Wednesday, December 31, 2014

2014 Mishaps


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The Temple Fair runs through January 4

Motorcycle repaired, but....

Had the rear balding tire replaced.
I have a turn signal beeper.  I tend to forget to turn off my turn signal.  Used to have one only the driver could hear.  They replaced it with a truck backup beeper.  Way too loud.
Now when I get ready to make a turn, everybody hears the horn and looks at me.  Really didn't want it that loud.  Kinda have to chuckle... crazy Farang (foreigner).

Sakon Nakhon Taxi

From the area of Rajabhat University to Apples restaurant the charge was 150 Baht, according to a visitor to Apples
 


Construction is progressing at a fast pace

Across the street from Apples restaurant, it is to be the new home of a very popular seafood restaurant



Getting an early start

Nightly concerts at the temple fair, these folk decided to arrive two hours early to insure a good seat. 

 

Monk Alms collection Pots are getting bigger


 

Expecting plenty sales at the Insect Grill

I still say each sale should include a pack of breath mints



Never cared for the aroma



Can you hear me now, mobile unit



The Temple Fair runs through January 4


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Tuesday, December 30, 2014

Friends I lost in 2014

Click on images for complete slideshow








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Identification Please

Know Your Rights

Richard Barrow in Thailand

Interesting to note:
"3. Foreigners could carry a copy of first page and entry stamped page of their passport instead of the original one."
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Opening Night Temple Fair

Wat Phra That Choeng Chum

Seems it was right around when NCIS came on (6pm), when I heard the fireworks go off last evening.

 The cooler temperatures seem to help sound move faster.  It sounded like canons where going off a block from here.  In reality the temple is a bit further away.

I had intended on visiting the temple, but I was an emotional wreck (previous post).








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Monday, December 29, 2014

The pen keyboard is mighty

I feel like I just stepped out of the ring with two trophies.
    1.   I'd been doing the paperwork tango for two years with the IRS over my 2011 taxes.  They had threatened court action scheduled for January. I had send them copies of bank payments, as it was obvious that someone missed posting my payment. 
     Today I received a statement that the account is at zero outstanding balance.  I'll consider that statement as an apology since those people don't apologize for their errors.
        2.   My TCH satellite was unblocked today.  Dealing with that situation was a six month frustration.  
        Repeated billing errors for four months eventually resulted in my Satellite TV service being shut off on Christmas day.
        I was monitoring my blood pressure every time I had to deal with the situation.  I was frequently placed on permanent hold when asking for an explanation from customer service.  Six e-mails I sent were not received according to them
        Finally I wrote out my complaint in detail, stating that I wanted to terminate the service if the matter was not resolved.  This time I faxed the letter.
        Two days after the fax, service was restored.  Now I am eagerly awaiting what my bill will look like


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      Southern Thais warned of more flooding




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      That's how 2014 began


        
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      Looking Back at 2014

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