Diary of a farang in Isaan

[owl sees all]

On 10/26/2021 at 8:17 PM, Sterling said:

I took an HTML course earlier this year as part of a CyberSecurity Degree. I dont remember using that particular function but does this help at all:

 

https://www.w3schools.com/jsref/event_onmouseover.asp

 

Found the precise HTML code.

<IMG SRC="URL of first pic"
onmouseover="this.src='URL of second pic';"
onmouseout="this.src='URL of first pic again';">

Absolutely change only text in 'red'.

Didn't remember it quite like this 25 years ago; but it's all good now.

Edited October 28, 2021 by owl sees all

[HighPriority]

17 hours ago, owl sees all said:

Found the precise HTML code.

<IMG SRC="URL of first pic"
onmouseover="this.src='URL of second pic';"
onmouseout="this.src='URL of first pic again';">

Absolutely change only text in 'red'.

Didn't remember it quite like this 25 years ago; but it's all good now.

Dunno what you just said, but good job ???????? 

 

????

[Sterling]

Owl, glad it's working for you now!

HTML isnt really my thing; I'm more of a System Administrator type, so I usually get Apache or whatever installed and working then hand it over to the WebDevs.

 

 

[GarryP]

An avocado update. The wife just threw another 3 stones in the garden this morning. So I'll see what happens. The one that is already growing will get potted so we can take it with us when we move to Kalasin. 

[owl sees all]

Owl Log 31-10-2021 - Sunday afternoon

 

GarryP's avocado is doing well it seems. Ours are a bit hit and miss. One death, and one growing, with the smaller plants.

 

 

This one's OK, and I also put a new stone in the deceased avo's place. Fingers crossed.

 

 

The one at the farm is doing just great.

 

 

Plenty of coconuts at the mo'.

 

 

Rice cutting has started. The farm next to us - the Buddah farm - is using a machine this year.

 

 

We have no rice to cut as we rented out the paddy to Chai, for one bag in three. Some of the rice in the farms close-by looks terrible. I think the yields will be very disappointing for many. Fortunately ours is looking good.

 

Mrs Owl sat on the her headphones. I sorted them out for her.

 

 

And Mildred's set arrived last week.

 

 

 

I don't use them as my audio jack hole, on the computer, has gone wonky.

 

I dug out the old mastic on the water project.

 

 

Replaced it with fresh stuff. although it's still soft. If it don't work this time, I'm gonna dismantle the unit, and start again; paying more attention to the sealing.

 

 

 

Measured the euca on the road Friday; weighed in at 36cms. We also checked the biggest one - that we know of - in number four farm; nearly 32cms. There are a loads around 30/31cms. That is measuring their girth one meter up.

 

The road tree is 2 years, 4 months in the ground. All the others are a year younger at 16 months..

 

 

Election time at the village. Sharong seems to be the only candidate from our village. Snapped him putting up a banner of himself.

 

 

Didn't know he had a tie! Vote for the smart man with a shirt and tie.

 

 

The water has equalised between ponds two and three. I don't suppose we will see any more rain until April next year. I might put a 4inch pipe from two to three for next year.

 

 

The overflow pipe in number two was just under water a week ago, so the level's gone down about 30cms.

 

 

 

Poom wanted to go home with us one day in the week. Probably missed his telephone. He just loves Liverpool FC.

 

 

Bought a water tap set from the 20 Baht shop a while back. Two taps and some white tape for 20 baht! Bargain at double the price. Fitted the pink one about a month ago. Started leaking badly last week, so put on the green one. Works well so far. But early days yet. No idea where it was made. Don't think it's Thai printing on the packet.

 

 

Also had a meter of strip LED lighting delivered. The goods, the P&P and the 19 baht driver's tip came in at 100 baht. Just thought it might come in handy. Very well made. Came from Japan.

 

 

At the Big Mango Ladies' house they were having a boot sale. Well not exactly; more a footwear sale. Couldn't find anything my size. Thought I might get a nice pair for Mrs Owl as a Christmas prezzie. Have to hide them away for a while. She might find them and throw them out.

 

 

Can't get all the pics to upload. 'Error code 200'.

 

Mildred goes back to school tomorrow (Monday). Don't want her to go. Much prefer it if we can do two hours of home-teach. But, she wants to see her friends. That's a good enough reason to return.

 

Enjoyed the footy yesterday. Pity the Seagulls couldn't snatch a third at Anfield. One of my teams won 5-0; the other plays today.

 

Finished about twenty pages of the web-site. Probably publish next week.

 

It's rice time once again. everyone rushing here and there. Need any rain that feels like falling, to rest up for a month.

 

Time change this weekend. The footy starts at 22-00 from next w/e until March. I prefer it to be on summer-time.

 

Is there a better place to be than Isaan?

 

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

Edited October 31, 2021 by owl sees all

[sotonowl]

That's nothing short of child abuse making the poor little <deleted> wear that shirt.

[sotonowl]

That was a pretty mild swear word I used there, surprised the filter picked that up TBH.

[DaveE13]

On 10/31/2021 at 1:32 PM, sotonowl said:

That's nothing short of child abuse making the poor little <deleted> wear that shirt.

Owl mate thought you was a hammer. ????

[owl sees all]

47 minutes ago, DaveE13 said:

Owl mate thought you was a hammer. ????

That's the other Owl Dave. He supports The Owls (Sheff Wed).

 

Irons and Orient for me.

 

9 goals between them last week end. Irons for C/L and O's for promotion. No prob's.

[owl sees all]

Owl Log - 09-11-2021 - Tuesday afternoon.

 

Well teerak, it was like this! We was working in the rice-building and he (my work mate) left me for half an hour.  I didn't know if he was coming back. It well past four, and I thought we had done enough for the day. I locked up, and went to find him to let him know that was that for the day. His road is rubbish!

 

 

Had to leave the pick-up there overnight.

 

 

Got it out the next day with the help of Guy's tractor. Mrs Owl joined in the rescue by giving emotional support.

 

 

We were fixing up wire mesh throughout the rice-store.

 

 

Last year, the rats got among the sacks and ruined a lot of it. So I had to sort it out for this year.

 

 

Have three rooms; each one 3x3 metres. But I think there will only be enough rice to use one of them this year.

 

 

The next job, will be sorting out the holes in the roof, but that meant the ladder had to be fixed. Don't want to be 5 meters up on a dodgy ladder. More on that next Owl Log.

 

 

Dropped it off at the car-fix shop on Sunday evening. Gonna get it on my way to the farm this afternoon. Hope it's fixed OK. Didn't check yesterday as I had to go to Udon.

 

 

It does get busy during the rice harvest. Jobs and sundries that had been left for getting on for 12 months, have to be sorted. Sacks, nets and covers have to be either fixed, renewed, or new stuff bought.

 

Rice is ready for cutting.
 

 

Cut, but not yet bundled up to be taken to the threshing machine. If there is a substantial harvest they will come to you. But for 10 sacks, it's better to take the rice to where ever the machine is working locally.

 

Chai cut the first section of rice. This area is about 25% of our total paddy. He got 10 sacks. One for the machine driver. And the nine left was split 6  for him; 3 for us. The other rice - a different variety - will be cut in about two weeks.

 

Some buffaloes were causing a traffic jam on the way to the village.

 

 

I was lucky to get the pic at five-thirty in the evening. Buffaloes were also on the move in the village at mid-dayish today.

 

 

The young herds-lady was hiding from the camera. I can see you dear.

 

Back at Sook's farm the charcoal making was in full swing.

 

 

When they use the bigger logs they have to smash them up to bag them. There is always a good market for the charcoal. One year Guy got over one hundred sacks, and sold out during the winter. 150 baht a sack.

 

 

This is hot, dirty work, so a hammock is always close; and a bottle of Lao Khow to quench the thirst.

 

 

 

Their pond has filled well. Mrs owl chatted  to Sook, and he told her the down-pour on 22nd October raised the level half a metre.

 

 

This is a lovely tree. And to think the Mrs wanted to cut it down a few years ago.

 

 

The MinL's TV went kaput, so I ordered one on Lazada. Came this morning. Fixed it up for her.

 

 

Been growing some bulbs. They are doing OK.

 

 

Batman was in the village one day last week. Have to read up on the

'Superheroes'

 

 

And finally; Jack the cat. Sleeping as usual.

 

 

Some of the youngsters have drifted back to school. Went to Udon Thani on Monday and saw quite a few children in the school fields. Although it's not all over. Mildred hasn't had the word yet.

Left for Udon quite early yesterday, and that gave me the chance to stop off to take loads of pics.

'll do an 'Owl Log Udon special' in a day or so.

 

This afternoon, have to pick up the ladder (hopefully) and try to get some more wire netting. Need about two metres more to finish the first store-room.

 

Someone is definitely helping themselves to our fish food. I reckon it's someone nearby with a pond. I think it's Sharong's dad, but Mildred thinks it's Bella. Have to write a little note, so when they open the top of the store they see it. "Take no fish food: 5,000 baht fine." Get more response if it's in Thai of course.

 

Onwards and upwards for the Irons. Whacked The Reds at the week end. I said right from the start that it was top four without breaking sweat. @Kadilo said to lay off the reishi wine, but I think he now gets it.

 

No rain for nearly three weeks. Just goes to show how lucky we were last month.

 

That's it for now. Only one thing left to say; bye y'all.

Edited November 9, 2021 by owl sees all

[HighPriority]

I can’t believe you didn’t at least TRY to fix the TV, you must have been out of cable ties l guess…

 

My FIL used to make charcoal using the same method (hammock, LaoKow and oven) I never got to see it in action though and he’s “gone far away” now. 
 

Ladder time… ????

[owl sees all]

2 hours ago, HighPriority said:

I can’t believe you didn’t at least TRY to fix the TV, you must have been out of cable ties l guess…

 

My FIL used to make charcoal using the same method (hammock, LaoKow and oven) I never got to see it in action though and he’s “gone far away” now. 
 

Ladder time… ????

It was our old TV that went kaput. Passed it on about three years ago, when we bought our 32 inch Sharp.

 

The village expert (same guy that's running from local office) had a good look at it, and pronounced it 'dead and buried'. I came on the scene too late. Obviously I could have fixed it. I have everything in my tool-box the TV needed; pliers, hammer and yes - as you say HP - cable ties and super-glue. But I also have something that's important here; imagination.

 

Anyway; it was not to be. So 1800 baht worse off, but back in favour with the MinL.

 

Got the ladder back this evening. Not back in perfect order. In fact it had to have a few whacks with the fourteen-pounder to get it fully straight.

 

So things are on the up and up. But, a word of caution, if any member goes to the Chinese Quarter in Udon, don't jump over the fence to get it. It's changed. And another tip; don't tick the unvaxxed box on the entry form. Well you can, but they then want 150 baht.

 

 

[sotonowl]

On 11/9/2021 at 7:54 AM, owl sees all said:

Batman was in the village one day last week. Have to read up on the

'Superheroes'

 

Der,der,der,der,der,der,der,der, BATMAN. Love watching the kids in the Thai villages, very similar to how we used to play as children. They need to enjoy themselves whilst they can before technology catches up with them and takes over their lives.

[owl sees all]

On 11/11/2021 at 12:48 AM, sotonowl said:

Der,der,der,der,der,der,der,der, BATMAN. Love watching the kids in the Thai villages, very similar to how we used to play as children. They need to enjoy themselves whilst they can before technology catches up with them and takes over their lives.

That's a great post Owl.

 

Technology has improved some lives, but for the average person in the world, is 5G a bonus or a master?

 

Has it made kids lazy?  And not just kids. When I first came here (Thailand) there were very few 'weight challenged' people about. Now I see lots of overweight ladies; especially. Telephone in one hand and chicken leg in the other.

Edited November 12, 2021 by owl sees all

[Odysseus123]

6 hours ago, owl sees all said:

Technology has improved some lives, but for the average person in the world, is 5G a bonus or a master?

That is interesting..

Most of my internet career has been covered by either 3 or 4 G-I would assume that the same goes for most of the world-tho' 5 G is creeping up..

Why would 3 or 4 G (which I assume you were/are using up to now) not have the same impact?

[owl sees all]

52 minutes ago, Odysseus123 said:

That is interesting..

Most of my internet career has been covered by either 3 or 4 G-I would assume that the same goes for most of the world-tho' 5 G is creeping up..

Why would 3 or 4 G (which I assume you were/are using up to now) not have the same impact?

I don't see how much of the technology (that some say is simply fantastic) is of any use to the vast majority of humans.. Could make rich people richer; I guess.

 

OK, so technology might put a man on the moon or detect a mouse moving in Russia, but will it enhance our lives? Is it all about internet speeds? Are the kids of today lucky to have the technology?

[Odysseus123]

15 minutes ago, owl sees all said:

1 hour ago, Odysseus123 said:

That is interesting..

Most of my internet career has been covered by either 3 or 4 G-I would assume that the same goes for most of the world-tho' 5 G is creeping up..

Why would 3 or 4 G (which I assume you were/are using up to now) not have the same impact?

Expand  

I don't see how much of the technology (that some say is simply fantastic) is of any use to the vast majority of humans..

Okay..that is a different kettle of fish altogether..3,4,5G et al..

 

..and one very worthy of debate.

 

However I like your photographs and where would we be without the internet?

 

Not to mention the Lord Indra.

 

 

Edited November 12, 2021 by Odysseus123

[owl sees all]

Owl Log - 12-11-2021 - Friday afternoon - Udon special

 

Went to Udon Thani in the week. Left early, and stopped off at a couple of nice places to get some pics.

 

Couldn't go past Buddha Bunny with out inquiring on his state of health.

 

 

Apart from a touch of gout, he is looking just fine.

 

 

Just along from Bunny, there is my favourite Buddha in the whole world.

 

 

It's always work in progress here.

It looks good now. When it's finally finished I'm sure it will attract visitors from all over.

 

 

 

Just a little vid of my visit.

 

 

Then I was off.

 

Stopped at a road just outside Udon just to admire the wires. Simply must get a life.

 

 

Next stop was the 'almost finished' athletic stadium.

 

 

I say almost 'cause the viewing areas have no cover.

 

 

Maybe I'm doing it a bad-un. Perhaps it is finiahed and they are gonna let the spectators sit in the sun. Don't forget to bring your brollies folks.

 

Giving the footy pitch a decent watering. Must be a game coming up.

 

 

Then I arrived in Udon proper.

This building must have recently been constructed. Don't recall seeing it before.

 

 

 

Called 'The Base'. Looks entirely residential. Like the roof garden.

 

 

Last stop was the Chinese Quarter. Got into a bit of bother for not entering in the 'correct' way. Moved around a barrier. Got caught, and had to get my temperature checked, hands gelled, and submit my contact details.

 

The lady that collared me spoke decent English. The last two columns on the check-in form were new to me. The second from last had 30 or so ticks. I asked him what they were for. She told me that one was for the vaccinated, and the last column - that no-one had ticked - was for the unjabbed.  What happens if I tick the last one, I inquired; innocently. "Come in same, but charge 150 baht," was his reply. So, I ticked in the appropriate column; as you would.

 

 

I seemed to be the only person visiting.

 

 

 

Bought some food for the fishes and set off a feeding frenzy.

 

 

There seemed to be more carp on that day, than I can remember. I think all the carp were hungry, saw the rich farang buying all the food, and came over. The water feature is about 40 metres long, and the fish are usually scattered all along; but not on that day.

 

. I left the water area and had a butchers at the artwork on the wall.

 

 

This wood is beautifully carved.

 

 

I try to visit the Chinese Quarter whenever I visit Udon and have time on my hands. I find it relaxing to spend 30 minutes wandering around. And, even though I've been there 20 times, I still look forward to a visit.

 

Then it was off to see me mate. Got back home at 17-30.

 

Only one regret; that I didn't go and see the giant Yang-na tree at the top-end of Undulet Raod. Next time in two weeks for that. Perhaps include a Prajek Park visit also.

 

Only one thing left to say; visit Udon for a great day out.

 

Bye y'all.

====================================

 

More on The Base. Lifted it off the official site.

 

Edited November 12, 2021 by owl sees all

[owl sees all]

1 hour ago, Odysseus123 said:

Okay..that is a different kettle of fish altogether..3,4,5G et al..

 

..and one very worthy of debate.

 

However I like your photographs and where would we be without the internet?

 

Not to mention the Lord Indra.

 

 

Stunning pics Ody. Thanks!

[HighPriority]

“She told me that one was for the vaccinated, and the last column - that no-one had ticked - was for the unjabbed.  What happens if I tick the last one, I inquired; innocently. "Come in same, but charge 150 baht," was his reply. So, I ticked in the appropriate column; as you would”

Two words for you Owl… Alley Cat !

????

[owl sees all]

1 hour ago, HighPriority said:

“She told me that one was for the vaccinated, and the last column - that no-one had ticked - was for the unjabbed.  What happens if I tick the last one, I inquired; innocently. "Come in same, but charge 150 baht," was her reply. So, I ticked in the appropriate column; as you would”

Two words for you Owl… Alley Cat !

????

Thanks for that HP.

 

I think the 150 baht would be the fee for a chaperone while in the compound. If an unvaxxed person was to enter, they would have a person with them all the time until they left. That didn't apply to me so it's only a guess.

 

Great place to spend an hour. Must try it HP.

[HighPriority]

On the vax topic, my wife’s crew have all been jabbed at least once except mum, who is probably THE most important one to get done…

I have convinced my wife to convince mum to get done too.

It seems that 2000 baht will make it happen.

Mum agreed on Thursday night to get vaxxed, and on Friday a classmate of my wife’s youngest daughter turned up to school with Covid… ????

 

 

[HighPriority]

5 hours ago, owl sees all said:

Thanks for that HP.

 

I think the 150 baht would be the fee for a chaperone while in the compound. If an unvaxxed person was to enter, they would have a person with them all the time until they left. That didn't apply to me so it's only a guess.

 

Great place to spend an hour. Must try it HP.

Maybe the hat lady could chaperone you Owl…?

????

[sotonowl]

16 hours ago, HighPriority said:

Maybe the hat lady could chaperone you Owl…?

????

All gone quiet on the hat lady front hasn't it? In my experience this means either a KB or he's giving her one.????

[owl sees all]

6 hours ago, sotonowl said:

All gone quiet on the hat lady front hasn't it? In my experience this means either a KB or he's giving her one.????

It's difficult.

 

With Mildred off school, I cannot easily get to town on my own. It's rumoured that all the schools will open from Monday. Things could look up.

Edited November 14, 2021 by owl sees all

[sotonowl]

6 hours ago, owl sees all said:

It's difficult.

 

With Mildred off school, I cannot easily get to town on my own. It's rumoured that all the schools will open from Monday. Things could look up.

Good on yer mate.

[rickudon]

My daughters school (St. Marys) does alternate days, so 2 days one week and 3 the next, started last week. The Base condo has been around for a couple of years. 

Still haven't kicked the jetlag since getting back 12 days ago, slept for 3 hours this afternoon. Never used to have this trouble. 

 

Something completely different - do not think i have ever seen a jigsaw puzzle in Thailand, so i brought one back for my daughter. She did it in about one hour.

 

 

[HighPriority]

I’m no jet lag expert, but for me I immediately change to local time zone, ie no afternoon nanna naps (unless that is YOUR usual routine)

[owl sees all]

6 hours ago, rickudon said:

My daughters school (St. Marys) does alternate days, so 2 days one week and 3 the next, started last week. The Base condo has been around for a couple of years. 

Still haven't kicked the jetlag since getting back 12 days ago, slept for 3 hours this afternoon. Never used to have this trouble. 

 

Something completely different - do not think i have ever seen a jigsaw puzzle in Thailand, so i brought one back for my daughter. She did it in about one hour.

 

 

There was a market near Phen or Pen or Penn (all same town) that had a toy trader a few years back. He sold jigsaws; all depicting animals. He sold three for 100 baht. I bought nine and gave them away to the village kids after Mildred had conquered them once. Quite recently bought some 'art animals'. Daughter uses them for her art projects. I encourage her to do anything creative.

 

 

The Base! Don't usually go to that area, so I'd not noticed it before. Nice concept though, with the gardens up top. There is another group of high condoes just south of the Sakon Nakon road near the railway station. They sprung up quick a while back. Spoke to a farang in Udon and he told me that Udon now was second to Bangkok, in terms of size.

 

I'll try to make time one day to visit the Udon Museum.

[HighPriority]

Nice Drawing by Mildred, Owl.

Is it just me or is the lass with the mask a little downcast ?
Has she been coping ok ?
Maybe Mildred needs a daddy hug.

Edited November 16, 2021 by HighPriority