owl sees all

Owl Log - 07-01-2024 - Sunday evening

 

Very late getting started today. Mildred had an intensive English camp for both Saturday and today (Sunday). Took her twice and brought her home too. Don't mind at all, but makes any usual schedules mixed up.

 

But! Got a result on the way back from Bandung this morning. Found a new fishing place. only just 50 metres off the 2022.

 

Sun too strong. Says new Fishing Park.

 

 

A couple of big dogs keep poachers and unwanted drunks out.

 

 

After picking up Mildred from school, we went there to get the info. Not open til next month. Everything supplied. 350 baht a person a rod. Man said there were lots of pla nin in there. Take away what you catch.

 

Unloved and neglected!! No! Not me.

 

 

The best Europe had to offer a while back.

 

 

In contrast; although right in the middle of unused land, this golden fish is well cared for.

 

 

Also in Bandung, a couple of statues of the guy that discovered the place. While I was waiting for Mildred this afternoon I was going on a walk-about.

 

 

And for the history nerds.

 

 

A very big construction going on.

 

 

Mrs Owl has heard that it's gonna be Bandung's new Fruit and Veg Market.

 

 

A nice parade in the village last week.

 

 

Got a little vid of a lovely bit of fluff shaking her bits.

 

 

Last day of the trampolines on Monday.

 

 

Also in Bandung; a big Blues' fan.

 

 

Toddled along to the Number Four Market on Thursday. Unfortunately the fish guy couldn't get any pinkies for us. Bought 8 kois for 100 baht though.

 

Mrs Owl was after a big mozzie net for her mum.

 

 

It's not just ladies' health on offer. The men can get a bit too. I was very tempted. But the lady saw me and had it on her toes. Obviously didn't need the excitement.

 

 

Big spice stall.

 

 

Met up with an old friend.

 

 

Found the biggest hand saw ever.

 

 

Over a metre long I reckon. Wish I'd bought it now.

 

 

It's a strange world. I parked in precisely the same place as last time a month ago. Outside the Christian Church. Can I read anything into it?

 

 

Now I'm thinking the big building next door has nothing to do with the church. We will see in the coming months.

 

 

We had time to spare on Thursday, so it was off to the restaurant for some pow-pow. While we were in there there was almighty crashing going on outside.

 

 

Went outside to investigate. A couple of guys were demolishing the market stands. And they were not bothered who they disturbed.

 

 

So we picked Mildred up and hot-footed it to the farm. The carp had been in the bag since about mid-day. Unfortunately three didn't make it. Mildred wanted to keep them safe for a while. To keep an eye on them. So she put them in a water tank.

 

 

Still alive and swimming yesterday.

 

 

Found a fantastic sprinkler system. Well away from any mains leccy. They either have a water tower hidden away somewhere, or a very powerful pump. I'll get back there this week, and take a bit of detail in.

 

 

My own farm-work has stalled. Soo, my helper/grafter, has done the off to Bangkok with his wife. But not only that. After Lazada called, and told me to cancel the first order, I found another place and ordered again. Got an email on Friday morning (but only picked it up yesterday evening) to say they were out of stock. Spent 2 hours this morning trying to get another. What I want is a 750 watt, 3inch DC unit. One and a half inch outlet. Must be able to pump a litre a second at 32 metres depth. fingers crossed this time.

 

FA Cup w/e. Not enthused about the cup. Both the Owls and Blades won 4-0, as did Chelsea. Japan thrashed Thailand in the week 5-0. An unusual one; China lost to Hong Kong 1-2. Bit like England playing the City of London. Aveley (Essex Village) have good away win to keep them in tough of the leaders in the National League South.

 

Funny old weather. 15C at six in the morning and 30C at three in the afternoon. Still no rain. Last rain was two days before Mildred's birthday on the 19th October. so nearly 3 months ago.

 

Sugar is poor this season. I knew it world be, as it was so dry for the first couple of months after planting last year.

 

Cheese has been all gobbled up. Not just by me. Mildred has discovered that if a lump is dipped in honey; it tastes delicious. Must order some in the morning.

 

My DeWALT DC air pump arrived. Still experimenting with it.

 

On the way to Ban Dung on Saturday morning there was a dead cat in the middle of the 2022. Still there when I was returning.. Was a bit of a mess. Pulled it to the side of the road. Gave it some dignity in death.

 

What is the capital of Mongolia? One of Mildred's Geography - or was it history -  questions last week at school. I only knew it had lots of 'a's in it. Mongolia!! Thai education?!  In the English spelling test; 'dinosaur'. Which she actually got right. I remember in an English test, we kids were asked to spell Mississippi. What! At nine years old. Didn't even know what it meant. A couple of the lads did though. Must have been watching cowboy and indian films.

 

Only one thing left to say; bye y'all.

 

 

Wonderful place Udon.

 

Feed the fish at Prajek Park.

Running around Nong Bua.

Sculpture art around the Rain Station.

The Chinese quarter - the carvings and the kois.

Informative museum.

Special 'electrical massage' behind the fish breeding centre - green door.

One of the tallest trees in Isaan.

Feed the pigeons in Prajek Park.

Dinosaur experience in Prajek Park.

Top notch shopping at Makro, Big C, Lotus Fresh, 46 x 7/11s.

Accommodating ladies - many Lao fillies.

Interesting Vietnam quarter.

International airport.

Easy travel to Nong Khai and Khon Kaen or Ban Dung.

 

There used to be a chess club at the 'Bookshop'.

 

Bam Bam is scheduled to visit the city in 2025.

 

1 hour ago, GarryP said:

I am now up in Isaan (northern Kalasin) after 40 years in Bangkok. It is very different but I love it for the most part. I think the key thing is to have something to keep you occupied, which Owl certainly has. Otherwise, life could spiral into boredom and depression. Post retirement, I have been kept on contract to the end of June, working 3 days a week online, but I am nervous about what I will do when I am fully retired. I like cycling and fishing but I can't depend on that seven days a week and I don't want to be online or watching TV most of the time. Contemplating buying a bit of land but other than that, anyone got any suggestions?  

There are a couple of decent fishing places between you and Udon Garry. I too like fishing, but treat the fish in our ponds more like pets now. And wouldn't want to hurt them. Don't put any special fish into ponds one and two, so any fishing is done in those ponds.

 

I can only offer one piece of advice mate. Get with nature. Isaan is beautiful. So many facets to it. I don't see mountains or the sea, but what I do see is wonderful and free to enjoy. In my own way, I've been gently, and gradually, getting Mildred to see nature's beauty. She has her own trees, and I let her make decisions on different things. She has already told me that the 200 pinkies that I'll pick up tomorrow, while she is at school, have to go into pond 6.

 

So; good luck with your retirement plans.

Looking back Owl Log.

 

Udon Thani - probably the best place in the world! Except perhaps Dagenham Dock!

 

 

Butt and Mildred in the stocks. May doing the shooting.

 

 

Climbed up to the top of the hospital. Looking north over Prajek Park.

 

 

Swimming. Mildred and Butt.

 

 

That's it Mildred, kick yer feet.

 

 

Village swim squad. Farr, Byy and Mildred.

 

 

Fish.

 

 

Mrs Owl, Mildred, Nut and Butt.

 

 

Food.

 

MacDonalds should do them.

 

 

Another bit of cake girls? Nut, Mildred, Butt and Jasmine. Who is that nicking the food?

 

 

Buddha.

 

 

Who let the goats in?

 

 

How can I pull it out if yer don't stay still?

 

 

At the farm.

 

 

The not so leaning tree. Back then before it started leaning.

 

 

Just fantastic. No comment required.

 

 

Grub's up. Where's Tiddles got to?

 

 

At the village.

 

Lady next door having a decluttering moment.

 

 

You know I love you Dutch; but I'm very hungry. Wish that farang would go away.

 

 

Out and about.

 

Bridge repairs.

 

 

Eco friendly.

 

 

More to follow.

 

12 hours ago, London Lowf said:

A Happy New Year to you!

 

I always enjoy reading of your exploits and your enduring positivity - in stark contrast to some of the shenanigans around the world.

Thank you.

 

Conflicts all over the world. A new one starting up in South America. Let's hope that 2024 will bring more stability to the people of the world.

It's Sunday afternoon and it's the last day of 2023.

 

Not a happy year for me so far. Always a chance of good things happening, but time is running out fast. Best wait to 2024 for the good stuff.

 

Mildred did so well at her studies. Nothing can take that proudness away. The Mrs finally came clean on the debts. 760k baht all told. All sorted out now. Got all the chanots back. But big 15 rai farm gone forever.

 

Last week was a week of accidents. Mildred's village friend Butt, got whacked off the Dad's bike at the top of out road.

 

 

Chai - Butt's Dad - on the left.

 

 

And in happier days past at the farm.

 

 

And when day's work is done.

 

 

Good news is that Butt is not so seriously hurt, and should be back home later today; I'm informed. Lucky young lady. No crash hat either.

 

On to the second accident. Fell over carrying a concrete post and I think I've broken me left thumb. Hand swelled up so much on Thursday afternoon that i couldn't touch a finger with the thumb.

 

Been encouraging blood supply by waving the hand about. Not hurting so much at the mo. No para for me. Just let nature take it's course.

 

 

Marked out for the posts.

 

 

Picked up supplies. Four sacks of sand. Two cement; although only used one. 16 blocks and 20 litres of pure water; from a pond.

 

 

And we were ready to rock and roll.

 

 

Got the posts concreted in. Waiting for solar panels to arrive next year. Landscaping needed.

 

I didn't know how the solar panels are attached to the frame, so I did some investigating.

 

 

Seems simple enough. This one; more sophisticated.

 

 

Was on my way to the supply store and got held up by the local school marching along the main road; the 2022. Just caught the tail end of it.

 

 

Got me supplies, and went to the school on the way back. This is the local school to our village. The kids just love standing in the sun for yonks. Real toughies.

 

Refreshment and grub at the ready. Treated myself to four rice cakes. 5 baht each.

 

 

The village also has a nursery. Absolutely lovely flowers.

 

 

It was at this nursery a few years back, where I wanted to do a Saturday chess club. No kids on a week end. However!! Mrs Owl through a monstrous wobble and it all fell through.

 

Decided not to do a deep well pump after all. At least for the first bore. I ordered one, with a control unit, and it should have arrived last week. On Thursday I got a phone call from Lazada saying that there was a problem with their supplier and to cancel the order. So! I'd been thinking about a compressed air system. And decided to make a bottom section. Bit difficult one handed, but I got there.

 

the idea being that the air comes down the yellow tube. It is released and immediately has to go through 90+ holes to get out. The stream of bubbles carries water with it to the surface. Interesting stuff; water!

 

 

Put a lot of 1mm holes in the plate. And glued it in place.

 

 

Fitted the complete unit together.

 

 

The water inlet holes are in completely the wrong place, and putting the sir pipe inside the water pipe was a rubbish plan. Was thinking about using an air-stone. Watch this space for more projects.

 

Because of the dodgy hand, I couldn't get the ladder over to Mrs Owl. She wanted to inspect the rice store, to see if the work on the door, to stop the rice-eating rats getting inside was doing good. Got a thumbs up for that. No rats or mouses to be seen.

 

Don't break that pipe dear.

 

 

A nice image in the sky last evening.

 

 

Owls got a surprise win away at Preston. Forest beat United. Wolves and Irons on a roll. Villa get up with Pool for at least one day. The Foxes could be on their way to a record points tally in the championship. 62 from 25 games so far. I think the most points was 106 some years ago. 21 matches left for another possible 63 points.

 

Warm weather has returned to our village. There was certainly a cold spell for a while. Eleven weeks since the last rain. Next rain forecast; April 1st.

 

Have to pick up another 200 pinkies on Thursday, at the number 4 market. Mildred will be at school, so she will have to tell me what pond they have to go in.

 

Wars, and regional conflicts, seem to have taken over. All the good things that we humans could do for each other, and it seems fighting that is the number one priority for the elites and politicians. Election next year. Will that change things?

 

Only one thing left to say; have a prosperous 2024 y'all.

 

Thanks for visiting.

 

 

14 hours ago, HighPriority said:

90lts/minute = 1.5lt/sec.

My understanding is that that will always degrade over time.

Pumping at a rate of 1/3 bore capacity, 30lts/min, .5lts/sec is sustainable long term.

Sometimes, developing an underground cavity is beneficial but usually only when the bore is marginal to start with.

Pumping at .5lt/sec is going to give you 1800lts an hour, that’s a lot of water.

How do you irrigate Owl ? Drippers, sprinkler heads, open channels ?

Dont just drop in any old pump you can get your hands on, try to match it to your irrigation system.

Thanks for the post on the water HP.

 

Soon after I planted the palm trees - 935 - I set up five systems to make sure they all got water.

 

Number three farm, with 325 trees, was split into two. I was deep-well pumping, and most of the water went 200+ metres up a slight gradient to a 6,000 litre holder. From there it went low pressure with drip tape to about 260 palms. Split them in two. Would do half one day and t'other lot the next. Then rest for two days and repeat. Reckoned each tree would get roughly 200 litres a week. The odd 60 or so trees, were fed by the same system, but from another water tank. The water supply was by AC pump; run by a gasoline generator. That farm has now gone forever .

 

The palms in number one farm were dug up after two years. Then there was cassava. Now euca trees are in their place.

 

Number two farm was again split into two. Would pump water from number eight pond into a 5,000 litre tank. When it was full, I would release the water to run through over 300 metres of pipe to do just over 140 trees. The rest were done by pumping water from ponds one and two, some 120 metres into another 6,000 litre tower. From there it went either underground into the system or was diverted into the concrete tanks. These tanks held fertilizer, pig water and cow and buff poo poo. Didn't use drip tape with these 270, just half-inch pipes with holes.

 

The whole thing was very time consuming for me. Never had much time away from the farm. But things changed. The price of nuts dropped to just 2 baht a kilo. Also, I was feeling the work-load. The rain was well below average for those years and pond 8 was getting difficult to pump from. Then a big excavator came down the government road and broke the under-road pipes. Decided to just stop the watering and take a chance with the weather and corresponding nut yield.

 

So to the here and now. The price of nuts has improved to about 6 baht a kilo. It did get to 10+ baht a year ago. And with the wars and conflicts around the would, the price of diesel (especially) will only rise. Now diesel in Thailand, or derv as it was called in the UK, has up to 10% palm oil in it, so it looks good. Leccy cars keep away!

 

Although I'm sad to lose a big farm, (there was about 150k left over after the debts were settled) it has given me the opportunity to revamp the irrigation; although the Mrs wants to buy gold. The plan is to put a 24V deep-well pump at the north end of the farm to do 140 trees. A lot of the old irrigation pipework is still there, but much will need replacing. At the next bore, I'm gonna try something new. Solar just the same, running 1,650 Watts from the panels, but connect up a compressor and run a compressed air system. If that goes well, I'll do the third bore with compressed air. We will see.

 

Later, Mildred wants me to do a system to keep the ponds full.

 

Next month will be busy for sure.

4 hours ago, GarryP said:

Nice to hear that Mildred is doing really well in English. One of my biggest regrets was only speaking Thai at home, resulting in my son being far from fluent. It just seemed more convenient for me as his mother didn't speak English so I only spoke Thai with her and I didn't switch to English with him. 

 

I thought the best time of year for drilling wells was the dry season as the water table is at it lowest then. Heard of people drilling too soon only to be without water heading into March. Having said that 48 meters does sound very deep. 

 

Thanks Garry.

 

Could say we are right in the middle of the dry season. No rain for over two months now.

 

Finished the second bore today. That one is 44 metres deep. Water 8 metres down. The water table is obviously important, but also, the nature of the ground 15/20/30 metres down. The faster the water is pumped out the faster it has to be replenished in the bore. This is one of the reasons why solar pumps are so successful. Sort of 'Steady Eddie'. The AC units can draw up as much as 4 litres a second. If the ground is stony that is fine, but if the water has to slowly filter through, the unit can be pumping, waiting, pumping, waiting for the water. Can result in pump malfunction or bore cave-ins. Both have happened to me in the past. Last time was in farm 3; the one that had to be sold to pay off the Mrs' debts . OK!! Farm gone. but with the bit of dosh left I'll (hopefully) do 3 water systems.

 

As far as water replenishment in the bore goes; the drillers ran an air pump for 20 minutes and the table drop was negligible. The significance of that, is that in a 6 hour pumping day the water should easily stay high enough. And those air pumps do getting on for double a solar pump. Plan to put the solar pump at 30 metres. According to the pump data, that should achieve 90 litres a minute. But, if  - on the second well - I'm adventurous enough - I'll put the pump down at 20/25 metres. We will see.

 

 

Gonna pick up the posts tomorrow. Also some cement, sacks of sand and blocks. All to secure the posts in the ground.

 

It's Xmas Eve.

Sunday afternoon - 24-12-2023

 

So proud of Mildred.

She went to Udon on Wednesday, to represent her school year in the English Writing Competition. The students, from the different schools, had to write a story about a picture. They had just ten seconds to look at the pic, before it was whisked away. The writing commenced. Yime limit; 50 minutes. Had to write a minimum of 150 words, and the piece had to include 6 special words, appropriate to the pic.

And Mildred came in first!

Next stop, next year, is a Regional competition. And she will be representing Udon Thani Province.

 

It's all about drilling for the solar water systems at the mo'. After I dropped Mildred off in Ban Dung on Wednesday, I had two important tasks. One was to buy some tea for me morning cuppas. And then off to the deep-well drillers, to sort out water business. On the way I just had to stop and snap the road repairs on the 2022.

 

I think any new plans for big new sections, that must cost millions, have been shelved, and just the terrible sections are being repaired. After all there is only so much dosh allocated for Isaan roads. And some of that disappears down side-streets.

 

 

And what a fine job too.

 

So much trouble with the old pump. I was convinced that the spindle in the drum was broken. So i ordered one on Lazada, and it arrived just two days later. Took it to the farm on Thursday and it roared into life after just one pull of the start cord.

 

 

Pumped 6,000 litres in the time I was there on Thursday.

 

Main task was to fill three holding tanks. These were built for fishes way back.

 

 

Bit of a leak in number three.

 

 

And gave the palms a drop.

 

 

Pump looking good. Just 1,850 baht.

 

Any more pumping will be done from number one or two ponds from now on. Plenty of water in those two.

 

Got Soo to clear the area around the concrete water holders. It was chocka with undergrowth and pipe rubbish.

 

 

Yesterday, me and Mildred did a rubbish collection, in the area where Soo had been chomping.

 

 

Then it was chop-chop time.

 

 

No good looking at me dear. They won't chop themselves.

 

 

Then into the fire for burning.

 

Done the three-monthly pics of the euca trees from the far corner of number one.

 

 

Looking North.

 

 

Looking North-east.

 

 

Looking East down the government road.

 

 

TBH, the trees are a disappointment. Number one farm, with 9,500 trees is a let down. Only 10% are acceptable. Compared to number four farm where 90% are good. There are a couple of reasons why this might be. One is that the big farm was planted when it was dry. Then there was a big downpour and the 1,500 trees in number four were planted in wet ground.

Also there was a slight change in planting method. Thirdly; the soil in number four had been well looked after by Pam; who we bought the farm from.

 

And the drillers were contacted. I went along to their yard on Wednesday morning. Dogs and chickens everywhere.

 

Drilling machine resting.

 

 

 

Did the deal. Two wells for 18,000 baht.

 

Started the next day.

 

 

Need lots of water for the drilling.

 

 

First well finished. It was of to number two.

 

 

I told them to be careful of the pipework. Wouldn't want to have to dig that lot up. And they were. Not one damaged.

 

 

With the three solar systems in mind, I was looking at how others mounted their panels.

 

Single concrete post. Just the one panel.

 

 

Single metal post. Two panels.

 

 

And the system next to Guy's farm. Three panels 1,200 watts all told.

 

 

I'm gonna put in four concrete posts. Have ordered them, and will pick them up on Boxing Day.

 

Bit wibbly-wobbly on the 2022. Going to the recycle tecnicians.

 

 

As always in Isaan. Some glorious skies.

 

 

First well went 42 metres down. Water at 8 metres.

 

As soon as I finish posting today, I'll be ordering the first solar pump and controller from Lazada. I'll wait until after Xmas to order the solar panels. I'm thinking 3x400 watt panels. The pump will be 750 watt 24v, with 1.5 inch outlet. The controller Debeto. Have also to get 100+ metres of special cable for the controller to the pump. Shouldn't use standard wire, as it's always gonna be in water. Also a crimping and waterproofing kit.

If all goes well, I;ll order again in the new year for the other two systems. I'll keep a tally, and technical record, of the systems and the money. This could help others in their future ventures.

 

=========

 

Plenty of footy matches recently and coming up. Was particularly impressed with the Cherries and Hatters yesterday. Top two in the EPL drew 1-1 at Anfield. Owls lost at home. Foxes, Saints and Peacocks all had convincing wins.

 

Been quite cold for the last three days. Thermometer read 7C when I got up on Thursday morning. 12C yesterday and 15C today. So gradually getting warmer. Little fires all over the village.

 

The last half dozen times I've gone to the farm, Robert has kept me company. Can trust him not to run off now. Both dogs now 14 months old.

 

Drove through the old farm Friday. The new owners have not yet changed anything. If they decide to cut the trees down I'll be there with the camera. Not quick, easy or cheap. And they have over 300!!
 

Anyone who has been there on the solar, water deep-well scene; please get in touch. It's all new to me. I'll have any advice a'going.

 

Only one thing left to say; merry Christmas y'all.