Diary of a farang in Isaan

[owl sees all]

51 minutes ago, Lacessit said:

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.

Like it!

 

Have a little something for those bad farang that don't wear no mask in town.

 

Five steps:

 

1/ Wear a shirt with a top pocket

2/ Buy a sausage and take a bite.

3/ Place the rest of the sausage in top pocket.

4/ Put on the mask; but wear it under the chin.
5/ When getting funny looks; take out the sausage and have a nibble; or lick.

 

Happy New Year to all the farangsters out there.

 

[chickenslegs]

36 minutes ago, owl sees all said:

5/ When getting funny looks; take out the sausage and have a nibble; or lick.

Yes that will certainly stop the funny looks.

[owl sees all]

Owl Log - 04-01-2022 - Tuesday afternoon

 

Another sad day at the village. On the way to Ban Dung on Saturday we came across two accidents. Both serious enough to stop all the traffic. Little did we know then that one of them involved a guy from the village. In his early 50's. Sadly passed way this morning. Just goes to show how dangerous driving can be at times. Or riding a bike or cycle.

 

Didn't know if we were coming or going yesterday. Mildred was scheduled to return to school for Wednesday and Friday this week. The news came in at one in the afternoon, that the school was to open fully from Tuesday (today). Big panic; Mildred doing her holiday homework and Mrs Owl getting the school clothes ready. Then at 4ish came the new directive; school closed; return on 17th Jan'.  All is calm, and relaxed once more, in the house.

 

The boss of the fuel station in Ban Dung has two ponds. Some lovely big Koi carp in one.

 

 

In the other an alligator gar. Between four and five foot long.

 

 

Cows were on the loose in the village. By the time I got to the camera, the white one had disappeared. The black one was still outside.

 

 

There were three rice milling houses last year. Not enough rice harvested to keep them active. So! One has gone. Only way to get the machine out is to demolish the building.

 

 

Heard the twins outside. had the camera on hand.

 

 

Spotted a nice bit of fruit in Ban dung while i was waiting for Mrs Owl to shop at the market.

 

 

Could easily walk by and miss it.

 

 

Me and Mildred are always on the look out for the really big ones. Loads over 30cm now.

 

 

The fuel station boss saw me taking an interest in his fish, and showed me his wooden house project at the rear.

 

 

Some parts are not yet wood. The roof and the bath, and the windows.

 

 

He is very proud of the building. Rightly so. Yes hinges too.

 

 

 

We have a pond at the edge of the village that always has a good head of water. Must be a spring underneath. It is quite high up. Can see by the surrounding farmland.

 

 

Back in Ban Dung they were doing one of the regular hose-downs at the southern 7-11 site.

 

 

Was hoping to see the koi carp man at the ban Dung market as Mildred wanted some fish for her pond; but no show!

 

I don't know why the footy authorities in the UK (FA) deduct points from teams in financial trouble. In The Championship, Derby are fighting for their status, as are Reading, Both, especially Derby, have a big point reduction to make up if they are to survive the division. Don't think a lot of the FA as it is. Some very poor policies down the years. Keeping with the footy; the Irons have refound that winning touch. But now, realistically, the best they can hope for is fourth spot. That's not to shabby anyway. And considering they are going to win the Europa league; a decent season. As for Man City; just hand over the EPL trophy to them now.

 

What about Tony Blair being given the 'Order of the Garter' by the Queen? Like to see him in the dock, not in the HofL. There is a big rumour going around that Queen Liz popped her clogs late last year. The news has not been refuted by the Palace. Not that they have to anyway. But would dear old Tony have got his Knighthood without her? No! Evidently; it is her decision alone, on who gets the garter award.

 

Still no rain. How many days is it since the last drop on October 22nd? 74 and counting. None forecast for this week. All the sugar growers have their fingers crossed. Me too!

 

Sent away for two sets of earphones yesterday. The other three sets have all gone kaput. All have the same problem. The leads on all three have broken. Couldn't fix them up; so it's back to Lazada for more. The red ones were only bought late last year.

 

 

I'll not take my chances. Into the recycle bin with it.

 

 

But it's good to finish the Owl Log on a high note. The avocado outside is doing just great.

 

 

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

[CharlieH]

Owl,

Have tried the wireless ear buds ?

[owl sees all]

3 minutes ago, CharlieH said:

Owl,

Have tried the wireless ear buds ?

To be honest Chaz, I havn't. I'm really not keen on having wireless stuff next to me.

 

Even though we have WiFi I still use a wired connection on my laptop. And haven't got a 'smart phone'.

[sotonowl]

It's the EFL Owl I think, not the FA who deduct the points, we got done last season with it.

 

As for the Queen and Blair I did see something the other day online that he only got it after Prince Phillip passed away, not sure how true but it wouldn't surprise me if he'd been holding it up previously.

[yogi yogi]

is issan a town or a province. alot of good massage ladys come from that area for some reason

[owl sees all]

9 minutes ago, yogi yogi said:

is issan a town or a province. alot of good massage ladys come from that area for some reason

They do some great massages up here.

 

Especially on ya wallet.

[owl sees all]

19 minutes ago, sotonowl said:

It's the EFL Owl I think, not the FA who deduct the points, we got done last season with it.

 

As for the Queen and Blair I did see something the other day online that he only got it after Prince Phillip passed away, not sure how true but it wouldn't surprise me if he'd been holding it up previously.

I'll check that out Owl thanks. I think it's nonsense. I'm rooting for Derby to stay up.

 

I've been trying all evening to get on that petition to stop Blair getting the garter. Nearly a million on it now.

 

If you are right about Phillip, I'll raise a glass of reishi wine to him. Gonna make a brew tomorrow.

[bannork]

11 hours ago, owl sees all said:

They do some great massages up here.

 

Especially on ya wallet.

My wallet always feels slimmer and leaner after my daughter has massaged it, but sadly it doesn't seem to gain its former strength.

Owl, I'm surprised you mention the lack of rain. It's normal till the summer storms begin, surely.

Regarding accidents, 2 nights ago an elderly coupled were killed in their samlor when a pickup rammed into them about 8 pm on the Phen- Bandung road just after Nong Hai. Bits of the pickup were torn off and could still be seen by the roadside but the driver took off, the basterd.

Cats and samlors don't belong on the same road safety wise imo. Cars and pickups hurtle along, then a samlor or tractor slowly turns right or crosses lanes. Imo you can't drive fast on Thai country roads, too many sudden obstacles.

Anyway, Happy New Year to all the posters, we may not have the sea in Issan but sometimes a haystack can do instead for a bit of fun! 

 

 

 

 

[EVENKEEL]

56 minutes ago, bannork said:

My wallet always feels slimmer and leaner after my daughter has massaged it, but sadly it doesn't seem to gain its former strength.

Owl, I'm surprised you mention the lack of rain. It's normal till the summer storms begin, surely.

Regarding accidents, 2 nights ago an elderly coupled were killed in their samlor when a pickup rammed into them about 8 pm on the Phen- Bandung road just after Nong Hai. Bits of the pickup were torn off and could still be seen by the roadside but the driver took off, the basterd.

Cats and samlors don't belong on the same road safety wise imo. Cars and pickups hurtle along, then a samlor or tractor slowly turns right or crosses lanes. Imo you can't drive fast on Thai country roads, too many sudden obstacles.

Anyway, Happy New Year to all the posters, we may not have the sea in Issan but sometimes a haystack can do instead for a bit of fun! 

 

 

 

 

Kids and hay barns are still a great combo I see. As a kid our hay barn was my personal play ground, building hay forts, swinging on a rope tied to rafters like tarzan. Good times.

 

[owl sees all]

3 hours ago, bannork said:

Owl, I'm surprised you mention the lack of rain. It's normal till the summer storms begin, surely.

Many facets to this one Bannork.

 

Given that we are right into the 'dry-season' one would expect it not to rain. But in the not to distant past, it has rained; quite heavily at times, during the dry season. According to the statistics, there should be at least one shower every month from early November through to late March. But stats can be misleading, as they are based on an accumulation of data over some considerable time; usually 25 years. 

 

When I first came to Thailand to make it my home - rather than on 30 day visits - it was a lot wetter that what it has been in recent years. For the first few years - that would be 2008 to 2013 - I kept a record of temperature, rainfall and wind etc. It fitted the expected data trends. Considerably over 100 cm of rain for the whole year. And it started in mid March; gradually reaching a peak in August/Sept, and usually tailing off in October. The result would usually be 100 - 120cm annually.

 

The last three years have been very different. Not any year has the season rainfall exceeded 90cm. In fact 2021 saw only 55cm for the year. A good deal of that falling in late October (22nd) . In 2020 most of the rain fell in September. For my money, there is a dramatic shift in rain pattern.

 

What does this mean for the two main crops in these parts (upper Isaan); rice and sugar?

 

Firstly sugar; yields this time (last quarter 2021, until now), have been so poor that some farmers have not even cut. The tonnage per rai is not half of what would be expected in years past. Those that have cut, have replanted, into - for want of a better phrase soil-dust. Rain is desperately needed if the sugar is going to be even a decent crop. Sure it will grow, but get a plant off to a bad start and it might never properly mature.

 

Rice is somewhat different.There are a number of planting methods used. But they all need water early on. Because the rain has not arrived as was expected - and indeed as it should have - during the last tree years, yields have been extremely low. There are farmers that have saved/stored water, and for those the two-stage is the method to be adopted. Most use  'casting', onto a damp soil. This is a good - and cheapest - method if rain is then forthcoming. The last few years have seen farmers re-planting as the rice has not shown early. Grass and weeds then predominate and the rice is stunted, due to lack of water, and the undesirables robbing it of nutrients..

 

What can be done? Well praying might do the trick, but a more practical solution would be either to ensure a when-needed water supply, or a change of crop. Not always easy for farmers who have repeated the same annual growing patterns all their lives; and that of their fathers.

 

 

 

 

[owl sees all]

4 hours ago, bannork said:

My wallet always feels slimmer and leaner after my daughter has massaged it, but sadly it doesn't seem to gain its former strength.

Owl, I'm surprised you mention the lack of rain. It's normal till the summer storms begin, surely.

Regarding accidents, 2 nights ago an elderly coupled were killed in their samlor when a pickup rammed into them about 8 pm on the Phen- Bandung road just after Nong Hai. Bits of the pickup were torn off and could still be seen by the roadside but the driver took off, the basterd.

Cats and samlors don't belong on the same road safety wise imo. Cars and pickups hurtle along, then a samlor or tractor slowly turns right or crosses lanes. Imo you can't drive fast on Thai country roads, too many sudden obstacles.

Anyway, Happy New Year to all the posters, we may not have the sea in Issan but sometimes a haystack can do instead for a bit of fun! 

 

 

 

 

Smashing pic.

[Mutt Daeng]

17 hours ago, owl sees all said:

Smashing pic.

Yes, what a great picture @bannork

[bannork]

The mango trees have started going beserk. What a wonderful tree it is!

 

[bannork]

Got a question for the bright sparks on here. A fungicide I want to use gives a ratio of 40 grams to 20 litres of water. It's a fine powder so I'm guessing that's about 3 teaspoons, but I ain't sure!

Could anyone illuminate me ?

[chickenslegs]

1 hour ago, bannork said:

Got a question for the bright sparks on here. A fungicide I want to use gives a ratio of 40 grams to 20 litres of water. It's a fine powder so I'm guessing that's about 3 teaspoons, but I ain't sure!

Could anyone illuminate me ?

I just weighed 3 different fine powders

3 tsp of flour = 10g

3 tsp of sugar = 15g

3 tsp sea salt = 21g

So I don't think that 3 tsp of the fungicide will weigh 40g - 13.3g per tsp - maybe tablespoons (just my guess).

 

 

 

[bannork]

1 hour ago, chickenslegs said:

I just weighed 3 different fine powders

3 tsp of flour = 10g

3 tsp of sugar = 15g

3 tsp sea salt = 21g

So I don't think that 3 tsp of the fungicide will weigh 40g - 13.3g per tsp - maybe tablespoons (just my guess).

 

 

 

Thank you CL, that is very helpful. Clearly I underestimated by a considerable amount. Never mind, far better to have made the mixture too weak rather than too strong 

Much appreciated.

Bannork 

 

[owl sees all]

18 hours ago, bannork said:

Thank you CL, that is very helpful. Clearly I underestimated by a considerable amount. Never mind, far better to have made the mixture too weak rather than too strong 

Much appreciated.

Bannork 

 

I think also that three tablespoons might be nearer to what you are after.

 

The pack that contains the anti-fungus powder might be a clue.

[rickudon]

Not posted on here for a while. Was quite ill when i returned in November, a mixture of Certificate of Entry stress, a stomach condition, overweight and kidney problems. Took me until Xmas to sort out, Now somewhat better and 5 kilos lighter.

 

Isaan climate - have to agree with OWL, the first 5 years i was here the wet season was longer and it was rare to get a dry season month with no rain, I remember travelling up by train one November and the rice fields were still very wet - rain only stopped a few days before. And dry season was a lot cooler - i could work outside all day if i had shade, temperature rarely above 30 Centigrade, and the locals starting the day with a fire to warm them up by the roadside was a feature - haven't seen that happen for 3 years. On the other hand, 40 centigrade in April hasn't happened last 2 years.

Rice yield - thought our one rai irrigated field would do better than 2020, when we only got 7 sacks. 2021 - we got 3...... Last rain was in early October.

Due to late return and health M-in-L stole most of my vegetable plots, only got about 3 square metres. Plants at last have started to grow well, have beetroot, carrot, cabbage, swiss chard, Dwarf beans, lettuce and tomatoes; ended up using pots for some. Planted a patch of corn but M-in-L dug it over a week later to plant HER plants ....

only 10 plants survived!

Current project - building banks up around my ponds to stop fish swimming away in wet season. If early in the morning, i will see the Plaa Sawai and Plaa Buk come up to eat yesterdays food waste, never see them after 8 a.m. Will post some photos soon; today was another stressful day - immigration for my extension! Always some tweak to what they want.

[bannork]

Teaching my grandson the ropes of rubber tapping.

[Guest Isaanlife]

On 12/2/2021 at 9:21 PM, owl sees all said:

The web site was a bit of a joint effort:

 

www.numbervillage.com

 

I think it would be a help to her in the future if she could understand HTML, and other languages, behind the pages that we look at virtually every day.

 

The project was actually started in the summer of 2019. It was Mildred's idea to write about a village in Thailand. It gradually morphed into what it now is. It opens up learning possibilities for her. Imaginative stories. Artwork. Writing in English, and as said, understanding a little of the internet.

 

Really, I'm trying to equip Mildred with knowledge and understanding, through a range of things, that will help her in the future. It's a tough world out there for Thai youngsters growing into adulthood; especially those from Isaan.

 

Hopefully the number village project will lead into other avenues; music, cartoons and games. We have already designed a working game. I've done the coding, and hopefully it will be put up on the site soon.

 

As for an 'SSL certificate',,,,,? Perhaps later. Thanks for your interest Sterling

According to reports, JAVA programmers will be the highest in demand in the next 20 years with an average salary of US $120,000.

 

I got a kick out of her website in HTML. Took me back years and years and years.

 

HTML 5.3 is out now and with CSS you can do a very professional website.

 

 

[owl sees all]

32 minutes ago, Isaanlife said:

According to reports, JAVA programmers will be the highest in demand in the next 20 years with an average salary of US $120,000.

 

I got a kick out of her website in HTML. Took me back years and years and years.

 

HTML 5.3 is out now and with CSS you can do a very professional website.

 

 

Thanks for that IL.

 

In the early days of the Internet it was far more basic and maybe 'pure' than what it has grown into today. As for languages; I've been researching Python. Reminds me a bit like BASIC.

 

At Uni I looked at BASIC, COBOL and FORTRAN. Actually wrote a few games; Trail (the forerunner to snake), Hitman and Marathon Man were all my creations. That was back in about 81/82/83.

 

The website www.numbervillage.com is indeed a throwback to the early days of HTML. Glad you enjoyed it. Have you read any of the stories? Try Digger Dog!

 

Thanks again.

Edited January 12, 2022 by owl sees all

[owl sees all]

Owl Log - 12-01-2022 - Wednesday early afternoon

 

Last post was sad, with a village member being killed on his bike at the top of the road. Suddenly it's all action in that area. Twenty or so workers, machinery and tree cutting.

 

 

The junction of our road with the 2022 was OK, IMO. But there is obviously money sloshing around for road schemes.

 

 

The junction is no different to thousands in our area. Don't know why it's being singled out; except that tragic accident.

 

 

 

Poor nude tree.

 

 

Meanwhile at the other side of the village the road's been resurfaced and the posts are ready.

 

 

Can't always see the logic in some of these works. There are holes in the 2022 road - the mainest road by far in the area - that are big enough for a farang to hide in, and millions of baht are being spent in areas that are best left alone and just need the occasional maintenance.

 

 

The new headphones arrived. Two sets; one for me and one for Mrs Owl. Both the same colour. Thinking of painting mine so we don't get them mixed up. Let's see if they last longer than the last pair. Very light. Not as good for as Mildred's. At 99 baht a piece can't expect perfect sound.

 

 

Poo is growing up. She just loves this spot.

 

 

And Jack has recovered from his recent paw-e-cuffs; highlighted in the last Owl Log.

 

 

Although I haven't seen him today and it's just after 12 o'clock. Do worry about our pets.

 

The farm that has the water supply has started growing beans.

 

 

Not found out yet where they get their leccy from. Certainly not our side. Had a look but can't see any clues. We will pass on day, when there is someone on-site and I'll get Mildred to inquire. Can't ask Mrs Owl.

 

 

Guy is racing ahead with the new house/shop on our old land. Got the water running yesterday.

 

 

There was some shouting. And whacking sounds outside. By the time I'd got the camera ready, it was almost too late.

 

 

I encourage Mildred to paint a pic once a week. Last two efforts.

 

 

I pointed out to her, that the chap on the left looks as though he's been naughty, and is getting his comeuppance..

 

Both framed, ready for her web site.

 

 

Couldn't resist a glorious sun returning from the farm yesterday.

 

 

It seems like Mildred's school is gonna have a mass covid-test next Tuesday. Then I reckon she will be off for another week due to the positives.

 

Called in to see Ting, the hat lady, at the week end. Picked out a nice white hat for me. She adjusted it and turned me to look in the mirror. Fitted me good.  "Now you are hansum farang." Went all weak at the knees. Also bought two packs of reishi strips for my wine brew. Mrs Owl saw the new hat when I got home. "What you buy another new hat for ding dong farang?" What could I say? Best to say nothing. She wouldn't understand.

 

For a little while at the week end the mighty Liverpool and Spurs were losing at home in the FA Cup. Alas, it wasn't to be. Shame that. Well done the other smaller clubs; although Forest are a sleeping giant.

 

Did anyone see the doctor questioning the minister in the hospital in London? That wasn't in the script. Did the reporters job for them.

 

The 'Stop Tony Blair getting the Garter' campaign has well over one million signatures, and they are all going to show in June at Windsor Castle to stop him going through the gates. Think he will arrive  by chopper. Nice day out by the Thames in those parts though.

 

Gonna try to move some of the lilies from number seven pond to number six this afternoon. Take a change of clothes and get stuck in. Get Mildred to record the event. Should be a whole lot of fun.

 

Very quiet in Ban Dung yesterday. As quiet as I've known it. Don't know why. Certainly the children all being off is a factor.

 

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

Edited January 12, 2022 by owl sees all

[Andrew Dwyer]

 

Parking is always a problem when you have a 7-11 on one corner and a popular 20 baht shop on the other so the small soi in between is prime parking causing some problems for the larger vehicles. But in an effort to stop this they painted some helpful road markings to orientate the public.

 

 

Not sure if it’s a Banksy or a Jackson Pollock ??

[owl sees all]

18 minutes ago, Andrew Dwyer said:

 

Parking is always a problem when you have a 7-11 on one corner and a popular 20 baht shop on the other so the small soi in between is prime parking causing some problems for the larger vehicles. But in an effort to stop this they painted some helpful road markings to orientate the public.

 

 

Not sure if it’s a Banksy or a Jackson Pollock ??

Great pic. Interesting road markings. We have more wires than you though.

Edited January 12, 2022 by owl sees all

[Andrew Dwyer]

9 hours ago, owl sees all said:

Great pic. Interesting road markings. We have more wires than you though.

Yep, we used to have more but many fell victim in the Great Fire of 2019 ????

 

[roo860]

10 hours ago, Andrew Dwyer said:

 

Parking is always a problem when you have a 7-11 on one corner and a popular 20 baht shop on the other so the small soi in between is prime parking causing some problems for the larger vehicles. But in an effort to stop this they painted some helpful road markings to orientate the public.

 

 

Not sure if it’s a Banksy or a Jackson Pollock ??

Excellent yellow box, bit OTT though! Will have to show this to the road marking company I work for back in the UK, it's a work of art!!

Edited January 13, 2022 by roo860

[HighPriority]

17 hours ago, Andrew Dwyer said:

 

Parking is always a problem when you have a 7-11 on one corner and a popular 20 baht shop on the other so the small soi in between is prime parking causing some problems for the larger vehicles. But in an effort to stop this they painted some helpful road markings to orientate the public.

 

 

Not sure if it’s a Banksy or a Jackson Pollock ??

Looks like the navy ships from the 1st world war

[HighPriority]