11/20/14: French Drain Project - Moving Along

 Construction
I am happy to report that things are moving along well.

• The "drilling team" completed 30 pipes yesterday, that is quite an improvement from the 11 completed the first day  - a productivity curve at its finest!
• About 80% of the ditch on the North (main road) side of the property is dug and today the pipe should be installed in it and covered with gravel. 

So a big Shout-Out to Tim Bibee who provided two drills that have been the stalwarts getting the drilling completed!

Clinic Design

 We have made a small addition to the clinic with the addition of a parking area and entry door for the ambulance. This will be a 10m deep x 7m wide roof at the side of the emergency room section with the door on the side of the building leading directly into to heart of the ER. With Mike's suggestion and Dr Canario's approval, this will be a great way to keep the vehicle out of the weather, have the ambulance parted in a visible area, and allow paramedics to take patients directly into the ER area.

 - I hear Bob in my head saying something about additional costs .... oh well. :)

Culture

Feeling comfortable with getting around, talking with people, etc. Far from full discussions with folks in spanish but attempting and getting nice support whether it is the girl at the phone store, the owner of the hardware store, etc. Eduard (our Engineer/Contractor) keeps stressing that he wants me to only speak spanish to him - he is kind of working on his english with me. Delsa, our resident engineer (a required position in the DR on projects) is Eduard's niece and at 29 has a civil engineering degree and is fairly good with her english. It will be nice to have her onsite to more easily communicate - but we are both attempting the others' language to improve our communication. 

Daily Stuff

How about this! It is the greatest Mosquito Racket you could ever want! ZAPS the begeebers out of them!! This is standard fare apparently for homeowners here. - Thanks Miguel for leaving it!

How about this beauty!

This is my Ride we purchased last Friday, a 2003 Montero. Don't believe the 104,000 miles! Originally purchased in VA Beach! I think Hail damage sent it here. Runs well, really nice inside. We shall see!!  The first non-pickup around here at the clinic. It was 1/3 the price of a pickup - easy choice!

Oh - the price you wonder .... $6,600!

It will never be this clean again ....