Cocina, Landscaping and Haciendas

  Remember the boat on our beach access a few BLOG ago.... It has been replaced by a wheel barrow as they mix the cement here.

A basic invention to ensure uniformity in the new archos 

The final coat of cement in the dining room is called masilla and they add powered color to create the cafe color in the room....no painting required!  Lauro mixes different amounts to provide some samples of the final color to choose from.


The KITCHEN ( Cocina) is next:

Gord rewired the kitchen where he found a rat's nest of wires in several places in the walls and ceiling.  The holes are for the wire construction for the shelves.

 Wood painted with used oil and weighted down to create some bend  to be used in making the form for the archos under the counters.

Hard to Believe:     Looks like a chair but is going to be a campana ( bell hood) over the stove.


OUTSIDE..TIMBER!!!!!!     All 8  COCO TREES DOWN 

First they trim the fronds from the trees.

We don't go to school cause there are 4 of us and our dad can't afford to send us so we work with our mom and dad. 

Loaded down and ready to go.. no load restrictions and no rules to cover it.... just drive slow and drag the frond behind...


Everybit of the tree is recycled. Fronds are used for palapas and woven into baskets and hats. .. the middle is woody and used for fence posting..  The coconuts are sold to street vendors and the woody trunk is being incorporated into our landscaping. 

This barren yard will become a courtyard with Palms, winding paths, gardens, a water feature and a palapa.. 

Rodrigo and Emmanual  come to visit. 

Professional Baseball Game in Merida  ( Yucatan Leones ( Lions)
( a Canadian  is the starting pitcher) 

A mexican hot dog.... pork and cheese in a bun with the weiner on top 

A TRIP TO HACIENDA SOTUTA DE PEON.... A working hacienda making the henequen rope... Sightseeing with the kids. 

David and girlfriend Julie 

This 84 year old man starting  working on the Hacienda when he was 15... In Mayan, with interpretation from our guide, he explained what life was like .  He is joyful that he has been asked to return to the Hacienda 20 years ago when a new owner restored it. He advised on the restoration and now shares his life story with people from all over the world.  As we left he said  "good by in" 15 different languages.  

Life in the casita is comfortable, and we look forward to more site-seeing with the kids for the rest of this week.  

Semana Santa ( Holy Week and Easter) is approaching so we expect the beach to be busy, busy.... more to share in the next few weeks. 


Adios nos amigos
Dorothy and Gord