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“I can’t just be a guest in my husband’s house.” - Giant - Leslie Benedict (Elizabeth Taylor)
Building again, again, again. Drywall, tile, plumbing, gas…so far so good. The most difficult thing about building in another country is the language barrier.
This time around, no one speaks English, so we are using what my husband refers to as the "hands and feet" method of communicating. Wave hands around, speak a little Spanish, and walk around like you know what you're saying.
Hmmmm…
Building again, again, again. Drywall, tile, plumbing, gas…so far so good. The most difficult thing about building in another country is the language barrier.
This time around, no one speaks English, so we are using what my husband refers to as the "hands and feet" method of communicating. Wave hands around, speak a little Spanish, and walk around like you know what you're saying.
Hmmmm…
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"Live spherically...in many directions." - Under the Tuscan Sun - Katherine (Lindsey Duncan)
Finally! We have a name for our chacra. After many hours of thinking, hair-pulling, and endless questioning of friends, we have a decision. Drumroll, please…..BESO DEL SOL. This means sun-kissed or kissed by the sun. It seems appropriate, with our chacra's full view of the sun - sunrise and sunset. The sun is even on the Uruguayan flag, complete with human face - the better to kiss you!
The sun on Uruguay's flag is the May Sun, named for the May Revolution of 1810 when Spanish Colonies along the Rio de Plata gained independence from Spain. It is said when freedom was proclaimed, the sun came from behind the clouds.
The symbology of the May Sun dates even further back in time to Inca traditions (think Peru and Machu Picchu) and the Incan sun god, Inti, the son of Viracocha, the creator god.
In the weird cosmos of our lives, one of the reasons my husband and I visited Uruguay was the love of South America induced by our trip in 2012 to Peru. We attended the Inti Raymi Festival in Cuzco, Peru (see above photos) and visited Machu Picchu with friend and archaeologist, Dr. Ed Barnhart (www.mayaexploration.com).
Yet another moment of serendipity: for many years I had an iron wall hanging of the May Sun next to the door of my classroom. I bought it at an antique store in Texas, painted it, and hung it, not consciously thinking that it may be the key to my future. Kissed by the sun!
Finally! We have a name for our chacra. After many hours of thinking, hair-pulling, and endless questioning of friends, we have a decision. Drumroll, please…..BESO DEL SOL. This means sun-kissed or kissed by the sun. It seems appropriate, with our chacra's full view of the sun - sunrise and sunset. The sun is even on the Uruguayan flag, complete with human face - the better to kiss you!
The sun on Uruguay's flag is the May Sun, named for the May Revolution of 1810 when Spanish Colonies along the Rio de Plata gained independence from Spain. It is said when freedom was proclaimed, the sun came from behind the clouds.
The symbology of the May Sun dates even further back in time to Inca traditions (think Peru and Machu Picchu) and the Incan sun god, Inti, the son of Viracocha, the creator god.
In the weird cosmos of our lives, one of the reasons my husband and I visited Uruguay was the love of South America induced by our trip in 2012 to Peru. We attended the Inti Raymi Festival in Cuzco, Peru (see above photos) and visited Machu Picchu with friend and archaeologist, Dr. Ed Barnhart (www.mayaexploration.com).
Yet another moment of serendipity: for many years I had an iron wall hanging of the May Sun next to the door of my classroom. I bought it at an antique store in Texas, painted it, and hung it, not consciously thinking that it may be the key to my future. Kissed by the sun!
Minutes before a solar eclipse at sunset!
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"You had me at hello." - Jerry McGuire - Dorothy (Renée Zellweger)
Yes, they do celebrate Valentine's Day in Uruguay. We spent in Montevideo, shopping for a front door. We forgot it was Valentine's Day until around noon; we celebrated with ham sandwiches. OK!
It does get better, my Valentine's Day gift was the perfect front door. Now some may say that is a utilitarian gift and in no way romantic. As one friend said, "Love is a threshold too carry your wife over."
It does get better, my Valentine's Day gift was the perfect front door. Now some may say that is a utilitarian gift and in no way romantic. As one friend said, "Love is a threshold too carry your wife over."
In Uruguay the doors are often custom-made for your specifications and measurements. Stay tuned for the finished product, ready in about 2-3 weeks. Valentine Doors - a new trend!
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"Grab them and hug them and tell them that you love 'em. Tell them, 'If you need anything, come to me.' 'If you need somebody to talk to, come to me.' 'I'll give you the shoulder, I'll give you the hug. I'll feed you, I'll clothe you if you need it. That's how you start from this moment. When you leave this reunion today, you take that with you. - Madea's Family Reunion - Myrtle (Cicely Tyson)
My husband returned to my arms today. We had little reunion scene at the Montevideo Aeropuerto, as we cried, kissed, and hugged. Finally together at last - after spending 8 months out of the past 12 apart. My prayers have been answered.
I oversaw all the construction for our house while my husband returned to the States. When he left, there was only a foundation. Today he saw firsthand the walls, roof, and windows! I am so proud of myself for overseeing all of that. Mostly, though, I am honored that he placed so much trust in me.
Thank God for technology. We were able to communicate daily with Skype! I'm not sure how our house would have gotten built or how sane I would be without contact through technology. My heart is full!
I oversaw all the construction for our house while my husband returned to the States. When he left, there was only a foundation. Today he saw firsthand the walls, roof, and windows! I am so proud of myself for overseeing all of that. Mostly, though, I am honored that he placed so much trust in me.
Thank God for technology. We were able to communicate daily with Skype! I'm not sure how our house would have gotten built or how sane I would be without contact through technology. My heart is full!
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Never in my life could I imagine having a barn. I'm a town and CITY girl, not a country girl. However, needs must!
Our container of belongings is being shipped from the U.S. The estimated time was about 6 to 8 weeks. Whoops!! The shipping company called and the containers will be in the port in THREE weeks. It's not great news, as we haven't even started building the barn to store it all in.
So here we go - the builder has pulled all the workers off the house and by golly, we'll get that barn built in no time flat! In the movies, back in olden times neighbors and friends would come from all over the countryside to build a new barn. They'd do most of the work in a DAY. It's going to take us a bit longer.
The barn was still being built 20 minutes before the containers arrived in mid-December onto our property, but we did it!
Our container of belongings is being shipped from the U.S. The estimated time was about 6 to 8 weeks. Whoops!! The shipping company called and the containers will be in the port in THREE weeks. It's not great news, as we haven't even started building the barn to store it all in.
So here we go - the builder has pulled all the workers off the house and by golly, we'll get that barn built in no time flat! In the movies, back in olden times neighbors and friends would come from all over the countryside to build a new barn. They'd do most of the work in a DAY. It's going to take us a bit longer.
The barn was still being built 20 minutes before the containers arrived in mid-December onto our property, but we did it!
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“Don’t think and don’t worry.” - The Incredibles - Helen Parr (Holly Hunter)
"Don't worry…" seems to be the phrase most used in Uruguay.
"Don't worry…" seems to be the phrase most used in Uruguay.
- Building - Don't worry; it's not going to fall down.
- Window Purchasing - Don't worry; it's not going to leak. You have a porch.
- Roofs - Don't worry; it won't blow off.
- Septic Tanks - Don't worry; you won't smell a thing.
- Bees - Don't worry; they only try to build a hive in your house in May and possibly in September or October....
- GPS - Don't worry; you can't possibly get lost going to...
- Appliances - Don't worry; they will fix it when it breaks, if they can get the part.
- Horses - Don't worry; horse poo is good fertilizer, just step over it.
- Banks - Don't worry; the bank will open soon (3:00 p.m. in summer).
- Mud - Don't worry; it will wash out.
- Propane Gas - Don't worry; they will come to fill the tank in a few months.
- Electricity - Don't worry; you have a generator.
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An asado in Uruguay is an outdoor barbecue. It's a great idea to have an Asado to celebrate every now and then with your friends, neighbors, or workers. For our first one, my husband bought traditional Texas barbecue meat: steak, ribs, and sausage. Everyone loved it, but my hubs was informed that true Asado meat has bone, lots of fat, and gristle in it.
When it was my turn to host an Asado on my own, our friend bought the meat for me (bone and fat included) and I provided the side dishes (non-traditional.)
An Asado is a great deal of fun, as the meat cooks slowly all day. We had ours to celebrate laying the foundation for the barn. You don't need a fancy parilla (grill), just some charcoal and wood on the ground will do. No utensils are needed; everyone brings his own fork and knife in a holster. We're always ready to eat meat in Uruguay!
Plates at our Asado consisted of leftover pieces of wood cut to measure! Since it's spring and strawberry season, I made a strawberry shortcake with whipped cream (very American of me). Everyone was delighted and ate every bite, with one person taking home the leftover cake on his motorcycle. It was a lovely time, with the guests serenading me with songs at the end of the meal. Ah….Uruguay!
When it was my turn to host an Asado on my own, our friend bought the meat for me (bone and fat included) and I provided the side dishes (non-traditional.)
An Asado is a great deal of fun, as the meat cooks slowly all day. We had ours to celebrate laying the foundation for the barn. You don't need a fancy parilla (grill), just some charcoal and wood on the ground will do. No utensils are needed; everyone brings his own fork and knife in a holster. We're always ready to eat meat in Uruguay!
Plates at our Asado consisted of leftover pieces of wood cut to measure! Since it's spring and strawberry season, I made a strawberry shortcake with whipped cream (very American of me). Everyone was delighted and ate every bite, with one person taking home the leftover cake on his motorcycle. It was a lovely time, with the guests serenading me with songs at the end of the meal. Ah….Uruguay!
Here's a link to my STRAWBERRY SHORTCAKE RECIPE at my cooking website: MissCookbook.com
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"I hate snakes…, I hate 'em." - Raiders of the Lost Ark - Indiana Jones (Harrison Ford)
Early on, experienced several firsts for Uruguayan life. One was my first Uruguayan SNAKE encounter. I was picking up construction debris from around the house and bent over to see a red, yellow, and black snake hissing only a few centimeters from my face and a few meters from the dogs. Two of the construction workers were here, so I began to run away and scream, "SNAKE!" After a minute of screaming, I realized my screams were in English.
Fortunately, Esteban understood some English and started yelling, "SERPIENTE!" We stood there staring at each other, yelling back and forth for awhile, then took off for the back of the house. Pepe, the other worker, ran along with us, carrying a concrete block. I barely had time to wonder why, but was too panicked to question. The serpentina was laying there, waiting for us. I can never remember little rhyme for colors of poisonous snakes.
Apparently, there is is a similar rhyme in Spanish about yellow on black etc., as well. Esteban and Pepe couldn't remember the Spanish version and I couldn't remember the English one. What a crew we were! We decided that a snake is a snake (o una serpiente es una serpiente), so Esteban threw the concrete block at it. Concrete travels slowly and snakes quickly; the result was a snake underneath the house!
Minutes later, our builder arrived and after our description of the serpiente, informed us that it was not poisonous. Hmmm... a snake is a snake.
Another first - my first tormenta (storm) in Uruguay. We awoke during the night to torrential rain, fog, and very high winds. Power was out for most of the morning, but for some reason - the Internet is worked beautifully, for the first time. Go figure... Thank goodness for our generator - hot coffee.
Winds were howling with 45 mph gusts, dogs were sleeping (thank goodness), and the wood stove was keeping our little casita toasty warm. All was dry inside, so hopefully the roof holds. At one point I looked out the window to see the neighbor's four horses running across our land like they were being chased. Guess the wind spooked them - I know it has me spooked.
Fortunately, Esteban understood some English and started yelling, "SERPIENTE!" We stood there staring at each other, yelling back and forth for awhile, then took off for the back of the house. Pepe, the other worker, ran along with us, carrying a concrete block. I barely had time to wonder why, but was too panicked to question. The serpentina was laying there, waiting for us. I can never remember little rhyme for colors of poisonous snakes.
Apparently, there is is a similar rhyme in Spanish about yellow on black etc., as well. Esteban and Pepe couldn't remember the Spanish version and I couldn't remember the English one. What a crew we were! We decided that a snake is a snake (o una serpiente es una serpiente), so Esteban threw the concrete block at it. Concrete travels slowly and snakes quickly; the result was a snake underneath the house!
Minutes later, our builder arrived and after our description of the serpiente, informed us that it was not poisonous. Hmmm... a snake is a snake.
Another first - my first tormenta (storm) in Uruguay. We awoke during the night to torrential rain, fog, and very high winds. Power was out for most of the morning, but for some reason - the Internet is worked beautifully, for the first time. Go figure... Thank goodness for our generator - hot coffee.
Winds were howling with 45 mph gusts, dogs were sleeping (thank goodness), and the wood stove was keeping our little casita toasty warm. All was dry inside, so hopefully the roof holds. At one point I looked out the window to see the neighbor's four horses running across our land like they were being chased. Guess the wind spooked them - I know it has me spooked.
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"Laundry day is the only exciting day in the life of clothes. It is. No, think about it. The washing machine is the nightclub of clothes. You know, it's dark, there's bubbles happening, they're all kind of dancing around in there." The Seinfeld Chronicles - Jerry Seinfeld
Today we finally got the washing machine hooked up and the clothesline hung. Notice that I omitted the mention of a dryer! My husband has channeled back to his German childhood and clothes on the line, sweet smells and all that. All the washer directions are in Spanish of course, so I finally just put stuff in, cried a little, and pushed a lot of buttons. It washed! Then it started to rain, so no clothes on the line today....
Our German friend came over to give us a lesson in wood stoves and building fires. We are warm and cozy now. Who knew those big bags of things sold by the side of the highway and at fruit stands were pine cones? And we thought they were potatoes! You use them to get the fire going. Still no gas, so no way to cook other than the slow cooker. My stew was good and this is the last night of it, thank goodness.
Our builder is nice, but is quickly learning my school teacher habits. I make him an list of notes and a plan for each day - always the teacher, I guess. Our house is cozy and when I look out at the hills and the skies, it's totally worth waking up freezing every morning. The high today was only 45 degrees. I had on a t-shirt, camisole, sweater, and down jacket - in the mall!! Uruguay is NOT tropical, as many believe. The winter weather is damp and cold with winds coming from the Atlantic and Antarctica.
Doggies are fine; Gracie is curled up next to me by the fire. My hubby is on his way to the little village store (Almacen) for vino. Life is good!
Our German friend came over to give us a lesson in wood stoves and building fires. We are warm and cozy now. Who knew those big bags of things sold by the side of the highway and at fruit stands were pine cones? And we thought they were potatoes! You use them to get the fire going. Still no gas, so no way to cook other than the slow cooker. My stew was good and this is the last night of it, thank goodness.
Our builder is nice, but is quickly learning my school teacher habits. I make him an list of notes and a plan for each day - always the teacher, I guess. Our house is cozy and when I look out at the hills and the skies, it's totally worth waking up freezing every morning. The high today was only 45 degrees. I had on a t-shirt, camisole, sweater, and down jacket - in the mall!! Uruguay is NOT tropical, as many believe. The winter weather is damp and cold with winds coming from the Atlantic and Antarctica.
Doggies are fine; Gracie is curled up next to me by the fire. My hubby is on his way to the little village store (Almacen) for vino. Life is good!
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"There's a Colonial woman on the wing of the plane. There is something they're not telling us. She was out there churning butter! She was churning butter!" Bridesmaids - Annie Walker (Krisen Wiig)
I really am a Colonial or pioneer woman; take your choice of time frames. We left the bed and breakfast two days ago and have spent two nights in our new little house. We FINALLY got electricity, but we neglected to install light fixtures or buy lamps. We rushed out to a light and lamp store, eager to use that electricity. We have no gas yet - so not hot water and no way to cook.
So - good ole thinking dictated that we buy a toaster and a crock pot. I just put an Osso Bucco stew into the crock pot. Our kitchen cabinets were delivered, but we have no countertops or a sink yet. So Pioneer Woman washed veggies in the bathroom, peeled and chopped them (with no cutting board) while sitting at the table. We do have a refrigerator and a wood stove. Just got the wood stove hooked up last night and were finally warm (after we city folks figured out how to start a fire). The night before we bought an electric heater and it broke about 2:00 in the morning, so we froze - it was 34 degrees outside. We got up this morning and found kindling and firewood and made the fire for the winter day. See? Pioneers!
The doggies are settling in. They've had to spend 2 days in the truck, as we had errands to run and their fenced in area by the house was too muddy from torrential rain. They are freaked out by the horses that wander around our property from next door. When the dogs were in the truck waiting for us one day, the horses surrounded the truck and looked in the windows at the Sam and Gracie. Of course, Sam and Gracie went nuts!
The toilet finally works without having to lift the back and manually push things to flush - ha! It's the little things that are so important.
We found a cute table, 4 chairs, and 2 nightstands last thing yesterday afternoon. Now we have a place to sit, besides the mattress. We cannot find a decent shower curtain anywhere. It's like a treasure hunt every time we enter a store - returning the broken heater was like living a sitcom! We were successful, though and everyone is very nice if you at least try a few words of Spanish.
I really am a Colonial or pioneer woman; take your choice of time frames. We left the bed and breakfast two days ago and have spent two nights in our new little house. We FINALLY got electricity, but we neglected to install light fixtures or buy lamps. We rushed out to a light and lamp store, eager to use that electricity. We have no gas yet - so not hot water and no way to cook.
So - good ole thinking dictated that we buy a toaster and a crock pot. I just put an Osso Bucco stew into the crock pot. Our kitchen cabinets were delivered, but we have no countertops or a sink yet. So Pioneer Woman washed veggies in the bathroom, peeled and chopped them (with no cutting board) while sitting at the table. We do have a refrigerator and a wood stove. Just got the wood stove hooked up last night and were finally warm (after we city folks figured out how to start a fire). The night before we bought an electric heater and it broke about 2:00 in the morning, so we froze - it was 34 degrees outside. We got up this morning and found kindling and firewood and made the fire for the winter day. See? Pioneers!
The doggies are settling in. They've had to spend 2 days in the truck, as we had errands to run and their fenced in area by the house was too muddy from torrential rain. They are freaked out by the horses that wander around our property from next door. When the dogs were in the truck waiting for us one day, the horses surrounded the truck and looked in the windows at the Sam and Gracie. Of course, Sam and Gracie went nuts!
The toilet finally works without having to lift the back and manually push things to flush - ha! It's the little things that are so important.
We found a cute table, 4 chairs, and 2 nightstands last thing yesterday afternoon. Now we have a place to sit, besides the mattress. We cannot find a decent shower curtain anywhere. It's like a treasure hunt every time we enter a store - returning the broken heater was like living a sitcom! We were successful, though and everyone is very nice if you at least try a few words of Spanish.
Cooking with no stove isn't so bad when you have a crock pot/slow cooker! Here's a link to my slow cooker recipes at my cooking website MissCookbook.com: