Diary of a farang in Isaan

[owl sees all]

Bournemouth nailed it and will join Fulham next season.

 

Six clubs;

 

Huddersfield

Luton

Forest

Millwall

Boro

Sheff United

 

all in with a shout of EPL status. But only one of them will taste 'glory'.

 

[Golden Triangle]

2 hours ago, HighPriority said:

Will, you’re my new favorite poster… ????

Only because you're in line for a freebie ????????

[owl sees all]

Went to Number four' market yesterday. Very interesting.

 

Bought some birds. Mildred bought fish. Mrs Owl bought some plants.

 

Kitted myself out with new footwear.

 

 

50 baht a pair. Looks like Mildred approves.

 

Edited May 5, 2022 by owl sees all

[Golden Triangle]

3 minutes ago, owl sees all said:

Bournemouth nailed it and will join Fulham next season.

 

Six clubs;

 

Huddersfield

Luton

Forest

Millwall

Boro

Sheff United

 

all in with a shout of EPL status. But only one of them will taste 'glory'.

 

I had a chat with an old mate this morning neither of us understand the 'Play offs' just a money making scam as far we can see, all the other leagues 3 or 2 up, but the championship have play offs ???

[owl sees all]

2 minutes ago, Golden Triangle said:

I had a chat with an old mate this morning neither of us understand the 'Play offs' just a money making scam as far we can see, all the other leagues 3 or 2 up, but the championship have play offs ???

Seems daft to me that the team finishing 3rd has the same chance as the team finishing 6th..

 

What I'd like to see is the bottom club automatically replaced by the Champ' top dog. The Second place play the second from bottom and the third place play the third from bottom. Could even be the 4th and 4th from bottom.

[sotonowl]

55 minutes ago, owl sees all said:

Bournemouth nailed it and will join Fulham next season.

 

Six clubs;

 

Huddersfield

Luton

Forest

Millwall

Boro

Sheff <DELETED>

 

all in with a shout of EPL status. But only one of them will taste 'glory'.

 

Sorry Owl, couldn't resist.

[sotonowl]

44 minutes ago, Golden Triangle said:

I had a chat with an old mate this morning neither of us understand the 'Play offs' just a money making scam as far we can see, all the other leagues 3 or 2 up, but the championship have play offs ???

That's not really the case GT, the other leagues have play offs as well but I take your point ref. money grabbing scammers. They play 46 games over 9 months to determine where everyone sits in the league then have play offs to decide who should finish in third spot by having 3rd,4th,5th,6th playing again? Just not fair on 3rd spot.

[Golden Triangle]

26 minutes ago, sotonowl said:

That's not really the case GT, the other leagues have play offs as well but I take your point ref. money grabbing scammers. They play 46 games over 9 months to determine where everyone sits in the league then have play offs to decide who should finish in third spot by having 3rd,4th,5th,6th playing again? Just not fair on 3rd spot.

I wasn't aware the other leagues have play offs, I stand corrected, thanks ????

[sotonowl]

7 hours ago, Golden Triangle said:

I wasn't aware the other leagues have play offs, I stand corrected, thanks ????

Yes, usually the 3 finals for the Championship, League 1 and League 2 are played over the Spring Bank holiday at the end of May, Saturday, Sunday and Monday but for some reason they've changed that this you and the league 1 final is on the 21st, I'll have a look why in a bit.

[sotonowl]

6 minutes ago, sotonowl said:

Yes, usually the 3 finals for the Championship, League 1 and League 2 are played over the Spring Bank holiday at the end of May, Saturday, Sunday and Monday but for some reason they've changed that this you and the league 1 final is on the 21st, I'll have a look why in a bit.

The venue is being used for an international game apparently so the League 1 final has been moved to the week before the bank holiday. Not sure why they had to move it though as that game isn't until Wednesday.

When are the EFL play-off finals?

The dates for each of the EFL play-off finals have been confirmed and will take place across two weeks.

The League One final will be played a week before the League Two and Championship finals as Wembley is unavailable on the Bank Holiday Monday of May 30.

The reason for this is the Uefa-Conmebol Finalissima, which will see European Champions Italy take on Copa America winners Argentina at the national stadium on Wednesday, June 1.

 

 

[owl sees all]

Owl Log - 08-0-2022 - Sunday afternoon

 

Number four market arrived on the 4th of the month; as it does. Not been there for many months. Lovely day for a wander round a big market. Splashed out on a new pair of shoes; well two pairs. A tad expensive at 50 baht a pair. I asked for three pairs for 120 baht. But he wouldn't budge. The next day I found my old black ones in the rubbish bin outside. Rescued them; and now I've still got three pairs.

 

 

Next stop was the plant section. Mrs Owl bought two plants, that I was promptly given to look after. Took them to the farm, watered them, and hung them up ready for Mrs Owl to plant them. Still there after four days.

 

 

 

We walked to the clothes section. Didn't get anything there. Looking for a UKraine footy shirt; no luck. Russians had got there early and bought them all up as collector's items.

 

 

Then onto the pet section.

 

 

Mildred bought some koi carp for her pond. Picked out 10 little ones.

 

 

She let them go that afternoon. I don't reckon she will see them for a couple of weeks. Look forward to that day when the first one comes up for a nibble at the fish food.

 

 

Back in England in the 50s and 60s millions of families had a budgie in a small cage in the front room. I recall my aunt France and her hubbie had one in their Bow (east London) house. He taught it to talk. Mostly swear words. The would let it out to fly around the room every day. I went to visit them one time. Arthur was visibly upset. Aunt France said that she had opened the rear window and Arthur hadn't noticed. That was the last they saw of the budgie.

 

As for the pet stand. They had hamsters and rabbits and mice and a couple of hedgehogs. But once Mildred had seen the budgies it was hand in the pocket time. A cage and 4 birds; 1100 baht.

 

 

Hung them up as high as possible to keep them safe from the cats. Also had to steady the brolly.

 

 

I'm looking for a much bigger area for them. Not quite an avery; but something substantial.

 

 

I told my brother about the birds and he told me they breed them for food in Oz. The Abboez reckon them to be a delicacy. Can't believe that. Think he was having a jest.

 

Put the 3 inch water pump into the shop over a week ago. They haven't fixed it and I plan to pick it up this afternoon. Can get a new one on Lazada for 2,400 baht. Chinese or Russian made no doubt. I mean; why get a Japanese one for 8k, or a US built for 15k, that will last for 10 years? A Formosan one gives ya 2/3 good years Then can get a trade-in saucepan or broom when it conks out. Times have changed. It's a throw-a-way world now-a-days; even in Thailand.

 

The repair shop is just across the river. The huge abandoned eating area, is being demolished. By salvage and recycle entrepreneurs no doubt.

 

 

I'm sure they will be visiting the villages soon. Booty for sale in their pick-ups. Now! What do I need?

 

 

Across the bridge - that's downstream - It's virtually impassable. That weed looks interesting. I might get some for the ponds when I go there this afternoon for the pump.

 

 

At the farm, life goes on as usual. Feeding the fish every day.

 

 

And chucking the fallen fruit and other vegetable matter. Mrs Owl persuaded (told) me to throw it onto the paddy. Rather than the euca areas. I make her right there. Lot's of wisdom around.

 

 

Didn't leave the sacks there of course.

 

 

At the Buddha, things are looking up.

 

 

How high will it go?

 

Mildred's art has taken a mysterious, even surreal turn. Love the new themes!

 

 

Can't say I understand it all. But that's the point of art I guess. In the mind of the artist. Still no offer to auction the paintings from Sotheby. www.mildredart.com

 

The Ban Dung hospital were visiting the village in the week. Asking (persuading) the villagers if they wanted the jab. "It's free!" They asked Mrs Owl's mum. She declined. The group of 6/7 gave us a miss and went down-village. The Mrs told me 30/40 of the 200 adults have said 'no'.

 

Matt le Tissier is in trouble again. This time over the Russia/Ukraine conflict. Can't go against the official news. Matt. Wot's up wid you? That's your MBE kaput.

 

Footy round up.

Sutton and Millwall miss out on the play-offs. Chelsea and Pool both draw at home; when they were expected to have won. Out with the managers; I say!!! Orient lost their last home game of the season. Bees sting the Saints and the Seagulls s### all over poor United. Don't ya just feel for them? Fulham seemed to be still intoxicated after their celebrations, and got whacked. The Owls lost the first leg of their play-off against Sunderland. Irons out of Europe. Never mind; it's only a game. Mrs Owl, get me that flagon of mushroom wine from the cupboard please.

 

A drop of rain last night. Much better at the beginning of May than the last couple of years.  Last year, ponds six and seven were both as dry as a sheep-shearer's throat. If we can get a decent year's rain I'll consider rearing pla nin again. Or! Even revert to my original plan of rearing kois to send to Europe.

 

Mildred still has 10 days holiday before returning to her new school. Can't say I'm looking forward to the day. My only friend will be leaving me for 5 days a week. That's a real selfish view I know (another sip of wine). When I put it to Mildred that she will be gone every day, her reply was that I had Poo (the cat) as friend. Another sip of wine.

 

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

Edited May 8, 2022 by owl sees all

[Golden Triangle]

So you get the market on the 4th, 14th & 24th, my mate in Phimai gets his on the 8th, 18th & 28th, be interesting to see how many on here get their market on a different date.

[owl sees all]

40 minutes ago, Golden Triangle said:

So you get the market on the 4th, 14th & 24th, my mate in Phimai gets his on the 8th, 18th & 28th, be interesting to see how many on here get their market on a different date.

Not quite GT.

 

This market is always on the 4th of each month; just the 4th. Then we have the Thursday market, which is on every Thursday. Phibun Rak market is also on a Thursday. That's 1bout 15kn from us. Non Mek is on a Wednesday, and Phen (Pen, Penn) is - or used to be - on a Monday. The same traders go around each one in turn.

 

The family opposite us - Poom's Mum and Dad - do the market circuit; selling clothes.

 

There is a smaller market on the 2022, about 5km from us. It was quite big when it started up, but has dwindled down to about 30 stalls now. Also the permanent market at the river. Mostly fruit and fish, although snakes, turtles, rats and other similar delicacies are sometimes on show..

[GarryP]

It seems the pick-up for vaccines is dropping upcountry. Nephew, who works for the local health authority in Kham Muang has had 4 shots which is required for his work, but he is not pushing it on others. Mother-in-law called and warned us not to have a booster. Seems she is very worried as her cousin went blind in one eye after having the vaccine, and the doctor in Khon Kaen advised that it was actually quite common. Not sure which vax though. 

 

Weather has been really strange this year in Bangkok too. Only a handful of really hot days in April and more rain than the usual mango showers. Not complaining though.  

[owl sees all]

1 hour ago, GarryP said:

It seems the pick-up for vaccines is dropping upcountry. Nephew, who works for the local health authority in Kham Muang has had 4 shots which is required for his work, but he is not pushing it on others. Mother-in-law called and warned us not to have a booster. Seems she is very worried as her cousin went blind in one eye after having the vaccine, and the doctor in Khon Kaen advised that it was actually quite common. Not sure which vax though. 

 

Weather has been really strange this year in Bangkok too. Only a handful of really hot days in April and more rain than the usual mango showers. Not complaining though.  

 I was always under the impression that the Thais would swallow just about anything that was sent their way by authoritative figures. Perhaps they are more enlightened in recent times.

 

With the vaxxes, word on the horrific jab injuries has gradually gotten  around. 'Heard it through the grapevine'. Who sang that? It's made the people very hesitant.. Think that because virtually everyone can read it for themselves through their phones, is also a big factor.

 

We must all brace ourselves for the next big frightener. I think something in the order of Aliens landing on the White House lawn and and taking Pres' Biden and Vice Pres  Kamala hostage. Hillary then takes control to restore the natural order of world events.. With the US in the driving seat naturally.

 

Buddha help us all!!

Edited May 8, 2022 by owl sees all

[Andrew Dwyer]

Don’t forget the drama of the Premier relegation battle Owl.

The Clarets missed an opportunity to pull away yesterday losing to Villa !

Peacocks away to the Gunners and Toffees away to the Foxes could make it a very decisive evening for all 3 in the danger zone !!

[owl sees all]

16 minutes ago, Andrew Dwyer said:

Don’t forget the drama of the Premier relegation battle Owl.

The Clarets missed an opportunity to pull away yesterday losing to Villa !

Peacocks away to the Gunners and Toffees away to the Foxes could make it a very decisive evening for all 3 in the danger zone !!

Drama indeed Andy!! Big day for the battle down below.

 

Now that the title is sorted, all eyes on the bottom of the table.

 

 

Edited May 8, 2022 by owl sees all

[HighPriority]

7 minutes ago, owl sees all said:

Drama indeed Andy!! Big day for the battle down below.

 

Now that the title is sorted, all eyes on the bottom of the table.

 

 

That reminds me, I must get back to the ladyboy thread… 

????

[sotonowl]

7 hours ago, owl sees all said:

Fulham seemed to be still intoxicated after their celebrations, and got whacked. The Owls lost the first leg of their play-off against Sunderland.

Very disappointed with the Fulham showing yesterday Owl although Boro lost so they were always going to make top 6. But they'd have been playing Huddersfield instead of Florist.

As for the Owls, it's game on tomorrow, all to play for and could go either way. The other tie for the league one play offs will be tonight, MK Dons (0) v (2) Wycombe Wanderers kicks off at 18-30 I think.

Leeds are 2-0 down at Arsenal right now, Everton were 1-0 up at Leicester but have just been pegged back to 1-1. Early doors though as it's just half way through the first half at the moment.

Edit-and Leeds down to 10 men after Ayling gets a red for a dangerous over the top of the ball 2 footed challenge and Rapinha looks like he wants to go off as well, got booked for arguing with the ref and just wouldn't stop, lucky lad.

Edited May 8, 2022 by sotonowl

[Andrew Dwyer]

14 minutes ago, sotonowl said:

Very disappointed with the Fulham showing yesterday Owl although Boro lost so they were always going to make top 6. But they'd have been playing Huddersfield instead of Florist.

As for the Owls, it's game on tomorrow, all to play for and could go either way. The other tie for the league one play offs will be tonight, MK Dons (0) v (2) Wycombe Wanderers kicks off at 18-30 I think.

Leeds are 2-0 down at Arsenal right now, Everton were 1-0 up at Leicester but have just been pegged back to 1-1. Early doors though as it's just half way through the first half at the moment.

Edit-and Leeds down to 10 men after Ayling gets a red for a dangerous over the top of the ball 2 footed challenge and Rapinha looks like he wants to go off as well, got booked for arguing with the ref and just wouldn't stop, lucky lad.

Yup, turned it all around !!

 

 

 

Can’t see Leeds changing this result, down to 10 men now, if Everton maintain this win will be a whole new ball game ( p1ss poor pun intended ).

Edited May 8, 2022 by Andrew Dwyer

[owl sees all]

20 minutes ago, sotonowl said:

Very disappointed with the Fulham showing yesterday Owl although Boro lost so they were always going to make top 6. But they'd have been playing Huddersfield instead of Florist.

As for the Owls, it's game on tomorrow, all to play for and could go either way. The other tie for the league one play offs will be tonight, MK Dons (0) v (2) Wycombe Wanderers kicks off at 18-30 I think.

Leeds are 2-0 down at Arsenal right now, Everton were 1-0 up at Leicester but have just been pegged back to 1-1. Early doors though as it's just half way through the first half at the moment.

Edit-and Leeds down to 10 men after Ayling gets a red for a dangerous over the top of the ball 2 footed challenge and Rapinha looks like he wants to go off as well, got booked for arguing with the ref and just wouldn't stop, lucky lad.

Agree with you about yesterday.

 

Listening to Parov Stelar, one eye on the footy and trying to do a bit of HTML coding all at the same time. Also got notifications coming in from Thai visa.

 

Now Mrs Owl is yak yak me for not listening to her rabbit on about something or other.

Edited May 8, 2022 by owl sees all

[Andrew Dwyer]

9 minutes ago, owl sees all said:

Agree with you about yesterday.

 

Listening to Parov Stelar, one eye on the footy and trying to do a bit of HTML coding all at the same time. Also got notifications coming in from Thai visa.

 

Now Mrs Owl is yak yak me for not listening to her rabbit on about something or other.

I get the impression Mrs Owl is not a footie fan !!

[sotonowl]

21 minutes ago, Andrew Dwyer said:

Yup, turned it all around !!

 

 

 

Can’t see Leeds changing this result, down to 10 men now, if Everton maintain this win will be a whole new ball game ( p1ss poor pun intended ).

It is tight down there and it hardly ever fails to be more interesting than the top of the league. I think Burnley are overdue for a relegation though, they've been knocking on the door way too long now and that could be the start of the end of them in the upper leagues.

Ideal end though would be Owls beat Sunderland and go up and the blunts stay down. Not gonna happen though is it.????

Think I'll have a swot up on the remaining game at the foot of the PL.

Edited May 8, 2022 by sotonowl

[owl sees all]

3 minutes ago, Andrew Dwyer said:

I get the impression Mrs Owl is not a footie fan !!

You are not wrong there Andy.

 

Don't think she likes anything that I do. She was a nightmare in England when she was there with me. The worst time was when I took her fishing to Devon for a week. Moan. moan moan! "Mrs Owl", I would say. "Can't you keep your feet still. Scaring the fish, and talk in a whisper."

 

Mildred was not around back then.  Fortunately she loves a lot of things that her Mum don't care for.

 

 

[Andrew Dwyer]

9 minutes ago, owl sees all said:

You are not wrong there Andy.

 

Don't think she likes anything that I do. She was a nightmare in England when she was there with me. The worst time was when I took her fishing to Devon for a week. Moan. moan moan! "Mrs Owl", I would say. "Can't you keep your feet still. Scaring the fish, and talk in a whisper."

 

Mildred was not around back then.  Fortunately she loves a lot of things that her Mum don't care for.

 

 

Well I have to say Owl , taking the old lady to England then taking her fishing !!

Not one of your better ideas.

She was probably thinking “ I could have done this back on the farm !! “

[owl sees all]

2 minutes ago, Andrew Dwyer said:

Well I have to say Owl , taking the old lady to England then taking her fishing !!

Not one of your better ideas.

She was probably thinking “ I could have done this back on the farm !! “

 It wasn't all fishing. One day we went hiking on the moors near Heathercombe.

[sotonowl]

I've just had a good look and if things stay the same today i've decided Leeds just need 1 more point to stay up as Burnley won't be getting anymore. 

[Andrew Dwyer]

3 minutes ago, owl sees all said:

 It wasn't all fishing. One day we went hiking on the moors near Heathercombe.

I know it’s difficult to imagine what will appeal to the females in our lives but I think you might be be a little off target with fishing and hiking.

She was probably looking forward to some shopping.
I might not be the greatest student of the female brain but I do know you can’t go wrong with shoes and handbags !!

[Andrew Dwyer]

3 minutes ago, sotonowl said:

I've just had a good look and if things stay the same today i've decided Leeds just need 1 more point to stay up as Burnley won't be getting anymore. 

Newcastle at home could be their saving grace, will be a nail biting last game of the season me thinks !!

[Mutt Daeng]

30 minutes ago, sotonowl said:

It is tight down there and it hardly ever fails to be more interesting than the top of the league. I think Burnley are overdue for a relegation though, they've been knocking on the door way too long now and that could be the start of the end of them in the upper leagues.

Ideal end though would be Owls beat Sunderland and go up and the blunts stay down. Not gonna happen though is it.????

Think I'll have a swot up on the remaining game at the foot of the PL.

Who are the "blunts" or is that rhyming slang?