Diary of a farang in Isaan

[owl sees all]

1 hour ago, Golden Triangle said:

What ? When they get relegated ? 55555

 

I was joking ????

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. Geordies looking much better.

 

Interesting down there. .

Edited March 8, 2022 by owl sees all

[owl sees all]

14 hours ago, farmerjo said:

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.

Ah yes! Entry exams.

 

From what I can glean from the conversations with Mildred in the last couple of years, most boys have no chance of passing any subject, for any school entry. She informs me that there is just one boy in the top ten of her class; and he has an Aussie  farang Dad.

 

Reminds me of when I was at school. Took home my end-of-year exam results. Dad perused them. "I see you only scored 1 out of a 100  in the RI exam?" "I don't know how I scored anything. I left the paper blank, and just sat there for an hour or so, before the early finishers got to go." At open day Dad spoke to the RI guy - or was it RE then - who also doubled as a Scout and Cub leader in his spare time.. "He only got one in the exam; how come?" "Scored one for putting 'name', 'class' and 'date' at the top. Dad seemed satisfied with this.

 

Some years later, when I was at University, I heard that the RI teacher, Mr Otag I think his name was, had been sent down for five years for abusing boys. And to think he led the morning singing in assembly.

 

He wasn't the worst though. There was a History teacher; Mr Walker. He could best be described as a thug. Big fight in one of his classes once. Police involved. I got expelled** along with a couple of others, and Mr Walker was quickly moved on to another school before the  end of term.

 

** Let back in the following term, if it was agreed that the matter could be forgotten about. The other lads involved in the fight went on to other schools, and it was just me who returned. I was certainly looked up to in later terms, until the fracas gradually drifted into school folk-tales.

Edited March 9, 2022 by owl sees all

[GarryP]

31 minutes ago, owl sees all said:

Ah yes! Entry exams.

 

From what I can glean from the conversations with Mildred in the last couple of years, most boys have no chance of passing any subject, for any school entry. She informs me that there is just one boy in the top ten of her class; and he has an Aussie  farang Dad.

 

Reminds me of when I was at school. Took home my end-of-year exam results. Dad perused them. "I see you only scored 1 out of a 100  in the RI exam?" "I don't know how I scored anything. I left the paper blank, and just sat there for an hour or so, before the early finishers got to go." At open day Dad spoke to the RI guy - or was it RE then - who also doubled as a Scout and Cub leader in his spare time.. "He only got one in the exam; how come?" "Scored one for putting 'name', 'class' and 'date' at the top. Dad seemed satisfied with this.

 

Some years later, when I was at University, I heard that the RI teacher, Mr Otag I think his name was, had been sent down for five years for abusing boys. And to think he led the morning singing in assembly.

 

He wasn't the worst though. There was a History teacher; Mr Walker. He could best be described as a thug. Big fight in one of his classes once. Police involved. I got expelled** along with a couple of others, and Mr Walker was quickly moved on to another school before the  end of term.

 

** Let back in the following term, if it was agreed that the matter could be forgotten about. The other lads involved in the fight went on to other schools, and it was just me who returned. I was certainly looked up to in later terms, until the fracas gradually drifted into school folk-tales.

Ah yes, Religious Indoctrination. Actually when I was at the nearest comprehensive, it was Religious Education and the teacher was actually a nice guy. The nasty teacher was our History guy. Threw board rubbers at people who he was not happy with.  Only ever got in one fight at school and our PE teacher separated us and we walked away. No punishment. My only ever detention was because my Chemistry teacher was peeved at me repeatedly misspelling the word "separate". Sod forgot all about me so I had to traipse around school looking for him so I could get approval to go home. Found him playing table football in the 6th form common room with his teacher mates. Told me he'd forgotten about me and assumed I'd already gone home. Good job there were still buses running or it would have been a 4 mile walk home.   

Edited March 9, 2022 by GarryP

[owl sees all]

1 hour ago, GarryP said:

Ah yes, Religious Indoctrination. Actually when I was at the nearest comprehensive, it was Religious Education and the teacher was actually a nice guy. The nasty teacher was our History guy. Threw board rubbers at people who he was not happy with.  Only ever got in one fight at school and our PE teacher separated us and we walked away. No punishment. My only ever detention was because my Chemistry teacher was peeved at me repeatedly misspelling the word "separate". Sod forgot all about me so I had to traipse around school looking for him so I could get approval to go home. Found him playing table football in the 6th form common room with his teacher mates. Told me he'd forgotten about me and assumed I'd already gone home. Good job there were still buses running or it would have been a 4 mile walk home.   

My big fight was with the thug teacher. It had started a week earlier when he had hit a little lad. I spoke to my Dad, and he told me; "Don't let that happen to you." i spoke to a couple of the lads, and we agreed that if he (Walker) started hitting anyone in the class again, we would steam in.

 

Well, he did. He whacked a boy over the head with a book. Then, when the lad protested, Walker grabbed him and shook him. Shouting "Don't swear at me." He was a big guy and he never thought he would get challenged. I stepped up and the other three boys followed. I got a couple of decent blows in. Walker went to the door and locked himself out and us in.

 

20 minutes later the police were in the school. It was said that I started it all. After the police spoke to some of the children, their views changed, and they took Walker away. I got a ride home - about 4 miles away - in a police car. Booted out; temporarily.

 

That night Dad heard the whole story. He put his hand on my shoulder and said; "Well done."

 

Never saw the thug Walker again. The young lad who got the whack lived with his Mum, who didn't want to pursue anything. I had a few weeks off school, and Dad got a letter to get me back for the start of the next term. Everything was smoothed over.

 

As for general fighting,. often fought older boys; mostly losing.

Edited March 9, 2022 by owl sees all

[Andrew Dwyer]

2 hours ago, owl sees all said:

 

 

Reminds me of when I was at school. Took home my end-of-year exam results. Dad perused them. "I see you only scored 1 out of a 100  in the RI exam?" "I don't know how I scored anything. I left the paper blank, and just sat there for an hour or so, before the early finishers got to go." At open day Dad spoke to the RI guy - or was it RE then - who also doubled as a Scout and Cub leader in his spare time.. "He only got one in the exam; how come?" "Scored one for putting 'name', 'class' and 'date' at the top. Dad seemed satisfied with this.

 

I took RI ( Religious Instruction ? ) but I don’t remember there ever being an exam on the subject.

In our school after about 2 years you would then focus on one of the sciences ( Chemistry, Biology or Physics ) , whichever you were best at, or if you were not too good at these you would take General Science + another language ( German or Russian, French was already compulsory).

Sooo,  I chose German ( ???? ) as did all the other under achievers ( ???? ), but there was a problem …… the school had a dedicated Russian teacher , so 6 of us were “ chosen “ to learn Russian !!

Myself and 5 girls!!, not as glamorous as it sounds!! 
I used to skip class constantly and for a couple of years would substitute double Russian for double Games, joining in with another group unnoticed …. until I was and punished by being made to rejoin the Russian class.

When the final exams came around I was put in for O level exam as there wasn’t a CSE ( or was it GCSE ? ) exam available. I put my name on the exam and that was about it, there was no real point in trying .

Anyway I got a U ( Unclassified ) classification ………. but I still got o level Russian? …. didn’t ! ??

[Andrew Dwyer]

On 3/8/2022 at 7:22 PM, owl sees all said:

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

 

Another resounding defeat at home to Villa ( 0-3 ) isn’t encouraging Owl !!

Sunday’s tie with Norwich should be a walk in the park  ???? but it will be a sign of what the rest of the season has in store .

Phillips alleged departure to Villa won’t do much for moral at Elland Road !!

[owl sees all]

8 hours ago, Andrew Dwyer said:

Another resounding defeat at home to Villa ( 0-3 ) isn’t encouraging Owl !!

Sunday’s tie with Norwich should be a walk in the park  ???? but it will be a sign of what the rest of the season has in store .

Phillips alleged departure to Villa won’t do much for moral at Elland Road !!

Keep the faith Andy.

[owl sees all]

Owl Log - 13-03-2022 - Sunday morning

 

Very warm last evening. Temp' read 31C at nine last night. Had two fans on in the bedroom for the first time since August last.

 

Mildred has informed me that Monday is her last day at her present school. Can't say anything negative about her three year stay there. As Isaan schools go it has been better than average. She has to do entry exams for the new school at the end of the month. She has registered her presence on-line so it all looks good and ready to go.

 

Outside Mildred's school there is a fantastic Yang Na tree. Just come to flower.

 

 

 

Took some pics of Mildred's new school. There is a gigantic build in progress.

 

 

 

View from the entrance.

 

 

 

Went inside to take a look.

 

 

Talking millions of baht here. Will the newcomer's families be asked to donate I wonder?

 

 

The building must be 100 metres long.

 

Passed a stall selling cheap clothes. Thought I'd leave for the school early and have a look. Very small sizes. Couldn't find anything to fit. Thought I'd get Mrs Owl a little pressie. But then a second thought; why waste 20 baht?

 

 

At last the concrete arrived to sort out the farm road.

 

 

Dogs around, leaving their mark.

 

 

The containers opposite us are beginning to explain themselves.

 

 

This one has catfish.

 

 

Very small at the mo'.

 

 

Our avocado plantation is starting to attract attention. Seen a couple of villagers looking curiously when they pass. Probably wondering what plants they are.

 

 

Twins about early this morning. Still in their jim-jams. Nadia - or is it Nadene - always gives the farang a wave. If they had different hairstyles, I could tell them apart. Ah yes! Shoes are the clue.

 

 

The big mango tree had been cut back to nothing nine months ago.

 

 

The villagers wait for the fruit and veg man to arrive every morning.

 

 

Kids on their way to get crisps and cola before getting off to school.

 

 

Mildred's bus.

 

 

The ducks are about again. White ones this time. How lovely. Hope they get on OK with the chickens.

 

 

The twin's grandfather, Yoong, taking their pet pig somewhere.

 

 

Bye piggy. Eat ya later.

 

 

Bought Mildred some art paper. Not used the bigger size before. She started drawing the pic yesterday. Painting today.

 

 

It was time for my monthly haircut. Mil has been cutting it since she was five . Whatever she does is OK with me. But Mrs Owl sometimes says it looks silly. I don't care. Don't tell an artist how to do things. Saved an absolute fortune too.

 

 

One of the farms next to ours has started growing chilies.

 

 

This lady 'Rooney' also does massages.

 

 

While I was over their farm snapping, I found a plough that looked familiar. We lost one very similar about three years ago.

 

 

The first of the annual charcoal huts was underway.

 

 

There's me at the bottom of the pic.

 

First nut cut of the year is happening.

 

 

Pumped three hours of water into number six pond yesterday. Need to just keep the water level up so as not to distress the fish. Had the big rain on 22nd October and a couple of showers in Early Feb'. Nothing since. Looks like this year is going with the recent trend.

 

Mrs Owl says she wants to finish up. Wants to sell the farm, split everything 50/50 and end it. She says she wants to be alone. Her sisters are a strange lot. Don't want to talk to her. But then; they are no good people. Only last month the Mrs wanted to start selling eggs in Ban Dung. And at the end of 2021 it was England, here we come! What next?!

 

Nan's old house is now history. Didn't want to take up the offer to buy. still paying 4500 baht each month for the pick-up. That was to borrow money for the deposit. Things change so quickly here.

 

Lucky Liverpool continue the chase of City. Irons, City and Leeds play later. What is gonna happen to Chelski? Can't call them that anymore. I seem to recall that the supporters actually own the pitch at Stamford Bridge. Is the club gonna be nationalised?

 

Is covid still in Thailand? Or anywhere else for that matter. Pres Putin has been nominated for a Nobel prize in magic. Overnight ended covid in the west.

 

March does not disappoint with the hot weather. Remember last year it was scorching for virtually the whole month. Think sometimes it is hotter than April.

 

Mildred measured her favourite euca in the week. 37. 5 cms. That is measured around, one metre up. Many trees look very spindly though.

 

 

Early finish today; before twelve noon. Because, I've been sorting the pics out the day I've took them. Who did I inherit my common sense from?

 

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

Edited March 13, 2022 by owl sees all

[HighPriority]

Could be your big chance to upgrade to the hat lady owl, just think of the money you’ll save !!

[Andrew Dwyer]

Your strange marital issues are not uncommon here Owl, my brother in law’s wife left him for a guy she had met at the temple, she didn’t get on with her new beau’s family so moved back in with hubby and wanted to move the new “ love of her life “ in also !! Not uncommon for Thai fellas  to try to do this ( my wife’s ex tried this ploy with her ) but never heard of a wife trying this on !!, I guess the long term plan was for hubby to move out .

 

My neighbour seems to have found a new lady and has abandoned his wife and teenage daughter, ironically he comes back occasionally to wash his truck ( came this morning at 6.30 am ) but never talks to the women and has to scale the gate if not open to get the hosepipe. The new love nest seems to be lacking car washing space !!

 

Strange what living arrangements people will accept !!

[owl sees all]

40 minutes ago, Andrew Dwyer said:

Your strange marital issues are not uncommon here Owl, my brother in law’s wife left him for a guy she had met at the temple, she didn’t get on with her new beau’s family so moved back in with hubby and wanted to move the new “ love of her life “ in also !! Not uncommon for Thai fellas  to try to do this ( my wife’s ex tried this ploy with her ) but never heard of a wife trying this on !!, I guess the long term plan was for hubby to move out .

 

My neighbour seems to have found a new lady and has abandoned his wife and teenage daughter, ironically he comes back occasionally to wash his truck ( came this morning at 6.30 am ) but never talks to the women and has to scale the gate if not open to get the hosepipe. The new love nest seems to be lacking car washing space !!

 

Strange what living arrangements people will accept !!

Mrs Owl's daughter has two kids with different men and don't live with either of them. Her Dad moves from lady to lady. You are right about the strange arrangements here. The Mrs sister Pook, is the only one that has a stable life in this regard.

 

My achillies heel is my beloved daughter Mildred. I would not consider life without her., so unless I could pitch a tent outside the house I'd have real dilemmas. Of course there would be no farm to move to. Could always move into the MinL's; just 30/40 metres away.

 

I think the Mrs would struggle on her own. Just having to pay bills would catch her out; at least in the short term. At the present time I sort out everything. But I'm sure there would be a sweet talking Thai ready to help her out.

[Andrew Dwyer]

27 minutes ago, owl sees all said:

Mrs Owl's daughter has two kids with different men and don't live with either of them. Her Dad moves from lady to lady. You are right about the strange arrangements here. The Mrs sister Pook, is the only one that has a stable life in this regard.

 

My achillies heel is my beloved daughter Mildred. I would not consider life without her., so unless I could pitch a tent outside the house I'd have real dilemmas. Of course there would be no farm to move to. Could always move into the MinL's; just 30/40 metres away.

 

I think the Mrs would struggle on her own. Just having to pay bills would catch her out; at least in the short term. At the present time I sort out everything. But I'm sure there would be a sweet talking Thai ready to help her out.

Hopefully you don’t have to make any alternative arrangements Owl as your relationship with Mildred is a real pleasure to see ( I’m sure I speak for the other posters on this thread also ), she is a daughter/friend and, no doubt when she gets older, a confidant all rolled into one.

You are a lucky man.

[Mutt Daeng]

7 hours ago, owl sees all said:

Owl Log - 13-03-2022 - Sunday morning

 

Very warm last evening. Temp' read 31C at nine last night. Had two fans on in the bedroom for the first time since August last.

 

Mildred has informed me that Monday is her last day at her present school. Can't say anything negative about her three year stay there. As Isaan schools go it has been better than average. She has to do entry exams for the new school at the end of the month. She has registered her presence on-line so it all looks good and ready to go.

 

Outside Mildred's school there is a fantastic Yang Na tree. Just come to flower.

 

 

 

Took some pics of Mildred's new school. There is a gigantic build in progress.

 

 

 

View from the entrance.

 

 

 

Went inside to take a look.

 

 

Talking millions of baht here. Will the newcomer's families be asked to donate I wonder?

 

 

The building must be 100 metres long.

 

Passed a stall selling cheap clothes. Thought I'd leave for the school early and have a look. Very small sizes. Couldn't find anything to fit. Thought I'd get Mrs Owl a little pressie. But then a second thought; why waste 20 baht?

 

 

At last the concrete arrived to sort out the farm road.

 

 

Dogs around, leaving their mark.

 

 

The containers opposite us are beginning to explain themselves.

 

 

This one has catfish.

 

 

Very small at the mo'.

 

 

Our avocado plantation is starting to attract attention. Seen a couple of villagers looking curiously when they pass. Probably wondering what plants they are.

 

 

Twins about early this morning. Still in their jim-jams. Nadia - or is it Nadene - always gives the farang a wave. If they had different hairstyles, I could tell them apart. Ah yes! Shoes are the clue.

 

 

The big mango tree had been cut back to nothing nine months ago.

 

 

The villagers wait for the fruit and veg man to arrive every morning.

 

 

Kids on their way to get crisps and cola before getting off to school.

 

 

Mildred's bus.

 

 

 

The ducks are about again. White ones this time. How lovely. Hope they get on OK with the chickens.

 

 

The twin's grandfather, Yoong, taking their pet pig somewhere.

 

 

Bye piggy. Eat ya later.

 

 

Bought Mildred some art paper. Not used the bigger size before. She started drawing the pic yesterday. Painting today.

 

 

It was time for my monthly haircut. Mil has been cutting it since she was five . Whatever she does is OK with me. But Mrs Owl sometimes says it looks silly. I don't care. Don't tell an artist how to do things. Saved an absolute fortune too.

 

 

One of the farms next to ours has started growing chilies.

 

 

This lady 'Rooney' also does massages.

 

 

While I was over their farm snapping, I found a plough that looked familiar. We lost one very similar about three years ago.

 

 

The first of the annual charcoal huts was underway.

 

 

There's me at the bottom of the pic.

 

First nut cut of the year is happening.

 

 

Pumped three hours of water into number six pond yesterday. Need to just keep the water level up so as not to distress the fish. Had the big rain on 22nd October and a couple of showers in Early Feb'. Nothing since. Looks like this year is going with the recent trend.

 

Mrs Owl says she wants to finish up. Wants to sell the farm, split everything 50/50 and end it. She says she wants to be alone. Her sisters are a strange lot. Don't want to talk to her. But then; they are no good people. Only last month the Mrs wanted to start selling eggs in Ban Dung. And at the end of 2021 it was England, here we come! What next?!

 

Nan's old house is now history. Didn't want to take up the offer to buy. still paying 4500 baht each month for the pick-up. That was to borrow money for the deposit. Things change so quickly here.

 

Lucky Liverpool continue the chase of City. Irons, City and Leeds play later. What is gonna happen to Chelski? Can't call them that anymore. I seem to recall that the supporters actually own the pitch at Stamford Bridge. Is the club gonna be nationalised?

 

Is covid still in Thailand? Or anywhere else for that matter. Pres Putin has been nominated for a Nobel prize in magic. Overnight ended covid in the west.

 

March does not disappoint with the hot weather. Remember last year it was scorching for virtually the whole month. Think sometimes it is hotter than April.

 

Mildred measured her favourite euca in the week. 37. 5 cms. That is measured around, one metre up. Many trees look very spindly though.

 

 

Early finish today; before twelve noon. Because, I've been sorting the pics out the day I've took them. Who did I inherit my common sense from?

 

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

Sorry to hear about your marital issues OWL. I hope Mrs OWL comes to her senses and realises what she is giving up. Best of luck mate.

[Andrew Dwyer]

West Ham + Villa live on channel 36 if you have it @owl sees all ??

[chickenslegs]

7 hours ago, owl sees all said:

Mrs Owl says she wants to finish up. Wants to sell the farm, split everything 50/50 and end it. She says she wants to be alone. Her sisters are a strange lot. Don't want to talk to her. But then; they are no good people. Only last month the Mrs wanted to start selling eggs in Ban Dung. And at the end of 2021 it was England, here we come! What next?! ...

 

... My achillies heel is my beloved daughter Mildred. I would not consider life without her.

I feel for you Owl. I have a 10 year old daughter and would feel just the same.

 

Sounds like your missus is having "lady issues" and could benefit from a hormone test and (perhaps) medication.

 

 

[sotonowl]

As others have said Owl, all the best with the marital situation. If it was me, finances permitting of course I'd be out of there with the Daughter and back to blighty. For what it's worth and in my experience it's best not to show any weakness here as if a split is seen as a chink in the armour it'll be used to exploit. 

Just hope she's going through a phase.

 

PS You and the hat lady haven't been rumbled have you?

PPS You forgot to mention The Owls. (Boast Post)????.

[owl sees all]

6 hours ago, sotonowl said:

As others have said Owl, all the best with the marital situation. If it was me, finances permitting of course I'd be out of there with the Daughter and back to blighty. For what it's worth and in my experience it's best not to show any weakness here as if a split is seen as a chink in the armour it'll be used to exploit. 

Just hope she's going through a phase.

 

PS You and the hat lady haven't been rumbled have you?

PPS You forgot to mention The Owls. (Boast Post)????.

Hit Cambridge for 6, after that terrible showing at Lincoln.

 

Well first things first on the marital front. Might be ages - as in years - before the farms can be sold. By then Mrs Owl could easily have moved on to other thoughts.

 

8 hours ago, chickenslegs said:

I feel for you Owl. I have a 10 year old daughter and would feel just the same.

 

Sounds like your missus is having "lady issues" and could benefit from a hormone test and (perhaps) medication.

 

 

Could be CL.

[grin]

Slightly off topic, but the picture of the Yang Na tree just reminded me about an article that I recently saw in the newspaper that we cannot quote here. Some minister has issued new rules protecting the many Yang Na trees here on Chiang Mai Lamphun Road. Sounds like extensive protection like no new structures nearby, etc. However, let's see if the rules are enforced.

[owl sees all]

1 hour ago, grin said:

Slightly off topic, but the picture of the Yang Na tree just reminded me about an article that I recently saw in the newspaper that we cannot quote here. Some minister has issued new rules protecting the many Yang Na trees here on Chiang Mai Lamphun Road. Sounds like extensive protection like no new structures nearby, etc. However, let's see if the rules are enforced.

Great to get a post from you on this Grin.

 

@Lacessit

He used to live in the area and posted some tree pics. There was a big feature on the Owl Log; pages 84/85. Well worth a look back for any tree fancier.

 

 

They are fantastic; are they not. Also a pic or two of Udon's giant on page 83..

 

 

Edited March 14, 2022 by owl sees all

[Andrew Dwyer]

Here’s one for you Owl , Ban Rai, near Chainat and believed to be 300/400 years old.

 

 

 

Wonder what she is wishing for :

” good health for the love of her life “

” long life for family members “

or

” lottery numbers please “

 

No prizes for guessing the right answer ????

Edited March 14, 2022 by Andrew Dwyer

[owl sees all]

13 minutes ago, Andrew Dwyer said:

Here’s one for you Owl , Ban Rai, near Chainat and believed to be 300/400 years old.

 

 

 

Wonder what she is wishing for :

” good health for the love of her life “

” long life for family members “

or

” lottery numbers please “

 

No prizes for guessing the right answer ????

Great pic Andy.

 

Maybe lottery numbers. Or wishing that Leeds will keep up.

 

 

[Andrew Dwyer]

2 minutes ago, owl sees all said:

Great pic Andy.

 

Maybe lottery numbers. Or wishing that Leeds will keep up.

 

 

A bit of a nail biter at Elland Road yesterday but I think Frankie Lamp and the Toffees ( not a 60’s pop group ????) will be our saviour!!

[owl sees all]

39 minutes ago, Andrew Dwyer said:

A bit of a nail biter at Elland Road yesterday but I think Frankie Lamp and the Toffees ( not a 60’s pop group ????) will be our saviour!!

I agree about the Toffees. Burnley are right in the mix too.

 

Interesting! Getting very hairy down there.

[owl sees all]

Mrs Owl seemed a little happier this morning.

 

The nut cutter man came to give us some dosh.

 

 

This year we are on a 50/50 basis. In years past I would have handled it all myself but, really I'm not as young as I once was, and it's too hard for me. Have to face it.

 

He handed over 3900 baht.

 

 

Let me decipher.

Weight of truck and nuts: 3600kg

Weight of truck without nuts: 2595kg

Weight of nuts: 1005kg

Buying in price per kg: 9-80 Baht

Total sale: 9846 Bhat

 

We shared the cost of the cutters and the truck. Next cut 20 days time. If we could have some rain there could easily be a 5/6 tonne cut in one go. That would be 15k plus in our pocket. Fingers crossed on that.

 

And to think I was busting a gut when the price was 2-20 Baht a kg.

 

If the US led sanctions really bite, the nut price could get to 15 Baht a kg. Then the pump price for diesel will probably be well over 40 Baht a litre. Might then be worth thinking of pressing ourselves. Of course have to pay tax on that.

 

I hear from the cutting guy that the big Ludo farm has already bought an oil presser. I'll get over and try to get some pics.

 

 

Edited March 14, 2022 by owl sees all

[owl sees all]

Decent drop of rain last night, along with some violent lightning/thunderclaps.

 

Tons of tree debris to clear up this morning.

[chickenslegs]

Love those lightening storms. My daughter used to be really scared of them until I persuaded her to sit out on the porch with me and enjoy the show.

 

Mrs C won't join us - can't teach an old dog new tricks.  

[owl sees all]

30 minutes ago, chickenslegs said:

Love those lightening storms. My daughter used to be really scared of them until I persuaded her to sit out on the porch with me and enjoy the show.

 

Mrs C won't join us - can't teach an old dog new tricks.  

Agree CL.

 

Mrs Owl was so scared last night she got in my bed for protection.

[HighPriority]

5 hours ago, chickenslegs said:

Love those lightening storms. My daughter used to be really scared of them until I persuaded her to sit out on the porch with me and enjoy the show.

 

Mrs C won't join us - can't teach an old dog new tricks.  

I’m currently in Brisbane and Mrs HP has been home alone since late January, I was in big trouble the other night as there was a “Big doomdum” she was hiding in the caravan and not a happy camper at all…

 

Like you I love the big storms, this time of year is the end of the wet season and the big, violent thunderstorms are called “Knockemdowns” as they blow the Speargrass (sorghum) over and signal the coming dry season.

[owl sees all]

Owl Log - 19-03-2022 - Sunday afternoon

 

Good afternoon y'all. Mildred did her first pic on the new, larger artist's paper. Cat keeping watch and the obligatory phone giving the latest news on covid and the Euro battles.

 

 

And the finished painting.

 

 

Not sure about the lass getting a piggy-back. Something has happened to her feet. Early days yet. Had Sotheby's on the phone yesterday. Mildred says she wants to keep them all. That's the way Mil. Who needs money?

 

The wall is racing ahead in Ban Dung. I did say they will paint it in West Ham colours. Half done.

 

 

Do hope they have a clean up later.

 

Tree saved.

 

 

On the way to Ban Dung I spotted a new style of transport.

 

 

Fighting to keep it upright. Obviously taking it to the repair shop.

 

 

Back at the village the second section to the farm road was completed.

 

 

There we are; all sorted.

 

 

Mildred has been moaning that her fishing nets are too small to catch the big koi carp. So it was off to the shop. Couldn't get a big one with a handle, so it was DIY time.

 

 

Seemed easy enough. Cut the wires, and bind them on.

 

 

 

Reinforce the bamboo handle and drill a hole for the four wires.

 

 

Bash in the wires, fix them with a slither of bamboo and it's ready for action.

 

 

The proof of the pudding. Can she catch Big Orange?

 

 

Not yet.

 

 

Just on the outskirts of the village. Another pond caught my eye. Could easily miss the scarecrow.

 

 

I think he is there to scare away those big white birds.

 

 

The twins are getting everywhere.

 

Nadene has found something behind the Buddha. Nadia keeping a look out.

 

 

Latest pic of the avocado plantation outside the house.

 

 

Me and Mildred went to have a butchers at the tubs. Work ongoing.

 

 

Fire at the back of number four farm. Saw a man with a bucket of water; just in case it got out of hand.

 

 

Mildred had her last day at school on Monday last. Have to go back on 26th to get her paper, and me, Mrs Owl and Mildred have to go to the new school on the 29th.

;

Footy round up:

I told Andy D to keep the faith. Leeds in the clear. Irons on their way to the Europa League Cup final; where they could meet Glasgow Rangers. Fulham odds-on for a quick return back to the EPL. The Owls finish the week with a disappointing draw.

 

Had saved up all our change for the last 12 months. Took three tubes of dosh to the bank last week. Went there Friday, and pleased to see that Mildred had 7,100 Baht in her account. She gave me 5k for the phone I bought her two weeks ago. Have to do sneaky things here. I'll stick a couple of hundred in to her account every so often. Can't let Mrs Owl find out, or she'll pressurize her; and have it away.

 

The rain on the 15th was more than welcome. Could even get some more before the end of the month. Ate in the bus-station restaurant on Friday (monthly family treat). The chef told the Mrs that it had rained the day before (Thursday). Didn't see any of that in our parts.

 

A government lady came around on Wednesday Morning. She told Mrs Owl that anyone living in the house that was not Thai, could apply for an ID card. Is there something afoot?

 

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

Edited March 20, 2022 by owl sees all

[GarryP]

37 minutes ago, owl sees all said:

A government lady came around on Wednesday Morning. She told Mrs Owl that anyone living in the house that was not Thai, could apply for an ID card. Is there something afoot?

 

It could be one of those pink IDs handed out to foreigners. It seems to vary from district to district as to whether they will issue them. May need to get a yellow house registration first though. Not really anything afoot as Immigration already have your address so it is not as if it is a way of keeping watch on all those sneaky foreigners.