Diary of a farang in Isaan

[grin]

On 6/19/2021 at 8:36 PM, owl sees all said:

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?

VidCutter should be fine.

[FarFlungFalang]

9 hours ago, chickenslegs said:

I might be my eyesight, but it looks like the footpath is laid with paving slabs. So why not raise a line of them, rather than use that jackhammer?

 

It's a rhetorical question really, but I seem to remember from school that I should still use a question mark.

Sometimes they scribe lines in concrete to make it look like paving which I suspect to be the case here as they have raised some sections of paving as you suggest.I also spotted the blue plastic pipe welding machine.That's a blue machine that welds plastic pipe not a machine that welds blue plastic pipe.I thought I would just clarify that after my recent botched efforts of literary communication.

Edited June 21, 2021 by FarFlungFalang

[owl sees all]

9 hours ago, Golden Triangle said:

Considering your frequent absences from this most popular thread in the past months I'm not sure if I should respond my friend, ???? anyway, suffice to say that even after our visit to the local private hospital I'm still none the wiser as to whether myself and Mrs GT are still on any list anymore, there is a thread going that I have replied to explaining my adventures this afternoon, and as an end note I would just like to point out that we move in different spheres, you live in a small village where most people aren't overly familiar or concerned about the virus, and although I live well out of the city of Pattaya I or my Mrs  has to run the gauntlet when it comes to shopping etc, which is not a good feeling for either of us, but at nearly 68, overweight a bit & suffering from hypertension it's a lot easier for the Mrs to do the shopping than me.

 

Anyway mate have a good evening, enjoy the Reishi wine ???? I'm having a large G & T ????

 

It's certainly a different world where you are GT. Big C, Tescos and 7/11, all require mask wearing. Not a big deal for me that. Fortunately not in the 20 Baht shop. Bought a nice 5 metre rule there yesterday. Once out of the towns into the villages, few to  be seen.

 

I'll be making a Reishi brew later this morning; after catching up on Monday's Richie Allen show. Mrs Owl makes a chlorophyll drink that is quite refreshing also. A squeeze of lemon gives it a bit extra tang. Only drink cola very occasionally (and always with a meal) and I think my last beer was in 2020.

 

Each to his own. Whatever jab you do go with; good luck to you and Mrs GT.

 

 

 

[owl sees all]

Owl Log - 23-June-2021 - Wednesday morning

 

Drove into Ban Dung and noticed the road-cones had gone. The dodgy bit of road had been sorted, and was looking not too bad.

 

 

No water flowing in the river at the mo'. No rain for more than a week.

 

 

Did find a small problem with the wires.

 

 

Only one has been buried; the others are OK.

 

 

That just about signs off on the Bridge reports. If there is heavy rain I'll take some pics of the water charging through on its way to confluence with the Mekong. But for now it's so-long bridge.

 

Just as one project come to an end, another is doing just great. Investigated the pipe laying.

 

 

This contraption holds the pipes in place. Don't know if they are hot-welded or have a sleeve inside. More investigation needed on that. I do believe this whole pipe is to replace the damaged old one.

 

 

Arrived in Ban Dung early enough to see the actual pipe-laying.

 

 

The smaller ones ready for action too. I think they will carry internet cables.

 

 

Investigated further and maybe found the reasons for the project in the first place.

 

 

Water leaks from leaky pipes.

 

 

Fortunately I didn't have Mrs Owl with me, so I was free to wander about.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

At the village yesterday Som and his wife (big mango lady) had been busy. The big mango tree was cut back severely.

 

 

 

"But what about all the big mangoes Som?" "Hello Owl. Got fed up waiting for them to ripen. Help yourself. Plenty there."

 

 

Mildred said the extra hour school tuition was to start up next month. Asked me what I thought. Said I didn't want her to do it. There is more to life than learning about fighting wars while sitting on elephants, what countries border your own and indeed mathematics.

 

She was listening; a result in itself in this day and age. But, she wanted to stay on 'til five, as her best mate said she was going to. Another 400 baht a month down the drain. Dear me! What with Mrs Owl's 700 baht a month lottery bill and her daughter (the other one) on the ear-ole for a couple of grand a month, I''ll never be able to buy some new koi carp.

 

I got it spot on with Scotland. Gone like the wind; as usual. But at least they drew against England. That's worth a celebration. make sure you pick up the empties lads.

 

There are always kids on motor cycles charging about in the villages. Not that often you spot them out on the main roads. The lad driving is in the next year up to Mildred. That makes him twelve. Good to see he has his mask on. I know why you didn't wear a crash-hat.

 

 

Really warm last night. Didn't sleep very well.

 

As soon as I post, I'm gonna catch up on Tuesday's Richie Allen on Podomatic. His guest yesterday was Dr. Roger Hodkinson. I have tuned to the good doctor's talks before, and I don't always agree with him, but there is no denying his vast experience and credentials.

 

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

 

Edited June 23, 2021 by owl sees all

[owl sees all]

4 minutes ago, Kadilo said:

Did you manage to check out if the Hat Lady had any leaking pipes?

TBH Kadilo, I was more concerned with getting some nice pics for the thread. Thirty extra minutes just whizzed by. After all a nice lady is nice; but a good story is invaluable.

 

But! I might call in this afternoon to see if she has put aside the orange trilby for me. If I can get away early that is. It's a bit pricey at 129 baht. I'll try to get her down a bit. Maybe do a deal.

[Kadilo]

5 minutes ago, owl sees all said:

. I'll try to get her down a bit.

I’m sure you will. ????
 

Great pics/video btw. Nice to see some real Thailand whilst stuck over here. Much appreciated as always. 

[owl sees all]

On 6/21/2021 at 7:32 AM, Mutt Daeng said:

I agree about buffaloes being more placid than cows. I've been knocked off my bicycle by a cow because they were jostling for position in the road while approaching me. I'm quite comfortable riding alongside/weaving my way through 20-30 buffaloes,  with their dangerous looking horns and all. Also, buffaloes don't seem to be spooked by dogs but cows are IMHO.

Man was trampled to death by some cows in Sussex, England, this week.

[owl sees all]

Owl Log - 26-06-2021 - Saturday afternoon

 

It doesn't seem like a Saturday at all. Since Mildred started her six-day week it all seems the same. Perhaps when the footy starts I'll perk up.

 

Went to pick daughter from school up yesterday, and when I approached Ban Dung it looked as if it had been raining; hard. That's handy, I thought. Be able to see how the new pipe was coping with the wet stuff. As I approached the hospital it was obvious that something was amiss. There was no rain. This does suppose to be the 'wet season'. What a joke! None at the farm either. Just odd showers.

 

It's chicken fighting time. The breeders have their best birds out on display. A decent fighter will fetch 3000 baht.  Don't know how a 'good fighter' is determined. Must be big and strong for sure. Fit; with plenty of stamina. Tactically aware? But most importantly; must be fearless. Mrs Owl has told me that if an owner leaves his charge in the ring too long, when it's taking a beating; that's the end of it's fighting career. I've no wish to ever see it, so I'll take her word for it. Very popular though.

 

 

Took the camera on Friday morning at seven.

 

 

 

Game of footy going on.

 

 

 

Slippery massage shop open for business. Mrs Owl has warned me to 'stay away'.

 

 

 

On the way back got a snap of the twins.

 

 

The dogs in our soi have taken charge. Don't even move for the motor-cycles.

 

 

 

Dan's been coming to the farm this week.

 

 

Show Dan how you catch the fish Mildred.

 

 

Nothing much to see in Ban Dung this week. The pipe layers were not active. Took the opportunity to look at some nice trees.

 

 

Ban Dung is a great place for tree spotting. Much better than near-by Phen or Non Han or Sawang Dan Din.

 

 

These eucas must be thirty years old.

 

So it's England against Germany! Too close to call.

 

Tennis at Wimbledon this week. Wish I could get excited about it.

 

Time flies. It's 15-20 and I have to leave to pick Mildred up in 15 minutes.

 

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

 

 

Edited June 26, 2021 by owl sees all

[Kadilo]

Slippery looks worth a visit. 
 

The missus old man keeps a few of the fighters. He has taken charge since her brother left for Korea to make his fortune 3 years ago. 
Spends hours playing with them , waxing them and god knows what else they do. 

There is a big gathering every so often in the village for the battle. I’ve never been to one and have no interest as such but it’s big business I think. Have no idea if he’s ever won anything. 
 

England vs Germany. Can’t help thinking the Germans will hit form at some point. They haven’t exactly set the world alight but not have we. We will never get a better chance to beat them. But then again a lot will depend on which team he picks or if he sticks with his pets. He always made a big play about picking players in form. Couldn’t be further from the truth this time. If we lose to the Germans he will be under the same amount of same pressure Matt Handjob is.

 

Hopefully they will both resign

 

Sitting in a nice park in Aberdeen.  Looks like they are goi g to start a game of cricket soon. Lovely setting. Shame it’s only about 10 degrees C. Don’t stop the Scots having picnics all over the place. Good luck to them. They are not made like us Southern pussies. 

Edited June 26, 2021 by Kadilo

[Mutt Daeng]

On 6/23/2021 at 4:58 PM, owl sees all said:

Man was trampled to death by some cows in Sussex, England, this week.

Another reason never to go back to the UK again. Although I lived in a city and never encountered cows on a daily basis.

[Kadilo]

4 minutes ago, Mutt Daeng said:

Another reason never to go back to the UK again. Although I lived in a city and never encountered cows on a daily basis.

Yeah on the scale of reasons to  not return that was probably number 3,000

[FarFlungFalang]

On 6/23/2021 at 4:58 PM, owl sees all said:

Man was trampled to death by some cows in Sussex, England, this week.

It wasn't me!Although I did get in trouble for the cows escaping our yard today,bloody things jumped the gate! 

Edited June 26, 2021 by FarFlungFalang

[chickenslegs]

2 hours ago, FarFlungFalang said:

It wasn't me!Although I did get in trouble for the cows escaping our yard today,bloody things jumped the gate! 

Could have been worse ...

[chickenslegs]

4 hours ago, Kadilo said:

Sitting in a nice park in Aberdeen.  Looks like they are goi g to start a game of cricket soon. Lovely setting. Shame it’s only about 10 degrees C. Don’t stop the Scots having picnics all over the place.

10C is ideal for a picnic in Scotland. Any warmer and you'll get bitten to death by the midgies.

[Kadilo]

58 minutes ago, chickenslegs said:

10C is ideal for a picnic in Scotland. Any warmer and you'll get bitten to death by the midgies.

 Nah not in these parts. I think it’s during certain months, September springs to mind. 

[Mutt Daeng]

11 hours ago, Kadilo said:

Yeah on the scale of reasons to  not return that was probably number 3,000

It was a tongue-in-cheek post.

[owl sees all]

11 hours ago, Kadilo said:

Yeah on the scale of reasons to  not return that was probably number 3,000

I think 2997.

 

You just rounded it up Kadilo. Must strive for accuracy. Don't want to give misinformation.

[owl sees all]

11 hours ago, Mutt Daeng said:

Another reason never to go back to the UK again. Although I lived in a city and never encountered cows on a daily basis.

The guy that got trampled to death was walking a pathway across some field.

 

I once saw a cow pick a lock, using her tongue, to escape the yard. It's on YT; I'll dig it out.

 

Clever animals; cows. Of course I'm referring to English cows. Not sure about the Thai cows. They seem quite docile to me. Compared to my wife that is.

[CharlieH]

8 minutes ago, owl sees all said:

The guy that got trampled to death was walking a pathway across some field.

 

I once saw a cow pick a lock, using her tongue, to escape the yard. It's on YT; I'll dig it out.

 

Clever animals; cows. Of course I'm referring to English cows. Not sure about the Thai cows. They seem quite docile to me. Compared to my wife that is.

 

 

 

[owl sees all]

9 minutes ago, CharlieH said:

 

 

 

 

Usually when I see a post by a mod, it brings me out in a cold sweat. Although when it roaring hot in Isaan that's not always a bad thing.

 

Thanks for that Chaz. Saves me searching.

[owl sees all]

23 hours ago, Kadilo said:

Couldn’t be further from the truth this time. If we lose to the Germans he will be under the same amount of same pressure Matt Handjob is.

Mattie has resigned.

 

Didn't get the full SP, but he got caught not social distancing I hear. Don't know why he didn't just pay the fine, and carry on protecting the UK people.

[Golden Triangle]

9 minutes ago, owl sees all said:

Mattie has resigned.

 

Didn't get the full SP, but he got caught not social distancing I hear. Don't know why he didn't just pay the fine, and carry on protecting the UK people.

Apparently there is a big investigation going on into why there was a camera in his office & who leaked it to The Sun newspaper, a former health secretary and holder of 5 cabinet posts says there were never ever cameras in ministers officers, could there be the smell of skullduggery ??

 

On a separate point, I agree that he should have stayed but people ( mainly the opposition ) are saying that you can't tell the great British public to do something then totally ignore those rules / regulations, I think that is fair comment. ????

[owl sees all]

6 minutes ago, Golden Triangle said:

Apparently there is a big investigation going on into why there was a camera in his office & who leaked it to The Sun newspaper, a former health secretary and holder of 5 cabinet posts says there were never ever cameras in ministers officers, could there be the smell of skullduggery ??

 

On a separate point, I agree that he should have stayed but people ( mainly the opposition ) are saying that you can't tell the great British public to do something then totally ignore those rules / regulations, I think that is fair comment. ????

I've just updated my knowledge base.

 

The powers-that-be couldn't get rid of him due to bad decisions. They had to get him on something else.

 

I think you are probably correct GT. Skullduggery is still alive and kicking in the house.

[Kadilo]

1 hour ago, owl sees all said:

Mattie has resigned.

 

Didn't get the full SP, but he got caught not social distancing I hear. Don't know why he didn't just pay the fine, and carry on protecting the UK people.

He didn’t have a lot of choice. Even his own MPs were turning against him. 
He is a disgrace. Telling others they could not hug another, could not attend funerals, calling out the likes of. Neil Ferguson to resign and all the time he was s.hagging  his bit on the side who he made a paid director (more to come for sure)

Aside from being a cheating tosser to a wife of 15 years and lying about protecting vulnerable people in care homes and awarding contracts to friends and family. 
 

Who cares how they got the cctv footage. Good luck to them. These a holes think  they are above the laws that they themselves make. 
 

Oh and Boris said he should be proud. Yeah on his book the boy done good. Chip off the old block. Same bloke he called <deleted> useless. Says everything about him. 

Yeah he should have stayed on…….

 

it’s lovely when Karma is seen to be working. 

Edited June 27, 2021 by Kadilo

[owl sees all]

1 hour ago, Kadilo said:

He didn’t have a lot of choice. Even his own MPs were turning against him. 
He is a disgrace. Telling others they could not hug another, could not attend funerals, calling out the likes of. Neil Ferguson to resign and all the time he was s.hagging  his bit on the side who he made a paid director (more to come for sure)

Aside from being a cheating tosser to a wife of 15 years and lying about protecting vulnerable people in care homes and awarding contracts to friends and family. 
 

Who cares how they got the cctv footage. Good luck to them. These a holes think  they are above the laws that they themselves make. 

Yeah he should have stayed on…….

He was only following orders.

 

Interesting to hear what his replacement says.

 

Huge demo' in London yesterday.

[Kadilo]

22 minutes ago, owl sees all said:

He was only following orders.

 

Interesting to hear what his replacement says.

 

Huge demo' in London yesterday.

They have given it to Javid. Massive job to walk into. 
Handjob has left the department on a mess after his misdemeanours. 
Luckily we are nearing the end as far as vaccines and lockdowns go as evidently the only jab Handjob was really interested in was the pork injection he was giving his bit on the side. 
 

Not a bad gig for  her. £20,000 a year for 20 hours work courtesy of the British tax payer. 

 

3 kids each and a husband/wife 

to pick up the pieces. Lovely people. 
 

 

Edited June 27, 2021 by Kadilo

[owl sees all]

4 minutes ago, Kadilo said:

They have given it to Javid. Massive job to walk into. 
Handjob has left the department on a mess after his misdemeanours. 
Luckily we are nearing the end as far as vaccines and lockdowns go as evidently the only jab Handjob was really interested in was the pork injection he was giving his not on the side. 

Just seen a pic of his (Handcock) wife. She doesn't appear unduly flustered. Just very serious.

 

Divorce on the cards!?

[Kadilo]

16 minutes ago, owl sees all said:

Just seen a pic of his (Handcock) wife. She doesn't appear unduly flustered. Just very serious.

 

Divorce on the cards!?

Yeah he’s left her already and apparently he’s “in love” with his new floosie. 
Obviously the footage obtained from May 6th was the first time they had got up close ????

 

Im sure the Sun will have some follow up pics/video which

Is prob he’s jumped ship before the rest becomes public. Let’s hope it’s not of him banging her over the office table. 
 

Now he’s gone hopefully  the press will leave his wife and kids in peace  and hound him for all he’s worth instead. 
 

Then the truth out about how she miraculously become the best choice for her new role. The pad Director i mean not the paid mistress. 

Edited June 27, 2021 by Kadilo

[owl sees all]

Spent a few hours at the farm this afternoon.

 

Looked as though it would rain a few times. But nothing.

 

Very windy though.

 

Edited June 27, 2021 by owl sees all

[bannork]

4 hours ago, owl sees all said:

Mattie has resigned.

 

Didn't get the full SP, but he got caught not social distancing I hear. Don't know why he didn't just pay the fine, and carry on protecting the UK people.

' Hopeless Matt'. How many old folks were sent to a lonely, isolated death in a nursing home after he transferred them there, Covid positive, from hospital? 

What a dull character he portrays. Banal, he should have been called Brian, a true reflection of  British mediocrity.

Meanwhile, back on the ranch, lately the rain has been ideal, especially for those like myself who have fertilized their banana trees and planted  Ruzi grass seeds for cattle feed, i.e. the rain has been steady, enough for the ground to absorb the water but not too much to wash away the fertilizer and seeds.