Last Sunday morning after a short discussion we decided not to replant the old tree (we got as a gift) by the people who were willing to do it. Phatsamon did not feel comfortable with it and after a chat we decided to cancel the operation we already organized for last Monday.
We wanted to have a kind of second opinion because we really want this tree with many (family) memories survives.
This is a very old tree already and we wanted the work to be done by people who are specialized in this kind of operations and, although very positive and willing people, not by a digging machine and a crane.
So we took Sunday and Monday to find (and buy) some wonderful plants and to start our search for specialists. We visited several shops and the nice thing in Thailand is that if people are not sure to do a job they always know somebody else who has more expertise.
Finally, Monday during lunchtime, we found a specialized center in Surin. Phatsamon had a long chat and walked around while I stayed in the car with Kadhow. The lady, for me, did not seem to be very interested and I think she was more in the mood of selling one of the trees waiting for a new owner at her land. So... now I did not feel good.
We decided to got to Prasat, Surin province, around 40 km away from our building site. We passed that place a couple of times on our trips from Chiang Mai to Surin.
Because of the distance, at a certain moment, I wanted to make a U-turn and go back home. Phatsamon wanted one more turn to go so that's what we did and... guess what. There was the wonderful Tree Center. We drove in and several ladies gave care to around 300 waiting great trees. Very friendly, people with understanding and knowledge who took the time to give us advise. Kadhow felt great at the place running from tree to tree and rolling in the wet grass.
For me the energy surrounding me and the way of care taking nearly made me emotional. What a peaceful and high energetic place.
So we made arrangements and, surprise, they could do the job already today.
7 Workers (including the captain of the team) worked 6 hours to finish the job. Digging by hand! because a machine should damage the root system too much. In a professional way the tree was trimmed. This took about two hours by two men.
Around 4500 KG the crane on the truck had to carry and this people showed what teamwork is and how to stay calm (working in 43 degrees C).
Cows were our spectators today.
People who work for or with us are our guests so they got several drinks and a nice lunch. Kadhow took care of guarding (but with the temperatures also several times went to sleep under the container.
After the job was done, our brother in law, again was so kind to fix and restore the land where the tree once, for many years, lived.
We picked up fertilizer and special root grow (excelerator) and the company promised to keep an eye on the process so will visit us a couple of times.
The care taking now is in our hands. We got a lot of instructions and will do it.
April is the best month here to replant trees because it is spring and rainy season is on its way. In a couple of weeks the fields (soil) is too soft so trucks cannot work anymore on the land.
We try to do all our best and keep you posted.
Find the (many) pictures of today:
Frans Captijn
e-mail: pyramidhousethailand@gmail.com
Today again a very warm day. Nearly 44 degrees C. But the pond is ready, we (Phatsamon) planted some nice plants, I put the first small temples at the entrance. The warning sign for crossing elephants is placed. The entrance road for the ricefield is ready. We picked up the back wall of the power & water plant, we arranged a drinking spot for the cows in the surrounding fields, The spot for the Labyrinth is leveled and prepared, we picked up some medicine for Kadhow (eye infection) and early this morning we got a huge surprise.
We got a visitor, the oldest brother of Phatsamon. Yesterday we got from her sister and brother in law some wonderful young trees. Happy to get them on the land next week. The oldest brother, as a gift for the new house to build already offered us a wonderful over 200 years old tree. This afternoon we already did the preparation to plant it. We need (and already ordered) a digging machine and a crane to carry it. Coming Monday it will arrive.
We will plant it nearly in the middle of the land we are having our process and about 8 meters away from the Labyrinth to make. We put already fertilizer in the prepared hole and tomorrow (a day off) we only have to water the hole.
Monday morning first the branches of the tree will be cut for a part, Digging is a huge and precise operation, First we thought about waiting for one or two years but it will be nice is the tree is fully recovered at that time. The digging, transportation and re-planting need to be done now (within about two weeks) because rain is coming already and the crane cannot work on soft soil.
Find some pictures of today.
Frans Captijn
e-mail: pyramidhousethailand@gmail.com
Yesterday and today temperatures in the shadow between 41 and 43 degrees C again.
Still going on and feeling strong... but....
After inspection yesterday morning early the digging machine we worked with before arrived again. We wanted to work this time with a bigger machine but did not get a good experience and feeling with that. So, inspection told us the work will take 2 - 3 days and... indeed. Tomorrow the last half day.
To be honest I think we asked to dig too deep. On the other hand we know after two or three rainy seasons it will be less deep. This pond will be the storage of the rainwater from not only the land but also all the buildings.
During digging we rescued several animals. Find a picture of an eel. We brought them to the pond of the village temple. Thai (Buddhist) believe this creates good Karma.
Yesterday afternoon the first heavy tropical rain shower. It showed how slippery the dirt-road to our process can be. This morning we took (a bit) action to fill some holes with gravel to make the road a bit more accessible. In the afternoon we ordered 3 trucks of road gravel. Two for our own land and one to make the road in front a bit better.
Our brother in law again helped us out with his tractor leveling. He is a teacher, so a bit happy the schools are closed today so he could give us a helping hand.
Kadhow learned from the digging machine. He made a huge hole in the sand under the container. A cooler place to be and... to keep an eye on everything going on.
This afternoon we got a phone call of Khun Yai (Phatsamon's mother). She wanted to come for a short visit with her friend. So we picked her up with the truck and they had a nice time (the beer bottles only for fun).
And what about the 'but' in the beginning of this blog?
Already around 30 years ago I got a vain operation on both my legs. During regular days I am used to give my legs rest and bring them up a bit higher. Also with yoga I have some exercises and every morning with Kadhow I go for a walk to massage the lower leg muscles. Already nearly one month now I am nearly the whole day standing. So my body gives me signals my legs really need some more rest and attention. I will listen to this signals and take some more rest in between.
Find some pictures of the last two days.
Frans Captijn
e-mail: pyramidhousethailand@gmail.com
