Diary of a farang in Isaan

[Andrew Dwyer]

My gf offers me 20 baht to “ get out the hair white “ with a pair of tweezers.

A couple of “ accidental “ black hairs and that was the end of that chore ????

[owl sees all]

2 hours ago, Andrew Dwyer said:

My gf offers me 20 baht to “ get out the hair white “ with a pair of tweezers.

A couple of “ accidental “ black hairs and that was the end of that chore ????

Sort of a lapse in concentration there AD. I'm the same in the kitchen. Can never get the hang of that washing up malarkey. Best to leave some things to people who are naturally good at it.

 

Used to go with a girl from your parts AD. If I knelt on her bed, I could see Leeds Utd Elland Road ground.

 

Walked around number four farm this afternoon. Completely finished. Picked up some rubbish and pulled up a few fast-growing weeks. Measured the biggest tree.

 

 

Not a bad specimen at nearly 28cm. 14 months in the ground.

 

 

And this beauty. Although not last year's grower. I'm a bit baffled by it. Near to next door's sugar farm.

 

Only one thing left to say; thanks.

Edited August 26, 2021 by owl sees all

[HighPriority]

Well, I got some early rain on Tuesday night, 45mm to midnight and 17mm after !

Its been 3-4 months since our last rain and the garden loved it, if I see any mor I’ll send it Ban Dung way ????????

[owl sees all]

1 hour ago, HighPriority said:

Well, I got some early rain on Tuesday night, 45mm to midnight and 17mm after !

Its been 3-4 months since our last rain and the garden loved it, if I see any more I’ll send it Ban Dung way ????????

That would be great HP.

 

I want the water for the ponds. The trees and plants will do OK as it is; just a glorified dry season.

 

I've noticed the trends on rain for some years now. Once upon a time they could be almost guaranteed. The last five years - in my area at least - has seen a slow change. Culminating in this year, which so far must be the driest 'wet season' on record.

 

It's not just us. There was a post form a member up Chaing Rai way. Dry up there too. Don't know about Central Thailand. BKK; I just don't know or care. Same with Patts.

[Golden Triangle]

I won't say anything what we had last night then ???? Sorry I didn't realise it got your back up, we do need it though because last year it was possible to walk from one side of the lake to the other without getting your feet wet, now with no tourists and hotels closed the PWA has a chance to fill the reservoirs again.

[Dene16]

On 11/19/2019 at 5:53 AM, BritManToo said:

Most women don't seem to do that well after the divorce (unless they get a wealthier man).

Only because they spend too much time trying to fleece one partner.

The black widow ( i have aptly named in our village,very good looking young 30ish)

Owns condo in Pattaya from one relationship. Got new  Australian husband (35) to build new house 2.2m in village ( never lived in) and new Ford Ranger.. Within 6 months divorced and had new partner in Pattaya within a matter of weeks/month

She rents the condo out so don't know where she lives when in Pattaya. When in Surin she lives in the city never in the house in the village. Probably one of the reasons the Australian filed for divorcee. She still continued to live in the city even though she had the brand new house in the village while he was probably financing her rent in the city.

 

[sotonowl]

6 hours ago, owl sees all said:

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.

Swan, Layne and you can add Tony Kay to make up the trio, didn't belong to our finest hour Owl, brought shame on the club. Peter Swan died in January aged 84.

We're doing well at the moment, top of the league last time I looked, not sure if there's been any league games this week, most games are the Carabao Cup which you'll know is Thai sponsored.

Keep up with the footy comments, they seem to be working on TBL like garlic on a vampire. If he does surface, maybe we could try the stake through the heart.

 

I must admit to being somewhat disappointed, frustrated, confused etc with your recent posts Owl. Surely i'm not the only one craving updates on the "Hat Lady" and your "D in L's" latest escapades. 

What news?????

[HighPriority]

It’s Hollywood 101, always string out the wrapping up of the cliffhanger…

Owl is the master.

[owl sees all]

10 hours ago, Golden Triangle said:

I won't say anything what we had last night then ???? Sorry I didn't realise it got your back up, we do need it though because last year it was possible to walk from one side of the lake to the other without getting your feet wet, now with no tourists and hotels closed the PWA has a chance to fill the reservoirs again.

Last night!? Can't even think about it without crying. It promised so much. Delivered so little.

 

When I say I don't care about BKK it's not that I want the place to slide into the sea or something like that. Although that does seem inevitable. But a knew a girl in,,,,,. No! It's so far removed from us up here. China is nearer to us than Patts. I've just checked it and China is only 113 km from Thailand. But that's not important. The rain at this time of year should come from the east, originating in the sea somewhere off Vietnam, across Laos and drenching Isaan. I am upset; big time. Sorry Central Thailand; didn't mean to diss you.

 

There is still time for some rain. Next month; September. Oh yes! I can feel it in me water.

 

[owl sees all]

10 hours ago, Dene16 said:

Only because they spend too much time trying to fleece one partner.

The black widow ( i have aptly named in our village,very good looking young 30ish)

Owns condo in Pattaya from one relationship. Got new  Australian husband (35) to build new house 2.2m in village ( never lived in) and new Ford Ranger.. Within 6 months divorced and had new partner in Pattaya within a matter of weeks/month

She rents the condo out so don't know where she lives when in Pattaya. When in Surin she lives in the city never in the house in the village. Probably one of the reasons the Australian filed for divorcee. She still continued to live in the city even though she had the brand new house in the village while he was probably financing her rent in the city.

 

That does seem to be somewhat common in Thailand. Two of my friends died mysteriously up here. Big money involve both times. But these ladies are often the cause of their own downfalls. Gambling seems to be the number one in this respect. Or they themselves get fleeced by a Thai gent.

 

I worked in Nigeria many moons ago. Heard some stories about the lovely ladies there, but they were more into shafting their family and friends.

[owl sees all]

9 hours ago, sotonowl said:

Swan, Layne and you can add Tony Kay to make up the trio, didn't belong to our finest hour Owl, brought shame on the club. Peter Swan died in January aged 84.

We're doing well at the moment, top of the league last time I looked, not sure if there's been any league games this week, most games are the Carabao Cup which you'll know is Thai sponsored.

Keep up with the footy comments, they seem to be working on TBL like garlic on a vampire. If he does surface, maybe we could try the stake through the heart.

 

I must admit to being somewhat disappointed, frustrated, confused etc with your recent posts Owl. Surely i'm not the only one craving updates on the "Hat Lady" and your "D in L's" latest escapades. 

What news?????

Was there a footy scandal with those three? I'll look it up later, but I can recall deliberately missing penalties; or something.

 

The Owls had a good team. Very solid at the back. But what I remember were the tiny shorts. Peter Swan particularly. I'll have a look through my archives and get a pic or two.

 

Interesting developments on both Ting and Nan. Because of Mildred's home teach, we are not going to town so much, and when we visit the three of us go. That leaves me little scope for any sort of mystical romance. Last time I went to her shop, it was to buy the reishi strips that I make the wine from. She gave me a huge portion for only 100 baht. Well pleased I was. Very satisfied. Later, when I opened up the bag to do some brewing, I saw that the strips were riddled with weevils. Took me ages to shake the little sods out. Now I'm thinking that maybe she gave me that much because she knew about the little devils. The way she wears her covid mask though. Those ears!? Makes me go weak at the knees.

 

The DinL saga continues. Picked up the last of her clothing and small items on the way back from Ban Dung on Wednesday. Also unscrewed the bracket from the wall that held her big TV in place. Nan jumped into the pick-up. We dropped her at her MinLs; that's just 30 metres away from us. I'd already said that there is no way that I will agree to her staying with us. "If" - I said - "she comes to stay with us; I'll move to the farm." I couldn't go back to those bad days when money would go missing and things would go walkies. Anyway, Mrs Owl didn't argue; fortunately.

 

Dreamt about getting a new hat last night. Lovely dream!

[GarryP]

1 hour ago, owl sees all said:

Last night!? Can't even think about it without crying. It promised so much. Delivered so little.

 

When I say I don't care about BKK it's not that I want the place to slide into the sea or something like that. Although that does seem inevitable. But a knew a girl in,,,,,. No! It's so far removed from us up here. China is nearer to us than Patts. I've just checked it and China is only 113 km from Thailand. But that's not important. The rain at this time of year should come from the east, originating in the sea somewhere off Vietnam, across Laos and drenching Isaan. I am upset; big time. Sorry Central Thailand; didn't mean to diss you.

 

There is still time for some rain. Next month; September. Oh yes! I can feel it in me water.

 

Rain forecast for all of Thailand for the next 24 hours so there is some hope for you.

[owl sees all]

11 hours ago, sotonowl said:

Swan, Layne and you can add Tony Kay to make up the trio, didn't belong to our finest hour Owl, brought shame on the club. Peter Swan died in January aged 84.

We're doing well at the moment, top of the league last time I looked,,,,,.

Just refreshed my memory on the betting scandal.

Also found a replica of Peter Swan's shorts, available from their club store.

 

 

 

Those were the days. Wednesday ended Spurs undefeated run at the start of their double winning season. And the Owls were also unbeaten that year for the first 12 games.

[owl sees all]

16 minutes ago, GarryP said:

Rain forecast for all of Thailand for the next 24 hours so there is some hope for you.

Just had a shower. Looked good for a while, but now it's brightened up and the sun is out.

 

Spoke to Mildred. She thinks number one, three and four ponds have to go; to save two, five and six. I agree with that. Ponds seven and eight will have to look after themselves. Have to get the big 3 incher working again. Not started it for about 15 months.

Edited August 27, 2021 by owl sees all

[HighPriority]

Good luck owl. 

[owl sees all]

38 minutes ago, HighPriority said:

Good luck owl. 

Lovely words HP. Thank you.

Raining at the mo'.

[Golden Triangle]

Thank gawd for that, it would seem that the TMD has forecast heavy rains across the whole kingdom until the end of the month, obviously that's not long enough and I sincerely hope you and your fellow farmers get more than your fair share in the next few weeks ????????

[sotonowl]

Went out for a walk this afts with the wife. We got into a debate about a tree, which was testament to the influence this thread has on you. I wouldn't have even entered into a conversation about a tree previously as I don't know anything about them. As we walked past this particular tree, the missus pipes up that it's a eucalyptus tree. I respond with, "no it isn't, it's a silver birch". I shouldn't have really because I don't have a clue what it is.

A1E43D94-68A6-46B3-9847-83A189EB166B.heic 

She tells me this tree is very popular in Thailand and the government encourages people to plant them for furniture and building materials. I tell her "It's a Silver Birch <deleted>."3D00B9FB-0DCF-40F1-AC1F-A13908AB6581.heic

As we was returning home I thought I'd get a couple of pics as I'm sure we're probably both wrong about the type of tree but I know how I can find out.

A4C43D81-981E-4C9B-AAD4-1E1B73D24BF7.heic

I thought I'd get a close up pic when I noticed it has what looks to be an identification disc stapled to the trunk.

AF96FAF8-7A35-4DB5-9867-070AEF67976E.heic

So, it's over to the experts.

 

[sotonowl]

I may have made a pigs ear of that.????

[sotonowl]

[sotonowl]

[chickenslegs]

6 minutes ago, sotonowl said:

I may have made a pigs ear of that.????

I can't open any of your images.

Silver birch ...

 

Eucalyptus ...

 

To be fair, I think there are some similarities.

 

 

[sotonowl]

[sotonowl]

2 minutes ago, chickenslegs said:

I can't open any of your images.

Silver birch ...

 

Eucalyptus ...

 

To be fair, I think there are some similarities.

 

 

Yes, sorry about that, I tried to upload straight from my photos and it didn't work so I took a few screenshots and that did, it's a dark art this internet stuff isn't it.

[owl sees all]

9 hours ago, sotonowl said:

Try to ascertain what that little disk is Owl.

 

Good debate about the trees.

 

I think there are a couple of tell-tale signs. One is the bark. The eucas have a very smooth outer skin. The silver-birch not nearly so.

 

The leaves on the trees are a give away. The shape and the smell. Get a few of the leaves, scruntch them up, and rub them all over your body; or the wife's body (obviously taking your cloths off first). You should start to smell lovely. If you do then it was probably a euca. Otherwise silver-birch.

 

I'm looking into making a gel from the euca leaves. Not all euca leaves are suitable. There are over 50 different varieties of euca. I don't really know what variety I have planted even.

 

There is a huge euca plantation just north-west of Southampton. Would be a nice day out for the two of you. Buy some firewood for the cold days ahead.

[owl sees all]

Looking at the Cornwall web-site a while back, I came across this vid. It is actually on you tube::

 

 

[HighPriority]

My first thought was that it was an 0868 tree and I see upon closer inspection that I am correct… ????

[chickenslegs]

12 hours ago, owl sees all said:

Try to ascertain what that little disk is Owl.

Just did a quick google. Seems they are tags from a tree survey.

https://bushcraftuk.com/community/threads/numbered-metal-discs-on-trees.53242/

[owl sees all]

Owl Log - 30-08-2021 - Monday afternoon

 

The wall fan went kaput and I bought another. Before I dumped it, I plugged the old one in and the blades tried to move. Put it down and thought I'd have a better look later on. Forgot all about it and we had a welcome shower. Got drenched. Just scrap now.

 

 

It had a decent run of about 5/6 years so can't moan. At the end it would only start on number 3 and would not turn.

 

Som, on the corner. is really cutting loose with the home improvements. New roof for the tractor or pick-up.

 

 

 

Then it was time to do the floor.

 

 

And that's sorted. As simple as that.

 

 

Gonna be grand. Lift up the status of our part of the village.

 

 

While I was admiring his work the buffaloes were trundling along.

 

 

This herds-woman is just 9 years old. Her 13 year old sister must be training her up.

 

Paid some yearly insurance up yesterday. Lovely lady. Always get a free gift every year. Last year was a brolly. This time a top notch pack of masks; KF94s.

 

s.

 

With instructions on how to put them on. Stops covid she told the Mrs.

 

 

Can't wait to wear one.

 

Mrs Owl found our crab in the bathroom and demanded we take it out. "But teerak. It will eat the lizard poo poo." It was no good. Wouldn't have it. I caught it and we took it to the farm.

 

 

 

Had visitors to the farm on Friday.

 

 

Poom and his cousin Taa.

 

 

The two of them helped Mildred feed the fish. Got a great snap of a rainbow.

 

 

Tree still standing.

 

 

And the new neem tree is doing OK.

 

 

Because Mildred doesn't catch the bus in the mornings I don't see  so much of the twins growing up.

 

 

They are grown so well. Nearly eighteen months young now, Still not sure of their names. Mildred has just informed me it's Nadill and Nadene.

 

I really want some of those lillies for a couple of my ponds. I'll speak to guy about getting some.

 

 

They would look great in our ponds; especially when they blossom.

 

Gonna do a fish catch tomorrow. Try to get some of the big tilapia (pla nin) from ponds one and five. Pics next Owl Log.

 

Spurs are top. Londoners top three places. Talk about the kiss of death?! The other Owl praised up his Sheffield lads, only to see them suffer 1-0 at Morecambe.

 

Still no news about our missing pop-it toys. Have to give that one up as lost.

 

Picked up some bits and pieces from Nan's old house tonight, I think that's it. Everything cleared out.

 

Rain! Did have a decent shower on Sunday; or was it Saturday? Nothing since,

 

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

Edited August 30, 2021 by owl sees all

[owl sees all]

14 minutes ago, chickenslegs said:

Just did a quick google. Seems they are tags from a tree survey.

https://bushcraftuk.com/community/threads/numbered-metal-discs-on-trees.53242/

That's interesting CL.

 

Thanks for that.