owl sees all

You are bang on the money as usual HP. Can I look into the future? Wish i could; but no! So why did I jump forward a couple of days in the last Owl Log? For anyone reading the post and adjusting their watch, thinking it was two days out; it is the 6th today, not the 8th. Sorry! Very sorry! The American Mid-terms are not today. They are on Tuesday. That's Wednesday to us clued in people. Can't wait to get my new cube. Being Thailand Speed Champion on the Rubik Cube would really give Mrs Owl something to brag about round the village.

Just goes to show how the mind can play tricks. I was sure that it was the daughter (recently died) that walked over to the shop front when the mozzie spraying was in progress. . I was wrong it was her mum. mozzie kill.mp4

Owl Log - 08-10-2022 - Sunday morning The activity due to the passing of the poor lady next door to me has virtually ended. Started packing away this morning, but still have the important job of giving a final blessing. As Mrs Owl puts it "sending her to the moon." Earlier some guys were busy constructing a delicate item. And the number one craftsman, cutting the polystyrene. All was revealed some time later. I quite liked it all for a change. No dancing girls or really loud music. Just a respectful expression of love. Time to pack away. And with that it was out of the soi and into the village store a further 100 metres away. I can't help thinking that the lady - just 42 - deteriorated very quickly. Going back into my memory bank and there was an event that that I was concerned about a couple of months back. They were doing mozzie spraying and she walked into a cloud of the poison. I'll try to find the vid. The big mango lady's big mango tree is no more. Gone forever. Mildred has been working hard with the art. Latest painting. www.mildredart.com This is George! And he has gone missing. Can't say I understand it. I'm trying to get Mildred to practice the art rather than just produce one every week. Artists say that hands and faces are the most difficult to master. When we went to Ban Dung on Friday, I bought her some small art pads. She has taken to them OK. Already produced a couple of faces. Really must sort out the avo' trees. The big one is as tall as me and has the biggest leaves I've seen on a avo' tree. I have done the Rubik Cube twice now. But in the week; a calamity. Sent away for a really good one. Should be with me this week. then I'll go for the Thai Allcomers Speed Record. Also found a shop that actually had all Lilin's books, that Mildred wanted for her birthday. We got one from Shopee and one from Lazada. But 'Siam inter shop' had all 4 in the series. Had to pay up-front. Don't like doing that here. Hope they are delivered soon. It's the chicken season. The guy opposite - Bella's husband - breeds the super-chickens at the farm. I've probably been feeding them every day. Then they get sod to the guys that enjoy this fighting spectacle. That's the chickens not the guys. Selecting a champion. These chickens are absolutely beautiful. I was informed that a good prospect goes for as much as 3k baht. Next door's garden was open for the food preparation. Had a sneaky look at the failed rat business. Another venture that bit the dust. All the children back at school. Mekongs thriving. Rice harvest is gradually picking up pace. Some already been cut. A small farm next to us, saw action last week. Weekly look at the delightful twins. The village Buddha's roof is finally painted up. What's next? Bought some crabs and as usual let them go. vid pond 7.mp4 The sad event next door took precedence towards the end of the week. Rightly so. Everything back to normal this week. Plan to buy some stone this week and sort out the farm road. Also I need to think about making the floor of the rice store rat-proof. Thinking of wire mesh or plywood. Footy round up. All the English clubs got through the initial stages of their Europe competitions. Great game in Sheffield yesterday. Two top teams in the Championship getting stuck in. Blades 5 - Clarets 2. Another 7 goal game in the Premier. Leeds 4 - Bournemouth 3. Fulham unlucky in Manchester. Orient knocked out of FA Cup, but Dagenham go forward. My favourite Highland League team - Bank's O'Dee - score 7 away. World focus. The western world in recession. Dollar US, Euro and Pounds all slip against the almighty Baht. Have to go to Udon this week to sort out my visa. I'll leave early and visit a couple of my favourite places. My urine programme is yielding spectacular results. Better than I ever expected. Still on stage one, and I'll keep there until I want to progress to the next level. Only one thing left to say; bye y'all.

Daughter set me a challenge in the week. "Dad, could you say 100 Thai words, or phrases?" "Phrases like what; 'dem tung'." "Yes!" "Of course I could dear. Want me to start?" "Yes, but no numbers." Oh dear! That was my 'joker'. Got to 28 though. "More important I teach you English." I said.

My mate's girlfriend.

Also dry as a bone. But you'll not let that bother you for the next 20 years. Fantastic!!! Thanks for sharing Bannork. Good luck to all concerned in this new life.

Thanks for that Andy. Interesting. Lidl had sets for sale one year in England. Cheap they were. Didn't last long on the shelf. Popular. Could it be an Olympic sport in the future? After all we have synchro swimming - which started out a men's sport - and all that horsey stuff. I think darts and snooker too. Wasn't there a drive to make 'sex' an Olympic sport a few years back? There was a UK television programme called "This is the year of the sex Olympics - sex Olympic year." I remember it well. Not that I'd be in favour of anything like that. But then again; artistic gymnastics could be merged in. Perhaps I'm over-thinking.

So, if it does hit you on the head, who can you moan to? On the upside. If it lands in ya farm; what a fantastic tourist attraction in the future.

Congrats are in order Bannork. Also to daughter and new-born. I like the name Apple for a girl. If another came along I'd call her Apple Lesley ??? If a boy I think Jasper. Will be off to Ban Dung - via the farm - in an hour or so.

You are not wrong there HP. The less we hear from him the better. But ya never know what way the cookie will crumble.

Mildred walks to this area to get picked up to come home. I have seen a couple of the big buses there during the day, but I think most go away to do other things after the morning school run. Mildred told me once that she found a couple of oil nuts in the back. So he could have done a nut delivery on the side. The two big nut wholesalers are both about 25 km north of Ban Dung. So not too far, but would have to take out some seats to load up. Number four market today. I know some take a load of villagers there once a month. Don't think the drivers are interested in chess or Rubik Cube, but they do like a game of bowles; I think it is akin to the French game 'boules'. They play in the corner opposite the bus parking area. I've never played the game, but the idea is to smash a little while ball with a big metal one from about 15 metres away. Vous will know. I'll ask him.

Back from the burning. Didn't take any pics. Big feast about to begin. Wife playing rummy. Another couple of games in progress. The lady who passed away, didn't have the happiest of lives. In the time I knew her, men drifted in and out of her life. Her young son died at the farm while she was working there, when he fell into a pond and no-one noticed until it was too late. So all that's left to say is RIP dear.

Sad in the village since yesterday. The lady next door to us died. She was 42. It seems that she had a liver problem, although getting info is difficult. She was jabbed up but started deteriorating a few months back. I saw her up close on Monday when I went to her mum's shop for something. She looked terrible. I wanted to speak to her, but couldn't. Food being prepared. Some big mekongs on the menu. Soi closed. Not sure of the programme. Maybe today; later.

Thanks for that Sterling. Watched the vid all through. Great stuff. I'll watch a couple more. We do catch rats on our farm, but not that often. They hang about around the rice store. Not as big as cats though. When I arrived at the village, the locals were amused to see me constantly picking up rubbish. Discarded food containers, bottles, plastic bags etc.. Gradually the rats have gone. And no rats means no snakes. Although I did see one a couple of weeks ago.

Why bother with the gold shops? Much cheaper on the www. Just so easy

Kumphawapi! I know it well. Get a lot more rain in the areas south of the Sakon Nakon highway. A friend of mine was teaching in a school there. Was involved in a nasty accident. He was unhurt, but his vehicle was a mess. I've got some pics. I'll post them. Is Halloween on the 31st? I thought it had passed.

The rats are skinned and ready for cooking. Mrs Owl's father liked to eat them as well as snake. The guy next door was breeding them a year or so ago. Don't know why the business never prospered. Perhaps because eating habits have changed so much. Out with rats - in with KFC. Good advice about the doctor. There is an ex-army doc' near me. Been to him a couple of times.

I was never like that little lad. Not officially anyway. He needs to have some puppies or kittens to occupy himself. My new cube shattered on Friday evening. Don't get that much quality for 20 baht; even in Thailand. Mildred put it back together for me. I'm good to a point - that's getting the last four corners - not gone beyond that yet. Going to farm now. Cube will have to wait.

Owl Log - 30-10-2022 - Sunday morning The party's over; it's time to call it a day. Who sang that? The Thai holiday finished and the gloss was being removed. Ban Dung back to normal. Crab-man came this morning. Mrs Owl had warned me that if I bought any more, bad things would happen to me. But I suggested a deal; 50%-50%. So she agreed. It turned out to be an 'Aunt Sally' half each deal; 70% for her and 30% for me. And she took all the handsome ones. But at least I could give 20 or so their freedom later today. Went on a bit in the week. Posted about the Mrs spending dash on nonsense. Well, we went to the Thursday Market and while the Mrs went off spending the 1000 baht I gave her, me and Mildred had a mooch round. We indulged ourselves; big time. Some pens, a pair of top-of-range nail-clippers and a Rubik Cube. I've had a few in the past, and when I saw it!, I had the urge to fulfill one of my life ambitions by solving it; again. Was sorting it while listening to the footy last night. Just four corners left to do. I'll give it another go today. When we got home, Mrs Owl showed me the clothes she bought. Nice colours. And there was some money left over from the grand. 180 baht. She made me feel bad about spending my 60 baht. "Farang no good. Telling me I bad spend, always. You buy rubbish. Cannot eat, cannot wear." What could I say? Nothing was the best thing. Later she used my new nail clippers. The Thursday Market is only half what it used to be. . Across the road from Tesco-Lotus. Next to Big C. Couldn't help snapping the rat lady. Only 60 baht a throw. I've eaten rat in my early days here. I found them to be a tasty but a little tough. Not as tough as dog or snake though. But since embarking on my new diet, I wasn't interested in getting the dosh out. An elderly monk died last week. There was a big 'cook-in' for the temple. Meat. Fish. Don't forget the rubbish! Yellow flowers blooming everywhere. A row of crackers outside the twin's house. The big mango tree is no more. Dead! The Big Mango Lady showed me where a tree disease had set in. Real shame that. All seems rather fishy to me. Trees don't normally die like that. Mango trees especially are quite robust. Poo is always waiting for me to give food first thing. Yesterday (Saturday) morning. Poo was nowhere to be seen. We looked for her everywhere. Spoke to the neighbours. No sign. Then suddenly at 12-30 she arrived back. Mrs Owl said; "someone lock up cat to catch mouse." There, there Poo. Don't go missing again. The Big Mango Lady had a disastrous cassava year. Just a few skinny roots. I reckon they are going to drop sugar into the four rai.. That's not enough for the whole area. I'll keep an eye on proceedings. Due to there being no rain this month, the rice was on the edge. Pook got Chai's brother to pump some in from number one pond. Water went down about 10 inches (250mm). Our old Kubota and cart. Not sure if we ever got fully paid. Mrs Owl said we did. I'm not so sure. New addition to the village. Lovely boy with delighted mum. Mildred spent her first week back at school. Everyday I asked her; "you learn anything today Mil?" "No! Next week." Latest painting. Can't say I go a bundle on this one. www.mildredart.com This month is quickly drawing to a close. And apart for some light drizzle - that wouldn't be enough to halt a cricket match - it has been rain free. A few farmers have started harvesting their rice crop, but most will be active next month. They all need that drop of rain for a really good harvest. The best one for years is on the cards. Ours will be ready in 30 days time also. Didn't wait for the promised rain; pumped water. Had a guy come round inquiring about cutting the eucas.. Not ready yet, he told the Mrs. Next year. He seemed impressed that they were only in their second year. I've said to the Mrs not to make any promises to anyone. Seems to have taken that on board. Also had someone come to look at the land. No idea what the Mrs told them. Keeping out of it. Footy round-up. Go, go, go you Peacocks!!! The 'capital of the north' did the bizzo all right. And sweet revenge for the Seagulls. Gave that turn-coat Potter an uncomfortable time at his former home; 4-1. Fulham fail to score; but didn't lose. A good week for me personally. My wager treble on three teams to gain promotion is looking strong. Ipswich, Watford and Swindon. Orient streak ahead in their league. A decent crowd too. Nearly 8k. My first ever game I watched was at Brisbane Road back in 1958. Irons play today at United. Can see only a win for us. World focus. Terrible people tragedy in South Korea yesterday. Richie Rich's first question time in parliament. What theatre?! Pound doing well after the UK shuffle (not a dance). Who will win in Brazil? Close! Ordered a book on Book Depository. The last two never arrived. I think they are being stored in Udon Thani. When I go to do my visa, I'll get over to the main PO and inquire. Just been to check on my crabs. Can't wait to set them free this afternoon. My urine challenge is going fantastic. Am keeping a log of it all. Really feeling the benefit now after two weeks. Must get back to finishing my cube. Only one thing left to say; bye y'all.

Of course you are right there Sterling. Nothing better than gold for that bit of security when there is no cash. My wife just loves to spend the dosh. I can go to Ban Dung with a couple of thousand in me pocket, get what I'm after, and not buy anything else. If Mrs Owl went, the money would be gone. On what? Stuff she don't need, and things that will not even be seen about the house a few weeks later. Just stored away, waiting to be given away after a year or so. My situation - as a farang here - is different naturally. I have to see the bigger picture, and although a bit insular to say, it's money that keeps me here safe and sound. Take it away and I'd be in sh!t street. Fortunately Mildred is on the thrifty side.

Forest have played a lot better than their lowly position indicates. Interestingly; all the bottom clubs are midlanders. The three south coast clubs are holding their own for the mo'. Liverpool are there for the taking this season. Seems to me that if Salah has a poor game they struggle. Great player he is, but others have to step up if The Reds are to get into the top six. City keeping up with the Gooners.. I think they will be the top two all season.

Can these clasps not be bought on the internet? And generally; how much cheaper is it to buy gold on the www?

Got the phone call from Mildred at 9-45. So she was finished within two hours. Went to pick her up in Ban Dung. All it was, was collecting a few books from the book store and cleaning the classroom. Back proper tomorrow.

Good game United but thought you had a top striker!!? Overpaid and over-the-hill. Ronaldo is dragging United's good name into a dark place. I hope they find a mug club to buy him soon. Glad my club never went for him.

I agree Bannork. Don't think it is a day for learning. More like sorting out books and cleaning the classroom. I'll find out what it is all about when I pick her up later.