Diary of a farang in Isaan

[owl sees all]

Owl Log - 07-09-2021 - Tuesday afternoon

 

Went to Ban Dung to pay Mildred's home-teach half year; 4200 Baht. Mrs Owl went inside to pay. I wandered around outside looking for squirrels. Couldn't see any, but couldn't resist a short walk along the road outside to see the glorious yang na tree.

 

 

We had left Mildred at home as she had a afternoon lesson. Gave Mrs Owl a chance to go off for some market shopping. Mangoes and pineapples mostly; for my new diet.

 

 

 

Nothing to get in the 20 Baht shop. Had plenty of fuel, so it was straight to Big C for the weekly shop after the market. Paid for the internet while we were in there and I had a little mooch around the two gold shops; alone! Had a lovely bar in one. Five baht weight. 140,000 Baht money. Think I'll get one; or two. Hide them at the farm. Dig a hole somewhere. Was gonna buy some Bitcoin but don't know how to go about it. So it's gold!

 

At the farm, although the trimming was finished, work is never done. One of those twirly wind things had run through farm one, bending a lot of trees over.

 

 

Have to straighten them and hold then in that position for a minute. Mildred was really good at it.

 

 

And there are creepers to deal with.

 

 

The euca by the side of the road is growing fast. Last measured in June at 32cm, at the week end nearly 35cm. Don't think I'll ever cut this one.

 

 

The neighbour opposite has been getting his chickens ready for the 'Chicken Gala'.

 

 

And Song - the chap next door - had come back from Krabbi. He said he was gonna sell his rats. I had a look, but too dark in the rat-houses for pics.

 

 

I said I was interested in buying them; just to let them go in the wood. He totted up and told me 1150 Baht all told. I could have them for 1000 Baht. Said Mrs Owl didn't want them to be let go. So that was that; rat stew all over the village.

 

 

We have been trying to sell one of the farms. Number three. Only wanted 1,500,000 but as you do in these times; had to drop the price. I think we have settled for 1,300,000 now. But who knows in this land of secrets. Gonna get some gold with my share.

 

The nut cutters had their best harvest for ages. Six tonnes.

 

 

The price at the mo is a healthy 6.8 Baht a kilo. They said their cut came in at just under 8 tonnes all told. That's decent money. Next cut is in 20/21 days.

 

Not much rain; just showers. Latest pic of ponds one and two.

 

 

 

Checked the overflow into the ponds.

 

 

Can just about see it, but it's doing the biz OK. Also checked to see that the Buddha man hadn't unblocked and pipes that run under the road. Just a trickle from the first one.

 

 

Guy had a load of lillies in his pond. I asked him if he could give us a batch. Within 24 hours the plants were in their new home. Pond number seven.

 

 

With any luck at all they will thrive and we can put them into the other ponds. Planning to drain number five now and put the mekongs into pond four and the carp into Mildred's pond; number six.

 

Very quiet in the village recently. Not a soul to be seen.

 

 

Som has plenty to do though. Finishing his porch.

 

 

 

Bought  a big bowl for Mildred's fish. Gonna get some small bricks and sand in the way to the farm later. Pics next Owl Log.

 

Bit late going to the farm today. Mrs Owl took the pick-up somewhere and she's not yet back.

 

That England footy team are banging in the goals. Bigger test tonight; Poland.

 

Changed my diet at the beginning of the month. Found that I was getting unusually tired after only an hour's farm work. Only gonna eat fruit after 3/4 in the afternoon from now on. Try to get back to full fitness.  Have to keep my strength up.

 

One of my old hats has gone missing.

 

Still drinking the reishi, but not as much reishi wine. My new diet includes wine; or rather excludes excess.

 

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

 

Edited September 7, 2021 by owl sees all

[Radar501]

[DJ54]

Avocado seeds starting to grow roots.. Thanks Mr. Owl 

[owl sees all]

8 hours ago, DJ54 said:

Avocado seeds starting to grow roots.. Thanks Mr. Owl 

That's fantastic DJ.

 

When the treeling is about 15 inches high, transfer it to a small potting bag. No rush. get a good root growth first. I'm gonna do mine today. Pics later.

 

 

[bannork]

Teeming down now Owl. Last year August saved us, looks like September will this year!

[owl sees all]

Owl Log - 08-09-2021 - Wednesday evening

 

Bannork just posted that it was 'teeming down' in his area. He is about 30 km North East of me. So there is hope yet.

 

Not yet bought the bricks and sand to do Mildred's pond. Have drilled four holes though. These will let the water out before it gets to the very top. Last time we lost a few catfish due to them slithering over the top.

 

 

Not decided where to put the new tank.

 

 

I think there is best. But over a bit, where the dark-grey one is.

 

 

Had a record number of chickens come over for food yesterday. Around thirty.

 

 

Only scraps of old rice, and anything else that would be chucked in the pond for the snails and crabs.

 

 

DJ54 posted that his avocado was doing the biz. That's good to hear. Me and Milly potted our last two this afternoon.

 

 

Once they do go into soil, they must be kept very wet for a couple of weeks. Then one good watering every day until they are robust enough for the ground. Which could be up to six months later. But then' relax and wait for the avoes.

Som's porch is coming along great. Tiles yesterday.

 

 

And this morning grouting.

 

 

 

Opposite Som's house is our MinL's place. Chelsea and her Grandmother were chillin. I must be Chelsea's Great Uncle-in-law.

 

 

I just knew the chicken dancing was about to start. This morning they were gathered opposite.

 

 

I'm not really sure what it's all about. Just a feather or two flying about. Is it practice? Are they trying to sort the winners from the also-rans? When they do have the real thing; it's secret squirrel stuff. Way out in the wood usually. And they have look outs for the police. Don't think they will let me in so easily to take pics.

 

 

 

Found an interesting oil palm tree yesterday.

 

 

Feed the fish every day. Sometimes they get a treat. Left over bread slices.

 

 

 

What a row. Started at about seven in the morning and didn't let up for half an hour. I just had to investigate. Jack and a new cat just meowing at each other. Don't know if was a love affair or a prelude to a war.

 

 

 

Mrs Owl and her mother not talking. The Mrs hasn't given her mum her daily injection for a few days now. I think it stems from the 500 Baht that went missing. Best I keep out of it. Although the Mrs is more grumpy than usual and is not so quick off the mark when I shout for my cup of Rosy.

 

Stopped raining for now. High hopes of getting more in the evening.

 

Jack brought a rat to us this morning. Our old Jack used to bring small snakes. Reminds me of 'Pickle' back in Dagenham. We had a cat flap on the back door, and about five one morning, there was this terrible commotion. Scraping, banging and squawking. I went down to see that the cat was attempting to drag a seagull into the kitchen and it had got stuck half-way. It was as much as I could do to release it. Gave Pickle a nice 'thank you' stroke. Although he was disappointed to see his efforts wasted.

 

Footy tonight. Another four goals.

 

Thinking about those poor chickens opposite reminded me of Thai TV some years ago, when buffaloes were fighting each other; almost to the death. Or were they bulls? Can't quite recall, but quite sickening. That's the land of smiles for ya. But not like that up this way!

 

Stopped raining.

 

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

Edited September 8, 2021 by owl sees all

[GarryP]

What they doin? Dancin? ????????????

[owl sees all]

Owl Log - 14-09-2021 - Tuesday morning

 

Bought some bricks, and some crushed stone, on the way to the farm at the week end. Need to put Mildred's little pond on sound footings.

 

 

Spread the weight evenly.

 

 

Got it roughly level.

 

 

In with the plant. Got some nice stones that will look good at the bottom. Also managed to get a bucket of sand from Som. Set about washing it all. Might put it all in the pond later today.

 

I'm not sure if Mildred wants to put fish in it. I think she likes those big shrimpy things. Can't buy the pink cat-fish or kois at the mo; cause the markets have been closed down.

 

 

The sand is very dirty. Surprising how much muck there is mixed in. They don't wash the building sand here. Just start building with it. Straight from the beach, or where ever they get it, into the concrete.

 

 

Som's porch is just about finished.

 

 

 

Looks a good job to me.

 

 

I think there is gonna be more concreting outside. They have a load of stone and sand unused.

 

Jack and Blackie are good mates now. Often seen together.

 

 

Got the two lads to sort out all the eucas that were bending over. They bent them in the opposite direction and trimmed the top branches to stop them being top-heavy. That will do it, until the next big wind. In saying that; it's not really the wind, but those mini-whirlwinds that we get quite a lot of in these parts. Sometimes only a couple of metres across. They will push away anything that is not stable, in their path. Young trees and rice, especially, get the treatment. They go as quickly as they come. That's nature for ya.

 

 

Every day we feed the chickens at the farm. When they see the pick-up most congregate around pond one; which is where we usually feed them. Fed thirty five a couple of days ago. Sometimes, one or two, just can't wait.

 

 

The mozzie lads were back on Friday. They did our place just after reloading with oil and gel. If the noise don't scare the mozzies away, the spray will definitely do them in.

 

 

 

Mildred and her mother like to eat sour berries. They dip them into a spics dish.

 

No idea what the fruit on the left is called. The ones on the right are cherries from Mildred's tree. Don't look ripe to me.

 

 

Not too much like the cherries that we are used to in the western world.

 

Had to pull a couple of Mrs Owl's trees straight, that had grown wonky. I had some

strong rope in the water tank. Those naughty rats had been at it again. Must get some cats.

 

 

We strapped up the trees. Too dark when we finished for pics; next Owl Log for those.

 

The football started up again. Cream gradually rising to the top. Can the seagulls and Irons stay with it? Shame about the Geordies, Leeds, and the Gunners. My mate was in North London and he found three Arsenal season tickets nailed to a post. He pull em down and put them in his pocket. "Can never have enough nails", he told me.

 

Nan is about to go to Pattaya. She got a steady number as a cashier in a coffee shop. Tonight she has to catch the bus from Non Han. I'll have the job of taking her. I'm sure a tear or two will be shed when she is on the bus.

 

A bit of rain overnight. Time is running out for the ponds.

 

9/11 anniversary at the week end. Very solemn occasion all round.

 

We, well we English, got the winner in the US tennis. A real comos lady. Some Turkish blood, some Romanian, born in Canada and now English. We'll take her!

 

The Mrs' brother is on his way from Bangkok. Not seen him for a couple of years. His daughter, May, is living with the MinLaw. Along with her mum. Problems ahead? Or a reunion?

 

Didn't Ronaldo do well? At the Iron's new gaff this week. Be a shame to burst their bubble. Wish I could be there.

 

Wonder how Ting is? Miss going into her little shop. Well past the 'wet dream' stage now. Just for a new hat.

 

Overcast, but no rain.

 

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

Edited September 14, 2021 by owl sees all

[chickenslegs]

46 minutes ago, owl sees all said:

No idea what the fruit on the left is called. The ones on the right are cherries from Mildred's tree. Don't look ripe to me.

 

 

I just asked Mrs C. The ones on the left are called Manao hoo or Mamuang how (มะม่วงหาวมะนาวโห่) I think the name varies in different parts of the country.

 

We have a small tree in our garden and got about 5kg this season - about 10 weeks ago.

 

I made about 10 litres of very nice wine using some cider yeast - it takes ages to clear, so most of it gets consumed cloudy.

 

[Andrew Dwyer]

1 hour ago, owl sees all said:

My mate was in North London and he found three Arsenal season tickets nailed to a post. He pull em down and put them in his pocket. "Can never have enough nails", he told me.

Definitely going to borrow that for FB, change Arsenal to Leeds, some of my fellow Elland Road fans might not see the funny side though ????

Might even get some death threats ????

Edited September 14, 2021 by Andrew Dwyer

[Andrew Dwyer]

16 minutes ago, chickenslegs said:

I just asked Mrs C. The ones on the left are called Manao hoo or Mamuang how (มะม่วงหาวมะนาวโห่) I think the name varies in different parts of the country.

 

We have a small tree in our garden and got about 5kg this season - about 10 weeks ago.

 

I made about 10 litres of very nice wine using some cider yeast - it takes ages to clear, so most of it gets consumed cloudy.

 

Yup, the old lady says Manao Hoo and Cherry.

[HighPriority]

15 hours ago, Andrew Dwyer said:

Definitely going to borrow that for FB, change Arsenal to Leeds, some of my fellow Elland Road fans might not see the funny side though ????

Might even get some death threats ????

And I’m going to borrow it for my mob, Carlton… currently no coach and no CEO, but a shiny new President with an itchy trigger finger… never boring… ????

[bannork]

How are the ponds doing now Owl? Our three are full now 

[HighPriority]

Lookin fine there Bannork ????????

[GarryP]

3 minutes ago, bannork said:

How are the ponds doing now Owl? Our three are full now 

 

This one looks great. I would love to have a pond like that where I could while away the hours whip fishing and watching nature. Must be loads of frogs, snakes, birds and assorted insects I can observe and maybe get a few pictures of there and shady too.  

[Andrew Dwyer]

This should be right up your street Owl .

 

 

 

Apologies to TBL !

[owl sees all]

12 hours ago, bannork said:

How are the ponds doing now Owl? Our three are full now.

 

It's raining right now. Not heavy enough to stop a game of cricket though.

 

The ponds are between 60 and 70 per-cent full. The main farm gently slopes down to the rice paddy. In past years I would release excess into the next farm through the pipes under the road. I've blocked those off, for the last three years, as I need the water to run into the ponds.

 

Just not happening at the mo. Another two weeks to get that big rain. After that all is lost, and I'll take stock on what ponds to fill and what ones to empty.

 

I'll take some pics and post next Owl Log.

 

[owl sees all]

Owl Log - 24-09-2021 - Friday afternoon

 

Big rain forecast for tonight. The better ponds are 60/70 per cent full, others considerably less.

 

Pond one. Nearest to the road, and one of the ponds - along with wo and three - that I'd hoped would have been full by now.

 

 

Pond two. Deepest pond; a little over 3 metres when full.

 

 

Pond three.

 

 

Pond four. Just a few fish in there. Has a small advantage in that there is an under-the-road pipe delivering run-off water from Mrs Owl's garden. When there's hard rain it can be a significant flow.

 

 

Pond five. Mekongs, grass carp and kois. Nets are stuck in the mud. Get them out one day.

 

 

Pond six. Mildred's pond. She puts all her carp in here, and it has an abundance of crabs, snails and shrimps. Also a couple of terrapins, but not seen those for a while now though.

 

 

Pond seven. Shallowest of all eight ponds. Not many fish. Hoping to grow enough lillies in here, to be able to transfer some to other ponds. Just yesterday released 90 big shrimps in there. About 30 per cent full at best.

 

 

Pond eight. About 100 metres further along the road from the others. Water goes up and down according to the water table. Has been very full in the past; but not for a couple of years. Very low right now. Only about 25 per cent full.

 

 

We bought 100 lovely big shrimps yesterday; 3 baht each. Put ten in Mildred's new blue tank.

 

 

The rest went into number seven.

 

 

Went to get some blocks for the Mrs on the way to the farm in the week. Not too much out of my way; about 3 kms They had a little fork-lift problem.

 

 

There was a 5 day spell without rain, so it was a good time to burn the rubbish.

 

 

But rain was on its way just a couple of hours later.

 

 

And so it turned out to be.

 

 

Very welcome but short-lived as usual. This year has been strange. The longest it has rained hard for has just been 30 minutes or so. Has global warming arrived in Isaan?

 

 

Ordered a new lap-top fan from Lazada. Made in China; 160 Baht; including delivery.

 

 

Put some blobs of plasticine under the computer to stop it moving about. Works great so far.

 

 

Roped up a couple of Mrs Owl's trees. They needed tying for sure. One was ready to snap.

 

 

 

Isn't always the way? The Irons lose to United in the important one - the league - and then travel to  Old Trafford next game, and win in a secondary comp'.

 

The jabbing is underway in the area. Anyone that wanted a jab, had to register in Ban Dung this week. A few have participated in the programme. May and Mrs Owl's two sisters put their names down. But most of the villagers have not. As far as I can tell they are having the Sineovac make.

 

Mrs Owl's daughter, Nan, is already in Pattaya. Caught the overnight bus from Non Han on Tuesday evening. She has had the Pfizer shot already. Evidently; 'no jab' = 'no work' is the new norm down there. Don't know if she has started her 'Cashier' job yet though.

 

It was the big news of the week. 50 percent off everything at Tesco. Mrs Owl's sister went along for the bargains. I asked her if she could get me some cheese. Came back with all sorts of junk; but nothing for me. That's life in Isaan for ya.

 

No home teach for Mildred today. Took the chance to go over some maths with her. She did OK. Concentrated on doing stuff in ya head.

 

Caught Blackie eating some of Jack's food last evening, as we came home from the farm.

 

Late today going to the farm. Nearly five. Off shortly.

 

The two avocado plants that were transferred to pots are doing well. Especially the smaller of the the two. I'm not that surprised, as it had a good root growth. The bigger one is hanging on in there.

 

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

[owl sees all]

Owl Log - 28-09-2021 - Tuesday evening

 

September nearly closing its doors. And with it the last chance of a big rain.

 

Rice is looking good. About a month to harvest.

 

 

Have not done any work in the two euca farms, but Mildred and me did do a bit of measuring, The biggest we found in number four farm measured in at 29cm. Not bad for 16 months in the ground.

 

 

The Mrs' daughter Nan, has left the house on the big road; never to return. We went to collect the last bits and pieces, including the washing machine, that had never been used. It wasn't even paid for. Still owed the shop in Ban Dung 6,000 Baht. I did a deal with the lady to pay 4,500 Baht. So paid the odds then and four payments of 1,000 in the first week of the next four months.

 

Although the house was clean, the outside didn't look as though it had seen action for 12 months.

 

 

Goodness knows what's at the rear. An outside loo.

 

 

 

 

Side is a little better.

 

 

 

Seems like the Mrs has rented out the house for 1,500 a month. The first two months have already been spoken for; owed leccy and the clearing of the grass and whatever lies amongst it.

 

 

Got home and checked on Lazada. That particular LG washing machine weighed in at 4,950 Baht; delivery free too.

 

Found a lovely garden in town when I visited.

 

 

There are little gems all over. Very well looked after. Grass could do with a little cut.

 

 

Two large iguanas in the cage at the front.

 

 

Back at the village, the lady along the road had heard the Widow Ghost was in the area.

 

 

Or was she just trying to scare any buffaloes, or birds, away from her garden? My dosh is on the ghost.

 

Still bring the buffaloes home each evening. Just 60 metres from us.

 

 

The lady's two children don't go to school.

 

 

Destined to be buffalo herd-lasses all their lives I guess.

 

Som has finished his porch and drive.

 

 

Poom joined us the farm this afternoon. Sporting the latest Liverpool strip.

 

 

Went past the 'Big Pipe Gang' on the way home. Fearsome lot they are. Oldest is twelve.

 

 

A lot of shops closed in Bang Dung. The word is covid. Uptake of the free vaxx seems poor to me; outside of the towns. Less that 50 per cent in local villages. But don't know about in Ban Dung, or Udon.

 

We are looking after the washing machine. Not got too much space as it is. Just about fitted it in. between the table and the bench-seat.

 

Richie Allen is sick. Tuned into last evening's show, this morning, to find he is laid up in bed. Get well soon Richie. One of the few broadcasts I listen to in England. My number one is Tony Gosling's weekly news round-up on Friday evening; which I catch up with on Saturdays.

 

The Seagulls couldn't quite get the win on Monday that would have taken them top. The Irons bounced back from their last home defeat, to record a fine win at Leeds. Don't want to see Leeds join Watford and Norwich in relegation, as they play decent footy, but ya never know. It's a funny old game; as Greavsie used to tell us. RIP mate. Just heard about Roger Hunt. Rest peacefully too guv'.

 

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

Edited September 28, 2021 by owl sees all

[sotonowl]

On 9/28/2021 at 3:22 PM, owl sees all said:

Poom joined us the farm this afternoon. Sporting the latest Liverpool strip.

Poor little <deleted>, what's he done wrong?

[owl sees all]

7 hours ago, sotonowl said:

Poor little <deleted>, what's he done wrong?

Have to get him some red socks.

 

Leave the boots to his mum.

[Odysseus123]

Hi Owl,

My wife informs me that Ubon is getting set to flood-plenty of rain upriver..have things improved in your neck of the woods?

[Fat is a type of crazy]

3 hours ago, Odysseus123 said:

Hi Owl,

My wife informs me that Ubon is getting set to flood-plenty of rain upriver..have things improved in your neck of the woods?

It looks like it's a bit bad. Here is my girlfriend's friends house today in Ubon. 

[owl sees all]

8 hours ago, Odysseus123 said:

Hi Owl,

My wife informs me that Ubon is getting set to flood-plenty of rain upriver..have things improved in your neck of the woods?

Not yet.

 

Had a shower in the night. Lasted for 20 minutes or so.

 

I'm being totally selfish. Only want rain to fill the ponds.

Edited October 1, 2021 by owl sees all

[owl sees all]

Owl Log - 01-10-2021 - Friday afternoon

 

Not been to Ban Dung for over a week. Every day is spent in the village or at the farm. Just wonderful. Have to share some of the lovely pics of the area and clouds.

 

Sun has just retired for the evening.

 

 

Looking North East towards the VOA compound. At night can see the flashing lights from all of the transmitters.

 

 

Going up the hill towards the village.

 

 

 

The dog from one of the adjoining farms comes over when we feed the chickens.

 

 

We have named him 'Happy'.

 

 

Sometimes there is a bit of something he likes. If not, Mildred gives him a bit of fish food.

 

 

We have a great harvest of this small green fruit at the farm.

 

 

Has to be licked and dipped into salt. Called 'star gooseberry'.

 

 

Loaded with vitamin C. But very bitter. Might make good wine. Thinking of putting a couple of handfuls; sliced up, into my next brew of reishi.

 

 

Farm one to the right and four to the left.

 

 

The road is 280 metres long. Built in 2008. I'm always keeping it in good order. There are a couple of small repairs needed now. I'll check on the price of a pick-up load of stone.

 

Mrs Owl found a fruit from a tree that was growing without help. Just the one.

 

 

A tree along the main road to the village has decided to do its thing.

 

 

Quite unusual. Gonna just leave it.

 

 

Been putting up signs. Well not me or Mildred, but the guy harvesting the nuts.

 

 

Two signs.

 

 

And for those that don't understand Thai.

 

 

It says ""Do not take worms. Fine 5,000 Baht a worm.""

 

I said to the Mrs, ""Let them take the worms and we'll pocket the fines."" My input not appreciated one little bit.

 

That washing machine is causing some contention. I want it moved to the MinL's house. She has tons of room. Instead it's another bit of junk we can do without. And to think I'm paying for it.

 

 

Just not enough room. Must get a bigger house.

 

 

Another win for the Irons last night. If we don't get top 4, then we can crash the Champions League by winning the Europa Cup. Exciting times ahead for the team and supporters. Orient looking good too.

 

Have not seen the sun yet today. But no rain.

 

Going to Ban Dung on Tuesday next. Have to get a couple of starter motors for the lounge lights. Both are flashing away. If I take out the starters as soon as the lights come on, they are then OK. Probably get them at the 20 Baht shop.

 

The sound is giving problems on the computer. The audio card is fine, but when I plug in the headset; nothing! I think the wire has come adrift from the female sound jack on the side. Have to take it apart to see. Sure it's something simple.

 

Still writing the chapters of my book. Completed 22 to date.

 

Two of the shrimps have died in Mildred's blue tank.

 

Mildred and her friends are collecting used plastic drinking straws. They are making costume jewellery and belts. What a great way to help save the planet from the plastic menace!? Pics next Owl Log.

 

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

 

Edited October 1, 2021 by owl sees all

[Odysseus123]

6 hours ago, Fat is a type of crazy said:

It looks like it's a bit bad.

My sympathy to your friends..the Mun can be a mighty tempestuous river when she is in spate...

[bannork]

Blimey Owl, at first I thought you meant the sun was setting as you posted at 3.30. Silly me.

I think you'll find that notice says don't use a detergent/ solution to catch worms. No doubt very bad for the palm trees.

There was an outbreak of Covid last month stemming from Ban Dung market. Over 50 people got Covid from over 300 tested. 

I got a free Sinopharm vaccine due to the local scare though I wanted Pfizer.

I can see the VOA lights flashing clearly from our farm. We're only  3 km from Nong Hai.

 

[owl sees all]

1 hour ago, bannork said:

There was an outbreak of Covid last month stemming from Ban Dung market. Over 50 people got Covid from over 300 tested. 

I got a free Sinopharm vaccine due to the local scare though I wanted Pfizer.

 

 

Last time in Ban Dung, half the shops had closed. That must have been because of the covid scare.

 

Some of our villagers have had the jab. Not so many down our soi.

Edited October 1, 2021 by owl sees all

[GarryP]

1 hour ago, bannork said:

Blimey Owl, at first I thought you meant the sun was setting as you posted at 3.30. Silly me.

I think you'll find that notice says don't use a detergent/ solution to catch worms. No doubt very bad for the palm trees.

There was an outbreak of Covid last month stemming from Ban Dung market. Over 50 people got Covid from over 300 tested. 

I got a free Sinopharm vaccine due to the local scare though I wanted Pfizer.

I can see the VOA lights flashing clearly from our farm. We're only  3 km from Nong Hai.

 

Yes, it says not to use chemicals to catch worms. So theoretically, if you just go in and dig around for worms, you won't get fined. Like you say, probably the chemicals are harming the palms. 

[GarryP]

2 hours ago, Odysseus123 said:

My sympathy to your friends..the Mun can be a mighty tempestuous river when she is in spate...

 

 

 

Definitely can. My late wife's father drowned trying to swim across the Mun river to Warinchamrap (the bridge was out). His body was found by the steps of the house so he nearly made it, but the consensus is that he was well oiled when he tried it. About 45 years ago.