Progress Report

March 5-11, 2006 // CONSTRUCTION LOG #74

Contact phone numbers

Internet Phone:
New York: 315-279-6711
Toronto: 416-907-5758 // 416-461-2203

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

NOTE: the New York and Toronto numbers are "local calls" for people in the area codes; calls from outside the area code will be billed at the normal rate from the caller's area code to either the "315" or the "416" area code.

Pictures: locker bldg. / 101/2 house razing / gate upgrades / 123 interior

The STORY: Another sale and a satellite picture of what we hope to be the next project.

CONSTRUCTION

Weather: boringly beautiful and windy.

Units: 119, 120, 121, 123:
finishing work continues on all. Unit123 is done.

Landscaping: We're replacing all the gating which controls access to the pools. The gates we're using now are more decorative. We've filled in certain areas with ground cover plants and continue to focus on area which need special attention.

Electrical System Upgrade: we now have the study which forms the basis for system requirements. This was suppose to have been done by the previous contractor but wasn't. Gradually, this issue is getting resolved.

Transition: Paul has largely stick handled the transformation of the office. I didn't leave enough space for telecommunications equipment when I originally laid things out. We built another wall, added a large safe, a secure exterior/interior drop off box, lots of shelving for record keeping, new printer/ copier, organized key board, etc.

Lockers and Locker House: footings were poured and block work is beginning.

Marketing: This has really been busy: We've now assembled the paperwork necessary to arrange closings on 7 houses. That will begin the latter part of next week.

We have received a verbal offer on 113. The purchaser is waiting for his funds to be transferred. Since Lita and I are living in 113 and since he doesn't need it for a few months, we will remain here until our house is built. We also expect to enter into a long term lease for Unit 112.

In general, we've had a considerable number of viewers- for lease and for purchase. We are having to shuffle people around in order to accommodate all.

Next Project

I believe we now have the remaining paper work / information on this land. We hope to schedule a meeting with the owner / vendor this next week.

Around 4 months ago, three people who were staying in Ciudad Colon stopped by Los Jardines to check us out. A 30 min. review ended up being a 3 hr conversation. They were thinking of 3-5 years down the road and were just beginning to do their research. They went on to my mailing list. In my last log, I described the property and a very general description of it's location. They went to Google Earth, found the property and sent me the picture. I found that amazing. I'm including it in my set of pictures.

OUR LIVES

With more people on the property, there's more social activity. It's fun.

My life continues very hectic-lots of disjointed conversations on many different topics ranging from marketing, management, administration, construction, materials sourcing, social and domestic. Also involved is leasing and working with owners / potential clients, and furnishing / decorating units, It's no wonder I'm exhausted at the end of the day. I miss some quiet time.

Lita now has a helper in the role as social director... If there isn't the normal reason for a get together, one is invented... I can't remember the last time only we ate together and watched TV... My additional task this week is to create a party for Lita's 50th.

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

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