The ant problem this year is probably the worst

Hacked away a few lower hanging branches on the coconut tree yesterday.

Within seconds I had thousands of ants all over me.
Quite lucky they weren't biters. must be vegetarians.
Also saw mice making their escape over branches to a nearby tree.

Time to call for help.  I'm no longer that nimble to climb trees.

The ant problem this year is probably the worst I've experienced in the years I've been here.

It was time to fight them on the perimeter before they came into the house.

Plenty of pruning and spraying with dish soap outside.

When it came to pruning one of two lemon trees I was pleasantly surprised.  WE HAVE LEMONS.  Had these plants for about four or five years without lemons.  The only reason I did not chop them down was because the leaves can be used in many Thai dishes.

Then of course the lemon grass needed trimming.
Always remember my first year in Thailand with a bit of an embarrassed blush.
Offered the clippings to my neighbor.  Learned it's the roots that are used in cooking, not the grass

Sakon Nakhon facing drought? I don't think so

A Pattaya Mail online article, dated 9 June 2011 predicts that

Sakhon Nakhon Province is facing Drought

• I don't see it from where I am sitting 

May 15 One of four downspouts to my roof

May 18 Toyota Cup

June 1 Road trip

June 4  North Eastern Region Football

For the immediate future intermittent rains, occasional thunderstorms are in most forecasts.

Much of the local weather is generated locally after periods of high humidity.
We haven't had much weather comming from the east. I'm keeping my eye on the South China Sea where a big storm seems to be expanding west-north-west.

I'm not saying it's coming this way, but I'm keeping an eye on it.

Another Sakon Nakhon fine dining experience

Another Family Birthday.
My adopted Thai family is huge.  There's a birthday every month, sometimes two or three.
These are all occasions to celebrate and dine out.
I get to experience at least one new restaurant each month

This evening's choice of restaurants was superb.
I didn't indulge in some of the spicy foods.
The evening's host had ordered a sirloin steak for me.

The restaurant advertises Thai-French beef, which is locally produced.
The steak was prepared to perfection.  I was totally flabbergasted at the posted price (US$ 5.55)

I've paid 300 baht and more for the same meal at other establishments

The rest of the food was just as great.  I had to loosen my belt.

The fish tanks where a bit of a surprise.  But then this is Thailand, unusual to say the least.






The restaurant is just a few kilometers from town on highway 223, on the opposite side of the gas station and a few hundred yards up the road.



Quoting one former California governor: "I'll be back."

US expats report deadline ahead

Robson resigns as Thailand's coach REUTERS


Fake 1000B Notes Warning To Thailand Pattaya Daily News



Thailand exports drop, imports climb Air Cargo News


Bangkok Port's wharf closure snarls cargo clearance, triggers higher fees thailandnews.net
... most likely increased costs of imported goods

Reminder for U.S.expats

• U.S. citizens must report overseas bank accounts  over $10,000. Deadline for filing is June 15.
  Failure to file may be subject of a fine of 50% of the value of overseas accounts
• IRS Form TD F 90-22.1

Net migration increases in UK as fewer people move abroad EXPAT FORUM

Hilarious !!

Hot Slut of the Day see the video and read the article at dlisted.
What one father  does to embarrass his son and entertain his schoolfriends

Create a playlist at MixPod.com

S-BAC (Sakon Business Administration College) Sold

The privately owned and operated school was recently sold.
Announcement of the sale and introduction of the new owners to teachers and staff where made yesterday at a dinner hosted at the Grand Palace Hotel.

Sin Bun Bang Fai Rocket Festival

Half way through the video sound is discontinued.
Advance video to 04:10,  made me grin.  Only in Thailand



Red moon Eclipse visible June 16 THE NATION

If you stay up till after 1:22 am and the sky is clear

Watch this Movie Trailer   Bad Teacher

Major E coli defense program at my house

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Thai airports on alert after E coli outbreak monstersandcritics.com

I'm always on the alert in such matters.  I have a very sensitive stomach.  Five or more cups of coffee in the morning probably doesn't help that.  Cold drinks during or after a meal slow down the digestive process.  If you have an upset stomach the cold drinks will of course prolong the discomfort.

How soup, or a hot drink at the end of a meal speeds the digestive process and lessens discomfort.
My grandparents had the best solution after meals.
They called it a Hot Toddy.  It sure relaxed me after a meal and made me feel great!
Many bugs develop a resistance to medicines, but I haven't heard of any surviving alcohol.

Major E coli defense program at my house Sunday evening

All televised football games where re-runs, but I found plenty of other things to entertain my guests, including appetizers and drinks.  It was really a fun evening having neighbors over.  There were seven of us indulging..
Note to self:  restock bar




Brawl at the AIS Regional League 2011 games
Samut Sakhon vs Angthong
Samut Sakhon is approximately 45 km southwest of Bangkok

Watch this Video it's GREAT:  Lucky Escape

Buzzy Saturday

Going shopping Saturday at Big C was probably a mistake.

For some reason traffic resembled Bangkok rush hour.
Not sure what the reason of this influx of people was.  It definitely was not the evening concert.

By the time I finished my shopping, traffic police where on every street corner attempting to untangle the mess.

As soon as I had unloaded the groceries
I was off to a funeral.  Don't really like going to those events, but I do feel obligated to support my friends in mourning over a loss of a loved one.

One of the monks there was smoking cigarettes like a chimney.
I had to be reminded that he's only a "Monk for the Day."

Next stop Sakon FC vs Nong Bua Lamphu

The game started minutes after the start of a tropical downpour.
The game was stopped within minutes.
After the downpour subsided, the game resumed. Anywhere else the game would have been postponed. Not here. It's all about money.

From 110604 FC

This would have been a really good competition, had it not been that the field was under water. It was still fun watching. Was more like an underwater comedy hour.

I was really surprised that one of Sakon star players was red carded.  What he did was so obvious.
Someone whispered in my ear.  He has an offer to play for another team.  Getting red carded means that he wont have to play in the next game and can therefore leave for his new team a week early.
He's not the only Sakon player leaving the team for financially greener fields.

Next week is the season final game for the league
Sakon FC vs "former" Sakon FC.
Actually it's Sakon FC vs Nakhon Phanom.  Some of the best Nakhon Phanom players are former Sakon players.

Sakon is eight in the league.  Nakhon Phanom is seventh

The evening concert sponsored by Sakon FC

Paying customers numbered in the low hundreds.  I stayed for half an hour.  Sakon radio was broadcasting "live."  The DJ's, both former students of mine.


Their English retention wasn't anything to be proud of. I was greeted with good morning and good night.

Isaan Hot Suff on the net

I-Guide

Some locally dedicated pages: Sakon Nakhon Travel Guide.
The page entitled Drinking in Sakon Nakhon lists up to date information about the WELCOME BAR
Eating in Sakon Nakhon lists information about the Sawatree, Green Corner, Baijak Coffee and Steak House.  That page also makes reference where to eat "dog-bone soup or peppery dog meat salad."

That entry is just BAD TASTE, at least that's my opinion!

Tom Isaan 

has a web album I greatly admire  tom isaan 's Public Gallery

His recent addition Baan Pheng, Mahasarakham, Wat Chaiprasit Murals is one of my favorites

Isaan Com   

had some recent security upgrades http://www.isaan.com complete with facebook and twitter log in.
IsaanDOTcom's flickr photostream is worth a look

Water levels rising

1 pm 110704 (June 4, 2011)

I judge the water levels by the level in nearby canals. They where empty and dry a few weeks ago.
I'm just taking a wild guess, but if recent rainfall is any indication, I'll have to dust off my rubber boots.

With a global change in climate, it's difficult to predict what this rainy season will look like.

A few more burst of tropical rains like the one Saturday evening will send the water levels rising

Counting: June, July, August, September, DRY SEASON.