26°C *Cloud*
*Checkv* blog. "Warped Health Shoon ... A Single-service Society. "Intersections, home or no home?
*Checkv* bogs. Lilli/Beholden/Petra
*Checkv* ss&s.
*Checkv* PorP. " Grenada 🇳🇮 [83] A5 40w 'beauty'

To Neil: "Yep. Yesterday had one horrendous moment. Today is much better.

I am aware about the lack of quality in Thailand but for many things... like shirts... it's not an issue. However... shoes are a different matter. Overall, stuff is so cheap (when compared to US) that I don't worry much about that (I'm a worry-wort).

I am irked about this being a throw-away society though. That's hard for me.

I feel safe in Udon. Being gay or being in a relationship isn't an issue, especially in Udon. Being a foreigner isn't a problem as well. The people aren't born thieves (like in Costa Rica) or violently confrontational (like in the USA).

However, I walk... Thai's don't and crossing a street needs three Hail-Mary's. Plus, I feel desperately isolated.

I'm still breathing, although frequently short-of-breath.

Thanks for responding."

*Checkv* shop. veggies, pork, eggs.
*Checkv* tv25. Enigma คน มนตร์ เวท. Spooky ending.
*Xv* walk. two short forays... but no long walk like yestereve. Pan is jealous if I go out at night.
*Xv* pool. Ask Pan.
*Checkv* pôod. a little.

*Gemt* 4 สิงหาคม 2566 *Gemt*

*Checkb* bogs. Robert/Neil/Joshua
*Checkb* blog. in progress
*Checkb* news.
https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/why-so-many-americans-have-stopped-going-to-ch...
*Checkb* face. foto of dates. อินทผลัม
*Clock2* เที่ยง. 79 degrees. *Cloud* some sprinkles.
*Checkb* exor. 250/100/100/250 = 700 79 degrees and sprinkling.
*Checkb* cook. Dates, onions, bologna over rice that Pan cooked. Decent.

Pan is sleeping in... I get worried but what can I do? If he is eating (I remind him) and taking his meds he should be okay, but I check on him to make sure he's still warm and breathing.

*Checkb* ss&s.
*Checkb* shop. 7/11. coke.
*Checkb* PorP. "Loggia dei Lanzi (Firenze) 🇮🇹 [82] A4 40w 'pain'
*Checkb* walk.
*Checkb* foto.
*Checkb* chat. Short chat with Pear at Koala. She also owns Surada next to where I live. Coffee?
*Checkb* ytBL. finished Home School ep. 16. (w.o. Eng sub) Almost at the end. Extremely disturbing.
*Clock2* 79 dregrees at 00:11. Never got hot. Sprinkling.

I made a big mistake today. I always make mistakes when I get frustrated. And then I may have made another. But... I decided to take a walk, a long lonely walk at night. That helped a bit.

*Gemo* 3 สิงหาคม 2566 *Gemo*

*Checko* news. same-o same-o.
*Checko* face. bi-color waterlily.
*Clock* เที่ยง. 82 degrees *Cloudgrey* *Dropb*
*Checko* exor. 200/100/150/250 = 700. 82°F Damp, puddlelicious. 12:17-12:39
*Checko* foto.
*Checko* วิดีโอ. swing.
*Checko* chat. David x 2 (re meds), Rick.
*Checko* bogs. Sonali/Phyllis/Tiggy and GreenWillow.
*Checko* blog. "Holding on, letting go, or never giving up.
*Checko* walk. rose.
*Checko* shop. octopus, chicken, 2 potatoes.
*Checko* tv25. Home School.
*CheckO* pôod. With Nan at new soup place.

Pan 'woke up'. Unfortunately I feel like a wet noodle. He's chipper. I'm depressed. At least we both ate a little. He went... somewhere... called... seems happy. He cooked in the evening: chicken with malago, potato and egg.

*Gemg* 2 สิงหาคม 2566 *Gembl*

*Checkg* exor. 200/100/200/300 = 800. Fairly cool, damp, 79°F. Saw Tom.
*Checkg* bogs. NormaJean/Annette/Lyn
*Checkg* blog. "Green weepy day
*Clock2* เที่ยง. 81°F *Clouds*
*Checkg* PorP. "The path of sweets. 🇵🇹 [80] A2 'sweet' 40w
*Checkg* face. Incredibly quiet considering... posted pic.
*Checkg* news. A five letter word used to bid in bridge was just indicted.
*Checkg* walk.
*Checkg* foto. my neighborhood.
*Checkg* test. "Green ink To Shadows&Light. "After oolong tea To Intuey.

*Checkgr* shop. food. The important part was getting Pan out of bed and out to the market. Still not well.
*Checkgr* tv25. Home School. kinda.
*Checkgr* Thai. Close sounds... very good! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WxqXAev_ZZA
*Clock2* Midnight. 80°F

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To Angela W on fb re 'putting on clothes when leaving a locker room': "There may be a specific dress code. Some people think a thong and nipple covers = clothes. The tourists in Vang Vieng in Laos were scandalous. Totally disrespectful. Wanna go nude? There are beaches in your own country for that."

Alfred Booth wrote on fb: "4:11 am Awakened by her light streaming through the window. She finally broke through the evening’s thick clouds" Something can be done with this image... just saying...

*Gemp* 1 สิงหาคม 2566 *Gemp*

*Checkp* ss&s.
*Checkp* วิดีโอ. birdwing in flight.
*Checkp* obsv. lots of walkers after sunset. season of falling spent leaves.
*Checkp* foto. Nong Bua.
*Checkp* walk. wat, Nong Bua, market. Felt weak coming back.
*Checkp* shop. big blue jug for water. 199 baht; hold about 12 liters.
*Checkp* exor. 300/200/200/300. Warm with sprinkles but after sunset. Doable.
*Checkp* tv25. The Jungle.
*Checkp* PorP. "Buda and Pest 🇭🇺 [79] A1 40w 'create' Will use my travel blog.
*Xp* pool.
*Xp* ytBL.
*Xp* Thai.

Pan woke up okay but his first words irked me and then he got an attitude and was possibly depressed. I didn't have time for that today and he left and didn't come home.

Finished last contest before midnight WdC time. Barely.

*Gemy* 31 กรกฎาคม 2566 *Gemy*

Odd dream in the sense it took me back in time to another place to a 'younger' me. Not a nightmare although foreboding and seductive. Cannot afford to get lost in dreams today. So much to do! Damp morning after overnight sprinkles.


*Checky* bogs. Petra/Dave/Neva/Grace/Gale. I should comment less when I'm not 100% 'here'.
*Checky* news.
*Clock* เที่ยง. 86F 30C *Clouds*
*Checky* exor. 200/100/200/300 = 800. 86 degrees 12:06
*Checky* ss&s.
*Checky* PorP. Finished with 40w. "Last day [74f.zm] 40w J19 'enthusiasm'

To Duchess Laughing Lemurs: "I need to finish writing for July contests... *Worry* I've decided I need to put on music until the thunderstorms roll in. I prefer the patter of rain... or silence; but, I can't totally control either (I share this place).

To iguanamountain (Gale): "Belice? *Smile* I'm writing from Thailand. Hot and humid in July... what else is new! Hoping for rain.

I think that like any new tool AI will have powerful uses and misuses. But, there's always the option of opting out. I started writing again in my hand-written journal and I pay with cash. I do use the internet but google has become so monetized as to be almost worthless.

Hawthorne Mythos... I have written more Zmitri poems and I need to get back to my two vampire series.

I find working on-line is different from paper. I can edit better on-line... if the chromebook and connection is working properly.

I'm thinking of Debussy. Yeah, background music. Hopefully it calms me down without lulling me into a dreamy neverland called sleep."


*Checky* test. Fantasy: "Playing hide-and-seek WDC: "Not your problem Senior: "To fly [year162.ff] (296w) Fogg: "Nightwings
*Checky* shop. ramen. water jug. money.

Met Pan on the way. I gave him my umbrella. It's now a downpour. Did he think of that? I doubt it! He believes in door-to-door service so I'll be surprised if he walks. His problem. I need to focus! 19:10... no Pan. It stopped but will it start again?

In looking over contests I have to remember which I must enter and which I can let slide.

*Checky* tv25. The Jungle ... only part. Pan was ill.

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