Officially Unofficial Build Email Libations Game........

Got my new hearing aids yesterday,,, i sure can smell better 🥓 🥓… 😆
All jokes aside, i think i have more aftermarket parts than my Bronco… I know age is a gift but next time they need to spend a little more on me…. Maybe some top shelf…

🐎

I got all 3 cats into their new carrier. Took less than 5 minutes. All 3 cats are good to go on traveling with me. Got medicine if they need it.

Last vet trip with them was a circus. Jeff started without me. Didn't shut any bedroom or bathroom doors. Bert got under our bed and up into the box springs. Our bed looked like this before we got them into their pet carriers. Lol.

Darrel

I finally washed mine last night. Ran out of time for detailing it. Didn't try the power washer.

It was a fun ride and was good to go out on a trail with you again. Yes! The variety is a bonus. I was behind a Lexus. Don't forget the Lexuses (Lexis?).

I can't post your picture here. Finding pics texted to me from an Apple phone save as heic files and the forums don't like them.

So, today the SunRun folks are here to give my solar system an upgrade. A pair of new batteries from a company called Franklin to replace the single Powerwall I had that was, let's say, less than adequate. They are also replacing my old panels and adding a few more. I should generate enough during the day to keep the batteries fully charged, AND send some back to SCE for a credit. Then I can run from the batteries all night no problem. So, I should be all set for when SCE pulls the plug in my neighborhood to "prevent fires".

JoergH

So, today the SunRun folks are here to give my solar system an upgrade. A pair of new batteries from a company called Franklin to replace the single Powerwall I had that was, let's say, less than adequate. They are also replacing my old panels and adding a few more. I should generate enough during the day to keep the batteries fully charged, AND send some back to SCE for a credit. Then I can run from the batteries all night no problem. So, I should be all set for when SCE pulls the plug in my neighborhood to "prevent fires".

We are net metered on ours and haven't paid an electric bill in like 5 years. It helps we have like 330 days of sun a year. We don't have power interruption very often (or at all really) here, but I will probably upgrade it to a battery system and add some more panels in a couple years. Its a real nice feeling to be able to tell the power company to pound sand.

Darrel

I got all 3 cats into their new carrier. Took less than 5 minutes. All 3 cats are good to go on traveling with me. Got medicine if they need it.

Last vet trip with them was a circus. Jeff started without me. Didn't shut any bedroom or bathroom doors. Bert got under our bed and up into the box springs. Our bed looked like this before we got them into their pet carriers. Lol.

With people dealing with the Evil "C" and stuff, I didn't mention our small house fire: small fire (insulation) lots of water. So our tenants moved out (it's a 3-family), and us, too, to a nice monthly furnished 2-BR apt not far away, courtesy of the insurance company. So we've got repairs ahead, and lots of paperwork and all that stuff, but we'll probably come out ahead. So I'm not hinting at a need for sympathy.

So why do I bring this up? Cats. Three of them.

Our 3 cats have been thoroughly traumatized (firemen, contractors, remediation workers, etc.) and are very good at hiding. They're getting food, using the cat box, consuming water--but not in our sight. But where in our cluttered home are they? My wife is looking on line for anything in the way of a "cat whisperer" or psychologist or something. We have to get them moved to our temporary abode so that more workers can come in and get things done, without having to worry about closing doors all the time.

So: I empathize!

Mal

We are net metered on ours and haven't paid an electric bill in like 5 years. It helps we have like 330 days of sun a year. We don't have power interruption very often (or at all really) here, but I will probably upgrade it to a battery system and add some more panels in a couple years. Its a real nice feeling to be able to tell the power company to pound sand.

I put a 7kw solar system in in 2019, no battery backup, tied to the grid… generates about $800 worth of power annually, which is probably 2/3 of my power use… not bad for “rainy” western Washington.

Living in the SW y’all are in solar heaven!

Bluestreak57

I put a 7kw solar system in in 2019, no battery backup, tied to the grid… generates about $800 worth of power annually, which is probably 2/3 of my power use… not bad for “rainy” western Washington.

Living in the SW y’all are in solar heaven!

We've had solar only when we need it. We were living off grid and away from everything for nine years part time and four years for full time summer. It really depends on where you live and what kind of power you need. I much prefer to flip a switch and not have to deal with solar and generators to meet the power needs. I guess if it is tied in to your electrical and it suppliments it is OK. Solar is a large investment up front and you can have inverter problems, battery issues and such. We spent about 30k to get set up. I am glad solar came to be. Before solar we relied on generator only and I can assure you that is a drag. For me electric is fantastic. Solar is far better than a generator and a generator works but you change oil a lot, need gas (for the generator) and run out of water and such and need to start the generator to refill the holding tank. You also need a propane supply for hot water and stove. If you live in areas with a very strong winter it is hard to get by. Not a lot of duration of sun and the sun is low in the sky.

When you talk solar I think it all depends on if that is all you have, where you live, if you can afford it, can it be fixed by you and other considerations. Flipping a switch with electric. Priceless.


We also live in the south west and would not want solar for a few reasons. Solar is a niche market and works well for some. It's like taking the train. If you like it and it works well for you then great. Not for us.

Roughstock11

We've had solar only when we need it. We were living off grid and away from everything for nine years part time and four years for full time summer. It really depends on where you live and what kind of power you need. I much prefer to flip a switch and not have to deal with solar and generators to meet the power needs. I guess if it is tied in to your electrical and it suppliments it is OK. Solar is a large investment up front and you can have inverter problems, battery issues and such. We spent about 30k to get set up. I am glad solar came to be. Before solar we relied on generator only and I can assure you that is a drag. For me electric is fantastic. Solar is far better than a generator and a generator works but you change oil a lot, need gas (for the generator) and run out of water and such and need to start the generator to refill the holding tank. You also need a propane supply for hot water and stove. If you live in areas with a very strong winter it is hard to get by. Not a lot of duration of sun and the sun is low in the sky.

When you talk solar I think it all depends on if that is all you have, where you live, if you can afford it, can it be fixed by you and other considerations. Flipping a switch with electric. Priceless.


We also live in the south west and would not want solar for a few reasons. Solar is a niche market and works well for some. It's like taking the train. If you like it and it works well for you then great. Not for us.

Yeah, I see want you mean. The fact we are losing all of the Solar Rebates at the end of the year so it's definately going to make it a more expensive proposition. For me, the ROI makes sense. But I can see where for others it's maybe not so much. They are definately making the solar panels more efficient so you don't need bright sunshine to generate close to max. anymore which makes them usable is less "sunny" climates. But in the end, it's the batteries that I'm really interested in. SCEs like to turn off the power around here if there's even the slightest hint that there might be windy conditions to "prevent" those big forest fires you read about. Some of my neighbors were without power for 5 days a couple of times last summer. When it's over 100 degrees, and you have no A/C, it's miserable. Also the food in your fridge/freezer goes bad ... so having this setup should keep me out of that situation (*knock on wood*).

Darrel

I got all 3 cats into their new carrier. Took less than 5 minutes. All 3 cats are good to go on traveling with me. Got medicine if they need it.

Last vet trip with them was a circus. Jeff started without me. Didn't shut any bedroom or bathroom doors. Bert got under our bed and up into the box springs. Our bed looked like this before we got them into their pet carriers. Lol.

Happy to hear that the felines got into their new carrier without the fuss, @Darrel . Hopefully they stay that way all throughout the trip. 🙂

JoergH

Yeah, I see want you mean. The fact we are losing all of the Solar Rebates at the end of the year so it's definately going to make it a more expensive proposition. For me, the ROI makes sense. But I can see where for others it's maybe not so much. They are definately making the solar panels more efficient so you don't need bright sunshine to generate close to max. anymore which makes them usable is less "sunny" climates. But in the end, it's the batteries that I'm really interested in. SCEs like to turn off the power around here if there's even the slightest hint that there might be windy conditions to "prevent" those big forest fires you read about. Some of my neighbors were without power for 5 days a couple of times last summer. When it's over 100 degrees, and you have no A/C, it's miserable. Also the food in your fridge/freezer goes bad ... so having this setup should keep me out of that situation (*knock on wood*).

What with that small fire--the firemen chopped a hole in the roof--I'll probably end up with a new roof. So if they're doing that, maybe...you got me to thinking maybe solar is now feasible for me. But I only have a few months to commit. Hmmm....

(Unfortunately, I park on the street, so I couldn't charge a Tesla. I can't keep track--is Musk a good guy or a bad guy now? Things change so fast!)

JoergH

Yeah, I see want you mean. The fact we are losing all of the Solar Rebates at the end of the year so it's definately going to make it a more expensive proposition. For me, the ROI makes sense. But I can see where for others it's maybe not so much. They are definately making the solar panels more efficient so you don't need bright sunshine to generate close to max. anymore which makes them usable is less "sunny" climates. But in the end, it's the batteries that I'm really interested in. SCEs like to turn off the power around here if there's even the slightest hint that there might be windy conditions to "prevent" those big forest fires you read about. Some of my neighbors were without power for 5 days a couple of times last summer. When it's over 100 degrees, and you have no A/C, it's miserable. Also the food in your fridge/freezer goes bad ... so having this setup should keep me out of that situation (*knock on wood*).

The panels are good. In the end there is just not enough sun. We currently have a automatic Generac generator which comes on when the power goes out. We have the same generator on another home. We also have had a couple of the generators you gave to plug into your house (which is wired for it). You have to go outside and start it up. I remember the power going out for a month in a major ice storm. Not in our area but I thought I'm going to have back up. On another note our freeze alarm went off. We were in Jamaica just about to go scuba diving. My phone alerted my that our house was hitting the freezing point. The furnace had shut down. I called our local HVAC company and remotely opened the door and also gave them the door code. They went over and fixed the furnace while we were scuba diving and by the time we were done they had completed the job, got the heat back on and locked the door. Technology can be great. Back up can be essential especially in remote areas. Generally people who live remote usually have a few ways to get things done.

I think your panel solution sounds great. The heat is one thing the fridge and freezer are important as well. Also, we have lived on wells for years, as we do now. You need power for the pump or you have no water. I would take heat over not being able to flush the toilet....ha

Sounds like a great plan. Good to have back up. I've actually had back up to my back up....true...ha

BostonBadlands

With people dealing with the Evil "C" and stuff, I didn't mention our small house fire: small fire (insulation) lots of water. So our tenants moved out (it's a 3-family), and us, too, to a nice monthly furnished 2-BR apt not far away, courtesy of the insurance company. So we've got repairs ahead, and lots of paperwork and all that stuff, but we'll probably come out ahead. So I'm not hinting at a need for sympathy.

So why do I bring this up? Cats. Three of them.

Our 3 cats have been thoroughly traumatized (firemen, contractors, remediation workers, etc.) and are very good at hiding. They're getting food, using the cat box, consuming water--but not in our sight. But where in our cluttered home are they? My wife is looking on line for anything in the way of a "cat whisperer" or psychologist or something. We have to get them moved to our temporary abode so that more workers can come in and get things done, without having to worry about closing doors all the time.

So: I empathize!

Randy, so sorry about the fire. Glad no one was hurt.
It doesn't take much to traumatized a cat. Maybe a security camera to see when the cats come out to eat, drink and be merry in the litter box. Then go to the house at that time?
One time at band camp when we moved, one of our cats got out. This cat was indoor/outdoor and came each night at dusk. So I went back at dusk that night, just in time to see him coming home.
I feel so sorry for my boys. They lost their favorite human and got stuck with the spare human.
Good luck with finding your cats.

Good morning all!
Wishing all y'all the best on getting over this week's hump.
Hug the ones you love!

Good morning all! There is a pot of coffee, that I have poured 2 cups out of already. But help yourself to what's left and pull up a chair and chill a bit.
Headed to -4° today, but nice and cool this morning.
I worked on my resume yesterday. I wish there was mention of cost before I got it done. And then I have to pay to use "word".
I registered for 16 hours of continuing education to keep 3 of my designations. It is a self paced webinar and cost $450. And I need to pay about $250 in dues. Good lordy!
I have to chime in on solar. The company we worked with took a dozen attempts getting inspections and permits. Jeff had to coordinate it finally. Then I was to get a critter guard and programmable thermostat or $250. Didn't get either. Bird poop and dead birds are getting old in keeping up with them. And the $4 to keep connected to electricity is now $16 a month. I need to work on solutions!
And the cemetery called me. I'm promised pricing by the end of the day. Hope it comes in.

Auction should be on-line now. I haven't looked yet.
https://www.albuquerqueauctionaddiction.com/auction/jeepers-delight-downsizing-sale-2364/bidgallery/

Have a good day all! Prayers to those needing them. Hug the ones you love!

Good Thursday Morning, Kids!
The clouds have rolled in and we’re screaming toward a high of…. -32° today! Tomorrow an atmospheric river will bring some much needed rain to our forests and will give the sprinklers a couple days off…

Lots of things going on out there, with life throwing lots of challenges here and there to friends and family here and abroad. Don’t Let the Hard Days Win!! Check in on those you know are struggling, and offer a hand up to a stranger today… it will change your day for the better, I promise!

(The mountain is NOTout today!!!)

Happy Thursday from the sun cook state (Florida only has sunshine).
Did you know we can cook and egg on the sidewalk during the summer? Not sure you want to eat it, but it's amazing to see.

It's gonna be + something as usual.

Today was doggy training and they had the cool, wet grass field all to themselves. Talk about happy pooches.

It's gonna be nice here today. Definitely Chamber of Commerce weather!

Happy Friday all!
Hope everyone has a great day!