Saturday 31st JULY The Last POST......

Hi Friends and Followers

The Eagles have LANDED in LHR waiting for BD0010 at 18.00

BLOGGING AUF for the NOO Douglas CHEF

17.00hrs at Heathrow UK Time

Friday 30th July Day 20 in BRUZIL Late POSTING (update)

Hi GUYS
(But Matthew's Family in Particular)

I must have snored through it ....but HEDI released MATTHEW to get to the BUS while we (CRAIG , my self and RUSTY the dog) were SNORING in the DOG HOUSE

Sorry for causing confusion earlier but you should be aware of our NOT COMPLETE CONFIDENCE in MATTHEWs EARLY Morning timekeeping ................SAY NO MORE

Douglas

Friday 30th July Day 20 in BRUZIL Late POSTING

Hi Guys

Last day at the OFFICE out here in BRUZIL

Despite all the aches and pains we loved the trip............once the body recovers ....11 hours in a cramped plane seat will have plenty of time for a few DOUGLASs or even a MATTHEW or two

Tidy up day is on the cards ..............big night out last night at the BUFALO Grill....MEAT till you BURST

Matthew was supposed to be setting off on his independent travels by 05.30hrs but I woke briefly at 04.30 and now BLOGGING at 06.30hrs and not been aware of him leaving ....but I may have missed something

The 2 BUILD Projects have come to a temporary completion point

a) CASA SEMEAR ..... not quite finished....but well on way ....awaiting the next group and the one after that with lots of potential add on and great scope for the whole of the GREATER ABBA Scheme of things which I have begun to understand

b) My OWN BUILD .....Keith you will know what I mean....by no way complete ....but getting away from the LITE PHASE ..................though my interests in other ASPECTS will continue.....CELTIC ...Nature ...and still a bit of EASTERN PHILOSOPHY for the CALM etc

Now back to PYRAMID ROCKS for next MONDAY ......Remember Local RULES cf BRUZIL !!!

BLOGGING AUF from BRUZIL ....Cheers Friends ...............Douglas CHEF

( Friday Morn at 06.50hrs)

Thursday 29th July Day 19 in BRUZIL LATE Edition

Hi Guys

Last day at the OFFICE ..grafting away Painting with the Magic MIX (Paint + Polyfilla)

2 sets of Kids Clubs during the day... this costs about 100R per month or 1200R per annum and this equates to about #500 ...and this comes out of Missionary funds which means that other that it means that if things are tight financially other things have to be chopped .... perhaps we could set up an arrangement for this money to be supplied from SCOTLAND to leave expanded overall budget (500 is a mere pittance for what it means to the Kids)

Snr Luis continued to work wonders first building a end i.e. Back wall for the new extension to the ART Room before Plastering the Red Clay walls in preparation for the PAINT MIX

Tomorrow we will leave the Girls House at about 19.00hrs and will in theory have a leisurely day...although help with inserting 3 windows is not TOTALLY Impossible

The transition from Before and now is quite staggering in the CRAFT area..and the toiled block and the down stairs area (the corridor to the Kitchen where DORA prepared the food for the Kids) and close to where we stayed

BLOGGING AUF for the NOO ..................Douglas CHEF ..........just after Midnight

Thursday 29th July Day 19 in BRUZIL Early Edition

Hi Fans

Last full day at the OFFICE... lots of Painting and stuff for the aching bodies to do including a new wall on the back of the newly formed Cupboard in the Arts and Crafts Room

Lots of other thing to plan for ....new config for the 1st floor flat and possible 2nd Storey....and that's even without Gavin thoughts ........................................

BLOGGING AUF for the NOO..................Douglas CHEF

just about 07.25...............must dash to get the ROLLS (again)

Wednesday 28th July Day 18 in BRUZIL Late Edition

Hi BLOG Fans

This is second last full working day at CASA SEMEAR...and continued in a similar manner to the last few

Lots of Fine Plastering ....and working on the new floor area created in the ARTs and CRAFT Area and then we had fun as Snr Luis had us somewhat concerned as the took out the temporary props supporting which might laughingly be called the Scaffolding which had been used earlier for the PAINTING of the MAIN AREA.

Effectively he withdrew the staging piece by piece and then took out the TIMBER PROPs which spanned from the Stairwell Wall to the External Wall .... it would have been better if he had used the SKY HOOKs or at least ropes from the BEAMS in the roof

Later in the afternoon we set up 3 separate visits to the FAVELLAs to see some of the Families of the KIDS who attend CASA SEMEAR.....some like 10 people living in an area of about 3m by 5m.with a variety of bunks etc...this has been the home for this particular family for the last 12 years but the Brick House has existed at the start of the Favela for about 25years

Further into the FAVELLA...just over a high wall was the LOCAL STREAM....SEWER..with loads of rubbish etc ...remembering that we are now approaching winter Just cannot imagine what it would be like in the HOT SEASON which is also the RAINY SEASON when the STREAM OVERFLOWS into the HOUSES causing CHAOS etc and DAMAGE

In ALANs house his sister who was injured with a crushed skull and was in a coma for 4 days and then woke up in Hospital but now awake she was sent home despite the fact she was IMMOBILE ...slowly improving after a long time but still confined to bed but did not seem upset by our visit

BLOGGING AUF for the NOO ................. Douglas CHEF

Now just into Thursday BRUZIL Time

Wednesday 28th July Day 18 in BRUZIL Early Edition

Hi Guys

Despite a relatively early finish at CASA SEMEAR .. at about 19.00hrs .. because of the early start 08.00hrs and the PLASTERING MIX and the BIG Concrete Pour for the 4sq metre Floor extension ... the bodies are are aching ....at least mine and CRAIG ....still banished downstairs in CASA NOVA ESPERANCA...(remember apparently we SNORE)

CRAIG worked on the spread sheet trying to get a hold of all the Financial DATA....which did not quite tally last night (CRAIG and I continued to work on the Computer till about 01.00hrs)...but he says while sleeping more and more bits of forgotten data and now at 07.00hrs while the rest are still asleep he is about to have another crack at adding in the partially remember expenses

Though the bodies will be aching ..we are interested to find out how the WORK from yesterday has turned out as the 08.00hrs breakfast and 08.30hrs move out to CASA SEMEAR looms over the horizon... will the new FLOOR in the ART ROOM Extension still be standing or will it have crashed around DORAs stairway...hate to thing of the constant mess ....which she constantly tries to tidy up ... virtually a constant battle

Enough rambling for the NOO .... BLOGGING AUF .... Douglas CHEF
(at 07.30hrs BRUZIL time)

Tuesday 27th July Day 17 in BRUZIL Late Edition

Hi Guys

Another busy day at the OFFICE

Continued to Fine Coat Plaster in the ART Room and then we decided we could reconfigure the High Wall of the ART Room ..and the window above the Stairwell was considered a possible Store room for Art supplies ....so I had great fun knocking down the wall where the large window was originally going to be inserted...took down to Floor level and a couple of ledges were extended with similar construction to what was used in CASA DORA ...i.e. Tee Beams and Tiles to form Permanent Shuttering...then infilled with about 100mm of Concrete float...

We knocked down the wall causing slight chaos with bits dropped(large bits to be honest) down the stairwell towards DORAs current flat...health and safety out the window (1)

Then Snr Luis cut a hole and managed to cut the water supply for the house and Flooding DORAs House ...but fortunately he is a plumber and fixed in using a neat PVC Sleeve bonded onto the damaged pipes

Then he did the Health and Safety bit again but constructing a temporary support system relying on 4 (3inch) nails at both ends....to support him above a 20 foot drop (6 metres)

Then we made a big mix with about 8 buckets of Sand ..8 Buckets of Stones and 2 Bags(50kg each) taking about the whole floor area of the Arts and Crafts Room.... to fill the 2metre by 2metre by about 100mm

Despite Health and Safety issues ...nobody died ...not even really injured.. provided you do not count RSI on every joint in the body.....................OUCH

And so till tomorrow with only 2 full Construction days left and so much still to do BLOGGING AUF the NOO ........ Douglas CHEF

Tuesday 27th July Day 17 in BRUZIL Early Edition

Hi Guys

But after 3 solid days of the effort on the PLASTERING the ACHES on the ACHING Joints are beginning to tell so this one will be short...RSI having set in in SHOULDERS,ELBOWS,WRISTS,BACK and LEGS

Actually slept in till 06.30hrs ....long lie

Today we should get a KOMBI back for own Transport but being collected by TIM at about 08.30hrs ...so Breakfast set for 08.00....I did not even start Blogging till about 07.00hrs after a long refreshing SHOWER ...eventually you need to take one ...when the PAINs get too much

Morning to our most regular COMMENT generator KEITH ..any thoughts for the ACHING BODY ...the SPIRIT is WILLING but ....

Blogging AUF for the NOO ... more at end of Day if I can still move the ARMs Douglas CHEF

****

Monday 26th July Day 16 in BRUZIL Special Day ..LATE EDITION

Hi Guys

Just to prove I remembered my 28th Wedding Anniversary in an exotic place we started work at about 9.00 after being collected by Robert in the remaining live KOMBI and we worked thro 2 KIDS CLUBs... due to fact that the school holidays are over...and we were still working till we had a late meal prepared in SEMEAR by Ruth Sylvana and Dora...and even after that a few worked on to complete the High wall of the Arts and Crafts Room (and both side walls) with Smooth Concrete Sand and Chalk Finish coat...so only 1 wall left when Snr Lius comes back on Tuesday morning.... finally getting back to CASA NOVA ESPERANCA at about 23.30

(I think Kate would have approved of it as a fitting way of remembering the event)

So lots of aching bodies Blogging off for the NOO just into Tuesday..another early start tomorrow morning (well actually later today) ................. Douglas CHEF

PS Craig finally got word that his Job is safe almost a week behind time.............

Signing AUF Blogmeister

Monday 26th July Day 16 in BRUZIL Special Day more to Follow

Hi Guys

Peaceful night in preparation for first day of work for the SKIVERS...(at least one day it Rained on their PARADE )....see the BEACH BLOG while the old CODGERs worked on (now with ACHES and PAINS on top of the existing ACHES and PAINS)

Looking forward with getting some young bodies to help with the MIX for the Fine COAT for Arts and Crafts Room ...Snr Luis is still away on a well deserved break with his family... so we will escape his CRITICAL COMMENTs till Tuesday when he returns

It is my turn to do REFLECTIONs at the end of the Day ...so just as my DEVOTIONs were different I am planning something different for tonight .... will keep you informed LATER

Signing of for the NOO....... Douglas CHEF..... (EXCUSE any Spelling errors as we have to clear the MISSION 1 Machine and is now got a default dictionary somewhere between PORTUGUESE and SWISS.... any major errors will be sorted later....if I remember)

Sunday 25th day 16 in Bruzil

Hi Guys

While some were sunnying themselves at the Beach House some 180km from Sao Paulo ..we were out of Touch again at CASA SEMEAR for 2ish Days

On the Saturday we were delayed because we had to wait for TIM in the Beast to transport us to CASA SEMEAR as we were a KOMBI down again We prepared the Arts and Crafts Room for the FINE Coat of Plaster ...a mix of 8 tins of Sand 1 tin of Cement and one bag of Chalk which makes a barge batch to mix and then as the water is picked up it becomes both very sticky and heavy...so we managed to cover the High back wall of the art room..... I was suffering a bit ...sorry to the 2 and half Amigos but recovered ALMOST for the another meal at IBIZI resteranunt followed by a Chocolate Cake in McCafe

On Sunday we started much earlier as we based overnight at the CASA SEMEAR and the had the mix set up about 08.00 before breakfast ..and Gavins arrival at 09.00 we again made up the Fine Mix and found it just as hard as on Saturday ....and this time we did the Side wall and about half of the Low wall above the Courtyard

The wanderers returned anout 16.00hrs and then we were taken back to NOVA ESPERANCA hence BACK TO BLOGosphere...and after 18.00hrs we went to ROBERTS Baptist Church ...all in PORTUGUESE and the Service lasted 2hrs with about a Sermon lasting about 1hr ..some had help from translators .... we were introduced as Scottish Friends of ROBERT to help out at CASA SEMEAR

The some went to CASA PIZZA ..while others stayed behind to eat at NOVA ESPERANCA

Blogging AUF for the NOO .................. Douglas CHEF

Saturday 24th ...Day 14 in BRUZIL

While the Old Team are left behind to Work at CASA SEMEAR ... and the Skivers have gone to the Beach at least in Sao PAULO it is RAINING .....serves then right....they are about 180km away should perhaps be OK

Craig and Doug at NOVA ESPERANCA last night and now the challenge is to get transport to SEMEAR this morning where we will be staying out of BLOG reach until SUNDAY EVENING ... unless we manage to steal some time at Gavin's Hotel

The body is still aching so I hope Gavin is gentle with US today....(he does let me off for old age...a BIT)

Cheers guys Signing off for now ..... Douglas CHEF

Friday 23rd Evening Day 13 in Bruzil

Hi Guys

(Keith .....I think I got away with it at devotions with your HELP and Ray at this end
... personal journey since Baptism in Dec 2002 Darkness and Light ..Celtic ... Eastern Philosophy etc)

Today it was continuing painting ,Plaster (Rough Coat) then Plaster (Fine Coat) for the Art Room

We also presented the new revised 3 d model that Craig generated last night with a 3rd level with extra bedroom ,toilet or utility room and drying area with several alternative for getting to the various levels... with a) Internal Stairs and b) Totally External
Robert and Snr Luis showed interest .... Light roofing at this level but would have to reinforce the 2nd storey Columns and Repeat a floor slab at previous roof level

Must do comparison on costs of Slabs and the Tiles or Asbestos Solutions

(the mix was something like 8 paint tins Sand 25Kg of Cement and 1 bag 25Kg of Chalk ... add water to taste

The Kids Club.... supposedly for light relaxation ... don't you believe it

An evening meal at the BBQ ... then the Youngsters leave later tonight for the Beach House for 2 nights so Craig and I will be returning to CASA SEMEAR and hence out of the BLOGOSPHERE for 2 Days ...... and also out of the KOMBIsphere as the Oil Radiator has blown after the Exhaust had been fixed just earlier today (at least I think it was the same Kombi but I am losing track which is which...but with the Traffic and the Roads it is hardly surprising the FAILURE RATE .... Something needs to be done about helping with these essential vehicles

Signing off for now Douglas CHEF

Friday 23rd Morning ....day 13 in BRUZIL

Hi Guys

Hope you are thinking of me today ...because I am doing the early Devotions today ....out of my comfort Zone (as you know Keith .... but thanks for the prep before I left)

Yesterday was full on Early start up at the house to start work at 08.30 had to leave here at 07.30 so activity about 07.00hrs.....then hard graft right through till completion of the Ground floor roof for CASA DORA at about 13.30hrs ...solid graft with making up the 3 large batches of concrete ...then the lifting to 1st floor level.. and then the float

Then after the partial completion ...a typical Brazilian Top Out Feast the Black bean Stew with 5 meats

And then at about 15.00hrs the Kids Club till about 17.00hrs ...now that was tiring also

We came away quite early after that to chill at CASA NOVA ESPERANCA ....and I tried to sneak some prep time for my thoughts for this morning.... and then about 21.30hrs Ray Craig and a little input from myself tried to Configure in more detail using SKETCH UP an Alternative 3-D Model of a new 1st Floor and 2nd Floor with extra Bedroom and Drying Area Terrace ... we gave up at about 0.00hrs ...though Craig worked on till about 01.00hrs on a major Blog Upload including a new section on Little GAVIN the Tortoise in the Garden which we use to remind us of Big Gavin in the HOTEL IBIS

Long lie for most this morning ...Robert picking us up about 09.30hrs ....pleasant change from last 2 days...but despite that I started blogging at about 06.15....and about to Publish at 06.45

Signing of for the Morning Douglas CHEF

Thursday 22nd Evening day 12 in BRUZIL

Hi Guys

Brief thro aching body

50 sq metres by about 100mm slab .... 5 cu metres at 2.4tonnes per m3... what only 12 ton

3 lots of mix ...... each of...................

10 wheelbarrows sand + 5 * (50kg Concrete) + 10 wheelbarrows of stone

lots of aching bodies to make up for partial easy day celebrating HEDIs Birthday

Creeking off early .... perhaps 2nd Storey tomorrow or at the weekend when the "SKIVERs" are away to the Beach .. while the 3 Amigos are staying back to complete the work

Douglas CHEF signing AUF

Thursday 22nd Morning day 12 in BRUZIL

After a most enjoyable party for AIGEs Birthday... Hedi that is ..........

Now the reality of an early start for a heavy day at the OFFICE...have to leave Girls House by 07.30hrs with the 3 Girls now that's a challenge.....so slowly appearing from 06.45 onwards ..sorry for delay in posting the Blog today the ..the aches are creeping in

Mixing tons of Concrete and lifting onto the roof of CASA DORA to form the 1st Floor of the TWO FLATS at the Back court so the already aching bodies will be at it again...but more so

If I survive the Punishment should be able to Up-date at end of DAY

Signing AUF Douglas CHEF

Wednesday 21st Evening Blog

Hi Guys

In the Afternoon we met most of the rest of the ABBA team... which was quite intense

Snr Luis and Orlando completed the PERMANENT SHUTTERING for the other half of the flat show this suggests that there will be lots of hard work with the concrete pour to complete the roof of CASA DORA as the lower flat is now been christened

Moved another couple of tons of sand with Stuart...

Fruit salad prepared by Dora and Sylvana

And now the Birthday Tea for Hedi (AJ) ..got the spelling correct at last

Cheer signing of for today ...................Douglas CHEF

Wednesday 21st ...day 11 in BRUZIL Morning Slot

Hi Guys

Difficult day for Craig ...still did not receive notification about his Job yesterday

Hard day at CASA SEMEAR ... finishing up with putting on the Permanent Shuttering (effectively) for the roof of DORAs new Flat ...and the floor for the Volunteer Flat...so far Wide half done.. possibly the narrow half today.....then wait for the big POUR of Concrete to complete the Ground floor Ceiling

Perhaps just in time due to finding some structural problems in DORAs current Flat where we have found 3 lines of major cracks right thro the SLAB (1 in her Kitchen;Lounge and 2 in here Bedroom) on either side of the Current Dividing Wall which we were hoping to take down to open up for the teenage area ....now may have to put in a LONGITUDINAL Support beam into the wall at the front thro the current support wall ( perhaps becoming an ARCHWAY ) and into Doras Kitchen wall .............Snr Luiz first estimate at cost of the 150mm steel I section is of the order of 1000rias which is of the order of 600pounds

Early start today for more heavy work at CASA SEMEAR ...since ABBA GROUP meeting at CASA NOVA ESPERANCA (where we stay....the normal location until recently had been at CASA ELOHIM until things there got rather heavy recently .. now slightly easier )

TODAY is the birthday of AIGE or AJ {Actually it is HEDI} (

sorry about actual spelling but pronounced like AJ ) who is House-mother at the Girls House..where we are staying) and we will try to do her a birthday treat although she wants to make us a PARTY TEA ... special Chicken .. but we will try and get her the CAKE

Another dilemma has arisen...CAIOs whose parents have a BEACH HOUSE some 2 hours from the CASAs and we have been offered a visit for the weekend .. Saturday and Sunday....it looks currently that the 3 Amigos might stay in Sao Paulo to continue the work...while the others may take up the offer ...OLD CODGERS are BORING .... who needs a BEACH PARTY at our age..................TEMPTED thou (any ADVICE !!!!!)

Now Hi HO Hi HO........................... Doug CHEF

Tuesday 20th ~ Day 10 in BRUZIL Evening Blog Back to Work at CASA SEMEAR

Hi Ho Hi Ho...................hard day at the Office

2 to 3 tonnes of Sand moved from Garage to Back court ...for a start

Help with removing new paint splatters on the Stairs from Girls Painting
Help with Rough Plastering (sort of internal Rough Casting) in the new Art Room
Then the Kids Club
Then put up the Long beams and the Tile LINKS on Half of the Flat

more tomorrow plus ABBA TEAM Meet stop for tea.....SORRY

Doug CHEF

Tuesday 20th ~ Day 10 in BRUZIL Morning Blog Back to Work at CASA SEMEAR

Hi Guys

Robert and the rest of the Abba team seemed more chilled after the day of Relaxation after the hectic Camp ... now the CASA SEMEAR Holiday Sessions will start while the School Winter Break is on for about 4 weeks

(the internal link to the PHOTOs in the Main Blog should now be Fixed.. let us know if there is still a problem ... the original LINK in early e-mail always worked )

The Plans for today entail

a) Painting after smoothing of BEN's Plastering

b) Light Plastering in Upstairs Toilet Cubicles
c) Heavy Plastering of Arts and Crafts Room ( Gavin having tidied up this area yesterday while we chilled)
d) Providing good weather ...help Snr Lius on the FLATS ...putting the BEAMs Shuttering in place

In the Afternoon the Kids Holiday Club starts ... should be interesting

That's the theory .... will let you know what actually happened ( well it is BRUZIL !!!)

Thanks for our LOYAL supporter KEITH ... perhaps others who have a look on the BLOG Lite or the OFFICIAL GROUP BLOG could leave a name and comment so we know that it is not just KEITH who is reading our attempts

Douglas CHEF ................. Signing OFF till later

PS Note that in the BMI Inflight Magazine LOCAL WORD
PORANGE ... Local Glasgow Delicacy... Porridge made with IRN-BRU ...is this a WIND UP

***********

Monday 19th Part 2 Evening Blog

Hi Guys

Quiet day ... the Happy Campers finally got up for Late BRUNCH

Well deserved rest ...and dry out .... nice sunny day

The team then visited Elohim Boys House .with Tim from California....who takes Kids from the Streets who have Drug Problem GLUE Wacky baccy and CRACK... in a 4 stage program (currently takes Boys and Teenage Boys)

Stage 1 Unpainted Cell with multi Bunks.. usually takes 2 weeks and they must ask to go to stage 2
Stage 2 Painted Cell with Multi Bunk perhaps 2-3 months
Stage 3 Better room again ...again progress on demand
Stage 4 Final stage (overall can take 1 year) often go to FOSTER since Family Problems

Tim and Mark ( English who bought house with plans to set up #House# )

Also passed by Republica ..the office and actual TEENAGE Boys House but is in REHAB

Now meeting up at InterLagos Shopping for Feed with some of ABBA team.... Rob&Sylvana,Ciao&Dot Aige and "Tywani"(correct spelling to follow) and Paulette

Sorry about spelling.................................Doug CHEF

Monday 19th PART 1 Morning All back at Casa Nova Esperanca

Hi Guys ..... Day 10 Overall ....Day 9 in BRUZIL....Jings HALF WAY on the ADVENTURE

Back home at the Girls House .. with all mod Cons ...i.e. Wireless Internet Connectivity ...Oh the Joys .. the Addiction is partially reduced because I did not start Blogging until 07.00hrs Sao Paulo (11.00hrs UK)

We were all cold and damp last night ...so we were all delighted when AIGE had put a Fire On in the main room where we have Breakfast and sit later on and where the SNORERS have to sleep .. its either that or the DOG-House with RUSTY (and that would not be fair on RUSTY according to Esther) ...Our clothes rinsed out at CASA SEMEAR for example had not dried out even on the clothes line in about 3 days ...and as for the HAPPY CAMPERS they were very happy to see the steam rising from their damp clothes (even those they were wearing)....nothing dried while at camp even with the last day and a half being NON-RAINY

The Campers will have a quiet day (Robert says he will have the morning off ) and HOLIDAY CLUB to start in the AFTERNOON . so Craig and myself will go over in the Kombi later than usual to pick up Gavin from the IBIS and take onto CASA SEMEAR for plastering and painting in the toilets up-stairs ...before moving onto the ROUGH Plastering of the Arts and Crafts (once we have shifted the debris etc.)

Matthew is certainly winning the PORTUGUESE PRIZE.... eating the rest of us Hands-down ...his study technique is Fabulous ...putting us all to shame ....Stuart has handed in the TOWEL on that PRIZE

Douglas CHEF signing Out till ...the Evening Blog

Sunday day 9 back at CASA NOVA ESPERANCE

Hi Guys
...sorry no Lite Blog for last (N) days .... due to No Internet at CASA SEMEAR and the IBIS use was restricted .... the Campers have returned slightly wet and shattered ..and in the decorated top room we arranged that Mr Luis~~s wife created a Buffet

We had visit to Calvery International then Lunch with Delton and family ..now back to the Girls House

For the days away ...................go to the Group Blog ....thro http://www.casaabbaproject.co.uk/ and click on the Blog symbol...the left hand end of the TOP Menu although there is a Backlog to be up-loaded

Have found that without Internet access I can sleep thro to 07.30hrs rather than waking at 04.00hrs to get my Internet fix

Douglas CHEF

wednesday early Moving out

Hi Guys

Today the group splits 3 at Casa SEMEAR and 6 to CAMP

Early start ...after late finish building archway for Kids walk towards Heaven ... hope the Rain lets Up a bit today

Pickup truck collects Baggage at 06.45 then taxis (we hope) at 07.15 to take us initially to Casa SEMEAR

There is no Internet connection at Casa SEMEAR thus the Blogs may be restricted till Saturday when we come back to Casa Nova Esperanca(the GIRLS HOUSE)

Hope to put in Prep work for the Decorating Party returning .... might get a bit of Blogging from Gavin~s Hotel IBIS Interlagos

Although I cannot send txts I can receive them ...Honest only LIMITED SERVICE... not just a Scottish thing by me

Hope to keep in touch Douglas CHEF

Tuesday Camp minus ONE

Sorry about this morning ...no I did not sleep in ...bad storms ..rain thro the night ..power outs at 01.00 hours taking the Internet down at various times

At when I tried to Blog at 07.00hrs just could not get on at all to create the Morning Blog

Today was busy ...the Builder Supplies dropped of the Permanent Built in Shuttering to become the roof of the Ground floor flats and the floor of the First Floor Flat (gaps between the beams being filled with Clay Bricks and the Concrete Poured ...20 @ 50kg bags to be delivered soon)

So tired did not have a Douglas Powernap (Level 1 known as a DOUGLAS) ....whereas now Matthew has developed a Level 2 Powernap now renamed a MATTHEW

Also lots of Sand and Aggregate delivered to he front gates in yet another downpour and we had to move it rapidly before the sand gets washed down the street before our eyes .... so we got rather wet doing the shifting ....the first layer still drying out ...the girls slightly worried as I peeled of the trousers to reveal the swimming shorts ( foto to follow no doubt in main blog )

So some sore tonight ... still some prep for the camp to do .... we all will set of from Casa Nova Esperanca at about 07.00hrs tomorrow morning for Casa Semear
The 3 Amigos ... Craig ..Gavin and Myself being based in Casa Semear (Gavin in the Hotel still)
The others going off to Camp till Saturday ...Weather front still coming in so despite Swimming Pool and Saunas etc. we (the 3 Amigos) may not have drawn the short Straw

PIZZAs delivered free to Casa Nova Esperanca

Douglas CHEF signing off for Tuesday

Monday First work day Evening

Hi Guys

After 2 days of play ...rest on Saturday to recover ... Football on Sunday

So it was a bit of a shock to try to get back to work for real .... well almost

Up to Casa SEMEAR reasonably early and after Planning Meet for the Camp starting on Wednesday and had to struggle with BEANs RICE and STEAK...could get used to this

In the afternoon after one set went away to get SUPPLIES for the Camp ... we did a little to help the builder but only a LITTLE

Then after doing the Washing up ..there was an INVASION of the KIDS about 20 in all,and despite language barrier which seemed to last about 5 mins ...we all mucked in with the Kids aged from about 3 to about 17 ish.....and by the end of the day ... high fives all round

A bit of Camp shopping at the Hypermarket CARRE FOUR

I have also been caught DOUGLASing see previous definition ...Now a LEGEND

Till tomorrow Douglas CHEF

monday first work day MORNING part 2

Found out that I snore also ... Kate you should have warned the team about my Snoring

Tonight Craig and I will be in the DOG HOUSE .... poor RUSTY

Douglas CHEF

monday first work day MORNING

getting used to BRUZIL after the World Cup

Had really long lie till 06.00 BRUZIL time .... that's 10.00hrs UK ...sorry Keith...but was working til 24.00hrs with Craig on the Official Blog

Today the WORK Starts

My phone now seems to be receiving Texts OK ..thanks Jack... will check outgoing soon

ROUND TO CASA SEMEAR to WORK at about 9.00 with Robert who was beginning to show the pressures of having to HELP US and SET UP the CAMP plus all the REST

Cheers for the Morning BLOG .... Doug CHEF

sunday day 2 part 2

Hi Guys

I have become a Legend in my own life-time .....

A unit of POWERNAP has become known as a .... DOUGLAS
you do not need to ask why ... managed to sleep thro' part of the World Cup Final... so have been granted the great honour of having the UNIT OF POWERNAP being named in my HONOUR

Today .. quite quiet ...with a lovely BBQ at Roberts to watch the Final or part of it in my case

Tomorrow we start work for REAL .....at Casa SEMEAR

Doug CHEF

Contact

Contact

Sunday Day 2

Hi Guys
Long lie til 7.30 UK time .... in BRUZIL that's 3.30....so about par for the course

Adjusting to the LIFE ...survived the PIZZAs BRILL

Today will be lull before storm .... Late Breakfast ...then meet up with Robert at about 11.00hrs for Amies Devotions....then some BIG FOOD Shopping at Hypermarket

BBQ at Robert's at about 15.00hrs in time for the World cup Final ... we've to Support SPAIN

Then PERHAPS got to Calvery International Church for the English Service ...will update later

Douglas CHEF signing off for early slot ...and another POWER NAP

The BLOGMEISTER

Day 1 part 2

Power naps over ... then Eat all the Pizza you can Handle

Now I've heard it all All the Savoury Ones as usual

Then how about
a) Chocolate Pizza
b) Chocolate and Banana Pizza
c) Banana and Condensed Milk Pizza............................Must suggest Ice Cream version

Possible Model for the KBC Coffee Lounge perhaps (we arrived at just after 6pm and left at just after 8pm and there were queues waiting to get in !!!!!)

End of Day One Douglas CHEF signing Off at 21.30 BRUZIL Time i.e. just Sunday Morning UK

The Blogmeister

DAY Plus 1

Hi Guys

We have arrived .... there was a problem on the FLIGHT between London and Sao Paulo ...MAJOR PROBLEM ..... no dinner ....and the Breakfast was a couple of bars of Biscuits and Dish of Water

Just as well we had FISH and CHIPS in LONDON ... with Mushy Peas

Powernapping for about 36 hours ... not quite sure what day or time or time zone

Douglas CHEF.... signing off on Day +1 go to the Official site for CRAIGs 100 pictures

Friday 9th UK Time D Day

The Big BAG is packed for the KIDS .... my two sets of Tee-shirts and Swimming Shorts still to go

Survived the panic of trying to get the approx 40 tracksuits from Scottish Hockey distributed

So it's OFF to RIOish we go......Glasgow at 5 to London
London at 11ish to Sao Paulo

With any luck WE SHALL RETURN as somebody Famous said ... anyway only 4 years till World Cup in Brasil .... now there's a thought .................................Chao

Douglas CHEF

Wednes D Day minus 2

Not much about BRUZIL ... but Now Germany are out

Will Brasil want HOLLAND or SPAIN to do well ................. any Advice Please

The Blogmeister

Thurs.....D Day minus 1

Rushing about collecting the Kit from St Marys Hamilton ... got lost in the ONE Way again
(NO RUDE Comment about my MAP-reading PLEASE Girls)

Now they are at KBC...still I should start packing eventually

So that lets me out of DRIVING in Sao Paulo

The BLOGMEISTER

Still Tuesday part 3

Now at the football.... and the Arm still has not fallen off

BLOGMEISTER

Tues 6th July ...Part 2

Fortunately MAGS was gentle with the JAGS

So at least one and hours after the Last ... I still seem to be Alive

Perhaps the arm will fall off later today

Doug CHEF.... not Al Cooke

Early Tuesday UK Time... Calm before the STORM...

Hi Guys

Early UK start today ....
a) Down to the Westerwood for Calming Pot of Tea and sorting of e-mails
b) Rabies III and Swine Flu .... be gentle Mags
c) If I survive .... Croy Miners for some Family History
d) Then KBC for first Semi Final

Part II if I survive the JAGs .... later this Morning

Signing of Douglas CHEF

D Day Minus 4

No real panic ...yet ...well apart from

Early tomorrow Rabies III and Swine Flu

So if I survive that I will do tomorrow's update



Douglas Chef "Letter from Bruzil"

Monday in the UK

( The Editor is Douglas CHEF..... not quite Alaistair Cooke but trying)

Thanks Tony for the Farewell Meet

Thank you to all the "FAMILY" of the Team

Quiet today.... Tomorrow RABIES III and SWINE FLU (ouchish)

5 days to "THE BIG OFF" .... not that i'm counting

The BLOGMEISTER

Sunday a Day of Rest... 4th of July (created Saturday in US Time)

Hi Guys is this Independence Day SOMEWHERE

Trying to Recover from Karen's Lessons.......... Honestly brilliant Karen ...but mind BLOWING at my age... and being an Engineer of sorts (i.e. an Academic one) ... Languages not in my usual field ... it took me 5 years to get Lower English ( or 6 years for 2 Lower English(S) ) and 6 years for Lower French ... so 4 hours for Brazilian Portuguese !!!!!

Later today about to be "Commissioned" ... always wanted to be an OFFICER previously only NCO in BB a rather long time ago

BLOGMEISTER

Portuguese Part II

Thanks Karen for Part II of    "Portuguese for CASA Semear"

for more info go to www.casaabbaproject.co.uk

and for the view of the MURAL 

Blogmeister

My Comments on Yedda.

My Comments on Yedda.

Friday 2nd July

Tomorrow is Brazilian PORTUGUESE Part II

Be Kind to us KAREN.....Please

Scotland play in BLUE and when Brasil do ... even they do not win ... perhaps should we not play in GOLD

Blogmeister