Diary of a farang in Isaan

[GarryP]

Had to stop reading the thread. Such a shock. I had never met him in person but we corresponded online. I was looking forward to finally meeting him when I move up his way in a couple of years. Even talked about him with my wife and told her that I wanted to cycle around like he did. He seemed to know every nook and cranny of his part of the country.

 

Very sad. He will be missed. My thoughts are with his family and friends. 

[samsensam]

On 5/8/2020 at 4:21 PM, owl sees all said:

Owl Log - 08-05-2020

 

Been a frustrating week. Everything seemed to be breaking. First the pick-up was giving prob's. Turned out to be a seized air con compressor motor. A local man hes opened a shop and reports have been good. Let him have it for three days. Got it back today. 10,500 Baht. While the jalopy was in the shop one of our house fans stopped. Fixed that (yea). Then the wife's TV-watching chair collapsed. Wired the rear cross-member, back in place. That'll do! Seemed to please her. I'll do the front-member; if I can find it. 

 

Tried to fix the portable a/c. Took it apart. Plenty of wires to see. Thought I'd by-pass everything and when it was plugged in just the fan would work. On the scrap heap now, waiting for the junk man. But, not to be defeated, I tried to get the mozzie-exterminator going. Should get something

decent when Chai Steptoe arrives in the village.

 

 

 

One of the little lads (Neil) brought me his bike to fix. Dear me!I Only put new tyres and pedals on it a couple of weeks back. Now the brakes are hanging off and the handlebars are well loose. I'll have a look tomorrow.

 

%^%^%^%^%^%^%^%^%^%^%^%^%^%^%^%^%^%^%^%

 

No rain, so I decided to wait no longer and pump some water from number 4 to number 5. I'll do a couple more inches at the w/e.

 

 

^%^%^%^%^%^%^%^%^%^%^%^%^%^%^%^%^%^%^%

 

The children were out in force at the farm on Wednesday. TBH I wasn't happy with them in pond 5. They made it very muddy and I'm sure the fishes were not best pleased,

 

 

 

 

Your time will come Poom. Be patient!

 

 

And what's better when you get out than a hose down with,,,,, well, pond water.

 

 

%^%^%^%^%^%^%^%^%^%^%^%^%^%^%^%^%^%^%

 

Some of the children find the pink catfish fascinating.

 

 

Action man just wants action!

 

%^%^%^%^%^%^%^%^%^%^%^%^%^%^%^%^%^%^%

 

At the farm this evening we moved to pond 4 for the frivolities. I banned them from pond 5.

 

 

 

They spotted me taking a snap or two.

 

 

%^%^%^%^%^%^%^%^%^%^%^%^%^%^%^%^%^%^%

 

The village super highway is still moving ahead. I'm not impressed with the way they leave it for days.

 

 

Just downright dangerous for the children. I've told the 'cross-road gang' to be careful. The 'end of the road crew' don't listen though. Those spikes could rip open a kid's leg.

 

 

%^%^%^%^%^%^%^%^%^%^%^%^%^%^%^%^%^%^%

 

Had some hot days recently. Inadvertently locked Charkie in the house this afternoon. Found her in the corner of the bathroom when we returned from the farm. She must have been cursing me.

 

A dry storm again last night. According to all the charts; this month (May) should see 15-17 wet days, with 300mm of rain falling. So far we have had zero days rain. It's getting serious!

 

Mrs Owl made me a nice cuppa earlier. Is she beginning to see the error in her ways? I wonder. Might find out tonight.

 

Bye y'all.

 

 

 

The village super highway is still moving ahead. I'm not impressed with the way they leave it for days.

 

this happens in bangkok all the time with road and pavement renewals and small construction work, they'll move in rip everything up then disappear for a while usually leaving an unsightly and unsafe mess. then return do a bit of work then clear off again, for what can be weeks, before returning and repeating. not only does this have a negative effect on the local living environment but it's an ineffective and inefficient way of working as they are continually moving and removing men and machinery around.

 

i'm sure there are reasons for it as it's so common it can't just be disorganised contractors, i suspect either they take on too many jobs and dont have the resources so try to keep them all going or the longer a job takes the more they get paid... or likely some form of corruption makes it worthwhile to work in this way...

 

[sotonowl]

RIP Michael, that truly is terrible news. I wish his wife and family all the best for their future, This is so sad, he seemed to be as fit as a fiddle with all the cycling he did, very difficult to understand this.

[Emmess]

RIP Michael. Though I don't contribute to the threads much, this definitely is one of my fav threads. Loved his cycling pictures in rural areas. Definitely he was a very nice and a decent man. He will be missed, keep safe all..... 

[Andrew Dwyer]

 

I wish there was a Page of Remembrance thread ( there is only one in the Chiang Mai forum I believe ).

Posters would be informed of others passing by following the thread but also have a chance to leave their respects.

I know Michel posted in the photography threads and possibly had many fellow posters who are not aware. It was a similar case when Ron19 passed.

 

I don’t want this to appear disrespectful but I think most of us on here have fellow posters who we either know personally or communicate with by pm and being made aware ( by following the thread) on their passing would be helpful.

 

What do others think ?

[owl sees all]

4 minutes ago, Andrew Dwyer said:

 

I wish there was a Page of Remembrance thread ( there is only one in the Chiang Mai forum I believe ).

Posters would be informed of others passing by following the thread but also have a chance to leave their respects.

I know Michel posted in the photography threads and possibly had many fellow posters who are not aware. It was a similar case when Ron19 passed.

 

I don’t want this to appear disrespectful but I think most of us on here have fellow posters who we either know personally or communicate with by pm and being made aware ( by following the thread) on their passing would be helpful.

 

What do others think ?

I've thought along similar lines myself. Two posters in particular - that I've chatted with on messenger - have simply dropped out of sight.

 

With that thought in mind I'm gonna put a telephone number on my profile. If I'm not posting, for a while, and there is no response on TVForum messenger. Give the Mrs a call, or a text, please.

 

[HighPriority]

Shattered. 
Thank you Asterix, I would have loved to meet you, I thoroughly enjoyed reading your posts. 
All that we do know us that we are closer to the end than the beginning, tomorrow I will ride for you my friend. 
RIP. 

[bannork]

When someone is old and their vital organs fail, I can accept their death, the body has outlived its usefulness, it's time to move beyond this life, whatever that entails.

But when someone dies suddenly, unexpectedly, before their time, it's so hard.

I'm not religious but after losing some one very dear to me last month, I find myself begging her to give me a sign that she is 'okay.'

Enter my dreams, whisper to me when I'm sleeping, just tell me you're okay, wherever you are now. I can't bear it that you were torn away from us, I can continue if I know you are alright, wherever you are.

Of course I'm asking for the impossible but I can't help it. 

[HighPriority]

42 minutes ago, owl sees all said:

I've thought along similar lines myself. Two posters in particular - that I've chatted with on messenger - have simply dropped out of sight.

 

With that thought in mind I'm gonna put a telephone number on my profile. If I'm not posting, for a while, and there is no response on TVForum messenger. Give the Mrs a call, or a text, please.

 

Yes, I’ve been in a few forum where people have just vanished, sometimes people who I thought I knew well, they all have their reasons, but in situations like this, it’s nice to be able to say goodbye. 
Keep away from your bloody ladder for a few days please Owl...

[chickenslegs]

10 hours ago, bluesofa said:

I’m really sorry to have to tell everyone that Assurancetourix has died.

 

I emailed him yesterday but he didn’t reply, so I just phoned him now.
According to his wife he apparently had a stomach infection for a few days.
He went to the hospital who gave him some pills and said it would be OK. It got worse and he went back to the hospital again.

He died on 6 May. His name was Michel, he was 71.
I only met him once, in February when he came to visit me from Sakon Nakhon where lived.
RIP.

 

That is very sad and I will miss his presence here - strange how we can feel sadness about the passing of someone we never met.

71 years is not that old these days. Seems he was fit and healthy, so should have had a few more years to live.

However, what we know from his postings here is that he enjoyed a full and eventful life right to the end.

I hope this does not seem crass or disrespectful, but it would be nice to see a photo of his funeral, with his bike stood in the foreground.

RIP Assurancetourix.

 

 

 

[owl sees all]

Owl Log - 13-05-2020

 

Thoughts with AT as I post this. His contributions were invaluable.

 

Went to Ban Dung today. Seemed to be more people wearing masks than a week ago; about 50/50 I'd say.

 

Had to get some shopping and pay the internet bill, which was already 7 days late. Four of us made the trip. Us three and Bye. Milly is her aunt. There's just two years in it on age; daughter being the older. Had dinner in the bus station restaurant. Four meals and four colas; 260 Baht. The week's treat! What an eater Bye is! Polished off the grub in double quick time. Don't they feed her in Udon?

 

Bought four packs of dried reishi mushrooms. Will be brewing tomorrow. Plenty of lao khao now too, for the alcoholic option.

 

Last stop, Big C. Still only one entrance open. Temperature and gel ladies at the door. Mask on. I weighed in at 36.4 but Milly was down in the 35s'. Far more independents had opened up since last visit. Maybe about half. Lottery people out in force,

 

Cat food on a special; got 8 cans. Pringles back to 55 a tube, so only one at those prices. Soft cheese was nowhere to be found. Thought I'd have a quick look for some in Tescos, across the road, but by the time we had gone through check out and went to TRUE I'd forgotten about it. So no cheese for me in me morning bun! Maybe should have a go at making my own cheese?! Other TVF members have done it successfully so,,,,.

 

^*^*^^*^*^*^*^*^*^^*^*^*^*^*^*^^*^*^*^*^

 

It was four when we got home, so a late visit to the farm. Progress on the village road had been slow. I think only two lorry-loads of concrete all day. Don't think any since we left for town; maybe one. Still a 50 metre section to do. Same as concreting everywhere I guess. A flurry of activity when the wagon arrives and relax-a-vous before and after.

 

 

 

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I couldn't help but admire the giant mangoes on the corner. The lady posed for a pic.

 

 

She is a lovely lady too. One of my favourites in the village. Hope she gives me a hold of one of her mangoes! "Can I?" "Sure farang. Go ahead. Have a squeeze."

 

 

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The two upper ponds are in a desperate state. In fact number 7 is just a shallow water grave.

 

 

Looks worse close up.

 

 

The children were making camp in the pond next door (number 6 or the tree pond).

 

 

 

"What is it Neil?" "Come see farang Owl. Have problem. Next pond!"

 

 

He was right too.

 

 

One of the bigger orange kois had died. It was spawn bound and what with the circumstances regarding water quality, heat and oxygen; just couldn't hang in there. That's three kois dead in a week.

 

 

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A great new game at the farm. The empty water drum is pushed about.

 

 

 

 

 

You are laughing now, but if Bye runs it down the hill, you'll be all shook up.

 

^*^*^^*^*^*^*^*^*^^*^*^*^*^*^*^^*^*^*^*^

 

Although we got to the farm late, Mrs Owl did not water her garden so I had 70 minutes or so pumping water from number 4 to number 5. Put in 3 inches before dark. This little pump only just ticks over and the output is about one cubic metre in 5 minutes. It's cheap to run. Get about 4 hours for two litre of petrol/benzine.

 

Mrs Owl sensed my sadness today and was quite nice to me. Didn't stop her pocketing the change in Big C however,

 

Bye y'all.

 

[chickenslegs]

1 hour ago, owl sees all said:

Hope she gives me a hold of one of her mangoes! "Can I?" "Sure farang. Go ahead. Have a squeeze."

Sounds like something Sid James might have said to Babs Windsor in "Carry on up Esaan".

[Kadilo]

Sad news with the passing of Michel. 
 

Enjoyed his posts , his photos and his outlook on life. 
 

You don’t always need to know someone personally for them to inspire you to want to do other things. I sat with envy reading his posts about his cycling trips, the freedom and the beautiful countryside. The very same things I wish to experience when I finally settle down in Isaan. His presence here made me long for it even more. 
 

Very best wishes to your wife and family. I am sure your sudden passing away will leave a massive gap in their lives. 
 

Take care all. Make the most of each day and those around us. 
 

 

 

[sotonowl]

I know life goes on and all that but I can't help but think Michaels passing needs marking in some way and seeing I'm not in the immediate area and Michael was a keen cyclist and young Neils bike looks a bit worse for wear, what can we (if anything) as a group do to remedy the situation with the young uns bike.

[thaibeachlovers]

7 hours ago, owl sees all said:

The two upper ponds are in a desperate state. In fact number 7 is just a shallow water grave.

I hope you have considered digging them deeper while dry. The more you can store during the rain, obviously the better. Perhaps a construction company will do it for you if they can keep the dirt.

I think it is the Chinese that have the same written symbol for crisis and opportunity.

Thinking on the evaporation, for ponds without fish, you could spread plastic sheeting to stop evaporation. Stop it sinking by using empty drink bottles as floats. Would be cheap enough. Could use black plastic if no fish, as it would get very hot.

 

[owl sees all]

7 hours ago, sotonowl said:

I know life goes on and all that but I can't help but think Michaels passing needs marking in some way and seeing I'm not in the immediate area and Michael was a keen cyclist and young Neils bike looks a bit worse for wear, what can we (if anything) as a group do to remedy the situation with the young uns bike.

Very tired this morning. Didn't get up 'til gone nine.

 

I'm gonna sort out Neil's bike today. Right now I'm enjoying a cup of rosy. Then I'll sort out the reishi brew. Next Neil's bike.

 

Thinking about Michel's bike. I do hope they take care of it. Maybe a bike club that he belonged to might take it. Can't think of it as being a village run-a-bout. Soon be ruined.

[Odysseus123]

Yes..a reflective sort of day today.

[Andrew Dwyer]

12 hours ago, owl sees all said:

 

Thinking about Michel's bike. I do hope they take care of it. Maybe a bike club that he belonged to might take it. Can't think of it as being a village run-a-bout. Soon be ruined.

 

9 hours ago, Odysseus123 said:

Yes..a reflective sort of day today.

Yes, very reflective, makes one think about our own passing

 

As for Michel’s bike and personal belongings set me thinking about almost exactly a year ago when i had to clear the family home after my father moved into care.

My father had lived in the house since 1955 together with my mother until she passed in 2000, my two brothers and myself were born there so a wealth of memories in this house. Since i left the uk , in 1995, i had visited twice yearly and every 3 months since 2016 as my fathers health deteriorated ( he is now in care and fit as a fiddle ! ) so i still had my old room also.

A lifetime of memories and personal items that was left down to me to clear ( 1 brother passed in 1981 and the other showing little interest to help ! ). A 5 bedroom house with 2 sheds and a garage packed with junk.

Very humbling to try and sell or donate or take to the tip items that have strong personal meaning to, obviously my father but also to me.

 

Not something I want to undertake again and just the thought of what will become of my “ stuff” when i’m gone saddens me .

[Sterling]

So sad to hear about ATX. Will raise a glass for him tonight. RIP

[thaibeachlovers]

On 5/15/2020 at 3:16 AM, Andrew Dwyer said:

just the thought of what will become of my “ stuff” when i’m gone saddens me .

My relative will take great delight in consigning everything of mine to the flames. Given I'll be dead I hope I don't know as that would make me very sad.

It's a sad truth that what we love means nothing to others. I never had children, so no one to pass things on to.

[pineapple01]

When You open Messenger to post Friends something its then you realise how many listed are like ATX, just a memory.

[hotandsticky]

On 5/14/2020 at 10:16 PM, Andrew Dwyer said:

 

 just the thought of what will become of my “ stuff” when i’m gone saddens me .

 

 

Personally, I have never clung on the material things but I do understand that it must have been a difficult task clearing out your former home.

 

I cherish nothing. I came to Thailand with a suit case and my golf clubs..... the latter only used about 20 times and now gathering dust. On Facebook former school friends are making nostalgic posts of vinyl singles and albums - I have none, gone in divorces or house moves. 

 

Worrying, or feeling saddened, about what will happen to chattels after your death is an unnecessary concern which should not be allowed to detract from enjoying your life. 

 

 

We come into this world with nothing and we leave it with nothing.

[Andrew Dwyer]

1 minute ago, hotandsticky said:

 

 

Personally, I have never clung on the material things but I do understand that it must have been a difficult task clearing out your former home.

 

I cherish nothing. I came to Thailand with a suit case and my golf clubs..... the latter only used about 20 times and now gathering dust. On Facebook former school friends are making nostalgic posts of vinyl singles and albums - I have none, gone in divorces or house moves. 

 

Worrying, or feeling saddened, about what will happen to chattels after your death is an unnecessary concern which should not be allowed to detract from enjoying your life. 

 

 

We come into this world with nothing and we leave it with nothing.

Yes, I guess you are right it is definitely an unnecessary concern.

I don’t consider myself too materialistic but I do cherish the personal items rather than the expensive ones.

After 2 divorces, the last one I left with 2 suitcases, I don’t have many possessions but the ones I do care about ( my father’s watch, my mothers wedding ring and my grandads WW1 medals etc ) I should probably pass on to my grandchildren in the U.K..

 

Guys, sorry for the diversion off topic, Michel’s passing has given me some reason to question my own mortality.

 

 

Meanwhile, back in Isaan...............

 

[pineapple01]

It wont happen.but my greatest wish would be  to depart leaving a Bank with a massive debt.They give folks an Umbrella on a Sunny Day, take it back when it  Rains.

[thaibeachlovers]

9 hours ago, pineapple01 said:

It wont happen.but my greatest wish would be  to depart leaving a Bank with a massive debt.They give folks an Umbrella on a Sunny Day, take it back when it  Rains.

Something of a diversion, but when I moved to London end of last century all the banks etc were trying to lend unsecured money. I was tempted to borrow as much as possible and depart to live in LOS and never return to the UK ( dual citizenship ). Never got to the point of actually doing it though.

[bluesofa]

22 minutes ago, thaibeachlovers said:

Something of a diversion, but when I moved to London end of last century all the banks etc were trying to lend unsecured money. I was tempted to borrow as much as possible and depart to live in LOS and never return to the UK ( dual citizenship ). Never got to the point of actually doing it though.

And if you did it, your credit rating is wiped clear after seven years.

It's a financial matter, not a criminal offence. The bank offered you the credit, you accepted.

 

[thaibeachlovers]

On 5/16/2020 at 11:24 PM, bluesofa said:

And if you did it, your credit rating is wiped clear after seven years.

It's a financial matter, not a criminal offence. The bank offered you the credit, you accepted.

 

The etc was from other than banks. I have no doubt that if one didn't pay that money back with interest some very large men would have shown up to show one the error of their ways.

Good luck finding me in LOS had I actually done it.

 

In the end, I'm basically honest and would have felt very guilty forever, so I left it in fantasy.

I cashed some Sterling traveler's cheques in a Lamphun bank and they must have pushed the wrong button on the computer as they were going to give me over a million baht. I did consider taking it but I was just too honest to follow through.

[owl sees all]

Owl Log - 28-05-2020

 

A week of reflection. 

 

Storm last night. More flashes and thunder than rain; but anything welcome.

 

Went to the farm on my own this afternoon as Milldred had started the internet teaching programme. The web went down this morning however, and didn't get back on 'til after two. So everything was delayed.

 

Bye went home on Saturday. The only one not sad to see her go home was the Mrs. "Too much eat and want money all the time."

 

Bye, bye Bye! See you soon. Don't forget to bring the 'Big C' bag back when you next come. Collector's item now.

 

 

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The village 'super highway' is finished; well sort of.

 

 

Didn't quite manage to complete it. And a nasty spike sticking up in the middle to catch the unwary traveler; be they in a pick-up, on motor bike or a cycle. I've told the Mrs to report the danger to the village boss. Don't suppose she will.

 

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Last week was terrible for fish deaths. Ten in the week, and five on one day.

 

 

 

Fortunately the real biggies were males, so not subject to the same traumas as the spawn-bound females.

 

 

A couple had only just died so they were OK to eat. But any longer than an hour and they were fertilizer.

 

Mrs Owl shows young Wow how to bury the fish.

 

 

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Had a rethink about the whole fish business. I just had to put water into the pond. And really clean water too. I was in danger of losing a dozen kois; or more. I started the pumping too late (sorry fish). Should have sorted it out in mid-April.

 

On Friday we rode the bikes to the farm (3km). It was more than very warm. Checked the temperature at the farm at 2-30ish; 42C. In the sun it must have been 10 degrees hotter. The children rested up and didn't seem perturbed by the ride. I was hot and bothered to say the least. But I had work to do. I disconnect the pipes and moved everything from number five pond to number four. Had to put a new outlet in place and the whole thing took about an hour.

 

 

 

I was pleased with the end result. Put in about 3 inches yesterday and today another 3.

 

 

No more fish deaths on Sunday or today.

 

I think I overdid it though. Definitely feeling the worse for wear. I give the ride back to the village a miss and went in the pick-up. And to think AT would do a 20km ride in the blazing sun and think nothing of it; bluesofa too.

 

Would you Adam and Eve it. A storm last night. Not big rain but enough to make the ponds rise noticeably.

 

Number 7 today.

 

 

Number 7 yesterday.

 

 

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Number 5 fish pond looks much better this afternoon. The net is in the mud and the water has risen. The PVC in the big net is going underwater. I'll have to free it up. This week, or next; no rush.

 

 

I'll put in 3 inches every day until I'm sure the wet season is here.

 

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Is the rain last night the start of the rain season? I hear they are having big rain in other parts. Need about 100 of those storms before November to normalize everything . Some chance that. I've got plans to capture the water though. Watch this space.

 

Have lots of jobs to do around the farm. Must pull my finger out. I've been lethargic of late.

 

The eucas got a quiet mention tonight. First time in three weeks. Is the tide turning? Has the leopard changed its spots. Has the broom been mislaid? We will see,

 

Stay safe y'all.

 

3 inches = 75mm

 

 

[thaibeachlovers]

9 hours ago, owl sees all said:

And a nasty spike sticking up in the middle to catch the unwary traveler; be they in a pick-up, on motor bike or a cycle. I've told the Mrs to report the danger to the village boss. Don't suppose she will.

I'd just take a hammer along and bang it down myself. Take about 10 seconds.

[Andrew Dwyer]

1 hour ago, thaibeachlovers said:

I'd just take a hammer along and bang it down myself. Take about 10 seconds.

In a strange coincidence I was reading a thread in a FB community group from my old hometown back in the uk about a similar problem.

This rebar was in the centre of a path leading to a canal towpath:

 

 

The thread rambled on about contacting the local council and then, as is the way, how badly the local council is at reacting to Covid19 related problems and any problem in particular !!

As you can see that rebar is an accident waiting to happen for the joggers and cyclists , even someone walking could get a nasty injury if they caught it wrong.

 

TBL’s answer is the best solution.

Get yourself down there Owl with the lump hammer you don’t want this on your conscience if someone gets hurt. !!

 

I will go back on FB and suggest the same but imagine the uproar !!

” You need to cordon off the area before any manual work takes place “

” Warning signs and safety glasses need to be used “

” have you considered others while “ wielding “ your lump hammer ?? “

etc etc