Diary of a farang in Isaan

[owl sees all]

2 hours ago, Fat is a type of crazy said:

Like Chickens Legs it is hoped you are half joking. How arrogant could a person be after causing her family so many issues to dare taking the moral high ground on anything. Hopefully she is at least being financially responsible from now, or steps can be taken to make her be financially responsible if that is possible, so you can relax with the nice things you have. 

 

When we picked up the second chanot on Saturday, I did suggest that it would be better if I looked after them all. Just in case she was tempted. She said that she would not do it again, and anyway, she was too old to do it. (50 last birthday) I said that at 49 she thought it was OK?

 

Mrs Owl has been talking about buying a leccy m/c with the 40k we now have, after the land sale. I want to get one, maybe two solar water systems for the 400+ palm trees in number two. My thinking is that the palms will give good nuts all year round if they get water all year round. If we don't give water then there is little point in keeping them.

 

It's a bit complicated, but to simplify. When a man and lady get together the fruits of their hard work pops out 9 months later. When the oil palm seeds first appear (every 3 weeks) the tree has to make a decision; male or female. If there are nutrients, and more importantly water/moisture, in the ground, the result will be a bunch of nuts; female 18/20 months later.. If there is no water or nutrients then the seeds go male. The difference being, that a male weights no more that half a kilo, and takes up little energy, while a female bunch matures at well over 20 kg. It's nature's way of protecting itself.

 

So1 I'm looking about.

 

[owl sees all]

4 hours ago, sotonowl said:

On another note Owl, I see Dull didn't score yesterday so presume you bet was down. Could you let me know again what your bet was by email preferably, I might just have a pop at it. TIA

 

I'd already got in a decent double, and cashed that out for 33 squids. Looked at the stats. Don't know how Hull didn't get a goal.

 

That's life. I'll send the full details on email.

 

BTW; good result on Saturday.

[sotonowl]

11 hours ago, owl sees all said:

Don't know how Hull didn't get a goal.

I know, watched the highlights and Dull nearly got one late on from a brilliant shot and an excellent save.

[owl sees all]

It's Sunday the 17th of December 2023, and this is Owl Log.

 

The two cats and Robert like the new food. I'd not seen this particular flavour before; chicken and tuna.

 

 

No sooner did the Lazada delivery come, and Big C dropped the price of their own-brand cat food to 32.5 baht a 400gm can. Works out at roughly the same price.

As soon as I go to feed the cats, Robert is there for a mouthful. Oscka is not so keen. He likes biscuit more.

 

 

Mrs Owl filled up ten bags of leaves and twigs. Time for me and Mildred to distribute the contents over the rice paddy area.

 

 

I did the work. Mildred did the recording.

 

 

Just throw them as far as possible.

 

 

Go into the field - empty the contents - and do a bit of scattering.

 

 

Another little job done.

 

Didn't have so much luck with the water pump. Wasted so much time on it. Starts up easy; but will not pump.

 

 

99 times out of a 100, the problem is on the inlet side. Only want a little hole for air, and it will not pump water up. But I've fixed up water pumps dozens of times, and this time I don't think the spindle is connected. Have four pumps altogether. I've decided to ditch the two smaller ones and replace with a new. Will get one this week.

 

What did we see, on the main drag, going into Ban Dung?

 

 

Stopped the Mazza to get a couple of pics.

 

 

Did promise myself that I would do road repairs this year. So,,,,.

 

 

Went to the stone place and filled up the Mazza with stone, block-grit and sand.

 

 

Couldn't help noticing the new, huge tower.

 

 

It must be 70 metres high. Gonna sneak in there one day soon. Climb that ladder, and enjoy the views Maybe take some nice pics.

 

Then the road got a make-over.

 

 

Was rewarded with one of those special skies.

 

 

Mildred finished one of her paintings last week. I thought it was a cracker.

 

 

Unfortunately there is no room on the wall. So took one down to make room for the latest.

 

 

And up went 'Tree Girls'. Next to my favourite; 'Green Hair'.

 

 

Patched up the Mazza door. Still not great. But it locks, and sometimes the leccy window works. Checked on the price of a new panel. Over 1,200 baht. Then there is fitting; although I could do it myself to save 100 baht.

 

 

Stopped at a food stall on the way back from Ban Dung. They had a lovely pet.

 

 

Biggest event of the week was cutting down a Palm tree.

 

 

One of the solar systems is going in this area, and the palm would have blocked the sun.

 

 

Another reward earlier today. Beautiful Isaan sky.

 

 

The solar cells systems are go, go go. Not gonna be cheap, but there is a few baht left over from the land sale. Drove through that farm this morning. Brought a lump to me throat; and a wet eye. But at least the wife's debts are paid off. So she can sleep more soundly. And a bonus; hardly any whacks this week. She seems happier.

 

Mildred has been selected to represent her year on an English something or other. She has to speak English in front of  a few hundred kids and narrate the story of 'Cupid'. I've learned something too. Cupid was an arrow, shot by Eros at Psyche (he missed) on the orders of Aphrodite (Eros' jealous mum). Feel much better knowing that. Hope they give her a mike, or no-one will hear the little mouse voice.

 

More points dropped at home by City. Are they throwing the EPL Title away? Owls beat QPR. Game at Cherries was abandoned due to a Hatters' player feeling very sick. Orient win away. Toon recover their winning ways.

 

Fixed up the rice-store door. Wire mesh all over the place now. That will stop those little rats and mouses feasting them selves rotten.

 

Just had a call from the car-fix place. They can get a door panel for just 300 baht; second hand. Mrs Owl did the chatting. She said ''no''. It was a beige colour and ours is grey. The search continues.

 

No rain since the first week in October. Water in the ponds has gone down about 40/50 cm.

 

Soo has just come for petrol for his cutter. This is to clear the area for the other solar system. The whole area is overgrown and needs sorting. Mrs Owl is not keen on me doing anything that is not flashy. As in gold, or handbags or a leccy scooter that she can go to Buddha on. It's less than 100metres away; but!!! That farm-sale dosh will soon be all gone.

 

Only one thing left to say; bye y'all. And thanks for the advice on how best to handle a Thai wife. I'm learning fast.

 

Well knock me down with a feather. The Thai lottery?! Nearly forgot to mention it. Drawn yesterday. Trust you all have a little win.

 

Bloody useless thing!!

 

[chickenslegs]

15 minutes ago, owl sees all said:

I've learned something too. Cupid was an arrow, shot by Eros at Psyche (he missed) on the orders of Afrodite (Eros' jealous mum).

The story of Cupid must be told differently in Thailand.

[owl sees all]

7 minutes ago, chickenslegs said:

The story of Cupid must be told differently in Thailand.

Spelt Aphrodite incorrectly. All makes sense now.

 

Just asked Mildred. She says that just as Eros was gonna shoot the arrow towards Psyche, a bolt of lightening came, causing him miss  Psyche, and shoot himself in the foot.

[chickenslegs]

5 minutes ago, owl sees all said:

Spelt Aphrodite incorrectly. All makes sense now.

 

Just asked Mildred. She says that just as Eros was gonna shoot the arrow towards Psyche, a bolt of lightening came, causing him miss  Psyche, and shoot himself in the foot.

I think it was Cupid (Roman God) that dropped one of his arrows on his own foot, thus falling in love with Psyche.

I'm pretty sure that Eros was a Greek God, with a similar story.

Now I need to go and check with Google.

 

[owl sees all]

12 minutes ago, chickenslegs said:

I think it was Cupid (Roman God) that dropped one of his arrows on his own foot, thus falling in love with Psyche.

I'm pretty sure that Eros was a Greek God, with a similar story.

Now I need to go and check with Google.

 

Don't bother poor old Google. Listen to me.

 

Cupid was an arrow. Eros was the shooter. The whole idea dreamed up by Eros' mum Aphrodite, to get Psyche - who she was big jealous of - to take the arrow and cause her to fall in love with an 'ugly demon'. The lightening struck and Eros shot himself.

 

But; now I'm thinking that the story gives us little sayings. Shot yourself in the foot. A bolt of lightning. Love at first sight. Don't aim for Psyche as she is above your pay grade, and you will only hurt yourself.

 

 

[HighPriority]

11 minutes ago, chickenslegs said:

I think it was Cupid (Roman God) that dropped one of his arrows on his own foot, thus falling in love with Psyche.

I'm pretty sure that Eros was a Greek God, with a similar story.

Now I need to go and check with Google.

 

I’ll check with the Concretor tomorrow… 😎

[rickudon]

Owl, if your good at fixing pumps we have one down on the farm not working. You are welcome to it next time you come to Udon. If you can fix it, you win. If not, well it was free.

[owl sees all]

2 hours ago, chickenslegs said:

I think it was Cupid (Roman God) that dropped one of his arrows on his own foot, thus falling in love with Psyche.

I'm pretty sure that Eros was a Greek God, with a similar story.

Now I need to go and check with Google.

 

I reckon you nailed it CL. Just looked on 'Wiki'.

 

'''In the myth, she was given multiple trials in order to be with her beloved, Eros, also known as Cupid, god of physical love and desire and son of Aphrodite.'''

 

Great story; albeit a bit complicated, with birds turning into donkeys, and talking ants. I tried to read on, but got lost in the different storylines. I'll wait for the film to come out.

 

Just remembered, there is a big statue of Eros in London's Trafalgar Square.

 

 

 

 

[owl sees all]

5 minutes ago, rickudon said:

Owl, if your good at fixing pumps we have one down on the farm not working. You are welcome to it next time you come to Udon. If you can fix it, you win. If not, well it was free.

Thanks Rick, I'll have a look

Haven't forgot your pinkies. waiting to do a visit

[rickudon]

No problem, it has been sitting there for a year already!

[roo860]

4 hours ago, owl sees all said:

It's Sunday the 17th of December 2023, and this is Owl Log.

 

The two cats and Robert like the new food. I'd not seen this particular flavour before; chicken and tuna.

 

 

No sooner did the Lazada delivery come, and Big C dropped the price of their own-brand cat food to 32.5 baht a 400gm can. Works out at roughly the same price.

As soon as I go to feed the cats, Robert is there for a mouthful. Oscka is not so keen. He likes biscuit more.

 

 

Mrs Owl filled up ten bags of leaves and twigs. Time for me and Mildred to distribute the contents over the rice paddy area.

 

 

I did the work. Mildred did the recording.

 

 

Just throw them as far as possible.

 

 

Go into the field - empty the contents - and do a bit of scattering.

 

 

Another little job done.

 

Didn't have so much luck with the water pump. Wasted so much time on it. Starts up easy; but will not pump.

 

 

99 times out of a 100, the problem is on the inlet side. Only want a little hole for air, and it will not pump water up. But I've fixed up water pumps dozens of times, and this time I don't think the spindle is connected. Have four pumps altogether. I've decided to ditch the two smaller ones and replace with a new. Will get one this week.

 

What did we see, on the main drag, going into Ban Dung?

 

 

Stopped the Mazza to get a couple of pics.

 

 

Did promise myself that I would do road repairs this year. So,,,,.

 

 

Went to the stone place and filled up the Mazza with stone, block-grit and sand.

 

 

Couldn't help noticing the new, huge tower.

 

 

It must be 70 metres high. Gonna sneak in there one day soon. Climb that ladder, and enjoy the views Maybe take some nice pics.

 

Then the road got a make-over.

 

 

Was rewarded with one of those special skies.

 

 

Mildred finished one of her paintings last week. I thought it was a cracker.

 

 

Unfortunately there is no room on the wall. So took one down to make room for the latest.

 

 

And up went 'Tree Girls'. Next to my favourite; 'Green Hair'.

 

 

Patched up the Mazza door. Still not great. But it locks, and sometimes the leccy window works. Checked on the price of a new panel. Over 1,200 baht. Then there is fitting; although I could do it myself to save 100 baht.

 

 

Stopped at a food stall on the way back from Ban Dung. They had a lovely pet.

 

 

Biggest event of the week was cutting down a Palm tree.

 

 

One of the solar systems is going in this area, and the palm would have blocked the sun.

 

 

Another reward earlier today. Beautiful Isaan sky.

 

 

The solar cells systems are go, go go. Not gonna be cheap, but there is a few baht left over from the land sale. Drove through that farm this morning. Brought a lump to me throat; and a wet eye. But at least the wife's debts are paid off. So she can sleep more soundly. And a bonus; hardly any whacks this week. She seems happier.

 

Mildred has been selected to represent her year on an English something or other. She has to speak English in front of  a few hundred kids and narrate the story of 'Cupid'. I've learned something too. Cupid was an arrow, shot by Eros at Psyche (he missed) on the orders of Aphrodite (Eros' jealous mum). Feel much better knowing that. Hope they give her a mike, or no-one will hear the little mouse voice.

 

More points dropped at home by City. Are they throwing the EPL Title away? Owls beat QPR. Game at Cherries was abandoned due to a Hatters' player feeling very sick. Orient win away. Toon recover their winning ways.

 

Fixed up the rice-store door. Wire mesh all over the place now. That will stop those little rats and mouses feasting them selves rotten.

 

Just had a call from the car-fix place. They can get a door panel for just 300 baht; second hand. Mrs Owl did the chatting. She said ''no''. It was a beige colour and ours is grey. The search continues.

 

No rain since the first week in October. Water in the ponds has gone down about 40/50 cm.

 

Soo has just come for petrol for his cutter. This is to clear the area for the other solar system. The whole area is overgrown and needs sorting. Mrs Owl is not keen on me doing anything that is not flashy. As in gold, or handbags or a leccy scooter that she can go to Buddha on. It's less than 100metres away; but!!! That farm-sale dosh will soon be all gone.

 

Only one thing left to say; bye y'all. And thanks for the advice on how best to handle a Thai wife. I'm learning fast.

 

Well knock me down with a feather. The Thai lottery?! Nearly forgot to mention it. Drawn yesterday. Trust you all have a little win.

 

Bloody useless thing!!

 

Bloody hell Owl, buy yaself a belt or get some bailing string!!!!🤣🤣

[owl sees all]

21 minutes ago, roo860 said:

Bloody hell Owl, buy yaself a belt or get some bailing string!!!!🤣🤣

 

Quite right. I look terrible. Any young ladies perusing the thread will be turned off.

 

I do use a decent rope to keep the shorts up. Think the activity, stretched it a bit. Braces. Yup braces. The answer is braces.

 

rope belt.

 

Years ago I was something of a fashion icon. Standards have dropped a little. But I'm still a bit conscious of my appearance. Went out wearing odd coloured sandals once; one red and one a sandy colour.. Mrs Owl refused to walk with me. Got a few whacks when we got home. Learned my lesson.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[HighPriority]

3 minutes ago, owl sees all said:

 

Quite right. I look terrible. Any young ladies perusing the thread will be turned off.

 

I do use a decent rope to keep the shorts up. Think the activity, stretched it a bit. Braces. Yup braces. The answer is braces.

 

Years ago I was something of a fashion icon. Standards have dropped a little. But I'm still a bit conscious of my appearance. Went out wearing odd coloured sandals once; one red and one a sandy colour.. Mrs Owl refused to walk with me. Got a few whacks when we got home. Learned my lesson.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

If I remember correctly xylophone and village farang were catwalk types back in their days, Owl too it seems… 🤣😎

[owl sees all]

7 minutes ago, HighPriority said:

If I remember correctly xylophone and village farang were catwalk types back in their days, Owl too it seems… 🤣😎

I was never on the cat-walk. As in Naomi Campbell.

 

But I was always clean and tidy. And well respected for my colour coordination. However, I do like old clothes. Don't like new ones at all. Have a pair of shorts, in my drawer, that I bought in ASDA nearly 40 years ago. I like a nice hat too.

 

TBH, I don't like spending dosh on clothes. Not to say I like walking about like a tramp. Of course not. After all Thailand is not Essex. I have standards. I wouldn't eat in a nice restaurant with welly boots on. Things like that.

[HighPriority]

6 minutes ago, owl sees all said:

I was never on the cat-walk. As in Naomi Campbell.

 

But I was always clean and tidy. And well respected for my colour coordination. However, I do like old clothes. Don't like new ones at all. Have a pair of shorts, in my drawer, that I bought in ASDA nearly 40 years ago. I like a nice hat too.

 

TBH, I don't like spending dosh on clothes. Not to say I like walking about like a tramp. Of course not. After all Thailand is not Essex. I have standards. I wouldn't eat in a nice restaurant with welly boots on. Things like that.

Very much confirming that you are indeed a man of some stature and bearing.

Was it Freddie Trueman who said that a gentleman was one who got out of the bath to have a piiss ?

 

[chickenslegs]

2 hours ago, owl sees all said:

Just remembered, there is a big statue of Eros in London's *Trafalgar Square.

*Piccadilly Circus.

Please stop making me look like a know-it-all.

 

Edit: Forgot to say thanks for the Sunday post. The Isaan skies are great. I like the thunder clouds best.

[DJ54]

Mildred is getting quite good with her paintings….

[roo860]

1 hour ago, owl sees all said:

 

Quite right. I look terrible. Any young ladies perusing the thread will be turned off.

 

I do use a decent rope to keep the shorts up. Think the activity, stretched it a bit. Braces. Yup braces. The answer is braces.

 

rope belt.

 

Years ago I was something of a fashion icon. Standards have dropped a little. But I'm still a bit conscious of my appearance. Went out wearing odd coloured sandals once; one red and one a sandy colour.. Mrs Owl refused to walk with me. Got a few whacks when we got home. Learned my lesson.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[owl sees all]

25 minutes ago, chickenslegs said:

*Piccadilly Circus.

Please stop making me look like a know-it-all.

 

Edit: Forgot to say thanks for the Sunday post. The Isaan skies are great. I like the thunder clouds best.

Bang on the money again CL.

I was thinking about Nelson's Column.

I'm such a dunce.

[owl sees all]

9 minutes ago, DJ54 said:

Mildred is getting quite good with her paintings….

 

She is sitting next to me, finishing off some school work that should have been done yesterday. I'll tell her.

 

Thanks for the appreciative words.

[owl sees all]

51 minutes ago, HighPriority said:

Very much confirming that you are indeed a man of some stature and bearing.

Was it Freddie Trueman who said that a gentleman was one who got out of the bath to have a piiss ?

 

It could have been Freddie.

 

My mate said the mark of a gentleman was one who said; ''More tea vicar'' when he let one go in the pub. He could be a tad crude at times. But that is better than looking around, making out it weren't you who did the nasty.

 

Of course Thai women don't have ta problem spotting a good un. No sir! They can spot a gentleman a long way off. After all a gentleman in Thailand ihas money. An old codger has a big heart, but is always skint. But i quite like the idea of them bringing a chair to the old un at the ATM machine.

 

My problem is that my big bank balance and my small waste have changed places over the years. And the wife has noticed.

 

 

[sotonowl]

4 hours ago, owl sees all said:

Braces. Yup braces. The answer is braces.

Bought myself some last year. Fed up of going for a walk and finishing up with my jeans that far down my arris I could be mistaken for a teenager (well maybe not but you get my drift). Brilliant, problem solved. Not sure how they'd feel directly onto flesh though.

[owl sees all]

It's Xmas Eve.

Sunday afternoon - 24-12-2023

 

So proud of Mildred.

She went to Udon on Wednesday, to represent her school year in the English Writing Competition. The students, from the different schools, had to write a story about a picture. They had just ten seconds to look at the pic, before it was whisked away. The writing commenced. Yime limit; 50 minutes. Had to write a minimum of 150 words, and the piece had to include 6 special words, appropriate to the pic.

And Mildred came in first!

Next stop, next year, is a Regional competition. And she will be representing Udon Thani Province.

 

It's all about drilling for the solar water systems at the mo'. After I dropped Mildred off in Ban Dung on Wednesday, I had two important tasks. One was to buy some tea for me morning cuppas. And then off to the deep-well drillers, to sort out water business. On the way I just had to stop and snap the road repairs on the 2022.

 

I think any new plans for big new sections, that must cost millions, have been shelved, and just the terrible sections are being repaired. After all there is only so much dosh allocated for Isaan roads. And some of that disappears down side-streets.

 

 

And what a fine job too.

 

So much trouble with the old pump. I was convinced that the spindle in the drum was broken. So i ordered one on Lazada, and it arrived just two days later. Took it to the farm on Thursday and it roared into life after just one pull of the start cord.

 

 

Pumped 6,000 litres in the time I was there on Thursday.

 

Main task was to fill three holding tanks. These were built for fishes way back.

 

 

Bit of a leak in number three.

 

 

And gave the palms a drop.

 

 

Pump looking good. Just 1,850 baht.

 

Any more pumping will be done from number one or two ponds from now on. Plenty of water in those two.

 

Got Soo to clear the area around the concrete water holders. It was chocka with undergrowth and pipe rubbish.

 

 

Yesterday, me and Mildred did a rubbish collection, in the area where Soo had been chomping.

 

 

Then it was chop-chop time.

 

 

No good looking at me dear. They won't chop themselves.

 

 

Then into the fire for burning.

 

Done the three-monthly pics of the euca trees from the far corner of number one.

 

 

Looking North.

 

 

Looking North-east.

 

 

Looking East down the government road.

 

 

TBH, the trees are a disappointment. Number one farm, with 9,500 trees is a let down. Only 10% are acceptable. Compared to number four farm where 90% are good. There are a couple of reasons why this might be. One is that the big farm was planted when it was dry. Then there was a big downpour and the 1,500 trees in number four were planted in wet ground.

Also there was a slight change in planting method. Thirdly; the soil in number four had been well looked after by Pam; who we bought the farm from.

 

And the drillers were contacted. I went along to their yard on Wednesday morning. Dogs and chickens everywhere.

 

Drilling machine resting.

 

 

 

Did the deal. Two wells for 18,000 baht.

 

Started the next day.

 

 

Need lots of water for the drilling.

 

 

First well finished. It was of to number two.

 

 

I told them to be careful of the pipework. Wouldn't want to have to dig that lot up. And they were. Not one damaged.

 

 

With the three solar systems in mind, I was looking at how others mounted their panels.

 

Single concrete post. Just the one panel.

 

 

Single metal post. Two panels.

 

 

And the system next to Guy's farm. Three panels 1,200 watts all told.

 

 

I'm gonna put in four concrete posts. Have ordered them, and will pick them up on Boxing Day.

 

Bit wibbly-wobbly on the 2022. Going to the recycle tecnicians.

 

 

As always in Isaan. Some glorious skies.

 

 

First well went 42 metres down. Water at 8 metres.

 

As soon as I finish posting today, I'll be ordering the first solar pump and controller from Lazada. I'll wait until after Xmas to order the solar panels. I'm thinking 3x400 watt panels. The pump will be 750 watt 24v, with 1.5 inch outlet. The controller Debeto. Have also to get 100+ metres of special cable for the controller to the pump. Shouldn't use standard wire, as it's always gonna be in water. Also a crimping and waterproofing kit.

If all goes well, I;ll order again in the new year for the other two systems. I'll keep a tally, and technical record, of the systems and the money. This could help others in their future ventures.

 

=========

 

Plenty of footy matches recently and coming up. Was particularly impressed with the Cherries and Hatters yesterday. Top two in the EPL drew 1-1 at Anfield. Owls lost at home. Foxes, Saints and Peacocks all had convincing wins.

 

Been quite cold for the last three days. Thermometer read 7C when I got up on Thursday morning. 12C yesterday and 15C today. So gradually getting warmer. Little fires all over the village.

 

The last half dozen times I've gone to the farm, Robert has kept me company. Can trust him not to run off now. Both dogs now 14 months old.

 

Drove through the old farm Friday. The new owners have not yet changed anything. If they decide to cut the trees down I'll be there with the camera. Not quick, easy or cheap. And they have over 300!!
 

Anyone who has been there on the solar, water deep-well scene; please get in touch. It's all new to me. I'll have any advice a'going.

 

Only one thing left to say; merry Christmas y'all.

 

 

 

[DJ54]

Congratulations to Mildred… Healthy and Happy New Years to you and your families 

[owl sees all]

18 hours ago, DJ54 said:

Congratulations to Mildred… Healthy and Happy New Years to you and your families 

Thanks for those kind words DJ.

[GarryP]

Nice to hear that Mildred is doing really well in English. One of my biggest regrets was only speaking Thai at home, resulting in my son being far from fluent. It just seemed more convenient for me as his mother didn't speak English so I only spoke Thai with her and I didn't switch to English with him. 

 

I thought the best time of year for drilling wells was the dry season as the water table is at it lowest then. Heard of people drilling too soon only to be without water heading into March. Having said that 48 meters does sound very deep. 

[owl sees all]

4 hours ago, GarryP said:

Nice to hear that Mildred is doing really well in English. One of my biggest regrets was only speaking Thai at home, resulting in my son being far from fluent. It just seemed more convenient for me as his mother didn't speak English so I only spoke Thai with her and I didn't switch to English with him. 

 

I thought the best time of year for drilling wells was the dry season as the water table is at it lowest then. Heard of people drilling too soon only to be without water heading into March. Having said that 48 meters does sound very deep. 

 

Thanks Garry.

 

Could say we are right in the middle of the dry season. No rain for over two months now.

 

Finished the second bore today. That one is 44 metres deep. Water 8 metres down. The water table is obviously important, but also, the nature of the ground 15/20/30 metres down. The faster the water is pumped out the faster it has to be replenished in the bore. This is one of the reasons why solar pumps are so successful. Sort of 'Steady Eddie'. The AC units can draw up as much as 4 litres a second. If the ground is stony that is fine, but if the water has to slowly filter through, the unit can be pumping, waiting, pumping, waiting for the water. Can result in pump malfunction or bore cave-ins. Both have happened to me in the past. Last time was in farm 3; the one that had to be sold to pay off the Mrs' debts . OK!! Farm gone. but with the bit of dosh left I'll (hopefully) do 3 water systems.

 

As far as water replenishment in the bore goes; the drillers ran an air pump for 20 minutes and the table drop was negligible. The significance of that, is that in a 6 hour pumping day the water should easily stay high enough. And those air pumps do getting on for double a solar pump. Plan to put the solar pump at 30 metres. According to the pump data, that should achieve 90 litres a minute. But, if  - on the second well - I'm adventurous enough - I'll put the pump down at 20/25 metres. We will see.

 

 

Gonna pick up the posts tomorrow. Also some cement, sacks of sand and blocks. All to secure the posts in the ground.