Diary of a farang in Isaan

[Golden Triangle]

10 minutes ago, owl sees all said:

My tool will not be used for heavy duty. 

Mine won't stand up to heavy duty use anymore either, 5555

 

Sorry to hear about your lack of rain, we had another heavy downpour last night & again this morning, hope you farmer guys get all you need in the not too distant future.

[chickenslegs]

13 hours ago, owl sees all said:

Lets see how it's done.

 

 

Have to give the cutting a bit of thought. Cut from the top down. If it binds then it's game over. And then, if the saw is twisted to get it off, the chain could get damaged.

Mind your language Owl.

555

[owl sees all]

10 hours ago, chickenslegs said:

Mind your language Owl.

555

You are quite right Chickenslegs.

 

Apologies to the sensitive, and any under fourteens that noticed.

 

Simply must get a video editing programme. Anyone suggest one for Linux Mint? Yes still hanging in there. Getting used to it; mostly by not clicking on anything.

 

 

Edited July 10, 2021 by owl sees all

[JetsetBkk]

On 7/9/2021 at 10:11 AM, owl sees all said:

 

I used to cut the branches with a sharp knife, then a knife with a long handle, then standing on a step ladder.

 

Now I let someone else do it...   

 

[Mutt Daeng]

On 7/9/2021 at 1:07 PM, Mutt Daeng said:

The mini chainsaw arrived this morning while I was out riding the bike. Same model as @owl sees all bought, but has 2 batteries - cost 1105 baht (inc postage). The wrench/screwdriver are cheap & nasty (as they usually are when free with power tools). As you can see I've bust the screwdriver already. As already stated, it was easy to assemble - although there was a small issue with the bar. The gap where the chain fits in was a little narrow at one end, so the chain wouldn't sit properly. This was easily rectified by widening the gap a little. Thats probably where I bust the screwdriver. Tested it on a few logs 2-5 inches diameter and some coconut fronds. Seems to work OK. The big deal for me is no pi$$-farting about with lubricating oil. As OWL has already said, it can't be stored in the case with the blade attached, so for me it will remain permanently assembled outside the case.

All in all well it's worth the money IMHO.

 

Chainsaw Update: After using the saw for a while, the cutting action was a little bit "bumpy". I disconnected the battery and checked the chain tension. The chain was a little tight and required a bit of effort to rotate it manually. I adjusted the tension of the chain and spayed a small amount of lube on the chain, attached the battery and started the saw to spread the lube round the bar. Now back to "normal" cutting. Now before every use, I will clean the bar/chain, check the tension of the blade and apply a small amount of lube to ensure smooth operation. So much for my comment about "not pi$$-farting about with lubricating oil".

Sorry to hijack the thread @owl sees all, but I thought I should bring this to the attention of anyone who may be thinking about buying this saw.

[owl sees all]

1 hour ago, Mutt Daeng said:

Chainsaw Update: After using the saw for a while, the cutting action was a little bit "bumpy". I disconnected the battery and checked the chain tension. The chain was a little tight and required a bit of effort to rotate it manually. I adjusted the tension of the chain and spayed a small amount of lube on the chain, attached the battery and started the saw to spread the lube round the bar. Now back to "normal" cutting. Now before every use, I will clean the bar/chain, check the tension of the blade and apply a small amount of lube to ensure smooth operation. So much for my comment about "not pi$$-farting about with lubricating oil".

Sorry to hijack the thread @owl sees all, but I thought I should bring this to the attention of anyone who may be thinking about buying this saw.

Have to get the tension just right. Took me a while to get it spot on. And there is a note in the box about early use chain-stretching.

 

These mini-chainsaws don't like cutting anything that is not absolutely firm. They bounce about like billy-O.

 

Have sprayed mine with WD40 a couple of times.

Edited July 12, 2021 by owl sees all

[HighPriority]

@owl sees allPlease put the chainsaw away for a few days until you're feeling a little better after your soccer game.

????

[owl sees all]

13 minutes ago, HighPriority said:

@owl sees allPlease put the chainsaw away for a few days until you're feeling a little better after your soccer game.

????

You are right HP.

 

Didn't see the game or any highlights. Looked at the stats though.

 

Can't complain. Went further in the competition than Scotland.

[owl sees all]

Owl Log - 12-07-2021 - Monday afternoon

 

Mildred spotted it. "Dad! Stop." "What's that Mil?" "Go back," she said. I reversed back and got out. Chickens scurried everywhere. But, then I saw it for myself.

Absolutely stunning. "I want some." "Think we had better ask yer mother on that Mil." I think it was the first one she had seen. Not sure if they make good pets. I'll look into it.

Had a problem with one of the water pipes at the week end.

The male connector (left) had its thread stripped right off. I did some repairs some time ago when the water was off. Must have over-tightened it. Mrs owl said it "just flew off" when she turned the water on. What to do? A visit to the PVC pipe shop was required. It all turned out bad. Finished up cutting the outside pipe, and knocking the pipe through the wall.

Went back to the PVC shop this morning. Couldn't get what I was after; a 90 degree bend and a connector in 1/2 inch. Repair will have to wait until I get the parts in Ban Dung tomorrow.

But things in Thailand sometimes work in mysterious ways.

Couldn't get the pipe fixed, but found a new venture on the go.

For those who don't read Thai; it says 'get yer prawns here'.

 

Bought half a kilo. Yum, yum.

Couldn't leave the bathroom without mentioning a lovely snail we had been taking an interest in. In one day it had moved about half a metre.

Today it was gone. "Mrs Owl, teerak, dear. Did you move the snail?" "What you say ding-dong farang. I not move it. Climb out of window and fall self."

Last Ban Dung visit. I was fully expecting the major pipe-work project to be finished.

Not quite yet.

I could see the irony in it all.

Nice clean job.

Back at the farm;

We were trying out the new cropper.

That's it Mil'. get stuck in.

 

 

But some are just too high for Mildred.

 

 

England couldn't manage it in the end. Never mind! There is always another competition. After all, we English, believe that it's the taking part, that really counts. Who cares who wins, as long as everyone had a good time? We got further than; Germany, France and Scotland though.

 

Djoiavich won again at Wimbledon. He's gonna set new tennis records. There don't seem to be no youngsters coming through to challenge him.

 

Mildred did her home teach again earlier. "What did you do Mil?" "Maths and English today." Will there be proper school next Monday? Mildred is very good at drawing and painting. There's nothing for her the school. More's the pity.

 

Lovely clouds spotted coming back from the farm Saturday..

Village view. Looking south.

Thunderstorm coming. The internet is off. Hope I can save this post.

 

Only one thing left to say; bye y'all.

 

Edited July 12, 2021 by owl sees all

[FarFlungFalang]

We had a big downpour last night from about 11 and constant rain the rest of the night.I'll have to go out to the farm and check the earth works and see how it held up.In the mean time I finished of the chipping hoes Mrs FFF calls Bok Boks.Made from busted plough discs.Mrs FFF drew some lines on the discs but my OCD kicked in after the first one and I applied some geometry just to prove to myself that my time at school wasn't a total waste and that there was actually a time I used some of the stuff I learned so long ago.What surprises me is that I can still remember it.

 

[owl sees all]

3 hours ago, FarFlungFalang said:

We had a big downpour last night from about 11 and constant rain the rest of the night.I'll have to go out to the farm and check the earth works and see how it held up.In the mean time I finished of the chipping hoes Mrs FFF calls Bok Boks.Made from busted plough discs.Mrs FFF drew some lines on the discs but my OCD kicked in after the first one and I applied some geometry just to prove to myself that my time at school wasn't a total waste and that there was actually a time I used some of the stuff I learned so long ago.What surprises me is that I can still remember it.

 

Just bought one; 100 baht.

 

I know them as a 'chog-chog'. We have about 6/7 at the farm, but this one is light and good for chopping the weeds in the euca plantation. No good for digging a hole though.

 

Rain!!!!!!!!???????????  What is that? Starting to get a bit concerned now. If we don't get some substantial downpours soon, I'll have to sacrifice three ponds to fill up three. Maybe in August; like last year.

[FarFlungFalang]

4 minutes ago, owl sees all said:

Just bought one; 100 baht.

 

I know them as a 'chog-chog'. We have about 6/7 at the farm, but this one is light and good for chopping the weeds in the euca plantation. No good for digging a hole though.

 

Rain!!!!!!!!???????????  What is that? Starting to get a bit concerned now. If we don't get some substantial downpours soon, I'll have to sacrifice three ponds to fill up three. Maybe in August; like last year.

Those thinner ones may not be good for digging holes but that doesn't stop some from trying.Rain is a bit hit and miss the other day I looked at the TMD predictions and it had 30-40% chance for all week now all of a sudden it's 60-70%.The ants saw it coming though.

[FarFlungFalang]

I saw Mildred struggling with the new clippers I hope you told her to grow up!

[JetsetBkk]

2 hours ago, owl sees all said:

Rain!!!!!!!!???????????  What is that? Starting to get a bit concerned now. If we don't get some substantial downpours soon, I'll have to sacrifice three ponds to fill up three. Maybe in August; like last year.

It's bucketing down right now in Phuket.   

[chickenslegs]

11 hours ago, FarFlungFalang said:

 I applied some geometry just to prove to myself that my time at school wasn't a total waste and that there was actually a time I used some of the stuff I learned so long ago.What surprises me is that I can still remember it.

 

Same here. I surprised myself by being able to help my daughter with some algebra today. On the other hand, I often open the fridge door and can't remember what I was looking for.

[JetsetBkk]

12 minutes ago, chickenslegs said:

Same here. I surprised myself by being able to help my daughter with some algebra today. On the other hand, I often open the fridge door and can't remember what I was looking for.

I often go into the kitchen and can't remember why.   

[JetsetBkk]

20 minutes ago, JetsetBkk said:

I often go into the kitchen and can't remember why.   

I read somewhere that it's something to do with your brain emptying its recent memory when you change your physical environment.

So you should really keep saying out loud to yourself precisely why you are leaving one room to go into another.

Try to ignore the puzzled looks everyone else will be giving you.

[FarFlungFalang]

5 hours ago, chickenslegs said:

Same here. I surprised myself by being able to help my daughter with some algebra today. On the other hand, I often open the fridge door and can't remember what I was looking for.

I'm certain I was born with early onset Alzheimer's as I walk into another room to get something then have to go back to remember what it was and have been doing it since I was a kid!

[FarFlungFalang]

5 hours ago, JetsetBkk said:

I often go into the kitchen and can't remember why.   

At least you can remember where the kitchen is?Thank goodness for small mercies.

[Mutt Daeng]

7 hours ago, chickenslegs said:

Same here. I surprised myself by being able to help my daughter with some algebra today. On the other hand, I often open the fridge door and can't remember what I was looking for.

 

7 hours ago, JetsetBkk said:

I often go into the kitchen and can't remember why.   

These things happen to me all the time. Glad it's not just me.

[owl sees all]

Owl Log - 16-07-2021 - Friday afternoon

 

What a calamity!?

It was so simple. Put on a bit of solvent push the sections together, wait for 20 seconds and bob's yer uncle. Really! Being Thailand, things are not always as easy as they should be. Had to cut the pipe, put on a jointer and all will be well. It took me a while to realise, but two half inch pipes are not necessarily the same size.

 

Fixed up the inside with new parts.

 

 

Trim the outside pipe. And give it a clean up.

 

 

Solvent on and push; hard. Dear me. The bigger of the pipes split the sleeve. Not to worry. A bit of wire, and a bit of know how soon had it sorted.

 

 

Not yet managed to get the water flowing. But it's early days.

 

And while I was fixing the pipe outside I snapped Noi's yard over the wall.

 

 

The major pipe lads, and lasses, have finished the laying. Just a bit of clearing away to be done.

 

 

And while in Ban Dung, I saw my two favourite cars parked up.

 

 

 

When they do get round to re -spraying the Merc; I think buddha gold.

It seems ready for the paint job.

 

 

 

The trees in the farm are looking grand. We were trimming yesterday when Mildred spotted a beautiful stick insect.

 

 

Move it to some fresh vegetation.

 

Have to look after the chickens. They are not ours. We're just mates with them.

 

 

 

It's not all glamorous work at the farm. Sometimes dead things have to be disposed of. That's usually my job. In this case fish heads and offal.

 

 

 

Mildred still on home teach. Twice a day.

 

 

 

Went back to the turkey farm. The guy sells the turkeys at 500 baht for two small ones. Or 1000 baht for two biggies.

 

 

Trying to sweet talk Mrs Owl into getting some.

 

Milly hard at work.

 

 

Me, taking a break; before starting work. Don't look this relaxed after a couple of hours in the plantation. Had a hair-cut since this pic; and a shave.

 

 

Always on the look out for beautiful skies. Wednesday at 7ish.

 

 

Mildred got the word yesterday. Not back to school until next month. I'm happy with that.

 

No plans to go to Ban Dung until Monday at the earliest. With that is mind, I washed my covid face mask. Didn't chuck it in the washing machine like I was doing to the last. Just put it into a bucket of water for a few hours, a swish round, and then left it in the sun to dry off. Good to go in half an hour. My previous one lasted for about two months before it finally disintegrated. Only 5 baht too. Had this latest one for about two weeks now, but it had to get a wash cause it fell on the floor, and Mrs Owl swept it up with the leaves. Put it on for 7/11 and Big C.

 

Have got our farm maintenance man cutting the grass and weeds in number one farm. He started yesterday. Get some pics later. I'm paying him 4k baht. Gonna take him 7/8 six hour days. Not easy. I know how humid it can get in there.

 

Only one thing left to say; bye y'all.

Edited July 16, 2021 by owl sees all

[FarFlungFalang]

I heard some commotion in a neighbours when I was sitting at the window upstairs and saw another neighbours dog chasing a chicken I thought hello there will be blood, but no the chicken turned and started going after the dog and wasn't backing down and had a couple of goes at the dog until the dog gave up and scurried off back home somewhat chastised.This definitely wasn't a chicken chicken!

[owl sees all]

12 minutes ago, FarFlungFalang said:

I heard some commotion in a neighbours when I was sitting at the window upstairs and saw another neighbours dog chasing a chicken I thought hello there will be blood, but no the chicken turned and started going after the dog and wasn't backing down and had a couple of goes at the dog until the dog gave up and scurried off back home somewhat chastised.This definitely wasn't a chicken chicken!

A lot of these dogs are chicken.

 

Down the years I've seen five or six challenge out cat Charkie. She gets up on her rear legs, and scratches at the dogs nose. This technique seem to be the biz, as they soon turn and run.

 

 

She's not been at her best for a few months now, and I don't know if she could 'see off' one of the soi dags as she is. So, if there is no one home the last one out shuts the gate.

 

 

Edited July 16, 2021 by owl sees all

[owl sees all]

21 hours ago, chickenslegs said:

Same here. I surprised myself by being able to help my daughter with some algebra today. On the other hand, I often open the fridge door and can't remember what I was looking for.

For sure it was for a cold drink.

 

Must try Ivermectin. Very good for those with short-term memory loss.

[Golden Triangle]

21 hours ago, chickenslegs said:

On the other hand, I often open the fridge door and can't remember what I was looking for.

Just to check if the light still works would be my guess ????

[Mutt Daeng]

9 hours ago, owl sees all said:

For sure it was for a cold drink.

 

Must try Ivermectin. Very good for those with short-term memory loss.

Should keep you tick-free as well.....LOL

[FarFlungFalang]

I haven't seen Bluesofa around lately any inside goss on the man?

[Odysseus123]

22 hours ago, FarFlungFalang said:

I haven't seen Bluesofa around lately any inside goss on the man?

I certainly hope that he is okay and is fully recovered from the bicycle accident and that life is treating him well.

[owl sees all]

Owl Log - 19-07-2021 - Monday afternoon

 

Be off in a jiff to pick up some stuff from the DinL's house on the main road (2022). Will take a few trips to get it all. It was only earlier this year that they moved in. Some guy blessed the house and the couple. Well it's all over. Finished! Finalised last Friday in Ban Dung. I guess that's the end of the 150k baht I loaned them.

 

My avocado tree is doing well. Not so many roots, but looking strong.

 

 

The other little un is starting to catch up. These two are the same age.

Nature sure works in magical ways.

 

 

Our man has started cutting around the eucas in number one.

 

 

Have to get him a new cutter blade this afternoon; on our way to the DinL. Looks OK.

 

 

Me and daughter have been doing number four farm. Mildred has taken to using the chog-chog big time. We are in a dense area of weed at the mo. Over by the old tree that was cut down last year. Probably not do any cutting today due to other chores.

 

There is still time for a bit of net fishing. And when she strikes lucky? If it's a tilapia then it's into the pot and if a carp then it is popped into number six pond.

 

 

Chai and his brother have been pumping water from number one pond into our two rai paddy.

 

 

Can see where the water has gone down. That will be fine for the pond if there is some decent rain. The overflow pipes from the paddy into ponds one and two will soon have them filled. We are getting one third of the harvest. I reckon about 45 sacks in all; so that's 15 for us.

 

No rain to speak of so far this year though; just a few showers. That's it.

 

 

That's our old Kubota and cart. Looks like our Archimedes pipe too. I'll check.

 

 

Yup. It is! Just forgot to ask me.

 

 

Nothing too scientific about it.

 

 

If the worst comes to the worst, I'll sacrifice pond two to fill up number one. Can't do it the other way round as it would hurt Mildred's snails.

 

 

Quite overcast at the mo'. I've given up all hope of serious rain this month. If we are gonna get it at all, it will be August and maybe September.

 

I've been sharpening up the cutters and the cropper with the electric stone. I'll get a decent file today. Blades will last longer using one, and I can do the sharpening at the farm.

 

The Mekongs in number five pond usually keep down the deep end.  Mildred has been spotting them at the near end. I'm usually straight into the euca farm now-a-days. She does the feeding.

 

Not yet fixed the pipework for the water supply into the bathroom. Been taking the main pipe off, and connecting up to the water heater in the evenings, and then swapping back for the daytime. Such is life.

 

Have the Brits ever done as badly as they did over the week end at The Open. Best placed was Robert MacIntyre (Scot) at number eight, Shane Lowry (Irish) at twelve and Paul Casey (Eng) at fifteen. I blame it on the lock-downs. We just couldn't practice like the others.

 

So the first game in is The Bees v The Gunners on Friday evening (Aug 13th). I personally think the champions should play in the first game. That would have been Spurs v Man City.

 

A lot of regulars have gone AWOL. Sotonowl, Bluesofa, Kadilo and others. Is it time for a change of format? Suggestions anyone?

 

Only one thing left to say; Bye y'all.

[DJ54]

33 minutes ago, owl sees all said:

 

Hello Owl...  love reading the posts very interesting and informative... any tips on growing avocados from 

seeds.. ? 

 

The cars you posted are awesome..  Thanks