It's noticable: water levels going down

It's the same location, slightly different angle.  Picture on the left was taken in 2006, a fairly average rain year.  Picture on the right taken yesterday.  I'd say the lake water level is down about three feet, at least.

There's no drought relief in sight in the forecast for the rest of this year.  It's hard to predict what the spring of 2013 will bring at this point.  If there's no relief before the 2013 hot season arrives, the lake may well expose some ancient relics, it's been hiding for centuries.

An attempt to raise an ancient Buddha statue in 2009 from the lake bottom failed due to the lack of a strong enough crane.  That year 2009 we experienced a milder, shorter drought.

It's a zoo out there

Recently mentioned spotting the critter (above) in my garden. 

Apparently they can change colors. 

Or it could be the peacock syndrome where the female is quite drab looking and the male shows off all his colors

Logic ??

installing barbed wire around your home generally is to keep intruders out.But there are apparently other uses: 

• hang laundry, 

• store general household items.

Yeah that's right.  That's a homemade ladder the homeowner uses as a shortcut.  I've observed him

Happy Loi Kratong Day

Kratong stands have been going up since early morning

Parade float construction is underway at many local flower shops 

No smoking no alcohol allowed in public parks

Sakon Nakhon Loi Kratong 2003

As for the time of the parade. Can't seem to get a straight answer
Best answer, sometime near sunset

Apple's One Free Beer with Pizza Friday

New Menue, and ongoing raffle at Pit Stop Cafe

So Good Restaurant Welcome Party

Tipi makes a Welcome Party for her Ausi Husband "Kevin"

That's the news according to SchwabenTony read what he's saying here

FREE FOOD  Oh So Good

Sakon Nakhon CM CENTER to open soon

Spotted the first new tenants moving in.

There's still plenty of construction underway.
Haven't seen any grand opening signs as of yet, but with shop owners beginning to move in, it can't be much longer.
The shopping center is located south of Big C.

Sakon Nakhon Loi Kratong 2012

Sakon city dwellers will be heading for the lake park en-masse.

Thais believe that floating a kratong (raft) will bring good luck, and they do it to honor and thank the Goddess of Water, Phra Mae Khongkha.

The Loi Kratong Parade is generally around sunset.
The parade delivers a royal kratong to the waterfront
I'll update time information later in the day.

This is also the day for the release of the Thai fire balloons, AKA sky lanterns.