Jump to content

Diary of a farang in Isaan


owl sees all

Recommended Posts

11 hours ago, owl sees all said:

Owl Log - 06-02-2022 - Sunday mid-dayish

 

Took Mildred to school for the mass testing last Monday. it seems that it wasn't the PCR test (as last time), but an ATK. Waited 1 minutes and then left. The system was different also.

 

covid000.png.ca8985d70f36e34d1ddf6e4c4805910b.png

 

Have to keep a look out for that number on the lottery next time round.

 

covid001.png.e3b6af7b50856b037a1279592b916db7.png

 

And quite logically, the girl in front had the next number.

 

covid002.png.1674b22dd7cfb6b7e6373c0c620ebd12.png

 

Then it was up to the first station for something.

 

covid003.png.d5895d5184c15679a3b92b8dbdfd3501.png

 

Into the hall. And the actual swab job.

 

covid004.png.9778a7b78581afeb2bc5d46cf9cc47c0.png

 

I took an interest in the drinks. I happened to notice that the smaller ones were strangely labelled.

 

Strange, I thought. The school had their own drinks.

 

covid007.png.8172b2131457874e72228a1d4b1fb942.png

 

But I was more interested in the contents. Or to be more precise the amount of water that was actually in the bottle.

 

covid008.png.c122e0faf120c2e793bae34edd81afc3.png

 

I took the empty back home and the best I could do was 345ml. Now I've got to make a decision. Do I inform the school that the water bottles are incorrectly labelled, or do I just forget it? I'll consult Mildred.

 

All that tree felling at the top of our road was for lights.

 

newturn.png.f5abfe2062040002082830ee195c220f.png

 

It's not just our junction (with the 2022), it's all along. And in Ban Dung too. Someone has has a brainwave.

 

The next crossroads has had the same treatment. Beautiful trees cut down.

 

cuttrees03.png.1b5aed37c15c42a0ab7839855711442a.png

 

Cut down for what?

 

cuttrees02.png.6551db4e72c4268b093a5337b68b5337.png

 

To be replaced with a line of lights!?

 

cuttrees01.png.d4f8ae749c343c5f69f82440d1e7e7ba.png

 

If I thought it would do any good I'd complain. A moan will have to suffice. I said to Mrs Owl; "Teerak, they are cutting down lovely trees all along the road." "Cut down trees. Stop people die; motorbikes." Can't argue with that.

 

I've got some pics of the trees as it was from last year. I'll post and show the devastation next Owl Log.

 

A sad sight in Ban Dung. A once beautiful house has been neglected.

 

oldwood00.png.1f5eac68ca55b29922f3104d17de8182.png

.

Looked as though it was restrorable from the front.

 

oldwood01.png.513c89f39404fe3c31291f163bba32f5.png

 

But obviously beyond repair as I discovered when i walked round the back.

 

oldwood02.png.37830c7e3455ad96927953b34c803557.png

 

Sad to see.

 

oldwood01.png.513c89f39404fe3c31291f163bba32f5.png

 

Another visit to the best shop in town; the 20 baht shop.

 

Bought a clock and a small colouring pack. I'll give that to a friend's niece when I next visit him.

 

clock.png.ef9321f230588ab3189b5208140ab12b.png

 

And for me a few head-phone sets. The two i got for Lazada have gone kaput. The 20 baht ones are great; so far.

 

headsets.png.c29c49befd86439b06a7e3c31493498d.png

 

Have a pair on right now as I type the Owl Log. Listening to Rosa Ponselle's beautiful voice.

 

1723754277_rosaPonselle.jpg.d22712de32ea8985571078b98616949e.jpg

 

Made six litres of reishi drink in the week.

 

reishi00.png.24cd2dbf9669da54114e3da9c3f18348.png

 

Ginger, onion, limes and reishi strips. Into the pot.

 

reishi01.png.6d75381cb7715f51811d62395fa0ec67.png

 

Get the fire ready.

 

reishi02.png.a570aaf9e7f0804b0205c28a9a80385c.png

 

When the brew has cooled, half will go towards the wine. The rest is swigged neat as I feel the need.

 

Been pumping water again. Have to keep a certain amount in pond six for the fish.

 

pumpwater000.png.cdf615f96b947b42c4f7c8d018c2e1f9.png

 

There was a news report about a tragic incident on a crossing last week when a doctor was hurt. I do think that crossings should be well maintained and better respected.

 

Outside Mildred's school.

 

 

 

If i stop in the pick-up for people to cross, I often get 'tooted' from the vehicles behind. I'd like to see crossings made from black and white block tiles. The painted ones just don't look good after a few months in the sun.

 

The avocadoes seem to like being in that pot. Get watered every day. And not in the sun for hours.

 

avoavo01.png.0b3a803018657f32772ed022dc29f851.png

 

Sent away for a holder for Mildred's artwork.

 

zpic07.png.b079a23ee74d31c33a9b1faa8a058e23.png

 

Mildred is now using oil paints. The ones i sent away for do a nice job.

 

zpic06.png.bc7266bcc8713c37ade2441ec4348c22.png

 

Can't say i understand the themes. Or why her girls have those funny pointed feet.

 

She seems to be sticking with it. Keeps her off the 'tippy tappy'.

 

FA Cup week end. The Irons came withing a minute or two of being eliminated by Kidderminister. Close shave. Harsh on the Harriers though. The Owls go from strength to strength, with another good win. Fulham firmly in place for a quick return to the EPL.

 

Mildred back at school; full time. Asked if any students got a positive covid test result. Evidently all 1500 of them were clear.

 

Day 106 since that rain on 22nd of October.

 

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

 

cuttrees00.png

Rosa Ponselle. Never heard of her before tbh but a lovely voice non the less. Some of the old stuff is brilliant isn't it. I may have posted this previously but I love Owen Brannigans version of the Blaydon Races. 

Good 3 points for Wednesday as you say Owl, couple of tough games coning up though and we just have to many good players out at the moment so i'm fearful. 

As for Craven Cottage, is that where the term "Cottaging" originates from? Wouldn't surprise me.????

 

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

On 2/8/2022 at 6:18 AM, sotonowl said:

Absolute disgrace.

 

If I had a season ticket, I would give it away.

 

I'm ashamed to see this. Gonna support Leyton Orient until this guy is got rid of.

  • Like 2
Link to comment
Share on other sites

12 hours ago, owl sees all said:

Absolute disgrace.

 

If I had a season ticket, I would give it away.

 

I'm ashamed to see this. Gonna support Leyton Orient until this guy is got rid of.

We had one invade the pitch last night. Watch the Wigan player wave goodbye to the cat.????????????

Apparently the cats been missing for 2 & half months. Owner was taking it to the vets or cattery when it escaped and ran off. It was chipped and now been claimed by the owner although It's touch and go whether it survives due to bite marks around it's neck which they think a dog has done.

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

The cat saga is intensifying. There was a phone-in on an English radio show a couple of days ago, where the general view was that castration might be the appropriate cure for such wanton disrespect for cats. That's not for the cat I must add. That's a tad drastic I reckon, but I think a good 'booing' for the rest of the season will be in order. Let's see what he is made off.

 

Now this guy Kurt Zouma - who arrived from Chelsea by the way - is probably going to run his nuts off for the Irons, just to get the fans back onside. So I'm gonna put him in my fantasy footy team and see how it goes until the dust settles.

Edited by owl sees all
  • Like 1
  • Haha 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

On 2/9/2022 at 6:49 AM, owl sees all said:

Absolute disgrace.

 

If I had a season ticket, I would give it away.

 

I'm ashamed to see this. Gonna support Leyton Orient until this guy is got rid of.

My mate is the head of security at leyton. I supplied him some security guys for the response teams. Lovely little ground that.   

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

On 2/11/2022 at 2:58 PM, sotonowl said:

He kicked a cat. Makes him a bad lad but hardly the crime of the century is it. All perspective is lost on social media by the terminally offended.

Also funny how it was leaked to the press the day when Chelsea had to pay out for old racism claims against old players. 

  • Like 2
Link to comment
Share on other sites

2 hours ago, DaveE13 said:

My mate is the head of security at leyton. I supplied him some security guys for the response teams. Lovely little ground that.   

You are right there Dave; a lovely ground.

 

When I started watching the 'O's one end was cinder. Don't know the year they concreted it over.

 

 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

2 hours ago, DaveE13 said:

Also funny how it was leaked to the press the day when Chelsea had to pay out for old racism claims against old players. 

Poor old Kurt got jelly legs before the game at Leicester.

 

He is gonna get stick all season; especially at away games.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

2 minutes ago, owl sees all said:

Poor old Kurt got jelly legs before the game at Leicester.

 

He is gonna get stick all season; especially at away games.

Yes but the media love it don't they.  I think Diop didn't have a bad game today 

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

On 2/13/2022 at 12:07 PM, owl sees all said:

Owl Log - 13-02-2022- Sunday mid-dayish

 

It rained on Friday evening, and although not heavy, was very welcome. So that's well over 100 dry days. Don't want that again this year. The plants, trees and ponds were all overjoyed. Pond seven especially needed the water.

 

pondseven00.png.4071762ab05b808a18201e74583e53e8.png

 

Went to the farm, after picking up Mildred from school on Friday. There were a number of big white birds wading in the pond, pecking at the fishes. We decided to pump in some water.

 

 

 

Going to pump six inches in today too (Sunday).

 

pumpwater00.png.1fc90f2c3599875109023360840a0206.png

 

Before pumping we had to connect up some more 2 inch pipes and sort out any leaks.

 

pumpwater02.png.fa84f3ac6ea25616fa3d470d0af8e21f.png

 

pumpwater01.png.309162c4e7fbcbac80a0e3a00b7bd399.png

 

There was a tree that had to be sorted out.

 

cutbranch.png.fc974b66dd751dc630d4c028c7320cde.png

 

Mildred caught an absolutely stonking koi. Orange, with golden orange scales.

 

koilovely00.png.93103bf91012f0048b0cd26b6cfb21bf.png

 

Mildred believes that this fish actually hatched in the pond. I'll go with that. Hope she is right on that. What a beautiful creature.

 

koilovely03.png.0a9c84e54ea66b9abfb0b5d9423ef9d6.png

 

Released into pond six.

 

 

 

Pond 3 is looking good. It is smothered with a small plant.  And although water level is low, it should have enough to see it through to when the showers start in 6 weeks or so. Hopefully!!?

 

pondthree.png.a633fddad9475cb268f4dfa7aa899fed.png

 

This is a very fertile pond. No fish of note in there.

 

pondthree00.png.d4792fa033a1f161c70591070e1eec14.png

 

Back at the village; we had visitors.

 

waspnest000.png.f0d6fd5a9539b1a49681c2ae981e26d1.png

 

Very lucky to get them. Mrs Owl says.

 

waspnest0000.png.7a35e06629d949f8f8f5d79a6ecb0087.png

 

Snapped one of the twins in the week. Nadene I think. With mum. Still in her jim-jams. Other twin Nadia, was nowhere around. Not very often see them apart.

 

nadenewithmum.png.600c33937c256fed3acfcd19f192f4e6.png

 

The Buddha had a bit of concreting done.

 

newbuddhapath.png.07a4844c846ba6fecaf338b4c35491c0.png

 

Keeping my eye on the imminent work over the pond. Will it attract visitors from far and wide? We will see.

 

Two trees along the 2022, at the next cross-raods from us, have been mutilated. But at least they are still standing. They will never recover their former glory though.

 

choppedtree.png.1071bfe91528a7838eae340b3a8cfafa.png

 

There is also another scheme further along. This one seems to be because of a small dirt farm road.

 

newjunction.png.592981a01ad4adb35c4c920bcdfbe532.png

 

Just a monumental waste of dosh and time, in my opinion. Certainly not gonna stop the motorbike riding when tanked up with Lao Khow. Better to sort out the road; which is disgraceful.

 

In Ban Dung, work is still continuing to widen the road parallel to the main drag.

 

BanDungwork.png.56d5570a9b53778dfb28ff8ca9110b21.png

 

Also seen in Ban Dung. I like the green ones. Mildred like the orange.

 

loadedpickup.png.b08060908152ef7bdfe61a7dce49fe38.png

 

The posts were put in along the quiet road at the end of the super-highway that runs by our farm.

 

postsinground01.png.79157784c600f24e22d2537b0c17f029.png

 

 

postsinground00.png.b29b5256822831cbe2b1dc946bf62459.png

 

Then the painters came around.

 

postspainter01.png.8e0810950ab79b0f89c31da8c9fc0336.png

 

postspainter00.png.41fbffd678d3470cf4264c6cda6851f8.png

 

All for a road that sees a pick-up once an hour., and truck once a day.

 

Eucas are being cut, and transported to the whole-seller.

 

 

 

 

Me and Mildred messing about at sunset.

 

capturesun00.png.b2e877c9791394886ca745557db146fd.png

 

capturesun01.png.1926c76bac447a80cebee829379fcb5a.png

 

Mildred had her national exams on Saturday. Four one hour tests. Maths, Science, English and Thai. She reckoned she done good, except for a  couple of the Math's questions. Showed me one that she got stuck on. Can't say I even understood what was being asked. Mildred is a bit upset 'cause her best friend is going to boarding school near Loei for the next school year. I had an idea, and told her. It was to do a two x one hour teach on a Saturday. One hour English and one Maths. All they - any of her friends - have to do is turn up on a Saturday Morning. We will see.

 

Another death in the village. Sharong was only 46. Liver problems I as told. Just 50 metres from our house. Party tonight. Send him to the moon.

 

The footy cat-abuser is playing at Leicester later today. Think he will have to put in ear plugs. Moved him into my fantasy football team. Reckon he will run his nuts off - if the cat lovers don't get to him first - for the Irons. Kurt has to get the WHU fans onside. What better way than play well. Interesting, his brother, who is just as despicable, plays for Dagenham and Redbridge. My local club for 40 years. Never supported them; for personal reasons.

 

Had two people ask us about our euca trees. Want to be the ones to cut them next year.

 

Liz Truss did a speech in Parliament in the week. Evidently any entity fraternisng with the enemy (Russia) will be subject to sanctions. That's the end of cheap Chinese take-a-ways then! What will they eat in Dagenham, seeing that the 'pie n mash' shop at the Merry Fiddlers has gone.

 

The last couple of days have definitely has got warmer. Not really been a cold winter up here. Just dry.

 

Only one thing left to say; thank you, and bye.

Nice round up as always Owl

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

2 minutes ago, chickenslegs said:

That was a'moo'sing.

 

Sparks childhood memories of my Dad rushing out to shovel up horse droppings in the street. Mum was growing roses, but she was too posh to be seen shoveling <deleted>.

 

At 65 yo I guess I'm one of the last generation to see horse-drawn deliveries (milk, coal, rag & bone, etc.) in the UK.

 

I suppose the current younger generation of up-country Thais will be the last to see buffalo carts and ploughs.

Yep, I remember those days, although our milkman had a battery powered milk float, I'm 68 and have memories of all those things ???? 

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

7 hours ago, chickenslegs said:

 

 

At 65 yo I guess I'm one of the last generation to see horse-drawn deliveries (milk, coal, rag & bone, etc.) in the UK.

 

I suppose the current younger generation of up-country Thais will be the last to see buffalo carts and ploughs.

I saw, but didn’t get to read to see if it was true, an article on “Snopes” this morning discussing a quote attributed to Albert Einstein after the splitting of the atom.

It read “World War 4 will be fought with sticks and stones”

Sadly whether true or not I can see it becoming reality… ????

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

On 2/16/2022 at 7:40 PM, bannork said:

Have you enjoyed the rain, Owl? Much appreciated here but could do without the low temperatures.

 

On Monday, we pumped water into pond seven for three hours. Since then the sun has hardly been seen. Very dull. Plenty of cloud. A little rain. The temperature has dropped as you say Bannork.

 

If it is not raining tomorrow Mildred wants to pump water into number six. If we run the pump for three hours, it will raise the water level by about four/six inches. That could be enough pumping, as the rain will gradually become more frequent as we get into March and April. If not then it's the pump again. Thanks to the big rain on October 22nd, we have plenty of water in ponds one, two and three.

 

The cost of pumping is not too great. A litre of benzine/petrol gives two hours of pumping. Then there is Mrs Owl's garden to water. All in all quite cheap.

  • Like 2
Link to comment
Share on other sites

4 hours ago, owl sees all said:

On Monday, we pumped water into pond seven for three hours. Since then the sun has hardly been seen. Very dull. Plenty of cloud. A little rain. The temperature has dropped as you say Bannork.

 

If it is not raining tomorrow Mildred wants to pump water into number six. If we run the pump for three hours, it will raise the water level by about four/six inches. That could be enough pumping, as the rain will gradually become more frequent as we get into March and April. If not then it's the pump again. Thanks to the big rain on October 22nd, we have plenty of water in ponds one, two and three.

 

The cost of pumping is not too great. A litre of benzine/petrol gives two hours of pumping. Then there is Mrs Owl's garden to water. All in all quite cheap.

More rain forecast plus drop in temp to 13 degrees!

Screenshot_2022-02-18-12-36-51-105_com.android.chrome.jpg

  • Like 2
Link to comment
Share on other sites

1 hour ago, bannork said:

More rain forecast plus drop in temp to 13 degrees!

Screenshot_2022-02-18-12-36-51-105_com.android.chrome.jpg

Interesting. Thanks for the Bannork. Cheered me up.

 

Just checked on the world weather - south east Asia area - and they say there could/will/might be heavy rain in the early hours of Saturday morning. It does speak of another big cloud coming towards Ban Dung from Vietnam north. should be here later this month.

 

Reminds me of a 'special forces' pal of mine way back."The drinks are on me tonight Owl." Somehow I always finished up paying.

 

We will see. Sunny at the mo'.

Edited by owl sees all
  • Haha 2
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
  • Recently Browsing   0 members

    • No registered users viewing this page.





×
×
  • Create New...