Thursday, October 29, 2009

Life is way different now.

I'm just sitting here in my cozy little shack. All 192 square feet of it. And I am loving every minute of it so far. This is where I live, there's no turning back now. Today I just bought 6 new 12 volt deep cycle batteries for the power system. That will be much better than the two smaller ones I was using from the RV. If I want to nuke a cup of coffee with the microwave or make toast with the electric toaster, I just do it. No need to start the gen set right away. I don't have any solar panels up yet, but they would'nt have done much good the last couple of days anyway, with all the snow and cloudy weather. It snowed a bunch yesterday and today here. The snow has alot of disadvantages, but it also has some advantages. Since fall came and the leaves blew off the trees, I sorta lost some of my privacy. But with the new snow, I am totally secluded again, just the way I like it. The snow is making a bit of a mess around my house construction that I want to get moving on again soon. I hate to even uncover anything and start. This whole month was off and on wet and muddy and snowy, so if I were not in the process of moving out, I don't think I would have got much building done anyway. I can't even remember where I left off, but I am sure that it will come back to me soon. I also have a real strong feeling that work is going to phone me right at the beginning of November. I'm pretty sure that I am getting due for all our safety courses (first aid, h2s, whimis, and all that stuff). I am really not looking forward to all that. Who knows, maybe they don't want me there anymore (yaaaahhhh). lol.
I just tried downloading a picture again, and it just dos'nt seem to want to work for me. I even edited the photo first and brought it down to size. I don't know what's going on. My new internet service seems to run not to badly other than that. I'll get it all figured out eventually I hope. I love this lifestyle that I am living right now, even though I find myself really keeping an eye on things like propane, water, power and internet usage. Everything is more work. I now have to wash my dishes by hand, fire up the generator periodically and whatever else.
I can see by using the computer and monitoring my inverter display, that my new batteries are going to make life a whole lot simpler for me. Anyway, thats all for now.

10 comments:

  1. You are well on your way to a great lifestyle. Once all the kinks are ironed out life will be very enjoyable.

    I'm still adjusting to my small living quarters...Would not change a thing. Loving it.

    See Ya

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  2. Sounds like a plan in action, my friend! Just gotta love it when a plan comes together!

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  3. I can already see a great lifestyle happening Tony. I have talked and dreamed about this for a long time now. Your quarters are smaller than mine, but your weather is alot nicer I would think.

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  4. Hey Jim, the plan is full speed ahead. I might be a little slower in the building department, but it just dos'nt matter. I've already made it to where I wanted to be. Hopefully things keep rolling along smoothly.

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  5. Mark, it sounds pretty darned nice. Glad you're on your land now.... you've got all the time in the world to make things how you want them.

    I can picture you canoeing and riding your 4 wheeler a lot more next summer. :)

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  6. Your really getting it together, what are you using for propane heat, why did you go with 12 volt deep cycles and not 6 volts. wish you could post some pics. Your there now full time, the whole winter, gave up your other residence?
    i am in the truck yard, winter has not arrived yet, have had some cold weather but the last week has been good. all set up but going out for a weekend of camping next weekend, then settle in for the winter. just got in from re fueling the gennys, watching a movie tonite off the inverter,

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  7. Hey Jeanie, it is nice. The snow here is kind of a pain, but it sure is a beautiful thing to look at with all the trees. I could very easily hibernate here all winter and not even go to work. But I will probably work a little. A little bit of playing is defineately on the agenda for next summer I would think.

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  8. Hey Coal. I decided to just do it. I am out of my other place. The renter is'nt even suppose to be there until the end of the month, but she's already moved in, and lovin it. lol. I was going to use the place for a shower and laundry til the end of the month, but I can't even do that. lol. oh well, I just use the truck stops and bulk fuel stations for that. Cancelled my old phone and internet connection today. That is no longer my home and probably never will be again. But who knows for sure?
    The propane heat is just a direct vent 22,0000 btu space heater attached to the wall. It is old and has no forced air system, but so far it keeps the place toasty warm in temperatures around 0 and a bit colder. It is running about 45% of the time when I am in here and not opening the door. I've been running about 7 days so far on one 100 pounder and near as I can tell I still have a fair bit in there. When that one runs out it should automatically switch over to the other full one.
    I was all over town looking for good deals on batteries, I almost had some 6 volters but at the last minute I decided on the 27 size of 12 volters. The price was right. I think I have sufficient power for most of my daily needs. I fire the generator up every night anyway while I'm on the computer, just to make sure I have power when I need it. I filled my honda 2000 on the 26th and it just ran out today. It holds 4.1 liters. Thats less than one liter per day. My power bill should be less than $30.00/month at that rate. Although, I know there are hidden expenses such as maintenance and repairs. lol. When I get into my new house in the future, these batteries will go into my garage or other miscellaneous places. I realize that with the colder temperatures also I will lose some capacity but I still should be good, I hope.

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  9. Hermit,
    Im so happy that you are finally at your acreage. No turning back now. That is a life changing adjustment for sure. Someday I will be at my acreage too. Im glad that you are getting to tinker with DC power and seeing what works for you and think of the monthly utility costs you'll be saving. I use propane too but we dont have the extreme temperatures like you do. Coldest we have is probly the lower 20's. Snow is unheard of in these parts. Im sure you will find a way to protect the propane. I look forward to your pics and thanks for the update. Im so happy for you!!! ~Jen

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  10. Hey Jen, thanks. When I first took the plunge I sorta had my doubts, but now I know that it is going to work. So far so good. I hav'nt run the generator this month yet, except for when I changed the oil in it. Some day you'll probably be at your place and lovin it. Good luck to ya Jen.

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