Baby Christopher

Photos of the new grandson have arrived! (Thanks to Christoper the Elder.)

Hey ... this kid looks like a baby. How can I send him a sharp object if he's too small to get a good grip on it? Oh well. I'll figure something out.

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A New Grandson!

Hardly any details yet, but new grandson, Christopher Coleman, arrived yesterday, March 20th, and the parents (Aimee & Keith Coleman) are probably almost as thrilled as we are. Everyone is fine and we're anxiously awaiting photos from their home in CA. Film at 11?
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Construction progress report #2

Our first structure is really going up! Here are some photos.


This is a view of our footing excavations and rebar up against a retaining wall. This retaining wall was required of our new neighbor because they are constructing a building (house?) down in an excavation, substantially lower than our natural land contour. When they dug out their lot, they exposed our planned back bedroom wall to undermining if the land ever got washed away from our property, down into their "basement" level.




Below is a typical footing pier with the wall post bolted into place, on top of it. Notice on the nearest post, there is a slot facing the lower right corner of the photo, but no slot facing the lower left corner. Therefore, this is a corner post where a wall is coming across from the distant post and then turning to mate up with the not-yet-existing post to the right.




This is the steel cap running along the top of two wall panels, bolted into one of the posts. The house is all steel and concrete. No wood for the termites! (Except for the internal ceilings and some minor indoor features.) You can see our little farm road / driveway. This view is looking south, from north of Atenas. That is the town hidden in the trees in the distant hills. To the left is our neighboring soccer pitch. That giant tree behind the truck is a mango tree. Yum.




This view is as if you're standing on a step ladder in the kitchen, looking over the wall into the bedroom. Notice the mountain view out the bedroom window. I don't know if I'll be able to stand it.





Even the roof trusses are steel.




That's all we have for now. Stop back soon. We'll be posting more.

And, don't forget to get in your time share reservations to visit [grin].


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Construction progress report #1

Minor notified us the municipality finally approved our building permit on Monday, February 18th. The next day he had his construction crew start clearing the lot and by Saturday, they had completed the excavatation for the septic system and the foundation. Most of the building material is now in place, so the construction should go up pretty fast. As soon as we have something to show, we'll post some pictures.
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Construction is about to start...

Minor sent us the final set of construction plans for our apartment in Atenas yesterday. Everything looks great and Minor even remember to include a few of the amenities we forgot to ask for.

All of the permits should be signed off on this week and construction will be starting any day now. Minor estimates it will take about 3 months to complete the construction.

Once it's finished, we will schedule a trip to furnish the apartment and make it livable. I've started to compile a list of everything we think we will need to make this a comfortable place to stay whenever we are there on vacation. I've already started to set aside all the extra linens, towels and kitchen paraphernalia that will be useful.

Our dream of having a place of our own in Costa Rica is gradually becoming a reality!

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Update on Greta, our 3-legged wonder dog!

Some of our readers have asked for an update on Greta since her leg was amputated six months ago. Like any dog mom, I'm always happy to brag about one of the pups...

Greta is doing fantastic! She's not as active as she once was, but I have to remind myself that she will be 12 years old tomorrow. Her right foreleg was removed in July of '07 due to a rapid growing malignant tumor. Since this time she has adapted well to getting around on 3 legs. She still jumps up on the sofa and bed whenever she wants too but I have noticed she takes her time getting down. It's as if she is making sure she has a clear landing zone before she propel herself down to land and balance on just the one front leg.

She doesn't like to walk for any extended periods of time and I this is partly our fault for not making her exercise more. Greta has put on some additional weight since surgery and we have cut back on the amount we are feeding her.

She still runs to the door every time the doorbell rings and she will actually jump up on her hind legs when she wants me to pick her up.

Greta is an amazing little dog and it's just a joy to have around. I am so glad we gave her a second chance and elected to amputate her leg. Her quality of life has not been diminished in the least. If you are ever faced with making this agonizing decision, you need to know that dogs are very resilient. Work with your vet and always get a second opinion. You just might be able to enjoy many additional years with a happy healthy 3-legged friend.

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More family recipes to share

Once again, I've been busy gathering recipes from family and friends. I've posted several new recipes you need to try. Just click on the "Recipes" link above to go to Mi Chunche en la Cocina

If you've got some favorites you want posted, send them to me.
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Nicholas V's Christening

Folks from Alabama, California and Texas gathered with family in Louisiana to celebrate little Nicholas' Baptism this past weekend. Those that couldn't be there were with us in spirit. Here are a few photos you might enjoy.



Double click on any photo to zoom in on full slideshow in Picasa Webs Album.
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