Diary of a farang in Isaan

[rickudon]

Durian .... not tried growing it, but have read that they need a lot of water. Sun? Not sure. I have tried a  number of times to grow Mangosteen (one of my favourite fruits). I can get them to germinate and they grow easily to 2 leaves - then they just sit there for ages. They hate sun. As seedlings, only takes a couple of hours of full sun and they die. Wife did buy me a tree which we planted at the farm; I put up shade cloth to protect it and was doing fine. Then a big rain came and the shade cloth was 'borrowed' to stop the fish swimming away from the pond. 2 days later it was dead, the sun came out.

 

Other news - i have been raising taptim in a concrete tank. Emptied the tank just over a week ago, and put in my 1.2 rai pond - 26 fish, between 8-12 cm long. They have settled in well and i see a number every time i feed the fish. 

 

Also had to put my 2 Oscars in the pond as my other concrete ring was commandeered as a home for the F-in-L's golden swamp eel he caught. They are pure yellow gold coloured and considered lucky - we had one about 4 years ago, and family members won the lottery 3 times after using it to divinate the numbers! Only small wins though. Need a big win or might not have enough for the next visa extension ..... that sala was just a bit to expensive!

Edited August 9, 2022 by rickudon

[GarryP]

55 minutes ago, rickudon said:

Durian .... not tried growing it, but have read that they need a lot of water. Sun? Not sure. I have tried a  number of times to grow Mangosteen (one of my favourite fruits). I can get them to germinate and they grow easily to 2 leaves - then they just sit there for ages. They hate sun. As seedlings, only takes a couple of hours of full sun and they die. Wife did buy me a tree which we planted at the farm; I put up shade cloth to protect it and was doing fine. Then a big rain came and the shade cloth was 'borrowed' to stop the fish swimming away from the pond. 2 days later it was dead, the sun came out.

 

Other news - i have been raising taptim in a concrete tank. Emptied the tank just over a week ago, and put in my 1.2 rai pond - 26 fish, between 8-12 cm long. They have settled in well and i see a number every time i feed the fish. 

 

Was a bit confused there. From the first paragraph about growing mangosteen, I started reading the second paragraph thinking you were talking about pomegranate (tubtim) trees. That was until I rembered that taptim are also red tilapia. 

[owl sees all]

Bit adrift with the Owl Logs. For the last couple of weeks I've been feeling lousy. Since Tuesday I've spent more time in bed than out. Can't see any improvement in the last few days either.

 

Thanks for sticking with the thread guys.

 

Take care out there.

[HighPriority]

Chin up ya ol buggar ????????

[Sterling]

Hope you're feeling better soon Owl!

[bannork]

Get better soon, Owl, you're missed.

[Mutt Daeng]

1 hour ago, owl sees all said:

Bit adrift with the Owl Logs. For the last couple of weeks I've been feeling lousy. Since Tuesday I've spent more time in bed than out. Can't see any improvement in the last few days either.

 

Thanks for sticking with the thread guys.

 

Take care out there.

The fact that you knocked us out of the EFL/Carabao/Micky Mouse cup on Wednesday should cheer you up OWL. Get well soon mate.

[Golden Triangle]

Take care Owl. Hopefully you'll feel better soon ????????

[Andrew Dwyer]

Get well soon Owl , we all hope you a speedy recovery ………. personally I thought you had eloped with the hat lady ????

[HighPriority]

9 hours ago, Andrew Dwyer said:

Get well soon Owl , we all hope you a speedy recovery ………. personally I thought you had eloped with the hat lady ????

Maybe he did but found out about that green grass over the fence… ????

[sotonowl]

On 8/13/2022 at 1:18 PM, owl sees all said:

Bit adrift with the Owl Logs. For the last couple of weeks I've been feeling lousy. Since Tuesday I've spent more time in bed than out. Can't see any improvement in the last few days either.

 

Thanks for sticking with the thread guys.

 

Take care out there.

Nowt to do wi ammers being in't drop zone i ope Owl.

 

Either way, get well soon matey.

[bannork]

Well Owl, as we all say, get better soon.

In the meantime, August's rainfall has really hit the roof.

Like the days of old, last night and tonight, just continuous downpours.

This is definitely gonna put a blip in your chart of declining rainfall, Owl 

 

 

 

[owl sees all]

12 hours ago, bannork said:

Well Owl, as we all say, get better soon.

In the meantime, August's rainfall has really hit the roof.

Like the days of old, last night and tonight, just continuous downpours.

This is definitely gonna put a blip in your chart of declining rainfall, Owl

Thank you all for your kind words.

 

Feeling a lot stronger in the last few days. Walked Mildred to her school bus on Friday morning, and went to the farm yesterday. Should be back to normal - whatever that is - this week.

 

As for the rain. A 'wet season' with rain, what is happening in this Isaan world?

[sotonowl]

20 hours ago, owl sees all said:

Thank you all for your kind words.

 

Feeling a lot stronger in the last few days. Walked Mildred to her school bus on Friday morning, and went to the farm yesterday. Should be back to normal - whatever that is - this week.

 

As for the rain. A 'wet season' with rain, what is happening in this Isaan world?

Eat healthy, drink more water and keep away from the football results.????

[HighPriority]

57 minutes ago, sotonowl said:

Eat healthy, drink more water and keep away from the football results.????

Tell me about it, I’m a Carlton supporter… ????

[Fat is a type of crazy]

6 minutes ago, HighPriority said:

Tell me about it, I’m a Carlton supporter… ????

I don't follow it much but as a former Collingwood supporter who has a vague memory of 1970 and strong memories of 79 and 81 when Carlton kicked our ass it kind of hit the spot. Sorry about that and go Doggies. 

[HighPriority]

Yeah, it’s swings and roundabouts 

[bannork]

A good day for the bananas.

[owl sees all]

Owl Log - 28-08-2022 - Sunday morning

 

First entry for ages. Been out and about for about 8 days.

 

The grass was waist high and got a haircut.

 

 

The second tree along is the biggest of the two yearers. Measured in at just 40 cm. That's the circumference at one metre up.

 

 

The one tree along the road that is one year older went 47cm.

 

 

Looks great.

 

 

I'll measure some of the real biggies in farm four in the week. I reckon the biggest go over 45cm. Not bad for 2 years 2 months in the ground. But there are thousands that don't cut the mustard.

 

 

Been trying to sort out pond 6. The pond that saw all the fish deaths last month. I have started putting in EM. I was producing it myself and there is plenty. I'm giving the pond a few buckets each week.

 

 

Smells great to me. But not everyone thinks so. Mildred don't like it.

 

 

Give 4 or 5 buckets to start off the process.

 

 

Be next year before I'll put some fish in.

 

This rain has made it difficult for the pick-up around the farm. Areas that were OK to drive into are now no-go.

 

 

Fortunately Guy was not too far away. Everything sorted within the hour. Didn't tell Mrs Owl; but she found out after a few days through the village grapevine.

 

 

It's not just the farms that are dodgy. The guy opposite had a problem too,

 

 

I went over to lend a hand.

 

 

Soon got it out.

 

 

Not moaning about the wet weather. This is the wettest season for probably 6/7 years. It's as it should be this season.

 

 

The avocado plantation is doing great. The one on the left is head height and ready to be transplanted in the farm. Next week for that task.

 

Village buffaloes go where they want. Pick-ups just have to wait.

 

 

Mildred came to the farm with me yesterday, and we got a nice surprise on the way.

 

 

Fortunately we had a bit of food in the way of fish waste to give them.

 

 

They were obviously being cared for by someone. So friendly. But don't like to see them by the motorway. Not everyone likes kittens; including youngsters on m/cs and dogs.

 

 

I bought some crabs in the week. The Mrs took all the big ones and I put the rest into pond 7.

 

 

Big deal of the week was the nut cut. I was called out to help as the usual wagon was not available early. So it was a load each.

 

 

 

Loaded up and drove to the village. Tied them up with string to stop them falling off on the 30km journey to the wholesalers.

 

 

Another pick-up arrived as we were unloading. There's our nut man.

 

 

Must have been 200 tonnes ready to be sent to the factory. All those farmers that cut down their trees must be kicking themselves now; with the price so good. We cut down 192 oil palm trees to make way for the eucas. Not always plain-sailing here. Who could have foresaw the Ukraine/Russia conflict that has sent the prices rocketing?

 

Stopped off at the market soi on the way back. The Mrs went shopping and I went on a walk-a-bout.

 

Easy to miss the cage. What does it hold?

 

 

Lizards. Big ones!

 

 

Absolutely beautiful.

 

 

Mildred's latest bit of art.

 

www.mildredart.com for those arty-farty types. She is developing a style. Can't say I understand it. But it's great to see.

 

 

Walked Mildred to the bus all last week.

 

The twins; Nadia and Nadile, go over to the veggie and fruit man to get their breckies.

 

 

"Here farang Owl. I have 20 baht left over. Want to buy some chillies?"

 

"Thanks, but no thanks Nadene. I'm off home for a cup of rosy and some pringles."

 

 

Gradually getting better after my funny turn. Did a bit a of jogging at the farm yesterday. Must get riding the bike. Get a bit of fitness back.

 

Footy roundup.

Lucky Liverpool score 9. The Owls get three, and my number one team are top of their league. Now let me see. Promotion next year. Then up to the Championship the following season. Then into the EPL. A consolidating year, before challenging for the Ch L spot. Been a long while since Orient were last in the top flight. Soon be back where we belong. Best not to think about the Irons at the mo'. Too depressing.

 

Have ordered 30 tonne of cassava waste. Should be in the farm on Monday (tomorrow). Have to buy 100 sacks. Should be 40 kiloes for each tree. Not yet sure who is going to to all the bagging up. 

 

Back in the UK, the big talk is those rising costs. Now I'm thinking. would it not be possible to get body warming jackets. Like in electric blankets. Glad I'm away from the Europe nut-house.

 

David Popovichi? Who is he? This 17 year old Romanian has just broken the 100 LC free world record with a time of 46.86 secs. He also went 1.42.9 for the 200 free in the Euroes. That is one of the best records on the books at 1.42 dead. And young David is not yet 18. I showed Mildred him swimming on YT. I think he has another fan. She goes swimming herself - with the school - on Fridays. Passed her 'floating' test two days ago. I'm so proud of her. Her sister was a world champion Triathlete a few years back. Took the title in New York.

 

Guy came across with some dosh for the land. Still owes 50k baht. Next month! Upgraded Mrs Owl's gold. 41.700 baht.

 

The price of nuts was 6.35 baht a kilo when we sold in the week. A bit of a drop from the heady days of 10 baht; but still good.

 

Thanks for all the well-wishing messages.

 

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

 

 

[sotonowl]

10 hours ago, owl sees all said:

The Owls get three

Correction. Owls got 5 Owl although they did get 3 in midweek.????

[owl sees all]

9 hours ago, sotonowl said:

Correction. Owls got 5 Owl although they did get 3 in midweek.????

Yes, you are right.

 

I was behind the times. Certs for automatic promotion I reckon.

[sotonowl]

14 hours ago, owl sees all said:

Yes, you are right.

 

I was behind the times. Certs for automatic promotion I reckon.

We're hoping it's our turn mate yes. We have the players, manager just needs to keep getting a tune out of them.

[sotonowl]

Oh, and after the Forest Spurs game yesterday, Sky showed Harry Kanes first league goal. So, who was he playing for and who did he score against?

[champers]

3 hours ago, sotonowl said:

Oh, and after the Forest Spurs game yesterday, Sky showed Harry Kanes first league goal. So, who was he playing for and who did he score against?

V Forest for Leyton Orient?

[sotonowl]

18 hours ago, champers said:

V Forest for Leyton Orient?

No, they reckoned v Sheffield Wednesday although I only had half an ear cocked at the time.

 

https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=268667351268793

 

Or an alternative is in here,

 

 

Edited August 30, 2022 by sotonowl

[owl sees all]

I watched a game at Brisbane Road some years ago against Villa. That ended 4-0 to us. Five years later Villa won the top flight and the following year the Ch L/Euro cup.

 

Also the team that came up with Orient back in the 1960s were Liverpool. Look at how well they have done since. They were very much second best to neighbours Everton in those times.

 

So we have had our chances. We are on the road back to the very top.

Edited August 30, 2022 by owl sees all

[DJ54]

Owl… Good read as always. Yes you can get heated jacket and gloves rechargeable batteries. 
Had some when took my moto for 9,000 mile ride

in US. I loved it… wife not so much 555

Edited September 1, 2022 by DJ54
Spelling

[owl sees all]

33 minutes ago, DJ54 said:

Owl… Good read as always. Yes you can get heated jacket and gloves rechargeable batteries. 
Had some when took my moto for 9,000 mile ride

in US. I loved it… wife not so much 555

Thanks for that DJ. I was fishing in Huntington a few years back and I the guy I was fishing with had a body warmer on that had a battery attached. Can't recall too much. But I reckon they must be well advanced from those early days

 

I have an ex and 4 daughters in the UK. Don't want them to freeze when the gas-tired boiler needs to be on to warm the house, Sure to be off now in the summer but come December?

 

Those oil-filled mobile radiators seem to do the bizzo; and they are not that expensive, and cheap to run.

 

 

[HighPriority]

2 hours ago, DJ54 said:

Owl… Good read as always. Yes you can get heated jacket and gloves rechargeable batteries. 
Had some when took my moto for 9,000 mile ride

in US. I loved it… wife not so much 555

The power tool companies like DeWalt, Millwalkie etc sell them (of course using their proprietary battery systems…) 

in Darwin I don’t need them so I’ve never tried one on.

[Neeranam]

On 5/8/2021 at 1:24 PM, owl sees all said:

Give up Isaan for that town full of fleusies? They don't even have a chess club now.

I heard they have a chess club.