Diary of a farang in Isaan

[owl sees all]

54 minutes ago, Golden Triangle said:

Are the Platinum's also known as Ghost Koi ?? My dad, God rest his soul, had a massive ghost koi in his very large and deep pond, I know how big the pond was as it took close to the 3 weeks he & mum were on holiday for me and a mate to dog it out ????

No Not the same GT.

 

A ghost koi - or ghostie - is a fish with small reflective scales. Their name originates from the fact that in poor light the scales reflect what light there is and they appear ghostly in an the water. They - although very attractive - are seen as an abomination or deformed in the koi fancier's world. Don't make them any less beautiful though.. This particular variety of fish can suffer skin/scale problems; more than the norm in water that is not pristine

 

A platinum is a carp, with either regular or irregular scaling, that are pure white.

 

I'll post some pics of the two.

[chickenslegs]

51 minutes ago, owl sees all said:

A ghost koi - or ghostie - is a fish with small reflective scales.

Talk of koi carp reminds me of a story from one of Jeremy Clarkson's books, talking about pet fish becoming more popular than dogs ...

They don’t come when they’re called, they don’t bark at strangers, they won’t fetch sticks, they’re not cute and, being fairground goldfish, I’m fairly sure they wouldn’t be delicious either. Honestly, it’d be more rewarding to own a pet rock.
And don’t think things improve if you move up the evolutionary scale and go for a koi carp. My dad did that, and spent many happy hours watching them gliding around his garden pond, gorging on the psoriasis flakes that fish call food.
Then one Christmas I bought him half a dozen ‘ghost koi’ which looked very splendid in the tank at the pet shop. Unfortunately, in my dad’s pond we learnt why they are called ‘ghost’ fish. It’s because they are completely invisible. And what’s the point of a pet you can’t see?
Sadly, I also discovered that in the fish world they are the SAS among carp, approaching their prey silently and killing without pity or remorse. So within a day, all my dad’s beloved orange fish were upside down on the surface, leaving him with a pond full of apparently nothing at all.
My advice, then, is simple. If you want a fish, get it from the chip shop.

 

 

Edited June 5, 2022 by chickenslegs

[DJ54]

Thanks to Owl and others on the Owl thread Avocado plants are growing nicely…

[owl sees all]

4 hours ago, Golden Triangle said:

Are the Platinum's also known as Ghost Koi ?? My dad, God rest his soul, had a massive ghost koi in his very large and deep pond, I know how big the pond was as it took close to the 3 weeks he & mum were on holiday for me and a mate to dog it out ????

A couple of pics showing shiny scaled kois. Can be called 'GinRin' or 'Metallic; Only the white GinRins are really 'Ghosties'.

 

 

And a couple of 'Platinums'.

 

 

My favourite fish is a gold on black. I'll try to find a pic.

[Golden Triangle]

Thanks for the answer Owl, only just round to opening A N, a bit busy this morning ????????????

[owl sees all]

Owl Log - 12-06-2022 - Sunday morning

 

Good news is circulating about the mask wearing. Gonna end on 17th of this month. Don't know about schools though.

 

The village Buddha build is marching on. Took a close look in the week.

 

 

 

Think Mrs Owl was pulling my leg when she said it was gonna be a restaurant. Great sense of humour!

 

 

Some very nice trees in the compound.

 

 

Most Buddhas have these beautiful trees. Love looking at them.

 

 

This is the two year in the ground anniversary of the euca trees.

 

Measured up my best tree on Wednesday.

 

 

Fantastic! Like them all to be like this monster. But, all things considered, not too shabby.

 

 

Black Girl was on the move. By the time I loaded the camera she was on her way out.

 

 

Went outside to say 'hi'.

 

 

Bella's husband came over and gave her a treat.

 

 

The euca plantation outside the house is looking good.

 

 

And another, in the next bowl, is blossoming.

 

Went into Ban Dung yesterday. Forgot the camera so no pics. Didn't really see anything worth snapping. But I didn't have my inquisitive head on. Did call into the 20 baht shop on the way back. Two mirrors, 5 packs of 'wet wipes' and a pair of scissors. Couldn't see any 'micro batteries', large mugs - to replace the one Mrs Owl smashed - or kids painting kits. Had a look through the spectacle section but couldn't get a -1.5 rated one. But happy with the scissors.

 

 

It says on the pack that they can crack nuts. Don't think I'll bother doing that.

 

The pond in the next farm has completely filled.

 

 

BeeApp - Pook's husband - is the rice guy this year. So in the week he started the planting and blocked off the pipes running under the road to preserve the water.

 

 

I set up the pump for the tractor to level out the last lock.

 

 

The rice team (mostly ladies) were hard at it in the other two locks.

 

 

 

Was offered dome tasty morsels to eat with me Cup of Rosy.

 

 

Work finished, the pump was returned to the water tank to be used around November. But you never know with the weather. No rain for a week, and it will have to come out of hiding.

 

 

Just couldn't help myself. Mrs Owl just hates me seeing unusual or funny things.

 

This one just 'quirky'.

 

 

Have to keep them tethered in future.

 

 

What to do with number five pond now it's been emptied?

 

Mildred wanted to put 100 white kois in there. But we have lost contact with our regular koi supplier. Mrs Owl suggested putting in 500 pla nin. I agree with her; and told her so (to cheer her up). Now where to get them. I don't like the government fish. Have bought from them before. Cheap; but too slow growing and they always disappoint. Their  big unit is just off the hospital road in Udon. They do a better fish at the agricultural college, just off the H2 (behind DoHome), but I'm gonna try to get the Nam Sai fish from Bangkok. I'll have to do some research on where the agents are in the area. 6/7 years ago there was one in Si Chang Mai. I'll check.

 

Footy roundup.

Had to look for some news. England drew a match with Italy. And noticed that the Faroe Islands won a match. Never seen them win before. Man Utd to move for Lewandowski; BBC Sunday Gossip. Interesting if that comes off.

 

Mildred is settling in at her new school. She reckons it's better that her last. Not getting homework as of yet; but early days yet. And there is talk of swimming at the pool across the main road.

 

Really must get on with the budgie house.

 

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

 

 

Edited June 12, 2022 by owl sees all

[HighPriority]

Those two water bottles, do you think they’ll breed ?

Could be a market there…

[owl sees all]

1 hour ago, HighPriority said:

Those two water bottles, do you think they’ll breed ?

Could be a market there…

Always on the look out for an earner.

 

Thunder storm last evening - not a drop of rain.

 

Thinking about the water pump. Petrol is 48 baht a litre. Diesel not so bad at 35 baht. Not so many m/c  tearing about. Everyone will have an electric vehicle soon. Already there are 5/6 in the village. Two three wheelers and a few m/c and scooters. No cars yet.

[Fat is a type of crazy]

On 6/13/2022 at 9:48 AM, owl sees all said:

Always on the look out for an earner.

 

Thunder storm last evening - not a drop of rain.

 

Thinking about the water pump. Petrol is 48 baht a litre. Diesel not so bad at 35 baht. Not so many m/c  tearing about. Everyone will have an electric vehicle soon. Already there are 5/6 in the village. Two three wheelers and a few m/c and scooters. No cars yet.

No rain good for fisherman and tourist. Hope you get heaps of rain after I go home next week. Got rained on on boat to Koh Chang but since been nice for low season. Nice to be back with girlfriend in Thailand. 

Edited June 14, 2022 by Fat is a type of crazy

[owl sees all]

41 minutes ago, Fat is a type of crazy said:

No rain good for fisherman and tourist. Hope you get heaps of rain after I go home next week. Got rained on on boat to Koh Chang but since been nice for low season. Nice to be back with girlfriend in Thailand. 

Great pics.

 

Haven't walked on the sand with the surf lapping at my ankles for over 13 years.

 

Good luck to you and your girlfriend sir. I'm sure she has the right guy to sooth and protect her.

[owl sees all]

Owl Log Thursday morning

 

Spent a bit of time watching the fish two evenings ago.

 

The pond (pond 4) where the mekongs now are is much clearer than pond 5. Carp and mekongs do not go together well in a small pond. The mekongs are cruisers while the carp are grubbers and make the water cloudy. But the carp also like to lay close to the surface so they can be seen and enjoyed.

 

 

And the koi pond' Mildred's pond (6). There are some 50/60 fish in there. Only see 20 or so for the moment. A lot of natural food in there so they are not yet in a rush to grab the pellets.

 

 

Decided to put 500 red pla nin into pond 5.

 

Have to find out where to get them. Think there is a 'namsai' agent near Sawang Dan Din. Not in a rush as the water level is low in that pond at the mo'.

 

That's all for now.

Edited June 16, 2022 by owl sees all

[Andrew Dwyer]

1 hour ago, owl sees all said:

 

Decided to put 500 red pla nin into pond 5.

 

Yup, we knew you were going to ! ????

[owl sees all]

56 minutes ago, Andrew Dwyer said:

Yup, we knew you were going to ! ????

We were going to put the ordinary nin into the pond, but decided to get some red nin instead. They are a little more expensive.

 

Had a delivery of 3000 red nin some 7 years ago. They were very popular with the customers. Some say they tasted different to standard nin. Can't say I noticed.

[owl sees all]

Talking about pla nin.

 

Standard nin fry.

 

 

Red nin.

 

 

I've heard it said that the red nin taste even better than the dark ones.

[bannork]

2 hours ago, owl sees all said:

Talking about pla nin.

 

Standard nin fry.

 

 

Red nin.

 

 

I've heard it said that the red nin taste even better than the dark ones.

I don't know about red but the dark pla in is delicious fried imo 

[owl sees all]

12 hours ago, bannork said:

I don't know about red but the dark pla in is delicious fried imo 

Completely agree with you there Bannork. Still have 10 or so in the freezer from the pond draining.

 

I have a chance of getting some barramundi fry. Never ate one knowingly, but I'm told there are good eaters. Our Aussie posters would know.

[GarryP]

3 hours ago, owl sees all said:

Completely agree with you there Bannork. Still have 10 or so in the freezer from the pond draining.

 

I have a chance of getting some barramundi fry. Never ate one knowingly, but I'm told there are good eaters. Our Aussie posters would know.

Barramundi is delicious. I would say more so than Talapia if it is cooked right. 

[HighPriority]

11 hours ago, owl sees all said:

Completely agree with you there Bannork. Still have 10 or so in the freezer from the pond draining.

 

I have a chance of getting some barramundi fry. Never ate one knowingly, but I'm told there are good eaters. Our Aussie posters would know.

Salt water fish are great eating, not overly flavorsome, but firm white flesh, with few or at worst large bones in the fillet.

Dam or billabong fish are prone to being a darker slightly muddy tasting fish generally.

 

They grow fast and big, changing sex from male to female around the size of 900mm, they are a regular catch by those in the know, at sizes above 1200mm.

All female and all are released to breed another day.

[sotonowl]

16 minutes ago, HighPriority said:

changing sex from male to female around the size of 900mm,

Controversial.????

[Rhys]

Back in the mid 90s, I was with a USA GOVT program and I lived in a small village for 3 years, so I can relate.  My first, you're not in Kansas anymore moment, was Community Fishing, Issan style... The fish pond/ rice field water was drained and all the villagers ran  with their baskets to get the muddy fish...Actually I thought that was pretty cool.   I read more and learned to cook more creatively and hangout with the village pals..

 

 

[HighPriority]

24 minutes ago, sotonowl said:

Controversial.????

This is Thailand, we love a good ladyboy story here ! 
????

[owl sees all]

 

Owl Log - 19-05-2022 - Sunday afternoon

 

Mildred went to school on Wednesday, forgetting her white trainers. We had to visit Ban Dung to deliver them to her at 12 noon at the school rear gate.

Where was she?

 

 

A teacher came over to us after 10 minutes or so, and Mrs Owl handed the package over to her.

 

Had a meal at the bus station restaurant and headed to Bic C. They have swamped the place with portable water fans. There must be over 20.

 

 

I was impressed with their power output. Had a fiddle around with the settings on one while I waited for the Mrs to finish her shop. We take a truck each. I buy the same things every time. Flavoured milk, cat food, ice poles, pringles - if they are on a special - M-150 pack, 24 bottle soda pack and this time some toothpaste and mouthwash. The mouthwash has jumped up in price and is now about 150 baht a litre. Bought some dentine chewing gum on a special. Always finish before the Mrs.

 

 

Might get one for home. I'll check on Lazada. Bet they are not cheap though. I'll guess at 10/12k baht.

 

The farm next to us - Bella's farm - is building up their cow heard. Two youngsters caught my eye.

 

 

Had to go to the Co-op bank on Thursday. Gradually knocking down the loan amount.

 

Found a couple of novel chairs. Can't recall seeing them before; anywhere.

 

 

Couldn't see any cushions.

 

 

Earlier in the week a guy was building a nice farm house just along from us. Think it's gonna be a nice pad.

 

 

Finished a couple of days later.

 

 

Under a lovely euca tree too.

 

 

Back in Ban dung, Mrs Owl had to visit the Post Office.

 

It's changed a lot in recent years. Can walk all the way around it now. So I did, and found something interesting.

 

 

Just as I was about to grab one, the Mrs came out of the building. "What you do farang?" "Just looking at the mushrooms. Would make a nice mushroom soup Teerak. "  "Not take. Will go you to monkey."

 

 

Busy in the mornings, as soon as the veggie man comes around.

 

 

That's Nadine still in her jam jams. Little kids in the village don't wear much on their feet.

 

Nadene,  Nadill and cousin with great grand-ma.

 

 

And on the way back from seeing Mildred off to school.

 

 

Electric transport everywhere in the village,

 

The original vehicle; about 6 years old.

 

 

Newcomer.

 

 

Another newcomer.

 

 

New rice machine just at the rear of us.

 

 

I'd had the hair clippers since Mildred was 5 years old. So about 7 years. They were getting so blunt that it felt like each individual hair was being pulled. Simply torture!

 

Treated myself to a a new cordless barnet trimmer. 360 baht.

 

 

 

Mildred did the biz with them when she came home from school. Didn't even feel them on me head.

 

Footy round up.

Irons have an easy first game. Fulham too.

 

Nut man came this morning. it was an interim cut. Finished up with 5k baht. Mrs Owl took two k baht, and I had the other three to help with the family spend. Price of nuts; 9-80 a kilo.

 

Was that mask wearing coming to an end on the 17th, a red herring? Don't seem no different to me. No-one wearing them in the village while in Ban Dung it's about 75%.

 

Mildred is finishing her latest masterpiece. I'll put it display later today.

 

Decided to buy a set of rechargeable AA batteries and a charger for camera use. My Minolta is quite greedy and the four AAs only seem to last about 100 shots or 3 minutes of vid. I went for Sony as I remember John Cleese was always on about them years ago. So that's 8 rechargeable batteries and a charger for just under 400 baht. Should come Monday or Tuesday.

 

Still not enough rain.

 

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

 

 

 

Edited June 19, 2022 by owl sees all

[owl sees all]

Owl Log (Part 2) - 19-06-2022 - Sunday afternoon.

 

Sorry about the last post. It really is June; I jest you not.

 

Mildred just finished her painting. She asked me what I thought. The over-riding theme was that is was very good, but I slipped in a couple of things. One was about different facial expressions. She needs to practice them. Then we spoke about texture. The girl's top in the painting looks like a black cut-out bit of card. The hair also looks a bit stiff.

 

 

She listened and I think she agreed. I said that other art forms might not have a finished product every time, and 'practice makes perfect'. She took it in, and I've just looked around the corner to see her drawing faces.

 

www.mildredart.com

 

That Dentine I mentioned in the previous post was a throw-back in history for me. I usually had a pack on hand 30/40 years ago. Also spelt it wrong, It's Dentyne,

 

 

.About 50 chews for one baht each. Not bad.

 

 

Forgot to mention in the last post, that two budgies escaped. The dark blue and yellow birds have taken their freedom. Let's hope they come back when they get hungry. Not seen them, although I'm looking out for them in the trees locally.

 

Also that special day in the summer for us fishermen in England. The most eagerly awaited day - perhaps in the whole year - June 16th, Yes! The start of the fishing season, Would spend weeks getting the tackle ready and planning where to fish. Pre-baiting. Dreaming of the monster that evaded capture every season.

 

That's all for now.

Edited June 19, 2022 by owl sees all

[owl sees all]

Found the data for the fan used in Big C.

 

 

 

Price 9590 baht.

 

https://shop.masterkool.com/mik-55ex.html

[Mutt Daeng]

2 hours ago, owl sees all said:

Found the data for the fan used in Big C.

 

 

 

Price 9590 baht.

 

https://shop.masterkool.com/mik-55ex.html

Me & Mrs MD tried one of these portable A/C's. It didn't live up to expectations.

Ended up giving it away.

[owl sees all]

48 minutes ago, Mutt Daeng said:

Me & Mrs MD tried one of these portable A/C's. It didn't live up to expectations.

Ended up giving it away.

Same here Matt.

 

Did a feature on one that I bought from DoHome in Udon for about 4-5k baht a year or so back. Went well for about 6 months. Then the display went wonkey. After that is was just a clumsy fan for the next six months when it packed it in. Gave it to the junk man in the end.

 

The ones in Big C look to be robust. I'll be keeping an eye on them.

[Sterling]

Are those A/Cs or evaporative (swamp) coolers? I tried a few different swamp coolers in the Philippines and they don't seem to work well in the high humidity.

 

Owl, did you try lubricating your old clippers with some clipper/sewing machine oil?

I have an electric beard trimmer that was doing the same thing (pulling hairs) and put some clipper oil on the blades and they work much better now.

[owl sees all]

1 hour ago, Sterling said:

Are those A/Cs or evaporative (swamp) coolers? I tried a few different swamp coolers in the Philippines and they don't seem to work well in the high humidity.

 

Owl, did you try lubricating your old clippers with some clipper/sewing machine oil?

I have an electric beard trimmer that was doing the same thing (pulling hairs) and put some clipper oil on the blades and they work much better now.

The coolers in Big c can hold over 50 litres of water. Not sure if the water is cooled before it is fired out as a mist. They are all over in the Ban Dung store. Must be over 20. I'll keep my eye on them. There is an even bigger one (just one) - from the same manufacturer - in a car-repair shop about half way from Big C to the town centre.

 

As for the clippers; I was oiling them before each use. I think they were just blunt. I'd had them a few years and others had used them also. These new battery one is better all round. They have a wider range of setting, and one is so tight that it can double as an electric shaver. (If Mrs Owl finds that out I'd never get it back.)

 

I have kept the old pair to either give away or to exchange for a cooking pot when the junk man comes 'round.

 

Had a decent drop of rain today. Steady from 11 to just after noon.

 

An absolute tragedy at the farm today. Have to sort it out tomorrow morning. Full story in Sunday's Owl Log.

Edited June 24, 2022 by owl sees all

[Mutt Daeng]

9 hours ago, owl sees all said:

<Snip>

As for the clippers; I was oiling them before each use. I think they were just blunt. I'd had them a few years and others had used them also. These new battery one is better all round. They have a wider range of setting, and one is so tight that it can double as an electric shaver. (If Mrs Owl finds that out I'd never get it back.)

<End of Snip>

I prefer ceramic bladed clippers as it saves all the pi$$-farting about with oil. I brought a decent set of Remington ceramic clippers that I bought on eBay with me when I moved to Thailand and they lasted about 10 years. The blades were still sharp but the motor (mains powered) conked out. Then I bought a cheap set (under 600 baht) of no name rechargeable ceramic clippers off Lazada. Been using them for around 3 years now and they are the dogs b0ll0cks.

Edited June 25, 2022 by Mutt Daeng

[Andrew Dwyer]

10 hours ago, owl sees all said:

The coolers in Big c can hold over 50 litres of water. Not sure if the water is cooled before it is fired out as a mist. They are all over in the Ban Dung store. Must be over 20. I'll keep my eye on them. There is an even bigger one (just one) - from the same manufacturer - in a car-repair shop about half way from Big C to the town centre.

 

I bought an evaporator cooler ( Clarté ) some 5 years ago, paid about 3,500 baht for it but disappointed with it. It seems to work the same, p1ss poor cooling !!, with or without water !! Tbh, a fan is as good if not better.

My mil has a air conditioning unit, looks just like my swamp cooler but you don’t add water and it has an exhaust pipe for the hot air. I cut a hole in the gypsum covering a window ( mil wanted it covered after waking up to see a big snake outside the window hissing at her ???? ) and it works a treat , great cooling for a bedroom, of course is not mobile anymore. No idea of price or make and the leccy bill has gone up as a result.

 

My point is ( yes !! there is one ) is that the two units look identical so you need to read the small print to see exactly what you are buying and if Big C has another cooling system in place the swamp coolers will be pumping out already cooled air, which happened when we bought ours from Robinson’s. See these in the bigger stores and they appear to work well but a different story back at the apartment/house with the sun beating on the walls all day.