Souvenir Photo Studio, by Al Bourassa

Wednesday, August 12, 2026

Wednesday August 12, 2026 Repairs

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Older Blog: https://cuencaupdates.blogspot.com/

Please see my best artworks for sale at my websites:

http://souvenirphotostudio.neocities.org/

or https://pixels.com/profiles/al-bourassa

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Wednesday August 12, 2026

Yesterday and today involved rebuilding most of our Colombian patio roof with metal.

The intact roof tiles that were saved from there will be used to replace any broken tiles tomorrow in our master bedroom area roof. I sent Cristina substantial funds to pay for the materials and workmen. I sure like the World Money Transfer via CIBC for quickness.

I have to trust her judgement at this point. I can make further changes if I want when I return in December.

Yesterday I ordered several things from Amazon, not the least of which is bone conduction hearing aids. I hope I will be able to get accustomed to them as I hate putting things inside my ears with controls too touchy. I already have bone conduction headphones and they are fantastic, so I am keeping good thoughts...

I got repaid a substantial amount owed to me by someone who has earned that trust. BTW, I am still waiting for Air Canada to make good on their offer to pay for my ruined luggage in March...

I went out to check the rosebush near my Regal and we have 3 big blooms a 4 more buds!!! Love it!!!

This evening, Dawn cooked up the steaks I supplied and did a whole bunch of accompanying side dishes... I am certainly not accustomed to such lavish meals...

Rain clouds are again circling the area but nothing as bad as is hitting poor Ontario....

Hugs to everyone.

I hope you enjoy the pictures. That was the day’s excitement.

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If you want to borrow a picture to share with family and friends, Facebook or whatever, at least PLEASE give me credit for the photo.

NOTE that you may click on any photo for an ENLARGED VIEW.

Hollyhocks out front

Storms clouds north

Great supper!!

Monday, August 10, 2026

Monday August 10, 2026 EARTHQUAKE

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Older Blog: https://cuencaupdates.blogspot.com/

Please see my best artworks for sale at my websites:

http://souvenirphotostudio.neocities.org/

or https://pixels.com/profiles/al-bourassa

******

Monday August 10, 2026

It is a little disconcerting to awaken to a message from your wife that she, and all our animals, have suffered through a very close 7.4 EARTHQUAKE, and then several aftershocks.

It is now several hours later, and we have seen many videos of extreme damage across Colombia, especially around Pereira and Cali, both an hour and 10 minutes away.

Many videos on YouTube show some roof collapses in our town and steeple damage to the church, and a wall breakdown at the Nestle plant in nearby BugaLaGrande.

Being in the valley gave us a false sense of security but we were still very lucky. Our home is well constructed and our worst fears about major roof damage and tile slippage are minor enough. We were so worried about major roof damage followed by rain or worse would be a catastrophe...

Our contractor is on site and repairs will begin tomorrow, looking at replacing a small area of roof tiles with PVC panels apparently, and minor reparations.

The good news is that everyone is reporting in that they are safe across the country, which is much more important than possessions.

We are most thankful that our family and animals are safe, athough shaken and stirred....

Hugs to everyone.. and thank you for the words of support from across the world.

That was the day’s REAL excitement.

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If you want to borrow a picture to share with family and friends, Facebook or whatever, at least PLEASE give me credit for the photo.

NOTE that you may click on any photo for an ENLARGED VIEW.

Sunday, August 9, 2026

Sunday August 9, 2026 Festivals

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Older Blog: https://cuencaupdates.blogspot.com/

Please see my best artworks for sale at my websites:

http://souvenirphotostudio.neocities.org/

or https://pixels.com/profiles/al-bourassa

******

Sunday August 9, 2026

Yesterday and today, I slept over 11 hours.. I am glad there are no major reasons to get up earlier...

Saturday, I slipped out to Dollarama and forgot to find one of the two main things I went there for.... Grrrr, but I did come home with a lot of snacks, of course....

Then we revelled in our Canadian Juniors thrashing the USA 8-1 to take the Gold Medal again at the Hlinka Gretzky Cup.... Well done boys!!! Nothing for the Orange A**-Hole to crow about this time.

This morning, I found that we had no hot water, only tepid water, but I did manage to get a decent shower without using any cold water....

Then I jumped on the Gio, hoping to catch some of the CariWest Festival this year. I missed the parade, which must have been Friday, but did catch the action downtown at Churchill Square.

The next festival, The Fringe, will be starting in a few days and I will be joining Jeanne and Meng there for a meal and a short show.
Coming home, I cruised by the Legislature which was surprisingly uncrowded and found an obliging squirrel and some lovely flowers and a bee.

Then I decided it was time to catch Leo Martinez at Blues On Whyte for one set. It is always nice to sit with some nice music on a sunny afternoon.

On the way home, I picked up a 10" 2-topper pizza and a 7-Up for $8.99 because I did not feel like cooking.... It was the first time I had tried them, and it was worth it....!!

I hope you enjoy the pictures. That was the day’s excitement.

******

If you want to borrow a picture to share with family and friends, Facebook or whatever, at least PLEASE give me credit for the photo.

NOTE that you may click on any photo for an ENLARGED VIEW.