Project Update

First another pair of photo's from the FLOOD update. The first one is of the overflowed Parrita River. The foreground is NOT supposed to be a river but rather, part of the roadway coming to Alazan from Parrita.

This second picture is of Maxi Ferriteria, our local building supply store in downtown Parrita (to which the river above is flowing). You can see the mud and muck on the floor there. Our hearts go out to our suppliers, many whose homes were also flooded, and whose families are displaced. Typical tico though, many are hard at work volunteering and helping their neighbors and community. If Dick and I were there we would be volunteering to lend a hand...

If you want to read more about what is happening in the Puntarenas province of Costa Rica please check out http://www.ticotimes.net/. Much coverage from there, and a good way to get a gringo perspective of Costa Rica in normal times.

This next photo is of our new generator, being put into its first service.
When Jim spoke to Rob earlier today, Sunday June 1st, we learned that much cell phone service was out and that explained why Jim had been unable to reach Rob for a few days. If it weren't for the just seconds of "hello" Friday night we were concerned Rob and Kent might have been injured somewhere. We are very grateful that they are fine.

You can see in this next photo that Gerardo is hard at work on the floor cross sections (that will form sort of an egg crate grid) which become the first floor structure. You can also gain some perspective on how high the outer edge is off the ground. The distance from the cement pad to the outer edge is seven and one quarter meters. The lower "outside" (but covered) space will be the building width (9.5 meters) by 1.75 meters. Not huge, but certainly big enough for those residing in the two downstairs bedrooms to sit outside and enjoy the weather.

This final photo is Gerardo welding the cross members between the "joists" which complete the floor structure. What I like about this photo is that it shows the precision Gerardo is using in placing the pieces.

We are down three workers who are repairing the Alazan roadway. But Rob tells me Gerardo hired another man who will start June 2nd. And it seems Gerardo has put Rob to work as well! Anyway, it is their plan to begin building the first floor WALLS this week. So progress is moving along at quite a pace, even with the foul weather and unfortunate local events.

Blessings upon all our workers, Gerardo, Rob and Kent. Thank you all.

So that's the update for now, more mid(ish) week. Thanks for viewing. Feel free to leave comments!

Ricardo y Jeeem
(Dick and Jim)

ps - Jim set up a NEW BLOG which will set about to give the history BEHIND this construction project. Part 1 is posted; others to come over the next several weeks. Link is: http://jimdicktdacasainthebeginning.blogspot.com/