Diary of a farang in Isaan

[owl sees all]

Owl Log - 06-11-2023 - Monday morning

 

An interesting week (last week). Managed to get to Udon on Wednesday. Picked up me cheese from MAKRO, fed the big fish in the pond opposite VP superstore. Got an hour with me mate Rick. Spent 20 minutes snapping away at the Sum Sao Wat. More on that in a special Owl Log later. and also got me visa-extension for another 12 months.

 

Should have been more patient. These huge fish take a while to gain confidence in feeding. Next time.

 

 

Cows seem to have taken over from the buffs. They are everywhere. These two outside the village 7/11.

 

 

Had a phone call from our fish man, to say he had the pinkies ready for us, when we visited the market on Saturday. It's called the number 4 market cause it's on the 4th of each month. By the time we usually get there it is tailing off. But at 8 in the morning it's buzzing.

 

Some huge stalls.

 

Mildred and her mum looking at the goodies.

 

 

Mildred whispered that there was a lady selling chicks and baby ducks. We had a look.

 

 

Got a yellow one and five tiddlers.

 

Market shopping finished; it was straight to the farm. We had a few different creatures to release. Another terrapin joins the club. Went to the evening Ban Dung market of Friday. The crab lady was there and; another big terrapin was purchased.

 

 

Let it go in number 7 pond. The two previous were released into number 3 pond.

 

Then it was time to let the carp go into number 6.

 

 

 

Wow's gang arrived to help us. They just love nature these lads, and were overjoyed to see the little fish and ducks set free.

 

First, had to see if they could actually swim.

 

 

Everything OK.

 

 

Mildred put them into number 7 pond.

 

 

 

They get out of the water too.

 

 

Had a little accident with one of the little uns. The puppy from Bellas' wanted to play with one and was a tad rough.

 

 

Buried it next to the big avocado tree.

 

 

Enlisted the help of the lads to let the pinkies go into pond 3. First we put a couple in Mildred's plastic pool.

 

 

 

 

Then tip them out of thee bag and into their new home.

 

 

Spent ll afternoon at the farm. Went over to Bellas' to see the puppies. This is where the pup-duck incident occurred.

 

 

The original plan was to keep them in the net for a while. But we soon realised that putting them into a pond was safer.

 

 

Cows arrived while we were resting.

 

 

And of course the cow-lady's new dogs came with her.

 

 

Big ears.

 

 

Back in the village, there was major tree cutting going on in our soi.

 

 

The Big Mango Lady has a new money spinning venture.

 

 

It's village life as usual Every morning at 7.

 

 

At Mildred's school, they had a little ceremony when the new block was opened. Her year occupy one of the floors of this huge building, that took 5 years to build. Hope my donations helped.

 

 

The sign says; "Only those wishing to learn, set foot in here."

 

 

Been having battery problems all this year. Thought I'd top it up with water to see if it improved. Doing 5 cells was easy, but cell 4; a challenge. Could of course have taken the battery clamp off. But I found a way.

 

 

Still don't wanna start. It's on it's last legs. Get a new one next year.

 

Was picking up the rubbish in the soi, when this bike roared past, and a youngster - no more than 9 - went into Nang's corner shop. I waited for him to come out. Nearly missed the shot as he sped away.

 

 

The snails are doing just great. I've tried them with different food. They seem to like 90gsm A4 paper. Go through a sheet every day as well as the cat food tin wrapper. Gave them some carrot. A bit slow to eat that though. Keep their water troughs topped up.

 

 

That tree is irresistible. Just had to stop and take a pic.

 

 

Have lots of cloud pics. Will do a Owl Log cloud special soon. And perhaps a snail special also.

 

Very late posting this Owl Log. Started sorting through the 300 pics at 9 on Sunday morning. Thought I might have it all ready to post before mid-day. Was doing OK, until a guy came to the house wanting money. The Mrs turned to me for dosh (naturally). "I have no money teerak." She had to pay the guy. Then it started! Yak, yak yak. "You are no good farang." Etc, etc! Not in the right frame of mind for editing; so stopped. Started listening to some Maria Callas Arias to relax.

An hour later Mildred said it was time for me to take her to see her friend Anjan, in the close-by village. I had clean forgot about it. So put the Mazza battery on charge, and 15 minutes later we were off. Dropped her off, but went to the farm for the next 4 hours or so. Just couldn't face the aggro back home. Picked daughter up at 3-45, and got back at 4ish. Spent the evening editing the pics and decided to post this morning.

 

Great win away for Peacocks on Friday evening. Both City and United won. That will stop the moaning,, groaning United fans for a week or so. Villa come unstuck in Nottingham. Mini London derby went to Bees 3-2. Major London derby today. Spurs and Chelsea. Owls lose again. Couldn't build on last week's win. Bank O'Dee and Cove both win.

Cray Valley Paper Mills (CVPM) get a draw at Charlton in the FA Cup Saturday. Over 100 places between them in the English footy rankings. The league that CVPM play in, the Isthmian League South East Division, I played in myself many moons ago. But in the Essex section. Let's hope they can win the replay. Sorry any Addicts fans reading.

 

Mildred has asked my thoughts on her class camping out in the wood for two nights next month. Some sort of Scouts thing.I said 'no'. But she wants to do it. They must be stark raving; all of them. But on the upside; she has been asked to represent the school in an inter-school English venture. This is what that is all about. The contestants are shown a picture/photo/painting (not sure yet), and are asked to write about it. Must be at least 150 words, and they have 30 minuted to do it. Interesting! Beats camping any day.

 

Wars still raging. Mr Blinken says to stop for  while. We will see.

 

Still keeping up my 'bathroom yoga'. Fasting finished. Started doing sprints, outside, along the soi. Don't were any flip-flops, so have to keep a look out for any sharp stuff.

 

Poo and Oscar had a fight. Oscar came off the worse. Wound on his nose. Mildred cared for him last evening. He is very subdued at the mo.

 

The visa-extension is done. Another thing not to worry about for 12 months. The lady IO that looked after my doc's at the IO office, was scrummie. Lovely smile.

 

No more news about the leccy coming to the farm.

 

Only two things left to say; sorry about yesterday and take care y'all.

 

 

 

Mildred painted herself a birthday cake.

 

 

www.mildredart.com

 

[owl sees all]

Owl Log 12-11-2023 - Sunday evening

The week started out slow and finish in hectic style. Hadn't ventured anywhere since Saturday; eight days ago. Only to the farm, and the next village, to get some sacks ready for the rice harvest. Bought 100 at 4.5

baht each. 

No sign of the four ducks. No sign of the terrapins. But the smaller mekongs are showing and challenging the nin for the fish pellet. The dook pinkies are coming to the surface in Mildred's little round pond. But not yet seen them in their pond.

 

The snails are doing very well. They eat at least an A4 sheet of paper a day. Mildred says to let them go at the farm. Then we can start collecting them again, and saving them from certain death. If they dare venture across the sois, some of the m/c riders think it fun to run over them. She reckons to let them go at the bottom of the leaning tree in pond 6. I'm not sure there is enough 'greenery' there for them to survive; let alone thrive.

 

 

Talking of m/cs. There was a gang outside in the week with a 3 wheeler. Every so often they would charge around the block.

 

 

Those not on the m/c raced behind on their bikes. Gang member ages range from three years to eleven.

 

 

 

The leccy along the super-highway is doing just great.

 

I've sussed it out about the two different poles heights. The high one is to link the villages and the lower one runs off to the farms.

 

 

On me way back from getting the sacks, I vidded them sorting it out.

 

 

 

Leccy posts around our farm soon.

 

Mildred spotted it from a long way off. "What's that Dad?" I didn't know at first, but as I got closer in the Mazza I knew. TBH, I've only ever seen one down before. That was at least 13 years ago. Thought they were banned, due to crashing into aircraft. So was surprised to see it.

 

 

Another 4 dogs in our uptown part of the village.

 

Mildred couldn't resist giving them a tickle on her way back from the school bus.

 

 

Still on the nipple.

 

 

Resting.

 

Hey! There is only three of you where's ya mate?

 

 

He's in the drain of course. What about the big snake that lives in there? What!!

 

 

The wifi went off at 10 on Friday evening. Didn't know about that until the morning as I had me head down. To get any www on Saturday I had to hard-wire it. The Mrs called True on Saturday, and they said they would be round at nine the next day. And at precisely nine the technician arrive (this morning)..

 

It was the box not sending out a signal. It had to be cause I could get the internet with a lead attached (in yellow).

 

 

Receiver fine.

 

 

After putting on a reconditioned one he sorted the wires outside.

 

 

He said something about us being a 'hot spot'.

 

 

And after 30 minutes he was all done, and was off. He gave Mrs Owl his number and said he would fix up a 6g signal next year. Certainly can't have enough 'Gs'. I want 69G. All done in two seconds. That'll knock off 8 seconds.

 

 

Not only the True man. but a party in the village. I went outside to grab some excitement.

 

 

I think the local school did the bizzo for us.

 

 

 

And the band was also pucca.

 

 

 

Trampolines back.

 

 

About a dozen or so kids in all. No bouncy castle this time.

 

 

 

Mildred has been nagging me a lot. She has finished painting her cat, but it has not been mounted, and has no whiskers. My idea is to coat twine in glue to stiffen it, and stick on each whisker with superglue. Getting there!! Just one more coating will be perfect. Then we'll cut the whiskers to length and start sticking them in place.

 

 

I am gonna clean the cat's eyes; a bit dirty.

 

 

Millwall!! What are you doing? You should have been put to the sword at Hillsborough. Not win 0-4. Dear me! Just when you think the Owls have turned the corner; they flop again. Posh win 5-0. The three bottom clubs are the three that came down from The Championship. Orient lose at home. Cove win away. Harry Kane doing well in Germany.

Cray Valley Paper Mills v Charlton on Wednesday evening. If I was in London; I'd be there. FA Cup replay.

 

Not a hint of rain this week. Just as well 'cause the rice harvest has just began. Another week for us, then we'll have all the rain that's going.

 

Not so much traffic to the topic last week. Is the notification working OK?

 

Big marches all over for the 'cease fife' in Gaza. Julia Hartley-Brewer loses her cool live on a Talk TV show. Always has a low-cut top on when I see her. Fiery bit of stuff. Quite a handful she would be.

 

What is happening in the Thai government? Anything?! Perhaps I'm not paying close enough attention.

 

Big battles in Burma.

 

Still keeping on with me bathroom yoga programme. Doing really well.

 

Only one thing to say; bye y'all.

 

Nearly forgot. A full post-bag, reminded me to give the result of the quiz.

 

Top league since it started.

 

First southern team to get into the top three; Bristol City - 1907

First London team to get into the top three; Chelsea - 1920

First London team to win the league; Arsenal - 1931

 

Another teaser.

 

The top flight league title stayed in the same city for seven years. Who and when?

 

[sirineou]

7 minutes ago, owl sees all said:

I think the local school did the bizzo for us.

It's that time of the year where the village Wat has its annual fundraising event.

I think it is in every village in Thailand,

There is a parade from the villager to the wat where they bring in the money trees, 

Who says money dont grow on trees? LOL

Anyway the come to the wat , go three times around dome sort of temple , there is loud musick and a lot of dancing. Candy were thrown in the air and the kids went crazy collecting it. 

A good  time was had by all . especially the kids feeding the elephants. 

We were busy giving out food. and drinks. 

 

 

 

[owl sees all]

5 minutes ago, sirineou said:

It's that time of the year where the village Wat has its annual fundraising event.

I think it is in every village in Thailand,

There is a parade from the villager to the wat where they bring in the money trees, 

Who says money dont grow on trees? LOL

Anyway the come to the wat , go three times around dome sort of temple , there is loud musick and a lot of dancing. Candy were thrown in the air and the kids went crazy collecting it. 

A good  time was had by all . especially the kids feeding the elephants. 

We were busy giving out food. and drinks. 

 

 

 

Yup! Thanks for those stonking pics.

 

[sirineou]

2 minutes ago, owl sees all said:

Yup! Thanks for those stonking pics.

 

PS: I love your thread!!

I might not reply often, but I read it when ever I see it. Now that I think of it. I really should follow. Thank you  you for taking the time to post life in the Real Thailand. 

[owl sees all]

1 hour ago, owl sees all said:

Millwall!! What are you doing? You should have been put to the sword at Hillsborough. Not win 0-4. Dear me! Just when you think the Owls have turned the corner; they flop again. Posh win 5-0. The three bottom clubs are the three that came down from The Championship. Orient lose at home. Cove win away. Harry Kane doing well in Germany.

Dear me! What a plonker.

 

Should read;;; The three clubs that came up from the Championship, are in the bottom three places in the EPL.

 

Too much excitement. That's my excuse.

[owl sees all]

1 hour ago, sirineou said:

PS: I love your thread!!

I might not reply often, but I read it when ever I see it. Now that I think of it. I really should follow. Thank you  you for taking the time to post life in the Real Thailand. 

Thanks for that S.

 

Of course the farang sitting in the bar every evening is also the real Thailand. But that's not for me, and I reckon the bar guys wouldn't swap their lives for mine. Each to his own.

 

I take more pleasure rescuing a snail crossing the soi than I would winning the Thai Lottery. What would I do with lots of dosh? Get the Mrs to look after it while I decide what to do with it; probably.

 

[BlueScouse]

The top flight league title stayed in the same city for seven years. Who and when?

 

Everton 1939-1946

[owl sees all]

2 minutes ago, BlueScouse said:

The top flight league title stayed in the same city for seven years. Who and when?

 

Everton 1939-1946

You are right BS. Everton won the league in 1938/39, and it was not contested again until Liverpool took the title in 1946/47. 

 

There was another occasion when this happened. When and where?

[sirineou]

On 11/6/2023 at 12:07 PM, owl sees all said:

 

Still don't wanna start. It's on it's last legs. Get a new one next year.

Be careful taking the caps of while charging a lead acid battery generates hydrogen .

I had one explode in my face once, doing exactly that and still have the scare on my hand to prove it., where I got a cut  and a healthy dose of sulfuric acid. I was lucky it did not go in my eyes. 

[owl sees all]

5 minutes ago, sirineou said:

Be careful taking the caps of while charging a lead acid battery generates hydrogen .

I had one explode in my face once, doing exactly that and still have the scare on my hand to prove it., where I got a cut  and a healthy dose of sulfuric acid. I was lucky it did not go in my eyes. 

You are not wrong there S.

In fact after doing the top up, I felt a bit sick and lay down for a couple of hours. Must have been the fumes.

 

To make matters worse, I've got a super-fast charger. Goes from 'dead' to 'start-up' in just 10 minutes. And there is no 'trickle' option on the unit..

[sotonowl]

3 hours ago, owl sees all said:

Millwall!! What are you doing? You should have been put to the sword at Hillsborough. Not win 0-4. Dear me! Just when you think the Owls have turned the corner;

I think we've had it mate, it's torture.

[chickenslegs]

1 hour ago, owl sees all said:

I take more pleasure rescuing a snail crossing the soi than I would winning the Thai Lottery. What would I do with lots of dosh? Get the Mrs to look after it while I decide what to do with it; probably.

My dream of winning the Thai lottery would be financing my kid through university, maybe uni in the UK, as she has UK citizenship.

6 million Baht would get Mildred through art school and uni here easily, and with no debt to worry about.

My fingers are crossed for a win this week.

 

 

   

[owl sees all]

13 minutes ago, chickenslegs said:

My dream of winning the Thai lottery would be financing my kid through university, maybe uni in the UK, as she has UK citizenship.

6 million Baht would get Mildred through art school and uni here easily, and with no debt to worry about.

My fingers are crossed for a win this week.

 

 

   

I hear you CL.

 

The whole idea of buying land, and developing it was - and the wife agreed - to safeguard the children's future. Both that latchibo Nan and Mildred. It hasn't worked out as planned, but there is hope.

 

As for the lottery; all that is needed is a bit of spiritual luck. This week, numbers that have both curves and a straight bit are gonna do the bizzo.

 

[chickenslegs]

18 minutes ago, owl sees all said:

I hear you CL.

 

The whole idea of buying land, and developing it was - and the wife agreed - to safeguard the children's future. Both that latchibo Nan and Mildred. It hasn't worked out as planned, but there is hope.

 

As for the lottery; all that is needed is a bit of spiritual luck. This week, numbers that have both curves and a straight bit are gonna do the bizzo.

 

 

That's combinations of 2, 3 and 5. I'll give it a try.

[owl sees all]

10 hours ago, chickenslegs said:

 

That's combinations of 2, 3 and 5. I'll give it a try.

I look at cycles. For a few draws one group of numbers predominate.

 

Have to split the numbers into three groups.Those with only straight lines. Those that have only curves, and those that have both. So, we have 1, 4, 7 - 0, 6, 8, 9 - 2 and 5. Three (3) is the odd one, as it can be all curvy or a mix.

 

There is more. How often do numbers come up in succession? To get a 'triple' (it works out at about 24-1 overall), one has to think if it's worth it. So, is number 114447 or 800099 (for eg) worth buying?

 

The palindromic numbers must not be sidelined. Especially if they are all in a 'hot' group. For instance; 806608.

 

The cycle is in the 2 and 5 and maybe 3 camp, for this draw. If I had to nominate a number for this draw I would go for 352253. One last thing on numbers. Only two numbers 0 and 8 are congruent, or a mirror image. And is '0' really a number?

 

Hope that analysis points you to a 6 million baht win CL. However, if one is not too greedy and would settle foe a 100k win, then 7 as the last number must not be forgotten.

[owl sees all]

Owl Log - Sum Sao Wat special - 14-11-2023 - Tuesday morning

 

Called in at the Sum Sao Wat on my way to Udon. Pulled into the East car park. Looking North; Wat to the left and lake to the right. Not so much happening at the lake. Not yet started painting the buddha overlooking the water. But placed stones.on the lake bank.

 

 

Looking west through the undergrowth.

 

 

Made my way in a big loop. Snapping as I went.

 

 

Went underneath to take a butchers.

 I'm flabbergasted!!

A great big building like this and there is only 6 foot headroom. Came out before I did myself a mischief.

 

 

Up the steps, and the first buddha to be seen was a cracker. Shame they run out of gold, but absolutely stunning all the same!

 

 

The upstairs is the size of about two tennis courts.

Still making the decorations.

 

 

Looking west.

 

 

On to the upper rear. Stunning sculptures.

 

 

Back shot of first buddha.

 

 

Paint up the columns and tile the floor; next jobs. Then put in permanent steps.

 

Made my way out. I was interested also in the way the roof was constructed.

 

 

Took some pics looking East once outside.

 

 

And back to where I started.

 

 

Hand in the West car park not yet finished.

 

 

Never saw one person on me jaunt. A cracking way to spend 30 minutes. Then it was off to Udon.

 

Only one thing left to say; seez ya all Sunday.

 

[ChicagoExpat]

As someone who does not spend time in your region, just to say I enjoy your little reports.

[sirineou]

On 11/12/2023 at 10:13 PM, chickenslegs said:

That's combinations of 2, 3 and 5. I'll give it a try.

Also try 3,4.5,9,0 ,

Because if one side is 3  the other is 4  and the long side is 5 , the you have a 9 0 degree angle 

or if you go with 2,3 5 , then the next combination in the fibonacci sequence would be 8 

So 2,3.5.8 or the ration whim is 1.6 or 5/8s and matches  the last two digits 5,8

Do you think I smoked to much weed in my youth ?

Don't answer that !

[owl sees all]

6 minutes ago, ChicagoExpat said:

As someone who does not spend time in your region, just to say I enjoy your little reports.

Very nice words CE. Thanks for visiting.

 

Only know two things about Chicago. Al Capone and the wind.

[owl sees all]

44 minutes ago, sirineou said:

Also try 3,4.5,9,0 ,

Because if one side is 3  the other is 4  and the long side is 5 , the you have a 9 0 degree angle 

or if you go with 2,3 5 , the the next combination in the fibonacci sequence would be 8 

So 2,3.5.8 or the ration whim is 1.6 or 5/8s and matches  the last two digits 5,8

Do you think I smoked to much weed in my use?

We are all gonna be rich.Thanks for that S.

 

I'll be going to Ban Dung this afternoon. And I'll be after that special number that will make me 6 million baht wealthier.

 

So we are talking maths are we S? Well I like the Owl sequence, 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, 13,,,etc. I could go on. Interestingly, infinity can never be established. Why? Cause infinity plus one is more/bigger.

 

While we are talking mathematics. A little teaser. How can a circle's area be accurately established using 4 sticks of bamboo and a pot of rice? Commonly known as the Thai farmer, or Lao Khao method. But!!!! Wait for it;;; without using Pi in any way.

 

Answers oo a postcard please. The first correct answer out the bag, will win a somtam dinner with Nok from the next village.

[sirineou]

7 minutes ago, owl sees all said:

Cause infinity plus one is more/bigger.

I am sorry to have to correct you and use scientific terms , but it actually biggerer

Postcard in the mail,  also I have included my bank account and pin so that you could deposit my portion of the winning directly. 

Baby needs a new pair of shoes!!

[Mutt Daeng]

On 11/14/2023 at 10:53 AM, owl sees all said:

Owl Log - Sum Sao Wat special - 14-11-2023 - Tuesday morning

 

Called in at the Sum Sao Wat on my way to Udon. Pulled into the East car park. Looking North; Wat to the left and lake to the right. Not so much happening at the lake. Not yet started painting the buddha overlooking the water. But placed stones.on the lake bank.

 

 

Looking west through the undergrowth.

 

 

Made my way in a big loop. Snapping as I went.

 

 

Went underneath to take a butchers.

 I'm flabbergasted!!

A great big building like this and there is only 6 foot headroom. Came out before I did myself a mischief.

 

 

Up the steps, and the first buddha to be seen was a cracker. Shame they run out of gold, but absolutely stunning all the same!

 

 

The upstairs is the size of about two tennis courts.

Still making the decorations.

 

 

Looking west.

 

 

On to the upper rear. Stunning sculptures.

 

 

Back shot of first buddha.

 

 

Paint up the columns and tile the floor; next jobs. Then put in permanent steps.

 

Made my way out. I was interested also in the way the roof was constructed.

 

 

Took some pics looking East once outside.

 

 

And back to where I started.

 

 

Hand in the West car park not yet finished.

 

 

Never saw one person on me jaunt. A cracking way to spend 30 minutes. Then it was off to Udon.

 

Only one thing left to say; seez ya all Sunday.

 

Another great post Owl.

[owl sees all]

43 minutes ago, Mutt Daeng said:

Another great post Owl.

Thanks MD.

 

I've been following the Sum Sao Wat for a few years now. I'll dig out some of the old pics and post pictorial progress. The Wat is not yet finished. Early next year I reckon. And the lake next door looks interesting.

[owl sees all]

On 11/14/2023 at 11:58 AM, sirineou said:

I am sorry to have to correct you and use scientific terms , but it actually biggerer

Postcard in the mail,  also I have included my bank account and pin so that you could deposit my portion of the winning directly. 

Baby needs a new pair of shoes!!

Was I right? Or! Was I right?

 

Just as I predicted; curvy and straight. First two numbers in the last lottery:::: Wait for it!!!

 

55

 

Easy money.

[HighPriority]

Nice to be back Owl and crew.

Never a dull day here @aseannow, or 6… 🙄

 

I hear it’s been a bit cool Owl ?

 

 

[rickudon]

Aseannow up and running again. Weather was nice at the weekend up till Tuesday, max was 30 Centigrade. Last 2 days back to normal, 31 plus. I notice the difference - under 30 can work for hours, above 30 more like one hour at the most. Not young enough!

 

We cut the rice field (about one rai) 10 days ago - usual miserable results - 3 bags. Paid for the combine harvester, but not the ploughing. I keep telling the wife that rice in that field is a waste of time. Soil is poor. Not much grows around the field, and what does is only half the size. Even bananas and mangoes struggle. I want to turn it back into a pond - after initial digging cost maintenance is a lot lower, and will get some fish to eat, even if they are also only half the size.

 

Wife has just planted roses and African marigold. I predict all dead in 3 months. We need proper soil analysis to identify the problems, rather than me speculating.

[chickenslegs]

1 hour ago, rickudon said:

I want to turn it back into a pond - after initial digging cost maintenance is a lot lower,

Regarding digging costs, on my wife's land the local authorities dug a pond for free and took the soil (clay) for local projects (I guess raising land for building roads). Might be worth asking if such deals are available in your area.

[owl sees all]

12 hours ago, HighPriority said:

Nice to be back Owl and crew.

Never a dull day here @aseannow, or 6… 🙄

I hear it’s been a bit cool Owl ?

Yes HP. It has cooled a bit. Not cool enough for the little early-morning fires though.

 

Was at the farm til 7 last evening. Rice and all that. Mostly done now.

[owl sees all]

11 hours ago, rickudon said:

Aseannow up and running again. Weather was nice at the weekend up till Tuesday, max was 30 Centigrade. Last 2 days back to normal, 31 plus. I notice the difference - under 30 can work for hours, above 30 more like one hour at the most. Not young enough!

 

We cut the rice field (about one rai) 10 days ago - usual miserable results - 3 bags. Paid for the combine harvester, but not the ploughing. I keep telling the wife that rice in that field is a waste of time. Soil is poor. Not much grows around the field, and what does is only half the size. Even bananas and mangoes struggle. I want to turn it back into a pond - after initial digging cost maintenance is a lot lower, and will get some fish to eat, even if they are also only half the size.

 

Wife has just planted roses and African marigold. I predict all dead in 3 months. We need proper soil analysis to identify the problems, rather than me speculating.

 

Only 3 bags of rice Rick? Not good that. We finished harvesting last evening. For 1..6 rai we got 23 bags. Better than your haul, but still not worth the bother. By the time we paid out everything, we would be better just leaving the field and buying rice as we need it.

 

I think the ponds, with a guaranteed water source, is the way to go. I designed an automatic fish feeder a few years back*. A couple of those on the ponds would cut commercial feed costs by half.

 

* Anyone interested in the feeder; I'll do a special post explaining all; with pics.

 

Also a filter that I have built and works good. For well under 1000 baht.