Cooking the NYTimes and Other Assorted Retirement Activities

  Yesterday I taught a Getting Ready to Downsize class and found, not to my surprise, that one consideration many 'older folk' have as they prepare to downsize is that much of their stuff--which they know their children do not want--has stories attached.  We discussed the importance of sharing those stories because the generational history carries with it significance that once it passes, cannot be retrieved.  I know many who regret not asking parents and grandparents to talk in detail about the lives they led before they came into them.  Personally I mourn the holes in my family history, on both sides, that I didn't pursue in conversation with those who came before me.  They are lost forever.   So, allow me to encourage you to peruse your 'stuff' before heading to the Thanksgiving table.  Is there one particular item that carries with it a story you feel is of critical importance to share with those following in your footsteps?  Might you br...

  Yes, Sports Fans, this remarkable, amazing trip ends early tomorrow morning with a 12:15 a.m. Sunday flight from Chiang Mai to Seoul, where we arrive at 5 a.m., then leave Seoul for Minneapolis at 7:45 p.m. Sunday only to arrive in Minneapolis at 4:45 p.m. Sunday.  Mind boggling.  Fortunately international flights are not impacted by the flight reduction mandate so one less thing to be concerned about.   Yesterday Wanlaya was working.  Here I thought she was retired and yes, she is, retired from her position as a hospital nurse. but she runs a small clinic from in front of her home where she will see usually 20 or more patients with 'normal' medical concerns from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.  The medical system here in Thailand is interesting, according to a conversation I had with Art.  The government pays for your healthcare if you go to a hospital otherwise it is up to you to pay for it out of pocket or by purchasing private health insurance which, like ...

  Got to be quick because I overslept and need to be ready to go shortly. Yesterday morning at breakfast, Art's mom got some chicken in green curry and another in red curry.  I found the red curry too spicy but liked the green curry.  Picked up a dark piece and asked if that was something other than the chicken I could identify.  Yes, Wanlaya said, chicken blood.  Pass.  I had pad kra prow, which Art had made when he lived with us.  Ground beef with holy basil topped with a fried egg.  Delicious.  Honestly, everything we've eaten is beyond delicious. The day's adventures included two temples, the second located atop a mountain. Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep is one of the most important and sacred temples in northern Thailand.  What has surprised me about temples and wats is that they are not stand alone buildings, rather part of a compound of different temples located on the grounds.  In one of the temples, Wanlaya invited me to pray alon...

  Yesterday, unfortunately, Dan was not feeling well but I forged ahead without him, which was easy to do since Art, his mom Wanlaya and his brother Ice had planned a full day for us. We began with breakfast, a delicious bowl of curry noodles with pork.  Ice maintains that Thailand has the best pork and I'll agree with him.  After that it was off for coffee at one of the many cafes throughout Chiang Mai.  This one was built in a style of a Japanese bistro, tucked back in the woods.  Very serene and zen.  We then drove through Chiang Mai University, where Art studied before going to pharmacy school in Bangkok, and where Ice is currently studying engineering.  Next stop was a wat compound, where the Buddhas are located in tunnels under a wall.  It was very different from the other Buddhas we've seen so far.  Finally, we walked through an outdoor market that specialized in art work, clothing, and food.  Art and Ice both said that Thais are ...

As I write this, the cruise has ended, the ship sailing on to Bali and Australia and points in between.  We spent our final day in Bangkok on what I'll call the equivalent of the Grey Line tour, primarily driving from the port to the city and back again.  Just like a Grey Line tour, this provides an eyeful along with a very informative narration from the guide about the history of Thailand and in particular its' capital city, Bangkok .  Click on the links if you would like to know more.     If you're familiar with the film and the Rodgers and Hammerstein stage play, The King and I,  you might find it interesting to note that both are banned in Thailand due to their negative portrayal of their king. The monarchy plays a highly significant role in this country.  The current rule of King Rama began in the late 1700s, with King Rama X now on the throne.  The Queen Mother recently died, so the country is in a state of mourning as demonstrated by ...