owl sees all

Rained hard for half an hour. Good for the trees and plants. Need a prolonged spell to run down the slope and fill the ponds. But welcome.

Thanks for that KannikaP. Interesting in as much as Their pitch says great profits are to be had.

Has anyone knowledge, or info on an investment company called investby - www.investby.com? They are based in Europe and people are saying interesting things about them. Any info would be good.

After any decent wind I fear the worst. The way to sort is out would be to lop off the top branches. But I'm - in a sadistic sort of way - looking forward to the big day; whenever that might be. Been watching the angle of lean change for a few year now. How'd it go; I lean, I lean, I lean for Illean. Of course that's an abomination of that great line; I scream, I scream, I scream for ice-cream. Rotten International week end coming up. Just as we are getting into it, it stops. Don't bother the Owls though, unless they have International players in their team. The sale of a parcel of land fell through yesterday. Just no money about. Banks very reluctant to lend on anything other than first-class security. Desperate times up here. But we did do a deal on some land in the village. Guy is gonna run a 20 baht shop on the land. See haw that pans out. Mrs owl cleared out the rice store Friday. Got 8 sacks of rice. Sold it n Ban Dung; 1910 baht. Just 8 baht a kilo. Still no rain.

That's interesting CL. Thanks for that.

Owl Log - 30-08-2021 - Monday afternoon The wall fan went kaput and I bought another. Before I dumped it, I plugged the old one in and the blades tried to move. Put it down and thought I'd have a better look later on. Forgot all about it and we had a welcome shower. Got drenched. Just scrap now. It had a decent run of about 5/6 years so can't moan. At the end it would only start on number 3 and would not turn. Som, on the corner. is really cutting loose with the home improvements. New roof for the tractor or pick-up. Then it was time to do the floor. And that's sorted. As simple as that. Gonna be grand. Lift up the status of our part of the village. While I was admiring his work the buffaloes were trundling along. This herds-woman is just 9 years old. Her 13 year old sister must be training her up. Paid some yearly insurance up yesterday. Lovely lady. Always get a free gift every year. Last year was a brolly. This time a top notch pack of masks; KF94s. s. With instructions on how to put them on. Stops covid she told the Mrs. Can't wait to wear one. Mrs Owl found our crab in the bathroom and demanded we take it out. "But teerak. It will eat the lizard poo poo." It was no good. Wouldn't have it. I caught it and we took it to the farm. Had visitors to the farm on Friday. Poom and his cousin Taa. The two of them helped Mildred feed the fish. Got a great snap of a rainbow. Tree still standing. And the new neem tree is doing OK. Because Mildred doesn't catch the bus in the mornings I don't see so much of the twins growing up. They are grown so well. Nearly eighteen months young now, Still not sure of their names. Mildred has just informed me it's Nadill and Nadene. I really want some of those lillies for a couple of my ponds. I'll speak to guy about getting some. They would look great in our ponds; especially when they blossom. Gonna do a fish catch tomorrow. Try to get some of the big tilapia (pla nin) from ponds one and five. Pics next Owl Log. Spurs are top. Londoners top three places. Talk about the kiss of death?! The other Owl praised up his Sheffield lads, only to see them suffer 1-0 at Morecambe. Still no news about our missing pop-it toys. Have to give that one up as lost. Picked up some bits and pieces from Nan's old house tonight, I think that's it. Everything cleared out. Rain! Did have a decent shower on Sunday; or was it Saturday? Nothing since, Only one thing left to say; bye y'all.

Looking at the Cornwall web-site a while back, I came across this vid. It is actually on you tube::

Try to ascertain what that little disk is Owl. Good debate about the trees. I think there are a couple of tell-tale signs. One is the bark. The eucas have a very smooth outer skin. The silver-birch not nearly so. The leaves on the trees are a give away. The shape and the smell. Get a few of the leaves, scruntch them up, and rub them all over your body; or the wife's body (obviously taking your cloths off first). You should start to smell lovely. If you do then it was probably a euca. Otherwise silver-birch. I'm looking into making a gel from the euca leaves. Not all euca leaves are suitable. There are over 50 different varieties of euca. I don't really know what variety I have planted even. There is a huge euca plantation just north-west of Southampton. Would be a nice day out for the two of you. Buy some firewood for the cold days ahead.

Lovely words HP. Thank you. Raining at the mo'.

Just had a shower. Looked good for a while, but now it's brightened up and the sun is out. Spoke to Mildred. She thinks number one, three and four ponds have to go; to save two, five and six. I agree with that. Ponds seven and eight will have to look after themselves. Have to get the big 3 incher working again. Not started it for about 15 months.

Just refreshed my memory on the betting scandal. Also found a replica of Peter Swan's shorts, available from their club store. Those were the days. Wednesday ended Spurs undefeated run at the start of their double winning season. And the Owls were also unbeaten that year for the first 12 games.

Was there a footy scandal with those three? I'll look it up later, but I can recall deliberately missing penalties; or something. The Owls had a good team. Very solid at the back. But what I remember were the tiny shorts. Peter Swan particularly. I'll have a look through my archives and get a pic or two. Interesting developments on both Ting and Nan. Because of Mildred's home teach, we are not going to town so much, and when we visit the three of us go. That leaves me little scope for any sort of mystical romance. Last time I went to her shop, it was to buy the reishi strips that I make the wine from. She gave me a huge portion for only 100 baht. Well pleased I was. Very satisfied. Later, when I opened up the bag to do some brewing, I saw that the strips were riddled with weevils. Took me ages to shake the little sods out. Now I'm thinking that maybe she gave me that much because she knew about the little devils. The way she wears her covid mask though. Those ears!? Makes me go weak at the knees. The DinL saga continues. Picked up the last of her clothing and small items on the way back from Ban Dung on Wednesday. Also unscrewed the bracket from the wall that held her big TV in place. Nan jumped into the pick-up. We dropped her at her MinLs; that's just 30 metres away from us. I'd already said that there is no way that I will agree to her staying with us. "If" - I said - "she comes to stay with us; I'll move to the farm." I couldn't go back to those bad days when money would go missing and things would go walkies. Anyway, Mrs Owl didn't argue; fortunately. Dreamt about getting a new hat last night. Lovely dream!

That does seem to be somewhat common in Thailand. Two of my friends died mysteriously up here. Big money involve both times. But these ladies are often the cause of their own downfalls. Gambling seems to be the number one in this respect. Or they themselves get fleeced by a Thai gent. I worked in Nigeria many moons ago. Heard some stories about the lovely ladies there, but they were more into shafting their family and friends.

Last night!? Can't even think about it without crying. It promised so much. Delivered so little. When I say I don't care about BKK it's not that I want the place to slide into the sea or something like that. Although that does seem inevitable. But a knew a girl in,,,,,. No! It's so far removed from us up here. China is nearer to us than Patts. I've just checked it and China is only 113 km from Thailand. But that's not important. The rain at this time of year should come from the east, originating in the sea somewhere off Vietnam, across Laos and drenching Isaan. I am upset; big time. Sorry Central Thailand; didn't mean to diss you. There is still time for some rain. Next month; September. Oh yes! I can feel it in me water.

That would be great HP. I want the water for the ponds. The trees and plants will do OK as it is; just a glorified dry season. I've noticed the trends on rain for some years now. Once upon a time they could be almost guaranteed. The last five years - in my area at least - has seen a slow change. Culminating in this year, which so far must be the driest 'wet season' on record. It's not just us. There was a post form a member up Chaing Rai way. Dry up there too. Don't know about Central Thailand. BKK; I just don't know or care. Same with Patts.

Sort of a lapse in concentration there AD. I'm the same in the kitchen. Can never get the hang of that washing up malarkey. Best to leave some things to people who are naturally good at it. Used to go with a girl from your parts AD. If I knelt on her bed, I could see Leeds Utd Elland Road ground. Walked around number four farm this afternoon. Completely finished. Picked up some rubbish and pulled up a few fast-growing weeks. Measured the biggest tree. Not a bad specimen at nearly 28cm. 14 months in the ground. And this beauty. Although not last year's grower. I'm a bit baffled by it. Near to next door's sugar farm. Only one thing left to say; thanks.

Owl Log - 26-08-2021 - Thursday afternoon We were promised rain this month for sure. Got a shower last night. Just enough to stop a game of cricket for 10 minutes. The water in number one pond is very low now. But at least it has been put to good use keeping the rice alive. Some of the farms around us have virtually given up on their rice. What can they do? No access to a pond and no rain. Wasn't very happy with the grass cutters in the week. Must have thought the pipe was disused. Typical Thai thinking for some. Finished Number four farm euca trimming. Charged up the battery on the little chain saw and then went and left it behind. "I'll never be able to cut this one Dad." So it was out with the old favourite. Came across the old well in among the eucas. Was dug out over 10 years ago by Pam; the previous land owner. These eucas have great survival traits. This one had been trimmed four months ago. Have to leave no more than 3/8 inch showing or they will produce off-spring. . That's it. All done 1,700 trees. Just me and Mildred. Took nearly two months. But well worth it. Looks great. Mildred caught another carp for her pond. Bought some crabs from the 'crab-man'. Let them go in Mildred's pond; number six. Two escapees are still in the pick-up. And I saw one in our bathroom this morning. That was one of Mrs Owl's eaters that escaped. Seems so silly, to Thais, that we farang buy snails, crab, frogs and iguanas just to let them go. I recall Bill Bailey (English comedian) bought an Owl from a Chinese market once. Cost him 20 squids. Took it outside and let it go. The avocado at home is really shooting up. The one outside is OK too. Also the one at the farm that was planted some months ago. Chickens come to our farm as soon as they see the pick-up coming down the drive. Mrs Owl is not keen on those little white hairs that keep on growing. She pays people to tweezer them out. Only a job for one person though. Buffalo girl looks on in envy. 'Will she share the dosh' she's thinking. That's better Mrs Owl. Beautiful again! Someone Your bit of the wall needs a paint job! At the farm there was a film of something or t'other on number 5 pond. I think it's the carp stiring up the mud. Some goes to the top and stays there. A good downpour will soon sort it. I encourage Mildred to keep on with her art. She has a similar theme to each one she does. There is a surreal look to them. Her little ladies are always there, doing something or other. Went to the farm on Tuesday afternoon. When we got back the outside lights were off. Didn't think any more of it. But the next morning, when it was time for Mildred to start her work; all her pencils, pens and other writing implements were not there. Worse still the five 'pop it' toys were missing. The Mrs found the culprits, or at least she said she did. She says she is 100% sure. Anyway, yesterday in Ban Dung, we went to the 20 Baht shop and stocked up. They didn't have really good colouring pencils. The ones they had were too hard for Mildred's liking, so we got a pack of 24 in Big C. She likes them on the soft side; 3S or SB. 2B is OK, but not 1, 2 or 3H. While at Ban Dung yesterday. Got to the bottom of the gold saga. Had to make a choice; accept 7,000 Baht and say good-bye to the pieces forever, or pay the outstanding two months. 1,000 Baht poorer since. The bedroom wall fan went kaput two nights ago. Bought a new one in Ban Dung yesterday. Fixed it up this morning. Quite reasonable at 950 Baht I thought. I said @Kadilo, "Irons for top four." He said, "lay of the reishi wine." @DaveE13 was at the game when we humbled Leicester. Said the place was 'rocking'. I reckon that the other owl @sotonowl was happy with his Owls too. I remember Bronco Layne and Peter Swan. Don't wear shorts like that any more. Just started to cloud over. Must get to the farm. Bye y'all.

Last year a very wet August got everyone out of trouble. Nothing this year so far. Pumped even more water into the paddies this week. There is only about half metre water in pond one now. Two and a half when full. Historically we are in the 'monsoon' season for our area. The rain falls away quickly at the end of September. Don't know how the big ressies are holding up. Could be desperate water shortages in a few months. The Mekong has not flooded once this year. So the water tables are low.

When I was pumping from the borehole in number three farm 3 years ago, I was getting 3 litres a second. This was with a one inch pipe from 20 metres down. Run off a generator. I was pumping 250 metres slightly uphill, then up into a three metre high concrete tank at the highest point of the farm. From there a low pressure, drip tape system, to the palms. Still no leccy anywhere near our farms. Don't look like we are gonna get any, although it was promised for this year.

In the mid-week championship games there were 9 away wins out of 12 matches. Don't think I've seen that before. Going to check the water table on one of the boreholes today. Seriously thinking about a solar pump.

Just had a look at a Chinese solar system. The rate of discharge drops of considerably after 5 metres. At 2 metres the flow is 500 litres per minute, but at 6 metres depth it is just 20 litres per minute. If any reader has more info; please post.

Yes! They played well. Top of the league. We have a couple of wells already. One is just 20 metres from pond 6. There is another in the middle of farm 4. That one really is a no go because it is surrounded by euca trees. To get the whole thing established would be around 15/16k baht. I've seen them in action, and even on a cloudy day, they are good for about 1.5 litres per second. On a really bright day that would rise to 2 litres a second. Don't sound much but over the course of a week; it would be impressive. Something in the region of 200 m3 in a week. But would the water table hold up? I also need some info on the delivery drop off when the pump is 20 metres down, rather than at 2 metres depth.

Fulham are certs to get promoted. Get yer wallet out; easy money. Basically given up on the rain. Fear the worst. Was thinking of getting a solar-powered deep water well pump and just let it run and run. But the water table is so low, I'm not sure if it will not run dry. It's an option though.

Sorry about that EK. I don't really like aircon, although that's not why we haven't got any. The house is small and with a very low ceiling. Don't think it's a good option. I like fans. Hope Mildred will see things much as I do rather than the average Issan dweller. I'm trying to encourage her art work. She has a style that I like. I'll take a pic of a bit of her work and post it later. Most important for a child to loved; and know that they are loved. Not what the factors of 180 are, or the king who slayed an army while riding on an elephant. Although I do help her in her maths, English and science. I am always talking to her in a spiritual way. Yesterday I said to her that if she was to carve her initials on a euca tree at head height. Where would those initials be in 10 years time. I didn't say the answer but to find out for herself. She told me the answer this morning. I'm sure she will be OK.

Thanks for not mentioning Leeds ☹️ Manchester United were lucky; that's all. Leeds will be OK. Watch them get a netfull this w/e.