Diary of a farang in Isaan

[Fat is a type of crazy]

9 hours ago, owl sees all said:

The Mrs would go with me. She never fished, but enjoyed the peace and quiet in the countryside. We lived in Spain for a year or so. I was lucky that I sold our apartment a week before the 2008 crash; very fortunate there.

 

This particular ressie was my favourite haunt while in Spain. I also fished a big ressie in Nigeria. Full of all sorts of catfish, and strange looking beasts. Didn't enjoy it one bit. Had to leave our guarded compound to do any fishing. Just too dangerous. Caught talapia {pla nin}, catfish and small carp at Flatbridge in Jamaica when I was there. Also fished a lot in Cuba for carp.

 

In Essex; my fav's were Hainault, The Dagenham Chase and Berwick pond. I also belonged to Barking AC, who had a water near Witham (where I got my rod pulled in) and that was exciting fishing. My best from there was 16 lbs. Oh yes! Lady's lake near the River Roding. Spent a whole season there. Didn't catch anything of note; but there were monsters in there.

 

My best Tench was just under 9, which I caught at Egetts (or Eggets) lake at Hemingford Grey, Huntindonshire.

 

A bit sad today, 'cause the koi that I caught in the week died today. No idea why. Didn't even take it out of the net. Just took a pic and quickly released it back.

 

 

 

It would be good to go overseas. Never been to Africa or the Caribbean. 

From tomorrow I can actually go more than 5km from my house and see friends.  We are down to 1 or 2 cases a day but still have some lockdown. It's a strange thing that due to lockdown rules - for 6 months, with a short gap in between,  the only people I have talked to face to face have been short chats with the neighbour and few seconds  with the  check out chick at the supermarket.

I like the old joke. The pretty check out chick smiles at the 55 year old. The 55 year old thinks 'I've still got it'. The check out chick thinks 'Nice man.. reminds me of grandpa'.

Girlfriends birthday today. Opened up the transferwise account and sent her something. They love MK in Ubon and will probably have a nice lunch. 

She's been working a bit so I can't complain. She does a couple of days per week selling her 'baisri' for the temple and selling flowers from Chiang Mai to uni students at their graduation. 

Edited October 17, 2020 by Fat is a type of crazy

[HighPriority]

On 10/16/2020 at 3:36 PM, owl sees all said:

We have had a cataclysmic catastrophe.

 

Mildred went to check on Mr Chicken to see if the glue had set. Picked it up by the head and:

 

 

"It is serious Dad. What can we do?"

 

"Serious indeed Mildred. I'll think of something. Don't cry dear."

 

Now there are a couple of options open to us. Patch it up with some tape, and give it to the lad (Poom) opposite us; then buy a new rubber chicken.  Patch it up with some tape, and keep it. Buy some better super-glue and fix it forever more.

 

My immediate thought was to buy a little 1/32 drill bit and put holes along each side of the breaks, and then sew it up. Pretty much like the chair. Could also use glue, with the sewing, for a really strong, professional job.

 

Not decided as yet. I'll spend some time thinking about it today. One thing's for sure I'm not keen on spending 60 baht on diesel, to get to Ban Dung, just to go to the 20 baht shop for another rubber chicken.

 

Being slightly metaphysical, I am contemplating if there are life lessons to be learnt here. There are two that drift into my mind. Don't let the chicken squawk too loudly when the Mrs is trying to get some shut eye. And; don't buy any more special super glue from the 20 baht shop. It's rubbish.

I was surprised in the first instance that cable ties weren’t your go to...

????

[HighPriority]

On 10/17/2020 at 6:03 AM, sotonowl said:

Druckula?

Duckenstein ????‍♂️

[sotonowl]

1 minute ago, HighPriority said:

Duckenstein ????‍♂️

I got mixed up there didn't I. That's what I meant to say, getting me draculas mixed up wi me frankensteins for heavens sake.???? I blame the gin and me age.

[owl sees all]

53 minutes ago, Fat is a type of crazy said:

It would be good to go overseas. Never been to Africa or the Caribbean. 

From tomorrow I can actually go more than 5km from my house and see friends.  We are down to 1 or 2 cases a day but still have some lockdown. It's a strange thing that due to lockdown rules - for 6 months, with a short gap in between,  the only people I have talked to face to face have been short chats with the neighbour and few seconds  with the  check out chick at the supermarket.

I like the old joke. The pretty check out chick smiles at the 55 year old. The 55 year old thinks 'I've still got it'. The check out chick thinks 'Nice man.. reminds me of grandpa'.

Girlfriends birthday today. Opened up the transferwise account and sent her something. They love MK in Ubon and will probably have a nice lunch. 

She's been working a bit so I can't complain. She does a couple of days per week selling her 'baisri' for the temple and selling flowers from Chiang Mai to uni students at their graduation. 

Well good enough to enter into the 2020 pic' competition.

 

They are really good.

 

Thanks for sharing.

Edited October 18, 2020 by owl sees all

[faraday]

Maybe Frankenduck is better, na,?

 

 

 

Edited October 18, 2020 by faraday

[bluesofa]

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

{snipped}

Now I'm curious about your girlfriend's diet. Does she seems to eat a lot of food without putting on weight?

If so it's probably because she's got hollow legs, according to the bottom of the photo.

 

Did you intentionally frame it like that, or is it just a coincidence?

[owl sees all]

Owl Log - 18-10-2020 - Sunday morning

 

Mr Chicken sorted.

Too much water in ceiling.

Trees outside house cut back.

New roof problem.

Live wires exposed.

New hat.

Sharpened chog-chogs.

 

A busy couple of days.

 

Sorted out Mr Chicken.

 

 

Have to be more appreciative of Mrs Owl's delicate feelings in future.

 

(.)(.)(.)(.)(.)(.)(.)(.)(.)(.)(.)(.)(.)(.)(.)(.)(.)(.)(.)(.)(.)(.)(.)(.)(.)(.)(.)(.)(.)(.)(.)(.)(.)(.)(.)(.)(.)

 

I don't normally spend money on myself unless absolutely necessary. But I just couldn't resist the hat. Made in China with natural materials. Fashionable. Colourful. A bargain at 69 baht (my second favourite number). But most importantly; it fitted.

 

 

Wore it yesterday for fishing. Didn't bring any luck. Mildred said not to wear it for fishing again. We only caught two eaters.

 

(.)(.)(.)(.)(.)(.)(.)(.)(.)(.)(.)(.)(.)(.)(.)(.)(.)(.)(.)(.)(.)(.)(.)(.)(.)(.)(.)(.)(.)(.)(.)(.)(.)(.)(.)(.)(.)(.)(.)

 

Had some of the trees cut back. Took away two cart-loads. Much better now. Can see the wires for the first time this year.

 

 

 

 

 

That is that for a couple of years. 400 baht and a few litres of diesel. Half a day's work for two.

 

(.)(.)(.)(.)(.)(.)(.)(.)(.)(.)(.)(.)(.)(.)(.)(.)(.)(.)(.)(.)(.)(.)(.)(.)(.)(.)(.)(.)(.)(.)(.)(.)(.)(.)(.)(.)(.)

 

Cutting the trees back showed up a couple of problems that I'd forgotten about.

 

 

 

When I first moved in we had a problem with a leaky roof. I sort of fixed it up temporally; but the fix never completely stopped the water dripping.

 

 

Ten years later it is still the same. Not too much drip-drip to make me want to do a permanent job. As I put a big bowl in the ceiling.

 

But then there is the regular water removal from the ceiling.

 

 

And after taking a pic or two. M has to complete the job.

 

 

It's a quandary. I'll have a little think about it later over a glass or three of reishi wine. That wall could do with a lick of paint Mrs Owl's. How are your brushes?

 

(.)(.)(.)(.)(.)(.)(.)(.)(.)(.)(.)(.)(.)(.)(.)(.)(.)(.)(.)(.)(.)(.)(.)(.)(.)(.)(.)(.)(.)(.)(.)(.)(.)(.)(.)(.)(.)

 

Another problem - well only if you grab hold of them - are live wires.

 

These are high up out of the way.

 

 

But these are low enough to cause a problem for an inquisitive person.

 

 

Ouch!

 

(.)(.)(.)(.)(.)(.)(.)(.)(.)(.)(.)(.)(.)(.)(.)(.)(.)(.)(.)(.)(.)(.)(.)(.)(.)(.)(.)(.)(.)(.)(.)(.)(.)(.)(.)(.)(.)

 

Sharpened up some farm tools.

 

 

Safety always at the back of my mind.

 

 

(.)(.)(.)(.)(.)(.)(.)(.)(.)(.)(.)(.)(.)(.)(.)(.)(.)(.)(.)(.)(.)(.)(.)(.)(.)(.)(.)(.)(.)(.)(.)(.)(.)(.)(.)(.)(.)

 

The chicken man opposite took his fighting chickens away yesterday morning. Back again today. It's an underground sport. Big dosh in it I'm told. A good fighter is worth 10k baht.

 

No school for M on Friday. And no lottery success for the Mrs on the lottery.

 

This Udon lady is nagging Mrs Owl about this work in Oz. "Gonna be full up soon. You miss out." My visa is due for renewal next month, and I have told the Mrs that nothing can be done until that is sorted. I'm standing firm on this??!!

 

Take care y'all.

 

Edited October 18, 2020 by owl sees all

[bluesofa]

12 minutes ago, owl sees all said:

Owl Log - 18-10-2020 - Sunday morning

{snipped}

 

Sorted out Mr Chicken.

 

 

Have to be more appreciative of Mrs Owl's delicate feelings in future.

 

{snipped}

 

Another problem - well only if you grab hold of them - are live wires.

 

These are high up out of the way.

 

 

But these are low enough to cause a problem for an inquisitive person.

 

 

First time I've seen a chicken into bondage.

 

'Have to be more appreciative of Mrs Owl's delicate feelings in future.'

Not quite sure of if it was a serious comment, or could there be a possible hint of sarcasm in there I wonder?

 

Regarding the cables: The bare wires are out from the meter to the house, therefore not live.

The live wires have the very high quality black tape wrapped around them.

(Now that definitely was sarcasm regarding the tape)

[chickenslegs]

On 10/17/2020 at 3:33 AM, sotonowl said:

Druckula?

 

2 hours ago, HighPriority said:

Duckenstein ????‍♂️

 

Sorry to be pedantic ...

 

Firstly - it's a chicken.

 

Secondly - Frankenstein was the doctor, not the monster.

 

But, I concede that both the above are funnier than Owlenstein's Monster.

[owl sees all]

2 minutes ago, bluesofa said:

First time I've seen a chicken into bondage.

 

'Have to be more appreciative of Mrs Owl's delicate feelings in future.'

Not quite sure of if it was a serious comment, or could there be a possible hint of sarcasm in there I wonder?

 

Regarding the cables: The bare wires are out from the meter to the house, therefore not live.

The live wires have the very high quality black tape wrapped around them.

(Now that definitely was sarcasm regarding the tape)

I feel I have to explain just a little.

 

When it is Mildred's bed time Mr Chicken is asked to give a squawk. This is the signal for bed.

 

Mrs Owl was dozing in the chair. I thought she was watching the TV. It was 8-30 and time. Mr Chicken gave out an out-of-character, exceptionally loud squawk, which set the Mrs off. She grabbed Mr Chicken from me and promptly dissected it in the kitchen. And then; the ultimate insult. Threw it in the rubbish bin.

 

Everything seems OK for now. We will see at 8-30 this evening.

[teacherclaire]

12 hours ago, owl sees all said:

Yes! But not nearly as much as a few years ago. But in saying that, Nang, village shop does a good trade on selling swigs of Lao Khao (not sure; spelling) for 10 baht.

Thanks, Owl. I get it. Nit noi, nit noi every 10 minutes. 

[owl sees all]

6 minutes ago, teacherclaire said:

Thanks, Owl. I get it. Nit noi, nit noi every 10 minutes. 

There was a drinking culture in the village; and surrounding villages when i arrived. When the military came in, I think easy money gradually get a little harder to come by, and the big drinking seemed to have stopped. There are only a couple of regular drunks in our village at the mo'. They don't bother anyone though.

 

But, going back to Nang's shop. She must do at least 30 shots of 10 baht Lao khao a day. This is to kill off any bacteria in the gut of course.

Edited October 18, 2020 by owl sees all

[Lacessit]

19 minutes ago, owl sees all said:

There was a drinking culture in the village; and surrounding villages when i arrived. When the military came in, I think easy money gradually get a little harder to come by, and the big drinking seemed to have stopped. There are only a couple of regular drunks in our village at the mo'. They don't bother anyone though.

 

But, going back to Nang's shop. She must do at least 30 shots of 10 baht Lao khao a day. This is to kill off any bacteria in the gut of course.

My GF buys lao khao 2 litres at a time, then splits it into 250 or 100 mL bottles. sells it to the neighborhood, haven't found out the profit margin. I have noticed a couple of the older men have quit drinking.

I understand there was another family that was doing the same, but they got caught watering the lao khao down. Lost all their customers when the word got around.

Did you know gasoline in the villages may be watered down too? Some sharp operators have noticed the ethanol content enables addition of some water without it separating into two phases of liquid. However, if the water drops out in the customers' tank, you have some angry customers.

[bluesofa]

45 minutes ago, owl sees all said:

I feel I have to explain just a little.

 

When it is Mildred's bed time Mr Chicken is asked to give a squawk. This is the signal for bed.

 

Mrs Owl was dozing in the chair. I thought she was watching the TV. It was 8-30 and time. Mr Chicken gave out an out-of-character, exceptionally loud squawk, which set the Mrs off. She grabbed Mr Chicken from me and promptly dissected it in the kitchen. And then; the ultimate insult. Threw it in the rubbish bin.

 

Everything seems OK for now. We will see at 8-30 this evening.

I still can't help wondering if you might be a victim of domestic violence. Perhaps physical, but definitely verbal abuse from reading your logs.

[Fat is a type of crazy]

1 hour ago, owl sees all said:

I feel I have to explain just a little.

 

When it is Mildred's bed time Mr Chicken is asked to give a squawk. This is the signal for bed.

 

Mrs Owl was dozing in the chair. I thought she was watching the TV. It was 8-30 and time. Mr Chicken gave out an out-of-character, exceptionally loud squawk, which set the Mrs off. She grabbed Mr Chicken from me and promptly dissected it in the kitchen. And then; the ultimate insult. Threw it in the rubbish bin.

 

Everything seems OK for now. We will see at 8-30 this evening.

It looked like a clean cut which means she must have wielded the chopper with some relish.

If there's any possibility of Mr Chicken getting a squeeze I would hide the chopper.

 

Edited October 18, 2020 by Fat is a type of crazy

[Fat is a type of crazy]

2 hours ago, bluesofa said:

Now I'm curious about your girlfriend's diet. Does she seems to eat a lot of food without putting on weight?

If so it's probably because she's got hollow legs, according to the bottom of the photo.

 

Did you intentionally frame it like that, or is it just a coincidence?

My girlfriend actually took the photo. This girl is I assume a uni student she was talking too.

Her cousin has a some flower shops and they hit the road once or twice a week to universities around Ubon to sell them flowers.  Hoping  Australia Thailand open's up so she can come here but see what happens.

Edited October 18, 2020 by Fat is a type of crazy

[Lacessit]

11 minutes ago, Fat is a type of crazy said:

 I am stuck in Melbourne for the time being. 

I got out of there back to Thailand with about two weeks to spare before the blocks came down in both countries. I'd be climbing the walls by now, or in a straitjacket.

According to my son, the problem is people are willfully disobeying the regulations in place. He lives in Olinda, where there are many tourists and cyclists getting the stinkeye from locals, as they have clearly gone more than 5 km to get there. Or take the one infected guy who traveled to Shepparton, causing mass testing there.

Also, he says the issue of suicide numbers and mental health is being carefully kept in the background. Not a comfortable place to be right now, good luck.

[Fat is a type of crazy]

52 minutes ago, Lacessit said:

I got out of there back to Thailand with about two weeks to spare before the blocks came down in both countries. I'd be climbing the walls by now, or in a straitjacket.

According to my son, the problem is people are willfully disobeying the regulations in place. He lives in Olinda, where there are many tourists and cyclists getting the stinkeye from locals, as they have clearly gone more than 5 km to get there. Or take the one infected guy who traveled to Shepparton, causing mass testing there.

Also, he says the issue of suicide numbers and mental health is being carefully kept in the background. Not a comfortable place to be right now, good luck.

Thanks Lacessit. I won't go on into a  Covid discussion, but patience is really wearing thin, due to so few cases. Today is a big day and hopefully next week businesses will open up.

I was brought up in Olinda for 10 years so know it well. Beautiful place. I lived along time in St Kilda but now am back in the hills. 

Edited October 18, 2020 by Fat is a type of crazy

[faraday]

2 hours ago, chickenslegs said:

Owlenstein's

Yup, this is the winner!

????

[Kadilo]

 

“I don't normally spend money on myself unless absolutely necessary. But I just couldn't resist the hat. Made in China with natural materials, fashionable........”

 

Who told you that, the shop owner? ???? 

 

I could make a good safety video out of all your pics over the past few months. Remind the guy on the ladder, 3 points of contact please or wear a harness please. 
 

As for your tool sharpening! That’s a stand alone “highlight 10 safety concerns here” quiz on any Safety course. 
 

 

 

 

 

[owl sees all]

1 hour ago, Kadilo said:

“I don't normally spend money on myself unless absolutely necessary. But I just couldn't resist the hat. Made in China with natural materials, fashionable........”

 

Who told you that, the shop owner? ???? 

 

I could make a good safety video out of all your pics over the past few months. Remind the guy on the ladder, 3 points of contact please or wear a harness please. 
 

As for your tool sharpening! That’s a stand alone “highlight 10 safety concerns here” quiz on any Safety course. 

There were some hats on a rack outside the shop. I picked the hat, After trying on a few, I took the red one into the shop, which is a chemist. I was going in there anyway to get some reishi strips, to make my brews. I saw a new lady at the counter. About 30, slim, and smart in her white attire. How much for the hat dear? "Baht; hoc sib gow." That's 69 to me. One of my favourite numbers. 

 

Took my pink hat off and put on the red. She smiled and told me; "You hansum man now." I parted with my dosh and left.

Edited October 18, 2020 by owl sees all

[Odysseus123]

Card game in the village.

Jam session...

 

[Odysseus123]

1 hour ago, Odysseus123 said:

Card game in the village.

Jam session...

 

 

Edited October 18, 2020 by Odysseus123

[sotonowl]

18 hours ago, chickenslegs said:

 

 

Sorry to be pedantic ...

 

Firstly - it's a chicken.

 

Secondly - Frankenstein was the doctor, not the monster.

 

But, I concede that both the above are funnier than Owlenstein's Monster.

Oh well, it was good while it lasted.

[sotonowl]

15 hours ago, owl sees all said:

There were some hats on a rack outside the shop. I picked the hat, After trying on a few, I took the red one into the shop, which is a chemist. I was going in there anyway to get some reishi strips, to make my brews. I saw a new lady at the counter. About 30, slim, and smart in her white attire. How much for the hat dear? "Baht; hoc sib gow." That's 69 to me. One of my favourite numbers. 

 

Took my pink hat off and put on the red. She smiled and told me; "You hansum man now." I parted with my dosh and left.

She's gagging for it Owl, get back there and do your duty.

[FarFlungFalang]

23 hours ago, owl sees all said:

 

 

Another inch....and he'll be in hospital possibly with a self inflicted knife injury.

[HighPriority]

On 10/18/2020 at 1:38 PM, bluesofa said:

I still can't help wondering if you might be a victim of domestic violence. Perhaps physical, but definitely verbal abuse from reading your logs.

Sure, but to date he’s faring better than Mr Chicken... ????

[Odysseus123]

9 hours ago, HighPriority said:

Sure, but to date he’s faring better than Mr Chicken... ????

..but I think that "Bluesofa's" observation has its merits.

I knew a few Isaan women who were ferociously unpredictable and they appeared to become emboldened when nestled within an extensive support network.

 

The same holds true in Oz when they find their feet within a Thai enclave.It is very difficult to manage things after that..I know this much is true.

[owl sees all]

Owl Log - 10-20-2020 - Tuesday evening

 

25 eucas potted

Grass growing so fast

Monster euca tree

Euca scaffolding

Super highway hole opens again

Wires still not sorted

Young girls squealing

 

Spent all day at the farm today. Generally sorting things out and potting some eucas into grow bags. The thinking is that we will keep these for a while; perhaps 6 months. They will grow well in the bags, and should there be any casualties out in the farm we will have a well grown replacement.

 

 

Gonna do a few more in the week. Very spindilly though.

 

@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@

 

This grass is so aggressive. Only had it cut 6 days ago and already it's grown best part of 150mm.

 

 

@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@

 

Spotted a house build using eucas for scaffolding. 

 

 

@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@

 

And, while in Ban Dung, I thought I'd have a look at the wires. It's been nearly a month and no one has had them away. They must be internet cables.

 

 

There is one giant tree at the farm. It's the best part of 2.5 metres.

 

 

There is another one at 2 metres. But this is the biggest by some way. Four and a half months ago it was just 250mm tall. 

 

 

Why this one is so outstanding I don't know. I'm gonna clear the weeds and grass away from it. Give it a boost.

 

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Had a butcher's at the village Buddha build/pond.

 

 

I'll be keeping an eye on proceedings; as much out of interest as anything else.

 

@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@

 

The smaller hole in the super highway it starting to deteriorate again. 

 

 

It's in a dodgy place. I'll not be surprised if I hear that a m/c has come to grief there at night.

 

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I was peacefully fishing and I could hear laughter and squealing. It got louder. Then as it moved onto our road I saw the problem. The saam-law was giving grief and had to be pushed.

 

 

It wasn't out of juice. I could have helped with that. A gear-box problem evidently.

 

 

I was just about to go over and help push, when Mrs Owl flashed me one of those looks. Sort of 'don't you dare' looks. They only had a couple of hundred metres left anyway; mostly flat.

 

@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@

 

Been really dull for a few days. No rain to speak of though; just drizzle.

 

That Merseydise game was a big talking point. 'Disgraceful tackle' said Alan Shearer. He was right, but is there not 'retrospective' action, that can be taken by the FA? That can't help the Reds now of course. Exciting season. Very disappointing with Newcastle. Sat back after a lucky goal, didn't even deserve a draw.

 

It is getting noticeably colder. Have to wrap up after showering.

 

Yet another lady came to us trying to borrow money this evening. I just haven't got any for another few days. The villagers are really feeling the pinch. No dosh until their surplus rice gets sold. Even the cutters are being paid in rice.

 

I've heard, that China will roll out a digital currency before March 2021. Will Thailand be tempted to go the same route in a few years? Pegged to the China currency perhaps!

 

That's it for now guys and gals. Bye y'all.

 

PPPs Almost forgot. Mildred's birthday yesterday. Legs eleven.

Edited October 20, 2020 by owl sees all