Solar Panels, and Toys

This month is really going by..can hardly believe its almost over soon. Been a very hot one for us and we are SO looking forward to cooler weather...this morning, I woke up early and saw the sky was covered with gray clouds....and a little cooler.

About 10 days ago, we signed the paperwork for our solar panels. It will be about 6 weeks for them to begin construction. There are 45 people ahead of us so we are on the waiting list.  When they go on, our house  will be  65% solar and 45% electricity until we can upgrade our electrical panel which we fully intend on doing ASAP. Our electric panel is on the small side. When we get the larger panel, our usage will be 90% solar and only 10% from the electric company. If you are reading this, and live in Southern California, you too can go solar with no cost to you. The solar company puts in the panels, takes care of all the city and state paperwork, also maintains the panels. You just pay them a set rate for your power, at a much lower rate than the electric company. Our bill will go from around $225 to $125 and that is a set rate no matter how much you use. California Edison is set to increase rates next year and again in 2014..up to 28%. The solar company has a A+ rating with  Better Business. I couldn't find any online complaints either.

Our little Jayden (our grandson) is now taking his first steps...I don't have a photo yet of him standing on his own but last night he walked about 5 ft all by himself. He had a nice birthday, actually two little parties...with lots of gifts which he is enjoying..the kids took photos and I will try to get some to post later. He really likes balls, and has all different types from large beach type balls to  smaller ones...we got him a Ball Popper for his birthday which he loves.....

Alan ordered it on Amazon....its so cute, plays different tunes, the balls go around and pop out the top, then roll down the shoot to start over again...he loves it.

 I also ordered him a nice little handmade wooden car to play with from a Etsy seller.....and plan on ordered several more when he's older...Wisconsin Wood Chuck...this gentleman has so many wonderful handmade wooden toys...hope you check out his shop when you get the chance. His shipping is fast also...
That is about all for today.....I am still doing embroidery and working on several things but that will be for another day. Keep cool everyone!

Tuesday Chat about a number of things

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sorry I haven't posted very much...hot days of summer and not much going on. Except of course, for canning tomatoes and tomato soup. Constant cleaning up with the baby learning to eat on his own....we're all trying to teach him not to put everything he finds in his mouth but hand it to whatever grownup is around...he remembers about half the time which I think is good for a one year old. He's also talking somewhat, says mama and da da, bye bye, dog, and ka which is for cat. He also waves bye bye and understand alot more words now. The doctor thinks he is a little advanced probably because he gets much attention with so many in the house. His uncles (our younger son and our boarder) play with him and their girlfriends (his "aunts") give him alot of attention too. Plus us doting grandparents and his parents of course.
He's taken a few steps on his own and will be walking soon...then the fun begins trying to keep up with him (as we all well know.)

 

I've been trading with Nancy Huggins and she sent me this wonderful raggedy runner which is on our dining room table...I am giving her some of my embroidered towels and a stitchery or two in exchange...

Plus I've started cross stitching again and am making a wedding announcement stitchery for Nancy's granddaughter who is getting married. Cross stitching is my first love..its hard now to have time or space to do more than stitch here or there with the baby but I'm slowly getting it done.
I had a subscription to Cross Stitch Country  magazine and have kept every one plus Nancy sent me more she found at a thrift shop...I just love the darling country designs. Back in the 80s counted cross stitch was very popular and I hope it comes back into favor again...

Lastly...we are getting solar panels! and for free...(no, its not a government handout ) we can hardly believe it as we'd tried before and the cost was too high. I will tell you more about it later as we find out more but it looks good so far. California Edison is going to be raising their rates next year and again in 2014 to over 28% more per month...we will be able to save quite a bit of money by doing this and will be on a set rate...somewhere around $130 a month, winter and summer. Plus for a little extra on our part, we can put a switch in that will allow us to  use the solar energy directly in case of a power outage.

The world is getting to be a rather scary place so we're trying to prepare our family..both physically with growing our own food, getting solar power, etc. but spiritually as well. I think our country needs a new president but even if that happens, times will be tough for some time...there are no quick fixes as the country's problems are deep and wide. Christians are becoming increasingly marginalized and ridiculed for the media but the  people are fighting back which is evidenced by the whole Chic-Fil-A controversy.
This gives me hope that we will be alright.  Please vote this election, its so important!