After some technical problems were overcome, work has now been pretty well completed on redoing the concrete portions of the Ramada floor. The old surface was completely removed, and has been redone with 2 coats of a concrete stain of a color much closer to the brick pavers that cover most of the floor. The new color is also a perfect match to the tile trim on the Ramada mansard. Before the recoating, the floor was etched with an acid solution, and then primed. In addition, 2 coats of a special sealer has been applied to protect the new surface as much as possible. The Ramada is now reopened for use. The new surface color looks really great and is a nice contrast to the travertine on the walls and cabinet work. Certain of the kickboards in the kitchen area have been given a coat of blue paint, to dress them up from the former dull brown color. When the paint is good and dry, the Ramada will receive a good cleaning and the paver sand will be refurbished in those portions of the floor requiring the same.

As a matter of interest, we had the commercial cost of this same work appraised, (paint removal with power equipment and solutions, etching with acid, priming, 2 coats of paint and a sealer coat) and it came in at $6,500--not including the cost of the cleanup. Another terrific improvement, courtesy of your Esperanza Enhancement Team, at no cost to our HOA. The work was entirely done by volunteer labor, (Joe McCalpin, Jim Lindberg, Bruce Liljegren and Tom Cooke) and financed by our Enhancement Team. Supervising the project for the Team were members Barb McCalpin (who also provided a lot of physical help and goodies) and Geri Lindberg. Support the Team, and it supports you right back in spades.