First day of winter 2013

The previously mentioned snow "storm" was overrated.  The first real storm of this winter began last night.  5+ inches of snow.  I did my morning routine of brushing off the solar panels.  I was hoping for a little sun today and it did finally show it's face this afternoon.  There were three solid days of thick cloud cover and no wind.  The batteries made it through the first day and night of clouds.  But by the evening of the second day I had to run the generator to charge them back up and again the following evening.

The driveway is filled with snow so my vehicles won't be leaving today.  The wind was supposed to pick up (more power) but it doesn't appear to have done so.  :(. Although, all of this snow and no wind would better my chances of getting the drive cleared and me free to go as I desire.  However, wind would supply me with more power...always the dilemma.  But, the temperature is supposed to drop and so the man with the blade and tractor is in no hurry to come out and play in the snow with its layer of ice underneath.  The bright side, and it is bright, the colder temperatures usually mean sun.  And there was sun.

More good news, the wood pile seems to be doing ok.  If I figure one row a month, there are two rows left which should be January and February.   Yes, I know there are a few more weeks in December, but there are still some logs yet to be cut and split that I didn't get to last year.