Diary of a farang in Isaan

[GarryP]

I didn't know that power failures was so common out in the sticks. But early last week was a big learning curve. Periods without power on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, one caused by a fire which burned down three house in Phon, another by power supply cable being cut (don't know how) and another due to a wind storm. 

 

Villages quite close to where I am are also without water now too. Hopefully, we get some rain before it hits my mini town cos I don't think I'll be able to book a bore driller at the moment. Read somewhere that in Udon there is a 2 month waiting list.  They seem to be fully booked here too.

[bannork]

In my experience there are usually power cuts following the first storms of the year, but by May the authorities have got their act together 

Owl, have you noticed the street lights  are on in the day on the road from Phen into Ban Dung?

 

[owl sees all]

Owl Log - 23-04-2023 - Sunday afternoon

 

Weather in the North-East still very warm. Second pond just about ready to give up the ghost.

 

 

Fortunately some water in the other ponds. Enough to see it through til the rain arrives?

 

 

Went to Nong Han in the week. Someone lost a motor-cycle and it turned up in that area. Had to visit the police station, and then it was on to the insurance place in Ban Dung.

Took the camera.

 

 

Big house. Mrs Owl says it belongs to a Chinese guy.

 

 

Is that a Colorado Terrier?

 

 

Looks like a mini to me. 'OK Cafe Delivery Service'.

 

 

What a sorry and ignominious end? And to turn insult to injury; someone's had the gold away.

 

 

Another oil palm plantation gone to fire.

 

 

Not much water in the river just outside our village.

 

 

Not that much better t'other side.

 

 

About half way to Nong Han there is a strange structure.

 

 

No idea to what it's all about.

 

 

In Ban Dung; spotted a nice one.

 

 

Ans also a bus getting 'crash prepared'.

 

 

And a nice job in Big C. Looked like wood from distance.

 

 

Had a couple of deliveries in the week. This one the pick. 1.6kg of Edam.

 

 

Well packaged.

 

 

And there it is. Good job I'm the only one who loves the stuff.

 

 

42 small ice-packs for cool keeping.

 

 

They will come in handy when the water coolers arrive this week.

 

The new village house taking shape.

 

 

Me and Mildred having some sun fun.

 

 

 

Chai's charcoal system is getting another go. He was disappointed with the last yield.

 

 

More fires near us.

 

 

Not too big, and don't seem out of control.

 

 

 

But!!!!!! Just 30 minutes later.

 

 

Need to get a tractor out.

 

 

 

World news

 

In the North Sea, Russian military ships, disguised as ordinary Russian ships, are said to be preparing sabotage plans in case of war with Western powers (BBC World News).

================

In New Zealand, organisers of a plan to hunt down local cats at a school, have been abandoned.

================

69 year-old Robert F Kennedy Jr, - son of assassinated presidential candidate Robert Kennedy and nephew of John F Kennedy (also assassinated) - has filed to run for president in 2024; as a Democrat.

================

Fox News has landed themselves a last-minute settlement in a massive defamation case against 'Dominion machines' . Over 1 billion dollars was claimed by the prosecutor.

================

French protesters torch BlackRock HQ and storm the Paris stock exchange.

================

Strange spiral over Alaska.

 

 

Is it the Russians? Chinese even! Aliens?

================

In last week's G7 meeting in Karuizawa, Japan,, foreign ministers, warned of “severe consequences" for those aiding Russia in its war with Ukraine.

================

Melbourne born, John Barry Humphries, the man behind Dame Edna Everage and Sir Les Patterson died aged 89.

================

Argentina steps up anti-mosquito measures, including use of radiation, to reduce the disease carriers.

================

 

Thailand focus

The director of a public hospital in Loei Province, in northeast Thailand, was arrested yesterday by Anti-Trafficking in Persons Division (ATPD) officers for buying sex from underage girls.

================

Police raided a huge crypto mine in Samut Prakan Province, just south of Bangkok, yesterday. To dig for their digital currencies, the naughty miners used stolen electricity.

================

A Thai man implanted magnets into his own fingers for 40 years in order to cheat in the popular but illegal 'Hi-Lo' dice game.

================

Following a number of complaints, Phuket officials on Wednesday swooped on stray dogs in the island province’s main city district. A pack of dogs had been causing a nuisance. They were chasing after motorcycles and pooping all over the place.

================

A Thai man died from bee stings yesterday, after he and his friends hunted for honey in the Phu Phan National Park in the Isaan province of Kalasin. Rescuers had to get the deceased man down from the tree where the bees attacked.

================

A Thai taxi-driver in Samut Prakarn Province, near Bangkok, has warned fellow cabbies of a lady who poops in the cars and then flees without paying.

================

Thailand’s Koh Kradan island in Trang province is welcoming more than 2000 tourists per day since the island was voted ‘best beach on earth‘ by the UK website World Beach Guide.

 

================

A new wave of Covid-19 infections is expected to bring daily cases to 5,000-10,000.

================

A man from Nonthaburi in Central Thailand was bitten on the bum by a snake. He was having a relaxing number two, in his bathroom, when he felt a sudden sharp pain. He leapt up to see a python slithering back down the toilet bowl.

================

Famous female giant panda, Lin Hu, passed away at Chiang Mai Zoo in Northern Thailand this morning at the age of 21 years.

================

Tensions were high at a funeral in Surin province in northeast Thailand on Friday when a brawl broke out between two saffron-robed Buddhist monks

================

Hospital admissions during the Songkran Festival up by 81% due to road accidents  The ministry’s permanent secretary, Dr Opas Kankawinpong, expressed his concern, and hoped that next year would see a reduction.

 

================

 

Footy

All three contenders for automatic promotion in Div 3 won. But only 2 spots available. Ipswich in control. Owls now might have to settle for play-offs.

================

Leyton Orient are promoted after Bradford - the only club that could stop them - lose at Swindon.

================

All six games in the Championship on Wednesday evening last have at least one goal from each team.

================

Arsenal drop points at home to bottom club saints.

================

Championship leaders Burnley lose at home to QPR.

================
Leeds lose again. That's three on the trot.

================
Man City to play RM, and an all Italian clash in the two Ch Lg semis.

================

 

The farm across the road from number 2 farm has a beautiful new calf on display.

 

 

A storm hit the village a couple of days ago, and caused more damage to the roof; which was already in need of repair. Must pull my finger out this week.

 

 

Tooth still not pulled. I'll lasso it this week and give it a tug.

 

The Scottish National Party is still in the news over its dosh.

 

Just a couple more days and I'm in my monthly fast.

 

Leccy bill jumped up to 1,900 baht. Must be all the fans we have on day and night.

 

Everyone moaning about the heat.

 

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

 

 

Edited April 23, 2023 by owl sees all

[owl sees all]

On 4/22/2023 at 1:11 PM, bannork said:

In my experience there are usually power cuts following the first storms of the year, but by May the authorities have got their act together 

Owl, have you noticed the street lights  are on in the day on the road from Phen into Ban Dung?

 

When I arrived here some 15 years ago, power cuts were a regular occurrence. And they were for years. Could expect one a week for no apparent reason. Now they are somewhat rare.

 

I have not see the lights on in the section you say Bannork. I reckon you refer to the new lights on the newly reconditioned part of the 2022 road between the Don Khillit junction and the VoA. I'll pay closer attention next time I travel that route.

 

[sotonowl]

Have you seen this young woman before Owl? She lives with her dad on a farm in Vietnam, not seen her mother about yet. She's got quite a few videos posted on Youtube, brilliant watch, missus came across her. Can't make out who does the filming though.

 

[sotonowl]

Here's her main channel.

 

https://www.youtube.com/@FreeNewLife1994/videos?view=0&sort=dd&shelf_id=0

 

Some grafter she is, and the old man as well.

Edited April 29, 2023 by sotonowl

[DJ54]

OWL have we missed the weekly OWL fix…. Always enjoy reading and seeing the pictures 

[owl sees all]

45 minutes ago, DJ54 said:

OWL have we missed the weekly OWL fix…. Always enjoy reading and seeing the pictures 

Thanks for the kind words DJ. An unscheduled trip to Udon caught me out today. Threw me right out of kilter.

 

Post tomorrow morn (Monday). Sorry all.

[owl sees all]

On 4/29/2023 at 8:18 AM, sotonowl said:

Here's her main channel.

 

https://www.youtube.com/@FreeNewLife1994/videos?view=0&sort=dd&shelf_id=0

 

Some grafter she is, and the old man as well.

Thanks for that Owl.

 

Watched a fair bit of a few of her vids. Very good.

 

There was a young lady from Vietnam posting her stuff a while back. She was always in the mud and getting bit by mozzies. I'll try to post a link.

[thailandsgreat]

On 4/29/2023 at 3:15 AM, sotonowl said:

Have you seen this young woman before Owl? She lives with her dad on a farm in Vietnam, not seen her mother about yet. She's got quite a few videos posted on Youtube, brilliant watch, missus came across her. Can't make out who does the filming though.

 

I just checked the overview of her channel. Tens or even hundreds of thousands of views and the images looked like made by professional photographer! Everything super perfect in neat order and good yield. Could every farm in Isaan be like that?

Edited May 1, 2023 by thailandsgreat

[thailandsgreat]

[sorry double posting]

Edited May 1, 2023 by thailandsgreat

[owl sees all]

Owl Log - 01-05-2023 - Monday afternoon

 

Very late getting it all together this log. Was a bit behind with the pic editing as it was, but then a call to take a pal to Udon. Wife had chucked him out; and it was all my fault??!! Yes! It was my bad influence. On the upside, the journey gave me a chance to catch up on the Sum Sao Wat build. Also called in on the river market, and took a butchers at the deserted/demolished eatery opposite. So lots of pics.

 

Much to my surprise there was a fair bit of water in the river; which leads to the Mekong at Phon Phasai. But camera battery had died on me so no pics of the river.

 

They are always moaning in the UK about meat going out of fashion. Beef footprint; and all that. Billy Gates - now the biggest land-owner in the US - is about to launch a range of special meats made from cow blood, and soon everyone will be eating tasty insects and bugs. Also a rumour that MacDonald are about to launch a chocolate scorpion on their menu. Can't wait for that! But in the meantime just have to settle for more traditional Thai dishes.

 

 

There is salted, spicy, coconut flavoured and natural. Those lucky UK wallers don't know what treats are lined up for them. Moaning lot they are.

 

The restaurant opposite the market has a strange eeriness about it. Absolutely no-one about but half expecting some mythical waitress creature to pop its head round the corned and greet me.  'Hi farang, got your ATM card handy?'

 

 

I would have followed the jetty down to the river, but didn't want to leave the pick-up alone in the 'car park'.

 

 

The small structures are gradually being demolished and raped for their goodies.

 

 

Earlier last week there was a calamity. My trash picker-upper fell apart.

 

 

A new one due to arrive shortly. In the meantime our soi rubbish accumulates. But compared to the next soi section we are good.

 

 

Dirty lot they are. But they are in the village 'down-town' area, so is to be expected.

 

A new road for the village. Very nice! Have to go that way sometime.

 

 

What is clearly evident is that chickens like our clean soi. Some beauties visiting daily now.

 

 

Had another batch of leaf-bags to dispatch into the farm.

 

 

Mildred accompanied me. I did the work; she held the camera.

 

 

They don't look heavy, but some are loaded with rotting fruit. In saying that, the heaviest was only about 15kg.

 

WARNING!!! Any ladies perusing the thread; shouldn't watch the vid below. Wouldn't want them to get too excited. Must get a belt.

 

 

 

Have to teach Mildred how to pan the camera slower.

 

Talking of ladies - the old fashioned ones with wombs and things - the BBC are promoting women's footy big time on their site. Don't like it at all! Now don't get me wrong. I like footy. And some women are OK. But for me the two together don't give me the ''hit'''; well; like a cold glass of reishi wine on a hot day, or Mrs Owl, when she has her 'whacking stick' in hand, and is peeved about something.

 

This BBC female footy is quite a new thing. But just like other sports, I'd like to have the option when I click on the footy page. Want to see how many goals Liverpool Ladies have scored against Barrow Girls? Click here. Just want men's scores and reports; hit the male/men's link. It's so simple. And the BBC are making things so complicated.

 

Has Songkran ended? Well I thought so. But!! Can't always be sure what's going on here.

 

 

Am I getting very lazy. Cats now getting into roof space. And Ginger fell through the ceiling tile. Fortunately he landed on the bed, so he didn't hurt himself.

 

But it brought home to me that the roof needs fixing. After all, if a cat can get into the roof-space, so could a snake or a rat.

 

 

Promised myself that I would sort it this week. Good job the rain has held off.

 

 

I'm in a dilemma. On the one hand I want any rain that's a'comin to hold off til the roof's finished. And on t'other, I want lots for the ponds.

 

Number 6.

 

 

Number 7. No longer resembles a pond.

 

 

Mildred has a new skill.

 

 

Good to see but. "don't think your 'tippy-tappy' will work up there dear."

 

Chai's first go at the charcoal was disappointing. So he had another go.

 

 

I see that his logs are very big. Results to be seen another day.

 

 

New house coming along nicely.

 

 

Went to the river that runs at the back of the village.

 

BeeApp (Pook's hubby) was there working away.

 

 

 

Went fishing with Mildred last week. Caught a couple of decent (eaters) pla nin. Took Oscar and Robert along to help. Don't know whether the fish were more scared of being caught by us, or of the dogs charging into the ponds. Don't think we will take them next time. Too boisterous.

 

 

I notice that the chicken farm hasn't got as many as they had last year. There were always twenty or so big ones to be seen I wonder what has become of them!? Quite a few chicks though.

 

 

Deliveries!! Costing me a fortune. Items for the MinL. Nappies, food and fans. Must be someone in the family other than me! With a couple of baht that is.

 

 

This fan is interesting. Can run off the mains or on the small solar panel that comes with it. It also stores enough leccy for 6 hours running once the sun goes in.

 

 

Only four palms not cut down in the farm next to BeeApp's. The price is not bad at 6 baht a kilo. couldn't have been getting any nuts.

 

 

Important world news.

 

Sudan still has fighting. Although a cease-fire is planned.

==============

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un's powerful sister has warned that a recent US/South Korean 'deal' will lead to a "more serious danger".

==============

Johnathan, a Dutch man suspected of fathering more than 550 children worldwide, through sperm donations, has been ordered to stop. He could be fined more than €100,000 (£88,000) if he tries to donate again. Ladies beware.
==============

The US president enjoyed some banter at the annual White House Correspondents' Dinner. Getting the watchers in fits of laughter with his jokes.

==============

Fox news dump 'troublemaker' Tucker Carson.

==============

Historic storms brought record amounts of precipitation to California, but has also brought gold.  Meanwhile high food prices in the state are being blamed on the rain.

==============

Naked people are the biggest hazard to politicians and their helpers, as door to door canvassing gets going in earnest for the UK local elections in May.

==============

Mark Selby gets a max 147 at the World Snooker finals.

Thai news

 

Thai cops arrested a Chinese cult leader, who refers herself as the “Mother of the Universe”, and claims to be the leader of the ‘Universal Lion Federation.’

==============

On May 2, several lucky Thai lottery numbers have been circulating, generating excitement among those hoping to strike it rich. The numbers have been calculated by numerology enthusiasts. Also the birth and death dates of revered monk Luang Por Joy have also been considered. Songster, Prang Prangthip; has gained much attention not only for her melodious voice but also for her ability to predict lottery numbers.

==============

A Thai woman took her pet frog  'Jelly' to see a vet in Bangkok, after she noticed it was fatter than usual. An x-ray revealed that the frog ate 21 pebbles and was in some serious trouble.

==============

Soamnoi ToyFun, a Thai man, discovering a 3 metre long parasite in his bathroom. A local medical expert said it was a tape-worm, and he had probably been eating raw meat. Mr ToyFun put the worm's pics on facebook, much to the delight of his followers.

==============

According to AOT, four words/pharses are forbidden to be uttered in a Thai airport; or during a flight.

1/ There is a bomb (raberd)

2/ Terrorist attack (kankorkanrai)

3/ Hijack (jee khruangbin or plon khruangbin)

4/ Anyone fancy a bit of Durian.

==============

China offers new engines for dodgy Thai submarines. Meanwhile, the US 7th fleet are to visit all free and democratic countries in the SE Asia region. Thailand high up the list

 

Footy excitement

 

Looks like City for the title after their win at Fulham.

==============

Liverpool win thriller against Spurs 4-3.

==============

Brighton hit 6 in their match with Wolves.

==============

 Ipswich and Plymouth promoted.

==============

Promoted Blades up for sale.

==============

PSG whacked at home by Lorient.

 

Does not seem so hot this month. No rain forecast for the next 7 days. According to 'Accweather', Udon Thain was the hottest province during April.

Fires everywhere last week. Have a job to see any greenery now.

 

Called into see progress on the Sum Sao wat build yesterday.

 

 

It's a huge structure.

 

 

Could be finished in 2023. Won't hold my breath though.

 

 

Have lots of pics. Do an Owl Log special after I've sorted them all out.

 

New handbag for Mrs Owl.

 

Semi-loose tooth still in mouth.  Will pull it soon.

 

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

 

Edited May 1, 2023 by owl sees all
Took out pic

[Andrew Dwyer]

2 hours ago, owl sees all said:

 

 

 

 

Reminds me of that book “ Fly-tipping “ by J R Hartley ????

[Andrew Dwyer]

For those unfamiliar with U.K. tv ads of the early 80’s 

 

 

[DJ54]

Thanks for the fix Mr. Owl….. WAT is coming along nicely…. Have a Thai friend named Bom… guess if at the airport I’ll have to say .. hey you… got a couple good rains last week with strong winds one night.

 

the grass is green again which the nephews will like … pay them to cut the grass with gas mower…I don’t even have to ask anymore… helps build character.. Mowing yards in US in the 50,60s gave me

and brother play money… then we moved on to newspaper boys… 555

[thailandsgreat]

On 4/23/2023 at 9:52 AM, owl sees all said:

Owl Log - 23-04-2023 - Sunday afternoon

 

Weather in the North-East still very warm. Second pond just about ready to give up the ghost.

 

 

Fortunately some water in the other ponds. Enough to see it through til the rain arrives?

 

 

Went to Nong Han in the week. Someone lost a motor-cycle and it turned up in that area. Had to visit the police station, and then it was on to the insurance place in Ban Dung.

Took the camera.

 

 

Big house. Mrs Owl says it belongs to a Chinese guy.

 

 

Is that a Colorado Terrier?

 

 

Looks like a mini to me. 'OK Cafe Delivery Service'.

 

 

What a sorry and ignominious end? And to turn insult to injury; someone's had the gold away.

 

 

Another oil palm plantation gone to fire.

 

 

Not much water in the river just outside our village.

 

 

Not that much better t'other side.

 

 

About half way to Nong Han there is a strange structure.

 

 

No idea to what it's all about.

 

 

In Ban Dung; spotted a nice one.

 

 

Ans also a bus getting 'crash prepared'.

 

 

And a nice job in Big C. Looked like wood from distance.

 

 

Had a couple of deliveries in the week. This one the pick. 1.6kg of Edam.

 

 

Well packaged.

 

 

And there it is. Good job I'm the only one who loves the stuff.

 

 

42 small ice-packs for cool keeping.

 

 

They will come in handy when the water coolers arrive this week.

 

The new village house taking shape.

 

 

Me and Mildred having some sun fun.

 

 

 

Chai's charcoal system is getting another go. He was disappointed with the last yield.

 

 

More fires near us.

 

 

Not too big, and don't seem out of control.

 

 

 

 

But!!!!!! Just 30 minutes later.

 

 

Need to get a tractor out.

 

 

 

 

World news

 

In the North Sea, Russian military ships, disguised as ordinary Russian ships, are said to be preparing sabotage plans in case of war with Western powers (BBC World News).

================

In New Zealand, organisers of a plan to hunt down local cats at a school, have been abandoned.

================

69 year-old Robert F Kennedy Jr, - son of assassinated presidential candidate Robert Kennedy and nephew of John F Kennedy (also assassinated) - has filed to run for president in 2024; as a Democrat.

================

Fox News has landed themselves a last-minute settlement in a massive defamation case against 'Dominion machines' . Over 1 billion dollars was claimed by the prosecutor.

================

French protesters torch BlackRock HQ and storm the Paris stock exchange.

================

Strange spiral over Alaska.

 

 

Is it the Russians? Chinese even! Aliens?

================

In last week's G7 meeting in Karuizawa, Japan,, foreign ministers, warned of “severe consequences" for those aiding Russia in its war with Ukraine.

================

Melbourne born, John Barry Humphries, the man behind Dame Edna Everage and Sir Les Patterson died aged 89.

================

Argentina steps up anti-mosquito measures, including use of radiation, to reduce the disease carriers.

================

 

Thailand focus

The director of a public hospital in Loei Province, in northeast Thailand, was arrested yesterday by Anti-Trafficking in Persons Division (ATPD) officers for buying sex from underage girls.

================

Police raided a huge crypto mine in Samut Prakan Province, just south of Bangkok, yesterday. To dig for their digital currencies, the naughty miners used stolen electricity.

================

A Thai man implanted magnets into his own fingers for 40 years in order to cheat in the popular but illegal 'Hi-Lo' dice game.

================

Following a number of complaints, Phuket officials on Wednesday swooped on stray dogs in the island province’s main city district. A pack of dogs had been causing a nuisance. They were chasing after motorcycles and pooping all over the place.

================

A Thai man died from bee stings yesterday, after he and his friends hunted for honey in the Phu Phan National Park in the Isaan province of Kalasin. Rescuers had to get the deceased man down from the tree where the bees attacked.

================

A Thai taxi-driver in Samut Prakarn Province, near Bangkok, has warned fellow cabbies of a lady who poops in the cars and then flees without paying.

================

Thailand’s Koh Kradan island in Trang province is welcoming more than 2000 tourists per day since the island was voted ‘best beach on earth‘ by the UK website World Beach Guide.

 

================

A new wave of Covid-19 infections is expected to bring daily cases to 5,000-10,000.

================

A man from Nonthaburi in Central Thailand was bitten on the bum by a snake. He was having a relaxing number two, in his bathroom, when he felt a sudden sharp pain. He leapt up to see a python slithering back down the toilet bowl.

================

Famous female giant panda, Lin Hu, passed away at Chiang Mai Zoo in Northern Thailand this morning at the age of 21 years.

================

Tensions were high at a funeral in Surin province in northeast Thailand on Friday when a brawl broke out between two saffron-robed Buddhist monks

================

Hospital admissions during the Songkran Festival up by 81% due to road accidents  The ministry’s permanent secretary, Dr Opas Kankawinpong, expressed his concern, and hoped that next year would see a reduction.

 

================

 

Footy

All three contenders for automatic promotion in Div 3 won. But only 2 spots available. Ipswich in control. Owls now might have to settle for play-offs.

================

Leyton Orient are promoted after Bradford - the only club that could stop them - lose at Swindon.

================

All six games in the Championship on Wednesday evening last have at least one goal from each team.

================

Arsenal drop points at home to bottom club saints.

================

Championship leaders Burnley lose at home to QPR.

================
Leeds lose again. That's three on the trot.

================
Man City to play RM, and an all Italian clash in the two Ch Lg semis.

================

 

The farm across the road from number 2 farm has a beautiful new calf on display.

 

 

A storm hit the village a couple of days ago, and caused more damage to the roof; which was already in need of repair. Must pull my finger out this week.

 

 

Tooth still not pulled. I'll lasso it this week and give it a tug.

 

The Scottish National Party is still in the news over its dosh.

 

Just a couple more days and I'm in my monthly fast.

 

Leccy bill jumped up to 1,900 baht. Must be all the fans we have on day and night.

 

Everyone moaning about the heat.

 

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

 

 

Spiral over Alaska was a SpaceX rocket falling back to earth. They send them north now for surveillance of the people living there too ????

Edited May 1, 2023 by thailandsgreat

[owl sees all]

Sum Sao Wat

 

The trip to Udon gave me the opportunity to see progress on the build at my favourite Buddha.

 

It is really nice and peaceful. Quiet in a nice sort of way. No dogs growling, No robies looking at you suspiciously. No ladies generously offering there wares.

 

At the front is the smaller golden statues. Although it would be unkind to call them statues as some are genuine works of art.

 

 

Some historic story-telling going on there.

 

Then there is the 'monster' section.

 

 

Big bells and gongs.

 

 

Then through to the back to see progress.

 

Downstairs looks to be almost finished. Some ceiling work for later. Fully expect to see murals soon.

 

.

Bit of work to be done there.

 

 

Upstairs.

 

 

The structures are painted white; sometimes red. Then out comes the gold leaf and the finished job.

 

On me way out I found a donation place and dropped a few baht.

 

 

Wat bus.

 

 

A great way to spend a hour. Look forward to my next visit.

 

[owl sees all]

Owl Log - 07-05-2023 - Sunday afternoon

 

May has certainly started out on the warm side. No rain yet this month, although this is tradionally the first month of the 'wet season'.

 

Had a problem in the kitchen with a broken tap.

 

 

Snapped off at the wall.

 

 

Tools at the ready.

 

 

First job was to cut the outside pipe and knock the old pipe through.

 

 

Put a valve on the outside.

 

 

Soon had it sorted.

 

 

Now Mrs Owl tells me she don't like the new set-up. So more work in the week.

 

B1oody tooth didn't want to come out. Was a lot more seated than I thought. But after a few seconds it was no longer annoying me.

 

 

Been trying out  new drink.

 

 

I'm mixing 6 sachets with about one and a half litres of water and putting in the fridge.

 

Then - when it's ready to drink - I'm mixing it with a soda water (Chang). Not a million miles away from the Ginger Beer of yesteryear.

 

Air cooler for the MinL arrived last week. She is bed-bound and we gave it a go trying to make her comfortable.

 

 

Pook is in charge of the house and was informed about no

t letting it run out of water with the pump going. Everything OK so far.

 

 

Total cost with delivery charge 1920 baht. The first delivery saw the wrong item. It was a solar fan.

 

 

Sent it back - got a refund - and had the correct item (air cooler) delivered. Wish I'd kept it now.

 

Had a bit of wind last week. A couple of the eucas need attention.

 

 

I'll chop that one today with my mini-chainsaw. And keep an eye on the bendy ones.

 

 

Might have to chop them if they get any lower.

 

Mildred and the Mrs have been riding their bikes to the farm quite often during the last month.

 

 

 

Wow came with them on Friday.

 

It's just about 3 km to the farm-house from the village soi. And to think I'd sometimes run there and back in days past. Now I'm content to give encouragement. "Right then Milly, don't

 let the others leave you behind."

 

 

And they are on the way home.

 

 

Took a pic at the far corner of the euca farm. Next month will see them in the ground for 3 years.

 

 

I would say 10% are good; and some of those very good. 50% are about average, and the rest on the poor side.

 

 

Mildred has been feeding the cats from another house. They come as close as they dare with the dogs. But when food is on offer they find some courage.

 

 

I can't get near them. Mildred is the only only one they trust it seems.

 

 

Why do dogs like chewing up shoes. In my case it is always the left one, so I'm I've not even got an un-matched pair. Mildred said to get a chew-toy for them. So, in Big C yesterday I forked out.

 

 

Robert seemed to understand what was required.

 

 

I'll not be splashing out 50 baht on a new pair of shoes just yet. Wait and see if the new chews are liked.

 

Had a funny thing all last week. Chickens were going to the front of next door and peering into the window. I thought perhaps there was a chicken inside that couldn't get out.

 

 

Every time I went closer they would run off. Mildred said that they were looking at themselves in the reflective glass. I reckon she is right.

 

 

Must try to sneak up on them and get some decent pics of this amusing tale.

 

Mrs Owl said people were coming over and taking our fish. So a new sign appeared.

 

 

It reads; "10,000 baht fine for each fish caught in these ponds."

 

 

That should do the trick.

 

Jack just relaxes and watches the dog shenanigans. He is the calmest cat I've known in Thailand.

 

 

Nice sunset on the way home from the farm on Wednesday.

 

 

Is there a better place to be in the whole world; than Isaan?!

 

Important World affairs.

 

In a shocking incident, a couple was caught having sex outside of a popular convenience store entrance in Zhumadian, Henan Province, China.

----------------

Struggling Indian airline 'Go First' has declared bankruptcy. Attributing it to the “faulty” Pratt & Whitney engines that grounded about 50% of its fleet.

----------------

Scientists have announced a breakthrough in decoding human thoughts. Utilising a combination of brain scans and artificial intelligence, the the technology uncovers an individual’s thoughts. Husbands are eager to know more; the report says.

----------------

Previously acts such as up-skirting and secret filming of sexual acts were considered OK in Japan. Now laws are being brought in that would make taking sexually exploitative photos, or videos of others without specific consent, illegal. The bill against "photo voyeurism" would prohibit such acts.

----------------

Big losses tor Conservatives in Local elections in England.

----------------

An elderly Indonesian man revealed the secret of his hidden fortune beneath a mattress, that accumulated over several years, astonishing his relatives and neighbours. More than 20 relatives were eager to help count the stash.

----------------

A Spanish man named Toño Piñeiro discovered 50,000 euros hidden in the walls of a dilapidated house he had recently purchased. Much of it in old currency. The house, located Northwestern Spain, had been abandoned for over 40 years.

----------------

Alice Wong - half-Hong Kong, half-Malaysian Internet idol -  has gained significant popularity for announcing that she had released her first adult video

----------------

A Vietnamese man’s adultery was exposed after his pet parrot revealed his secret affair with the maid, to his wife. Unknown to him, or the wife, the maid had been teaching the parrot to talk.

----------------

Lao blogger shot dead in Vientiane coffee shop.Lao blogger shot dead in Vientiane coffee shop.

----------------

Kevin Darmody vanished while fishing with friends in North Queensland. Two crocs suspected to have eaten the fisherman were shot, and the authorities found human remains in one. on Saturday.

----------------

Drone lands on Russian Parliament building in Moscow.

----------------

China has a World Chess Champion. Ding Liren defeated Russian Ian Nepomniachtchi. Magnus Carlsen did not defend his crown

----------------

A "visible armed presence" is expected in Liverpool as it prepares to host Eurovision, say police.

----------------

Pope defrocks Rwandan priest accused of fathering child - Wenceslas Munyeshyaka, 64, automatically loses "clerical rights” and is “excluded” from serving “anywhere” as a priest.

----------------

Five members of the Proud Boys, including former leader Enrique Tarrio, face decades in prison after being found guilty for their role in the January 6 US Capitol riot.

----------------

Artist Nathan Wyburn from Cardiff,  has "raised a toast" to King Charles III by creating a portrait of his face using using 42 slices of bread and a large jar of Marmite.

 

 

Thailand musings

 

A Chumpton Buddhist monk found himself in hot water after allegedly having a secret year-long affair with a local woman. The family of the woman visited the temple to confront the abbot, leading to his

disrobing.

----------------

At least 600,000 Indian tourists are anticipated to visit Pattaya this year

------------

The Public Warehouse Organisation (PWO) is collaborating with the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) and Anti-Money Laundering Office (AMLO) to proceed with lawsuits against individuals involved in the corruption surrounding the procurement of 500 million boxes of rubber gloves worth 112 billion baht in 2020.

----------------

Baby born to budding Thai MP/PM Paetongtarn Shinawatra. She says ‘children are my secret power’ ahead of election.

----------------

A video that has garnered heavy criticism in the online world features a drunken woman - later revealed to be a transgender - caught urinating by the roadside near Lumpini Police Station.

----------------

Spirit houses – which look like miniature temples – are found in abundance all over the kingdom and are intended to appease ghosts by giving them a place to live so they don’t bother haunting people. A foreign lady Chiang Rai put her Barbie doll into one of the little houses. Gone 'viral' on the www with over 5 million' hits'.

 

Footy

 

Big Sam goes to rescue Leeds.

----------------

A new record. City’s Haaland set a new EPL record, scoring his 35th goal in a single Premier League season against West Ham.

----------------

Big celebrations in Naples after Napoli win the League.

----------------

Man City go 4 points clear of Arsenal. Liverpool up to 5th.

----------------

Cove relegated from Scottish championship after home loss.

 

Run out of cranberries. I was a bit slow off the mark in re-ordering. Look forward to scoffing them later this week.

 

Changed my diet again. Cheese in the morning with me cuppa. Three boiled eggs for early supper (about 6ish). In between just snacking on fruit and berries. Drinking lots of water and juices.

 

My trash-picker-upper has still not arrived. Rubbish accumulating in the soi.

 

Next month I'll seriously think about renewing my Pass Port. It runs out in December. Will use an agent for sure. Kevin - Isaan farang on YT - recommends one. Might go with that.

 

Had a serious talk with Mildred yesterday about her future. What did she want to do? And where did she see herself in 8/10 years. She is as much in the dark than I am. Could we set up a small business? Something with an art involvement. She says she don't want to be a teacher or a farmer.

 

That's it from a sweltering Isaan. Bye y'all.

 

Edited May 7, 2023 by owl sees all

[d4dang]

Essarn since 85...never a dull moment....never been hotter than this

[HighPriority]

Nice post Owl, I’d like to add a farewell to UbonJoe a mod who helped far more than he annoyed.

[owl sees all]

1 hour ago, HighPriority said:

Nice post Owl, I’d like to add a farewell to UbonJoe a mod who helped far more than he annoyed.

I'll raise a glass to that HP.

 

He was indeed a helpful poster/mod/guy.

[sotonowl]

3 hours ago, HighPriority said:

Nice post Owl, I’d like to add a farewell to UbonJoe a mod who helped far more than he annoyed.

 

2 hours ago, owl sees all said:

I'll raise a glass to that HP.

 

He was indeed a helpful poster/mod/guy.

Where's he gone? Always seemed a helpful bloke.

[chickenslegs]

11 minutes ago, sotonowl said:

 

Where's he gone? Always seemed a helpful bloke.

Sadly ...

 

[d4dang]

Nagas or Payanaks are not monsters and are considered as almost as intelligent as humans. In fact next to humans on the intelligence list. Of course the vast majority of westerners believe they do not exist. But what do I know about where we live? Almost nothing!

 

[DJ54]

Thanks Big Owl… for the weekly fix.. Cheers 

[owl sees all]

12 hours ago, d4dang said:

Nagas or Payanaks are not monsters and are considered as almost as intelligent as humans. In fact next to humans on the intelligence list. Of course the vast majority of westerners believe they do not exist. But what do I know about where we live? Almost nothing!

 

Indeed.

 

The Sum Sao temple certainly has a better understanding than me.

[sotonowl]

On 5/7/2023 at 6:04 PM, chickenslegs said:

Sadly ...

 

Thanks for the reply. RIP Ubon Joe.

Edited May 8, 2023 by sotonowl

[bannork]

On 5/7/2023 at 11:50 PM, sotonowl said:

 

Where's he gone? Always seemed a helpful bloke.

Even Ubon Joe couldn't answer that question. But if there is anything beautiful beyond, he would surely have got permanent residency with his extraordinary number of helpful posts.

Great rain, eh, Owl 

[owl sees all]

3 hours ago, bannork said:

Even Ubon Joe couldn't answer that question. But if there is anything beautiful beyond, he would surely have got permanent residency with his extraordinary number of helpful posts.

Great rain, eh, Owl 

Not wrong there Bannork. He certainly knew his stuff.

 

Fortunately there is another kid on the block named Red Phoenix. Seems very knowledgeable.

 

Still raining at 22-00. Let's hope it rains all night. Fish and trees need it bad.

 

 

Edited May 12, 2023 by owl sees all
Spelt phoenix wrong

[owl sees all]

Owl Log - 14-05-2023 - Sunday afternoon

 

Nice to see a bit of rain. The emphasis on a 'bit'. Some areas had a downpour, but not us unfortunately. Perhaps next time!

 

The authorities have still not fixed the hole in the 2022 road. The stone has arrived, but not yet the workers.

 

 

 

I'm not having a lot of luck with the trash-grabbers. The last one fell apart and the present one is next to useless. Patched it up with some bamboo and cable-ties.

 

 

 

However, the soi is just super-duper clen. No rubbish in our section; which is 117.75 metres long. And i do just around the corner at the MinL's house.

 

Looking south.

 

 

Looking north.

 

 

Those beautiful orange flowers are blooming.

 

 

We fixed up the roof. Guy came to lend a hand. Couldn't have done it without him, as the main roof sections had slipped off the cross-bearer./member. So it was a case of levering them up and knocking them back in place.

 

 

All good now. Just in time for the drizzle.

 

 

Did get a yak-yak from the Mrs.

 

 

"Why you use different roof colour."

 

 

"But teerak, I could only get 6 brown, so I bought some blue, to make sure we had enough."

 

 

"People will think you ting-tong. Farang stupid."

 

And while we were up the ladder, Mildred was relaxing in the tree.

 

 

Not too much water left in number 6 pond. Mildred thought she saw a snake-head and went down with her net.

 

 

The Mrs bought a case of Lychees in syrup in Big C. Half price! A bargain she said.

 

 

I found out why they were cheap. They had put the top at the bottom.

 

 

Someone broke the chicken at the gate.

 

 

Fair play to Mildred. She owned up. Knocked it over with the bike. No pocket money for her this week.

 

The house on the edge of the village is nearing completion. A bit of landscaping and it will all look grand.

 

 

Just along from us at junction 11a, there is another build going on.

 

 

I'll pop along today and see progress.

 

 

Me and Mildred sorted out the tree that was broken and lay half across the road.

 

 

Tried the chain-saw. That didn't have enough power.

 

 

So out come the new saw that I treated myself to in the week.

I'll have to cut it high up Milly.

 

 

 

Got the pick-up in place.

 

 

Soon down and sorted.

 

 

The Lilly in Mildred's little pond has blossomed. She has a few little fish in there. Been trying to get some of those pink cat-fish.

 

 

Took down the experimental water-lifter contraption. Will look at the project another time.

 

The weather has changed with those clouds coming over from Vietnam. 10 degrees C less today than earlier last week.

 

The euca plantation just along from us has been chopped. I should have been more aware, but I went along to see when I heard, and saw it was gone. Cut 18 months ago.

 

New growths in abundance.

 

 

Opps!

 

 

Some rain last week. I went out doing my rubbish thing and it rained. Not enough to stop a game of cricket or make a carp fisherman put his brolly up.

 

Mildred is back at school from tomorrow. Bought her two new white shirts and two blue skirts in Bandung. Mrs Owl took us to the 'special' shop. 1440 baht!!! I couldn't Adam and Eve it when I got the bill. There was a mistake surely!? No mistake though. Had to cough up. Same shirts in Big C for 149 baht. "Different cotton." The Mrs explained.

I was moaning about it on the way home. "You bought saw; for yourself." Said Mrs Owl. She was right. Shouldn't be a selfish farang.

 

Got a new fan for the kitchen. Wanted a classy one that could stand on the cupboard. 600 baht (delivery and driver's tip included).

 

 

Not for you Poo; for the kitchen.

 

 

Had a delivery in the week. At 20-20 I got a call from the delivery man. He was saying something - that I couldn't comprehend - and hung up. Dogs didn't bark, and Mildred - who was sitting outside - didn't see anyone. Next day I looked at my account on Lazada, to find out about my cranberries, and saw the order was marked as 'failed delivery'. This was 'Flash'. I reordered 2 kiloes straight away.

 

The Mrs has just gone and voted. Like to think it will make a difference to the result. We will see.

 

==========

 

Footy news.

==========

Three games saw 21 goals on Monday 8th last. 5-3, 1-5 and 4-3.

==========

Posh hit 4 against the Owls in the first-leg play off.

==========

Sunderland take a 2-1 advantage to Luton in second leg

==========

Notts County follow Wrexham into the football league after beating Chesterfield.

 

==========

 

Thai musings.

==========

186 foreigners in Phuket were found to have overstayed their visas. Just one week's haul from April 28 – May 4. Over 100 police IO's swarmed the island and inspected the documents of foreign targets.

==========

Thailand‘s Revenue Department proposed a 1000 baht 'departure tax' be applied to all outbound airline passengers – both Thais and foreigners – in a bid to prevent excessive overseas spending.

==========

A former monk, and two other individuals, have been arrested on suspicion of embezzling 180 million baht from Wat Pha Dhammakiri in Nakhon Ratchasima. The accused, Khom Khongkeaw, previously known as Phra Ajarn Khom Abhivaro, and his sister, deny the allegations. They claim that the money was used for 'other purposes.' The sister is accused of depositing some of the money in Khom’s account while retaining the rest for herself.

==========

Pattaya is looking to allocate 30 million baht for the repair and upgrade of Bali Hai Pier. Mayor Poramet Ngampichet said that the Bali Hai bridge, which connects the pier to the mainland, was deteriorating fast, and repair work was needed to the foundations. The last significant maintenance performed on the bridge was way back in 2015.

==========

A couple of horny factory workers were caught having sex at work in Rayong. A female colleague, recorded the entire encounter on her telephone.

==========

 Thailand’s Criminal Court sentenced two Thai scammers to 12,640 years each in prison. They were operating a Ponzi scheme. involving billions of baht.

==========

Members of ground staff at Khon Kaen Airport, were stung recently by giant honey bees. All required hospitalisation. Thailand's giant honey bees can be up to 2 centimetres long, and even one sting can be dangerous – or even fatal if the victim is allergic to the bee’s venom. Cornell University apiculturist (bee-keeper) Roger Morse called Thailand’s giant honey bees; “the most dangerous stinging insects on earth.”

==========

Pita Limjaroenrat, the leader of the Move Forward Party (MFP), is facing increased scrutiny over claims that he owns shares in a now-defunct media company. The MFP - which emerged after the dissolution of Thailand’s Future Forward Party - is set to make a significant impact in today's polls.

==========

A Thai transwoman filed a complaint at Patong Police Station on Tuesday, May 9, after five security guards, at a bar in Patong, forcibly removed her from the venue without a reason.

==========

 A New Zealand tourist, pleaded guilty to drug possession at a court in Phuket. Police had arrested 45 year old Ari Michael Salinger after finding two ecstasy tablets on his person. he was sent to jail at the Patong Provincial Police Station, where  - according to his father - his clothes were removed and he was left to sleep naked on a concrete floor, without access to water, for three days. He was released on bail and his passport was confiscated while he awaited trial. On Monday, he was given a 'small fine.'

==========

A Nigerian man, previously arrested for drug-related offences, and deported from Thailand in 2018, was arrested again by officers from Phuket Provincial Immigration Office. He was charged, with both drug dealing and being involved in 'romance scams.'

==========

Police arrested a former pilot for tricking young women into his bedroom, and secretly recording them in compromising situations. Thirty victims have been discovered by the police through watching videos on the man's computer. Further investigation into the case is required, said a spokesman.

 

==========

 

World affairs.

==========

An American man had an unusual experience while staying at a Nashville hotel in Tennessee. He woke up to find the hotel manager sucking his toes.

==========

An American man was stunned when he discovered that the twins he had raised for 17 years, were not his; after they took a random DNA test. After confronting his wife, she said that she couldn't recall cheating on him.

==========

Sweden are Euro singing champs. UK came in last but one. Germany rock bottom.

==========

Pakistan's Imran Khan - former cricketer turned politician - was arrested; then released.

==========

Ex-POTUS Donald Trump, was ordered to pay a lady - who he claimed he had never met - 5 million dollars for an incident in the 1990s.

==========

Ukraine's Zelensky meets up with the Pope. 'Peace in Ukraine' is allegedly the main talking point.

==========

Four Chinese men - unknown to each other - all claimed to be the father of a new-born.. They were all colleagues of the mother's late husband; a firefighter who lost his life in the line of duty.

==========

In front of a large crowd in Xiang, China, a soon-to-be-bride - dressed in her wedding garb - had put a chain around the wrists of the lucky would-be hubby, and was tugging fiercely. He was laying on the floor and was refusing to be dragged away.

==========

Two Chinese students, taking advantage of what they believed to be a hidden corner in a car park, had sex. The incident, was however, filmed by a voyeur in Wenzhou, South East Province of Zhejiang, China.

==========

China’s rice yields have reduced by 8%, because of extreme rainfall, during the past twenty years, according to a study led by researchers from the country.

==========

The largest ever recorded cosmic explosion, has left astronomers eager to conduct further research. The fireball, known as AT2021lwx, is a hundred times the size of our Solar System and initially started blazing in the distant universe over three years ago. The Russians are suspected to have started the fire.

==========

79 year old Robert De Niro, has become a father for the seventh time.

 

==========

 

We did get the washing machine back from the repair guy in Bandung. It is working perfectly. Fingers crossed.

 

Mildred back to school tomorrow. I'm gonna miss her so much.

 

Rain has just started up again. The drops seem a bit bigger this time.

 

Voting at the village square. Mrs Owl went and was back in two minutes. Good to see the villagers don't have to go too far.

 

Rain has stopped.

 

Mildred's art production has slowed considerably. Hope she is not losing interest. Be a talent wasted for sure.

 

Sun is out.

 

 

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

 

 

Edited May 14, 2023 by owl sees all
Had the Seagulls vs Toffeemen down as a 2-5 win to the Toffees. I was wrong as I had given the South coast team a goal too much. So the corrected score is now 1-5. thank you. Sorry for any stress or inconvenience.