Today will be some "almosts."
Shots that just missed the subject(s).
Shots that just missed the subject(s).
Uschi zooms behind a lupine.
Vladi in full stride.
Uschi changes direction.
Tanji talking and walking.Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Almosts
Uschi zooms behind a lupine.Vladi in full stride.Uschi changes direction.Tanji talking and walking.
Monday, September 29, 2008
Spot-Tag
Tanji was ripping around the yard, then
jumped into Vladi's birch tree.Vladi saw this and
dashed over.Tanji had spotted him coming and was gone
by the time V-man arrived.
V shot
up
the
tree.
Tanji came zooming back.When Vladi turned,...
Tanji sprung away.
Vladi took up pursuit,
but T waited for the fluff tailed V to arrive.
"I'm outta here,..." TanjiVladi,... "No, wait,... lets play,..."
Sunday, September 28, 2008
V-Man & Goldi-Fin
V-Man was watching Goldi-Fin.
"Hey,... what are you doing?"
Goldi-Fin and friends were munching down on dinner.
Vladi intently watched as Goldi-fin approached,...
Saturday, September 27, 2008
Fishing For Pond Scum
Vladi was fishing in the pond,
Mmmmm, yummy.He then moved to the other side of the
little pond and
eyed the lilly pads.
pat, pat, pat,....
Come here you,...
Grrrr
Mmm, this is a good one,...
Vladi proudly holds his catch,
then slowly turns,...
Thursday, September 25, 2008
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
Family Walkies
The family headed out for our evening walk.
Lesley was styling in her Oregon Fall outfit.
"Rain-sponge" fleece coat, Pink Kitty Ears,
and Pink Kitty boots.
Lesley was styling in her Oregon Fall outfit.
"Rain-sponge" fleece coat, Pink Kitty Ears,
and Pink Kitty boots.
Tanji is ready to go.
The brown brothers found a piddle coveredsleeping mat that got tossed outside.
The brothers line up,...
Tanji stretches,...
While U & V stroll.
T & V enjoy a chair,...
V is off,...
exploring under T's watchful gaze,...Ooops,...
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Aqua-Vladi
Monday, September 22, 2008
Pushy Little Mink
This is what Vladi wants,a licking from Tanji.
Instead he got...
Petties from Mom!
No thanks, I'm outta here.
Tanjiiii?!?!
Uschiii?!?!"Someone needs to clean MEE!!"
Fine!, I'll check with Tanji again.
Pushy little mink.
Tanji is not amused.
Sunday, September 21, 2008
Saturday, September 20, 2008
Stripe and Baby Spots
The baby spots,
Likes Uschi,...He always wants
to know what his big striped brother is up to.But, typically,
Vladi has too much energy for Uschi.However, sometimes Uschi is game,...
Friday, September 19, 2008
Uschi Staring
U-bee
practicing
his
favorite
pass-time.
Staring away into his yard.
What,... ?!My other favorite thing to do is,...
Thursday, September 18, 2008
King of the Picnic Table
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
Brothers
Three Bengal Brothers,
ready to go out for a walk,...box inspections first however.
The "spots"
really like each other.("mommy-T" cleans everyone)
Big-Bro-U is close by too.
You're a little pushy, Vladi.
Ok, more lickies for you,...
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
Windy Dreams
Bengal Brother Pictures at the bottom,... >;-)
We have battled and cursed the "strong" winds that regularly rush across our property. When watering our little trees, the wind blows the water sideways, our little trees get blown over, our older trees all lean to the SE, our local utility poles all lean, our street signs all lean, my training buddies and I ride in the morning because by the afternoon, the winds are too strong to fight when riding for time. However, wind maps all say that we don't have "enough wind for a wind turbine."
We have battled and cursed the "strong" winds that regularly rush across our property. When watering our little trees, the wind blows the water sideways, our little trees get blown over, our older trees all lean to the SE, our local utility poles all lean, our street signs all lean, my training buddies and I ride in the morning because by the afternoon, the winds are too strong to fight when riding for time. However, wind maps all say that we don't have "enough wind for a wind turbine."Our little solar array charges batteries that run our interior lights, most of the time. However, we want to be more self-sustainable. So, we met with a solar contractor to inquire about adding a significant solar array to our roof. Such a system would be grid-tied (net-metered) turning our utility meter backwards when/if excess is produced. After state & federal incentives, a 3kW solar array which would cover ~33% our our electrical demand, would take 40 years to pay it back and cost $17,000!! upfront, not what we have in mind or wallet.
Again, I looked into wind, we get 8.3-10.4mph average winds (depending upon who's data you uses) at 10 meters height. This is "not enough wind for a turbine." So I researched and researched. I found some very nice wind turbines that were more of a sculpture than a wind mill,... However, none of these VAWTs (Vertical Axis Wind Turbines) currently qualify for state & federal incentives and the one we really liked, only produced about 8% of our consumption. Without the incentives we would be looking at a 151 year payback!! >;-(
For the heck of it I looked at the turbines that are on the qualified list. I've always liked these turbines, they are true heavy metal, solid, tested machines. After looking at all of the manufacturers and models, I selected four competing units, of different sizes (Skystream 1.8kW, Bergey 10kW, Gaia 11kW, and Jacobs 15-20kW). I started a spread sheet to actually compare the various units, to really look at the numbers. Some interesting things started to jump out. You actually get more incentives for the larger units because the incentives are based on rated and produced kilowatts. So the upfront cost differences are reduced.
The initial investment is only part of the picture. The smallest turbine would be the easiest to install but "only" supply about 33% of our utilities (we are 100% electric, no gas etc.). The larger turbines would cost slightly more upfront and be more complicated to install but would produce 90-250% of our demand. Although the larger turbines are more expensive they should pay for themselves in a similar time frame as the smaller/cheaper turbine, about 13years. After this time we would never have a utility bill again. Additionally, any excess production would go to charge a future electric car (which would cut the payback time in half) and any further excess would go to support those in need utility assistance. So, the big turbines are where I focused my efforts.
The 11kW two blade turbine, really caught my interest because it operates at a very slow 45RPM and its rated wind speed is only 21mph so its power curve is shifted to the left, which is a good thing, more power in slower winds. It actually would produce more power in our winds than the 20kW turbine because it performs better in our lesser winds.
I forged ahead, trying to line up all the details. I contacted our permitting/planning department, had the electric company on site to estimate what would be required from them, been in extensive conversations with the Energy Trust of Oregon (ETO) and the various turbine manufacturers. The major concern is the tower height. I want to install it at, 80 feet. As you go higher the wind speed increase and thus there is more energy, wind energy is based on the cube of the wind speed. For example if the wind is 5mph (cubed 5x5x5=125units) if the wind is 10mph (cubed 10x10x10=1000units), so the energy is not twice as much but eight times! Of course tower height causes issues; installing, planning/permitting, public concerns, birds/bats, expense, etc, etc.
80 feet is the height that Audubon says is the highest tower height that is "safe" for migratory and soaring birds. They have weighed in on the heated birds vs. turbines issue and have stated that, even though it is a fact that birds are killed by turbines they feel that wind turbines are a sound way to produce electricity. Far more birds are killed by domestic cats, cars, collisions with buildings, pesticides and pollution, but these numbers are not well documented because they are not a point source.
We have also discovered that wind turbines are typically white because the first countries that seriously produced turbines felt that white was the color that best blended naturally with their environment. Countries are now beginning to look into other color options to blend in their unique environments. I could watch a moving bright orange turbine all day but I don't think our neighbors would approve. In Vermont, USA, a grayish color is required for all turbines, as this color blends most closely with their skies. We think this alternate standard gray color will work well for us also.
We wanted to get a feel of what 80 feet would look like,
so we purchased a helium balloon.
so we purchased a helium balloon.
attached 80 feet of string, and
tethered it to the ground where we are thinkingwould be a good tower location.
Uh-oh the winds are blowing the balloon,...
into a little tree,...
attaching a second guide line,...looking good,...But the barely blowing winds
thwarted our efforts.
This attempt got pretty close but it was brief,and we weren't able to get a picture with surrounding
ground based landmarks to get a feel of the actual height.
We will have to head out early in the morning to try again.
So the balloon came inside.
At sun rise the next morning I got up
and ready to head out with the balloon.
Uschi had been warming-up for hours on his wheel.
Vladi had been on and off the bed tens of times
to be sure I was up. Tanji had worn himself out running
in and out of the kennel checking conditions.
The brothers are "ready."
Tanji made a final inspection of the tether line.
Vladi was tired but ready.
Even at 6am the winds still pushed the balloon butthis is about 80' high at about 400' away, pretty tall.
Update - After several weeks of intensive research and negotiations with the ETO, our windy dreams have been struck a blow. In order to qualify for the necessary ETO incentives, we would be required to use a 130 foot tall tower (based on their wind data). That is just too tall for us and the birds. I've got several plans to move forward. 1) Monitor/document our the winds for two years to prove that that our winds meet the ETOs requirements at a lower height and/or 2) install a small turbine without the assistance of the ETO incentives and do #1.
Additionally, I just discovered Solarcity, a company that leases their solar systems. More investigations will be required but this program sounds promising. We get the electricity produced and pay a small monthly lease fee. So we would have a reduction in utility bills because of the solar arrays production the result, including the lease fees, should be about a $17/month total savings. This is not huge but it is instant savings and SIGNIFICANTLY better than a 40 year payback on a solar system we would own and have to maintain. Solarcity currently doesn't operate in our area, of course, but I have contacted them and they seemed very interested in expanding into our region.
Additionally, I just discovered Solarcity, a company that leases their solar systems. More investigations will be required but this program sounds promising. We get the electricity produced and pay a small monthly lease fee. So we would have a reduction in utility bills because of the solar arrays production the result, including the lease fees, should be about a $17/month total savings. This is not huge but it is instant savings and SIGNIFICANTLY better than a 40 year payback on a solar system we would own and have to maintain. Solarcity currently doesn't operate in our area, of course, but I have contacted them and they seemed very interested in expanding into our region.
I'll keep you posted on all of these adventures.
Monday, September 15, 2008
Random Vladimir
Vladi likes to sit in the shade,...
explore from the recycling bin,...
and lay in cool green grass.
Baby Vladi also likes to;
climb
trees,
pose,
stare at his reflection,
and drink from the
hydrated pond.
Where should I go now ?
Ready to pounce,...
I like dirt too.
Watching birdies is fascinating.
Sniffing his pedestal.
This roller is neat, but
Tree climbing is the best.
One last silhouette before I go.Sunday, September 14, 2008
Uschi's Mylar Wand
U-bee loves wands with mylar tassels.
He focuses very hard on them, but doesn't
move much, we get more exercise
waving them around than he does.
He focuses very hard on them, but doesn't
move much, we get more exercise
waving them around than he does.
Oh-boy !!!
Focus, focus, focus,...wiggle, wiggle, wiggle,...
(no lunge)
Saturday, September 13, 2008
Blurry Vision
Tanjimo,... even
close-up is a blur.
Vladi blends while bounding,...
Brothers in action.
Vladi cruises.
Uschi heads out.
Vladi is "focused."
He is off,...
Good tail balance,...
Go Vladi, go,...
Friday, September 12, 2008
Uschi Eating Grass
All of our Bengal boys eat grass,...
Mmmm, this looks like a good piece of grass,...
MUNCH !!
Did anyone see that ?
Yum, yum,... Grass.Thursday, September 11, 2008
Random Tanjimo
Hi,...
What are you looking at?
I'm outta here.
What is that?
The bird seed container is interesting.Pictures from early in the summer.
munching on grass,
and stalking the rose patch.
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
Tuesday, September 09, 2008
Tanji In The Well House
This place is great!
I like it in here !
Tanji just hangs out.(all of a sudden the pump kicked on)
What is that ?
Monday, September 08, 2008
Dried Up Pond
The "vernal pond"
is all dried up and cracked,
revealing past visitors.
Uschi heads down,...
Vladi watches,
Tanji isn't sure,...
Uschi finds a perch,...
DAAAAADDDD !!!!
I like this,...
PurrrRRrrrRRR,...
Uschi's favorite place,...in the middle of things,
but still by himself.
Previous ----- Home ----- Next
Sunday, September 07, 2008
Fishing For Vladi
The DaBird came out and was cast onto the bed.
As expected,...
As expected,...
Vladi soon rushed the DaBird.
It was elusive,...
But Vladi hit it hard,...
and fought it.In the end,
Friday, September 05, 2008
Uschi's Tent
Uschi likes the soft sheets and blankets on the bed,but not the warm sun that shines in the afternoon.
Les made a tent of blankets between two pillows...
Uschi climbed inside and went right to sleep.
He slept...
and slept...
Thursday, September 04, 2008
Timberline Adventure
My Mom gave us a gift certificate to Timberline Lodgeon Mount Hood, for Christmas 2006!
Yes we're bad.
Yesterday we headed North to spend a night at the lodge.
After ~140miles and ~2:45 of driving we arrived.
The lodge sits right at the tree-line,6000 feet above sea level.
We checked in, dropped our bags in the room,and went right out to hike the trails.
Throwing snowballs at the base of Palmer Glacier.
Perching on one of the giant boulders,which are well buried under many feet of
groomed "bunny slopes" during the winter.
Back at the lodge, we met more of the wildlife.(Uschi would love to play with the
Golden Mantled Ground Squirrels!)
A heated pool with a view!
We had a big dinner at the restaurant,
and headed back to the room...
and headed back to the room...
A nice hideaway with squishy beds,a view of Mount Jefferson to the South,
and western decor.
(creaky wood floors and knotty pine walls)
Building a fire for the evening.In the morning we sat in the lobby for a while
staring at the mountaintop, then headed back home
to the boys. Predictably, they had missed us...
Uschi runs right to us. "How could you leave me?"He is a purring, mushy mess.
Vladi looks slightly annoyed."What did you bring me?" ...
"Those aren't French fries!"
Sorry Vladi, these are acorns we collected at a rest stop.
Hopefully they will be our oak trees some day.
It is no big surprise that Tanji is the most perturbed.
He keeps a close eye on Les as she catches up on email.
Cuddling Les' foot, while I give him petties.
Tuesday, September 02, 2008
Vladi's Perch
Last night we were watching TV when movement
near the kitchen ceiling caught my eye.
Vladi had gotten on top of the refrigerator.
Nobody here but us oats,...
Wait a minute, this one likes petties,...
Gotcha'
Monday, September 01, 2008
Sleeping Amongst It All
The boys choose to curl-up and sleep
amongst our various piles of stuff.
amongst our various piles of stuff.
Tanji likes my clean cloths pile.(yes I "store" some of my clean clothes in an unfolded pile)
Vladi likes the clean towel pile, and also
a chair that is in the closet.
What ?
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