Diary of a farang in Isaan

[owl sees all]

1 hour ago, Mutt Daeng said:

I live in Buriram and last time I renewed my PP (2017), I used an agent. Around 11K baht (Cost of "Jumbo" UK PP included in that). IMHO, much better/cheaper than 2 x trips to BKK with she-who-must-be-obeyed, plus overnight stay, food, drink etc. Well worth it.

Thanks for that MD.

12k don't seem too bad then. It's with a known agent and reasonably local (Udon).

 

I think the option of sending the PP to England, and doing it on the internet, is not worth the effort or the worry. And I will only go to BKK if I absolutely need to. Don't like the place. Far to busy! So it looks like I'll be contacting the agent at the end of September. Or can I do it earlier? Can it be done 8 months early?

 

[chickenslegs]

1 hour ago, owl sees all said:

Thanks for that MD.

12k don't seem too bad then. It's with a known agent and reasonably local (Udon).

 

I think the option of sending the PP to England, and doing it on the internet, is not worth the effort or the worry. And I will only go to BKK if I absolutely need to. Don't like the place. Far to busy! So it looks like I'll be contacting the agent at the end of September. Or can I do it earlier? Can it be done 8 months early?

 

You can renew 8 months early, but you will lose those months. UK passports now commence from the date of issue. Previously you could apply early and get 10 years from the expiry date of the old passport (I think it was up to 6 months added on).

Changes made due to Brexit.

[Mutt Daeng]

47 minutes ago, chickenslegs said:

You can renew 8 months early, but you will lose those months. UK passports now commence from the date of issue. Previously you could apply early and get 10 years from the expiry date of the old passport (I think it was up to 6 months added on).

Changes made due to Brexit.

Just for info. It was 9 months when I renewed mine in Oct 2016 and my new passport is valid until July 2027.

[rickudon]

I just did my daughters first passport last month. Because it was first passport a LOT of extra documents needed, quite a hassle. But better to do now than her trying to do it after i have gone. Was going to use Keyvisa to do it but owner died, didn't like the idea of all my documents sitting in an office in Pattaya maybe forever. Did find another agent, "Marks sending Machine" which was recommended to me by a Udonmap member who charges 4,000 baht (you still have to pay the passport fee, you need a credit card to do that). Had a hiccup as he was going on holiday so i took to Bangkok myself - glad i took lots of extra evidence as asked for more but yes, the VFS staff member was helpful allowing me to rewrite a couple of pages of the app. form and do photocopying, and waited while i did so. Marks sending machine is in the process of picking up - will report back if i get the passport!

 

Currently 3 weeks turnaround but it is a quiet time of year, was 11 weeks in late summer. Passport fees went up 1st February. Round trip to Bangkok cost me about 3500 baht - to do it in one day you will probably need an afternoon appointment (booking system).

 

How things grow - getting daughters passport evolved into us all having to go to UK AND sister-in-law getting married there at the same time. Savings are evaporating like an Isaan puddle in the sun!

[owl sees all]

1 hour ago, rickudon said:

I just did my daughters first passport last month. Because it was first passport a LOT of extra documents needed, quite a hassle. But better to do now than her trying to do it after i have gone. Was going to use Keyvisa to do it but owner died, didn't like the idea of all my documents sitting in an office in Pattaya maybe forever. Did find another agent, "Marks sending Machine" which was recommended to me by a Udonmap member who charges 4,000 baht (you still have to pay the passport fee, you need a credit card to do that). Had a hiccup as he was going on holiday so i took to Bangkok myself - glad i took lots of extra evidence as asked for more but yes, the VFS staff member was helpful allowing me to rewrite a couple of pages of the app. form and do photocopying, and waited while i did so. Marks sending machine is in the process of picking up - will report back if i get the passport!

 

Currently 3 weeks turnaround but it is a quiet time of year, was 11 weeks in late summer. Passport fees went up 1st February. Round trip to Bangkok cost me about 3500 baht - to do it in one day you will probably need an afternoon appointment (booking system).

 

How things grow - getting daughters passport evolved into us all having to go to UK AND sister-in-law getting married there at the same time. Savings are evaporating like an Isaan puddle in the sun!

Thanks for that Rick.

 

I did Mildred's PP some years ago. It has run out now, but she is in the system; which I thought important. I reckon it was a lot easier 10 years ago compared to now. I've a good mind to renew it for her this year.

 

Yes, please do report back on the happenings. I think a lot of members are interested in events; as I am.

 

 

 

[chickenslegs]

11 minutes ago, owl sees all said:

Thanks for that Rick.

 

I did Mildred's PP some years ago. It has run out now, but she is in the system; which I thought important. I reckon it was a lot easier 10 years ago compared to now. I've a good mind to renew it for her this year.

 

Yes, please do report back on the happenings. I think a lot of members are interested in events; as I am.

 

 

 

I don't know about child passports but for adults you can renew up to 10 years after expiry. Longer than 10 years you have to complete the full process, as if it was your 1st passport.

[worgeordie]

My daughter sent me the form ,filled it in with her address in Uk, sent it  EMS with

old passport , she took it to post office ,paid for it , returned to her in 12 days , that

was 3 years ago ,could take longer ,as everything does now, anyway she sent EMS

back to me , no problem ,took it to immigration to get stamps transferred , but they

wanted letter from UK embassy asking them to transfer, bloody red tape, sent Email

to British Embassy Bangkok , requesting letter ,arrived couple days later , no charge .!

took it and passport to immigration transferred no problem .would do the same next

time , if i live that long .....

 

regards worgeordie

[bannork]

Yes Owl, the cost of going to Bangkok twice wouldn't be much cheaper than using an agent. Unfortunately I've had to make several day trips to Bangkok in recent months, costs and inconvenience work out like this.

It's 140 km to Udon and back from Bandung, too much for my daughter to drive with three young children so I get the bus to Udon. 

Pre COVID no problem, but now the last bus to Udon is at 2.00 pm.

So 4 hours to kill in Udon before the night train. Relax at Central, recharge phone 4th floor, go to Villa at basement, stock up on marmite and mustards 

960 baht a sleeper on the bottom bunk. Very comfortable and on time these days.

Arrive in Bang Sue 6.am, what to do once passport business done? I went to a pleasant hotel down a soi almost opposite Trendy just for a few hours. Another 1000 baht.

Or hang around Lumpini Park all day.

Get the night train back, another 960 baht. Get to Udon at 6.00 am, no buses to Ban Dung till 9.00 am, unlike the old days, first bus at 5.30 am.

So cost one trip:

Train 2000 baht incl bus fare 

Hotel 1000 baht 

Taxis in Bangkok 200 baht 

3200 baht.

2 trips 6400 baht approx.

Not worth it for all the hassle.

Cold winds from China again. Does anything good ever come out of that country apart from phones?

Is anyone else experiencing those annoying pop up ads that appear once you've written a couple of lines? 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[owl sees all]

 

Owl Log - 26-02-2023 - Sunday afternoon

 

This dry season is certainly severe. Only one drop of rain that could be called decent, since the beginning of October. The farmers that have planted their cassava and sugar will not be getting the best of crops later in the year that's for sure.

 

Our number seven pond only has half metre of water in it at the deepest, There's not any rain forecast for a week, so next w/e we might pump a few inches into it from another pond.

 

Mildred feeding her fish in number 7 pond.

 

 

A new sign on the main village road.

 

 

I thought it must be a 'best somtam in town' poster. But no!! I'm informed that it asks drivers to take care. Like it!

 

 

Talking of roads, the 2022 widening, is racing ahead.

Not too much in the way of warnings for any unwary drivers.

 

 

A guy in the village (I don't know him at all) said to anyone that was listening in the village bar, that sales of tractors were at an all-time low at his place of work; Kubota Ban Dung. They have stored away a couple of hundred round the back.

Quite a few at the front also.

 

 

Escorted Mildred to the bust-stop and on the way back called into the local wood-yard.

 

 

It was planing time. Not everyone wants rough, some want smooth.

 

 

Well done lad. A good business on the go.

 

 

 A Village house is having its roof renewed.

 

 

Went round the back to get another view.

Found a swimming pool I didn't know about.

 

 

Next day I got inside the property. The upper floor was gone.

 

 

 

And the following day!

 

 

Lots of wood for someone. Don't forget to pull those nails out.

 

 

The dogs are up to all sorts. Although I've looked after the occasional dog, in the past, this is my first ever experience of having to care for one; two even.

 

Lesson one for me. If you care for it, or think it's important, keep it out of doggie-reach.

 

 

That's my best shoe ruined. But I still wear it. Mrs Owl has thrown it away twice; but I found it.

 

 

Mildred keeps her art stuff well away.

 

 

And when the monks come round each morning there is usually some action.

 

 

The twins are delightful.

 

 

A tad glum though. "Where's that ice-cream you promised us farang Owl?"

 

 

Mangoes are growing well on some trees. This little one gets regular watering and is looking real good.

 

 

Not Oscar or Robert. No! They wouldn't do such a thing.

Mildred's thinking it was Curly Wurly.

 

 

Anyway, soon had it sorted.

And me walking up and down the soi picking up all the rubbish has inspired others.

 

 

It's chicken dancing competition time soon. Bella's hubby - opposite us in the village - has a few that are top notch. Show stoppers even.

 

 

Footy round-up.

Man Utd are on fire. Barca the latest to get the OT boot. Newcastle later today in the League Cup at Wembley. In the week Pool thrashed at home in the ChLg. But get a point yesterday at Palace. Win relief for Leeds, but Everton might be in the Championship when they move into their new home..

Top two in EPL win.

A club record of 20 matches unbeaten for the Owls after their win at Charlton.

Orient now 13 points clear in their division.

In Scotland; Cove Rangers lose at Greenock Morton, but Banks O'Dee win away.

The two Madrids share the points at Real.

Napoli moved 18 points clear in Italy.

 

Thailand musings.

Thai Airways gonna merge with Thai Smile to 'reduce losses'.

Thai 'Baht buses' will have to stop standing soon. New law!

Big event of the week in Pattaya as Thai-Bangladeshees gathered on Wednesday at the Unique Regency Hotel. An International Mother Language Day event.

Luxury cars worth millions have ended up in Thailand. A spokesman for the Thailand operation - that worked alongside the UK police - said that the cars might have been illegally imported.

Vaping remains illegal under Thailand’s vaping law. Smokers trying to kick the fag addiction, are up in arms. But will only have their vaping equipment confiscated. No fines; no monkey.

Coffee and beer festival to be held in Hua Hin next month (March).

Police launch an investigation into the disappearance of over 30 manhole-covers in Bangkok.

The Thai Agriculture Minster says Thai rubber is underused in the world's sex toy market.

Thailand is to stop all imports of plastic rubbish.

Woman in custody, is accused of being a witch, who sacrificed cats as offerings.

 

World focus.

Thailand votes for Russia to withdraw from Ukraine.

Deputy Prime Minister Prawit, again says that he wants Muay Thai added to the 2028 Olympic Games.

Presidents Putin and Biden make big speeches.

 

Mrs Owl's sister has been visiting us from OZ. She goes back later today.

 

Gonna return to the bank tomorrow to get the documents I didn't get last time. I've explained to Mrs Owl exactly what I want and she says she understands what's needed. Looking good.

 

Turned a little chilly with some wind about. No rain and not likely to be any this month.

 

No leccy for about 10 hours in the week. The Mrs says there was an accident with a pole. Something to do with road-widening on the 2022 probably.

 

Took the dogs to the farm yesterday. Got to get them used to chickens. Oscar is terrible for chasing them. But at least it's good exercise for him.

 

Have an annoying loose tooth. Not that loose, but stops me crunching nuts

on the left side. Think I may have to pull it out in the week.

 

Mildred did the first of her end-of-year exams on Friday. English! She normally does well in that. Her two worst are Chinese and Thai History.

 

Two little cows are suddenly on the scene in one of the adjacent farms.

 

 

Go to the farm and it's even more dogs.

 

 

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

 

[owl sees all]

Would you Adam and Eve it! Just went onto to 'Isaan Farang' to watch their latest offering, and it was about renewing passports.

 

 

I've so much info now. Don't know where to start.

 

[Andrew Dwyer]

Wondering if you had seen this Owl or know the guy ?
Ban Dung , presumably the one you mention occasionally ?

 

 

I didn’t read it as this sort of topic usually attracts a great load of tripe comments ! 

[owl sees all]

59 minutes ago, Andrew Dwyer said:

Wondering if you had seen this Owl or know the guy ?
Ban Dung , presumably the one you mention occasionally ?

 

 

I didn’t read it as this sort of topic usually attracts a great load of tripe comments ! 

Maybe I've met him in Big C or the market, but I don't recall the name.

 

I do know a couple of farang that were ripped off by Thai ladies. Unfortunately both have died. But on the upside; I also know a few that are happy with their lot.

[rickudon]

Mangoes. Here in Nong Nalam been a problem. Many trees had loads of flowers, but now ZERO fruit. We have one big tree like that. Sister-in-law has at least 4 trees the same. A few others in the village visible from the road the same. Was it the week of cold weather about 2 weeks ago? It seems to be the Mangoes which start off green more affected.

 

Passport - 'Mark' has recieved my pickup authorisation, says next week.

[bannork]

18 hours ago, rickudon said:

Mangoes. Here in Nong Nalam been a problem. Many trees had loads of flowers, but now ZERO fruit. We have one big tree like that. Sister-in-law has at least 4 trees the same. A few others in the village visible from the road the same. Was it the week of cold weather about 2 weeks ago? It seems to be the Mangoes which start off green more affected.

 

Passport - 'Mark' has recieved my pickup authorisation, says next week.

I mentioned this to Owl a few weeks back. The problem was the trees flowered when it was still cold, resulting in zero insects to pollinate them. Fortunately we have a variety of mango trees and some have flowered later and are now producing fruit.

But yes, our crop will be way down this year.

 On the plus side, our Indian plum tree has produced some fruit after I erroneously assumed the flowers had died. And the lychee flowers are being pollinated okay 

[owl sees all]

19 hours ago, rickudon said:

Mangoes. Here in Nong Nalam been a problem. Many trees had loads of flowers, but now ZERO fruit. We have one big tree like that. Sister-in-law has at least 4 trees the same. A few others in the village visible from the road the same. Was it the week of cold weather about 2 weeks ago? It seems to be the Mangoes which start off green more affected.

 

53 minutes ago, bannork said:

I mentioned this to Owl a few weeks back. The problem was the trees flowered when it was still cold, resulting in zero insects to pollinate them. Fortunately we have a variety of mango trees and some have flowered later and are now producing fruit.

But yes, our crop will be way down this year.

 On the plus side, our Indian plum tree has produced some fruit after I erroneously assumed the flowers had died. And the lychee flowers are being pollinated okay 

I agree with both of you.

 

It's the same here. And not just with fruit. Sugar and cassava growth so far this season is abysmal.. The yields at the end of the year will be poor at best. For most of Isaan, rainfall has been virtually non-existent; and no change is expected as we stride into March. In our area we have had just one decent drop since the beginning of October. Couple this, with a two month long cold spell and it all points to poor crops.

 

Our oil palm monthly harvests have been low. Although oil palm nuts start their life 18 months before they are cut, It is the final 4 months that ripen them. I drove through one of the farms today and didn't see much to be positive about.

 

Isaan is one of the poorest areas in Thailand, with rural activities at its heart. Farming - and needless to say produce in abundance - is essential for any sort of community prosperity in the North East..

 

[bannork]

2 hours ago, owl sees all said:

 

I agree with both of you.

 

It's the same here. And not just with fruit. Sugar and cassava growth so far this season is abysmal.. The yields at the end of the year will be poor at best. For most of Isaan, rainfall has been virtually non-existent; and no change is expected as we stride into March. In our area we have had just one decent drop since the beginning of October. Couple this, with a two month long cold spell and it all points to poor crops.

 

Our oil palm monthly harvests have been low. Although oil palm nuts start their life 18 months before they are cut, It is the final 4 months that ripen them. I drove through one of the farms today and didn't see much to be positive about.

 

Isaan is one of the poorest areas in Thailand, with rural activities at its heart. Farming - and needless to say produce in abundance - is essential for any sort of community prosperity in the North East..

 

I'd like to amend that last paragraph slightly- 

'needless to say, offspring in abundance sending money home, is essential.....'

 

 

[owl sees all]

13 hours ago, bannork said:

I'd like to amend that last paragraph slightly- 

'needless to say, offspring in abundance sending money home, is essential.....'

 

 

Bang on the money there Bannork.

 

And of course there is the 'jackpot'! No! Not the Thai lottery. The humble farang joining the family.

[bannork]

The lychee doing okay . Below that a mango tree doing okay. I forget which species this tree is, the fruit is the most delicious of the mango varieties imo 

[bannork]

 

[bannork]

The Indian plum tree, mabrang in Thai ตันมะปราง. It flowered before the mangoes so I had really given up hope of any fruit but still some are emerging!

[owl sees all]

Owl Log - 05-03-2023 - Sunday afternoon

 

Certainly has been a busy week. M in Law into hospital twice, and other interesting stuff. Not that Mrs Owl's mum going into hospital is interesting. But I did take the opportunity to get up on the roof of the hospital and take some pics of Ban Dung, and the surrounding area. Also; being on my own for a while allowed me to explore certain things. One of which was the road construction on the 2022.

 

Took a load of pics from the roof which I'll post in a special later.

But here's a couple.

 

Looking north across another hospital building. Solar panels obviously a back up for the operating theatre in case of leccy cut.

 

 

Looking east.

 

 

Very late night visit; but it let me record an amazing sound. In the daytime there are not there.

 

 

I'd never seen an MG pick-up until Wednesday.

 

 

Never had an MG back in England. Did have an Austin Allegro though. Worst car I ever had for sure.

 

 

I did promise myself that I would carry some fish-food in the pick-up to feed the Amazon carp. What with the other things going on; I forgot. But did get a nice shot of a few when i visited 7-11.

 

 

Off I went to view the road-works on the 2022. But earlier in the week I had noticed a hole; I went to investigate.

 

 

Someone had put some cones around and partially filled it.

 

 

Good to see the authorities are on the ball.

 

And the new road! It's gonna be grand. Lighting all the way along!?

 

 

The dogs - Robert and Oscar - are perfectly at home now. Every day is fun and games with their friends 'Big Dog' and 'Coffee'.

 

 

Rough and tumble.

 

 

Logs at the wood-yard are getting bigger and bigger.

 

There is a concert at the village wat this week. Dancing, music and food; also offerings. I passed over a few baht to help. I think it's to raise funds in order to complete the house over the pond.

 

 

I'll be there on the day. Ear-plugs at the ready!

 

 

That canopy just had to go. It was ripped, and since the budgies have been let loose there seemed little point in having it.

 

 

I took it apart and gave the worthwhile bit to 'little legs' the scrap lady.

 

 

Much better!

 

 

Managed to spend a relaxing afternoon at the farm, in between going back and forth to the hospital.

 

 

The water in number 7 pond it critically low. Seriously thinking of getting a deep-well solar system set up. Gonna cost around 20k baht. Had a look yesterday and sussed out where it would all go.

 

The house that was undergoing transformation has finished. Lovely new roof. Also about 20k baht of scrap - timber and old roof sections - to cut down the overall cost.

 

 

Struck me that it could get a tad hot inside. And noisy when (if) big rain arrives.

 

 

Mildred has a new companion when she is working in her studio.

 

 

And the painting's finished.

 

 

Trees seem to be cut down all over the village. This last one wasn't doing much harm.

 

 

The government offices just outside the village.

 

 

Found a couple of striking feathers at the farm. Fantastic colours!

 

 

I posted the pic on the 'birds' thread, and I'm informed that they are tail feathers from and Indian Roller.

 

Poo thinks that bringing us gifts will keep her elevated above the dogs, which are getting a lot of attention from us all at the moment.

 

 

Mildred let it go in the field just along from us. Didn't seem to have come to any grief.

 

A couple of regular posters were saying that their trees were a bit iffy this year. The miniature coconut trees at the farm seem to be OK.

 

 

Some more wire put in last week. Only a village of 200 houses. Must be internet wires.

 

 

World focus

Why did that lady turn on Matt Hancock? Hell have no fury,,,,,!

Passenger plane from Iceland to Kenya forced to land in Essex. Jets scrambled. Sonic booms all over.

A Virginia court upheld a ruling stating that the US does not have the same strict rules as Europe on the designation of origin for foods. US cheese can be labelled anything?

Liverpool has been chosen to hold the 2023 Eurovision Song Contest. The sing-song, in May, will be the first time held in the UK for 25 years. What an honour?!

A woman in Kerala, India, is protesting outside a hospital after finding forceps in her body after surgery.

US's Blinken, and Russia's Lavrov greet each other in India at the G20 talks.

Bestiality will no longer be considered a criminal offence in Spain 'if' there are no injuries to the animal. And if there are injuries, but a visit to the vet is not forthcoming, then is is lawful.

 

Footy round-up.

Owls add another game to their unbeaten run.

Top two win. Gooners 5 points clear of City, and hit 4 in the second game in a week.

What has happened to QPR? From top six to bottom six! Lost the last 7 matches.

Blackburn finding form at the right time in the Championship; and still in the FA Cup.

 

Thailand weekly traumas.

Democracy Index, compiled by the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU), have praised Thailand for their significant strides. This follows a jump of nearly 20 places to 55th last year.

Samut Prakarn resident was so angry over some builders that she displayed her panties in protest

Pattaya again. Thai lady seen giving oral to unknown farang. All caught on camera.

Also in Pattaya; little lion escapes. Rumours are that it was trying to get to Spain.

National Astronomical Research Institute of Thailand (NARIT), said that Venus and Jupiter almost touched each other in the night sky on Wednesday.

Bangkok traffic cop delivers 100 babies. Asked for a comment he said; "There is more to being a cop than directing cars. I'm tired."

 

A busy week for me. Went to Bandung 9 times. Also took over 300 pics. whittled them down to 50 or so this week end.

 

I've looked at revamping my system for getting water out of the well, but can't find strong enough containers. So now I'm leaning towards a solar cell set up. Have to more quickly if Mildred's fish in pond 7 are to be saved. Gonna cost me 20k+. Mrs Owl will not be overjoyed.

 

Only two days left at school for Mildred this year. Tuesday and Friday, then it's off until May. She has three exams left.

 

The Mother in Law is back home for the present, but she is not doing great. Cannot walk unaided and has difficulty holding a conversation.

 

Mrs Owl's sister has returned to Oz.

 

Shelved my urine challenge for now. Did a short 48 hour fast in the week. Keeping up with my sprinting and weights.

 

We had a bit of a row in the week. The Mrs found a big spider in the bathroom and wanted me to kill it. I said I wouldn't. Led to some verbalcuffs. In the end I put it out the window.

 

"Stupid farang you are . Can come back - kill us all."

 

 

What with all the week's traumas, we've not been back to the bank for any documentation to do with the pick-up loan. Perhaps this week.

 

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

 

[bannork]

The birds at the hospital at sunset are amazing, the volume! I wonder if they are sparrows.

There seems to be so many,

I wonder why the need for so much chatter at sunset,  perhaps comparing which wards' bins offered the best leftovers?

[owl sees all]

13 hours ago, bannork said:

The birds at the hospital at sunset are amazing, the volume! I wonder if they are sparrows.

There seems to be so many,

I wonder why the need for so much chatter at sunset,  perhaps comparing which wards' bins offered the best leftovers?

Bang on the money over hospital food waste Bannork.

 

I'm thinking that these birds have a great life. In the forest, or hanging around buddhas in the day, and getting together for a hospital sing-song at night. Are they there every night I wonder?

 

What happen to that buffalo avatar bro'?

[farmerjo]

Looks like they did a good job with the tin roof Owl.

Just a word of caution for them,get the buckets ready to fill up with flying ants after the 1st decent rain this year.

Or leave the inside lights off.????

 

[owl sees all]

16 minutes ago, farmerjo said:

Looks like they did a good job with the tin roof Owl.

Just a word of caution for them, get the buckets ready to fill up with flying ants after the 1st decent rain this year.

Or leave the inside lights off.????

 

 

The lady of the house is married to a farang.

 

He is due to visit this month. It's obvious where the money has been spent. I'll pass it on about the flying ants. A delicacy for sure. But 'rain'??!! Don't think we will see any in 2023.

[farmerjo]

4 minutes ago, owl sees all said:

But 'rain'??!! Don't think we will see any in 2023.

Yes i've got a feeling it will be a year of dribs and drabs,no consistency.,

1st test will be we normally get a decent rain around the 10th of March before then waiting till songkran.

 

[owl sees all]

2 minutes ago, farmerjo said:

Yes i've got a feeling it will be a year of dribs and drabs,no consistency.,

1st test will be we normally get a decent rain around the 10th of March before then waiting till songkran.

 

Really, it's all down to that Greta T bird. She has put the mockers on it.

 

What a change from when I first arrived here 15 years ago! Even during the dry season back then, one downpour at least every month could be relied on. And during the wet time, I was forever wondering how to stop all the ponds overflowing. I remember asking Chai, from the adjacent farm, if we could flood his fields one year.

 

I'm still not given up on the self-supporting pump that we talked about a year or so back. I need it to lift from 6/7 metres down. Can that be done? Seen a couple of vids on YT with a Thai lad doing just great. Looking at a solar system. But have to hurry if Mildred's fish are to be saved in pond 7. Might be easier to catch them and put them into another pond.

[farmerjo]

5 minutes ago, owl sees all said:

Really, it's all down to that Greta T bird. She has put the mockers on it.

 

What a change from when I first arrived here 15 years ago! Even during the dry season back then, one downpour at least every month could be relied on. And during the wet time, I was forever wondering how to stop all the ponds overflowing. I remember asking Chai, from the adjacent farm, if we could flood his fields one year.

 

I'm still not given up on the self-supporting pump that we talked about a year or so back. I need it to lift from 6/7 metres down. Can that be done? Seen a couple of vids on YT with a Thai lad doing just great. Looking at a solar system. But have to hurry if Mildred's fish are to be saved in pond 7. Might be easier to catch them and put them into another pond.

Easy fix,call the fire brigade and tell them there's a fire at pond number 7????

Take a couple of bottles of law khow with you.

[bannork]

1 hour ago, owl sees all said:

Bang on the money over hospital food waste Bannork.

 

I'm thinking that these birds have a great life. In the forest, or hanging around buddhas in the day, and getting together for a hospital sing-song at night. Are they there every night I wonder?

 

What happen to that buffalo avatar bro'?

Those birds are there every night.

The buffalo got sick multiple times, at least that's what the daughter said, so sadly he bought the farm.

[bannork]

41 minutes ago, owl sees all said:

 

The lady of the house is married to a farang.

 

He is due to visit this month. It's obvious where the money has been spent. I'll pass it on about the flying ants. A delicacy for sure. But 'rain'??!! Don't think we will see any in 2023.

Essex pessimism. Last year was a good year for rain, I believe this one will be too because I saw a fire fly last night flitting around the living room. The beers and whisky I had consumed earlier had nothing to do with my scientific observation.