Geo: 16.392, 103.924It now looks as though Jai might be leaving this evening and not tomorrow. They have decided that as it is a long drive, about 380km, they will travel at night. Jai's brother Sai whose truck they are going in, has dodgy eyes and cant drive at night so now they are trying to find another driver. Planning and organising isnt a local strong point and I expect things to change a few more times yet.We bike into Phon Thong for the Saturday market. On the ride back we see a large snake crossing the road. I tend to assume that all snakes I see here could kill me so give them all a wide berth. I dont actually believe that many of them are that dangerous but I dont intend to get close ... read more

Geo: 16.392, 103.924Watch Munich 5v1 Arsenal at 02:45; Arsenal were about as competitive as Gloucester had been on Saturday !! There is English footer on free to view Thai TV all the time at the moment as well as German, Spanish, Italian, and a selection of other games.Wan arrives mid-morning on foot. I had arranged to go and pick her up at 11:30 but she couldnt wait. When Wan comes to eat and Jai and her start their nattering the whisky/wine has to come out as well to help loosen their tongues - like they need any help !!A big lunch with a couple of drinks and then a lazy afternoon stretched out in the back garden whilst the nattering continues in the house.Jai's sister Begat comes round with a bunch of bananas off her farm ... read more

Geo: 16.392, 103.924Today is Valentine's Day but more importantly for Jai the day she is due to get a second payment as compensation for the poor rice prices this year. I'll believe it when it has actually happened.Into Phon Thong for the internet. I couldnt watch the Gloucester game last time I was in and wish that I hadnt been able to watch it today either; 34v9 at Leicester and very poor.It was a glorious morning as I biked back to the village. This is definitely my favourite time of year over here and I wish it could be like this all the time. Fresh mornings but bright sunshine and usually warmed up to the 30s by late morning. No humidity and rarely, very rarely, any rain. Altogether, most pleasant.After dinner we go to visit friend ... read more

Geo: 16.392, 103.924It is even windier here this morning and I am reduced to having my post breakfast coffee indoors for the first time since I got back.Well wrapped up I bike into Phon Thong for the internet. Bit early to watch the Gloucester game yet but find 5 mins highlights of Wales 16v21 England.It is a still a bit fresh when I bike back to the village but it is the winds that are the problem being dangerously strong.Jai was doing a bit more work with the orchid baskets this afternoon and ran out of coconut husks to wrap the roots in so had to break down the ones we acquired from a neighbour a few days back. We were told that these were no good for eating but when Jai opened one up there ... read more

Geo: 16.392, 103.924It is particularly cold this morning. TV forecasts that it could get as low as 4-8 degrees although I have never known it get quite that cold here so I doubt it.Jai repots some old orchids into the new baskets. Half way through she runs out of old coconut husks so, after asking (!), she nips over the fence and acquires some from next door. Whilst Jai is repotting I set about repairing the fence where they hang with the bamboo I brought from the farm a few days ago. Just about finished when the saw slips and takes a lump out of the end of my thumb. Probably could do with a stitch but have had unpleasant experiences at the hospital here so decide to leave it for a while and see. Jai ... read more