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November 10, 2012 – Sunday
30 degrees/ partly cloudy/very windy
Pentoga Road
It was difficult crawling from between the sheets this
morning. The wind blew all night and though the temperatures on the outside
weren’t that cold, the house seemed freezing this morning. I have the
thermostat for the oil heat turned completely down and the fire had diminished
during the night.
I did what any sane normal person would do. At 5 AM, my usual get-up time, I turned over, snuggled next to Sargie, and fell
back to sleep.
Friday was a busy day on Pentoga Road. With the temperatures
around freezing, but the sun shining brightly, I finished assembling the solar
panels, mounted them on the south side of the house, and ran the wiring.
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| The panels produce a maximum of 45 watts that charge a deep cell battery (in the hand cooler underneath.) The most difficult part of the installation was hiding all the wiring. |
I’m not certain the panels are in their permanent place,
especially since we’re planning on replacing the windows in the next year or
two in the living room. Eventually, I’d like to have
several arrays of solar panels feeding a bank of batteries that can power the
house should an emergency arise.
My plan is to use a tie grid inverter that will feed any excess energy
into the grid system resulting in a lower electric bill for us. Should the grid
ever go out, I’ll merely flip a switch and we’ll draw off the bank of batteries
that are kept recharged by the solar panels. Assuming I get a well point
pounded next year (a well) in the garden, I want to use an electric pump, powered by solar panels, with
which to irrigate, installed somewhere in the garden area.
It’s all a process.
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| I really enjoy working with solar and wind power, a love that began while living at Hilltop Camp in the arctic. I don't think it's the panacea for our nation's energy woes, but more of an aid to those of us who live at the far edge of the grid. |
The ones I harvested weren't completely dry, so they've been brought into the house and placed by the wood stove. They should be dry enough to use for a Thanksgiving centerpiece.
I drove to Iron Mountain Saturday afternoon and had dinner with Mr. Milligan at the VA. Sargie had to work late and Mr. Milligan and I were strolling up and down the halls when she arrived. The three of us had a pleasant time.
Yesterday was chilly, rainy, snowy, but most of all windy. I rode with Sargie to the Vision Center, to retrieve the Blazer that was left Friday evening. Other than go outside for wood, I spent the rest of the day in the living room by the wood stove,
grading assignments, watching a bit of television, listening to the news, and I
might have snuck in a nap somewhere along the way.
While at the Vision Center Saturday morning, I asked the doctor to take a quick look at my eyes. I’ve developed a big ol’ blob smack in the center
of my left eye, resulting in increasing periods of frustration.
The eyesight has stayed pretty much the same, declining only
slightly. The new blob and haziness in the left eye is the result of the
macular degeneration. Hopefully, it will keep away from the right one.
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| That's my favorite optician in the world checking my eyes on Saturday morning. Sargie kept telling me to stop fidgeting around and sit still. I was only trying to wink at her. |
Today’s not looking a whole lot better in the weather
department. Sargie’s off and I plan to watch the Packers game at noon. No
doubt, we’ll take a ride into town later. Without a viable quarterback, these
next few games are all going to be challenging. Still, those of us in Packer
Nation think we’ll find a way to win.
I’d better get another cup of coffee and rest up for my armchair
coaching duties in the upcoming game. It could be a stressful afternoon. After
all, a man’s work is never done.
So are the tales from Pentoga Road…
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