Diary of a farang in Isaan

[terry Meltham]

11 hours ago, bannork said:

Last night and this morning was one of the coldest spells I've ever experienced in Thailand. The cold and biting wind from China raged all night, I feared for our newly born calves with the wind chill but we put up some tarpaulin on the north and eastern sides of the cattle shed which helped shelter the gang.

Tough dudes.

 

 

Here in Prasat area very very cold 11C coldest I hav eknown in 30 odd years

[Neeranam]

2 hours ago, terry Meltham said:

Here in Prasat area very very cold 11C coldest I hav eknown in 30 odd years

I remember it being 7C in Khon Kaen.

[voulez vous]

Good morning from me. And good wishes to all the posters says me and Mr Owl.

 

He has many pictures to share with you once his holiday has ended in a couple of days; at 32 minutes past five in the afternoon I believe.

 

Mr Owl has asked me to post a picture for him. The note with the email said that he had finished cleaning out the furnace. I have no idea what became of the rubbish. But as Mr Owl would put it; 'watch this space.'.

 

[bluesofa]

2 hours ago, voulez vous said:

Good morning from me. And good wishes to all the posters says me and Mr Owl.

 

He has many pictures to share with you once his holiday has ended in a couple of days; at 32 minutes past five in the afternoon I believe.

 

Mr Owl has asked me to post a picture for him. The note with the email said that he had finished cleaning out the furnace. I have no idea what became of the rubbish. But as Mr Owl would put it; 'watch this space.'.

I'm glad he's due to be out on parole at last.

[FarFlungFalang]

21 hours ago, Kadilo said:

I think he has simply been banned. 

He does come across as a bit of a trouble maker ????

It's not hard to do a friend tells me.

[bluesofa]

On 11/18/2019 at 10:34 AM, owl sees all said:

The wife was on the loo and couldn't give rice to the monk the other day. She asked me to give it. No problem! But I didn't get on my knees; just called him over and tipped it into his pot. I got the 'thank you' verse all the same. Later, when the wife found out that I'd not even bowed my head she was not best amused. "You must not be higher than monk," said she.

Surely, the reply should have been, "I wasn't higher than the monk. He was standing on the pavement, I was in the road."

[Lacessit]

15 minutes ago, bluesofa said:

Surely, the reply should have been, "I wasn't higher than the monk. He was standing on the pavement, I was in the road."

Such subtleties of logic go straight through to the wicketkeeper here.

[faraday]

2 hours ago, bluesofa said:

I'm glad he's due to be out on parole at last.

 

Will he be tagged, & where exactly will it be fitted?

 

[bluesofa]

2 minutes ago, faraday said:

Will he be tagged, & where exactly will it be fitted?

Behind the bike sheds.

[sotonowl]

2 hours ago, bluesofa said:

Behind the bike sheds.

There's a theme with them there bike shed occurrences , don't know if anyone else has picked up on it? Now we have "tagged" to add to "fagged, gagged, shagged, nagged" and one or two more I can think of.

[Andrew Dwyer]

26 minutes ago, sotonowl said:

There's a theme with them there bike shed occurrences , don't know if anyone else has picked up on it? Now we have "tagged" to add to "fagged, gagged, shagged, nagged" and one or two more I can think of.

Teabagged ?

[bluesofa]

1 hour ago, Andrew Dwyer said:

Teabagged ?

You for coffee?

[voulez vous]

Good morning to you lovely people.

 

Just off to see Francine whose string broke yesterday causing her onions to fall.

 

And got an email from Marion in Spain, who tells me it is very could and wants me to warm her.

 

Mr Owl is back tomorrow.

Edited January 14, 2021 by voulez vous

[bluesofa]

48 minutes ago, voulez vous said:

Good morning to you lovely people.

 

Just off to see Francine whose string broke yesterday causing her onions to fall.

 

And got an email from Marion in Spain, who tells me it is very could and wants me to warm her.

 

Mr Owl is back tomorrow.

I wonder if he will be looking a little pale after all that time without sunlight on the inside?

I take it there's no quarantine required between the shed and the house?

[FarFlungFalang]

1 hour ago, bluesofa said:

I wonder if he will be looking a little pale after all that time without sunlight on the inside?

I take it there's no quarantine required between the shed and the house?

He's English isn't he?Of course he will look a little pale!As for quarantine between the shed and the house well if it's like here that will be decided by the missus and can only be cancelled by well endowed brown envelopes.

[Kadilo]

10 hours ago, voulez vous said:

 

 

Mr Owl is back tomorrow.

That’s some ban. 

He must have been a very very nawty Owl. 

I hope he has learned the error of his ways. 

 

[Odysseus123]

One thinks of the phrase "suitably chastened" but I suspect that he will remain one of the battalion's incorrigibles and Mrs Colonel Owl will need to keep a close eye on him-and Corporal Faraday one suspects...????

 

I think that we should have a big round of applause for Monsieur Vol-au-Vent who struggled manfully with his Essex French to convey to us the gravity of the situation.

 

The story of the French belle dropping her onions bought tears to my eyes.

[Andrew Dwyer]

Monsieur Vol-au-vent was an aspiring actor some time ago and became quite famous in his hometown of Baguette et vin .

Unfortunately his attempt at breaking into Hollywood were not as successful due to his strong accent.

 

I hope he will not mind this posting of one of his appearances in the wartime classic “ The bridge over the river Seine “

 

https://youtu.be/zGNVU5ZjlgA

 

[bluesofa]

1 hour ago, Andrew Dwyer said:

Monsieur Vol-au-vent was an aspiring actor some time ago and became quite famous in his hometown of Baguette et vin .

Unfortunately his attempt at breaking into Hollywood were not as successful due to his strong accent.

 

I hope he will not mind this posting of one of his appearances in the wartime classic “ The bridge over the river Seine “

 

https://youtu.be/zGNVU5ZjlgA

“ The bridge over the river Seine “   Apart from when he fell in to the river: Local man found insane.

[owl sees all]

Owl Log  - 15-01-2021 - Friday evening

 

A ten day holiday has ended. Self-isolating finished. Thank you all for keeping the thread alive and kicking.

 

Got loads of pics. Too many for one post, so I'll do a couple in the next few days.

 

It's been chilly for about a week now. I even had to put on some strides and a jersey. Got some funny looks 'cause the villagers had only ever seen me in shorts and T-shirt; in 12 years. But it's gonna warm up from here on in. Have to get the fans dusted and ready.

 

The students at Mildred's school were being encouraged to take coats to wear in the classroom. They are certainly wrapped up on the way to school. There is some flesh on show. The toughies braving the cold wind at seven in the morning.

 

 

 

Mask wearing a bit patchy.

 

!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

Went into the 'natural medicine' shop in Ban Dung to get my reishi mushrooms. That nice lady was there again. Her English is so-so and she is quite compelling. "New hat for you." She brought out the beauty from under the counter. "Have you been saving it for me dear?" I asked. "It fit big head. I think of you. I save for you." I tried it on and she was right; it fitted.

 

 

I also treated myself to a new pair of glasses. The ones I selected were -100. Before I was using -75 but I only put them on when the light fades. Don't need them during the day.

 

 

Put the glasses and hat on for a new look Owl.

 

 

Suave or what? A debonair Isaan gent' even! Once a year treat. 179 baht all told.

 

!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

At the farm things were going along really well. Finally got rid of all the euca rubbish. Burnt what I could and then sent the ashes to the tip.

 

Not too close now Milly.

 

 

Cleaned up nicely.

 

 

Nine bags of residual for disposal. Paid our man 200 baht to get rid.

 

 

!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

In Ban Dung things were busy.

 

 

 

!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

Mrs Owl had ran out of rice hulls for her garden's plants and trees. Had to pick up a dozen sacks from the rice millers.

 

 

Mix up the hulls with some buffalo poo-poo and some chicken poo-poo and Mrs Owl puts it around the plants.

 

 

Then it's watering time.

 

 

 

Tree still standing.

 

!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

Found a lovely looking paint-job on my travels. Just off the Non Mek road.

 

 

 

!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

Called into the big fuel station just outside Ban Dung for a fill up. They have a fine pond. We had brought some fish food to get them to the top. Mildred coaxing them,

 

 

There are not too many; but well looked after.

 

 

!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

Been getting out and about a fair bit. Got lots of interesting tree pics; for later posts.

 

When Mrs Owl saw my new look with the hat and glasses she was a tad jealous. Went out and bought a new hand-bag. Next time she goes lottery number hunting with the village ladies, I'm gonna get all the bags out and snap them. Can't let her see them.

 

Hasn't the footy been throwing up unusual results?! More surprises this week again (sorry TBL).

 

Any Russian speakers out there? Singing about trees; I think. Catchy tune.

 

 

More to follow.

 

Bye y'all.

 

 

 

 

 

[HighPriority]

Welcome back Owl, try and behave...

[FarFlungFalang]

Poker dots to go with the poker face (still looks a little sour) and the exceptional cranium probably too many brain cells for this place.We must have tag teamed in regards to sojourns.It seems for some of us it's only the depth that varies.

Edited January 15, 2021 by FarFlungFalang

[owl sees all]

12 hours ago, FarFlungFalang said:

Poker dots to go with the poker face (still looks a little sour) and the exceptional cranium probably too many brain cells for this place. We must have tag teamed in regards to sojourns. It seems for some of us it's only the depth that varies.

Indeed FFF. I have cheered up today though. 

 

On the subject of hats. I had a nice pink trilby that went missing at the farm while some work was ensuing. It fitted perfectly, and I have yet to find another as good. Clothes are difficult too. Don't care what they look like or what colour they are; although in saying that I will only wear natural fibres. Just want them to fit. Strides; the same. When you are two metres tall* and built like a muscle-bound tortoise, getting things to fit, in the land of shrimps, is difficult. Especially when there is a top-line budget of 100 baht per item.

 

Low parts of buildings are also a problem. If I had a baht for every time I've hit my head on a bit of structure; I'd have enough money to buy up all the lottery tickets. Ah yes! The lottery? This time, the lottery - which is tomorrow (17th) - will favour straight numbers. I fancy 111 as a winner. Get in there! Easy money.

 

Been mooching around the VoA. Looking at trees of course.

 

 

 

Lovely cows too! Then I happened to look south.

 

 

Couldn't resist snapping the vast array of transmitting pylons/masts at the VoA. I did hear that The Thai authorities did an inspection to squash the rumour that dodgy things were going on there; especially in the underground parts. "Could we have a look in these rooms farang?" "Sorry Sir, these parts are restricted." "OK. Not to worry. Where's the refreshery?" A few years ago that was. Everything was above board I believe.

 

Another Owl Log later today.

 

* and growing.

.

Edited January 16, 2021 by owl sees all

[FarFlungFalang]

Glad to hear your cheer has elevated,I was worried that in my effort to be cryptic and amusing at the same time in an effort to avoid another sojourn my post might have been misinterpreted causing your cheer to decline which is of course the challenge of posting on a forum with an ensuing sojourn to follow after crossing the elusive and difficult to determine (that maybe a tautology) line.

After looking south at the manmade "trees" I think the natural trees are much more pleasant to look at and much more beneficial to the world.

 

Edited January 16, 2021 by FarFlungFalang

[FarFlungFalang]

36 minutes ago, owl sees all said:

 

Lovely cows too! Then I happened to look south.

 

 

Couldn't resist snapping the vast array of transmitting pylons/masts at the VoA. I did hear that The Thai authorities did an inspection to squash the rumour that dodgy things were going on there; especially in the underground parts. "Could we have a look in these rooms farang?" "Sorry Sir, these parts are restricted." "OK. Not to worry. Where's the refreshery?" A few years ago that was. Everything was above board I believe.

I was looking at this photo trying to figure out what the bloody hell the structures were until I realised you've inserted arrows pointing to the masts.I might be slow but I'm definitely not worth waiting for!

[bluesofa]

31 minutes ago, FarFlungFalang said:

I was looking at this photo trying to figure out what the bloody hell the structures were until I realised you've inserted arrows pointing to the masts.I might be slow but I'm definitely not worth waiting for!

I think you're doing yourself down there. I think your comments and entertainment value are definitely worth waiting for.

I'm all for humour in posts.

edit: Not a 'dig' at your good self FFF, it just happened to be the funniest post I came across.

 

Edited January 16, 2021 by bluesofa
Addendum

[FarFlungFalang]

1 hour ago, owl sees all said:

When you are two metres tall* and built like a muscle-bound tortoise, getting things to fit, in the land of shrimps, is difficult. Especially when there is a top-line budget of 100 baht per item.

I'm about 5'8 1/2" but my "little" brother is 6'7",and one of the "Kiddies",Neil was 2.1 meters tall at 15 years old.The "Kiddies" was a basketball team we put together after Neil was not allow to play in the junior comp because he was too good, so we entered in the men's A grade comp and won 3 consecutive competitions after which my older brother, the only player in the team over 17 (one was 13,5 were 15 and 2 were 17) and I were banned for life from that association with no reason given.Neil went on to play for the Australian under 22 team and the NBL and Portugal in the European League.One day when he was 14 he was chasing his younger sister through the house she tossed a bean bag behind her in a doorway and upon leaping over the bean bag he cracked his head on the doorway!None of the "Kiddies" (apart from my brother) had played basketball before I meet them.So at 5'8" I was the short arce but I did come to appreciate the difficulties of those who breathe the rarefied air.Sorry for slipping off topic but I think I managed circumnavigate back in the end. 

Edited January 16, 2021 by FarFlungFalang

[FarFlungFalang]

35 minutes ago, bluesofa said:

I think you're doing yourself down there. I think your comments and entertainment value are definitely worth waiting for.

I'm all for humour in posts.

edit: Not a 'dig' at your good self FFF, it just happened to be the funniest post I came across.

 

Thanks Bluey it's much appreciated and I do it to stop from getting a big head!Funnily enough my little brother also had a large cranium physically but like mister owl was not big headed in the other sense of the word.

[Odysseus123]

Trees...radio masts,..pink trilby's..underground bunkers...and a slightly wonky Frenchman.

What is there not to like?????

[FarFlungFalang]

2 minutes ago, Odysseus123 said:

Trees...radio masts,..pink trilby's..underground bunkers...and a slightly wonky Frenchman.

What is there not to like?????

This thread is like the Leyland Brother's "Off The Beaten Track".