harsu

We enjoyed it. So pleased it didn't rain on us. See you next month at the summer venue by the Namkok.

I've been happy with using the vets at the animal hospital at Rajahbat University for my dogs for the last 3 years. You need to speak a little Thai, or have someone Thai along with you.

Depending on what type of thing you're doing - how many you want to hatch out at once, infection control etc etc - If you can't get what you want in a mechanical/electrical turning incubator here, don't forget to consider the best natural alternative to the hen herself.

Muscovy ducks, we found, will sit on any type of egg or clutch size. Once we established this, we never used our man-made incubators again. 20-25 hen eggs sit happily under each duck. The only thing you have to watch out for is that they don't build their nests too high off the ground - chicks don't bounce as well as ducklings on their first outings.

Hen,duck,turkey and goose eggs all hatched and raised successfully by Muscovies.

i love the sound of the coucals. When I first moved here, I thought they were macaque monkeys 'hooping'. I can sleep through their territorial/breeding season increase in noise ( a pair use one of our garden trees as a boundary marker and can be heard calling from early a.m). The bird that drives me up the wall is the koel (which someone else has mentioned). Known in our household as 'the bird of despondancy' ...'Oh, no.....Oh,no..... Oh, no" it goes from about 4am onwards. Once my brain has registered it's call, it won't let go.

For both these species, come the rains. the noise level reduces -- up in Chiangrai anyway.

We also have a lot of pigeons who insist on telling everyone 'it's my birthday' all day, everyday.

Natural sounds add so much to quality of life.

I feel much more settled here now I can pick out and identify the common bird sounds - and identify frequent visitors to the garden - something I took for granted back in the Uk.

I thought it was still there. Tells you how observant I am. The Legend Hotel stocks some of the range of products that were/are in the fair trade shop. I have also p.m'd you with the www. address for the non-profit making org. that produces a lot of the embroidered and material goods.

Harrry, we ate an excellent massaman, noodles and pork, green lipped mussels and prawns in tamarind sauce between us all - just lightly flavoured by rice stalk and corn field smoke.

For those of you who aren't on the official mailing list, but were thinking about coming along to the monthly pleasure bike ride on Sunday - it's been postponed for a week. The smog situation will be reassessed by the trail leader, and if it's no better, then it will be postponed to the first Sunday of next month. By then we may be able to breathe again.

As we braved the pollution for an evening meal in an open air restaurant out at the Singha estate on the old C.M. road on Tuesday, we watched a stunning orange orb set in a matt gunship grey sky, like a post-apocalyptic film set. As the light levels fell even further, there appeared -on almost every distant hillside to the north of us- flames like some ancient hilltop warning system.

This is supposed to be the flowering season, not the 'venture outside only if you're wearing mask, goggles and not breathing deeply' season.

On the 10th March down in Chiang mai at a botanical garden called "Dokmai' (website easily found) there is a presentation and demonstration by a local bee keeping expert. I am sure if you contact the botanist/owner of the gardens they can give you more information, and perhaps some way of finding out where to get supplies via the expert who is visiting.

The website is an excellent one generally if you are interested in anything to do with flora and fauna in Thailand.

The other suggestion i have is to have a look at some of the local beehives - they often have the 'owners' details stencilled on the hives, and obviously they may be a source of info. Happy honey making.

Sure I saw various sized ones in either Robinsons or Power Buy the other day in Central. Ahh, memories. Venison, (or tough old beef), add prunes and red berry cordial, carrots, potatoes and a glass of red wine, cinnamon and green cardamom. Please make lots and bring it to the pot luck. You'll have to fight us off.

He'll need to go back and see his specialist.

Transdermal fentanyl patches are available in four different strengths and the rate of absorption is different to that of an opiate taken by mouth. It is not generally prescribed for patients whose pain is severe and currently uncontrolled,or whose current need for painrelief varies greatly over a 24 hour period. The dosage and timing of the doses (changing of patches) needs to carefully titrated by the Doctor/ palliative care Nurse practitioner. This is a Controlled drug. Your father will need to go back to see his doctor to switch from one type of opiate to another, and I'm sure that they will be receptive to the difficulties you/he are experiencing with regard to current medication compliance.

Not only do you get to enjoy the food and company, but you can tap into some very useful advise from the gardening and Thai members of the group. The combination of knowledge from them last Sunday solved the riddle of an unidentified 'new' shrub in our garden. Having spent hours on the internet and looking through my gardening tomes to no avail, a quick look at the rather blurry photo on my camera, and I was given a possible Thai name to track down.

It wasn't exactly the same, but googling it turned up what it actually was, just a couple of web. addresses down the list. For those who want to know - it turned out to be a Mitrephora Keithii Ridl, A beautiful plant. So - many thanks to you.

Thyey can certainly be found up here in the garden centres and some parks, though i haven't seen many in private gardens. Cool up here in winter in Chiangrai?

There is very little information I can find to add to our honeypot of knowledge. Tomorrow ( the 26th) there is the annual celebration of the foundation of CR which traditionally starts at 08.39 and is presided over by the governer, followed by processional ceremony - this is at Wat Doi Ngam Muang. At 14.30 there is an opening ceremony at the Old airfield of something ( a fair/music thing - no idea) opening by the Governer. This will run until the 3rd of February. There is something on tomorrow evening at Rai MaeFahLuang but it is possibly an invitation only dinner and show??? They were doing the sound checks today so that was the only clue we have had. In February, the 23rd to the 26th, at the "circle of culture'/ Kuang Culture - which is described as "near the NamKok ' and also as 'on the way to the airport,(maybe at the flower show site?) there are more events planned involving 'ethnic music' and is billed as "World Colours". If anyone has more information, or more reliable information, please post.

Our dogs (greyhounds) were tattoed and micro-chipped, sleep (and basically live) indoors apart from when they were/are out on their daily walks with us. Both were neutered before we got them (re-homed ex-racers usually are). Our oldest one died of old age recently at 11yrs. We have a large fenced garden and the gate is kept closed. Though very much admired - I feel it is the fact that they were neutered and live indoors which would be the most crucial element in whether or not someone would desire, or could, make off with them. We have always neutered our dogs - there are more than enough unwanted ones around- and they are much more likely to be stay- at -homers and have better 'pet' temperaments.

Micro-chipping and tattooing - as other posters have already said, have value- but only if you can find your dog again.

Beautiful photos, VF. Did you have a colour filter on to get the oranges and golds/colour intensity on that second to last one?

I see you have the rock out crop on the way to Don's Cafe, I always wondered if there was a path or track to the top for non-climbers.

Forgive me for veering off the topic of rock-climbing, but there is a path up this hill..... here is some info. I wrote for something else........

The Hill by Wat Phra That Tham Doi Kong Khao

By bike or vehicle, head out of the city past Rai Mae Fah Luang Cultural Park on the road that you would take to go to Don's restaurant or on to Mae Yao/ Doi In Cee. 2.8Km past the park at an intersection, turn right and follow the signs as if going to Ban Phasoet Hot springs/ prison. A further 2.9km will take you to a gravel road off to your right marked by a Buddha statue and signage. Turn onto this road and after another 400 metres there is the monastery and wat. Park in the grounds. The hill you are going to ascend is one of those limestone plugs that you see dotted around the province, rising improbably upwards from flattish ground of the Wat. A path leads you off to the left, follow it around the base of the hill past the female monks white-painted quarters. You will pass a cliff face to your right on which hang some of the biggest colonies of wild bees you'll ever want to see. They are not so active at this time of year but take care anyway. Follow the small path around, a concrete grey wall now on your left, until you see a shrine and some guardian animal statues with crazy marble eyes. The path then heads uphill for about 200m. through sparce woodland. You reach a clearing and a small retreat house, and the steps to the summit are on your right. Don't be fooled the first fifty or so are smooth, proper steps after this it's very rough and ready stone 'steps' and then it's a scramble and a glow inducing climb to the very top.

A truly wonderful view of CR city, the reclining woman hill and the river greets you from the purpose built platform which you share with a Buddha statue. To your left you'll see a hermitage and stupa partly hidden from view also on the hill top.

Going down I usually end up- at some point -sitting, having to make a 4 point contact with mother earth, rather than just the recommended three. Safely at the bottom, take some time to stroll around the monastery grounds both male and female 'monks' live and study here and it is a popular Buddhist learning and meditation centre.

There is a multi- layered cave to visit within the grounds go up the steps that are directly behind the parking area. Take a torch or lighter or switch on the electrics at the connection box yourself (on the concrete pole to the left front of the steps up to the cave entrance). There are a few bats, shrines and about 200 metres of beautiful water worn tunnels to admire with sand covered floors. Once outside again, make a donation in the box by the pond and collect some fish food there to sit and feed the carp and catfish. There are public toilets available in the temple grounds.

Hearing no contrary chorus, The fifteenth Pot Luck Picnic will be held on Christmas Day at one o'clock at our usual meeting place (CR Ag. Research Center on Old Chiang Mai road). If you are new and need more details/directions, back up a couple of pages and take a read or PM me.:jap:

As the issue was mentioned by VF, be assured that being a non cook is not a barrier to coming. Many attendees because of their schedules or other circumstances bring a purchased dish. We have had dishes from KFC, WCH, Pizza Company, Sausage King, etc. as well as local Thai food. Of course the homecooked dishes are what make it special but other dishes are welcome.

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to ALL.

We hope you all have a great time, and send our seasons greetings to everyone. We are catering for the extended family over at Mae Yao this year so won't be along to say 'hello' this time.

Today we stopped off at a new venue on the old Chiang mai road. Belonging to the Singha corporation and located at the roadside of their 8000 rai tea and fruit plantation, the Rai Boonrawd (ไร่ บุญรอด) offers that rare thing in Chiang rai - coffee or tea and cakes and something to 'do' as well. They opened officially a couple of weeks ago and for 50 bahts (free water/ tea tasters/10bahts off other drink in tea/coffee shop) you get a very pleasant ride around the tea plantations and fruit growing areas on an open sided tour bus with knowledgeable guides,(Thai speaking and English) lots of brief stops for those essential photo opportunities and (today) tastes of jujubes and strawberries that were in season. The strawberries were almost as good as those we grew in Scotland - certainly the nicest by far we have had in Thailand. Khun Oh was our English speaking guide - and very good she was too. The site has beeen developed over the last 30 years, next year they hope to have tours around the tea factory as well.

We tried the iced lemon tea in the tea shop made from their own tea, grown and also processed on the estate and an oolang barley tea - both delicious. There is also a shop where they sell jams, fruit juices and teas from the estate.

There is also a new restaurant ( ร้านอาหารภูภีรมย์)inside the estate, looked very nice with a terrace overlooking the rice paddies and tea rows- haven't tried the food yet but definately looks worth a return visit if only to sit on that terrace in the early evening light.

Directions from CR town - go down the old Chiang Mai road for about 10 kilometres from Denha traffic lights. You go past the Horticltural centre where the Pot Luck is held and the Tech. college. Just before the Akha Foundation(?) on the right side of the road is the site. If you pass the very large Singha statue in the field on the right hand side of the road -you've missed it.

the Land Office by the chiang rai condotel still uses them (likely)--maybe ask them.

My goodness - but if that's all the technology they need, then why not. Will venture in and see. Thanks.

Congratulations,Woraphat - hope all goes well with the new venture. Even less distance for us to travel to get some excellent jalopeno sauce and other things.ลูกสาวของฉันควานสุขมาก]

Would a tablet (touch screen) be easier for her?

No - she tried out my brother's I pad thingy a couple of months ago - her tremor was too severe for good control. I think it's the difference between carrying out a definite manual act - pressing a key in a decisive manner on a familiar bit of equipment ie. typewriter keyboard, which seems to reduce the tremor, - and holding her hand over something which she is not au fait with, in which case it gets worse. But thanks for the suggestion, any way ...... and I did volunteer to act as scribe for her too.

I will follow up the ebay suggestion ... unless someone knows anywhere locally?

Thanks to you both.

My very elderly mother is having problems writing on her computer - something to do with her hands trembling and not using the mouse accurately. Her once beautiful copperplate handwriting now resembles a drunken spiders' attempt at a Highland reel, so letter writing to friends back in the UK is becoming a problem. She was an office manager for many years and thinks she would be able to use either a manual or an electronic typewriter more effectively as she is more famiiar with these.

So..... has anyone seen one of these antiques anywhere in CR for sale? If you have, I would be indebted to you for the information and directions. Fingers crossed.

See you all tomorrow.

See you all ..

Another very pleasant afternoon and a good turnout. Excellent apple crumble, meat loaf , kebabs and nutty and oaty bread among the many offerings to the stomach gods. The namKok was still in mighty flow and the sun shone.

Hi anyone care to jot a few notes on how to start donating in Thailand, please? I've given 101 shots (that's 80 litres of prime O negative blood, don't know where it all came from 'cos me only 60kg), keen to get 'revamped'... should I just walk into local hospital (no Chumphon) or contact Red Cross?. Thanks, aarn

Hurrah! If you phone the local regional hospital on the number I gave in the original post, and ask to be put through to their Blood bank, they will give you the information you need.

If - however- you experience some language/communication difficulties, you can p.m me and I will pass on your name and phone number to Dr. Pichanu (Dep.Dir.)of the hospital who is trying to put together a list of Rh.Neg. donors for contact in an emergency.

You've got an hour left today to get down to Central plaza and donate blood. Go to the second floor near the food plaza, and you'll find a very efficient and friendly set-up - complete with complementary gifts and a small tub of Svenson's icecream for every donor.

We (3 of us) took 30 mins. to do our bit - they needed name/ address, weight and BP and age, took a little blood to test which blood group you are, and then a very brief wait for an empty recliner before donation. We all got badges and then some very nice people gave us drinks, and snacks. Excellent service - and a lot less cumbersome than many similar events in the UK. It was very busy but well organised.

Lokk out for similar events - it was so easy.

We started off with all sort's of fish (One's that got on with each other) But slowly they all cockled over. Now have just Gold fish like your lion head long/fan tail's. I got mine from the local pet shop for about 10bt each + they threw a few in for free. Small was not the word about 25mm. Now there all about 15cm or 1" to 6" that's within one year.

Bob Bob!!! Mine are all called Dolphin. But then again I do feed them well.

Have you fed them live termites? Mine love them.