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.