I am SO behind.... July 22 update

So much progress to report!!! First, early this week Alazan FINALLY got power from ICE (eee-say). Rob and Kent were traveling the prior week - and so returned to Alazan Tuesday morning; and soon thereafter power was turned on. I'll be looking forward to them taking night photos...


Gerardo worked very hard the week before last on the very tedious American beams. You'll see in this first photo what the bedroom level veranda looks like with the AB added. Didn't Gerardo do beautiful work??? When you're taking your Costa Rican vacation and spending time at Casita Torrente de Agua; from your bedroom you will be able to enjoy this beautiful work. This second photo shows the upstairs veranda American Beam. This will be seen from the living room and upper open bedroom. You can see how the overhang of the roof will protrude over all this. Now imagine old growth teak ceiling above your head... And out in the not-too-far distance over the plantations, the Pacific Ocean. I love this last photo. This shows Gerardo sort-of hanging from the upper American Beam. Gerardo is an example of a typical Tico. Look at him, then understand that he is almost the same age as me!!! That is what healthy food, good work, and mild weather looks like.

There is much more to report, but I want to leave todays BLOG just about the American Beams. In addition to being beautiful to look at, this structural element is one of the things which help the structure to be both strong, yet flexible during earthquakes. It is why central american buildings tend to be less affected by tremors.

Thanks for reading today's blog.

Ricardo y Jeeeem


ps - Jim set up a NEW BLOG which will set about to give the history BEHIND this construction project. Part 1, 2 and 3 are posted; others to come over the next several weeks. Link is: http://jimdicktdacasainthebeginning.blogspot.com/