15 Floors in 3 Days.

That's right. 15 floors in 3 days. We could do more but there are no more supplies. 

This morning we loaded into the truck and set off for the site. Steve and Megan bought dog treats the night before for the dogs at the dump. They really are some of the sweetest creatures I have ever met. So sad and yet so trusting. They had no idea what to think of the cookies at first and then it was like the flood gates opened up and dog cookies were AWESOME! The little white dog who I call "Matty", because she has a ton of mats in her hair, was so excited to see us she laid on the ground and rolled on her back to get her belly rubbed. Rambo was ready for pets and general attention.

We gathered up supplies and headed out. It was a little hike and a very different area than we had seen before. More trees, more shade, more steep hills. The mixer had been placed at the bottom of the steep hill. That meant lengths of rope and lots of tired Rejuvies. Up the hill. Down the hill. Rinse and repeat. The one plus was after the upper floor was put down, the second floor to pour was five feet from the mixer. That went quick. 

The guys we worked with are great. Strong, funny, kind. So much help... 

Next floor... a serious hike. Most of the supplies were loaded into the truck and the cement mixer was strapped to the back. Certain lucky dames got to ride in the cab and Sisco climbed on back to keep a watchful eye on the cement mixer attached to the truck bumper via rebar. The second location was pretty good. a straight downhill shot to the house. 

After that was completed, we loaded up the truck, but this time we headed to LUNCH. Oh delicious, well earned lunch. Today I was actually hungry. My stomach has decided that Mexico is okay minus the super spicy fare. We had burritos. Just delicious tortillas, rice and beef. So good after working so hard. We had a little down time. I borrowed Toby's knife to make a dog bowl out of the bottom of a water bottle. Rambo and Matty had no idea what I was doing. I had to splash water on them for them to get it. It seems like the dogs and cats have to make do and find water where they can. 

Sisco found a baby. That sounds strange, I know, but He seriously wandered back from the yard with a baby no older than 6 months. A beautiful baby boy. Donna got her baby hold on and then most people went off to meet the mother. I hung around with the dogs a little longer. It was nice to see them start to act more like dogs from home. Wandering up and rubbing against a leg for attention.

We all decided that this was the day. We would complete the remaining 5 floors in one day. 3 down 2 to go. They were on opposite sides of the "city", if you will. The 4th home of the day boasted some adorable children, helpful occupants and some great dogs. The house and surrounding area was very well kept. The doorway to the site was NARROW. Certain wheelbarrows couldn't be used, which slowed things a little. The temperature was climbing. The mixer was getting harder to with the oil drying up. I went to drink my water and I could have made tea, it was so hot.

UNO MAS! One more floor. Something we kept repeating. Uno mas. Supplies loaded up, I felt like I was going to pass out... I opted for shotgun in the truck to give myself a break. Paco took it easy through the very uneven terrain. I swear the first things to go one cars around here must be in order:

1) Breaks

2) Suspension

3) Transmission

We made it to the last site and it seemed easy enough. Then we had to figure out how to get the mixer in position near the supplies. Paco did his best to get the truck turned around in the narrow street. The mixer jackknifed and flipped on it's side. A group of us ran down to right it. Luckily it had been attached with rebar, which had a lot of give, the bumper was shockingly not ripped off. I guess there is something to be said for FORD trucks after all.

The last one went pretty smooth. Good team work. Decent route to the site. There was a building blocking the sun and a place to stand in the shade. People busted their butts. The closer we got to done the more the pace picked up. Finally, it was the last mixer load. 5 of gravel, 5 of sand 1 half bag of concrete. All counting it down in spanish as the ingredients brought us one step closer to completion. 

When we were actually finished Lisa decided to dump a bucket of water on Gardencio, like at the end of a football game. Sisco decided to invite the guys to the hotel for pizza and beer. 

We are all tired but we are all proud and we are done.