The biggest inconvenience is our well not running. We had plenty of bottled water and some buckets of water for toilets. However, I am hoping that within the next year we can reestablish the gravity fed underground mountain stream. If we can get that hooked up in the house (the line is already run almost to the house), we can have water even when the power is out (at least on the downstairs level - there may not be enough pressure to carry it upstairs without a pump). This is a huge priority project for me, as we seem to lose power in big chunks of time off and on, and water is a necessity!
Readers, have you had much bad weather this winter?
I do hate to lose water in the house. I have lived where you don't when the power goes out (but it's cold) and you do. How nice to have it regardless. I hope you get the rest of the line run soon too. :)
ReplyDeleteThe cost of solar is coming down to the point its worth the investment. Imagine turning one of your fields into a solar farm and SELLING electricity back to the power company.
ReplyDeleteThat wind was so cold yesterday that I found some frozen words from a conversation the day before.
ReplyDeleteOur spring runs even in the coldest weather but if the power is out we have to go down the hill to get water. That is what the original inhabitants did over 200 years ago and the Indians who camped here before that. Maybe you could have a solar/battery water pump set up for emergencies and maybe regular drinking water if the water source is really good.
ReplyDeleteWe really haven't had much bad weather, even when we're supposed to.
ReplyDeletehere in the south of France no we've had exceptional weather for us, perhaps the birds and plants trees would have preferred at least a few days of a Winter. oh boy to the no running water-those icicles are pretty.
ReplyDeleteIsn't that the big deal? Water... Someone suggested I simply melt some snow, at one point, not realizing how complicated that really is!
ReplyDeleteWhat I found funny was taking the flashlight into another room, intent on finding another flashlight, and trying to put the room light on automatically!
The worst is not having running water in the house. Great photo of the icicles.
ReplyDeleteGlad to read you were so prepared! Tell more about that solar cell phone charger!
ReplyDeleteI'm SUPER Impressed . . . now that I'm somewhat used to city dwelling . . there are tons of things taken for granted . .
ReplyDeleteYou have reminded me of mountain living - years ago - and made me grateful all over again, to know you - even this little bit.
Thank you . . . Hope that line is finished this year.
love & love,
-g-
Winter? What's that?
ReplyDeleteWhat about a large battery bank to run the well pump on demand?
Outstanding capture!
ReplyDeleteThat's the worst thing about losing electricity in rural areas--no water. We have water because we're on town water, but we still have to be prepared because sometimes the cold also brings waterline breaks. We would love to put in a whole-house generator, but it's pretty costly.
ReplyDeleteOh you are well prepared and the solar chargers worked that is great. Water is necessary we are the same here. Hug B
ReplyDeleteBeen fairly mild Winter here. A few cold spells but only small amounts of snow. Have you thought about a hand pump alternative for when the power is out? I have one on my cistern for backup.
ReplyDeleteyou're really making progress towards self-sufficiency.
ReplyDeleteWe have had very strange weather this winter - but we do have a huge generator out behind the garage. Two nights ago, wicked winds. Sounds like you know how to be prepared! But it is a nuisance when improvising with water.
ReplyDeleteheerlijke tijd om met de jongens van te genieten.
ReplyDeleteThe weather has been rather strange everywhere, I'd say, this year! So glad you have that wood stove, and I hope you can get the hookup with the stream.
ReplyDeleteYou seem to take everything in stride, Lisa. I admire you for that, among other things.
xoxo
Glad that everything turned out okay for you and your family. Sounds like you were prepared for it.
ReplyDeleteI often forget that you guys are on a real farm, which is nice. I hope the pump project can happen soon for you! :)
ReplyDeleteGeorgia has had a mild winter with a lot of rain. It was last March when we had an ice storm and we lost power for 5 days. It is interesting to learn about how self-sufficient your home is becoming. Hope you guys are enjoying the weekend.
ReplyDeleteSnow, ice, can't look! I am overwhelmed with it!
ReplyDeleteI love your boys! How good they can appreciate music! You're a great mom!(ツ) from Cottage Country Ontario , ON, Canada!
We are on a shallow spring too, and we loose power a lot. We have had to carry buckets of water from the pond to flush toilets. When we loose power,, that means the pellet stove doesnot work, so thank goodness we have a wood stove in a small back roo . It sou ds like you are very prepared for your power out times.
ReplyDeleteLove
Tweedles
That's what worries me most about the power going out. It's a long walk from the pond if you're carrying a bucket!
ReplyDeleteWow, you were hit by that storm hard. We had about an inch of snow before it turned to ice and then rain. It gave Lewie a snow day, but we were fortunate enough to still have power. I'm glad you were all able to stay warm!!
ReplyDeleteNYC has been in subzero as well lately. We have some snow but the coldest day in the year is due to the wind :)
ReplyDeleteThat's the biggest aggravation about losing power, in my opinion. :)
ReplyDeleteLooks like it was gorgeous for taking photos, though.