Super Moon Tuesday

I have to say it, Neither Dianna nor I were impressed with the super moon last night. We both agreed we've seen bigger and more impressive plain old harvest moons down here. Maybe if you were somewhere else it would have been more impressive. Anyway, it gave us a title for today's posting on 15 November, 2016.

Parging the Waterfall Face

I'm not sure why they're parging (plastering) the face of the waterfall blocks. Myself, I would have just started buttering the tiles and gone for it. I'm sure there's a good reason for it. I'll see I can find what that is.

Found out about the plastering. It's because the corner angle isn't right and the tiles won't come out right without doing it. Not sure I understand, but hey, it'll all work out all right. Right?

Anyway, I think the waterfall is going to be impressive.

Facing Tiles on Spa Seating

This time, we're doing the tiles on the stairs and the spa seating a little differently than before. For those of you who had been in the pool before, remember the tile was 3" and there were two of them on top of the steps with none on the face, so, that if you were in the pool, it could be hard to see the steps. The spa seating was totally covered with 3" tile. This made for a slick seating surface.

Now, as you can see, there will be a 1" tile line around the top with a 2" line on the face. The Diamond Brite will be much smoother. It might make for a more relaxing surface. The tiles for the steps will be done the same way.

Carpentry Shop Starting Up

This is a short-term part of the project. The carpentry shop is now working on the framing for the screen windows for the pool. The shade cloth we had used for our awning is still in such good condition that the guys will be able to use most if not all of it for the windows, saving a bundle of cash.

My Contribution to the Project

My own contribution to the project this morning. One of Isaiel's custom hose hangers that we have all over the place. Now all I  have to do is get a kink-free hose and good nozzle. We'll be ready to go.

Waterfall Outfall

This is the pipe that leads outside to the waterfall itself. It's going to be tricky. I'm hoping I can get up on the scaffold tomorrow and take a photo or two to show how it's going to work.

Trial Fitting Screen Frame

First trial fitting of the first window screen. I think they're going to look good - even better with the shade cloth in them.

Working On the Second Screen Frame

You can see Endher working on the second screen frame. That is going to be really nice. Rene is moving right along with the tile in the pool. It's looking good too.

Moving Screen Frame

Last bit of the work day. The carpentry shop has been busy sanding and fitting screen frames, well at least the first two of them. Here the frame is being moved under the palapa for the evening. The other frame, still on the ground will be going for a trial fitting next.

Trial Fitting Screen Frame

And here that frame is being squeezed into place. I am so looking forward to the screens being in place.

Thor's or Jupiter's Day

A good title for today 13 October, 2016. I didn't come up with it on my own. Credit due to Wikipedia, the fount of all knowledge, correct or not, on the intertubes. Besides, Thor, or Thunder, is doubly fitting. Lately, when we've had thunderstorms, we've had humdingers. None in the forecast for today.

Footings for West Ramp

West side footings are ready to go. Unfortunately, the 'machine', the cement mixer has other ideas. It's transmission (I'm guessing here) when the bowl is tilted over, sounds like it's trying to strip every tooth it has in its gearing. Not a good sign.

So, consequently, the guys are mixing using the old tried and true method. At least they're not out in the road doing it.

Block Work on East Ramp

This in on the east side ramp. Footings are in place, and the slope looks like it's set well for the lower part of the ramp.

Concrete Going In On West Ramp

Jumping around now. This is back on the west side. Concrete is going into the trenches.

Slope of Lower Ramp Looking Good

The lower slope of the east ramp is looking good. The upper slope still has that worrisome hump in it. I'm keeping a close eye on it to make sure it slopes correctly.

Footing's Been Autographed

Our children decided to leave their autographs in the concrete. They must have done this as soon as I set them loose from the pen last night. I didn't notice their handiwork till this morning.

West Side Footing Almost Done

West side footings are almost done. Still to do is the footing for the circular staircase.

Glass Block For Column?
- Photo Courtesy of Mario Zetina

Mario sent us this picture of available block at whatever store he visited yesterday. I don't know if the display at Creative Tile here in Corozal or Boxito (pronounced bo-shee-doh) or somewhere else in Chetumal.

We're thinking of selecting the solid blue (2nd up, bottom right) or the clear with sparkly (top right). Remember, the tile is going to go in the space next to the waterfall between the pump house and the column.

East Ramp is Looking Like a Ramp

The east ramp is really starting to look like a ramp should. I mentioned to the guys that I was concerned about the hump that is still in place on the upper part. They assured me it would be correct when they pour. I hope so.

Plastering Waterfall Area Continues

A little bit of plastering continues on the waterfall area. It will be interesting to see that all come together.

Boxing the Circular Stair Pad

A lot of progress on the pad for the circular staircase. It will be fun to see the stairs go up and be usable.

West Ramp Forming Up

Along with the pad progress, there's a lot of progress for the west ramp.

Stairway Pad Ready For Next Step

Here's a shot after the workers left. Pad box is ready for the next step, filling in. 8' x 8' will be plenty big enough for the circular stairway.

Showing Column Steel

Here's a shot of the west ramp showing the newly installed steel for the fence columns, which will be the same as the ones they did for the Mennonite house stairs. Should look great.