A week in the woodshop

Claire on the scroll saw

So, I haven't updated in a while because it was a very busy week in the carpenteria. Every several weeks, Mr. Russell comes down and holds woodshop classes for the kids. Now I'm pretty good with the old school stuff like hammer and nails, but there is some pretty high tech equipment in that workshop that professionals use that I have never seen before! I know what a lathe and scroll saw and band saw do, but there is a Shop bot, and a fast joint, and all these other neat tools. I know, it sounds like another language entirely (and I don't mean spanish). But it really was fantastic. Everyone's first project is always their name on the scroll saw. I wasn't allowed to officially be considered part of the carpenteria until I accomplished that. So with a few lil helpers, my name doesn't looks half bad. I am learning a lot of new vocabulary too! You lijar something to make it smooth, and you barnisar a piece when you are all done so it forever keeps its color. Get either of them? (and no cheating!)

We went to Antigua last Saturday for a photoshoot. We left pretty early in the morning so there was less conflict with the sun, affecting the saturation of the photo (like that? thats photo talk haha!) Mr. Russell taught us some techniques and tips to get better shots. I have a few decent ones. Antigua is a very old town with lots of natural beauty. We visisted some old homes, parks and even met some pretty talented Macaws! The girls were all tired out by the end of the day, so Mr. Russell suggested the mall. Of course, this woke the girls right up. I am not a big fan of crowded manmade structures that sell lots of junk inside, but there were a few presentations happening. There were bongo players in the music store and futbol dancers in the sports outlet. We had dinner in this aquarium type restaurant, and all the waiters were dressed in their favorite team's jersey. (At this point, Argentina still had a chance.) It was a great day, and Madre had a full day to herself.

At the end of the week, the girls presented Mr. Russell, and his grandson Grant, with some hommade gifts. They made him an eagle carved from the scroll saw. He was really impressed that the girls made it from techniques he taught them. I really enjoyed seeing the interaction between him and the girls. Even 9yr old Grant had a good time. Now that he is gone, the schedule is kind of back to normal. I'm back in the office doing some work for Madre Ivonne, and the girls do chores in the morning and usually have the rest of the day off.

It was also Madre Iness' birthday this week. We had a pooh bear cake and 3 candles (representing the holy trinity). The older girls made a puzzle of Jesus and the children on the scroll saw, and presented this to her as well.


Oh here is something exciting. See that? Bones, brains, and all! The monestary raises tilapia, it is just prepared a little differently than in the states. The little rib bones are tricky, but I have finally mastered the art of eating this beast.