Life in the Isaan Boonies.

[Sotonowl]

On 12/15/2024 at 9:42 AM, SnapDragon said:

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.

.

=

Westhill, Aberdeenshire

Watch that tape measure Owl. I once turned up at Sizewell and they were confiscating any tape taken onto site for calibration. I thought it was a joke but apparently there'd been a load sold in the area with the 75th inch missing or similar although I never saw one.

Think our manager is a wanted man, Saints are watching.

[SnapDragon]

4 hours ago, Sotonowl said:

Watch that tape measure Owl. I once turned up at Sizewell and they were confiscating any tape taken onto site for calibration. I thought it was a joke but apparently there'd been a load sold in the area with the 75th inch missing or similar although I never saw one.

Think our manager is a wanted man, Saints are watching.

You are not wrong there Owl. 

At the farm we have to do a lot of measuring. Distance between trees being planted, lengths of PVC to be cut etc. It's absolutely imperative that tapes are accurate. This new one is smooth and a delight to use, but when I checked it against one of my older ones there was a difference. On top of that, it only has decimal, no feet and inches.

I've had a problem with the drilling of the main steel bearers. Need to drill 8 holes. They will allow the steels to be bolted onto the concrete posts. I did have a 12mm drill that had a tapered shank, but could I find it? I have another 12mm bit, but not tapered, and the Nash or DeWalt drills only take up to 10mm. My Bosch hammer drill is  broken, and I cannot get it fixed. So. I've sent away for a 13mm bit on Lazada. Could be with me today.

The 6 ducks left are doing good. Give them lots of fresh water every day and food. Today they will get a slice of watermelon and finely chopped up cabbage. Also tried them with some wetted cat food and dog biscuit. Not going to release them from their present home until January. By then the duck-home will be ready. Hope they can swim!?

[Sotonowl]

16 hours ago, SnapDragon said:

I've had a problem with the drilling of the main steel bearers. Need to drill 8 holes. They will allow the steels to be bolted onto the concrete posts. I did have a 12mm drill that had a tapered shank, but could I find it? I have another 12mm bit, but not tapered, and the Nash or DeWalt drills only take up to 10mm. My Bosch hammer drill is  broken, and I cannot get it fixed. So. I've sent away for a 13mm bit on Lazada. Could be with me today.

Isn't it always the same. Always something missing. I have a load of HSS drill bits, all straight shank though and a selection of SDS masonry drill bits for my bosch drill. I had a battery drill which I used the HSS bits in but through inactivity it's given up the ghost. So I had to buy a SDS chuck to fit the bosch drill for when I want to use the HSS drills.

[SnapDragon]

More on the drill story.

Package arrived at 12 noon today. Opened it up and what did I find? The same bit as I already have. 12mm chuck size. Gonna wait until Saturday now. Can go to a Ban Dung hardware store, and, hopefully, get what I need.

Shame about the Bosch. Did some great work for me in days past,

What has broken is part of the drill head.

Went onto the Bosch www for a bit of guidance. I can honestly say it's the worst web- site I've ever visited. Wasted a half hour on there and got nowhere,

So! How and where can I get the tool repaired?

[AussieBob]

On 12/15/2024 at 8:20 PM, 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

I have tried to try them - when I get close my gag reflexes always take over.  I heard there was a Durian variety that does not smell, but even then, I think my gag reflex will still kick in.  

[AussieBob]

16 hours ago, SnapDragon said:

More on the drill story.

Package arrived at 12 noon today. Opened it up and what did I find? The same bit as I already have. 12mm chuck size. Gonna wait until Saturday now. Can go to a Ban Dung hardware store, and, hopefully, get what I need.

Shame about the Bosch. Did some great work for me in days past,

What has broken is part of the drill head.

Went onto the Bosch www for a bit of guidance. I can honestly say it's the worst web- site I've ever visited. Wasted a half hour on there and got nowhere,

So! How and where can I get the tool repaired?

Thais are very good at 'fabricating' fixes for things. They might not be the best solution, but sometimes they can get it right.  Maybe ask around locally for a 'tools repair man' and give him a go at fixing it. They often have heaps of spare parts here and there, and he might have an old broken Bosch drill that he could take that part off.  

[SnapDragon]

5 hours ago, AussieBob said:

Thais are very good at 'fabricating' fixes for things. They might not be the best solution, but sometimes they can get it right.  Maybe ask around locally for a 'tools repair man' and give him a go at fixing it. They often have heaps of spare parts here and there, and he might have an old broken Bosch drill that he could take that part off.  

Indeed Bob. The word is out there.

Went to Ban Dung today. Couldn't get the bit I needed. Have to take the daughter to see her friend tomorrow, she lives quite near BD. I'll try TOA. 

Panels have arrived. So as soon as I can erect the frame it will be all systems go. 

[AussieBob]

22 hours ago, SnapDragon said:

Indeed Bob. The word is out there.

Went to Ban Dung today. Couldn't get the bit I needed. Have to take the daughter to see her friend tomorrow, she lives quite near BD. I'll try TOA. 

Panels have arrived. So as soon as I can erect the frame it will be all systems go. 

When we lived in Chiang Mai I came across a few of those 'handyman repair' places - some IT - some told - some anything.  One of the Wife's favourite old bags was broken and the store that sold that brand told us 1-2000 Baht.  We found one that quoted us 150 Baht - all good - can hardly tell the difference.  Have not seen one in KK yet - maybe they are were we dont go here yet.

[NonThaiKiwi]

On 12/19/2024 at 11:43 PM, SnapDragon said:

More on the drill story.

Package arrived at 12 noon today. Opened it up and what did I find? The same bit as I already have. 12mm chuck size. Gonna wait until Saturday now. Can go to a Ban Dung hardware store, and, hopefully, get what I need.

Shame about the Bosch. Did some great work for me in days past,

What has broken is part of the drill head.

Went onto the Bosch www for a bit of guidance. I can honestly say it's the worst web- site I've ever visited. Wasted a half hour on there and got nowhere,

So! How and where can I get the tool repaired?

I'd be thinking along the lines of replacing the whole chuck.  If you open the chuck there maybe a screw on the inside to undo and/or if it's a screw on chuck,  put the chuck key in its position and give it a wack with a hammer to undo/loosen it. (counter clockwise) 

Replacement chucks are readily available in various sizes at most hardware places... or lazada/Aliexpress. 

I've had a few bosch drills, they generally can handle a tough life. 

Moved to Lithium ion battery drills now. Some quite grunty ones  available. 

All the best in your endeavours Snaps! 

[SnapDragon]

17 hours ago, NonThaiKiwi said:

I'd be thinking along the lines of replacing the whole chuck.  If you open the chuck there maybe a screw on the inside to undo and/or if it's a screw on chuck,  put the chuck key in its position and give it a wack with a hammer to undo/loosen it. (counter clockwise) 

Replacement chucks are readily available in various sizes at most hardware places... or lazada/Aliexpress. 

I've had a few bosch drills, they generally can handle a tough life. 

Moved to Lithium ion battery drills now. Some quite grunty ones  available. 

All the best in your endeavours Snaps! 

Bang on the monet there Bob.

Didn't go to Ban Dung as planned yesterday; just too busy at the farm. The Mrs did though. I put the Bosch in a bag, and gave her 1000 Baht. And!? It came back fixed. 650 baht. Asked where my change was. ''Wash hair farang.''

One of the best things she has ever done.

Got a new chuck-key too.

Posted onto my facebook group 'Pussy shots'. Had to share.

 

 

[rattlesnake]

On 12/20/2024 at 4:35 AM, AussieBob said:

I have tried to try them - when I get close my gag reflexes always take over.  I heard there was a Durian variety that does not smell, but even then, I think my gag reflex will still kick in.  

I actually like the stuff. But hardly ever eat it because it doesn't mix with beer. Priorities…

[IsaanJeeperCreeper]

Hey Owl,

For the seat in your wifes Ford. Does it have a handle that you think is for moving  the seat back but doesn't? I ask because I drive this Nissan March, and I was pretty confused on how to move it from an exact 90° angle. So the handle here is actually a ratcheting mechanism that moves the seat Up and Down. Try out your Ford, it may be the same kind of handle feature

[SnapDragon]

On 12/23/2024 at 12:45 PM, IsaanJeeperCreeper said:

Hey Owl,

For the seat in your wifes Ford. Does it have a handle that you think is for moving  the seat back but doesn't? I ask because I drive this Nissan March, and I was pretty confused on how to move it from an exact 90° angle. So the handle here is actually a ratcheting mechanism that moves the seat Up and Down. Try out your Ford, it may be the same kind of handle feature

TBH wid yer bro, the Ford is not for me.

Driving is just about OK, but travelling as a passenger in the front seat is debilitating. I'll go even further. It's crippling! I have to sit at 45 degrees cause I can't get me legs straight. It is that cramped. And as for the seat-levers; just a waste of time.

Mrs Snaps don't moan about driving it, cause she has 69 cushions to lift her up.

I'll stick wid the Mazza.

[Nomore]

Merry Xmas Snaps and crew.

 

[SnapDragon]

 

Wandering around in the local Big C.
Was it true love at first sight?
I moved in quickly to get this bird;
it worked; speed obviously the key.

Home we went, but no one there,
more tine to indulge I thought.
Now where to take this luscious thing
the garden, shed; just where?.

The kitchen seemed the only place
to admire this work of nature.
I looked down upon this nakedness 
and a smile came to my face.

I gently parted the lovely legs.
All looked dank and murky
What tool to use? I grabbed a spoon 
and stuffed the Christmas turkey.

''I is home.'' I heard her shout.
The wife's arrived; she's coming quick.
''What you doing in the kitchen farang?
You make big mess; get out.''

Ir's Christmas day. Hooray, hooray.

Been busy all the time recently. Me and Kun doing the work, although I must say Mrs Snaps is full of plans. As long as I play along and pay. ''I ordered 150  sack of chicken poopoo farang teerak. Be here this year.'' ''That's OK dear. I'll put them by the water tank.''

But that was for later. Right now we are preparing for the solar panels.

Took about 4 inches of soil away to make room for the dry-mix.

Put the small rings in as a guide.

Dropped the rings in about 15cm. Put a dry-mix all over the base and stone in the rings.

And it was time to knock up some very wet concrete.

Kun was careful not to move the rings.

Base concrete finished.

In with the posts. Making sue they were plumb and in line.

Mrs snaps showed up next day to admire our work.  ''I want to test posts.'' I passed her the level.

''This one no good, Have bubbles all over.''

''Not to worry dear. We have checked it. It's OK.''

Drilled the main bearers at home and took them to the farm.

Perfect!

The secondary steels had to be measured, cut and have brackets fitted.

All lined up nicely.

Ready for the solar panels. Which arrived next day.

Ordered three 550 watt panels. The driver had a fair few to deliver.

Robert looking after security while we took the panels in.

Hope they are scratch-proof.

I had already sorted out the PVC pipes. Cut 7/8 inches off the female end and glued on a male and female threaded unit at opposite ends.

Hope to mount the panels very shortly.

The house two doors away is finished it seems.

Just a little clearing up and landscaping to do. 

The wife's new cart has two ways of getting around the farm.

Towing behind the m/c.

Or! The Mazza to the rescue.

''Ever thought of pushing it around teerak?''

''What you say farang?''

''Nothing dear.''

Went to the land office in Ban Dung last week. Had to sign over the land papers to the new owners. The sale of the farm was brought on by big debts. Brought tears to me eyes to see it go, especially after thousands of hours of work going into it. While they were inside I walked round to the lovely garden.

They have a permanent gardener. Very nice place to cry.

Little water fountain and an outstanding tree.

Ducks doing just fine. I give them clean water every day and their food is mixed. They get watermelon, chicken and whatever else is in the kitchen every day. Some rice and finely chopped cucumber if it's there; which it normally is.

Ponds 6 and 7. They are OK considering no rain for 85 days.

A farm near us it keeping naughty birds away by flying 'hawk-kites'. They are quite a way up. Saw 4 over this field.

One had been shot down. Probably the Nth Koreans!

Mrs snaps after the luscious chompoos. The better ones always seem to be just out of reach.

Careful. Don't fall dear. Who will make me cup of Rosy?

+++++

Pool certainly put the Spurs to the sword. Owls steaming up the table. 

I don't like this mixing up of men's and women's footy one bit. On the BBC www, there is a women's section, but still have the ladies results in with the guys. Big rubbish if you ask me.

Luke Littler averaged over 140 in his PDC world finals match. Michael Smith gone. Starts up again soon on the 27th, at the Alley Pally, in Nth London. I say Luke Humphries to lift the trophy again (won last year). But there are a couple of serious dark horses still in there; including Kevin Doets (Smith's executioner) and Callan Rydz (9 dart finisher).

+++++

Mildred is at school all this week. No time off for the Xmas festivities. Next week is the big one. Might get a whole week off for the New Year. Hope so.

Lowest leccy bill for 6 months. Just under 1,700 baht.

I've spoken to the wife about this. Didn't want her to hear about it second hand and give me everlasting yak yaks. She said OK. So, next week I'm gonna give the dustbin men a New Year's tip of 100 baht each. They do a great job.

The cats are getting into the roof space. Me and Mildred have been trying to find out how they get in. They charge about and sometimes knock down a ceiling tile. Little Jack Wagger fell through onto my bed the other day. He wasn't hurt but there was quite a dusty mess.

It was Christmas Morning in the village  Everything was calm and quiet.  Until a big truck arrived and brought 1500 sacks of chicken poopoo to the farm.

''Teerak dear!! You said 150 sacks. That's 1,500.''

''You have to pay farang. I no money. Make little mistake.''

After consultation with the man. ''Only 37,500 baht.'' ''Dear me teerak So much.'' ''Farang not moan. Adjung's mum want 50 sacks.''

Maths was never one of Mrs Snap's stronger points.

Should wear a mask stacking these sacks of poopoo. Very dusty they are.

Only one thing left to say;  merry Christmas to all. Where's that Lao Khow?

[Sotonowl]

Owls got a couple of tough away games now, away to Boro on Boxing Day. Tomorrow is the 45th anniversary of the great Sheffield Boxing Day Massacre.

The 1700 baht energy bill Owl, is that for the month?

Merry Christmas Owl to you and your family and indeed to all of the thread readers and I sincerely hope we all have a happy, healthy, safe and prosperous New Year. Yep, even the Aussies. lol, only kidding.

[SnapDragon]

4 hours ago, Sotonowl said:

Owls got a couple of tough away games now, away to Boro on Boxing Day. Tomorrow is the 45th anniversary of the great Sheffield Boxing Day Massacre.

The 1700 baht energy bill Owl, is that for the month?

Merry Christmas Owl to you and your family and indeed to all of the thread readers and I sincerely hope we all have a happy, healthy, safe and prosperous New Year. Yep, even the Aussies. lol, only kidding.

That 1,700 bill is for the month of November. It is usually between 1,700 and 2k, although it did go to 2200 a few months ago (April) when we had half a dozen fans on the go 24/7.

My three picks to do well in the Championship are doing OK. Hatters, Baggies and Owls. a lot of drawn games though have cost the midlanders dear.

Good news on the chicken poopoo front. Mrs Snaps gas sold another 100 sacks. So we only have 1350 left. Will use some for the palms as well.

[Sotonowl]

22 hours ago, SnapDragon said:

That 1,700 bill is for the month of November. It is usually between 1,700 and 2k, although it did go to 2200 a few months ago (April) when we had half a dozen fans on the go 24/7.

My three picks to do well in the Championship are doing OK. Hatters, Baggies and Owls. a lot of drawn games though have cost the midlanders dear.

Good news on the chicken poopoo front. Mrs Snaps gas sold another 100 sacks. So we only have 1350 left. Will use some for the palms as well.

Around £45 pm then Owl? Just like to compare that's all. Think us in the UK are being ripped off as usual. I was around £80 pm in summer and now up around £120 but it hasn't got exceptionally cold just yet.

Watched the Owls today, feared the worst, we got battered in the first half and went in 3-0 down, just lacked any effort, fully expecting a 5-0 defeat. Different side came out after a couple of subs and we drew 3-3 and really should have won. The championship is where it's at, that PL is over rated.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year btw, or have I already done that.

Oh, caught a bit of the Orient v Crawley game as well just prior to the Owls.

Edited 22 hours ago by Sotonowl

[SnapDragon]

2 hours ago, Sotonowl said:

Around £45 pm then Owl? Just like to compare that's all. Think us in the UK are being ripped off as usual. I was around £80 pm in summer and now up around £120 but it hasn't got exceptionally cold just yet.

Watched the Owls today, feared the worst, we got battered in the first half and went in 3-0 down, just lacked any effort, fully expecting a 5-0 defeat. Different side came out after a couple of subs and we drew 3-3 and really should have won. The championship is where it's at, that PL is over rated.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year btw, or have I already done that.

Oh, caught a bit of the Orient v Crawley game as well just prior to the Owls.

Everything in England seems to be a rip off Owl. The family back home says food has doubled in price in the last year or so.

Very cheap still here in the boonies though. Can go out with 200 baht, buy a new shirt, a pair of shorts, eat a decent meal and still have enough left for a tuk tuk ride home.

Two of my old local clubs met in the National League South; Aveley v Hornchurch. Points shared. And another team Dagenham & Redbridge - where I lived less than a mile away from the ground - got whacked at home.

Fulham are an interesting team at the mo. From what I gather it's attack, attack attack under all circumstances. Good to see. I'm still confident that the Owls will make the play-offs. 

Darts start up again today. In my whole darting career, I scored maybe 20 180s. Although I did hit 174 quite a few times. These guys are getting as many as 10 180s in one match. 

No rain forecast for the rest of the year. 87 dry days and counting. Maybe get some in March 2025.

The £ v Baht is gradually worsening. 42.8 this morning.

 

[cmsally]

I don't know about anyone else but I am noticing more of a dual economy. If you shop at the supermarkets or anywhere "slightly fancy" you will pay a high price. If you go to the local markets you pay radically less. I know it's always been that way but it is becoming much more pronounced especially when it concerns everyday food.