Diary of a farang in Isaan

[bannork]

Finally the dribble and drizzle of the last two months has called it a day, changing into a monsoon pounding of heavy rain with the musical accompaniment of thunder and lightning.

Same your way, Owl?

[Golden Triangle]

24 minutes ago, bannork said:

Finally the dribble and drizzle of the last two months has called it a day, changing into a monsoon pounding of heavy rain with the musical accompaniment of thunder and lightning.

Same your way, Owl?

I hope so ????

[owl sees all]

1 hour ago, bannork said:

Finally the dribble and drizzle of the last two months has called it a day, changing into a monsoon pounding of heavy rain with the musical accompaniment of thunder and lightning.

Same your way, Owl?

Not just yet. But it's very dark.

 

Just looked at the time; nearly midnight.

[Odysseus123]

37 minutes ago, owl sees all said:

Not just yet. But it's very dark.

 

Just looked at the time; nearly midnight.

Best of luck with the rain, Owl.

I've got my fingers crossed for you (tho'-to be frank-that doesn't seemed to have worked very well so far...)

[owl sees all]

9 hours ago, Odysseus123 said:

Best of luck with the rain, Owl.

I've got my fingers crossed for you (tho'-to be frank-that doesn't seemed to have worked very well so far...)

I went to bed late last night. Resulting in me getting up at 9-45 this morning. Not a good thing. Just so much stress at the moment. What with the DinL nonsense and all. Then Mrs Owl put my rat in the wash and didn't tell me. Looked everywhere for it. If we had some decent rain that would help though.

 

Bannork is not that far from me and his area has had a bit.

 

Thanx for crossing yer fingers Ody. I've got everything crossed here.

[owl sees all]

12 hours ago, sotonowl said:

Yes, golf is on most of the year It's the 3M Open which starts today.

First tip, never ever bet on the golf if they're just paying first 5. Has to be a minimum of first 8. They're just TTP at first 5.

Tell me about it then. Right at the mo' I need a few baht extra.

 

I know nothing about golf except that guy who kept his pet snake in his golf bag and that Tiger Woods gets all the ladies. But I did get 7 holes in one at the Dagenham crazy golf in Central Park one year. And I can recall it, because that year 'Chunky' (our chicken) was runner up in the pet section, and we got a little plaque.

 

So PM me please fellow owl. Sorry about The Owls.

[Odysseus123]

3 hours ago, owl sees all said:

What with the DinL nonsense

I am not particularly au fait with what's going on with the DinL-has it got something to do with borrowing money for a business and then it going belly up?

As you know I have been caught out recently...borrowed money..business..asset stripped..profits creamed off-all without a single discussion with me.

I had kinda hoped that the Thai had got beyond that sort of nonsense but one is never too old to learn...

Presumably your "rat" survived its mistreatment..????

[owl sees all]

50 minutes ago, Odysseus123 said:

I am not particularly au fait with what's going on with the DinL-has it got something to do with borrowing money for a business and then it going belly up?

As you know I have been caught out recently...borrowed money..business..asset stripped..profits creamed off-all without a single discussion with me.

I had kinda hoped that the Thai had got beyond that sort of nonsense but one is never too old to learn...

Presumably your "rat" survived its mistreatment..????

Earlier in the year the DinL and hubby moved into a house on the 2022 road to Ban Dung. I put the details on an Owl Log. I loaned them 100k baht for the deposit. The balance - another 500k - to be paid in March (??) 2022.

 

Well the whole thing went belly-up and they were officially divorced the Friday before last.

 

To rub salt into the proverbial, I found out, just a few days ago, that the Mrs had put her gold into the shop for 30k and given that over also. That's not good, but then I find out that the interest on the pawned gold - 600 baht per month - has not been paid. Gold might be lost. Will check when I next go to town.

 

TBH it's a real mess.

 

Found Rat pegged up by one ear outside yesterday.

Edited July 23, 2021 by owl sees all

[Odysseus123]

4 minutes ago, owl sees all said:

TBH it's a real mess.

Owl..sometimes I am not very physically well and overlook the minutiae of the logs..sometimes I sleep 14 hours a day-but then stay up half the night-which is often when you will see me posting.I joke to my doctor.."My leg get's amputated every night and grows back again every day.."

 

I do the best I can.

 

Pray forgive me-I thought that "rat" might be a humourous euphemism for "hat" and your wife had taken her revenge..

 

Yes,it seems like a bit of a mess.I went thru a similar thing recently.The shock was quite profound.

[owl sees all]

7 minutes ago, Odysseus123 said:

Pray forgive me-I thought that "rat" might be a humourous euphemism for "hat" and your wife had taken her revenge..

 

 

No Ody. 'Rat' has profound meaning.

 

I'm relaxing at the mo'; listening to Rosa Ponselle and Maria Callas.

 

I'll put a pic or two up, with a full explanation, later.

 

Thanks for your help.

Edited July 23, 2021 by owl sees all
remove an 'a'

[sotonowl]

On 7/23/2021 at 4:23 AM, owl sees all said:

Sorry about The Owls.

Me as well Owl, me as well. Still, onwards and upwards.

[sotonowl]

For heavens sake, where is he? Hasn't been winding up in the Covid threads again has he? Will he ever learn?????????

[owl sees all]

On 7/23/2021 at 1:29 PM, Odysseus123 said:

Presumably your "rat" survived its mistreatment..????

Mrs owl said she was washing it. She never told me. There was me frantically searching for it too.

 

The 'rat'. In 2015 I was on my way back to England. I had business to attend to, and hoped to get a bit of work. The Mrs, myself and Mildred got on the plane at Udon Thani. The plan was for Mildred and her mum to return to Udon, and I would stay at Swampy and go on from there. The ladies were to leave at about five for Don Muang.

 

About an hour before they left, I told Mildred the plans. It really upset her, and she spent the next 30 minutes crying. We went downstairs to the ground floor to get the transit bus back to Don Muang. Mildred was upset; me too. She handed me her favourite toy; 'rat'. Said something like "rat will look after you." Then they left. The Mrs told me Mildred cried all the way back on the plane to Udon Thani. I shed a tear or two also.

 

 

I kept 'rat ' safe, and brought it back to Thailand the week after the Brexit vote (June 2016). We all met up at Udon Thani airport and Som (husband of the big mango lady), drove us home. On the way Mildred asked about 'rat'. She was pleased to know I'd brought it back safe and sound.

 

 

So there we are. Hope I don't have to leave Mildred ever again.

 

 

[owl sees all]

Owl Log - 30-07-2021 - Friday afternoon.

 

The cutters and croppers have been working overtime. Mildred sad she cropped 2000 little branches and I probably cut off five times that amount. The croppers rebelled and were in need of attention. Fortunately I had little bits and pieces stored away, and soon had them sorted; although one side was missing.

 

 

The weed cutting guys were working on number four farm. Looks good. Weeds are heavy in places. Very heavy!

 

 

 

But one of them got a bit close with the blade.

 

 

Beyond help. Not one of the biggest trees, but all the same; a tree is a tree? I cut through the bit that was still attached. Before the end of the year new shoots will be arriving. I'm not fretting.

 

Found an interesting tree in the week. This had only been trimmed recently, and was showing unusual signs of growth. I'll keep and eye on that one.

 

 

Been measuring the bigger trees. Checking the circumference one metre up from the ground. Got dozens over 20cm. Found quite a few over 22cm too. And until yesterday this was the fattest.

 

 

Then Mildred started trimming one and asked for the tape.

 

Absolute stonker.

 

 

Just 13 months in the ground. Just to show what a cracker this one is; the two year old tree at number one farm, along the road is 32cm.

 

Went into Ban Dung yesterday (Thursday). Had to take the MinL to hospital. We dropped her off and me and Mildred went shopping. I needed a new light for the outside post.  Luckily the 20 baht shop cut the mustard. Bought three; so two spare. I also needed an extension lead for the TV. They had one, but I didn't get it. Looked a tad flimsy. Finished up getting a 2 metre one in Big C for 129 baht.

 

There's a new eating place opened up.

 

 

Have to try it sometime.

 

Back at the farm, we were visited by Poom and his cousin.

 

 

Mildred thinks that we are losing some fish food. I said to set a little trap. Put the food away and put something on top of the bag to see.

 

 

We will see today if any half-inching is occurring.

 

Milly's cherry tree gives a lot of fruit but it's not always easy to get the top ones. Had to get in amongst it in the week. I'll ask Milly if she wants it pruned.

 

 

All for a couple of cherries; which are sour anyway. Got scratched everywhere.

 

Finally got the water in the bathroom sorted. The joint outside - that I thought would cause problems once the water was turned on 100% - was fine. Just the slightest of drips.

 

-

 

Because Mildred has not been getting the bus this month, I've not been passing the twin's house.

 

 

Eh oh! Bet they have forgotten me.

 

 

Rain! What's that?! About 50mm this month. Just looked on the world weather map; no rain for the next week. It's down to you August; we are relying on you.

 

Been watching the Olympics as best I can. Great result for the Brits, with both gold and silver in the men's 200 free. Well done Peaty as well in the 100 breast. Looking forward to the weightlifting. See how that New Zealand lass will fare!?

 

Tensions still high in the family after this month's divorce. Mrs Owl and me are not on the best of terms. My energy levels are so low. Must buck up.

 

Mildred resumed home teach today. Heard the teacher talking in English a while back; dear me! I could barely understand her.

 

Footy starting very soon. I fancy Chelsea to win the EPL; although Man City are big favourites again.

 

Our grass-cutting man is finding the going tough. He is doing a good job - apart form hitting the trees - and I said I would give him extra dosh cause his Honda cutter needs attention.

 

Thank you all for your patience during my absence. No, I wasn't on holiday; just stressed.

 

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

Edited July 30, 2021 by owl sees all

[rhodie]

Stunning pic.

[owl sees all]

7 minutes ago, rhodie said:

Stunning pic.

Thanks Rhodie. Taken in November 2015 at Swampy. I didn't take it. I took this one though.

 

 

 

Edited July 31, 2021 by owl sees all

[bannork]

Nice photos Owl. Well, the temperature is pleasant but these clouds just won't deliver rain. It's plain my offering of a Leo bottle to the Rain God was dismissed with contempt. I'll have to replace it with a bottle of Blend 285, that should do the trick.

[owl sees all]

4 minutes ago, bannork said:

Nice photos Owl. Well, the temperature is pleasant but these clouds just won't deliver rain. It's plain my offering of a Leo bottle to the Rain God was dismissed with contempt. I'll have to replace it with a bottle of Blend 285, that should do the trick.

You are about 20km north-east of me. Everyone knows that your area gets more rain. But, please do your stuff, and I'll hope that some drifts our way.

 

We need the same as last year. A very wet August. Not sure haw the ressies are. Don't get out and about like pre C-19 to see.

 

If there is no 'big rain' then the dry season could be serious with the water.

 

[canthai55]

Chiang Mai the same. Had one good wet day this rainy season. Except for some brief showers - nada.

Hoping to get some WET soon

[HighPriority]

@owl sees allis it Rat or Lat ? ????

 

 

[owl sees all]

Owl Log - 02-08-2021 - Monday evening

 

Some very sad news. Charkie died this afternoon. She had not been well for some time.

 

 

Took her to the farm for burial. She had been with us for over 12 years. When she was a kitten she would sit on my shoulder as I pottered around the farm. Brought her to the village about the same time Mildred was born.

 

 

Measured the two year old euca.

 

 

Very nice 32cms at I metre off the ground.

 

 

Back to Ban Dung today to swap Mildred's school work over. Spotted a nice one on the main drag.

 

 

 

Left the key in it.

 

 

Also found a little pond with some koi carp. Good job they can't jump.

 

 

Milly and me been hard at it. Number four is about 60% trimmed.

 

 

Looking good.

 

 

The Mrs bought some crabs at the week-end. Very nice of her. I had to get them into the pick-up before she noticed they were missing.

 

 

As I was getting a pic they took advantage and attempted an escape.

 

 

Once at the farm we quickly set them free.

 

 

About a dozen all told.

 

 

We got home before Mrs Owl realised they were missing. When she found out she said she wasn't annoyed. But later, when I whistled for my tea, it was delivered without her usual smile, and there was a distinct taste of salt. Drunk it all the same. No moaning.

 

A new dig taking place on the way to the 2022.

 

 

Had the Mrs with me, so restricted. I'll get closer for a pic tomorrow.

 

 

I had to send away for another battery for Mrs Owl's cutter. She is getting soooo good. Every time I pass I give her encouragement.

 

 

Still no rain. Bannork is doing some jiggy-pokering for me. And I've stopped drinking the red wine the Mrs puts out for Buddha. Maybe soon then?

 

The New Zealand lass; Laurel couldn't cut the mustard today. Just watched it on TV. Failed at 125kg.

 

A message for Grealish; Owl says stay at Villa.

 

Palm nuts are over 6 baht a kilo at the mo. If it all kicks off on the oil tanker scene, I'll expect the price to double. This year we have rented out the farm. But next year we are on a 50/50 basis. Good to see the pound doing so well too (45.8) right now.

 

Still tension in the family. Of course the DinL didn't think straight when she signed to end the marriage. After all hubbs was the breadwinner. Did she wonder how she was gonna live? Perhaps she had it all worked out. Dear me!

 

Did that Piers Corbyn get scammed? Or what? It was a great spoof? Bet he is embarrassed right now. So he should be.

 

Mask wearing picked up again in Town. In Big C it's virtually 100%. Outside probably 80%. Although the ones not wearing them properly have them under their chins. Just in case. I keep a Beng Beng, or a sausage, in my top pocket to be safe.

 

Did I hear POTUS Biden correctly? He said it's not important to win 'meals'. When asked why he thought the US was not doing so well in Tokyo. I'm sure he meant medals. Or is it my hearing? Anyway, make him right on that. China way out in front. C'mon you Brits.

 

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

Edited August 2, 2021 by owl sees all

[Golden Triangle]

^^^^^ Sorry to hear about Charkie Owl, 12 is a pretty good age for a cat & as you so rightly say she hadn't been well for a while, at least the start of this year if my memory serves me correctly, commiserations sir.

[owl sees all]

On 8/1/2021 at 11:39 AM, canthai55 said:

Chiang Mai the same. Had one good wet day this rainy season. Except for some brief showers - nada.

Hoping to get some WET soon

We think of Chiang Mai as being wet.

 

So the 'rainy season' has not yet kicked in? Interesting.

 

Will it be serious if it does not teem down? Rezzies etc.

 

The water table here is low. I'd say 1-5 to 2 metres down. But, that depends upon the Mekong river being high somewhat. Whenever I've been to the river, this last 9 months it has always been low. But that is not necessarily because of lack of rain further upstream. Dams everywhere. Laos talking about building another three. China has a few. When they are all completed the river should return to normal levels, but while the water is being held back while the rezzies are filling, the river will be low.

 

Getting serious.

[owl sees all]

12 hours ago, Golden Triangle said:

^^^^^ Sorry to hear about Charkie Owl, 12 is a pretty good age for a cat & as you so rightly say she hadn't been well for a while, at least the start of this year if my memory serves me correctly, commiserations sir.

Thanks GT.

 

She had not been well for months. In the end she was just fur and bones. Sad to see her go, but in a way a blessing. She was obviously suffering.

 

We have Jak. Only 2 years old. He is fine, but always getting into fights. One day a bloodied ear, the next a hurt leg. That's a tom-cat life I guess.

[Bredbury Blue]

Couple of pics from  week or so ago from the B-I-L's rice farm up in Sakon Nakhon province, not so far from Owl's 'ranch'.

 

The fishpond shown gets flooded if/when the nearby river overflows, which restocks the pond.

 

The bitch with puppies hangsout at his night camp (is there a name for those overnight wooden shacks).

 

They are very lucky that they always have water from the river/weir which runs past the village.

 

 

 

[owl sees all]

1 hour ago, Bredbury Blue said:

Couple of pics from  week or so ago from the B-I-L's rice farm up in Sakon Nakhon province, not so far from Owl's 'ranch'.

 

The fishpond shown gets flooded if/when the nearby river overflows, which restocks the pond.

 

The bitch with puppies hangsout at his night camp (is there a name for those overnight wooden shacks).

 

They are very lucky that they always have water from the river/weir which runs past the village.

 

 

 

Great pics BB. Bet you are well pleased with the water situation; and Grealish. Was gonna have a tickle on the Irons, but after the Grealish transfer went through, now I'm tempted by City (sorry TBL).

 

I'll not say we are desperate here, but there is only six weeks left to fill the ponds. After that it will be sacrificing four to save three. Hope it don't get to that; but who knows? We need just one really big rain. Not had one yet this year but,,,,,ya never know?. That will flood the lower parts of farm one and overflow into the ponds.

Edited August 7, 2021 by owl sees all

[Bredbury Blue]

31 minutes ago, owl sees all said:

Great pics BB. Bet you are well pleased with the water situation; and Grealish. Was gonna have a tickle on the Irons, but after the Grealish transfer went through, now I'm tempted by City (sorry TBL).

 

I'll not say we are desperate here, but there is only six weeks left to fill the ponds. After that it will be sacrificing four to save three. Hope it don't get to that; but who knows? We need just one really big rain. Not had one yet this year but,,,,,ya never know?. That will flood the lower parts of farm one and overflow into the ponds.

Sadly it's the same every year in Thailand, it's either flood or draught.

 

Hope you get some rain. Don't think it's rained much anywhere this year. When it rains heavy, we get a quick flood in our street (it drains away in a few hours) but that hasn't happened once this year which is indicative of the rainfall this year.

[Bredbury Blue]

UPDATE

The wife was telling just now that as the dog doesn't have enough milk for its puppies, the B-I-L is going to buy milk or food for them. When I asked why are they buying for a stray dog and it's puppies - as that doesn't sound like thai's to me - I was told that they want the dogs to stick around as security, as people sometimes come in the night to steal fish from the pond. 

[owl sees all]

1 hour ago, Bredbury Blue said:

UPDATE

The wife was telling just now that as the dog doesn't have enough milk for its puppies, the B-I-L is going to buy milk or food for them. When I asked why are they buying for a stray dog and it's puppies - as that doesn't sound like thai's to me - I was told that they want the dogs to stick around as security, as people sometimes come in the night to steal fish from the pond. 

Not stay now.

 

Those puppies look cute.

[sotonowl]

Did anyone find out how Blue Sofa is?