Nothing can dim the light which shines from within." — Maya Angelou #SMSnotes

#2019memories
Decorating with lights for the New Year is a festive and joyful way to welcome the upcoming year. Here are some creative ideas for light decorations:


Nothing can dim the light which shines from within." — Maya Angelou #SMSnotes
String Lights: String lights are versatile and can be used in various ways:Drape string lights along banisters, railings, or walls to create a warm and inviting atmosphere.
Hang string lights in windows or across doorways to add a touch of sparkle.
Create a shimmering curtain effect by hanging multiple strings of lights from a ceiling or a curtain rod.
Outdoor Illumination: Light up your outdoor space to spread the festive spirit to your neighborhood:Wrap string lights around trees, shrubs, or outdoor structures.
Use solar-powered garden lights to line pathways and flower beds.
Hang lanterns or luminaries along your driveway or walkway.



Fairy Lights in Jars: Place fairy lights inside glass jars or containers for a magical glow:Arrange these jars as centerpieces on dining tables or mantels.
Cluster them together to create a charming display.
Lighted Wall Art: Get creative with lighted wall art or installations:Spell out "Happy New Year" or the upcoming year using string lights on a wall.
Create a large starburst or fireworks design using lights.
Balloon Lights: Add lights to balloons for a fun and whimsical touch:Insert small LED lights into balloons before inflating them for a glowing effect.
Group these balloons together to create a floating light display.
Candles and Tea Lights: Use candles and tea lights for an intimate and cozy atmosphere:Place candles in glass holders or lanterns to prevent them from being blown out.
Create a centerpiece by arranging candles of varying heights on a decorative tray.
Paper Lanterns: Hang paper lanterns for a colorful and festive look:Choose lanterns in different sizes and colors to match your theme.
Hang them indoors or outdoors for a cheerful ambiance.
Fire Pit or Fireplace: If you have a fire pit or fireplace, consider incorporating lights:Place fairy lights or LED candles around the fire pit for a warm glow.
Add lights to the mantel above the fireplace for an inviting focal point.
Countdown Clock: Create a countdown clock using LED numbers or lights:Display the numbers counting down to midnight for a fun visual element.
Place the countdown clock in a prominent location, such as near the party area.
Reflective Surfaces: Use mirrors and reflective surfaces to amplify the effect of your light decorations:Position lights near mirrors to create a larger, more radiant display.
Place lights near metallic or reflective decorations to enhance their shine.

something made by hand is more meaningful

28 Dec 2019
The statement "something made by hand is more meaningful" reflects a sentiment that many people hold. It suggests that when a person puts their time, effort, and skill into creating something manually, it imbues the object with a sense of care, personal touch, and authenticity that may not be present in mass-produced items.



Individuality and Uniqueness: Handmade items are typically unique, as they may have slight variations that are a result of the artisan's personal touch. This can make them more special and distinctive compared to identical, factory-made products.
Personal Connection: Knowing that someone invested their time and effort to create something for you can foster a deeper emotional connection between the giver and the receiver. It can signify thoughtfulness and care.










Craftsmanship and Skill: The craftsmanship involved in creating something by hand can be a testament to the artisan's skill and dedication. This can be appreciated on an aesthetic level and as a display of mastery in a particular craft or skill.
Sustainability and Ethical Considerations: Handmade items are often associated with sustainable and ethical practices. They can be crafted with eco-friendly materials, and artisans are less likely to use mass production methods that can be harmful to the environment.










Supporting Artisans and Local Businesses: Purchasing handmade items often supports independent artisans and local businesses, which can have a positive impact on the community and economy.
Customization and Personalization: Handmade items can be customized to a greater extent to suit individual preferences. This allows for a higher degree of personalization, making the item more tailored to the recipient's tastes and needs.

“What greater gift than the love of a cat?” Thailand

The word cat comes from the Old English word catt, which originates from the Late Latin word catus, meaning “domestic cat.” There is evidence to suggest that the Latin came from the Afro-Asiatic word kaddîska, which is said to mean “wild cat.”

The cat's meow is her way of communicating with people. Cats meow for many reasons—to say hello, to ask for things, and to tell us when something's wrong. Meowing is an interesting vocalization in that adult cats don't actually meow at each other, just at people.

Play time. When the offer comes in the form of toys, it is a sign that they are very fond of you. Your cat wants to share with its most prized possessions since you are so special to them. It also indicates that they want more play time with you.

Thank your pal for the gift and if she allows you, dispose of it. If she does not allow you to dispose of the gift, then let him take it outside. And don't forget that your cat loves you; she is only trying to bring out the inner predator in you.

A cat may just be responding to an inherent “prey–retrieval” instinct. Since our felines are born hunters, she may be acting on their natural urge to kill and retrieve, bringing her “prey” back into a safe place.

24 Dec 2019

ปางอุ้ง จ.แม่ฮ่องสอน Mae Hong Son Thailand

Absolutely wonderful for anyone who loves nature. It's very beautiful when there is fog hovering over the the evergreen trees and the lake. The only reason that I didn't rate 5 stars is the fact that some parts of the roads are quite dangerous and not well- maintained. Overall, it's a must-come spot for everyone who visits Mae Hong Son.







I have heard about this place for long time then plan to visit. The route to here is quite difficult but it worth to be there. The camp site is under pine tree next to water. If you lucky you will see the fog over the water.
This place also offer food that is not expensive. Also you can rent the tent along with sleeping accessories.


During winter, this place is worth spending a night to experience sea fog in early morning. But if you just have it a side trip and don’t want to lost in a huge crowd, late afternoon time is your choice.


Beautiful lake. Go there early morning (around 7am) to see the fog coming out of the water.
It is magic!
The road there is a bit hard, not broken path but steep.
Several local accomodation there so for sure you can fin food and a place to sleep plus the camping is an interesting option as well.

























ปางอุ้ง จ.แม่ฮ่องสอน Mae Hong Son Thailand  on Dec 2019

GOLDEN DUCK RESTAURANT IN MANDALAY

Roasted duck is a popular dish in many cuisines around the world. It's known for its flavorful and tender meat, crispy skin, and rich, savory taste. Here's a basic recipe for roasting a duck:
Ingredients:1 whole duck (about 4-5 pounds)
Salt
Pepper
Optional: herbs and spices like thyme, rosemary, garlic, etc.
Instructions
Preheat the Oven:Preheat your oven to around 350°F (175°C).
Prepare the Duck:Remove any giblets from the duck's cavity and discard them (or use them for another recipe).
Rinse the duck inside and out with cold water and pat it dry with paper towels.
Season the Duck:Rub the duck inside and out with salt, pepper, and any other desired herbs and spices. You can also use a marinade for added flavor.
Prick the Skin:Use a sharp knife to prick the skin of the duck all over. This helps the fat to render out during roasting and results in a crispy skin.
Truss the Duck (Optional):Trussing involves tying the duck with kitchen twine to help it cook evenly. This step is optional but can result in a more even roast.
Roast the Duck:Place the duck on a rack in a roasting pan, breast-side up. If you don't have a rack, you can also place the duck directly in the pan.
Roast in the preheated oven for about 2-2.5 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for the breast meat and 175°F (80°C) for the thigh meat.
Check for Doneness:Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. The skin should be golden and crisp.
Rest the Duck:Allow the duck to rest for about 10-15 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute and results in a juicier meat.
Carve and Serve:Carve the duck into serving portions and serve with your choice of sides.
Remember, cooking times can vary based on the size of the duck and individual ovens, so it's always a good idea to use a meat thermometer to ensure it's cooked to a safe temperature. Enjoy your delicious roasted duck!


29 NOV 2019
“Find ecstasy in life; the mere sense of living is joy enough.” —Emily Dickinson

EGAT Mae Mo Garden (ทุ่งดอกบัวตอง กฟผ.แม่เมาะ) Lampang Thailand

Best scenic in Mae Moh under supervision of EGAT dedicate to public visits.
Transquil relax in huge verygreen gardens view tower. Huge reserviors below can be viewed from this top. Good place to visit in Lamapng but the end of January, not much flowers. Should come December.

Vast land in the mountains with a dam surrounding making it a good spot for all views! Flowers have withered a little though...a good time would have been Nov i was told. But its still good bcos not so crowded n could take great photos of every angle with no crowd. Nice place


Not too far from the city. The area are filled with nice settings. It's quite nice to walk around and enjoy an evening. The terrace with 360° high view is the highlight. There would be more activity on weekend. Going to be great if there were filled with more flowers.



Nice national park in Lampang Province. This is the place Where I took my pre-wedding photos and videos. Very nice scenery. We are slightly above the flat terrain which enable us to view the surrounding widely. You are able to see mountains and flat lands just right in front of your eyes. The park also have a viewing tower. There's also a huge pond which have lots of water lily. The park is also nicely decorated for festival. My dreams are blossoming as easily as these flowers!



During this time, the lotus flower is still blooming. It's beautiful. 😊 You can drive along the way that they have posted the sign. There is a parking spot 🚗 periodically. They made a sign for you to take photos. Check in at many points. Free of charge On the way back, we stop at Chaloem Phra Kiat Park. You can walk again. 😊We met during the event. In the evening, they turned on the lights 🎇 pretty well (Now the event is sold out 😅) but I saw that the area is still open for tourists to visit every day until January 14, 2023.
🌼 Chaloem Phrakiat Park Open for sightseeing from 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM.
🌼 Thung Bua Tong time 07.30-18.00
🌼 EGAT Botanical Garden, Mae Moh, 08.00-18.00 hours, not except public holidays
According to this 😊


Life is like the sky Some days are so bright that we want to live with it for a long time. Some days are so sad that we want to get through it quickly.

Thung Bua Tong is located on the eastern side of the mining pit, covering an area of ​​more than 500 rai. to make a high artificial mountain 200 meters from the normal ground level, the lotus flower will bloom brightly yellow, eye-catching during October - November of every year and is a viewpoint that is at the same height as the chimney of Mae Moh Power Plant. EGAT Mae Moh and Mae Moh District as well


The gate is open for visitors from 08:30 - 18:00. If you go during the rainy season, the weather is very good. But if you want to see the lotus flowers blooming yellow, you must go from mid-October until the end of November, the flowers will begin to sprinkle.


You can drive in right away, there will be a sign telling you all the time. Both in the Tong Bua Tong garden and the entrance, there are many lotus flowers coming out. It is recommended to come either in the morning or in the evening because it will be a bit hot. My soul speaks in flowers.


November is the season when the lotus flowers bloom. Here every year an event is decorated with beautiful night lights. The power plant is very wide, but there are signs throughout. Come here, you won't be disappointed, beautiful and the atmosphere is very good. “To plant a garden is to believe in tomorrow.” – Audrey Hepburn


EGAT Mae Mo Garden (ทุ่งดอกบัวตอง กฟผ.แม่เมาะ) Lampang (Nov 2019) Thailand