That is funny!!!!

Good one, Pirl!

Really, my golden was afraid of the strangest things. As a puppy and young dog, he really was afraid of his own reflection. And if a piece of paper got loose from someone's garbage, and would blow around, I'd have to go out and retrieve the piece of paper. Until I did, that stupid dog would bark constantly, scared to death of it. He really was the sweetest, most loving dog ever, though. I really miss him.

Karen

I loved that cartoon. We tend to think small dogs might "think" that way but large dogs must have their own set of insecurities.

We had one Lhasa (among 6) who was so fearful of fireworks that he did leap into the vacancy for the wall oven, not yet installed, when we did over the kitchen. Another friend had his Golden try to squeeze into the dishwasher as the owner was loading it.

Our Smitty has no such insecurities...except for doggie raincoats.

what a cutie.

I love that cartoon, the self image of dogs is so different than how we see them. I've known some who were small and prissy looking but must of thought of themselves as warriors and other big dogs that just wanted to get along with everyone. My male never wanted to get into it with anyone or any other dog but his sister, though smaller, was up in the face of every dog she met when she was younger. Now, she only goes after them if they invade her space. Her space changes though so they never know if they can walk by her or need to walk around her. She went for our Dobie when we first got her and would not stop. I was terrified that Cuba would just pick her up and shake her but for some doggie reason Cuba seemed to agree with Chica that Chica was dominant and she just lay down and let her lunge at her. They psych each other out, I'm convinced of it. It kind of works with people too, if you really have the attitude that you can take anyone on and kick butt, they tend to back down.

LOL -- and cats are much the same!! Maybe it's every species on earth ?!

Animals always amaze me!

Here are the pictures from yesterday. Not much to see except that there is now a large expanse of floor that is all the same level, that's the goal.




They are pounding away up there but I haven't been up today. I was told that they are moving the gas tank today and I decided to stay away from it. I tend to stay well out of range when they fill the tank too, I'm not a big fan of butane/propane. It's cheap and it works and as long as the tank is outside I think it is pretty safe, I just don't trust it.

Here are some extra pictures that I took a couple days ago. This is the bamboo extension to the wall in our back garden. We call it the 'great wall of Tita' because our cat could climb the rock wall and escape so we had this put in and now she can't get out. It turned out to be a good thing all around, it is much more private now, it doesn't stop the breeze, and it would be pretty darn hard to jump into our yard. So, if the dogs appear to be able to get up on the roof wall, I would be inclined to put something like this up there. Not as tall, maybe half as high. The back one is over a meter, about 4' tall, I think 2' would be enough on the roof.



Here are a couple pics of the albañiles (concrete workers) hauling sand into the house. The only way in or out of our property is through the front door, not always a plus. I've noticed that they always kick off their shoes (flip flops) when they are carrying something heavy, better balance I guess.

Amazing change. I love it. Will the cement floor be painted after it cures? If so, what color. I do love the colors you have up there!

I picked out some tiles for the floor before all this started. Now, I can't even remember what they look like. They are pretty plain ceramic tiles, large ones, and non skid. In a fairly light color to reflect the sun and heat. The counters, shelves and the fish pond will be plain cement. The pots that go on the shelves will be fiberglass, not sure what color. Then I guess we will have to touch up the paint on the walls, that's another day. I'm going to be so done with workers here by then. Plus, it's better to paint in the dry season.

I have polished cement floors in parts of the house and they are incredibly slippery when wet. It's worse than glass. So, I wanted something non slip and not very expensive as it is a large area. I had to buy 100 square meters of tile, not sure what that is in sq feet but a meter is a little more than a yard. I think I ended up choosing a rock looking tile, but honestly I just can't remember what it looks like now.

Oh, my, that progress looks great!

Very nice, Jonna.

Karen

I need to catch you all up here, things are progressing. The new concrete pond has taken shape and the counters along the outside walls as well. The sink position was decided finally today and how to put the faucet. I told them I don't need or want hot water out there and would be happy with a regular hose bib but in stainless so it won't rust as quickly. Today we looked at all the possible configurations and the architect offered to put the faucet/bib in a concrete column so it is supported and can be farther away from the wall. That works for me as well as a slightly smaller sink, 50cm x 40cm, because I only anticipate using it to water plants in pots and when repotting. The pond is larger than I had expected but I really like it. We were joking that it could be a huge jacuzzi or bathtub if we ever decided to sell.

These pics are from yesterday







and these from today







The work is very labor intensive here, all the concrete is mixed on the floor by hand and the blocks are chipped to the right size. I don't know how much of this would be more automated in the US but it works here, there are a lot of skilled concrete workers and more jobs this way.



It takes longer probably, it has been a little over 3 weeks so far and I think there is at least one more week possibly two. I'm tired of the confusion, dust and people being here all day but I keep thinking it won't be much longer. I may be kidding myself.

It is all looking so wonderful and you'll have years to enjoy it, Jonna! I'm happy for you.

Hang in there Jonna!

I will soon be going through my living/dining room redo and I am not looking forward to the disruption that it will cause.

Me, too, Jonna. Work like this nearly always takes longer than initially planned. Based on your reports, and the fact that so much of it is being done by hand, I'd say they are actually moving at a decent clip.

It's looking great.

Karen

Jonna - It's amazing the transformation of your roof top garden! I love it and I know you will, too, once it is all done. It will be such an awesome area to hang out in and a place to relax at the end of the day! I can't wait to see it when it is totally completed and setup!

Wow, I can't wait to see it completed, either!! Jonna, you are going to have so much fun getting your plants all arranged and then being able to enjoy that garden... will you have any shade up there? (picturing myself frying to a crisp... but I am an awful heat wimp anyway!)

Yes, I was wondering about shade, too. I know that here, a place like that in full sun all day would be broiling and like Sandy, I don't do heat very well. Over about 80F and I'm in the house.