2016 was a good year

Just calculated that even with our mini-splits, we generated 84% of out electrical use with our solar panels in 2016. And that is in Maine folks.

Escape from Winter

For the first time, we took a week and escaped the Maine winter.  Of course, we would choose an El Nino year with little snow and moderate temps.  Doesn't matter - we had a great time in Naples, FL with friends.  Here are some shots of the week.

2015 - Year in Review

Reflecting on 2015

It seems that I just never find the time or have the need to post here anymore.  But, I do believe reflections on 2015 are in order.

The house still is performing wonderfully and since the addition of the mini-split systems, we are comfortable summer and winter.  We talk about replacing the front windows, but otherwise have not thoughts on any changes.

CH UCH VLA Basira Von Alpensee CGCA TDIA LTA THD RE RL1 RO1 BN

We lost Milos in September at nearly 11 years.  He is reeally missed, but we are happy with just the girl.  I have continued to work with her in Performance events.  You can follow her progress on my website.

Did not do much travelling - spent some time with great friends in Burlington, VT in the Fall.  It is a nice city to visit, and there is nothing like old-friends to make any trip a success.

Everyone remains healthy which is the best gift of all.

Long cold winter

It has been a long winter - or I am just getting older and they seem longer.  Today we have a high of about 13 degrees with very strong winds.  Doesn't deter the dogs though - guess it is good we have Leos.

Dogs Days of Winter

Sira becomes a Champion

Milos turns 10 years old!  

Two major events for our 4 footed family members.

Gone a week in winter - no heat - no freezing - a Testimonial to a bermed home

Testimonial for our bermed home in the Maine foothills - Closed it up on a Monday morning - no furnace - drapes pulled 1/2 way - temperatures ranged from the low 30's to single digits at night - and it snowed about 10-12 inches one day with wind - we returned in the middle of the night on the next Saturday - living room was 63 degrees and the back bedroom was 61.  Can anyone beat that?

Trip to Asheville

We met our long time friends and travelling companions in Asheville, NC for a wonderful short week of sight-seeing, reminiscing and dining in style.  Asheville is a very interesting city to visit with quite a mix of different cultures and places.

We spent a lot of the first day on touring the grounds and buildings of the Biltmore (Vanderbilt estate).  Found it to be quite interesting and it brought to life the episodes of Downton Abbey I have enjoyed.

The food scene is one not to be missed - the first night, we had a marvelous French dinner at an outside table - the Bouchon was very authentic and reminded us of our trips to Paris.  The next evening found us at the Mela Indian restaurant http://melaasheville.com/for some wonderful dishes with just a bit of zing.  And we could not leave North Carololina without BBQ - the casual atmosphere and delicious plates of steaming BBQ with real southern sides was enjoy by everyone at Luella's BBQ.

Following all these great meals and tourist attractions, we returned to The Lion and the Rose, our BandB for the trip.  A beautifully restored 1898 residence located in the quiet residential neighborhood of Montford.  This Inn is extremely welcoming and the proprietors could not be more helpful and friendly.   I could not close without mentioning the coffee delivered to our door every morning followed by a fabulous breakfast (the waffles were to die for)!

The route home took us through peak leaf season in New York, Vermont, New Hampshire and then home. Just a few pictures of the trip - I certainly would enjoy spending more time in Asheville!

Signs of Fall - Maine foothills 2014

We have had extraordinary warm (hot) weather these last few days.  The solar system is chugging away full time and the trees are being painted by mother nature.  Here are a few signs of Fall.

Apples - loved by all

Empty beds

Last delphinium - they bloomed all summer

Final flocks

Garden and painted trees

Guess which one is hungriest.

Sad sunflowers - the birds have nearly cleaned them out

Love the reds.

Milos - 9 years and 9 months old

Final pollen gatherer

Sira - 2 years and 9 months old

Beautiful backdrop - solar panels

makes me smile

Barn Hunting

Trying the sport of Barn Hunt with Sira.