Energy Audit

We had our energy audit yesterday. The energy advisor was packing up the equipment by the time I got home from work, but I did get to hear his preliminary evaluation. Our house is pretty good. The attic, upstairs and the basement are where they should be as far as R-value. The main floor walls are log so, short of framing, insulating and drywalling over them, there's not much that can be done to improve them. They're pretty tight anyway and, let's face it, covering the logs ain't gonna happen.

We're getting new windows next week and will have 18 months from yesterday to change them out in order to qualify for the rebate. Changing out 6 windows covers the cost of the audit. After that, the rebates help pay for the new windows. You can look here, to see what's covered. Most provinces and territories also have complementary programs. Ontario matches the feds. The auditor doesn't normally recommend changing windows as it doesn't usually improve on the energy efficiencies in a house anyway. I think he said you're going to get around R3 or R4 for the hole in the wall called a window. No matter how great that window is, it's still a hole in the wall. I'll just be really really happy when ALL of my windows open again. And getting rid of those bloody casements will be like Christmas all year. Imagine, sliding a window up and catching a nice breeze in the summer instead of winding the window out and blocking the breeze because the damn window opens the wrong way. I sound bitter. I'm over it.

We have a 12-year old oil furnace that runs at about 83% efficiency. Paul wondered about replacing it with combination wood/oil but the advisor hasn't seen one efficient enough to qualify. It'd be nice not to depend on oil (or the grid, for that matter, but that's a whole other story). We'll think on that. I asked about solar hot water. There are rebates available but his opinion is to give it a few years as he doesn't feel the technology is here yet. Interesting. He will also include in his report a section on geo-thermal. I think that's one thing Paul and I wish we had known something about back when this place was a hayfield with a hole in the ground waiting for a house to go up. Probably a little late now but worth a look anyway.

So that's it. Now the work begins. Take a look at the links. Maybe it'd be worth your time too.

Braces, Audits and Food Charters

We had a follow-up at the orthodontist today for Ri. A couple weeks ago she was in and they formed her molds; today he went over the plan and *deep breath* presented us with the quote. Wow. The practice is in a very nice building and that arcade-like room really is something. (Nolie even asks to go.) I'm glad they'll be able to keep it going for another couple of years. Oh, did I mention we're getting new windows? We are. They should be in next week. So today I asked if we could put Riley's 'installation' off until February or March to give us a little time to catch our breath from the window bill. It's a darn good thing we're made of money. (Mental note: buy lottery ticket.) Ri's scheduled to get her braces at the end of February. Donations graciously accepted. No. Seriously.

Since we're getting new windows, we decided to have an energy audit done on the house. A little backward, I know, but it will show us where else we can make improvements and, well, they'll give us credit towards new windows. We've been talking about new windows for years because the ones we have are, um, crap. And now's as good a time as any with the government offering credits on home renovations. After the audit, we'll have 18 months to make changes and have them back in for a follow-up. Donations still graciously accepted.

Tonight I had an email from Andy, my apple tree guru, about a public meeting next week in Cambray on the Future of our Farm and Food System. Discussions will include info on a Food Charter for City of Kawartha Lakes with a presentation by a member of the Durham Food Charter. Check out this link to read more on that.

Not much else going on around here. Although, I reckon that's probably enough.

*clink*

Aw, hey. Dorito. Look everyone! Dorito donated a penny. What a pal. Thanks palsie.

Enjoy the rest of the week, everyone. ;-)

Water Diversion Proposal

Paul's out tonight on a fact-finding mission. (Sounds very spy-like, doesn't it?) He's in Millbrook for an information session on the proposed water diversion from Millbrook to Fraserville. The township wants to pump artesian water (from wells that supply the people of Millbrook) 12 kilometres to a new, as yet unbuilt, development in Fraserville. There's been talk of developing the land around the casino for some time. The casino, by the way, must have its water trucked in as there's not enough on site to supply it. (How's that for sustainable?) There's more info here and here. And a petition, here.

It'll be interesting to hear what Paul has to say when he gets home....

(some time later)

This just in...

Strawberries and Frogs

My back is killing me and I'm sunburnt. You know why that's great? It means I got lots done in the garden this weekend.

My wee little strawberry patch was in desperate need of help. Who invented grass, anyway? I spent hours pulling dandelions and grass. I must admit, I suddenly understood why pesticides and such came to be. However, it's done now and looks so much better. Looks like I lost several plants over the winter but I picked up a bundle of them last week and in they went today.

My helper, Nolan, waterer-extraordinaire, I might add, assisted me with some of the digging and watering. And what a worm-finder! That boy's got a gift, I tell ya. During our breaks, which at times were frequent, we'd head out to one of the bogs and hunt for frogs. Like this one...


Over the weekend, I think we found a grand total of seven. We also took a look at this website and we'll see if we can contribute.

Our neighbour Greg was able to reconnect his tractor and tiller after 'converting' it into something else (and forgetting how the belt laid out - says he'll take pictures next time :o) ) and was good enough to drive it over this afternoon for our use. The garden, much to Paul's chagrin, is going to be bigger again this year. There's a good chance I, too, will regret this as weeding gets out of hand at the best of times, but, what the heck? We've got the room so might as well make it productive. And, yes, I admit, it may kill me, but I figure, with Nolie by my side digging up weeds (mostly) and never ever drowning plants - Look Mum, muck! - I've got it covered.

This week I'm looking forward to more blackfly bites (well, maybe not) and an achey back. And soon, the first strawberries. Mmmm.

As Long As The Bats Aren't In My Belfry

Did you know that mosquitoes like swampy areas? (Living in the middle of one, I can attest to this fact.) And did you know that bats can eat hundreds of mosquitoes in a night? That's a pretty good reason to make them feel at home. Or better yet, to actually make them a home. This weekend, Paul built a bat house using these plans. Once it's painted black, he'll attach it to a pole in the backyard. The timing's good as they'll soon be coming out of hibernation and returning to the swamp. Wonder if they eat blackflies?