Last week there was a picture of Coco beginning work on the big window in the front wall.  When it was finished, it took five guys to lift it into my truck for the short ride from Coco's shop to the house.
 
As we moved it into place, we found the upper spikes were too long, so we broke them off.  They'll be replaced later when we have electricity for the welder.

Rúbin is hacking a notch in the base beam to accept one of the two base anchors.

Gonzalo is doing the same in the brick wall for one of the four side anchors.

 With the six notches made, the iron work is set and locked in place with concrete.  The stucco will cover the mess created by the anchors.
 
Later it will be painted white which will make the iron work stand out nicely with the red/orange paint planed for the front wall.
 
Next week we hope to have the garage gate and people door in place.
 
The second floor north shell is nearly done.  We finished the header beams and part of the upper walls this week.  We will get the rest of the walls done next week, and the stairs to the roof also.  Then we can begin installing the slab forms to make the south roof.

A new member of the crew joined us a few weeks ago.  Rúbina was a street dog (puppy, actually) who adopted us and appointed herself mascot and watchdog -- which she does well.  We named her Rúbina because she likes Rúbin best.
 
She enjoys the Saturday tacos with the rest of the crew but no Coronas for her.  She also really likes potato chips.

PROJECT COST SUMMARY TO DATE
in US dollars converted from Mexican pesos at 9:1
 

 North 2nd Floor Shell

Material

$ 1,829

Labor

1,983

$4,077

Electrical 

These five items are (will be) material only, Labor will be provided by the family and me.

Plumbing 

Iron Work

Tile

Paint

Social Security payments

Air Conditioning

Cabinetry 

Plaster

Stucco

Previous Phases:

North 2nd Floor Slab

South 2nd Floor Shell

4,759

South 2nd Floor Slab

South 1st Floor Shell

The cost of the form lumber has not been included because it has con-siderable re-sale value.  Its net cost will be included later.

North 1st Floor Shell

Property Walls

Property Purchase

$ 69,937

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