Diary of a farang in Isaan

[owl sees all]

16 minutes ago, sotonowl said:

I thought that was going to be she couldn't make up her mind whether she wanted to be a boy or a girl.

Transhumanism is not yet with us. But I'm sure it will be soon; with all this AI.

 

It will soon be possible to uoload everything in one's brain up into the Metaverse. Then the body will be simply excess baggage. But we will live 'forever'. Date, get married, and have kids. Just like now.

[HighPriority]

8 hours ago, owl sees all said:

I thought the same HP. I think he meant to roll the ball to the next bowler, or his captain, but it hit the stumps instead.

 

Never mind. It's only a ball game. I have many relatives in Oz. Most of them in NSW. If they think they are getting a Christmas card (albeit an ecard) they can forget it.

 

I like swimming and the Ozzies have had some of the greatest of all. Dawn, Grant Hackett, Glen Housman,,,, I could go on ,,,. the Thorpedo and Kieren Perkins.

 

As for their cricketers! They have produced some of the finest ever cricketers.

 

But a bit lacking in chess. Can't name any of note.

 

 

Being so virile down here the bishops and queens keep getting tangled up in our chess hair… ????

[Lacessit]

8 hours ago, owl sees all said:

I thought the same HP. I think he meant to roll the ball to the next bowler, or his captain, but it hit the stumps instead.

 

Never mind. It's only a ball game. I have many relatives in Oz. Most of them in NSW. If they think they are getting a Christmas card (albeit an ecard) they can forget it.

 

I like swimming and the Ozzies have had some of the greatest of all. Dawn, Grant Hackett, Glen Housman,,,, I could go on ,,,. the Thorpedo and Kieren Perkins.

 

As for their cricketers! They have produced some of the finest ever cricketers.

 

But a bit lacking in chess. Can't name any of note.

 

 

Easily explained, Owl. Australia has truckloads of sunshine and outdoor activity.

OTOH, most of the chess champions come from cold climates, where the inhabitants have to stay indoors, or freeze their nuts off.

[owl sees all]

1 hour ago, Lacessit said:

Easily explained, Owl. Australia has truckloads of sunshine and outdoor activity.

OTOH, most of the chess champions come from cold climates, where the inhabitants have to stay indoors, or freeze their nuts off.

Bang on the money there bro'.

 

Considering the size of their population the Ozzies have over-performed. Ozzie rules footy. Surfing. Sheep sheering. Tennis and the other great sports.

 

Jamaica the same. Tiny little place, but can they run and bowl a cricket ball?!

 

As for chess. The USA has had its fair share of geniuses. Not always cold there.

 

[Lacessit]

24 minutes ago, owl sees all said:

Bang on the money there bro'.

 

Considering the size of their population the Ozzies have over-performed. Ozzie rules footy. Surfing. Sheep sheering. Tennis and the other great sports.

 

Jamaica the same. Tiny little place, but can they run and bowl a cricket ball?!

 

As for chess. The USA has had its fair share of geniuses. Not always cold there.

 

I must admit Kiwis ( New Zealanders ) are actually better shearers than Aussies.

Some years ago, I watched a shearing competition at Omarama, in the middle of the South Island of NZ.

The shearers were using hand shears, not powered machine shears. They were nearly as fast as the latter.

One Aussie sport, which may not get much exposure elsewhere, is wood-chopping. Start the video at 4 minutes.

 

 

[owl sees all]

14 minutes ago, Lacessit said:

I must admit Kiwis ( New Zealanders ) are actually better shearers than Aussies.

Some years ago, I watched a shearing competition at Omarama, in the middle of the South Island of NZ.

The shearers were using hand shears, not powered machine shears. They were nearly as fast as the latter.

One Aussie sport, which may not get much exposure elsewhere, is wood-chopping. Start the video at 4 minutes.

 

 

Just fantastic!!! Not seen that before in Oz. Thanks for that L.

 

The Canadians do an outback survival sport. Includes wood-chopping and log rolling. Also wife carrying. Be a good one to have in Pattaya.

[Lacessit]

15 minutes ago, owl sees all said:

Just fantastic!!! Not seen that before in Oz. Thanks for that L.

 

The Canadians do an outback survival sport. Includes wood-chopping and log rolling. Also wife carrying. Be a good one to have in Pattaya.

The Canadians presumably would be chopping into softwoods such as cypress and pine. The guys in the video are cutting into eucalyptus hardwood.

The axe blades are as sharp as razors. I remember an accident at Rutherglen, when a competitor lost his grip on the handle. It flew into the spectators, and severed the arm of a woman.

I understand the Issan lassies in Pattaya are a bit heftier than the Thai norm, I'll stick with my 40-42 kg GF as far as any carrying goes.

Edited July 24, 2023 by Lacessit

[owl sees all]

1 hour ago, Lacessit said:

The axe blades are as sharp as razors. I remember an accident at Rutherglen, when a competitor lost his grip on the handle. It flew into the spectators, and severed the arm of a woman.

That's sad to hear. Good job it didn't hit her neck.

 

I did read somewhere that wood-chopping and rowing were the most energy-sapping sports. Looking at the state of the competitors in the vid. I can see that is true. They looked exhausted at the end.

 

 

[HighPriority]

6 hours ago, owl sees all said:

Just fantastic!!! Not seen that before in Oz. Thanks for that L.

 

The Canadians do an outback survival sport. Includes wood-chopping and log rolling. Also wife carrying. Be a good one to have in Pattaya.

The trick of course is to be strong enough to be able to carry them far enough away that they can’t find their way back home… ????

[owl sees all]

14 hours ago, Lacessit said:

Easily explained, Owl. Australia has truckloads of sunshine and outdoor activity.

The swimmers from down under are setting light to the pool at the World Champs in Japan. Two world records on the first swimming day. Ms Titmus was simply fantastic in the 400 free.

 

Don't know if there are any Thai competitors. I'll check and report back.

Edited July 24, 2023 by owl sees all

[Lacessit]

19 minutes ago, owl sees all said:

The swimmers from down under are setting light to the pool at the World Champs in Japan. Two world records on the first swimming day. Ms Titmus was simply fantastic in the 400 free.

 

Don't know if there are any Thai competitors. I'll check and report back.

From what I have seen at the condo pool, most Thais dog-paddle.

Aussie swimmers are good because there is a lot of taxpayer-funded organization support behind them.

[owl sees all]

13 minutes ago, Lacessit said:

From what I have seen at the condo pool, most Thais dog-paddle.

Aussie swimmers are good because there is a lot of taxpayer-funded organization support behind them.

To be fair to the Thais; there are a few at this level.

 

Phiangkhwan Pawapotako, Navaphat Wongcharoen, Jenjira Srisaard and Dulyawat Kaewseiyong are all very decent swimmers.

 

Don't know if any are in Japan for the worlds. If any are I'll give them a shout.

 

My fav' swimmer David Popovici is in the pool later for the 200 free.

[HighPriority]

11 hours ago, Lacessit said:

From what I have seen at the condo pool, most Thais dog-paddle.

Aussie swimmers are good because there is a lot of taxpayer-funded organization support behind them.

Don’t forget the sharks and crocodiles…

[EVENKEEL]

11 hours ago, Lacessit said:

From what I have seen at the condo pool, most Thais dog-paddle.

Aussie swimmers are good because there is a lot of taxpayer-funded organization support behind them.

We started our kid with group swim lessons at age 5, some of the kids have gone on to competition meets. Some of the kids were much younger than ours. I think in the rural areas the kids don't actually learn to swim. 

[Neeranam]

1 hour ago, EVENKEEL said:

We started our kid with group swim lessons at age 5, some of the kids have gone on to competition meets. Some of the kids were much younger than ours. I think in the rural areas the kids don't actually learn to swim. 

My kids were taught very early, they were in the pool at weeks old. 

There are many drownings in rural areas. I know an English man who lost a daughter, very sad. 

Years ago, I saw many kids swimming in klon saen saeb, Bkk, when I was commuting to work. 

[owl sees all]

5 hours ago, Neeranam said:

My kids were taught very early, they were in the pool at weeks old. 

There are many drownings in rural areas. I know an English man who lost a daughter, very sad. 

Years ago, I saw many kids swimming in klon saen saeb, Bkk, when I was commuting to work. 

The lady who lives next door to us lost her son to drowning a couple of years back. They were at the farm and took their eyes off him for a minute. That's all it took for him to wander off and fall into the pond. He was about 4.

[HighPriority]

I had enough trouble getting out of the pond at the farm !

I am amazed that they dont cut a landing into the bank or install a ladder or rope.

[owl sees all]

Fantastic race in the world swimming championships in Fukuoka, Japan this evening, in the final of the 200 freestyle. Brits go 1, 2. Close! Just 2 100s sec between them.

 

Matt Richards took gold, and Tom Dean silver.

 

Thai. Dulyawat Kaeweriyong swam, and ranked 43rd of the 200 free competitors.

[owl sees all]

 

Wat at Phibun Rak.

.

Went to Phibun Rak Market last Thursday. Didn't get the cat-fish we were after, but a nice afternoon jaunt. Spend 10 minutes in the big wat that looms over the market area.

 

 

I slipped away from the ladies - who were mooching around the hand-bag and nic-nak stalls - making sure the camera was with me, and ready to go.

 

 

Lovely hair!

 

 

Fatty!

 

 

Delightful, but angry, cobra; guarding the building.

 

 

Plenty more to see. It's a big place. Perhaps next time.!

 

 

The ladies were waiting at the pick-up. I had to leave.

 

 

Stay safe out there!

Edited July 27, 2023 by owl sees all

[owl sees all]

Rest in Peace Sinéad.

 

Dublin lady passes. Very troubled last few years.

 

 

[owl sees all]

On 7/20/2023 at 12:54 AM, pickettywitch said:

Im in the village and the farms here _ and you at 75 still bloody climbing ladders _ how many expats regret that after slipping!

Point taken PW.

 

[HighPriority]

3 hours ago, owl sees all said:

Point taken PW.

 

Is the ladder propped up properly by a couple of bricks Owl ?

????

[owl sees all]

38 minutes ago, HighPriority said:

Is the ladder propped up properly by a couple of bricks Owl ?

????

Mildred was looking at the ladder. She said she would give a shout if it started to slip. But she went off to take a couple of pics.

 

 

No worries. I knew what I was doing. Not sure I had three points of contact though. Whatever that is!?

 

That pic was a few months ago. A bit more careful nowadays.

 

Gonna trim some pf the eucas in the next few days. I have a special way of doing them. Not all that dangerous. Unless the tree moves. Should be OK.

 

Edited July 29, 2023 by owl sees all

[chickenslegs]

48 minutes ago, owl sees all said:

Gonna trim some pf the eucas in the next few days. I have a special way of doing them. Not all that dangerous. Unless the tree moves. Should be OK.

If it's the one where you stand on a ladder on the back of the pick up - make sure your missus doesn't have the keys.

[HighPriority]

Hard to catch those moving trees too, its like they're scared of getting trimmed

[owl sees all]

 

Owl Log - 30-07-2023 - Sunday afternoon

 

5 hours ago, HighPriority said:

Hard to catch those moving trees too, its like they're scared of getting trimmed

Decided against doing the trees today. Mildred is doing some painting and I can't do it on me own. Wouldn't ask Mrs Owl for assist'. No way!

 

Had a funny (strange) call in the week. A Thai guy phoned up to say there was a delivery on its way. Please have 1,500 baht ready. Well that's what I thought he said. There was a delivery due for 1,129 baht (actually arrived last evening), so I thought if fishy. Called the number back and it didn't go through. About half hour later, the same number rang again. Gave it straight to the wife, who chatted for 30 seconds or so. Wife asked me if I had a delivery on the way for 1,500 baht. I said no! Tell him to return - the whatever it was - to sender. A few more words and the Mrs handed the phone to me. A sweet Krabi (she said) girl on the line, and said in pretty good English, that I had to take it in. She asked me if I wanted her to call the police for me. I replied that she could do what she wanted, but I would not be paying anything for any parcel. She hung up. Not heard anything since.

 

This month has ended as it started. Plenty, and prolonged periods, of light rain. The pipes under the road have all been cemented closed. All 7 of them. The buddha man next to us (down from us) had words with BeeApp; when he was doing the work. BeeApp didn't seem to take it to heart. Now when it rains the water should stay in the rice paddy. And any overflow go into either pond one, or runs under the road into the palm farm.

 

The village Buddha is virtually finished. Have lots of pics from the very start; and before the project began. I'll post them all on another Owl Log. Too many for a Sunday. But just the first and last!

 And another couple as the work progressed.

 

 

 

 

 

And the finished job!!!!

 

 

I'm thinking to print out all the pics, and slip them into a portfolio. Give it to the chief monk for their reception room. I bet I'm the only one with a image record of the build.

 

Mildred is getting requests for mobiles images from her friends at school. Seems to be doing loads. Just a few samples.

 

This one for Aijang.

 

 

And Ice.

 

 

Cream.

 

 

And her own one.

Anlin is the name she writes under on some Thai www or other.

 

 

Last time we got some rice from the store; a bit was spilled in the pick-up. So now Mildred has done her own rice plantation. Don't know how high they will get.

 

 

Mildred's latest art offering.

 

 

She is doing a painting right at the mo'. Trying out a new 300g water-proof paper. Although it is special for water paints. We will see.

 

Had an email from the PP people in BKK. Just conforming that they had all the necessary documentation, and the dosh, for the passport renewal.

 

Ladders!! Found a couple of pics that illustrate what should or shouldn't be done.

 

HP is the resident constructor. Perhaps he will comment.

 

 

Me and Mildred visited Harry, an old friend, in the week. He has done some great art-work on his walls. Daughter was impressed. And I was too, when she named the countries I pointed to.

 

 

Last day of the World Aquatic Champs in Fukuoka, Japan, today. Been having trouble getting to watch the races. The Ozzies are having a great meet. UK not doing too bad. USA, not as good as they usually are. World records being broken all over. Thailand has been competing. I'll do a little presentation of their team at the foot of the Owl Log.

 

Look like the English (and Welsh) are gonna level up the cricket 2-2. The Roos will need getting on for 400 to take the match.

 

I can't wait for the footy to start. Opening match is on Friday evening between the Owls and Saints. What a fantastic opener?!  I'll take The Saints to edge it 1-2.

 

The Wednesday, changed their name to Sheffield Wednesday in 1929, but how did 'Wednesday first come about?

 

a/ The club was originally formed on a Wednesday evening.
b/ The original club, played at a ground next to 'Wednesday Road'.
c/ Their first ever footy match was on a Wednesday.
d/ The original players had Wednesdays off work.

 

Answer in the week.

 

Is ex-POTUS gonna be the first president to run the country from a prison cell? Intriguing or what!!

 

Twitter is now 'X'. Don't it just roll off yer tongue.

 

Thai public workers have a few days off, either side of the W/e. Including teachers. That means; no school for daughter until Wednesday. Great!!

 

I've got a new Scottish footy team to support.

 

 

Looked up Linlithgow on the www. They have their own palace and distillery. Be keeping an eye on them.

 

The little pears are growing so well now the rain is here. Very late; these fruits this year. The tree opposite has mangoes all over it.

 

 

Been difficult burning the small branches and twigs. Only burn those ones with the nasty spikes.

 

 

My right hip is causing me problems.. It was pretty good until I fell over at the farm a couple of months ago. Could have been much worse. Could have fell on a snake or had the spike in a 20kg bunch of nuts; that then landed on me chest. Must stop moaning.

 

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

 

==================

 

Thai swimmers at Fukuoka, Japan

 

Girls

 

50 Free   -  Jenjira Srisa-ard - 35th overall - 25-70
50 Breast - Jenjira Srisa-ard - 33rd overall - 32-02
50 Fly    -    Jenjira Srisa-ard - 28th overall - 26-78

 

50  Back  - Saovanee Boonamphai - 38th overall -   29-46
100 Back  - Saovanee Boonamphai - 44th overall - 1-04-53

 

100 Breast - Phiangkhwan Pawapotako - 44th overall - 1-11-78
200 Breast - Phiangkhwan Pawapotako - 26th overall - 2-35-12

 

200 Fly - Kamonchanok Kwanmuang - 20th overall - 2-12-46
200 IM  - Kamonchanok Kwanmuang - 30th overall - 2-18-02
400 IM  - Kamonchanok Kwanmuang - 24th overall - 4-48-97

 

Guys

 

100 F/s - Dulyawat Kaewsriyong - 52nd overall -   50-46
200 F/s - Dulyawat Kaewsriyong - 43rd overall - 1-52-24

 

400 F/s  - Tonnam Kanteemool - 34th overall - 3-56-69
50 Back  - Tonnam Kanteemool - 40th overall -    26-39
200 Back - Tonnam Kanteemool - 30th overall - 2-03-45

 

100 Fly - Navaphat Wongcharoen - 43th overall -     53-84
200 Fly - Navaphat Wongcharoen - 29th overall - 2-03-05

 

800  F/s - Ratthawit Thammananthachole - 34th -   8-14-87
1500 F/s - Ratthawit Thammananthachole - 24th - 15-39-46

 

Team events

 

Girls

4x100 F/s  - 18th overall  - 3-56-84
4x100 Med - 23rd overall - 4-20-43

 

Guys

4x100 F/s - 20th overall - 3-27-18
4x200 F/s - 16th overall - 7-39-28
4x100 Med - 21st overall - 3-52-53

 

Mixed (2 Ladies - 2 Men)

4x100 F/s - 25th overall - 3-39-38
4x100 Med - 26th overall - 4-05-03

 

Very, very high quality competition. Didn't they do just great?

 

Edited July 30, 2023 by owl sees all

[HighPriority]

Everytime I see @owl sees all on a ladder I just look down and walk the other way quickly…

????????

[sotonowl]

4 hours ago, owl sees all said:

I'll take The Saints to edge it 1-2.

Boooo. We're not ready yet so I expect you're right. I won't spoil the quiz.

[sotonowl]

4 hours ago, owl sees all said:

The little pears are growing so well

My missus reckons their sweet apples. They look like pears to me I told her. She doesn't think i'm the full shilling.

[chickenslegs]

9 minutes ago, sotonowl said:

My missus reckons their sweet apples. They look like pears to me I told her. She doesn't think i'm the full shilling.

Rose apples