Diary of a farang in Isaan

[owl sees all]

21 hours ago, HighPriority said:

I woke to our first rain since March or early April this morning, we were gifted 4.8mm by Huey, he then followed up with a further 1mm.

I had a rainwater tank installed this week, finished Friday, but of course whilst the tank is completed the plumbing connections are not... ????

The first pic shows a hansom man and his new tank, the second is taken prior to the roof being installed.

That looks like a 200m3 tank. I can't quite see the liner. Could you give more details?

[sotonowl]

On 9/17/2020 at 6:38 AM, owl sees all said:

or we will never get TBL back.

Ah, the thread censor, if he should raise his ugly fat head again I'm going to start chomping on about Wednesday all the time and football betting.

[sotonowl]

On 9/18/2020 at 7:42 AM, faraday said:

I lived in Wales for around 10 years, although, thankfully not Welsh. I can do a reasonable impression of the accent, as can my wife. Creases me up when she does.

 

Anyway, back to words..a few words they use in Wales.

 

Nobblin' - being cold.

 

Tampin' - angry.

 

B'there - over there.

 

By'yuur  - here.

 

And, my favourite: " I'm doing it now" which actually means it's my next task, & I will do it some time.

I'll be there now in a minute.

[Fat is a type of crazy]

Here's a few photos to put my previous post in context. Not sure how to comment between photos.

1 and 2  Eucalypts front and back 

3 The spot my girl wanted the lemon tree. Compromised with a lime.

4 She put in a bergamot. Thought it might be too cold but it's going good. My thai ex comes by to get leaves for her curry. 

5 Part of her temple area with a little Ganesh. How do Buddha and Ganesh work together. Not sure.

6 A bigger ganesh. In Thailand in the before times. Pre covid. Hopefully back together in the near future.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Edited September 20, 2020 by Fat is a type of crazy

[owl sees all]

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

Here's a few photos to put my previous post in context. Not sure how to comment between photos.

1 and 2  Eucalypts front and back 

3 The spot my girl wanted the lemon tree. Compromised with a lime.

4 She put in a bergamot. Thought it might be too cold but it's going good. My thai ex comes by to get leaves for her curry. 

5 Part of her temple area with a little Ganesh. How do Buddha and Ganesh work together. Not sure.

6 A bigger ganesh. In Thailand in the before times. Pre covid. Hopefully back together in the near future.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Absolutely beautiful pics; thanks for sharing. White suits your lady. Or ex-lady. A couple of fine eucalyptus trees there.

[Fat is a type of crazy]

49 minutes ago, owl sees all said:

 

Absolutely beautiful pics; thanks for sharing. White suits your lady. Or ex-lady. A couple of fine eucalyptus trees there.

Thanks Owl. Had second thoughts after posting, about posting her photo, but she doesn't mind. She is the light of my life despite the odd temper tantrum.

[FarFlungFalang]

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

Thanks Owl. Had second thoughts after posting, about posting her photo, but she doesn't mind. She is the light of my life despite the odd temper tantrum.

My wife does odd tantrums as well ad she does them often about 3 times a minute.

[owl sees all]

5 hours ago, FarFlungFalang said:

My wife does odd tantrums as well ad she does them often about 3 times a minute.

Mrs Owl threw a big strop this morning. Says he hates me and wants me to leave her life forever. I have no idea what's started her off.

 

I said that if I died she would have to sell the farms to survive. And also remarked that she could have said what she did before the eucalyptus era; would have save me 80k baht.

 

These tantrums pass however, so when they do, must brace up for the next one.

 

Gonna do an Owl Log later. Very interesting; man superglues himself to truck.

 

 

Edited September 21, 2020 by owl sees all

[bluesofa]

4 minutes ago, owl sees all said:

Mrs Owl threw a big strop this morning. Says he hates me and wants me to leave her life forever. I have no idea what's started her off.

 

I said that if I died she would have to sell the farms to survive. And also remarked that she could have said what she did before the eucalyptus era; would have save me 80k baht.

 

These tantrums pass however, so when they do, must brace up for the next one.

 

Gonna do an Owl Log later. Very interesting; man superglues himself to truck.

Will your log be about super gluing a wife to the kitchen sink, or adding some to her drink to super-glue the lips together?

[owl sees all]

5 minutes ago, bluesofa said:

Will your log be about super gluing a wife to the kitchen sink, or adding some to her drink to super-glue the lips together?

Today was just one of dozens, if not hundreds of similar. My main concern is that Mildred has a good and thoughtful life. I want her to be able to look at a cube and see what it is, and not the sphere that others would like it to be.

 

She is looked after financially in England. But, if I went, all Thai assets would be dissipated in just a couple of years. That's just the way the cookie crumbles, I guess.

 

I could pick Mrs Owl up with one hand and chuck her into the middle of a pond; not the koi carp pond as I wouldn't want to scare them. Perhaps here lies the problem; she knows I would not. Her Thai husband, before me, used to beat her she says. I often wonder why?

 

In these testing times, it's important to look after one's health. That way I'm looking after the 'family' as best I can.

[JoseThailand]

What a miserable life

[bluesofa]

5 minutes ago, owl sees all said:

Today was just one of dozens, if not hundreds of similar. My main concern is that Mildred has a good and thoughtful life. I want her to be able to look at a cube and see what it is, and not the sphere that others would like it to be.

 

She is looked after financially in England. But, if I went, all Thai assets would be dissipated in just a couple of years. That's just the way the cookie crumbles, I guess.

 

I could pick Mrs Owl up with one hand and chuck her into the middle of a pond; not the koi carp pond as I wouldn't want to scare them. Perhaps here lies the problem; she knows I would not. Her Thai husband, before me, used to beat her she says. I often wonder why?

 

In these testing times, it's important to look after one's health. That way I'm looking after the 'family' as best I can.

I'm sure I'll be criticised for saying this:

Some Thais see thoughtfulness and concern for others as a sign of weakness, and will tend to exploit it for their own ends.

[owl sees all]

6 minutes ago, JoseThailand said:

What a miserable life

Can be; if you let these little things get to you. 

 

Have to rise above the nonsense and be brave. I love my daughter, my wife*, my farms and my life. Just wish Leyton Orient could get back to the top flight.

 

* Also Charkie and the other pets.

Edited September 21, 2020 by owl sees all

[owl sees all]

26 minutes ago, bluesofa said:

I'm sure I'll be criticised for saying this:

Some Thais see thoughtfulness and concern for others as a sign of weakness, and will tend to exploit it for their own ends.

Our neighbors see me as straight, honest, quiet and thoughtful. I know this as Mrs Owl has said as much in happy moments; when she is not angry.

 

I don't care what people think and say, and I reckon this upsets Mrs Owl, as much as anything.

[FarFlungFalang]

19 minutes ago, owl sees all said:

Our neighbors see me as straight, honest, quiet and thoughtful. I know this as Mrs Owl has said as much in happy moments; when she is not angry.

 

I don't care what people think and say, and I reckon this upsets Mrs Owl, as much as anything.

It sounds like Mrs Owl has a few expectations and would benefit from some expectation reduction adjustment which she must do herself.I've been practicing this with Mrs FFF and seemed to have made some headway with some deft handling of her expectations which is no mean feat especially considering the deftness with which she handles those razor sharp blades as she is currently doing out front right now hacking away at the overgrown shrubbery no doubt getting ready for the visit from Immigration in a few weeks.Gotta go I'm being expected. 

[Fat is a type of crazy]

8 hours ago, owl sees all said:

I think there is a syndrome with younger wives where they get self indulgent and have delusions of grandeur. They are used to being the special, pretty, and sexy one and of being told as much. By what I see you have a nice smart daughter and, as stupid as it sounds, sometimes the younger thai wife wants to be the centre of attention. Not sure of the age difference between you and your wife in this case. Maybe let her go crazy, act up, and play her bluff, call the police. Sounds like your neighbours know what's what and will support you.

 

A second option is that what you are, or aren't doing, may be a factor. Sometimes you can ask your partner 'Do you want to go out' and can feel relieved when they say no. You may be busy. In my case the first wife was a good cook so I was happy at home. In retrospect I probably could have made more effort. We could sometimes go months without going out. Just push her to go out, give her flowers, a small holiday, she'll say she doesn't want it but watch the smile come back.

 

A third possibility is that she has an illness e.g. depression or bipolar. Hard to get people to get treatment  but you seem to be  good at deescalating stuff and listening and you might be able to get her to see a doctor. 

 

A fourth is that the marriage has run its course. I was surprised how good separating felt - getting that ball and chain off your leg. We are so much more friendly now given we have separated. That's why I am hesitant to marry a second time.

 

Free advice isn't worth the price they say.

 

Edited September 21, 2020 by Fat is a type of crazy

[bluesofa]

2 hours ago, owl sees all said:

Our neighbors see me as straight, honest, quiet and thoughtful. I know this as Mrs Owl has said as much in happy moments; when she is not angry.

 

I don't care what people think and say, and I reckon this upsets Mrs Owl, as much as anything.

This isn't supposed to be a pop at Thais.

A lot of them are frightened of their own shadow. As in: what people think of them is important to them. It's they way they've been brought up. Hence this worry about 'making face' and 'losing face'.

 

Years ago I used to walk about half a kilometre to the barbers to get my hair cut, then walk back.

My wife told me her mother thought I should use the motorbike or car to do this, otherwise people would think we didn't have any money.

I laughed, but not nastily. My wife knows it doesn't bother me what people think of me, and it's not important to me - same as Owl said a little earlier.

 

I once walked three kilometres to their fishing park, and then back again for something to do, much to the bemusement of the in-laws.

At least they've given up trying to change me (in order to make themselves look good).

 

We went to Nong Khai for a weekend with a group of friends (just before Covid). They all drove in three vehicles, apart from me. I cycled there and back (59km each way). It's accepted now.

 

Edited September 21, 2020 by bluesofa
grammar

[Fat is a type of crazy]

1 hour ago, Fat is a type of crazy said:

 

I just saw the part where you said she may have been beaten by her first husband. I guess that puts in a special category and I imagine the doctor option is probably most relevant but better not to give advice at all as it is obviously a complicated and difficult situation.  

[GarryP]

56 minutes ago, bluesofa said:

This isn't supposed to be a pop at Thais.

A lot of them are frightened of their own shadow. As in: what people think of them is important to them. It's they way they've been brought up. Hence this worry about 'making face' and 'losing face'.

 

Years ago I used to walk about half a kilometre to the barbers to get my hair cut, then walk back.

My wife told me her mother thought I should use the motorbike or car to do this, otherwise people would think we didn't have any money.

I laughed, but not nastily. My wife knows it doesn't bother me what people think of me, and it's not important to me - same as Owl said a little earlier.

 

I once walked three kilometres to their fishing park, and then back again for something to do, much to the bemusement of the in-laws.

At least they've given up trying to change me (in order to make themselves look good).

 

We went to Nong Khai for a weekend with a group of friends (just before Covid). They all drove in three vehicles, apart from me. I cycled there and back (59km each way). It's accepted now.

 

That actually sounds great. I am looking forward to getting back into cycling when I retire in a couple of years. I also used to do a lot of fishing so want to get back into that too. Not so interested in haircuts though. 

[bluesofa]

3 minutes ago, GarryP said:

That actually sounds great. I am looking forward to getting back into cycling when I retire in a couple of years. I also used to do a lot of fishing so want to get back into that too. Not so interested in haircuts though. 

No haircuts?

You don't fancy a chip off the old block then.

[FarFlungFalang]

42 minutes ago, GarryP said:

That actually sounds great. I am looking forward to getting back into cycling when I retire in a couple of years. I also used to do a lot of fishing so want to get back into that too. Not so interested in haircuts though. 

I was doing the dredlock thing until recently as Imm kept denying my extension applications so I got Mrs FFF to give me a No 2 on the sides and a No 3 on top (my Blade Runner cut) and bingo extension granted and the pretty IO said I looked younger.I asked "Not hansom? and she replied yes and hansom!

[owl sees all]

8 minutes ago, FarFlungFalang said:

I was doing the dredlock thing until recently as Imm kept denying my extension applications so I got Mrs FFF to give me a No 2 on the sides and a No 3 on top (my Blade Runner cut) and bingo extension granted and the pretty IO said I looked younger.I asked "Not hansom? and she replied yes and hansom!

You have cracked it FFF.

[FarFlungFalang]

24 minutes ago, owl sees all said:

You have cracked it FFF.

Was it that noticeable even though I was wearing undies? 

[owl sees all]

Owl Log - 21-08-2020 - Monday afternoon

 

New trees discovered.

Secret of sign revealed.

Cherry tree doing well.

New avocado nuts in pots.

Man superglues himself to truck.

Buddha man puts up new sign.

And much more.

 

Ventured further into the Botanical Garden and found three more tree varieties.

 

 

 

And finally; Copper Pod.

 

 

(0)(0)(0)(0)(0)(0)(0)(0)(0)(0)(0)(0)(0)(0)(0)(0)(0)(0)(0)(0)(0)(0)(0)(0)(0)(0)(0)(0)(0)(0)

 

On the other side of the school there's a new garden. Milly says it's to learn about plants and flowers.

 

 

(0)(0)(0)(0)(0)(0)(0)(0)(0)(0)(0)(0)(0)(0)(0)(0)(0)(0)(0)(0)(0)(0)(0)(0)(0)(0)(0)(0)(0)(0)

 

Paying special attention to the new sign.

 

 

And here it is. All will be uncovered this week. It's gonna be fab'.

 

 

 

 

A local big cheese, or the school director even, will do the unveiling.

 

 

Plenty of activity inside too. Must be the 'Teacher Day' celebrations.

 

(0)(0)(0)(0)(0)(0)(0)(0)(0)(0)(0)(0)(0)(0)(0)(0)(0)(0)(0)(0)(0)(0)(0)(0)(0)(0)(0)(0)(0)(0)

 

Mildred's cherry tree at the farm is now giving lots of fruit.

 

 

Eat them on the way home. Too sour for me though.

 

 

(0)(0)(0)(0)(0)(0)(0)(0)(0)(0)(0)(0)(0)(0)(0)(0)(0)(0)(0)(0)(0)(0)(0)(0)(0)(0)(0)(0)(0)(0)

 

Two new avocados.

 

 

And onto the shelf for four months.

 

 

These shelves are so handy for my nic-nacs.

 

 

Not fixed the window yet.

 

 

(0)(0)(0)(0)(0)(0)(0)(0)(0)(0)(0)(0)(0)(0)(0)(0)(0)(0)(0)(0)(0)(0)(0)(0)(0)(0)(0)(0)(0)(0)

 

Ban Dung last week.

 

 

Mrs Owl thought his hands might have been stuck with superglue to the back. She could be right.

 

(0)(0)(0)(0)(0)(0)(0)(0)(0)(0)(0)(0)(0)(0)(0)(0)(0)(0)(0)(0)(0)(0)(0)(0)(0)(0)(0)(0)(0)(0)

 

The other road leading to the Buddha has a new sign.

 

 

They used to welcome visitors. Now they want to keep them out.

 

(0)(0)(0)(0)(0)(0)(0)(0)(0)(0)(0)(0)(0)(0)(0)(0)(0)(0)(0)(0)(0)(0)(0)(0)(0)(0)(0)(0)(0)(0)

 

 

Still have a few more eucas to sort out. These were the last lot that Mrs Owl left out; or couldn't be bothered to put aside. So maybe her thinking is that they are only two baht each; why the effort sorting them?

 

(0)(0)(0)(0)(0)(0)(0)(0)(0)(0)(0)(0)(0)(0)(0)(0)(0)(0)(0)(0)(0)(0)(0)(0)(0)(0)(0)(0)(0)(0)

 

 

The hole in the super highway has been filled with little stones. Can hardly see the original hole. 

 

(0)(0)(0)(0)(0)(0)(0)(0)(0)(0)(0)(0)(0)(0)(0)(0)(0)(0)(0)(0)(0)(0)(0)(0)(0)(0)(0)(0)(0)(0)

 

Typhoon Hugh came and went. Didn't even notice it. Tonight I saw that water was running through the pipe, under the road, near number one pond, into the buddha man's field. Tomorrow BeApp and myself with block the pipe better. We need all the water we can get. I think the rain season has ended for the year.

 

The wire-work in Ban Dung might be finished, but the wires are still everywhere. I'll go and have a more detailed look tomorrow and update. There is one that was well under 2 metres dangling down.

 

 

Could be a record amount of goals scored in the EPL this round. We are on 39 with two games to go.

 

Take care out there.

 

Bye y'all.

 

 

 

Try one Dad. 

 

 

Edited September 21, 2020 by owl sees all
took out vid of fish

[chickenslegs]

7 hours ago, JoseThailand said:

What a miserable life

You spelled wife wrong.

 

 

[chickenslegs]

7 hours ago, owl sees all said:

Our neighbors see me as straight, honest, quiet and thoughtful. I know this as Mrs Owl has said as much in happy moments; when she is not angry.

I'm not one for sticking my nose into other people's business, but I recognise those symptoms (happy moments, angry moments, etc.) - menopause https://www.ukmeds.co.uk/blog/what-are-the-34-symptoms-of-menopause.

If there is any chance that you could persuade her to see a doctor and get her hormones tested, she could possibly become a much happier person (and you too) with just a little medication - or even some natural herbs.

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/menopause/treatment/

 

 

[Lacessit]

8 hours ago, owl sees all said:

Mrs Owl threw a big strop this morning. Says he hates me and wants me to leave her life forever. I have no idea what's started her off.

 

I said that if I died she would have to sell the farms to survive. And also remarked that she could have said what she did before the eucalyptus era; would have save me 80k baht.

 

These tantrums pass however, so when they do, must brace up for the next one.

 

Gonna do an Owl Log later. Very interesting; man superglues himself to truck.

 

 

My GF doesn't do tantrums, she does sulks. Quite infrequent, and only last an hour or so. Then she brightens up again.

They usually arise from the subject of navigation. I have learned from experience when she asks for directions from local Thais in an area we are visiting, asking three Thais will result in three different sets of directions. Eventually I will lose patience with the process, and point out we are heading east when we should be heading west. This causes a loss of face, ergo sulk.

She had a husband that was a drunk, gambled unsuccessfully, and beat her. As I do none of those, I think I might be restful in comparison.

[FarFlungFalang]

Another technique I've used during the stressful moments is to say I love you and then say how well she is doing in life and how much better off she is and how much stuff she has and how good she is at doing stuff.I think I've used this technique about twice in 22 years of marriage as it's nearly impossible for me to think cleverly in those stressful times.I usually employ the technique of FTS and storm off and reflect on the situation.A friend who travelled in the Oz outback gave me some invaluable advice which is when you get bogged boil some water and have a cuppa and while having your cuppa think about how to get out of the bogged situation.Priceless.This advice came in handy many times I worked in remote locations for 14 years.Works great for the "trouble and strife" as well.

[bluesofa]

1 minute ago, FarFlungFalang said:

Another technique I've used during the stressful moments is to say I love you and then say how well she is doing in life and how much better off she is and how much stuff she has and how good she is at doing stuff.I think I've used this technique about twice in 22 years of marriage as it's nearly impossible for me to think cleverly in those stressful times.I usually employ the technique of FTS and storm off and reflect on the situation.A friend who travelled in the Oz outback gave me some invaluable advice which is when you get bogged boil some water and have a cuppa and while having your cuppa think about how to get out of the bogged situation.Priceless.This advice came in handy many times I worked in remote locations for 14 years.Works great for the "trouble and strife" as well.

How much tea did you have to drink to find a solution?

[FarFlungFalang]

5 minutes ago, bluesofa said:

How much tea did you have to drink to find a solution?

Fuggin' heaps more than most people being the slow learner my oldest brother always said I was!