Hammock Time.

I am sitting in my hammock on an overcast, windy afternoon enjoying the reprieve from the blaring sun. Soon I will head to the lot to see the new cooper sinks that are supposed to have arrived. Hopefully the carpenters will begin laying the wood planks for the floor of the loft upstairs. The pressure of making decisions is diminishing as the house's main structure is nearing completion. From now on, for the most part, it will be a matter of making sure the plans we have made are implemented correctly.
Yesterday we met with our aluminum window manufacturer to discuss modifications to my arched windows. I was happy with all the windows except for the arched ones, but they will be fine after his modifications. On the sea side of the house we are forced to use aluminum because of the brutally corrosive nature of the salt spray. Wood windows rot, swell and require constant maintenance. Lucy, my architect, contractor, and designer, found aluminum from Spain that looks as close to wood as I have seen in aluminum. I am very pleased with the results.
Today after researching lime paint on the web, we have decided to use this non-toxic natural paint on the house in place of normal store-bought paint. Lime paint has been used in the Mediterranean and Mexico for centuries. In addition to being green, it has natural ant-fungal properties and bugs do not like to crawl on it either. It reflects light exponentially due to tiny microscopic crystals that form during it's curing process. That is why it is often used on many historic buildings. It develops a beautiful patina over time and actually penetrates into the surface and bonds with it so when applied properly there is no flaking or peeling. Stan is going to mix up a batch and try some out. Sometimes I think he should have been a chemist. He really gets into test analysis whether it be the soil in my garden, our pool water, or our drinking water. If it has test tubes and colored water he will be out there reading his results. Well now he is totally into researching lime paint to make sure we have the perfect mix.
Soon we will be ready for paint. The block walls are finally beginning to look like a house now that the acabado (the texture or stucco like coating) is over most of the front. I know the workers were going nuts when I kept inspecting their work saying "no ballitos." (No little balls.) Our texture is supposed to have a soft uneven texture the undulates a little. For the most part the workers were doing a fantastic job, but then when you weren't looking all the sudden this chicken pox or ostrich skin, bumpy texture would appear and of course it would be front and center on the house. I told Lucy there was a fine line between old world charm and cheese, and that I didn't want the house to look like a Disney Land Castle. She understood perfectly and soon she was hollering with her Spanish accent, "Marr-cooss!" I love how she does that! I don't know if he does, but he always comes running with a smile. He is our foreman. All our workers are so hard working, pleasant, and very good at what they do. These short Mayan men are as strong as oxen, never drink on the job, are punctual and seem to have a gentle and genial disposition. I am honored to have them working on our home.
Well it is time to get out of this hammock. I can't wait till it is hanging at the new house. I love looking out from the patio or my kitchen window to scan for passing dolphins or sea turtles. The later are quite common right now since it is their season to lay eggs. From our lot I have seen one bobbing on the waves several times. I can see a misty curtain of rain heading this way over the ocean. If I hurry I can make it to the lot before it does. Hasta Luego!