tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-79773583157442478652024-03-14T08:59:26.161-07:00Retired in UruguayFinding a place to retire way, way, way south of the borderWallyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01182374666645369163noreply@blogger.comBlogger370125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7977358315744247865.post-27247572710885052332016-08-19T11:12:00.000-07:002016-08-19T11:12:30.738-07:00The Fat Lady Has SungNo disrespect intended to any rotund readers, but we have finalized the sale on Casa Tranquilo and have closed the chapter on Uruguay. With 7 plus years of insight into the country via our experiences, we will leave the blog up for new people to enjoy.<br />
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As of this date forward, we are living in Macon, Georgia and I plan on posting, on occasion, about our new experiences in the South. The new blog is entitled "<a href="http://heartogeorgia.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Heart of Georgia</a>". The actual web address is: http://heartogeorgia.blogspot.com (heart<b>of</b>georgia was already taken, obvously).<br />
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Thanks for all your comments and for looking in on us from time to time. I hope to see you at our new blog (all 5 of you).<br />
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Wally & DeniseWallyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01182374666645369163noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7977358315744247865.post-5087597956725896432015-05-25T09:39:00.000-07:002015-07-02T18:48:28.964-07:00For Sale<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b><i>Virtual Tour of Casa Tranquilo</i></b></div>
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Well, we have finally made all our preparations to move. We are putting the last of our personal effects in boxes. We will probably take much less back than we moved here with. After almost 7 years here (on June 8th), we still had some things in boxes and stored away in cabinets.<br />
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So- the house is officially up for sale. I know some of you have followed us for several years, so if you have friends that are thinking about moving here (or you are finally making the move)- let them know that our house is available. I am being shamelessly commercial about this.<br />
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They say that location, location, location is important when buying a house and as you readers know I agree! Living just steps from the beach and enjoying the sound of the surf at night and seeing the daily activities on the sand itself of people playing soccer and horses galloping by all through the view from my dining room window, I can't imagine wanting to live anywhere else in Uruguay than in Marindia.<br />
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So, yes, I will miss this house and place a lot! If we weren't moving back to the USA, I wouldn't be selling this home at all!!!<br />
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That having been said, this house is now for sale. It is an open and bright (with natural light and plenty of overhead lights) airy floor plan. It has 3 bedrooms, 2 bath rooms and a separate laundry room with it's own window and outside door and laundry sink (washer and dryer included). It is on a double lot. There are water views from the living room, the dining room and even the kitchen! So you can wash the dishes looking through the kitchen sink window and see the sea, but we also have a dishwasher that is included in the sale. The backyard is fully fenced with a tall block wall for privacy and has a dedicated fenced vegetable garden area. It also has a back patio with a covered Parilla (bbq grill).There are several patio spaces around the house to take advantage of the winter and the summer sun.<br />
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The neighbourhood is beautiful and is very walkable (and safe) with 2 grocery stores you can walk to that each have full butcher-shops in them. As most of you readers know, I walk to Salinas to the weekly farmers' market (called the feria) pulling my little wire cart behind me to buy fresh vegetables and fruit for the week and other goods. This same group of farmers then goes to Atlantida to sell in the afternoon on the same day, their wares. So we here in Marindia and Salinas, we get first dibs on the produce, then Atlantida gets what is left! So fresh produce is a big plus for my area. Speaking of walkable, you can also walk on the beach all the way to Atlantida a major town/city away, as it's only an easy 5 kilometres away, and yes I have done it.<br />
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The town of Salinas has all the small support systems you may need like a beauty shop, post office, restaurants etc... and I regularly walk there. So I will also miss the convenience of not needing a car in my daily rounds. There is also the available bus system a few blocks away on the main ruta/highway. Okay, enough of the sales pitch!<br />
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What a lot of preparation goes into a move, though. There are papers to get for the pets, who are going with us, this time. There are pet "passports" to get and the travel arrangements to be made with the airline. Happy to note that our dog will fly for only an additional $ 200. Now if only I could arrange to fly in a kennel, I could be Denise's pet.<br />
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We have noticed that houses here in Uruguay are rarely prepared much for sale. They just show them as they are, dirty clothes strew about, piles of dishes, etc... are often shown in the "for sale" photos.. In the States, it is common to stage a house by removing most of the decorative and personal items in the house. Denise recently learned that the practice of taking <b>ALL</b> of your photos off the wall may not be the wisest course. A few personal photos show a prospective buyer that a real family lived here and that their family could also be happy in the house. But any needless clutter should be removed, and surfaces cleaned and presented with just enough decoration to make the house attractive.<br />
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When we sold our house in Seattle, we sold it fully furnished. We expect to do the same here. We're not planning on taking more that 20-30 boxes back. Just the items that we have picked up on our travels.<br />
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So, if you have ever had a hankering to sample life at the beach in South America with the Southern cross above your heads at night and a never ending sky meets water view, then Marindia might be a good choice..... and have I got the house for you....<br />
<br />Wallyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01182374666645369163noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7977358315744247865.post-13240240769672258292015-05-11T14:39:00.000-07:002015-05-11T14:44:33.308-07:00House Of Straw<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I had a chance to pick up a little extra money, doing a few days work in the country- near Punta Del Este. And when I say country..... I mean way away from anyone. Off the grid. UTE has not even put power lines out this far, so we worked off a generator. But what an interesting house this was. The owner has been building on it for almost a year and it is far from finished, even now. A crew of about 4-5 workers is doing the work.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc5f-51Ay0GL_IYhb8_S7AkpcPy1CW8sGfZnTCfl8fZfT7GUrgCRdOTL_xfhW-CSTCjy7rpK0PrAUuNVVp0LYlNsBFXeZxUycKLQE64tmdCatrldXqlFfDsAaM0qwVyCMNcfHUxgCZoEo/s1600/IMG_0657.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc5f-51Ay0GL_IYhb8_S7AkpcPy1CW8sGfZnTCfl8fZfT7GUrgCRdOTL_xfhW-CSTCjy7rpK0PrAUuNVVp0LYlNsBFXeZxUycKLQE64tmdCatrldXqlFfDsAaM0qwVyCMNcfHUxgCZoEo/s200/IMG_0657.jpg" width="150" /></a>I went with Jim, my neighbor and employer, in 2 day shifts, and camped out overnight, with Jim providing the food. Except for the mosquitos, it was very enjoyable. The second time I went, I brought a mosquito net and had a much easier time of it.<br />
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The house, besides being in the middle of farmland (the cows mooed all night long) had a number of interesting features, which made working there a challenge.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgggEKp7CK8KyxpYh65SQF6JWcZphFpHtzK8kn-J6-LhpM_px-d0cit5ZyTvMorzYnMSlMZDfUTDUi5NbQWxrZjZ-EQknjsLRaJMHJ0JkUdx6WjUlYiEYa3sepPLaEoHb25Qi6y9ZMukbo/s1600/IMG_0655.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgggEKp7CK8KyxpYh65SQF6JWcZphFpHtzK8kn-J6-LhpM_px-d0cit5ZyTvMorzYnMSlMZDfUTDUi5NbQWxrZjZ-EQknjsLRaJMHJ0JkUdx6WjUlYiEYa3sepPLaEoHb25Qi6y9ZMukbo/s200/IMG_0655.jpg" width="200" /></a>First of all, the owner had bought about 25 huge windows, with stained glass inserts (the larger ones arched tops) from a mansion being demolished. And when I say huge... the big ones were 10 feet tall and 6 feet wide. It was all that Jim and I could do to lift the frame, without the window panels in place. Jim has taken on the task of renovating, sanding and painting the windows. It is painstaking work and anybody who knows me, knows that I do not like to paint. Still, it was a refreshing change of pace and I am glad I had the opportunity.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Straw Light Panel in Place</td></tr>
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Another unique thing about this house is the use of <a href="http://www.greenhomebuilding.com/QandA/cob/strawclay.htm" target="_blank">straw light panels</a>. The workers have a pit, where they mix the clay and straw together, then stuff it into pre-made forms in the wall. The use of both clay and straw should produce quite an insulation factor. I have heard that there is lots of "green" building going on in the Punta area.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">They mix the lay and straw together</td></tr>
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Finally- the quincho style roof was breathtaking. It was more a work of art than a roofing system. It looks like it was sculpted. And the inside of the house is going to be very spacious. And while it should prove to be very cool in the summer, I am not sure how warm it will be with all of those single paned windows in the house. Still the straw light panels should provide good insulation.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihvMDqbfv5ORi9Nag6PHdj6ayVAtCisXdH10fAWynWG7irltcDallVhD3sJ5u7T5V3PoRMjX0TVP1wGxT9rakkW3OLu_7E5RiC9hasLSHeH_Rj73lPfRea5c2sJUpRjdZOOP91L7Cz4uo/s1600/IMG_0663.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihvMDqbfv5ORi9Nag6PHdj6ayVAtCisXdH10fAWynWG7irltcDallVhD3sJ5u7T5V3PoRMjX0TVP1wGxT9rakkW3OLu_7E5RiC9hasLSHeH_Rj73lPfRea5c2sJUpRjdZOOP91L7Cz4uo/s200/IMG_0663.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIAwgyyS5jfGDZ2a2ymPYa4ieJXrmfqY3zigptY43aMTxvDiCeRRI7qVaPQEO4ILwDRycw8c6die4sk4XLVL7G_dvhmJ9-3btIwaL1sqESSu_pqKFlnzHy3SExaKY_jae5q-V05NOrUeo/s1600/IMG_0652.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIAwgyyS5jfGDZ2a2ymPYa4ieJXrmfqY3zigptY43aMTxvDiCeRRI7qVaPQEO4ILwDRycw8c6die4sk4XLVL7G_dvhmJ9-3btIwaL1sqESSu_pqKFlnzHy3SExaKY_jae5q-V05NOrUeo/s200/IMG_0652.jpg" width="200" /></a><br />
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On the last day, we got to work on the new (read, very old) front door. It was actually fun to see such work and have a hand in restoring it.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jim filling a crack in the door</td></tr>
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So, while this may end up being house of straw, no wolf is going to huff and puff and blow the whole thing down. When it is finished- it should last a good long time.<br />
<br />Wallyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01182374666645369163noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7977358315744247865.post-49730621949744309302015-04-21T10:19:00.000-07:002015-04-21T14:27:49.377-07:00Motorcycle Diary<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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No, we did not take a motorcycle trip around South America, but we did have visitors who ended their 3,000 mile journey with a 3 day stay at <b><i>"Casa Tranquilo"</i></b>. How we ended up hosting this gang, composed of 2 guys and a girl, is an interesting story.<br />
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over 40 years ago, I was roommates with Lance Wakely, a budding young guitarist, song writer and studio musician, formerly of The Cascades musical group- famous for "Rhythm of the Rain" (how is that for a run-on sentence?). When Lance looked like he did on the left, I looked like I did on the right. Anyway, after living in Hollywood for many years, Lance eventually winds up in Poland (don't ask me how). He currently records and releases albums as "Dr. Harmonica", and is a one man band who plies the "<i>busker trade"</i> throughout the summer months in Northern Europe.</div>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0CXxAJwmcNHqOlpaJJpaf8j7NN_6mJ_svyTDlr00t_A4FRGdZoHjlngkOLgO-BuKUOURRMV82hXOqaTvAdSlpuFvG3PVlcU2UVTsKUdtOkhjkRfx_ys92Wb5cyiCLiQV4p1knazNj2VA/s1600/6419_10151732964160849_1281989981_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0CXxAJwmcNHqOlpaJJpaf8j7NN_6mJ_svyTDlr00t_A4FRGdZoHjlngkOLgO-BuKUOURRMV82hXOqaTvAdSlpuFvG3PVlcU2UVTsKUdtOkhjkRfx_ys92Wb5cyiCLiQV4p1knazNj2VA/s1600/6419_10151732964160849_1281989981_n.jpg" height="130" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Busker</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Recently he took his lovely Polish wife on a tour of the USA, and he stopped in Sacramento, California (on the west coast) to visit a relative of his, Dan. While talking together, Dan mentioned that he and some friends were going to ship motorcycles down to Chile, and ride them over the mountains into Argentina and end up in Uruguay. So, the idea was born to end their trip with a visit to us.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnFhlFXFQOHpCqKKAQ5Ur_lpPb_clnWsfl_jHxBf0gPk9B82dfWrtYgsWrvF8daSUtK7rmUt9qs3rYn8_dvVsRM0U3o8jUIcXMXvQafHrmI-nYrNpjRpXZEpgbh_3iZdrCqO6SsXwDYkA/s1600/10440268_10152636971500849_4538399593728329388_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: left;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnFhlFXFQOHpCqKKAQ5Ur_lpPb_clnWsfl_jHxBf0gPk9B82dfWrtYgsWrvF8daSUtK7rmUt9qs3rYn8_dvVsRM0U3o8jUIcXMXvQafHrmI-nYrNpjRpXZEpgbh_3iZdrCqO6SsXwDYkA/s1600/10440268_10152636971500849_4538399593728329388_n.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lance And His Lovely Wife</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
To follow their adventure, you can visit Nancy's blog "<a href="http://www.specialagentnancy.com/" target="_blank">Special Agent Nancy</a>" and click on the <b>Travel Blog</b>.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjINSh6Bf7KqMk3A1CoMNdnrw3o2FmnKoIn9mZCt9pXTrNluFMpO00gzNtszFXTC8EiRvwb8-m3qkfU2C7wvJdOWiSQpfc9O4YD0e8u1blktz8XDBcRyg6Hb0oRRm1rexcvCmIcGtyS2TU/s1600/IMG_8182.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjINSh6Bf7KqMk3A1CoMNdnrw3o2FmnKoIn9mZCt9pXTrNluFMpO00gzNtszFXTC8EiRvwb8-m3qkfU2C7wvJdOWiSQpfc9O4YD0e8u1blktz8XDBcRyg6Hb0oRRm1rexcvCmIcGtyS2TU/s1600/IMG_8182.jpg" height="116" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwB-hUv1JJV6-B0n6x1GP6cfymc2Baz90qf5hRwAz0uOikUegnFUR8XS_WyEzI6GNRc4sYmDXutiaLGsmRaJ2rnUDAYSFvOq_uFa4fJh-Yb7V70-XHQ2ifBjyL4LJoqaySB3NsDW-CrAw/s1600/IMG_8220.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwB-hUv1JJV6-B0n6x1GP6cfymc2Baz90qf5hRwAz0uOikUegnFUR8XS_WyEzI6GNRc4sYmDXutiaLGsmRaJ2rnUDAYSFvOq_uFa4fJh-Yb7V70-XHQ2ifBjyL4LJoqaySB3NsDW-CrAw/s1600/IMG_8220.jpg" height="200" width="50" /></a>They came in and spent several days with us. There was Dan (Lances relative), Doug (a bearded bear of a man) and Nancy (whose helmets had horns on them, if you can picture that). They had been on the road for about 5 weeks and after they left us, one was storing his bike for another trip later on in the year (Doug), while the other two were shipping theirs back to the US from Buenos Aires (Dan and Nancy).<br />
<br />
It was very interesting for us, as this was quite the adventure and it opened up some stories that they shared about their time on the road. We had some food, I made pizzas and chicken wings, we drank a little wine and enjoyed ourselves. Later, when Dan left us, he penned a poem (you would not peg him for a poet), that we will treasure always. It describes his visit with us in our home.<br />
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<span style="font-size: 14pt;">**************</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Times;"><span style="color: blue;"><i>In the far off land of Uruguay<o:p></o:p></i></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Times;"><span style="color: blue;"><i>Where the world and road come to
an end<o:p></o:p></i></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Times;"><span style="color: blue;"><i>Is the lovely Casa Tranquillo,
where I made two wonderful friends<o:p></o:p></i></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Times;"><span style="color: blue;"><i>Life there is gratefully simple<o:p></o:p></i></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Times;"><span style="color: blue;"><i>And time warps in strange way<o:p></o:p></i></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Times;"><span style="color: blue;"><i>It passes both slowly and
quickly, on any same night and same day<o:p></o:p></i></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Times;"><span style="color: blue;"><i>The sand and the sky meet the
water<o:p></o:p></i></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Times;"><span style="color: blue;"><i>The night sky sparkles with glee<o:p></o:p></i></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Times;"><span style="color: blue;"><i>It's not easy to get there, and
it's even harder to leave<o:p></o:p></i></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Times;"><span style="color: blue;"><i>There are places on earth that
can change you, and then you are never the same.<o:p></o:p></i></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Times;"><span style="color: blue;"><i>I don't know if I'll ever get
back there, but I'm glad in my heart that I came.</i></span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Times;">**************</span></div>
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Well, it was quite an interesting time and thanks to Lance for connecting us.Wallyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01182374666645369163noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7977358315744247865.post-24483309960026530422015-03-01T05:52:00.001-08:002015-03-01T06:00:52.320-08:00Concierge Veterinary Service!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuTEq6leCj7yeQbbwzxGipU1cwoBlscZCV5UNokILbicMS2omTh-2q-Lh3VXOsqiLyphpHeywSXQ7kmGQUWnEFqJho_rWpeQf0V6rHqnuzTqAhMosdM9-TE40NZO60UfhVMwRe4GlOM9U/s1600/IMG_7738.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuTEq6leCj7yeQbbwzxGipU1cwoBlscZCV5UNokILbicMS2omTh-2q-Lh3VXOsqiLyphpHeywSXQ7kmGQUWnEFqJho_rWpeQf0V6rHqnuzTqAhMosdM9-TE40NZO60UfhVMwRe4GlOM9U/s1600/IMG_7738.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
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This post is dedicated to my dog Noche, may she rest in Peace!<br />
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It also has some serious warnings to think about for you dog owners.<br />
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I was shocked to learn that my dog not only wasn't pregnant but had never been. This was confirmed with an in-home sonogram. Thanks to a wonderful English speaking veterinarian who practices concierge medicine, I finally had some answers as to what was happening to Noche. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNUtce5fXKs4liqn3wEVHavwypwGFb3JPjWVxPWXRG3GGIA94U4KOl6SN3Y0uVEgM7pEzbH_sBHZ73TBYm1qIVXeVVvP7vm888W97vhMC42ZmNE7fP0jCpSiwxQQG_88TqfCW51-S8cCA/s1600/IMG_8113+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNUtce5fXKs4liqn3wEVHavwypwGFb3JPjWVxPWXRG3GGIA94U4KOl6SN3Y0uVEgM7pEzbH_sBHZ73TBYm1qIVXeVVvP7vm888W97vhMC42ZmNE7fP0jCpSiwxQQG_88TqfCW51-S8cCA/s1600/IMG_8113+2.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a>The term <i><b>concierge</b></i> means custodian or aide. In Medical practices it tends to be a higher level of personal commitment and attention to the patient. Some of you may have seen the TV show "Royal Pains" where an East coast Doctor sets up a practice in South Hampton, New York. In the show, the Doctor caters to rich people by visiting them in their homes and taking care of all of their medical needs. <i style="font-weight: bold;">Mariana Amoedo </i>a licensed Veterinarian has a list of individual clients (pets) that she takes care of versus just walk in strangers. She thinks of each pet as unique and individual.<br />
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I was ready to change vets, when I started having some problems with Barney. I noticed that my regular vet in Salinas didn't really give full exams. He never really opened my dogs mouth or looked into his ears or used a stethoscope to listen to the dogs. He took you on your word as to what <i>you </i>thought was happening. I thought Barney was allergic to something and so had some hot spots or sores where he was scratching too hard. The Salinas vet prescribed some omega 3 and 6 vitamins to help his fur which didn't. So an empty bottle and a month later, I called around and learned about this woman vet who comes to your house instead.<br />
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In the meantime, Noche was due for her Rabies shot, the last one in her puppy series, she was barely 1 year old. I was too busy during the year so she received shots from only 2 visits in Salinas instead of the 4 visit appointment that they usually give each young pup. The 2 were scheduled about 1 month apart. I was about to take her in for the last one when she went into heat for the first time and the vet told me to wait until that was over, even though I had already given her the parasite pills they make you give to them several days before the rabies shot. So I waited that out and then they said I had to buy more parasite pills and wait the few days to let those pills work, then bring her in for her shot.<br />
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Now, I am a big believer in Neutering pets to avoid unplanned pregnancies, really I am! My dog Barney is neutered, so is Sheila and even my <i>boy cat Nathan </i>is neutered, since males can father hundreds of litters. However, this last year, I kept putting it off when it came to Noche my female dog. For one thing she was still young. Then, when she turned 7 to 8 months I found myself working 6 days a week cleaning houses for people. I have never trusted our Volkswagen not to breakdown on me and I'm not that great at driving a stick-shift. Wally was also out of the country for many, many months which is why he didn't post about Uruguay. So on my own I didn't get her "fixed' before her 1st. heat cycle.<b style="font-style: italic;"> I didn't know that I could get a veterinarian to come to my house. </b>Had I known that I would have called immediately to have had it done. I just kept thinking that to carry back an unconscious dog home after neutering was beyond me. Most of my friends have motorcycles. One friend, was dealing with his own sad family circumstances and so I was in a waiting pattern with Noche.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRo-X-3mWXa46SPzbRCGUwyi5pGiGq_eKm8H56p-1uyPDzcSr68I4igK2DkgmtQ6EQBfGZFZffGwTjUtXJnggg97pLL6l9-uzvQvNn79vpCiO_ZnZwunt7JD3ri-PhLGI00n_F5srVEXo/s1600/IMG_8136.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRo-X-3mWXa46SPzbRCGUwyi5pGiGq_eKm8H56p-1uyPDzcSr68I4igK2DkgmtQ6EQBfGZFZffGwTjUtXJnggg97pLL6l9-uzvQvNn79vpCiO_ZnZwunt7JD3ri-PhLGI00n_F5srVEXo/s1600/IMG_8136.jpg" height="140" width="400" /></a></div>
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During her 1st. heat/mating cycle while I was waiting out the time, I thought I was extremely careful not to let any male dogs near her. Except for Barney, who I know is neutered, she was never out of my sight on any walk to the trashcan and never more than 1 minute was I not looking at her. However, there was 1 minute once, when she dashed around our house corner into the next yard but she came back immediately when I called her. Little did I know that, that 1 minute would cause me to feel guilty and cause me so much emotional stress.<br />
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After her heat cycle was over and the 2nd parasite pills given and days passed, I walked her to my Salinas vet and she got her combo shots. During the <i>next month</i> when we had some friends over to our house for dinner we all remarked how big her belly had become and that she looked pregnant! Now I was worried and started to watch her get bigger and bigger. She looked healthy just pregnant and that missing minute started to haunt me. If she got pregnant before her rabies shots then she had been given the vaccines while carrying puppies! How damaged would they be? We prepared a place for her to give birth, a quiet place away from the other pets. Still, I was very worried about the condition of the "puppies" which because I hadn't neutered her, I was now sure she had because of seeing her fat sides.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx9bY_f_T8i_ZCKqjwuN53F1fwdqZDV6Jepg7j6VGufCvKJnwS4hH0EQDL-bmzJ-izbZ7cguPzKLdm7bkPqet_fRAP3xEf_CSYIL1KJIt0XByUa4UNoKzXelEAJmwz2cppdT9xIBIdfEU/s1600/IMG_8134.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx9bY_f_T8i_ZCKqjwuN53F1fwdqZDV6Jepg7j6VGufCvKJnwS4hH0EQDL-bmzJ-izbZ7cguPzKLdm7bkPqet_fRAP3xEf_CSYIL1KJIt0XByUa4UNoKzXelEAJmwz2cppdT9xIBIdfEU/s1600/IMG_8134.jpg" height="200" width="150" /></a><br />
I read online how someone had a vet take a sonogram of her dog and 1 pup showed up dead and was blocking the birth canal. Armed with this knowledge she had the dog receive a "C" section to deliver the rest of the puppies which saved the dog mother and the other puppies. What if, Noche would need that? So, when my new vet, Mariana, came to visit Barney in our home we explained our worries about Noche having a normal pregnancy or not.<br />
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When she saw Noche she got worried, she was large but her nipples didn't look maternal. She wanted to look at what was happening to Noche's inside and suggested the sonogram as well. She is in touch with several specialised vets in her practice and called 2 right away. Naturally, everyone was on vacation during Mardigras but she was able to at least contact them. As soon as one came back on Monday he said he would visit us in our home. <b><i>Dr. Nicolas Girreta</i></b> who works with her is a <i><b>Diagnostic Ecográfico Veterinarian</b></i> with his own machine. I meanwhile, kicked myself, for not neutering Noche and causing this, and for letting her be vaccinated unknowingly pregnant, she obviously was not showing any signs of fatness when I went to the vet in Salinas.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8Vxwz0Wn1zDbg30vCkf1qwI9WgEtGNN_A0oo_Y9L2MXmvJ8ze0-tkp0ZSxaGaTu92OVtQt2VzCA9LjocVsndn2nJ-gtAB93MJ63mQiBP3GobIhlqY3dB9bBnKviT2YX-fl6DgBXPQMEo/s1600/IMG_8132.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8Vxwz0Wn1zDbg30vCkf1qwI9WgEtGNN_A0oo_Y9L2MXmvJ8ze0-tkp0ZSxaGaTu92OVtQt2VzCA9LjocVsndn2nJ-gtAB93MJ63mQiBP3GobIhlqY3dB9bBnKviT2YX-fl6DgBXPQMEo/s1600/IMG_8132.jpg" height="200" width="150" /></a>Well, Nicolas showed up in his car and Mariana and her father in their truck. They checked Noches' belly and there were NO PUPPIES! There never had been a pregnancy, what else didn't show up was a liver of any significant size! Both Nicolas and Mariana were surprised that this condition was showing up in a dog so young but they both said that j<i>ust recently</i> there has been a sudden rash of such instances very new to Uruguay. The youngest dog with this condition was just 6 months old<br />
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They explained to me that her liver had shrunk and her belly was filled with water filling in the gap. They drew out a huge amount of water with a syringe and showed that to me as well. They said that diuretic medicine could help with the water build up but without a functioning liver it was really, well, not a good outlook. So right there, while she was still lively and healthy looking we made the awful decision to put her down in a dignified way.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoK0zN3fJajaLeEKQcXAN4xiCltf9BkR1ceLJo1hRfJlpkmuPvdEiDFrk5yUF6IWHyN_O6IKhW7nGLFPcaaymu2UB6Vv5z42lj8CwNzVdFui_fQlh5e73z0nClfS_morCtNbMTB27TcXg/s1600/IMG_8137.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoK0zN3fJajaLeEKQcXAN4xiCltf9BkR1ceLJo1hRfJlpkmuPvdEiDFrk5yUF6IWHyN_O6IKhW7nGLFPcaaymu2UB6Vv5z42lj8CwNzVdFui_fQlh5e73z0nClfS_morCtNbMTB27TcXg/s1600/IMG_8137.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
Mariana has a large property and she kindly took Noche away alive. She was going to put her to sleep at her clinic. This way we can remember her happy and alive. This is the only way that I can cope with her death. Other people would obviously prefer to be present during the procedure and Mariana would do whatever you prefer. Still, it was such a shock to learn that she was so ill while seemingly so healthy. The decision for us was like pulling off a bandage, we needed to resign ourselves quickly and decisively.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9iA3AxfqiQ0UQ49Wly9T82GAT4FqmXlrvIAeQueOeMIEepuXspstBWrTPAaopeCMQPYr4TzTxadY38SF5Up8N0N_7gDTx2FuTcQ1T6k8bLa_HM7oki4FpWi-TeQ9bavvjPXSrXrnvLEI/s1600/IMG_7748.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9iA3AxfqiQ0UQ49Wly9T82GAT4FqmXlrvIAeQueOeMIEepuXspstBWrTPAaopeCMQPYr4TzTxadY38SF5Up8N0N_7gDTx2FuTcQ1T6k8bLa_HM7oki4FpWi-TeQ9bavvjPXSrXrnvLEI/s1600/IMG_7748.jpg" height="200" width="150" /></a> By having Mariana take her away and putting her under at her clinic (by lethal injection), the smell of death won't be in our house for the other animals to sense.<br />
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Noche will be buried on the Doctor's property. She has 24 Hectares and we were invited to visit her grave if we wanted to. Apparently, other people come often to do that. We believe that dead animals are dead, so we won't be doing that, <i>still, I included her 2 favourite toys to be buried with her.</i> I asked that her collar stay on. She had people who loved her and I wanted her to be buried with her belongings. She is and was so sweet that she walked to the truck quietly and unafraid, as I said goodbye.<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTHr9n3I9IJv-o4hZvByREfdWMXIYGgjohPGPcMFyzvTXFPwWdNBPH1WDDU26slMO17gld038HzBJM3Ajl_XyuVV5qxaTpHAnHW27Uz-dLvT88fFH9UsG2Vsp8UI6X3gWuo-bP2SLWKjE/s1600/1002+copy+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTHr9n3I9IJv-o4hZvByREfdWMXIYGgjohPGPcMFyzvTXFPwWdNBPH1WDDU26slMO17gld038HzBJM3Ajl_XyuVV5qxaTpHAnHW27Uz-dLvT88fFH9UsG2Vsp8UI6X3gWuo-bP2SLWKjE/s1600/1002+copy+2.jpg" height="200" width="199" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brand of shots used past years for Sheila</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I then did, some research online about Liver failure in dogs and I saw that it can be a side effect of vaccinations. Noche had her Rabies shot in December then a second one a month later, it was after that, that she filled up with water, making me think she was pregnant which I wouldn't have thought if I had neutered her 6 months earlier. She was being put down exactly 1 month after her last shot.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJP76MK7cBPikZJ8_cDMwrktF1UIDmmH-jU9V8j8a92RyMmLQzvLpPwa5lb57iG_skQLQ62xtZ4ocpWVWvmThQ9OWuQJiQorxvdYV9n3T5yeI4We7o4GSNWC2olcohBShWTZRUg0UhUVY/s1600/1004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJP76MK7cBPikZJ8_cDMwrktF1UIDmmH-jU9V8j8a92RyMmLQzvLpPwa5lb57iG_skQLQ62xtZ4ocpWVWvmThQ9OWuQJiQorxvdYV9n3T5yeI4We7o4GSNWC2olcohBShWTZRUg0UhUVY/s1600/1004.jpg" height="200" width="147" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Noche's new brand of shots.</td></tr>
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I read that i<i><b>n the USA "yearly" rabid</b></i> <i><b>shots are no longer given</b></i>. All <i><b>50 states have agreed</b></i> <i><b>to</b></i> no longer give annual shots but rather they <i><b>only give them</b></i> every <i><b>3 years instead!</b></i><br />
Here's a link on some information about dog vaccinations. <a href="http://www.dog-health-today.com/dog-vaccinations.html" target="_blank">http://www.dog-health-today.com/dog-vaccinations.html</a><br />
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Many critics feel that the effects of the immunity may last longer than just 3 years from 5 to 7 or possibly the life of the animal. But of course, the companies would suffer financially. What has caused me some concern is that when I looked at Sheila and Barney's old shot records, the vaccines were from the Pfizer company, a well known established company but this year the vet in Salinas has changed brands and Noche was given all her shots last month using a brand called Calier.<br />
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I know, I maybe grasping at straws to find a cause or to blame someone or something. I feel only slightly okay that Noche was never pregnant nor given shots while thus so. Still, this rash of <b><i>young</i></b> <i><b>dogs getting old dog conditions</b></i> is new to Uruguay. I at least want the vets to start asking dog owners about this possible connection between the rabies vaccinations and the new company and to check/compare brand labels used by the affected dogs. They might end up seeing a distinct pattern or not and just keep on being bewildered about this new trending condition in young dogs occurring in Uruguay. I'm also mad that Noche was given a double dose of parasite pills just because I had to wait 3 weeks until her heat cycle was over. It was all such bad timing! I will see Mariana this coming Friday when she visits Barney. I will show her the old labels from the brand given to my other dogs versus the new brand given to Noche. It would be terrible if the new brand being used, was been used because it's cheaper in price and quality. Conversely, it could be overly powerful, too much so, for a young dogs' system to handle.<br />
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In only 1 month after her last shot, she went from fit and running around to swollen with water. I will now go on to follow the USA practice and not give my other 2 dogs their shots next year, nor the next year after that. <b>Every three years, sounds safer than every year (annually).</b> Maybe, I will even have my dogs' blood tested after that length of time because many studies are saying that if there are antibodies for rabies present in the animals blood, those that have been vaccinated, then there is no need for more shots. There are no booster shots for Rabies only the full dose is given each time and not according to weight! Do your own research and make your decisions before it's too late.<br />
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Noche, my sweet, beloved girl, will be sorely missed!<br />
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<b>Mariana Amoedo, Veterinaria.</b> lives in Atlántida, Ruta 11, KM.159.500<br />
Camino A Solis Chico<br />
Her clinic is called <b>El Rocio</b><br />
(near Expat Jerry). She speaks English and Spanish. Her phone numbers are <b>437 25046</b> (home)<br />
<b>099 130 943</b> (cell phone)<br />
Her website is <a href="http://www.elrocio.com.uy/">www.elrocio.com.uy</a> Her Facebook page is El-Rocio<br />
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<b>Dr. Nicolás Girreta, Diagnóstico Ecográfico Veterinario</b><br />
e-mail: ngirreta@gmail.com (cell phone) <b>099 599 015</b>Denisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06114770905895045770noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7977358315744247865.post-27236275308307903832015-02-09T13:05:00.001-08:002015-02-10T10:10:24.310-08:00Repair Or Replace?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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We recently had to decide whether to repair or replace a broken refrigerator. It is a GE brand that we bought almost 7 years ago (it still looks almost brand new).<br />
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Word on the street, is that most appliances here last no more than 7 years- hence the need to decide whether to splurge on a new refrigerator or repair the old one.<br />
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It kept running, without stopping and the cooling was minimal. We thought it might be the gas that needed recharging, but couldn't be sure.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is shows 1 week of frost build up while we were awaiting the correct part.</td></tr>
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The visit to examine the unit was going to be $38 US dollars. But what would the repair cost? We actually considered buying a new unit, but eventually decided to bite the bullet and call for a repair.<br />
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They came on time, examined the unit and determined that the heating element that keeps the cooling fins clear of ice needed replacing. Because the call center gave them the wrong model number, they had to come back a few days later to complete the repair.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-ldr2Iyh_YFRXcvxwTfQh5Zra1ddEnq2gc6zZivcsNPKIEzSm8NWhQwcidchyphenhyphenvxZVHCjct8Y4sd6nWu2XbBl0gx_SSFv3wRAOy9fYXGnh-RvAzWItO6SvUJ46hALQOp7qrY6ivzYoxi8/s1600/IMG_7872.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-ldr2Iyh_YFRXcvxwTfQh5Zra1ddEnq2gc6zZivcsNPKIEzSm8NWhQwcidchyphenhyphenvxZVHCjct8Y4sd6nWu2XbBl0gx_SSFv3wRAOy9fYXGnh-RvAzWItO6SvUJ46hALQOp7qrY6ivzYoxi8/s1600/IMG_7872.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></a>But eventually the repair was completed, and the refrigerator works better than ever. And the final cost, just under $100, including the original visit. So it payed to repair, rather than replace. Now if we can just get another 7 years out of it.....<br />
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I think that the cost to repair items is far lower here, than in the US. My father had someone come out to examine his refrigerator last year and it cost him almost $100 to find out that the repair wasn't worth doing.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWqvQzTQRIICaEVw86c_nLALvIv8z7-Oc_opsCn44D59HWa9AKrfGBJNLSbiUXM5kpgB9c3Wc1B9rpO5EeG3A_tJkAk7U3UkofutcYWlAYfALM8lIEMvF_qeLY4eWxbEmzKnC_iLTM3bU/s1600/IMG_7759.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWqvQzTQRIICaEVw86c_nLALvIv8z7-Oc_opsCn44D59HWa9AKrfGBJNLSbiUXM5kpgB9c3Wc1B9rpO5EeG3A_tJkAk7U3UkofutcYWlAYfALM8lIEMvF_qeLY4eWxbEmzKnC_iLTM3bU/s1600/IMG_7759.jpg" height="200" width="150" /></a>I don't think I mentioned this before, but when we first came to Uruguay, I had purchased a brand new Sony 300 CD player. I forgot that it was 110V and when I plugged it in, I fried the unit. I took it apart (hoping to find some obvious part I could replace), but was unable to come to any conclusion, so I put the parts in a box and stuck it away.<br />
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Later, I decided to contact Sony repair in Uruguay and eventually sent it in, parts in a box and all. They tested it, put it back together and installed a new power supply (220V, this time). All for about $80. You couldn't even find anyone to look at equipment for that price in the US.<br />
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So it pays to repair. Hopefully that remains true for our 7 year old washing machine, that is currently waiting a service call....Denisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06114770905895045770noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7977358315744247865.post-4118904065725969822015-01-30T09:05:00.000-08:002015-02-03T10:04:26.555-08:002nd. Annual Sand Castle Event<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I thought I'd give my Uruguay readers a quick heads up.<br />
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Snooping out of my window this morning, I saw some new activity at the beach in front of my house. I saw poles being set up and strung with wiring and lights, right on the sand itself.<br />
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Also, there was a large bulldozer pushing mounds of sand into piles at various intervals.<br />
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So I waddled on down to the beach with my camera in hand and started asking some questions. It turns out that, the second annual <b>Marindia</b> <i>Sand</i> <i>Castle event</i> will be this last weekend of January. It should have, all of the sand sculptures ready to tour by Saturday, January 31 and Sunday, February 1st. This year the city of Salinas, who oversees Marindia, is adding a new feature to the event. The beach will be lit up at night to illuminate the sand sculptures.<br />
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The event is <b>FREE!</b> It is located in the town of Marindia on the beach near the parking area named, <b>Bajada 7.</b> Today, Friday (January 30th), seems to be a preparation day for the event.<br />
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If you want to see the artists constructing the castles, then Friday is the day to come. However, I am looking forward to strolling at night, tonight (Friday the 30th) on the beach under the temporary event lights to see what was accomplished during the day.<br />
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On Saturday, I want to see how many artists finally contributed to the event.<br />
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Last year, Our neighbours (2 houses got together) added a very professional looking "Sponge Bob square pants" sand portrait!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Last year, 2014, our neighbours' "SpongeBob". </td></tr>
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Today, amidst the piles of sand waiting to be worked on, I saw one small but impressive sculpture finished and left standing abandon as a fore-gleam of what is to come.<br />
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Last year, some neighbourhood dogs ran through and jumped on some of the pieces, ruining them. So be warned that the city wisely put up a "no animals allowed" sign.<br />
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Be sure to avoid any fines and leave your dogs at home (yeah, those dogs ruined it for the others). I hope the lack of dogs on the beach is only for this event since watching your dogs play in the sand and running through the surf is a joyous thing to behold. I agree though that the hard work of the artists need to be protected.<br />
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I went Saturday night with some friends and took these shots of the sand art lit up by the lights.<br />
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Everyone, took photos in front of the naked lady sculpture.<br />
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We all, thought the penguins were outstanding, Wally liked their beaks.<br />
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So, if you are looking for a romantic, yet free venue to come to, try strolling on our Marindia beach at night this weekend (or day).<br />
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Enjoy the beach, the weather and the sand art!<br />
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Denisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06114770905895045770noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7977358315744247865.post-51220045117920031122015-01-11T05:04:00.001-08:002015-01-11T05:04:19.324-08:00New Year - New Name<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhagD0R2XxlfOGEGsCNAMqCPnhyB1Eq7FHCNcM8AZaeAn33ozQn4PGfpEjeJZF_Wu0AaWRiXMhtlFvPmOwpN_RQH99f7QfwO6X8fEDimhp-5JvsCtAQiSGBrAqFdye8XOc_j0QWcMHJWks/s1600/IMG_7868.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhagD0R2XxlfOGEGsCNAMqCPnhyB1Eq7FHCNcM8AZaeAn33ozQn4PGfpEjeJZF_Wu0AaWRiXMhtlFvPmOwpN_RQH99f7QfwO6X8fEDimhp-5JvsCtAQiSGBrAqFdye8XOc_j0QWcMHJWks/s1600/IMG_7868.jpg" height="200" width="171" /></a><br />
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Well, I finally made it back home. They say you "can't come home".... they were lying. And I am very happy to be back in Uruguay. Actually my return was planned so that I could renew my cedula (national identity card) on time and enjoy another 3 years without worrying about paperwork.<br />
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But first of all, some information about the first name change for the year. Our house. Previously our house had gone by the name "......" - in other words, it wasn't named. We had always talked about naming it and had decided on the name "Tranquilo", but never got around to getting a sign made. But Denise, as one of the many excellent improvements to the house had a custom sign made and installed.<br />
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Now onto the cedula renewal process. It was as simple as you can get. Denise secured an appointment at the Géant processing center, by visiting the local Abitab and paying the 233 pesos per person for the renewal fee in advance. She was able to make the appointment for two people at that time. Then, we each had to travel to Montevideo to secure a "Document de Llegada", which just says you have arrived here. Whatever. It's a simple process. Enter Migraciones, take a ticket, wait for your number, go to the proper desk. show them your cedula and they ask for your address (we both brought an Antel bill in case it was needed). They take an electronic scan of your index fingers (left one first), then you wait near the payment window while your document is processed and you step up to pay the $162 pesos (per person).<br />
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Then on our assigned renewal date, we showed up at the Géant office for immigration. Our appointment was for 3:00 group and it was not worth going too early, because the office only opened at 2:30. We came in when our group was called (they are assigned in 1/2 hour increments), presented documents, answered a few questions, got a picture taken and within a few minutes, we received our permanently sealed cedulas, good for another 3 years. Denise's photo came out OK... they managed to make me look like a fat old man. Hmmmmm.<br />
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Now, here is the funny part. Denise had not gone down to get a certified copy of our marriage license. It is on file from your initial application into the country. Last time when we renewed, we didn't need it. They just put Denise's name as our regular married name, with my family name last. However, this time they asked for the license. Since she didn't have it, they asked if she just wanted to go back to her maiden name, which is how most married women in the country are registered, anyway. The wife has her name and cedula and the husband has his name and cedula and the children are named in some form of combining the family names which is beyond my understanding, but results in longer names than we are used to.<br />
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So, Denise now is officially known by her maiden name. This doesn't change our marital status, but it does put Denise back on her own separate status, so that if something happened to me, she wouldn't have to go back and get death certificates, etc., to continue staying in the country. She is here in her own rights.<br />
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So a new year. I am living in a house with a new name and living with a wife who just had her name changed. And this is just the beginning of the year. Who knows what 2015 will bring? I can hardly wait.Wallyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01182374666645369163noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7977358315744247865.post-527931684046987602014-12-05T17:33:00.001-08:002015-01-05T21:09:36.108-08:00OPERA! "CARMEN"<br />
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I was treated to a night out at the Opera!<br />
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It was nice getting back to Montevideo, the Capital of Uruguay and seeing it's many cool buildings. Many are lit up at night.<br />
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Also, it was nice to have people who could navigate it's many streets and do the driving!<br />
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The theater that the opera was being held in was not the <b><i>Solis</i></b> which I did a post on before but rather, it was held in the <b><i>National Auditorium Adela Reta</i></b> belonging to the <b>Sodre</b> group. Personally, I hate having to remember so many acronyms. Sure, I know that <b>LOL</b> stands for "<b>L</b>augh <b>O</b>ut <b>L</b>oud" in todays written correspondence and that <b>WHO </b>stands for the<b> W</b>orld<b> H</b>ealth<b> O</b>rganization but in Uruguay where everyone seems to know what <b>SODRE</b> stands for, well, I just had to research it so I could know too.<br />
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In 1929 this group was formed by law here in Uruguay (law 8.557), hey! I read Wikipedia when needed. The acronym stood for <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">S</span></b>ervicio <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">O</span></b>ficial de <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">D</span></b>isfusion <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">R</span></b>adio <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">E</span></b>lectrica. The name has changed over the years to include Television. (<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">S</span></b>ervicio <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">O</span></b>ficial <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">d</span></b>e <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">R</span></b>adiotelevision y <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">E</span></b>spectáculos).<br />
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This group was formed to administer the means of communication in Uruguay, in regards to, Radio and Television and the cultural Arts. It has created conservatories and schools, events and programs, involving all audiovisual art forms here in Uruguay. This includes cinematography, photography, theater, music archives and etc... This SODRE group is made up of a body of 4 main members, The Symphony Orchestra, Ballet, Choral and something called The Music of Cámara, something else for me to look up (I can be real anal at times!).<br />
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Okay, so that leaves me with what <b><i>Adela Reta</i></b> means. Searching the internet, I found that, it was the name of a very prominent woman here in Uruguay . <b>The theater was named in homage to her.</b> She was born July 9th, 1921 and lived for 79 yrs. until her death on April 3rd, 2001. Uruguayos highly value education for all. Adela was a Lawyer specializing in penal law and rights. She was also a professor and into politics. Her career credits are as follows:<br />
<b>1967-1974,</b> She was President of the Counsel on Children.<br />
<b>1985-1990</b>, She was Minister of Culture and Education.<br />
<b>1990-2000</b>, She was the Director of the Sodre. (until a few months before her death).<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nowadays, the Auditorium is a very modern style building.</td></tr>
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The Auditorium, named Adela Reta, has its own story to tell. It was once known as <b><i>The Teatro Urquiza.</i></b> Urquiza was the owners' name, an Argentine man named Dr. Justin G. de Urquiza. It took him 2 years to complete its construction (1903-1905). The Teatro Urquiza ran under that name from 1905 to 1931. After Urquiza, the Sodre group brought it and ran it from 1931 to 1971, under the name <b><i>Estudio Auditorio del Sodre</i></b>. that is until a fire ravaged it, destroying much of the musical archives and making it unfit for use (destroyed, September 18th, 1971).<br />
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It then sat, unused for almost 40 years (38) Finally, <b><i>in 2009 on November 21, 2009</i></b>, it was inaugurated. It is now named <b><i>Auditorio Adela Reta</i></b> (del Sodre) so it is still under the Sodre group who ran it for 40 years and then left it sitting burnt for those last 38 years. It is intended now as it was back then and during its almost 76 years of operation, to be a Center for Culture and the Audiovisual Arts.<br />
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The building was refurbished with good acoustics in mind. It is 2500 square meters. It has 2 concert halls, the main one is named after <a href="http://www.biografiasyvidas.com/biografia/f/fabini.htm" target="_blank">Eduardo Fabini</a>, ( a Uruguayo, who was a violinist and composer, 1883-1950) that main hall can hold 2000 people. The much smaller hall is named after <a href="http://es.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hugo_Balzo" target="_blank">Hugo Balzo</a> (a Uruguayo, 1912-1982). He was a great Pianist and there is a conservatory named after him. That is where <a href="http://es.wikipedia.org/wiki/M%C3%BAsica_de_c%C3%A1mara" target="_blank">the music of the cámara</a> would be preformed as well as experimental works. There are cafeterias and exhibition spaces also located in the building.<br />
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Whereas, the Teatro Solis is a throwback to the Arts bella era with antique yellowed walls and gilded moldings, this Auditorium is very modern and streamlined.<br />
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It had random modern sculpture pieces scattered here and there.<br />
The ladies bathroom was a very manly monolithic sort of space with its chunky style of granite.<br />
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Getting back to the actual opera, "Carmen" the brochure said <b><i>"Carmen, reloaded".</i></b> Carmen has been performed in various ways since it was first written by George Bizet (1838-1875) first performed in 1875. It is written in 4 acts and sung in French! The scenes take place in Seville Spain.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The white rectangle is a translation screen used for the play</td></tr>
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There was a large rectangle screen high above the stage and out of view from the singers, where the words sung in French were translated into Spanish for the audience. You had to look way up to see it.<br />
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There was a 40 piece orchestra. I love the fact that Musicals, plays and operas have live music for all the scenes and I appreciate all of the hard work that is done by the musicians just below the stage and out of sight.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmUp75tbt7bDcEm5evUfaVvtfwY0D_1hQXeFgclzvwghC9lbYjeQ2I53eZI2Rd3SriXkLqSaL5r4jcGa1W4mvxQqLINSPM9mvRYC9oCfS-j3xPVs-M0I27bfEBf8OBCEQa9VW6dOMKjyc/s1600/IMG_7523.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmUp75tbt7bDcEm5evUfaVvtfwY0D_1hQXeFgclzvwghC9lbYjeQ2I53eZI2Rd3SriXkLqSaL5r4jcGa1W4mvxQqLINSPM9mvRYC9oCfS-j3xPVs-M0I27bfEBf8OBCEQa9VW6dOMKjyc/s1600/IMG_7523.JPG" height="218" width="320" /></a></div>
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The reason this version of Carmen was called, "reloaded" was made plain when the opening scene started out with "Taggers" tagging or spray painting a factory wall. This Carmen was to reflect modern times in Spain. There was also a scene with some break dancers spinning on the floor!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghBcyLsPQbgT5MAgCGkClwFo6IYCH1J3xOzTsr9fqu1Lb2b-kI1ySe31KTlJ9oKLJtTBrGOH2VYQkcP1VQn7j2hKCsJsTGpjG5OzQUaR2KuQI0dkoLFnglbfpF9rO4ztSZP-Qq2rxevoA/s1600/IMG_7524.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghBcyLsPQbgT5MAgCGkClwFo6IYCH1J3xOzTsr9fqu1Lb2b-kI1ySe31KTlJ9oKLJtTBrGOH2VYQkcP1VQn7j2hKCsJsTGpjG5OzQUaR2KuQI0dkoLFnglbfpF9rO4ztSZP-Qq2rxevoA/s1600/IMG_7524.JPG" height="236" width="400" /></a>You'll have to research the opera yourself but it takes place in and around a cigarette factory, The workers are women and the place usually has soldiers hanging around outside of it to catch a view of the ladies.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTlasZjlDBfRkynLYBgLRHemEKXeSph5zH6GTnYiVcavgKU4x-H-CSVglIhc3gtsMe8fVAmBhiM7FE_bPISFvUMMWGfjMxl2oC4M75vD_87pNZsWYTHckCuLMGU1DyEOeRB98h16PlS1g/s1600/IMG_7527.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTlasZjlDBfRkynLYBgLRHemEKXeSph5zH6GTnYiVcavgKU4x-H-CSVglIhc3gtsMe8fVAmBhiM7FE_bPISFvUMMWGfjMxl2oC4M75vD_87pNZsWYTHckCuLMGU1DyEOeRB98h16PlS1g/s1600/IMG_7527.JPG" height="150" width="400" /></a></div>
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Apparently it is very hot inside the factory and the women who all wear uniform coats tend to open them up to catch the breezes thus displaying their under garment slips. They also probably get to smoke as many cigarettes as they like because there is an amusing scene with them coming outside the factory on their break, smoking away, with slips brazenly still showing, despite the local townsmen looking on.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNmMRiAJqZAjY73J19vBGJVwM9UrWqGjdyHfuVDu3KsbAnCfH-WEesCP5PdsI0kszDoSo8aP6LBDlKe6s1vjGwM5nqCmqFV1wtBOV6JQiSVXSLgUUAU6z49R9v0dDFep8T_iU7W1DMXQA/s1600/IMG_7531.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNmMRiAJqZAjY73J19vBGJVwM9UrWqGjdyHfuVDu3KsbAnCfH-WEesCP5PdsI0kszDoSo8aP6LBDlKe6s1vjGwM5nqCmqFV1wtBOV6JQiSVXSLgUUAU6z49R9v0dDFep8T_iU7W1DMXQA/s1600/IMG_7531.JPG" height="320" width="309" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Carmen was performed by opera singer Luisa Francesconi. A Brazilian singer.</td></tr>
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Of course, the story is really about a brazen gypsy woman, Carmen (naturally, the lady in red!) who captures the attention of Don José, one of the soldiers. The opera singer performed her character with spunk and attitude.<br />
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One of the best singers in the opera was the childhood friend of soldier Don José, (performed by, Paulina Gonzáles Melgarejo. She is from Chile). She was awesome! That night, Don José was performed by Dante Alcalá a Mexican opera singer.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcoySNAp4J4gzKB_oeiFOz4hdeBBi0-uxPPcej1kFACdL6_qo6pRieDX4XbrgApEqXyi5Ys2uGClaGL-TviWwpFbU6JsKC7mVc2ylck0FRGpJA860W_ONrdsvGcKg4YUZ3qeUUd62mCio/s1600/IMG_7525.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcoySNAp4J4gzKB_oeiFOz4hdeBBi0-uxPPcej1kFACdL6_qo6pRieDX4XbrgApEqXyi5Ys2uGClaGL-TviWwpFbU6JsKC7mVc2ylck0FRGpJA860W_ONrdsvGcKg4YUZ3qeUUd62mCio/s1600/IMG_7525.JPG" height="146" width="400" /></a></div>
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Maybe, it was a bad night, but our group felt that the matador and rival love interest of Carmen, Escamillo (represented by Marcelo Guzzo) was not very good. I thought it was just me but the others thought he should have been better. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtC4AfLAu_1QnBTUga6o3dggb6ywhOLoHkSy2m2aKJgXHumy7PRlNIMKKdkybmK-dhfG57Qx8FzvLH75wZFsvajmOJIh1uAJqlyqHF5dC-0fhpMKiykX94D9gDXBDEjZbgEOvdoimX51M/s1600/IMG_7548.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtC4AfLAu_1QnBTUga6o3dggb6ywhOLoHkSy2m2aKJgXHumy7PRlNIMKKdkybmK-dhfG57Qx8FzvLH75wZFsvajmOJIh1uAJqlyqHF5dC-0fhpMKiykX94D9gDXBDEjZbgEOvdoimX51M/s1600/IMG_7548.JPG" height="163" width="400" /></a></div>
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Also, during one scene, he sang at the back of the stage and it was hard to hear him. The director should have moved his solo front and center in our humble opinions! The other scenes where he was closer to the audience were easier to hear.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZIQaDhJRsWqQtKs1GkqXyy2Op9XpwW_ChicIyOsXXFT7OtRuduQi2qawVRbo0zobB0Y6Ek2I8veRQLw54l0rJVkldSvSq1h0tFURHcaVq8D9fi_t4rTg-oGyX-xGnDR_v6oGcBy6SegU/s1600/IMG_7553.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZIQaDhJRsWqQtKs1GkqXyy2Op9XpwW_ChicIyOsXXFT7OtRuduQi2qawVRbo0zobB0Y6Ek2I8veRQLw54l0rJVkldSvSq1h0tFURHcaVq8D9fi_t4rTg-oGyX-xGnDR_v6oGcBy6SegU/s1600/IMG_7553.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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The supporting singers were all very good and when the cast sang together it was impressive and wonderful. I won't tell you how the opera ends incase you don't know the story, but it was dramatic.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4tdfUO3l7588XNgtErkiYvDr6ZjGgXzAhEkaMCwMATEPqed1U40NBZkfbS5gBGsG8AnjkT6TvU2c-72WWBYlL1e4gbGPTodzLJVXsdI0nkDBRYRGExnu7YA-bGPtt_oDeo5U8gPi3ANw/s1600/IMG_7556.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4tdfUO3l7588XNgtErkiYvDr6ZjGgXzAhEkaMCwMATEPqed1U40NBZkfbS5gBGsG8AnjkT6TvU2c-72WWBYlL1e4gbGPTodzLJVXsdI0nkDBRYRGExnu7YA-bGPtt_oDeo5U8gPi3ANw/s1600/IMG_7556.JPG" height="103" width="400" /></a></div>
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At the end, everyone came out and took their final bows. It made me think, wouldn't it be nice if after a long hard days work, we could then be allowed to take a bow while others clapped in applause, approval and acknowledgement of our efforts? So tonight, I'll close down with a bow. It's time for dinner but wait , did I hear some applause, well maybe, just maybe I did!</div>
Denisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06114770905895045770noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7977358315744247865.post-3357763752858676052014-11-14T14:47:00.001-08:002014-11-24T06:35:18.585-08:00The Information Age!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4oWe8pWCTa_Gj6jAMiFI0ghAAcArBDM7JOxSa0vPbl9HrnckB-Lsx0cbVLsQSDHH6b3Xv5l_5A7pZtiTu-hcDZrNfhMznvmGIaho_2Cx_8fatRgh68xKhjVT7Y_10P_MXqQ3MKA2Bk90/s1600/IMG_7399.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4oWe8pWCTa_Gj6jAMiFI0ghAAcArBDM7JOxSa0vPbl9HrnckB-Lsx0cbVLsQSDHH6b3Xv5l_5A7pZtiTu-hcDZrNfhMznvmGIaho_2Cx_8fatRgh68xKhjVT7Y_10P_MXqQ3MKA2Bk90/s1600/IMG_7399.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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A cool thing about Uruguay is that it doesn't have junk mail! You won't see dozens of ads, flyers or catalogs mixed in with your mail. In fact, a visit from the postman/person is somewhat rare. If something <i><b>is</b></i> sent to me through the mail, it takes a special visit from the local Salinas post office They don't have everyday routes and visits here. A cool looking dude riding a motorcycle and maybe wearing a leather jacket but not any special uniform will drive up my driveway and try and deliver it or leave a notice that he tried. I have a rock for my mail. I never got around to buying the little plastic box that others have tied to their gates.<br />
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My bills are left on my utility box with some rocks acting as a paperweight sitting on them. The individual power companies send their own people around to deliver the power, water and phone bills due. Different people from each company will leave you their bill and each home will have it's due dates uniquely their own. I usually hope that it doesn't rain during my delivery days which are not exactly the same days. I only lost 1 bill due to the wind but I eventually found it in the bushes.<br />
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While a few flyers might be passed out at the weekly feria or printed in slick booklets left on the counters in hardware stores and other places hoping that you'll take one when you leave, most advertising here is not on a printed waste of paper, most is done through the radio, TV or sound cars. Cars, bikes and motorcycles with huge speakers front and back drive through all the neighborhoods blasting out their stores' jingles and specials. One time a small plane flew overhead announcing something but since it flew by so quickly only part of the message was heard, some sale was taking place, but where and of what who knows?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhMpuua4IfiPIX32ZLg3abH3Hv9JTPyKPI_eEXkdrnNVkjh6kxSF7zgluQ2Y25NOe1qkpagX79-vdrA0V4FKc_5ZuIdiqBzsrSw8YyPLdoXukXb39yGnixZgWDHZZrcKraMnfLT9OU6Ks/s1600/IMG_7391.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhMpuua4IfiPIX32ZLg3abH3Hv9JTPyKPI_eEXkdrnNVkjh6kxSF7zgluQ2Y25NOe1qkpagX79-vdrA0V4FKc_5ZuIdiqBzsrSw8YyPLdoXukXb39yGnixZgWDHZZrcKraMnfLT9OU6Ks/s1600/IMG_7391.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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Receiving information however, in another form, is about to take a giant leap here in Uruguay, we are getting Fiber optic cables for home use (al hogar).<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIv6EffRjkBufWXhU243CWzeei1-XjiCsVtCW_RRU7t8GDooVdP_sUKzx4-CBljS0YtUi5j7VCNbG0VFZ_aNYKtgWg_stRQxuoEGQsG9ubf7HngPH3KSqdmC-bm72dD2lTy5n9g_yqu8U/s1600/IMG_7388.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIv6EffRjkBufWXhU243CWzeei1-XjiCsVtCW_RRU7t8GDooVdP_sUKzx4-CBljS0YtUi5j7VCNbG0VFZ_aNYKtgWg_stRQxuoEGQsG9ubf7HngPH3KSqdmC-bm72dD2lTy5n9g_yqu8U/s1600/IMG_7388.JPG" height="98" width="400" /></a></div>
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My little neighborhood is joining in with this information advancement as well, since fiber optic cables for our individual homes are being installed throughout the streets even as I type this.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyedIkGJgNP3fc5BizPJqUJcwZogPUXq_NmPkmDQvC9mOXMNOeuNavPcuhVcztEd00IJM7GX7uXdD0hMw95cndbHJG-sEHS05ugoT7-dTi5yNOTO6bJvVfzeu0hW3yORUtDuG3ZFRJ0Cc/s1600/IMG_7416.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyedIkGJgNP3fc5BizPJqUJcwZogPUXq_NmPkmDQvC9mOXMNOeuNavPcuhVcztEd00IJM7GX7uXdD0hMw95cndbHJG-sEHS05ugoT7-dTi5yNOTO6bJvVfzeu0hW3yORUtDuG3ZFRJ0Cc/s1600/IMG_7416.jpg" height="116" width="400" /></a></div>
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Antel, the government owned communications network is laying down the cables and doing it surprisingly fast. Porta-potties are popping up in neighborhoods and little work tents. Trenches are being dug and the cables layed. They are zipping through streets right and left.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpP_OZurSvmKbAGdx3X16YYpjuJeubthW2phclSl7FQrnB0UZzhyT9uI8tYxubBREJuMZEHQBbxbfH2NT1bSb7LsqMDv2c2E_gqn5ZYVEWZFSSa5p7cQujDtpVW9exldD9kIegotk1rm4/s1600/IMG_7404.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpP_OZurSvmKbAGdx3X16YYpjuJeubthW2phclSl7FQrnB0UZzhyT9uI8tYxubBREJuMZEHQBbxbfH2NT1bSb7LsqMDv2c2E_gqn5ZYVEWZFSSa5p7cQujDtpVW9exldD9kIegotk1rm4/s1600/IMG_7404.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The sound guy and I seemed to be taking the same route.</td></tr>
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I took a tour of the Antel project, taking photos on my way home from my weekly feria or farmers market trip. I always walk to the market place, so that gives me an up-close view of what's happening in the neighborhood. I crossed paths several times with the local sound announcing motorcycle.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA18igIQzwAHkjdTenFewIPzvZmAZVK_MH5r6vylPFpRTLNtI4T1wsX5C_kpPbSF_5ETsWMc9zV_O_JHKZ1ZCsDxcJ6Zk_uOVPOwFoOZiSsPRmf69QhNh5Oh0n7mZNiau-KqCj0q_MoVc/s1600/IMG_7407.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA18igIQzwAHkjdTenFewIPzvZmAZVK_MH5r6vylPFpRTLNtI4T1wsX5C_kpPbSF_5ETsWMc9zV_O_JHKZ1ZCsDxcJ6Zk_uOVPOwFoOZiSsPRmf69QhNh5Oh0n7mZNiau-KqCj0q_MoVc/s1600/IMG_7407.JPG" height="98" width="400" /></a></div>
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Coming up the main highway, so that I could stop in one more store before returning home, I took these final shots of a crew at work. Many of them gladly posed!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw5LJzyS9rk1c9ZVAedZr2vyi4gI8bqi2CRgh4Jj4Fnj4a39mmbmciMkZIQ3gL1209wMqCpLNQ2620VFIvcxY3Xabv9F4qbXJsgzXbXxcsXTjB25cIXkoN1DS4896s0r_VaGCh9m2oZbE/s1600/IMG_7413.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw5LJzyS9rk1c9ZVAedZr2vyi4gI8bqi2CRgh4Jj4Fnj4a39mmbmciMkZIQ3gL1209wMqCpLNQ2620VFIvcxY3Xabv9F4qbXJsgzXbXxcsXTjB25cIXkoN1DS4896s0r_VaGCh9m2oZbE/s1600/IMG_7413.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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These pictures as I mentioned, were taken along the main highway. It runs west to east near the coast and passes by the many beach towns like Salinas where I go to the feria and then past my town of Marindia and up towards Atlántida etc... It is called the <i style="font-weight: bold;">Interbalnearia, </i>balnearia means spa/resort, that's what they consider these beach towns to be. The Interbalnearia goes from Montevideo, the capital city of Uruguay and runs up towards Punta del Este for instance. The main highway has a little secondary road that runs along either side of it. In the past these roads were only dirt roads but now many sections are paved with asphalt which really helps in the rain. Along this portion of road that I was walking home on, is a little soda pop, ice cream/cigarette, etc.. stand or more like a Kiosk which they are called here (spelled in Spanish, Kiosco) it stands in front of the owners home that was having cables laid down in front of it. The owners Mabel (pronounced with the b/v sound) and Carlos gladly posed as well. So here are some pictures of their stand/store which is a very typical style of little convenience stands/Kiosk's you'll find in the many neighborhoods down here.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnzWhIjQKBEcszS0T2taAAp-fX-l6SiJgFvaqWjvGnqIHKzvyKVqbC6lmRoa3ndnC9lVkL-XeznYG33uhV7kj39g9GjPDdgAUU2LHNeWIXx8lPSB_haOHjkpy7gK2cMUclARRSF0Y26LM/s1600/IMG_7414.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnzWhIjQKBEcszS0T2taAAp-fX-l6SiJgFvaqWjvGnqIHKzvyKVqbC6lmRoa3ndnC9lVkL-XeznYG33uhV7kj39g9GjPDdgAUU2LHNeWIXx8lPSB_haOHjkpy7gK2cMUclARRSF0Y26LM/s1600/IMG_7414.JPG" height="98" width="400" /></a></div>
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This project will take a few more months to complete but Antel wants it to be up and running or working for the homes in about 2 to 3 months, no more!<br />
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So that's what's happening in my town. Bye, Bye and remember to buy for now, so says the sound guy.<br />
<br />Denisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06114770905895045770noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7977358315744247865.post-39445583381602624992014-10-29T16:29:00.004-07:002014-10-29T16:29:57.542-07:00Feeling Blue!<br />
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Apologies are needed, It's the end of the month and I haven't posted anything for 3 weeks.<br />
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I have my reasons. For one thing, My computer was being difficult, it wasn't charging even when it was plugged in! I had to send for a new charger from the States (USA). It took about a month to arrive but it seems to be working/charging now. My mouse function died many months ago and I've been using a very "crappy" touch pad to maneuver around with, it doesn't allow me to spell check anything. I only know when a word is misspelled but I can't auto correct it, like before. Wally has the same type of mouse ball as I do, his works. So yes, I tried exchanging his to replace mine but no, the problem persists. My computer was a brand new present from Wally, a rare treat, if you know how little he likes to spend on gifts. He brought it back from the USA for me when he went to visit his sick father (who is well now). Of course, in bringing it back, he promptly dropped it in the airport onto a concrete post and slightly bent it! I normally don't get a lot of presents, so go figure. I am amazed it has worked this long (1 year).<br />
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I have also been working about 6 days a week doing house cleaning jobs. I agreed to work for a lady for 3 months while her cleaning lady was in the USA for 3 months. She wanted her house cleaned 3 times a week. Apparently, I did a good job because her Aunt who also used the same other lady wanted me to clean her house 2 times a week. I have 2 other regulars, of my own, that I clean for but only for 1 time a week each. My 2 regular cleaning jobs help me to pay for my pets' pet food (very expensive here in Uruguay) and my cat grit/kitty litter. They also give me just a few dollars for personal items that I want to spend on myself. So by doubling up on some days and cleaning their houses, I was and I am exhausted. My own house is now <b>filthy</b> or <b>"Mugrienta"</b>, Full of "Mugre/ filth and grime (my new Spanish words) After cleaning other peoples houses for 7 hours a day 6 days a week and traveling by bus to their towns there is no way I wanted or had the energy to clean my own home or to blog, Sorry! Wally likes to cook.<br />
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October started out incredibly sad for me! Romeo, my new kitty from the month of April was killed!<br />
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I was outside, admiring my front garden because the gardener had removed some ugly bushes at my request. Well, curse it, I had to pee, so I ran back into my house where all my animals were waiting for me by the front door. Romeo, an inside cat, dashed out and I couldn't grab him fast enough. I blame having to use the facilities for that. Well, I quickly went to look for him and couldn't see him anywhere. I then just had to use the toilet (which is why, I'm so mad at myself). I should have thought about going onto the roof or into the neighbors' yard, over on the next block but no, I just had to visit my porcelain friend.<br />
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I called all day and night for him. He had escaped before but he always stayed nearby or came when I called! This time a day and 2 nights passed without my seeing or finding him. Finally, when I came home from work and started calling again for him some workers, working on a new house construction 2 doors away, came to ask me, if I had found my cat? I said, "NO". Then, they said, they believed he might be dead because they could see the body of a cat in the next yard. They very nicely passed me a ladder and I climb up it to peek into the neighbors' yard. Another worker, then lifted up the body so I could see if it was Romeo or not. Sadly it was! By the look of his rigidness, he died on the very first day he went missing, which is why he didn't come back immediately. The workers asked if I wanted the body back to bury in my yard but I said no because I have 3 dogs that know him and his scent. So they nicely dug a deep hole in the bush area where he apparently wanted to explore. They dug it wide and deep and gently put him in it for me. They covered him not only with the dirt but seamlessly replaced the grass lawn over him. I was glad I saw him one last time, so that I knew for sure, he wasn't coming back home. He didn't suffer as there was no blood or damage. Some dog must have just shook him then walked away and left him without further disturbance. I know this is a terribly sad post but I just had to share in English my feelings, so forgive me.<br />
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I cried, and cried, day and night, because he was so young and because he had become my favorite pet so shortly on. My other cat, Nathan (of 5 plus years) is a typical cat. He's independent most of the time and loving when<b> he</b> feels like it. Romeo, was named (Ill fated I guess) Romeo because he was amazingly affectionate. He also had huge paws! Not deformed with extra toes, <b>no</b>, he had perfectly formed nice paws that were just very large (Larger than the 5 year old cat) and he had sturdy legs. He could not only push a door open but could "PULL IT OPEN" with his huge paws. Nathan meows and waits for the door to be opened for him.<br />
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Well, I don't have a kitty heaven or resurrection or reincarnation belief for animals, so I think, I cried more for him then for some people I knew. After 2 straight days of crying it was time to get up in the morning and meet my friends at 7am at the bus stop to attend my religious 3 day district assembly.<br />
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I had 3 straight days of Bible conference, readings, lectures, demonstrations and a really nice video Bible drama. Too bad for me, it was all in Spanish! I understood more than I have done before but I was again tiredly reminded of my great inadequacies. So I was glad to be with friends but I was also very tired mentally and emotionally by the end of it. <br />
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A few months ago, I had finally found a Spanish teacher in Salinas (the nearby town) and once a week I was going to them for a "1 on 1 lesson", a personal lesson using some of my house cleaning money for the lessons. I was loving it, even the homework. However, She started to cancel them and then she quit all together, citing personal home problems. We are on good terms and I would start them again if she was available. Alas, I am without affordable, live personal lessons.<br />
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To everyone who has emailed me or left a comment, I want you to know that, now that the computer is at least limping along and the 3 months of non-stop house cleaning is over, I will try and start blogging and answering questions again. Please remember, that <i>to your computers</i>, someone writing to you from Uruguay, looks like spam and is often trashed without reaching you. So check your filters and spam settings. <br />
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Also, I will probably need a <b>"what's new"</b> post, This week saw voters out electing officials (by law every citizen has to turn out to vote) (note: Jw's handle it like registering for the draft at 18 yrs. old in the USA) next week is to elect a President.<br />
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There was a fierce wind storm with lightening last night (Oct.28th). Today, I was to clean for my 2 ladies but they called to tell me there was a bus strike today (Oct 29th). Just as well, It rained and thundered with lightening all day so we rescheduled.<br />
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Also the camp site in Marindia has since closed.<br />
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I was too busy to look into any other camp sites for the reader who wants to camp here in December. There are a couple of sites in La Floresta a few cities north of here. MAYBE, in November, I'll find something out about them, now that I have more free time.<br />
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To another reader, as far as I know I'm not "allergic" to wool but a mix of synthetic and wool will be less itchy so a mixed wool blend knitted cap would be nice if the offer is still open. I probably, sadly, missed that window of opportunity.<br />
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Okay, that about wraps it up!<br />
I have more home projects in the works and some more interesting city projects taking place around town. So I hope, you'll check in next month! I hope to have a better month as well!<br />
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Denisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06114770905895045770noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7977358315744247865.post-73981253796965037632014-09-07T16:30:00.002-07:002014-09-20T17:34:14.729-07:00Plumbing and Draining Fixes!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Okay, Solymar and I seem to be having the same problems, that of good drainage and the ability to flush our waste away. "The city of the coast" ( La cuidad de la costa) is solving their problems with a multi-million dollar project. I was able to solve mine much more reasonably.<br />
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I noticed the problem while taking a shower. The drain seemed to be slow in draining, so I made a mental note to get out the plunger once I finished showering and to try and jog things loose with it. I take very long and steamy hot showers. When I finally got out of the shower, I saw that my entire bathroom floor was flooded with water. It had come up from a drain trap door in the floor that most bathrooms have if the house has a pozo negro (cesspool/ septic system).<br />
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At least the water was fairly clean and a toilet hadn't overflowed. It's just that I thought, the shower was draining but it was actually filling up the drain box which was blocked, so the water having nowhere else to go started to fill up the bathroom.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The marble threshold kept the water from spilling into the hallway.<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Each month, we put a few pesos into an envelope so that when we need to drain our septic system we will have the money to do so. When we first moved into our house, we had to drain the septic tank twice, in only a few years time. Now, I know that was only because we had had construction debris clogging it up. Still, I figured out that it has been about 3 to 4 years since we have emptied it, so I grabbed my envelope and tried to remember who to call to drain it.</span></div>
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Fortunately, just 2 days before this, I had seen my neighbor, who lives up the same street as I do, getting his pozo negro cleaned out! So I ran up to Juan's house and asked him for the name of the company and their telephone number. I also, asked him how much they charged him. He has a 4,000 liter tank and they charged him $750 pesos (about $37.50 US). I found out that my tank is a huge 10,000 liter one. They charged me $1,500 pesos (about $75 , I still use a 20 to 1 ratio). So double his price but I got 2,000 liters of free cleaning, so to speak, so I thought it was a good deal.</div>
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Juan told me who to ask for and to tell him that I lived on the same street that they had just been to. That made it easy for me to try and explain how to get to my house over the phone in Spanish.</div>
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Juan said, that a fairly young guy named Mateo drove the truck. I had to wait a few days until they could come, so I started a no flush champaign because I didn't want my next flood to be, you know what. </div>
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The truck arrived on a rather gloomy day so I was glad to see them show up.</div>
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Soon, giant hoses were unloaded and attached to the truck that was parked in the middle of our street. The hose had to come up our drive way and then up my brick garden stairs. Then it was laid across my courtyard into the first of 2 iron tops that cover 2 access pits. One pit fills up then flows to a second.</div>
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I am completely upset with myself that I didn't show the pits after, they were throughly cleaned out. </div>
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I made sure that after they were finished, I verified it was in fact completely empty. We once had someone only empty half because they said their truck was full. They asked for a large price I think $1200 pesos some 4 years ago but then they never came back to clean out the other half. Wally had paid them already. I now handle, the paying of people because I'm not so easily parted with my money. I explained to this company, that I wanted everything, cleaned out before I paid.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidJ3Zzm8JeHIMbjsnVNLHFg9r9IPhDljuLAz66kO_ex8c2uJfPUl_TXdBvMtQZFRRkdJ09U9fmf50utQ8Eki7Jn0Emu9L9Icv6_BibcM514bghdBabtXxCpeYUhRzG8H160j1Siehh4_4/s1600/IMG_7029.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidJ3Zzm8JeHIMbjsnVNLHFg9r9IPhDljuLAz66kO_ex8c2uJfPUl_TXdBvMtQZFRRkdJ09U9fmf50utQ8Eki7Jn0Emu9L9Icv6_BibcM514bghdBabtXxCpeYUhRzG8H160j1Siehh4_4/s1600/IMG_7029.jpg" height="116" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After many years of use, the pozo was filled to the top with toilet waste.</td></tr>
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I was glad that I had made such a pre-fuss because sure enough it started to pour down rain and they said, they had to empty the truck. They said, they would be back after lunch but not too worry, I wouldn't pay them until they had come back that afternoon and finished the job! Whew, </div>
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They came back in the pouring rain and finished the job. I think because of all the rain and fuss that after I looked into both pits I forgot to take the photo of how deep and awesome our empty pit was.</div>
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Instead, I asked, if I could finally flush my toilets? They said yes, so I gave the needed flush however when I came back out they had already lifted back on the heavy iron tops and I didn't have the heart to ask them in the pouring rain to take them off again, so that I could take the final photo. Too bad, Qué lástima (what a pity).</div>
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After my Pozo was totally cleaned out I was so happy. I took a long shower. The next day, after a very long shower, I came out into the bathroom to find it flooded again with shower water!!! This time I called a plumber!</div>
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Diego, the plumber, speaks English but he says he is going to move to Spain soon. So too bad, the expat community will soon lose a valuable resource.</div>
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Wally's bathroom backs up to mine. We each have a little floor drain. That was good to remember, because after taking out a lot of grit, sand and debris from the bathroom drain that had flooded, we wondered why the drain was still slow to drain. Then Diego opened up my drain. It too had grit down it. Still, the shower drain was slow to drain. It only worked, after Diego used a home made snake (a piece of rubber hose) to clean out the connection between Wally's bathroom drain and mine. </div>
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The last photo above shows how much sand, and etc... that he cleaned out of our drains. Now, I can take truly long luxurious showers and step out onto a dry bathroom floor. Yeah! Diego din't charge too much. So unlike the neighborhood of Solymar, my 2 projects of sewage and drainage are now complete. </div>
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So as not to leave you with images of poop and debris, ugh, I will use this post as a perfect excuse to include some recent photos of my new kitten Romeo and my cat Nathan, to focus on instead. They are getting along great. Nathan is proving to be an attentive big brother. </div>
Denisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06114770905895045770noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7977358315744247865.post-56397337290189242532014-08-16T14:56:00.002-07:002014-08-27T14:35:22.239-07:00SOLYMAR<br />
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Solymar is a residential neighborhood belonging to the "ciudad de la costa" since 1994. This neighborhood and the "city of the coast" is one of the balnearia/beach towns along the strip of coast called the "Gold Coast" or in Spanish called the "Costa de Oro". It literarily means Sun (Sol) and (Y) sea (mar). It's about a 35 to 40 min. bus ride (depending on traffic) away from my town. The main section of highway that fronts the town is chock full of enterprises.<br />
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It has a Disco supermarket, a Multi ahorro supermarket (which means multi savings) and everything else you might need.<br />
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At night snack trucks come out and sell fresh made garrapiñadas, churros and my favorite new mobile truck stand, a "Fried fish and chips" (french fries) place.<br />
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That's <b>Jessica</b> on the left with <b>Juan</b> the cook and owner. They have the best deal in town or over several towns regarding their french fries (papas fritas). A generous sized portion only costs 60 pesos.<br />
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Most other places are charging 100 pesos, $3 dollars versus $5. In Uruguay food is NOT cheap. A fried piece of fish, fried to your "color preference" is served with a lemon wedge and costs $38 pesos.<br />
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I always order 2 pieces and I've always gotten a 3rd piece thrown in for free because they try and serve large pieces and will compensate for 2 smaller ones.<br />
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I've been down to Solymar almost everyday now because I have several small house cleaning jobs down there. They pay for all the dog and cat food, plus cat litter box grit, that I need to supply for my 3 dogs and 2 cats. They also contribute to some pocket money for me. Of course, the down side is that now my own house is filthy. After cleaning 8 hours a day in other peoples' houses, the idea of coming home to do more cleaning in my own house and not getting paid for it, is just too tiring to consider. In a month or so I'll drop most of the jobs and just keep 2 ladies. That will be enough for the pet food and supply money with a "tiny" extra besides. When the ladies that I work for said, that they would recommend me to a "ALL" their friends after their regular cleaning lady comes back from vacation, I said, "please don't, I'm exhausted" (Estoy agostada).<br />
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Because I'm down in Solymar so much, I decided to bring my camera down with me to document a grand public works project that the <i><b>water company,</b></i> OSE is carrying out. <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">OSE</span></b> stands for <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">O</span></b>bras <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">S</span></b>anitarios del <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">E</span></b>stado (Sanitary Works of the State). This project will accomplish <i>several</i> needed services for the city of Solymar. Solymar has suffered flooding on several occasions after no more than a very heavy rain. One of the ladies that I clean for, had to throw out her large area rug after water poured into her house under her door. She has no front stoop. The drainage ditches alongside of the streets quickly fill up with water then they overflow, turning the neighborhood dirt roads, into mini lakes.<br />
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So water drainage is being addressed. Also, It seems that everyone is getting new sewage lines. Most people have bidets next to their toilets and they don't use a lot of toilet paper to wipe their "hinnies" with, not like us North Americans do. So I have seen a lot of "ugh", used tissues thrown into the trash bucket next to the toilet. People here are reluctant to flush their paper down the toilet. Everyone has a septic tank that they apparently don't want to fill up with paper. The paper here is so thin that it seems to totally de-solve right away but still the habit persists.<br />
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I started taking pictures of the project, when I noticed how deep down into the ground the workers and machines were digging.<br />
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These giant u shaped cement pieces, shown in the 3rd photo above, are to be buried completely underground, they will have tops added on top of them once in place, then more sewer lines and other stuff goes above them.<br />
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So the newly dug underground canal is deep.<br />
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The cement canal pieces were lined up along the street and became our pedestrians routes until each one was taken up by a giant crane and placed into the newly dug pit.<br />
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I'm about 5 foot, 5 1/2 inches tall, so I'm guessing that these are about 4 feet tall?<br />
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To show how deep down they were buried, here are some photos of the workers standing down in the pit with them.<br />
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Huge steel plates were used as walls to keep the excavation from caving in on itself, the crane would then pound these in deeper with a deafening sound, over and over again. I wondered how the steel plates could take such a beating.<br />
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I don't know how high up, they will have to build the street to bury these sewer connections and hoses or if there will be some very tall sidewalks poured in place to cover them over but <i>it seems to me</i> that these lines are too close to the surface. I can't imagine cars and trucks rolling over these without damaging them. For now, I will just keep an eye on the developing project.<br />
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The street that this is being done to is aptly named Uruguay, a few side streets are also benefiting. The work is taking place on the North side of the ruta or main highway, called the Interbalnearia. The project is headed up the street to the next main route. I asked some workers when the project was due to be completed, they said in November of this year then just started laughing! We all know, it will take much longer to complete. It was supposed to be a 2 year project ending this year. The cost? I'm not sure but it's in the millions of dollars (USA). The water company OSE had to not only hire the workers but also had to rent the large machinery from other sources. So it's a costly expense.<br />
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Maybe, in the future when it rains, Solymar won't get inundated with flood water. Also, who knows maybe they will, "live a little" and flush away all those nasty used pieces of toilet paper. If I continue cleaning houses I can only hope so!!!<br />
<br />Denisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06114770905895045770noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7977358315744247865.post-22109557469424357692014-07-09T10:27:00.000-07:002014-08-03T09:39:22.890-07:00Our Roof!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I must have a thing about roofs and different roof material types. In the past, I've posted about a <i><b>thatched</b></i> roof (Quincho) being repaired or rather replaced with a new thatched roof. I've mentioned my neighbor's <i><b>tin</b></i> roof being exchanged for a <i><b>clay tile</b></i> one. Now, it seems only fitting to mention my <i><b>cement and brick</b></i> covered one, atop my own house.<br />
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I don't personally like the idea of a flat roof. Although, I was raised in Southern California and "Seems, it never rains in Southern California, (unless) it pours, man it pours." (I'm alluding to an old 1972 song here). Despite raining a little or a lot, I do not like to think of rain settling on the roof and just staying there, pooling and eventually causing problems. Now if I had lots of money, I'd build a roof deck on top of my flat roof and take advantage of the view but alas I'm broke so no roof deck in my future.<br />
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One of the big differences between Wally and I is, he's not just a "glass half-full" type of guy, to my "glass half-empty" personality but rather, he is a "the glass is always full and overflowing" type of person. I think that's why I'm forced to be the half-empty type, just to balance or compensate for his exuberance.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A crack on the outside fascia and the top roof edge caused this. </td></tr>
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So after our end of the year row/tiff, he finally agreed that maybe, my concern about seeing some ceiling cracks in my bathroom and in our bedroom were valid. In our bedroom we once had an old wood stove that the previous owners had left behind. We were concerned about using it and possibly getting badly burned walking around it in the middle of the night so we remove it years ago. That left a large hole clear through the roof where we took out the chimney. The hole was patched and you'd never know that once we could see the sky through it. However, <i>several months ago</i> I noticed a drop of water coming down in that repaired spot. Actually, I originally thought that one of our dogs was having bladder problems because her dog bed was under that spot. I was finding her bed slightly wet during the day and I thought <i>she was leaking!</i> Well I'm glad to say no, she was fine, just the roof was leaking. Wally kept putting off repairing it until finally, I was afraid we would have a skylight there because of it's falling down. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A chimney stove pipe, once went through this spot!</td></tr>
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The spot went from a barely noticeable drop to being full of cracks. I wasn't really worried about that spot because I knew the history of the ex chimney. I finally complained about my bathroom enough to get attention to the whole problem. Our roof needed help!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Outside my bathroom window, moisture damage showing under the ledge<br />
New asphalt already laid above, ready to be trimmed.</td></tr>
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We called around to our friends and asked, if there were any roofers among them. It turns out that a good friend of ours Leo (he drove Wally to the airport in a post last year) used to be a roofer but now had a sales job. Leo does maintenance at our congregation and is a meticulous worker.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2I5yrMEPEMZWIacZW7xwDZQknsTEKkKn_wmh0lbHKFnl5KLn2JEIHQTbgVyASEzovXmB_yHOeZ2oA0AbaGNdYRrPeEKk7iJwljIW6XR3Dr7QMM70DHvdKTLknBjsEL6IXUNWwX0zzH8zp/s1600/IMG_2271.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2I5yrMEPEMZWIacZW7xwDZQknsTEKkKn_wmh0lbHKFnl5KLn2JEIHQTbgVyASEzovXmB_yHOeZ2oA0AbaGNdYRrPeEKk7iJwljIW6XR3Dr7QMM70DHvdKTLknBjsEL6IXUNWwX0zzH8zp/s320/IMG_2271.jpg" height="235" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Leo finishing with a paint job to our facia trim.</td></tr>
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He took a week off of work because sales were slow due to the holidays and he ended up repairing large sections of our roof during this time. We were so pleased with his work that I was able to talk Wally into using him again to do some other sections of our roof in a few months from now.<br />
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Our roof as mentioned, is made of concrete. The concrete is coated with liquid asphalt, a tar like substance. That is covered with a thick membrane roll of Asphalt, then a base of sand covers that and finally thin <i><b>cement tiles called tejuelas</b></i> used for walking on, cover the sand.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tejuelas and sand removed and a coat of liquid asphalt is painted on.</td></tr>
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Our house is very old but that system had lasted through all these decades until now. The membrane had simply become buckled up at the edges. Some of those edges had become unsealed. Because of all those high winds and tropical storms starting in September, water was driven under in spots and allowed ingress.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bringing the liquid Asphalt to the edges</td></tr>
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Leo says, that many people make the mistake of not sealing the edges after the membrane is torched on. There is a product using liquid aluminum that can help keep the edges from coming loose due to the intense sun temperatures a roof receives. Covering over the blacken tar like stuff with the light liquid aluminum can reduce decay and prevent this problem.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our flat roof with some silver aluminum showing at the edge</td></tr>
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After the black liquid is rolled or painted on <b>you must then torch on</b> a separate membrane roll over that coating. I have seen other roofers not really torching the membrane to melt it as well as they should but melting it is what thoroughly adheres it to your roof!<br />
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The back of this membrane asphalt roll is covered with an included aluminum attached cover. This is to reflect the sun and not absorb it. That keeps your roof cooler in summer then just asphalt alone would.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The roll of Asphalt membrane after torched and adhered.<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Leo recovered the new membrane with the sand and then put back our roof tiles over that base. Wally de-weeded our unintentional green roof. Weeds loved to grow in the sand lines around the tile.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Edges addressed, tiles relaid.<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Leo then went down off our roof and up a ladder. He scraped and patched/repaired the areas under our facias which had shown the water damage occurring. I saw these all along, Wally just had to finally agree to address the problem. L</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">eo also painted these facias and our trim.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvfJgt2eS4xrQodR69KsOhQKtLXGaK_Fk_bCgjWARuBvpR8GqNPiTcIPjYHSJfbKI8RZ7ca_olALNQ98uijyE5LZwSRSpLEDSL0pNWO3y_PxxtRj_jY7wNQ_DPZ1OFNhMjobreFhCPSIr5/s1600/IMG_2269.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvfJgt2eS4xrQodR69KsOhQKtLXGaK_Fk_bCgjWARuBvpR8GqNPiTcIPjYHSJfbKI8RZ7ca_olALNQ98uijyE5LZwSRSpLEDSL0pNWO3y_PxxtRj_jY7wNQ_DPZ1OFNhMjobreFhCPSIr5/s320/IMG_2269.JPG" height="120" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Because of our budget we are working in stages. Leo worked tirelessly in the hot sun for days. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">His expertise will also be put to use as a painter and plasterer to help make our inside ceilings unblemished again. For now it's back to his normal job for him and we will see him again in March but the real problem areas where solved. So, it looks like part of my "empty glass" attitude is starting to be filled up, Wally is lending me some of his. </span></div>
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Denisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06114770905895045770noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7977358315744247865.post-57867341656934451622014-06-02T17:10:00.000-07:002014-06-02T17:10:03.146-07:00More Rust! Painting the railing!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJEUs8VkZtjYerdwdrk-cvH-ykHukscAV8MSkQfOodFNwsKhSWuLMXuakx7PnFeEAXmaoKpKhLBxvWH-UsoKk_u-zWNNhlXQP98dG-vFWtYUEwr2izB8luRbFZld1TSrbYbTn-IG7wwtw/s1600/deck+y+misc+021.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJEUs8VkZtjYerdwdrk-cvH-ykHukscAV8MSkQfOodFNwsKhSWuLMXuakx7PnFeEAXmaoKpKhLBxvWH-UsoKk_u-zWNNhlXQP98dG-vFWtYUEwr2izB8luRbFZld1TSrbYbTn-IG7wwtw/s320/deck+y+misc+021.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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Okay, we live near the beach and that's great except when you realize how corrosive salt water spray can be on iron. Wally and I hate to paint and now we are reaping the sad results of that tendency.<br />
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The good news is that I am slowing starting to address the rust problem areas and fixing them. Unfortunately, because we waited so long in doing this we had to again, get professional help in tackling the problem. I called the garden gate father and son team to return and have them give me an estimate. I would need grinding down and taking off the rust spots and patching and filling them up. Since these guys are iron workers I knew that they could weld anything that might need it.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAltngf9nMJuTtKU_pcbjya1Apoidgyt_SEPmoFYm2UX-qShukdqspUuT5OG83vNaJHLqunicbnPmsddGz02HUfw5IA8oUErUnUS8gSotx10WCx3E2GoScDuoQQAZHl8XvQ1cAzOQDy2M/s1600/IMG_4594.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAltngf9nMJuTtKU_pcbjya1Apoidgyt_SEPmoFYm2UX-qShukdqspUuT5OG83vNaJHLqunicbnPmsddGz02HUfw5IA8oUErUnUS8gSotx10WCx3E2GoScDuoQQAZHl8XvQ1cAzOQDy2M/s320/IMG_4594.jpg" height="174" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sergio's cell phone number</td></tr>
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Remember, that I originally got their telephone number from a sign off of the main highway.<br />
They were quite professional despite their sign. I was pleased to have them back!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAzPbSCkFIxniEKmGRxRNzzX_bcmCIwF3ewQ9rPgqBu6Yj8IVnLGPjJy8s8-qHniTUWyFU6yDpMQZNB3UZjI_V1UdYH8mcSV_umwpTnZqpT4_3WyZgfX6GnWpyGSfylvhaYcfBNLOCyIA/s1600/IMG_4768.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAzPbSCkFIxniEKmGRxRNzzX_bcmCIwF3ewQ9rPgqBu6Yj8IVnLGPjJy8s8-qHniTUWyFU6yDpMQZNB3UZjI_V1UdYH8mcSV_umwpTnZqpT4_3WyZgfX6GnWpyGSfylvhaYcfBNLOCyIA/s320/IMG_4768.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sergio's home telephone number</td></tr>
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They scolded me, (nicely) for having let the railing get so bad. I agreed! We had almost lost, a good investment. I freely admitted, that in 5 years we had only painted the railing once and not even completely. So with head held down in shame, I hoped that they could repair the damage. It was bad!<br />
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After, accessing the damage, Sergio the son came back to my house with a written estimate of what the work would entail and cost me. He even put it in a plastic keeper which I felt bad and gave back because I wasn't sure when I would be able to start the work, I should have kept the holder.<br />
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The work estimate said,<br />
<b>*Limpiar hasta sacar todos los oxidos de las barandas. </b><br />
<b> *Limpiar y reparar todos los oxidos que hallan perforado el caño.</b><br />
<b> *Pintar con dos manos de antioxido. Ulbrica todo el barandal.</b><br />
<b> *Luego de sacado el antioxido se pintara con 2 manos de esmalte Ulbrica negro dando</b><br />
<b> por finalizado el trabajo de las barandas.</b><br />
<b> Dicha cotización es de $13.800 (pesos uruguayos). </b><br />
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That would cost me around $680 US<br />
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In brief, he would remove the rust from the bars and repair the holes/perforations and paint with 2 coats of anti-oxide paint and another 2 coats of shinny finish paint in black. He said that the esmalte brand name of the finishing paint was a brand from Germany and was especially good at resisting salt water.<br />
It was expensive but the damage was extensive so I agreed to the price.<br />
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The head of the team, Sergio (the son) arrived on his motorcycle and his helpers arrived on their bicycles.<br />
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He showed me the wire brushes that he had bought especially for my job.<br />
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He asked if he could store his extension ladder in my storage room during the job. It had to come by truck since it was too big to carry on a motorcycle so of course, I said yes. It was a sturdy giant wooden ladder. I didn't know they made extension wood ladders that tall. Of course Nathan, My cat had to check out the giant scratching post. Sorry Nat, it's not for you!<br />
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The first day a very young looking worker about 18, came. He used the grinder and ground down a section (that wasn't all that bad) for 5 1/2 hours. It looked nice but the second day reinforcements came to help.<br />
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I choose black as the finish coat because the railing was black but the coat of grey primer anti-oxide paint was kinda of pretty.<br />
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I was home during the repairs so I know that 2 coats of grey primer were used.<br />
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Next came the shinny black coat of finish paint. I was shown the can and yes it was made in Germany.<br />
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The black coat was much more of a pain to use being a sticky oil based one. So even more help arrived 2 days later after the grey had dried.<br />
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I had Jasmine growing on this side of the railing which helped my plants from getting wind wiped. It also smells so lovely at night when I open the nearby window. It had to be removed but I was able to flip it back over after the paint dried. It smells heavenly now.<br />
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The sad news is that while the repair work was great and the 2 grey coats of paint were great and the 1 black coat was great, the final coat was not. Naturally, that's the one everyone will see and I am stuck looking at. The first black coat had time to dry but the second coat was shaken not stirred. While that maybe the preferred James Bond method for Martinis, it left bubbles in the paint. One smart ass worker tried to tell me it was the result of sand blown onto the coat. I looked at him and said I don't speak Spanish but that doesn't mean I'm an idiot. I know that that is not from sand but bubbles, another worker agreed with me, this was not from hard grit. When the boss came I showed him the sad result and they got to work painting and I guess "smooching" the paint down with the rollers. They did the best they could. It is just a shame that the other coats were perfect and this 4th coat was not. At least from a distance the railing looks good and with 4 coats of paint on it I know it's well protected.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwKHMRDEgspNJvQAcP74Du11k70bjNKzdoXAU_5Eh6zYTw7WfWyNQKwzLhyMcCoXZI5LgyNm6FIWiLOVSQ4wFAOmNDIOfJeS9sPx1wFJFO_bafWMWBgHHIQed0O9lnarbD-_0MzjkvfC4/s1600/IMG_4817.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwKHMRDEgspNJvQAcP74Du11k70bjNKzdoXAU_5Eh6zYTw7WfWyNQKwzLhyMcCoXZI5LgyNm6FIWiLOVSQ4wFAOmNDIOfJeS9sPx1wFJFO_bafWMWBgHHIQed0O9lnarbD-_0MzjkvfC4/s400/IMG_4817.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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This time I will try and keep it up, by painting it yearly. I've learned that in Uruguay things aren't always going to go perfectly but since neither do I, I guess we're a good fit.Denisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06114770905895045770noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7977358315744247865.post-16565672323357677512014-05-10T15:06:00.000-07:002014-05-10T15:06:02.722-07:00Preparing for Winter!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Uruguay has a <i><b>temperate climate,</b></i> at least where I live. Something called a <i><a href="http://www.uruguay.climatemps.com/" target="_blank">Biome</a></i> says that Montevideo, Carrasco, and Prado roughly at 34º50' S (51' S and 52 for Carrasco and Prado respectively) Latitude. and 56º 1' W Longitude (12' W for Carrasco and Prado) have a <i><b>"warm temperate dry forest"</b></i> type of climate. But it's said that <b>Uruguay in General is classed overall as having a humid subtropical climate</b>. If your wondering why I added the Lat. and Long. map directions, it's because I just found out how to make the degree symbol on my keyboard ººº yeah!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisrC20-qqUpqUzmONaPismNXECDaIxQNNo6e0kAaFAcmM8Xo5Bdpm15v7Rgb5CTYJv4C6MZuN5C3iBoj5i4lsehKCNa_43X0bjBoRiCkJPCcjilLbethSekPcGqrtflK_ElUePe0gc1wQ/s1600/Gold+Coast+Map+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisrC20-qqUpqUzmONaPismNXECDaIxQNNo6e0kAaFAcmM8Xo5Bdpm15v7Rgb5CTYJv4C6MZuN5C3iBoj5i4lsehKCNa_43X0bjBoRiCkJPCcjilLbethSekPcGqrtflK_ElUePe0gc1wQ/s1600/Gold+Coast+Map+copy.jpg" height="200" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Capital of Uruguay is Montevideo, I live 40 Km (24.85 miles) away from there.</td></tr>
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Some of you readers from places like North Dakota, or Buffalo (up state, in New York State), Canada, Germany, Sweden and etc... Might start laughing when I mention that it gets cold here in the winter! How cold does this temperate climate get? Well, we do really have to bundle up during our average <b>57.2º F high</b> (14º C), down to our average <b>low of 42.8º F</b> (6º C) winter weather. I have experienced it getting down several times in winter to 2º C which is <b>35.6º F</b>. The coldest temperature ever registered in Montevideo was 24.8º F (-4º C).<br />
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The temperatures of 45 to 35 degrees that I have felt here may seem as nothing to you readers up North, but they feel much colder down here because of the humidity and lack of insulation in the buildings. To add to the unpleasantness, in winter there is also an occasional fog that strikes, sometimes quite dense.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWtvm7YoR9MY5Ecwm7U6poXA1wSvF2T2hwU8_vplQXFPpWI104ykHwLLgqfyvJ6VHGeCKnLZbyXlJGKydw_Y5ilxKt_NjfK1CoTFeIjIJQqFHDMo50EPd4ls_feKpygX8OoZpQuzmEwWc/s1600/IMG_1341.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWtvm7YoR9MY5Ecwm7U6poXA1wSvF2T2hwU8_vplQXFPpWI104ykHwLLgqfyvJ6VHGeCKnLZbyXlJGKydw_Y5ilxKt_NjfK1CoTFeIjIJQqFHDMo50EPd4ls_feKpygX8OoZpQuzmEwWc/s1600/IMG_1341.jpg" height="320" width="274" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A view of my neighbors house with some fog.</td></tr>
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In case you think that I am just a wimp to complain about our seemingly mild winters read on.<br />
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I have lived in places where it snowed regularly in winter. Wally and I lived for 3 years in Brooklyn, New York USA and have seen some tough winters there when I was younger.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">In Brooklyn, New york USA</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo #1Digging our Volvo out of the parking lot. Photo #2 Me and our friend Gordon Grant at the <b>Lincoln Center in Manhattan</b><br />
Photo #3 <b>The Brooklyn Bridge</b> near the Fulton Ferry.</td></tr>
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Even in Seattle, Washington where we lived for 18 years, it would snow at least once or twice each winter with at least one of the snow falls being very heavy and dumping lots of snow on the ground . Of course, everyone would call into work and beg off from going in that day. Seattle wasn't really equipped snowplow wise to clear off all of the streets. Even buses would go sliding down the streets.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our house in Kirkland, Washington State USA and our puppy Maggie!</td></tr>
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Wally and I also lived in the south of Germany near the Swiss border. Once during winter we had hung our clothes inside to dry in the living room of an old farmhouse we were renovating for a friend. It was winter and we had strung up a clothes line in the living room to dry our work clothes after washing them. They hung out to dry in front of the ceramic fire box. Well, we went to see and visit a neighbor and when we came back the fire had gone out and our clothes had frozen stiff!!! Another time in Germany, Wally was wondering why he couldn't open our car's door when he realized it wasn't the door lock or the handle but the fact that his gloved hand was too cold to work, it was 23º F (-5 ).<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Blumberg Germany and The Römer in Frankfurt, Germany</td></tr>
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We have visited cold places in winter, like Denmark, where we saw ships frozen in the harbor canal and ships being repaired with fire pots lit right on the frozen water.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Denmark, Europe. It lies above Germany in the North, it snows in winter.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Capital city of Copenhagen, Denmark and the "Little Mermaid" at Langelinje pier.</td></tr>
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It's true that we had great coats on and always wore scarves, hats and mittens (gloves for Wally) and so we felt warm in these places but the Uruguayans also dress up like Eskimos about to venture toward the North Pole. They need to because I and several Canadians living here, all say that, we have never felt colder living anywhere else, than here in Uruguay in the winter.<br />
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You never seem to warm up during the winter because you don't have heated places to go into. Even schools are said to be kept cold. It's due, as I said before to the lack of quality insulation or any insulation. My house is pretty well built and will retain heat once heated but still without a heat pump or central heating neither of which I have, I, like the rest of the majority here, have to bundle up most of the time inside and outside.<br />
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Barney my poor guy doesn't have much fur, not like the other longer coated pets. I usually wrap him up in a towel so he can sleep toasty and then Nathan (the cat) will come and sleep on top of Barney. Sheila wouldn't allow that. All of my animals sleep in doors at night.<br />
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So preparing for winter by buying firewood beforehand is a must. You want dry wood, it will burn hotter. I use about 4 1/2 to 5 tons of fire wood a year, most of it is used only for the winter months. Depending on where and from whom you buy your wood from currently the cost per ton here is anywhere from 2500 pesos to 4000 pesos a ton or about $125 to $200 per ton each (USA dollars). So figure on an average of 5 tons of fire wood times $175 and you end up spending $875 a winter just on heating your house. If you plan on keeping your house warm 24 hours a day with some usage during non-winter months, the expense really adds up because you need to buy more than 5 tons of wood. So the average Uruguayan home is somewhat cold. Most have fireplaces without inserts and the heat goes up the chimney. At least I have a wood stove with a blower.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo #1. My wood stove in Uruguay and photo #2. My Seattle gas fireplace.</td></tr>
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Winter officially starts around June 21st; but I consider June 1st; to be the start of my firewood use. I will put up with shivering with cold in May and only use a movable tank gas heater inside, stoically watching the calendar until June first rolls around.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It was cold last winter and we got frost covering the grass.</td></tr>
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I have 3 cement covered wood storage areas built into my backyard, each one holds 1 ton of wood, divided into 1/2 ton spaces. So at a quick glance I can see how much wood I've used or need. The problem is that I have to wait and use 1 ton of wood up before I can buy my needed 4th ton and then repeat to buy a fifth ton. I reserve money for those 2 extra tons of wood that I need to still buy. One day I will need to build a 4th storage unit so that I can buy 4 tons in summer not just 3. I can also put about 1/4 of a ton under my parilla/BBQ area.<br />
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Winter also means, that we have to clean the chimney and flue belonging to our wood stove. "Magna" the company in Montevideo that I bought our wood stove from offered a cleaning service, 2200 pesos or $110 USA. So I took advantage of that. I really needed that service this year because during a recent wind storm our chimney cap blew off. I didn't realize that until I saw water pooling under the wood stove. When I opened up the stove, it was rusted and had water inside of it.<br />
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I bought a new cap and paid the delivery men a little extra pocket money to carry the heavy cement top up our rickety ladder to the roof and then to lay it on the chimney. I then wired it into place.<br />
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The man from Magna made this wreck of a wood stove look new. He scraped, then painted the rusted areas, after first vacuuming out the chimney (we have a short run up to the roof). He then put some new fireproof cord around the door. I was glad that he did that as I was afraid I would have to order some and then not see him for many months. It was a full service winterizing for our wood stove.<br />
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Winter means, me trying to finish up, painting the rest of the rusted ironwork around my house. Because we live near the beach it corrodes very fast if left unprotected. Wally and I both <i><b>hate painting,</b></i> so most of our iron work was in sad shape. I've been paying others to have it scraped, sanded, primed and repainted with 2 top coats. The idea is that once it is done, I should be willing and able to maintain it in the future, like I should have been doing all along, me bad! My giant gate leading to my backyard needed painting after some 5 years of neglect. Yes I already admitted, me bad.<br />
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My iron railing surrounding my terrace also needed attention, as it faces the full burnt of the salt water. I think I will have a separate post in store outlining that job.<br />
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Even though I fixed my parilla doors' rusted lock problem earlier this year, the putty surrounding the window panes needed replacing which is going on right now as I type.<br />
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I have only 3 more weeks until my winter deadline arrives, starting June first. I should try and get my exterior walls pressured washed clean before then. They are spotted with mold but several other things will have to wait until after I go through winter. I just don't have the money or ability to tackle everything that needs to be done. I have already faced a lot of repairs this year and had to meet those instead, as you blog readers already know. I should have my shutters repaired and painted which is a major job but I just can't afford that yet. I will have to save up money for several months during the winter for that. They are still strong and lockable, so I will just have to wait.<br />
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Instead of any more projects, I plan to buy an electric blanket or heating pad and some knit hats and then bundle up for our very cold "temperate" winter climate" burr...<br />
<br />Denisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06114770905895045770noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7977358315744247865.post-15186248045403098852014-04-20T15:13:00.000-07:002014-04-21T12:17:14.351-07:00Purrr..fect!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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On my way to the local farmer's market, I heard some unusual <i><b>chirping</b></i>, high up in a tree. This sound was echoed from another tree across the road. I didn't think much about it at the time since our neighborhood is full of parrots but I did think it was amazing that those parrots could sound so much like kittens. In my defense we also have frogs that sound like cats howling at night.<br />
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It wasn't until several hours later when I was again walking by those same trees, (across from each other), that I just had to look up and see what kind of parrot could mimic a kitten so expertly. Well duh! You guessed it, when I looked up I saw 2 kittens instead of 2 birds. Each one had climbed a different tree for protection but they were calling to me as I walked by.<br />
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I went to look at each tree then decided to go to the kitten up the tallest one, the kitten most high up. If I could coax it down, then the other one should be no problem. It would be up to the kittens however to try and come down, as even a tall ladder would be too short to rescue them just then. My tree climbing days are far behind me and actually I never did any climbing as a kid anyway.<br />
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So I walked up to the tall tree and made eye contact and just said <b>"Kitty, Kitty, Kitty</b>, here Kitty, Kitty<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig7zofNfIqVu2KJPkQgvR_OHEHjWxGnY1KWXCuC9GRW3s-GMfhaKcNK_-fg9r3rXyi5YnrRc3d_A7PHqnk5VodPcBSARPPqmYqmi-zerij7qDBejZ4Ree6iTZO1JXY7O1HnYmVJo2oeRA/s1600/IMG_6670.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig7zofNfIqVu2KJPkQgvR_OHEHjWxGnY1KWXCuC9GRW3s-GMfhaKcNK_-fg9r3rXyi5YnrRc3d_A7PHqnk5VodPcBSARPPqmYqmi-zerij7qDBejZ4Ree6iTZO1JXY7O1HnYmVJo2oeRA/s1600/IMG_6670.jpg" height="200" width="150" /></a> Kitty" (in English) and it worked! This tiny bit of a kitten used every climbing skill in its repertoire and never wavered in its determination to come directly to me. Animals can sense when they need help. Despite, my being a stranger and big and scary looking, that kitten just knew she had to come to me. She leaped into my arms and stayed there as I crossed the road to try and rescue its little brother.<br />
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The second kitten, in the other tree was not so high up, he came down in a snap. He too stayed in my arms, as I carried the two kittens back to my house. At that moment, with the addition of those 2 kittens, I now had <b>3 cats</b> and <b>3 dogs </b>inside of my house.<br />
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My 3rd dog is named <b>Noche</b>. She was abandoned in front of my house (across the street) in December, 2013. I found her living in the drain pipe in the culvert along side the road. She was smart to do that as it was very hot weather at the time and it was cool in there.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Noche" my 3rd dog. This is where I found her living.</td></tr>
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I had the neighbor take photos of Noche and he put them in the window of the veterinarian shop (which I saw later). I put Noche's photo on Facebook on a Uruguayan site and had a false promise of a placement. Needless to say, that did not pan out and no one else came forward for Noche. So I ended up keeping her. <br />
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The only reason that I don't have <b>4 dogs</b> right now is that I took the puppy who I purposely just called <b>"Puppy"</b>, which was abandoned 4 weeks ago, (again, across the street from my house), I took him, to the Farmer's market (feria). Lo and behold, someone at the last second adopted him! Yeah!<br />
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"Puppy" had been slightly bite and had a little open scar on his cheek and a dot of missing hair on the top of his head where, I guess, a tooth grazed him. I took him to the veterinarian for some parasite pills and to have the Vet. look at his cheek. A few days later, at the weekly feria I found a vacant spot and sat among the vendors and I hawked out-loud, his availability.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My local weekly Farmer's market/Feria in the town of Salinas, Uruguay.</td></tr>
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My loud North American verbal ways must have been a novelty because the vendor next to me started to advertise the puppy as well, instead of his own goods! A young woman took pity on "Puppy" when I told her what was up with his face and that he was okayed by the Vet. She adopted him!<br />
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I should have taken Noche during the first few weeks of finding her, to the feria as well, because that is how I got my other 2 dogs, <b>Barney and Sheila</b>, from someone giving them away there. Because I didn't take Noche right away to the feria, Noche missed her opportunity of being placed while she was in the throngs of<i><b> extreme cuteness</b></i>. She was named Noche because she was jet black in color at the time but she has since turned grey!!! Now she wears a grey skunk like mask and silver streaks are appearing under her black coat.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUKgI-H14T60T00R0wvCrpzaKKVbtNyOfKAcmHxkGkTfW21wJEEJTrYnJ3fOI-82v8OEqfQpGFF3Elv0KVBS0NkGYTP18mZLq0bvbtfkwq2lHrQddfYBm7yPeuBsMcso4bpUb2DCYAaJg/s1600/IMG_5921.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUKgI-H14T60T00R0wvCrpzaKKVbtNyOfKAcmHxkGkTfW21wJEEJTrYnJ3fOI-82v8OEqfQpGFF3Elv0KVBS0NkGYTP18mZLq0bvbtfkwq2lHrQddfYBm7yPeuBsMcso4bpUb2DCYAaJg/s1600/IMG_5921.jpg" height="192" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Noche with her grey odd coloring, 2nd photo with her toy hamburger.</td></tr>
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Had I known then that her coat would change, I might have named her "The Silver Fox" or just "Zorra" (La Zorra de plata. Zorro means Fox in Spanish) I'm not sure why the whites of her eyes are not white, white, like my other 2 dogs. Noche's eyes always seem a little blood shot to me. I make sure all my animals go to the vet; so at least I know that she is supposedly healthy. She has lots of energy. She is intelligent, playful and does well with the other dogs and even with the cats! However, there's definitely, not too much hope of finding her a new home.<br />
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I knew, I would need to keep her myself once she started to grow large and she turned grey. Now at about 6 months old, she is almost Sheila's size (Sheila is 5 years old). Noche is a very happy dog and plays with Sheila well.<br />
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<b><i>Getting back to the 2 kittens</i></b>, the 2 kittens were taken to the vet. for their parasite pills after several days had passed rather than right away because of the rain and my lack of a car that week. I also, got more parasite pills for my other permanent mascotes/pets.<br />
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It was <b><i>purrr...fect</i></b> timing, my bringing them to the Vet. when I did on that particular day. As I was walking along the rambla toward home, I was carrying them in my other cat's carrier (Nathan). I approached everyone on the way home and asked if they wanted 2 kittens. Then a few blocks from my house, I saw 2 ladies just getting out of their car. I mentioned the kitties to them and they lit up! They said that they try and place cats in homes whenever they can because they love cats. They made me come inside their house right then and there.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Cali" the Calico kitten on the left and "Felipe" my lover, right. </td></tr>
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They wanted to photograph the 2 kittens. They have a website. <i><b>They are Persian cat enthusiasts.</b></i> They sell Persians but they place any abandoned cats for free! Wow, I had struck gold with these two!!!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj26AM2Yqyj6GhkqbNWg5zJM1PUj138roLrina93FY-FOUcnO8dT1dr57PIpMy-_8ngx0QTMrPPQv5TeaYqDRu-Bt8-vhJvqkBWCZ3aj89PNsX5A9qiWDcKN1I6jg4AoBBWaRwM6E4vX9I/s1600/IMG_6568.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj26AM2Yqyj6GhkqbNWg5zJM1PUj138roLrina93FY-FOUcnO8dT1dr57PIpMy-_8ngx0QTMrPPQv5TeaYqDRu-Bt8-vhJvqkBWCZ3aj89PNsX5A9qiWDcKN1I6jg4AoBBWaRwM6E4vX9I/s1600/IMG_6568.JPG" height="292" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Alejandra and Alicia</td></tr>
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Please click on their site <a href="http://www.gatospersasuruguay.com/">WWW.GATOSPERSASURUGUAY.COM</a><br />
Persian cats are so comical to me because of their flat smooched in faces. If you go to their site and hunt around through it's pages you might still see the wonderful photos that they took of my little kitties that I named "Cali" (the female/hembra) and Felipe (the male/macho), yes, I decided to name them a real name, unlike "Puppy". You will also see several adorable Persian cats.<br />
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I hadn't realized this before but Calico cats, the ones with 3 colors are (almost) always female. It's just known that they will be girls.<br />
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I have fallen in love with the boy cat that I have named "Felipe" or Philip in English. I named him such because I was thinking of the Phil in Philadelphia, "The city of brotherly love" that's because he is so loving a kitten. He likes to snuggle. Also, since he is a <i><b>feline</b></i>, I used a play on the first 4 letters of the word feline in the name Felipe. Ph in Spanish is always changed into an "F". example photo = foto, Pharmacy= farmacia, etc... <br />
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Cali is a Calico cat and I was born in California, so "Cali" was a play on the first 4 letters of the word California and Calico.Which is also represented with the first 4 letters of her name.<br />
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Note: Now after saying, all of this, I have since renamed him, see the postscript at the end of this post.<br />
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Unlike the puppy, "Puppy" who "peed" everywhere for a week and a half throughout my house, the kittens learned to use the cat box during their first day with me! I had given them a little personal box to use and they used it all day, never once making an accidental mess! The second day they discovered where Nathan's litter-box was kept and from then on they used his box (the big boy box). Smart little kitties!!! To be fair Noche as a puppy, learned right away to <b><i>"ask"</i></b> to be let outside, to go in our backyard, she was never a problem either.<br />
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Well, I had mixed emotions when I received the call that "Cali' had found a new home. Someone in Maldonado wanted her. She had been inseparable from her brother for a week. Yet, she had started to be independent. She had started to want to sleep apart from her brother. Also, even though Nathan my grown boy cat is neutered, he had started to show an interest in her that was not befitting toward such a baby cat. Nathan tried to pin her down. Also, the night before in some rough and tumble play with her kitten brother (formerly known as Felipe) she had accidentally scratched his eye, so that he kept one eye closed all day. Fortunately, I had some animal eye drops on hand. So, I wasn't too sad that Cali would have a separate home from Felipe.<br />
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Alicia, let me know that she regularly delivers cats to their new home. She has the use of a car on Mondays and Tuesdays or Tuesdays and Wednesdays and she was to deliver 2 different other cats to Maldonado that day and that Cali would make up the 3rd cat going to Maldonado.<br />
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I got Cali ready with a little toy I had bought her and that she liked and put that and her and a little bag of food into Nathan's carrier and took off down the street to the ladies house nearby mine.<br />
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They had several cat carrying cases ready to delivery them in. We transferred Cali into one of theirs so that I could get Nathan's case back. A couple of their many cats were quite interested in Cali and had to check her out. I think it was quite an honor for Cali to be picked as the third cat to travel to a new home.<br />
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One was an Cream orange colored Persian kitten someone had bought from their website. The other was an adorable Black and White cat named "Whiskers" because of a white mustache that it sported. I was told that Cali was being eagerly awaited because of her colors.<br />
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I was inside of Alejandra and Alicia's house. They <b>DO NOT</b> run a kitten mill. They just truly love cats and they never asked me for a cent to help me place Cali, nor did they ask me for this post. They were happy that I said, I would write something, so I have their blessing.<br />
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Again, they are enamored with Persian cats, so I took a few photos of the various ones they own. Most of the ones I saw are permanently theirs but look on their website if interested as well. By the way their house smelled fresh and clean. The animals were doted on and healthy, Persians just look annoyed!<br />
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One cat was named "Betty Boop" because of her large eyes. I couldn't resist taking her photo along with my own Betty Boop statue.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC3to0eFLDxYGWyNr6ONS3h668bTO0Vy7VmyCDjPiPpLM5FUqqIv2ovRm97SFz-5mXfuU6HkjosncRcGbyPtY9i6WBso-pmr0RyB8w9UVJ5z3D1XFwsCJnqXPXRadG0hJJaLEjBDYT49M/s1600/IMG_3242.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC3to0eFLDxYGWyNr6ONS3h668bTO0Vy7VmyCDjPiPpLM5FUqqIv2ovRm97SFz-5mXfuU6HkjosncRcGbyPtY9i6WBso-pmr0RyB8w9UVJ5z3D1XFwsCJnqXPXRadG0hJJaLEjBDYT49M/s1600/IMG_3242.jpg" height="206" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Black hair with large eyes, the two Betty Boops!</td></tr>
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I was afraid that Felipe would start to miss Cali but then I saw him with Nathan who even tolerated his laying on the same chair with him and when I heard Felipe loudly purring in my arms I knew that finding Cali a separate new home was the right thing to do after all. I really want to keep Felipe and not give him away. Wally says, that having 2 cats is okay. So if you see Felipe on the website, admire him but move on. I'm purrr..fectly happy with him.<br />
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PS. I don't often rename an animal, so as not to confuse them but Felipe is so loving that I have since renamed him <b>"Romeo". </b>Wally agrees that name suits him well!<br />
<br />Denisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06114770905895045770noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7977358315744247865.post-29387040636150336542014-04-13T10:50:00.002-07:002014-04-13T18:20:47.781-07:00DON'T MISS IT!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2rlFRRDR-lX3IyiilEMmXuky0y2zkendc-uAzPcamRq4hUAgHyPv8t2fgePf1Ki4MTopE5T9Nidah9DFvUEv0TFmJCMGhlSPRWNW_am3Nqs_pAdJl6wP_zuKUvEyQEvdFuDqk9qSYMw8/s1600/IMG_6646.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2rlFRRDR-lX3IyiilEMmXuky0y2zkendc-uAzPcamRq4hUAgHyPv8t2fgePf1Ki4MTopE5T9Nidah9DFvUEv0TFmJCMGhlSPRWNW_am3Nqs_pAdJl6wP_zuKUvEyQEvdFuDqk9qSYMw8/s1600/IMG_6646.JPG" height="202" width="320" /></a></div>
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Don't miss this important event!<br />
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Your invited to attend this Monday night, April 14th, 2014 a celebration that millions will be coming to, the commemoration of the death of Jesus Christ. This is <i><b>the only event</b></i> that the Lord Jesus Christ himself commanded his disciples to memorialize! You can read this command in the Bible at Luke chapter 22 and verse 19. He says, "Keep doing this in remembrance of me".<br />
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Some people might be familiar with this event as known by the term "The Last Supper" but they may not have realized that as a believer in Christ, any of his professed followers were told to attend this celebration each year afterwards until he says not to. Jesus being born into a Jewish family first partook of the "Passover", as was his custom, on the night of Nisan 14th, under a full moon. Then on this same night as an adult about to sacrifice his life in behalf of others including me and you, he created a <i><b>totally new</b></i> <i><b>celebration</b></i> for his faithful Apostles and future disciples to keep yearly after that. Christians no longer keep the Passover but we do attend this memorial to his death.<br />
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This is what the invitation to this event looks like in Spanish! I am publishing this so that you have a day's notice (this Sunday) and you can plan to attend tomorrow night at your local neighborhood Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses.</div>
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This is what our Kingdom Hall in Salinas, Uruguay looks like at night! The memorial of Jesus' death is always held after sundown because the" Passover" was held after sundown and later that same night Jesus instituted his celebration.</div>
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Inside the hall looks pretty much like the photos on the invitation below. We don't have crosses or images in our halls. They are simple places of meeting and Bible study.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjloS07PoEOfouoD0NOmY7LEX8K1ij6cxLZDvtSL7ZF_cgF1paQKJbFIrsOsGsMFhn9i3TVWQ4A2I3DcOwMtpecIJH8-Fyggn2nSqlii51auZYLdYXlkZiXly9FmxUwM4imC-ERzbaRsl0/s1600/IMG_6644.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjloS07PoEOfouoD0NOmY7LEX8K1ij6cxLZDvtSL7ZF_cgF1paQKJbFIrsOsGsMFhn9i3TVWQ4A2I3DcOwMtpecIJH8-Fyggn2nSqlii51auZYLdYXlkZiXly9FmxUwM4imC-ERzbaRsl0/s1600/IMG_6644.JPG" height="199" width="320" /></a></div>
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I don't often get my photo taken as I am the photographer in the family but here I am in attendance at a memorial of Christ a few years ago. On the table you see for this night only are some glasses of wine and some plates, napkins are covering some cracker like unleavened bread. The wine represents the blood that Jesus would later pour out in sacrifice for our eventual salvation of a wonderful future ahead. The unleavened bread represents his unblemished body that he gave up in death also for our sins. You can read about this in the account of the explanation of these symbols and of his coming sacrifice after that very night. 1 Corinthians chapter 11 verses 23 thru 26.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiscOEsQtztX3wdm58Wc0HrI4o8vaDLS71yJFuRC8JMpGQ-LlmCgvKZloxj18sc6dSiOOaMFBxfoL7-WLgK-GZjEgUVUFRGVvVwdPgIRm12ns7fx3vBvIHVYgiYsxlosSWe-V6o7VVLHio/s1600/PIC_2888.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiscOEsQtztX3wdm58Wc0HrI4o8vaDLS71yJFuRC8JMpGQ-LlmCgvKZloxj18sc6dSiOOaMFBxfoL7-WLgK-GZjEgUVUFRGVvVwdPgIRm12ns7fx3vBvIHVYgiYsxlosSWe-V6o7VVLHio/s1600/PIC_2888.JPG" height="300" width="320" /></a></div>
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All meetings held at the Kingdom Halls of Jehovah's Witnesses are held free of charge and NO donation plates are ever passed! You will never be asked for money or hinted at for some. Likewise this celebration is also held free of charge. </div>
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<i>Most</i> Jehovah's Witnesses do not actually, "drink the wine" or "eat the bread" (1 Cor. 11; 27-29) because we are like <i><b>invited guests</b></i> who watch a couple getting married while not getting married ourselves. We feel, we are more like his disciples rather than his Apostles but those of us who do not partake still have a wonderful future ahead of us, thanks to Christ's sacrifice in our behalf as well. We are like his other sheep mentioned in the Bible book of the Gospel of John chapter 10 verses 14,15 and 16. We look forward to a Paradise on earth once the full effects of his Kingship take place. </div>
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You don't have to be one of Jehovah's Witnesses to attend any of the meetings held at our hall. The public is welcome to attend too. The above photo is of Wally and his sister Valeria when he was visiting his father in California, USA. That is were both Wally and I were born and raised as children. Wally, myself and his sister are all three of us Jehovah's Christian Witnesses but his father is not! His father is not very religious but he was willing to attend last years memorial at our California, Oakdale Kingdom Hall when Wally was visiting him in California, last year. I hope to hear that he attended again this year (tomorrow night) with his daughter Valeria.<br />
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So whether you are not very religious minded or whether you are not one of Jehovah's Witnesses or if you are. I hope that this invitation despite it's quick notice will get you to at least consider attending the free and very short event with a discourse explaining that night long ago when Jesus Christ asked that you, "Keep doing this in remembrance of me."<br />
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Check your halls for the local time that they will be opened up that night. Our hall in Salinas will present the program at 6:30 pm (18:30 hrs) and again at 8PM (20 hrs) so that as many who want to attend can. The program will be brief. (30 to 45mins only). See you there!<br />
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Ps. The following Sunday a special talk is always held. The same new talk is given around the world so you can look forward to that either on Saturday the 26th like us in Salinas or on Sunday the 27th. But the memorial of Christ's death is only held on the original Passover date according to the Jewish calendar and that date is this Monday after sundown, so come for this special once a year only happening.Denisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06114770905895045770noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7977358315744247865.post-82520486137181702412014-04-04T11:48:00.001-07:002014-04-12T09:11:16.465-07:00Korean Restaurant in MVD!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The "Good tasting" Korean restaurant.</td></tr>
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My last post was on eating so I will continue the trend with this one.<br />
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There are times that we expats just need a kick in our taste buds. While the food here in Uruguay is <i><b>very,very good and wholesome,</b></i> it nevertheless is just your basic meat and potatoes and yes Pizza.<br />
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For most foreigners (I duck as I say this) it can be pretty bland. For some reason this upsets the majority of Uruguayans when you say that their food is bland. I get arguments that not everybody needs their tongues burnt off with "spicy food".<br />
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I have yet to make <i>any of them</i> really understand that when we expats say "spiced"or "seasoned" it doesn't necessarily mean hot, peppery or picante. Sometimes just a little less watered down sauce-wise, somehow richer tasting than normally served here or at least a little more salt added would do and yes I know, too much salt is bad for you.<br />
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So now I'm going to sound like a real hypocrite and say that yes, at other times we expats also want a rock-um, sock-um, kick in the mouth taste and yes, that means we want something,"spicy hot!"<br />
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So here is good news and some bad news. There are 2 Korean Restaurants located right in downtown Montevideo!<br />
Both restaurants are on a "competing" block from each other (on the same block!). The bad news is only one of them has a good reputation among expats.<br />
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On a face book site for expats, some expats ate in the "spit it out quick" restaurant and it had a lot of complaints about <i>yucky food</i>. The good news is that I ate in the "Good" Korean Restaurant. So I wanted to tell you which one that was.<br />
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If you stand next to the casino in Montevideo near Old Town/Cuidad Viejo, turn your back away from the casino, and you will be looking at the restaurant you want to eat in. (see the title photo of the place)<br />
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The second photo above that of a wooden box and metal chops sticks is an important photo, since a couple of expats I went out to dinner with recognized that box and those chops stick from another expats' photo online and so they knew, we were in the right place, the "good" one.<br />
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We had a sweet, waitress who spoke English (She was Uruguayan) she was also learning Korean. I wish, I remembered her name. I feel bad about that but it was kind of unusual. She said that the menus were only in Spanish and Korean.<br />
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The menu book had pictures of the various offerings. Since she spoke English we could ask her for her suggestions. We were offered our choice of steamed or fried dumplings. We choose steamed.<br />
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We ordered like we would in a Chinese restaurant meaning each one in our party ordered a dish and we all shared the many dishes together so as to taste the lot of them. There was a rather strange looking pink rice, I think maybe it was cooked with black beans? There were several other dishes but the table was filling up fast with little bowls and platters so I had to put my camera away and start eating!<br />
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We had to order <b><i><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kimchi" target="_blank">"Kimchee"</a></i></b>, since we were in a Korean restaurant, that is so synonymous in our minds with Korea being the national dish of Korea. We were given a bowl of the traditional <a href="http://www.chow.com/recipes/29505-basic-napa-cabbage-kimchi-kimchee" target="_blank">"napa cabbage" Kimchee</a> as well as other Kimchee fermented dishes using other vegetables such as turnips, and seaweed. <br />
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The restaurant had a Korean family, eating there, always a good sign to show the food is authentic.<br />
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Everything was delicious and rich tasting but boy was it <b>HOT! </b>It was just the break I needed as I am now rather enjoying my Uruguayan milder tasting and yes less picante food.<b> </b>Tonight, I'm having an enjoyable meal of meat and potatoes and I'm taking it easy on the salt too! I did say that Uruguayan food was very,very good and wholesome remember?<br />
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Of special note, some other expats recently ate in the 'other" Korean restaurant and they <b>LIKED</b> the food, which just goes to show you, taste is a very subjective thing. To each his own. ¡Buen provecho!<br />
<br />Denisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06114770905895045770noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7977358315744247865.post-75940531952472153062014-03-24T12:49:00.003-07:002014-03-24T12:58:11.172-07:00A Chacra and a Pig Roast!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Note: Vegetarians may want to skip this post!<br />
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I actually decided, <i>not to</i> add a graphic, front facing, close-up of the finished product only some rear shots but the photographer in me found everything fascinating so I did take some. I am talking about a photo of the cooked, in the ground pig that I recently had the pleasure of eating. Sorry, to you but I am a meat eater!<br />
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I once lived in the Hawaiian chain of islands, USA, on the island of Maui and also on the island of Guam in the South Pacific. Those Islanders in both places really knew how to cook and roast a pig. They did it Island style or in an imu. <b><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Earth_oven" target="_blank">An imu</a></b> is an earth oven. <b>It's a pit oven, dug into the ground. </b>A fire is built down into it and then is allowed to smolder. It's often lined with leaves (to steam the food) and heated rocks to trap the heat and cook the meat. Sometimes, burlap is used or leaves (edible) in order to wrap the boar or pig up into. Then once the meat is securely wrapped up, the dirt and rocks are shoveled back into the pit to cover the boar. It then bakes at least 8 hours under ground. Boy, is that meat tender and delicious when brought back above ground.<br />
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Sometimes, Expats start to miss some of the more flavorful meals that they once enjoyed back home and we get to talking about that at gatherings. I was at an asado (a BBQ, Uruguayan style) and we started to talk about that. I mentioned the boars that were hunted on both islands, cooked underground and how tasty they were.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jerry aka "Oso"</td></tr>
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An expat named Jerry mentioned that he knew how to cook a pig that way and that he should do that at an expat gathering before the summer weather completely went away. Which is exactly what he and another expat named Jim did.<br />
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So Jerry put the word out via email and he invited a bunch of expats to spend the evening, eating and listening to music out at his place in the campo or rural pastures.<br />
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Jim took over the major task of cooking the pig and also overseeing a separate asado grill of meats and vegetables and Jerry supplied the place, his <b>chacra</b>.<br />
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<b><i>A chacra is a small farm</i></b>, counted in hectares of land (sometimes a 1/2 a hectare) but always <b><i>smaller than a hundred hectares</i></b>. A hectare is 2.4711 acre each. It can also refer to a country house.<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Down a dirt road, in the department of Canelones is Jerry's (aka the "bear" or "Oso" in Spanish) chacra. It is a bachelor's place with all kinds of stuff. It's a little ram-shackled but it's also kind of cool.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;">It has an old western town like vibe, with chickens and geese running around and yes some cows far off in the distance, grazing on one of his many acres.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">It was very picturesque, a perfect place for a gathering of expats that have moved to Uruguay and now call it home.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;">I try and let, at least, a few expats know that I'm still alive and living here. That way if there is anything important that I as a foreigner might need to know, the expat community will keep me in the loop, information wise. There where a lot of new expats there at the gathering who had moved here that I didn't know. I knew Jim the cook, (for that day) and his wife Mariellen because they live right around the corner from my house in Marindia so I knew them and a few others I remembered from other gatherings were also there.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;">It was interesting to be able to hear and speak so much English again.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;">I had bummed a ride with Mariellen and Jim since I didn't know where Jerry lived and many street signs and address numbers are lacking here.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;"> </span> </div>
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Right as we entered the property, I saw the pit that Jim had dug earlier that morning. He had come back to Marindia to pick up his wife and me later that evening to go to the Chacra.</div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;">There were many expats that had heeded the invitation and were gathering there. One expat brought a truck load of watermelons and cucumbers from his own chacra and was giving them out for free.! The weather had been terribly rainy the whole last week and he didn't want the watermelons to go to waste, I think his name was Larry. So again, thank you Larry, for your delicious watermelons (I took 2!).</span></div>
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Jerry's sister was visiting Uruguay at this time and she played a tiny little bass guitar for the evenings' entertainment. Soon other guitars started to mysteriously appear and Jim brought out his harmonica and the music flowed!<br />
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When the time was right and after a full days' cooking in the ground we all gathered together to watch the great unveiling. I thought it was interesting that heated stones had been put into the pigs belly to help it cook internally, prior to the pig's being buried down into the pit. It was well cooked!<br />
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The dirt was shoveled away and the pig was brought up to the surface and unwrapped! It was steaming hot and very tender.<br />
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Then it had to be lifted onto a board to be carried away to the prep station. Jim handled the de-bonning and serving. I have other close up pictures that I didn't include because I'm trying to be sensitive to you blog readers.<br />
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All I can say, is that the meat was tender, moist and appreciated by all who partook of it. It reminded me exactly of the delicious pork meat dinners I had had on the two islands that I had lived on before, Maui and Guam. I only wish I had taken some leftovers home with me because it is now "Fall/Autumn" down here in South America. We have now set our clocks back 1 hour and I don't foresee any more warm summer evenings spent eating a roasted pig and listening to music on a chacra at least until "hopefully" next year.<br />
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Meanwhile, I will just have to rub my belly and say "yum" when I remember that night.<br />
<br />Denisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06114770905895045770noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7977358315744247865.post-24076270255023883372014-03-14T19:50:00.001-07:002014-03-24T13:41:29.519-07:00Murga and Pizza!<br />
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In my last post, I mentioned seeing some <b>Murga groups</b> perform during Carnival time in Uruguay. They perform in groups and will compete with each other in and around Montevideo, often practicing on street corners. There is a juried competition held for the various groups in Montevideo. The winners are published in the newspaper after Mardi Gras. To help them get ready for the juried competition they will often perform on various stages and venues in local towns during this Carnival time.<br />
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I can best describe the concept of Murga music by comparing it to the use of Reggae music on the Island of Jamaica.<br />
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The wikipedia states that, "<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;">Reggae is noted for its tradition of social criticism in its lyrics, although many reggae songs discuss lighter, more personal subjects, such as love and socializing</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;">. Some reggae lyrics attempt to raise the political consciousness of the audience, such as by criticizing </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Materialism" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: initial; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #0645ad; text-decoration: none;" title="Materialism">materialism</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;">, or by informing the listener about controversial subjects such as </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><a class="mw-redirect" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/South_Africa_under_apartheid" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: initial; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #0645ad; text-decoration: none;" title="South Africa under apartheid">Apartheid</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;">."</span> Most people know of Bob Marley's song "I shot the Sheriff but I did not shoot the Deputy". Reggae music has a great familiar beat and style.<br />
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The wikipedia states that Murga's <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;">Lyrical content is based on a particular theme, chosen by the group, which serves to provide commentary on events in Uruguay or elsewhere over the preceding year. Consequently, murga lends itself well to being used as a form of popular resistance. For example, during the dictatorship in Uruguay in the 1970s, groups like </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><a class="new" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Araca_La_Cana&action=edit&redlink=1" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: initial; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #ba0000; text-decoration: none;" title="Araca La Cana (page does not exist)">Araca La Cana</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"> became known for their left-wing tendencies, subversive commentary and oppositional stance.</span><br />
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I did however, enjoy seeing and hearing some Murga groups present their satire songs/skits.<br />
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For those of you that want to know more on the subject of Murga and it's history, I suggest that you do click on this wikipedia link, it's an interesting read.<br />
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However, for those of you who probably won't do that, I'll copy a direct quote from the wiki source about the Murga sound; <i><b>"</b></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><i><b>The singers perform in polyphony using up to five vocal parts. Vocal production tends to be</b></i> <i><b>nasal and loud with little variation in volume."</b></i></span><br />
wikipedia: <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Murga" target="_blank">Click on this Murga link.</a><br />
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If your wondering about the title of this post, "Murga and Pizza" it was used because as I already mentioned, many of the groups will seek out places and venues to perform at. My friends know of a Pizza restaurant that is fairly new, located down in Atlántida. It is a cooperative restaurant opened up by a group of young people. I believe 16 people got to gather to buy and operate this restaurant. It is in a great location right on the rambla, the road that runs by the beach. The name of the restaurant is <b>"Piedra</b> <b>Lisa"</b>. They have good (round shaped) pizza, freshly baked for VERY reasonable prices, along with a few other things on the menu. If you want to go there, you can find this restaurant, on the rambla, after you leave the town of Atlántida but before you come to Las Toscas. You will see a giant metal buoy (now on land) in the parking lot. The restaurant is there.<br />
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The restaurant, <i><b>Piedra Lisa</b></i> sponsored a Murga competition between 2 groups one night, so I went down to hear and watch them perform and to eat great Pizza!<br />
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I snooped around before our dinner arrived and found a group of them practicing out back under a thatched roofed building ( a Quincho). <br />
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The group was in costume, there were men, a few women (not usual for traditional Murga) and some young male members teen age.<br />
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Each group has a leader who directed them.<br />
At first I was afraid that the show wouldn't come off that well as the restaurant had several power outages. Too many appliances plugged in at once, I guess. We did have some candles on the table so I thought, well maybe they will just sing in the dark but at the last minute and by the time the food arrived, we had light (Llegue a haber luz).<br />
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Inside of the restaurant a woman member let me take her picture.<br />
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I have made a UTube video of one of the shorter opening songs that the first groups did. Sorry it is so dark but for some reason the group had a stage light shinning behind them instead of on them and in front of them, illuminating their faces. I fought between being blinded by the light essentially shinning on me and their darkened fronts.<br />
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To watch and hear this Murga group, <a href="http://youtu.be/VM9o3_UxsKM" target="_blank">"Click on this UTube link."</a><br />
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I did understand the theme chosen by one group and it was delightful. It was on childhood, The little "kids" in this case, the full grown performers were visiting grandma's house (La casa de Abuela). The children were expecting some gifts from grandma. I think it was their birthday and of course they were singing about everything they wanted to receive from balls to dolls. Then how disappointing some gifts were like underwear and socks. They sang other songs about getting in trouble and being spanked by their parents and being scared by the boogie man at night. It was fun seeing the grown actors being children and singing about such innocent subjects. <br />
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I had a front row seat as our table was right in front of the stage!<br />
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The second group wasn't as good vocally as the first group. I think the women in the first group though not usually presented in traditional Murga somehow added a fuller more complete sound. Then again, me being a women probably makes me a little bit bias.<br />
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After eating and watching the show, my dinner companions took me further down the rambla towards Atlántida to show me where the street had washed out. It was a huge gapping hole and drop off. In my last post, I had mentioned how some towns had canceled their local Carnival parades because of the extremely wet, rainy weather we had (quite unusual for this time of the year). Well, when I saw the now missing chunk of road, it really brought home how bad the rain had been.<br />
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Further down, several towns away, passed the toll bridge, the town of Solymar had really been inundated with water from these rains. Water came into houses and made mini lakes of the streets.<br />
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The good thing about Uruguay is that even when the weather gets bad, suddenly and surprisingly a few super nice days will come along (a sort of reprieve) just when you need it the most. So I am glad to say, all though it has just started raining again tonight I have had a rather great and sunny past week. I got a lot accomplished. I also learned a couple of weeks ago about a great new pizza restaurant and a new genre, the music of the Murga. Murga and pizza a winning combination!Denisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06114770905895045770noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7977358315744247865.post-42393752062619510652014-02-24T19:12:00.001-08:002014-02-24T19:12:23.048-08:00Mardi Gras and Carnival!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://publicholiday.org/calendar/carnaval/" target="_blank">Carnival</a> is a festive season culminating in <b>Mardi Gras which means "Fat Tuesday"</b> It comes from a <b>French word</b> and tradition where people celebrated and had a wild and scandalous time, eating and drinking to excess right before a day called "Ash Wednesday" which started a period called "Lent" where they had to reign themselves in and act pious, giving up worldly comforts and fast for their church.<br />
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The State of Louisiana in the USA was once a French territory before being sold to the USA in 1803. It became a state on April 30th, 1812. Its largest city is New Orleans, so it is no wonder that Fat Tuesday has become synonymous with that city and now regarded as the "Mardi Gras Capital" of the USA.<br />
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Today the Carnival season is celebrated world wide, as an example, Trinidad and Tobago, 2 ex-french colonies hold notable carnival celebrations. There are usually 2 types of parades held during carnival season. One is called <i><b>Desfile de Carnival </b></i>/ the Carnival parade itself (the one with the Samba dancers and half naked women) and the <i><b>Desfile de llamada</b></i>s or "calls parade" a way that past slaves <i>called</i> to each other to come and gather together, they then relieved their heritage through drums, songs and story telling. Today the various schools of dance and drummers and literal flag/banner wavers will march to show off their students, that are being taught these traditional dances and music. As a country, <b>Brazil has the "biggest" carnival in the world</b> and perhaps the most known for it's famous Mardi Gras parade with its scantily clad beautiful women and goulish face painted people in costume marching down the main Boulevards in Rio de Janeiro.<br />
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However, it is said that <b>Uruguay has</b> <b>the "longest" Carnival celebration</b> in the world lasting some 40 days! January 23rd there was a Carnival Parade in Montevideo and on Thursday February 6th and Friday, February 7th there was the Llamada or "call" Parades.<br />
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Having the longest carnival in the world doesn't mean if you go to the Capital city of Montevideo, that each night for 40 days there is a parade. Rather, it means that after the 3 parades are held in MVD along with the partying in the streets, the little towns throughout the country will also follow suit and have a combined parade for 1 night. The various towns respectively on different weekends or nights will hold their own individual parade. Their parade consists of the carnival parade (the women and costumes) and the groups of llamadas or callers (the drummers) marching on the same night. During carnival season there are also Murgas or musical groups in costumes, commenting on politics or social events throughout the city using song and satire.<br />
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For almost 6 years, I have avoided the wild night and I have not gone into the capital, MVD to see the parade. I like parades and costumes but the idea of a large drunken crowd and atmosphere has kept me away. The idea of being wild before being good also leaves a bad taste in my mouth.<br />
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I admit though, that I have been to a little museum in Montevideo that housed some costumes from former parades and I found that interesting.<br />
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Since I <i>do</i> like to blog about what's happening in Uruguay, I finally went to a smaller town to see one of their echo parades. February 21st, a Friday, not a Tuesday, I went to the city of Canelones in the department (county of) Canelones (in which I live in) to see their little parade. The city had big speakers wired up to buildings along the parade route.<br />
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Yeah, there was drinking in the streets and a crowd but it was tiny and the people were polite. We all lined up along the main plaza's square (every town has one with a large church). Some wooden chairs were brought out by the city for front row seats, the rest of the attendees stood or brought their own chairs.<br />
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I've seen photos of the Montevideo parade and this Canelones one could never compare to that one, it was rather sad in comparison but the people had fun. Hawkers sold "silly string" in cans to encourage spraying on each other. The children were respectful of the spectators but instead harassed the marching parade people with the stuff. I felt sorry for the parade "Princesses" (young beauties chosen) who rode in a car waving to the crowds. They smiled and waved but the children were merciless as they bombarded them. The children in attendance also tended to wander into the parade path but it was generally a well behaved crowd in Canelones.<br />
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Some little nearby towns were also represented in this parade like Santa Lucia. Some cities earlier in the month had to postpone or outright cancel their parades because of the extremely bad weather rain wise that Uruguay has been experiencing this year but tonight it was clear and warm.<br />
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Every carnival parade has a couple dressed up as an old Ma and Pa. He wears a stove type top hat (think Abraham lincoln hat). In the past they have been in black face, these represent the Patrons of the parade. There were several of these couples each representing their cities' groups.<br />
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Most carnival parades also have the Samba dancers, drummers and flag wavers as a common feature.<br />
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The schools of dancers sometimes start them out very young. In the crowds I saw young six and seven year old girls swinging their hips around in Salsa and Samba dance. I'll keep my opinions to myself on that. I will admit that I really do appreciate dance forms though. One of my favorite TV shows is "So you think you can dance?" I've enjoyed learning about the different forms and styles of dance through that TV show. I love hip-hop and I know what Krumping is, etc... but the lack of clothes on most of the carnival dancers really reminds me that the purpose of this carnival atmosphere is to celebrate the lack of inhibitions. I didn't include any of those pictures in this post. Just the medium clad ones like bathing suit or bikini style, I can live with that. I'm talking about thong and less for young girls that I cringed at.<br />
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I have included instead some of the colorful costumes worn by the rest of the parade participants.<br />
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Sorry that most of these pictures are blurry. What with the crowds walking by and the dancers swirling around right when I wanted to take a shot, I had trouble focusing.<br />
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In addition to the flag wavers, dancers and drummers there were a variety of <i>whatever</i> they could think up as acts and floats of some sort or another. Remember, this is not the Capital city parade but little old Canelones. In addition to some of the Canelones floats, I also thought you'd get a blast (ha ha) out of the speaker systems that insured you could hear certain of the groups music. Trucks would follow some groups with their speakers mounted on them.<br />
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Well, I can now say, that I have seen a carnival parade, at least on a small scale. I will admit that I don't need to see another one but I do get why the season is so popular for others. It's a chance to go wild and crazy and not be judged because everyone else is doing it too. I think I'll continue to pass on the concept and walk on the less wild side and more on the straight and narrow path but there is a part of the season that I found interesting and enjoyable and that is the Murgas groups that compete during this time. I saw some groups and I will make that my next post.<br />
<br />Denisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06114770905895045770noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7977358315744247865.post-1883106234461338202014-02-14T07:01:00.003-08:002014-02-24T07:34:03.939-08:00Sand Castles!<br />
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If you read my last post, you'll remember that we just had a really bad freak wind storm slam into our neighborhood, Thursday night, bringing havoc. My electricity and phone were cut off until the next day Friday 1:30 Pm. Others got their power on much later, about 3:30. Friday was still rainy and windy and so no repairs could be expected that day. Saturday, was the first day that I could get my solar hot water heater repaired. The man said he would show up at 4PM that evening to install the 4 new solar tubes.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeMd0SRM0wmL7g6ke99yxOcCJ9t7KN_03oKCAtM95JdJwzwosijxPj8-WWJyQsXMRFesgARVj0t_SSjUIqQJDaw1iHXsWwYC2sJYek9XTafPARXRGHHjdeKcrK83eUe4CBqAISgJSsVEU/s1600/IMG_5714.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeMd0SRM0wmL7g6ke99yxOcCJ9t7KN_03oKCAtM95JdJwzwosijxPj8-WWJyQsXMRFesgARVj0t_SSjUIqQJDaw1iHXsWwYC2sJYek9XTafPARXRGHHjdeKcrK83eUe4CBqAISgJSsVEU/s1600/IMG_5714.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a><b>Saturday morning, January 25th.</b> after making my phone call to the solar guy, I was thinking about all of the debris in my neighborhood and wondering if the fallen trees blocking my street would be removed in time to allow the repair man to travel up it. I decided to wash the breakfast dishes. I like having a window above my kitchen sink so that I can look out at the world while washing the dishes. My view through the kitchen window is extra special since I can see the water and the beach through it.<br />
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Thinking about the fallen trees, I noticed through my window a large group of people on the beach working in unison and standing in a single file, passing black buckets of sand to each other, fireman style. I wondered if some flooding had occurred and whether they were filling sand bags to shore up some river bank? So I decided to grab my camera and I went down to investigate. Imagine my surprise to see some new flags and banners erected notifying everyone that the <b>First Sand Castle Festival</b> <b>for Marindía</b> was being held!<br />
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The group of people were in fact passing sand buckets to each other, not for a disaster but for the sand works. So in the midst of a storm cleanup, the community went ahead and had some preplanned fun.<br />
I now used my camera to take photos of the work. I realized that, it might be better to come back later in the day to see some of the finished projects, so I did just that.<br />
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Everyone was welcomed to join in from Professionals down to children. They even had white printed Tee-shirts for the participants to wear to commemorate the date.<br />
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I was impressed with the variety of sand art, not only were there castles but also animals, sea life and well, I'll just have to show you what there was. <i><b>The above picture is of José</b></i> and his <b>Dolphin</b> sand creation. He said that this was the very first time he has ever done a sand piece. So the first sand festival meets it's first time ever participant. I was impressed with the scale of his piece.<br />
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Next, I saw a professional piece. Louis and his partner Matheo did an ambitious piece from a Greek mythology. The Titan <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prometheus" target="_blank">"<b>Prometheus"</b></a> is chained to the ground in perpetual torment while an eagle eats his liver (over and over again). Well wow, what a subject. Since we were speaking in Spanish, I didn't have the wherefore all to ask why they came up with that subject. The last photo of the 4, shows a chain he sculpted out of sand on the wrist.<br />
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I am glad that I saw the Prometheus piece and the above "<b>Otter"</b>, by Alejandro Arce, when I did because some neighborhood dogs ran by and jumped into them later. A teenage girl had brought them down unleashed. I actually recognized the dogs and tried with several others to catch them but the pup got away. I told the girl (whom I didn't recognized) later as she was walking by my house that the sand artists were irritated with her dogs. She asked why. I explained how they were ruining the pieces, she just shrugged. She was clueless. I think she was just a visiter for the summer because the adult owners of the dogs are real sweeties and as nice as can be, they wouldn't have allowed the dogs to do that. <br />
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I think this next photo is of an "<b>Aardvark"</b>, an African mammal that eats ants. The tail was well done in my opinion. Looking up the beach in these photos you can also see how low key this Sand Castle event was. It was spread out with no set rules.<br />
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The above sand <b>"Sea monster"</b> was really cool! It's tentacles were sticking up from the sand quite away, aways from it. Behind the monster there was a <i>fat bosomed women</i> being captured by a rear tentacle. I choose that photo of the lady instead of a closeup because in the background you can see my house and 2 of my next door neighbors' houses from this beach.<br />
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For this next piece of sand art, I didn't get a chance to meet the artist but his mother ( in a red coat) was sanding guard over her son's creation. She said his name was Isaac. He had done a <b>"Sea turtle"</b> nesting on land. What was so unique about that peace was the back of the turtle laying eggs. It showed the eggs coming out. Wow, how graphic and detailed!<br />
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The next very professional endeavor was by a deaf couple. I have several friends who are studying sign language. From them I have learned that sign language in Spanish is different from American sign language ASL. When I was a teen, I tried learning a little bit but I'm not very coordinated and I don't seem to be that great at foreign languages. So I left the couple in peace knowing that I couldn't really say anything but I smiled a lot. I don't know what their theme was about? Two sand people looked to be making out or having sex while another sand person was nearby. It seemed to be an epic like scene from the east or India, maybe some karmasutra poses? The 3rd sand person had octopus tentacle like arms. There should have been signs for all of the participants with the name of their creations and their own names. Just a suggestion. <br />
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Next, I saw some faces! The first surprised me, it was the face of <b>"George Washington"</b>, then I saw a creepy "S<b>kull"</b>, then a <b>"Head hunter"</b> type face with bone and then an <b>"Artistic funky face"</b>.<br />
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One of the most fitting sand sculptures for Uruguay, is one that I almost walked right past. It wasn't until I went by it again for a second time that the light bulb went on in my head. I took another look at it and then I clearly saw it, for what it was, a <b>"Hot water thermos and Mate set"</b>. The sand gourd cup was filled with sand yerba. How clever! Scrolled in the sand was a title. <b>"Made in Uruguay"</b>. The <b>"Pyramid and Sphinx"</b> was cute and clever. I saw on a Facebook site that I missed seeing a tennis shoe and another great sand castle. The <b>"Dinosaur"</b> reminded me that kids were encouraged to participate and create something too.<br />
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Since this was all done by the sea, of course, some <b>"Star fish"</b> and sea creatures were represented too.<br />
An <b>"Octopus",</b> another <b>"Turtle"</b> and a <b>"Gecko"</b>. I then went home and my solar heater was fixed.<br />
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The next day Sunday, I was again looking out through my kitchen window (snooping), and I saw a group of people seemingly bowing to the sea and then raising their hands toward the sky in praise. Well, I grabbed my binoculars this time and saw that it was instead a yoga class being taught at the beach (around 10am.) So I waddled back down to the beach and found out that the Sand Castle event was going on for a second day! It was held <b>January 25th and 26th; Saturday and Sunday.</b> That's why I have included so many photos in this post. I was then beckconed by some neighbors from my very street to see what my street's neighbors had made. Two houses had gotten together to work on this. They let me stand inside the circle and take the picture of what they called the "Symbol of Marindía", <b><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0206512/" target="_blank">"SpongeBob SquarePants"</a></b>. The little spongy details on his body where amazing. He looked great!<br />
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Since it was getting close to lunchtime, which is considered a very important meal here. Businesses all close for siesta time from 12:30pm to about 3:30. The SpongeBob group decided to go home. I was then happily invited to travel with them (since we live on the same street) and I was invited to one house for an Asado/BBQ. We had Beef, Pork and sausages, bread, salad and ice cream for dessert. My choice of wine, whisky or beer or coke. I had a beer! Cristina whose house I went to is one of my summer and holidays only neighbors, so it was nice getting to visit with them.<br />
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In looking back, everyone seemed to be having a great time at the beach. Not everyones castle or creation was professional or noteworthy, they just went for it. If there is a 2nd; Sand castle event next year, I will seriously think about trying to make something. I don't know what it will be but I have a year to practice. Meanwhile, I will continue to be noisy and keep looking out of my kitchen window. Who knows what I'll see next!<br />
<br />Denisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06114770905895045770noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7977358315744247865.post-51257545638754794302014-02-01T02:39:00.000-08:002014-02-02T12:29:08.771-08:00From Music to Disaster!<br />
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Well, I feel like I'm playing catchup with my January posts. The last few weeks of January sure were eventful. January was in the throngs of summer with hot days and fun filled nights. It actually had been too hot what with the temperature in the the high 90's and the nights in the 80"s<br />
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<b>January 16th, </b>a Thursday night, saw the <b><i>first full moon concer</i>t</b> held in El Fortin de Santa Rosa<br />
<b>January 17th</b>, on Friday was the <b><i>"White Night" event</i></b> in La Floresta.<br />
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<b>January 18th</b>, Saturday, I heard that <b><i>a music concert</i></b> was to be held at the beach parking lot near my house. I have my congregational meetings on Saturday nights instead of Sunday. After coming home that night, I ate dinner and then I did something that I should do, more often. Because there weren't any mosquitos out that night I went out to my terrace with a Rum (Ron in español) and coke in hand and my now 3 dogs in tow to stand guard for me, I went out to enjoy the warm night. I was happy that I could hear the promised music concert, so clearly, coming up from the beach. Concerts here usually start with the most well known bands then move on to the lesser known and in need of more practice ones. It was true that some trees <i style="font-weight: bold;">were </i>blocking my view of the bands but I had the best of both worlds, no crowds and my bathroom just inside of my house should I need it. I stayed outside all night with my feet up listening to the beach bands play. Little did I know, how much that respite would mean, or how things were about to change.<br />
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<b>January 23rd, Thursday</b> I had my congregational meeting. The night was somewhat clear. After the meeting I came home and I had dinner and dessert, then I let the dogs out to pee and poop for the night. Right after that, it started to rain. Then the winds started to blow and blow and blow. I was glad that the dogs were already inside for the night. Then it struck! The winds started to slam into our neighborhood. Coming up from the water, Southward and blowing North inland, the force was intense and loud. Nathan, my cat ran to my bedroom door and when I opened it he ran under my bed. That is something he has never done before. He is no scare-dy cat but is normally quite fearless. Then the electricity went out in the neighborhood and the telephone service. I went to bed.<br />
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<b>January 24th, Friday</b>, we were without power and phone until 1:30 PM. Others toward Atlántida didn't get theirs turned on until 3:30 PM. When I went outside. I saw that my front yard dog house had been blown out from its corner and was now on my front steps.<br />
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My planter, filled with bamboo, had fallen over (it was a little top heavy in design). It had stood upright however, through other wind storms. Surprisingly the ceramic cup it fell onto remained unbroken but the saucer under it broke instead. My heavy wooden patio furniture had been blown as a group (they are chained together for security reasons) across the entire patio and they were now up against my shutters. I am so thankful that I have heavy locked shutters covering my huge picture windows, otherwise the furniture corners would have broken my window.<br />
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Those things were the things moved by the wind, they were not damaged. The only real damage that occurred was to my solar hot water heater. I lost 4 tubes.<br />
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Since I didn't have power or phone and it was lightly raining, I decided to wait until Saturday to call around for a person to fix my solar heater and replace the tubes.<br />
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I was very fortunate that I didn't sustain more damage. The reason for that was that I had already cut down all of my dangerous trees and had them hauled away last year at great expense. Now I can sleep like a baby during any wind storms unlike before the tree removals.<br />
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Friday morning, I went out into the neighborhood to see what was what. The neighborhood didn't escape the storm as unscathed as I did.<br />
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My street entrance was now blocked from 4 fallen trees lying across it. The 5th tree had fallen away from the street.<br />
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My neighbor up the street had a tree now leaning just on the edge of his roof. It amazingly didn't really damage the roof itself.<br />
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Around the corner gates were smashed. Fallen trees were everywhere.<br />
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Last year, one corner lot on Avenida del Mar had 19 trees fall, well this storm blew the rest down. I guess that corner is a terrible wind catcher!<br />
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Going past my few blocks, I started to see some heavier damage towards Salinas but still in my barrio of Marindia.<br />
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The worst damage by far was captured in the photos below by a person posting on Facebook to the Balneario Marindia site. These photos may have been taken by Maria Cristina Franco because they said "with Maria" and there were no people in the photos. I am just trying to give credit were credit is due.<br />
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The middle picture of a wooden cabin style home shows a house that used to be 1 1/2 stores high having an attic bedroom and window, now it was reduced to only 1 story. The last photo is of an interesting garage in my neighborhood. Part of the main house has the same odd design as the garage. These are all from my barrio of Marindia. These photos are near the highway by the Estorill store.<br />
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Amazingly, the power got turned on very promptly as already mentioned, by the next day.<br />
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The work of cleaning up the neighborhood went about orderly. It is still going on. The air is scented with pine bark and needles. The sound of chains saws fill your ears. Life goes on without grumbling.<br />
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The weather is now overcast and the days are cool but humid. Who knew that when I was outside enjoying music from my terrace on a hot summer night a week ago that things would change so quickly. From music to disaster what a difference a week makes.<br />
<br />Denisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06114770905895045770noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7977358315744247865.post-36197190697661849802014-01-26T15:14:00.002-08:002014-01-26T17:27:59.473-08:00"White Night" in La Floresta<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Wow, January 2014 has had some interesting moments and events. It is the height of summer down here in Uruguay and the days and nights have been HOT, HOT, HOT both literally and figuratively! Daytime temperatures have been around 95 degrees F /33c. and the nights have been in the 80's.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><b>Thursday, January 16th</b> was the first Full Moon of the year. This usually means that the folks in the town of <b>San Fortin</b> hold their yearly public concert on this full moon night and so they did. Even though, it was a Thursday night, the natural amphitheater was packed. My friends who live there, the ones who invited Wally and I last year, gave me a blow by blow report. My Thursday evenings are spoken for, what with my congregational meetings and Bible study. Still, Most events don't start here until late in the evening 9:30PM and on (due to a power outage the event was delayed in starting until10:30), which meant, I could attend both the meeting and the concert. However, I had been so over heated that day from walking in the heat (my feria/ grocery morning is also on Thursdays) that after the meeting I decided to skip the concert and just go home. I was saving my energies for the <i><b>next night</b></i>, the 17th of January!</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><b>Friday, January 17th</b> , the city of <b>La Floresta</b> was holding their celebrated <b>"White Night" event</b>. This event has nothing to do with the moon at all. I've done a post before on the little beach town of La Floresta and as mentioned in that post, the people of La Floresta like to sponsor art events. The city has sculptures scattered all through it. It also has some interesting and varied architecture which the "White Night" event highlights. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">This night was bright ( remember the full moon was only the night before) and it was hot, so we waited until 10Pm to arrive. The idea of the "White Night" theme is that during this night the city is bathed in bright spot lights to highlight the various styles of houses and as a sort of "snap shot" or Kodak moment into the life of that town. Residents who own odd, interesting or old houses allow bright lights to shine on their houses and present a little vignette of how charming or interesting their place is. Often, they themselves will sit out in front of them and "pose" and stay frozen in that pose, in a sort of living still life. People like me will stop and take their photos. It's like we are peeking in on their lives. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Many of the houses will have its history listed out front so you can read about it while passing by. Some houses mention things like who lived there, maybe the town doctor or some famous or important person. Others, mentioned that theirs was the first or second house built in the town or things like that.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">The vignettes they provide are very charming! In addition to the community cast and their homes, tucked in here and there are little bands of musicians and various art booths. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">When we first arrived, there was a stage we walked by, where two young women were shaking their stuff in a fast and furious Salsa dance. The stage and lightening setup was grand but the music was canned and they may or may not have been lip-syncing. I politely stopped and watched for a minute, I took their photo and moved on. However, hidden down one of the town's streets was a band of young men under a simple blue light who were really playing some fine contemporary music . Their sound was mellow and smooth. I liked them so much that I stopped and recorded them. I would have stayed but my friends moved on, so I followed them instead.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">If music wasn't your thing there were art displays and fun art like statements spread around. Some pieces were actually woven into the city. A picnic area now had knitted "Granny squares" lining the support poles. and one street had a canopy of rag ribbons tied overhead to walk under.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Some streets had lighted candles and fabric flowers hung in their trees. I just had to get a picture of myself under that romantic scene</span>.</div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">The local church in the big plaza had singers out front singing songs about Uruguay. Of course, always my favorite to view, were some antique cars on display. I even got a photo of an original "paddy wagon" a jail truck.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Everyones' favorite attraction of the "White night" event however, was the techno light presentation that was held at midnight. The main, art deco styled, hotel building in town is transformed into a giant outdoor screen.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">What is so interesting about the show is that all of the lights in the hotel are turned off by midnight so the windows are blacken but the light show called mapping takes into account the many windows in its display. The windows and the building are part of the show.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">I hope you can see how wild and weird the giant screen show was by watching this section that I filmed. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><a href="http://youtu.be/F9vS6uTtqdQ" target="_blank">Click on this link to watch</a></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">I will be posting on 2 other events that happened in January, this first month of the year.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">All in all, 2014 is off to a running start and I have camera and blog (pen) at the ready!</span></div>
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Denisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06114770905895045770noreply@blogger.com0