Life in the Isaan Boonies.

[SnapDragon]

  On 8/10/2024 at 4:10 PM, Sotonowl said:

New sponsor. I didn't realise you were a secret Manc Owl, did you know this was happening or could there be a change of U/N on the way.

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Man Utd asked my advice, and I told them 'Snapdragon' was the future. They listened. And there we have it.

BR

City won on penalties yesterday. Why thousands of supporters spent their hard-earned dosh to travel all the way to London for a non-event is strange to me? Roll on next Friday.

[mdcodjdcsjcj]

What's happened to the weekly Sunday essays?

Came all this way from AN, faffed around getting loads of names rejected and so just bashed the keyboard at random, and all I get is a little footie talk?

Edited August 11, 2024 by mdcodjdcsjcj

[SnapDragon]

  On 8/11/2024 at 12:58 PM, mdcodjdcsjcj said:

What's happened to the weekly Sunday essays?

Came all this way from AN, faffed around getting loads of names rejected and so just bashed the keyboard at random, and all I get is a little footie talk?

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Sorry Mrcodjdcsjcj. Must do better. Thanks for coming over. Getting tomorrow's post ready right now. But some important news can't be delayed.

BR

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Poo has had three kittens. More to follow.

[mdcodjdcsjcj]

That's more like it!

Good to have you back.

[SnapDragon]

Snaps in the boonies

12/08/2024

BR

Raining! Good for the farm and the ponds. Traditionally, the 'monsoon season' starts this week, so even wetter rain can be expected for about the next 5/6 weeks.

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Bought some designer clobber last week. Only shorts. Couldn't afford their socks.

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I like wearing designer stuff. I like the village ladies admiring my taste in clothes, and thinking how suave I am.

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Bought 5 pairs for 400 baht.

The first thing in buying shorts is to check the pockets. See if they are deep, and robust enough, for all me dosh (left) and the camera and mazza keys (right).

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We had a couple of rain-free days, at the week end, and the house construction materials were brought on site.

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Roof sections next. About 9 metres long. Have to be careful when these are fixed. It can be very hot here, and metal expands. Could be interesting to see if they allow for movement. Should I give them advice?

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There is also some work being done in town.

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The sections are welded together. Machine under cover.

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These pipes are for water? Or cables? 

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I was concerned about the blue netting housing the critters. I told Som - big mango lady's hubby - that the blue dye, could be upsetting the grasshoppers. I explained that they could be breathing in toxins. and of course they would finish up in the food chain.

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So, it was heartening to see they had been transferred to more natural surroundings. Much safer to eat now.

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Not our soi, but just around the corner, they have a pet duck. And what a beauty it is.

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At the other end of the soi, the little pig is getting braver, and venturing out.

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We had 10 of these pot-belly pigs some years ago. We also had two buffaloes. I wasn't as confident with them as perhaps I chould have been. We had a guy looking after them 24/7. But he sometimes went walk-a-bout, and it was left to me to supervise them. When they decided to wander off, I couldn't stop them. A couple of neighbors moaned and we sold them for 13k baht apiece.

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Really the buffalo thing was a huge mistake. They have to be watched all the time. Can't just leave them to do their own thing.

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Got the bike back. Mrs Snaps testing it out.

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The mechanic did us proud. Repair bill just under 3k baht. Considering it hadn't been used for 3 years. A bargain.

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Mildred giving it a go. Not on the highway though. Just round the farm.

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At the bus stop 'Woody' the scarepigeon has fallen off again. The pigeons have taken advantage. But not so many. Where could they have got to?

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Soon found out. They have flown 100 metres and finished up on the roof of the house next door to us. The house in between us and the new build.

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Why do they find our area suddenly so attractive? Because Bella's hubby opposite rears dancing chickens. Everyday he lets them out to graze, and feast on the food. The pigeons soon found out what was occurring. Very opportunistic they are. Some call them scavengers. 12 in this pic.

BRound out what was occuring

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And here is the chicken chief, ensuring his number one is in tip-top condition. Ready for the big 'chicken gala' day. This is the same guy who killed our farm dog some years ago. Humanly done with a chog-chog (I was informed).

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Went along to the local hardware store, on the 2022, a couple of days ago, to get some PVC parts. The boss was creating some artwork.

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Robert joins me every time I do a local trip.  Just have to tap on the tailgate and he jumps up.

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This area of our soi is a wilderness. Some trimming taking place. But as of this morning; hardly any difference. I much prefer it in the wild state. Better for the insects and small creatures.

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World news round-up.

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Wayne Rooney says he is disappointed, angry and frustrated.

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My predictions for the three teams to get promoted into the EPL. Owls, Baggies and Hatters.

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The Olympics are finished. Two trannies win boxing golds. US top medal doggies.

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Ukraine advance well into Russia. But, can they get back; even if they wanted?

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New US lady boss says too many civilians are being killed in Palestine.

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Sad incident in Southport. Leads to big protests.

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Pound/baht rate drops dramatically. 47 down to 44 in a week.

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Plan to start cutting the nuts this week. It'll not be a great harvest this time, as we are still getting the effects of 18 months ago, when it was very dry. This time next year yields should be much better. Not a quick fix this palm farming.

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Mildred off school today. In the last 5 Mondays there has been no school for three of them.

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The three kittens are safe and sound in the spare bedroom. Don't want to disturb them. Will be a few weeks before they venture out. Good to see they all have long tails; unlike their mum.

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Mrs Snaps has gone Bam Bam (GOT 7) crazy . All I've heard in the background is his latest songs. She tells me he is going to be PM of Thailand soon. We will see. He is very popular (she says).

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Unless I've got stuff to take, I'm using the motor bike to go to farm. It don't like mud though. Plenty of that around the farm. Nearly been off a couple of times.

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Still keeping up with my diet and bathroom yoga. Not made a reishi brew for yonks. This week perhaps.

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Only one thing left to say; seez ya next post.

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Some wonderful Isaan nature to finish with.

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[Sotonowl]

Can't get too carried away just yet Owl, a top 10 finish would do, get away from all that stress of a season. Wonder how long Rooney will last.

[mdcodjdcsjcj]

I've got the matching shirt for those lairy shorts in the top pic! Bought it over from the UK a couple of years ago but never been brave enough to wear it.

A great read and photos - thanks!

[SnapDragon]

  On 8/13/2024 at 6:23 PM, mdcodjdcsjcj said:

I've got the matching shirt for lairy shorts in the top pic! Bought it over from the UK a couple of years ago but never been brave enough to wear it.

A great read and photos - thanks!

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BR

The ones that you are talking about Mrcodjdscjcj are indeed bright. I've decided to make them my sleeping shorts. Not because of the bright colours though. My favourite old ones were past their best. Bought in the 'George' section of Asda, in Edgware (North West London), 30 years ago. Had holes. Mrs Snapps wouldn't darn them for me. Led to a stand off. Much better a couple of days later. Once she had seen the error of her ways. I knew she was back to normal when she gave me a playful whack on the head with a cola bottle. Good job it was only half full. Old shorts went in the bin.

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By the way, your name reminds me of a Polish girl I knew in London. Her name was Miss Godjectski. Met her at the University Medical School in East London. Very nice lady. Strong legs.

[mdcodjdcsjcj]

After my previous post I found a photo of me wearing that shirt, but I don't know whether it's because I'm a newbie but I don't seem to be able to upload it - probably for the best. I sleep commando and so I can't recycle it like you so I might end up donating it to my local (in Thailand) bin men - they collect every day at about 10pm just as I'm riding out for a beer and seem to work very hard.

Did that Polish girl have hairy legs? I worked for six months over there and we only employed very attractive women (in the casino industry) but lady-scaping was not generally a thing for them.

[SnapDragon]

  On 8/19/2024 at 6:31 PM, mdcodjdcsjcj said:

After my previous post I found a photo of me wearing that shirt, but I don't know whether it's because I'm a newbie but I don't seem to be able to upload it - probably for the best. I sleep commando and so I can't recycle it like you so I might end up donating it to my local (in Thailand) bin men - they collect every day at about 10pm just as I'm riding out for a beer and seem to work very hard.

Did that Polish girl have hairy legs? I worked for six months over there and we only employed very attractive women (in the casino industry) but lady-scaping was not generally a thing for them.

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''Did that Polish girl have hairy legs?''

Not excessively. Nice hairy back though. She didn't shave anywhere though. Refreshing to see. Hairy arm-pits and the like. Women who do that have lost their way. Lost touch with nature. Kicked their reason to be on the earth to the gutter. More worried about shaving than being nice to their men.

The Thais and Sth Koreans seem to have caught this shaving bug too. That Kim Jung Ull, has the right approach. Do regular inspections of his lady troops to make sure they are as nature intended. Any lady caught shaving her special areas goes straight to the slammer.

[IsaanJeeperCreeper]

Hiya Owl,

I spent the last 3 weeks reading your Issan Thread over on the AN site. So many ups and downs! (Had a tear for your kitty when Milly was saying goodbye at the Mazza)

Some great reading while tuning out the little ones and planning our big move back to UT later this year.(Selling the house here in the States and upgrading)

Not a Farmer, have no interest in it having grown up on a small one in the Ozarks (cows and pigs and the mess that come with em)

Not a footy fan either, but loved the history lessons on it as someone who appreciates History in any form.

Favorite Book is Team of Rivals by Doris Kearns Goodwin. About ol' Abe Lincoln and his cabinet (always shed a tear at the end even though I know how it always ends)

Loved the pictures you've posted of the Jeeps found around Isaan, would LOVE to see some more if you get a chance! Especially if any of the owners are willing to let you take a peak up their skirts as it were(engine bay).

Not sure how to post any pics, have some I wouldn't mind sharin when I can figure out how to....

Keep postin and I'll keep readin

-Jeeper

Edited August 20, 2024 by IsaanJeeperCreeper
Fat thumbs make silly mistakes

[SnapDragon]

^^^ Thanks for the encouraging works bro. I had noticed that some one was having a good old read.

I've left AN for the time being. Just got fed upp with the constant taking down of posts, and not being able to express an opinion on some topics.

TT is an embryo, at the mo. Let's hope it gets to at least toddler stage.

In Ban Dung there is a US jeep dealer. I'll pay some attention next visit.

I'm finding there are not enough hours in the day for me. I've got a cartoon project underway. A music composition for my www site and the farm, which has seen a lot of fish pilfering lately. So, if I'm a bit slow on doing the 'Snaps in the boonies' report; please forgive me. Always find time to reply to a respectful TT member though.

[SnapDragon]

  On 8/20/2024 at 5:34 AM, IsaanJeeperCreeper said:

Hiya Owl,

I spent the last 3 weeks reading your Issan Thread over on the AN site. So many ups and downs! (Had a tear for your kitty when Milly was saying goodbye at the Mazza)

Some great reading while tuning out the little ones and planning our big move back to UT later this year.(Selling the house here in the States and upgrading)

Not a Farmer, have no interest in it having grown up on a small one in the Ozarks (cows and pigs and the mess that come with em)

Not a footy fan either, but loved the history lessons on it as someone who appreciates History in any form.

Favorite Book is Team of Rivals by Doris Kearns Goodwin. About ol' Abe Lincoln and his cabinet (always shed a tear at the end even though I know how it always ends)

Loved the pictures you've posted of the Jeeps found around Isaan, would LOVE to see some more if you get a chance! Especially if any of the owners are willing to let you take a peak up their skirts as it were(engine bay).

Not sure how to post any pics, have some I wouldn't mind sharin when I can figure out how to....

Keep postin and I'll keep readin

-Jeeper

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  On 8/20/2024 at 5:34 AM, IsaanJeeperCreeper said:

Hiya Owl,

I spent the last 3 weeks reading your Issan Thread over on the AN site. So many ups and downs! (Had a tear for your kitty when Milly was saying goodbye at the Mazza)

Some great reading while tuning out the little ones and planning our big move back to UT later this year.(Selling the house here in the States and upgrading)

Not a Farmer, have no interest in it having grown up on a small one in the Ozarks (cows and pigs and the mess that come with em)

Not a footy fan either, but loved the history lessons on it as someone who appreciates History in any form.

Favorite Book is Team of Rivals by Doris Kearns Goodwin. About ol' Abe Lincoln and his cabinet (always shed a tear at the end even though I know how it always ends)

Loved the pictures you've posted of the Jeeps found around Isaan, would LOVE to see some more if you get a chance! Especially if any of the owners are willing to let you take a peak up their skirts as it were(engine bay).

Not sure how to post any pics, have some I wouldn't mind sharin when I can figure out how to....

Keep postin and I'll keep readin

-Jeeper

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Will do.

[IsaanJeeperCreeper]

  On 8/20/2024 at 6:27 AM, SnapDragon said:

Will do.

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Absolutely agree about there not being enough time in the day sir. I'm in no rush for anything these days. 

I was IsaanExpat over there and you may have seen my name at the bottom of the pages browsing

I'm a reader for relaxing by nature, so the 221 pages on my tippy tappy(stolen fair n square Mr Owl) was a great way to pass the time and get updates on Isaan from while we were away.

Spent 6 years here in the States to get the son to stop lazing about in his mothers womb and lock in some dual citizenship for her. Bought a house in '18, but after the mad rush to print the Dollars here in the States Inflation is no longer tenable here.

Wife and I spent some time for Xmas and New Year of '23 in Thailand to see family in Udon(amd make a daughter) and decided to come home and sell off. Looking forward to a somewhat more relaxed lifestyle back in the rice paddies by the end of this year after lots of debt and hard D.I.Y. work

Love all the updates and pictures, not in a rush to see Jeeps as I will be poking about a few myself in a short while. Just wanted to give you some ideas and inspiration

Maybe a chance in distant future to shake hands and share a good bowl of Noodles(chicken feet added for yourself of course).

We Yanks do tend to have an ecclectic sense of humor, me personally I've always been.a fan of Benny Hill, Monty Python and some works of Marty Feldman(Young Frankenstein in particular)

"Werewolf?"

"There wolf"!

[IsaanJeeperCreeper]

[SnapDragon]

It is August 21st. Snaps in the boonies here.

A busy week. Some of it good and some not so. Mildred said one day that the Mekongs were sad, and that they were not enthusiastic for their food. The following day I fed them and only saw six tentatively come up for the pellets. There were 23 big Mekongs in the pond last year. The fish in pond one were also not to be seen. There was word going about (teerak got to hear) that we were being visited in the night.

So! What to do? A few of things were considered. Go there at night hoping to catch the pilferers? A fierce animal perhaps? Movement detector lights? Start a rumor about a vindictive peelaw? Cameras?

Decided on having someone stay there at night. Kun and his wife Rooney were game. They do work for us, so an additional 1,500 baht a month would be handy for them. On Monday, we spent a couple of hours cleaning the house and making it nice.

Out with the junk that had accumulated for a few years. Mrs Owl took charge, and dragged everything over to the furnace.

''Not sure the fan will burn that easy teerak.''

''What you know farang? You English; not Thai.''

Put in a new staircase.

Kun and his Mrs were working away in number two farm, cleaning up the trees, ready for nut cutting.

We went over to iron out the fine print of the new deal.

Kun to the left. Mrs Snaps in't middle. And Rooney far right.

Business sorted; Mrs Snaps replaced her dead tree.

The front of Big Mango Lady's house has changed. Obviously secret stuff going on in there.

Made a Reishi Brew Monday. Didn't have any garlic, but had plenty of other ingredients. Reishi strips, ginger powder, limes and dried cranberries.

Simmered for a couple of hours. Gave 4 litres when all bottled.

My favourite chog chog came a cropper. It wasn't my doing. Kun picked it up to do a bit of work and,,,!!! Not to fret. I had a spare. Unfortunately not as robust as it might have been. Split down the seam as soon as I started to put in the bamboo handle..

Get one in Ban Dung next visit. Which happened to be; Friday.

Visited the daily veggie market. Bought some spicy sausages. Yum yum. Had a couple on the spot and the rest for supper.

Lots of sea food stalls. This one the largest. Busy!

Plenty of kadek-kadeks (the wife calls them) stalls also.

No terrapins to waste my money on this time.

Children's play area next door; deserted.

Market finished. It was off to Big C for the weekly shop.

Car park truck. What a cracker!? Very well looked after.

Walked Mildred to the school bus stop one day last week. Turned out to be quite an eventful morning.

Far more comfortable like this..

Mildred safely away. I was on my way to our soi, to pick up trash, when I heard a strange sound. Sort of deep trumpeting.

I went back to investigate.

Not seen an elephant in the village for a few years. Was intrigued to see how it got out the wagon.

Easy stuff. Might have done that before.

'Sing-a-song' man trying to get out of the way. Would see him again later.

Rider on board. And they were off.

I had been down the soi doing my thing and I saw the two piggies just round the corner. Digging up buried treasure.

And there, way down the soi.

 Going off to Buddha I reckon. 

Bumped into 'sing-a-song' guy again, fixing up the village notice board.

Will be used to inform the villagers of events.

That's the bizzo. Much better.

Just outside of the village. Found a post invaded by creepers.

The leaning tree has still not fallen.

A pic from the past, when it was still upright. No eucas to be seen then.

Ponds are full.

Rice is thriving.

Chickens and pigeons share the garden opposite us.

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The footy is underway. Brighton top after round one. Owls keen on the number 4. Leyton Orient get off to a dreadful start. I'm taken with Bromley. Most people wouldn't know there was such a place. Hope they do well.

Some great darts down under, in the Kiwi and Ozz PDC championships. Gerwen Price whacked Luke Littler 8-1 in one final.

A new Thai PM. Her father back in court for something he said 10 years ago.

Mildred not at school today. Had a dodgy belly last evening. Went round to the bus stop at 7 this morning to inform the driver.

The kittens are starting to get about. Get some pics this week.

Can't get tea anywhere in Ban Dung. Ordered 200 bags from Lazada. I was in Germany in the 1970s. Stopped at a cafe and ordered tea. Came in a little bag with a string attached. First time I ever saw such a thing. That will never catch on; I thought.

Building work in the soi has finished for now. Maybe waiting for the window, and door frames, to be made.best.

Gonna fix up me new chog chog as soon as today's post is done.

Only time for me to say; see yerz all in the next Snap's Log.

Local nature at its best.

[Sotonowl]

  On 8/21/2024 at 5:48 AM, SnapDragon said:

Owls keen on the number 4.

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I've a feeling it's gonna be a bit of a roller coaster season.

[SnapDragon]

It's Tuesday the 27th of August.

This is Snaps in the boonies.

It's happening at long last. The first nut cut for about 10 months. Kun and his wife Rooney did a great job collecting the thousands of fallen nuts. They used their Kubota to ferry the bunchers to the store area. To be honest, went beyond the call of duty last month. Hope this good-will continues. Things are looking up for a change.

 

The first cut of nuts took place last week. Took a load to the wholesaler on Saturday and another on Sunday.

This was Saturday's load.

And Sunday.

Then off to the wholesalers' The unloaders make quick work of it. All done in under 5 minutes.

On arrival the first job is to get weighed. Then drive off to where the nuts are to be unloaded. Once unloaded it's back on the weigh-bridge, to get the weight.

This is the biggest wholesaler business in these parts. although this is the first time we have been there for over 5 years. We usually go to the son's depot, about 10 km away, but Mrs Snaps wanted to go somewhere different.

They take in about 15/20 tonnes a day. Load up the big wagons and take the nuts to the factory south of Khon Kaen.

Our next cut should be in the middle of next month.

Spotted a couple of interesting things over the weekend.

About 50 tonne of eucas on their way from farm to wholesaler.

Ladies trimming their bush outside Big C.

Kittens still in the spare room. Hope Robert and Oscar take to them.

Roof finished.

Work on the loo area started, but they got rained off. Been a fair drop of rain last few days. Only at night. Dry during the day.

The village notice board is up and running. Easily understood what it said. ''The village has been awarded ten million Baht. Anyone wanting some free dosh; see the boss''.

Lovely to see the soi animals at play.

A couple of dry days was enough to dry out the trash for burning.

Finally fixed up me chog chog. To be honest, it was a bit of a disappointment. Got blunted first time out.

Got some rice from the store at the farm. Mrs Snaps done the biz. She wanted to jump down, but I insisted that I brought the Mazza closer.

Kun stays at the farm nightly now. He takes his dog for company. Our farm dog and his getting to be friends.

The Big Mango Lady is at it again.

Not only are they busy harvesting the critters, but hubby Som has build another factory.

Catching the little jumpers is an art.

Som does the catching and Big Mango Lady is in charge of packaging.

Sell uncooked at 100 Baht a kilo.

Som had one jump in his gob. So while he was choking away, I went inside myself.

Plenty more in there yet Som.

Market day again.

I like these big oranges. Bought a couple of packs.

And some spicy sausages for me supper.

These critters look familiar

Fish, toads and terrapins. Just couldn't resist them.

Let them wander about in the back of the Mazza overnight. Took them to the farm Sunday Morning, before loading up with nuts.

Taking an interest.

There ya go guys; or ladies. 250 Baht well spent.

+++++

Can The Seagulls keep it up? Burnley looking good. My number one and two teams - Orient and Aveley Town  have awful starts.

Tennis underway in the US. F1 returns.

+++++

Not yet heard from the euca people. They have paid a deposit of 20k Baht. Maybe they are waiting for the 'dry season' to kick in.

Can hear the kittens. They have not ventured out yet.

There was a shop on the front in Blackpool selling personalised rock. The only thing was; you had to but the whole batch. Sort of  ''Gazza woz ere'' type of thing. I've been thinking. Would there be any money in personalised loo paper. Something to read on each sheet. 'Please keep clean' or 'Julie's saviour'. Could order a batch and give them out to family as Xmas pressies.

I'm not in Mrs Snaps good books at all. She wanted to go 50/50 on the nut sales. 'What!'. Said I. ''I have expenses teerak. Bought the cutters. Paid for Kun's Kubota diesel. Two round trips to the wholesalers!'' ''You are no-good farang. Not give wife nothing.''

That was Sunday. Tuesday now and I'm still too scared to speak to her. Had enough whacks.

Controlled war in Middle East. Seems to me, this recent Izzy and Hezzy stuff was all negotiated before-hand.

I can feel it in me water. Number 8 will be big on the lottery this time round.

Overall it has been a reasonably wet August. Rain mostly at night. No traditional monsoon afternoon downpours.

The drums are ringing out in the village Buddha. Must be another 'big Buddha' day coming soon.

Still doing my bathroom yoga. No more fasting til next month.

Had tons of deliveries from Lazada last week.20 tubs of Aloe Vera. 48 cans of cat food. A couple of parcels for both Mildred and Teerak. And the forex rate is woe-full. Dear me. And Sir Kier says it's gonna get worse. Before it gets better again; of course. If you can recall the 'again'!

That's it for now. Snaps signing out. But must finish with some special Isaan nature.

[DwizzleyMatthews]

  On 8/12/2024 at 7:18 AM, SnapDragon said:

Wayne Rooney says he is disappointed, angry and frustrated.

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Now he knows how we felt watching him play all those years  !!

[SnapDragon]

  On 8/28/2024 at 4:41 AM, DwizzleyMatthews said:

Now he knows how we felt watching him play all those years  !!

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To be fair to Wayne; up until he broke his metatarsal, he was one of the most exciting players in the world.

Never the same force afterwards.

[Khunmark]

SD can you ask the elephant man how much it costs to keep his pet in food? I looking to buy one myself. I see it as a solution to the troubles I have getting around the streets of Chiang Mai, however parking maybe a problem. Definitely looks safer than a car or motorcycle.

[NonThaiKiwi]

Those palm oil nuts... I was first introduced to them in a Malaysian plantation back in the mid 80s.

Was doing an Army exercise and spent a few nights there.  Bloody dangerous things.  Covered in red ants and heaven help you if one dropped on you. 

Nasty spikes. Then you get the rats that like to eat the nuts followed by the spitting cobras that the owners introduced to keep the rats in check! 

Bugger guns and bullets.... Nature will likely get you 1st.

Great photos Snap, so you've sorted that out (New camera or phone) . Oh and those large oranges you bought at the market... Pink grapefruit or pomellos? Don't look like oranges. 

Issan sausage is great with fried egg. Prefer black pudding but the sausage will do instead. 

You got me going with the caption of ladies trimming their bush outside Big C.... My sick mind was thinking of something else! 

Keep up with your posts, love the photos too. 

[SnapDragon]

  On 8/28/2024 at 10:50 AM, Khunmark said:

SD can you ask the elephant man how much it costs to keep his pet in food? I looking to buy one myself. I see it as a solution to the troubles I have getting around the streets of Chiang Mai, however parking maybe a problem. Definitely looks safer than a car or motorcycle.

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No sooner had they arrived and they had gone.

As for food. I think they mostly eat sugar cane.

I've had pigs, buffs, ducks and koi carp, among others. But an elephant? Was looking at goats and turkeys a while back. Mrs Snaps is not so adventurous with the animals. Keeps saying people will have them away.

[SnapDragon]

  On 8/28/2024 at 1:07 PM, NonThaiKiwi said:

Those palm oil nuts... I was first introduced to them in a Malaysian plantation back in the mid 80s.

Was doing an Army exercise and spent a few nights there.  Bloody dangerous things.  Covered in red ants and heaven help you if one dropped on you. 

Nasty spikes. Then you get the rats that like to eat the nuts followed by the spitting cobras that the owners introduced to keep the rats in check! 

Bugger guns and bullets.... Nature will likely get you 1st.

Great photos Snap, so you've sorted that out (New camera or phone) . Oh and those large oranges you bought at the market... Pink grapefruit or pomellos? Don't look like oranges. 

Issan sausage is great with fried egg. Prefer black pudding but the sausage will do instead. 

You got me going with the caption of ladies trimming their bush outside Big C.... My sick mind was thinking of something else! 

Keep up with your posts, love the photos too. 

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You are bang on the money with the nuts. Had a spike go under my toe-nail a couple of years back. Took ages to heal. And those snakes! Is's not the ones slithering about that are a problem. No! It's the ones hiding in the long grass. Tread on one and they are not best pleased.

I friend's wife trod on a cobra a while back. She preferred a natural cure.

You are right about the fruit. Pomello.

The camera is doing OK. I'm still learning about all the features. Only just started using the 'delay' button. That's how I got the pic of the lovely snail.

The ladies were just keeping the bush looking good.

The sight of a lovely lady trimming her bush might lead to a wandering mind. Not with me of course. Oh no! If Mrs Snaps thought I had that (wandering mind) then I'd be in for some serious whacks.

Thanks for the encouraging words.

[Marc26]

  On 8/29/2024 at 2:05 AM, SnapDragon said:

You are bang on the money with the nuts. Had a spike go under my toe-nail a couple of years back. Took ages to heal. And those snakes! Is's not the ones slithering about that are a problem. No! It's the ones hiding in the long grass. Tread on one and they are not best pleased.

I friend's wife trod on a cobra a while back. She preferred a natural cure.

You are right about the fruit. Pomello.

The camera is doing OK. I'm still learning about all the features. Only just started using the 'delay' button. That's how I got the pic of the lovely snail.

The ladies were just keeping the bush looking good.

The sight of a lovely lady trimming her bush might lead to a wandering mind. Not with me of course. Oh no! If Mrs Snaps thought I had that (wandering mind) then I'd be in for some serious whacks.

Thanks for the encouraging words.

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Every single thing we do at our eventful house in the village will be with limiting/preventing snake interactions....

I am deadly afraid, I don't even like talking about them now

Although in 20 years going and staying in that village, I've never had or heard of any significant snake encounters

It is 90% rice paddies all year long, I don't know if that makes a difference