Teaching an old dog new tricks

Fat boy has been my trusted companion for eight years. Recently I decided we both lacked exercise and bought a leash and collar for him. The first walk started out almost nightmarish. I tugged on the leash, but Fat Boy wasn't in the mood. He sat on his hind legs and wouldn't budge. Eventually I did win out and we strolled with frequent sniff and territory marking intermissions, (Fat Boy, not me !!!) Things changed as soon as Fat Boy realized we were on the return trip. He ran like hell, me trotting behind.  I got more exercise than what I'd planned. Maybe I should consider roller blades

Fu Fan 5555

LOL (laughing out loud)  computer generated speech

It's hotter and dryer than normal around here

Recent headlines want to insure that the reader is aware of drought conditions.  Worst drought in 30 years!  Worst drought in 50 years! I'm guessing, they are just guessing when the worst drought in recorded history was. If the numbers were accurate, then it's logical they'd all be the same. I can attest it's the worst drought in at least ten years for sure.  That's how long I've been here.  This year's rainy season started off fairly normal, but soon changed to a second hot and dry season.  I've had to rely on tap water to top off my pool and water the plants, most of the last five months.  Usually my tanks are full of rainwater this time of year. Yes! There is a severe drought and the dominoes are falling. Fish farmers are encouraged to sell off their stock before it's cooked alive. Cassava workers are being laid off en mass. Government agencies are in a mad dash rush to dig wells, thousands of them. Many farmers have stopped farming due to lack of water It's hotter than normal  During the last 30 days, temperatures have been 3 to 6C hotter this year compared to the past four years MeoWeather In Tao Ngoi, the site of the recent illuminated boat festival, they are inviting volunteers to come this weekend and help dam the river  Traditionally, November, December, and January are the driest months in this region. At the moment we are experiencing a 'weak' El Nino, which is expected to last through February 2013. El Nino typically brings drought conditions to this area. If this drought is indeed here for an extended stay, there's another domino sure to wobble: Food Prices

Phu Phan Cup Lineup

Group A    Nong Khai (defending Champions),  Roi Et,  Mahasarakham      Group B    Khoen Kean, Yasothon, Buri Ram      Group C    Surin, Nakhon Phanom, Amnat Charoen      Group D    Udon Thani, Sisaket, Sakon Nakhon (host)      Group E    Nong Bua Lamphu,  Kalasin, Loei      Group F    Mukdahan, Ubon Thani, Chaiyaphum             source grassy knoll seating Playing locations, times, and other pertinent details still lacking. Based on previous years experience, games will most likely be played at multiple locations.  The University stadium (intersection of hwy 22 and 223) has been designated for the main events: ceremonies and championship game.  Spectator seating is 'on the grassy knoll.' Available bleachers will most likely be occupied by university students.  If bleacher seating is available to you, bring sunscreen and visors. Shaded and catered seating is available to dignitaries surrounded by heavy security Someone nudged me and pointed to the book which had been laying on my front porch for eons.  Judging by the size of that playbook... maybe that's the reason information is so slow in coming

At Apple's this week

Lasagna  served with garlic toast 125 baht New on the menu Chicken Burger and Chips 99 baht Friday, Nov 9 Large Hawaiian Pizza and one large Leo 299 baht

Phu Phan Cup 2012

Who brought the kibbles?  According to official documents online   the 2012 Phu Phan Cup  will be held November 13 through 23. Phu Phan Cup Pregame ceremonies 2006

November in the SNO

SNO is the Sakon Nakhon Airport abbreviation

Phu Phan Cup  Dates confirmed November 13 through 23 Tha Rae is having a monthlong festival.  Most of the activities are on the weekends. I'll have to explore.   Other dates to remember In November

11 Hans Funeral (2005)	17 J&P Wedding Anniversary (2006)
22 Thanksgiving Think I'll do a Turkey this year haven't done that in 7 years	28 Loi Kratong

Extreme humidity is detrimental to your health

Severe drought conditions exist in 7 to 9 provinces in Thailand Depends which media report you read.  Undoubtedly the numbers will go up. Most of the provinces experiencing drought are in the Isan area. Local crop failures due to drought conditions have been in the news recently. Government agencies are hurriedly digging wells, most likely for human consumption, rather than for agriculture. A few days of rain are in the forecast for later in the coming week. From the looks of it, too little to call an end to the drought.    Humidity Rising In the immediate future, hot daytime temperatures with a noticeable increase in humidity at night."Relative Humidity."  It rises with the sun during the day and is therefore less noticeable. The absence of the sun at night increases the relative humidity near the ground.   High humidity is detrimental to your health High humid conditions do not allow the body to cool itself through evaporation of sweat. High heat and humidity may result in fatigue, muscle cramps, exhaustion and stroke. High humidity is also a breeding ground for dust mites and molds.  Both pose a threat to allergy and asthma sufferers.   Keep saline solution in your medicine chest High humidity may reduce the natural hydration of your eyes, causing dry eye irritation.  Humidity Effects on Corneal Hydration  Earth's Humidity Effects Dry Eye and Dry Skin % Humidity forecast Sun eve Mon 00:01 Mon 07:00 Mon noon Mon eve Tues 00:01 Tues 07:00 Tues noon Tues Eve Wed 00:01 Wed 07:00 rp5.ru 58 83 89 44 61 81 88 42 61 81 87 inter meteo 68 85 86 49 68 88 88 50 68 88 87 Normal 'comfortable' humidity for humans is 30 to 50%

Too much Ado about my Salami

. Had been eyeing the salami at a local store for a few shopping trips. Always considered it too big, to much.   Thought it would spoil long before I get to the end of it. I'm an 'occasional' salami eater, not an 'overeater.' What the heck, I bought one. Did not expect the cashier to hold it up in the air, and begin a discussion of my purchase with other cashiers.  A four cashier coffee klatch ensued.  Obviously it was funny, all were giggling and chuckling.  The word farang came up quite frequently. These ladies were having a ball discussing my purchase. I don't get embarrassed over anything anymore, I've been in Thailand long enough.  Haven't seen it all, but I've seen enough... Gotta hide my Salami. Sliced a few inches off when I got home and shared it. Turns out this is one farang food Thais really love. But for many it's just too costly.