House Dedication and Party

Chiang Mai, 22 November 2007:  After completion of my new house in Chiang Mai and finally completing the lake and landscaping, it was time to have the house dedication and party expected by the local villagers. 

The Buddhist ceremony lasted about one hour and was very interesting.  The party that followed was a success as everyone seemed to have an enjoyable day.  More pictures of the ceremony and house can be seen here.

View More Ceremony and Party Photos Here

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Chiang Mai Flood of '05

Chiang Mai, 25 August 2005:  One week of heavy rains in Chiang Mai Province and the northern provinces of Chiang Rai and Mai Hong Son climaxed with the River Ping overflowing its banks, flooding much of Chiang Mai City.  My home was but one of thousands effected by the flood, described by locals as the worst in forty years.  The Ping began overflowing early Sunday morning (14 Aug.),  and did not crest until early Monday.   

My house was not affected until Sunday evening when water began seeping up from the underground drainage system.  Even then, I was not expecting flooding inside the house, since it sits some three feet above ground level.  Fortunately I was at home at the time, and along with my maid began trying to save the furniture in the servant’s quarters which is at ground level.  It became obvious very quickly that the water was threatening the main house, so we transferred our efforts there.  We immediately focused our attention on my office, saving all of my office equipment. 

 Had I realized the severity of things to come, I could have driven my car out of harms way, but in our haste to save as much of the household contents, I did not realize how bad things were outside at ground level. 

My car just before the "For Sale" sign was added 
(View Photo)
 

By the time that the water was seeping into the interior of the car, the water level on the road out of the complex was under four feet of water.  I still was not too concerned for the car; after all, how bad could it get?  My gardener and driver were on holiday on Sunday, but they both came to my house and with their help, we moved my grandfather clock to safety and moved much of the heavy furniture upstairs.   

All of the office equipment was saved, but the furniture was not (View Photo)

The crest was sometime early Monday morning with the water level lapping at the third step of the stairs to my second floor.  I waded out of the complex on Monday afternoon in chest deep water and took sanctuary in a hotel.  By Tuesday morning, the water had receded from the interior of the house, but was still thigh deep from the main highway to my house and in the yard.  Wednesday morning dawned to reveal solid, albeit mushy ground. 

Monday Morning Blues
The view from my front door to the main gate
(View Photo)

 Recovery is coming along slowly but steadily as I also prepare for my trip to Indonesia beginning on 2 September.  I hope to have my car back from the shop before my departure. 

My Driver, Ed arriving for work on Monday morning 
(View Photo)

Although somewhat back to normal, things are still hectic here.  The ground is completely saturated and an inch of rain immediately produces an inch of flooding.  September is not usually as wet as August, so I am optimistic that the worst is over. 

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More Floods Bring Tragedy

Chiang Mai, 8 October  2005:  Two more floods—in late September and early October— brought flood waters and tragedy to my house.  Nelly, my little schnauzer,  apparently drank some of the floodwater and became infected with Leptospirosis, caused by ingesting mouse urine, in this case spread by contaminated floodwaters. 

Upon my return from Indonesia on 3 October, I found Nelly quite sick with nausea and diarrhea.  The vet diagnosed Leptospirosis, but more importantly identified that Nelly's kidney was shutting down as a result.  Antibiotics were administered to counteract the Leptospirosis, but the damage to the kidney had been done, and Nelly's condition continued to deteriorate. 

Nelly died in the late night hours of 7 October 2005 of kidney failure, in her seventh year, seventh month and twenty-fifth day. 

Nelly was born in Jakarta, Indonesia  of an American Sire and an Indonesian Dam.  She lived her brief life in Jakarta and Yogyakarta, Indonesia, and in Chiang Mai, Thailand.

Nelly will be missed my many. 

Nelly
12 February 1998 — 7 October 2005