What's Happening at the Library

We don't have any volunteers right now to keep the library open all day, but so many young people have been coming to do homework at the library in the afternoons, that I have begun opening every day from 2 pm to 5 pm.

Read More...

Summary only...

Construction; Progress Report 5

This week the last few rows of block that form the walls were placed, and the columns that hold up the roof on this end were poured.

The view from the front corner shows that the building is now ready for the roof ... the wood for the triangular roof supports has been purchased and is on site, and that work will be done this week . The iron bars to cover the windows ("balcones" they call them here) have been ordered.

Here is the view from the back corner showing the kitchen on this end ... the section that is outside will contain the pila (a large cement sink/water storage) and preparation area ... and the appliances, and more prep area will be located just inside. The other 2/3 of the inside will be for work, sales and storage area, as well as for restaurant area during inclement weather.

Read More...

Summary only...

Twins

Here are our two new family members. They are twins ... nestmates ... apparently a male and a female. It is amazing what a big difference there is in their size, even at this young age. They arrived on a hunger strike, but I think we have it beat now ... last night I hit a responsive chord with a mixture of corn maza, brown rice and home made peanut butter. Now I can see why Momma Parrots only lay 2 eggs in season ... these hungry little mites can sure keep one busy!! I am now trying to figure out what their names are ...

Read More...

Summary only...

Construction; Progress Report 4

The view from the back corner shows the walls are now going up rapidly and the building is ready for the "fundacion" above the windows and doors.

This view from the front corner shows the front deck that will be used for seating for catering lunches and dinners.

The pass-through windows have been installed on both sides of the inside kitchen area, and all the electrical outlets and plumbing is also installed.

One of the most difficult jobs has been to carve a hole for the septic tank out of almost solid rock ... it will be 3 meters deep.

Read More...

Summary only...

Construction; Progress Report 3

The construction is moving forward rapidly now ... the walls have started to go up and the plumbing and electrical lines are being installed in, under and through the walls

Today, I went up to view the construction site with Doña Juana (President, middle) and Doña Beti (Treasurer, right) so that they could tell Don Sebastian where they would like to install the 220 outlet for the oven, electrical outlets for kitchen appliances, drainage for the pila and sinks, and kitchen cupboards.

Read More...

Summary only...

Construction; Progress Report 2

By last night, the armatura (upright metal columns) were in place and most of the block for the foundation had been laid.

We hauled the cement mixer up a couple of days ago to speed up the process ... even the kids want to help.

The bodega (storeroom) is now finished and stocked with cement and tools, and the piles of cement block, wooden pilings and gravel are ready to use.

And work has begun to dig the hole for the septic tank ... a job that will be difficult given the fact that this mountainous location is pure rock.

Read More...

Summary only...

Checking the Progress of the Construction

Sandra Van den Brink of Ayudamos Foundation in Calgary has been here for the last few days to check the progress of the construction of the women's center. Ayudamos, in concert with Friends of Ix-canaan (also of Calgary) and the Wild Rose Foundation are funding this endeavor.

Read More...

Summary only...

A Volunteer Librarian

Welcome to our newest volunteer!! Marta Baldursdottir arrived ready for work first thing on Monday morning. Marta is a librarian from Iceland who has decided that our village is a perfect spot to spend the last month of her vacation. She has begun by cataloguing the recent book donations and re-organizing the library, and she plans to teach some afternoon classes when that is done.

Read More...

Summary only...