Life in the Isaan Boonies.

[degrub]

ditto

@SnapDragon

?

[SnapDragon]

Snaps in the Boonies here.

No rain for 60 days now. This season could be the worst I've experienced since rooting down 17 years ago. Plenty of the wet stuff down south.

Ponds are holding their own though. Can't complain. Number one has dropped about 15 inches.

The ponds further up the gentle slope are doing OK. The water filling them is not that much - about 20 thousand litres a day - but it appears to be keeping up with evaporation. At least for ponds 5, 6 and 7.

Moved the water pipe from pond 7 to pond 4 though. First had to service the waterway, and put the top ring in. That some dippo had reversed his pick-up into and smashed the original.

Just enough gap for the water to flow easily.

At the business end.

All done. Mildred says to run the water as it is until this w/e coming, then revert back to number 7. Sounds good to me.

The farm next to us held a big chicken gala last week. About 30 vehicles and 100 plus people attended.

Plenty of encouragement, for the chickens.

A wagon selling food and drink did a good trade on site.

Chickens waiting their turn to perform.

Only stayed for a couple of minutes to take the pics. I was assured by the wife that it was all just fun. No gambling what-so-ever took place. Only gamboling. I was certainly relieved to hear that.

Went to Udon's IO for my 12 month visa a week or so ago. Everything went smoothly. Afterwards I met up with a gentleman I had met through the AN and TT threads. Spent a great couple of hours chatting over food and drink in the MAKRO restaurant.

On the way to Udon I called into Sum Sao Wat to see build progress.

Looked into the ground floor. Didn't go in as last time I was constantly hitting me head. That's what yer get being 2 metres tall, and the place is built to accommodate Thais.

New flight of stairs leading up. And down of course. I didn't like them one bit, and used the wooden ones. The 'going' was just too steep for me.

Back wall was built up.

Gold everywhere. And it's real stuff. Not paint.

Windows in place.

Sad to note that the smashed items outside had not been fixed. Only requires a blob of cement and a lick of paint.

Rice harvest last month. 27 sacks for us. had to give two to the thresher for the work.

Farm next door.

The Buddha farm used the harvester.

Work done. Unload the rice and get the harvester onto the carry-away truck.

We finished up with 54 sacks in storage. 8 more to come from a late sower; for a total of 62 sacks. About half-half Thai rice and Isaan..

The village square put to good use.

Buffs will not move for Mrs snaps on her leccymobile.

It was the big day. Float the little boats out across the pond, and make a wish.

There was a big do about 6k away from us. Mildred, the Mrs, her sister Pook and Wow were all keen. Unfortunately I had a hairache. And couldn't make it. Mildred took charge of the snapping. 

The Mrs doing the honours.

The offering will soon get the feel of water.

Ladies head straight to the food tent.

Mrs Snap's favourites.

Traditional dancing  ladies entertaining the masses.

And then, the gong was sounded, and it was all over to the lake.

Family shot. Mrs Snaps, Wow and Pook.

+++++

Pool are running away with it. Ten points clear. Just hand over the title now I say. City playing relegation footy. Good win for the Owls yesterday. Change at the top of The Championship. Blades in control.

Two of my old local clubs won through to the 3rd round of the FA Cup. Orient and Dagenham n Redbridge. Now! Who would you like in the 3rd rounds chaps? I'm sure the 'O's would settle for The Irons, while D & R would like Man City at home. Be sure to get through there.

Barca lose at home.

I'm not one for women's footy. It's alright i guess; alongside ladies cricket and boxing. I much prefer mud wrestling ad beach volleyball. But!! I have taken to one team in particular.

No! Not Bradford, Burnley or Forest. I'm now a big fan of Long Itchington WFC. A small village near Brum, with less than 70 ladies of football age to pick their team from. I'll send you my love and kisses. Go to it girls. And that's not all. Right in the middle of their village is a delightful pond. When I go there, I'll take me rattle and some bread.

+++++

Been right down in the dumps recently. The Mrs has been giving me hell. Yak, yak for this; and yak yak for that. Can't seem to do anything right now-a-days. One morning last week I didn't even get a cup of Rosy. Mildred says to keep calm and in a few years everything will be OK. Can't wait for the day.

Three deliveries today. another water pump, and controller, for me next water project. A 20kg sack of dog biscuit and a solar lamp for the farm. 

As I type there is a big commotion outside with a herd of buffaloes. They are taking over. Mildred is outside with the camera. Pics next post.

The village had a big party. Dancing girls and everything. Also two processions through the village. Have lots of pics to sort out.

Mildred is off school today. Also Thursday and Friday this week. She don't know why. I'm not unhappy about it one little bit. When Mildred is at home her mum is not so volatile towards me.

Went to pay the land tax last week. At the same place as they float the boats (above). Got 'fined' 89 baht for late pay.

Number 4 market on Wednesday. Have a couple of things to get. Will probably get a koi ot two. And yesterday we (Mildred and I) saw the black long-tail carp for the first time on 6 months.

Also on Thursday I'll pick up some PVC pipework and fittings for the new solar project.

Still have it in mind to grow some Durians. in the area where the rice is grown, I reckon we could grow about 40. They would need water every day. So I've got it in mind to used a 1000 litre tank on stilts and pump water from the pond to fill it. I'll put in an overflow, that will run back into the pond. The idea being that the extra 'umph' from the water tank (2 metres up) will allow water to get to all the Durian trees at the same time. I'm working on it.

Fell into deep water with a mod on AN. Posted 'misinformation' I was told. Only upset me for a week though.

I've cheered up a bit today. Thanks for visiting people. Take care out there.

Robert. Miss Lala. Lttle Jack Wagger. Mimi.

 

[Nomore]

Should send your mate bighewer over to AN  to sort that other geezer out mate

 Glad to hear that you’re otherwise fairly ok, yak yaks not withstanding.

[SnapDragon]

13 hours ago, Nomore said:

Should send your mate bighewer over to AN  to sort that other geezer out mate

 Glad to hear that you’re otherwise fairly ok, yak yaks not withstanding.

There is so much difference with AN and TT, even though they are twins now.

I run into trouble because a poster bubbled me. The mods were letting the posts go up until then. Over 10 posts were taken down, and I got the usual warning about posting misinformation.

So what to do?

Leave AN for the time being. I do miss posting on the footy section though. Shame the footy on TT has died a death. Although, in saying that, the TT Premier Fantasy Football League has 50 players.

Saw Mildred off to school and went straight over to the next village to try to catch the water drillers at home before they left for work. Was there before 7-30. But! All locked up. Been there 3 times. Have phoned them lots too. Just get call-back service. I have to try a new drilling team. All the supplies arrive this Saturday. Stone, cement, posts etc.

 

[BlueSphinx]

3 minutes ago, SnapDragon said:

There is so much difference with AN and TT, even though they are twins now.

I run into trouble because a poster bubbled me. The mods were letting the posts go up until then. Over 10 posts were taken down, and I got the usual warning about posting misinformation.

So what to do?

Hi Snaps,

I ran into same trouble like yourself with Covid and Vax-critical posts removed and threads deleted or closed.  It seems the Free Speech experiment in the AseanNow Covid-19 sub-forum was short-lived, but it was good while it lasted (some 2-3 weeks without any interference by the Mods). 

So I am once again refrained from posting useful info on that biased and toxic cesspool as I don't want to provide them with the pleasure of unilaterally deleting/closing my posts and branding my posts as mis-/dis-information. 

The only thing which they will not take down are hard facts coming from the 'trusted' sources.  So I just posted the CDC's 2024-2025 vac schedule which recommends mRNA shots for babies from 6 months (3 shots over a 3 month period).  This is so over-the-top evil - there is no other word for it - that only the most brainwashed msm-parrots will endorse it, but it will make on the fence members that have seen or experienced the harms of these ineffective, dangerous and totally useless shots, might start questioning the motives of that augias-stable called CDC.

Only a total overhaul of all these 3-letter Big Pharma reps posing as government agencies to 'protect' us can put a stop to this Greatest Crime of All Time.  It looks fairly certain that with Trump's appointments that some clean-up will take place, but I am not holding my breath that the root of the problem will be addressed as all of them are still staunch believers in the dogma of 'Vaccines Saves Lives' and only want more stringent testing and follow-up so that the worst and unmistakable harmful jabs will not be authorized or drawn from the market. 

[SnapDragon]

 

 

 

25 minutes ago, BlueSphinx said:

Only a total overhaul of all these 3-letter Big Pharma reps posing as government agencies to 'protect' us can put a stop to this Greatest Crime of All Time.  It looks fairly certain that with Trump's appointments that some clean-up will take place, but I am not holding my breath that the root of the problem will be addressed as all of them are still staunch believers in the dogma of 'Vaccines Saves Lives' and only want more stringent testing and follow-up so that the worst and unmistakable harmful jabs will not be authorized or drawn from the market. 

I have addressed this on your recent topic (as mentioned) Bluey.

As far as AN goes. Am I going to accept that I've posted misinformation, when I certainly have not? I fear the urge to post on the footy threads will trump all. As the great actor once said; ''I'll be back.''

The problem for me, as any readers of my past posts will know, is one of basic truths. There has never been a paper showing that a virus has been even isolated; let alone shown to cause illness/sickness/disease.

However!! Things are improving on the home front. The Mrs has made me a nice cuppa. Also some small pieces of Cheddar Cheese have been passed to me in my favourite dish. She wants something. Find out later.

[DwizzleyMatthews]

Snaps, your long running Isaan Diary has been closed over on AN, misinformation on a Covid thread cited as the reason, he ( no real names so let’s just call him Charlie ) gave a lengthy post detailing the closure, some of the gloating seeping through !

Should a poster be vilified on one thread for comments he makes on another totally unrelated topic ??

Leave that to the TT jury to answer that one !

[Polkadot]

On 12/3/2024 at 11:37 AM, SnapDragon said:

There is so much difference with AN and TT, even though they are twins now.

I run into trouble because a poster bubbled me. The mods were letting the posts go up until then. Over 10 posts were taken down, and I got the usual warning about posting misinformation.

So what to do?

Leave AN for the time being. I do miss posting on the footy section though. Shame the footy on TT has died a death. Although, in saying that, the TT Premier Fantasy Football League has 50 players.

Saw Mildred off to school and went straight over to the next village to try to catch the water drillers at home before they left for work. Was there before 7-30. But! All locked up. Been there 3 times. Have phoned them lots too. Just get call-back service. I have to try a new drilling team. All the supplies arrive this Saturday. Stone, cement, posts etc.

AN has more people but more idiots and crazy over moderation.

[BlueSphinx]

7 hours ago, DwizzleyMatthews said:

Snaps, your long running Isaan Diary has been closed over on AN, misinformation on a Covid thread cited as the reason, he ( no real names so let’s just call him Charlie ) gave a lengthy post detailing the closure, some of the gloating seeping through !

Should a poster be vilified on one thread for comments he makes on another totally unrelated topic ??

Leave that to the TT jury to answer that one !

Reading his rant-response, I cannot help but conclude that Charlie the AN Mod that closed Owl Sees All's unique and long running Isaan Diary thread on AseanNow has clearly lost his marbles...

How can Charlie rationally explain that comments made by Owl (known as SnapDragon here on ThaigerTalk) on AN's Covid-19 sub-forum, can result in closing his Isaan Diary thread in another AN sub-forum?  I checked and all of Owl's posts on the Covid-19 sub-forum have been removed.  And note that Owl has NOT been banned, as the AN Mods - contrary to their previous enthusiastic use of that 'punishment' - are now much more reluctant to ban one of the members (otherwise my alter-ego Red Phoenix - that other thorn in AN's Covid-side - would also have been banned long ago already).  

It's nothing more than a spiteful demonstration of Mod power-play.  Look, we can close your very popular thread here, for your 'thought-crime' posts on other parts of the Forum, and there's nothing you can do about it.  So we Arrogant Mods are shutting down this unique and one of the most popular - and much appreciated - Thailand centered threads, for the sole reason that Owl has a different opinion on Covid-19 and without banning him, we clearly don't want him to be part of our Toxic Cesspool community!

What a sad bunch of petty losers on the AN Forum...

[SnapDragon]

8 hours ago, DwizzleyMatthews said:

Snaps, your long running Isaan Diary has been closed over on AN, misinformation on a Covid thread cited as the reason, he ( no real names so let’s just call him Charlie ) gave a lengthy post detailing the closure, some of the gloating seeping through !

Should a poster be vilified on one thread for comments he makes on another totally unrelated topic ??

Leave that to the TT jury to answer that one !

Thanks for that DM.

Just went over to AN and read the post from CharlieH.

TBH, Charlie has always treated me fair and square. And I'm sure that if I'd asked for guidance over this particular matter he would have set me straight.

But not this time. It is true that I will not acknowledge the warning. And until I do; I cannot post. My take, is that it was misinformation that I was responding to. I think my last post was something like; ''Show me a medical/scientific paper where a virus has been isolated.'' There were other posts too about covid testing. One poster in particular didn't like what I had to say; and the rest is history.

I will miss putting up topics on the footy thread. But onward and upward for TT.

[SnapDragon]

Life in the boonies. December 6th.

The buffs certainly took control of our soi. The lady in charge was not at her best, and the buffs took advantage.

In between our gaff and the small shop next door.

Outside Mrs Snaps mum's house.

Getting close.

And they were off. down the soi. Now the big thing with buffaloes is not to let them do poopoo on tarmac roads. Concrete OK. Stone OK, Soil paths OK. Grass fine. But tarmac could get them and their owner into hot water. The Mrs reckons the poopoo must be picked up, or washed away, inside 3 minutes, or the road has to be dug up and relaid. Or is it relayed?.

Big party a while back. Great singers. Wonderful dancing girls. Appreciative crowd.

Straight afterwards, there was a march through the village.

Celebration of local insects?

On the way to Udon last week, I passed through an area that creepers had made their own.

Nature conquers all.

Just the same on the other side of the road.

View from my computing corner.

Daughter had an 'Art' test the week before last. There was a Kiwi fruit and a half on the table, and the students had an hour to present their interpretation. Mildred's effort.

 Six months ago; all we had for transport was the Mazza. Now we have the Ford, the Leccymobile. The Mazza and a motorbike. Spoilt we are.

 The Mrs has taken her saloon to the farm a couple of times. Just don't ring true with me. Only gonna water the plants.

On the way back from Udon, I was looking forward to seeing progress on the strange structure on the 3016; about half way to Nong Han.

Nothing!

Has an 'eree' feel about it now.

Someone had big plans. Probably best part of a million pizzed up the wall in that project.

House, next but one to us, is looking the biz.

Tiling underway. Probably waiting for the doors and windows to arrive.

Baloons at the Thursday Market.

The Buddha next to our farm is expanding.

For those not as familiar with Thai as me; it says Monastery Residence. Activities include meditation, hiking and tree climbing.

+++++

The FA cup draw has not been too bad for my two clubs. One easy and one very hard. Dagenham & Redbridge travel to The Den. That's a toughie for any club. And Orient host The Rams. Every chance there, My pick of the rest; Tamworth v Spurs. City, Gunners, Pool and Chelsea all have easy home matches. All kicks off in the second week of the new year.

Pool drop points at Toon. City back to winning ways.

What is the matter with some of these clubs in The Championship? The Baggies have drawn 10 of their 18 matches. And once run-a-way leaders Sunderland, have drawn 5 of their last 6 games. Win one, lose one, is better than draw, draw.

+++++

Another hectic week. Water drillers are at the farm. They said they couldn't start til next week. But I've just arrived back and they are nearly finished the first bore. Delivery also. 24 sacks of stone 10 posts, 6 rings, 8 bags of cement and a few other bits and pieces. Total spend 6.7k baht for the supplies. 11.400 for the drillers; that includes the two 5 inchers.

Delivered a pick-up load of nuts to the wholesaler today. Price dropped 20 satang to 7-80 baht a kilo. Still very good though. Mildred came with me. On the way back through Ban Dung we bought two 5 inch, heavy duty PVCs. for the topping out at the drill head.

No rain for 66 days.

Went to number 4 market on Wednesday. Bought two pair of designer shorts. Just couldn't resist them Bargain at 5k baht each. I'm jesting of course; 100 baht for the two. Got some ducks as well. Spent 200 baht on 4 lovely kois. Pics nest post.

Set the solar light up. Was supposed to be for the farm, but the Mrs wanted it at the back of the house to deter intruders. In case Robert and Oscar couldn't wake up.. Fixed it up. All seems good. It runs at 30% brightness, and if anything gets within 5 metres it goes on full beam for 5 minutes. Cats are having so much fun.

And talking about cats. They have ripped Mrs Snaps' car cover to bits.

Bitcoin topped 100k dollars US for a while. What should I do with the 100 I bought for a dollar apiece way back?

AN have closed the Owl Diary thread. Never mind. We are still alive and kicking on here.

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

That tree keeps leaning.

 

[Sotonowl]

2 hours ago, SnapDragon said:

What is the matter with some of these clubs in The Championship? The Baggies have drawn 10 of their 18 matches. And once run-a-way leaders Sunderland, have drawn 5 of their last 6 games. Win one, lose one, is better than draw, draw.

They mentioned this on Sky the other day, forget what game I was watching but they reckon draws are well up on average.

[SnapDragon]

10 hours ago, Sotonowl said:

They mentioned this on Sky the other day, forget what game I was watching but they reckon draws are well up on average.

You only have to win one game in three to equal three draws. But in saying that; if two out of three are lost then the opposition gets 6 points instead of three. If there was a huge change in thinking for the EPL, and there was one point for a win and nowt for a draw, more emphasis could be put on goals scored. If the one point system was introduced only WW and Tractors in the EPL would change places. Alternatively; one point for a home win; two for an away victory. Forget goal difference; goals scored is the way to go.

The Owls are finding bit of form. Still fancy them for the play-off. If Millwall can get promoted, and no London team goes down from the Prem, there will be a record 8 London teams in the EPL for next season.

[AussieBob]

6 hours ago, SnapDragon said:

You only have to win one game in three to equal three draws. But in saying that; if two out of three are lost then the opposition gets 6 points instead of three. If there was a huge change in thinking for the EPL, and there was one point for a win and nowt for a draw, more emphasis could be put on goals scored. If the one point system was introduced only WW and Tractors in the EPL would change places. Alternatively; one point for a home win; two for an away victory. Forget goal difference; goals scored is the way to go.

The Owls are finding bit of form. Still fancy them for the play-off. If Millwall can get promoted, and no London team goes down from the Prem, there will be a record 8 London teams in the EPL for next season.

I have said for a long time that the EPL (and all National football comps) need to change to be more 'American in their focus - someone has to win and someone has to lose. In US Baseball, NFL and Basketball (the big 3) there is always a result - no draws.  IMO the incentive to take a draw rather than risk too much attack in the latter part of the second half of matches, should be taken away. Straight to penalties if no result - extra time is always played carefully to not tire the players and to also not over attack and risk a loss - so straight to penalties. One team should get points and the other zero points - that will make it more entertaining for the fans. 

I once told a yank about Test cricket (Australia versus England). He was obviously confused bout it all, but saw that it was something like baseball - but he was shocked that it took so long to play a match. His response when I said that after 5 days it is sometimes a draw - was unbelievable - I thought he was going to have a heart attack

[BigHewer]

22 hours ago, SnapDragon said:

What is the matter with some of these clubs in The Championship? The Baggies have drawn 10 of their 18 matches. And once run-a-way leaders Sunderland, have drawn 5 of their last 6 games. Win one, lose one, is better than draw, draw.

The Black Cats have dropped off, looked like they were running away with it at one point. I was surprised too at all the draws.

My pre-season picks for promotion sitting in 2nd, 3rd and 7th. Baggies need to up their game.

Burnley missing Sander Berge, but still on track. 

Would be good to see the Owls back in the top flight, there’s still hope.

[Sotonowl]

11 hours ago, SnapDragon said:

You only have to win one game in three to equal three draws. But in saying that; if two out of three are lost then the opposition gets 6 points instead of three. If there was a huge change in thinking for the EPL, and there was one point for a win and nowt for a draw, more emphasis could be put on goals scored. If the one point system was introduced only WW and Tractors in the EPL would change places. Alternatively; one point for a home win; two for an away victory. Forget goal difference; goals scored is the way to go.

The Owls are finding bit of form. Still fancy them for the play-off. If Millwall can get promoted, and no London team goes down from the Prem, there will be a record 8 London teams in the EPL for next season.

No chance of play offs Owl for the Owls. 0-1 down to Preston at the moment.

[DwizzleyMatthews]

A typical Sunday morning in the Snaps household .

 

 

 

 

[Sotonowl]

On 12/7/2024 at 11:20 AM, BigHewer said:

The Black Cats have dropped off, looked like they were running away with it at one point. I was surprised too at all the draws.

My pre-season picks for promotion sitting in 2nd, 3rd and 7th. Baggies need to up their game.

Burnley missing Sander Berge, but still on track. 

Would be good to see the Owls back in the top flight, there’s still hope.

Not be for a bit yet mate, if ever. Finished up getting a point yesterday that we just didn't deserve and missed a penalty as well. I was hoping there'd be at least 2 teams better than the grunters this season bit it isn't looking likely. Still, just have to look forward to their batterings next season. Every cloud and all that.

[BigHewer]

4 hours ago, Sotonowl said:

Not be for a bit yet mate, if ever. Finished up getting a point yesterday that we just didn't deserve and missed a penalty as well. I was hoping there'd be at least 2 teams better than the grunters this season bit it isn't looking likely. Still, just have to look forward to their batterings next season. Every cloud and all that.

Wilder is a wily old manager, that's for sure. Blades well in it for auto promotion

[BigHewer]

5 hours ago, Sotonowl said:

Not be for a bit yet mate, if ever. Finished up getting a point yesterday that we just didn't deserve and missed a penalty as well. I was hoping there'd be at least 2 teams better than the grunters this season bit it isn't looking likely. Still, just have to look forward to their batterings next season. Every cloud and all that.

A tad off topic (apologies Snaps). I’ve been making tin signs as decos for my garage recently.

And just knocked one up for Sheffield:

 

Note that Blades and Owls are equals, at least on my design anyway

[SnapDragon]

1 hour ago, BigHewer said:

A tad off topic (apologies Snaps). I’ve been making tin signs as decos for my garage recently.

And just knocked one up for Sheffield:

 

Note that Blades and Owls are equals, at least on my design anyway

They are great signs.

 

 

 

[SnapDragon]

Snaps in the boonies here. It's Sunday the 15th of December 2024, 

No rain for 75 days. Plenty down south though.

Some pics of the number 4 market.

Kois for Mildred's favourite pond.

Into number 7 pond.

Still planning to plant the Durians. Checked at the plant section for the prices. Monthong variety is between 200 and 300 baht a tree. I'm gonna plant around 40.

Found these little bundles of fun. Couldn't resist getting a dozen.

I had the job of looking after the goodies while the wife went to get the car.

One of the two solar lamps at the rear of the house.

New hammocks at the farm. Great for relaxing after a hard half hour feeding the fish.

 

Mrs Snaps treated herself to a cart for the farm. Don't know where she got the dosh from. Could it possibly be the money that slipped out of me pocket a while back? No! Well perhaps. Don't like that poly money one little bit. Bring back paper I say.

Jealous I was. So next time at the PVC shop, on the 2022, I bought myself a cracking 10 metre tape. A bargain at 120 baht. A Monqiqi. Well known for their quality tools in China. Even has a little place for putting a drop of oil. Pretty accurate too.

Nut scavengers at work. A couple of ladies gathering up any old nuts. I'm told they are great for getting fires going. That little bit of residual oil does the trick.

Nut cut. 850 kg of big nut bunches. This lot from just half the farm. Getting there!

All secured with a net; for the first time. Usually use posts and rope. This is better though. Don't wan't a 20kg bunch of nuts running loose on the 2022 highway.

Price had dropped a little to 7-80 baht a kilo.

This wholesaler also buying in cassava.

Some of the salt-beds, to the north of the town, that have put Ban Dung on the world map.

The sign is up. Building coming along. Will be buying stuff there in a year or so.

What is that? Looks like a bamboo stake with a plastic bag on top.

It's the special spot for the water drillers to so their bizzo.

They arrived PDQ too. Told me two days and they arrived that afternoon.

Supplies arrive on cue.

The two topping-out pipes. 700 baht each. Heavy duty.

water come.

Job done. Pack away.

Next job for us, me and Kun, was to prepare to cap the well.

A solid 80cm concrete plate was the first thing put in place. Have so spread the load as wide as possible. Then a ring. Then a bit of concrete.

The well head is capped. A bit more to do, but that can be done later.

Me and Kun marked out for the solar base.

Next job will be to secure everything for the posts, that will hold the solar panels. (pics next post)

Meanwhile; my job to get all the deep well pipes ready.

The female ends are cut off and a screw filling glued in place.

 Never been lucky in raising ducklings. Out of the 12 bought, we have just 6 now. But they are looking good. Mind you, they all looked good when I got them. But 50% success. Not bad for Isaan.

The plan is to make a duck-house, and fix it onto one of the floating frames. Then, when the time comes, the ducks will be secure in their home; in the middle of the pond, and be able to go and come as they please. Around the New Year for that I reckon.  So much other stuff to be getting along with,

Cats doing what cats do. Scratch anything that is softer than their claws. Mrs Snaps moaning and groaning.

Good job we have plenty of tape.

About once a week I give the 4 palms at the farm house a really good water. The ground is hard in these areas and will just run away.  So I use my special spiker to get the water 3 inches down.

The kids from the village school were on the move. Lovely to see. Very disciplined, incognito marching. 

No music. No school uniforms. No chanting. Princess leading the way.

+++++

Footy question of the week. What two clubs, from the same town, scored 37 goals between then in the WFA? You guessed it. Rangers and Celtic. 13 for the Ghirls.

And 24 (twenty-four) for the Blue Belles.

Looked Westdyke up, and they are named after a sports centre in Westhill, Aberdeenshire. They merged with Cove Ladies a few years back. Can't find what their nickname is. Maybe they are called The Ducks? Anyway; well done The Ducks for scoring. Highlights on
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HSTRVv4MB3g

I've got to put the 7th goal down to a goalkeeping error. She will have nightmares about that one.

The Owls are gradually creeping up. Gunners and pool both drop points at home.

New world Chess Champion. 18 year old Indian lad.

In the PDC; the battle of the Lukes; goes to Humphries. What a final!!.

+++++

Busy, busy busy. Unlike years past, I find it hard to go at it all day. 2 or 3 hours is quite enough for me. Although it helps that the weather has been mild. Ordered the solar panels and pump wire. Gonna do the PVC pipes tomorrow. And early this week will get the steels for the panel structure. Then start construction.

Fed the fish with Mildred this morning. They look good. The ducks are OK. Cats are doing what cats do. Charging about. Robert and Oscar are well. With this beautiful nature all around; do I sometimes think it would be nice to be back in Essex; spending quality time behind the power station at Dagenham dock!?

Only one thing left to say; take care out there.

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Westhill, Aberdeenshire

[IsaanJeeperCreeper]

Hiya Owl. I am wishing you the best of luck with them Durians, because we'll be a steady buyer of yours when you get them producing

Wife and her family love Durian, I tried it once just to say I have

[SnapDragon]

2 minutes ago, IsaanJeeperCreeper said:

Hiya Owl. I am wishing you the best of luck with them Durians, because we'll be a steady buyer of yours when you get them producing

Wife and her family love Durian, I tried it once just to say I have

Thanks bud. I must say; I can't stand the things. Either the smell or taste.

I'm really looking to the future. If the farms can look after themselves with the income, then Mildred (particularly), will have options in the next few years.

I'm not naive in thinking that growing durians is a doddle like pineapples. They are difficult to grow in Isaan. For a couple of reasons. One is the relentless sun. And the other is twofold; lack of moisture in the air for months sometimes, and those thirsty roots need water virtually every day. I reckon most attempts to grow them fail because of water; or rather lack of it.

I think I've got it all sussed. As soon as I get some dosh; I'll be getting stuck in. I'll probably shelter the young trees for the first year. And I'll sort out a water management system so they all get a drop every day. I'm thinking drip-tape rather than a sprinkler system.

Right at the mo though, the durian plans are on the back burner.

[Fanta]

Love this thread. Thanks for sharing your adventure. Appreciate it