Weather same-same

Some weather services are forecasting thundershowers today and tomorrow. Thai weather service indicates a mere 10%. The Thai weather man is wearing a sweater with highs at 33 (91F), lows at 22 (72F) forecast for the coming week

T.i.T. Bits

Some folk will tell you it rained in Sakon Nakhon today. Technically you can call it rain. I call it Saint Peters dribble

Buddhist especially in NE Thailand commemorate the death of Ajahn Mun this weekend. He died on November 11, 1949 read more about his life at WIKIPEDIA

Recently read that they are building a dam over what used to be the river flowing through Tao Ngoi.  It's not really much of a river anymore, resembles a creek. Somebody mentioned they were asking for volunteers to help with the work. From the looks of things, volunteering was not on anyone's mind. If someone would have offered cash, there might  have been a crowd. On the way to Tao Ngoi, I noticed many rice fields drying out and farmers salvaging what they can

In my travels to Tao Ngoi I encountered a roadblock which turned out to be a great photo opportunity. Thais love their mobile soundsystems

Another OTOP type fair is coming to town  November 23 through December 2 Held at the municipal grounds (across the street to the police station)

Weather Today

35 C - 95F Feels Like   45C - 113F Hot and humid evening No Relief in Sight

Phu Phan Cup - the first three days

Date Game time Group Rival Field 1 Nov 13 14.00 A RoiEt Mahasarakham Pattanasuksa (ITU) 2 16.00 B Yasothon Buri Ram 3 14.00 C Nakhon.Phanom Amnat Charoen Sakon Nakhon Rajabhat.University 4 16.00 D Udon Thani Sakon Nakhon  5 13.00 E Kalasin Loei Sakolrajwittayanukul (north of Police.station) 6 15.00 F Ubon Thani Chaiyaphum 7 Nov 14 14.00 F Mukdahan Ubon Thani, Pattanasuksa (ITU) 8 16.00 E Nong.Bua.Lamphu Kalasin 9 14.00 B Khoen Kean Yasothon Sakon Nakhon Rajabhat University 10 16.00 A Nong Khai  Roi Et 11 13.00 D Sisaket Udon Thani Sakolrajwittayanukul (north of Police.station) 12 15.00 C Surin Nakhon Phanom 13 Nov 15 14.00 C Amnat Charoen Surin Pattanasuksa (ITU) 14 16.00 E Sakon Nakhon Sisaket 15 14.00 D Loei Nong.Bua.Lamphu Sakon Nakhon Rajabhat University 16 16.00 F Chaiyaphum Mukdahan 17 13.00 A Mahasarakham Nong Khai Sakolrajwittayanukul (north of Police.station) 18 15.00 B Buri Ram Khoen Kean Source http://www.sakon-pao.go.th/6112555_2_2.html

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