Bitter Jackass IV

(Home)

In return for bringing him a computer, Roy Gentle created this fine new driveway at Bitter Jackass. Unlike the old Chinaman road it never floods, is wide and open, and lined with mahogany trees.

Preston's Xmas gift from Mum was a motion-sensitive camera designed for hunting animals. We wanted to know what goes on when we are not around.

After some debate on the best location, we caught this Coatimundi tail going by near an antheap.

We also documented this hunter's visit with his gun and dog, none of whom, apparently can read the No Hunting signs. We tracked some barefooted children who came to swim in the lake too.

Meanwhile back in town, this is the view from the house to the end of the garden (the lot is 200 feet long). If I was closer to the creek you wouldn't see me at all.

This was the original back of the house; a 40 year old wooden shack with holes in the floor and a concrete extension without foundations. It had to go.

A few weeks later and Roy, Abel, Oscar, Julio and Mario had turned it into a handsome edifice. The deck on the back will have this pergola adorning it so we can sit on the screened porch in style.

The end of the yard slopes down into the spring-fed creek where the villagers used to get their fresh water from. It was covered with Cow Itch, car parts, doll fragments and a rusted washing machine.

Once cleaned up we now have pools and waterfalls and an idyllic little sitting spot. Creative stepping stone stairs are being constructed.

In addition to yellow headed parrots flying over every morning and the scurrying Jesus Christ Lizard, we have a pair of iguanas in the tree just like this guy.

Preston and Philip framing the Five Sisters Falls (not our creek).

Next to Cristo Rey is the home of Ulla and Michael Colgrass (famous composer) built about 10 years ago by Albert Harris (Winston's son). It's a traditional Maya hut of sticks and thatch.

Here's Lolly holding our new carved mahogany front door; some kind of warrior with a shield. The back door will be a split stable door, also with a carving if the dude ever shows up again to carve it.

Philip (R) became a godfather to young Payvand Guy (L), son of Inspector Albert Guy (not the Canefield Rapist of the same name) and Urselia Gentle. He has big eyes.

Bitter Jackass now boasts a ring of over 100 fruit trees; these are the Golden Plum saplings. To the right, along a path by the creek, are the Cupuacu seeds (a more delicious kind of chocolate). We pray that the Leaf Cutter Ants spare them and dine elsewhere. If prayer fails they can expect a gasoline bomb down their lair.