Diary of a farang in Isaan

[Odysseus123]

The quality of the photos have improved Mr Owl!

Thank you for the pleasant post.????

[Kadilo]

54 minutes ago, owl sees all said:

Owl Log - 18-06-2021 - Friday afternoon

 

Rain stopped a few days ago. And it has got noticeably hotter. Picked Mildred up early from school yesterday due to mozzie spraying at the school, and went straight to the farm. Mrs Owl was soon asleep in the hammock, and Mildred in the back of the pick-up. A chance for me to get some euca trees pruning done. Did about 40 before the heat got the better of me. Although I wasn't in the sun, I felt really hot. Took a rest, drank half litre of water and had a 10 minute think. Should I rest more or should I go at it again? Got back to it, but only did a few before the Mrs awakened and wanted to go home.

 

Did find a new Neem tree.

 

It has sprung up quickly. Probably due to the drop of rain earlier in the month. Great to see it.

 

 

Need to remove this tree (below). Best to pay someone a few baht to chop it up and dispose of it. Might be OK for charcoal? There is another in farm four that has to be dealt with. 300 baht will get it all sorted.

 

 

Have to keep an eye on these eucas. This one had been tolled last year, and decided to grow some more.

 

 

The thought of trees led me to Ban Dung. What a magnificent specimen that is!

 

 

Someone had written it a letter. I went close and tried to read what it said. All in Thai, so I think I might ask Ting (hat lady) to take a butchers (when she is not busy) for me; and report back.

 

 

A big project going on in Ban Dung at the mo'. They have started putting pipes in the ground along the main drag. I'll get some pic's of progress when I go to town today (Friday).

 

 

Don't know what these pipes are for. Mrs Owl says water; but I think cables. Internet cables? Four and a half G. Will watch with interest.

 

 

The nut cutters were at it again this week. Better harvest than last cut. About four tonne at a guess.

 

 

Steptoe watch out. Here comes Stepchai.

 

 

Nice little earner.

 

 

Mildred getting to grips with the branch saw.

 

 

 

Back at the village the young buffalo herder was at it again. Only thirteen. Don't go to school.

 

 

 

 

Home safe and sound.

 

 

Cheating a bit using a bike. Bet her mum walked!

 

 

Not the last day of the school-week today. No! Someone has come up with a six-day school-week. Not sorted out transport for Mildred yet. Might have to take her in the pick-up.

 

The guy next door (at the shop) has gone off to Khon Kaen with his wife. To sell food from his pick-up. Times are hard for these Isaan people. He started a rat business, and I think that is still on the go. Someone is looking after them for him. Probably his mum the shop lady, or his brother; Sang. I want to see the rats and take some pics.

 

England and Scotland play tonight. Scotland are not the force they once were. Back in the 1890s, everyone feared them. Including England. I don't think it's true that the Scots played in kilts back then. Rob Muir will put us straight on that for sure.

 

Wow; it's hot. A look at the thermometer; 39C.

 

The orange trilby outside the Natural Health shop has gone. Had a glance over yesterday while Mrs Owl was in the mini-mart. Probably wouldn't have fitted me anyhow.

 

Back in Mrs Owl's good books. She made me a nice cup of '3 in 1' coffee a short while back. And! I didn't even have to whistle. That's my system; whistle for coffee and  squeeze Mr Chicken for a cup of Rosy. She used to get the signals mixed up. In fact she got salt and sugar mixed up sometimes. Or forgot to use hot water. But she's improved recently.

 

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

Is that branch saw supposed to look like that? Looks like it needs a blue pill. 

Looking forward to tonight’s game. I hope Scotland find a way of making it through but still lose this evening. I’m glad I’m not currently at work surrounded by them, some can get a little over exuberant. I recall when England played Australia in the Rugby World Cup and there were cut outs of Wallabies posted all round the cinema room along with the odd Jock wearing an Australia shirt. Anyone but the English for a few of the challenged. 
 

 

 

[owl sees all]

52 minutes ago, Odysseus123 said:

The quality of the photos have improved Mr Owl!

Thank you for the pleasant post.????

Thanks Ody.

 

Dumped the awful 'pix' programme and now using 'GIMP'.

 

I'm still learning about Linux. Got a clock on the screen now.

[owl sees all]

51 minutes ago, Kadilo said:

Is that branch saw supposed to look like that? Looks like it needs a blue pill. 

Looking forward to tonight’s game. I hope Scotland find a way of making it through but still lose this evening. I’m glad I’m not currently at work surrounded by them, some can get a little over exuberant. I recall when England played Australia in the Rugby World Cup and there were cut outs of Wallabies posted all round the cinema room along with the odd Jock wearing an Australia shirt. Anyone but the English for a few of the challenged. 
 

 

 

For the first 50 or so encounters, Scotland were much the better.

 

Since WW11 we (us English) have raced ahead in the stats. But overall the Scots have won quite a few. I'm sure one of the footy posters would have the full data.

 

3-0 to the English.

[FarFlungFalang]

On 6/16/2021 at 11:55 AM, paddypower said:

Thanks. I asked at BIH, in Surat. They just gave me a phone number that did not work. I suspect it will be a long time 'if' . Caution forbids me from identifying which company the vaccines are routed through. But it does seem that Thailand is schizo on this. On the one hand the Tourist Board is pushing to open up the country. On the other hand, it is alleged that the PM's office has delayed imports and refused to allow private hospitals to import their own vaccine supplies. . .When I refer to  Schizophrenia - it is defined as is a serious mental disorder in which governments  interpret reality abnormally. It may result in some combination of hallucinations, delusions, and extremely disordered thinking and behavior that impairs daily functioning, and can be disabling.  Who  does that remind you of?. 555

 

Well they are trying the trictatorial democracy method of madness so some schizoidal symptoms may arise.

[FarFlungFalang]

Just watched Mildred nearly chop her fingers might be best to place the left hand above the saw and adhere to the rule of never cutting towards a body part.

[owl sees all]

1 hour ago, FarFlungFalang said:

Just watched Mildred nearly chop her fingers might be best to place the left hand above the saw and adhere to the rule of never cutting towards a body part.

You are right FFF.

 

I'll speak sternly to her about safety. Just watch Dad I'll tell her.

 

I'm gonna get a a pair of extendable croppers. They will lop off 2.5 cm dia. That saw is useless.

 

Watched the two vid's again. I definitely need a video editing programme. I'll have a look on the WWW.

Edited June 18, 2021 by owl sees all

[owl sees all]

4 hours ago, Kadilo said:

Looking forward to tonight’s game. I hope Scotland find a way of making it through but still lose this evening. I’m glad I’m not currently at work surrounded by them, some can get a little over exuberant.

 

Certainly before WW11 the Scots had a right to be exuberant. Since then not so much.

 

From first game back after WW11 until today (not counting tonight's win):

 

30 England wins

10  Draws

12  Scottish victories.

[Kadilo]

2 hours ago, owl sees all said:

You are right FFF.

 

I'll speak sternly to her about safety. Just watch Dad I'll tell her.

 

I'm gonna get a a pair of extendable croppers. They will lop off 2.5 cm dia. That saw is useless.

 

Watched the two vid's again. I definitely need a video editing programme. I'll have a look on the WWW.

I’m not sure your stern talk will work after shes watched you up on the roof hanging on by your belt. 
 

 

[FarFlungFalang]

2 hours ago, owl sees all said:

You are right FFF.

 

I'll speak sternly to her about safety. Just watch Dad I'll tell her.

 

I'm gonna get a a pair of extendable croppers. They will lop off 2.5 cm dia. That saw is useless.

 

Watched the two vid's again. I definitely need a video editing programme. I'll have a look on the WWW.

I played basketball with a guy who was missing several fingers he said when he was a kid he and his older brother were playing with an axe the older brother jokingly said put your hand on the stump and I'll chop your fingers off Terry said ok and put his had on the stump thinking he wouldn't chop and his older brother thought Terry would move his hand which goes to show life's like a box of chocolates.

[Kadilo]

25 minutes ago, FarFlungFalang said:

……..which goes to show life's like a box of chocolates.

Or Cadbury’s fingers . 

Edited June 18, 2021 by Kadilo

[chickenslegs]

12 hours ago, owl sees all said:

Back at the village the young buffalo herder was at it again. Only thirteen. Don't go to school.

 

 

I'm out here near Surin just now, as the schools are still closed in Chonburi. Most days my daughter (9) and I take a bicycle ride in the lanes around my wife's farm. We have learned to deal with the numerous dogs that like to chase us away from their territory but, yesterday, we found ourselves behind a group of 5 buffalo (looked like 2 adults, 2  adolescents and a new-born).

There was an elderly lady herding them along and whacking them with a stick. She signalled us to ride past, but we waited behind until they were safely off the road into a field.

Those buffalo are huge and have dangerous looking horns but nobody seems to fear them.

I just find myself wondering whether or not these beasts are safe to be near.

Around here there seem to be a lot of folks just moving cattle and buffaloes from one place to another all day long, yet I don't see any milk collection trucks, and never see buffalo meat for sale.

 

[FarFlungFalang]

4 hours ago, chickenslegs said:

I'm out here near Surin just now, as the schools are still closed in Chonburi. Most days my daughter (9) and I take a bicycle ride in the lanes around my wife's farm. We have learned to deal with the numerous dogs that like to chase us away from their territory but, yesterday, we found ourselves behind a group of 5 buffalo (looked like 2 adults, 2  adolescents and a new-born).

There was an elderly lady herding them along and whacking them with a stick. She signalled us to ride past, but we waited behind until they were safely off the road into a field.

Those buffalo are huge and have dangerous looking horns but nobody seems to fear them.

I just find myself wondering whether or not these beasts are safe to be near.

Around here there seem to be a lot of folks just moving cattle and buffaloes from one place to another all day long, yet I don't see any milk collection trucks, and never see buffalo meat for sale.

 

About 15 years ago the mother in law got kicked in the forehead by one of her cows and you can still see the ding,I've been kicked in the thigh and now have a healthy respect for their accuracy and now use sticks to move them instead of trying to push them,as placid as they are they can be spooked so I think you are wise to treat them with caution.

[owl sees all]

15 hours ago, owl sees all said:

For the first 50 or so encounters, Scotland were much the better.

 

Since WW11 we (us English) have raced ahead in the stats. But overall the Scots have won quite a few. I'm sure one of the footy posters would have the full data.

 

3-0 to the English.

Well done the Scots.

 

I've only read reports, but the number four team in the world didn't do themselves any justice.

 

 

[grin]

I prefer the following open source apps for audio/video manipulation on Linux: FFmpeg is the classic command line app for converting audio and video. Some GUI based AV apps actually run on top of FFmpeg. VidCutter is a simple app for cutting and pasting AV. OpenShot is a fairly feature rich AV editor. Kdenlive is another decent AV editor. In general having more AV features means the app is more complicated to use. Sometimes it is easier to use simple apps for specific functions than an all-in-one app.

[chickenslegs]

21 hours ago, chickenslegs said:

Most days my daughter (9) and I take a bicycle ride in the lanes around my wife's farm. We have learned to deal with the numerous dogs that like to chase us away from their territory but, yesterday, we found ourselves behind a group of 5 buffalo

Quoting my own post of yesterday.

 

Just discovered today that Surin has a really nice public park with separate cycle and jogging lanes. No motor vehicles, no dogs, and definitely no buffalo. Just 20 minutes drive from the farm.

 

Typical of my luck, we have to head back home to Sattahip tomorrow. But we had a great couple of hours at the park this afternoon.

 

Some photos:

 

[Kadilo]

3 minutes ago, grin said:

I prefer the following open source apps for audio/video manipulation on Linux: FFmpeg is the classic command line app for converting audio and video. Some GUI based AV apps actually run on top of FFmpeg. VidCutter is a simple app for cutting and pasting AV. OpenShot is a fairly feature rich AV editor. Kdenlive is another decent AV editor. In general having more AV features means the app is more complicated to use. Sometimes it is easier to use simple apps for specific functions than an all-in-one app.

Yeah couldnt agree more ????

[FarFlungFalang]

9 hours ago, chickenslegs said:

Quoting my own post of yesterday.

 

Just discovered today that Surin has a really nice public park with separate cycle and jogging lanes. No motor vehicles, no dogs, and definitely no buffalo. Just 20 minutes drive from the farm.

 

Typical of my luck, we have to head back home to Sattahip tomorrow. But we had a great couple of hours at the park this afternoon.

 

Some photos:

 

That's a nice looking park there Legs and you even got an AT nod in there!

[owl sees all]

Owl Log - 20-06-2021 - Sunday morning

 

Mildred's one day off school in the week now, and she's still in the land of nod. Just eight o'clock as I start preparing this post.

 

Went to the school a little early yesterday afternoon to pick her up. Had a wander round and I found a fallen tree.

 

 

Must have been a hundred years old. Gave up the ghost a while back in a storm. Any child under that when it came down would have had serious problems.

 

 

Great to see it's appreciated by the kids.

 

 

Also in Ban Dung. A hairless dog. We did have one in our village many years ago, but it died. Good to see this one is OK. Hey you; 'Hairy'. Keep out of the sun.

 

 

The bridge on the 2022 is finished. The road has not been sorted out as yet. I'll not hold my breath on that being fixed-up this year. But that whole section is very poor.

 

 

At the end of the wet season it will be awful. This is not a side street. It's the main road to Udon.

.

 

Should I complain? Yes indeed. Must be a responsible farang.

 

 

Who to? I'll try Mrs Owl.

 

 

"Mrs Owl. That section of road leading into Ban Dung is terrible." "OK for me. Farang just miss holes; easy."

 

 

Landscaping finished at the bridge. Left a nice tree.

 

 

And the rubbish.

 

 

I've been getting on well with the euca cropping. Well into number four farm now.

 

 

Found one with five growths; cut off three. Lost count of the trees that have been done. About 10 thousand left.

 

 

No rain for a week. It seems like a lot when it arrives. But it's short-lived and not that often. Water level in the ponds is higher than this time last month by about 17cms.

 

My little fan has packed it in. It sat on my table and shared its coolness between me and the comp for many years.

 

 

Is it worth fixing? Should I look on Lazada for a replacement or get one in Ban Dung? There is a fan shop quite near the Natural Health shop. Yes, that's the bobby. Can't wait for Monday afternoon.

 

Also seen better days are the pick-up's windscreen wipers. The flexible bit that touches the glass has come off on both wipers. They still swish-swish, but do not shed the water good. Leave smears all over. At 600 baht a set, it's worth trying to fix the old uns. I need to sand paper the edges to get them to hold more firm on the glass. I'll have a go today. Pics next Owl Log.

 

 

That goal-less draw with England didn't do the Scots too many favours. They need to win their last game, and hope that the other match is not a draw. Can't see them getting through myself. Scots would have more confidence I guess, after their celebrations after the last game. "England won the Euro 2020." "Ah yes doon-noo. But they never beat us."

 

The Thursday market just outside Ban Dung is still not open. Don't know why? The daily veggie market is still on every day; although the stalls are only about 70% occupied. Mask wearing in town is now about 60/40. In Seven-Eleven is 100% for adults.

 

Pineapples are cheap at the mo. 6 big ones for 100 baht. A nice change from mangoes.

 

Clothing has hit rock bottom. Can get a pair of shorts, T-short and underpants for just 100 baht. Mrs Owl says to wash them first. I make her right on that one.

 

I notice most of Clint Eastwood films are now available on YouTube. Watched a couple in the week; 'Pale Rider' and 'Hang 'em high'. Also 'Contract' with Morgan Freeman. Gonna refresh my memory with a couple more this week.

 

Not heard about Snack (Mrs Owls Grandson). Must be back learning now in Phitsanulok. Although I hear that a couple of schools in that area are closed.

 

The pipe-laying is opposite the hospital in Ban Dung this week-end. From there until the centre of town it's all concrete pavements. That will slow them down a bit. I'll try to see where it's coming from and going to. Pics next Owl Log.

 

Watched some children arriving at school Saturday morning. They do that hand temperature thing; and get a alcohol spray. I said to Mildred; "What happens if the temperature is too high?" "They say go wash hands in cold water. And try again." Basin just a a few feet away. Handy that.

 

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

Edited June 20, 2021 by owl sees all

[owl sees all]

10 hours ago, grin said:

I prefer the following open source apps for audio/video manipulation on Linux: FFmpeg is the classic command line app for converting audio and video. Some GUI based AV apps actually run on top of FFmpeg. VidCutter is a simple app for cutting and pasting AV. OpenShot is a fairly feature rich AV editor. Kdenlive is another decent AV editor. In general having more AV features means the app is more complicated to use. Sometimes it is easier to use simple apps for specific functions than an all-in-one app.

Thanks for that grin.

 

I just want a simple prog' that will let me cut out bits I don't want.

 

What do you suggest?

[FarFlungFalang]

That road needs a WIRTGEN, cement spreader, grader and a flat drum roller!Oh and a water cart!Those euccas are going berserk Mr Owl it seems to be a good year for the farm,I notice the cassava on our farm is looking exceptionally healthy this year.We are also having a little dry spell as I copped a lung full of dust riding down to the shop yesterday it hasn't rained for about 18 hours here and today there isn't a cloud in the sky.

[Odysseus123]

41 minutes ago, owl sees all said:

"Mrs Owl. That section of road leading into Ban Dung is terrible." "OK for me. Farang just miss holes; easy."

Owl-I know that you often write in jest but-at the risk of being intrusive-does your wife often call you "farang"to your face?

[owl sees all]

17 minutes ago, Odysseus123 said:

Owl-I know that you often write in jest but-at the risk of being intrusive-does your wife often call you "farang"to your face?

 

That's a good question Ody.

 

A lot depends upon the time of month. No! Not that.

 

Money flows in at certain times. I keep some in an account that I can access on the internet; me only. That is key. Now when Mrs Owl has plenty of dosh in her purse I'm referred to as 'farang' or 'buffalo'. But later in the month when the lottery lady comes a'calling for her money; 'teerak' is the norm.

 

Of course, I don't mind what she calls me. There are far worse things that I could be called. 'Oi you' comes to mind. And that word that no-one looks forward to being called; 'dead'.

 

 

Edited June 20, 2021 by owl sees all

[FarFlungFalang]

15 minutes ago, owl sees all said:

Of course, I don't mind what she calls me. There are far worse things that I could be called. 'Oi you' comes to mind. And that word that no-one looks forward to being called; 'dead'.

Oi is the Thai word for sugar!Is being called dead worse than being called a deadsh!t?We apparently have a lot of those in Oz!

[Odysseus123]

17 minutes ago, owl sees all said:

Of course, I don't mind what she calls me. There are far worse things that I could be called. 'Oi you' comes to mind. And that word that no-one looks forward to being called; 'dead'.

Well...of course..when we are 'dead' we are 'dead' and beyond name calling as "we all owe God a life..." and the debt is paid in full.

 

I put a stop to the term "farang" once my wife had opted for a permanent visa in my country.

 

She can call me anything she wants behind my back but the Isaan nonsense was-and is-OVER..

[Odysseus123]

5 minutes ago, FarFlungFalang said:

We apparently have a lot of those in Oz!

How would you know?

[owl sees all]

6 minutes ago, FarFlungFalang said:

Oi is the Thai word for sugar!Is being called dead worse than being called a deadsh!t?We apparently have a lot of those in Oz!

 

I'll take your word for it FFF.

 

Mildred challenged me this month. I had to say 25 words in Thai. No time limit. But no numbers or names.

 

Been here 13 years. So it was easy-peasy. I did it in under an hour.

 

 

Edited June 20, 2021 by owl sees all

[FarFlungFalang]

2 minutes ago, Odysseus123 said:

How would you know?

Because I'm one and it takes one to know one!

[Odysseus123]

3 minutes ago, FarFlungFalang said:

Because I'm one and it takes one to know one!

You just seem like a very angry fellow living in exile to me.

 

Now.. I quoted Mr Owl in his post and asked him if "farang" was a literal form of address-it seems that it is,so replied to and done and dusted.

[FarFlungFalang]

6 minutes ago, Odysseus123 said:

You just seem like a very angry fellow living in exile to me.

 

Now.. I quoted Mr Owl in his post and asked him if "farang" was a literal form of address-it seems that it is,so replied to and done and dusted.

I think you may have misinterpreted my play on words there Ody I was just taking the puss!See that's the kiwi accent.Relax and don't take things too literally.I do have a warped and cryptic sense of humour so I'm sorry if you were offended by it, it wasn't intended to offend.