Skip to content
View in the app

A better way to browse. Learn more.

Thailand News and Discussion Forum | ASEANNOW

A full-screen app on your home screen with push notifications, badges and more.

To install this app on iOS and iPadOS
  1. Tap the Share icon in Safari
  2. Scroll the menu and tap Add to Home Screen.
  3. Tap Add in the top-right corner.
To install this app on Android
  1. Tap the 3-dot menu (⋮) in the top-right corner of the browser.
  2. Tap Add to Home screen or Install app.
  3. Confirm by tapping Install.

Diary of a farang in Isaan

Featured Replies

I’m fairly sure Mrs HP tossed a little velvet pouch I had.

It held a couple of “wedding rings” that Mrs HP brought for me at some markets and temples… you know the type “Velly good, almost like gold farang”

Next morning the corrosion had already started… 🙄🤣

The pouch also held some bits of gold colored chain that I found whilst riding my bike in Oz, it seemed to have a bit of weight so I kept it and it also held my wedding ring from my first marriage, a fairly chunky white gold ring that cost me 800/1000 $Aud back in 1992… Grrr.

 

  • Replies 6.6k
  • Views 661.6k
  • Created
  • Last Reply

Top Posters In This Topic

Most Popular Posts

  • 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

  • This story starts 22 years ago.   I first met my future wife, Dee, when she was selling papaya salad (somtam in Thai) on a street stall in Nong Khai. I was forty one and tired of the single

  • I Like the sound of your Wife.

Posted Images

  • Author
  • Popular Post

Owl Log - Sunday 21st of December 2024

 

Still gathering together what we need for the solar water pump. Picked up the PVC pipes and connectors a couple of days ago.

 

pipes00.png.724fb4b14ddd2aeb7263ecdf19128795.png

fixpipes1111.png.c89c7c98f25c6fa186ac29518e06fb7b.png

 

All 4 metres x 1.5 inch. Two different gauges. 2 at 8.5mm and 8 at 5mm. There is a reason for the two. Didn't get the ultra heavy 13.5 pipes. If there is an accident, as we had in number three a few years back, the pipes will hopefully burst, before any other damage is caused. In our unfortunate incident the pump was switched on before the valve was opened. And #$&^*>%!!!

 

Yesterday, me and Mildred put on the connectors. First we cut of 10 inches, or so, off each pipe at the female end.

 

fixpipes11.png.2088ec634e93cbc15c9fde0a26b50651.png

 

These little bits can be used at another time. Then it was the easy job of gluing the connectors on. A male at one end and female at the other.

 

fixpipes.png.fd0c13b3d43246293064630c892dc483.pngfixpipess.png.96f381391f8707a559133e8f500b3041.png

 

The only one that was done differently was the one to be screwed into the pump. This was just one metre long. And was the heavier gauge.

 

fixpipes111.png.75e1d61719a74a5755d6a88bfcb1dbb9.png

 

Ginger always ready to led a paw.

 

So the scene is set for today's action. This afternoon we (me and Mildred) will weld the pump wire to the extension wire.

 

equipment00.png.a39436d32a52224b192bba1e45db1f07.png

 

That's not so easy as the two sets of wires are noticeably different. Pump wires the lower ones. Although the wire content is the same; 4 sq mm

 

equipment01.png.c6731a950d617690d98271c17b30ef29.png

 

The heat-weld kit is ready. All we will need is Mrs Owl's hair dryer.

 

equipment03.png.84be397d5cabd820f4bb47b4becf6160.png

 

equipment02.png.d7ecad23faf1c25476d75f4c49010ab7.png

 

Will not need the holding rope or the controller today.

 

equipment04.png.354062cbe4c8f7c83391bb0a396f1dc1.png

 

Everything is set for us to get stuck in this afternoon. What I'll do is take 35 metres of the cable off. The whole reel weights in at 28 kg, and the pump 8 kg. So cut down on the weight to make it all manageable. If I can get someone to help me put the pump down the well, and everything goes to plan, I'll order the three solar panels. Still have to get the metal frame members. ill pick them up tomorrow. Also two 50cm diametre concrete rings, that will protect the well-head. Already have the bolts.

 

bolts.png.11be9c34f2936ec89a53c97770deb270.png

 

I only hope there is enough water in the ground for all the wells. Another one was being readied yesterday less than 100 metres from one of ours.

 

drillers.png.db109756b92e6120440def7284d89b79.pngdrillerss.png.9010ac7573ccdabfeac7b50f961c483e.png

 

Mrs Owl did no good in the week. She went and cut down the creeper, that I'd been looking after. Have to start all over.

 

creepercut.png.2e1dbc3e4ce1ea72f3f00dba397c9349.png

 

Robert is always ready to get in the pick up. Just getting in is an adventure.

 

dogdrive.png.548fd7e171f34651f310c80bc85e8ad8.png

 

Move over mate. You don't have a licence to drive the Mazza.

 

dogdrivee.png.4c4305f9625f974f0b89eb43b403c924.png

 

Spotted something different on the super-highway.

 

drptobacco.png.57676e4f04b6200fbd7032a39667fc97.png

 

Mrs Owl says they are 'doing' tobacco. I've not seen it before. Will investigate in the week.

 

drytobacco.png.0e5c5204b4ddcc58d2b9f509ded028e7.png

 

Have moved the water pump down to number 2 pond. At least 2 metres of water in there. Plenty until the wet season is with us. But hold on! 94 days without rain. There are no guarantees any more with this climate change. Last year, it was 119 days before a cloud dropped its goodies on us; in February.

 

pumpwater02.png.d7f542d8d67420c16e1bf45361961714.png

 

Don't actually store it away. Cover it over, and hope no-one notices it.

 

pumpwater0.png.0d734aac80f17d032e27262f4d601192.png

 

Mildred still has not moved her kois from the tank to the pond. Up to her.

 

pumpwater00.png.036a76143e861cc73f42af0ae68b134b.png

 

The pipe is very soft, so run it up in a way that it don't flatten. Only have the pump ticking over. It's a 2 incher, and the pipe throughput is a quarter of that.

 

pumpwater01.png.c32d71b13eab2dc5ff1a2b6639e8ce2c.png

 

Burned up a bit of trash in the week.

 

burntrash.png.a17bf08c18534a3948e094f33758ac83.png

 

At the back of number 4 farm, they were also having a burn up.

 

closefire.png.3b87873a86a6532908b34d511d41261c.png

 

Deliveries, deliveries, deliveries.

 

Mrs Owl spent 300 baht on a new hand-bag. I said to her; "Teerak, you already have over 20, why you want more?" "Farang stupid. You not understand lady. Must have plenty hand-bag." Mildred had a small make-up set, and the Mrs had a smart two-piece top and trousers. Although that has to go to the tailors to make it fit. I had my solar stuff. And got the doggies a 20kg sack of biscuit. It's their favourite; 'Zoi dog'.

 

oidogfoof.png.f562cf1e2d13bf8274e43f3deb7b645d.png

 

If I can, i like to meet Mildred from the bus at 5ish every week day. Lots of children and dogs in that area.

 

millybuss.png.ac1d3f34026506baf87fe7408f92b34a.png

 

And there's the bus.

 

millybusss.png.db278fbb96901c450baeda8a5883ca0a.png

 

Another loss for the Owls. Don't look good for them. Orient take another big scalp. Last week Portsmouth away, yesterday Bolton at home. Banks O'Dee win 3-0. Thailand win 2-0 against Kyrgyzstan, in group 'F' of the Asian Cup. They play Oman today.

 

In darts, teenager Luke Littler defeats Michael Van Gerwin, to win his first ranking tournament. Luke, who was beaten by another Luke, Humphries, in the World Championships earlier in the month, also got a '9 darter' in the first leg.

 

Thumb still sore. Swelling gone down. Can't yet undo a button or climb a tree. But getting better slowly.

 

Cold and icy in the UK. Gradually getting warmer here in Isaan. In 6 weeks time we will be roasting.

 

Just after noon. Time to sign off another Owl Log. Take care out there.

 

 

  • Author
  • Popular Post

It's Sunday evening the 28th of January 2024. This is the Owl Log.

 

We are gradually inching towards a successful outcome. Mostly sorted out the area where the action will shortly to be.

 

That's much better.

 

solar003.png.89e068452c9e5e6a6dfab24536d38980.png

 

Had to cap the well. How best to do it. A brainstorm! Cut a piece of ribbed plastic exactly the right size to slip over the 5 inch PVC and into the concrete ring.

 

solar001.png.9bdedd803adf3cdf82143801f4140d72.png

 

Nicely into place

 

solar000.png.82bbf5dec016e7e3b9b84c68e94c2aaf.png

 

Half fill it with concrete. Put on the surrounding ring and fill it up.

 

solar002.png.c54372aa22e75f1f164f803b2dd7abe1.png

 

Put the cap back on and cleaned it all up. Had to buy a concrete holder. Didn't really want a big one, but that's all they had. Plan to concrete the base sometime in the future. No rush for that though.

 

solar003.png.89e068452c9e5e6a6dfab24536d38980.png

 

Finally got the water-sensor' wire. It stops the pump working when the water is no more. Will put it a half metre above the pump. Once again the wire was different to the original, I think it's because the standards in China are considerably different to just about everywhere else. Anyway, used the rope - already cut to 35 metres - to measure and chop off the required amount of the sensor wire.

 

solalkit00.png.907e350b993552724091767a740cd1a3.pngsolalkit000.png.8fabe70bd04684ba6a6d172114a8ec41.png

 

But since then, I've changed my mind about the connections, so today, when I dropped Mildred off in Ban Dung, I went shopping and bought a soldering kit. I'm gonna undo the 5 connections I've done and solder them.

 

Have ordered the solar panels. They will be with us early next month. Then we'll pick a day to connect everything up. Probably Saturday 10th February. Once everything is up and running, I'll look at the water delivery to the palms. That will be a challenge.

 

Mildred! What is that on top of those posts?

 

cowposts.png.216ad60d419e3f79a9002b845f0a590f.png

 

Silly me. It's cows. Eyes not so sharp now-a-days.

 

cowpostss.png.22cab53d1f996559a6fdadf97ba4a7b1.png

 

Express train Bangkok to Nong Khai. Soon to be achieved - by train - in under 4 hours. This one crossing the H2 just north of Udon Thani.

 

train.png.b48fb694945dc0ef9795d37eb1e1e59c.png

 

The tobacco business that I spotted last week is a much bigger concern that I'd realised.

 

tobacco00.png.ae75467a6f3d1b0e89c1311d1a4de133.pngtobacco01.png.1241c4d5554416b810367388a6debe09.png

 

Plenty of bamboos needed.

 

tobacco02.png.d765874a22ac6510daeb9abd36fceb0f.png

 

Two locks of tobacco growing at the mo. More areas to come; I'm sure.

 

tobacco03.png.91d9eb8453f0389ba18170f50c7e4ef7.png

 

Very labour intensive it all is. That makes it cheap!

 

tobacco04.png.f43ed8d95795cff22dbe7ed878d6b6f6.pngtobacoo.png.30edba891cdf5c6db91b9202fab9481f.png

 

Visited an area for the first time in yonks. The lake is covered in lilies. Absolutely lovely.

 

lillylake.png.149565abb05fd344a393deacb39bd6d7.png

 

The trees are wonderful too.

 

lillylake00.png.9ce7d88bc59189d114bc2059fec30e65.png

 

My new helper is just along from farm 2. Will try to enlist his help as I used to do with Soo. Not big work, but stuff I am finding it harder to do on my own now-a-days. He was doing his charcoal when I last asked him.

 

makechar.png.9d2956b62cbee26044d39917552b8204.png

 

While I was otherwise engaged, the village Wat had a roof put over the walkway. And a floodlight.

 

budwalk.png.001f55aea1981d9522ead86198d533fa.png

 

Next to the 4016 - that's the road that connects the village to the 2022 Udon road, there is a big demolition job going on.

 

demhouse.png.048892a085d7c4c4b24c8f9bfdeb2b38.png

 

Watch that space; as they say.

 

Another death in the village last week. An elderly lady I'm informed. Quite a big party for her sending off.

 

deadpartyy.png.4f01029b03621bababd76edfc1d2eb69.png

 

Mildred decided it was time for the Mazza to get a wash.

 

washmazza00.png.58a2ab76f3afab0842c2928b2f1a2138.png

 

Robert was at hand to help in any way. Waste of water; if you ask me.

 

washmazza01.png.c9722849c9d511f155ba771a2200dc01.png

 

And when it was done Mildred made it look pretty.

 

washmazza03.png.1eb532235c04225e8a34ad3f68f3b7a4.png

 

A young lad came along to play with Poom opposite. Just 8 years old, arriving on his leccy scooter. Just let it fall down outside. No walking or cycling for him.

 

washmazza02.png.9f7db749bb745ecd1bca8a8ef5978467.png

 

++++

 

FA Cup week end. Well played Sinner and Maidstone. Pick of the rest Barcelona 3 - Villarreal 5.

 

Had an add' sploshed across the work-space. Just couldn't get rid of it. Had to refresh the page to carry on. Lost a little unsaved work. Shouldn't be like this.

 

Took Mildred to Ban Dung along with her friend today. Picked them both up at 3. Travelling eats into my Sunday time. It looks as though there is a big water leak under the road leading north out of Ban Dung. When they get to sort that out it will be chaos for a week.

 

Passed the new fishing place. Quite a dew cars and p/ups parked up. A bit pricey at 350 baht for a day. Might try it when the Solar system is done.

 

Need two new front tyres for the Mazza. Have to do it it before the MoT in March.

 

Right now! The Thai lottery. Get into '0' and '7' - with supporting numbers '3' and '9' - this time. Don't want no commission. Just win and enjoy the easy money.

 

Thanks for visiting. Take care y'all.

 

My apologies to you all for the length of time it has taken me to reply, but I am grateful for the answers put forward. Our smaller pond which has the grass problem is about two and a half meters deep and normally dries out by about April. I'll dust it with lime and see what happens in July/August. There's a lot of wild fish in it at the moment but we'll hand pick them for the bbq. The big pond was about four meters deep but the sides have gradually eroded but this retains water ( and fish ) all year round. No grass problem in this one. I need to get around to building my koi pond and move the dozen or so that have grown in this pond along with some huge pla rat ( giant gourami ) which we bought for a fish tank. From about four inches long some five years ago, they are now about two feet in length. We've also removed the couple of mekong catfish which had grown into ginormous monsters:- Hmmm, tried to insert pics but no go......yet

Busy weekend Mr Owl ?

Farang with idle hands do the devils work I’m told. 
🤣

can someone enlighten me as to this pic ?

It came across fb on the Ban Dung Update page the other day. 
The fb auto translate often doesn’t work on this page, I suspect they may be writing in Lao language ?

Mr Owl had mentioned a fishing park, which conjured images of hoards of Thai and Farang with bait casters, fly rods and maybe hand lines not this rabble with Thai nets !

It looks like a total circus down there ! 🤣

 

IMG_1382.jpeg

1 hour ago, HighPriority said:

Busy weekend Mr Owl ?

Farang with idle hands do the devils work I’m told. 
🤣

can someone enlighten me as to this pic ?

It came across fb on the Ban Dung Update page the other day. 
The fb auto translate often doesn’t work on this page, I suspect they may be writing in Lao language ?

Mr Owl had mentioned a fishing park, which conjured images of hoards of Thai and Farang with bait casters, fly rods and maybe hand lines not this rabble with Thai nets !

It looks like a total circus down there ! 🤣

 

IMG_1382.jpeg

On a much smaller scale, this is what happened when my sister-in-law decided to fill in one of her ponds and invited the whole village (only about 12 houses) to take out the fish for free. Maybe that's what's happening here.

8 minutes ago, chickenslegs said:

On a much smaller scale, this is what happened when my sister-in-law decided to fill in one of her ponds and invited the whole village (only about 12 houses) to take out the fish for free. Maybe that's what's happening here.

 

Exactly my thoughts.

2 hours ago, finnomick1 said:

My apologies to you all for the length of time it has taken me to reply, but I am grateful for the answers put forward. Our smaller pond which has the grass problem is about two and a half meters deep and normally dries out by about April.

Finnomick,

 

The grass problem is because the pond dries out. My old pond (now dugout deeper) used to have this problem if the bottom dried out for more than a month, and new grass would grow. If a wet year and didn't dry out, not much new grass. Slaked lime (calcium Hydroxide) (much harder to get than ordinary CaCo3 lime) might burn the grass enough to prevent regrowth. Once it starts to rain again it will gradually suck up CO2 and become relatively harmless.

  • Author
  • Popular Post

It's Monday the 5th of February. And this is the weekly Owl Log.

 

A busy week end. Went to the Number 4 Market yesterday and didn't get back home until 4ish. We went earlier than usual as Mildred wanted to meet up with some friends, so we left at 9-30. Probably because we were there early, it was much busier than a couple of hours later, when we would normally arrive.

 

Couldn't get our normal parking spot outside Kimberly's old gaff, so had to park outside Kubota, across the road. The big building, next to the church, had progressed a lot. It will be interesting to see what it is all for.

 

marketparking.png.ad217a59220f6095249ee620109dfe27.png

 

We had ordered 200 pinkies, and of course, couldn't resist getting a couple of lovely kois.

 

market01.png.af7806eda9b5b04a7559beaec68154eb.png

 

market00.png.9d74010ed05cdfb0b148fca4b3183182.png

 

This is one fantastic market. You could walk in completely naked, and as long as you have 235 baht, would come out .looking like a 'big cheese'. Togged out in designer brands and Chinese specials. It's rumoured that some ladies do that. But they get there early doors to get the best clobber.

 

It's not just clothes. It's plants, trees, tools, footwear (I bought a new pair of sandals for 50 baht), food and pets.

 

market0.png.6cd9680ec6a497b29413d5694cdd1ce6.png

 

market03.png.26fea5f0ca1cc134be15f433b8c9b54b.png

 

market02.png.67d1ef768854f7c958db2c2db2a276fd.png

 

market05.png.d1465b1379ecd249343c5e86a537c912.png

 

Hedgehogs for the garden.

 

market06.png.29ec7329d73385108fb03ad75a0e690a.png

 

And of course smart phones. Top of the range items. The most expensive at 1,950 baht, but most less than a grand.

 

market04.png.746ba02eb91f1662b15b995400a0a617.png

 

Then it was off to Big C, for the weekly shop. And then onto farm to let the fishes go.

 

letfishgo.png.b882bb6915d85f9914f9bbce90118208.png

 

letfishgoo.png.81506fb4872ac4ea5a2a796886e9cf3c.png

 

Solar panels were delivered in the week. Popped them into the spare bedroom.

 

panelsinbed.png.c65301861d2aaec221a2d0c3a9c32597.png

 

Finished the preparation work at the farm.

 

finishedbase00.png.5301892c452f7c57ce61109a5ecb7094.png

 

finishedbase01.png.ebaac7fb0bc67d572aba3cc73d5a2cff.png

 

finishedbase02.png.ec74b9706a1a4d1ff767a55816dbba02.png

 

finishedbase.png.49d00537ca5d407f515b3a3030ac9f16.png

 

On Saturday me and Mildred fixed up the wiring for the pump and the 'low/no water' sensor.

 

fixwires0.png.0b160b66dab7556f8c95576c2e5690d6.png

 

Got to grips with me new soldering kit.

 

fixwires00.png.caa8038e5dac4e66cf31be693a04760c.png

 

Slid on the heat-shrink tubes.

 

fixwires000.png.3317f91e4ad48ded5f3846c0ad75bfb5.png

 

Put on some leccy tape and protected the joint.

 

fixwires0000.png.a86c331ad08a27341e3be509fecd601e.png

 

All done.

 

The big building in Ban Dung is coming along nicely.

 

bignewbuildd.png.159cb355483e161739922cb9fb6803d4.png

 

bignewbuild.png.1bfc8218eb8c060a348fac2325ac6ed0.png

 

Next door. The house that time forgot!

 

sadhouse.png.4fb776e82ae6683e4a74018f766ebed4.png

 

When the dwelling has reached its sell-by date; it has to go. This one just outside the village being knocked down. Don't seem to be much progress since last week; but there is just one demolition  lady with a hammer!.

 

demolishhouse.png.a02fa9c27b639fa9792727429da4c8b3.png

 

Called into the 7-11 (northern end). Some glorious fishes outside the coffee shop.

 

711fish.png.9bd7046d292a8cafab211c79f1382151.png

 

Sugar cutting on the go everywhere. But less this year than I have seen since arriving in Isaan.

 

cutsugar.png.7c332090cf6937987b4ea2a404309292.png

 

An unusual build in one of Ban Dung's back streets. No steps leading up. Gonna be nice when it's finished.

 

strangebuild.png.c3d0c70e3b851eab45116f8c2a0ea2dc.png

 

A new cat found a home at Grandma's. Robert just wants to say 'hello'.

 

newcat.png.391e1c748d9b9a6feee027ba07d34297.png

 

Solar panel mountings

 

solarfixings.png.daccf57513546f231585a28797704ed2.png

 

solarfixingss.png.8a91baf5eb836d8c2bafe980627e7ba8.png

 

Couldn't get them at the market or in town. Gonna make my own.

 

So nice to be here. Water is low in number 5 pond.

 

farmclouds.png.64e112ae5fd22fd8203a5f41182dc8b9.png

 

++++

 

Goals all over the place in the EPL. 8 at Toon. 6 at The Bridge, and 5 at both Brighton and Sheffield. Top 3 in the Championship are the three that were relegated last season. Orient up to 9th.

 

Thumb still not good. After I did the whipping on Saturday, it ached like I'd just whacked it with a hammer. But has eased today.

 

Found a pair of shorts, hidden away. It has 8 pockets. Not seen that many before. Although one is inside another.

 

I was getting ready to post this morning. Then I was informed that I had to run a blood sample to Ban Dung hospital. A lot a hanging about there. I did get the last three things I needed for next Sunday's solar assembly at the farm though. Just need to get the team together for the action day.

 

Conflicts all over the place in the Middle East. Africa too. Quiet in South East Asia for the time being. Although Burma still has a conflict.

 

The snails came out of their hibernation last week. Gonna let them go later today.

 

Gonna make a start on the solar panel mountings later. Mrs Owl is asleep. Dare not wake her up with some banging. Would definitely send her on the whack.

 

Mildred has camping in the forest for three days this week; 8th, 9th, and 10th. She says she wants to go. I would say 'no', if push comes to shove. Best if I go to the farm for those days.

 

Had a little rain a week ago. Just about enough to stop a game of cricket. Not seen a rain-cloud since.

 

Got Mildred to listen to 'Riders on the storm'. One of my all-time favourites out of the USA. Think she enjoyed it.

 

Another death in the village. A guy in his 50s. Don't know anything more yet.

 

Not one 'pop up add' has sploshed across the workspace for this post. Things are looking up.

 

Late posting. Yesterday wiped out, and had to run to Ban Dung with just 10 minutes notice this morning. Better late than never!

 

Only think left to say; take care out there.

 

 

An interesting battle going on for 2nd place in the Championship at the moment, Leeds briefly hit 2nd spot but down to 3rd again and Ipswich have a game in hand so could well go back to 4th.

I still have a lot of Leeds fans friends back home who are enjoying the action, if they were honest I think they would admit seeing them play well in the Championship is more rewarding than seeing them struggle in the Premier, but they would never admit that !!

 

19 hours ago, chickenslegs said:

On a much smaller scale, this is what happened when my sister-in-law decided to fill in one of her ponds and invited the whole village (only about 12 houses) to take out the fish for free. Maybe that's what's happening here.

Interesting.

 

  • Author
3 hours ago, Andrew Dwyer said:

An interesting battle going on for 2nd place in the Championship at the moment, Leeds briefly hit 2nd spot but down to 3rd again and Ipswich have a game in hand so could well go back to 4th.

I still have a lot of Leeds fans friends back home who are enjoying the action, if they were honest I think they would admit seeing them play well in the Championship is more rewarding than seeing them struggle in the Premier, but they would never admit that !!

 

I did say on the thread that I thought all three relegated would return. In my memory they were the best three teams to go down since 3 up, 3 down started.

 

In the Asian Cup, Thailand are out. Sitting pretty at half way after the group games. They lost to Uzbekistan 2-1 in the first knockout. Never scored enough goals. Only 3 in their 4 matches.

41 minutes ago, owl sees all said:

I did say on the thread that I thought all three relegated would return. In my memory they were the best three teams to go down since 3 up, 3 down started.

 

In the Asian Cup, Thailand are out. Sitting pretty at half way after the group games. They lost to Uzbekistan 2-1 in the first knockout. Never scored enough goals. Only 3 in their 4 matches.

 

5 hours ago, owl sees all said:

It's Monday the 5th of February. And this is the weekly Owl Log.

 

A busy week end. Went to the Number 4 Market yesterday and didn't get back home until 4ish. We went earlier than usual as Mildred wanted to meet up with some friends, so we left at 9-30. Probably because we were there early, it was much busier than a couple of hours later, when we would normally arrive.

 

Couldn't get our normal parking spot outside Kimberly's old gaff, so had to park outside Kubota, across the road. The big building, next to the church, had progressed a lot. It will be interesting to see what it is all for.

 

marketparking.png.ad217a59220f6095249ee620109dfe27.png

 

We had ordered 200 pinkies, and of course, couldn't resist getting a couple of lovely kois.

 

market01.png.af7806eda9b5b04a7559beaec68154eb.png

 

market00.png.9d74010ed05cdfb0b148fca4b3183182.png

 

This is one fantastic market. You could walk in completely naked, and as long as you have 235 baht, would come out .looking like a 'big cheese'. Togged out in designer brands and Chinese specials. It's rumoured that some ladies do that. But they get there early doors to get the best clobber.

 

It's not just clothes. It's plants, trees, tools, footwear (I bought a new pair of sandals for 50 baht), food and pets.

 

market0.png.6cd9680ec6a497b29413d5694cdd1ce6.png

 

market03.png.26fea5f0ca1cc134be15f433b8c9b54b.png

 

market02.png.67d1ef768854f7c958db2c2db2a276fd.png

 

market05.png.d1465b1379ecd249343c5e86a537c912.png

 

Hedgehogs for the garden.

 

market06.png.29ec7329d73385108fb03ad75a0e690a.png

 

And of course smart phones. Top of the range items. The most expensive at 1,950 baht, but most less than a grand.

 

market04.png.746ba02eb91f1662b15b995400a0a617.png

 

Then it was off to Big C, for the weekly shop. And then onto farm to let the fishes go.

 

letfishgo.png.b882bb6915d85f9914f9bbce90118208.png

 

letfishgoo.png.81506fb4872ac4ea5a2a796886e9cf3c.png

 

Solar panels were delivered in the week. Popped them into the spare bedroom.

 

panelsinbed.png.c65301861d2aaec221a2d0c3a9c32597.png

 

Finished the preparation work at the farm.

 

finishedbase00.png.5301892c452f7c57ce61109a5ecb7094.png

 

finishedbase01.png.ebaac7fb0bc67d572aba3cc73d5a2cff.png

 

finishedbase02.png.ec74b9706a1a4d1ff767a55816dbba02.png

 

finishedbase.png.49d00537ca5d407f515b3a3030ac9f16.png

 

On Saturday me and Mildred fixed up the wiring for the pump and the 'low/no water' sensor.

 

fixwires0.png.0b160b66dab7556f8c95576c2e5690d6.png

 

Got to grips with me new soldering kit.

 

fixwires00.png.caa8038e5dac4e66cf31be693a04760c.png

 

Slid on the heat-shrink tubes.

 

fixwires000.png.3317f91e4ad48ded5f3846c0ad75bfb5.png

 

Put on some leccy tape and protected the joint.

 

fixwires0000.png.a86c331ad08a27341e3be509fecd601e.png

 

All done.

 

The big building in Ban Dung is coming along nicely.

 

bignewbuildd.png.159cb355483e161739922cb9fb6803d4.png

 

bignewbuild.png.1bfc8218eb8c060a348fac2325ac6ed0.png

 

Next door. The house that time forgot!

 

sadhouse.png.4fb776e82ae6683e4a74018f766ebed4.png

 

When the dwelling has reached its sell-by date; it has to go. This one just outside the village being knocked down. Don't seem to be much progress since last week; but there is just one demolition  lady with a hammer!.

 

demolishhouse.png.a02fa9c27b639fa9792727429da4c8b3.png

 

Called into the 7-11 (northern end). Some glorious fishes outside the coffee shop.

 

711fish.png.9bd7046d292a8cafab211c79f1382151.png

 

Sugar cutting on the go everywhere. But less this year than I have seen since arriving in Isaan.

 

cutsugar.png.7c332090cf6937987b4ea2a404309292.png

 

An unusual build in one of Ban Dung's back streets. No steps leading up. Gonna be nice when it's finished.

 

strangebuild.png.c3d0c70e3b851eab45116f8c2a0ea2dc.png

 

A new cat found a home at Grandma's. Robert just wants to say 'hello'.

 

newcat.png.391e1c748d9b9a6feee027ba07d34297.png

 

Solar panel mountings

 

solarfixings.png.daccf57513546f231585a28797704ed2.png

 

solarfixingss.png.8a91baf5eb836d8c2bafe980627e7ba8.png

 

Couldn't get them at the market or in town. Gonna make my own.

 

So nice to be here. Water is low in number 5 pond.

 

farmclouds.png.64e112ae5fd22fd8203a5f41182dc8b9.png

 

++++

 

Goals all over the place in the EPL. 8 at Toon. 6 at The Bridge, and 5 at both Brighton and Sheffield. Top 3 in the Championship are the three that were relegated last season. Orient up to 9th.

 

Thumb still not good. After I did the whipping on Saturday, it ached like I'd just whacked it with a hammer. But has eased today.

 

Found a pair of shorts, hidden away. It has 8 pockets. Not seen that many before. Although one is inside another.

 

I was getting ready to post this morning. Then I was informed that I had to run a blood sample to Ban Dung hospital. A lot a hanging about there. I did get the last three things I needed for next Sunday's solar assembly at the farm though. Just need to get the team together for the action day.

 

Conflicts all over the place in the Middle East. Africa too. Quiet in South East Asia for the time being. Although Burma still has a conflict.

 

The snails came out of their hibernation last week. Gonna let them go later today.

 

Gonna make a start on the solar panel mountings later. Mrs Owl is asleep. Dare not wake her up with some banging. Would definitely send her on the whack.

 

Mildred has camping in the forest for three days this week; 8th, 9th, and 10th. She says she wants to go. I would say 'no', if push comes to shove. Best if I go to the farm for those days.

 

Had a little rain a week ago. Just about enough to stop a game of cricket. Not seen a rain-cloud since.

 

Got Mildred to listen to 'Riders on the storm'. One of my all-time favourites out of the USA. Think she enjoyed it.

 

Another death in the village. A guy in his 50s. Don't know anything more yet.

 

Not one 'pop up add' has sploshed across the workspace for this post. Things are looking up.

 

Late posting. Yesterday wiped out, and had to run to Ban Dung with just 10 minutes notice this morning. Better late than never!

 

Only think left to say; take care out there.

 

But our question is WHERE IS OSCAR ???? NEVER SEEN HIM FOR MONTHS DONT TELL HE'S ---- NO LIES PLEASE

1 hour ago, pickettywitch said:

 

But our question is WHERE IS OSCAR ???? NEVER SEEN HIM FOR MONTHS DONT TELL HE'S ---- NO LIES PLEASE

IIRC Oscar is the shy one. Last mention was 6 November 2023 (I did a search of the topic) when he had a scrap with the cat, Poo. I hope all is okay.

8 minutes ago, chickenslegs said:

IIRC Oscar is the shy one. Last mention was 6 November 2023 (I did a search of the topic) when he had a scrap with the cat, Poo. I hope all is okay.

 

8 minutes ago, chickenslegs said:

IIRC Oscar is the shy one. Last mention was 6 November 2023 (I did a search of the topic) when he had a scrap with the cat, Poo. I hope all is okay.

Yes C L i missed that! but Oscar a worry been nothing about him only Robert which worries us 🙏

8 hours ago, owl sees all said:

It's not just clothes. It's plants, trees, tools, footwear (I bought a new pair of sandals for 50 baht), food and pets.

Pics or it didn't happen.  :cool:

Have a great day

  • Author
9 hours ago, chickenslegs said:

IIRC Oscar is the shy one. Last mention was 6 November 2023 (I did a search of the topic) when he had a scrap with the cat, Poo. I hope all is okay.

 

Robert is the one that gets about. Comes to the farm with me every day. Oscar was not so keen on the farm.

 

Oscar was the enforcer. Now he is calm.

  • Author
16 hours ago, Andrew Dwyer said:

An interesting battle going on for 2nd place in the Championship at the moment, Leeds briefly hit 2nd spot but down to 3rd again and Ipswich have a game in hand so could well go back to 4th.

I still have a lot of Leeds fans friends back home who are enjoying the action, if they were honest I think they would admit seeing them play well in the Championship is more rewarding than seeing them struggle in the Premier, but they would never admit that !!

 

I think the top two will be Foxes and Saints. Play-offs are gonna be very interesting.

 

There are some very decent crowds attending the Championship games. Make you right Andy about there being competitive in a lower league.

  • Author
10 hours ago, pickettywitch said:

 

Yes C L i missed that! but Oscar a worry been nothing about him only Robert which worries us 🙏

 

Have you moved PW? Left wonderful Isaan, and moved to cold, grimy Toon country?

  • Author
11 hours ago, rhodie said:

Pics or it didn't happen.  :cool:

''It's not just clothes. It's plants, trees, tools, footwear (I bought a new pair of sandals for 50 baht), food and pets. ''

 

11 hours ago, rhodie said:

Pics or it didn't happen.  :cool:

 

 

Quite right Mr rhodie. Should have backed up such a  profound statement with an irrefutable fact. So here goes.

 

newshoes.png.1333c2cb652f49aeca1be97d945491b2.png

 

 

  • Popular Post
3 minutes ago, owl sees all said:

''It's not just clothes. It's plants, trees, tools, footwear (I bought a new pair of sandals for 50 baht), food and pets. ''

 

 

 

Quite right Mr rhodie. Should have backed up such a  profound statement with an irrefutable fact. So here goes.

 

newshoes.png.1333c2cb652f49aeca1be97d945491b2.png

 

 


See you bought one for coming and one for going, wise old Owl !

  • Author
13 minutes ago, Andrew Dwyer said:


See you bought one for coming and one for going, wise old Owl !

One for the left foot, and one for the right. Honest Andy, not tell porkies.

  • Author
On 2/4/2024 at 7:35 PM, finnomick1 said:

IMG_8501.JPG

Mekons! Fantastic pics Mick. Thanks.

  • Author
On 2/4/2024 at 8:02 PM, HighPriority said:

Busy weekend Mr Owl ?

Farang with idle hands do the devils work I’m told. 
🤣

can someone enlighten me as to this pic ?

It came across fb on the Ban Dung Update page the other day. 
The fb auto translate often doesn’t work on this page, I suspect they may be writing in Lao language ?

Mr Owl had mentioned a fishing park, which conjured images of hoards of Thai and Farang with bait casters, fly rods and maybe hand lines not this rabble with Thai nets !

It looks like a total circus down there ! 🤣

 

IMG_1382.jpeg

Does look a bit hectic. The water is very shallow. The fishes must be scared. Let's hope they were OK.

6 hours ago, owl sees all said:

 

Have you moved PW? Left wonderful Isaan, and moved to cold, grimy Toon country?

Good old Big Al humorous as ever Now see some folk on here have healthy bank accounts and able to go home and visit family as you mentioned you've burnt all your bridges back home sadly so dont be bitchy old lad lol

now if OSCAR still with us we'd like so see him occasionally not left to thoughts of WHERES THE OTHER DOG while you prat on with ya dodgy wiring LOL

  • Author
1 minute ago, pickettywitch said:

Good old Big Al humorous as ever Now see some folk on here have healthy bank accounts and able to go home and visit family as you mentioned you've burnt all your bridges back home sadly so dont be bitchy old lad lol

now if OSCAR still with us we'd like so see him occasionally not left to thoughts of WHERES THE OTHER DOG while you prat on with ya dodgy wiring LOL

Are you still in Isaan PW? Only going by your stated location; Newcastle.

 

The two little dogs across the road have died. Very sad. They were good pals with Robert and Oscar.

2 hours ago, owl sees all said:

Are you still in Isaan PW? Only going by your stated location; Newcastle.

 

The two little dogs across the road have died. Very sad. They were good pals with Robert and Oscar.

Well you see Im a northerner and proud on it LOL _ Here basically it not your country or your culture big Al and dont ya know it according the the powers that be Immigration your a paying guest basically dont fit the criteria ya OOT ! and dont we know it Its always handy to have options in your court but many expats here dont just keep eating ya 5 kilo o cheese LOL 

  • Author
1 hour ago, pickettywitch said:

Well you see Im a northerner and proud on it LOL _ Here basically it not your country or your culture big Al and dont ya know it according the the powers that be Immigration your a paying guest basically dont fit the criteria ya OOT ! and dont we know it Its always handy to have options in your court but many expats here dont just keep eating ya 5 kilo o cheese LOL 

Make you right there PW. But I like the life here. It has its up, and has its downs, but I'm committed to Thailand, and Isaan particularly. Now, I'd only go back to England for an emergency. Or if I got kicked out.

 

Just about to have a cheese sarnie with tommies. Lovely!

 

Anyway, take care out there; where ever you are.

Guest
This topic is now closed to further replies.

Recently Browsing 0

  • No registered users viewing this page.

Account

Navigation

Search

Search

Configure browser push notifications

Chrome (Android)
  1. Tap the lock icon next to the address bar.
  2. Tap Permissions → Notifications.
  3. Adjust your preference.
Chrome (Desktop)
  1. Click the padlock icon in the address bar.
  2. Select Site settings.
  3. Find Notifications and adjust your preference.