KhunDennis

A really good breakfast, is among my favorite meals, and in my opinion Mad Dog's breakfast menu would be hard to beat.

My ad vice, would be to take a deep breath, and go very slowly, be patient and respect full. You will have to be very discreet and not make her an item for gossip with her friends and co workers. That will be hard to do, most Thais I know love to speculate and gossip, as most of us do. Keep it light hearted, and don't go all mushy on her.

Maybe she is backing away, because she is feeling pressure from her mates, that can be a big turn off I think.

Take a honest look at your own motives, if it is just a roll in the hey you want, maybe best to leave it alone, and look in a different venue.

Geeze, I am starting to sound like Ann Landers

From my own experience, I don't worry much about being burglarized, rather I worry about people being a sneak thief when coming around our house. Prying eyes can cataloger everything in a house very easily. They take a portion of what you have , and seem to think you will not miss it. It is like adding insult to injury, very hard to deal with. Makes me sad to think people you know will do that, but it is a fact. The bad part of it , it makes you distrust people unjustly, that is why I really hate sneaks.

I was in Chiang Mai the other day and gave Miguel's a try.

I ordered the Nachos Grande with beef, it was most excelent, the only thing I was sorry I was so full, I really wanted another plate full.

I am off to Chiang Mai tomorrow morning. My mouth is already watering for the Mad Dog Full English Breakfast.

My hat's off to the owner, he runs a good establishment.

Were they black?

China town would be a good place to look.

I went down to Bangkok a couple of weeks ago, for the superbowl, and enjoyed the nice clean air of the city. Bangkok people were surprised when I told them that the air was so fresh there!

I live in the Lampang area, and can testify to the bad air problem. In the evening you can smell the fowl air coming in the windows. In the morning when the air is heavy you can see the pollution just hanging all over the place.

Still on any given day you can see countless fires in the fields and the smell of burning rubbish is noticeable. The people are in denial of the problem, I think.

The air got a lot worse after the last rice harvest, when people started to burn the fields. It would take a monumental effort by the government to fix the problem, but I really don't think they are very concerned about it, or so it seems to me.

I like the area, but would not have settled here, had I known about the pollution before. It is hard to relocate now, house built and container delivered. Welcome to your retirement in paradise.

I tried Sunrise Tacos the other day. I was in the mood to stuff myself on some good Mexican food. The super nachos and the platter with three tacos did the trick, for me. The service was good , and the food was very tasty. Went away with a nice feeling of having had a good meal. I will go back for sure.

Give The Silver Dollar, in Washington Square a try. Easy going place and generally has a friendly atmosphere. First bar on the left, when you come in the front off Suk.

I recently saw some videos of Rod Stewart doing a Cabaret style concert, and was very well impressed. His style and showmanship is right up there with the best,that I have ever seen.

I would be surprised if he did not put on a very entertaining show.

I have heard that Miguel's is very good, a big platter of Mexican food souds really good this cool morning, my mouth is watering as I write this.

I used to find them at Villa on Soi 33, but not last time. I will check at the one on Soi 11 , thanks.

Hi All, I would appreciate it , if anyone could tell me where I could buy some canned tamales in Bangkok. I need them to make a favorite casserole . Canned may not be the best, but they are not easy to make.

Thanks for any help.

The Maglite is a nice flashlight, but not much good without a bulb. I am looking for some also. By the way, are you aware of the spare bulb under the spring in the end cap? Handy, but I used mine allready.

For a change of pace, you could try some of the places in Washington Square, just off soi 22 Suk.

You can usually meet some friendly guys there, who are happy to help out on information, as long as you don't come on to strong.

Give the Silver Dollar, Lone Staar, and Taffys' Square One a try.

I brought one with me from the US. , but quit using it. I think hand made, oven baked bread is better.

The full English breakfast at Mad Dog has been calling to me for a while now, might be worth the risk.

What do you folks think.

I was planning to go to Chiang Mai by train today, and make my ninety day report, as well as some shopping and a little R&R for a few days. With the current situation , would this be a good idea, or just mail it in and wait to see how things settle out.

I really look forward to going , gives me a good break from the boonies, but not worth getting into the middle of a riot for. Advice anyone?

I find them at Big C. They have the whole leg or cut into rounds, but are only lightly smoked.

They do taste good in beans though.

You did the right thing tgeezer, no use making a big fuss about it. I think being friendly is best, you may want to go back sometime.

I went to an eye clinic near to where I live, run by a eye doctor. Had a eye exam and fitted for lenses, to correct an astigmatism.

I recieved:

New lenses for distance in my driving glasses, multi coated

One new titanium frame, with progressive reading lenses , for computer work.

Total price with good exam 5600 Baht.

When I went to the American Citizen Service in Bangkok, they told me , they could also do this in Chiang Mai. It would a good place to start if you are closer to Chaing Mai than Bangkok.

I think the more information and proof of identity you take the better. They want the originals, and will copy and certify the copies for you. You are not wanted to send original documens to SSA.

The packet of papers I recieved was pretty self explanitary. Mainly I think they want you to give proof of who you are, and have it certified by embassy officials.

I did this a while back. The American Citizen Services at the US Embassy is the place to go.

Bring with you original documents for them to certify. Examples are:

passport, social security card, birth certificate, drivers license, military record

English translation of Thai marrage certificate, which has to be has to be certified at the Thai Ministry of Foeign Affairs.

They will give you a packet of papers with a check list to get all the info they want, and there is no fee for the service for social security.

You send the completed packet into the office in Baltimore , Maryland by certified mail and they proscess it. It worked out well for me

You should do this about 5 or 6 months in advance so it will be ready for you when you are ready for benefits.