Wednesday, January 27, 2016

Wonder of Wonders, Miracle of Miracles



It's time to take a moment to mark the passing of an icon. A flat, grimy, matted icon. It had a good run. It has been witness to some very fun times. But it was time, and we can't say we're sorry to say goodbye to the carpet at the beach house. So pour something on the floor and shout hurray! And we'll see you at the beach in summer 2016.

Monday, January 25, 2016



It's cold in Bangkok, by which I mean I had to put on pants this morning, and the high will be 83 F this afternoon. The Thais literally think they might die. People who have to work outside are making bonfires. Last night Chris and I were walking down the street and a stranger stopped their car to ask if we were OK and did we need a ride somewhere because it was too cold to be outside. It was 68 degrees. I admit that I did look around for the heater this morning (there isn't one), and I cringed a bit, putting Theo's swimsuit into his school bag for PE. The Brittish, bless them, aren't having any of it. Quit your whining, kids, and get in the pool!

In other Bangkok news, the headline of the Bangkok Post last week: "Battle for Top Monk Begins!"

Also, Thai women are really into whitening their skin. There's skin-whitening powders, creams and ointments. There are ads for 'whiter-looking skin' everywhere. All the sunscreens also have a bleaching agent in them. And yesterday at work I noticed a can of deodorant on the bathroom counter, 'now with whitening action!' Because everyone needs lighter armpits, I guess.

Sunday, January 24, 2016

Syd's Got Talent


Have you ever wondered what Theo would look like as a young centaur?  Well, now you know.

Friday, January 22, 2016

Truth, and a Happy Birthday.



Me: Theo, if you were stranded on a desert island with just one person, who would you want it to be?

Theo, (thinks for a long time): Beth. Because she would get the coconuts open.

She would too. Happy Birthday to one of the most beautiful, helpful, resourceful people that I know.