Figures for November, now that all bills are in:
Note the change is expressed from the previous month, not on a yearly basis. I give the yearly percentages as amounts under the average American's to gauge how close we are to the 90% in each category.
Gas/petrol consumption down at 46 gallons (64% below US).
Electric up at 417 Kwh (56% below US). Glad the days are getting longer again.
Natural gas down at 7.2 therms (93% below US)
Rubbish down to 4.75 lbs/week average (95% below US)
Water use up slightly at 104 gallons/day (68% below US)
Consumer spending up slightly at $296. (70% below US)
For food, we've taken our second delivery of the winter CSA, and have begun the process of creating a private buyer's circle with an organic farmer in Waldo County (97 miles north). He delivered a turkey, pork, chicken, lamb and veal sampler for us to try, as well as the usual root vegetables. The freezer is still packed to the gills, and we're overflowing with Christmas related foosdtuffs, both made and received. Still baking beans every Saturday night, and the shrimp have been cheap and plentiful.
Wednesday, 26 December 2007
Thursday, 15 November 2007
Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving
As it's long been my favorite holiday, we spare no effort in making it a total localfest. This year we're going to my brother's, who lives 10 miles south of us, and we'll be motoring of necessity as the bus does not run on Thanksgiving. We'll begin the day with a post-breakfast walk (weather permitting) through the cemetery: http://www.trails.org/map_files/evergreen_description.html. I prefer to remember my ancestors this time of year instead of in the spring. Seems more fitting than in May. After elevenses (late morning light snack) it's off to Scarborough. Since he's hosting and making the meal, our responsibility is to bring the pies, of which there will be three this year: pumpkin, apple and mixed berry, all local and all fresh (except the berries, which are in the freezer) and a side dish.
The turkey is from Cape Elizabeth (one town over from my brother). Potatoes, squash, turnip, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower and cranberries are from the farmer's market, salad ingredients are from his garden, the bread is from his brick oven, and the cheeses are from local creameries (including this one: http://www.pinelandfarms.org/cheese/index.htm). I'm making the baked beans using Soldier beans from Penobscot County http://mainefoods.net/index.php?module=excomm&func=account&id=505 in my great-grandmother's beanpot (which she received as a wedding present in 1891) and maple syrup instead of molasses from these folks: http://www.snellfamilyfarm.com/maple.html. The wines won't be local, except for a bottle of pear: http://www.bartlettwinery.com/
At noon we'll listen to "Alice's Restaurant" by Arlo Guthrie, which has been a New England tradition for 40 years now, then head south. After the feasting is finished, we'll take a walk on the beach with the dogs (again weather permitting) which is just under a mile from his house, to help digest and make room for the pies. One piece of each, washed down with a pot of tea, and I'll be ready to collapse on the couch by the fire.
As it's long been my favorite holiday, we spare no effort in making it a total localfest. This year we're going to my brother's, who lives 10 miles south of us, and we'll be motoring of necessity as the bus does not run on Thanksgiving. We'll begin the day with a post-breakfast walk (weather permitting) through the cemetery: http://www.trails.org/map_files/evergreen_description.html. I prefer to remember my ancestors this time of year instead of in the spring. Seems more fitting than in May. After elevenses (late morning light snack) it's off to Scarborough. Since he's hosting and making the meal, our responsibility is to bring the pies, of which there will be three this year: pumpkin, apple and mixed berry, all local and all fresh (except the berries, which are in the freezer) and a side dish.
The turkey is from Cape Elizabeth (one town over from my brother). Potatoes, squash, turnip, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower and cranberries are from the farmer's market, salad ingredients are from his garden, the bread is from his brick oven, and the cheeses are from local creameries (including this one: http://www.pinelandfarms.org/cheese/index.htm). I'm making the baked beans using Soldier beans from Penobscot County http://mainefoods.net/index.php?module=excomm&func=account&id=505 in my great-grandmother's beanpot (which she received as a wedding present in 1891) and maple syrup instead of molasses from these folks: http://www.snellfamilyfarm.com/maple.html. The wines won't be local, except for a bottle of pear: http://www.bartlettwinery.com/
At noon we'll listen to "Alice's Restaurant" by Arlo Guthrie, which has been a New England tradition for 40 years now, then head south. After the feasting is finished, we'll take a walk on the beach with the dogs (again weather permitting) which is just under a mile from his house, to help digest and make room for the pies. One piece of each, washed down with a pot of tea, and I'll be ready to collapse on the couch by the fire.
Harvest report
The very last of our green tomatoes that I picked two weeks ago before the frost have now ripened. Since the first batch of Romas came on exactly 3 months ago today, we've had fresh sauce for pizza every week since then, and have put up enough for 3 more months worth (the other 6 months worth comes from the farmer's market). We've also enjoyed the Sun Gold cherry tomatoes on salad nearly every night of the week since then as well, and had enough leftover to dry 2 quarts worth (usually used in the pizza). This from 4 plants in one half of an 8' x 12' raised bed next to the driveway, grown in a combination of elk & cow manure and compost.
The 3 varieties of raspberries that took up most of the other half of the raised bed did extremely well. I managed to put 7 quarts in the freezer, in addition to enjoying them fresh on ice cream every night, and baked in a crostata once a week. The strawberries that occupied the remainder didn't fare as well, and we ripped them out last weekend, with the intent to expand the raspberries.
The three new raised beds I built this past spring have had cow manure and compost settling in all summer in anticipation of next year's growing season. We did put in asparagus and garlic already as they take more time to establish. I'm concentrating on things that don't travel well (raspberries) or that we use tons of (tomatoes) or are suited to our climate.
Our farmer's market closes this Saturday for the season, but our winter CSA begins next week, so we've got a seamless transition this year. Not sure what to expect as our summer CSA is an account system but this one is grab bag style. Our pig will be ready next week, but our freezer is full. We're going to impose on my brother to store it in his chest freezer until we decide whether or not to upgrade our upright. I'm torn on this one as it's going in the wrong direction (bigger appliance) but we're approaching things on a longer timeframe now so I'm not sure what to do. More electricity used to store a full year's worth of meat/produce vs less electricity and some combination of alternative preservation and/or expanded winter CSA.
I have completed the root cellar at last. It's a 6' x 8' insulated room with outdoor air introduced through a flexible duct for cooling as our cellar is quite warm given the wood boiler. At the very least I now have someplace more suitable and out of the way to store the wine.
The 3 varieties of raspberries that took up most of the other half of the raised bed did extremely well. I managed to put 7 quarts in the freezer, in addition to enjoying them fresh on ice cream every night, and baked in a crostata once a week. The strawberries that occupied the remainder didn't fare as well, and we ripped them out last weekend, with the intent to expand the raspberries.
The three new raised beds I built this past spring have had cow manure and compost settling in all summer in anticipation of next year's growing season. We did put in asparagus and garlic already as they take more time to establish. I'm concentrating on things that don't travel well (raspberries) or that we use tons of (tomatoes) or are suited to our climate.
Our farmer's market closes this Saturday for the season, but our winter CSA begins next week, so we've got a seamless transition this year. Not sure what to expect as our summer CSA is an account system but this one is grab bag style. Our pig will be ready next week, but our freezer is full. We're going to impose on my brother to store it in his chest freezer until we decide whether or not to upgrade our upright. I'm torn on this one as it's going in the wrong direction (bigger appliance) but we're approaching things on a longer timeframe now so I'm not sure what to do. More electricity used to store a full year's worth of meat/produce vs less electricity and some combination of alternative preservation and/or expanded winter CSA.
I have completed the root cellar at last. It's a 6' x 8' insulated room with outdoor air introduced through a flexible duct for cooling as our cellar is quite warm given the wood boiler. At the very least I now have someplace more suitable and out of the way to store the wine.
Thursday, 8 November 2007
A day in the life
Typical November weekday
Awake to the jingling bell of my windup alarm clock, and perform the usual morning toilet. I shave with a safety razor, lathering with a mug & brush that uses old soap scraps once they're too small to be useful. My 5 minute shower is guilt-free as it's using solar heated water, but I still don't spend anymore time than needed. Shampoo is a bar (just like soap - no bottle to dispose of). This time of year, after dressing, I head down cellar to rekindle the fire in the wood boiler, then to the kitchen to make breakfast (eggs, toast and tea, bacon or sausage if time permits). Pack last night's supper leftovers for today's lunch and put it in one of those handle apple bags to carry to the bus, which is caught a 5 minute walk from the house, and drops me off a 5 minute walk from work. In summer I bicycle so there's a little more flexibility in when I leave (to empty the compost, or hang out the laundry etc).
The office already has a waterless urinal, paper recycling and CFL bulbs, but I use my own bowl, mug & utensils rather than the disposable, and I have several tea towels to cut down on paper products. Otherwise it's your basic workday in a typical downtown office, albeit in an old brick building with exposed timbers and all that. If so directed by SWMBO, I'll walk out to the bank, healthfood store or post office at lunchtime to complete whatever tasks she's set for me.
Returning home by bus, the first thing I do every evening this time of year is light the fire in the fireplace (which is a Rumford). Depending on the weather I may or may not have laundry to bring in from the line. Taking over from my wife (who is a stay-at-home-Mom) with the supper/book/bath/bed routine for our 3 year old allows her to start cooking, or head out to class, or complete whatever errands/chores she'd not finished. After our daughter is asnooze, I'll stoke the wood boiler in the cellar, then uncork the wine. If it's Wednesday, I'll wind all three downstairs clocks. If Thursday, I have to bring the rubbish and recycling out to the curb. We'll then enjoy the evening meal (all ingredients of course are local to the maximal extent possible), and watch a DVD if she's rented one, or spend some time online, or read by the fire, until it's time for bed.
The only overtly "alternative" effort I actually make (this time of year - I suppose some might say bicycle commuting is an effort) is tending to the wood boiler. I have to bring in wood from the pile to the cellar, and load it again before bed. The only "inconvenience" we endure is to be mindful of the sun when doing laundry or dishes, as it takes about 2 hours for the solar array to bring the tank up to temperature. We line dry as late into the season as we can before switching to the gas fired dryer, so it's important to pay attention to the weather. Hardly what one could consider a hardship.
I rather enjoy this time of year. The fire is cosy, the dark evenings means nothing gets accomplished in the yard after work, so it's OK to turn inward and read, or reconnect with friends. The woodpile has hardly been dented, the freezer is bursting with the season's produce and meat, and I feel as reasonably well prepared for the oncoming winter as I can be under the circumstances.
.
Awake to the jingling bell of my windup alarm clock, and perform the usual morning toilet. I shave with a safety razor, lathering with a mug & brush that uses old soap scraps once they're too small to be useful. My 5 minute shower is guilt-free as it's using solar heated water, but I still don't spend anymore time than needed. Shampoo is a bar (just like soap - no bottle to dispose of). This time of year, after dressing, I head down cellar to rekindle the fire in the wood boiler, then to the kitchen to make breakfast (eggs, toast and tea, bacon or sausage if time permits). Pack last night's supper leftovers for today's lunch and put it in one of those handle apple bags to carry to the bus, which is caught a 5 minute walk from the house, and drops me off a 5 minute walk from work. In summer I bicycle so there's a little more flexibility in when I leave (to empty the compost, or hang out the laundry etc).
The office already has a waterless urinal, paper recycling and CFL bulbs, but I use my own bowl, mug & utensils rather than the disposable, and I have several tea towels to cut down on paper products. Otherwise it's your basic workday in a typical downtown office, albeit in an old brick building with exposed timbers and all that. If so directed by SWMBO, I'll walk out to the bank, healthfood store or post office at lunchtime to complete whatever tasks she's set for me.
Returning home by bus, the first thing I do every evening this time of year is light the fire in the fireplace (which is a Rumford). Depending on the weather I may or may not have laundry to bring in from the line. Taking over from my wife (who is a stay-at-home-Mom) with the supper/book/bath/bed routine for our 3 year old allows her to start cooking, or head out to class, or complete whatever errands/chores she'd not finished. After our daughter is asnooze, I'll stoke the wood boiler in the cellar, then uncork the wine. If it's Wednesday, I'll wind all three downstairs clocks. If Thursday, I have to bring the rubbish and recycling out to the curb. We'll then enjoy the evening meal (all ingredients of course are local to the maximal extent possible), and watch a DVD if she's rented one, or spend some time online, or read by the fire, until it's time for bed.
The only overtly "alternative" effort I actually make (this time of year - I suppose some might say bicycle commuting is an effort) is tending to the wood boiler. I have to bring in wood from the pile to the cellar, and load it again before bed. The only "inconvenience" we endure is to be mindful of the sun when doing laundry or dishes, as it takes about 2 hours for the solar array to bring the tank up to temperature. We line dry as late into the season as we can before switching to the gas fired dryer, so it's important to pay attention to the weather. Hardly what one could consider a hardship.
I rather enjoy this time of year. The fire is cosy, the dark evenings means nothing gets accomplished in the yard after work, so it's OK to turn inward and read, or reconnect with friends. The woodpile has hardly been dented, the freezer is bursting with the season's produce and meat, and I feel as reasonably well prepared for the oncoming winter as I can be under the circumstances.
.
Monday, 24 September 2007
Monthly update for August
Figures for August, now that all bills are in:
Note the change is expressed from the previous month, not on a yearly basis. I give the yearly percentages as amounts under the average American's to gauge how close we are to the 90% in each category.
Gas/petrol consumption was down at 47 gallons. (62% below US)
Electric usage up 30kwh at 383 or 8% over previous month. (58% below US)
Natural gas up 1.4 therms, to 6.9. (92% below US)
Rubbish dropped to 5.75 lbs/week average (94% below US)
Water use dropped by a fifth to 80 gallons/day (73% below US)
Consumer spending was up at $220, as it was my birthday and we went out to eat to celebrate. (74% below US)
Food continues as before with the Farmer's market twice a week. Spending our CSA down rapidly now. Highlights at present include broccoli, peppers, raspberries and corn processed and frozen, tomatoes dried, or converted into sauce and frozen. Needless to say every meal is a fresh local treat.
Great time of year.
Note the change is expressed from the previous month, not on a yearly basis. I give the yearly percentages as amounts under the average American's to gauge how close we are to the 90% in each category.
Gas/petrol consumption was down at 47 gallons. (62% below US)
Electric usage up 30kwh at 383 or 8% over previous month. (58% below US)
Natural gas up 1.4 therms, to 6.9. (92% below US)
Rubbish dropped to 5.75 lbs/week average (94% below US)
Water use dropped by a fifth to 80 gallons/day (73% below US)
Consumer spending was up at $220, as it was my birthday and we went out to eat to celebrate. (74% below US)
Food continues as before with the Farmer's market twice a week. Spending our CSA down rapidly now. Highlights at present include broccoli, peppers, raspberries and corn processed and frozen, tomatoes dried, or converted into sauce and frozen. Needless to say every meal is a fresh local treat.
Great time of year.
Wednesday, 22 August 2007
Update for July
Figures for July, now that all bills are in:
Gas/petrol consumption was up at 56 gallons as we made our annual trip to Connecticut for visiting relatives and clamming.
Electric usage dropped a further 63 Kwh or 15.2% from the previous month, for a 24.75% reduction since beginning this endeavor.
Natural gas dropped another half a therm, to 5.5, or 66 on an annualized basis, which is now 34 therms under our 100 allotment.
Rubbish dropped to 9.75 lbs/week average, within striking range of the 9.45 lbs/week allotment.
Water use was unchanged, 100 gallons/day, and our allotment is 30. Still not feeling any guilt.
Consumer spending was over our $83/month allotment, as we bought patio pavers to rebuild our walkway. We did work down our book credit at the used book shop, however.
Food continues as before. Farmer's market twice a week, 30lbs of blueberries processed and frozen, 1/2 bushel of clams shucked and frozen.
Gas/petrol consumption was up at 56 gallons as we made our annual trip to Connecticut for visiting relatives and clamming.
Electric usage dropped a further 63 Kwh or 15.2% from the previous month, for a 24.75% reduction since beginning this endeavor.
Natural gas dropped another half a therm, to 5.5, or 66 on an annualized basis, which is now 34 therms under our 100 allotment.
Rubbish dropped to 9.75 lbs/week average, within striking range of the 9.45 lbs/week allotment.
Water use was unchanged, 100 gallons/day, and our allotment is 30. Still not feeling any guilt.
Consumer spending was over our $83/month allotment, as we bought patio pavers to rebuild our walkway. We did work down our book credit at the used book shop, however.
Food continues as before. Farmer's market twice a week, 30lbs of blueberries processed and frozen, 1/2 bushel of clams shucked and frozen.
Wednesday, 25 July 2007
June update
Figures for June, now that all bills are in:
Gas/petrol consumption was 27 gallons, for an annualized rate of 324, and we're allotted 150. I'm counting on winter when we go days at a time without driving to help close the gap.
Electric usage dropped 53 Kwh, or 11.3% from the previous month, and 215 Kwh less than the same time last year. Still 4992 Kwh on an annualized basis, which is quadruple our target. I'm having a rethink about the freezer method of food preservation.
Natural gas dropped to 6 therms, or 72 on an annual basis, which is 12 therms under over the course of a year, or 14% less. That in itself was already under the 100 therm allotment.
Rubbish dropped to 11.5 lbs/week average, down from 24, or a 52% reduction. Still over the 9.45 lbs/week allotment, but within reach.
Water use was unchanged, 100 gallons/day, and our allotment is 30. Not feeling any guilt yet however. We've had timely abundant rain this summer and there's been little need to water the garden.
Consumer spending was over or $83/month allotment, as for Father's Day I was given a new fountain pen to replace my 24 year old model which by itself was $120. That and replacing some kitchen tools totalled over $200.
Food continues as before. Farmer's market twice a week, cow on order, picking berries as they come on. We're doing some things differently.like only buying case lots of wine or beer to save money (and packaging) for example. Applying the bulk principle to everything we possibly can. Refinements more or less.
I think the challenge is to continue squeezing since we were lower than average to start. Bit like the problems our European cousins are having: how to trim when you are already more efficient than the baseline. Some things I apply the Farnon philosophy to: enjoy it while we can, knowing I could do without and will have to eventually. Starts me thinking of backups and how to integrate such alternatives into the daily routine.
Finally, I must point out that we haven't suffered one bit from any of this.
Gas/petrol consumption was 27 gallons, for an annualized rate of 324, and we're allotted 150. I'm counting on winter when we go days at a time without driving to help close the gap.
Electric usage dropped 53 Kwh, or 11.3% from the previous month, and 215 Kwh less than the same time last year. Still 4992 Kwh on an annualized basis, which is quadruple our target. I'm having a rethink about the freezer method of food preservation.
Natural gas dropped to 6 therms, or 72 on an annual basis, which is 12 therms under over the course of a year, or 14% less. That in itself was already under the 100 therm allotment.
Rubbish dropped to 11.5 lbs/week average, down from 24, or a 52% reduction. Still over the 9.45 lbs/week allotment, but within reach.
Water use was unchanged, 100 gallons/day, and our allotment is 30. Not feeling any guilt yet however. We've had timely abundant rain this summer and there's been little need to water the garden.
Consumer spending was over or $83/month allotment, as for Father's Day I was given a new fountain pen to replace my 24 year old model which by itself was $120. That and replacing some kitchen tools totalled over $200.
Food continues as before. Farmer's market twice a week, cow on order, picking berries as they come on. We're doing some things differently.like only buying case lots of wine or beer to save money (and packaging) for example. Applying the bulk principle to everything we possibly can. Refinements more or less.
I think the challenge is to continue squeezing since we were lower than average to start. Bit like the problems our European cousins are having: how to trim when you are already more efficient than the baseline. Some things I apply the Farnon philosophy to: enjoy it while we can, knowing I could do without and will have to eventually. Starts me thinking of backups and how to integrate such alternatives into the daily routine.
Finally, I must point out that we haven't suffered one bit from any of this.
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