Shocking!

In the optimistic 1950s, we were assured of a brighter future. We dreamed of all-electric houses as the epitomy of civilization.


Skip forward 60 years and the prospect of a mostly electric home is a nightmare for me.


Our Lick Skillet house, thankfully, has a propane furnace. But everything else is electric. The stove, the water heater, hook-up for the dryer. And the electric rate is half again as much as in New York!


We're taking our new, small refrigerator and will retire the old, large one that comes with the house. The pressure tank for the well is tiny so the pump runs more than it should; replacing that will be our first plumbing project. The dryer hook-up will remain unhooked for now, a clothesline will suit us fine. The central air conditioning needs work so we won't be running that for awhile and we have already started replacing all bulbs with cfls. We routinely turn off lights and unplug appliances, follow all of the standard energy saving advice.

But, please sir, I want some more.

More ideas for reducing those kilowatt hours. Some different perspectives could really help here. What are your best, easiest, fastest, most effective ways to use less power?

Three little words

I must apologize for the paucity of posts;* I am involved in a REAL ESTATE TRANSACTION.

Anyone who has ever bought or sold property immediately understands the significance of that phrase and sympathizes.

Back in the dawn of time, it was undoubtedly simpler. I owned land. You wanted the land. You either started a war and took said land or offered me a dozen cows. We shook on the deal and you moved in.

It ain't so simple nowadays.

We call, we email, we wait for answers. We wait on agents and lawyers and contractors and plumbers. I feel we are clawing our way forward millimeter by millimeter by our bloody fingernails towards a closing. 

I hope this kerfluffle will be settled soon. Otherwise, I'd better stock up on Tums.


*Paucity of Posts? Sounds like a great title for a novel.

Drawn and quoted



He cries "fowl!"


People have all sorts of caveats and worries for you when they hear you live in the country.

 

You're so far away, what if something happens?
How can you stand the quiet?
What about snakes (spiders, bears, wolves, etc.)?
It's too much work to grow your own vegetables, save your strength, you aren't getting any younger!
What about salmonella (mad cow disease, lyme disease, botulism, etc.)?

 

But no one thinks to warn you of a common hazard that crops up again and again.
Yes, I'm referring to that which all sensible people try to avoid--

 

The pun.

 

First we got chickens:

Ha, ha, the yolk's on you.
Bet they only cost a b-wock and a half.
That's egg-cellent.

Next bees:

Bet you're all a-buzz.
Hope it doesn't give you hives.
Here's the stinger.

 

Even so, we perservered and acquired goats:

Seems for just a buck you could get some doe.
Sure gets your goat.
Are you serious or just kidding around?
 
I tremble to consider what we'll hear if we get pigs and sheep!  

41!

I can't see me lovin' nobody but you
For all my life
When you're with me, baby the skies'll be blue
For all my life

Me and you and you and me
No matter how they toss the dice, it has to be
The only one for me is you, and you for me
So happy together

Garry Bonner and Alan Gordon

Happy Anniversary, babe!

Mr. & Mrs. Rand McNally

I have a fairly good sense of direction but my initials are CAR not GPS. Yet everywhere we go, people ask us directions.


I can understand that at home. We're outside alot and probably the only humans in sight on the road.


But it happens everywhere, no matter how many other local inhabitants are around.


I posit we must have a harmless, friendly look about us. Surely these middle-aged softies will help and not respond with verbal (or physical!) abuse.


I was at a conference in Washington, D.C., a place I only know from watching "Mr. Smith Goes to Washington". Got stopped and asked for directions to the Smithsonian.


We were in London; our only time there. Got asked for help on the Tube.


Second visit to our new place in Indiana Memorial Day weekend--3 different times drivers needed help finding the county park, a place WE'VE NEVER VISITED!


I will be ready before the next major holiday; I'll print maps to the park and charge a quarter, could be our first moneymaker in Indiana.

We interrupt this blog

Time for a blatant advertisement.

My husband, Tom Rasely,  is a musician, a guitarist of many talents.

He has toured, taught, and recorded. He's got many years of experience under his belt and has appeared on more than 60 projects. His own include albums of instrumental music, some vocal, some experimental, and some inspirational. His stuff is on iTunes and Amazon but it's easiest to check it out on cdbaby.com    I hope you will.

We now return to our regular country blogging.

Surprises

I can't imagine building a brand, new house on empty land.  There would be none of the discoveries you make when you buy an older property.

Like the cherub in the yard.

And the tomato cages behind the garage.

The lavender growing by the steps.

And the catbird nest by the side door.


Of course, there are also those niggling questions that will never be answered, like

Why would anyone install a three door garage...

...with NO DOOR HANDLES?