What!? It's Sunday Again?

I guess it's time for another grab bag. Nothing in particular, just some shots accumulating in the camera.

First up, some young men we saw beside one of the creeks that empties into the bay. This one is right in front of the Social Security building. They're using a cast net, tossing it into the creek to catch small sardines or minnows or "baits" as they called them. Which made sense as that's what they were going to be used for - as bait for their morning's fishing expedition.

When I asked if they minded if I took their picture, all three straightened up like soldiers and froze for the camera. It took a small bit of coaxing to get them to forget the camera and just do what they were doing.

Catching Some "Baits"

Casual Saturday

Ok, I've carried this casual bit about as far as I can - probably about a day longer than I needed. Y'all realize of course, we don't wear socks, most times we go "commando" (if I need to explain that, you really are behind the times), and rarely wear anything other than tee-shirts and either shorts or swimming suits. Oh yeh, and Crocs. Unbelievable just how comfortable those things are.

Here's the latest updates on the guesthouse. The guys are planning on casting the roof this coming Sunday, so they'll be spending today (Saturday) prepping the forms, growing the forest, etc.

As you can see, some of the forest is beginning to grow as they've already got the form done for the "chain" as it's called. It's the rebar-laced concrete bit that goes completely around the edge, binding the whole house together. Below is the view through the 12' hole for the sliding glass doors, this time taken from inside.

View From the Kitchen/Living Room

A few more views - the one on the left is looking into each bedroom from the living room. The shot on the right is from the kitchen window.

View Windows All

Another View Window

Here's a closeer view of the electrical panel in the utility room and a view from there out to the pool.

Electrical Panel

View From One of the Bedrooms

Here's the new pool cover deployed. We noticed that it kept the tempurature about 2-3 degrees warmer just overnight. I've also trimmed it a bit in places for a little better fit in the pool (that'll show up in later shots. These views are of it untrimmed).

Pool Cover Rolled Out

Pool Cover Rolled Out - Untrimmed

And finally, another view of Corozal Bay, near the fishermen's pier and the "old man of the fleet". I always image him as the senior pelican since he has the coveted post to spend the night on.

Sunrise

And finally, for today. I noticed yesterday, the more Gregg's trees get pruned and cleaned out, the better our view of the bay improves. As you can see below, we've now got a nice, albeit short view of the bay.

My Home Away From Home

I only made six trips to Lano's Hardware yesterday. So far today, it's two. I'm sure by this time, that I'm a full share holder in the business. "Best Price!" is Mr. Lano's watch words to live by. He cuts a hard deal. But all in all, he's a nice guy. I enjoy shopping at his store too.

Mr. Lan - Doing His Morning Purchasing On Line

Here's the interior of Lano's Hardware. There really isn't much they don't have. Nuts and bolts, and today, of all things, sitting on the counter, live fish in a small aquarium. Tell me they don't have it all!

A Glimpse into the Sanctum Sanctorum

John, below, is the most knowledgeable and helpful sales clerk at Lano's. I always try to get his service, especially if I have a long list of stuff to get.

John Always Has a Smile and a Sense of Humor

Keeping tabs on the till and double-checking the sales clerks tallies, is Mr. Lano's younger brother, Kim. He has a subtle sense of humor and is always interested in how our project is coming along.

Kim Minding the Till

One of the other Sales Clerks, Wilson, helped me today. Here, he's testing compact fluorescent bulbs I want to buy. Standard practice down here, y'know.

Wilson Testing Bulbs Before Purchase

Fire! Fire! The trees are on fire (Sung to the tune of a hot Soca number called "Follow the Leader").

Yesterday, about mid-morning, we had an exciting few moments when, over at Robert and Lynn's place, where one of their workers lit off a burn pile he had placed somewhat too close to their trees beside the canal.

Of course, the fire took off like a rocket, and of course, it ignited the pine trees standing right beside it. We saw the smoke and heard the roar of the fire. We went running back to the canal to see what was going on. On the way, I extended and charged our new water spigot and hose at the parking palapa. No sense not taking proper precautions with our new palapa.

Robert and Lynn, and several of their workers, formed a bucket brigade (when was the last time you heard of one of those?) and began to throw water on the fire, bringing it under control in a few minutes.

Fire! Fire!

On the way to the "mattress bank" (the guys on the temple steps in the Bible) this morning, I passed the fishing dock. I saw the pelican that always seems to rest on the piling there. He had his wings spread like he was drying out, but by the time I got over to the water's edge and ready to take a picture, he folded them up and appeared as you see below.

Senior Member of the Fleet

Work on the home front is proceeding apace. Here's Dianna's hobby room, all primed and ready for its final coat of bone white paint.

Dianna's Hobby Room

Things're Moving Along

Almost since we've moved to Corozal, I've been meaning to get a photo of this one pelican who roosts on a mooring post near the Thunderbolt dock. Well, finally, the other morning, I did it. I was cruising by on my scooter and happened to see him stretching his wings and stopped. Naturally, as soon as I was ready to shoot, he quit stretching, but it still made a nice photo.

Local Pelican Rules Roost

At same place, I noticed the colors of the fishing boats moored and took a shot of them too. The fishermen congregate right there in a vacant lot to sell their morning's catch from big white coolers.

A Study in Blue

Now, we move on to the current state of construction at the ole' hacienda. Yesterday, the guys prepped the landing form.

Getting the Landing Ready to Pour

Just a Little Bit More Right Here

Here's the rest of the crew plastering the inside walls of the utility room.

Loading Mud on the Board

Smoothing the Applied Mud

Today, the stairs forms should be completed and maybe poured (I'm not sure of the exact sequence of events). So, I'll be sure to take a few pictures