How many Thais does it take to scrub a tank ?

One can do it
But things go easier with two. One inside, one outside.
At my house the numbers double, and so does the cost.

My water tanks collect rainwater for the swimming pool and gardening. They get an annual scrubbing during the rainy season. That way you know the resupply of water is imminent. It's a humid, sweaty and very dirty job. The bottom four inches of water are solid black.

Meanwhile moving the entrance gate into the property is also under way. Once the gate is moved into the property, guest will have covered parking for their motorcycles, and will remove them as traffic obstacles in these narrow streets.

School Mothers Day Celebrations

Ceremonies were already under way when I arrived.
Everyone was singing, facing the picture of the HRH the Queen.
Apparently Thai National songs. Everyone was standing.

After everyone was seated, traditional Thai dancing was performed for the entertainment of students, teachers, staff, and mothers.

Mothers were then formally honored on stage by their sons and daughters.

This part of the ceremony tends to get quite emotional. The kids take this quite seriously. Many times in tears, and a lot of hugging and comforting.

At the conclusion of official ceremonies, furniture and other props were removed from the stage for the main entertainment.
Apparently a beauty contest of sorts. Of course there were the very obvious ladyboys, but others I wasn't too sure of their (ahem) gender.

The pageant was frequently taken over by funny antics which had the audience rolling on the floor with laughter.

Some of the more needy students were selected to present me with flowers.

Of course I anticipated these gestures by offering small financial rewards.

Of Local interest

S-BAC Invitation to celebrate Mothers Day

Sakon Nakhon Business Administration is having a day of celebrations honoring HRH Queen Sirikit Birthday and Thailand's Mothers Day. Official ceremonies start at 10 a.m. Tuesday, and are followed by a day of student entertainment. Visitors are always welcome

THAI VISA is building a Thailand web directory

Business owners and managers can submit their information for a free listing at http://directory.thaivisa.com

Sakon Nakhon Native wins Thailand's Panda Naming contest

A local one year old girl received 1 mil Baht, a car, and a trip to China for naming the Panda's Ling Ping.

In Vietnam the pay is three times higher

That, according to an e-mail from a teacher, leaving Thailand for better pay

Lost Bank Cards require a police report

As often as I use ATM cards, I never have to worry about wearing one out.
Every year or two I lose one.

It was Sunday. Plenty of time to worry if some had cleaned out my bank account, until the bank opens.
In Thailand, if you loose your bank card, you have to make a police report first.

I expected a long line at Sakonnakhon's police station, especially on a monday morning.
The waiting area was empty.
A five minute searching of my passport and bankbook told me there is a problem.
I pulled out my Thai drivers license, and the officers face lit up with joy.
Think I solved a language crisis.

For a monday morning, even business at the bank seemed a bit slow.
Might be the rain.
No waiting.
And there is that bit of relief when you see that your balance has not been 'adjusted. '

And that's why they call it the 'Rainy Season'

Warning

"Heavy Rainfalls and Strong Wind"

http://www.weather.go.th/en/warningwindow.php?wID=1879

Thank You John Hughes - director, producer, writer and star maker.

National Lampoon's Vacation, Ferris Bueller's Day Off

Weird Science, The Breakfast Club

Some Kind of Wonderful, Sixteen Candles

Pretty in Pink, Planes, Trains and Automobiles

Uncle Buck, Home Alone and Home Alone 2

Lost in New York.

Weather Alert: Sakonnakhon

The Thai Meteorological Department has posted a weather alert, dated August 8, forecasting heavy rain and strong wind gusts at times. Possible flooding in lowland areas.

AccuWeather forecasts rain every day until August 21, when 'some sun' returns.

Pee Pee Island, April 1993

Toon Army Bar discount

Grahams Toon Army Bar offers 20% off on Saturdays and Sundays on all alcoholic beverages. Discounts is available through August 23. Discount does not include menu items.

Cool Thinking in "Humidity High"

The local temperature forecast for the coming days.
Red lines represent the actual temperatures.
Blue lines represent the feels like temperatures.
The difference between the two colors is the humidity.



Drink Plenty of water. Consider electrolytes if the heat and humidity seems to be slowing you down.
A cold wet towel behind the neck helps while you're on the move.
Heat rises, cool your neck down and you'll keep a cool head.

That cold drinking water also does wonders if you pour some over your head.

You're really lucky if your neighbor owns a pool and even throws coins in the pool to make you want to jump in.
"Hello Neighbor."



Otherwise a cool shower will have to do.
While you're wet, stand in front of a fan. Caution you may be shivering from the cold.

Around my house we tend to play "Off Season Songkran," using three bottles of drinking water per week