owl sees all

Timed myself making love to the wife yesterday. Three hours, 22 minutes and 7 seconds. Wow! That time includes the pre-sex financial negotiations and the kip afterwards.

But this leads to the question; what is Normal. Personally, I'm not bothered about the restocking. As in my local Big C. But across the road in Lotus, there is hardly any customers, so restocking is not an issue. And this scarcity of customers has been like this since 'Tesco' was taken down from the sign outside. Restocking; don't care. What is an issue for me is cat-food prices. How can Lotus get away with charging 44 baht for a 400g tin? In Big C (Big Care) there are cans for as low as 29 baht a tin. Apples and oranges one might say. But the cats know. But back to 'normal'. Are we guilty of judging others by our own experiences? I like nature, and back in England, I would not purposefully run the car tyres over conkers (horse-chestnuts) that were in the road. I mentioned this one evening in the Short Blue, and I got a different perspective from a nice lady. She said to run over the nuts, to provide food for other creatures. ''But,'' said I, ''would that not lead to squirrels getting hurt?'' ''Perhaps,'' she said, ''but they would have died on a full stomach.'' She got me thinking, and I stopped swerving round the conkers. The lady's name was Lovelace. We became good friends. IMO, 'normal' is not an exclusionary word. My normal might not be the normal; of leading figures.

As much as I agree, I was a little disappointed in Lidl a few years back. I went into the store in Harlow (Essex) and they had no lemons or limes. The re-stocking lady - who later became good friends with me - said they never sold lemons and the limes were sold out. Or was it the other way round. Anyway, I didn't get too upset. Just done without. Lidl's water was lovely. Restocking lady told me over breakfast some weeks later, that they got it from a spring in Romania.

It's Tuesday 2nd April, and this is the Owl Log giving the lowdown on happenings in my little corner of Isaan. The new building in Ban Dung is looking good. Soon be finished, and we'll find out what it's for. Mrs Owl says a fruit and veg market. She could be right. We will see. The wiring in that soi seems to be out of control. Worst wire tangle in the town. The Mrs sent away for a swimming pool for the upcoming water festivities. ''Big enough for swimming'' she said. Less than 200 baht too. What a bargain?! Mildred tried it out. ''What stroke is that dear?'' ''Keeping cool stroke Dad.'' Who is that? Someone's pet piggie ventured into our soi. Looks like she's been in the mud somewhere. Looks like a Vietnam pot-belly-pig. We had some years ago. But they were all black. And at the northern end of the soi; a new business. Not exactly that new. The Big Mango Lady did the same last year. I think the grasshoppers are in there already. I'll take a butchers later. Feast for the village in about 6/8 weeks. Been watching the darts. Last month was the 'Champion of Masters'. Perhaps the greatest darter of them all, Phil Taylor, was competing. But he was knocked out early by the eventual winner; Richie Howson. My new darting hero. And Richie is a Rainham lad. Just along the estuary from my childhood haunt, behind the power station, at Dagenham Dock. Time to launch the collected leaves and rotting fruit onto the paddy. 12 bags in all. They will be ploughed in later in the wet season. When and if it arrives this year. Noting sophisticated about it. Chuck them out, and empty em. Mildred did the snapping. Note the designer shirt. I'm poshing up. I've sent away for two 1000 litre IBCs. They are the plastic tanks with a metal frame around. should be here this week. Want to put them on a stand two metres up. Not yet decided how to mount them. Kun is my buttie worker now, ever since Som went off to BKK to seek his fortune. His daughter Bella, is still in Singapore. Been away for over 6 months now. Anyway, Kun, is a charcoal master. His wife, Rooney, the massage lady, told Mrs Owl that they get over 100 sacks a year. Not a bad earner at 180 baht a sack. Perhaps not that great. Probably will earn that with me. They have a cute little tree giving a lot of fruit. King fruit I think it is. Coming back from the farm in the week, Mildred spotted a leak. Informed the corner-shop lady Neng. She knows the people to inform. All good when we next passed. Tidied up the wiring at the farm solar. It's doing OK. Could have one pond filled this month. Done the pipes too. And also the road. Have to do it good, it is the main route to China after all. Mrs Owl paid a rare visit to the farm. She eyed up the solar system. ''You farang stupid. Put solar on upside down. Pond never fill up. Waste of money.'' Understandable, as she is not tall enough to see the top side. Of course I didn't disagree. Can do without the whackings now-a-days. Mildred's latest. A miniature. Just 15cm across. Very mysterious! The Owls were done no favours over the long w/e. Most of the results went against them. Except Plymouth and Hudders, who are both right in the mire now too. Owls need to shape up; and quick. Time is running out. Orient and Aveley both lost. Not a good result set for me at all. Gonna be tough for either to make their respective play-offs. Having a job to get motivated at the mo'. Must buck up. Children are at Ban Dung Hospital Mortuary until later today. Send to the moon tomorrow. Will be hundreds - if not over a thousand - in attendance; including me. Only two things left to say; sorry for the late post, and bye ya'll.

Really john. What about the topic 'Thailand's biggest rip off'? Hit 20 pages in just a few hours.

Indeed KK. I see so many ponds being dug - especially this dry-season - with not much in the way of getting out places; if ya fall in. Three sides often sheer; sometimes all sides. Don't yet know the details. Perhaps I never will. The village in mourning.

Just a small post to put the tragedy on the map. Yesterday morning, me and Mildred were on our way to Ban Dung. As we left the village, it was obvious that something serious had occured. I stopped the mazza, and took a couple of shots. Not wanting to intrude, we made our way to Ban Dung to get some items. When we were back, at the same spot, it was deathly quiet. Not a soul anywhere. Arrived home. Mrs Owl didn't know anything, but the guy opposite did, and told her the whole sad story. Then it was told to me. I must say; I shed a tear. As did Mildred. Three kids of 7 and 8 - 2 boys, one girl - had drowned in a newly dug pond, at the back of the house in the pics. A forth kid - who didn't go into the pond - realised they were in trouble and went to get help. Too late to save the three children. Full Owl Log later.

Owl Log gonna be a little late this time. An absolute tragedy has hit the village; just 300 metres from us. Very sad. Sorry all. Maybe tomorrow morning.

Thanks for clarification Mick. 77 metres is a fair old bore. What is the water table level at different times of the year? I would opt for 5 inch if it was me. Depends somewhat on the water table and how quickly the bore water is replenished when pumping is in progress.

Can't trust that ice!

Thanks for that insight Mick. 100 metres is some depth. I have 7 deep-wells on our farms, and the deepest is 44 metres; 6 at 5 inch bore. One 4 inch. Our recent bores were 9k baht each. The first of these wells is giving very good water, with a total cost about 37k. That includes the bore work. The second one cost 14k plus the 9k bore. So 23k. Only two panels though; so 17.500 baht (26/27k with bore) if three. We am still trouble-shooting the systems. Tinkering really. Me and Mildred went today to do some work on the underground section. People (Thai farmers) have come round to have a look at what we have done. Reckon they are thinking of giving it a go themselves. The difference between a company doing the job, and doing it yourself, can be as much as 13k IME. If you do it yourself, you are sure that the best units are used. But it takes longer. The professional construction boys are in and out in two/three days.

Actually that season 1951/52 was a cracker for goals. The Owls were so, so unpredictable. When they ran onto the pitch, we didn't know what was to occur. A 3-3, 7-3, 0-6. Great time to watch footy**. They were promoted that season scoring a whopping 100 goals. Let a few in too. Blades and Rotherham scored 18 goals against them in the league encounters. Anyway, it was up with the big boys from then on?! But they struggled, and finished lower each season, until going down in 55. But they bounced back, and regained their top flight spot the following season. But down again in 57/58. True to form; they came up again the following year. they were certainly the 'yo-yo' club. ** It was all about attacking with 5 across the front. Two devilish wingers putting in those crosses. Our game stayed like that until the Hungarians taught us a lesson. What was it now? 7-1 and 6-3. But back to The Owls. They did something unforgivable in 1959. The Irons were top of the league after 18 matches. Next up was The Owls. We went to Hillsborough on that cold November day to put the hosts to the sword. We got smashed; 7-0. Dear me!! Irons finished well down the table in 14th in the end, and all because of that day; 28th November 1959. I hated that day for years.

Owl Log - 24th March 2024 - Sunday afternoon After the dancing, comes the rave-up. But first a little lighting has to be sorted. Mildred and the Mrs went along in the morning. 'Very quiet' they said. I popped in later at 3ish. The place was rocking. Time for a little refreshment and grub. Nice lady recommended a delicacy. Something on a stick. ''You want spicy sauce on it farang?'' ''No thanks. Looks good as it is dear.'' Very scrummie. Back to watch the dancing girls. And at 4-30, on the dot, it was all over. Good to see they put all the thrash in one place. At the farm it was 'stage 4' of the solar water system. Put in new pipework, and buried a PVC under the road. Fixed the down-pipe to not move. Water is looking good. 1.5 liters a second. That'll do fine. First water at 9-30am. Last water at 16-40pm. That all depends on the sun, but as we get closer to mid-summer, the water should not lessen. Unless there is heavy cloud. and that could mean rain. Moved the pipe back to number 5 pond. Just about done now. This week it's the system in number 2 farm to sort out. Also put in a flight of steps leading to the equipment store. Thinking of putting in a hand-rail. Put in a couple more spacers under the panels. To stop any movement in windy conditions. Also a leveler from pond 5 to 6. The plan is to fill just one pond and let it sort itself out. Another little job completed. Chopped down the euca that was running wild, and growing under the house roof. Robert always goes to the farm with me. Sometimes inside. This time in the back. Fortunately he is good with the chickens. Which is just as well, cause there are hundreds in every direction at the farm. Didn't know chickens liked water-melon. Or are they just plain hungry! Picked up the MoT badge in the week. The iggies were out from their hining place. What's the difference between an iguana and a chameleon? Not sure what they are. It was getting on my nerves whenever I crunched into a apple or carrot So it had to go. Don't want to mess with these things once they are past their sell by date. The Owl tooth-extraction-method easily sorted it out. Not that many left now. don't want to be too gung-ho. +++++ Well done Aveley. Winners against the St Albans Octopusses. Could make the play-offs in National League South. This must be the smallest place in England to have a footy team at this level. Little more than a village in West Thurrock. And where is that? Essex!!! Spent a lot of my childhood in the area. Bellhus Park, and fishing at the Tunnel Cement pits off Ship Lane. Mrs Owl has taken to making beefburgers. She don't use beef though, just a mix of chicken and pork. Puts in the onions and a bit of garlic, carrot and ginger. Just a hint of chili. Absolutely delicious. There is no bun; just thick toasted bread, that is coated with Philly cheese. Mildred says she wants them every day. Can't argue with that. Had a drop of rain a while back. I'm informed that Ban Dung got hit by a big storm, with heavy rain. We got some rain. Didn't notice any storm. As I type, I'm seeing the death count go up in the Moscow tragedy. For once the Mrs is as well informed as me on world affairs. She is a confirmed TicTocker. Anyone seen the film ''Climate - the movie''? I've been told it's very enlightening. Try to watch it this evening. This Kate stuff is a mystery. She is now sick evidently. Too sick to go wandering about a farmer's market, like the Sun newspaper said. Get well soon dear. Put the exciting vids of the village rave at the bottom. Exquisite dance moves on the dance floor, and sexy dancing girls. Only three things left to say; 01 Thanks for visiting. 02 Take care out there. 03 Bye - y'all. +++++ Got any Lao Khow you don't want farang? VID rave drunk.mp4 Special concrete dance routine. VID rave man on floor.mp4 Everyone enjoying themselves. VID from front.mp4 Dancing girls strutting their stiuff. VID dancer00.mp4

You must have been asleep that day Owl. I remember it well. 7-3 to the Blades. It wasn't the Owl's best month as two weeks later Rotherham put 5 past them. Could dish out the goals also. they put put 6 in the net; without reply, three times that season. Hull, Notts County and my beloved Irons were all well done up like kippers by the rampant Owls in that 1951/52 season..

In my local hospital, a baby boy was born without eyelids. The concerned parents met with the top surgeon to discuss the problem. ''What can be done doctor?'' ''It's serious, but I think we could fix the problem; if you agree.'' ''Really! That's good news doc'. How will you do it?'' ''We will perform a circumcision on the little lad, and the removed skin will be enough to stitch onto the eyes to make lids.'' ''That's great. Will there be any drawbacks?'' ''Only one. The boy will be forever 'cockeyed.''

Think I've sorted it out. Villa v Chesterfield, League Div 3 match, on May-5th-72. Gate of 45,734. Villans won 1-0. They also got a gate of 48k+ for their match against Bournemouth that same season. Won promotion to Div 2. There was a 57k+ crowd at Villa Park for the last match of the season in April 1975 against Black Cats. But it was Div 2; not Div 3. 2-0 to the home team. Mind playing tricks on me with that one. Interestingly: April 7th 1947 3rd Div South. Cardiff City v Bristol City 49,310. Attendance at Hull v Rotherham on Xmas day 1948; 54,652. 3-2 to Hull. Div 3 Nth. Can't see that ever being beaten now; with the more seating trend. Unless one of the big-gate boys go down. Irons. Gunners, Spurs, United etc.

I have not tried what you suggested Sterling. Although I've switched to Opera to get away from them. I was using 'Brave' before, but since switching to Linux, I can't install it. I'm not against adds at all. I understand that it is often a life-line to keep a site afloat. BUT!! Pop ups just pizz people off. They either never respond to them. Put in a pop-up blocker. Or leave the site for good.

Of course I know the score in that Bxn Day match. Remember it well; 4-0 to Owls. Revenge for that 7-3 thrashing the Blades inflicted a couple of years earlier. Very close contest; the Sheffield clashes. Owls 48 wins. Blades 49 wins. Draws 47. Still looking for that Villa Park gate.

There were 49k+ at the match between Owls and Blades in 1979. But I do recall a monster crowd at Villa Park one year. 57k sticks in me mind. I'll do some investigation.

I'm not giving you the prize Owl. Arsenal were runners up three years on the trot. The only club to have three third place finishes in a row was;;;;;;;;;;; wait for it;;; Sheffield Wednesday 1931-33. Just as a side dish. 4 clubs have done the triple in being runners-up. PNE 1891 -93. United 47-49. Peacocks 70-72. And the Gunners - as you said - 98-01.

What years would that be Owl?

I reckon the the biggest was at Villa Park some years back. I'll look it up and report back, but I think it was 57k. Don't now think Owls will go down. Who knows what will happen, but Rotherham and Brum for me, with one other. I know it's nail-biting time for many fans, but exciting all the same. Forest have just had a 4 point shock in the EPL. Other clubs breathing a sigh of relief. While at the top; it's more than close. Turning out to be a good season all round. A little footy question::: What club in the top flight came third three years running? Only one club it has happened to. Who?

Poor, poor farang. It's about time some farang started to be a bit more assertive. Get into that Imm Office and sort out your status. Give them what for. Thump the table a few times. Point yer finger. Throw a few choice words about. Take off yer tie and wave it around yer head; in an anti-clockwise direction. Stamp yer feet. Kick the flower pot. Take a football in with you and continually bounce it while you rant. If anyone is listening tell them that they wouldn't have a job if the farang were not in Thailand. Soon sorted.

Dear me Garry! I hear you, but if you can 'put together IKEA furniture' you can supervise a simple solar system installation. Get the bore done. Get a couple of local lads - preferably ones that can keep off the Lao khow for a day or two - to put in the frame to hold the panels, and to help on set-up day. In fact you could utilise that front garden wall for the panel support. You will need::: DC pump Control unit Solar panels Appropriate cables and snap-on fittings. PVC pipes or flexi tube. Strong rope or cable for pump support. Solder kit. Heat-shrink kit. Plenty of leccy tape. Two sensors; one for the well - one for the holding tank. Everything else can be got from a local hardware shop. Total cost 15/16k + Labour 2k + Bore 9/10k. If you get good water at 30m depth; then 600 watt DC pump. Control unit with a range of 50 to 200 votls. 2 x 450 wall panels. If 40 m depth; then 750 watt DC pump. Same controller. Either 3 x 450 watt panels or 2 x 550. Easy peasy lemon squeezy. I'll pop along to help on the big day.

Bit concerned about this. Is there contamination when the water table is very low? How far is the water supply you speak of Garry, to your house? Although I'm still learning the hard way, by doing it myself, I spent years designing water system, so that's helpful. TBH, there is nothing to it. Just have to have the confidence to get stuck in yourself. Keep things as simple as possible. I prefer wiring in series to parallel. Don't think you need to fret there. You need to do some homework Garry; on the nature of the water table. Will the level be reasonably stable once water is extracted? With a 5 inch dia bore, there will be about 300 litres above a pump. set at 30 metres, if water is 6/7 metres down. When the pump is in operation, what happens to the top level? it can go down quite a few metres while pumping, and should replenish, back, during the 18 hours while the pump is inactive. Have to ask about the water table before spending any dosh mate. If all seems OK, then you are sitting pretty; assuming you can maneuver the driller in place.