Chiang Mai Continued:

Our Hotel, the Chiang Mai Gate Hotel was just outside of the Old City which originally had been surrounded by a large brick wall, five gates, and a moat. All that is left of the wall now are bits and pieces, mostly at the four edges and a couple of gate entrances. We walked a lot (yes, on my poor swollen feet) and negotiated with Tuk Tuk drivers to get us, usually, back to the hotel when we'd done all we could for the day. I love taking photos of brooms, doors, gates, spirit houses, etc. and so I couldn't resist this one of colorful mops on our way in to the city proper.

Travels With My Fat Footed Friend!

It was like a lover's reunion.  Janice stepped into the room and I flew into her arms.  We shed a few tears as Alan discretely merged into the background.  It was really lovely.  Then we got back to the normal business of insults!!!  

Back to Bangkok

OK Kim, right off the bat, I need to apologize for not sticking with the new format for writing up the blog. I got on and froze when I couldn't find all my old familiar buttons to push. That will take a few (10-12) hours to figure out, so I thought I would get my first one out and then.....

So to start - I had been planning this return trip for over six months, anticipation high, and I can not believe how quickly these past two weeks have flown by. They were literally the best of the best thanks to Kim (and Alan who graciously gave up his office for me and his wife for a good part of that time). I'm home now after a 24 hour flight door to door and trying to collect my thoughts through the haze of jet lag. I thought I had that one covered by sleeping roughly twelve hours through the first night home. As it's 3:00 a.m. on the second night it's obvious that didn't work.

Facial Hair

No not mine!  

Last weekend we went to a brunch with The Lads.  We spotted this man sitting along from us.  

Do you think he lost his way to his ZZ Top concert?

SNOW HAS ARRIVED!

This morning we woke up to snow! After a record breaking dry December, snow was unexpected but welcomed. Everyone, including Roger, quickly got out the snow blowers which had been languishing in garages to remove the 4-6 inches of snow on the driveway and walk areas. Roger had planned to drive up the mountain today for another pile of rock for our garden areas, but decided to forgo that task for a few days or even months if, hopefully, the snow is now here to stay.

The Visit

Well look who turned up to see me today - Ellen!

Well, when I say visit me, let's be honest, she came to visit my Barbie suitcase!

New Year's Eve (Day)

December has been an exceptionally dry month - one small storm early on and so no snow for Christmas and now no snow going into the new year. With temps reaching the high 50's, however, I will not complain and when we woke up on December 31st to no smog in the valley I had to get up on the mountains to take a few pictures with my new camera. Thank you Santa!

Roger took me to his secret place where he has been collecting rocks for garden projects in the yard, so while he collected I shot some photos.

Natural History Museum

For Christmas this year, Roger and I gave ourselves a family pass to the new Natural History Museum at the University of Utah. We and about half of Salt Lake decided to visit it during the Christmas break. We drove about the inversion (though I am sure we were still in it) and enjoyed a few hours with the kids who could make it and, most importantly, the grand kids.

Christmas Day in Singapore

Here are a few pictures from our Christmas in Singapore. 

Hannah presents John with the a hand made calendar.