Diary of a farang in Isaan

[HighPriority]

Australian Sceptics Society tried to organise a “competition” years ago offering a cash prize for the diviners who could detect water in buried pipes…

It was a manifold of parallel pvc pipes controlled by solenoids with obviously double blind testing, no takers… 

My bore whisperer was telling me that you can even use your “old fella”… he is an old bloke, it might be the only exercise it gets… ????

[rickudon]

Heavy overnight rain in Udon. All ponds overflowing and wife's shop flooded, which is a first. Fortunately water levels in the village have fallen today as rice fields were not full before the rain.

[GarryP]

3 minutes ago, rickudon said:

Heavy overnight rain in Udon. All ponds overflowing and wife's shop flooded, which is a first. Fortunately water levels in the village have fallen today as rice fields were not full before the rain.

The rain definitely arrived late according to the in-laws (my first rainy season here), but it seems to have caught up, which is great as I hate watering the garden and I would have needed to do that often as we've had the Taipei grass planted and it will take about 3 to 4 months to fully cover the lawn area. Actually, I'm lying. My wife would have done the watering. 

 

 

[owl sees all]

1 hour ago, rickudon said:

Heavy overnight rain in Udon. All ponds overflowing and wife's shop flooded, which is a first. Fortunately water levels in the village have fallen today as rice fields were not full before the rain.

At 15-40, driving to Ban Dung today, we were met with n almighty downpour. As heavy as I've experienced it here. Slowed the pick-up to no more than 20kph for a kilometre or so. Visibility down to less than 50metres. Then as quickly as it started; it ended. North Ban Dung was dry. The South of the town had some.

 

Picked Mildred up from school, and did the shopping. Got back to the village at 6-30. Water everywhere. Hope the farm go it.

 

[owl sees all]

On 9/4/2023 at 7:02 PM, HighPriority said:

Australian Sceptics Society tried to organise a “competition” years ago offering a cash prize for the diviners who could detect water in buried pipes…

It was a manifold of parallel pvc pipes controlled by solenoids with obviously double blind testing, no takers… 

My bore whisperer was telling me that you can even use your “old fella”… he is an old bloke, it might be the only exercise it gets… ????

I don't think these tests show anything much.

 

If you walk barefoot on the ground, preferably not concrete or unnatural terrain, there is an energy that can be felt by some attuned people. The subtle change in that energy, when water is not too far away, can be felt by some people.

 

Virtually everything natural has a energy. I think out ancestors were more aware of it. Waves of energy are all around us, at all times. Consider the moon, and the effect it has on our oceans. Our blood is 90% water. Does it influence us; especially adult women?

[HighPriority]

13 hours ago, owl sees all said:

I don't think these tests show anything much.

 

If you walk barefoot on the ground, preferably not concrete or unnatural terrain, there is an energy that can be felt by some attuned people. The subtle change in that energy, when water is not too far away, can be felt by some people.

 

Virtually everything natural has an energy. I think out ancestors were more aware of it. Waves of energy are all around us, at all times. Consider the moon, and the effect it has on our oceans. Our blood is 90% water. Does it influence us; especially adult women?

If it can’t be predicted, measured and replicated it’s Hokus pokus in my book Owl and adult women prove my point…

[owl sees all]

5 minutes ago, HighPriority said:

If it can’t be predicted, measured and replicated it’s Hokus pokus in my book Owl and adult women prove my point…

Bang on the dosh there HP.

 

As far as the women go,,,,. Bring back the huts I say.

[GarryP]

Just checked the Thaiwater.net website and seen that Kalasin seems to be one of the provinces doing well for rain. Many of the medium sized dams/water supply lakes/or whatever the eff they are called are above 100% and the large Lam Pao Dam is at 77% capacity. Mukdahan, Sakon Nakhon and Ubol also seem to be doing quite well.

 

Syled it down this morning, resulting in a canal in front of the abode. Couldn't see the mountains in the background when I took the photo, so it must have still been raining quite a bit on the border with Sakon Nakhon.

 

   

[owl sees all]

6 hours ago, GarryP said:

Just checked the Thaiwater.net website and seen that Kalasin seems to be one of the provinces doing well for rain. Many of the medium sized dams/water supply lakes/or whatever the eff they are called are above 100% and the large Lam Pao Dam is at 77% capacity. Mukdahan, Sakon Nakhon and Ubol also seem to be doing quite well.

 

Syled it down this morning, resulting in a canal in front of the abode. Couldn't see the mountains in the background when I took the photo, so it must have still been raining quite a bit on the border with Sakon Nakhon.

 

 

   

It's well known by the locals, that the area south of the Sakom Nakhon road get considerably more rain that the areas to the north.

 

I was told that it was because of the peelaws, and the massacre of Lao women and children, at Kham Chanod, But I reckon it has more to do with the land being so flat. There is a hill to the north-west of Ban Dung, but it's only about 20 metres above ground level. That's it for hundreds of Kms.

[owl sees all]

I have a new phone. Been taking pictures, vids and generally trying to understand how it works.

 

Not the cheapest smart-phone out there. With a tip to the driver; 1,500 baht. Couldn't get the colour I wanted. I liked the green, but only metalic blue available. Also didn't get the smaller size. It's a bit big and bulky for my taste. But I'll stick with it for now. Came with ear-phones, protective case and two - yes two - chargers.

 

Mildred is gonna set up LINE and WhatsApp for me.

 

More tomorrow on the Owl Log.

 

[owl sees all]

Owl Log - 10-09-2023 - Sunday evening

 

I know I was dead against getting a smart-phone, but due to unforeseen circumstances, I bought one. Not sure what it's called. Android A9 I think. Anyway, it set me back 1.500 baht.

 

Got it Thursday, and spent the rest of the day, trying to change the language to English. And try to suss out how to transfer pics to me laptop. Milly came home from school and sorted it out in a couple of minutes.

 

 

I took a pic from my spot in the corner of the lounge, and tried to upload it.

 

 

As soon as she sorted it out, she went on a snapping spree.

 

 

Pics turned out quite good.

 

Mildred's school had a couple of days of fun last week. Educational fun. On Thursday some of the students dressed as foreigners. It seemed like her class were to be Japanese. She knew this a week before and ordered some clobber off Lazada. Delivery arrived and she tried on the skirt, blouse, socks and neck-tie. In her bedroom.

 

 

The day arrived.

 

 

Not sure that some of the others looked remotely Japanese.

 

 

The following day (Friday) was completely different. It was a dressing up day (as far as I can tell). Mildred had ordered a Teletubbie suit. The red one; La La. Tried it on at home, Perfect fit.

 

 

So it was a Teletubbie get together.

 

 

 

Seemed like a load of fun. Good for them.

 

And a strange vid, that I reckon was destined for Tik Tok.

 

 

 

The was more at the school though. Quite a big art display. I would have liked to have been there for a good look.

 

 

Mildred did a bit of art-work at school in the last couple of weeks. Don't know if it was displayed.

 

 

Mrs Owl, and me, went to the farm Friday afternoon.

 

She was casting vitamins into the rice paddy. I was taking as many pics as I could with me new toy.

 

 

 

 

.

Overall I quite like the quality of the pics. It has built-in manual pic enhancements, I fiddle about, but that will take me years to get to grips with.

 

 

And a front lens. But only half as good.

 

 

Took some pics of the village while I waited for Milly on Friday evening at 17-00.

 

looking North.

 

 

South.

 

 

East towards the Buddha.

 

 

West to the main road.

 

 

Couldn't resist snapping the delightful twins as I passed,

t

 

I've been fiddling with the enhancements on the camera. Looking at this pic, I think I've got the contrast level set too high. I'm learning about all this sophisticated technology as I go.

 

And there was Mildred coming off the bus, dressed in her La La garb. Robert waiting to greet her.

 

 

And that just about sums up the week.

 

Did two short vids to try out the mobile. But although I've uploaded them, I can't get them to play. Have to sort that out for next week.

 

And the chicken one. Something not quite right with this one.

 

 

  

Milly has put on LINE and WhatsApp on the mobile.

 

Next thing is to find out how to make calls. It's a complicated life!

 

Been raining most of the day. Not hard, just drizzle really. Mrs Owl was moaning that her vitamin she cast into the paddy on Friday, would wash away. Can't say it bothered me. Want all the rain that a'going.

 

Let the dogs out for a run on Friday morning at about 6ish. Both had their usual charge about. Only Robert came to the bus stop with me and Mildred. Then he walks back with me, and comes inside. Oscar went off to Pook's farm - about one km away - and didn't return until after sunset.

 

England and Ukraine drew 1-1 in Poland last evening. Leyton Orient had a good away win at league leaders Exeter.

Aveley won at Slough in their National League South match, and top the league.

 

Big game today in the US Open tennis; Djokovic v Medvedev.

 

Man on the run in London. Think they caught him fishing in the Grand Union canal. If that is him? They have already arrested one wrong guy.

 

Took 329 pics and 7 vids with the new camera since Thursday afternoon. Took me hours to sort through them today. Hope the quality meets with not too much disapproval.

 

Remote for the TV has gone wrong. Mrs Owl not too happy about that.

 

Had to put a new tap on the hot water outlet. Only 45 baht. Took just 5 minutes to do.

 

Gas run out today. When I first came to the village it was 220 baht an exchange. Cost me 500 baht yesterday. Gave the guy a 1000 baht note, and he said he would give back the change later. I asked the Mrs about it today. She said they sent the 500 baht to her bank account last night. Can't trust those gas people.

 

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

 

Oh yes1!! Nearly forgot. The footy question. It was Crewe Alexandra that got hammered by Spurs, 13-2, in a recent FA Cup game.

 

The clue gave it away. ''She wanted to go to Birmingham.''

Made it too easy.

 

 

 

 

Edited September 10, 2023 by owl sees all

[chickenslegs]

Great snaps Owl. It's amazing what good quality photos can be taken, even on cheaper phones. And you don't even need the visit the chemist's to get them developed.

[DJ54]

pictures look good… the dark brown dog is good looking … 

[owl sees all]

49 minutes ago, chickenslegs said:

Great snaps Owl. It's amazing what good quality photos can be taken, even on cheaper phones. And you don't even need the visit the chemist's to get them developed.

Once I decided to get one, I looked on Lazada. They ranged from 1,300 baht to 45,000 baht. Didn't want to get a real cheap one, so mine cost 1,440 baht. Plus delivery. Plus tip. So just under 1,500.

 

I have definitely got the contrast setting too high. Some more practice will sort it out.

[owl sees all]

That's Robert. Soon be a year old. Goes everywhere with me now outside. Don't hurt cats. Don't hurt chicken; which is always a worry here. If I;m on my own he rides in the pick-up with me.

 

 

Oscar is Robert's half brother. A different character altogether.

 

[roo860]

20 minutes ago, owl sees all said:

That's Robert. Soon be a year old. Goes everywhere with me now outside. Don't hurt cats. Don't hurt chicken; which is always a worry here. If I;m on my own he rides in the pick-up with me.

 

 

Oscar is Robert's half brother. A different character altogether.

 

Both Robert and Oscar are fine looking dogs, mind you they came from excellent stock, Michael and Mem are very proud of their Ridgebacks!

[sotonowl]

1 hour ago, owl sees all said:

On Thursday some of the students dressed as foreigners. It seemed like her class were to be Japanese.

They'd be accused of cultural appropriation if they tried that in the UK these days. The cookery programme called Bake off has had accusations thrown at them due to a Mexican themed episode where they were wearing sombreros and rattling their maracas.???????????? 

Some parts of the world are going mad so pleased it hasn't reached Thailand yet.

[owl sees all]

7 hours ago, sotonowl said:

They'd be accused of cultural appropriation if they tried that in the UK these days. The cookery programme called Bake off has had accusations thrown at them due to a Mexican themed episode where they were wearing sombreros and rattling their maracas.???????????? 

Some parts of the world are going mad so pleased it hasn't reached Thailand yet.

You are not wrong there Owl. So much for progress. So much for civilisation.

 

From what I've heard the education for youngsters in the UK is going wonky.

[owl sees all]

8 hours ago, roo860 said:

Both Robert and Oscar are fine looking dogs, mind you they came from excellent stock, Michael and Mem are very proud of their Ridgebacks!

Indeed they are.

 

Bumped into them both in Big C the other day. And had a good chin wag.

 

Always watch Michael's vids on YT. Fun!

Edited September 11, 2023 by owl sees all

[marty147]

On 8/28/2023 at 2:31 PM, GarryP said:

Passed through the tiny peninsula of Udon Thani yesterday on my bicycle ride. Three provinces in one day, Kalasin, Udon and Sakhon Nakhon. Sore as hell now but enjoyed myself. Noticed a big weather difference between the Kham Muang (North Kalasin) and Sakon Nakhon side of the Phu Phan range. Beautiful area and even though those hills were killers on the way up, they were fantastic on the way down. 

 

  

 

 

 

I'm not saying that I'm too competitive - however...

 

I couldn't let GarryP's post go unanswered. ☺️ ????

 

One of the great things about Issan is the general lack of hills - just over 1m of climbing for every horizontal kilometre.

 

 

Edited September 11, 2023 by marty147

[chickenslegs]

8 minutes ago, marty147 said:

 

I'm not saying that I'm too competitive - however...

 

I couldn't let GarryP's post go unanswered. ☺️ ????

 

One of the great things about Issan is the general lack of hills - just over 1m of climbing for every horizontal kilometre.

 

 

If you started and finished at the same point you must have had 241m of descent too. Freewheeling with your feet off the pedals.????

[GarryP]

1 hour ago, marty147 said:

 

I'm not saying that I'm too competitive - however...

 

I couldn't let GarryP's post go unanswered. ☺️ ????

 

One of the great things about Issan is the general lack of hills - just over 1m of climbing for every horizontal kilometre.

 

 

Come up here to Northern Kalasin. It is the hills that make it so much fun, but tiring too. Fantastic views, exhausting hill climbing and fantatstic freewheeling. Not taking anything away for your 200kms though. That is amazing. I've never been anywhere near that distance in a single ride.  ????????????

[pickettywitch]

On 9/11/2023 at 7:27 AM, owl sees all said:

Indeed they are.

 

Bumped into them both in Big C the other day. And had a good chin wag.

 

Always watch Michael's vids on YT. Fun!

  A drop me a email with them LINE details mines Michael George Parker 0622757022 popping over in a day or two want to the 2 boys how their doing !

[owl sees all]

13 hours ago, pickettywitch said:

  A drop me a email with them LINE details mines Michael George Parker 0622757022 popping over in a day or two want to the 2 boys how their doing !

Will get to that PW. I'll get the daughter to show me how to do it.

 

Boys are doing OK. If I go anywhere outside, Robert wants to come. On Thursday at 16-40 Robert was nowhere to be seen. Five minutes later, I made my way round to the bus stop to greet Mildred. He was there already waiting for her. A loving and caring dog.

 

 

When we going out Owl?

 

 

Mildred uses my new phone mostly, She is playing games, or doing some internet art, on her own and chatting away at the same time on mine.

 

Edited September 16, 2023 by owl sees all

[owl sees all]

Very first vid with the new camera. Converted to Mp4 from 3gp.

 

 

 

 Chicken vid.

 

Must remember that the camera is not in the corner like in the old mobile.

 

Edited September 16, 2023 by owl sees all

[owl sees all]

 

Owl Log - 17-09-2023 - Sunday mid-day

 

Another wet week. Lubley Jubley. This week is the end of the official 'monsoon' season. From now, to the end of October, we are in the 'wet' season. Then it's 5 months without any rain. Fortunately our ponds are just about full. Certainly 1. 2. 3. and four. The others can take a bit more.

 

Number 6 pond. This was dry as a bone last April. Can still take half metre or so.

 

 

Ponds one to four are fine.

 

 

Pond four.

 

 

Mildred feeding the fish in number three.

 

 

Leaning tree; still leaning.

 

 

The only village house, that I'm aware of, that has a pigeon community.

 

 

This house doubles as a soapy massage. Not tried the service myself, but BeeApp (BinL) has. Word on the street is that it's a nice experience.

Don't know if that is why the pigeons like it.

 

 

A couple of new pups showed themselves in farm two in the week.

 

 

 

 

 

And Milo has had her pups. Went to see them yesterday. Put the puppy-house up on the mound in number four farm.

 

 

Mum was really proud to show them off.

 

 

Six black and white, and one brown. Only three days old.

 

 

Measured a few trees yesterday. Mrs Owl was not with us, so we had plenty of time.

 

 

Mildred standing by the biggest tree in the area. At one metre above ground it measured 54cm around. But not the biggest in the farm; as we found out later.

 

 

Getting good with the mobile camera. Snapped this lovely chicken using the 'face' option.

 

 

This corner of number four farm is always waterlogged when there's lots of rain.

 

 

And while Mildred was walking round number six pond. ''Dad!! Come quick. There is a little bird drowning.''

 

 

And she was right. Only one thing for it.

 

 

Had a job finding it. Mildred was directing me. And there it was. Soon scooped it up.

 

 

 

Saved. Took him home, dried him off, gave food, and Mildred mothered him.

 

 

Plan to let him go this afternoon.

 

 

On the way out of the farm yesterday. I measured the biggest tree at the north end of number four.

 

 

Wow!!! Measured in at 56cm.

 

 

The village had a visitor in the week.

 

 

The last elephant in the village was more that 10 years ago.

 

 

And it was gone. Twins gave him a wave.

 

 

Good to see the footy back after the international break. Wolves, Blades and Irons led early, but all caved in..

Owls lost at home. Getting serious for them.

Top four in the third tier; Exeter, Port Vale, Oxford and Stevenage. Big boys, Bolton, Blackpool and Derby nowhere to be seen!

Wrexham up to 4th in their division (4th).

That 'goal' scored by Man City against Fulham last week was an absolute joke. The forward was two metres offside, and standing in front of the goalie. Should replay that match.

 

Russell Brand in the news for the wrong, but not surprising' reasons.

 

Laos and Thailand in talks to build a new bridge linking the two countries. Tawee Sermpakdeekul, the governor of Loei, and Khamphan Sithidampha, the governor of Laos’ Vientiane province got their heads together last month.

 

Big floods in Greece.

 

Dam burst in Libya.

 

BBC say that ice in Antarctic;a is at a mind-blowing' low.

 

Russia and Ukraine conflict goes on.

 

Put my foot down on debt-management in the house. Things will come to a head this week I reckon. Didn't go to Udon as planned. Paying Mrs Owl's debts (mine really) has had a serious effect on cash flow.

 

Cats not allowed in the house today. Not until little bird has been released later.

 

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

[owl sees all]

Just had to post this.

 

Is this the most one-sided game of all time? Were they shooting from the half-way line?

 

 

Rangers won; just edging it.

Edited September 18, 2023 by owl sees all

[owl sees all]

A couple of easy peasy questions for the footy guys out there that post.

 

Since WW11, what top flight team in the first league then 1946/47  til now, is at the lowest position down the leagues?

 

Second one. What top flight champion is lowest as of now 19 Sept' 2023?

 

 

[champers]

17 hours ago, owl sees all said:

A couple of easy peasy questions for the footy guys out there that post.

 

Since WW11, what top flight team in the first league then 1946/47  til now, is at the lowest position down the leagues?

 

Second one. What top flight champion is lowest as of now 19 Sept' 2023?

 

 

Oldham.

Derby.

[owl sees all]

59 minutes ago, champers said:

Oldham.

Derby.

Bang on the money there Champs.

 

Another teaser.

 

The first Top Flight league after WW2 (1946/47) saw 22 teams contest for the title. Nine of those teams are currently in the EPL. Arsenal, Chelsea, Everton, Sheffield United, Liverpool, Man Utd, Villa, Wolves. and one other. Who?

 

a/ Man City
b/ Luton
c/ Newcastle
d/ Brentford

e/ West Ham United

 

Answers on a postcard to,,,,,,.