Diary of a farang in Isaan

[owl sees all]

Owl Log - 12-12-2021 - Sunday afternoon.

 

Remember Spirograph? It was very popular back in the day. Sent away for one on Lazada two weeks ago. Arrived yesterday.

 

 

Nice zip-up case. But nothing like I expected though.

 

 

An essential bit of kit for a budding high school student;

but definitely not what I remembered spiro graph to be like.

 

 

Back to the drawing board. Try again later today to get what I want.

 

The avocado was moved again. Although still healthy it is definitely suffering  from transplant shock. A bit like my brain when I came to Thailand.

 

 

Some worry in the family. The MinL was taken into Ban Dung hospital a week ago. She spent three days in covid quarantine. That was all clear, but she is still in there. Finding it hard to ascertain what is actually wrong. Maybe age related. She is 76 now. I'm told, also, the DinL, Nan, has been taken into hospital in Pattaya. Mrs Owl said to send her some money. I said that next time she called, show the area where she was in hospital via the phone. No communication since then. It's a mystery.

 

The Buddha farm next to ours, had had a pond dug out.

 

 

By the looks of the soil, it will take a long time to fill. It's also one of the higher parts of the farm so there will be no water run-in.

 

 

 

Jack has taken a liking to the new cycle's basket.

 

 

The lily pond, number seven; is looking so good. These plants have only been in there a few months. Let's hope there will be water all through the dry season for them. I doubt it somehow, as that pond is the shallowest of the eight. I've spoken to Mildred about putting some in her pond at the deeper far end. I'll get to that in the week. Number seven is the first pond to dry out, and with the way it's going I reckon it's only got two months in it.

 

 

Went fishing last week. I was lucky enough to catch three pla nin. Shared the big one with Mildred for lunch today.  She didn't catch any nin, but did latch onto a beautiful grass carp of about 5 kilos.

 

 

Popped it into her number six pond.

 

 

There is nothing in the way of teaching at the mo'. So Mildred has been busy painting.

 

 

I think we have gathered in all our rice. Have 60 plus sacks in the store now. Enough for the family, and extended family, 'til next time around in 11 months or so.

 

 

The mesh has made it rat and bird proof. But not Thai proof. Two rods, with reels, went walkies out of our farm house. Only found out when we were getting ready to fish a few days ago. So gone in the last two weeks.

 

The twenty baht taps were not as robust as they should have been. Think they might have been OK if there was no need to torn them on and off. The green one broke and the pink leaked badly. No point in going to Trading Standards. Just have to live and learn.

 

 

I bought a new 25 baht one and it works a treat. So everything turned out OK.

 

 

Was watching my mate John Rogers on his latest ramble through the Essex countryside last week. Makes me homesick to see it on You Tube. But it's good to know that the area is as beautiful as ever. Came across this gem. The Essex humour. I miss it. Although in saying that, I'm gradually adapting to Thai village jokes. In Dagenham we had our own, beyond melancholy, words. As we might say. "Ifv fingz appen hit will hone lee makez fingz worser; sooz letz get daan der pub."

 

 

About eight months ago this euca was chopped by the cutter. I put it in a splint and tied it. Clean forgot ll about it, but came across it this afternoon while picking up a plastic bag that had blown over.

 

 

It's recovered really well. Take off the string next visit.

 

 

Went along to see a neighbour and was surprised to see how low his duck-pond water was.

 

 

Noticed that one of his solar panel was missing. Sure he had two a while back. Have to ask the wife (my one) to investigate.

 

 

The sugar planting is well underway. I think the farmers have it wrong. They are ploughing up dry top-soil and laying down the sugar. The sugar will grow, but yields in our parts will be poor as usual. In India they put the sugar in the ground just before the wet season starts. In Oz too.

 

I asked Mrs Owl about planting the sugar. What did she think? Were the farmers planting at the wrong time? "Thai farmers know best. What you know about sugar; stupid farang." Perhaps she is right. Mildred will be 22 in ten years time. I'm thinking; will Ting save herself for me?

 

 

Went past Gong's eucs farm. She has recently - as in the last few days - shallow tilled her farm. Her trees look OK, and I think on par with our number one.  Our number four farm is much better though. She has 13 rai and planted a short while before us. We have about 30/31 rai

 

 

It's been a traumatic week. Mrs Owl has been under a fair bit of pressure. Don't realize how expensive sickness is until it come along.

 

Published 18 stories on the number village web site. Mildred's friends want her to translate into Thai. That will be a challenging exercise for her. All part of a good education.

 

Mrs Owl's brother has left the priesthood. His wife and family are in Chaiapoom. staying at his mums for the present. Just two houses down. As long as he keeps out of my way I don't care. I've helped him enough in the past. No more!

 

No rain for the last two months. We are OK for another month.Then we will have to start moving water about from one pond to another.

 

All the biggies won in the EPL yesterday. Can The Irons keep pace? They are away at Burnley later. I reckon even Claret fans would not be too sad if we come back from Turf Moor with all three points.

 

We had quite a cold spell. only coming out of it now. I read the temperature at 15C one morning and at night I had to put socks on. Nearly back to normal now. 25C this afternoon.

 

Been taking Magnesium tabs for the last two weeks. Has definitely helped.

 

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

[Andrew Dwyer]

Found a couple on Lazada that are probably what you were looking for :

 

 

 

 

 

Similar to what i had as a kid, I think mine came with a board and some pins to hold the larger circle in place.

[owl sees all]

11 hours ago, Andrew Dwyer said:

Found a couple on Lazada that are probably what you were looking for :

 

 

 

 

 

Similar to what i had as a kid, I think mine came with a board and some pins to hold the larger circle in place.

Thanks for that Andy D. I had another look myself and re-ordered. They say delivery this week. So watch this space.

[bannork]

First step to tethering the calves 

[JetsetBkk]

Bl***y OUCH!

[owl sees all]

Owl Log - 20-12-2021 - Monday afternoon.

 

Mother in Law came out of hospital this morning. Mrs Owl says she might have to do a once a week out-patient visit to Udon. She seems to be OK for the time being.

 

Passed the 'Farmer's Bank' after picking up Mildred from school on Thursday. There was a queue waiting for the ATM of more than 30 people; about 4-45. I wonder if there was gonna be enough dosh in the coffers. Must be Government dosh made available.

 

Farmer Joe asked in a previous post about our rice store. It's big. Nine metres long and three metres deep. Far to big as a simple rice store; but then we had a rice thresher. One year we had over 200 sacks in the store.

 

 

At the mo' we have 60 something sacks in just one of the three compartments.

 

 

Bit of a junk-heap underneath. Have to ask/tell/pay Mrs Owl to clear it up.

 

Spirograph arrived. Not a big set, but enough to test the water to gauge Mildred's enthusiasm. Gonna get a pack of coloured pens today from the 20 baht shop, when I pick Mildred up from school. she is Mon-Wed-Fri this week.

 

 

Mre Owl went to Ban Dung yesterday to see her mum. Left me and Mildred to water the plants. Decided to burn the rubbish that was building up.

 

 

The lady from the next farm saw the smoke and took advantage of the heat.

Didn't care about the smoke. Just wanted to get warm.

 

 

Made a reishi brew in the week. Added some carrots, onion and limes to the reishi strips.

 

 

Bit smokey at first.

 

 

Feeding the next farm's chickens has started to pay dividends.

 

 

A white one too. When I was a kid, all the eggs were white. Getting a brown one was special. Don't know why they changed.

 

Two months since rain. And none forecast. We have to face the truth. The climate is changing in northern Isaan. I was moaning about the lack of rainfall on 'Thai visa' in 2019. The water table is as low as I've known it in 14 years. Still have some water - courtesy of October 22nd - in all the ponds, although number seven only has about 60cm. Can see from the changed colour of the bank, how much the water has gone down in two months.

 

 

Anyone tried to open those sewn-up sacks? I'm so rubbish at it, that I don't bother to try. Mildred is the master/mistress.

 

 

I'm troubled by Jack. After a night on the tiles he comes back injured. Limping and blood everywhere. Fortunately cat heal very quickly.

 

 

The avocados outside are doing OK (pics next Owl Log) and these ones are looking good.

 

 

Special onion left - avo middle, special carrot to the right.

 

Been looking into getting a chocolate tree or two. Interesting. Took them for granted when I lived in the Caribbean. Anyone out there in the know?

Everything has been up in the air over the MinL. Hopefully things will stabilize now.

 

I am told that the DinL was arrested in Pattaya for leaving quarantine early. She was on the tippy-tappy to her mum, asking for 10k baht to get her released from the police station. I said next time she calls ask her to show her surroundings. I don't think she was anywhere other than her rented condo. Just a ruse to get her hands on some money. I don't think I'll every know. Mrs Owl somehow sorted it.

 

Big thanks for the members that emailed Mildred over her web-site. The support, hints and advice are appreciated.

 

http://www.numbervillage.com

 

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

 

[Fat is a type of crazy]

Hope it's a good 2022 to you and others who contribute here. 

 

[Sterling]

Just got back from holiday in the US. Owl, did your rods and reels ever turn up?

[Odysseus123]

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

Hope it's a good 2022 to you and others who contribute here. 

 

Yes indeed.

A Happy New Year to Owl and everyone and best wishes to all for 2022.

[GammaGlobulin]

This is a great, and enduring, thread, compared to many.

[owl sees all]

On 12/31/2021 at 9:28 PM, Sterling said:

Just got back from holiday in the US. Owl, did your rods and reels ever turn up?

Good to have you back Sterling.

 

Never got the two rods and reels back. Particularly peeved with one set. Bought both in Pattaya 14 years ago. Caught my 33kg catfish with them. The other rod and reel were Mildred's. Can easily be replaced.

 

Asked around, but no one knew anything.

 

 

[Sterling]

Owl, that really sucks. You might have to take a walkabout to the more popular local fishing spots and see if you can find out who "borrowed" them.

[owl sees all]

Owl Log - 02-01-2022 - Sunday afternoon.

 

Holiday over for another year. Very busy for us. What with the sick MinL and Mrs Owl's daughter being incarcerated. And on top of that the Mrs' Uncle died a few days ago. So things that I should have been on top of took a back seat. The delay in posting has meant that there is a huge backlog of pics and annotation for the diary. Too many for one Log. I'll split it in two or even three.

 

Couldn't be an Owl Log without cats. We have a new one. Called Champoo - after a fruit I'm told - but already been shortened to Poo.

 

 

A bit of a nipper. If she wants food she uses those sharp teeth to good effect.

 

Then there is Jack. In the wars again. Must teach him how to defend himself.

 

 

Cleaned him up, and he seems to be fine. Ready for round thirty seven.

 

The avocado plants are still with us. One of the newly planted has broken through.

 

 

 

 

 

The is a regular fruit and veg visit now. Mrs Owl always willing to support the local people.

 

 

Sad to see a dead dog on the road. Reminds me of my time in Sav-la-mar: Jamaica. There with the then wife and her mum. There was a dead dog on the sidewalk of the main drag. Everyone was giving it a wide un, as it had swelled up big time in the hot sun, and was about to explode. The MinL came out with a classic; "Wouldn't have been like that when the English were in charge." "What would they have done ma? Took it away?" "No. Not that good. Would have been spiked it with a stick."

 

 

Good food for the village chickens. More chickens on the road than people.

 

 

The fire department in Ban Dung is always worth a visit. While waiting for Mildred I had a mooch round. Good to see they are investing in the latest machinery.

 

 

Someone's had the number plates away.

 

 

The pond from where they fill the trucks is very low.

 

 

Picked Mildred up from school on the last day before Xmas.

 

 

 

Some of the children had made a big effort to engage in the holiday spirit.

 

 

Back at the village the local school were doing a march through.

 

 

 

There is me; bottom left.

 

 

Teach says; "keep up, or it's double maths for you lot."

 

And then it was out of the village and back to school for more learning.

 

 

Took an interest in a shop in Ban Dung. Think the guy thought I was American.

 

 

Insisted on taking my pic. Thinking was to make me homesick and get me to buy one. Might do anyway.

 

 

Another pond dug out next to our super highway.

 

 

This one is nearly 4 metres deep. Have to remember not to go off-road when it's full.

 

Sold the village house plot on a promise. Had it for over 14 years. Never built a thing on it. Guy said he would buy it, and a build started a few days later. Big plans. A 20 baht shop, eatery and PVC supply. Said he would pay me when the dosh started rolling in.

 

 

 

I've noticed with the village twins, that one is adventurous, while the other is observant.

 

 

Not sure what one is 'Nadia' and which one is 'Nadine'.

 

 

 

Job done. Get a cuddle from mum. First time I've seen her since they were born.

 

 

That entry takes me to the New Year. More in a couple of days.

 

Too late for merry Xmas. So there's only one thing left to say; thank you, a happy new year and. bye y'all

 

 

 

 

[owl sees all]

1 hour ago, Sterling said:

Owl, that really sucks. You might have to take a walkabout to the more popular local fishing spots and see if you can find out who "borrowed" them.

The best local fishing spots seem to be our own ponds!

[Andrew Dwyer]

Chompoo or Rose Apple ( also the colour pink ) is a refreshing, crispy type of fruit.

 

 

Also a common nickname, Google image Chompoo will also provide a lot of pretty young Thai ladies going by the name.

[Mutt Daeng]

4 hours ago, owl sees all said:

Owl Log - 02-01-2022 - Sunday afternoon.

 

Holiday over for another year. Very busy for us. What with the sick MinL and Mrs Owl's daughter being incarcerated. And on top of that the Mrs' Uncle died a few days ago. So things that I should have been on top of took a back seat. The delay in posting has meant that there is a huge backlog of pics and annotation for the diary. Too many for one Log. I'll split it in two or even three.

 

Couldn't be an Owl Log without cats. We have a new one. Called Champoo - after a fruit I'm told - but already been shortened to Poo.

 

 

A bit of a nipper. If she wants food she uses those sharp teeth to good effect.

 

Then there is Jack. In the wars again. Must teach him how to defend himself.

 

 

Cleaned him up, and he seems to be fine. Ready for round thirty seven.

 

The avocado plants are still with us. One of the newly planted has broken through.

 

 

 

 

 

The is a regular fruit and veg visit now. Mrs Owl always willing to support the local people.

 

 

Sad to see a dead dog on the road. Reminds me of my time in Sav-la-mar: Jamaica. There with the then wife and her mum. There was a dead dog on the sidewalk of the main drag. Everyone was giving it a wide un, as it had swelled up big time in the hot sun, and was about to explode. The MinL came out with a classic; "Wouldn't have been like that when the English were in charge." "What would they have done ma? Took it away?" "No. Not that good. Would have been spiked it with a stick."

 

 

Good food for the village chickens. More chickens on the road than people.

 

 

The fire department in Ban Dung is always worth a visit. While waiting for Mildred I had a mooch round. Good to see they are investing in the latest machinery.

 

 

Someone's had the number plates away.

 

 

The pond from where they fill the trucks is very low.

 

 

Picked Mildred up from school on the last day before Xmas.

 

 

 

Some of the children had made a big effort to engage in the holiday spirit.

 

 

Back at the village the local school were doing a march through.

 

 

 

 

There is me; bottom left.

 

 

Teach says; "keep up, or it's double maths for you lot."

 

And then it was out of the village and back to school for more learning.

 

 

 

Took an interest in a shop in Ban Dung. Think the guy thought I was American.

 

 

Insisted on taking my pic. Thinking was to make me homesick and get me to buy one. Might do anyway.

 

 

Another pond dug out next to our super highway.

 

 

This one is nearly 4 metres deep. Have to remember not to go off-road when it's full.

 

Sold the village house plot on a promise. Had it for over 14 years. Never built a thing on it. Guy said he would buy it, and a build started a few days later. Big plans. A 20 baht shop, eatery and PVC supply. Said he would pay me when the dosh started rolling in.

 

 

 

I've noticed with the village twins, that one is adventurous, while the other is observant.

 

 

Not sure what one is 'Nadia' and which one is 'Nadine'.

 

 

 

 

 

Job done. Get a cuddle from mum. First time I've seen her since they were born.

 

 

That entry takes me to the New Year. More in a couple of days.

 

Too late for merry Xmas. So there's only one thing left to say; thank you, a happy new year and. bye y'all

 

 

 

 

Nice post OWL. Happy New Year

[Golden Triangle]

Yeah, I'll second that, nice post Owl, happy new year ????????????

[Sterling]

Great post as usual Owl. Good to see that King Rama IX was remembered with a banner in the parade.

I noticed most of the school-aged girls there have a neck-length bob haircut; is that the style in Isaan or a school requirement?

[Golden Triangle]

I think it's a rule that applies to all boys & girls, all girls are supposed to have their hair as you have seen it, I think boys are supposed to have shaved sides and very short on top.

 

If I am correct the rule doesn't apply to private schools or universities.

 

Someone will be along soon to confirm or deny my thoughts.

 

Happy New Year to one & all ????????

[HighPriority]

59 minutes ago, Golden Triangle said:

I think it's a rule that applies to all boys & girls, all girls are supposed to have their hair as you have seen it, I think boys are supposed to have shaved sides and very short on top.

 

If I am correct the rule doesn't apply to private schools or universities.

 

Someone will be along soon to confirm or deny my thoughts.

 

Happy New Year to one & all ????????

I think you’re pretty close to the money GT.

I think the first time I met my Thai family I spent 2hrs wandering around Phon Phisai with my wife’s then 14yo daughter for company, and I was very much feeling like I was being looked upon as a filthy old farang by the locals.

I mentioned this to my wife later and she replied that all young schoolgirls wore their hair as you described, and as such everyone would assume that I was a farang benefactor of good intent.

[HighPriority]

I would also like to extend my best wishes to my fellow farangers that inhabit this thread, by far the best of the bunch and most entertaining read in the place ????????

 

ps.

what’s the rocket thing below my name ?

Is it a virility indicator ?

????

[Golden Triangle]

14 minutes ago, HighPriority said:

I would also like to extend my best wishes to my fellow farangers that inhabit this thread, by far the best of the bunch and most entertaining read in the place ????????

 

ps.

what’s the rocket thing below my name ?

Is it a virility indicator ?

????

Re the PS. If it is, mine should be on a downward trajectory ????????

[HighPriority]

19 minutes ago, Golden Triangle said:

Re the PS. If it is, mine should be on a downward trajectory ????????

Try a position other than missionary ! ????

[chickenslegs]

33 minutes ago, HighPriority said:

I would also like to extend my best wishes to my fellow farangers that inhabit this thread, by far the best of the bunch and most entertaining read in the place ????????

 

ps.

what’s the rocket thing below my name ?

Is it a virility indicator ?

????

If you hover over the rocket you see a score. Yours is 4/8.

Owl's is 7/8.

I've no idea what these fractions mean.

[Fat is a type of crazy]

45 minutes ago, chickenslegs said:

If you hover over the rocket you see a score. Yours is 4/8.

Owl's is 7/8.

I've no idea what these fractions mean.

 

Based on posts. I think it is as follows:

1 to 9   Newbie   1 out of 8

10 to 49 Member  2 out of 8

50 to 99  Advanced 3 out of 8

100 to 999   Senior   4 out of 8

1000 to 1999  Super   5 out of 8

2000 to 4999 Platinum   6 out of 8

5000 to 9999 Titanium   7 out of 8

10000+   Star   8 out of 8 

You're a Star. Nowhere to go. 

[Andrew Dwyer]

2 hours ago, chickenslegs said:

If you hover over the rocket you see a score. Yours is 4/8.

Owl's is 7/8.

I've no idea what these fractions mean.

Is is related to the dots we used to have, I remember they increased with your posts up to a max of 8 ?

[GarryP]

1 hour ago, Fat is a type of crazy said:

 

Based on posts. I think it is as follows:

1 to 9   Newbie   1 out of 8

10 to 49 Member  2 out of 8

50 to 99  Advanced 3 out of 8

100 to 999   Senior   4 out of 8

1000 to 1999  Super   5 out of 8

2000 to 4999 Platinum   6 out of 8

5000 to 9999 Titanium   7 out of 8

10000+   Star   8 out of 8 

You're a Star. Nowhere to go. 

Actually not really a good indicator of interaction. I am Titanium but I have been a member since 2005 with an average of less than one post a day. Just shows how little I interact compared to someone like Owl who has only been a member for 4  going on 5 years and already has more posts than me. Obviously, I have nothing much worth sharing though. ???? ????    

[HighPriority]

2 hours ago, chickenslegs said:

If you hover over the rocket you see a score. Yours is 4/8.

Owl's is 7/8.

I've no idea what these fractions mean.

I’m in the company of GODS !!

You my friend are an 8/8 !!

”I am not worthy” !!

????????

[HighPriority]

34 minutes ago, GarryP said:

Actually not really a good indicator of interaction. I am Titanium but I have been a member since 2005 with an average of less than one post a day. Just shows how little I interact compared to someone like Owl who has only been a member for 4  going on 5 years and already has more posts than me. Obviously, I have nothing much worth sharing though. ???? ????    

Not true, many excellent posts ????????

 

Im a member of an AFL forum and have been since about 2000, through a few site reformats and revamps which have reset my post count a few times.

 

like you I’m more of a lurker than poster and also average less than a post a day.

[Lacessit]

Best wishes to everyone on this thread for 2022.

Restaurants in Chiang Rai have come up with a number of ways to circumvent the prohibition on serving alcohol. This is one form of disguise.