Saturday, December 30, 2017

Miss you


สกลนคร Sakon Nakhon

171230 Happy New Year everyone

Phu Phan cup winner this year is Sakon Nakhon A (Sakon Nakhon City).  The trophy remains within the province for the second year in a yow.  Last year's winner was Sakon Nakhon B (Sawang Daen Din). 17 provinces participated this year.  
Unfortunately I could not attend that game due to personal reasons (more on that later). 
Once again there's a major weather alert for cold weather.  That is if you consider 11 C  51F cold.  Again TMC stands alone in forecasting such cold temperatures. 


Plenty of Thais are on the roads to be home for the New Year Holidays.  An increase of accidents has been reported on the highways through the phu phan mountains
(facebook link) 

New Years Countdown has been announced to take place at the provincial grounds (across the street from the police station) with food, music and fireworks. I wonder it the rule "no alcohol in public places" will be enforced or set aside for the occasion

Personally I prefer to stay within staggering distance of my bed and have invitations for just such an occasion.
It's Saturday.  

One week ago today 10 am I had my last cigarette.  To make things even worse I also went cold turkey on a shitload of medications. Been measuring my blood pressure, which was a bit high when I started, but since has dropped quite drastically.  Even recorded a 115 yesterday, 125-130 on average.

Of course I had to limit my activities somewhat yesterday due to withdrawal symptoms.  Missed out on watching the ball game yesterday.  Did get a few hundred pictures of a parade early in the morning.  Plenty of likes and new friends on facebook. Click on image to see the album 
 
And then of course I attended an afternoon funeral ceremony.  It was a bit more than usual heartbreaking for me, really dear friends.  The mother had suffered for a long time of breast cancer, with chemo treatments and even recent surgery.
 
สกลนคร Sakon Nakhon

Wednesday, December 27, 2017

Sakon A (Sakon City) challenges Roi Et for The 2017 Phu Phan Cup, Thursday, 28 December

Game time 3 pm



It's bound to be an exciting game as both teams have won all their recent games.  The stadium has been quite crowded this year for all games. It's going to be a capacity crowd.
album 
สกลนคร Sakon Nakhon

Sunday, December 24, 2017

Phu Phan Cup today's winners and loosers

In the first game this afternoon here in Sakon City. Buriram lost against Udon. I arrived at the start of the second half.  I was told 
the goal was self inflicted.

In a game at Sawang Daen Din. Sakon B lost against Nong Kai in a shootout.




Sakon Nakhon A won against Sisaket.  I had seen Sisaket play last week  I anticipated a win.

Sakon A next plays Tuesday 5 pm. 

No games are scheduled on Monday, Christmas day.
สกลนคร Sakon Nakhon

Presents are exchanged on New Years Eve and Day



Christmas is not a national holiday in Thailand, even though you will hear plenty of Christmas music and see decorations. There are some Catholic Thais (less than 1% of the population) who celebrate the event with their friends. One has to keep in mind that Thais use any occasion to have a party. 
Gift exchange is not as important during the Christmas days. Gifts are generally exchanged during New Year celebrations.   
"In the lead up to 31st of December, Thai people often exchange gifts and cards. "
Many Thais will travel home for the holidays, but it's not an exodus like you see for the Thai New Year, April 13 (Songkran). 
สกลนคร Sakon Nakhon

Saturday, December 23, 2017

Wat Phra That Choeng Chum Fair Nightly Concerts 26 December through 1 January

These video clips are samples of previous performances of the acts scheduled during the fair

26 December


27 December


28 December


29 December


30 December


31 December

1 January

สกลนคร Sakon Nakhon

Friday, December 22, 2017

My things to do list

22 Dec. Friday afternoon 3 pm Phu Phan Cup Sakon A vs ? 
23 Dec. Saturday Tha Rae Star light parade starts around sunset. Plenty of other things to see and experience
25 Dec. Monday Sakon City Starlight parade 
26 Dec. Tuesday Temple fair begins at Phra That Choeng Chum, though New Years Day Red Cross Fair begins January 12
สกลนคร Sakon Nakhon

In case you missed the performance

Video by สมทัด สรรพโส for STV


The event begins each year on December 11 and is generally up to  a 6 day celebration
สกลนคร Sakon Nakhon

Day and night temperatures remain cool

TMD forecast differs greatly from other forecasters for the next two days, especially the nighttime temperatures




สกลนคร Sakon Nakhon