[Cancertomnpdx]

Are either Public Broadcast System or BBC feeds available in Costa Rica?

Thanks,
Tom

[Cancertomnpdx]

I think the United States is in a period of “sloppy government” and we continue to pay for it! But yet we have had such government many times in our past history, and probably will have it again in future generations. This is human history and the United States is not exempt from such trends of history even though our political system was the most different to come out of the 18th century. Maybe this could be the start of our historic decline or it maybe the period of challenge to the younger generation to build a better future. I think the jury is out on the future of the United States which is something I would never have said 30 years ago.

However, now I look back on my 63 years on the planet, I think the cold war cost us in more ways as a nation even if we did bring down the Berlin wall. For example, no national health care program for any of us, people walking our streets hungry, cold and without mental health plus now no minimum wage for our poorer workers.

I work in an office that is finally hiring younger legal professionals to replace us baby boomers who could easily be my children. I am struck at how technologically bright these kids are plus how well educated about the world. Most of them have never known the excitement of the first broadcast attempt by CBS from England to the US, they have had CNN all of their lives. Also, I think these younger people may be a bit more generous then perhaps my generation with our own fellow citizens. At least this is my hope and wish for their time in history.

Why Costa Rica? These are my goals for retirement is simple: a constant temperature between 75 and 85; a ripe tomato each day for lunch from my own garden; eggs from hens I like and know; my own banana tree; and a slower way of life! Oops, I forgot a second cup of coffee each morning where I can pet my dog, watch my hens scratch and take in the view whether it is raining or sunny! Northwest winters are no longer to my liking or taste. I want to be warm!

Tom in Portland

[Cancertomnpdx]

From reading these postings, I will buy a copy of Julia Child’s baking show cookbook of several years ago and get busy immediately. Since I have 3 years before my move, I could become very good at turning out my own bread. I am an excellent cook, but I have always left the high end baking to local businesses when I lived in Seattle for many years and now in Portland.

I use to use a bread machine for several years, maybe I will consider a return that contraption as a stop gap appliance. Are the plans for the 14th century wood burning oven any where on the Internet?

Thanks,
Tom

[Cancertomnpdx]

Nice to see John Raabe, of countryplans.com, on this website! John’s website is the first website where I started my education in green building, small home ownership, cob building and straw bale building reading. In fact, I have owned two sets of his plans for many years now. The fruit of my study on his site begins in May, when I go to CR and begin to see for myself what is possible on a small retirement budget.

Check out John’s site, the discussions and the pictures are worth a thousand words for certain.

Thanks Professor John!

Thanks,
Tom in Portland, Oregon

[Cancertomnpdx]

Does anyone have the link to Jenny’s B&B?

Thanks,
Tom in Portland, Oregon
cancertomnpdx@comcast.net

[Cancertomnpdx]

Hello everyone,

I have been following your messages and suggestions closely since I did my original posting. From all your suggestions I am now switching my reading on green housing to cob, adobe, and bamboo with straw in-fill and cob exterior and interior walls. What a great source of thoughts, ideas as well as suggestions you guys provide to me.

I did hear from Tom at ranchomastal.com and he told me they use straw for in-fill of walls in his projects. I haven’t followed up with my major question if he is buying his straw in tied bales or not. I still can’t determine if Costa Rica produces tied straw bales or not.

For those of you that are excellent students of Spanish would this be a workable Google search?

“Construcción de casa de strawbale” OR
“Construcción de casa de bala de paja”

If not, any suggestions?

I think from all the contributors to this discussion, we could on a great green building conference for expats in Costa Rica!

Later,
Tom in Portland
email: cancertomnpdx@comcast.net

[Cancertomnpdx]

Does anyone have Mr. Murphy’s link and/email address please?

Sincerely,
Tom in Portland, OR
cancertomnpdx@comcast.net

[Cancertomnpdx]

Dear Ruth,

It is nice to see someone recommend Jim & Rene of Rico Realty. I have be a constant vistor to their website for about two years. Next May when I visit the Arenal area, I plan to visit with them. I have exchanged emails with them several times but it is nice to hear of your personal experience with them.

Sincerely
Tom in Portland, Oregon

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