tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-91220353989314170392024-03-05T17:18:42.649-08:00gringiticasaBuilding a home in Costa Rica.
House construction has never before been this foggy, bureaucratic, or beautiful.Sitzmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11736024263670063703noreply@blogger.comBlogger32125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9122035398931417039.post-66466389112464479732009-04-22T17:56:00.000-07:002009-04-22T18:34:17.652-07:00Virtual 360-Degree Tour Of The House!!*<div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:78%;">*To get the full, 360-degree effect, be sure to set your monitor to "full resolution." Then, point your screen at the ceiling and walk in circles around your computer a few times while looking at each picture.</span><br /><br />Well, the Gringiticasa is finally done, and we're living in it now. There will always be small little crap to finish like hanging up a towel rack here and there or chasing lizards out of the living room, but that's just part of owning a home, I guess. In any case, here are the definitive "done" pictures of the Gringiticasa, and with them, I will also just about call this blog "done"! Thanks for reading, and we hope to have you visit soon!<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_HxspMvtSITg/Se--MmxlBjI/AAAAAAAAB9s/Z3Citdaua2E/s1600-h/IMG_6758.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_HxspMvtSITg/Se--MmxlBjI/AAAAAAAAB9s/Z3Citdaua2E/s400/IMG_6758.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5327686007978788402" border="0" /></a>Front Door.<br /><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_HxspMvtSITg/Se--E9Olp8I/AAAAAAAAB9k/tph2SLgBSzg/s1600-h/IMG_6762.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_HxspMvtSITg/Se--E9Olp8I/AAAAAAAAB9k/tph2SLgBSzg/s400/IMG_6762.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5327685876567091138" border="0" /></a>A view of the back patio.<br /><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_HxspMvtSITg/Se--E5iQexI/AAAAAAAAB9c/pXOXDzN8Zn0/s1600-h/IMG_6761.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_HxspMvtSITg/Se--E5iQexI/AAAAAAAAB9c/pXOXDzN8Zn0/s400/IMG_6761.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5327685875575847698" border="0" /></a>Taken from the Crappy Casita (subject of a future blog, hopefully!).<br /><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_HxspMvtSITg/Se--EneEfTI/AAAAAAAAB9U/lxpjY3oFb-A/s1600-h/IMG_6760.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_HxspMvtSITg/Se--EneEfTI/AAAAAAAAB9U/lxpjY3oFb-A/s400/IMG_6760.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5327685870726446386" border="0" /></a>A view from the side of the house where we apparently store random sacks of gravel, for some reason.<br /></div><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_HxspMvtSITg/Se--EhvxjlI/AAAAAAAAB9M/LxT5iFCt9ds/s1600-h/IMG_6759.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_HxspMvtSITg/Se--EhvxjlI/AAAAAAAAB9M/LxT5iFCt9ds/s400/IMG_6759.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5327685869190090322" border="0" /></a>The Gringiticasa looms imperiously over the Crappy Casita.<br /><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7s3iZHAg5bA7VnZlITaCXzJY_uYfyiNJ1GE8zZILR7l60F2uyujLf4xZoBKUYbmY9Pd2TwsFQiocFHPdgwEFdqDjEvshZE6JKJBFiCV5wUfbW1Gl8cGjtPc04Aer2Ro25Kkxuhe5-krnf/s1600-h/IMG_6757.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7s3iZHAg5bA7VnZlITaCXzJY_uYfyiNJ1GE8zZILR7l60F2uyujLf4xZoBKUYbmY9Pd2TwsFQiocFHPdgwEFdqDjEvshZE6JKJBFiCV5wUfbW1Gl8cGjtPc04Aer2Ro25Kkxuhe5-krnf/s400/IMG_6757.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5327685866793510738" border="0" /></a>A different view from the street.<br /><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_HxspMvtSITg/Se-9xPV0GTI/AAAAAAAAB88/BDqn-17IzTc/s1600-h/IMG_6756.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_HxspMvtSITg/Se-9xPV0GTI/AAAAAAAAB88/BDqn-17IzTc/s400/IMG_6756.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5327685537831852338" border="0" /></a>Even our loser cat Cucho likes the new place.<br /><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_HxspMvtSITg/Se-9xJXatsI/AAAAAAAAB80/oPbcL_IqdD8/s1600-h/IMG_6753.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_HxspMvtSITg/Se-9xJXatsI/AAAAAAAAB80/oPbcL_IqdD8/s400/IMG_6753.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5327685536227964610" border="0" /></a>The garage. Not the classiest part of the tour, but still, not that bad...<br /><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_HxspMvtSITg/Se-9w4M258I/AAAAAAAAB8s/07LanIgka20/s1600-h/IMG_6752.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_HxspMvtSITg/Se-9w4M258I/AAAAAAAAB8s/07LanIgka20/s400/IMG_6752.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5327685531620272066" border="0" /></a>My "office"/guest room/future emergency baby storage.<br /><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQXACdntS297lw4lG8qGP3OlcqwVRH6HlvY-Vn-qYmyzg4HAvNoZvkUkqoL7N0RMHdgIVkANx5sSKpQdWMJKKVcffGkTs9xPnQKtOdCJ_08eOXDFkt7aawRVklLgT_7PjS2jcs1raq-CpL/s1600-h/IMG_6751.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQXACdntS297lw4lG8qGP3OlcqwVRH6HlvY-Vn-qYmyzg4HAvNoZvkUkqoL7N0RMHdgIVkANx5sSKpQdWMJKKVcffGkTs9xPnQKtOdCJ_08eOXDFkt7aawRVklLgT_7PjS2jcs1raq-CpL/s400/IMG_6751.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5327685530495150786" border="0" /></a>In the same room. Angela's sister made the curtains for the house.<br />Thank God.<br /><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_HxspMvtSITg/Se-9wvVOR5I/AAAAAAAAB8c/tyH-KAfhDqE/s1600-h/IMG_6749.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_HxspMvtSITg/Se-9wvVOR5I/AAAAAAAAB8c/tyH-KAfhDqE/s400/IMG_6749.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5327685529239439250" border="0" /></a>The little bathroom, where you can see the little green pitcher next to a bucket of water in the shower. That's cause the incompetent hick employed by Berlín's <span style="font-style: italic;">junta de agua</span> is still shutting off our [I can't think of an expletive bad enough to fill this space] water every night around 5 or 6 while it's still "summer." It's also why we've not had a housewarming party yet... guests tend to not like filling up a toilet tank with a pitcher of water from the bathtub after using the john.<br /></div><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_HxspMvtSITg/Se-9lBZr6uI/AAAAAAAAB8U/wmweQo9ID7w/s1600-h/IMG_6748.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_HxspMvtSITg/Se-9lBZr6uI/AAAAAAAAB8U/wmweQo9ID7w/s400/IMG_6748.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5327685327931566818" border="0" /></a>Angela's office. She's jealous of my kick-ass decorating ability (ie, the Colorado flag). Having said that, though, her office <span style="font-style: italic;">does</span> look a bit scrappy. As in, <span style="font-style: italic;">'s crappy</span>. Ha ha just kidding if you're reading this baby looks like I'm not getting any tonight then, right?<br /></div><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_HxspMvtSITg/Se-9lBQ9S6I/AAAAAAAAB8M/xKqKs_kaRIE/s1600-h/IMG_6747.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_HxspMvtSITg/Se-9lBQ9S6I/AAAAAAAAB8M/xKqKs_kaRIE/s400/IMG_6747.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5327685327894956962" border="0" /></a>Inside the front door, looking into the living room. I should have probably reordered these, but Blogger only lets you put pictures up in batches of 5, and the order gets all inverted and weird.<br /></div><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFUYtoWvJt5nXbZb8MXqLRjJAmVOeMPpnXq_Ty4VCTzOhF5SD7vOaEDIRzxeTQKcuIbwZYpSnSsk8b4ptPV9llyl2Kt8J3wX4RU9cXAndVi_ojQnUF8ScqYH71m2bnX5S7XwFNiAYCaiYa/s1600-h/IMG_6746.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFUYtoWvJt5nXbZb8MXqLRjJAmVOeMPpnXq_Ty4VCTzOhF5SD7vOaEDIRzxeTQKcuIbwZYpSnSsk8b4ptPV9llyl2Kt8J3wX4RU9cXAndVi_ojQnUF8ScqYH71m2bnX5S7XwFNiAYCaiYa/s400/IMG_6746.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5327685325916731842" border="0" /></a>The entry hallway.<br /><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_HxspMvtSITg/Se-9k1gy8dI/AAAAAAAAB78/axvoV_Ni2ZM/s1600-h/IMG_6745.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_HxspMvtSITg/Se-9k1gy8dI/AAAAAAAAB78/axvoV_Ni2ZM/s400/IMG_6745.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5327685324740162002" border="0" /></a>Our bathroom.<br /><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_HxspMvtSITg/Se-9kqbx3hI/AAAAAAAAB70/DtXfrTPWjtA/s1600-h/IMG_6744.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_HxspMvtSITg/Se-9kqbx3hI/AAAAAAAAB70/DtXfrTPWjtA/s400/IMG_6744.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5327685321766329874" border="0" /></a>Our bedroom. I should have opened the curtains for a view of the Gulf of Nicoya, but what do you expect from me? I'm not Anne freaking Leibowitz.<br /></div><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_HxspMvtSITg/Se-9Xk9pieI/AAAAAAAAB7s/DKyUExK3nfg/s1600-h/IMG_6743.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_HxspMvtSITg/Se-9Xk9pieI/AAAAAAAAB7s/DKyUExK3nfg/s400/IMG_6743.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5327685096959478242" border="0" /></a>The TV room in the middle of the house. Maybe also a guest room. What's certain is it's not a laundry room as we had originally planned, and we're very thankful for my one stroke of genius on this project, when I moved that crap to the garage.<br /></div><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_HxspMvtSITg/Se-9Xkx908I/AAAAAAAAB7k/6fP3saULd3U/s1600-h/IMG_6742.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_HxspMvtSITg/Se-9Xkx908I/AAAAAAAAB7k/6fP3saULd3U/s400/IMG_6742.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5327685096910476226" border="0" /></a>Living room.<br /><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_HxspMvtSITg/Se-9XXV85XI/AAAAAAAAB7c/clt-9PDcxSc/s1600-h/IMG_6741.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_HxspMvtSITg/Se-9XXV85XI/AAAAAAAAB7c/clt-9PDcxSc/s400/IMG_6741.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5327685093303313778" border="0" /></a>A view out the back. And no stunning view would be complete without the Crappy Casita.<br /><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIshbV_B2aOaYx2l3EIfkHkGDRh1q9G9P4qGmyit0KUp3Z4dSTBVInOcXXXPoijjWMlst2IWL_B9wl-bzflNhyUi6GeqeERhTLfSfoUqn-Xwmlnm6Zv0ayusQM88XDTnmNpTJNUwRkyUGR/s1600-h/IMG_6740.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIshbV_B2aOaYx2l3EIfkHkGDRh1q9G9P4qGmyit0KUp3Z4dSTBVInOcXXXPoijjWMlst2IWL_B9wl-bzflNhyUi6GeqeERhTLfSfoUqn-Xwmlnm6Zv0ayusQM88XDTnmNpTJNUwRkyUGR/s400/IMG_6740.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5327685091872736722" border="0" /></a>Sure, why not?<br /><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_HxspMvtSITg/Se-9XEKOQtI/AAAAAAAAB7M/g3PfnAuVffA/s1600-h/IMG_6739.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_HxspMvtSITg/Se-9XEKOQtI/AAAAAAAAB7M/g3PfnAuVffA/s400/IMG_6739.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5327685088153846482" border="0" /></a>Anyhow, come here, and we will make you eat rice and beans at this table.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">So, that's about it for now for this blog. I'll see about expanding it or creating a new one related to the landscaping or the Crappy Casita, if anyone would be interested in that (possibly not). In the meantime, please receive my warmest thanks for checking out the blog and for all the time and encouragement you've given while I've been writing this blog. It was fun to do, and a good idea at that (Thanks, Kris!).<br /><br />We'll hope to see you in Berlín de San Rafaél de San Ramón de Alajuela de Costa Rica very soon!<br /></div><br /></div>Sitzmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11736024263670063703noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9122035398931417039.post-8222120419617931912009-04-15T18:39:00.001-07:002009-04-15T18:49:06.631-07:00"The Phylis Sitzman Special": Cabinet Pictures<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcXCVnCrpczu1hR40J2BUn6DhkwPvNwSM5zDHF4KYv5mrMSMvAFvLZaPIyBCrXKCUF0mrr-tJP7clRZjVDL3YLDUFt-M9F8SzMzU146XGK5sf48VyypDcVwzaLjmZLiUs4lbzfd0e8ck5g/s1600-h/IMG_6721.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcXCVnCrpczu1hR40J2BUn6DhkwPvNwSM5zDHF4KYv5mrMSMvAFvLZaPIyBCrXKCUF0mrr-tJP7clRZjVDL3YLDUFt-M9F8SzMzU146XGK5sf48VyypDcVwzaLjmZLiUs4lbzfd0e8ck5g/s400/IMG_6721.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5325099899641126082" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">My mom--Phylis Sitzman--did the main design and layout for our kitchen cabinets (maybe this could be a nice side-job, ma...be sure to send me kickbacks!). In any case, they're really nice, and I've been telling her for weeks now that I'd put up some pictures of the cabinets so that she could see them. So, here they are, mom (and notice that we hung up the towel you made us!). For everyone else, you can take a look or just go somewhere else in the cybersphere (preferably <a href="http://sitzblog.blogspot.com/">here</a>).<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_HxspMvtSITg/SeaM6PZnrLI/AAAAAAAAB60/qbkd7xESTnI/s1600-h/IMG_6722.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_HxspMvtSITg/SeaM6PZnrLI/AAAAAAAAB60/qbkd7xESTnI/s400/IMG_6722.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5325098541606481074" border="0" /></a>The one to the right of the oven and the left of the sink. They pull out.<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_HxspMvtSITg/SeaMwjgrK4I/AAAAAAAAB6s/90f_9yePUDU/s1600-h/IMG_6723.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_HxspMvtSITg/SeaMwjgrK4I/AAAAAAAAB6s/90f_9yePUDU/s400/IMG_6723.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5325098375206087554" border="0" /></a>One side of the island (your butt would be close to the stove here).<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_HxspMvtSITg/SeaMwnLZxiI/AAAAAAAAB6k/yk67ZDOYlRE/s1600-h/IMG_6724.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_HxspMvtSITg/SeaMwnLZxiI/AAAAAAAAB6k/yk67ZDOYlRE/s400/IMG_6724.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5325098376190608930" border="0" /></a>The other side of the island (butt would be close to the fidge here). This is our "wine cellar/tool holder." Send wine and tools!<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_HxspMvtSITg/SeaMwYjkXpI/AAAAAAAAB6c/dKcsfHQbGHk/s1600-h/IMG_6725.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_HxspMvtSITg/SeaMwYjkXpI/AAAAAAAAB6c/dKcsfHQbGHk/s400/IMG_6725.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5325098372265434770" border="0" /></a>The main cupboard and some bookshelves.<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_HxspMvtSITg/SeaMwbG-lzI/AAAAAAAAB6U/NbOBoFTnjfs/s1600-h/IMG_6726.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_HxspMvtSITg/SeaMwbG-lzI/AAAAAAAAB6U/NbOBoFTnjfs/s400/IMG_6726.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5325098372950824754" border="0" /></a>The Lazy Susan in the corner. I tell you, that Susan is a real lazy-ass.<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_HxspMvtSITg/SeaMwMTC4hI/AAAAAAAAB6M/zc6a-UyXysU/s1600-h/IMG_6727.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_HxspMvtSITg/SeaMwMTC4hI/AAAAAAAAB6M/zc6a-UyXysU/s400/IMG_6727.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5325098368974905874" border="0" /></a>The stuff by the fridge.<br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /><div style="text-align: center;">So mom, hope you enjoyed them! Thanks for all the help!<br /></div></div><br /></div>Sitzmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11736024263670063703noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9122035398931417039.post-51227951024888607812009-03-27T17:20:00.000-07:002009-03-27T17:30:03.409-07:00A Few More Pictures<div style="text-align: justify;">Well, the house is basically finished, and the only thing left to do--besides getting the kitchen sink properly hooked up--is to move our crap in!<br /><br />I've got a few more pictures for you, and that may almost be it. I'll try to put up a few more when we're living inside, but until then, thanks again to everyone who's checked out this blog and encouraged me to keep it up. Hope you liked seeing the slow building process, and remember that you're always welcome to come visit us!<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoxPBDHiN9MBBHCxo8bVnomiJv1U96wRlweSMtXQlQuSOngGnwBv85V-ii89wOjOAAj8xg6vmlDHpvDCptgmlwPe4309PTFRdbSn8b5rnQJThQ785g6YEJcO3_40ad8LQdCaVzt9Iaidni/s1600-h/IMG_6680.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoxPBDHiN9MBBHCxo8bVnomiJv1U96wRlweSMtXQlQuSOngGnwBv85V-ii89wOjOAAj8xg6vmlDHpvDCptgmlwPe4309PTFRdbSn8b5rnQJThQ785g6YEJcO3_40ad8LQdCaVzt9Iaidni/s400/IMG_6680.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5318028282671833586" border="0" /></a>Angela in the kitchen, now with furniture.<br /><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_HxspMvtSITg/Sc1uizJUxeI/AAAAAAAAB40/rgKL09XSMZQ/s1600-h/IMG_6696.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_HxspMvtSITg/Sc1uizJUxeI/AAAAAAAAB40/rgKL09XSMZQ/s400/IMG_6696.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5318028279118349794" border="0" /></a>Here I am in our door/mirror.<br /><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_HxspMvtSITg/Sc1uiqLr9gI/AAAAAAAAB4s/LforZmS5gkc/s1600-h/IMG_6699.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_HxspMvtSITg/Sc1uiqLr9gI/AAAAAAAAB4s/LforZmS5gkc/s400/IMG_6699.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5318028276712338946" border="0" /></a>The (simulated) view from our toilet.<br /><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_HxspMvtSITg/Sc1uieSIWpI/AAAAAAAAB4k/tJGn_4ibF88/s1600-h/IMG_6693.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_HxspMvtSITg/Sc1uieSIWpI/AAAAAAAAB4k/tJGn_4ibF88/s400/IMG_6693.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5318028273518140050" border="0" /></a>Angela's brothers are staining the doors.<br /><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_HxspMvtSITg/Sc1uh1jxeiI/AAAAAAAAB4c/X8Qdsdfm8FE/s1600-h/IMG_6692.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_HxspMvtSITg/Sc1uh1jxeiI/AAAAAAAAB4c/X8Qdsdfm8FE/s400/IMG_6692.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5318028262586284578" border="0" /></a>Angela and I in our new house (I'm leaning back 'cause the auto-picture kept cutting off my head). In any case, thanks again for checking out the blog!<br /></div>Sitzmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11736024263670063703noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9122035398931417039.post-66416567542937686092009-03-12T16:18:00.000-07:002009-03-12T16:58:02.581-07:00Almost Done... Right??<div style="text-align: justify;">Hi Construction Fans!<br />We're getting closer and closer every day to the completion of the house. The biggest things in the last week or two were the shower doors being installed, and the outside getting painted. Angela's brothers did the latter, along with a guy named Ligier or something like that. One way or another, the three of them did a great job, as you'll see directly:<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjimgC1ywXQMnSZBy6Mshy-6duXnRDjwvBHv0TGr3Nl16DKtdh_rC6kEh-Bn59Plptk6xVeHQDjrk3kN0rpYC1Lobnc8rE1Ld2tM5NSs_t1NuINpWq8qebC-zjW_Ze3TZJ59vzKKF4QXrTA/s1600-h/IMG_6650.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjimgC1ywXQMnSZBy6Mshy-6duXnRDjwvBHv0TGr3Nl16DKtdh_rC6kEh-Bn59Plptk6xVeHQDjrk3kN0rpYC1Lobnc8rE1Ld2tM5NSs_t1NuINpWq8qebC-zjW_Ze3TZJ59vzKKF4QXrTA/s400/IMG_6650.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5312450365918973586" border="0" /></a>The frosty shower in our bathroom. It reminds me of a nice, cool drink on a hot summer day. Next to a thing used to wash your butt.<br /><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_HxspMvtSITg/Sbmddr9gqsI/AAAAAAAAB2Q/pCoIwe_6vFM/s1600-h/IMG_6645.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_HxspMvtSITg/Sbmddr9gqsI/AAAAAAAAB2Q/pCoIwe_6vFM/s400/IMG_6645.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5312450368802695874" border="0" /></a>The shower in the smaller, guest bathroom.<br /></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_HxspMvtSITg/SbmdXMSIioI/AAAAAAAAB2I/fSOo68iV7Q0/s1600-h/IMG_6646.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_HxspMvtSITg/SbmdXMSIioI/AAAAAAAAB2I/fSOo68iV7Q0/s400/IMG_6646.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5312450257220045442" border="0" /></a>The lovely Angela demonstrating the door.<br /><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_HxspMvtSITg/SbmdXAKTjII/AAAAAAAAB2A/A4T9n-_OmZQ/s1600-h/IMG_6644.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_HxspMvtSITg/SbmdXAKTjII/AAAAAAAAB2A/A4T9n-_OmZQ/s400/IMG_6644.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5312450253965986946" border="0" /></a>The east side of the house. From left, the rooms are: our bedroom (also with a smaller window above), our bathroom, and the garage.<br /></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8-8VFR9gOb0dM1B7Tw1sQkEOOmbTrPbWW7tW_gETMyUn6o3lRqtS0fdLvR7q3C0AVmEEOJNrQs3JdzJLpAFjbQ4ix1wIL2FIuJMerGA-N5ZwAwg7W1gAwuIEcDOAutaEddejPMzLiIk1-/s1600-h/IMG_6643.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8-8VFR9gOb0dM1B7Tw1sQkEOOmbTrPbWW7tW_gETMyUn6o3lRqtS0fdLvR7q3C0AVmEEOJNrQs3JdzJLpAFjbQ4ix1wIL2FIuJMerGA-N5ZwAwg7W1gAwuIEcDOAutaEddejPMzLiIk1-/s400/IMG_6643.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5312450252346468754" border="0" /></a>The back of the house, with the dining and kitchen area to the left, our bedroom on the right, and the living room in the middle.<br /></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_HxspMvtSITg/SbmdWuPEPXI/AAAAAAAAB1w/YdTW_AMChYA/s1600-h/IMG_6642.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_HxspMvtSITg/SbmdWuPEPXI/AAAAAAAAB1w/YdTW_AMChYA/s400/IMG_6642.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5312450249154116978" border="0" /></a>Angela in the back. You can sort of see in this picture and the next one how my brother-in-law Ronald's wife's brothers--did you catch that?--leveled out a lot of the property and filled in some of the parts that had gotten compacted and washed away in last year's rainy season. In any case, it's a lot more level these days, without as many huge, jagged chunks of cement and metal bars sticking up through the ground. Soon we'll have to plant a lawn, and the Central American Dream will be complete!<br /></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_HxspMvtSITg/SbmdWuUvZuI/AAAAAAAAB1o/JbEqWayVH2o/s1600-h/IMG_6641.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_HxspMvtSITg/SbmdWuUvZuI/AAAAAAAAB1o/JbEqWayVH2o/s400/IMG_6641.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5312450249177917154" border="0" /></a>March 10, 2009.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">So, it's been almost a year <a href="http://gringiticasa.blogspot.com/2008/03/first-post.html">since we started</a>, but we're almost there. In the next week, the kitchen furniture (counter, cupboards, etc) is supposed to get installed, and that's about the only thing keeping us out for now. So, check back soon, and maybe we can wrap up this little "temporary" blog!<br /></div><br /></div>Sitzmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11736024263670063703noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9122035398931417039.post-8652448128364972262009-02-11T15:39:00.000-08:002009-02-11T15:47:16.764-08:00Quick Update: Solar Panel Works!<div style="text-align: justify;">I don't really have any new pictures for you, oh faithful Gringiticasa fan, but as a bonus for checking the site, I'll still write a little something.<br /><br />We've still not moved into the house, mainly because we're waiting for the kitchen furniture to get finished (otherwise it's a lot harder to wash and store dishes without cabinets and a sink). So that's taking quite some time.<br /><br />But last weekend our power went out quite a few times due to some <a href="http://sitzblog.blogspot.com/2009/02/sometimes-it-really-blows-here.html">terrible wind storms</a>, and the Gringiticasa proved to be a nice refuge when it came time to bathe. The shower in the house where we're currently staying--as is the case with most showers in Coast Tasty--is electrical. You may be thinking, "But can you really mix electricity and water and hope for good results?" The answer is yes, you can hope for good results, but you don't always get them. Angela was half- electrocuted in her old house, so they disconnected their electrical shower and have been bathing in cold water for a decade or so. And, as is always the case when the electricity is down, the showers don't work, either. But not in <span style="font-style: italic;">our</span> house!<br /><br />The solar panel on the roof seems to work excellently, and I was able to take a steaming hot shower at 5 in the morning, despite the fact that no light had hit the panels for about 11 hours!<br /><br />That alone makes it the most awesome house in Berlín.</div>Sitzmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11736024263670063703noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9122035398931417039.post-10573476795137708502009-01-12T15:06:00.000-08:002009-01-12T15:44:27.964-08:00A New Year, A New House...Eventually<div style="text-align: justify;">By now, you're probably wondering when we'll finish this damn house already. So are we! As you know, we went to Colorado and Mexico, and were gone for a month. That didn't speed things up. So, about half of these pictures are from early December, and the other half are from early January. Still, nothing's really been done recently, but we're getting back into the swing of things, and we're hoping for a final push to finsh the house within a few weeks. We'll see! Until then, hope you enjoy these pictures:<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUs9dkV-FCslys2X3hev9zHTWugfaUWOIhncD02IMDiFw5AEwKntRmNUprgX7IA7mjFAIyC6f3HPudYS2aLn-5ZBb5YYsIps_5NPnQL42uQcUDxXnZUBsBA58_qnL2BUKMjzDIoDL-Ggze/s1600-h/IMG_6063.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUs9dkV-FCslys2X3hev9zHTWugfaUWOIhncD02IMDiFw5AEwKntRmNUprgX7IA7mjFAIyC6f3HPudYS2aLn-5ZBb5YYsIps_5NPnQL42uQcUDxXnZUBsBA58_qnL2BUKMjzDIoDL-Ggze/s400/IMG_6063.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5290550067649608690" border="0" /></a>Here I am putting some primer on the outside of the house in December. Unfortunately it rained later that day, and a good deal of the sealer below knee level was washed away. You know what's even more depressing than that? My hairline in this picture.<br />But now that we're finally entering into the dry season, that kind of crap should be a thing of the past, and now we'll get to focus on the matter at hand: upcoming droughts.<br />And hair replacement solutions.<br /><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_HxspMvtSITg/SWvPP0cXe3I/AAAAAAAABpU/4pIRSYaUcx4/s1600-h/IMG_6066.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_HxspMvtSITg/SWvPP0cXe3I/AAAAAAAABpU/4pIRSYaUcx4/s400/IMG_6066.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5290550057959390066" border="0" /></a>My brother-in-law Arnoldo, painting the outside of the garage. We were surprised how fast, dedicated, and good Angela's brothers were at painting. We had tried to avoid contracting family members, in case there were any sort of disputes, but we caved and let them paint. And we're glad we did.<br /><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_HxspMvtSITg/SWvPPz0PTjI/AAAAAAAABpM/N7Wafyq7FlM/s1600-h/IMG_6068.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_HxspMvtSITg/SWvPPz0PTjI/AAAAAAAABpM/N7Wafyq7FlM/s400/IMG_6068.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5290550057791082034" border="0" /></a>My other brother-in-law, Ronald.<br /><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_HxspMvtSITg/SWvPPhZPbmI/AAAAAAAABpE/xu_obPANj44/s1600-h/IMG_6070.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_HxspMvtSITg/SWvPPhZPbmI/AAAAAAAABpE/xu_obPANj44/s400/IMG_6070.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5290550052846005858" border="0" /></a>November 29, 2008, amid painting.<br /><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_HxspMvtSITg/SWvOcLOGz4I/AAAAAAAABo8/aHTopxRz1gY/s1600-h/IMG_6073.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_HxspMvtSITg/SWvOcLOGz4I/AAAAAAAABo8/aHTopxRz1gY/s400/IMG_6073.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5290549170720395138" border="0" /></a>Our bathroom nearing its completion, with a tub and everything. One of the two final, major steps before we move in (besides kitchen cabinets and counters) is getting shower doors.<br /></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_HxspMvtSITg/SWvObrLj4uI/AAAAAAAABo0/4lZ_FJBQj2g/s1600-h/IMG_6521.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_HxspMvtSITg/SWvObrLj4uI/AAAAAAAABo0/4lZ_FJBQj2g/s400/IMG_6521.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5290549162119783138" border="0" /></a>Looking nicer: January 11, 2009<br /><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_HxspMvtSITg/SWvObSoEnQI/AAAAAAAABos/CvQ9e7Tjw80/s1600-h/IMG_6523.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_HxspMvtSITg/SWvObSoEnQI/AAAAAAAABos/CvQ9e7Tjw80/s400/IMG_6523.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5290549155528482050" border="0" /></a>Angela in the garage.<br /></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_HxspMvtSITg/SWvOaxmf9BI/AAAAAAAABok/dbFTbYagfcg/s1600-h/IMG_6524.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_HxspMvtSITg/SWvOaxmf9BI/AAAAAAAABok/dbFTbYagfcg/s400/IMG_6524.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5290549146663515154" border="0" /></a>The small bathroom. If you come visit us, you are more than welcome to use the facilities (again, once we get those shower doors).<br /><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_HxspMvtSITg/SWvOa9z73YI/AAAAAAAABoc/DWegBoo1G6s/s1600-h/IMG_6525.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_HxspMvtSITg/SWvOa9z73YI/AAAAAAAABoc/DWegBoo1G6s/s400/IMG_6525.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5290549149941095810" border="0" /></a>The view into the living and dining room, from the entry hall. This time of year in Berlín almost makes you forget how crappy the weather is a good 8 or 9 months of the year.<br /></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_HxspMvtSITg/SWvOJxntKYI/AAAAAAAABoU/p7vuKLP2yIE/s1600-h/IMG_6526.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_HxspMvtSITg/SWvOJxntKYI/AAAAAAAABoU/p7vuKLP2yIE/s400/IMG_6526.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5290548854610798978" border="0" /></a>This picture makes me just want to walk into the frame, lay down on the floor, and wrap some of that paint-covered newspaper around me for a wonderful little catnap.<br /></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_HxspMvtSITg/SWvOJw53IyI/AAAAAAAABoM/BRBkky-7r7w/s1600-h/IMG_6527.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_HxspMvtSITg/SWvOJw53IyI/AAAAAAAABoM/BRBkky-7r7w/s400/IMG_6527.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5290548854418514722" border="0" /></a>Angela demonstrating one of the big-ass doors/panels in our house. This one is to separate the TV/guest room from the living room. It's gigantic--remember, Angela isn't short--and I love it!<br /></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_HxspMvtSITg/SWvOJe8iiTI/AAAAAAAABoE/eUq4w-XGuGM/s1600-h/IMG_6528.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_HxspMvtSITg/SWvOJe8iiTI/AAAAAAAABoE/eUq4w-XGuGM/s400/IMG_6528.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5290548849597909298" border="0" /></a>The other big panel/door, this one separating our bedroom from our bathroom. It's not as cool, but we are pretty sure that we now have the biggest mirror in Berlín, by a factor of about 10.<br /></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_HxspMvtSITg/SWvOJBWIzZI/AAAAAAAABn8/m3S8ai9MItY/s1600-h/IMG_6529.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_HxspMvtSITg/SWvOJBWIzZI/AAAAAAAABn8/m3S8ai9MItY/s400/IMG_6529.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5290548841652211090" border="0" /></a>Oh crack! We <span style="font-style: italic;">think </span>that the recent earthquake caused this crack in a window outside the dining room. Or it could have just been shoddily done. Nice out, boys! Either way, though, if it was the earthquake, we were lucky, since that seems to be the brunt of the damage. Many people lost much, much more.<br /></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_HxspMvtSITg/SWvOHhsmSQI/AAAAAAAABn0/TmStHx3l9Gg/s1600-h/IMG_6530.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_HxspMvtSITg/SWvOHhsmSQI/AAAAAAAABn0/TmStHx3l9Gg/s400/IMG_6530.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5290548815976614146" border="0" /></a>A nice view from behind (and also the back of the house--he he). Hopefully by the time I get the next post ready, we'll be living in this beast. Stay tuned to see...Until then, thanks for reading and looking!<br /></div>Sitzmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11736024263670063703noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9122035398931417039.post-44133486591416864172008-11-23T13:29:00.000-08:002008-11-23T13:43:50.335-08:00Almost Done...Or IS It?<div style="text-align: justify;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_HxspMvtSITg/SSnLp19qxQI/AAAAAAAABhg/A0JBgB6RJho/s1600-h/IMG_6056.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_HxspMvtSITg/SSnLp19qxQI/AAAAAAAABhg/A0JBgB6RJho/s400/IMG_6056.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5271968758534685954" border="0" /></a>The house on November 22, 2008. The only major change is that now we have some little lamps near the sides of the garage door and the house. I guess the only other change that'll be noticeable on the "Poor Man's Time-Lapse" Picture Show will be the painting, whenever that gets done. And any eventual landscaping.<br /><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_HxspMvtSITg/SSnL4FTS79I/AAAAAAAABiY/KvOH9oniB5s/s1600-h/IMG_6057.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_HxspMvtSITg/SSnL4FTS79I/AAAAAAAABiY/KvOH9oniB5s/s400/IMG_6057.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5271969003170099154" border="0" /></a>The dining area, which leads out to the back porch.<br /><br /><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_HxspMvtSITg/SSnL4LpK5vI/AAAAAAAABiQ/A9D9PKpvAPo/s1600-h/IMG_6054.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_HxspMvtSITg/SSnL4LpK5vI/AAAAAAAABiQ/A9D9PKpvAPo/s400/IMG_6054.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5271969004872460018" border="0" /></a>A partial view of our master bathroom with...wait a minute! Is that a <span style="font-style: italic;">bidet?</span> Damn right, son. If you come to visit the Sitzman/Jimenez Mora de Sitzman house, you can bet your ass that you'll leave with a clean ass!<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_HxspMvtSITg/SSnL4IZLk6I/AAAAAAAABiI/56PW1M-A9Kk/s1600-h/IMG_6052.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_HxspMvtSITg/SSnL4IZLk6I/AAAAAAAABiI/56PW1M-A9Kk/s400/IMG_6052.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5271969004000088994" border="0" /></a>The sliding doors in the living room, finally installed. Complete with a spectacular view of the Crappy Casita. Hmm, we're gonna have to do something about that. Angela, Honey? If you're going into town, could you pick up a few sticks of dynamite? Thanks, dear!<br /></div><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_HxspMvtSITg/SSnLrLeuNdI/AAAAAAAABiA/if7X2GO-r_c/s1600-h/IMG_6055.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_HxspMvtSITg/SSnLrLeuNdI/AAAAAAAABiA/if7X2GO-r_c/s400/IMG_6055.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5271968781490337234" border="0" /></a>A blurry picture taken from our future room.<br /><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_HxspMvtSITg/SSnLrHfSX6I/AAAAAAAABh4/fLDNSvFxkYU/s1600-h/IMG_6061.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_HxspMvtSITg/SSnLrHfSX6I/AAAAAAAABh4/fLDNSvFxkYU/s400/IMG_6061.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5271968780418965410" border="0" /></a>The dining room (left) and the kitchen area (right).<br /></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQV_hhFxacaMRXHDay5q88CMDU02dD1BfpHQ7UYTKt6qjJ6cj1SUNVOsT7LgCSUCA5P6EbU57zewzAsz-MyTjrMZOMGlfs8wZq-SYODDiWYpYqQNO4Mlyp0Isbn1xt3AHsrrwcTbjPFRaE/s1600-h/IMG_6060.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQV_hhFxacaMRXHDay5q88CMDU02dD1BfpHQ7UYTKt6qjJ6cj1SUNVOsT7LgCSUCA5P6EbU57zewzAsz-MyTjrMZOMGlfs8wZq-SYODDiWYpYqQNO4Mlyp0Isbn1xt3AHsrrwcTbjPFRaE/s400/IMG_6060.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5271968775964865522" border="0" /></a>The tub hole, sans tub.<br /><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_HxspMvtSITg/SSnLqhZGafI/AAAAAAAABho/Apw0U2e_qJ0/s1600-h/IMG_6059.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_HxspMvtSITg/SSnLqhZGafI/AAAAAAAABho/Apw0U2e_qJ0/s400/IMG_6059.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5271968770192468466" border="0" /></a>The door to our future room, inviting us in...Soon enough, dear house. Soon enough.<br /><br /></div>Sitzmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11736024263670063703noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9122035398931417039.post-12293213175164503692008-11-10T10:12:00.000-08:002008-11-10T10:30:23.914-08:00A Busy Week<div style="text-align: justify;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_HxspMvtSITg/SRh7BnZfgdI/AAAAAAAABgs/WFzClP1KTXw/s1600-h/IMG_5971.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_HxspMvtSITg/SRh7BnZfgdI/AAAAAAAABgs/WFzClP1KTXw/s400/IMG_5971.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5267095031895785938" border="0" /></a><br />This week was very productive in terms of getting some of the details done on our house. Angela had talked with her brothers to see if they could get one of their brothers-in-law to varnish the ceilings, since that's something her brothers' brothers-in-law do, evidently. So on Saturday morning at 6:30, the painters showed up at our house. But the painters were her brothers.<br /><br />I like my brothers-in-law very much, which is why I didn't really want them to varnish the ceiling: it's basically just a really tedious, crappy job. But they said they wanted to do it, and they convinced us to let them. And they did a great, efficient job. Here are some pictures of the painting, and some of the other stuff that was done this week:<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_HxspMvtSITg/SRh7BIjdsTI/AAAAAAAABgk/_GQEzL7yKek/s1600-h/IMG_5963.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_HxspMvtSITg/SRh7BIjdsTI/AAAAAAAABgk/_GQEzL7yKek/s400/IMG_5963.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5267095023616110898" border="0" /></a>Angela's brothers and a friend of theirs, hard at work.<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_HxspMvtSITg/SRh7ArkINDI/AAAAAAAABgc/TYrr6GHotYo/s1600-h/IMG_5962.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_HxspMvtSITg/SRh7ArkINDI/AAAAAAAABgc/TYrr6GHotYo/s400/IMG_5962.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5267095015834268722" border="0" /></a>Using screws to attach the paintbrushes to a stick?? Dammit, why didn't <span style="font-style: italic;">we </span>think of that?!<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_HxspMvtSITg/SRh7AeJRtaI/AAAAAAAABgU/kOVA6EperXs/s1600-h/IMG_5960.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_HxspMvtSITg/SRh7AeJRtaI/AAAAAAAABgU/kOVA6EperXs/s400/IMG_5960.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5267095012231984546" border="0" /></a>Freddy installed some of the outlets.<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_HxspMvtSITg/SRh7AFRF8oI/AAAAAAAABgM/rmFmfi7yrYI/s1600-h/IMG_5956.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_HxspMvtSITg/SRh7AFRF8oI/AAAAAAAABgM/rmFmfi7yrYI/s400/IMG_5956.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5267095005553881730" border="0" /></a>Me and Angela's room, with the circuit breaker looking like some sort of gutted bionic animal.<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_HxspMvtSITg/SRh6i5P3KEI/AAAAAAAABgE/-Q6T3DoMC8Y/s1600-h/IMG_5987.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_HxspMvtSITg/SRh6i5P3KEI/AAAAAAAABgE/-Q6T3DoMC8Y/s400/IMG_5987.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5267094504111286338" border="0" /></a>The workers also put in these steps in the back...<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlMCvepJf2ZRy3ctQrN7jmbFkojovhXFar9OvpfCvrGqdhJ7JZur9EnO0sxjsYvF-bi0V4-65N5h0fJ1UblzXCIb1inEC2xHJ6QnPrYUZhbMunz9MAYi92jenglKFqmXsJXFcdW7BBue9l/s1600-h/IMG_5984.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlMCvepJf2ZRy3ctQrN7jmbFkojovhXFar9OvpfCvrGqdhJ7JZur9EnO0sxjsYvF-bi0V4-65N5h0fJ1UblzXCIb1inEC2xHJ6QnPrYUZhbMunz9MAYi92jenglKFqmXsJXFcdW7BBue9l/s400/IMG_5984.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5267094499746949186" border="0" /></a>...and these steps in the front.<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_HxspMvtSITg/SRh6iGJVRsI/AAAAAAAABf0/ZTgKLTTdzYw/s1600-h/IMG_5981.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_HxspMvtSITg/SRh6iGJVRsI/AAAAAAAABf0/ZTgKLTTdzYw/s400/IMG_5981.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5267094490393691842" border="0" /></a>The master bathroom, nearing completion.<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_HxspMvtSITg/SRh6iKWvSqI/AAAAAAAABfs/lc4zd4QEmJ8/s1600-h/IMG_5979.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_HxspMvtSITg/SRh6iKWvSqI/AAAAAAAABfs/lc4zd4QEmJ8/s400/IMG_5979.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5267094491523664546" border="0" /></a>These guys were good.<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6BuZQDyF5j1e6XlGeArlg0YSj1wzEqRDOZmi4mo998JkPaCcyoCJCb1wp1B7kBW6bd3_-NZIR6UQrSSOGiU2Gd7D0rZ0XzVBb-YGw_LxL-MbmGW7nsag5NlEtqAV4OjkpsuTJ-u8bnHcW/s1600-h/IMG_5977.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6BuZQDyF5j1e6XlGeArlg0YSj1wzEqRDOZmi4mo998JkPaCcyoCJCb1wp1B7kBW6bd3_-NZIR6UQrSSOGiU2Gd7D0rZ0XzVBb-YGw_LxL-MbmGW7nsag5NlEtqAV4OjkpsuTJ-u8bnHcW/s400/IMG_5977.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5267094482553543554" border="0" /></a>Freddy (right) and Carney--yes, I think that's his real name--installing some of the sockets.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">So, that's it for this week. I'll try to get some more pictures up as soon as possible, since things are advancing so quickly now. Thanks for reading!<br /></div></div>Sitzmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11736024263670063703noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9122035398931417039.post-24988517752304905842008-11-02T15:37:00.000-08:002008-11-02T16:09:08.232-08:00October Update<div style="text-align: justify;">October was a busy month, at least on the inside of our house. I know that our builder has been saying "Only two more weeks" for the last few months, but this time it might actually be true! About 95% of the ceiling is up, and most of the rooms have tile now (I'll put up those pics soon). We obviously need to paint the house, but that will probably be the last step of all. And of course, we still need to put in the doors, but that will probably be done this week. So, all in all, we may be moving in sooner than later.<br /></div>In the meantime, please have a look at these recent pictures. Hope you enjoy!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_HxspMvtSITg/SQ4694F_t1I/AAAAAAAABdY/-7qb3J0lV-M/s1600-h/IMG_5908.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_HxspMvtSITg/SQ4694F_t1I/AAAAAAAABdY/-7qb3J0lV-M/s400/IMG_5908.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5264209849146652498" border="0" /></a>The living room when they were putting up the ceiling.<br /><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_HxspMvtSITg/SQ4692SsWWI/AAAAAAAABdQ/lN4tR9TLkXw/s1600-h/IMG_5906.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_HxspMvtSITg/SQ4692SsWWI/AAAAAAAABdQ/lN4tR9TLkXw/s400/IMG_5906.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5264209848663038306" border="0" /></a>Our in-house model, Angela Rosa de los Angeles Jimenez Mora de Sitzman, demonstrating the beauty and classiness of the tile in our bathroom. The naysayers said we couldn't put tile up to the ceiling, but we nary say "nay"; nay, we say "Yea!" Plus, this makes it have the same tile-filled ambience of a bus station bathroom.<br /></div><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_HxspMvtSITg/SQ469rcK-II/AAAAAAAABdI/EE45qD2E8RU/s1600-h/IMG_5880.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_HxspMvtSITg/SQ469rcK-II/AAAAAAAABdI/EE45qD2E8RU/s400/IMG_5880.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5264209845750003842" border="0" /></a>October 5, 2008: It still looks the same, but at least they're doing stuff on the inside.<br /></div><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_HxspMvtSITg/SQ46n6khBJI/AAAAAAAABdA/zmrhn-8WABs/s1600-h/IMG_5920.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_HxspMvtSITg/SQ46n6khBJI/AAAAAAAABdA/zmrhn-8WABs/s400/IMG_5920.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5264209471854412946" border="0" /></a>The finished ceiling on the back porch.<br /><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_HxspMvtSITg/SQ46nrfGR_I/AAAAAAAABc4/zdymxWNoiJ0/s1600-h/IMG_5921.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_HxspMvtSITg/SQ46nrfGR_I/AAAAAAAABc4/zdymxWNoiJ0/s400/IMG_5921.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5264209467805157362" border="0" /></a>The living room/kitchen/dining room, before the first coat.<br /><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_HxspMvtSITg/SQ46nAdggVI/AAAAAAAABco/8RHiuUbjcDM/s1600-h/IMG_5925.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_HxspMvtSITg/SQ46nAdggVI/AAAAAAAABco/8RHiuUbjcDM/s400/IMG_5925.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5264209456255762770" border="0" /></a>I now hate varnish.<br /><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_HxspMvtSITg/SQ46ORuywxI/AAAAAAAABcY/9f91RNrG4AM/s1600-h/IMG_5937.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_HxspMvtSITg/SQ46ORuywxI/AAAAAAAABcY/9f91RNrG4AM/s400/IMG_5937.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5264209031394935570" border="0" /></a>Oh, sure, it'll be easy to put varnish on the ceiling... at least we had music, though. And once I changed from "Shuffle" to exclusively Bon Jovi, productivity--especially among Ticas--increased markedly.<br /><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_HxspMvtSITg/SQ46OPuumuI/AAAAAAAABcQ/F1Fedh7NFFQ/s1600-h/IMG_5933.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_HxspMvtSITg/SQ46OPuumuI/AAAAAAAABcQ/F1Fedh7NFFQ/s400/IMG_5933.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5264209030857792226" border="0" /></a>Kati, one of our neices who we suckered into helping us varnish the ceiling. She was the one who cleaned a lot of it with a mop before the painting.<br /><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_HxspMvtSITg/SQ46OOgUTCI/AAAAAAAABcI/BeqYljNYHhg/s1600-h/IMG_5932.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_HxspMvtSITg/SQ46OOgUTCI/AAAAAAAABcI/BeqYljNYHhg/s400/IMG_5932.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5264209030528912418" border="0" /></a>Angela, varnish-ing.<br /><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_HxspMvtSITg/SQ46NkAWmVI/AAAAAAAABcA/_8tUqw1DDVU/s1600-h/IMG_5928.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_HxspMvtSITg/SQ46NkAWmVI/AAAAAAAABcA/_8tUqw1DDVU/s400/IMG_5928.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5264209019120556370" border="0" /></a>Kati flips out and stages a Mop Rebellion in order to escape from the work. We later replaced her with Mariela, another niece who naively wandered into the construction.<br /><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_HxspMvtSITg/SQ46Nf8kXII/AAAAAAAABb4/1SEnXI_9T9Q/s1600-h/IMG_5927.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_HxspMvtSITg/SQ46Nf8kXII/AAAAAAAABb4/1SEnXI_9T9Q/s400/IMG_5927.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5264209018030939266" border="0" /></a>Kati cleaning the ceiling.<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqx1lSMQcuUc600ZJq1vLeP2uF3zptuT9Jb6xpGVE_U19VATTVIH-EihFw6RXt2tTKz8YMNo-FHKt-iaJsurY_YuOQxtreZMMbVBEA-_tAhD6kxD6UkiWfHo96nYAOqVPdRr3xjM3SynXX/s1600-h/IMG_5946.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqx1lSMQcuUc600ZJq1vLeP2uF3zptuT9Jb6xpGVE_U19VATTVIH-EihFw6RXt2tTKz8YMNo-FHKt-iaJsurY_YuOQxtreZMMbVBEA-_tAhD6kxD6UkiWfHo96nYAOqVPdRr3xjM3SynXX/s400/IMG_5946.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5264213667247349842" border="0" /></a>The room after the first coat. Sure, it kills your neck and arms to look up and paint for 6 or 7 hours with a roller on a broomstick, but the fumes get you so high that you don't really notice after the first two hours or so.<br /></div><br />So, that's it for this time. I'll try to get some more pictures up ASAP, but with the novel writing, it may take more time. In the meantime, hope everyone is well!<br /></div></div>Sitzmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11736024263670063703noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9122035398931417039.post-90538496902044036692008-10-05T15:28:00.000-07:002008-10-05T15:56:17.550-07:00Nothing Lasts Forever, Even Cold September Rain (Cue The Cold October Rain!)<div style="text-align: justify;">September was a long, rainy month for our house construction. Fortunately, things are getting back on track, and they're making some progress in quite a few areas. Check out the pictures below:<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_HxspMvtSITg/SOlCfAwrQ8I/AAAAAAAABFY/ECUahc7lVnU/s1600-h/IMG_5870.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_HxspMvtSITg/SOlCfAwrQ8I/AAAAAAAABFY/ECUahc7lVnU/s400/IMG_5870.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5253803540851934146" border="0" /></a>Here you can see that most of the windows are almost completed. They look really dark in this weather, but in reality they're only slightly tinted black. We asked for that to make the house look more bad-ass and Darth Vader-y.<br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_HxspMvtSITg/SOlCfAwrQ8I/AAAAAAAABFY/ECUahc7lVnU/s1600-h/IMG_5870.JPG"><br /></a><div style="text-align: justify;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_HxspMvtSITg/SOlCUKTMxLI/AAAAAAAABFQ/uF9YOfFEtZ0/s1600-h/IMG_5872.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_HxspMvtSITg/SOlCUKTMxLI/AAAAAAAABFQ/uF9YOfFEtZ0/s400/IMG_5872.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5253803354434094258" border="0" /></a>The house from the back. They also were putting up this structure to go around the bottom of the roof, to hold the gutters. That was also a long, slow process.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_HxspMvtSITg/SOlCKcRg9dI/AAAAAAAABFI/UeonHHNgQhc/s1600-h/IMG_5873.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_HxspMvtSITg/SOlCKcRg9dI/AAAAAAAABFI/UeonHHNgQhc/s400/IMG_5873.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5253803187460175314" border="0" /></a>The house on September 25, 2008. Getting there...<br /><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixMs-33yquY9GxmmSFFnzD6HJ5OsNwDQi0Gao7n4z_aKoMloMuutmDffpZYKH5oEdcTtWjrEQdbRsu5WKtGQ7g8Yw09blphdYwxV7wMtru-19TWmSffFhVASoNQczTvWn5cT28dQf5x3wK/s1600-h/IMG_5874.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixMs-33yquY9GxmmSFFnzD6HJ5OsNwDQi0Gao7n4z_aKoMloMuutmDffpZYKH5oEdcTtWjrEQdbRsu5WKtGQ7g8Yw09blphdYwxV7wMtru-19TWmSffFhVASoNQczTvWn5cT28dQf5x3wK/s400/IMG_5874.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5253802910015362114" border="0" /></a>The living room-kitchen area. The white stuff on the bottom of the rafters is a sort of insulation. We bought it mainly to reduce the noise of the rain, which sounds like a jet engine when it really gets going. Hopefully it'll also help with humidity and mold prevention, as well.<br /></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_HxspMvtSITg/SOlBvH1fO0I/AAAAAAAABE4/D5ITZ_omoVc/s1600-h/IMG_5877.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_HxspMvtSITg/SOlBvH1fO0I/AAAAAAAABE4/D5ITZ_omoVc/s400/IMG_5877.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5253802718117444418" border="0" /></a>On the outside of the house, there is an overhang of a meter or so in some places, so we decided to put wood panels there, since that's one of the common ways to go about covering them. Once again, another long, slow process. But at least it looks nice.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_HxspMvtSITg/SOlBiiSdaEI/AAAAAAAABEw/HwZLgKSxleI/s1600-h/IMG_5878.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_HxspMvtSITg/SOlBiiSdaEI/AAAAAAAABEw/HwZLgKSxleI/s400/IMG_5878.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5253802501879982146" border="0" /></a>The area in front of the main entry to the house.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_HxspMvtSITg/SOlBa9U7_iI/AAAAAAAABEo/U5Gi7lKL67M/s1600-h/IMG_5879.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_HxspMvtSITg/SOlBa9U7_iI/AAAAAAAABEo/U5Gi7lKL67M/s400/IMG_5879.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5253802371699179042" border="0" /></a>Here you can see how they put it together, one piece at a time.<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_HxspMvtSITg/SOlBQHZ6imI/AAAAAAAABEg/d9K90q9M810/s1600-h/IMG_5880.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_HxspMvtSITg/SOlBQHZ6imI/AAAAAAAABEg/d9K90q9M810/s400/IMG_5880.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5253802185425848930" border="0" /></a>Finally, a picture from today, October 5th, 2008. As you can see, they've got the garage door up. That whole process took only about half a day, and it covers around 18 square meters of wall space. My free advice to you: If you ever decide to build a house, build the whole thing out of garage doors.<br /><br />Anyhow, hope you enjoyed the pictures a bit. I'll try to get some more up for you soon! Thanks for reading!<br />-Ryan<br /></div>Sitzmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11736024263670063703noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9122035398931417039.post-59421053316746198012008-09-09T11:11:00.000-07:002008-09-09T11:26:02.350-07:00Small Update: September 9, 2008<div style="text-align: justify;">Hi there everybody. I've got a couple of recent pictures to show you:<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_HxspMvtSITg/SMa88_NtRGI/AAAAAAAABCo/UZQNur8N20k/s1600-h/DSCN0518.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_HxspMvtSITg/SMa88_NtRGI/AAAAAAAABCo/UZQNur8N20k/s400/DSCN0518.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5244086572066620514" border="0" /></a>This is EPA, a big hardware and home-improvement store in Costa Rica. Unfortunately, it only has branches in or near San Jose, which invariably means getting lost if you try going there. In any case, last weekend Angela and I took the chance and tried to get there, and after a few wrong turns and a lot of profanity, we finally made it. As you can see, EPA takes its style cues from both Home Depot and IKEA. Home Depot, because of the incredibly large and varied selection in comparasion with the crappy little stores where we live. And IKEA because...well, it's all blue and yellow. In any case, it was really nice to go there, since you can actually <span style="font-style: italic;">look at</span> and <span style="font-style: italic;">touch </span>the products that you'll later <span style="font-style: italic;">buy </span>and <span style="font-style: italic;">take home</span>...all in the same day!<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_HxspMvtSITg/SMa8185d4VI/AAAAAAAABCA/k83k1csZp8Q/s1600-h/IMG_5813.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_HxspMvtSITg/SMa8185d4VI/AAAAAAAABCA/k83k1csZp8Q/s400/IMG_5813.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5244086451185770834" border="0" /></a>Back to the house, here is that tree branch we planted, which continues to amaze me. I'll probably be putting new pictures of this thing on this blog until the late 2050s.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_HxspMvtSITg/SMa82JLHoCI/AAAAAAAABCI/OKQh0iNnAwQ/s1600-h/IMG_5815.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_HxspMvtSITg/SMa82JLHoCI/AAAAAAAABCI/OKQh0iNnAwQ/s400/IMG_5815.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5244086454481035298" border="0" /></a>The aluminium and glass guys started putting in some of the windows, and we <span style="font-style: italic;">hope </span>that they'll be finished by the end of this week. That's pretty essential, since the fog was bringing in so much humidity that our wood ceiling panels were beginning to get so wet from the atmosphere that they were dripping. Dammit dammit dammit!<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_HxspMvtSITg/SMa82fx67KI/AAAAAAAABCQ/bwixcncrBOw/s1600-h/IMG_5819.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_HxspMvtSITg/SMa82fx67KI/AAAAAAAABCQ/bwixcncrBOw/s400/IMG_5819.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5244086460549360802" border="0" /></a>See you in hell, rainwater!! These two tubes take runoff from the gutters on our roof and throw it to the side of a small cliff on the edge of our property.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_HxspMvtSITg/SMa82ROJJhI/AAAAAAAABCY/psNcib0WzJ8/s1600-h/IMG_5821.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_HxspMvtSITg/SMa82ROJJhI/AAAAAAAABCY/psNcib0WzJ8/s400/IMG_5821.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5244086456641201682" border="0" /></a>Angela talking to the window guys.<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_HxspMvtSITg/SMa82ks5x4I/AAAAAAAABCg/JDuET6M_4kA/s1600-h/IMG_5814.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_HxspMvtSITg/SMa82ks5x4I/AAAAAAAABCg/JDuET6M_4kA/s400/IMG_5814.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5244086461870491522" border="0" /></a>Saturday, September 6, 2008.<br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">Well, thanks for reading, and check in again soon for another update!<br /></div></div></div>Sitzmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11736024263670063703noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9122035398931417039.post-33878607480860983072008-08-17T13:46:00.000-07:002008-08-17T14:10:47.572-07:00Week...Holy Crap, HOW Many Weeks Are There In A Year??<div style="text-align: justify;">Well, I know it's been a few weeks since I've posted anything to the construction blog, but those weeks have been busy with a lot of other things, most of which weren't related to the construction. Plus, the house is still going fairly slowly. Actually, it's not <span style="font-style: italic;">that</span> slow, but it's hard to see big changes like you could at the beginning of the construction. As a result, I'll probably continue to put up pictures every few weeks, but not every week. So, here are some new pictures:<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_HxspMvtSITg/SKiPeHYDrrI/AAAAAAAAA88/WnfcK41Xld0/s1600-h/IMG_5703.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_HxspMvtSITg/SKiPeHYDrrI/AAAAAAAAA88/WnfcK41Xld0/s400/IMG_5703.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5235592314357001906" border="0" /></a>All of the walls were completely finished in terms of forming them and covering them with a layer of cement, so the next step was to cover them in a sort of paste to help protect them and let the paint adhere better. I don't know what this would be called in English, but they call it "Repemax" here. Anyhow, here's Freddy mixing some Repemax.<br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_HxspMvtSITg/SKiPeYiiZaI/AAAAAAAAA9E/63uO1pLozIA/s1600-h/IMG_5705.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_HxspMvtSITg/SKiPeYiiZaI/AAAAAAAAA9E/63uO1pLozIA/s400/IMG_5705.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5235592318964360610" border="0" /></a>Here Harvey is putting on some Repemax. This picture is looking from inside the TV room to the garage. In other words, the TV room doesn't have to coolest view in the house.<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_HxspMvtSITg/SKiPeoEs3DI/AAAAAAAAA9M/npHbdS0MD1E/s1600-h/IMG_5715.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_HxspMvtSITg/SKiPeoEs3DI/AAAAAAAAA9M/npHbdS0MD1E/s400/IMG_5715.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5235592323134184498" border="0" /></a>Once again, here is this weird tree branch that Honorio and I planted. Sure enough, that thing's sticking, and a few weeks ago it started putting out buds. Now they're leaves. Within a month or two, I'm expecting a new-growth forest in the backyard.<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_HxspMvtSITg/SKiPemp6H5I/AAAAAAAAA9U/QyeYYSeRCfM/s1600-h/IMG_5716.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_HxspMvtSITg/SKiPemp6H5I/AAAAAAAAA9U/QyeYYSeRCfM/s400/IMG_5716.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5235592322753372050" border="0" /></a>Here you can see the window frames with Repemax (above) and without (below). We're hoping to get the actual windows put in as soon as possible.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_HxspMvtSITg/SKiPHD2fOHI/AAAAAAAAA8s/0J15Umqhu3I/s1600-h/IMG_5721.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_HxspMvtSITg/SKiPHD2fOHI/AAAAAAAAA8s/0J15Umqhu3I/s400/IMG_5721.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5235591918273902706" border="0" /></a>Another with/without picture: Here are the fixtures and drainages for the washer, dryer, and sink in the garage. We were going to have a laundry room in the middle of the house, but it's now a TV room. Or a guest room. So come visit us!<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_HxspMvtSITg/SKiPHXN089I/AAAAAAAAA80/o4yMXXNLQ28/s1600-h/IMG_5724.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_HxspMvtSITg/SKiPHXN089I/AAAAAAAAA80/o4yMXXNLQ28/s400/IMG_5724.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5235591923472069586" border="0" /></a>Harvey (above) and Oscar connect some tubing to feed water to the solar panels we installed for hot water.<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_HxspMvtSITg/SKiO-OUYLwI/AAAAAAAAA8E/R9xoTZr6mig/s1600-h/IMG_5725.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_HxspMvtSITg/SKiO-OUYLwI/AAAAAAAAA8E/R9xoTZr6mig/s400/IMG_5725.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5235591766464802562" border="0" /></a>The solar panel guy with his son, installing the panel.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_HxspMvtSITg/SKiO-fORaEI/AAAAAAAAA8M/4xEkSF37OsM/s1600-h/IMG_5727.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_HxspMvtSITg/SKiO-fORaEI/AAAAAAAAA8M/4xEkSF37OsM/s400/IMG_5727.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5235591771002595394" border="0" /></a>August 9, 2008.<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8iZFucdNTOLIrt7yymUC0zw0ZIY1RhdK7ZVUIs2YGN_fWcCmtWxiVDCsBH6gYUREsfvzeNjTR9i_Dj5A-MAQ5wAn0eDYi37CBkSxeX7QJOuPH0ZILcK9OctM9MXb9ifQ-KUSICX8vN3yA/s1600-h/IMG_5733.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8iZFucdNTOLIrt7yymUC0zw0ZIY1RhdK7ZVUIs2YGN_fWcCmtWxiVDCsBH6gYUREsfvzeNjTR9i_Dj5A-MAQ5wAn0eDYi37CBkSxeX7QJOuPH0ZILcK9OctM9MXb9ifQ-KUSICX8vN3yA/s400/IMG_5733.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5235591771621373506" border="0" /></a>Moving the panel. Denting the roof. All in a day's work.<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_HxspMvtSITg/SKiO-kcMe3I/AAAAAAAAA8c/LqBcd5Xo6t4/s1600-h/IMG_5738.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_HxspMvtSITg/SKiO-kcMe3I/AAAAAAAAA8c/LqBcd5Xo6t4/s400/IMG_5738.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5235591772403170162" border="0" /></a>August 10, 2008: With the finished solar panel.<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_HxspMvtSITg/SKiO-1LuI_I/AAAAAAAAA8k/mxhrV05tQOs/s1600-h/IMG_5739.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_HxspMvtSITg/SKiO-1LuI_I/AAAAAAAAA8k/mxhrV05tQOs/s400/IMG_5739.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5235591776897475570" border="0" /></a>As you can maybe imagine, this is the first prominent solar panel like this in Berlin. As a result, the regular load of bored hicks stopping by the property to rubberneck has boomed. Since most of them have no idea what that thing on the roof is, though, we've been considering saying it's an anti-theft bomb that senses when someone's stealing from the house, and destroys everything in a three-block radius.<br /><div style="text-align: justify;">Either that, or we'll say it's a UFO that we found in Angela's family's coffee field.<br /><div style="text-align: justify;">Anyhow, hope you liked the pictures. I'll try to get some more up soon!<br /></div></div></div>Sitzmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11736024263670063703noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9122035398931417039.post-90679677440870188542008-07-23T10:59:00.000-07:002008-07-23T11:11:49.170-07:00Week Seventeen<div style="text-align: justify;">Here are some pictures from the last week. Hope you enjoy them!<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_HxspMvtSITg/SIdySji3rAI/AAAAAAAAA5A/DUjAdbW3leg/s1600-h/IMG_5614.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_HxspMvtSITg/SIdySji3rAI/AAAAAAAAA5A/DUjAdbW3leg/s400/IMG_5614.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5226271555691457538" border="0" /></a>July 16, 2008. These guys are attaching a sort of runner that covers the seams in the roof.<br /></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_HxspMvtSITg/SIdyUK1ZXvI/AAAAAAAAA5I/O1CzqwubExA/s1600-h/IMG_5616.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_HxspMvtSITg/SIdyUK1ZXvI/AAAAAAAAA5I/O1CzqwubExA/s400/IMG_5616.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5226271583418015474" border="0" /></a>Demonstration of how they level the floor. Using the cement guides on the ground, they use a big piece of metal (by now covered in cement, too) to make things straight and even.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_HxspMvtSITg/SIdyJ3GKKVI/AAAAAAAAA4Y/OsB7TLuyTHQ/s1600-h/IMG_5617.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_HxspMvtSITg/SIdyJ3GKKVI/AAAAAAAAA4Y/OsB7TLuyTHQ/s400/IMG_5617.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5226271406320920914" border="0" /></a>July 18, 2008: Angela giving orders.<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_HxspMvtSITg/SIdyJ7JI_rI/AAAAAAAAA4g/jUGfQtwMcR4/s1600-h/IMG_5618.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_HxspMvtSITg/SIdyJ7JI_rI/AAAAAAAAA4g/jUGfQtwMcR4/s400/IMG_5618.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5226271407407169202" border="0" /></a>The poured floors in the living room (foreground) and kitchen / dining room (back). To the right there'll be a step down from the entry hall.<br /></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_HxspMvtSITg/SIdyKB3j9jI/AAAAAAAAA4o/nWFFJZLGPm8/s1600-h/IMG_5619.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_HxspMvtSITg/SIdyKB3j9jI/AAAAAAAAA4o/nWFFJZLGPm8/s400/IMG_5619.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5226271409212487218" border="0" /></a>Another view of the living room.<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_HxspMvtSITg/SIdyKGG-llI/AAAAAAAAA4w/TRvkn34dMeI/s1600-h/IMG_5620.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_HxspMvtSITg/SIdyKGG-llI/AAAAAAAAA4w/TRvkn34dMeI/s400/IMG_5620.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5226271410350888530" border="0" /></a>The laundry room, which we converted into a TV room. We just decided we'll do laundry in the garage.<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_HxspMvtSITg/SIdyKbooHSI/AAAAAAAAA44/_7OqHwvZb14/s1600-h/IMG_5622.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_HxspMvtSITg/SIdyKbooHSI/AAAAAAAAA44/_7OqHwvZb14/s400/IMG_5622.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5226271416129166626" border="0" /></a>A lot of tubes and pipes in our bathroom.<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_HxspMvtSITg/SIdx30UY5ZI/AAAAAAAAA3w/A9DHy9b3r3o/s1600-h/IMG_5623.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_HxspMvtSITg/SIdx30UY5ZI/AAAAAAAAA3w/A9DHy9b3r3o/s400/IMG_5623.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5226271096337655186" border="0" /></a>This looks a lot more complicated than it may be. It's basically all the tubes and wiring for electricity, telephone, and cable, if they ever have cable in Berlín. If not, it'll just have a regular antenna.<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_HxspMvtSITg/SIdx3x4ng5I/AAAAAAAAA34/PwL2a9_UihA/s1600-h/IMG_5626.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_HxspMvtSITg/SIdx3x4ng5I/AAAAAAAAA34/PwL2a9_UihA/s400/IMG_5626.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5226271095684301714" border="0" /></a>We've started looking at sinks and stuff.<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYUho1z9zlaXW_LDQ7RTkvpm6hJihgHtX-KPvYyQ1Mjq_CZvil8znbYKLgVnUZB8ZaMAfhPw2rfE2P18znqDwea171DYkMQkpOCvyK9Re6Uflw6XuxDtSBw3Ml0t4T5xhz7Y8doesoQLTb/s1600-h/IMG_5627.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYUho1z9zlaXW_LDQ7RTkvpm6hJihgHtX-KPvYyQ1Mjq_CZvil8znbYKLgVnUZB8ZaMAfhPw2rfE2P18znqDwea171DYkMQkpOCvyK9Re6Uflw6XuxDtSBw3Ml0t4T5xhz7Y8doesoQLTb/s400/IMG_5627.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5226271098805356594" border="0" /></a>Some toilets.<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIcuPgArn8Rls3B0mCxff2zEgabGddGSCyuSknxo7h28F1pSV2tKNyPE6IwPuh1CyWUQJ81PSYp-_lzg-GzrixP4xjsha08u66SJIDfZP9KhrtBvwKSTrg8tLB6ExyVWS1Okr48eQcLvQY/s1600-h/IMG_5632.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIcuPgArn8Rls3B0mCxff2zEgabGddGSCyuSknxo7h28F1pSV2tKNyPE6IwPuh1CyWUQJ81PSYp-_lzg-GzrixP4xjsha08u66SJIDfZP9KhrtBvwKSTrg8tLB6ExyVWS1Okr48eQcLvQY/s400/IMG_5632.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5226271099627164722" border="0" /></a>Angela with a basin she liked.<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_HxspMvtSITg/SIdx4EbmSfI/AAAAAAAAA4Q/FNoaZ4VOAAg/s1600-h/IMG_5633.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_HxspMvtSITg/SIdx4EbmSfI/AAAAAAAAA4Q/FNoaZ4VOAAg/s400/IMG_5633.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5226271100662860274" border="0" /></a>We're gonna have a bathtub, so we're hoping to get something like this.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">So, that's it for this week. Keep tuned for more pictures, coming soon!<br /></div><br /></div>Sitzmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11736024263670063703noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9122035398931417039.post-29243765959690797152008-07-22T11:14:00.000-07:002008-07-22T11:22:51.405-07:00Week Sixteen<div style="text-align: justify;">Here are some pictures from week sixteen. I hope that we don't get to the 19th week, because I'm not sure how to spell that...<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_HxspMvtSITg/SIYkHowF30I/AAAAAAAAA3E/R3MttRBniWk/s1600-h/IMG_5560.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_HxspMvtSITg/SIYkHowF30I/AAAAAAAAA3E/R3MttRBniWk/s400/IMG_5560.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5225904131226853186" border="0" /></a>July 8, 2008.<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_HxspMvtSITg/SIYkH1shpvI/AAAAAAAAA3M/jc6NLrISVFM/s1600-h/IMG_5589.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_HxspMvtSITg/SIYkH1shpvI/AAAAAAAAA3M/jc6NLrISVFM/s400/IMG_5589.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5225904134701557490" border="0" /></a>July 13, 2008. Roof done, thank God.<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOs3S_F1W0CoF-mcTlEVNWm4LfNJNksQJGJ2h3ixdQwSNaAPWq7_95uTcZTbajNpq4Op8y9Y7UYsFAMeg-oN6LE6-n64mXZX_ElIhWhpLQ2lCscUnDggV_57fmhbjRS9zjDvdcuZveFWAi/s1600-h/IMG_5590.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOs3S_F1W0CoF-mcTlEVNWm4LfNJNksQJGJ2h3ixdQwSNaAPWq7_95uTcZTbajNpq4Op8y9Y7UYsFAMeg-oN6LE6-n64mXZX_ElIhWhpLQ2lCscUnDggV_57fmhbjRS9zjDvdcuZveFWAi/s400/IMG_5590.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5225904134393370402" border="0" /></a>Windows would be creepier if they all looked like this.<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_HxspMvtSITg/SIYkIG01LAI/AAAAAAAAA3c/_xPAHZ6tvUo/s1600-h/IMG_5591.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_HxspMvtSITg/SIYkIG01LAI/AAAAAAAAA3c/_xPAHZ6tvUo/s400/IMG_5591.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5225904139299793922" border="0" /></a>The front bedroom, demonstrating how they pour and level the cement. After laying out some string to make a flat surface, they pour these concrete guides. That's the level that the floor will come to. Underneath is the iron curtain, if you will, which is just a steel reinforcement for the poured concrete.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_HxspMvtSITg/SIYkITReVAI/AAAAAAAAA3k/5DinK7b75oE/s1600-h/IMG_5594.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_HxspMvtSITg/SIYkITReVAI/AAAAAAAAA3k/5DinK7b75oE/s400/IMG_5594.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5225904142641157122" border="0" /></a>OK, I have to admit that I was definitely skeptical when my father-in-law Honorio and I planted sticks in the ground (see Week Ten). But sure enough, the damn things started to sprout like crazy, and seemingly out of nowhere! Now they're covered in these little spines, which will presumably become branches.<br />So, I'll get you some more pictures next week. Thanks for looking!<br /></div>Sitzmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11736024263670063703noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9122035398931417039.post-45453216530210654022008-07-22T10:57:00.000-07:002008-07-22T11:12:03.997-07:00Week Fifteen<div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: justify;">Recently, the house construction slowed down a bit due to bad weather, labor and insurance issues, and also a shortage of sand. The last thing especially concerns me, considering that we're in a very small country that is literally surrounded by beaches. So we were waiting for sand deliveries for about a week, and that meant that we couldn't do any cement work. Anyhow, I still took a few pictures for you to enjoy!<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_HxspMvtSITg/SIYg_XNGhPI/AAAAAAAAA2s/obt6PnKDwkk/s1600-h/IMG_5533+-+like+death+star--logistics+too.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_HxspMvtSITg/SIYg_XNGhPI/AAAAAAAAA2s/obt6PnKDwkk/s400/IMG_5533+-+like+death+star--logistics+too.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5225900690542855410" border="0" /></a>The almost-finished roof, unfinished again. A row of panels had been ordered extra, and they turned out to be the wrong color. The dumbass that attached them noticed it then, but didn't say anything till it was quite late. So, we took that row out and replaced it with the correct color (red, not burgundy). In any case, in this picture the house reminds me of the second Death Star in Return of the Jedi...you know, the half-completed one? I guess we should send the emperor to be our subcontractor. He'd start force-choking some necks and get us back on schedule.<br /><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_HxspMvtSITg/SIYg_WSM24I/AAAAAAAAA20/xN0HmsoGYhU/s1600-h/IMG_5537.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_HxspMvtSITg/SIYg_WSM24I/AAAAAAAAA20/xN0HmsoGYhU/s400/IMG_5537.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5225900690295806850" border="0" /></a>The concrete walkways that will go around our house. This is just the first, rough pour. I'd never seen this before, but I guess it's good here to help keep out humidity.<br /></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_HxspMvtSITg/SIYg_ilmuhI/AAAAAAAAA28/yfSG_P1Jq3w/s1600-h/IMG_5538.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_HxspMvtSITg/SIYg_ilmuhI/AAAAAAAAA28/yfSG_P1Jq3w/s400/IMG_5538.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5225900693598419474" border="0" /></a>The back of our house, where a deck will go. They took off some of the old roof panels from the crappy casita to hold the floor.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_HxspMvtSITg/SIYgxY9lHWI/AAAAAAAAA2E/B1G_o9u39DM/s1600-h/IMG_5539.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_HxspMvtSITg/SIYgxY9lHWI/AAAAAAAAA2E/B1G_o9u39DM/s400/IMG_5539.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5225900450496453986" border="0" /></a>I guess it'll be a big deck/patio/porch.<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_HxspMvtSITg/SIYgxjM-5XI/AAAAAAAAA2M/WNfP59Kzza4/s1600-h/IMG_5540.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_HxspMvtSITg/SIYgxjM-5XI/AAAAAAAAA2M/WNfP59Kzza4/s400/IMG_5540.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5225900453245412722" border="0" /></a>A view from the dining room.<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTrtXLOOfDX0Muv8PlBdp6AMggC7rigT5BYZG6hKy6HPev86-0ew65k7A3EJ_KeGxb3enGUt23SI6GzxTu8XUXSkjJ3LDD0SsTKIizolDOLBygP6kF2bKbCOFFtTKmEEUj7ulwaLEeLD2p/s1600-h/IMG_5541.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTrtXLOOfDX0Muv8PlBdp6AMggC7rigT5BYZG6hKy6HPev86-0ew65k7A3EJ_KeGxb3enGUt23SI6GzxTu8XUXSkjJ3LDD0SsTKIizolDOLBygP6kF2bKbCOFFtTKmEEUj7ulwaLEeLD2p/s400/IMG_5541.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5225900456486706690" border="0" /></a>The intrepid Harvey, putting new tin roof panels on the crappy casita.<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihC8RxMVKdx-MXTZvW-2EOBf9mZxwGKtNzmURXYQD78m6ducFvp8EhYhz5OVaSrvJjUH-AOP53ERL7tDW1ZVgn4s6EIxmnMyj0jvAzNIH1f7MT0-Ies56yFLo2a2VDn16HFHYXa3eeGD3f/s1600-h/IMG_5543.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihC8RxMVKdx-MXTZvW-2EOBf9mZxwGKtNzmURXYQD78m6ducFvp8EhYhz5OVaSrvJjUH-AOP53ERL7tDW1ZVgn4s6EIxmnMyj0jvAzNIH1f7MT0-Ies56yFLo2a2VDn16HFHYXa3eeGD3f/s400/IMG_5543.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5225900458064006370" border="0" /></a>July 3, 2008: At least it's getting there.<br /></div>Sitzmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11736024263670063703noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9122035398931417039.post-86998861593864435382008-07-03T11:15:00.000-07:002008-07-22T11:12:35.598-07:00Week Fourteen<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_HxspMvtSITg/SG0XzI8GfBI/AAAAAAAAAyc/WmHWvoxHaWs/s1600-h/IMG_5527.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_HxspMvtSITg/SG0XzI8GfBI/AAAAAAAAAyc/WmHWvoxHaWs/s400/IMG_5527.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5218853710532606994" border="0" /></a>June 24, 2008. Getting further on the roof.<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_HxspMvtSITg/SG0XzZ9eo9I/AAAAAAAAAyk/PvNEg5-UMjU/s1600-h/IMG_5528.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_HxspMvtSITg/SG0XzZ9eo9I/AAAAAAAAAyk/PvNEg5-UMjU/s400/IMG_5528.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5218853715101787090" border="0" /></a>June 24, from the other side.<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_HxspMvtSITg/SG0Ymiua67I/AAAAAAAAAzE/8wf-lxgiNFg/s1600-h/IMG_5530.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_HxspMvtSITg/SG0Ymiua67I/AAAAAAAAAzE/8wf-lxgiNFg/s400/IMG_5530.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5218854593627876274" border="0" /></a>So <span style="font-style: italic;">that´s </span>how they put in the electricity!<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_HxspMvtSITg/SG0XzTUU2fI/AAAAAAAAAys/BnfNAapl_rc/s1600-h/IMG_5529.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_HxspMvtSITg/SG0XzTUU2fI/AAAAAAAAAys/BnfNAapl_rc/s400/IMG_5529.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5218853713318566386" border="0" /></a>The front room, getting ready for the poured-cement floor.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_HxspMvtSITg/SG0XfzK0-JI/AAAAAAAAAxs/t0on36XVp9w/s1600-h/IMG_5532.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_HxspMvtSITg/SG0XfzK0-JI/AAAAAAAAAxs/t0on36XVp9w/s400/IMG_5532.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5218853378271279250" border="0" /></a>June 25, 2008.<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUZg94B-cKc6Hcm4JBGlb4wlu1c6NGE-imT6TRNrnERrki2WSB82b8lzy3B6EWOTynXTXSE8tA85Z_hScdFMKkkvUBUaA4vt7PBatf7AfsrlENjaXQhXIF89hYTcplfn9XFYKUDEbwAw-6/s1600-h/IMG_5534.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUZg94B-cKc6Hcm4JBGlb4wlu1c6NGE-imT6TRNrnERrki2WSB82b8lzy3B6EWOTynXTXSE8tA85Z_hScdFMKkkvUBUaA4vt7PBatf7AfsrlENjaXQhXIF89hYTcplfn9XFYKUDEbwAw-6/s400/IMG_5534.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5218853382306241058" border="0" /></a>June 29, 2008.<br /><div style="text-align: justify;">The roof is about 90% complete. I'll have to start taking more inside pics, since the changes in the front won't be as dramatic from now on. But for now, I hope you enjoyed these pics. I'll have some more in a week or two!<br /></div></div>Sitzmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11736024263670063703noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9122035398931417039.post-25594420475724442842008-07-03T11:09:00.000-07:002008-07-03T11:14:42.868-07:00Week Thirteen<div style="text-align: center;">Hi everyone. It's been a busy few weeks, but here are some more pictures for you!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_HxspMvtSITg/SG0WPHgKzbI/AAAAAAAAAxI/YkcvXZ_PaBc/s1600-h/DSCN0491.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_HxspMvtSITg/SG0WPHgKzbI/AAAAAAAAAxI/YkcvXZ_PaBc/s400/DSCN0491.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5218851992160095666" border="0" /></a>June 17, 2008<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_HxspMvtSITg/SG0WPPbDuCI/AAAAAAAAAxQ/_2W0loBn0fg/s1600-h/IMG_5524.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_HxspMvtSITg/SG0WPPbDuCI/AAAAAAAAAxQ/_2W0loBn0fg/s400/IMG_5524.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5218851994286143522" border="0" /></a>A nice, sunny day, perfect for attaching a roof, right? June 21, 2008.<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_HxspMvtSITg/SG0WPTqgj-I/AAAAAAAAAxY/b-WWw5ZDH1M/s1600-h/IMG_5525.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_HxspMvtSITg/SG0WPTqgj-I/AAAAAAAAAxY/b-WWw5ZDH1M/s400/IMG_5525.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5218851995424690146" border="0" /></a>Some of the panels being screwed in for the roof. Houses are different here.<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_HxspMvtSITg/SG0WPtBQ-0I/AAAAAAAAAxg/JjmPA2KFqQw/s1600-h/IMG_5526.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_HxspMvtSITg/SG0WPtBQ-0I/AAAAAAAAAxg/JjmPA2KFqQw/s400/IMG_5526.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5218852002231024450" border="0" /></a>The corner of our future bedroom.<br /><br /></div>Sitzmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11736024263670063703noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9122035398931417039.post-3865626849702932632008-06-15T13:17:00.001-07:002008-06-15T13:25:03.228-07:00Week Twelve<div align="center">Finally, here are some pictures from this last week. Enjoy!</div><br /><div align="center"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_HxspMvtSITg/SFV5q8JTKUI/AAAAAAAAAtY/g9JiI5YO2xc/s1600-h/IMG_5513.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5212205922357815618" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_HxspMvtSITg/SFV5q8JTKUI/AAAAAAAAAtY/g9JiI5YO2xc/s400/IMG_5513.JPG" border="0" /></a> June 11, 2008.</div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_HxspMvtSITg/SFV5lSirgiI/AAAAAAAAAtQ/BFckvVUYT_A/s1600-h/IMG_5514.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5212205825290633762" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_HxspMvtSITg/SFV5lSirgiI/AAAAAAAAAtQ/BFckvVUYT_A/s400/IMG_5514.JPG" border="0" /></a> A view from the front corner.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhg8E_W4wAH-yV_uMlJUin45FJggAH6psQldDvzv-zKqNyjSPT-RLVZS0uhO6ReAR25Sy9hAD28w8GcVov4xRKezim6Zn2qkS2JVO8rXbARObE1U7pOryRLGWkgEcyNUkQknbqxEkCTZ-e/s1600-h/IMG_5518.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5212205571346374674" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhg8E_W4wAH-yV_uMlJUin45FJggAH6psQldDvzv-zKqNyjSPT-RLVZS0uhO6ReAR25Sy9hAD28w8GcVov4xRKezim6Zn2qkS2JVO8rXbARObE1U7pOryRLGWkgEcyNUkQknbqxEkCTZ-e/s400/IMG_5518.JPG" border="0" /></a> June 14, 2008.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_HxspMvtSITg/SFV5RdYeRsI/AAAAAAAAAtA/HYO2rF7Bk2A/s1600-h/IMG_5519.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5212205484603229890" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_HxspMvtSITg/SFV5RdYeRsI/AAAAAAAAAtA/HYO2rF7Bk2A/s400/IMG_5519.JPG" border="0" /></a> More and more trusses being welded to the walls of the house.<br /><br /><br /><div align="justify"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_HxspMvtSITg/SFV5ML0Y2cI/AAAAAAAAAs4/G4d2qBTKj-U/s1600-h/IMG_5520.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5212205393989130690" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_HxspMvtSITg/SFV5ML0Y2cI/AAAAAAAAAs4/G4d2qBTKj-U/s400/IMG_5520.JPG" border="0" /></a>In the back, they also started putting up a few panels of tin. They call it zinc here, for some reason. One way or the other, this is supposed to be a strong and quiet variety. I hope so.<br /><br /><div align="justify"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_HxspMvtSITg/SFV5H19hqGI/AAAAAAAAAsw/ONCvhkcj7H4/s1600-h/IMG_5521.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5212205319402399842" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_HxspMvtSITg/SFV5H19hqGI/AAAAAAAAAsw/ONCvhkcj7H4/s400/IMG_5521.JPG" border="0" /></a> The inside of the house, as seen from the backyard. We're hoping to put a sort of porch/patio here.<br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_HxspMvtSITg/SFV5DLYo0YI/AAAAAAAAAso/o5SXL1DH-_k/s1600-h/IMG_5522.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5212205239253913986" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_HxspMvtSITg/SFV5DLYo0YI/AAAAAAAAAso/o5SXL1DH-_k/s400/IMG_5522.JPG" border="0" /></a> Harvey on the Roof.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_HxspMvtSITg/SFV454hS4DI/AAAAAAAAAsg/5lWy_oBnN0U/s1600-h/IMG_5523.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5212205079571128370" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_HxspMvtSITg/SFV454hS4DI/AAAAAAAAAsg/5lWy_oBnN0U/s400/IMG_5523.JPG" border="0" /></a>Nelson welding roof trusses. <div></div></div></div></div></div></div><br /></div>Sitzmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11736024263670063703noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9122035398931417039.post-62069538013101575082008-06-15T12:59:00.000-07:002008-06-15T13:17:06.095-07:00Week Eleven<div align="justify">I realize that I'm publishing weeks 10, 11, and 12 at the same time, so sorry. In any case, here are some more pictures:</div><br /><div align="justify"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_HxspMvtSITg/SFV2pfGGUTI/AAAAAAAAAsY/mjA04Djb-Z4/s1600-h/IMG_5495.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5212202598845010226" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_HxspMvtSITg/SFV2pfGGUTI/AAAAAAAAAsY/mjA04Djb-Z4/s400/IMG_5495.JPG" border="0" /></a> I don't really know what the hell this is, but it's obvious that this strange yucca-like plant has grown an asparagus. A 15-foot asparagus. Eventually, a worker from the municipality will level it with a machete for getting too close to the high voltage line at the top of the picture.<br /></div><div align="center"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_HxspMvtSITg/SFV2aim8dlI/AAAAAAAAAsQ/km4UvGhZevc/s1600-h/IMG_5496.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5212202342090045010" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_HxspMvtSITg/SFV2aim8dlI/AAAAAAAAAsQ/km4UvGhZevc/s400/IMG_5496.JPG" border="0" /></a> June 3, 2008<br /><br /><div align="justify"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_HxspMvtSITg/SFV2OW8J3EI/AAAAAAAAAsI/zdg0KLdVpCU/s1600-h/IMG_5497.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5212202132799347778" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_HxspMvtSITg/SFV2OW8J3EI/AAAAAAAAAsI/zdg0KLdVpCU/s400/IMG_5497.JPG" border="0" /></a> Here is Luis David (aka "Luisdai") demonstrating how to cover the walls with cement, and how to make them even and smooth. They need to make those lines that act as a guide for the plank, which they then pull down to remove any excess cement.<br /><br /><div align="justify"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJlHv_DcFVJayyNer3B3bfBVM9UQap50JaG4dFRaTVxjhOUimSbHgVkYTLRwODdU9oEEroVa_Epm5idHblaPZP2e7dBHAbS61Q8tFzVLn84ZMHv6EwZjvscq0rsEqrUV-_Z-gg2fd0DGTI/s1600-h/IMG_5500.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5212201997385498498" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJlHv_DcFVJayyNer3B3bfBVM9UQap50JaG4dFRaTVxjhOUimSbHgVkYTLRwODdU9oEEroVa_Epm5idHblaPZP2e7dBHAbS61Q8tFzVLn84ZMHv6EwZjvscq0rsEqrUV-_Z-gg2fd0DGTI/s400/IMG_5500.JPG" border="0" /></a> I thought this was kind of interesting. This is how they work with the electrical system, and they run tubes with wires through the ground. Apparently.<br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_HxspMvtSITg/SFV2AwfVz4I/AAAAAAAAAr4/iXDjxm8zgis/s1600-h/IMG_5499.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5212201899139649410" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_HxspMvtSITg/SFV2AwfVz4I/AAAAAAAAAr4/iXDjxm8zgis/s400/IMG_5499.JPG" border="0" /></a> A close-up of the texturing.<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_HxspMvtSITg/SFV1ocqV2XI/AAAAAAAAArw/v1G9SgVhfak/s1600-h/IMG_5501.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5212201481500219762" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_HxspMvtSITg/SFV1ocqV2XI/AAAAAAAAArw/v1G9SgVhfak/s400/IMG_5501.JPG" border="0" /></a> Nelson, one of our welders, hard at work.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs5Jlk1WWGbI160qtTxyXKr0k8EdGUZAWvRIVXFzsf3wYTkvRHXkwrPzDivAJJ4cOHnryRSD02e1TMrvp488RpJ5R4gWM4m1LZC5rbw73oUAHvk7O0JpBD72tD8Y5cE1uAgDz2AzIWg2iV/s1600-h/IMG_5502.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5212200948422453170" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs5Jlk1WWGbI160qtTxyXKr0k8EdGUZAWvRIVXFzsf3wYTkvRHXkwrPzDivAJJ4cOHnryRSD02e1TMrvp488RpJ5R4gWM4m1LZC5rbw73oUAHvk7O0JpBD72tD8Y5cE1uAgDz2AzIWg2iV/s400/IMG_5502.JPG" border="0" /></a>A guy using a circular saw to cut the holes for the electrical outlets.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_HxspMvtSITg/SFV1Dk8DWlI/AAAAAAAAArg/QZ5xbPdTq20/s1600-h/IMG_5506.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5212200848066828882" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_HxspMvtSITg/SFV1Dk8DWlI/AAAAAAAAArg/QZ5xbPdTq20/s400/IMG_5506.JPG" border="0" /></a> More and more trusses...very modern art.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_HxspMvtSITg/SFV0_yMuw1I/AAAAAAAAArY/rOG8P1scaJU/s1600-h/IMG_5510.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5212200782906966866" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_HxspMvtSITg/SFV0_yMuw1I/AAAAAAAAArY/rOG8P1scaJU/s400/IMG_5510.JPG" border="0" /></a> Above what will be the kitchen.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0CSpWqeaL4XLxQKsKgmQ0BsoG4hIpt587H1nIaDUr4DLdRndzKpNIno8kvYJJNlDXsrokR9ftPkACNnMVucwPL4F_HU-3kIQ8jC80aJ2I2loD593aWJ9H3yQvnjvlmX75UXJkNeVBFaxg/s1600-h/IMG_5511.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5212200684440803586" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0CSpWqeaL4XLxQKsKgmQ0BsoG4hIpt587H1nIaDUr4DLdRndzKpNIno8kvYJJNlDXsrokR9ftPkACNnMVucwPL4F_HU-3kIQ8jC80aJ2I2loD593aWJ9H3yQvnjvlmX75UXJkNeVBFaxg/s400/IMG_5511.JPG" border="0" /></a> A view from the front corner.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_HxspMvtSITg/SFV01ru8GuI/AAAAAAAAArI/ebSWaC5cXmE/s1600-h/IMG_5512.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5212200609372707554" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_HxspMvtSITg/SFV01ru8GuI/AAAAAAAAArI/ebSWaC5cXmE/s400/IMG_5512.JPG" border="0" /></a> June 7, 2008. <div></div></div></div></div></div><br /></div></div></div></div>Sitzmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11736024263670063703noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9122035398931417039.post-75907023090314723712008-06-15T12:37:00.000-07:002008-06-15T12:58:25.827-07:00Week Ten<div align="justify">It's been a very busy couple of weeks, and now I don't really have a car for a week, either, since I got rear-ended while leaving a toll booth. So, please enjoy these pictures. Many Bothan spies died to bring them to us.</div><br /><div align="center"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_HxspMvtSITg/SFVxBtpsyMI/AAAAAAAAArA/yyQR8t6_xx0/s1600-h/IMG_5479.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5212196417999521986" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_HxspMvtSITg/SFVxBtpsyMI/AAAAAAAAArA/yyQR8t6_xx0/s400/IMG_5479.JPG" border="0" /></a> May 31, 2008</div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="justify"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_HxspMvtSITg/SFVw8MLQnSI/AAAAAAAAAq4/RXbvxNyqYxk/s1600-h/IMG_5482.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5212196323114130722" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_HxspMvtSITg/SFVw8MLQnSI/AAAAAAAAAq4/RXbvxNyqYxk/s400/IMG_5482.JPG" border="0" /></a>For a few weekends, I've been planting some plants with Honorio, my father-in-law. We were trying to help prevent so much dirt from getting washed away by what appears to be the first Pacific Ocean-originating hurricane in over 100 years. In any case, it was raining like a bastard, and we didn't want to lose all that dirt we'd just added to the lot. Here are some plants, called <em>mano de tigre</em> or "tiger's paw." They set up some mean roots and don't let the soil go. </div><div align="justify"> </div><div align="justify"></div><div align="center"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_HxspMvtSITg/SFVw2kjrEAI/AAAAAAAAAqw/rj8Ph9lT0V0/s1600-h/IMG_5484.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5212196226579763202" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_HxspMvtSITg/SFVw2kjrEAI/AAAAAAAAAqw/rj8Ph9lT0V0/s400/IMG_5484.JPG" border="0" /></a> Here they've started welding the steel trusses.<br /><br /><div align="justify"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_HxspMvtSITg/SFVwxMhtaSI/AAAAAAAAAqo/dheELpmSLN4/s1600-h/IMG_5485.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5212196134229731618" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_HxspMvtSITg/SFVwxMhtaSI/AAAAAAAAAqo/dheELpmSLN4/s400/IMG_5485.JPG" border="0" /></a> I almost think that my in-laws may be messing with me, but here is a fig "tree" we planted. Basically, it's just a sawed-off branch from a tree on Honorio's property. But everyone assures me that within a few weeks, it'll start sprouting branches out of the top. In fact, basically everything we planted seems to work like that.<br /><br /><div align="justify"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_HxspMvtSITg/SFVwjn1cXYI/AAAAAAAAAqg/8RD7gFy-k70/s1600-h/IMG_5487.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5212195901042089346" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_HxspMvtSITg/SFVwjn1cXYI/AAAAAAAAAqg/8RD7gFy-k70/s400/IMG_5487.JPG" border="0" /></a> Two more fig tree branches near the shitter. Whichever one takes better, we'll leave. Speaking of sticking plants in the ground and having them flourish, I recently discovered piles of <em>caña india</em>, a plant that they use for fences here. Someone had cut it and thrown it on the ground, and the sticks were sprouting new plants. It must be fertile ground. I'm going to try planting our old broom to see what happens.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMPQUI3TkDXh1ARlyXT-qjGlH2TdlZsdW-mEsGqvtyhuTxxg58aYUlhZDdDgEn-AvoOW61zm0uf02cLFkLgUkNub8Y3cRaileckwER4vouwwSIyS7592jxbwiyZ7HbdCfUu7En9HkFQzVa/s1600-h/IMG_5488.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5212195781843600850" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMPQUI3TkDXh1ARlyXT-qjGlH2TdlZsdW-mEsGqvtyhuTxxg58aYUlhZDdDgEn-AvoOW61zm0uf02cLFkLgUkNub8Y3cRaileckwER4vouwwSIyS7592jxbwiyZ7HbdCfUu7En9HkFQzVa/s400/IMG_5488.JPG" border="0" /></a> Our mysterious-looking house on May 31, 2008. </div></div></div>Sitzmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11736024263670063703noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9122035398931417039.post-34372127563414945932008-05-25T14:14:00.000-07:002008-05-25T14:38:48.697-07:00Week Nine<div style="text-align: justify;">As I explained at the start of week eight, it's been a busy couple of weeks, so I've not updated for a bit. And it's been raining like a bastard, too. That's nice, because we now have water in the night, and I didn't even have to follow through on my bluff to use my car to run over the horse-riding viejo that was shutting off the water every evening. And now it's raining far too much, which has started to slow down the construction a bit. But no matter, it's still progressing, as you can see, and as soon as we get the roof up, the rain won't be much of an issue anymore. In any case, I hope you enjoy these pictures from the last week!<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_HxspMvtSITg/SDnYXobrCNI/AAAAAAAAAoc/OZqKannBpgA/s1600-h/IMG_5455.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_HxspMvtSITg/SDnYXobrCNI/AAAAAAAAAoc/OZqKannBpgA/s400/IMG_5455.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5204428744905394386" border="0" /></a>This is the front bedroom, in the corner. As you can see, in the last few weeks they've gotten up most of the crown beams.<br /></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_HxspMvtSITg/SDnYX4brCOI/AAAAAAAAAok/pXVyjpnhQhY/s1600-h/IMG_5459.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_HxspMvtSITg/SDnYX4brCOI/AAAAAAAAAok/pXVyjpnhQhY/s400/IMG_5459.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5204428749200361698" border="0" /></a>Harvey working on a complicated crown beam in the corner of our bedroom. This was yesterday (Saturday, May 24) and they were trying to work quickly before it rained.<br /></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_HxspMvtSITg/SDnYX4brCPI/AAAAAAAAAos/TPvi2RRz7r0/s1600-h/IMG_5460.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_HxspMvtSITg/SDnYX4brCPI/AAAAAAAAAos/TPvi2RRz7r0/s400/IMG_5460.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5204428749200361714" border="0" /></a>Workers working on setting up the crown beam in the living room, and cussing a lot in Spanish about the drill.<br /></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiylKljdSkjs7Dmmmn_k09zq1FC2hHhJMIUW0qX3IDyFPbPxCLsJCs5eVVMBbu8WGCIPMMppiHmMs72XpsrTC0d46Z4dnDZLgr0Knqw_qmzDocbiHOYFGR0z88TxUEidk_fg1GzTrO-Wzbz/s1600-h/IMG_5461.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiylKljdSkjs7Dmmmn_k09zq1FC2hHhJMIUW0qX3IDyFPbPxCLsJCs5eVVMBbu8WGCIPMMppiHmMs72XpsrTC0d46Z4dnDZLgr0Knqw_qmzDocbiHOYFGR0z88TxUEidk_fg1GzTrO-Wzbz/s400/IMG_5461.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5204427761357883522" border="0" /></a>The view from the front corner of the house. It's been pretty gloomy looking lately.<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_HxspMvtSITg/SDnXeobrCJI/AAAAAAAAAn8/w9u2WXtQdW0/s1600-h/IMG_5464.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_HxspMvtSITg/SDnXeobrCJI/AAAAAAAAAn8/w9u2WXtQdW0/s400/IMG_5464.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5204427765652850834" border="0" /></a>Here's the thing about putting in all that dirt, and then having it rain a lot: it creates gigantic areas full of mud. Here Angela is sinking in.<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_HxspMvtSITg/SDnXe4brCKI/AAAAAAAAAoE/Brytnw83xzs/s1600-h/IMG_5465.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_HxspMvtSITg/SDnXe4brCKI/AAAAAAAAAoE/Brytnw83xzs/s400/IMG_5465.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5204427769947818146" border="0" /></a>Fortunately, they're washable. Around here, we have a saying when this happens: "Aw shit!" Mainly because I cuss in English or German, and Angela learned all the bad words she knows from me.<br /></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_HxspMvtSITg/SDnXfIbrCLI/AAAAAAAAAoM/qzPM5I0WTG8/s1600-h/IMG_5466.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_HxspMvtSITg/SDnXfIbrCLI/AAAAAAAAAoM/qzPM5I0WTG8/s400/IMG_5466.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5204427774242785458" border="0" /></a><br />The right side of the house, which now looks a bit like a pirate ship.<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_HxspMvtSITg/SDnXfYbrCMI/AAAAAAAAAoU/mmncZ11IJd4/s1600-h/IMG_5470.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_HxspMvtSITg/SDnXfYbrCMI/AAAAAAAAAoU/mmncZ11IJd4/s400/IMG_5470.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5204427778537752770" border="0" /></a>The view from the back.<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_HxspMvtSITg/SDnXIobrCDI/AAAAAAAAAnM/pUNYuyXHBkQ/s1600-h/IMG_5472.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_HxspMvtSITg/SDnXIobrCDI/AAAAAAAAAnM/pUNYuyXHBkQ/s400/IMG_5472.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5204427387695728690" border="0" /></a>This room in the center of the house was going to be our laundry room, but then we decided to put all the laundry crap in the garage and use this room as a TV room. Right now, it's where we're storing our extra rainwater and mud.<br /></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_HxspMvtSITg/SDnXIobrCEI/AAAAAAAAAnU/niIGUGQmQbM/s1600-h/IMG_5473.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_HxspMvtSITg/SDnXIobrCEI/AAAAAAAAAnU/niIGUGQmQbM/s400/IMG_5473.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5204427387695728706" border="0" /></a>The corner of our bedroom-to-be.<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqqiBejTY7uSp_IPGCnQrRs4iHAPn4vjWm-nQzVnHFkNfb7LzZzLTZ1si58TelJPlzTquY9Buh8zmL1g2zcOSmqoopLSeKMX28wswuALhYysocOy64tDkYsKlXTprzr5biIcAF9-jsCjht/s1600-h/IMG_5474.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqqiBejTY7uSp_IPGCnQrRs4iHAPn4vjWm-nQzVnHFkNfb7LzZzLTZ1si58TelJPlzTquY9Buh8zmL1g2zcOSmqoopLSeKMX28wswuALhYysocOy64tDkYsKlXTprzr5biIcAF9-jsCjht/s400/IMG_5474.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5204427391990696018" border="0" /></a>If you were wondering why there was all that weird wood crap sticking out from the windows, it was to form these structures. The windows are going to be poking out of the main structure. We saw it in a house we liked and thought it was cool. Hopefully it turns out OK. It's pretty fancy for Berlin, after all.<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqemlKgXITZ9Z4VVi1IdAcW8uyeQk5_LV_kmI2e0zxS6KR3ajhjGGKFpLE88ilJfxf89Wewlkhf57LCSl-DvKnTzxYdr_7WsxC2j3IuP-wkLeyU6h21dr0k7yvhUaIFJXnmjP82uxp5emf/s1600-h/IMG_5475.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqemlKgXITZ9Z4VVi1IdAcW8uyeQk5_LV_kmI2e0zxS6KR3ajhjGGKFpLE88ilJfxf89Wewlkhf57LCSl-DvKnTzxYdr_7WsxC2j3IuP-wkLeyU6h21dr0k7yvhUaIFJXnmjP82uxp5emf/s400/IMG_5475.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5204427396285663330" border="0" /></a>Saturday, May 24, 2008. We're thinking of having a bikini mud-wresting tournament in our front yard, so be sure to register today!<br /></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjLc_aqjly6QQAR4jhHr0p8hVCKYIqCGwNotFsOpCluLnl7_CRgOI-ESFqn3xn6g7A3GtgBhVvN5bu3-6LoyUbtuuycQEBKBKABa-E3hcCwh0YdZyj6ZSyodM0-m64TnuKujEiZSL4p210/s1600-h/IMG_5476.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjLc_aqjly6QQAR4jhHr0p8hVCKYIqCGwNotFsOpCluLnl7_CRgOI-ESFqn3xn6g7A3GtgBhVvN5bu3-6LoyUbtuuycQEBKBKABa-E3hcCwh0YdZyj6ZSyodM0-m64TnuKujEiZSL4p210/s400/IMG_5476.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5204427396285663346" border="0" /></a>As a clean antidote to all the mud, we saw this tub in a movie we rented (The Nanny Diaries... Angela was complaining that the movies I was renting were "puro zombies!"). Now we'd kind of like one, but can't find them around here, so if you come down, bring one with you.<br /><div style="text-align: justify;">So, that's it for this week. Hope you liked the pictures, and keep on checking in for more new ones!<br /></div></div><br /></div>Sitzmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11736024263670063703noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9122035398931417039.post-60676396244288820892008-05-25T13:51:00.000-07:002008-05-25T14:06:52.098-07:00Week Eight<div style="text-align: justify;">Well, I missed a week, so I'll still put up separate postings for week 8 and 9. Last weekend I had to work all day on Saturday, and on Sunday we went to a pool, so I didn't have time to get pictures up. Anyhow, hope you enjoy these two new weeks!<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_HxspMvtSITg/SDnS6YbrCAI/AAAAAAAAAm0/1b8E_hRMYLU/s1600-h/IMG_5431.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_HxspMvtSITg/SDnS6YbrCAI/AAAAAAAAAm0/1b8E_hRMYLU/s400/IMG_5431.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5204422744836081666" border="0" /></a>May 17, 2008.<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_HxspMvtSITg/SDnS7IbrCBI/AAAAAAAAAm8/cZZ0Fdb4KSw/s1600-h/IMG_5432.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_HxspMvtSITg/SDnS7IbrCBI/AAAAAAAAAm8/cZZ0Fdb4KSw/s400/IMG_5432.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5204422757720983570" border="0" /></a>Angela checking out the inside.<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_HxspMvtSITg/SDnS7YbrCCI/AAAAAAAAAnE/IwSMgAW3KPk/s1600-h/IMG_5434.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_HxspMvtSITg/SDnS7YbrCCI/AAAAAAAAAnE/IwSMgAW3KPk/s400/IMG_5434.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5204422762015950882" border="0" /></a>The sunset, as seen from what will be our dining room.<br /><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_HxspMvtSITg/SDnSb4brB7I/AAAAAAAAAmM/u1_q3lfGhNU/s1600-h/IMG_5438.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_HxspMvtSITg/SDnSb4brB7I/AAAAAAAAAmM/u1_q3lfGhNU/s400/IMG_5438.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5204422220850071474" border="0" /></a>The dining room (left) and kitchen (right), as seen from the living room. (Mom, the drawing I sent you matches with this)<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_HxspMvtSITg/SDnSc4brB8I/AAAAAAAAAmU/aufuxIrZURI/s1600-h/IMG_5439.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_HxspMvtSITg/SDnSc4brB8I/AAAAAAAAAmU/aufuxIrZURI/s400/IMG_5439.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5204422238029940674" border="0" /></a>The beautiful Angela.<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_HxspMvtSITg/SDnSdYbrB9I/AAAAAAAAAmc/1Tczsm8GqF4/s1600-h/IMG_5440.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_HxspMvtSITg/SDnSdYbrB9I/AAAAAAAAAmc/1Tczsm8GqF4/s400/IMG_5440.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5204422246619875282" border="0" /></a>You know that scene in Fight Club where Ed Norton is in a board meeting and he puts his mouth like this to show the blood between his teeth? That was cool.<br /></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_HxspMvtSITg/SDnSdobrB-I/AAAAAAAAAmk/YWY1S3rp7DE/s1600-h/IMG_5446.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_HxspMvtSITg/SDnSdobrB-I/AAAAAAAAAmk/YWY1S3rp7DE/s400/IMG_5446.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5204422250914842594" border="0" /></a>We inaugurated the backyard one evening last weekend with a couple of beers. This looks like Angela is drinking three beers, but that's technically impossible, as she'd be asleep after one and a half. One is for me, and the other is for Harvey, who didn't show up because he was buying food at the pulperia.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6M5H3Z2QZlZJqSP0zBBrESSrBrNrVsKXjEZPGzyNEhcSgao-NFvL2O958eufnIAgwWMdEEg5Vt4yud7aOjQtZPzEKFh1CGl4i7t2V13oGFsf12ahXiVseGC3fvzz67EFMdHDpbk1zOnB4/s1600-h/IMG_5449.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6M5H3Z2QZlZJqSP0zBBrESSrBrNrVsKXjEZPGzyNEhcSgao-NFvL2O958eufnIAgwWMdEEg5Vt4yud7aOjQtZPzEKFh1CGl4i7t2V13oGFsf12ahXiVseGC3fvzz67EFMdHDpbk1zOnB4/s400/IMG_5449.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5204422255209809906" border="0" /></a>A nice relaxing evening.<br /></div>Sitzmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11736024263670063703noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9122035398931417039.post-9081805005387786242008-05-13T17:43:00.000-07:002008-05-13T17:48:16.488-07:00A Weird Story Tangentially Related to the Construction of Our House<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">This story is too strange to not mention, at least in passing.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><span style=""> </span>The house we live in currently is two doors down from the house we’re building, so it’s very convenient to monitor the progress of the construction. As we found out on Sunday evening, though, there are also disadvantages to being that close.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><span style=""> </span>Around 8:30 P.M., there was a knock on our door. I set down my margarita to see who was there, and when I opened the door, before me stood one of the guys working on our house. I didn’t actually know his name, because he had just been hired last week, along with two other new guys. He was a rather big guy, a bit shorter than me, but a lot stronger-looking. He smelled like booze and was barefoot in the drizzling rain. So, I said hello, and asked what was going on. He asked me if he could call the contractor. I said sure, no problem, and I went to get the phone from the other room. When I came back, he was sitting on the porch step with his back turned to me, and he was sobbing.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><span style=""> </span>Uh….awkward….</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><span style=""> </span>I said, “Here’s the phone.” (This whole conversation was obviously in Spanish, so these aren’t necessarily exact quotes from either of us). The guy said that I should call the contractor, so I dialed the number and handed him the phone, but he didn’t want to take it. I hung up. He said I should sit down and talk to him because he was lonely. “Well, sure,” I said, and sat down, hoping this wouldn’t be one of those repetitive, three-hour Drunk Guy Sermons.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><span style=""> </span>He told me many, many times that he was sad, and that the reason he was sad was because the other workers, who were staying in the same house with him in the back of our new lot, had tied him up. I asked what he meant by “tied him up,” and he said that he gotten too drunk and violent, so they tied his hands and feet, took his car keys and shoes, and put him in his car to sleep it off. Evidently, he’d managed to untie himself and had stumbled his way to our house because he didn’t know where else to go.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><span style=""> </span><span style=""> </span>He kept grabbing my ankles and wrists to demonstrate how they tied him up, and lightly hitting my chest to demonstrate how much his coworkers’ actions “hurt his heart.” It was the weirdest conversation that I’ve had on that particular porch…so far, at least.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><span style=""> </span>And all of this was going on during Smallville! Not even one of the episodes from season 1 and 2 that they show during weekdays; no, this was a <i style="">Sunday</i> episode from the “new” season, and it was already super confusing, not only because it was in badly-dubbed Spanish (“Was Lana in that car when it blew up?? And what the hell is happening with Chole and Luisa—did they switch lives?? WTF?!?”)</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><span style=""> </span>In any case, Angela called the contractor, and he said he’d head right up from Palmares. So after sitting and talking with me for about 10 minutes, this drunk guy who kept calling me Max--evidently he once knew an American named Max—decided that he was going to walk home to San Ramón, probably to avoid the contractor who would pass by on the other road in a matter of minutes. Obviously, that was just sweet, stupid drunk talk, but I also didn’t doubt that he’d try to actually walk downhill 15 kilometers in the rain…barefoot. So, I called in to Angela and asked her to bring my extra sandals, and I stalled the guy until a Smallville commercial break came along and Angela brought the sandals. He put them on, and despite our attempts to convince him to wait, that was the last we saw of him.<span style=""> </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><span style=""> </span>When the contractor arrived, he talked with the remaining guys in the house where the workers are staying, and he sorted things out a bit. Apparently, the guy had been drunk, and he had tried to fight the guy who runs the Berlín <i style="">pulpería</i>, which is kind of like a little drug store or general store, only much less convenient and with fewer items. It appears that our guy wanted to fight the pulpería owner because the guy wouldn’t let him buy alcohol on credit…and also because the pulpería doesn’t actually sell alcohol.* (*As an aside, the pulpería in question here is NOT the one run by my sister-in-law’s husband’s brother-in-law, but rather the pulpería run by the son of the guy who rides around Berlín on his fucking horse and shuts off the water every night…in other words, the drunk guy actually <i style="">should have</i> hit the pulpería owner so hard that his father would feel it, too. As an aside to an aside, every time I play “Six Degrees of Separation: Berlín Edition,” basically everyone around here turns out to be my “sister-in-law’s husband’s brother-in-law” or something similarly obscure. End aside.)</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><span style=""> </span>So, the other guys turned vigilante on our drunk buddy’s ass, and they tied him up and took his car keys, all of which was probably a good idea, all things told. The contractor arrived and told the new guys that this type of shit hadn’t happened in the six weeks before they arrived, and that he expected them to be gone by the time he arrived the next morning.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><span style=""> </span>And in a fictional little town in Kansas, some alien thing took some of Clark Kent’s DNA, and the episode will be continued next week, when we’ll find out if Lana Lang really died, if Chole gave her live to save Luisa’s, and when we’ll hopefully not be interrupted by any more drunk shenanigans.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><span style=""> </span>Unless it’s the type of shenanigans where people return your pair of backup sandals. Shit.</span></p>Sitzmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11736024263670063703noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9122035398931417039.post-86940013030859634462008-05-13T17:38:00.000-07:002008-05-13T18:08:24.593-07:00Week SevenIf you read the story on the previous post and look at the pictures below, you'll understand a bit more why I was pretty busy this weekend and unable to post these pictures.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_HxspMvtSITg/SCo1LUkSx4I/AAAAAAAAAkU/RyFfyx40pFw/s1600-h/IMG_5397.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_HxspMvtSITg/SCo1LUkSx4I/AAAAAAAAAkU/RyFfyx40pFw/s400/IMG_5397.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5200027188368426882" border="0" /></a>May 4, 2008<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_HxspMvtSITg/SCo1C0kSxzI/AAAAAAAAAjs/Gtc_iIvpKqo/s1600-h/IMG_5399.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_HxspMvtSITg/SCo1C0kSxzI/AAAAAAAAAjs/Gtc_iIvpKqo/s400/IMG_5399.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5200027042339538738" border="0" /></a>Like members of a synchronized swimming team, the bars on our house's walls await blocks.<br /><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_HxspMvtSITg/SCo1C0kSx0I/AAAAAAAAAj0/u7w85tVvo5A/s1600-h/IMG_5406.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_HxspMvtSITg/SCo1C0kSx0I/AAAAAAAAAj0/u7w85tVvo5A/s400/IMG_5406.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5200027042339538754" border="0" /></a>OK, we totally scored an incredible amount of really cheap dirt this last weekend. About 20 or 25 truckloads, to be precise (one of the drivers turned out to be Angela's cousin, so we got a huge discount). In any case, we used the dirt to help level out things in front of the lot, make things more sloped and less abrupt in the back, and we filled in the sides, which were kind of like mini-cliffs. In effect, we now have a significantly larger (and nicer-looking lot) than before.<br /></div><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_HxspMvtSITg/SCo1DEkSx1I/AAAAAAAAAj8/2fQK-OdLm08/s1600-h/IMG_5407.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_HxspMvtSITg/SCo1DEkSx1I/AAAAAAAAAj8/2fQK-OdLm08/s400/IMG_5407.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5200027046634506066" border="0" /></a>Here you can see some of the metal framework for the "crown beams." They're supposed to pour the concrete for these imminently.<br /></div><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_HxspMvtSITg/SCo1DEkSx2I/AAAAAAAAAkE/o6Jb3euGh5c/s1600-h/IMG_5409.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_HxspMvtSITg/SCo1DEkSx2I/AAAAAAAAAkE/o6Jb3euGh5c/s400/IMG_5409.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5200027046634506082" border="0" /></a>The curve in the front. Angela and I love this freaking curve.<br /><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_HxspMvtSITg/SCo1DUkSx3I/AAAAAAAAAkM/8uC4BUpO0hk/s1600-h/IMG_5412.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_HxspMvtSITg/SCo1DUkSx3I/AAAAAAAAAkM/8uC4BUpO0hk/s400/IMG_5412.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5200027050929473394" border="0" /></a>Saturday, May 10, 2008.<br /><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_HxspMvtSITg/SCo0vUkSxuI/AAAAAAAAAjE/4kfK9pmCugk/s1600-h/IMG_5414.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_HxspMvtSITg/SCo0vUkSxuI/AAAAAAAAAjE/4kfK9pmCugk/s400/IMG_5414.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5200026707332089570" border="0" /></a>Here I am helping out a guy named Emancio with some shoveling. He's selling his lot, which is two doors down, if anyone's interested. I told him I'd mention it.<br /></div><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio5fOn5UdON8XmX9o1Urux_KoxyxelcGOcZ5giAGT-mTPo_38FUdBNXI2iY1UvxAJ87zmSwXt1zsd0A1lwi1r3mqetKw4_2t_zwfvH1zJW2wzAPkwRnijeToib4bA4SMC3RP_sjH_7lH22/s1600-h/IMG_5419.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio5fOn5UdON8XmX9o1Urux_KoxyxelcGOcZ5giAGT-mTPo_38FUdBNXI2iY1UvxAJ87zmSwXt1zsd0A1lwi1r3mqetKw4_2t_zwfvH1zJW2wzAPkwRnijeToib4bA4SMC3RP_sjH_7lH22/s400/IMG_5419.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5200026707332089586" border="0" /></a>A backhoe that we hired to flatten the dirt. I had dumped about 25 wheelbarrow-loads to one side of the lot, and I barely made a dent in the hills of dirt. This backhoe guy was really good and really precise, and was in and out in about a half hour.<br /></div><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_HxspMvtSITg/SCo0vkkSxwI/AAAAAAAAAjU/SSZ61o9BTiY/s1600-h/IMG_5420.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_HxspMvtSITg/SCo0vkkSxwI/AAAAAAAAAjU/SSZ61o9BTiY/s400/IMG_5420.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5200026711627056898" border="0" /></a>The backhoe in the back. By the way, the Spanish word for backhoe is "backhoe," at least here, and they even write it that way...but for some reason they pronounce it "Bah-hop." Sometimes I just don't get this place.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_HxspMvtSITg/SCo0vkkSxxI/AAAAAAAAAjc/hkM3FLeemZY/s1600-h/IMG_5422.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_HxspMvtSITg/SCo0vkkSxxI/AAAAAAAAAjc/hkM3FLeemZY/s400/IMG_5422.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5200026711627056914" border="0" /></a>Harvey pouring columns the old-fashioned way (aka "the shitty way"): one bucket of cement handed to him at a time.<br /></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_HxspMvtSITg/SCo0v0kSxyI/AAAAAAAAAjk/EfjvTzDiI9g/s1600-h/IMG_5425.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_HxspMvtSITg/SCo0v0kSxyI/AAAAAAAAAjk/EfjvTzDiI9g/s400/IMG_5425.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5200026715922024226" border="0" /></a>The beautiful and more photogenic aftermath of the Bah-hop. Although the Bah-hop caused quite a stir, it was nothing compared to when the owner of the bah-hop showed up in his new white Ford F-150 double cab pickup (which, incidently, is pronounced "la picka," I shit you not). All the workers who had cell phones took them out to get a picture of the truck, and gushed about it for the rest of the day.<br />Anyhow, that's it for this week. Thanks for checking in!<br /></div>Sitzmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11736024263670063703noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9122035398931417039.post-22297789426272538532008-05-02T18:27:00.000-07:002008-05-02T18:41:23.261-07:00Week Six<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_HxspMvtSITg/SBvANjoUyqI/AAAAAAAAAbk/1zGTFwglCsg/s1600-h/IMG_5361.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_HxspMvtSITg/SBvANjoUyqI/AAAAAAAAAbk/1zGTFwglCsg/s400/IMG_5361.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5195957934237207202" border="0" /></a>Sunday, April 27, 2008<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAutEPLngydSOof6bPdPiioeCeHNfkqdrb47Fqv7VM44fIOn6vEo2IPIKsUtreI5C6USvf6GFUoiYQQxsvq-nPbzta3o0_xZ_rmOZ_CVdCM1LSORKlz5FF91HgjMztjbjeNXw0AghBR3yx/s1600-h/IMG_5366.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAutEPLngydSOof6bPdPiioeCeHNfkqdrb47Fqv7VM44fIOn6vEo2IPIKsUtreI5C6USvf6GFUoiYQQxsvq-nPbzta3o0_xZ_rmOZ_CVdCM1LSORKlz5FF91HgjMztjbjeNXw0AghBR3yx/s400/IMG_5366.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5195957938532174514" border="0" /></a>Angela with our first houseguest: an adorable little dog that wandered onto the site.<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_HxspMvtSITg/SBvANzoUysI/AAAAAAAAAb0/XWNKBuoTHbs/s1600-h/IMG_5375.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_HxspMvtSITg/SBvANzoUysI/AAAAAAAAAb0/XWNKBuoTHbs/s400/IMG_5375.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5195957938532174530" border="0" /></a>Looking from the garage into the bathroom and then the master bedroom. The steel structure in the front will eventually be inside of a poured-concrete column.<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_HxspMvtSITg/SBu_-ToUylI/AAAAAAAAAa8/QweE6kh3hbY/s1600-h/IMG_5379.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_HxspMvtSITg/SBu_-ToUylI/AAAAAAAAAa8/QweE6kh3hbY/s400/IMG_5379.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5195957672244202066" border="0" /></a>Harvey measuring the height that the next row of blocks needs to reach. His hat may not be straight, but his angles are.<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_HxspMvtSITg/SBu_-ToUymI/AAAAAAAAAbE/MCBGUkKeXPQ/s1600-h/IMG_5383.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_HxspMvtSITg/SBu_-ToUymI/AAAAAAAAAbE/MCBGUkKeXPQ/s400/IMG_5383.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5195957672244202082" border="0" /></a>Harvey demonstrating how to place a block. You first need to thread the steel column through the hole.<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_HxspMvtSITg/SBu_-joUynI/AAAAAAAAAbM/QWbPeVQ6cTs/s1600-h/IMG_5388.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_HxspMvtSITg/SBu_-joUynI/AAAAAAAAAbM/QWbPeVQ6cTs/s400/IMG_5388.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5195957676539169394" border="0" /></a>Thursday, May 1, 2008. (Yes, they were working on Labor Day. It was because a few other days this week, it rained and they had to quit early. The contractor had to pay them double for working on a holiday, though.)<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_HxspMvtSITg/SBu_-joUyoI/AAAAAAAAAbU/igTPHagCrRs/s1600-h/IMG_5391.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_HxspMvtSITg/SBu_-joUyoI/AAAAAAAAAbU/igTPHagCrRs/s400/IMG_5391.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5195957676539169410" border="0" /></a>The workers laying blocks on the rising walls of the garage.<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_HxspMvtSITg/SBu_-zoUypI/AAAAAAAAAbc/77Pe9rsLnW0/s1600-h/IMG_5392.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_HxspMvtSITg/SBu_-zoUypI/AAAAAAAAAbc/77Pe9rsLnW0/s400/IMG_5392.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5195957680834136722" border="0" /></a>A view from the other side of the house. The room in the front and on the right will be the guest room. If you come, we'll hospitalitize the hell out of you!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">That's it for today. I'm hoping to somehow make a copy of the floorplan (or even draw one) so that the fans of this site (hi ma!) can have a look at it. Until then, though, have a good one!<br /></div></div>Sitzmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11736024263670063703noreply@blogger.com0