Progress Report
May 16-21 , 2005 // CONSTRUCTION LOG #32
NEW CONSTRUCTION
Permit: We have a letter from SENTENA saying that
our application is being processed. Monday, we expect
to take this to the City and see what we can negotiate
for continuance of construction. I'm not hopeful but
... we'll see.
We have also been told that we MAY need an additional
study to determine whether the septic system will
contaminate the ground water. This is not an
unreasonable request and while we don't know if it
WILL be required, we are proceeding to have that study
done. It will look at the microbes present in the
soil and the type of soil and the known aquifers, etc.
It is suppose to take abut 12 days and $350.
What I have difficulty in understanding is how could
the Min. of Health approve the design of a septic
system without knowing this information??????? We had
percolation tests done but not the other aspects of
the study -we didn't know it would be required. In
some aspects its ridiculous since I'm not aware of any
city, San Jose included, which has a sewage treatment
plan. The norm is to dump black water into the
rivers.
Clean up work: The 53 items on the list have been
whittled down to about 3 and we are working on those.
Garden: We have started the curbs on the interior
roadways on the west side. Over the years, the garden
has encroached on the roadway so we are taking the
time to move back the encroachment and provide for a
wider roadway. It will still be a one way roadway
with pullouts for passing but it won't feel so
confining. Eventually, we expect to cover the roadway
surface with pavers. In addition we have begun the
installation of roadway, pathway, and garden accent
lighting. This will continue for several weeks. I
had looked for several years to see what was available
and at what prices. I was continually disappointed at
the prices. When we went shopping for lights this
time, I was able to recognize a great dea l-4,200
colones ($8.90). We bought all they had (12) and then
on to another place where the representative was on
site. Buying only the metal head and using PVC
standards, I was able to reduce the price to around
9,000 colones each ($19,00). We got 30 for starters.
We've started building the bar-b-q counter in the
large rancho. A sink and refrigerator will also be
included. In this case, the bar-b-q will be able to
be moved (it's on wheels) and the counter will be
built to allow it to be wheeled closer to where it
might be used. Whether it ever is or not, we'll see.
Being between professional gardeners, I'm taking the
initiative to move some of the plants which are not in
the right places (sun lovers in shade, wind sensitive
to protected areas, overgrown areas to new garden
spots). This being the rainy season, it is also the
transplanting season.
Unit 108: The desk and granite counter tops are
installed. We have had trouble with the coral stone
provider. We had to withhold final payment until the
final piece of countertop is installed. I had
developed no confidence in him (30 days to install
what he had committed to 15 days to do). I doubt that
I'll be using him again unless I have a chat with the
owner and only MAYBE then.
Unit 107: we've roughed-in the staircase and the
subfloor on the 2nd. floor. Monday we will begin
completing the roof and exterior wall framing.
Web Site updates: Units 106 A/B/C/D are uploaded onto
the web. Those changes can be seen on by going to
the web site and clicking on "Houses" and moving the
cursor to 106. The previous changes to 103,
104, 105, 107 and 108 can be viewed in the same way.
The new site plan is not yet uploaded nor are 121 /
122 / and 123. I'm advised that the remaining changes
are likely to occur by Monday or Tuesday.
OUR LIVES
Much of our time has been spent getting Paul and his
wife oriented and in setting up a household. That is
mostly done now. He returns to Canada on Sunday.
Paul and his wife got to meet the people on the
property at the party last Sunday so she feels more
comfortable now when he is away.
Lita continues her fitness routine; progress is slow
but there is progress. Four of us played pool one
night and had a great time.
We continue with almost daily rain showers, sometimes
at night, sometimes during the day. Nothing of great
significance. The plants love it.
Brian, Lita, Hugo, and Vicka, the pigeon toed parrot
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