Our Simple Life on Rose Mountain

[savingdogs]

I'd love more solar heating....or anything like that, but we don't really have much sun here. And the ridge blocks the wind which makes it a nice microclimate for growing plants, but wind power would not be feasible.

I always wish I could ride a stationary bicycle for exercise and have it power the fridge or something. Or a stepper exerciser that pumps water from the well, etc. lol

 

[TanksHill]

Hubby and I met with a local technician about solar yesterday and I think we are going to keep what we've got for another 5 years or so and when our current electric heating/cooling unit goes out we will seriously look at either solar or an outdoor woodstove for heating our water/air.

We are already considering some small solar panels for lighting the barn. How are the solar incentives in your state? Va is okay but not as good as some other states.

My husband is a design engineer, he says Solar is not yet able to handle the demand most of us have for electricity these days. Plus the storage batteries are made from toxic materials. And the batteries don't have the greatest of liffe span. So if one is going "Green" the batteries are not helping the enviorment really.

He is more in favor of the fuel cell technologies. But all of these alternatives to the buring of oil or coal, have their own drawbacks.

As time goes by, the solar and other technologies will improve no doubt.

Here in Sunny Arizona, we can claim a 25% tax credit, ($1000.00 maximum) for the residential installaton of solar collectors.

Sorry to get off topic....

Rebbetzin, what does you hubby think of the Bloom Box and there whole story? I think fuel cells will have their day sooner than later. Perhaps I will start another thread.

g

 

[Rebbetzin]

Rebbetzin, what does you hubby think of the Bloom Box and there whole story? I think fuel cells will have their day sooner than later. Perhaps I will start another thread.

g

I just called him to ask him about it because I have never heard of it... and he said he wasn't familiar with it either...

Gosh! I thought he knew EVERYTHING!!

 

[TanksHill]

He might want to watch this.

http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2010/02/18/60minutes/main6221135.shtml

g

 

[Marianne]

How wonderful! Welcome to SS!

and when can we come for dinner?

 

[kimnkell]

Today I made some home made bread. Two kinds whole wheat and white sandwich bread. I love making bread and really enjoy doing it all by hand. Here's a few pics of the bread....

 

[savingdogs]

That looks so good!

 

[BarredBuff]

 

[lorihadams]

Geesh I miss bread......I'm GF.

 

[Rebbetzin]

I could live on Bread and Butter!!