It's almost Christmas

Last year's winners  article posted 30 Dec 2016 For  non facebook readers To be marked officially between 1 November, 2017 to 1 January, 2019, the “Amazing Thailand Tourism Year 2018”... Apples Christmas Facebook link

สกลนคร Sakon Nakhon

Obviously there are some disagreements, only thing obvious: Cooler days ahead

Highs and lows forecast

	fri 15	sat 16	sun 17	mon 18	tue 19	wed 20	thu 21
ACCU	38 / 18	28 / 14	25 / 10	24 / 9	24 / 9	24 / 7	28 / 12
WUNDER	32 / 18	28 / 14	25 / 10	24 / 9	24 / 9	23 / 9	25 / 11
TMD	30 / 20	29 / 19	28 / 18	26 / 16	27 / 15	26 / 14	25 / 13
BBC	31 / 19	27 / 14	23 / 10	23 /8	23 /8	23 /9	26 / 13
RP5	30 / 19	27 / 14	21 / 9	20 / 6	20 / 5
FORECA	32 / 19	28 / 15	25 / 12	24 / 11	23 / 9	23 / 11	25 / 12

Christmas holidays 29 / 14 on average
สกลนคร Sakon Nakhon

Phu Phan Cup Sakon Nakhon A vs Udon

Sakon Nakhon B vs Mukdahan 18 Dec,  3 pm Sawang Daen Din Sakon Nakhon A  vs Udon,  20 December, 3 pm, Provincial stadium Airport Road

สกลนคร Sakon Nakhon

Live longer: avoid getting angry, be stubborn, avoid depression be happy, smile a lot, stay active, eat right, get plenty of schooling

Of course genetics also plays a role in life expectancy. Longest living person in recent history "Jeanne Calment of France (1875–1997), who lived to the age of 122 years, 164 days."  Science-Backed Secrets of Longevity | Time  List of the verified oldest people - Wikipedia  be careful on the roads, especially in Thailand

สกลนคร Sakon Nakhon

Missed the pole dancing

I'd seen these shows plenty of times before. I missed this year's show to instead attend two birthday parties, hoping that someone would post a video of the entertainment

สกลนคร Sakon Nakhon

The Christmas Schedule 2017

At least these days we are getting better pre-event notifications. Unfortunately these notifications are not directed at foreign tourism.  I suspect it may happen eventually that these schedules are translated Add caption The Tha Rae starlight parade is the one not to miss.  After all the Star light parades originated there Boat trip? Nah. I prefer private boat trips, instead of sitting in bus fashion.  I used to enjoy boat trips where food and drinks were served.  These days NO ALCOHOL ALLOWED.

สกลนคร Sakon Nakhon

Chinese festival underway through Dec 16

Didn't make it to the starting gate (parade starts at the temple) because I had stopped off at a clinic for a blood test. Had to wait for the doctor to be called, after all it was a national holiday. I was flabbergasted when the doctor apologized for the waiting time. He made a special trip on his day off.   The parade was fun and entertaining.  Over the years this events seem to have shrunk, some previous activities deleted. And even the big poles shrunk. Some major activities planned for today at the temple, instead I'll be visiting two birthday parties this evening

สกลนคร Sakon Nakhon

Weather Alert Pending COLD AHEAD

First line of defense of course is warmer clothing and warmer bedding.   Clothing wise dress in layers.  When it gets too warm you can take a layer off.  Small electric heaters are handy for small to medium sized rooms.  A built in thermostat is advisable.  BBQ's generally reserved for preparation of meals now also are used to keep warm. Use only in well ventilated areas. I tend to do more baking this time of the year and hang out around the gas oven.

สกลนคร Sakon Nakhon

The 12 Days of Christmas start on Christmas Day and last until the evening of the 5th January

Starlight parade in 2006 in Sakon Nakhon Tha Rae Christmas in 2009   Recovering from an injury, had to decline a number of offers to go to Tha Rae. Hoping that I will have recovered enough to see the football game tomorrow evening The first year I saw the starlight parade I noticed none of the parade participants were passing out candy.The following year, the year MACRO opened here in town, I bought five large bags of candy. We timed it at an intersection, merged our vehicle into the parade, and began throwing candy. Unfortunately, Santa's helpers were a bit too eager throwing candy at onlookers.  Within three blocks, Santa's candy bag was empty. The next year I bought a sh.t load of candy and we parked near the parade starting point.  As the parade was about to get underway, a Sakon Nakhon man in brown (policeman) immediately nixed our plan to merge into the parade.Of all things, the officer confiscated all candy and escorted us to his police truck. There we were introduced to his nieces and nephews.  With emergency lights flashing, we were now in the lead vehicle of the parade. A dozen hands throwing candy at onlookers.A few of my Thai friends were a bit surprised to see me standing in the lead vehicle

สกลนคร Sakon Nakhon