Pranza, Honduras  22 Feb, 2010   Houser

   Today at noon we investigated the rice business.  Across the soccer
field was a spread of rice on a blue tarp drying in the sun.  Near the 
Rio Coco is an entrepreneur with a diesel powered rice polisher and blower
for separating the husk from the rice.  The engine is connected to the 
polisher/blower by a 6" wide belt.  Both machines are made in China. 
The owner does custom shelling for a fee - $3.50 / 100 lb bag.

   On the way to the rice plant I picked up what looked like a cotton 
ball from a branch on the ground.  Turns out it IS cotton.  We asked the
rice man what they do with it.  He says he sticks it in his ears.
Apparently no commercial value here.

   Dr Doug removed a golf ball sized lipoma from a man's neck.  He was
glad to have it removed.  Also saw a baby with pneumonia.   

   Before supper we were entertained by a singing group from the church
with accompaniment from a guitar, large turtle shell which produced two
tones depending on where you tapped the bottom, a horse or cow jaw bone
whose teeth rattled when you shook it, a real tambourine, and a pot with
ruffed up bottom for stroking with a stick.  

Dave