The PI wants to know "Does Green Building Make Cents?

We think so. Look long-term, where our true interests lie, and there's the green. In all manners of speaking.

Yesterday afternoon we said a tentative goodbye to our dear friend Zach. He's off on a tour of South America with his wife Judy. On site we knew him as a carpenter and environmental moral compass. He'd ride in on his bike, inquire after your recyclables, extol the virtues of dumpster diving outside the Essential Baking company, and philosophize on the matters of the day. One of the best folks you could ask to work with, he will be greatly missed.



Sitting around a table of carrot cake, beer, and guacamole, we tried our best to equip him with a patchwork of Spanish phrases. Good luck Zach. Think of us as you sip a pisco sour, and don't forget the ñ in años. Come back for beer anytime!

Casa Latina, a terrific local organization we are glad to help support, has offered Spanish and English Language classes for two years now. The format is interesting - for the first hour, those learning English are in one room, and those learning Spanish are in another. For the second hour, English and Spanish learners converse together. I found myself practicing with Silvestro from Quiche, Guatemala. We are only two days apart in age, and Silvestro’s work life and mine have both been spent in building, although at opposite ends of the ladder of opportunity. Silvestro speaks a couple of native languages, but he’s here to learn English. Although Silvestro won’t say it, my Spanish is muy feo.

For the moment, we share the common struggle with each others’ foreign language - at once humbling and funny.

By the way, Casa Latina’s Auction is October 18.