I was reviewing Medium articles and noticed that several had “AI”-generated images. Then I saw this photo and thought, that might make an interesting subject for “AI”…

Yikes. I tried to specify light direction, but despite four more tries it kept the sun in this position. Otherwise kind of impressive!

I can say many things about our neighbors’ remodel and addition, but few of them will involve the concept of “well thought out.” For example, the placement of the huge sliding glass doors on the only place in the wall that guarantees I look into their house every time I water my container plants (beneath chimney). And to the chimney’s left, numerous layers of shiny metallic waterproofing to counter the roof’s poor design. The lack of obvious firewood storage for the immense wood stove they installed. And the cochera (carport) rendered unusable by the intrusion of the new construction.

Not to mention a new carport that shields vehicles from the sun only kinda, sorta, in the late afternoon. The fabric roof of which didn’t do too well in last night’s wind.

Apparently the owner of the property next door is also an architect who designed the addition and remodel.

I would not be tempted to hire her based on the brutally industrial aesthetic, but this morning at 10 AM, I see another reason she might not be my first choice.

It’s a measuring thing. As in measuring the length of a car before designing a place to park it in the shade.

I posted the above on 18 October 2018.

Three years and nine days later we returned, and I noticed this.

Progress!

Who could possibly have thought this design was a good idea?

Background: when we moved here, we installed a wood stove, and I went out of my way to find newspapers for starting fires. Not an easy task. Even cardboard was rare then (it’s abundant now).

Then I discovered blue alcohol, and that was the end of needing newspapers to light fires. I bought my last bundle in 2018, and use them mostly now for cleaning paint brushes. Which I did recently in a fit of spring cleaning.

Inside of each newspaper is this glossy (and thus useless) magazine.

And every time I see it I have the same question: who could possibly have thought this design was a good idea?

If you look closely, you might detect the anomaly here. Actually, it signifies improvement in Uruguay, which actually mostly has been a thing in the twelve years we’ve been here.

Almost exactly three years ago, I suggested Maybe a checklist before we do the next bathroom. Have a look.

Spotted the other day walking my dog: carefully laid out plastic (“nylon” in the local parlance) with gravel carefully placed on top of it.

I think I will need to go back and find out what exactly was the concept.