How do you handle the curve balls life throws at you? One thing about living in a small town, the rumours get around very quickly.
First thing we heard when we came back last spring was " stay away from Richard", he's being sued, his wife left him, he'll take your money and run.
Well Richard had spent a lot of time with me, designing our radiant floor system so it used very little electrical power. This was critical as we always want to minimize the draw on our batteries.
Throughout the summer his crew was here from time to time installing different components of our HRV system and radiant floor system as our construction schedule allowed.
When we got back from our three week break in Florida, first thing we heard; Richard has closed shop and left town. Wow, this can't be, he hasn't finished our job.
As it turned out that weekend I ran into two of his employees, both confirmed that yes, Richard was out of business. I couldn't believe it. How could he leave us hanging?
Monday I was in town, so dropped by his office and found he was there packing boxes and cleaning out the place.
Yes, he was leaving town as the rumours said, but not before he looked after his clients. He promised to be out Thursday to complete the installation of our HRV system. He had also made arrangements with another heating firm to come in and complete the installation of our radiant floor system.
That made me feel better ..................... but did he really mean what he said or was I just getting the brush off?
Thursday came and no Richard. Nine o'clock,10 o'clock, 11 o'clock no Richard. Guess you can't trust everyone.
Twelve o'clock I'm eating lunch alone (Mary has gone to Toronto) and the door opened. Guess what? In walked Richard, tools in hand ready to keep his word. Now that's riding "tall in the saddle".
When the chips are down how to you handle the curve balls life throws at you?
Richard could have left town in the middle of the night, telling no one and avoided all the extra hassle staying around has created for him. He could have left his employees hanging and just taken his money and run. But that's not what happened.
Before leaving he is making sure his customers are looked after. He has found work for two of his three employees and work that isn't done he's made sure another contractor will do it. Not only will the work be done but the warranty on the parts and labour will be honoured.
From time to time you meet people who "ride tall in the saddle" when they could easily take your money and brush you off. Paul Mayeau who installed our solar system on our trailer did it and now Richard here in Bancroft is doing it. It restores your faith in humanity.
To all those who have taken the "high" road when most would have left town quietly at midnight, thank you. You stand tall in my books.
Thanks Richard, I wish you all the best wherever you hang your hat.
Safe travels everyone.
Friday, 30 November 2012
Thursday, 29 November 2012
WE HAVE WATER
Our plumber was here all day and now we have hot and cold water throughout the house. We are so happy. No more buckets of water, no more throwing water out the door.
We can take a bath or shower whenever we want, do the dishes without waiting for the water to heat on the stove and use the kitchen sinks any time.
We will never take water for granted again.
We can take a bath or shower whenever we want, do the dishes without waiting for the water to heat on the stove and use the kitchen sinks any time.
We will never take water for granted again.
Wednesday, 28 November 2012
BANCROFT - SMALL TOWN ONTARIO
For a town with a population of 3,500, Bancroft is an active community with much to offer: Rockhound Gemberee, Tall Pines Rally, Home and Cottage show, Music in the park, Winter Festival complete with dog sled races, Summer Camp for kids, ATV trails, Hiking Trails, Eagles Lookout, Quilt Show, Craft Show, Live Theatre, Library, Art Gallery, Community Choir, Moose FM radio station, Bancroft Harold (newspaper), and clubs of every kind catering to every interest.
Around us there are: county fairs, logging competitions, studio tours, wolf habitat tours, a public observatory, rafting, canoeing, kayaking, snow-shoeing, skiing, beaches, and lakes and rivers to paddle.
You can be as active as you want or sit and relax to watch the sun set across one of the thousand lakes up here.
It's a place you can go to town for your groceries and before you know it half the day has disappeared.
You can stop by and see your travel agent, insurance agent, plumber, electrician, priest, doctor, pharmacist or mechanic often without an appointment.
Our doctor doesn't book his appointments weeks in advance. Every day there is time to see those who have an unexpected medical need. Call his office and see him the same day.
Bancroft has a 10 bed hospital capable of handling routine visits. If you need major surgery or extended care you will be sent to Huntsville or Kingston.
We have two grocery stores, two Tim Horton's, a Canadian Tire store, Home Hardware (excellent customer service), two drug stores, two banks, two schools and a high school. There is a small airport, one fireman and 75 volunteers, no police force (the OPP looks after those needs), and a host of family run businesses that line the main street. Oh yes, we have 4 traffic lights but no rush hour, although it can get pretty backed up at those lights Friday evenings in the summer, when the cottagers come to town.
The air is clean. You will see deer, fox, rabbits and maybe a bear as you drive to town.
The mills shut down the first week of November because all the workers get the same illness. (deer fever)
When you need some help your neighbours are there to lend support or loan you the tools you need. When you need to clear bush they will show up with their chainsaws and help get the job done. When you are too sick to get out of bed they will bring food and make sure you are looked after. When you go away they keep an eye on your place and plough out your lane so you can come home safely.
When we moved to Bancroft we knew no one but everyone has welcomed us and helped as we've adjusted to life in the bush.
We love it here, wouldn't trade it for any other place and look forward to the next 50 years or so with excitement and great anticipation.
If you haven't visited Bancroft plan to do so in the near future. We are 4 hours north and east of Toronto right on the York River.
Bring your hiking shoes, binoculars and backpack. Get out and enjoy some of our hiking trails, lakes and rivers. It will restore your soul and clear your lungs.
Looking forward to seeing you soon. Oh, life in small town Ontario. It doesn't get any better.
Around us there are: county fairs, logging competitions, studio tours, wolf habitat tours, a public observatory, rafting, canoeing, kayaking, snow-shoeing, skiing, beaches, and lakes and rivers to paddle.
You can be as active as you want or sit and relax to watch the sun set across one of the thousand lakes up here.
It's a place you can go to town for your groceries and before you know it half the day has disappeared.
You can stop by and see your travel agent, insurance agent, plumber, electrician, priest, doctor, pharmacist or mechanic often without an appointment.
Our doctor doesn't book his appointments weeks in advance. Every day there is time to see those who have an unexpected medical need. Call his office and see him the same day.
Bancroft has a 10 bed hospital capable of handling routine visits. If you need major surgery or extended care you will be sent to Huntsville or Kingston.
We have two grocery stores, two Tim Horton's, a Canadian Tire store, Home Hardware (excellent customer service), two drug stores, two banks, two schools and a high school. There is a small airport, one fireman and 75 volunteers, no police force (the OPP looks after those needs), and a host of family run businesses that line the main street. Oh yes, we have 4 traffic lights but no rush hour, although it can get pretty backed up at those lights Friday evenings in the summer, when the cottagers come to town.
The air is clean. You will see deer, fox, rabbits and maybe a bear as you drive to town.
The mills shut down the first week of November because all the workers get the same illness. (deer fever)
When you need some help your neighbours are there to lend support or loan you the tools you need. When you need to clear bush they will show up with their chainsaws and help get the job done. When you are too sick to get out of bed they will bring food and make sure you are looked after. When you go away they keep an eye on your place and plough out your lane so you can come home safely.
When we moved to Bancroft we knew no one but everyone has welcomed us and helped as we've adjusted to life in the bush.
We love it here, wouldn't trade it for any other place and look forward to the next 50 years or so with excitement and great anticipation.
If you haven't visited Bancroft plan to do so in the near future. We are 4 hours north and east of Toronto right on the York River.
Bring your hiking shoes, binoculars and backpack. Get out and enjoy some of our hiking trails, lakes and rivers. It will restore your soul and clear your lungs.
Looking forward to seeing you soon. Oh, life in small town Ontario. It doesn't get any better.
Tuesday, 27 November 2012
LIVING IN A SMALL TOWN
We moved to Bancroft population 3,500 from a city of 500,000. There are differences.
When I was 14 my dad let me drive down-town. (dad sat beside me and it was before 8 on a Saturday morning) I didn't have a licence but Brampton then was "small" town and everyone knew everyone else.
You knew where the doctors lived, where the mayor lived, where the chief of police lived.
Our town at the time had a population of maybe 6,000, 3 firemen (the rest were volunteers), 1 police chief and 2 officers, and one traffic light. When the police officer on the "beat" was needed at the police station they would turn on a light above the one traffic light. When the light was on he knew he was needed at the station.
Even in the early 60's they still called him in using the light over the traffic light. At that time our police force also operated the only ambulance service in town. Can you imagine the length of time you would wait for an ambulance? I called for the ambulance once, and called back in twenty minutes to see when he was coming; it was slow.
There was no 911 emergency number back then but we did have "fire boxes" These were scattered throughout the town and if you spotted a fire you could run to the "fire box" and wait for the fire engine to arrive. Now if it was a big fire and a second truck was needed then the fire chief would use someone's house phone to get a volunteer to bring the second truck. Remember we didn't have cell phones back in the 60s and emergency response teams didn't have walkie-talkies.
Stores closed on Wednesday afternoon and were closed on Sunday. We didn't have credit cards, big box stores or e-bay. Most stores were family owned with the grocery stores being the "corporate" stores in town.
There was a bank on every corner of the main intersection and the town was busiest on a Friday night. If you were in scouts and had to sell apples on "apple" day the best spot was outside the beer store.
Most boys played hockey in winter and baseball in summer. Those were the only organized games in town and parents didn't sit in the stands and go berserk when their kid missed a catch. There was no soccer, basketball, 3-pitch, T-ball, volleyball, football, or track and field club.
In the summer we would line up for hours waiting for the swimming pool to open. No one except the Farrs had a pool and no one had air-conditioning. If you wanted the house cool you covered the windows with paper and opened them at night to let in some cool air.
By today's standards we were probably greatly deprived.
We played street hockey, even in summer, went hiking in Pocock's woods and tobogganing on the Legion hill.
Many men could walk to work and go home for lunch. In school we all went home and didn't have to be back until 1:30. School started at 9 and finished at 4 with an hour and a half for lunch. We had no gym classes but we did have "shop" at another school on the far side of town. We had to walk all the way across town, to get there and we did this by ourselves, unsupervised. Imagine, 12 year olds allowed to walk through town by themselves to get to "shop" and "home-ec" class. We all did it, no problem and we all arrived on time. We did stop at the candy store for a little extra fuel on the way through town.
We didn't have guns or gun violence. You could walk the streets at midnight and feel safe. If you needed help you asked a cop on the beat and he took care of it. We rode our bikes to school and never locked them up. Matter of fact we seldom locked our doors at home.
Life in the small town. We loved it and we missed it.
Tomorrow, our experience today in small town Ontario.
Thanks for stopping by and be safe out there.
When I was 14 my dad let me drive down-town. (dad sat beside me and it was before 8 on a Saturday morning) I didn't have a licence but Brampton then was "small" town and everyone knew everyone else.
You knew where the doctors lived, where the mayor lived, where the chief of police lived.
Our town at the time had a population of maybe 6,000, 3 firemen (the rest were volunteers), 1 police chief and 2 officers, and one traffic light. When the police officer on the "beat" was needed at the police station they would turn on a light above the one traffic light. When the light was on he knew he was needed at the station.
Even in the early 60's they still called him in using the light over the traffic light. At that time our police force also operated the only ambulance service in town. Can you imagine the length of time you would wait for an ambulance? I called for the ambulance once, and called back in twenty minutes to see when he was coming; it was slow.
There was no 911 emergency number back then but we did have "fire boxes" These were scattered throughout the town and if you spotted a fire you could run to the "fire box" and wait for the fire engine to arrive. Now if it was a big fire and a second truck was needed then the fire chief would use someone's house phone to get a volunteer to bring the second truck. Remember we didn't have cell phones back in the 60s and emergency response teams didn't have walkie-talkies.
Stores closed on Wednesday afternoon and were closed on Sunday. We didn't have credit cards, big box stores or e-bay. Most stores were family owned with the grocery stores being the "corporate" stores in town.
There was a bank on every corner of the main intersection and the town was busiest on a Friday night. If you were in scouts and had to sell apples on "apple" day the best spot was outside the beer store.
Most boys played hockey in winter and baseball in summer. Those were the only organized games in town and parents didn't sit in the stands and go berserk when their kid missed a catch. There was no soccer, basketball, 3-pitch, T-ball, volleyball, football, or track and field club.
In the summer we would line up for hours waiting for the swimming pool to open. No one except the Farrs had a pool and no one had air-conditioning. If you wanted the house cool you covered the windows with paper and opened them at night to let in some cool air.
By today's standards we were probably greatly deprived.
We played street hockey, even in summer, went hiking in Pocock's woods and tobogganing on the Legion hill.
Many men could walk to work and go home for lunch. In school we all went home and didn't have to be back until 1:30. School started at 9 and finished at 4 with an hour and a half for lunch. We had no gym classes but we did have "shop" at another school on the far side of town. We had to walk all the way across town, to get there and we did this by ourselves, unsupervised. Imagine, 12 year olds allowed to walk through town by themselves to get to "shop" and "home-ec" class. We all did it, no problem and we all arrived on time. We did stop at the candy store for a little extra fuel on the way through town.
We didn't have guns or gun violence. You could walk the streets at midnight and feel safe. If you needed help you asked a cop on the beat and he took care of it. We rode our bikes to school and never locked them up. Matter of fact we seldom locked our doors at home.
Life in the small town. We loved it and we missed it.
Tomorrow, our experience today in small town Ontario.
Thanks for stopping by and be safe out there.
Monday, 26 November 2012
CHICKENS and WINTER
We decided to keep the chickens alive this winter as we are staying home and not spending the winter with friends in Arizona. But how to keep the chickens comfortable when it is freezing outside and snow covers the ground?
Our birds are Mary's pets and nothing but the finest will do when it comes to looking after the girls. So after some internet research Mary felt the girls would survive if we could keep them in a draft free enclosure. Apparently they can tolerate freezing temperatures and if they have fresh water and food should do ok in the coop.
First job was to wrap the coop and run in plastic creating a "green house" chicken coop. The plastic keeps the nasty northern wind out, lets the sunlight in and warms up the place when the sun is shining.
We used some left over yellow plastic but there wasn't enough so off the RONA and back home with a roll of heavy duty vapour barrier plastic.
Now the coop is wrapped up snug and tight. This is a big improvement and the birds now prefer to stay inside out of the wind.
Mary also added straw bedding in the coop and run to keep their feet of the cold floor and frozen ground.
These girls didn't stay out very long. They didn't even make it once around the coop. What chickens they are.
Mary has to say hello whenever we go down to the coop and the girls respond like little pets all wanted some attention.
We are averaging 3 -5 eggs a day so Leanne watch for more eggs when Mom comes to Toronto later this week.
Safe travels Marvin and Annie.
Our birds are Mary's pets and nothing but the finest will do when it comes to looking after the girls. So after some internet research Mary felt the girls would survive if we could keep them in a draft free enclosure. Apparently they can tolerate freezing temperatures and if they have fresh water and food should do ok in the coop.
First job was to wrap the coop and run in plastic creating a "green house" chicken coop. The plastic keeps the nasty northern wind out, lets the sunlight in and warms up the place when the sun is shining.
We used some left over yellow plastic but there wasn't enough so off the RONA and back home with a roll of heavy duty vapour barrier plastic.
Now the coop is wrapped up snug and tight. This is a big improvement and the birds now prefer to stay inside out of the wind.
Mary also added straw bedding in the coop and run to keep their feet of the cold floor and frozen ground.
These girls didn't stay out very long. They didn't even make it once around the coop. What chickens they are.
Mary has to say hello whenever we go down to the coop and the girls respond like little pets all wanted some attention.
We are averaging 3 -5 eggs a day so Leanne watch for more eggs when Mom comes to Toronto later this week.
Safe travels Marvin and Annie.
Sunday, 25 November 2012
RALLY of the TALL PINES - BANCROFT
Saturday morning we had our first dusting of snow, just in time for the start of the Rally of the Tall Pines.
What I love about rally racing is the chance to get up close and actually see inside the cars and talk with the drivers. This is a race where the spectators are not charged an "arm and a leg" to sit and enjoy the race. The cars must obey all traffic rules when moving from race area to race area but can open it up and get from point A to point B as fast as they can once they are on the closed portions of the rally route.
Communication is critical in these rallies and some crews have even mounted cameras on their cars so their pit crews can see what is happening.
Each team is allowed to stop in the pits at the designated time, take on fuel, change tires, make adjustments if necessary and have something to eat.. This is the pit area or gasoline alley; not quite the Daytona 500 but it does the job.
Like all racing cars, these rally cars have been heavily modified and safety cages installed to protect both driver and navigator.
Sorry, no actual race pictures; you will have to come up and take them yourself. This has become an annual event, hosted by the town of Bancroft about the 3rd weekend in November.
Hope to see you up here next year. It's a great way to enjoy a weekend outdoors.
Safe travels and enjoy the day.
Saturday, 24 November 2012
THE OLD BLUE POT
When you burn as much wood as we do you know you will be carrying out a lot of ashes. When my sister saw us using a cardboard box to dump the ashes into she knew we needed help. Cardboard and ashes are a recipe for disaster.
So Carol very kindly gave us this old blue pot that came from the "farm" to use as our ash bucket.
Now items that came from the "farm" have a special place in our heart. As kids we have many wonderful memories of days spent at our uncle's farm down near London.
The first words out of Carol's mouth when we pulled into the driveway were " I smell the ponies" and off she would run to the barn.
For us "city" kids the "farm" was a whole new experience. You could hide in the hay, ride the work horse around the field, chase the calves back to the barn, catch pigeons in a sack ................ it was magical and we loved every minute there.
So now the pot that my aunts and uncles used graces our home doing it's utilitarian duty as it has done so faithfully for a 100 years.
But it's not an ash pot, it's a water pot. At the moment we only have water as far as our pressure tank. The kitchen and bathrooms will be hooked up next week when the plumber comes. So for the time being our blue pot has become our water tank, giving us the ability to heat lots of water on our wood stove.
Thanks Carol for the pot and all the memories it brings.
Enjoy the day and drive safely friends.
So Carol very kindly gave us this old blue pot that came from the "farm" to use as our ash bucket.
Now items that came from the "farm" have a special place in our heart. As kids we have many wonderful memories of days spent at our uncle's farm down near London.
The first words out of Carol's mouth when we pulled into the driveway were " I smell the ponies" and off she would run to the barn.
For us "city" kids the "farm" was a whole new experience. You could hide in the hay, ride the work horse around the field, chase the calves back to the barn, catch pigeons in a sack ................ it was magical and we loved every minute there.
So now the pot that my aunts and uncles used graces our home doing it's utilitarian duty as it has done so faithfully for a 100 years.
But it's not an ash pot, it's a water pot. At the moment we only have water as far as our pressure tank. The kitchen and bathrooms will be hooked up next week when the plumber comes. So for the time being our blue pot has become our water tank, giving us the ability to heat lots of water on our wood stove.
Thanks Carol for the pot and all the memories it brings.
Enjoy the day and drive safely friends.
Friday, 23 November 2012
CLEAN FLOORS
It is a challenge keeping our concrete floors clean during construction. The dust we create as we complete the drywall in each room seems to settle on everything. But I think we found a solution.
This little gadget has exceeded our expectations. It sprays the floor with steam and picks up the dust on the white pad you see under the front plate.
It does such a good job that the pad is usually dark brown before Mary is finished cleaning the area. Fortunately it comes with two pads that are easy to exchange and can be tossed in the washing machine to get them clean.
If your floors need cleaning I think you would be amazed at how well this steam cleaner works.
Thanks for stopping by and safe travels.
This little gadget has exceeded our expectations. It sprays the floor with steam and picks up the dust on the white pad you see under the front plate.
It does such a good job that the pad is usually dark brown before Mary is finished cleaning the area. Fortunately it comes with two pads that are easy to exchange and can be tossed in the washing machine to get them clean.
If your floors need cleaning I think you would be amazed at how well this steam cleaner works.
Thanks for stopping by and safe travels.
Thursday, 22 November 2012
FIREWOOD
Yesterday's blog was just way too long. For those who persevered and read to the end thank you. Today won't be such an ordeal.
We've been spoiled up here in Bancroft the past few days.Usually November is cold, wet, dark and miserable but we've been enjoying sunny, dry, warm days since getting back from Florida.
We do know winter is coming and we need to be prepared and one essential at the top of the list is firewood.
Yesterday I took this tired old body out to the wood pile and started stacking firewood close to the house.
Mary being smarter then me chose to use the apron to make the task so much easier. This is a great way to carry a load of firewood without getting your clothes dirty or your arms falling off. If you haven't tried it I would recommend it.
Some of our firewood has been sitting in these crates for two years. Each crate holds about half a cord and makes it easy to move the wood when needed. Now that we have emptied some we can begin the process of cutting and drying the wood we will use next year. When you live in the bush you need to be thinking a year ahead.
So this is our front porch, covered as high as we can reach with firewood ready to keep us warm. We will do it all over again today and if my body holds together have about 4 cords under our roof. Cold, wet weather is in the forecast for Friday and Saturday but we will be safe and warm inside by our wood stove. Truth is I'm enjoying the fire now as I type.
Thanks for stopping by and it's always a delight to hear from you.
We've been spoiled up here in Bancroft the past few days.Usually November is cold, wet, dark and miserable but we've been enjoying sunny, dry, warm days since getting back from Florida.
We do know winter is coming and we need to be prepared and one essential at the top of the list is firewood.
Yesterday I took this tired old body out to the wood pile and started stacking firewood close to the house.
Mary being smarter then me chose to use the apron to make the task so much easier. This is a great way to carry a load of firewood without getting your clothes dirty or your arms falling off. If you haven't tried it I would recommend it.
Some of our firewood has been sitting in these crates for two years. Each crate holds about half a cord and makes it easy to move the wood when needed. Now that we have emptied some we can begin the process of cutting and drying the wood we will use next year. When you live in the bush you need to be thinking a year ahead.
So this is our front porch, covered as high as we can reach with firewood ready to keep us warm. We will do it all over again today and if my body holds together have about 4 cords under our roof. Cold, wet weather is in the forecast for Friday and Saturday but we will be safe and warm inside by our wood stove. Truth is I'm enjoying the fire now as I type.
Thanks for stopping by and it's always a delight to hear from you.
Wednesday, 21 November 2012
HOME WITH SOLAR POWER
This was our first vacation away from our home since we've had the solar panels installed. A solar powered house requires some extra care when one is gone for more than 24 hours.
While away Paul sent us an e-mail saying our generator was running long and frequently. This I assumed was because the batteries had been run low and there was insufficient sun to bring them back to full power. Our generator is set-up to kick in when the batteries get below 50% and the sun isn't able to get them re-charged.
Since we've been home I've had a chance to look over the system and discovered that the breaker that controls the flow of electricity from our solar panels to the batteries had been off. This breaker operates much like your breakers on your electrical panel in your basement. When there is a disturbance in the line the breaker trips to turn off the power and prevent damage. Unfortunately no-one here was aware of the situation so no action was taken and the generator was the only way our batteries were getting charged while we were away.
Today our batteries started off at 84% and by the afternoon had been charged back up to 100% by our solar panels. That's the way we want them to work, efficiently and silently. I will continue to monitor their production and report any changes noted. Tomorrow I will check and test the water level of each battery. Battery plates must be covered at all times by distilled water or permanent damage could result.
On a positive note our house was 56*F when we got home last night while the outside temperature was 30*F. Our only source of heat at the moment is a wood stove if the sun isn't shining. All seems to be working fine in that department.
Also our chickens were happy to see Mary and have the chance to run free outside of their pen for the day. They are fun to watch and by nightfall they always put themselves to bed. All we need to do is close and lock the gate.
While we were away, Paul came in to tile the guest bathroom. We are delighted with the work and are anxious to get everything hooked up and in running order; then we will be ready for company.
Above you can see the tiled floor and the raised platform for the tub. If you click on the picture you should get a larger version, much easier to see the tile.
The shower looks great and will look even better once we get the glass doors installed.
The shower ceiling is covered with smaller tile and has a light. Paul did a beautiful job fitting everything together perfectly.
But there is still lots to do as you can see by the missing drywall in the hall. Not sure when everything will get done but we want to have the bathrooms fully functional before Christmas arrives.
The great room just needs some trim and baseboards installed. Look how far across the floor the sun now reaches. That's our solar heat at work. It warms the concrete floor during the day and the floor gives back the heat at night. We love our passive solar house.
Our path back into the woods is beginning to look like it's ready for winter. We see fewer animals, birds and there is a stillness in the air as if it's holding it's breath as the big storm approaches. Some say we are in for a lot of snow this winter but so far it's been sunny, mild and snow free.
Our propane tank holds 800 gallons of propane and our generator (smaller white box to the right) is connected to it. If we need to run the generator we have lots of fuel for several weeks of running. We also use propane to heat our water and cook our food.
Not sure what tomorrow's blog will cover but stop by and see for yourself.
Thanks for keeping an eye on us.
While away Paul sent us an e-mail saying our generator was running long and frequently. This I assumed was because the batteries had been run low and there was insufficient sun to bring them back to full power. Our generator is set-up to kick in when the batteries get below 50% and the sun isn't able to get them re-charged.
Since we've been home I've had a chance to look over the system and discovered that the breaker that controls the flow of electricity from our solar panels to the batteries had been off. This breaker operates much like your breakers on your electrical panel in your basement. When there is a disturbance in the line the breaker trips to turn off the power and prevent damage. Unfortunately no-one here was aware of the situation so no action was taken and the generator was the only way our batteries were getting charged while we were away.
Today our batteries started off at 84% and by the afternoon had been charged back up to 100% by our solar panels. That's the way we want them to work, efficiently and silently. I will continue to monitor their production and report any changes noted. Tomorrow I will check and test the water level of each battery. Battery plates must be covered at all times by distilled water or permanent damage could result.
On a positive note our house was 56*F when we got home last night while the outside temperature was 30*F. Our only source of heat at the moment is a wood stove if the sun isn't shining. All seems to be working fine in that department.
Also our chickens were happy to see Mary and have the chance to run free outside of their pen for the day. They are fun to watch and by nightfall they always put themselves to bed. All we need to do is close and lock the gate.
While we were away, Paul came in to tile the guest bathroom. We are delighted with the work and are anxious to get everything hooked up and in running order; then we will be ready for company.
Above you can see the tiled floor and the raised platform for the tub. If you click on the picture you should get a larger version, much easier to see the tile.
The shower looks great and will look even better once we get the glass doors installed.
The shower ceiling is covered with smaller tile and has a light. Paul did a beautiful job fitting everything together perfectly.
But there is still lots to do as you can see by the missing drywall in the hall. Not sure when everything will get done but we want to have the bathrooms fully functional before Christmas arrives.
The great room just needs some trim and baseboards installed. Look how far across the floor the sun now reaches. That's our solar heat at work. It warms the concrete floor during the day and the floor gives back the heat at night. We love our passive solar house.
Our path back into the woods is beginning to look like it's ready for winter. We see fewer animals, birds and there is a stillness in the air as if it's holding it's breath as the big storm approaches. Some say we are in for a lot of snow this winter but so far it's been sunny, mild and snow free.
Our propane tank holds 800 gallons of propane and our generator (smaller white box to the right) is connected to it. If we need to run the generator we have lots of fuel for several weeks of running. We also use propane to heat our water and cook our food.
Not sure what tomorrow's blog will cover but stop by and see for yourself.
Thanks for keeping an eye on us.
Tuesday, 20 November 2012
HOME AGAIN
We arrived home safely about 6:30 last night. It was dark and cold (-1*C) but inside our house it was 13.3*C which is about 56*F.
Remember our house operates just on solar heating when we are away. We have no furnace just a wood stove. So to come into the house and find it so much warmer than the outside temperature was very rewarding. That's the way this house is designed to operate and so far we are very pleased with the performance.
We left Florida last Saturday after a fabulous three week holiday with Carol and Don and stayed overnight in South Carolina. Up very early Sunday morning and in Oakville by 7:30 that night.
Meaghan and Adrian so kindly put us up for the night and then Monday we headed out on our last leg of the journey.
Now this is the way to travel, on your mom's hip. When we are in Toronto it's great to spend time with our daughters. Here Owen gets a ride on Sherri's hip as we unpack the "treasures" Mary and Carol found for Owen. Yes, we are spoiling our grandson but that's what we love to do and Mary and Carol found some wonderful bargains while shopping in Florida.
The best bargain was this riding toy from Fisher Price, all kinds of gadgets to push and pull and they all make noises. Don't you just love those grandparents that bring back those noisy toys for your kids.
Owen sure seems happy with the riding machine.
Oma loves to have a little play time with Owen.
Our visit was too short but we will be back soon and maybe Owen and his parents will be up once we get our plumbing completed.
We then had lunch with Leanne and got caught up on her news. I wanted to avoid rush hour traffic in Toronto so we left about two and were in Peterborough by 3:30.
First stop was Connie's to drop off 2,000 suckers she wanted us to bring home then our phone rang and Sean was calling.
He was home so we had a chance to pop over and see him, totally unexpected as he is doing his "practice teaching" in Whitby this month. We had a quick visit and missed seeing Casey as she was at work. Hopefully we will be down in a few weeks and maybe do supper together.
We've had a wonderful holiday, very relaxing thanks to Don doing most of the driving but it felt good getting home and seeing what our workers had completed while we were away. (more on that tomorrow)
Thanks for stopping by and watch for more pictures tomorrow.
Remember our house operates just on solar heating when we are away. We have no furnace just a wood stove. So to come into the house and find it so much warmer than the outside temperature was very rewarding. That's the way this house is designed to operate and so far we are very pleased with the performance.
We left Florida last Saturday after a fabulous three week holiday with Carol and Don and stayed overnight in South Carolina. Up very early Sunday morning and in Oakville by 7:30 that night.
Meaghan and Adrian so kindly put us up for the night and then Monday we headed out on our last leg of the journey.
Now this is the way to travel, on your mom's hip. When we are in Toronto it's great to spend time with our daughters. Here Owen gets a ride on Sherri's hip as we unpack the "treasures" Mary and Carol found for Owen. Yes, we are spoiling our grandson but that's what we love to do and Mary and Carol found some wonderful bargains while shopping in Florida.
The best bargain was this riding toy from Fisher Price, all kinds of gadgets to push and pull and they all make noises. Don't you just love those grandparents that bring back those noisy toys for your kids.
Owen sure seems happy with the riding machine.
Oma loves to have a little play time with Owen.
Our visit was too short but we will be back soon and maybe Owen and his parents will be up once we get our plumbing completed.
We then had lunch with Leanne and got caught up on her news. I wanted to avoid rush hour traffic in Toronto so we left about two and were in Peterborough by 3:30.
First stop was Connie's to drop off 2,000 suckers she wanted us to bring home then our phone rang and Sean was calling.
He was home so we had a chance to pop over and see him, totally unexpected as he is doing his "practice teaching" in Whitby this month. We had a quick visit and missed seeing Casey as she was at work. Hopefully we will be down in a few weeks and maybe do supper together.
We've had a wonderful holiday, very relaxing thanks to Don doing most of the driving but it felt good getting home and seeing what our workers had completed while we were away. (more on that tomorrow)
Thanks for stopping by and watch for more pictures tomorrow.
Friday, 16 November 2012
TIME TO HEAD NORTH
We've had a fabulous holiday with Carol and Don but now it's time to head for home. We have a long drive ahead of us and it maybe a few days before I'm able to update this blog. The pictures above were taken by Don as we walked the beach for the last time. It's obvious the days here are colder and the wind stronger so Saturday morning bright and early we will be on the road. The truck is packed, sandwiches made, drinks in place and after a good night's sleep we say goodbye to Daytona.
See you soon.
See you soon.
DAYTONA 500
We did it, raced around the track just before Don turned .... ?
Happy Birthday Don! Enjoy your day.
Spent a great afternoon enjoying a 2 hour tour of the Daytona 500 speedway yesterday. Had a chance to see the track up close, sit in the drivers' lounge and go high up to the media stand high above the grandstand. Don and I thoroughly enjoyed the tour and would highly recommend it for those who know even a little about NASCAR racing.
From high up and down low we got to see it all. The garages, pit crew area, victory lane, infield, media booth you name it we saw it up close.
Ferrari had a team of drivers there for the day, running the track and fine tuning their cars. Cost to rent the facilities for the day ........................................... $50,000.00 Here one driver was just a blur as he crossed the finish line.
Another driver takes corner #2, fast and noisy.
Don enjoyed the view. You can see the entire complex from this vantage point. This is his preferred seat for the next race.
We did make it to the "Winner's Circle" It was really too close to call.
Another great day and now it's time for some birthday cake.
Remember if you visit Daytona, take in the speedway either for a race or a tour. You will not be disappointed. You can even get into one of their race cars and see how fast you can get around the track.
Thanks for stopping by. Safe travels and no speeding.
Happy Birthday Don! Enjoy your day.
Spent a great afternoon enjoying a 2 hour tour of the Daytona 500 speedway yesterday. Had a chance to see the track up close, sit in the drivers' lounge and go high up to the media stand high above the grandstand. Don and I thoroughly enjoyed the tour and would highly recommend it for those who know even a little about NASCAR racing.
From high up and down low we got to see it all. The garages, pit crew area, victory lane, infield, media booth you name it we saw it up close.
Ferrari had a team of drivers there for the day, running the track and fine tuning their cars. Cost to rent the facilities for the day ........................................... $50,000.00 Here one driver was just a blur as he crossed the finish line.
Another driver takes corner #2, fast and noisy.
Don enjoyed the view. You can see the entire complex from this vantage point. This is his preferred seat for the next race.
We did make it to the "Winner's Circle" It was really too close to call.
Another great day and now it's time for some birthday cake.
Remember if you visit Daytona, take in the speedway either for a race or a tour. You will not be disappointed. You can even get into one of their race cars and see how fast you can get around the track.
Thanks for stopping by. Safe travels and no speeding.
Thursday, 15 November 2012
RAIN DELAY
The track (Daytona 500) was too wet to visit yesterday so we headed north to St. Augustine for more shopping.
We took the coastal route and Don drove so I could enjoy the views. Although it was cloudy it was still an enjoyable drive.
I was surprised at the number of school groups, bundled up against the weather, out touring St. Augustine.
We did find our destination, "the outlet malls", and scurried inside to get out of the rain. Not sure if it was the company or the deals but we spent the day enjoying ourselves in spite of the weather.
Later in the afternoon the rain stopped but the clouds continued to hang low and we were ready to head for home.
We did find this little toy for Owen, another noisy little gizmo for his crib. It's fun being grandparents, buying stuff we don't need and giving it away to the grandkids. "Spoil them and leave them", that's our motto.
Another dull morning today with the water up over the beach and the clouds hanging low again. We will try again for the Daytona 500 tour and Mary and Carol will do more shopping.
As Carol said "the weather is telling us it's time to say goodbye"
Just one more day then we head north for home. Our three weeks have disappeared very quickly.
Thanks for stopping by and safe travels everyone.
We took the coastal route and Don drove so I could enjoy the views. Although it was cloudy it was still an enjoyable drive.
I was surprised at the number of school groups, bundled up against the weather, out touring St. Augustine.
We did find our destination, "the outlet malls", and scurried inside to get out of the rain. Not sure if it was the company or the deals but we spent the day enjoying ourselves in spite of the weather.
Later in the afternoon the rain stopped but the clouds continued to hang low and we were ready to head for home.
We did find this little toy for Owen, another noisy little gizmo for his crib. It's fun being grandparents, buying stuff we don't need and giving it away to the grandkids. "Spoil them and leave them", that's our motto.
Another dull morning today with the water up over the beach and the clouds hanging low again. We will try again for the Daytona 500 tour and Mary and Carol will do more shopping.
As Carol said "the weather is telling us it's time to say goodbye"
Just one more day then we head north for home. Our three weeks have disappeared very quickly.
Thanks for stopping by and safe travels everyone.
Tuesday, 13 November 2012
ON VACATION WE ......
Time slows down and we take the time to enjoy the day when on vacation. We sleep in longer, research the latest health news and read books we've heard about but have been too busy to enjoy.
One such book I thoroughly enjoyed and couldn't put down was, Secret Daughter by Shilipi Somaya Gowda. It's an easy read, very engaging especially if you have visited India. The story follows a child from an orphanage in India adopted by a family in California. It highlights the struggles of many of the characters as they come to grips with the realities of life as they are forced to live it. Get a copy, and let me know how the book affects you.
Another benefit when on holidays is to reflect on our own state of health and see what we can change to be even healthier. Since we seldom watch TV when home this was an opportunity to catch a few episodes of Dr. Oz and once again be motivated to embrace a few healthy changes.
We realize we need to get back to green smoothies once we return home. Also too many foods are way too high in salt for me so reading labels more closely is also necessary. I think we are already eating very healthy home cooked meals, I just need to limit my intake and be consistent with my commitment. Those two steps along would make a big difference in my personal health.
Now who would have thought pedicures are part of a healthy routine? Truth is our feet are very important to us and their health shouldn't be neglected. A regular pedicure improves blood circulation to the feet, important as we age, and also permits a closer examination of the condition of skin, nails and bottoms of our feet all areas that are easy to ignore.
So between our healthy diet, daily walks on the beach, and reminders of a few neglected health habits we need to reclaim, I think this has been an excellent vacation in more ways than we first expected. Maybe we should do this more often?
Stress free vacations, I highly recommend them.
Time to head over to the big oval track that's home to the Daytona 500. Talk about a pressure cooker when the stands are full and the cars are running flat out. Race day is not stress free living. Did you see what happened in Phoenix at the NASCAR race last weekend? Someone there needs to learn to de-pressurize safely. Don and I wont be driving the track just taking the tour of the facilities.
Thanks for keeping an eye on us. More pictures tomorrow.
One such book I thoroughly enjoyed and couldn't put down was, Secret Daughter by Shilipi Somaya Gowda. It's an easy read, very engaging especially if you have visited India. The story follows a child from an orphanage in India adopted by a family in California. It highlights the struggles of many of the characters as they come to grips with the realities of life as they are forced to live it. Get a copy, and let me know how the book affects you.
Another benefit when on holidays is to reflect on our own state of health and see what we can change to be even healthier. Since we seldom watch TV when home this was an opportunity to catch a few episodes of Dr. Oz and once again be motivated to embrace a few healthy changes.
We realize we need to get back to green smoothies once we return home. Also too many foods are way too high in salt for me so reading labels more closely is also necessary. I think we are already eating very healthy home cooked meals, I just need to limit my intake and be consistent with my commitment. Those two steps along would make a big difference in my personal health.
Now who would have thought pedicures are part of a healthy routine? Truth is our feet are very important to us and their health shouldn't be neglected. A regular pedicure improves blood circulation to the feet, important as we age, and also permits a closer examination of the condition of skin, nails and bottoms of our feet all areas that are easy to ignore.
So between our healthy diet, daily walks on the beach, and reminders of a few neglected health habits we need to reclaim, I think this has been an excellent vacation in more ways than we first expected. Maybe we should do this more often?
Stress free vacations, I highly recommend them.
Time to head over to the big oval track that's home to the Daytona 500. Talk about a pressure cooker when the stands are full and the cars are running flat out. Race day is not stress free living. Did you see what happened in Phoenix at the NASCAR race last weekend? Someone there needs to learn to de-pressurize safely. Don and I wont be driving the track just taking the tour of the facilities.
Thanks for keeping an eye on us. More pictures tomorrow.
Monday, 12 November 2012
BARGAIN SHOPPING
Today we went clothes shopping ( a task akin to getting a tooth out for me) and I figured I would find a chair and wait patiently until the ladies had exhausted their wallets.
Now if you know my sisters you know they are the best at finding the bargains when they travel. Carol had checked the newspaper ads and saw that Bealls was having a sale so that's where we spent Monday afternoon.
Now you are about to see a rare photo ................ me with a full shopping cart in a department store .................
and I'm smiling. But here's the case.
Bealls was having a sale so most of the items you see in the cart above were 30-50% off msrp.
But there's more. Monday they gave an additional 25% off the lowest price. Great ............ extra savings.
So we are about to check out and the clerk says "if you open a Bealls account today you can get an additional 20% off of your total bill".
WOW! Couldn't resist. Opened the necessary account, put the bill on our new Bealls account then turned around and used our Canadian bank debit card to pay that off. Crazy! Only in America can you shop and then get additional savings on top of savings, then more savings on top of that.
Great to travel with my sister, she knows how to shop and save.
Look out Owen we have more clothes for you.
Two posts in one day; I'm exhausted. Think I'll take tomorrow off and enjoy the pool. See you Wednesday.
Now if you know my sisters you know they are the best at finding the bargains when they travel. Carol had checked the newspaper ads and saw that Bealls was having a sale so that's where we spent Monday afternoon.
Now you are about to see a rare photo ................ me with a full shopping cart in a department store .................
and I'm smiling. But here's the case.
Bealls was having a sale so most of the items you see in the cart above were 30-50% off msrp.
But there's more. Monday they gave an additional 25% off the lowest price. Great ............ extra savings.
So we are about to check out and the clerk says "if you open a Bealls account today you can get an additional 20% off of your total bill".
WOW! Couldn't resist. Opened the necessary account, put the bill on our new Bealls account then turned around and used our Canadian bank debit card to pay that off. Crazy! Only in America can you shop and then get additional savings on top of savings, then more savings on top of that.
Great to travel with my sister, she knows how to shop and save.
Look out Owen we have more clothes for you.
Two posts in one day; I'm exhausted. Think I'll take tomorrow off and enjoy the pool. See you Wednesday.
SMYRNA BEACH FLORIDA
Decided to visit Smyrna Beach yesterday.It is about 9 miles south of Daytona, another beautiful wide sandy beach.
Walked the beach for an hour, taking pictures and talking with the .................
fishermen we met. Mary wanted to know what they were catching and how they kept their line from drifting back to shore.
Here we watch while this guy unhooked the catfish on his line. We had catfish for the first time a few days ago and I was surprised how delicious it tasted.
This picture was taken by Don even though it has my byline on it. Not too often I get in the pictures. Thanks Don.
Time for lunch so we headed over to the "Dolphin View" restaurant .................
............ and we actually saw a dolphin as we sat and ate lunch.
Mike and Sheri would have loved exploring the harbour with us.
Today we plan to walk the beach and enjoy the pool. The sun is shining and it's already 21*C.
Thanks for stopping by and we will chat later.
Up-Date 1:30 p.m.
Don wanted you to know we didn't just walk on Smyrna Beach but we drove on it, parked on it, then we walked on it.
The view from the cab as Don drove us down Smyrna Beach.
And here we are parked without getting stuck. It was another great day to enjoy the wind the waves and the sand.
Walked the beach for an hour, taking pictures and talking with the .................
fishermen we met. Mary wanted to know what they were catching and how they kept their line from drifting back to shore.
Here we watch while this guy unhooked the catfish on his line. We had catfish for the first time a few days ago and I was surprised how delicious it tasted.
This picture was taken by Don even though it has my byline on it. Not too often I get in the pictures. Thanks Don.
Time for lunch so we headed over to the "Dolphin View" restaurant .................
............ and we actually saw a dolphin as we sat and ate lunch.
Mike and Sheri would have loved exploring the harbour with us.
Today we plan to walk the beach and enjoy the pool. The sun is shining and it's already 21*C.
Thanks for stopping by and we will chat later.
Up-Date 1:30 p.m.
Don wanted you to know we didn't just walk on Smyrna Beach but we drove on it, parked on it, then we walked on it.
The view from the cab as Don drove us down Smyrna Beach.
And here we are parked without getting stuck. It was another great day to enjoy the wind the waves and the sand.
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