Crossy

Meanwhile, I didn't recognise some of the container plants, not unusual Madam has a LOT of plants. But it turns out that they actually belong to a friend, "k. Anne" who only has a small moo-bahn garden, so on occasion she swaps out the plants with ones which are "boarding" at our place. Clever arrangement except that as soon as something looks like it might flower it vanishes in k. Anne's pickup to be replaced by something that's just, well, green. Madam enjoys looking after anything green and we have loads of space so it's win-win really. We also take in any plants which have become too big for their owner's space, hence us having well over 100 trees of assorted shapes and sizes. Our home is named "29 Palms" after a Robert Plant track - a name which is becoming increasingly inaccurate.

Up with the lark this morning to get some stuff done before it got too hot! The list is getting shorter! Fixed another irrigation pipe back to the wall (2 places, 8 clips - at least I could re-use the existing screws and plugs). Adjusted the TV antenna which was pointing towards the ground after someting pretty large decided to perch on it (TV was working fine). "Assisted" Madam moving more of her container plants around (she directed, I moved!). It's too darn hot now and too early for a beer, so I have zero-sugar Coke!

I always thought speedway was pretty mad we used to watch Poole Pirates back in the day (or the greyhounds if there was no speedway), but to do it on ice with spiked tyres?? Way too much danger of being turned into a Tetley's tea bag (2000 little perforations)

Bangkok Bank in Lotus's Rangsit was certainly open (and had a queue) this morning when I got beer.

Yeah, there's two or three varieties he might be, all of them bad news! Time to call The Man!

Could be an Asian Giant Hornet not a chap you want to mess with! https://www.psonpest.com/รายละเอียด/583e45a668cfd90001f6003e/Dangerous Bugs in Thailand/59fa984d7c07f900013d5003/langEN

Today's "mini jobs":- Re-attached one of the irrigation pipes where it had "fallen off" the wall, needed new clips. Similarly replaced the pipe clip on an outside tap. Moved Madam's mop-stand to a more convenient location (it's bolted down so not just a pick up and move it job). I'm sure someone is building up for more tasks ????

Correct ????

Some types of wasp are not a problem, others ... Do NOT try to remove it yourself, as noted above call your local assorted creatures wrangler (the village office will have his number) and it will be removed without danger (at least with no danger to you, the removal chap could be otherwise).

I've modified the thread title to give more clue as to what it's about. What (and where - could be important) are you designing / building? Your plans will need sign-off by a local architect anyway before a building permit is issued. Building a house, the local ampur office is the place although whether they have documented guidelines ... Generally stick to being "in keeping with the local area" and you're likely good. Building an apartment block / condo then there's a whole raft of building code requirements. Or do you see a construction that you thinks breaks the code?

Important note:- You MUST use an AC rated capacitor often sold as motor start or motor run capacitors. Amorn have usually got a reasoinable selection and there really are zillions on Lazada. Or as noted your local pump shop is likely to have something suitable.

It's never too late to learn a new skill!

Tomorrow is "before the end of the year", no time like the present!

Hmmm, somehow it always seems to be me that gets soaked when something goes wrong with the gate ????

Plans can be "adjusted" to meet changing demand!

Now that's going to be a Man Cave to rival @sometimewoodworker nice!

There you go, next task plant staking ????

I've got the trunk of a magnolia we took down earlier this year seasoning, not sure what it's going to be yet we really have enough garden furniture. Could turn up some fruit bowls I suppose.

Now you need to look at those branches and decide what you are going to make, picnic table, bird feeder or what?

Better get that beer then!

A SWMBO "hint" is as good as an instruction, better start looking at paint colours ????

So, the long break is upon us and we, like many, are going nowhere. So what amazing DIY have you done?? Yes, I know it's only Wednesday, but think of all those little tasks just asking to be sorted. Earn yourself that beer ???? For me, as usual I have a list provided by Madam, loads of those little things that seem to get left until I get a round-tuit Noted the swimming pool pump wasn't - It's had many bearing sets over the years but this time the windings are open - Probably the overheat switch but that's buried deep inside the beast! New unit on order, $$ and of course nowhere is operating until next week - FAIL ???? Hung one of our fire extinguishers on the wall - It's been sat on the floor for ages and the proper hanger has wandered off. Made a new hanger. Madam happy - PASS ???? Replaced the circulation pump in the goose pond - It's been iffy for ages and the spare has been gathering dust. The beast finally failed so the new one was installed. Madam happy - PASS ???? Replaced the fried speed controller of one of the ceiling fans with a simple on/off switch (they always run on max anyway). Madam happy - PASS ???? Managed to do something for ME! Hooked up the solar battery monitor to the web! Software still at the work-in-progress stage. The intention is for it to talk to my ThingSpeak channel so I can see what's going on with the solar second by second! (sad I know) ???? ????

Yeah, the "budget" car-port is more "mega-budget" now ????

If you have Sofar inverters and "anti-reflux" actually does disable export then you do have CTs (should be one per inverter/phase).

We know when the meter reader comes, he's pretty consistent. Earliest he's been is the 16th (only in February), latest is the 19th. So we disable export between the 16th and 19th automatically, of course if he comes on the 16th then export gets turned on as soon as his motorcycle is out of sight ???? As it happens he usually turns up at about 7AM so we're not generating much anyway. I know we will eventually get a "smart" meter so I'm constantly upgrading so that we never actually export energy anyway (more batteries Igor, more batteries!).