Diary of a farang in Isaan

[FarFlungFalang]

47 minutes ago, owl sees all said:

Thanks for the support Fat is a type of crazy.

 

Sorry to hear that your partner is similar to mine; emotionally that is.

 

The eucas are doing well. In the future we might see them turned into paper, building materials and,,,, who knows?

 

Good to see you post. Post again. Not too much footy comments though, or we will never get TBL back.

 

 

We farmed eucalyptus and it was for "rip rip wood chip turn it into paper" just like John Williamson's song.I now want to try farming hemp for paper and other stuff as you get about 4 times as much each year from hemp and you can make cars and fuel to run the cars and rope and clothes and vegetable oil and you can make the most insulated homes and fibre boards plastic and heaps of other stuff.I've even heard you can make medicine with it!Try doing that with eucalyptus.

[chickenslegs]

3 hours ago, GarryP said:

That is the name of the teacher, the one who is retiring. They want to get people to come and say thank you and goodbye. That sort of thing. Not a bad idea but not all teachers deserve it. I'll assume she is one of the good ones though. You should ask Mildred.  

Could this also be the answer to the school "crane" mystery.

Erecting a giant poster of Tiranan Racha?

[owl sees all]

22 minutes ago, FarFlungFalang said:

We farmed eucalyptus and it was for "rip rip wood chip turn it into paper" just like John Williamson's song.I now want to try farming hemp for paper and other stuff as you get about 4 times as much each year from hemp and you can make cars and fuel to run the cars and rope and clothes and vegetable oil and you can make the most insulated homes and fibre boards plastic and heaps of other stuff.I've even heard you can make medicine with it!Try doing that with eucalyptus.

Interesting post FFF. I'll do a bit of research. 

 

I am interested in 'linen' now. My mum was always on about linen when I was at home, and I didn't take any notice then.

 

"Linen is a textile made from the fibers of the flax plant. Linen is very strong and absorbent, and dries faster than cotton. Because of these properties, linen is comfortable to wear in hot weather and is valued for use in garments." (Quoted from Wiki.)

 

Sounds perfect for Thailand.

 

 

[FarFlungFalang]

4 hours ago, owl sees all said:

Getting ready for the cyclone/typhoon/huricane/storm Noul'. Coming this way; soon.

I was going to post that Heuy's rep Zoul,sorry Noul (the wind blew the N over) has been sent with your delivery but apparently it wasn't sent with Kerry Express so it's going with snail mail.Nice pics of the "Dub",I think it might an early 70's model as I think they may have stopped with the dates around then.

That crane looks fully extended and at a low angle which is when the most like to tip,though if it did tip it looks like it would hit the wall.

Yes the money situation sets my wife's silent treatment limit to about 24 hours max and I know before she utters a word what she's about.Fortunately the only violence she's ever exhibited was ejecting the smashing my CD of the Patriot on the floor about 10 years ago.Mostly though I crack the sh.ts before her to keep her on her toes.

[FarFlungFalang]

6 minutes ago, owl sees all said:

Interesting post FFF. I'll do a bit of research. 

 

I am interested in 'linen' now. My mum was always on about linen when I was at home, and I didn't take any notice then.

 

"Linen is a textile made from the fibers of the flax plant. Linen is very strong and absorbent, and dries faster than cotton. Because of these properties, linen is comfortable to wear in hot weather and is valued for use in garments." (Quoted from Wiki.)

 

Sounds perfect for Thailand.

 

 

I've used linen thread in my leather work phase which I would love to get back into.I was also into skinning and tanning for a while and came across a great little book called Knives Skinning and Tanning which got me started on the blade sharpening path I still travel today.I've been asking around about leather suppliers in Thailand without any success although I did pick up some "nylon" linen thread and needles a couple of weeks ago.

Here's my sailing knife pouch I made about 35 years ago and some homemade dubbin made from bees wax and baby oil.

 

[owl sees all]

27 minutes ago, chickenslegs said:

Could this also be the answer to the school "crane" mystery.

Erecting a giant poster of Tiranan Racha?

You could be bang on the money there Chickenlegs.

 

 

He could be drilling the wall ready to hang something.

[FarFlungFalang]

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

Love your posts. Best thing on Thaivisa. Been reading for a bit less than a year. It's a respite from covid and politics and such.

It's like a breath of fresh Isaan air.

[gamb00ler]

6 hours ago, owl sees all said:

Interesting post FFF. I'll do a bit of research. 

 

I am interested in 'linen' now. My mum was always on about linen when I was at home, and I didn't take any notice then.

 

"Linen is a textile made from the fibers of the flax plant. Linen is very strong and absorbent, and dries faster than cotton. Because of these properties, linen is comfortable to wear in hot weather and is valued for use in garments." (Quoted from Wiki.)

 

Sounds perfect for Thailand.

 

 

Linen is absolutely the best cloth for Thailand.  I stocked up in the months leading up to our permanent move to Chiang Mai.  eBay is where I got the most value.  Only 3 days to departure now.

[owl sees all]

Owl Log - 18-09-2020 - Friday

 

Hugely disappointing. Typhoon Noul hit in the night. Didn't even notice it coming or going. Less than 2mm of rain. Once again; Isaan false hopes!

 

What can I say? What a dip-stick! What a plonker! There was me thinking that the crane was being employed for a flag or a banner. Nothing so complicated.

 

 

 

There is already a sign on the corner. This is what threw me off the scent.

 

 

UUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUU

 

And just round the corner - literally - the guys were at it again. No need for the crane this time.

 

 

Be careful with your balance. Don't fall.

 

 

You are holding the level upside down Chai. The letters will come out wrong.

 

 

Doesn't look vertical to me Chai. More Lao Khao?

 

UUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUU

 

School is getting ready for the teacher celebrations.

 

 

97, 98, 99 and that's 100. Top that Hum.

 

 

UUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUU

 

Found another tree at the Bio' Garden.

 

 

We have our own Tamarind tree at the farm; for the moment.

 

 

UUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUU

 

Been thinking a lot about trees recently, and there is a lady eucalyptus, at the corner of our road, already giving fruit at just 18 months old. 

 

 

 

UUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUU

 

Don't ya just love those wires. Had to tie up the droopy ones (to the left) last week. Stopping the traffic. Reminds me of 'trolley bus' days in Barking 60 years ago. The trolley would often come off at the corner of Longbridge Road and Ilford lane. The driver would go to the shop on the parade to get a special pole to push it back in place.

 

 

But Ban Dung has nothing on Udon. There are so many wires there, it's a wonder how they know what goes where.

 

UUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUU

 

Mildred's school bus.

 

 

 "Love you Mil." "Love you Dad. Remember it's 4 o'clock pick up today. Don't forget to bring a chocolate drink and crisps. Bye."

 

 

Anyone standing at the back; hang on tight!

 

 

UUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUU

 

Mrs Owl started speaking yesterday. She joined me to pick up Mildred from school. But, got dropped off at the hairdressers in town. Picked up the new-look lady and went to big C, and then to the market. "Give me money!" I handed over 300 baht. "Not enough. Give me more." "I haven't got any more teerak." "You give money to lady on internet. I know."

 

Bought two little koi carp with the 20 baht I had left. Mrs bought some veggies and some spray for her new hair do. Got home and M brought out a letter from school. Letter was asking for donations to complete the new building. "Probably to pay the crane-hire people." My little funny didn't register, and that was the end of the 500 baht that I'd hidden under the bed. Although, Mrs Owl went straight to the shop next door to get change. When she wasn't looking, I took the letter from M's school bag, held it to the light, and could see two reddish coloured notes inside. So she has enough dosh for the week end.

 

Sorry thaibeachlovers, I have to talk about footy; just a little. This empty stadium stuff means that there is precious little home advantage. Are you listening Irons? Was dismayed with Arsenal last week. They won easily enough, but that Alexandre Lacazette!? He got a gentle nudge in the back and dived forward like Mark Spitz off the starting block. This is where VAR (Value Afterthought Reaction) should step in; banish him to the local swimming pool for the next 10 games; or for the rest of the season if not a Gunners' fan. Arsenal had the 'king of divers' a few year back with Eduardo da Silver*. I think Alex has been watching old Arsenal games; how to con people and gain notoriety.

 

Dear me. Incredibly bitter this post. Mrs Owl get back to normal; all is forgiven. Just don't get the sugar and salt mixed up when you make my Rosy.

 

Just checked the weather. Rain, on and off, for the next few days.

 

Not fixed the window yet. Should I get the tools out, or wait for Mrs Owl to tell me to fix it? Think I'll wait. 

 

Rain started up again.

 

Bye y'all.

 

* Sorry about his leg injury though.

 

 

[bluesofa]

9 minutes ago, owl sees all said:

Owl Log - 18-09-2020 - Friday

 

Don't ya just love those wires. Had to tie up the droopy ones (to the left) last week. Stopping the traffic. Reminds me of 'trolley bus' days in Barking 60 years ago. The trolley would often come off at the corner of Longbridge Road and Ilford lane. The driver would go to the shop on the parade to get a special pole to push it back in place.

 

 

 

 

Mrs Owl started speaking yesterday. She joined me to pick up Mildred from school. But, got dropped off at the hairdressers in town. Picked up the new-look lady and went to big C, and then to the market. "Give me money!" I handed over 300 baht. "Not enough. Give me more." "I haven't got any more teerak." "You give money to lady on internet. I know."

 

Dear me. Incredibly bitter this post. Mrs Owl get back to normal; all is forgiven. Just don't get the sugar and salt mixed up when you make my Rosy.

I just can't can't help wondering if you have a masochistic streak to put up with Mrs Owl's ongoing attitude?

 

Regarding the trolley buses.

As a kid we used to go on holiday to Bournemouth. They also had trolley buses.

You mentioned the pole to hook the trolley bus pole back into place reminded me of when the bus reached the terminus. The trolley bus was parked on a turntable and the power pole unhooked. The driver and conductor would push the turntable, rotating it 180 degrees. Then they hooked the power pole back into place.

[GarryP]

The full impact of Noul is supposed to hit on Saturday so there is still hope for you, Owl.  Maybe the rain will cool your missus down, but then that is about as likely as winning first prize on the lottery. You really are a saint for what you put up with. Just great you have so much you can do around your farms on your tod to keep you out of harms way, or at least away from a good tongue lashing. 

 

 

[bluesofa]

4 minutes ago, GarryP said:

The full impact of Noul is supposed to hit on Saturday so there is still hope for you, Owl.  Maybe the rain will cool your missus down, but then that is about as likely as winning first prize on the lottery. You really are a saint for what you put up with. Just great you have so much you can do around your farms on your tod to keep you out of harms way, or at least away from a good tongue lashing.

'a good tongue lashing'  That sounds like it could be the climax of the week if you're lucky.

[Andrew Dwyer]

Little bit of rain here in Ayutthaya , not much and it’s the fine stuff ...... you know, the stuff that soaks you through ????

[FarFlungFalang]

It's been raizzling (that's halfway between rain and drizzle for the uninitiated) up until about 10 minutes ago but now it's stroining (that's strong rain) and starting to get a bit stroindy (you should be able to work that one out) now.TS Zoul (that bloody N keeps falling over from the Stroind we are getting now) is heading directly for us here in Yasomnat (that's halfway between Yasothon and Amnat Charoen).

[owl sees all]

24 minutes ago, FarFlungFalang said:

It's been raizzling (that's halfway between rain and drizzle for the uninitiated) up until about 10 minutes ago but now it's stroining (that's strong rain) and starting to get a bit stroindy (you should be able to work that one out) now.TS Zoul (that bloody N keeps falling over from the Stroind we are getting now) is heading directly for us here in Yasomnat (that's halfway between Yasothon and Amnat Charoen).

MY English teacher at school always said that the English Language was the richest in the world. Of course helped along that road by the Danes, the Romans, the French and the Jamaicans. But 'raizzling' is a new one for me to add to my limited vocabulary.

 

Another word that cricket fans would be familiar with; 'mizzle', So there we have it; mist, mizzle, drizzle, raizzling and then rain and stroining.

 

There must be more adjectives about the English weather than any other topic. But these are verbs; are they not? Or nouns even? Should have paid attention at school, instead of looking at Dorothy's hair, and wondering if hair anywhere else on her body was as lovely.

 

Mrs Lloyd - she of the vicious tongue - was right. 'Orible cow. But at least she didn't whack kids on the head like Mr Walker. Big story about him for another time. Nearly got expelled; but Dad approved.

 

 

[FarFlungFalang]

9 minutes ago, owl sees all said:

MY English teacher at school always said that the English Language was the richest in the world. Of course helped along that road by the Danes, the Romans, the French and the Jamaicans. But 'raizzling' is a new one for me to add to my limited vocabulary.

 

Another word that cricket fans would be familiar with; 'mizzle, So there I have it; mist, mizzle, drizzle, raizzling and then rain.

 

Mrs Lloyd - she of the vicious tongue - was right. 'Orible cow. But at least she didn't whack kids on the head like Mr Walker. Big story about him for another time. Nearly got expelled; but Dad approved.

 

 

My sister studied linguistics at Uni and says that language is ever evolving.We would often have visitors to our house when we were younger would not understand what we were talking about.Looks like your rain delivery is headed for the wrong address.I will try and redirect it your way if not you might have to come and collect it from down here.We are having a "wet day" the busted ar$ed chainman's favourite day at work.

[owl sees all]

2 minutes ago, FarFlungFalang said:

My sister studied linguistics at Uni and says that language is ever evolving. We would often have visitors to our house when we were younger would not understand what we were talking about.

Well FFF, you have certainly opened a can of worms.

 

I've been teaching Mildred some cockney rhyming slang. Apples and pairs, dog and bone, that sort of thing. We like it, in a joking way, but Mrs Owl doesn't. She says it is ugly.

[bluesofa]

1 minute ago, owl sees all said:

MY English teacher at school always said that the English Language was the richest in the world. Of course helped along that road by the Danes, the Romans, the French and the Jamaicans. But 'raizzling' is a new one for me to add to my limited vocabulary.

 

Another word that cricket fans would be familiar with; 'mizzle, So there I have it; mist, mizzle, drizzle, raizzling and then rain.

 

Mrs Lloyd - she of the vicious tongue - was right. 'Orible cow. But at least she didn't whack kids on the head like Mr Walker. Big story about him for another time. Nearly got expelled; but Dad approved.

Sidetrack ahead:

Mrs Lloyd. That reminds of of Marie Lloyd, the Edwardian music hall singer known for her bawdy repertoire.

 

One song included the line "She sits among the cabbages and peas."

She was taken to task by the management for being too rude. Marie Lloyd feigned innocence, claiming she had absolutely no idea of the double meaning. She promised to change the line immediately.

The next time she sang it the words became "She sits among the cabbages and leeks."

 

One song she made famous was "Don't Dilly Dally on the Way", often credited as "My Old Man Said Follow The Van"

[FarFlungFalang]

4 minutes ago, owl sees all said:

Well FFF, you have certainly opened a can of worms.

 

I've been teaching Mildred some cockney rhyming slang. Apples and pairs, dog and bone, that sort of thing. We like it, in a joking way, but Mrs Owl doesn't. She says it is ugly.

I remember reading that Cockney rhyming slang played a major part in the Ozzie language which I find most entertaining.I hope you didn't say to Mrs Owl the first thing that popped into my head?Which would receive another 2 weeks silent treatment.

[faraday]

I lived in Wales for around 10 years, although, thankfully not Welsh. I can do a reasonable impression of the accent, as can my wife. Creases me up when she does.

 

Anyway, back to words..a few words they use in Wales.

 

Nobblin' - being cold.

 

Tampin' - angry.

 

B'there - over there.

 

By'yuur  - here.

 

And, my favourite: " I'm doing it now" which actually means it's my next task, & I will do it some time.

[owl sees all]

10 minutes ago, bluesofa said:

Sidetrack ahead:

Mrs Lloyd. That reminds of of Marie Lloyd, the Edwardian music hall singer known for her bawdy repertoire.

 

One song included the line "She sits among the cabbages and peas."

She was taken to task by the management for being too rude. Marie Lloyd feigned innocence, claiming she had absolutely no idea of the double meaning. She promised to change the line immediately.

The next time she sang it the words became "She sits among the cabbages and leeks."

 

One song she made famous was "Don't Dilly Dally on the Way", often credited as "My Old Man Said Follow The Van"

To bring the post back on topic.

 

Many of the nursery rhymes that all English kids know, came from a time when speaking one's mind could get you in big trouble. Some are stories of actual occurrences, disguised in a rhyme. Some were very sinister indeed, and were often related to death.

[owl sees all]

6 minutes ago, faraday said:

I lived in Wales for around 10 years, although, thankfully not Welsh. I can do a reasonable impression of the accent, as can my wife. Creases me up when she does.

 

Anyway, back to words..a few words they use in Wales.

 

Nobblin' - being cold.

 

Tampin' - angry.

 

B'there - over there.

 

By'yuur  - here.

 

And, my favourite: " I'm doing it now" which actually means it's my next task, & I will do it some time.

I also lived in Wales; Port Talbot.

 

The one I recall is 'tootie down'.

[rumak]

18 minutes ago, bluesofa said:

"My Old Man Said Follow The Van"

and mine said " If the Van is Rockin.... Don't bother nockin'"

[owl sees all]

 

This is a good map alright. Let me, as a disciple of weather forecasting, decipher.

 

As I see it, the wavy lines, above Laos, will push the circles, just entering Vietnam and moving west, down.

 

In a nutshell. Issan dry. Bangkok very wet.

 

 

[owl sees all]

23 minutes ago, rumak said:

and mine said " If the Van is Rockin.... Don't bother nockin'"

Pump up the jam. Where the feet are stomping and the bodies swaying. Y'know what I'm sayin'.

[bluesofa]

2 minutes ago, owl sees all said:

To bring the post back on topic.

 

Many of the nursery rhymes that all English kids know, came from a time when speaking one's mind could get you in big trouble. Some are stories of actual occurrences, disguised in a rhyme. Some were very sinister indeed, and were often related to death.

My wife's niece has picked up the song Baa Baa Black Sheep from youtube, although she's Thai and doesn't understand it.

I read it was originally a covert criticism of tax levied on the English wool trade eight hundred years ago.

[bluesofa]

13 minutes ago, owl sees all said:

I also lived in Wales; Port Talbot.

 

The one I recall is 'tootie down'.

Not far away from there i see a group of men have been convicted of stealing roof joists.

The press have labelled the Tenby Eight.

[owl sees all]

14 minutes ago, bluesofa said:

Not far away from there i see a group of men have been convicted of stealing roof joists.

The press have labelled the Tenby Eight.

Perhaps it's because they are upside down, the Ozzies, do get things back to front. When they play cricket, they say four for 250. In English that is 250 runs for four wickets down. Also, and this is similar to 10 by 8, they call a four by two, a two by four.

 

Many years ago, when the authorities at the jails were sorting out the prisoners for deportation, the really clever ones were sent to Canada.

[bluesofa]

1 minute ago, owl sees all said:

Perhaps it's because they are upside down, the Ozzies, do get things back to front. When they play cricket, they say four for 250. In English that is 250 runs for four wickets down. Also, and this is similar to 10 by 8, they call a four by two, a two by four.

 

When the authorities at the jails were sorting out the prisoners for deportation, many years ago, the really clever ones were sent to Canada.

Ha ha ha!

I'm beginning to understand Mrs Owl's thinking, what what with your tact and diplomacy. You should have gone into the diplomatic corps.

[FarFlungFalang]

17 minutes ago, owl sees all said:

Perhaps it's because they are upside down, the Ozzies, do get things back to front. When they play cricket, they say four for 250. In English that is 250 runs for four wickets down. Also, and this is similar to 10 by 8, they call a four by two, a two by four.

 

When the authorities at the jails were sorting out the prisoners for deportation, many years ago, the really clever ones were sent to Canada.

Right that's it for you young man it's off to bed with out any rain tonight!The correct term is "ar$e about".