Karen decided about three days after arriving in Bergamo that she would need to install a walkway from her driveway around the outside of the house to Mom's back entryway since there are multiple sets of stairs in their house. This way, Mom would only have to negotiate one short set of stairs up and down to the kitchen and living area once she got home.
Enter Magic Mike! (Architect and Karen's man-friend Mike Coté - real first name Raymond but now we call him Reymondo after arriving in Italy.) Karen told him she thought we needed a pathway and his response was "I can get that done for you right away." Our response? "Rey-Moon-Do!!" (be sure to roll the R!) Karen was on the phone texting and talking periodically, and here is the progress over the course of just three days.
I believe there was just one call in which she questioned the drainage and then quickly back pedaled with "Ohhhh no of course I trust your judgement - Yes I know you understand drainage! I'm not second guessing your skills or design..." (Note to self, backseat concrete pathway pouring from Italy not a good idea.)
Pretty unbelievable progress! By the time we get home, there will be a path for Mom leading right to her back door. Instant wheelchair access!
Thanks Reymondo!!!
In other excitement, Kira was tasked with walking Chewbacca - now renamed the Italian - Ciubacca. But, 16 year olds having to do something new at 6 in the morning before school is a a questionable proposition.
So of course on the day the workers were there to pour, Kira had decided she didn't want to deal with walking Ciui and let him out into the backyard to do his business on his own. She then left for school, leaving the house open for him to saunter back in when he was ready. Small kine drama while the workers waited - warned not to let Ciui escape but also not allowed in the back because Karen didn't want them to see the open house. Dang kids nowadays! Kayla saved the day and got Ciui in the house but the animals continue to suffer indignities as you can see.
All in all, pretty pleased with the long distance collaboration - and remember there is a 12 hour time difference! Karen even has a new little planting area that she requested near the pathway. Say it with me! "Rey-Moon-Do!!"
Reymondo
2018-10-21
Mi e piaciuto molto.