Diary of a farang in Isaan

[owl sees all]

22-00 Time to turn in.

 

Just checked the temperature; 11C. Chilly!

[owl sees all]

Owl Log - 27-02-2022 - Sunday afternoon

 

Cold spell seems to be behind us now. Was sunbathing on Thursday, Friday and yesterday. Not today though, as it was a bit cloudy. Bright sun now. Temperature at noon today 23/24C.

 

Saw the delivery wagon in the week. Guessed he did a drop for the Buddha on his rounds.

 

 

Went in the Buddha compound to see what was occurring.

 

 

Shuttering in place.

 

 

Waiting for concrete. I'll keep looking in.

 

It's all happening in the village. No sooner did I say the road leading down to the farms was a disgrace, than they fixed it with a couple of trucks of soil.

 

 

Is that the finished job? Could be!

 

 

The ginger cat is making itself comfortable in the farm

 

 

It's very shy. Put some cat biscuit out a couple of times. Takes ages to get a cat's confidence.

 

 

That other four legged creature made a right mess of the soi. But which one? There are so many. At least 10.

 

 

Cleaned it all up in 10 minutes. No sweat.

 

Went and had a butchers at Pook's second pond. It's a good size; about a quarter of a rai.. Her hubby said it was nearly four meters deep. They want to sell it. Interesting!

 

 

Been wearing my latest Ting hat each time I go out. Wore it to bed during the cold spell. She would be proud to know that. Have to tell her; next time.

 

The pond is only twenty metres away from the river, so there is no problem keeping it full. As long as the river has water. A little low but still plenty of flow when we were there.

 

 

Checked on progress with the build on our bit of village land. The dog wasn't pleased to see me. Guy's wife had to hold it back. As soon as Guy starts to make some dosh; he will pay us.

 

 

Guy's wife is not a local lass. From Khon Kaen.

 

On Friday we pumped water into pond seven for over three hours. And on Saturday, it was pond six's turn. Nearly four hours. Raised the level about 6 inches.

 

 

I look after the pump and Mildred sorts out the pipes.

 

Pond four has a great growth of small pond plants.

 

 

There are only a few fish in pond three and four. Stopped commercially rearing pla-nin a few years back when it was obvious that the rain just wasn't there. It's OK to moan about the lack of rainfall, as I do, but when there are 20,000 nin relying on it; that's a different ball game.

 

In Ban Dung I found a nice pretty thing to stop and snap. No idea what is is.

 

 

Our avocadoes are blossoming. I reckon a couple are ready to be transferred to the farm. Looking great! What I did, was to wait until roots started to show - with the water-tooth-pick method - and then planted them. Seem to have got it just about right.

 

 

Noticed a few cable posts had been dropped along our farm super-highway. Does this mean leccy later this year?

 

 

Had a look at the Amazon Coffee pond. I had some fish food and got them rising for a lovely vid.

 

 

That's the Amazon in Ban Dung south. The northern one's fish cannot be seen; maybe gone.

 

Mildred is doing a couple of paintings a month now. Nothing up with her imagination. Her buildings are very two-dimensional. Early days yet. Couldn't get her interested in the guitar or chess or HTML; but the art has hit a chord.

 

 

 

Is she ready to move to canvas? At the mo' she draws/paints on artist's paper.

 

Still getting those little oranges. Bought 10 kilos yesterday. Mrs Owl has a squeezing tool that extracts the juice. I just peel them and pop them in. Can eat up to 7/8 for tea. However! I have been counting the pips, and one - no bigger than a large golf ball - that I ate this morning, had 25 pips. I'm so silly. I told the Mrs, and she jumped up saying 'lucky lottery number'. I must learn to shut it. Another 500 baht wasted.

 

Mildred had that covid test three weeks ago. On Wednesday, when I picked her up from school, she gave me the good news. School closed 'til Monday (tomorrow). Two positive tests last time around. A teacher and a student evidently.

 

Did say I was listening to Russian marching music a couple of weeks ago while I typed the latest Owl Log, Any Russian viewers of the thread, or indeed anyone just wanting the link, please PM me ????.

 

What has happen to Leeds? Everyone's favourite second team last year. Now falling down the table; fast! But will they go down? Don't think so.

 

How did we do in the Winter Olympics? I've no idea if we (England and Thailand) won all the golds; or didn't win any. Can't be bothered to even find out. Sad I am.

 

Mrs Owl sent away for two leather handbags on Lazada. Just under 1200 baht. Cannot I find the words to say to her 'stop'. With Europe perhaps on the brink, and the pound/baht rate dropping, must think 'conservation'. Keeping my eye on the fuel prices. Got three big diesel containers at the ready.

 

A pick-up came around selling ducks. I wanted to get 4/5 for the farm. the Mrs wouldn't here of it. I had to back-peddle. Not for the first time, but getting more frequent.

 

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

 

Edited February 27, 2022 by owl sees all

[chickenslegs]

23 minutes ago, owl sees all said:

In Ban Dung I found a nice pretty thing to stop and snap. No idea what is is.

 

Looks like a Chinese grave.

[Andrew Dwyer]

The nice pretty thing in Ban Dung is a Chinese grave/cemetery , big one in Ayutthaya with around 50 of those.

 

The Winter Olympics, we ( GB ) got a Womens curling Gold and a Mens curling silver, Thailand got zip.

Top 5

Norway

Germany 
China

USA

Sweden

 

 

and the less said about Leeds the better !!

Bielsa has gone and top favourite is ex Leipzig manager Jesse Marsch, he has some work to do !!

[kokesaat]

That "pretty nice thing in Ban Dung" is the grave of a "Chinese Aunt Chester" (as my wife likes to say.     There's a Chinese cemetery a few km SW of Udon.  Some very elaborate sites overlooking their own private lake.  No expense spared!

[chickenslegs]

26 minutes ago, owl sees all said:

Still getting those little oranges. Bought 10 kilos yesterday. Mrs Owl has a squeezing tool that extracts the juice. I just peel them and pop them in. Can eat up to 7/8 for tea. However! I have been counting the pips, and one - no bigger than a large golf ball - that I ate this morning, had 25 pips.

I made a big batch of marmalade with them about 3 years ago - just nearing the end of my last jar now.

The skins don't have much white pith, so easy to prepare. Leaving the pips in during the cooking helps the marmalade to set.

[owl sees all]

5 minutes ago, Andrew Dwyer said:

The Winter Olympics, we ( GB ) got a Womens curling Gold and a Mens curling silver, Thailand got zip.

Top 5

Norway

Germany 
China

USA

Sweden

Thanks for that Andy.

 

Wot! Nuttin in der Ski-jump? Come back Eddie; all is forgiven.

[owl sees all]

8 minutes ago, kokesaat said:

That "pretty nice thing in Ban Dung" is the grave of a "Chinese Aunt Chester" (as my wife likes to say) There's a Chinese cemetery a few km SW of Udon.  Some very elaborate sites overlooking their own private lake.  No expense spared!

Thanks for that Kokesaat.

 

Now you have got me thinking that there could be one on the 2022 near Ban sat-at. I'll go along and get some pics.

[Andrew Dwyer]

Quite a few different Chinese style cemeteries in Thailand:

 

Bangkok 

 

 

 

Kanchanaburi

 

 

Chiang Mai

 

 

Your example Owl seems to be one of the more elaborate cemeteries, similar to Kanchanaburi.

Reminds me of the Brazilian style where the bodies are overground as opposed to underground, death of my Brazilian mother in law some years ago they added another storey to the tomb of my father in law, not before opening his to have a butcher’s at his 10 years old skeleton !! A follow on from the Portuguese tradition only there they sometimes leave the bodies on show in a see through coffin, a bit like some monks here.

I think I prefer the method here, a box of Swan Vestas and you’re toast…….. literally !!

[owl sees all]

16 minutes ago, Andrew Dwyer said:

The less said about Leeds the better !!

Bielsa has gone and top favourite is ex Leipzig manager Jesse Marsch, he has some work to do !!

Too often the case that these clubs - after a run of a few bad results - panic, and dump the manager. Or what seems to have happened; undermine the coach's confidence and cause him to depart of his own accord.

 

I'm sure Leeds will not or wouldn't have gone down. A bit of practice, in kicking the ball straight, during the coming close season, would have set them pretty for 2022/23.

 

As any regular viewer will know, I've got fond memories of Elland Road; for non-footy reasons.

 

Just as a side thought. I think they should return to their blue and yellow halved strip. Look at it like this. Blue and yellow halved strip at home, and the choice of blue with gold trim, or yellow shirts away. What can you do with all white? If they must wear white. save it for the Ch Lg like Spurs.

[owl sees all]

2 minutes ago, Andrew Dwyer said:

Quite a few different Chinese style cemeteries in Thailand:

 

Bangkok 

 

 

Kanchanaburi

 

 

Chiang Mai

 

 

Your example Owl seems to be one of the more elaborate cemeteries, similar to Kanchanaburi.

Reminds me of the Brazilian style where the bodies are overground as opposed to underground, death of my Brazilian mother in law some years ago they added another storey to the tomb of my father in law, not before opening his to have a butcher’s at his 10 years old skeleton !! A follow on from the Portuguese tradition only there they sometimes leave the bodies on show in a see through coffin, a bit like some monks here.

 

I think I prefer the method here, a box of Swan Vestas and you’re toast…….. literally !!

Fantastic Andy.

 

I'm learning new stuff here.

[Andrew Dwyer]

8 minutes ago, owl sees all said:

Too often the case that these clubs - after a run of a few bad results - panic, and dump the manager. Or what seems to have happened; undermine the coach's confidence and cause him to depart of his own accord.

 

I'm sure Leeds will not or wouldn't have gone down. A bit of practice, in kicking the ball straight, during the coming close season, would have set them pretty for 2022/23.

 

As any regular viewer will know, I've got fond memories of Elland Road; for non-footy reasons.

 

Just as a side thought. I think they should return to their blue and yellow halved strip. Look at it like this. Blue and yellow halved strip at home, and the choice of blue with gold trim, or yellow shirts away. What can you do with all white? If they must wear white. save it for the Ch Lg like Spurs.

Bielsa brought some hope back to the team, also made Phillips and Bamford what they are today, unfortunately what they are today is almost permanently injured ????.

The yellow/blue kit has had some great, and some not so great, variants over the years, maybe the all white plan was to mimic their early 70’s success  …. those days are gone forever .

They still have a good chance of staying up and starting afresh next season but they need a bit of luck to avoid relegation also.

 

Can almost hear TBL punching his computer screen ????

[chickenslegs]

3 minutes ago, owl sees all said:

Thanks for that Andy.

 

Wot! Nuttin in der Ski-jump? Come back Eddie; all is forgiven.

We were all glued to the TV screen for Eddie. He was pretty bad, but had balls of steel.

 

17 minutes ago, owl sees all said:

Just as a side thought. I think they should return to their blue and yellow halved strip.

That wouldn't please any potential Russian sponsors.

[owl sees all]

5 minutes ago, chickenslegs said:

We were all glued to the TV screen for Eddie. He was pretty bad, but had balls of steel.

 

That wouldn't please any potential Russian sponsors.

Not wrong there CL.

 

Talking about music. Has anyone out there seen 'Niniwan' perform at 'The Roost' in southern Thailand? Bladdy fantastic!!!!

[sotonowl]

Yeah, let's all get trooping the blue and yellow colours and show support for the Ukrainians.

For my part, ever since COVID broke out I haven't eaten any Chinese food at all. Now after the Russian invasion of Ukraine I won't be drinking any Vodka either.

 

Do hope the Columbians are behaving themselves.

[Golden Triangle]

On 2/27/2022 at 5:26 PM, chickenslegs said:

Looks like a Chinese grave.

That's exactly what I was gonna say, a big one close to where a mate of mine lives.

[bannork]

The prisoner escapes from his cell 

[owl sees all]

Owl Log 06-03-2022 - Sunday afternoon

 

It didn't take long for March to chuck out the cold weather. 31C as I type. The warmer weather has also woken up the ants. Everywhere they are bursting from their hide-outs and coming to the surface.

 

 

This eruption is just outside the gate next to the avocado plantation.

 

New plants doing well.

 

 

In the rice-store at the farm we have a small problem; that has not yet been sorted.

 

 

I reckon there are a bag or two up against the wire cage, and the rats have found out. Have to sort it this week.

 

 

Bought some dog-biscuit for 'Happy' at the farm. We don't always have any meat scraps for him when we go, so he will have to get used to eating biscuit sometimes. Also have some for the ginger cat. Have not seen 'Ginger' for a couple of day though..

 

 

No more fish for Mildred's pond.

 

 

Keeping quiet and patient. The traits of a top angler.

 

 

She was moaning that the new net didn't have a handle. I'm sorting that for next week.

 

Back at the village I was trying to make out what water pipe went where.

 

 

The twins were out and about with their cousin.

 

 

Grandpa (left) has built a prison for them.

 

 

To stop them getting out?

 

Poo taking great interest in something. Much improved after that nasty wound.

 

 

Just across the soi from us there is some interesting action.

 

 

I had to investigate.

 

 

Who let the cows loose?

 

 

I think it's gonna be a frog farm. I asked Mrs Owl; "I think they are doing a commercial frog farm, across the road teerak." "What you saying bad farang. You like lady feed frog?"

 

 

The really bad road leading down to the farms had its second dollop of material. This time sand.

 

 

Keeping tabs on this stretch of road with curiosity.

 

Found a new handbag stall. Fortunately Mrs Owl wasn't with me, or that would have been the end of my 2k 'escape' fund.

 

 

Not just handbags. Leather goods; belts and wallets.

 

 

The guy told me he is there every Wednesday. Have to remember that.

 

Also in Ban Dung, the wall is making steady progress.

 

 

No mercy for the trees.

 

 

The form-work has a pretty sign built in.

 

 

Gives a nice feature.

 

 

Obviously will be painted in West Ham United colours.

 

 

Also, I simply had to drive down the side street that was being warned about on the main drag.

 

 

Seems like an over-kill to me. Thousands of baht being spent.

 

 

The side street has no mention of ''''Major road ahead - beware''''. Or similar. Not even a sign. Early days yet though.

 

 

The village has a couple of herds of buffs. This one about 50 metres from us.

 

 

If there is no-one policing them, they can wander off. They often do.

 

Dogs at it again. Unlike a few of the other houses; our rubbish gets picked up.

 

 

So much conflicting imagery and narrative on this Russia, Ukraine conflict. Examples of war-planes on recckies that were taken from a video game. Casualties that were recognised from a couple of years back when there was a gas explosion. What media can we trust to tell the truth? And there has been a change in the pronunciation of Kiev. No longer is it Kee-evv; but Keev. As Bob sang; 'The times, they are a'changing'.

 

Lucky Liverpool march on. The Irons should have got a draw yesterday. And The Owl's came unstuck at Lincoln. Fulham march on.

 

Mildred has bought a new phone; 'Infinix 11'. 4k baht. Said she will reimburse me when she withdraws her bank money. I'll be interested to see if I can wheedle the pics off this new mobile onto the comp. Has 16mpix resolution.

 

 

Union Bank of Thailand. Don't know if there is a branch in Ban Dung. She has three years of savings in there. Anyway; I;m informed the phone is great.

 

I think we must go back to twice a week Owl Logs. Just so many pics. And it wipes out a good few hours on a week-end getting the pics ready. Might start off with two hundred and whittle them down to 20/30 publishable ones. Then putting then into GIMP to downsize and crop.

 

RIP Shane Warne. A true cricketing great.

 

Big debate last week about which school Mildred is gonna go to when she leaves later this month. Her mum says the 'Swimming Pool School' (south-east Ban Dung) but Mildred wants to go to the school next to the one she is at now. Gonna go into that school and have a mooch around. I know they have a major build project progressing right now. Be interesting to see how clean it is. The hall-mark of a good schools is its positive focus on trash. I want her to have a happy school experience. Unlike my own, many moons ago.

 

Mrs Owl has just bought a bag of snails for 20 baht from a street seller. I had to tell her that it's not good to eat them. "They eat all the debris from the bottom of ponds and rivers. teerak. Any insecticide or herbicide that finds its way into the pond, gets into the snail and goes into you. Don't want you to get sick." "You just want scare me. Throw snails into your pond. I sell you; 1000 baht." "I give you 200 baht teerak." "OK. Give me now. Or I will cook." Blackmail! I'm never gonna get rich here in Isaan.

 

Clouded over big time in the last 30 minutes. Is that rain a'coming? Keeping 'em crossed.

 

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

Edited March 6, 2022 by owl sees all

[Mutt Daeng]

3 hours ago, owl sees all said:

Owl Log 06-03-2022 - Sunday afternoon

 

It didn't take long for March to chuck out the cold weather. 31C as I type. The warmer weather has also woken up the ants. Everywhere they are bursting from their hide-outs and coming to the surface.

 

 

This eruption is just outside the gate next to the avocado plantation.

 

New plants doing well.

 

 

In the rice-store at the farm we have a small problem; that has not yet been sorted.

 

 

I reckon there are a bag or two up against the wire cage, and the rats have found out. Have to sort it this week.

 

 

Bought some dog-biscuit for 'Happy' at the farm. We don't always have any meat scraps for him when we go, so he will have to get used to eating biscuit sometimes. Also have some for the ginger cat. Have not seen 'Ginger' for a couple of day though..

 

 

No more fish for Mildred's pond.

 

 

Keeping quiet and patient. The traits of a top angler.

 

 

She was moaning that the new net didn't have a handle. I'm sorting that for next week.

 

Back at the village I was trying to make out what water pipe went where.

 

 

The twins were out and about with their cousin.

 

 

Grandpa (left) has built a prison for them.

 

 

To stop them getting out?

 

Poo taking great interest in something. Much improved after that nasty wound.

 

 

Just across the soi from us there is some interesting action.

 

 

I had to investigate.

 

 

Who let the cows loose?

 

 

I think it's gonna be a frog farm. I asked Mrs Owl; "I think they are doing a commercial frog farm, across the road teerak." "What you saying bad farang. You like lady feed frog?"

 

 

The really bad road leading down to the farms had its second dollop of material. This time sand.

 

 

Keeping tabs on this stretch of road with curiosity.

 

Found a new handbag stall. Fortunately Mrs Owl wasn't with me, or that would have been the end of my 2k 'escape' fund.

 

 

Not just handbags. Leather goods; belts and wallets.

 

 

The guy told me he is there every Wednesday. Have to remember that.

 

Also in Ban Dung, the wall is making steady progress.

 

 

No mercy for the trees.

 

 

The form-work has a pretty sign built in.

 

 

Gives a nice feature.

 

 

Obviously will be painted in West Ham United colours.

 

 

Also, I simply had to drive down the side street that was being warned about on the main drag.

 

 

Seems like an over-kill to me. Thousands of baht being spent.

 

 

The side street has no mention of ''''Major road ahead - beware''''. Or similar. Not even a sign. Early days yet though.

 

 

The village has a couple of herds of buffs. This one about 50 metres from us.

 

 

If there is no-one policing them, they can wander off. They often do.

 

Dogs at it again. Unlike a few of the other houses; our rubbish gets picked up.

 

 

So much conflicting imagery and narrative on this Russia, Ukraine conflict. Examples of war-planes on recckies that were taken from a video game. Casualties that were recognised from a couple of years back when there was a gas explosion. What media can we trust to tell the truth? And there has been a change in the pronunciation of Kiev. No longer is it Kee-evv; but Keev. As Bob sang; 'The times, they are a'changing'.

 

Lucky Liverpool march on. The Irons should have got a draw yesterday. And The Owl's came unstuck at Lincoln. Fulham march on.

 

Mildred has bought a new phone; 'Infinix 11'. 4k baht. Said she will reimburse me when she withdraws her bank money. I'll be interested to see if I can wheedle the pics off this new mobile onto the comp. Has 16mpix resolution.

 

 

Union Bank of Thailand. Don't know if there is a branch in Ban Dung. She has three years of savings in there. Anyway; I;m informed the phone is great.

 

I think we must go back to twice a week Owl Logs. Just so many pics. And it wipes out a good few hours on a week-end getting the pics ready. Might start off with two hundred and whittle them down to 20/30 publishable ones. Then putting then into GIMP to downsize and crop.

 

RIP Shane Warne. A true cricketing great.

 

Big debate last week about which school Mildred is gonna go to when she leaves later this month. Her mum says the 'Swimming Pool School' (south-east Ban Dung) but Mildred wants to go to the school next to the one she is at now. Gonna go into that school and have a mooch around. I know they have a major build project progressing right now. Be interesting to see how clean it is. The hall-mark of a good schools is its positive focus on trash. I want her to have a happy school experience. Unlike my own, many moons ago.

 

Mrs Owl has just bought a bag of snails for 20 baht from a street seller. I had to tell her that it's not good to eat them. "They eat all the debris from the bottom of ponds and rivers. teerak. Any insecticide or herbicide that finds its way into the pond, gets into the snail and goes into you. Don't want you to get sick." "You just want scare me. Throw snails into your pond. I sell you; 1000 baht." "I give you 200 baht teerak." "OK. Give me now. Or I will cook." Blackmail! I'm never gonna get rich here in Isaan.

 

Clouded over big time in the last 30 minutes. Is that rain a'coming? Keeping 'em crossed.

 

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

Nice post OWL

[sotonowl]

9 hours ago, owl sees all said:

And The Owl's came unstuck at Lincoln.

No complaints here. Lincoln put more effort into the game. Lincoln got booed off the pitch last week at home to Gillingham and getting beat 0-2 so fair play, they turned themselves around. 

[Sterling]

On 3/6/2022 at 11:18 AM, owl sees all said:

I think we must go back to twice a week Owl Logs.

I dont think anyone here would complain. I dont hang out here as much as I used to, but I do enjoy seeing whats going on in Isaan.

[HighPriority]

10 hours ago, Sterling said:

I dont think anyone here would complain. I dont hang out here as much as I used to, but I do enjoy seeing whats going on in Isaan.

I hate it when life gets in the way !

[owl sees all]

Talking the other day about Ms Niniwan. I was asking if anyone had seen her perform at The Roost.

 

My favourite action starts at 11-40

 

Enjoy.

 

 

And and absolute stonking duet at 11-00.

 

 

Can't wait for her to come to Ban Dung.

Edited March 8, 2022 by owl sees all

[DJ54]

Thanks! I always enjoy reading your posts...

[GarryP]

Any one in your neck of the woods get any rain yesterday. Apparently it was cats and dogs in the afternoon in Kham Muang, Kalsin, which ain't that far from the Owl. 

[owl sees all]

11 minutes ago, GarryP said:

Any one in your neck of the woods get any rain yesterday. Apparently it was cats and dogs in the afternoon in Kham Muang, Kalsin, which ain't that far from the Owl. 

 

Not a single drop here Garry. It's disgraceful. But to be expected. The rain don't like coming north of the Sakon Nakon highway.

 

Will be pimping water into pond six again this week end.

[owl sees all]

Leeds are hot having much luck. It will soon change.

 

Edited March 8, 2022 by owl sees all

[farmerjo]

On 3/6/2022 at 3:18 PM, owl sees all said:

Big debate last week about which school Mildred is gonna go to when she leaves later this month. Her mum says the 'Swimming Pool School' (south-east Ban Dung) but Mildred wants to go to the school next to the one she is at now. Gonna go into that school and have a mooch around. I know they have a major build project progressing right now. Be interesting to see how clean it is. The hall-mark of a good schools is its positive focus on trash. I want her to have a happy school experience. Unlike my own, many moons ago.

Know how you feel Owl.

To get our young bloke into the next school because we live out of town it could cost anywhere from 30-60 thousand for a decent school.

Mum wants the best one,i say if he doesn't pass the exam there is no point as he could struggle to comprehend making it more difficult.

Anyway Mum's in charge of that department.

[Golden Triangle]

23 minutes ago, owl sees all said:

Leeds are hot having much luck. It will soon change.

 

What ? When they get relegated ? 55555

 

I was joking ????

[owl sees all]

I reckon it will be Norwich for sure. Watford have a new canny manager. Leeds need to keep the faith. Everton need help; can Frank lead the way. Burnley look in big trouble too,

 

Interesting down there.