Diary of a farang in Isaan

[chickenslegs]

5 hours ago, owl sees all said:

Mildred's latest art offering.

 

Impressive. Looks like a piece of porcelain.

 

Maybe she will be interested in studying for an art degree and pursue a career in Art & Design. 

 

[HighPriority]

6 hours ago, chickenslegs said:

Rose apples

They got the spelling wrong though C I d e r  V i n e g a r  ????????‍♂️

[owl sees all]

12 hours ago, chickenslegs said:

Impressive. Looks like a piece of porcelain.

 

Maybe she will be interested in studying for an art degree and pursue a career in Art & Design. 

 

You could be right there CL. Early days yet though. Who knows what the future holds; for all/any of us? But, with the future in mind, I will renew her two passports as soon as my one gets back. I'm saving up for it.

 

She started drawing at about 5 or 6 years. I would stick her little offerings on the walls. Went back to England in 2015, and returned the week after the Brexit vote in 2016. The walls were bare. And all the drawings binned.

 

I'm the encourager for her. Tried different things; including music, swimming, maths, story writing, chess and www coding. Fortunately the art has stuck.

 

She has a A4 hard-back book that is full of little sketches; many just doodles. Much better than I could ever do. Her latest pic is only half finished. Looks good to me. I'll post when finished.

 

Snapped her at work. in her studio. yesterday.

 

 

 

[Fat is a type of crazy]

16 hours ago, chickenslegs said:

Rose apples

My girlfriend Champu always told me they are called Champu. 

[bannork]

It's great that Mildred's found an activity she loves, Owl. At the very least she's doing something she really enjoys.

Back to the rain, my favourite subject. Back in June the meteorological office predicted a dry July 

Well that didn't turn out too well thank god, and now at the beginning of August we've had 4 days of almost continuous rain.

How are the ponds, Owl, and your own charts? Is this year turning out to be an exception to your records of declining rainfall?

Too many power cuts this year, one now and there hasn't been any wind to speak of.Perhaps the electric boys are on strike in sympathy with MF being kicked out of the coalition. After all they all wear orange!

 

[owl sees all]

1 hour ago, bannork said:

It's great that Mildred's found an activity she loves, Owl. At the very least she's doing something she really enjoys.

Back to the rain, my favourite subject. Back in June the meteorological office predicted a dry July 

Well that didn't turn out too well thank god, and now at the beginning of August we've had 4 days of almost continuous rain.

How are the ponds, Owl, and your own charts? Is this year turning out to be an exception to your records of declining rainfall?

Too many power cuts this year, one now and there hasn't been any wind to speak of.Perhaps the electric boys are on strike in sympathy with MF being kicked out of the coalition. After all they all wear orange!

 

We don't know what lies in store for us at 13 years old. I'm pleased she has found something she has a talent for and sticking with it. The teenagers in the village don't seem to do anything constructive. Just charge about on these electric bikes most of the time; it seems to me. And when their bikes are being recharged; it's time for the mobile.

 

Rain!! The last 30 days have been as they should be. Although a couple of real heavy downpours have caused havoc with the rice fields. We have had our share in the village. Pond one is full. So full, in fact, that that it has been running back down the overflow into the paddy. So had to break the bank and let some water out today.. Didn't finish 'til 17-45 this evening. And there is more to do tomorrow. I'll post some pics in the week.

 

Thai politics!? Can't say there is anyone I know in the village that is really interested. Most are just surviving financially and don't know what's going on. Is Thaksin coming home?

 

But back to your favourite subject. What do the meteorological office know? Any forecast longer than a couple of days in front is a guess. I'll settle for another two months like rainy July.

 

 

[owl sees all]

 

In the best part of three years, it has gone from a wooden hut to a fine building.

Apart from a bit of tidy up on mainland, the whole thing is just about finished. All that's left now is a donation box, and some fish.

 

25 pics in all show the progress. Sometimes racing ahead. At other times very slow.

 

 

Thanks for viewing.

 

[Mutt Daeng]

17 hours ago, owl sees all said:

In the best part of three years, it has gone from a wooden hut to a fine building.

Apart from a bit of tidy up on mainland, the whole thing is just about finished. All that's left now is a donation box, and some fish.

 

25 pics in all show the progress. Sometimes racing ahead. At other times very slow.

Nice post Owl.

[glegolo18]

On 11/18/2019 at 11:08 AM, 4MyEgo said:

My wife doesn't give them "Jack", and naturally I asked come one day, "honey" why don't you give them something....huh, they have hands and feet and can work, instead of always asking for money on the village people for this or that, um....ok "honey" that sounds logical......love you ???? 

This what you wrote is your own thinking and absolutely NOT your wifes words. How I can tell? well it shows how little you really know about both buddism as well as thai culture and life.... So make up stuff goes well together with this thread, but portrait monks and people that way you do, shows only where you come from yourself - falang-country somewhere out on the countryside...

[owl sees all]

1 hour ago, glegolo18 said:

This what you wrote is your own thinking and absolutely NOT your wifes words. How I can tell? well it shows how little you really know about both buddism as well as thai culture and life.... So make up stuff goes well together with this thread, but portrait monks and people that way you do, shows only where you come from yourself - falang-country somewhere out on the countryside...

Why not tell us a little about Buddism Glegolo?

 

My take is that it reflects life, nature, humans and our bodies. We plan, we build, we maintain and we destroy. It's an ongoing cycle of everything, from the universe to the cells in our bodies.

 

But on the upside; didn't I get it right in the footy opener? I forecast 1-2, and Sheffield Owl agreed. Hope he had a few bob on the score.

 

 

[owl sees all]

On 8/4/2023 at 7:42 AM, Mutt Daeng said:

Nice post Owl.

Thanks Mutt.

 

In these uncertain times, a bit of encouragement, keeps us at it. So easy to slide into a meaningless loop of waking up, doing nothing, and going back to sleep.

 

[owl sees all]

Where have all the 'signatures' gone?

[Andrew Dwyer]

30 minutes ago, owl sees all said:

Where have all the 'signatures' gone?

They have been removed, whether temporary or permanent i am not sure, seems like some were abusing the signature option to further their agendas !

There was a thread about it around a week ago.

[bannork]

Okay Owl, that's enough rain. Is it 6 or 7 continuous days now?

Are your ponds full now? 

I know the Thais have an ancient rite to ask the gods for rain in a drought, namely put a cat in a cage, parade it round the village as people throw water at it.

But what to do when asking the gods to stop the rain?

Apparently one has to find a virgin who must plant lemon grass at all 4 corners of one's house. 

Now assuming a virgin means a chaste woman over 18 years old,  I have to say there are none in my village. The opposite in fact, there were rumours a 13 year old was up the spout last month.

Not surprising with the kids driving motorbikes from 10 years onwards.

Anyway Owl, if you know any virgins with some spare time, give me a shout 

 

 

 

[owl sees all]

31 minutes ago, bannork said:

Okay Owl, that's enough rain. Is it 6 or 7 continuous days now?

Are your ponds full now? 

I know the Thais have an ancient rite to ask the gods for rain in a drought, namely put a cat in a cage, parade it round the village as people throw water at it.

But what to do when asking the gods to stop the rain?

Apparently one has to find a virgin who must plant lemon grass at all 4 corners of one's house. 

Now assuming a virgin means a chaste woman over 18 years old,  I have to say there are none in my village. The opposite in fact, there were rumours a 13 year old was up the spout last month.

Not surprising with the kids driving motorbikes from 10 years onwards.

Anyway Owl, if you know any virgins with some spare time, give me a shout 

 

 

 

August, and late July, have certainly done the biz for the rain. And just like your good self, i like a drop. When is enough, enough? Well, there is plenty of rain coming our way during the next week or so, before the dry season kicks in at the end of the month.

 

I'm not interested in virgins. I like a woman who has been round the block. A sort of a 'Madonna' type rather than a 'Mother Theresa' if you get my drift.

 

Young girls engaging in sex in the villages. Same here. There is one on 11 (eleven), who has a 'husband'. This was the girl who I employed to pick up all the bits of rubbish in the farm. Said I would pay her one baht for each bit. Finished up paying out 200 baht. Money spent well, but a suspicion of tearing bits up there. A rip off you could say. And she was the one who I asked to hold the bottom of the ladder, while I was at the farm fixing the roof. I looked down to see she had wandered off and was watching her telephone. Some catch she will be.

 

Riding a motorbike at 10??!! Don't wait that long here. Although the transport has turned leccy. Six year old Poom showing off his roadster. His main aim in life; terrorizing elderly farang.

 

[4MyEgo]

9 hours ago, glegolo18 said:

This what you wrote is your own thinking and absolutely NOT your wifes words. How I can tell? well it shows how little you really know about both buddism as well as thai culture and life.... So make up stuff goes well together with this thread, but portrait monks and people that way you do, shows only where you come from yourself - falang-country somewhere out on the countryside...

Um, next time you wish to respond to me, think twice about what your going to write because you know absolute nothing as far as I'm concerned.

 

Now scoot off and go to the temple like a good little falang and make a donation, it will make you feel real good I'm sure.

 

Oh, by the way, wife said (*^^($$*(&)(&($@!@#), cant translate that here, but your just going to have to take my word for it.

[sotonowl]

9 hours ago, owl sees all said:

But on the upside; didn't I get it right in the footy

Hmmm, not sure Owl. You got the score correct but you were due to tell us the origin of my teams name but I don't think you got round to it. Or did I miss the answer.????

Of course, the answer should include the date the club was founded.

[owl sees all]

On 7/31/2023 at 1:53 PM, Fat is a type of crazy said:

My girlfriend Champu always told me they are called Champu. 

Our beautiful cat is also called Champu. I'm always referring to her as Poo. but now I see the correct spelling.

 

[owl sees all]

29 minutes ago, sotonowl said:

Hmmm, not sure Owl. You got the score correct but you were due to tell us the origin of my teams name but I don't think you got round to it. Or did I miss the answer.????

Of course, the answer should include the date the club was founded.

The Wednesday were originally a cricket club. But some of the players liked to play footy. The only day they could get together was Wednesday; when they had a day off. 'The Wednesday' name, hung about to 1929, when they changed it to what it is now.

 

Not sure about the date originally formed; about 1890 I reckon. I'll look that up, and report back. Or better still Owl; post the answer.. You are sure to know.

 

 

[owl sees all]

Just looked it up.

 

''''On the evening of Wednesday 4 September 1867, a meeting was held at the Adelphi Hotel to establish whether there was interest among the club's members to form a football club to keep the team together and fit during the winter months. The proposal proved very popular, with over 60 members signing up for the new team on the first night. They played their first match against The Mechanics on 19 October the same year, winning by three goals and four 'rouges' to nil.''''

 

Courtesy of Wiki.

[sotonowl]

1 hour ago, owl sees all said:

The Wednesday were originally a cricket club. But some of the players liked to play footy. The only day they could get together was Wednesday; when they had a day off. 'The Wednesday' name, hung about to 1929, when they changed it to what it is now.

 

Not sure about the date originally formed; about 1890 I reckon. I'll look that up, and report back. Or better still Owl; post the answer.. You are sure to know.

 

 

As you say, the club was first formed in 1820 is the general consensus although there is some evidence that it was formed in 1816 which would put it just a year after The Battle of Waterloo. And you're right again Owl, it was a Cricket Club where the players found time to play as that was their day off or half day off. It was The Wednesday Cricket Club. 

Jump forward to 4th September 1867 where it was decided at the Adelphi Hotel in Sheffield to branch out into football where that would enable the players to stick together over the winter months and to also keep them fit.

I'd personally much prefer to return to The Wednesday Football Club and there was a poll conducted on a fans forum which showed that we were in the minority, not like it would ever happen anyway.

Our original nickname was The Blades, not a lot of people know that. That changed at some time after  we moved home to Hillsborough, or Owlerton as it was more commonly know then and visitors more or less changed that by common usage and the presentation of an Owl mascot to the club around 10 years after moving in there.

We are currently the 4th oldest league club due to Wrexham entering the league proper now and Notts County being still out of the league proper. Sorry, stop that, we're 5th again due to Notts County being back in. Interesting to see Crystal Place now laying claim to being older than Notts County, that is a load of old cobblers from cockney spivs though.????

And of course, the oldest league club, independent of any other influences is Sheffield Football Club. Strangely enough the second oldest club is Hallam FC which also hails from Sheffield, based in the Crosspool area. I think Hallam also have the oldest ground in the world as well.

https://www.hallamfc.co.uk/index.php/club-news/265-join-the-1860-members-club

https://sheffieldfc.com

[owl sees all]

1 hour ago, sotonowl said:

As you say, the club was first formed in 1820 is the general consensus although there is some evidence that it was formed in 1816 which would put it just a year after The Battle of Waterloo. And you're right again Owl, it was a Cricket Club where the players found time to play as that was their day off or half day off. It was The Wednesday Cricket Club. 

Jump forward to 4th September 1867 where it was decided at the Adelphi Hotel in Sheffield to branch out into football where that would enable the players to stick together over the winter months and to also keep them fit.

I'd personally much prefer to return to The Wednesday Football Club and there was a poll conducted on a fans forum which showed that we were in the minority, not like it would ever happen anyway.

Our original nickname was The Blades, not a lot of people know that. That changed at some time after  we moved home to Hillsborough, or Owlerton as it was more commonly know then and visitors more or less changed that by common usage and the presentation of an Owl mascot to the club around 10 years after moving in there.

We are currently the 4th oldest league club due to Wrexham entering the league proper now and Notts County being still out of the league proper. Sorry, stop that, we're 5th again due to Notts County being back in. Interesting to see Crystal Place now laying claim to being older than Notts County, that is a load of old cobblers from cockney spivs though.????

And of course, the oldest league club, independent of any other influences is Sheffield Football Club. Strangely enough the second oldest club is Hallam FC which also hails from Sheffield, based in the Crosspool area. I think Hallam also have the oldest ground in the world as well.

https://www.hallamfc.co.uk/index.php/club-news/265-join-the-1860-members-club

https://sheffieldfc.com

Very interesting Owl

 

I used to write for a Sports mag back in the day, and I just love the trivia of football. Although not at all trivial to the individual clubs.

 

Only a couple of years back (due to yourself) did I investigate where the 'Pigs' came into the frame. Still not sure on that one. But I got it wrong about the 'Owl' nickname. I thought for years it was because of an actual Owl in the early 1900s, but it could be the move to Owlerton.

 

Got a great new question for tomorrow. Midlands club this time.

 

[owl sees all]

 

Owl Log - 06-08-2023 - Sunday afternoon

 

Rain, rain and even more rain. Lubley jubley. But the farm don't take care of itself. So plenty to do. First thing was to lower the water in the rice paddy. We had two big down-pours and there was only 4 inches between the paddy and the height of pond one.

 

 

The thing being, that if the newly planted rice gets waterlogged it will just die off. The overflow could only just be seen.

 

 

Water level had to be dropped quickly.

 

I started the work but I couldn't take pics and work, so Soo and E came over to help out.

 

 

 

 

The little river was about 4 inches deep. Needs to go down another few inches before I put permanent pipes in. Probably do that in the week.

 

 

That sorted, focus was then on getting the water from pond 2 to pond 3. I used a 2 inch gravity pipe. Not fast, but over time, would drop the levels considerably.

 

 

Went along next morning and saw that the pipes had done the biz. In all the the water was dropped 6 inches. The overflow pipe in pond one, was at least being seen.

 

 

Next job is to get the water from number 3 to number 4. A bit more of a challenge as it's going up-hill then.

 

Also dug out the route from the house to the overflow. Not bothered to keep it in order for a couple of years as the rainfall was so pitiful.

 

 

 

Water finds its way into the ring, where it hits the outflow pipe, going under the road into pond 4.

 

 

Poom is about on his leccy scooter.

 

 

He is learning bout life it seems. Go on Poom, put it through its paces.

 

 

Some more charcoal making at Chai's farm. Chai and wife Joy stay at the farm in the hut. They have two daughters, Nut and Butt, who both live in the village. Although Nut does 'Grab' deliveries and is often away overnight. But BeeApp is on hand for any needed help.

 

 

Time to harvest the charcoal. Joy was at home. Working away.

 

 

 

Robert keeping watch. He joins me, every time I go to the farm. Sits in the pick-up.

 

The political scene in Thailand has gone a bit quiet. Must take a look. Take an interest even; like the villagers.

 

A tragic incident in Costa Rica last week. A local footballer was swimming in a pond when a big croc came along and ate him. It's on YouTube, as a couple of his team-mates had the fortitude to catch it on their mobiles. The Sun (English Newspaper[?]) had the headline. ''Footballer ferociously eaten by crocodile.'' I had the sinister thought; 'Footballer lovingly eaten by crocodile.' RIP fella.

 

Wife told me a story a few years back. A farang dangled a bit of meat to a croc at a farm, in Thailand, and got pulled in. Fortunately his coat with wallet was hanging on a chair. His g/f was absolutely frantic. As he was being fought over by overgrown lizards, she was screaming ''what's the pin number''. Must be true 'cause the wife don't say nothing humorous. Makes ya realise how lucky some of us are.

 

 

Mildred in her studio earlier today. Dogs keeping guard.

 

 

Footy started Friday evening. My tip for promotion, Saints, visited Sheffield and got the points. 5 matches had crowds of over 20k. Think Norwich was tops, with just under 30k.. Other footy news. Barking and Romford both move forward in the FA cup. Banks O'Dee and Linlithgow Rose both won, and Hamilton Beat Cove. I like both those last two; so not upset. Two promoted teams to the Football league; Wrexham and Notts County, were both hit for 5, by MK Dons and Sutton.

 

Wolves play at  Molineux Stadium. How did that name come about?

 

a/ Named after a local playground.
b/ Named after the founder of the club's wife's first name; Lady Molineux Sabille.
c/ The area had links to Molineux District in France, Going back to 1800s.
d/ Molineux is French for 'great arena', and it was thought appropriate to name the ground thus.

 

No Udon as planned yesterday. Didn't want to go all that way in the rain. So 90 day, and some mounting boards from DoHome, will have to wait til next Saturday. Or in the week if I go without Mildred.

 

Everything was centred at the farm last week. Still raining now at 13-45.

 

Davis Popovici had a dreadful World Swimming champs. In the 200 free he was well clear, and it looked like a 1.42, with just 50 to go. He blew up and finished 4th. Never in it for the 100, in which he holds the world record. The best race for me; was the longest one. What a great last hundred in the 1500. Tunisian, Ahmed Hafnaui, just out-touching American Bob Finke. Ozzies had a great meet and were top dolphins overall.

 

Only one thing left to say; take care out there.

 

Thanks for visiting. Bye y'all.

 

[Andrew Dwyer]

Another great Sunday post Owl.

Seems like things are back to business, hopefully peace is restored to the Owl household.

[owl sees all]

9 minutes ago, Andrew Dwyer said:

Another great Sunday post Owl.

Seems like things are back to business, hopefully peace is restored to the Owl household.

Thanks Andy.

 

Leeds at home to Cardiff later today. They don't travel well. Easy win for The Peacocks. I'd like to see them change back to royal blue and gold.

 

There is peace of sorts. I've whistled twice now for my afternoon 3in1 cup of coffee. Don't want to shout out. Would be unbecoming (as another Andy once said). Just have to wait til the wife has finished watching GOT7 on TV. Wish i could be tough with these ladies; like other men.

 

 

[Andrew Dwyer]

28 minutes ago, owl sees all said:

Thanks Andy.

 

Leeds at home to Cardiff later today. They don't travel well. Easy win for The Peacocks. I'd like to see them change back to royal blue and gold.

 

There is peace of sorts. I've whistled twice now for my afternoon 3in1 cup of coffee. Don't want to shout out. Would be unbecoming (as another Andy once said). Just have to wait til the wife has finished watching GOT7 on TV. Wish i could be tough with these ladies; like other men.

 

 

Will be a good test for the new manager and to be honest Leeds should win this easily, Cardiff were close to the bottom at end of last season.

 

Not sure if the men here treat their ladies as they claim !! 
“ treat em mean, keep em keen “ is a fantasy for most fellas I’m sure and usually said down the pub when the lady of the house is not present !

[GarryP]

Its been raining pretty much all week here in north Kalasin. Can't remember what the sun looks like.  We waited for the anticipated rainy season before planting the Taipei grass, but the rain didn't arrive on time so the missus was watering it twice a day. She's happy now cos she doesn't have to water the garden anymore (at least for a while anyway). Hopefully, another couple of months and the grass will give full cover.

 

Unlike Owl, I have driven into Udon once a week for the past couple of weeks to get my phone sorted at the Samsung service center. All good now, but a long way to drive to get a phone fixed. A month ago I also paid a visit to go to Index. On the way back I was driving through rain from Kumphwapi to Wangsammo. There was the most amazing lightening storm that I have ever seen all along the route. My wife was terrified and demanded that I turn off the music. I have no idea as to the logic behind that. She kept pulling up her jacket to cover her face as the lightening bolts flashed in front of us. I just never stopped smiling. It was so beautiful. 

 

Made my own coffee before writing this. ???? My wife has no idea when I would like a tea or coffee unless I am working, so it's up to me. Should I get the whip out?  

[owl sees all]

1 hour ago, GarryP said:

Its been raining pretty much all week here in north Kalasin. Can't remember what the sun looks like.  We waited for the anticipated rainy season before planting the Taipei grass, but the rain didn't arrive on time so the missus was watering it twice a day. She's happy now cos she doesn't have to water the garden anymore (at least for a while anyway). Hopefully, another couple of months and the grass will give full cover.

 

Unlike Owl, I have driven into Udon once a week for the past couple of weeks to get my phone sorted at the Samsung service center. All good now, but a long way to drive to get a phone fixed. A month ago I also paid a visit to go to Index. On the way back I was driving through rain from Kumphwapi to Wangsammo. There was the most amazing lightening storm that I have ever seen all along the route. My wife was terrified and demanded that I turn off the music. I have no idea as to the logic behind that. She kept pulling up her jacket to cover her face as the lightening bolts flashed in front of us. I just never stopped smiling. It was so beautiful. 

 

Made my own coffee before writing this. ???? My wife has no idea when I would like a tea or coffee unless I am working, so it's up to me. Should I get the whip out?  

Been to your area a long time ago Garry. Went to one of the many beautiful mango farms that adorn the area. You certainly get more rain south of the Sakon Nakhon road than we do to the north.

 

Mrs Owl doesn't like a storm also. Covers her eyes and ears. I love em.

 

Make me own coffee or tea? What???? Sends shivers down me spine thinking of it. I had 4 sisters and they would say; "This kitchen is girl-talk area. Get out." And when I later got married, I had four daughters, and they would say; "You are making the kitchen untidy. Get out" To be honest, I'm scared of the kitchen. Good job Mrs Owl understands. But in saying that, she can be a tad slow making the drinks. The other morning I waited from seven to gone ten o'clock. Got fed up with whistling. So to teach her a lesson, I hid the remote. Only stumbled on it when Mildred came home from school. That'll teach her; I thought.

 

There are better ways of keeping women in check than using the whip Gary lad. Keep a 20 baht note showing from yer shirt top pocket. That'll focus her. Works for me. Do anything to get their hands on it.

 

 

 

 

 

[owl sees all]

2 hours ago, Andrew Dwyer said:

Will be a good test for the new manager and to be honest Leeds should win this easily, Cardiff were close to the bottom at end of last season.

 

Not sure if the men here treat their ladies as they claim !! 
“ treat em mean, keep em keen “ is a fantasy for most fellas I’m sure and usually said down the pub when the lady of the house is not present !

Three very good teams went down from the EPL last season. I think it is possible that the same three will come straight up. Don't think that has happened before. If not automatic; then Foxes. Peacocks and Saints will all make top 6.

[sotonowl]

9 hours ago, owl sees all said:

a/ Named after a local playground.
b/ Named after the founder of the club's wife's first name; Lady Molineux Sabille.
c/ The area had links to Molineux District in France, Going back to 1800s.
d/ Molineux is French for 'great arena', and it was thought appropriate to name the ground thus.

 

I'll go with "B" please Owl, which is a pure guess and I refuse to google it.