Tyson's Thai Friend

Using a few gestures, Tyson ‘asked’ this little Thai girl if Collin could have a ride on her skateboard.

Hayden wanted a ride, too. Seeing that crooked wheel made me a little nervous that we might have broken her one and only toy.

But, once Hayden jumped up to trade places with her the wheel recovered nicely.

Now it is her turn.

Hayden didn't get a chance to pull her before she got nervous and hopped off.

Definitely not the Dumbo Ride at Disneyworld

The boys are perched 9 feet above ground waiting for their ride to pull up beside them. Isn't she a beauty? Each comes with its own driver.
Passengers can purchase fuel for a few cents.
All buckled up and ready to ride.
Our driver sensing my nervousness is giving me the "thumbs up".
A shrine for good luck and prosperity.
I was happy to say a little prayer in their behalf. Down the cement staircase and into the river.
At this point we hung on for dear life as the elephant gracefully stepped off the 4 foot ledge into the river.
The up-and-down motion combined with the back-and-forth swaying was quite relaxing.
Traversing the slippery staircase up to the rubber tree forest was terrifying.

Playing Photographer in Phuket

At the resort, there were so many great photographic places to take pictures of Tyson's family.
I love this first photo. We had just finished breakfast and were walking back to the room so everyone could change into their photo-taking-clothes and decided to stop for a few candid shots.

 

Look. No kids in this picture.

 

All I said was, "OK everyone just sit in this big chair." They quickly figured out good positions. I complimented Ashton on how nicely he put his hand on his hip and stated clicking. I love how the chair and the tile floor give a sense of unity.

 

When I suggested to the boys that they should hold hands, I was happily surprised that they reached out to each other and took hold without complaining. Or hitting. Or kicking.

 

Danger on the Beach

How terribly disapointing. No swimming on the beach. Do you see the red flag? There must be high waves. High tide. Or a rip tide. What is going on here? We came to Phuket to swim in the warm water. To feel the tropical breeze on our face. To get a tan that everyone would envy.
But just hold on a minute - what do I see? Beach Massage for 400 Bhat. A quick calculation in my head tells me that 400 bhat is about 12 US dollars. Forget the beach. Who wanted to go to the beach anyway?

We are in luck. It looks like Massage Lady is getting ready for work.


The boys settle in for a 15 minute massage.

The special back bend treatment is for kids only.

Do you see the big palm tree? Our room at the JW Marriot is just behind it. A perfect location for a short walk to the beach or to the massage parlor.

Postcard 2

Scenes at the beach

Details of the resort

Postcard From Phuket, Thailand

We are not having any fun in Phuket. No, Really. No fun at all. It is no fun at all to order lunch and have it brought to us beside the pool.

These two are not having fun. No siree.

Watching baby elephants on the beach - No Fun.

It would be more fun if you were here.

Gina's 1000 Markets Shop

Check out Gina's new shop where she makes and sells adorable little girl dresses and hair clips. She is also doing a give-away promotion.

The Chic Dragon Fruit

The dragon fruit, while exotic on the outside, is quite bland on the inside. The white part and seeds are edible. It tastes like kiwi and has the texture of a pear.

Arab Street

Yesterday, Natalie and I ventured out into the big city by car. It doesn't seem like a big deal but, driving on the wrong (left) side of the road in a city of 4 million people crammed onto a tiny island can make your head spin or in Natilie's case - hurt. After we dropped Ashton off at the Canadian school we simply wanted to drive the 6 miles to Arab Street. Nothing simple about it - not even with the GPS telling us clearly to "keep left at Bukit Timah Road". One hour and several U-turns later, we were finally in Fabric and Rug Heaven.

Street lined shops. I purchased the cotton sateen fabrics at Royal Fabrics - on the right.

There are hundreds of thousands - maybe millions - of scarves to choose from.


You can choose a little bottle and have it filled with the essential oil of your choice.

Natalie and I shared this appetizer sampler at a Greek Cafe. Everything was delicious!!

Our waiter - luring in the patrons with his good looks.

Sultan Mosque is the main Islamic place of worship for Singapore's Muslim community.

Fabric High

I get so giddy when strolling through bolts of fabric. I love to feel each piece and can imagine each made into lovely items. For a fabric-o-holic shopping on Arab Street near downtown Singapore is like being in Fabric Heaven. I can't wait to create something from these cotton sateen pieces from Japan.

Fruit or Flowers?

Although some of you may have guessed that these are flowers - these beautiful gems are Dragon Fruit. Stay tuned - Later today, when the house helpers, Anna and Rachel, finish cleaning the kitchen, I will cut one open and show you the perfectly cute and chic color scheme mother nature blessed this delicious fruit with. Can you guess the two colors we will find inside?