Royal Flora 2012 Gardens

Last night we went to the Royal Flora 2012 Gardens here in Chiang Mai. Wow!!!

It was much more than I expected.

The lights were amazing....

Here are a few pictures from the evening but sorry they really don't capture the beautiful arrangements...you have to see it in person to believe it.

a little visitor

Our friendly little visitor, "Mr. Squirrel", was in our yard again today and actually sat still long enough for me to get a picture for our grandkids. He was on the power lines by our front gate and looked like he was just having a little rest there.

He is really holding on tight.



making my laundry soap

Thanks to Jennifer, my daughter, I have the supplies needed to make my own laundry soap. We made up some while she was visiting and it sure cleans nice when all you have to use is cold water for your laundry. I needed to get some more ready so I did up a batch today and it will be ready to use in a day. I sure like it and the price is really nice too.

seedlings growing

Our miniature sunflower plants are starting to grow again. (Ellie and Owen helped me plant the first ones when they were here in Oct 2011) I let the blossoms dry up and scattered the seed in the ground and soon we will have flowers again.

A bridge...people....and more

Recently we took a trip to Mae Sot which is near the Myanmar border. The "Friendship Bridge" that crosses the river from Thailand to Myanmar is seen below but unfortunately the bridge is still closed.

Larry looking across toward Myanmar.

I stopped to say hi to these ladies and children as we walked around.

Larry stopped to say hi to this little baby with her mom. The Friendship Bridge is above them.

Looking across into Myanmar where we could see this boat being loaded.

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We continued on our travels and came to the highway that runs next to the Mae La Refugee Camp in Thailand where thousands of the  Karen people from Myanmar are living. The total is anywhere from 60 to 70 thousand refugees is what we have been told. On the other side of this mountain ridge is Myanmar.

We are standing next to the fence bordering the highway.

This picture was taken while driving and is very blurred but you can see the many many "houses" within the camp.

Another picture taken from outside the camp next to the highway...the camp extends for many kilometers along this highway. Mae La refugee camp has been here for around 20 years now. Such a sad site to see but the exciting part is that many of the Karen people living here are Christians and they love the Lord and have eternal hope in Him.