Diary of a farang in Isaan

[Andrew Dwyer]

8 minutes ago, sotonowl said:

Did anyone find out how Blue Sofa is?

Alive and well, he went to pastures new .

[sotonowl]

On 8/8/2021 at 1:29 PM, Andrew Dwyer said:

Alive and well, he went to pastures new .

Great news, thanks.

[owl sees all]

Owl Log - 10-08-2021 - Tuesday morning

 

Whenever there's a problem in our family it always seems to end the same way. Costing me dosh. The DinL and hubby have finished. I've seen the paperwork; plain as the nose on yer face. Or was that some kind of rental agreement? Anyway we had to pick up some furnishings and toot from their old house.

 

 

Tang can't make out what's going on. "Why my mummy and daddy not friends?"

 

So we arranged some transport, some muscle and lao khow.

 

 

Som brought his tractor and trailer.

 

 

Beapp brought his pick-up. And we had ours. While we were clearing out the joint, ex-hubby arrived in his big wagon. "Don't take the washing machine or fridge. I'm still paying for them."

 

 

We put some stuff in our small house and the rest went to the MinL's. Had to pay Som, Beapp, Chai and Man. Of course the DinL didn't contribute much. Nothing in fact.

 

An old friend visited me from Khon Kaen. He was one of the major workers in the early days when we were developing the land, and building the farm house. He became a monk for two years, but met a nice lady, and left the monkhood. Lives in KK but visits occasionally.

 

 

Charkie has left us, but there's a new number one. Charkie was 'my' cat - if there could ever be such a thing - but Mildred is definitely jack's favourite human.

 

 

 

Ordered some games from Lazada; 'Pop it'.

 

Selected six different ones from the Chinese store. Would you believe that all six that arrived were the same? I'm gonna take five into Ban Dung today, and ask the stall owner in Big C, if she wants to buy five; 60 baht each. She sells them for 100 baht a piece so she might say yes.

 

 

Then I can order again.

 

Number four farm in nearly finished being cropped.

 

 

Just a hundred or so to go.

 

 

I usually take the cutters and Mildred uses the croppers.

 

 

Mrs Owl had started to help. She don't come to 'our' farm, but prefers to be alone in number one. She uses a different method to us. It's faster, but not so kind to the eucas.

 

 

I've got a big following at the farm now. They look to see who is in the Pick-up as it enters the farm. If the Mrs is sitting next to me they quickly get lost. But if they see just me and Milly they know all is good.

 

 

 

Stopped to pick up some rubbish on my way out of the village and saw some buffaloes coming my way.

 

 

They got closer.

 

 

I prefer to keep them at arm's length, since a small one trod on my foot 10 years ago.

 

The little avocado has sprung into life.

 

 

Not had one like this before. Interesting!? Which stem is gonna be the dominant one?

 

Footy started up last week end. Hull and Luton were the picks. I did a treble; Bolton, Reading and Rochdale. Dear me. But this week I'll have my dosh on Newcastle and the Irons. Easy money.

 

Gonna try to get to the bottom of the gold fiasco. Is, or has, the interest on the gold being paid. The Mrs put the gold in the shop to give to her daughter Nan. Money is gone now. No good moaning about it. Have to get out best way we can. Might have to sell it to the shop or pay the interest. We will see today.

 

London's Tower Bridge has malfunctioned. Perhaps one of the most iconic bridges in the world has stuck in the 'up' position for a few days. That couldn't happen in Thailand; all eyes on London.

 

So that young lady has - or is about to - take out a private prosecution against our prince. Can't quite recall his name; Furgie's ex. Should take the spotlight of of covid for a while.

 

Rain!! Yes rain! Should be tipping down. Just drizzle this month so far. What to do? If we can get one really good downpour in the next five weeks the ponds will fill. Once we get into late September the chances of 'big' rain get considerably slimmer.

 

Have to get a new fish pond for Mildred today. The blue one is kaput. Can't hold water. Think it's been hit low down with a cutter blade.

 

 

Mildred doing home teach as I type. I think it's English. I'm listening, but can only make out the odd word.

 

Gonna try to get some Ivermectin in Ban Dung today. Also need some sketch pads for Mildred's art. Also the fish pond.

 

Mrs Owl still refuses to consider getting goats and turkeys. Gonna have to sweet talk her. "Mrs Owl teerak, you don't look so short today." That'll do it.

 

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

Edited August 10, 2021 by owl sees all

[Odysseus123]

7 hours ago, owl sees all said:

I've got a big following at the farm now.

I was hoping that you would have had more rain.....

 

Nevertheless the plantations are certainly thriving and looking splendid-keep up the good work.Best of luck with the goats and turkeys!

 

 

[Fat is a type of crazy]

Hope things are OK. A week now. Maybe you have gone with some of the others. Like the book Atlas Shrugged where one by one people disappear to start a new community. 

The gold situation sounded difficult. Hope you sorted it out. 

 

 

[owl sees all]

Owl Log - 18-08-2021 - Wednesday midday.

 

Been so quiet in the village. I think people are feeling the pinch. A couple of families rely on the big markets for their income. They have stopped this month. Went into Tesco last week; I was the only customer in there. Only went in to use the loo; and that has deteriorated, like the rest of the store. The Mrs says it's gonna be a CP shop.

 

At the farm every day. Me and Mildred have nearly finished the euca trimming. Only about a hundred to go in number four farm.

 

 

 

The ponds are holding their own. Only just enough rain to balance the evaporation. Have to make some decisions soon on which ponds to save. Definitely 5 and 6. Mildred thinks number 2; that's her favourite, although pond 6 has all her carp in it.

 

 

She does get them.

 

 

A beautiful bronze specimen at the week end. Bought two new nets when we were last in Ban Dung.

 

 

The grass cutting has finished. Probably have to get one more cut in at the end on November.

 

 

Mrs Owl did a bit of planting.

 

 

One euca never got going. She replaced it with one she dug up further along the road. Have to keep giving it water for a week or so.

 

 

Jack has made friends with the black cat. Spotted them on the wall outside the bathroom.

 

 

While our man was cutting the grass last week, I rescued a couple of young birds. kept them safe overnight and released them next morning. Didn't want the cutter to get them.

 

 

The chickens come over to us every day. Mildred has started giving the regulars names. There is Boss, Limpy and Red-head. I named my  favourite Chunky.

 

 

Mrs Owl don't like them 'cause she says they destroy her garden. I've told them to behave; and that has worked so far this week; but they soon forget and return.

 

Lady in the village has started doing shrimps. Have to try anything to earn a crust.

 

 

People coming from the passing road have masks.

 

 

The eucas along our road are finished now.

 

 

 

Rice is doing OK.

 

 

Last bit of cutting.

 

 

 

Me and Mildred have just one or two decent trimming days to go. Can relax a bit after the work is finished. Get in a bit of fishing. Maybe today it will be all done. The cutting man chopped four trees in number four farm. They will soon sprout new growths; but one year behind the rest.

 

Can't get to the bottom of the gold fiasco. Getting a straight answer to simple questions is unbelievably hard. So still don't know what to do. Have to go into the gold shop with the ticket and find out. It's the only way.

 

Didn't buy Mildred her fish tank. Found one on the Non Mek road, but they wanted over 1200 baht.

 

Couldn't but any Ivermectin in town. Got something similar from the army man in Ban Chai. 100 baht for twelve tabs. That'll sort those wrigglies out.

 

Been doing OK with the Lazada deliveries. Aloe Vera was on a special. A 300gram tub for 20 baht. Bought 20. The Mrs has been selling them for 60 baht each. The vitamins and fish oil are also a little earner for her. I pay and she puts the sale money in her purse.

 

Footy kicked off at the week end. After two games in the Championship, no team has secured maximum points. And last night was all away wins. A strange season awaits. In the EPL, The Irons are off to a flyer. Can't say for sure that they will win the EPL. Too early, but top four; no probs. I told Kadilo to keep the faith. He said to lay off the reishi wine.

 

Mildred still, home teaching on Zoom. The school has dropped their half-year fee to 4k. They are crying out for English teachers. If anyone could understand me when I talk, apart from Mildred, I'd have a go.

 

Leccy bill just 900 baht last month. We don't have air con, but have 5 fans on the go virtually all the time in the day, and 3 at night. So not too bad.

 

The DinL and her mum are not talking. She was going to Bangkok, with a friend, to do 'cashier' work. That's fell through. Her dosh must be running very low. I'm keeping a very tight hold on the money situation. Have to! On the upside; the pound-baht rate is looking better.

 

Just looked at the world weather map. Could rain next Monday. Dear me.

 

A funny thing happened to me yesterday. I'm quite proud of myself. I went to the fridge and lifted out a full bottle of water (1.5 litres). It somehow slipped through my hands. But! My reactions were so good that I moved my foot out of the way.

 

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

 

And thanks for sticking with the 'diary' guys. Not always easy being a farang in Isaan, during these difficult times.

Edited August 18, 2021 by owl sees all

[Andrew Dwyer]

6 minutes ago, owl sees all said:

 

Footy kicked off at the week end. After two games in the Championship, no team has secured maximum points. And last night was all away wins. A strange season awaits. In the EPL, The Irons are off to a flyer. Can't say for sure that they will win the EPL. Too early, but top four; no probs. I told Kadilo to keep the faith. He said to lay off the reishi wine.

 

Thanks for not mentioning Leeds ☹️

[EVENKEEL]

9 minutes ago, owl sees all said:

 

Leccy bill just 900 baht last month. We don't have air con, but have 5 fans on the go virtually all the time in the day, and 3 at night. So not too bad.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Alot of work deleting the rest of post. So I enjoy following your post. I started out in Isaan not that far from you and relocated. I have to ask your reason for not using an air con especially for the bedroom and secondly and again I'm only curious about your thought about your daughter's education in a gov village school. I have a daughter almost same age and that was my way out of there to improve her educational options. Just curious  as to what opinion is.

[owl sees all]

35 minutes ago, Andrew Dwyer said:

44 minutes ago, owl sees all said:

 

Footy kicked off at the week end. After two games in the Championship, no team has secured maximum points. And last night was all away wins. A strange season awaits. In the EPL, The Irons are off to a flyer. Can't say for sure that they will win the EPL. Too early, but top four; no probs. I told Kadilo to keep the faith. He said to lay off the reishi wine.

 

Thanks for not mentioning Leeds ☹️

Thanks for not mentioning Leeds ☹️

 

Manchester United were lucky; that's all. Leeds will be OK. Watch them get a netfull this w/e.

[Golden Triangle]

Good to hear from you again Owl, I miss your updates  but also realise that you're busy with the farm & whatever else life throws at you, Fulham had a reasonable start to the season, I was mightily disappointed with their effort against Boro, they really should have won that one, I've lost count of the times they have thrown away a win in the last 10 to 15 minutes ???? anyway, enough of footy.

 

Hope you get plenty of rain in the coming days & weeks, it would be a shame to have to sacrifice a couple of ponds.

[owl sees all]

56 minutes ago, EVENKEEL said:

A lot of work deleting the rest of post. So I enjoy following your post. I started out in Isaan not that far from you and relocated. I have to ask your reason for not using an air con especially for the bedroom and secondly and again I'm only curious about your thought about your daughter's education in a gov village school. I have a daughter almost same age and that was my way out of there to improve her educational options. Just curious  as to what opinion is.

Sorry about that EK.

 

I don't really like aircon, although that's not why we haven't got any. The house is small and with a very low ceiling. Don't think it's a good option. I like fans.

 

Hope Mildred will see things much as I do rather than the average Issan dweller.

 

I'm trying to encourage her art work. She has a style that I like. I'll take a pic of a bit of her work and post it later.

 

Most important for a child to loved; and know that they are loved. Not what the factors of 180 are, or the king who slayed an army while riding on an elephant. Although I do help her in her maths, English and science. I am always talking to her in a spiritual way. Yesterday I said to her that if she was to carve her initials on a euca tree at head height. Where would those initials be in 10 years time. I didn't say the answer but to find out for herself. She told me the answer this morning.

 

I'm sure she will be OK.

 

Edited August 18, 2021 by owl sees all

[owl sees all]

15 minutes ago, Golden Triangle said:

Good to hear from you again Owl, I miss your updates  but also realise that you're busy with the farm & whatever else life throws at you, Fulham had a reasonable start to the season, I was mightily disappointed with their effort against Boro, they really should have won that one, I've lost count of the times they have thrown away a win in the last 10 to 15 minutes ???? anyway, enough of footy.

 

Hope you get plenty of rain in the coming days & weeks, it would be a shame to have to sacrifice a couple of ponds.

Fulham are certs to get promoted. Get yer wallet out; easy money.

 

Basically given up on the rain. Fear the worst. Was thinking of getting a solar-powered deep water well pump and just let it run and run. But the water table is so low, I'm not sure if it will not run dry. It's an option though.

[Golden Triangle]

17 minutes ago, owl sees all said:

Fulham are certs to get promoted. Get yer wallet out; easy money.

 

Basically given up on the rain. Fear the worst. Was thinking of getting a solar-powered deep water well pump and just let it run and run. But the water table is so low, I'm not sure if it will not run dry. It's an option though.

 

Just noticed that they beat Millwall Tuesday night, I hope that they can keep this up, I re nick named them the yo -yo's, up/down/up/down ????????

 

How much would it cost to drill a well ? quite expensive I think, I have a mate who built a resort & had 3 wells drilled, not cheap by any means.

[owl sees all]

8 minutes ago, Golden Triangle said:

 

Just noticed that they beat Millwall Tuesday night, I hope that they can keep this up, I re nick named them the yo -yo's, up/down/up/down ????????

 

How much would it cost to drill a well ? quite expensive I think, I have a mate who built a resort & had 3 wells drilled, not cheap by any means.

Yes! They played well. Top of the league.

 

We have a couple of wells already. One is just 20 metres from pond 6. There is another in the middle of farm 4. That one really is a no go because it is surrounded by euca trees.

 

To get the whole thing established would be around 15/16k baht. I've seen them in action, and even on a cloudy day, they are good for about 1.5 litres per second. On a really bright day that would rise to 2 litres a second. Don't sound much but over the course of a week; it would be impressive. Something in the region of 200 m3 in a week. But would the water table hold up?

 

I also need some info on the delivery drop off when the pump is 20 metres down, rather than at 2 metres depth.

[owl sees all]

57 minutes ago, Golden Triangle said:

How much would it cost to drill a well ? quite expensive I think, I have a mate who built a resort & had 3 wells drilled, not cheap by any means.

Just had a look at a Chinese solar system.

 

The rate of discharge drops of considerably after 5 metres. At 2 metres the flow is 500 litres per minute, but at 6 metres depth it is just 20 litres per minute.

 

If any reader has more info; please post.

[Radar501]

3 hours ago, owl sees all said:

Just had a look at a Chinese solar system.............If any reader has more info; please post.

Hope this helps

 

 

[sotonowl]

17 hours ago, Andrew Dwyer said:

17 hours ago, owl sees all said:

 

Footy kicked off at the week end. After two games in the Championship, no team has secured maximum points. And last night was all away wins. A strange season awaits. In the EPL, The Irons are off to a flyer. Can't say for sure that they will win the EPL. Too early, but top four; no probs. I told Kadilo to keep the faith. He said to lay off the reishi wine.

 

Thanks for not mentioning Leeds ☹️

Expand  

He only mentions the footy to keep TBL away.

[HighPriority]

I’d be happy as Larry with 20lt/min Owl.

My degraded bore in Darwin gives me 24lt/min for 3 min each hour… 

I tested yesterday, after 30 mins recharge I was able to pump for 7 mins before running dry, and we are 1/2 way through the Dry season.

So far, so good.

[sotonowl]

15 hours ago, owl sees all said:

Just had a look at a Chinese solar system.

 

The rate of discharge drops of considerably after 5 metres. At 2 metres the flow is 500 litres per minute, but at 6 metres depth it is just 20 litres per minute.

 

If any reader has more info; please post.

All to do with head pressure Owl but I'm sure you know this anyway. Imagine a vertical pipe full of water which is a metre high. Put a pressure gauge onto the bottom of the pipe what reading do you have? Now extend the pipe by 19 metres and fill with water and look at the gauge again. The pressure will have increase because of the weight of the water. So, conversely, if you wish to pump water up to a certain height, the pump needs to be man enough to do the job, i.e. lift the weight of the water to a different level.

https://www.pumpfundamentals.com/what is head.htm

 

 

 

 

Edited August 18, 2021 by sotonowl
update

[sotonowl]

So looking at the table and your pump set up, for the 2 metres the pump discharge needs to apply 2.85 psi to get the water up there and that just gets the water there, you want to get it flowing in sufficient volume so you need more pressure.

The 6 meter height you need 8.54 psi from the pump just to raise the water up to that head. What's the discharge pressure of the pump? Around 15 psi?

[sotonowl]

Nearly forgot, Up The Owls and FTB. We're off to a flyer but we can't get too confident as pride goes afore a fall doesn't it. Pigs got stuffed at WBA tonight so all is well back home in Sheffield, going to have to have a trip up there sooner or later.

[HighPriority]

3 minutes ago, sotonowl said:

So looking at the table and your pump set up, for the 2 metres the pump discharge needs to apply 2.85 psi to get the water up there and that just gets the water there, you want to get it flowing in sufficient volume so you need more pressure.

The 6 meter height you need 8.54 psi from the pump just to raise the water up to that head. What's the discharge pressure of the pump? Around 15 psi?

Are you saying that @6m he needs 8.54 + 15 psi @Sotonowl ?

[owl sees all]

3 hours ago, sotonowl said:

He only mentions the footy to keep TBL away.

In the mid-week championship games there were 9 away wins out of 12 matches.

 

Don't think I've seen that before.

 

Going to check the water table on one of the boreholes today. Seriously thinking about a solar pump.

[owl sees all]

3 hours ago, HighPriority said:

I’d be happy as Larry with 20lt/min Owl.

My degraded bore in Darwin gives me 24lt/min for 3 min each hour… 

I tested yesterday, after 30 mins recharge I was able to pump for 7 mins before running dry, and we are 1/2 way through the Dry season.

So far, so good.

When I was pumping from the borehole in number three farm 3 years ago, I was getting 3 litres a second. This was with a one inch pipe from 20 metres down. Run off a generator. I was pumping 250 metres slightly uphill, then up into a three metre high concrete tank at the highest point of the farm. From there a low pressure, drip tape system, to the palms.

 

Still no leccy anywhere near our farms. Don't look like we are gonna get any, although it was promised for this year.

[sotonowl]

17 hours ago, HighPriority said:

Are you saying that @6m he needs 8.54 + 15 psi @Sotonowl ?

No mate, he'd need 8.54 psi at the pump discharge just to raise the water to that height, any additional pressure would be on top of the 8.54 psi would be over and above the 8.54, the 15 psi was just a guess on my part.

[sotonowl]

Just thought, what about digging down to the well and installing a series of tanks and pumps at different levels, then pumping from the well into tank 1 which is at 2mt level then from tank 1 into tank 2 at the 4mt level then from tank 2 into tank 3 at 6 mt level and on and on?

Or maybe just buy a bigger pump?

 

[bannork]

Well OKA (to differentiate the owls), it has been the driest rainy season I have ever known in 23 years in Ban Dung. The monsoon has just not happened. Last year was bad but this is worse.

Turning to happier topics, the longer I live here, the more I appreciate Ban Dung. Small enough to be devoid of traffic congestion, it's still big enough to have a decent hospital, clinics, mobile phone repair shops, repair shops for car and motorbikes, a fresh as well as a night market, plus restaurants here and there.

If it only had a river it would be ideal!

[owl sees all]

3 minutes ago, bannork said:

Well OKA (to differentiate the owls), it has been the driest rainy season I have ever known in 23 years in Ban Dung. The monsoon has just not happened. Last year was bad but this is worse.

Turning to happier topics, the longer I live here, the more I appreciate Ban Dung. Small enough to be devoid of traffic congestion, it's still big enough to have a decent hospital, clinics, mobile phone repair shops, repair shops for car and motorbikes, a fresh as well as a night market, plus restaurants here and there.

If it only had a river it would be ideal!

Last year a very wet August got everyone out of trouble. Nothing this year so far.

 

Pumped even more water into the paddies this week. There is only about half metre water in pond one now. Two and a half when full.

 

Historically we are in the 'monsoon' season for our area. The rain falls away quickly at the end of September. Don't know how the big ressies are holding up. Could be desperate water shortages in a few months. The Mekong has not flooded once this year. So the water tables are low.

[HighPriority]

I’m sure your Chinese friends will help out their Thai neighbour’s…

[owl sees all]

Owl Log - 26-08-2021 - Thursday afternoon

 

We were promised rain this month for sure. Got a shower last night. Just enough to stop a game of cricket for 10 minutes.

The water in number one pond is very low now.

 

 

But at least it has been put to good use keeping the rice alive.

 

 

Some of the farms around us have virtually given up on their rice. What can they do? No access to a pond and no rain.

 

Wasn't very happy with the grass cutters in the week. Must have thought the pipe was disused. Typical Thai thinking for some.

 

 

Finished Number four farm euca trimming. Charged up the battery on the little chain saw and then went and left it behind. "I'll never be able to cut this one Dad."

 

 

So it was out with the old favourite.

 

 

Came across the old well in among the eucas. Was dug out over 10 years ago by Pam; the previous land owner.

 

 

These eucas have great survival traits.

This one had been trimmed four months ago. Have to leave no more than 3/8 inch showing or they will produce off-spring.

 

.

That's it. All done 1,700 trees. Just me and Mildred. Took nearly two months. But well worth it. Looks great.

 

 

Mildred caught another carp for her pond.

 

 

Bought some crabs from the 'crab-man'. Let them go in Mildred's pond; number six.

 

 

Two escapees are still in the pick-up. And I saw one in our bathroom this morning. That was one of Mrs Owl's eaters that escaped. Seems so silly, to Thais, that we farang buy snails, crab, frogs and iguanas just to let them go. I recall Bill Bailey (English comedian) bought an Owl from a Chinese market once. Cost him 20 squids. Took it outside and let it go.

 

The avocado at home is really shooting up.

 

 

The one outside is OK too. Also the one at the farm that was planted some months ago.

 

 

Chickens come to our farm as soon as they see the pick-up coming down the drive.

 

 

Mrs Owl is not keen on those little white hairs that keep on growing. She pays people to tweezer them out.

 

 

Only a job for one person though. Buffalo girl looks on in envy. 'Will she share the dosh' she's thinking.

 

 

That's better Mrs Owl. Beautiful again!

 

Someone

 

Your bit of the wall needs a paint job!

 

At the farm there was a film of something or t'other on number 5 pond. I think it's the carp stiring up the mud. Some goes to the top and stays there. A good downpour will soon sort it.

 

 

I encourage Mildred to keep on with her art. She has a similar theme to each one she does. There is a surreal look to them. Her little ladies are always there, doing something or other.

 

 

Went to the farm on Tuesday afternoon. When we got back the outside lights were off. Didn't think any more of it. But the next morning, when it was time for Mildred to start her work; all her pencils, pens and other writing implements were not there. Worse still the five 'pop it' toys were missing. The Mrs found the culprits, or at least she said she did. She says she is 100% sure. Anyway, yesterday in Ban Dung, we went to the 20 Baht shop and stocked up. They didn't have really good colouring pencils. The ones they had were too hard for Mildred's liking, so we got a pack of 24 in Big C. She likes them on the soft side; 3S or SB. 2B is OK, but not 1, 2 or 3H.

 

While at Ban Dung yesterday. Got to the bottom of the gold saga. Had to make a choice; accept 7,000 Baht and say good-bye to the pieces forever, or pay the outstanding two months. 1,000 Baht poorer since.

 

The bedroom wall fan went kaput two nights ago. Bought a new one in Ban Dung yesterday. Fixed it up this morning. Quite reasonable at 950 Baht I thought.

 

I said @Kadilo, "Irons for top four." He said, "lay of the reishi wine." @DaveE13 was at the game when we humbled Leicester. Said the place was 'rocking'. I reckon that the other owl @sotonowl was happy with his Owls too. I remember Bronco Layne and Peter Swan. Don't wear shorts like that any more.

 

Just started to cloud over. Must get to the farm.

 

Bye y'all.

Edited August 26, 2021 by owl sees all