One of those days, a loss of a friend, a loss of a game, neither was expected

When I heard of a death in the family, a different face came to mind, thought it was someone much older.  Stopped by briefly close to noon, paid my respects and offered the envelope condolence.    Then it was off to the football game.  I thought it was a sure win, not as it turned out a 3-2 loss.   After the game I revisited the mourning gathering, greeted plenty friends and acquaintances. The weather stayed mostly cloudy with a few sunbreaks for most of the day. The forecast heavy rains later that night dissipated.  What there was moved well north and south of the city.  It's a phenomenon seen quite often in the area  Some showry thunderstorms possible through Tuesday, the rest of the week chance of rain limited

Sakon Nakhon

Good luck and good health to you

It's the season of choices.  Multiple events worth attending.  Many taking place at the same time.  Just a few days ago I had to choose between the Phu Phan Cup finals and a family birthday.  Falily and friends first. I had a bit of a dilemma, two  birthday party invitations for the same evening.  It was hard, but I had to decline one of the invitations.  The obvious choice of course was family within walking distance from home.  A birthday celebration and a farewell party. Obviously I got the time wrong and arrived an hour late. Not a problem,  new visitors arrived throughout the evening, replacing departures. Pu has returned home for a visit, she's returning to England next week and taking her son with her.  Brings back memories when I was that age when I went to America.  Grott is about to experience culture shock, add to that some snow.  At his age he'll be speaking English in six months.  Obviously many visitors had been there before me, with more to come   Spaghetti, spring rolls, chicken, stew, fish.  The amount of food placed in front of me, mostly wound up in take-home bags These Bai Sri celebrations The ritual of tying strings around a person’s wrist to preserve good luck,  used to celebrate important events and occasions, like births and marriages and also entering the monkhood, departing, returning, beginning a new year, and welcoming wikipedia Generally the recipient  has an egg or a piece of fruit in their hand when receiving the string well wishes.  Here is a new variation to this practice:

Sakon Nakhon

Happy Birthday

Sakon Nakhon

Birthday and Baby Blessing Ceremony on my calender

Sakon Nakhon

Mukdahan Adventure (Introduction)

	From Album  150222 Family It had been a while since my Thai adopted family invited me to one of their family day trips.  I was quite ecstatic, and rightfully so.  It was a very pleasant and enjoyable trip with four stops. Mekong River Rapids (mild version) The Mukdahan Tower and museum The Mukdahan market Sakon Nakhon Roadside wholesale and retail vendor I'm just so glad that photography is done digital these days.  If I would have had to use photo film I would not have taken 300 pictures.  That would have been ten rolls of film. Mother nature was on our side, raining only while we were traveling.  Rain stopped every time we were ready for a roadstop I posted the Family Photo Album to facebook. It had over 100 likes in 11 hours. Obviously: More blog post to come

Sakon Nakhon

How to shop for a birthday present

That's Ning and her sons Mack and Mike (M&M).
Mack has the severely trimmed haircut.  Such haircuts are generally an indication that someone in the family died.  In this case it was an Uncle.

M&M left saying they were going to the store, apparently to pick up a birthday present.
They didn't go to the store, they were gone well over an hour.
Instead they went to the fair throwing darts until they had their mothers birthday present

Time Travel with Friends

2005

Complete album

Sorry, but I no like karaoke.

  After three balmy summer like days, temperatures dropped quickly after midnight last night into the low teens (Celsius).
Expect another cool night, followed by a slight warming trend till midweek.
After that expect a slow and extended downhill ride on the temperature roller-coaster.
No rain in the extended forecast in the area.




I declined attending a Thai family birthday celebration for medical reasons last night (recovering from eye surgery).  It was a karaoke joint.  Sorry, but I no like karaoke.  

From pictures of the party it seemed like fun, but was it a birthday party or a texting gathering?

Who do you call?

Heritage of Sri Sakon's performed in Quebec (May15)

Electrical sparks require immediate attention Sparks were flying just above the breaker box Friday morning.  I investigated. Twenty-some  wires entered the box trough one hole. The hole with sharp edges, was maxed out. There were wires in there, which should have bypassed the breaker box completely. With the main breaker off, I had to gently pull wires out of the single hole and insert them into a second hole, all by flashlight. I found the damaged wire, inspected and patched it temporarily.  Asked around to find an electrician who could replace the box. Next thing I know I have the city light truck in front of my house. They estimated it to be a one-and-a-half hour job.   Saturday, two electricians showed up on their normal day off. I couldn't ask for better qualifications, than two guys working for city electric. During the dis-assembly, they were astounded how shoddy the workmanship was. Quite often they were chuckling and on the verge of hysterical laughter. They worked nine to five, they'll be back Sunday morning to finish the job  Related viewing  Wonder why people get electrocuted in AmazingThailand  By tom isaan / mekhongmud  follow his Isaan Life

Ole (red hat) Birthday Party at the all you can eat joint

Aka Chern Chim, Martin's place

Poh Whan Coffe Shop Recommended by Tomas Persson  Great coffee!  a great place to relax with free Wi-Fi

Lesser Crime and Punishment

Many Years ago... 2007, if you want to be exact
"A young man" in his late teens, did something foolish... The cops came... 
...Court date in thirty days... Postponed twice... Three months later: The verdict

• Six months as a novice

The charges were severe enough to warrant jail time,  I was pleasantly surprised to discover one of Thailand's Crime and Punishment alternatives (for Thai Nationals only)

• Rehabilitation Temple Time

I visited twice as a friend of the family.
It's a long drive to the temple grounds right there there where civilization seems to end

 Past where the Thai Buffalo roam

Where the jungle begins.

Simple Life is mandated

Getting along with your neighbors takes on a whole new meaning

Visiting Hours are very restricted, 
only gifts  for grounds maintenance allowed

Were you renew contact with nature

A place for worship and reverence

A curriculum of Order, Discipline, Spirituality were quite evident

That was years ago.  
The story has a happy ending.  
"A young man' has since served honorably in the military and is these days a mature family man.

Sakon Nakhon Kids getting some Horse Sense

Recently noticed horses where horses hadn't been seen before.
More ponies sighted in residential areas last evening.
Haven't asked why the sudden increase, but I'm guessing there are only two possibilities:

1. They are here for the parade
2. They are being evacuated from flooded farms

Local kids are getting some horse handling experience