REMODELING PROJECTS....

The way houses are built here in Ecuador is very different than in the states - in fact, all of the construction in South America is different.  With cement or adobe walls the house is a fortress and almost indestructible so remodeling projects are not small things.  Labor costs are much less than in the states,  but finding someone who actually knows good construction is a real challenge.... it is foolish to hire someone who has not been trained in and worked in the states for years...

Rene Calle  ( 0997731068 ) worked and learned construction in New Jersey...for 30 years...starting at the bottom and working his way up to having his own construction/remodeling firm, and flipping a lot of houses.... He is back in Cuenca doing what he loves most,  making ugly houses beautiful....

Rene has started the remodeling of my leaky bathroom, and making a very neat outdoor space from the grill area...

The bathroom shower has been leaking since we moved in as evidenced by the ceiling in the dining room.....now it actually drips onto the floor....Jaime (landlord) had a "maestro" come tear up the floor and toilet 3 times  - he did find some small leaks,  but we still had water coming from the ceiling,  so I called Rene......

Then I insisted that Jaime hire Rene to FIX the problem,  and also persuaded Jaime to let Rene make the grill area what I want.....so the house is dusty and I can't use my bathroom,  and I'm sleeping in the guest room,  but it's going to be very nice when it's finished....

Since the tile is cemented onto the tile walls it's a heavy duty job to remove it......

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The outdoor grill area  (which is a gas grill thanks to Rene ) is going to be such a huge improvement....

The ugly old grill....

THE WORK BEGINS.....

NOTICE THE TREE  POST.....

JAIME and RENE (in white)

I told Rene the look is  "Rustic Elegance" so he brought a big tree for the supporting post...it will all be white but rather distressed looking.....it's going to be so cute!!

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On FATHER'S DAY we were invited to Bertha's house to celebrate with the family....Rogelio  (the Chief) has started dialysis and despite his dreading it,  he is feeling much better and seems to be quite cheerful.....Three times a week for 3 hours each, it's a drag,  but he is doing well......

 It was a lovely dinner with all the family - 3 tables - about 24.....great food and a fabulous dessert....Bertha has promised to teach me how to make it....


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Had lunch this past week with Jean and a dear friend we hadn't seen for way too long...Nancy Woods.
Nancy lost her husband Don to lung cancer a few months ago,  but she is a survivor and doing okay....a lovely person....We went to Bertuchi's ,  the Italian restaurant around the corner from us -- they both raved about the food....we really like it,  and are fortunate to have it so close...


Have painted my pots and am ready to plant....

perhaps manana..........

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Thanks to the wonders of modern communications Rick was able to watch the College World Series from the comfort of his easy chair.....imagine... we are easily able to watch TV from Omaha any time we want,  as well as the TV channels here which are mostly in Spanish.....he is so happy to have SO many sports options.....

PAJA TOQUILLA......

Sunday after Mass there were some indigenous women outside the Cathedral selling handmade straw pieces....I made a little old lady very happy when I bought this....I'm sure they would rather have someone purchase something than just give them money....the people here are very proud.....

And now we are preparing for the visit of our daughter Deborah and granddaughter Cristina July 7 thru August 9th.....have ordered Angus steaks from Jungle Dave Goucher  (0969190689 ) which are being aged and to be delivered mid July....then we can really have a cook out...in the mean time we'll do ribs (Cristina's favorite) and chicken and hot dogs,  and veggies of course......

STILL ENJOYING LIFE IN LOVEY CUENCA!!!!