Progress Report

August 29-September 3, 2005 // CONSTRUCTION LOG #47

Contact phone numbers

Internet Phone:
New York 315-279-6711 // Toronto 416-907-5758

Costa Rica:
Cell 506-305-3965 // Land 506-282-4142 Ext. 101

NOTE: our land line in CR has changed;
we are now integrated into the compound network.

CONSTRUCTION

The dominate story this week —and a gut wrenching story it is— is one which I cannot tell: Let it be said that not all the crooks are yet in jail and the future of this country is likely to be a continuation of the past. I'm disappointed but now more experienced. As my more experienced partner points out, it's the same in N. Am. and around the world.

We currently have about 60 people and that's where we expect to stay for the near term.

114, 115, and 116: Window installation has started; drywall finishing including the valence is finished in 114 and 116. Priming paint of 114 is completed and started on 116. Cana brava is finished on 114 and 20% finished on the balance. All interior and exterior window moldings are finished. Stucco has been started and is about 20% done. The tile roof is virtually finished on the upper and largest section; the two lower sections will be finished by the middle of next week. Cabinetry for 114 is nearly ready for installation. Ceramic floors will begin to be installed next week along with the doors. Final selection of granite and marble have been made for 114 and 116.

Unit 106: All the blocks are laid and the structural reinforcing columns have been formed and poured. Framing for the collar tie and the window arches is being done now. The rough-in electrical and plumbing has been completed. The substrate for the ground floor slab has been completed on one side.

Units 121, 122, and 123: We have excavated for 123 and 121; In 123 the re-bar reinforcing cages are being set in place along with the structure for the columns. Unit 122 has undergone a minor redesign according to the wants of the would be purchasers. We seem to have been able to accommodate their needs and have created a really great design. As a result, 122 underwent a minor revision as well.

Units 117-120: The terrace sub-roof was finished, and upper and back roofs of 119 and 120 are nearly finished. We need this completed so that we have a dry area and can relocate drywall from the warehouse-the warehouse is now sitting on the site of 122 preventing further excavation.

Units 101 and 102: Unit 101 (ground floor) will be our future home. Right now we live in the "low rent district" —the last remaining original house. I've worked out what I think will be a really great design —my wife and I each get what we want and I keep my hammock. We have yet to finalize the upper level unit; it would be nice to be the same as the lower level but we have a staircase which causes some problems so...

Marketing: I expect to pen an agreement on 122 this week. I've recruited a person to contact local businesses.

Telemarketing campaign: I'm told that something should happen this coming week. Again, we'll see.

Next Project: We have decided to wait a bit until we have commitments for at least two more units. If the land we love is still available, great; if not, we continue looking.

OUR LIVES

Weather: It's rained for some period in the afternoons of about 4 days. The rest of the time has been great working weather.

Boat: It's sold. Final payment and exchanges should occur this week.

Papaya: several months ago, Lita bought a particularly nice-juicy, sweet, and deep red colored —papaya. We loved it so much, we saved the seeds and asked the gardener to plant them. He did and we now have 14 seedlings which will be planted around the compound when construction is further advanced and the seedlings are a bit stronger.

Oranges / limes / lemons: the trees are loaded.

Brian, Lita, Hugo and irreverent Vicka, the pigeon toed parrot

^ Top