Long Weekend Ahead

August 12 is HM The Queen's Birthday and Thailand's mothers day. Birthday celebrations have been extended through Aug 15. Banks and Government offices to be closed Aug 12

US Embassy Bangkok warns citizens to exercise caution this coming week
"...information has not been verified.  Nevertheless, holidays like those coming up next week have at times been exploited by violent elements within Thailand to conduct disruptive operations such as bombings.

Meteorological Department Weather Warning 
Heavy rains and risk of flooding possible through Aug 8

Scientific Discoveries
     Herpes virus used to treat cancer BBC Health
     Cancer cells feed on fructose, study finds (such as soft drinks) MSNBC

I think it's working, Rainmaking Rituals

Here's  a rainmaking ceremony I had not witnessed before.
I did know there were other variations besides the rocket festival 'Bang Fai.'

This one is a mortar and pestle throwing ceremony.  Look at the size of those pestles.

This ceremony took place near Khok Si Suohan

Video by kiatisak900 

Google Earth has become part of my activities planner.
From the looks of this picture, rain is imminent.
Weather images are updated every 10 minutes.

          

A bit of an unusual breakfast for me this morning.  Fresh juice provided by the five year old coconut tree.

Instead of mixing it with rum, thanks to Anton, I am taste testing it with Doornkaat.

I had not tasted the German Snaps since 1964.  It used to be my favorite beverage.  After tasting it now, it remains at the head of the class.

This morning's breakfast is a special delight as I am savoring the taste of German Limburger.

My German is showing, I love Limburger.  Almost feel like saving the wrapper so I can get an occasional whiff.
My apologies, I had planned to visit a friend recovering from bronchitis:  Now today, I've reached my alcohol limit.  Also, one school let out early and my pool is full.  Instead of offering me a drink, your wifes cooking is more of an enticement for me

Thanks and more

Martin thanks everyone who visited his 'open day.
His local Chern Chim outlet will operate daily from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
There are some exceptions to these hours due to other commitments.
Martin suggest visitors call him before visits (0872269151)




Old Neighbor, New Address
Sakon Nakhon's Neighbor Nong Khai is being split into two provinces.
The Eastern area of Nong Khai will be known as Bueng Kan Province.
The legal process is still undwerway


Rainy Season  snivel - cough 

     

                 5:17 AM                                                            7:48 AM  
Rainclouds moving east are slowly dissipating.

Football or some sort of Water Sport

Last Sunday's Match:

Chaiyaphum FC won 2 - 1 over Sakon FC.

With the field totally soaked and with standing water,

the game should have been postponed.

Water puddles tend to take the bounce out of the game.

At least for the ball.

This coming Sunday, August 8, Yasothon FC visits Sakon FC

Martin's Open House Tuesday 11 AM to 3 PM

Martin, the local Chern Chim representative, is having an open house to display his goods.
You can find a price list of current products here.


Driving south on I.T.U., take the first right after passing the Grand Palace Hotel.

Psst Don't say nothing, we don't want too many people

Thailand Tourism May be at it's worst, but :
Sakon Nakhon does not seem to suffer the dilemma of major designated tourist spots.
In the past you could count the number of western visitors to this area with your fingers. Now it's impossible to keep track


Most Visitors arrive here to "meet the family." 

Video by PattayaPeopleMedia  

Biggest complaint I hear is that they have to limit their visit to 90 days.  Many can afford and wished they could stay longer.

Some visitors have trouble leaving town.

Day 1:  Missed my ride, I'll try again tomorrow.

Day 2:  Going this weekend

Day 3:  Uhm, Ahh

Day 4:  Decided to stay another 30 days

New visitors are even arriving during the rainy season

Weather:  Dry island in the sky

The story has been the same every day this past week.  Rain to the North. Rain to the South

In the center is Muang SakonNakhon. Mostly cloudy, occasional drizzle, and quite humid.

Five fans didn't do it for me last night.  I surrendered to the air conditioner

  

4:35 AM                 6 AM

9 AM

China Flooding: Prepare Downstream

It's something to keep an eye on in regards to water levels in the Mekong.

Hilarious Advertisement

I dare you to prove me wrong on this one !

Recently received correspondence from a Swedish gentleman inquiring about crane service in Sakon Nakhon.
He purchased a container to ship his household goods and use as storage while his house is being constructed.
The question was: "Is there a local crane company which can unload a 5 ton container."

My answer: "Don't think so, but I'll check around.

The only cranes I have seen in this part of the country, are the ones used in building construction. They can lift a number of prefab cement slabs intended to be used as flooring. Their weight capability will take a few days of research.

Ideally the delivering agent should be told that they are to place the container on the ground, as demonstrated in this video.

This alternative seems a bit extreme: Unload - Drop - Reload

Parking a container on either soi 3 or 3.5 seems even more of an impossibility to me.
I'd like to witness that magic act !!

There is a crane company in town taking part in the construction of the new municipal building.
Might be worth asking them.  If it's possible, they probably have to bring equipment from elsewhere.
Bet that wont be cheap.

Alternatively I would suggest renting one of the many newly constructed shophouses and use it for storage.
Most shophouses on I.T.U. rent for an average of  3,000 baht per month.

Shipping containers tend to get extremely hot and humid in this area and are not suited for extended use beyond shipping purposes, unless insulated.