Diary of a farang in Isaan

[d4dang]

How are your avoes doing?

[owl sees all]

7 hours ago, d4dang said:

How are your avoes doing?

They are doing just great.

 

Have three at the farm. One looks big enough to give fruit soon. The other two are a couple of years away. The house ones are growing fast.

 

 

Keep saying I'll move them to the farm; but no progress as yet. The biggest one is about 3/4 or an inch in diameter at the base.

 

 

Went to check on the price of stone on the way to Ban Dung yesterday.

 

Crushed stone - as in concrete mix - 650 baht a load.

small stone - what is used to make blocks - 650 baht a load.

Coarse sand - 350 baht a load.

 

Really I'd like a bit of each. Our road has not seen much maintenance in the last 12 months.

 

I'll get some pics posted later in the week.

 

[owl sees all]

Went for a little walk round this afternoon.

 

 

 

[owl sees all]

 

Owl Log - 23-10-2022 - Sunday morning.

 

Big party at the village over the w/e. Put 500 baht into the pot. Any left over will go to the completion of the Buddha-over-the-pond.

 

Two lots of dancing yesterday. Went out to see them with Mildred.

 

 

 

That's the brother-in-law; BeeApp.

 

 

 

Can just about spot my donated 500 baht note, on the money tree, at the front of the procession.

 

Rubbish everywhere one morning last week.

 

 

And the culprit was Curly-Wurly. Bella says to give him a whack. I couldn't do that, but I did give him a stern look, and a bit of a yak-yak. I reckon that did the trick. No more rubbish this week.

 

 

On 10/17/2022 at 11:55 PM, d4dang said:

 

How are your avoes doing?

 

Did a bit of gardening work at the farm on Friday.

 

 

Both the smaller trees needed attention.

 

Pulled out the weeds and tidied them up.

 

 

Put some egg-shells round each of them.

 

 

It's enjoyable, but the work with trees can often take years to materialise . Don't expect any fruit for at least three years..

 

The bigger one is gonna do the biz next year.

 

 

Still no progress on moving the avoes outside the house to the farm. Perhaps this week.

 

Mildred's birthday last week. A teenager!

 

She wanted a set of 'girl books' as her pressie. Four in all. Ordered them on Monday. But from three different suppliers. Not one had all four on sale. Lazada had just one. Shopee another. Waiting for the other two; that's books 1 and 2 of the set. The writer is Lilin. All fantasy dreams and stuff. Like her art.

 

 

I'm reminding myself that I ordered a book way back from Book Depository. Not heard anything; 'shipped', when I checked last. Before that, I ordered a Richard Dawkins book and another about the rivalry between Wallace and Darwin. One last year and one in February 2022. Give up on those two. Disappeared into the dark dungeon of Thailand's delivery service.

 

November next month. Have to renew my visa. Will call in to see that favourite Buddha of mine in Sum Sao on the way to Udon.

 

The cats have found a new special resting place. Away from any dog nuisance.

 

 

Don't pull it down Poo!

 

 

Beautiful flower outside the M-in-L's house.

 

 

Just about the whitest flowers I've ever seen.

 

Mildred goes back to school tomorrow. I will seriously miss her. She finished two paintings last week.

 

 

Family pic. Me, with green hair and a flower in me gob. Is that a message? Mrs Owl next to me, looking so sweet. The  three cats and two birds. And Mildred (green eyes) with her three friends.

 

And another on the same theme. Mildred with a patch in this one.

 

 

www.mildredart.com

 

Mildred has put them up for sale on www.showyourarts.com All for sale $100 each, plus P@P. We will see.

 

I feel guilty about the budgies. If I thought they would be OK, I'd let them go. Sorry I got them.

 

 

Just two now, after the others escaped.

 

Mrs Owl was big upset with me this morning. I'm up first every day. I replenish the drinking water, empty the bins. open the windows, and like today, fill the tub in the bathroom with hot water for Mildred to wash her body and hair. Open the gate and check the bins. Put on the Wifi and feed the cats. But this morning i didn't notice the dead rat just outside the door.

 

The result was that I had to wait nearly two hours for my cup of rosy. I'm a 'dunker', and I probably wouldn't eat a cookie unless I had a cuppa in front of me. So I waited and waited. In the end, when my tea finally arrived, I tucked into my favourite bikkie.

 

 

It's nearly eleven-thirty right now, and my breakfast cereal has not yet arrived. What to do? Teach Mildred how to make tea and cereal is the obvious answer. Or offer Mrs Owl more money? It's a dilemma.

 

Made a reishi brew on Tuesday.

 

 

Ginger (cat) making himself comfortable.

 

Had to go looking for ginger (root). No luck around the village, so put in extra onions. Did meet up with a very nice lady though.

 

Footy round-up.

Orient back on top. Wednesday let a lead slip. Leeds, Fulham and The Irons all play today. Forest win at home against Liverpool. Evidently Salah was not at his best. Nor was Ronaldo. United's overpaid bit of nonsense had another strop.

 

World focus.

More changes on the UK front bench.  Fighting in Haiti. Trump in trouble again.

 

Just where is the rain? This is awful! Need to pump water into the paddy from a pond, but keep holding on; just in case. Rice not ready for 3 weeks or so. Saw the first rice being harvested on Thursday, on the way to the farm, but most will be quite late this year.

 

Started up my urine thing again yesterday. Keeping it a secret from the Mrs. But she could get a benefit, if all goes to plan.

 

Mildred got her test/exam results through on LINE from her teacher. 90%+ in both English tests. 90% in one maths' test and 60% in t'other. 40% - I think that's an F - in history. So a mixed bag. Don't know about Thai and Science yet.

 

I asked her what happened in the second maths' test where she only scored 60%. It was all about Roman Numerals; would you believe. She said a couple of her friends got zero. Far better to teach binary and hex stuff I reckon. But what do I know?

 

A couple of things to say; get well Build766, and take care out there to all.

 

Bye y'all.

[Golden Triangle]

I have a large tin of those biccy's as well, bloomin delicious ????

[owl sees all]

14 minutes ago, Golden Triangle said:

I have a large tin of those biccy's as well, bloomin delicious ????

Tried a lot of bikkies here. This is the only one I have now. My favourite by far.!  But to get the best taste from them, there has to be  cup of rosy at hand.

[HighPriority]

Curly wirly looks like hes about to take up your urine "therapy" Owl !

????

[bannork]

I doubt Mildred will be going to school tomorrow Owl. It's a public holiday, a day in lieu for today, the anniversary of Rama 5's death.

Party time all over Issan at present, the end of Buddhist Lent and the rainy season, so annual village merit making ceremonies/ parties and ทอดกฐิน giving robes to monks. 

Going back a few years our village would have morlam concerts most weeks at one house or another to make merit. But frequent fights between youths meant the sexes had to be separated when dancing. Finally, even that failed and the nightly concerts were banned. Now they seem to happen in the day  

 

[owl sees all]

45 minutes ago, bannork said:

I doubt Mildred will be going to school tomorrow Owl. It's a public holiday, a day in lieu for today, the anniversary of Rama 5's death.

Party time all over Issan at present, the end of Buddhist Lent and the rainy season, so annual village merit making ceremonies/ parties and ทอดกฐิน giving robes to monks. 

Going back a few years our village would have morlam concerts most weeks at one house or another to make merit. But frequent fights between youths meant the sexes had to be separated when dancing. Finally, even that failed and the nightly concerts were banned. Now they seem to happen in the day  

 

 

I'll get her to check that Bannork. Wouldn't want to get up at 6am for nothing.

 

You are right about the concerts. Not a great fan of them myself. The music is just so loud. What with the Lao Khow and the music, it would take me all next day to recover.

 

Went to a daytime concert at Kham Chanod about 12 years ago. A big fight broke out between a couple of youth groups. I had Mildred with me, and beat a hasty retreat.

 

 

[owl sees all]

1 hour ago, HighPriority said:

Curly wirly looks like hes about to take up your urine "therapy" Owl !

????

Needs a bl@@dy trim. He is one mass of knots.

[HighPriority]

Owl wrote:

”Started up my urine thing again yesterday. Keeping it a secret from the Mrs. But she could get a benefit, if all goes to plan.”

 

Be careful Owl !

Mrs Owl may have a different interpretation of a benefit to her… 

You might have a twinkle in your eye, she may be dreaming of supplementing the Kois food supply and unfettered handbag shopping !

 

????????

[owl sees all]

1 hour ago, HighPriority said:

Owl wrote:

”Started up my urine thing again yesterday. Keeping it a secret from the Mrs. But she could get a benefit, if all goes to plan.”

 

Be careful Owl !

Mrs Owl may have a different interpretation of a benefit to her… 

You might have a twinkle in your eye, she may be dreaming of supplementing the Kois food supply and unfettered handbag shopping !

 

????????

 

 You are right of course HP.

 

Have to see what transpires during the next week or so. Since that Gucci handbag a while back, Mrs Owl has not mentioned that she needs a new one. Moved onto gold instead. As she informed me last week; "only need half baht for four baht," Dear me!. Have these people never heard of saving?

 

[HighPriority]

8 hours ago, owl sees all said:

 

 You are right of course HP.

 

Have to see what transpires during the next week or so. Since that Gucci handbag a while back, Mrs Owl has not mentioned that she needs a new one. Moved onto gold instead. As she informed me last week; "only need half baht for four baht," Dear me!. Have these people never heard of saving?

 

I’m laughing but crying too Owl.

Mrs HP is the Queen of hand to mouth financing and that’s been a particular sticking point this year.

 

[owl sees all]

2 hours ago, HighPriority said:

I’m laughing but crying too Owl.

Mrs HP is the Queen of hand to mouth financing and that’s been a particular sticking point this year.

 

Most Thais that I know owe money to someone; banks, finance compaiies, money lenders. Their dosh is accounted for week in week out. Mrs Owl is different. We owe a few baht for a loan taken out on the pick-up to help the useless daughter Nan. But apart from that she don't owe nout.

 

It disturbs me that I have to be sneaky with the money. Hide some here and there. Cause if she sees it, she will want to spend it.

 

On what? Wasting it in my book. Easy come - easy go, I guess.

 

[owl sees all]

16 hours ago, bannork said:

I doubt Mildred will be going to school tomorrow Owl. It's a public holiday, a day in lieu for today, the anniversary of Rama 5's death.

Mildred did check last evening about going to school. It's on; at least for her school.

 

Went to the pick-up point with her this morning at 7-00. Not many children in the bus. Gonna pick her up from Ban Dung when she calls later on the dog and bone.

[bannork]

1 hour ago, owl sees all said:

Mildred did check last evening about going to school. It's on; at least for her school.

 

Went to the pick-up point with her this morning at 7-00. Not many children in the bus. Gonna pick her up from Ban Dung when she calls later on the dog and bone.

Sorry about that Owl. Being a public holiday I would have thought the school would be closed.

[owl sees all]

10 minutes ago, bannork said:

Sorry about that Owl. Being a public holiday I would have thought the school would be closed.

I agree Bannork. Don't think it is a day for learning. More like sorting out books and cleaning the classroom.

 

I'll find out what it is all about when I pick her up later.

[owl sees all]

4 hours ago, bannork said:

Sorry about that Owl. Being a public holiday I would have thought the school would be closed.

Got the phone call from Mildred at 9-45. So she was finished within two hours. Went to pick her up in Ban Dung.

 

All it was, was collecting a few books from the book store and cleaning the classroom. Back proper tomorrow.

[Sterling]

On 10/23/2022 at 4:18 PM, owl sees all said:

Have these people never heard of saving?

I thought buying Gold was the Thai way of saving? Am I misinformed?

[owl sees all]

7 hours ago, Sterling said:

I thought buying Gold was the Thai way of saving? Am I misinformed?

Of course you are right there Sterling. Nothing better than gold for that bit of security when there is no cash.

 

My wife just loves to spend the dosh. I can go to Ban Dung with a couple of thousand in me pocket, get what I'm after, and not buy anything else. If Mrs Owl went, the money would be gone. On what? Stuff she don't need, and things that will not even be seen about the house a few weeks later. Just stored away, waiting to be given away after a year or so.

 

My situation - as a farang here - is different naturally. I have to see the bigger picture, and although a bit insular to say, it's money that keeps me here safe and sound. Take it away and I'd be in sh!t street. Fortunately Mildred is on the thrifty side.

[owl sees all]

 

Owl Log - 30-10-2022 - Sunday morning

 

The party's over; it's time to call it a day. Who sang that?

 

The Thai holiday finished and the gloss was being removed. Ban Dung back to normal.

 

 

Crab-man came this morning. Mrs Owl had warned me that if I bought any more, bad things would happen to me.

 

 

But I suggested a deal; 50%-50%. So she agreed. It turned out to be an 'Aunt Sally' half each deal; 70% for her and 30% for me.

 

 

And she took all the handsome ones. But at least I could give 20 or so their freedom later today.

 

 

Went on a bit in the week. Posted about the Mrs spending dash on nonsense. Well, we went to the Thursday Market and while the Mrs went off spending the 1000 baht I gave her, me and Mildred had a mooch round. We indulged ourselves; big time.

 

 

Some pens, a pair of top-of-range nail-clippers and a Rubik Cube. I've had a few in the past, and when I saw it!, I had the urge to fulfill one of my life ambitions by solving it; again. Was sorting it while listening to the footy last night. Just four corners left to do. I'll give it another go today.

 

 

When we got home, Mrs Owl showed me the clothes she bought. Nice colours. And there was some money left over from the grand. 180 baht. She made me feel bad about spending my 60 baht.

"Farang no good. Telling me I bad spend, always. You buy rubbish. Cannot eat, cannot wear." What could I say? Nothing was the best thing. Later she used my new nail clippers.

 

The Thursday Market is only half what it used to be.

 

.

Across the road from Tesco-Lotus.

 

Next to Big C.

 

 

Couldn't help snapping the rat lady. Only 60 baht a throw.

 

 

I've eaten rat in my early days here. I found them to be a tasty but a little tough. Not as tough as dog or snake though. But since embarking on my new diet, I wasn't interested in getting the dosh out.

 

 

An elderly monk died last week. There was a big 'cook-in' for the temple.

 

 

Meat.

 

 

Fish.

 

 

Don't forget the rubbish!

 

 

Yellow flowers blooming everywhere. A row of crackers outside the twin's house.

 

 

The big mango tree is no more.

 

 

Dead! The Big Mango Lady showed me where a tree disease had set in. Real shame that. All seems rather fishy to me. Trees don't normally die like that. Mango trees especially are quite robust.

 

 

Poo is always waiting for me to give food first thing. Yesterday (Saturday) morning. Poo was nowhere to be seen. We looked for her everywhere. Spoke to the neighbours. No sign. Then suddenly at 12-30 she arrived back. Mrs Owl said; "someone lock up cat to catch mouse."

 

There, there Poo. Don't go missing again.

 

 

The Big Mango Lady had a disastrous cassava year. Just a few skinny roots. I reckon they are going to drop sugar into the four rai..

 

 

That's not enough for the whole area. I'll keep an eye on proceedings.

 

 

Due to there being no rain this month, the rice was on the edge. Pook got Chai's brother to pump some in from number one pond.

 

 

Water went down about 10 inches (250mm).

 

 

Our old Kubota and cart. Not sure if we ever got fully paid. Mrs Owl said we did. I'm not so sure.

 

New addition to the village.  Lovely boy with delighted mum.

 

 

Mildred spent her first week back at school. Everyday I asked her; "you learn anything today Mil?" "No! Next week."

 

Latest painting.

 

 

Can't say I go a bundle on this one. www.mildredart.com

 

This month is quickly drawing to a close. And apart for some light drizzle - that wouldn't be enough to halt a cricket match - it has been rain free. A few farmers have started harvesting their rice crop, but most will be active next month. They all need that drop of rain for a really good harvest. The best one for years is on the cards. Ours will be ready in 30 days time also. Didn't wait for the promised rain; pumped water.

 

Had a guy come round inquiring about cutting the eucas.. Not ready yet, he told the Mrs. Next year. He seemed impressed that they were only in their second year. I've said to the Mrs not to make any promises to anyone. Seems to have taken that on board.

 

Also had someone come to look at the land. No idea what the Mrs told them. Keeping out of it.

 

Footy round-up.

Go, go, go you Peacocks!!! The 'capital of the north' did the bizzo all right. And sweet revenge for the Seagulls. Gave that turn-coat Potter an uncomfortable time at his former home; 4-1. Fulham fail to score; but didn't lose. A good week for me personally. My wager treble on three teams to gain promotion is looking strong. Ipswich, Watford and Swindon. Orient streak ahead in their league. A decent crowd too. Nearly 8k. My first ever game I watched was at Brisbane Road back in 1958.

Irons play today at United. Can see only a win for us.

 

World focus.

Terrible people tragedy in South Korea yesterday. Richie Rich's first question time in parliament. What theatre?! Pound doing well after the UK shuffle (not a dance). Who will win in Brazil? Close!

 

Ordered a book on Book Depository. The last two never arrived. I think they are being stored in Udon Thani. When I go to do my visa, I'll get over to the main PO and inquire.

 

Just been to check on my crabs. Can't wait to set them free this afternoon.

 

My urine challenge is going fantastic. Am keeping a log of it all. Really feeling the benefit now after two weeks.

 

Must get back to finishing my cube.

 

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

 

[bannork]

Talking of Rubik's cube, my ten year old grandson proudly got all the colours in line. Unfortunately he left it in the floor. My youngest grandson, nearly two, picked it up, pulled it here and there violently till all the pieces scattered around the living room to join parts of other destroyed toys, a plastic toy car's chassis, a doll's severed arm, etc.

Mawin, the toddler, is starting to become expensive, not only regarding food but in damages incurred.

He slammed my laptop shut, thereby destroying 30% of the screen's pixels - cost of replacement 3,300 baht 

Butter removed from fridge, used as floor polisher - 82 baht 

Washing powder tipped into bath- 80 baht 

Then there's the mayhem, taps turned on that nobody hears for a while, ( gas cooker is his latest challenge) , attempts to relieve air pressure in the car tyres by playing with the valves, placing objects in the exhaust pipe. 

He's bright, he knows which button to press on the remote to pass over the frequent ads on YouTube on the telly.

Time to get a kite from the Big C junction at Ban Dung, the kids will enjoy flying one in this wind 

 

 

 

 

[owl sees all]

4 hours ago, bannork said:

Talking of Rubik's cube, my ten year old grandson proudly got all the colours in line. Unfortunately he left it in the floor. My youngest grandson, nearly two, picked it up, pulled it here and there violently till all the pieces scattered around the living room to join parts of other destroyed toys, a plastic toy car's chassis, a doll's severed arm, etc.

Mawin, the toddler, is starting to become expensive, not only regarding food but in damages incurred.

He slammed my laptop shut, thereby destroying 30% of the screen's pixels - cost of replacement 3,300 baht 

Butter removed from fridge, used as floor polisher - 82 baht 

Washing powder tipped into bath- 80 baht 

Then there's the mayhem, taps turned on that nobody hears for a while, ( gas cooker is his latest challenge) , attempts to relieve air pressure in the car tyres by playing with the valves, placing objects in the exhaust pipe. 

He's bright, he knows which button to press on the remote to pass over the frequent ads on YouTube on the telly.

Time to get a kite from the Big C junction at Ban Dung, the kids will enjoy flying one in this wind 

 

 

 

 

I was never like that little lad. Not officially anyway.

 

He needs to have some puppies or kittens to occupy himself.

 

My new cube shattered on Friday evening. Don't get that much quality for 20 baht; even in Thailand. Mildred put it back together for me. I'm good to a point - that's getting the last four corners - not gone beyond that yet. Going to farm now. Cube will have to wait.

 

[HighPriority]

Owl, are the rats cooked for you to take away or are they to be cooked at home ?

Ive seen them nicely skinned in the market at Phon Phisai but I didn’t buy one for mum to cook, and MrsHP hasn’t touched one since her early teens.

 

I had a melanoma removed from my foot on Thursday so I’m a little restricted in my movements at the moment.

Find yourself a GP (at least) to check your skin once a year please people, melanomas don’t fork about with you.

[HighPriority]

And my wife’s family started harvesting rice today, sticky variety I believe.

[owl sees all]

1 hour ago, HighPriority said:

Owl, are the rats cooked for you to take away or are they to be cooked at home ?

Ive seen them nicely skinned in the market at Phon Phisai but I didn’t buy one for mum to cook, and MrsHP hasn’t touched one since her early teens.

 

I had a melanoma removed from my foot on Thursday so I’m a little restricted in my movements at the moment.

Find yourself a GP (at least) to check your skin once a year please people, melanomas don’t fork about with you.

The rats are skinned and ready for cooking. Mrs Owl's father liked to eat them as well as snake.

 

 The guy next door was breeding them a year or so ago. Don't know why the business never prospered. Perhaps because eating habits have changed so much. Out with rats - in with KFC.

 

Good advice about the doctor. There is an ex-army doc' near me. Been to him a couple of times.

 

[DJ54]

School hasn’t started here near Kumphawapi…. Starts Nov. 1… guess they needed 31st off for Halloween… 

[owl sees all]

12 hours ago, DJ54 said:

School hasn’t started here near Kumphawapi…. Starts Nov. 1… guess they needed 31st off for Halloween… 

Kumphawapi!

I know it well. Get a lot more rain in the areas south of the Sakon Nakon highway.

 

A friend of mine was teaching in a school there. Was involved in a nasty accident. He was unhurt, but his vehicle was a mess. I've got some pics. I'll post them.

 

Is Halloween on the 31st? I thought it had passed.

[bannork]

20 hours ago, HighPriority said:

Owl, are the rats cooked for you to take away or are they to be cooked at home ?

Ive seen them nicely skinned in the market at Phon Phisai but I didn’t buy one for mum to cook, and MrsHP hasn’t touched one since her early teens.

 

I had a melanoma removed from my foot on Thursday so I’m a little restricted in my movements at the moment.

Find yourself a GP (at least) to check your skin once a year please people, melanomas don’t fork about with you.

I had what I thought was a cyst or wart on my nose, finally got it checked in Ban Dung, a biopsy revealed it to be a basal cell carcinoma.

The local hospital got me an appointment with the surgeon in Udon Thani within 3 days ( the daughter can be very persuasive with officials) 

2 weeks later had an op to remove it, discharged the day after, back to see him after the stitches are cut. 

I have a social security card so officially everything was free though the Doc's assistant asked for 15,000 baht to ensure speedy treatment. Fair enough!

When I tell folks in UK this timeline they can't believe it, so quick.

Anyway, got to use sunblock factor 5 from now on. I spend a lot of time on the farm.

 

 

 

 

[Sterling]

The lady selling the rats reminds of this video of a guy I follow on Youtube.