JJ is on a Jet Plane

February 17, 2010
I want everyone to know that Judy Jane was sucessfully checked in this afternoon for her flight "home" to Singapore. All paperwork was in order and although she was a little nervous, we assured her that it will all be worthwhile when she is reunited with her family. She seemed to understand. British Airlines promised to take good care of her and she was sent with extra food, a blanky, treats, love notes and a new toy to keep her company. Thanks to all who helped these last few days to get JJ ready to go today. Looking forward to seeing video footage of the reunion!
Sincerely,
Tara

We thought this day would never come.

Thank you to Tara's loving gift of time and energy (not to mention cash outlay) this is really happening..

Thank you to all who had a hand in caring for JJ over this very long 3 months.

Edie, Tara, Michelle, Jeannie, Pat, Shirley. We are forever indebted.

We look forward to JJ's safe arrival and a 10 day quarantine.

Then it's "Home Sweet Home".

More Floating Market Images

The colors were so vibrant. So much to see and smell.

Thailand Feb 2010

Images from the floating market. We rode up and down the canal in one of the long wooden canoe like boats. We opted for the long paddle boat vs. the long engine boat that were smelly and loud and operated by young men with extra testosterone.

The locals (mostly women) paddled up and down the canal selling their fresh fruits and vegetables. Along the edges of the canals were tourist shops ready to sell all kinds of tourist trinkets. Along side the canal was a great little landed market with all kinds of beautiful treasures. We purchased a beautiful beaded wall hanging of an elephant that now looks great in our new living room.

February 2010 Thailand

Fun Times at an Elephant Reserve.

These working Elephants have been displaced as they are no longer used to harvest trees in the from the forest. In order to provide for them the reserve offers tourist rides and photos to support their food, care and medical needs.

February 2010

Thailand

Random Pictures from Thailand

Carved Elephants at Chatuchuk Market - 5 football fields "huge". It's an open air weekend market.

Coke Light in Thailand. Our guide took us to lunch at a great little Thai restaurant.

**BATMAN Returns***

Pink and Purple must be the main colors of Thailand. Pink Taxi's

Jacqueline & Alison in front of a Thai carving water feature in our new favorite Thai Restaurant.

January 30-31^st 2010

Bangkok, Thailand

Our first trip out of Singapore. We hired a guide with her driver and set off for the Grand Palace.

Grand is simply an understatement. The girls and I were not fully prepared with appropriate clothing, so we had to “borrow” blouses in order to be sufficiently covered while in the palace grounds. Also knees and heals must be covered before entering. One of the many highlights is the “Emerald Buddha”

In the early 1400’s a stucco Buddha was discovered after a lightning strike at a temple. It was later discovered that it was only covered in plaster and upon further inspection a jade Buddha was revealed.

It measures 26 inches tall and is carved from a single piece of jade. The image is clothed in 3 different costumes made from ornate gold and gems that are changed by the reigning monarch for the three main seasons. We weren’t allowed to photograph the Buddha while inside the temple, but it was very incredibly decorated within the building with real gold and jewels.

We participated in the tradition of offerings to the Buddha by offering a lotus flower (which by the way, you are not allowed to smell), a lit candle and burning incense as well as applying a small square of gold leaf to a small Buddha statue. We also sprinkled holy water on ourselves with a lotus flower.

From the little I have learned about the Buddhist culture, they are an extremely gentle and giving people. According to our guide, 95% of the population are “practicing” Buddhists. They are a very devout people. This is a culture that warrants more exploration.

There was so much to see here and it was all so beautiful. I'll just post a few pictures.

So this is how we spent our morning. Fabulous!