Diary of a farang in Isaan

[sotonowl]

1 hour ago, Andrew Dwyer said:

Yup, i’ve seen a little bit.

Sorrynation Street is the more up to date version , equally as vulgar !!

 

Check out the latest episode for a taster.

 

https://youtu.be/dLrUZ0PykcM

 

Always been a big fan of Rainbow myself.

 

 

[Neeranam]

4 hours ago, FarFlungFalang said:

My plan when if reach pension age, as long as they don't can it or bump the age another 5 years, is to spend six months by the ocean and 6 months in the long grass as I grew up half in the country and half near the beach so I can crave both, Ok I can crave the beach!

My plan too when I retire but 6 months on a Thai beach and 6 months near a loch in Scotland.

[FarFlungFalang]

4 hours ago, Neeranam said:

My plan too when I retire but 6 months on a Thai beach and 6 months near a loch in Scotland.

That'll work.Will that be an independent Scotland?

[Neeranam]

8 hours ago, FarFlungFalang said:

That'll work.Will that be an independent Scotland?

I hope so. 

[owl sees all]

Owl Log - 10-05-2021 - Monday afternoon

 

Finished listening to George Galloway a couple of hours ago. His show,  MOATS, is broadcasts on RT every Sunday evening. So a little bit late starting Mildred's home teach. Went outside and found that student had turned teacher.

 

 

Is Wow a natural? A future Thailand Grand master?

 

After a bit if maths revision we had our daily game. 8-2 to Mildred this month so far. I simply must buck up!

 

Have to fix the broken tiles in the sink in the sink sooner rather than later. Maybe tomorrow. But they are not very loose. I'll keep en eye on their deterioration. There are voids under the sink tiles, and when Mrs Owl whacks the fish, with her machete, it causes them to break. I have had to do repair work in the past.

 

 

 

In the last Owl Log I referred to the leccy boxes. Bluesofa wanted to see more. Particularly the ones outside Nangs (corner shop) that were hanging down.

 

Went and had a look. The top one had fell off and knocked off the lecky, so got fixed last year. But the others are hanging by the wires.

 

 

 

The wood gets rotten and the screws fall out. Then the boxes dangle down. If a cat jumps up to sit on one, it can cause problems. As was the case with ours; according to the PEA emergency team. They think it important to educate the cats not to jump on the leccy boxes. Of course a chicken or turkey could jump onto the boxes just as easily. Better to find a new fixing method I reckon.

 

 

A lot of wires for such a small village.

 

Looked further afield, and found that outside Gum's gaff, creepers had taken control.

 

 

Met up with the down-town bike gang.

 

 

Talking about creepers! At the farm Mildred and I had to cut the creepers off probably 60 trees. They wind themselves around and take a firm hold.

 

 

It's the first couple of rows nearest the ponds.

 

 

They are right little sods. Gonna have to check every week or so.

 

 

This wagon has been in the same spot for a month now. And it don't look at though it will be sorted any time soon.

 

 

It's a bore-hole driller. Right before a bend.

 

 

Out of focus!

 

Mildred wiped my pics off the telephone. I hadn't uploaded them onto the computer; so not so many this post.

 

Not seen any electric bikes in the village as yet. Kid's cars and one little lad on a scooter. Sharong's mother also has a three wheeler. Plenty of bikes in Ban Dung though. Silently scaring people who are used to listening as well as not looking for them.

 

The Irons could not manage it. A win for the Toffeemen makes their Champions League task difficult. Will fifth place be enough? Not sure how it all works. I've not given up on the Irons lifting the CL trophy next season. But first; qualify.

 

Going to pump some water into pond six today. Give the pump a three hours run. Can't even consider that it might rain. Pond is low and it has a dozen big carp in there.

 

I wonder if anyone on TVForum noticed the report of fish dying in Lebanon? The authorities said a disease but I will confidently point towards pollution. The river that feeds into this lake is filthy; like the Thames a couple of hundred years ago. Just so sad. WHO!! Where are you?

 

 

A few farmers have sown the rice early; just as they did last year. They are hoping for two crops. But without water they are wasting their time, effort and money.

 

My Richard Dawkins book has still not arrived. According to 'book depository' it was packed on 6th April. Not giving up hope.

 

We had run low of vitamin D tabs, so went onto Lazada to replenish stocks.

 

 

The ones had I ordered before were out of stock, but found a new source. Giffarine were doing a deal. Buy five containers of 100 tablets for 99 baht each. Delivery charge 64 baht. So 559 baht all told. A real bargain that. Now, I know from old, that Giffarine products are not cheap, so it should not have been a surprise when they phoned me after 60 minutes to say the correct prices was 299 baht a bottle. Did we still want to buy? Found some later at 109 baht for 60 tabs.

 

Made up a brew of reishi at the week end. Put in the usual goodies** and also half a pack of rosella; which was doing nothing. Left it all stew on the outside stove for five hours. Made six and a half litres in all. It's only Monday and there's just a gulp or two left. Have no more reishi. Goes so quick. Even Mildred is having a swig every time she open the fridge. Butter than drinking cola though. Next time in Ban Dung I'll have to visit Ting, the hat lady. Best shop in town for reishi.

 

Thank you for joining me on this wonderful sojourn through Isaan time. Bye y'all.

 

** Pack of dried reishi. A few peeled limes. A few small onions. A chunk of ginger; shredded.

 

Edited May 10, 2021 by owl sees all

[Bredbury Blue]

This is the type of snake (golden tree snake i believe) we've  seen around our house / garden the most over the years. Had one in the kitchen behind the fridge last month which i removed by spraying it with mosi spray - seconds later it shot out the door. They always move so fast they can be a blur, they can glide through the trees also. This one was dead in the road below a large raintree, as there's little damage showing maybe it fell down?

 

What snake do you see the most in your area of isaan?

 

Edited May 10, 2021 by Bredbury Blue

[Kadilo]

1 hour ago, Bredbury Blue said:

 

 

What snake do you see the most in your area of isaan?

 

All the makings of a whole new thread that BB

 

[Bredbury Blue]

1 hour ago, Kadilo said:

All the makings of a whole new thread that BB

 

 

I started the thread on TV of 'Birds in your garden' as I love watching our feathered friends, but I'll the 'Snakes in your garden' to someone who loves those scarey critters.

 

[sotonowl]

4 hours ago, Bredbury Blue said:

This is the type of snake (golden tree snake i believe) we've  seen around our house / garden the most over the years. Had one in the kitchen behind the fridge last month which i removed by spraying it with mosi spray - seconds later it shot out the door. They always move so fast they can be a blur, they can glide through the trees also. This one was dead in the road below a large raintree, as there's little damage showing maybe it fell down?

 

What snake do you see the most in your area of isaan?

 

Wow, you could easily mistake that for a garden hose couldn't you.????

[Bredbury Blue]

8 minutes ago, sotonowl said:

Wow, you could easily mistake that for a garden hose couldn't you.????

One that can fly/glide.

[owl sees all]

18 hours ago, Bredbury Blue said:

This is the type of snake (golden tree snake i believe) we've  seen around our house / garden the most over the years. Had one in the kitchen behind the fridge last month which i removed by spraying it with mosi spray - seconds later it shot out the door. They always move so fast they can be a blur, they can glide through the trees also. This one was dead in the road below a large raintree, as there's little damage showing maybe it fell down?

 

What snake do you see the most in your area of isaan?

 

 

There are lots of different snakes in Isaan. And many species have variations. Found a decent size rat-snake under the pick-up about 18 months ago. It was an albino; almost pure while. Took a couple of pics** before grabbing it and letting it go over the wood. About 1.2 metres long.

 

Down the years I've seen a few cobras, one Viper, and quite a few Kraits; only one silver and red one though. Most being banded yellow and black. These seem to be the ones that bite the locals. They are not the most poisonous, but they stand their ground and can chase you if they are disturbed. Often seen their remains on the side of the road after being run over.

 

Most snakes are harmless, but it's not always easy to know which ones are the dodgy ones. Seen a few in trees, and generally these are nothing to worry about; unless bright green. Get to know where snakes like to hang out. Under old wood or corrugated sheeting. In holes and under big water containers.

 

There was a family of cobras living in the foundations of the house next to ours in the village. I caught one but the catchers came and caught half a dozen.

 

** data on my flash-drive, that I've been unable to open since graduating onto Win10 16 months ago.

 

Edited May 11, 2021 by owl sees all

[Bredbury Blue]

The top three visitors to my property over the years, are: 

1. Golder tree snakes

2. Pythons

3. Cobras

 

I live next next to farmers fish fields so we gets lots of snakes and monitor lizards (almost daily), keeps it interesting. 

 

Only had the one rat snake and that was years ago. Remember it well as we had a Cambodian *maid at the time, she grabbed the best brolly we had, chased it around the garden whacking it till it was dead and my brolly was bent and useless - she wasn't employed long.

 

*maids - We had a maid, for about 2 years, when our lads were toddlers as they are very close in age = hard work for us. We tried 3 (non-live-in) maids, a Cambodian, Myanmar and Laos; none lasted long as they were all pretty useless and uninterested. Eventually the wife got a young female relative to come down from her village in isaan and live with us. Not a great fan of maids, looks good on thai soap operas but its not really.

[Bredbury Blue]

50 minutes ago, Bredbury Blue said:

*maids - We had a maid, for about 2 years, when our lads were toddlers as they are very close in age = hard work for us. We tried 3 (non-live-in) maids, a Cambodian, Myanmar and Laos; none lasted long as they were all pretty useless and uninterested.

 

Just checked with the wife and i was slightly wrong. We had 2 x Cambodians and a Laotian at different times; one of the Cambodians was sacked for stealing the wife's underwear. It's amazing how women - i am assuming my wife is typical of women - can remember every item of clothing they own.

[GarryP]

Actually, kraits are not aggressive, especially during the daytime when they are quite docile. They are nocturnal hunters but even at night they are not particularly aggressive.  What may happen is that people are bitten by accident when lifting up objects in the garden, etc. or mistaking them for wolf snakes or bridle snakes, which are harmless, and them picking them up. 

 

It would appear that the most common venomous snake bites are from vipers, be that russel's, green, or Malaysian pit vipers. 

 

About 20 years ago there was a case of a herpetologist who died within 30 hours of a Krait bite in Myanmar (he really should have know better). Due to his location he could not be shipped out by helicopter - I think there were concerns about the helicopter being shot down.

 

I really like snakes, particularly the non-venomous kind and enjoy their visits.  Perhaps, once I move up country and am visited much more frequently, I may change my perspective.

[Kadilo]

15 minutes ago, Bredbury Blue said:

 

Just checked with the wife and i was slightly wrong. We had 2 x Cambodians and a Laotian at different times; one of the Cambodians was sacked for stealing the wife's underwear. It's amazing how women - i am assuming my wife is typical of women - can remember every item of clothing they own.

Used or fresh………..just asking for a friend ????

[owl sees all]

1 hour ago, Kadilo said:

Used or fresh………..just asking for a friend ????

I'm sure they were frilly and fresh Kadilo.

 

Before they locked the car-park at the rear of the Civic Center in Dagenham there were lots of undies scattered about. The lads would clear out their Ford Cortinas in the car park. Drink beer, and talk about West Ham and fishing.

[Kadilo]

30 minutes ago, owl sees all said:

I'm sure they were frilly and fresh Kadilo.

 

Before they locked the car-park at the rear of the Civic Center in Dagenham there were lots of undies scattered about. The lads would clear out their Ford Cortinas in the car park. Drink beer, and talk about West Ham and fishing.

I had a Cortina, support the Hammers and go fishing……….ummm

[FarFlungFalang]

Rain anyone.Photos from the other day when Owl was talking about the lack of it, it might be safe to post them now without causing Mr Owl to go on another holiday.

 

 

Yai battling the elements!

 

Edited May 11, 2021 by FarFlungFalang

[owl sees all]

So you were one of the lads who would hang their conquest's frillies on the spikes behind the civic center.

 

 

This was Dagenham's great civic center; about 1955. The car-park had not yet been built, and I had no interest in ladies then.

 

The Dagenham Chase was at the far end of the park behind. Very good fishing for tench and bream. Now (since 2018) it's a syndicate carp water. Lots of footage on youtube.

 

 

 

 

[owl sees all]

8 minutes ago, FarFlungFalang said:

Rain anyone.Photos from the other day when Owl was talking about the lack of it, it might be safe to post them now without causing Mr Owl to go on another holiday.

 

 

Yai battling the elements!

 

Will leave for the farm in a few minutes.

 

Gonna pump water into number 6 again.

 

Rain!!!!!!!!!!! What is that FFF??

 

Not enough rain in these parts to fill a bathtub from the roof run off.

[FarFlungFalang]

21 minutes ago, owl sees all said:

Will leave for the farm in a few minutes.

 

Gonna pump water into number 6 again.

 

Rain!!!!!!!!!!! What is that FFF??

 

Not enough rain in these parts to fill a bathtub from the roof run off.

We've been incredibly lucky and have been getting the odd good shower every 4-5 days for a few weeks.

[Golden Triangle]

Sorry to say but down here in Pattaya we've had shed loads of rain, I hope you get some soon Owl.

[owl sees all]

2 hours ago, Golden Triangle said:

Sorry to say but down here in Pattaya we've had shed loads of rain, I hope you get some soon Owl.

I can hold my breath for a couple of minutes; but not for 3 months. We are doomed up here.

 

Mrs Owl has just told me that sister Pook sold all her cucumbers last week for just 4k baht. Cost 30k to set it all up. Went past her farm half an hour ago to see that she had ploughed and scarified about 10 rai. Don't know why as yet. These farmers are forever borrowing on their farms. Some never get out of debt. I'm really glad we planted eucas.

 

 

Edited May 11, 2021 by owl sees all

[Golden Triangle]

1 minute ago, owl sees all said:

I can hold my breath for a couple of minutes; but not for 3 months. We are doomed up here.

 

Mrs Owl has just told me that sister Pook sold all her cucumbers last week for just 4k baht. Cost 30k to set it all up. Went past half an hour ago to see that she had ploughed and scarified about 10 rai. Don't know why as yet. These farmers are forever borrowing on their farms. Some never get out of debt. I'm really glad we planted eucas.

 

 

Really sorry to hear this, at 30k was it hydroponics ? Sounds expensive & a very bad loss, I hope one day one government or another will get the country sorted with regard to water management, I haven't been out the house since the start of April but my Mrs tells me that even after all the rain we've had Mabprachan lake is still empty, and that is THE main source for the city, good job the hotels are empty in some respect, not enough water for the locals let alone tourists, fingers crossed you will get what you need soon. ????????

[Bredbury Blue]

9 hours ago, Kadilo said:

Used or fresh………..just asking for a friend ????

 

The wife's just hung out her washing

 

 

[Will27]

8 hours ago, Bredbury Blue said:

 

The wife's just hung out her washing

 

 

So has mine, unfortunately.

 

 

 

 

 

 

[owl sees all]

Owl Log - 12-05-2021 - Wednesday morning

 

Fishing yesterday with Mildred. But the main reason for going to the farm was to pump some water into number 6 pond. Run the pump for at least two hours. Only brought the level up a few centimetres, but put some oxygen in.

 

 

Have to catch them first of course.

 

 

Not everything always goes as planned.

 

 

Chai - the chap who is going to do rice in our farm - had the tractor over to do a lock.

 

 

Two sacks for him; one for us. I'll probably have to give him some water from number one pond.

 

 

More Heath Robinson doings in the bathroom.

 

 

Now, a 'Heath Robinson', can mean two things. Either a great innovation using materials at hand to solve a tricky problem, or a bodge job.

 

The handle broke off yonks ago. Then the first HR was initiated. But yesterday's effort was defiantly the latter. Does the job though.

 

 

While in the bathroom I spotted the black and white cat sitting on the wall. I think he was the cat responsible for the leccy box calamity.

 

 

When it cools down a bit, there is sometimes a game of footy outside in the soi. The children like me to play as they can learn from an ex-footballer.

 

 

Not sure if any will cut the mustard at the higher levels.

 

 

Can never tell who is gonna make the grade.

 

I still have that special touch. West Ham have to win their last three to get into Champions League. Even then that might not be enough. They need me!

 

 

'Funny old game' aint it? Geordies go to Leicester and do a 'smash and grab' on them; 2-4. Then the foxes turn over Man U 1-2. 

 

What is this Thai obsession with chicken feet? Rice with a chicken foot topping. Chicken feet soup! I just can't eat them. Mrs Owl deliberately makes sounds when she is gobbling them down.

"Teerak! Do you have to make it so obvious that you like them?"

"Farang stupid. Very good food."

 

Just gonna post this and start Mildred's home teach. Going to concentrate on difficult English words today. I recently read that the sound 'rows' or 'rose' has over 10 meanings. Must delve deeper. After that it's a game of chess, and then I'll catch up on Tuesday's Richie Allen show.

 

It has been so hot for the last few days. No rain forecast.

 

One of our regulars is on holiday. Only a measley-peasely 24 hour job. Must do better! But on a serious note; please be careful what you post. Can't afford to lose any of you great posters.

 

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

 

 

 

 

Edited May 12, 2021 by owl sees all

[chickenslegs]

On 5/10/2021 at 3:01 PM, owl sees all said:

Plenty of bikes in Ban Dung though. Silently scaring people who are used to listening as well as not looking for them.

You need to show them how to use lollipop sticks in the spokes.

[Sterling]

On 5/11/2021 at 7:57 AM, owl sees all said:

data on my flash-drive, that I've been unable to open since graduating onto Win10 16 months ago.

 

Owl, did you ever take your flash drive in to one of the computer repair shops there to see if they could recover your data?

Does your new laptop make the chirping noise when you plug it in?

 

[owl sees all]

9 minutes ago, Sterling said:

 

Owl, did you ever take your flash drive in to one of the computer repair shops there to see if they could recover your data?

Does your new laptop make the chirping noise when you plug it in?

 

I would appreciate any help in this.

 

It was fine with my previous computer, WinVista7  extra (something like that). I have a stack of data on there. Pics, sections of books, and much more.

 

Don't understand about the 'chirping noise' bit. I'm not as tech savy as some.

 

The computer recognises the unit, but after displaying its contents for a few seconds, disappears off the screen.

Edited May 12, 2021 by owl sees all