From Laos to England and back again

Saturday 11 May 2024

While our neighbours are away in China for 2 weeks, leaving us to feed the cats, I'm taking advantage of their very nice garden space under a thatched roof...

Minor drama last night with an invasion of flying termites! We were peacefully catching up with Netflix at about 10 o'clock when we suddenly realised the house was filling with thousands of insects. A bit like flying ants. They were everywhere! And we don't have a hoover. What to do!? We quickly closed all the mosquito nets, turned off lights and set to sweeping up the little buggers. Fortunately, a damp cloth proved effective.

Anyway, yes, we're back in our Ban Naxangvuey house after a month in the UK. We had a lovely time in Poole, catching up with friends and family, dealing with "life admin", and I enjoyed it all. But goodness it's a contrast! Life over there feels busy, full of "to do lists", with an emphasis on buying things and consumerism. And people seem to be in conflict about everything. So many strong opinions.

Mind you I'm amazed at how quickly I adapt - both ways. It feels as though as soon as I walk through our front door it's like walking through a portal!

During our UK visit, I really enjoyed practical jobs around Turner's and especially Tatnam Organic Patch. I like the groups of friends in both gardens and it's been fulfilling to bring energy and enthusiasm to both, even for a few weeks. I reconstructed the back of the compound at TOP using old pallets and wire, which is just about my level of carpentry skills, and started the construction of a dead-hedge using hazel uprights and brash. All good fun.

In another context, I also very much enjoyed attending the Public Inquiry at Bournemouth Town Hall into planned development at Highmoor Farm. Having spent 14 years lobbying to prevent the building of houses and then private hospital on the farmland it felt as though this was the final furlong. I was glad I was able to get there and join with follow-campaigners Sheila, Jo, Nick, John and Karen to hear the evidence for the first week. The outcome is yet to come (28 May).

Decluttering, getting rid of stuff was also a joy. I cleared a few dark corners of my office and got rid of a few moth-holed old jumpers! Lots more to do of course.

Our journey back here to Laos has been dominated by Trevann's increasingly painful hip. It's been bad for over 5 weeks now, with no diagnosis (impossible to get a doctor's appointment in time in the UK). It's so strange for us to have to cope with him being unfit and less than mobile. We'll try to get it seen at the western clinic in town here. Meanwhile our neighbour Selma, who is a physical therapist, has given him some movements to do. Our ability to walk distances is a bit limited.

Other than that, it's really beautiful to be back here. There's been some rain, so although it's still very hot (38 in the afternoons), the mountains are green and the air is fresh. And the beer is cold of course! And everyone in the village is happy and welcoming. Sabaidee!

Now to clear up more flying termites! At least the geckos and skinks are delighted.

When we left on the 3rd April, the first tomato was almost ripe. A month later they're all dead of course! Not brilliant timing on my part. I'll try again.

Apparently it's been a wet winter in the UK. I've never seen the pond at Turner's so full.

Jon's memorial cherry looking splendid.

Trip up north to see family went well. Here's Trevann and sister Jen having a natter.

Holly's cat, the much-loved Beanie!

Ben asked us to pick up some 1980's Kef speakers from Scunthorpe he bought on eBay. Very similar to the ones I took to the tip a few years ago!

Dawn, Al and Holly. More eating and drinking

Dawn's garden in Wakefield looking lovely. They're preparing to sell and downsize.

The "dead hedge" at TOP. Such a good idea. It forms a defining barrier, protecting the redcurrants, gets rid of brash without burning, and creates a nice wildlife habitat.

Tatnam Organic Patch looking wild and free!

Yup, I bought some new shoes! Trevann says I can get a job at the circus.

The Highmoor Farm public inquiry was held in the Council Chamber at Bournemouth Town Hall over 8 days at the end of April. I managed to get there for 3.