FAMILY . GREAT GRAND BABIES

Ruby and Brayden are growing fast and are the absolute delight of all the family.  Ruby is living down in Fla and I've never been able to see her.  A smiling happy little girl who already crawling about the house.  Brayden lives in Pittsburgh and I've had the chance to see him several times while I was in Erie in Sept.  A healthy, lovely pair

one year old

Wat Doi Suthep

DOI SUTHEP is the most revered Wat in Chiang Mai.  I hadn't gone up there in years as it's high up on the mountain just outside of town.  Tony, Jacinta and I decided to go up above it to the Royal Palace and walk down the several kilometres to the temple.  It is magnificent of course with all the gold leaf shining in the sunlight.

NEW FRIENDS AND LOST FRIENDS

Early in January we met a nice American couple named Sherry and John who were staying in the very nice Golden Wells close to Chedi View.  They were here for two weeks so they joined us many times on outings.

in CU

 

Sherry was a famous singer and she sang in CU to everyone's delight

Sadly January brought the deaths of two wonderful women in Ireland.   One of them was Joan Crowley, the patient great woman owner of Crowleys Pub in Kenmare which hosted some of the best musicians in the country and whose hospitality was unbounded .  Joan was a great fiddle player herself.  Thankfully her son Peter carries on the fine tradition.    The other very sad death was the passing of a strong, witty, courageous, great woman named Veronica Steele who founded Milleens Cheese down on the Beara Peninsula many years ago and received many awards for it's excellence.   She always had a twinkle in her bright eyes and was terrific company  

Joan Crowley

Veronica Steele

NEW YEARS WEEK IN CM

We all had a really good BBQ supper in our little local coffee hideout at Quons .  Thomas was here and she was feeling very happy and loved.  They bought lots of seafood and the elderly owner and Pi Nee cooked the lot.  German and Dutch friends, Concetta and Paul.  Spent New Years Eve at CU with Bill.   It actually wasn't that special.  Next year maybe go to Furama on the roof to see the fireworks and kom loys.

ANANTARA CHRISTMAS DAY

Its a lovely feeling to get up late on Christmas Day and go to the special brunch at the Anantara.  Feels like being spoiled with welcoming chocolate martinis, free flow wine or pro secco and so many food stations of Traditional turkey and stuffing, Thai table, seafood table, BBQ table, Chinese table, salads etc.  After the big choice of cheeses and yummy desserts.  Santorinis running around helping Santa while listening to carols and later a jazz quartet.   So lucky to still be able to be there feeling well and active.   Spoke to Terry and family.  All from Pittsburgh staying in Erie for the weekend.   Heard from all four children this Christmas

CHRISTMAS SEASON

The Christmas season was fairly quiet.   Not many friends back yet.  Spent Christmas Eve in CU with Bill, Yaraslav and usual suspects.  Concetta and  Paul are with me to Christmas Dinner at the Anantara sitting with Sally and friends.   Very nice as usual although prices for all these events at good hotels are going up and up.   Just don't go to as many as old times.   

December 2016

Mainly taking life easy.   Went to Chi Gong at Yoga Tree several times.  Dealing with loads of paper work for a retirement visa which meant going out to Promenada Mall three times.  So much documentation is required and had to pay almost 2000 to the Irish Embassy to certify it although providing bank accounts for six months plus official statements of annuity.  Most boring.  Nicest jaunt was out to the Four Seasons for a Skills for Life event.  Neighbour Eileen came and also met Debra and Victoria in the mini bus with Sally who arranged it all.

Victoria, Eileen, Debra and myself

residents