Christian may need to be managed and can be hard to connect with and keep track of, but he really is talented.
This week we got the final concept for the landscaping - I am not sure if Lisle is convinced, but I think it is amazing - it is functional, suits how we want to use the house and the space around it, adds lots of useful space outside, and is toned way down from before.
Just got off the phone with him to say - let's go!
We heard today that the construction shack is coming down by February 15, so that site grading and water management can move forward - that really is the end of real construction.
So, one of the last things they need to do is put in the septic system - - I know, hardly romantic, sexy or discussed on polite company, but it does need to be there - and we even have photos!!
That is the date - we have assurances that we will begin occupancy of our new home, complete, fully furnished on April 15, 2011.
Travel plans are in progress!
So everyone in the ex-pat community knows about Lisle's lost iPhone, as does everyone connected to Ventana. There is much concern over the potential that a worker took it - a crime of opportunity - the thought never crossed my mind.
None of them know Lisle well enough to know that is was likely left on the counter at the bank machine, on in the grocery cart, for some lucky person to find in the following few minutes.
So who would have thought that one of the locals - who apparently works at the grocery store would show up with an iPhone and ask one of the Ventana folks for help with it - apparently a gift from a tourist, it had no SIM card and was locked with a passcode. Of course it is Lisle's, but only after he bought the newest and shiniest model to replace it.
I am going to buy him 'mitten hooks' for his phone!!
The cost of a speeding ticket on the way back to the airport
750 - the cost to replace Lisle's lost iPhone
2 weeks in Ojochal - Priceless
Oh - on top of the ticket there is a 30% surcharge for the children's orphanage - $600 total!!
It poured all night, and we woke at 6:00 am to find no power - No Coffee!!
We started packing hoping for it to return - nope.
Pulled all the cold stuff from the fridge and made breakfast - Gallo Pinto, cheese, a chicken breast, tomato
Lisle made sandwiches for the car ride back - chicken, cheese and avocado
Christian was to appear at 8 with the final plans and such - no show - 8:30 nope - 8:45 the power returned - check email - no message - 9:15 the phone rings - apologies and excuses - he will arrive shortly - that is almost 10 - he knows we MUST leave by 11.
He is actually well prepared, has good drawings, has detailed the water management, has fixed the front yard, has samples - I expect he ran ragged trying to pull it all together for us - but I am much more satisfied than I expected. Promises of pricing and colours for next week - guess we will see!
Kieth and Karen arrive to see us off - it is hugs and handshakes all around - another visit is done.
Well Friday was a day of rest - Lisle was readying for Juice in the Jungle (the monthly ex-pat party) - I was reading - the sun came and went, but no rain for a change.
About Noon we found out that there was a gathering at Boca Coronado (the weekly 101 session) with a special twist - it is Sonya's birthday. Not to be missed.
Arrived at 1:30 - drank and chatted the afternoon away - and needless to say never made it to Juice - the garlic dip and grilled pinapple will need to go to our friends (such hardship!)
Left Boca about 6:30 and ended our stay in Ojochal as we started it - Pizza at Stephan's! YUM!
