September 19, 2012

Temperatures have finally cooled down, and it looks like we might get some fall this year.  It's been busy around here as usual.  Besides getting the last items for getting the greenhouse and solar array into place ordered and delivered or picked up, he has started on the greenhouse.

As he put it, "A new adventure begins!"

Greenhouse is started.

Hoops are up.

The hoops and center support are up, ready to rack and level.  Seems like there have been a dozen projects in the works here.  I've been able to finally get more stuff packed over to the house from the old mobile.  I think the rest might be a lot faster.  He got me a new cedar porch swing too.  Just have to get it sanded, stained, and put up.  He wants to wait & get a new photo from the pond until after the greenhouse is up.  

September 5, 2012

It's been quite busy around here.  Last Thursday, we went into Missouri Wind and Solar and purchased some nice additions to our solar capabilities.  We had intended to drive into Springfield to Home Depot, because they had a set on sale that included:

4 100-watt Mono crystalline panels with anodized aluminum frames and tempered glass for outdoor use and superior performance
Two diode junction box for enhanced performance
30 Amp charge controller allows system to be easily expanded with additional panels and cables
2,000-watt pure sine inverter with two outlets and a USB port allows you to plug in small devices
Kit comes with all cables and connectors for quick and easy set-up

Because it was on our way and it was also open, we decided to stop by Missouri Wind and Solar in Seymour, MO, to see if they could match prices for Home Depot.  Sure glad we stopped!   Mike Jones there sure treated us right.  We left there (with taxes paid) for the same amount as the Home Depot had set before taxes, but with a 60-amp charge controller (instead of a 30-amp) & with two 220-watt panels instead of four 100-watt panels from HD.

That same day, we stopped in Mansfield at Lucky Lumber (the same outfit we bought the house package from) and ordered the rest of the materials for the greenhouse project.  The materials were delivered yesterday, so that is now all on-site. 

Monday, Labor Day, we went to look at a tractor and a pickup truck.  We purchased the tractor, and it was delivered this morning.  It is a 1946 Ford 2-N.  He is again a happy camper.

He's still looking for an old farm pickup truck.  We've looked at a few, but not found what he wanted yet.  He's happy with his projects for right now. 

In the meantime and in spite of the high temperatures, fall is supposed to be approaching.  I don't know how many pounds of sugar we have fed out to these guys this year, especially with the drought and little in the way of flowers or nectar for them to eat.  I am sure, though, that they have provided us with countless hours of entertainment and wonder.

I know they are supposed to start migrating south in just a few weeks now.  I think we'll miss them.