Had some gastric problems last night. Turned out it was from the frozen dinner I ate yesterday morning. Pulled the box out of the trash to read the ingredients. Had milk, wheat, soy and eggs in it, each of which causes me some problems alone. Together? Yeesh. I hadn't checked the label because it wasn't expected. The meal was rotisserie chicken with mashed potatoes and green beans.
Over the next 15 days, only three forecasted below freezing at night, most nights around 40 degrees. The two coldest nights forecasted are the last two days of the 15 and will likely change but it's still frustrating.
Just as I expect an early spring, I also expect a short one. Which is why I'm trying to grow cooler weather crops so early. I expect temps to shoot straight from around 70 during the day to over 90 by late April. Narrow window for some crops. May have to plant more tall corn to shade some things on the north side of the garden. Didn't really want corn in some spots but until I have some small trees to serve the purpose..
Going to get started on the fence. If I work tonight, only have about 4 hours to work on it before I have to take a nap. Other choice is another 26-28 hour day. Can do it but not fond of it.
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
Passive/active air conditioning
Was reading on how to build a manual water pump but ran across an article on how to build your own air conditioner using a radiator core from a car. Not a bad idea.
It brought back to mind an idea I had for cooling the solarium and possibly the house in the summer. However, taking it a step further.
Original idea involved using solar chimney design for passive ventilation. Then the idea came to mind to add water-soaked filters to cool the air being drawn in. That would result in a large evaporative cooler effect.
Now another aspect comes to mind to make the whole thing more efficient. At least, most likely. Since the water to the well runs quite some distance underground, the water should be rather cold. (May drop a thermometer down the well on a line to see how cold.) By pumping water from the well through small insulated lines to the filters it would make the whole system cooler. Then the water could be used directly or indirectly to irrigate the garden. Similar system could be used for a window unit for the house. Using very small lines would mean needing a smaller pump, possibly run by solar.
An idea to play around with, any way.
It brought back to mind an idea I had for cooling the solarium and possibly the house in the summer. However, taking it a step further.
Original idea involved using solar chimney design for passive ventilation. Then the idea came to mind to add water-soaked filters to cool the air being drawn in. That would result in a large evaporative cooler effect.
Now another aspect comes to mind to make the whole thing more efficient. At least, most likely. Since the water to the well runs quite some distance underground, the water should be rather cold. (May drop a thermometer down the well on a line to see how cold.) By pumping water from the well through small insulated lines to the filters it would make the whole system cooler. Then the water could be used directly or indirectly to irrigate the garden. Similar system could be used for a window unit for the house. Using very small lines would mean needing a smaller pump, possibly run by solar.
An idea to play around with, any way.
Near bottom
Getting close to the bottom of the mulch pile. What remains is about 1/4 of the original size.
Noted while spreading the mulch several things. Some of this mulch is not well cut. Lots of small branches which were not run through the shredder. Lots of people wouldn't use the larger pieces but I see an advantage to it. Using the larger pieces in the lower spaces of the garden (trenches between mounds) protects the sides of the mounds. It also helps support the finer mulch placed on top of the mounds. In a short time the larger pieces will no longer be so large. Between water, sun, traffic from planting and natural decomposition, it will break down.
Obviously, I got canceled from work tonight.
Looks like I do have materials to build a fence. I can build it using some of the remains of the wooden fence I took down along the south of the yard last year. Only I'll be using the slats sideways. Use some of the scrap wood for posts. Instead of setting it in the ground, I'll use some of the cinder blocks for a base. That'll leave the fence somewhat moveable. May not look completely attractive but it could be painted later.
Family Dollar started putting out their spring items. They have seed packets for $0.25 each. And they have a fairly decent seelection of vegetable seeds. So I got some different varieties of carrots, spinach, cucumbers, corn and watermelon. I figure trying a variety increases chances of success.
When I wrote about seeing broccoli sprouts, I had only seen a couple. Wasn't really sure the dog had not displaced many of the seeds. Today I saw a number more sprouts coming up. Though I like broccoli, best part of this is that it demonstrates the soil is in shape and conditions are right for planting. So I'm not being foolish planting this early. While everything I do is based on research and previous less intense experimentation, I do still have questions and doubts. Have I composted enough? Treated enough? Too much? Is there anything in all the previously bare soil which will just not allow growth? Am I indeed foolish for planting so early or will we have a repeat of last year, with a snowstorm coming along and killing anything I planted? No way to predict. Just have to hope my predictions of an early spring are correct.
Noted while spreading the mulch several things. Some of this mulch is not well cut. Lots of small branches which were not run through the shredder. Lots of people wouldn't use the larger pieces but I see an advantage to it. Using the larger pieces in the lower spaces of the garden (trenches between mounds) protects the sides of the mounds. It also helps support the finer mulch placed on top of the mounds. In a short time the larger pieces will no longer be so large. Between water, sun, traffic from planting and natural decomposition, it will break down.
Obviously, I got canceled from work tonight.
Looks like I do have materials to build a fence. I can build it using some of the remains of the wooden fence I took down along the south of the yard last year. Only I'll be using the slats sideways. Use some of the scrap wood for posts. Instead of setting it in the ground, I'll use some of the cinder blocks for a base. That'll leave the fence somewhat moveable. May not look completely attractive but it could be painted later.
Family Dollar started putting out their spring items. They have seed packets for $0.25 each. And they have a fairly decent seelection of vegetable seeds. So I got some different varieties of carrots, spinach, cucumbers, corn and watermelon. I figure trying a variety increases chances of success.
When I wrote about seeing broccoli sprouts, I had only seen a couple. Wasn't really sure the dog had not displaced many of the seeds. Today I saw a number more sprouts coming up. Though I like broccoli, best part of this is that it demonstrates the soil is in shape and conditions are right for planting. So I'm not being foolish planting this early. While everything I do is based on research and previous less intense experimentation, I do still have questions and doubts. Have I composted enough? Treated enough? Too much? Is there anything in all the previously bare soil which will just not allow growth? Am I indeed foolish for planting so early or will we have a repeat of last year, with a snowstorm coming along and killing anything I planted? No way to predict. Just have to hope my predictions of an early spring are correct.
Monday, February 28, 2011
Front yard
Did some work on the front yard this morning. Planted some corn, pumpkin (big max) and flowers, including lots of red marigolds. Then mulched that area fairly well.
I see sprouts! One of the first rows I planted is showing signs of life. Seems to be broccoli peeking out.
The dog already dug up one of the strawberry roots and one or two onions. We had a talk. If she keeps digging things up, she'll be tied up until I can build the fence.
Planted more corn and spinach this morning. Was going to plant carrots there but I have potatoes planted there. List of companion plants says carrots and potatoes don't play well together. That's okay, can plant carrots nearly everywhere else.
Also planted dill next to the cucumbers. It's supposed to deter cucumber and squash beetles. With cucumbers and watermelons being closely related, should help protect both. Also helps repel aphids. Hmm. Maybe I should plant more of it. Mix in a couple of marigold plants and not many bugs will be attracted to that spot.
I see sprouts! One of the first rows I planted is showing signs of life. Seems to be broccoli peeking out.
The dog already dug up one of the strawberry roots and one or two onions. We had a talk. If she keeps digging things up, she'll be tied up until I can build the fence.
Planted more corn and spinach this morning. Was going to plant carrots there but I have potatoes planted there. List of companion plants says carrots and potatoes don't play well together. That's okay, can plant carrots nearly everywhere else.
Also planted dill next to the cucumbers. It's supposed to deter cucumber and squash beetles. With cucumbers and watermelons being closely related, should help protect both. Also helps repel aphids. Hmm. Maybe I should plant more of it. Mix in a couple of marigold plants and not many bugs will be attracted to that spot.
Out of mind
Something which was out of mind over the weekend was the digging which has been going on in front of the house. The gas company finished laying new pipes, for which they did a lot of horizontal work like pulling new pipe through existing holes where the old pipes had been. But now the public works are following and digging huge trenches to install drainage pipes. Nice that it's happening. Think the street will be repaved and curbs installed after that. All of which increases safety, makes the area more attractive and will increase property value.
However, combined with the winds, it's even more of a problem for my allergies. Been walking around with what I call "the Vincent Price look" for days now. Oh, well. My allergies still aren't as bad as they were many years ago.
Temps dropped down to the 20's last night. One good thing about my garden placement at this time of year is that it catches the last of the sun in the evening and first sun in the morning. That changes along with the sun's angle later. The house blocks early direct sun and trees block direct evening sun for much of the garden. This is all good for the intensity of the sun here. Indirect sun and existing heat are quite enough. In the now formed north side the garden will be further shielded by higher trees to the west and one tree to the east (though I will be taking that one down sometime).
Part of my design for the solarium includes levered shades which can be moved to adjust light and heat for various times of day and year. I've never seen this done or heard mention of it for any other solarium or greenhouse. They'll be light on one side and dark on the other to help reflect, concentrate and retain heat and light in the winter but deflect and shade in the summer. My hope is to someday add servo controls and possibly sensors and/or computer controls.
Lighting can be done with strings of LED lights, alternating strings of red, blue and yellow or white to extend growing into winter months. The prices have continued to come down on them, though bulk purchase during or after Christmas would be best. They consume little enough power that they would combine perfectly with a solar electric system.
All that will take time and the solarium has to be built before any of those plans can take place. And that has to wait for now until after the bankruptcy. Kinda sucks but should still be able to get some of it done this year.
However, combined with the winds, it's even more of a problem for my allergies. Been walking around with what I call "the Vincent Price look" for days now. Oh, well. My allergies still aren't as bad as they were many years ago.
Temps dropped down to the 20's last night. One good thing about my garden placement at this time of year is that it catches the last of the sun in the evening and first sun in the morning. That changes along with the sun's angle later. The house blocks early direct sun and trees block direct evening sun for much of the garden. This is all good for the intensity of the sun here. Indirect sun and existing heat are quite enough. In the now formed north side the garden will be further shielded by higher trees to the west and one tree to the east (though I will be taking that one down sometime).
Part of my design for the solarium includes levered shades which can be moved to adjust light and heat for various times of day and year. I've never seen this done or heard mention of it for any other solarium or greenhouse. They'll be light on one side and dark on the other to help reflect, concentrate and retain heat and light in the winter but deflect and shade in the summer. My hope is to someday add servo controls and possibly sensors and/or computer controls.
Lighting can be done with strings of LED lights, alternating strings of red, blue and yellow or white to extend growing into winter months. The prices have continued to come down on them, though bulk purchase during or after Christmas would be best. They consume little enough power that they would combine perfectly with a solar electric system.
All that will take time and the solarium has to be built before any of those plans can take place. And that has to wait for now until after the bankruptcy. Kinda sucks but should still be able to get some of it done this year.
Sunday, February 27, 2011
Various thoughts
No work tonight. Seems there was a miscommunication and I'm scheduled for tomorrow night. It's okay, the hospital said they had no staffing needs. Then again, I knew there would be no shift tonight when I found out who the shift supervisor today was.
Spent more time inside today than I have in months without working. Rather sucks but even with the little time I spent outside my allergies have run rampant. Feel like sand is coming out of my tear ducts.
Been thinking about a lot of things. While I've been having a rough time for a while, my eyes are not closed to what happens beyond my own life. Though the only life I have any power over is my own.
I don't have a lot of faith in the current infrastructure or that basic necessities will remain affordable to all Americans in coming years. I think a lot of people are going to wind up in situations similar to what I've been through for some months now.
Even if I'm wrong, I still prefer to learn skills and have preparations to establish more independence from public utilities which have been severely mismanaged for decades and only get worse.
I mentioned the design for a wood burning stove which would be highly efficient. Pellet stoves are good but expensive and will not burn regular wood if pellets are not available. So I plan on building the wood stove. Even if I can't use it while my daughter is here it would be a good thing to have in the house for security. Combine that with modifications to the house to make it more energy efficient and cost effective.
Definitely going to start investing in solar panels sometime this year. One big problem for me is a common one- figuring out the size of the system needed. Because of that and cost, it will have to be built a little at a time.
I want to find a well pump. Preferably one that is optionally electric or manual. If I can't find that then I just may go with a manual pump. Together with a reservoir or couple of rain barrels would be a workable setup. It would be good to learn how to make activated charcoal filter systems and maybe reverse osmosis.
Last few things I can think of are that I want to learn are how to build a still for multiple reasons. Purify vinegar or water. Possibly alcohol for fuel, drinking, medicine. I already know how to ferment basic alcohol, so it would be a good thing to learn. Illegal to use that knowledge right now but good to know how. Also want to learn how to make methane and basic ethanol.
All of this probably makes me sound like a hippie or survivalist. I'm neither one. Just knowledge I find it prudent to have. Possibly even foolish to not learn in our current world.
Spent more time inside today than I have in months without working. Rather sucks but even with the little time I spent outside my allergies have run rampant. Feel like sand is coming out of my tear ducts.
Been thinking about a lot of things. While I've been having a rough time for a while, my eyes are not closed to what happens beyond my own life. Though the only life I have any power over is my own.
I don't have a lot of faith in the current infrastructure or that basic necessities will remain affordable to all Americans in coming years. I think a lot of people are going to wind up in situations similar to what I've been through for some months now.
Even if I'm wrong, I still prefer to learn skills and have preparations to establish more independence from public utilities which have been severely mismanaged for decades and only get worse.
I mentioned the design for a wood burning stove which would be highly efficient. Pellet stoves are good but expensive and will not burn regular wood if pellets are not available. So I plan on building the wood stove. Even if I can't use it while my daughter is here it would be a good thing to have in the house for security. Combine that with modifications to the house to make it more energy efficient and cost effective.
Definitely going to start investing in solar panels sometime this year. One big problem for me is a common one- figuring out the size of the system needed. Because of that and cost, it will have to be built a little at a time.
I want to find a well pump. Preferably one that is optionally electric or manual. If I can't find that then I just may go with a manual pump. Together with a reservoir or couple of rain barrels would be a workable setup. It would be good to learn how to make activated charcoal filter systems and maybe reverse osmosis.
Last few things I can think of are that I want to learn are how to build a still for multiple reasons. Purify vinegar or water. Possibly alcohol for fuel, drinking, medicine. I already know how to ferment basic alcohol, so it would be a good thing to learn. Illegal to use that knowledge right now but good to know how. Also want to learn how to make methane and basic ethanol.
All of this probably makes me sound like a hippie or survivalist. I'm neither one. Just knowledge I find it prudent to have. Possibly even foolish to not learn in our current world.
Wind storm
Went ahead and planted the rest of the strawberry roots this morning. I'll get one more package to plant with my daughter. (If she's actually interested. If not, plant them myself.) That will make two full rows.
Not getting anything else done outside today. Too windy. It was calmer but slightly windy while I was planting but kicked up to a constant 30 mph with gusts over 40. And colder. Possibility of a little snow this morning and rain this afternoon.
Scheduled for work tonight, so I don't mind the weather too much. It increases the odds that I won't be canceled.
Each revision to the weather forecast predicts increasing temperatures and more nights around 40 degrees, less below freezing. So it's safer and safer to plant cold tolerant crops. Only thing planted so far I have doubts about are watermelons and cucumbers but both were planted in the last 2-3 days. I saw last year that seeds planted too early simply lie dormant until conditions are right for them. Makes sense, as that's what all plants do which produce seeds.
Looked up some prices. Should be able to build a basic fence for under $20. That's using wood I have in the yard and possibly plastic poultry netting. I'd rather it be something stronger but can't spend the extra money for a while. Good part is that the netting can be salvaged later for trellises. If I wait too long, the dog will destroy the garden. Even if she doesn't dig, she runs across the tops of the rows, knocking off the mulch and top layers of soil.
I have to admit that my plans for the yard and garden never included a dog. This is a good dog but I'm not that much into pets that require a lot of attention. Rabbits and chickens are more my style.
Not getting anything else done outside today. Too windy. It was calmer but slightly windy while I was planting but kicked up to a constant 30 mph with gusts over 40. And colder. Possibility of a little snow this morning and rain this afternoon.
Scheduled for work tonight, so I don't mind the weather too much. It increases the odds that I won't be canceled.
Each revision to the weather forecast predicts increasing temperatures and more nights around 40 degrees, less below freezing. So it's safer and safer to plant cold tolerant crops. Only thing planted so far I have doubts about are watermelons and cucumbers but both were planted in the last 2-3 days. I saw last year that seeds planted too early simply lie dormant until conditions are right for them. Makes sense, as that's what all plants do which produce seeds.
Looked up some prices. Should be able to build a basic fence for under $20. That's using wood I have in the yard and possibly plastic poultry netting. I'd rather it be something stronger but can't spend the extra money for a while. Good part is that the netting can be salvaged later for trellises. If I wait too long, the dog will destroy the garden. Even if she doesn't dig, she runs across the tops of the rows, knocking off the mulch and top layers of soil.
I have to admit that my plans for the yard and garden never included a dog. This is a good dog but I'm not that much into pets that require a lot of attention. Rabbits and chickens are more my style.
Saturday, February 26, 2011
More wind
Daughter and I didn't go far today. Weather was erratic and windy all day. So we mostly hung around at home except for going out to eat lunch.
This morning she helped me plant flower and watermelon seeds and one package of strawberries. She got bored and asked to plant the other package next weekend. Sure thing.
We watched a movie and played all afternoon.
Both of us are always sad when she has to leave. I really hope I can get more work in the coming weeks so I can get another vehicle and spend more time with her. This sucks.
This morning she helped me plant flower and watermelon seeds and one package of strawberries. She got bored and asked to plant the other package next weekend. Sure thing.
We watched a movie and played all afternoon.
Both of us are always sad when she has to leave. I really hope I can get more work in the coming weeks so I can get another vehicle and spend more time with her. This sucks.
Translucent plastic
Well, daytime temps are still good in the forecast but now calls for even more nights in the 20's for the next few weeks. No hard freezes and temps have been dropping later and later. Not even 8 AM yet and outside temp is about 40. But supposed to get colder this week. Aarrgh!
Guess my next tactic will have to be covering at least some of the garden with translucent plastic. Not a bad choice, since it will not only retain heat but moisture. I'll try to decrease the work load involved by running what drip hoses are still good before laying the plastic down. Try to capitalize on it by planting more seeds first. The environment under the plastic will be a good greenhouse effect for seeds and small seedlings. The mulch helps by taking most weight off the seedlings and allowing more air to be retained. If I can keep the plastic off the bottom of the rows it will allow for better air circulation.
It's frustrating but try to turn it into as much of a positive as I can. Some people use plastic cups but I can't do that because the dog would just chew them up even if I could anchor them well enough with the mulch. May be a blessing in disguise, since I wouldn't even be thinking of this if temps were just a little higher. Which means I would wait longer to plant many things out.
Looked up how to start your own onion sets last night. Think I'll do that this year for next year. Let a few onions go to seed this year, harvest the seeds and then grow the sets late in the summer. Buy some more seeds to add to them.
Got to bed around 10 last night. Up around 7 this morning. Now I need to clean house a bit before daughter gets here.
Guess my next tactic will have to be covering at least some of the garden with translucent plastic. Not a bad choice, since it will not only retain heat but moisture. I'll try to decrease the work load involved by running what drip hoses are still good before laying the plastic down. Try to capitalize on it by planting more seeds first. The environment under the plastic will be a good greenhouse effect for seeds and small seedlings. The mulch helps by taking most weight off the seedlings and allowing more air to be retained. If I can keep the plastic off the bottom of the rows it will allow for better air circulation.
It's frustrating but try to turn it into as much of a positive as I can. Some people use plastic cups but I can't do that because the dog would just chew them up even if I could anchor them well enough with the mulch. May be a blessing in disguise, since I wouldn't even be thinking of this if temps were just a little higher. Which means I would wait longer to plant many things out.
Looked up how to start your own onion sets last night. Think I'll do that this year for next year. Let a few onions go to seed this year, harvest the seeds and then grow the sets late in the summer. Buy some more seeds to add to them.
Got to bed around 10 last night. Up around 7 this morning. Now I need to clean house a bit before daughter gets here.
Friday, February 25, 2011
On the edge
Mentioned errands in my earlier post. Those errands involved pulling things back from the edge.
Got my tax refund back last night. Minus a good chunk for taxes still owed from last year. Then finally got my pay from working Monday night. Sounds good but I've been so far behind that it only made me less so.
Most of the money went to the mortgage. Still didn't bring it entirely current but hopefully enough to take foreclosure off the table for the bank. Should be enough.
Other parts went to avoiding the water being turned off and default on the ex's vehicle. Paid a bit more to bring the student loan current.
Have about a week to avoid having the (recently massively inflated) gas turned off. I'll make it. In the same period, need to try and pay another $500 toward the mortgage to bring it fully current. Otherwise, just hope I've paid enough to hold them off a short while longer. But the old agency ceasing daily pay doesn't help. And of course I need to get enough together to pay the retaining fee to the lawyer as quickly as I can. Somehwere in there I need to get the scooter running. Then I can think about getting the power back on.
Sounds like a lot but if I keep getting work it can all happen and change for the positive in a few short weeks.
In the meantime, this combination has much to do with my obsession with the garden. Some would say that I spend too much on the garden. Truth is that I spend $10 a week or less on the garden and virtually nothing in the winter. It's more an issue of effort. I do still buy seeds but less and less over time. I look for deals on seeds. I've learned how to harvest many kinds of seeds. Collecting and composting leaves. Making my own vinegar to adjust the soil pH. Unintentionally talking my way into several tons of mulch. Using household ammonia for fertilizer.. In all, I'm not exactly spending a fortune.
It helps relieve stress and gives me goals, things to work on and hope for.
Well, if nothing else, I'll be prepared if society collapses!
Got my tax refund back last night. Minus a good chunk for taxes still owed from last year. Then finally got my pay from working Monday night. Sounds good but I've been so far behind that it only made me less so.
Most of the money went to the mortgage. Still didn't bring it entirely current but hopefully enough to take foreclosure off the table for the bank. Should be enough.
Other parts went to avoiding the water being turned off and default on the ex's vehicle. Paid a bit more to bring the student loan current.
Have about a week to avoid having the (recently massively inflated) gas turned off. I'll make it. In the same period, need to try and pay another $500 toward the mortgage to bring it fully current. Otherwise, just hope I've paid enough to hold them off a short while longer. But the old agency ceasing daily pay doesn't help. And of course I need to get enough together to pay the retaining fee to the lawyer as quickly as I can. Somehwere in there I need to get the scooter running. Then I can think about getting the power back on.
Sounds like a lot but if I keep getting work it can all happen and change for the positive in a few short weeks.
In the meantime, this combination has much to do with my obsession with the garden. Some would say that I spend too much on the garden. Truth is that I spend $10 a week or less on the garden and virtually nothing in the winter. It's more an issue of effort. I do still buy seeds but less and less over time. I look for deals on seeds. I've learned how to harvest many kinds of seeds. Collecting and composting leaves. Making my own vinegar to adjust the soil pH. Unintentionally talking my way into several tons of mulch. Using household ammonia for fertilizer.. In all, I'm not exactly spending a fortune.
It helps relieve stress and gives me goals, things to work on and hope for.
Well, if nothing else, I'll be prepared if society collapses!
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