Solarium in use

Started putting the solarium to use tonight. For good reason. Earlier this week, though the ambient temperature did not reach freezing, there was enough frost that formed to do damage to a number of plants, including the tomato and pumpkin vines. 

So, even though the solarium isn't yet completely closed off, it does retain enough heat to keep things from freezing. So, I moved several container plants inside. A number of tomato plants, most mature enough to be already producing. Plus two cucumber vines and one potato plant. (I have several potatoes planted in that large pot but only one has sprouted so far.) 

Once again, I made the mistake of being nice to the dogs. I turned down the range on the invisible fence. I had a gap between the house and the wire of a few feet. Turned my back for a moment and the younger dog came up behind me and ate the top off the single potato plant. He was working on getting the rest of it when I turned around and he ran. Actually, I may have missed what he did if he hadn't instantly run away, looking guilty. I didn't have to tell him he had done wrong, he knew it, which means he knew it when he did it. The wires are rerouted and the range turned up. 

Once again, no trick-or-treaters in my neighborhood this year. Maybe they're afraid they may have to speak 3 words in English. Can't have that, can we? I know they're not afraid of saying "thank you" because that's not likely to even happen. So, I have several pounds of candy. 

Looks like karma is in my favor for getting my dentures. My paycheck wasn't among the highest this year. However, the mortgage reflects a refund has been issued for overpayment on the escrow for taxes and insurance. Not huge but it adds to the money I have laid aside for the dentures. 

Made some gluten free chocolate chip cookies tonight for myself. Going to make some regular cookies for daughter and to send to my boss. I promised her some but hadn't gotten around to making them. 

Thur night

I'm still pretty much in the pattern of keeping with Thur night as my unofficial night off from domestic tasks. But only with limited success tonight. 

I was trying to close up part of the west wall of the solarium. However, I am also trying to train the dogs to crap somewhere else. Would rather not completely close the solarium and have their odor so strong I can't walk into the solarium without throwing up. So, when I fed the dogs, I blocked the door. Few minutes later, The dogs were trying to force their way past me through the open area I was working on. I wound up having to stand and block them instead of getting much done. However, I was victorious. 

Tomorrow, I need to apply a strong mixture of oxidizing cleaner, acid and ammonia and water it in extremely well during lunch to eliminate the odor in the soil. Have to get them completely used to going somewhere else.

Got the picnic table moved into the solarium. That wasn't easy. Picked up all the stuff the dogs have torn to pieces and any items like scrap wood that the dogs use to crap on top of to keep the poop off the soil surface. They even crap on top of their own toys. 

Poop wars. Ugh.

Well, the extension to the solarium firmly places the dryer vent inside the solarium. It was right at the edge last year and should have blown inside the solarium. But that side of the solarium had a sheet of sheathing which directed the air flow. The dogs kept pushing past the sheathing and displacing it, so it wound up blowing outside and doing no good at all. So, that's no longer an issue because the vent is several feet from the outer wall now. 

Sad to say the chicken ran away. I should have clipped her wings but wanted to let her have an escape in case a cat or the dogs got in the garden and went after her. I haven't found any feathers or signs she was attacked, so she flew the coop. I hope she comes back. I do get emotionally attached to calmer animals. (Not so much to destructive ones.) 

Too far

The right wing fanatics keep pushing things further and further. Using fear tactics which they cannot apparently see the long term true effects of. They do it merely for financial and political gain. The effects go far, far beyond that.

It instills a fear and anxiety in me. Which I cannot ignore.

I still have the feeling we are coming quickly up on a civil war. Not figurative but very literal. One that I intend to be prepared for. As well as I can in NM, that is. I'd feel a lot more comfortable in a lot of other places.

One thing is true. If things go sideways, I am not afraid to fight, not afraid to kill. I'm rather well trained for it. I am a liberal and a pacifist but that is completely by choice, not because I cannot be otherwise. For me there would be no emotional trauma in doing what has to be done in immediate circumstances.  I could kill by reflex and not grieve or doubt after. 

I've mentioned before that I can hit a 1" target at 300 ft. What I left out is time to zero on the target. Years ago, I could zero on a small target in under 3 seconds. For the first shot. Less than 2 seconds for subsequent shots. 

Still, I think I'll start practicing with the bow more. Not doing it now but if things start looking as bad as I expect, I'll refresh my knowledge of making explosives. That one has always been only training and theory for me. I have plenty of supplies and knowledge to make weapons and armor if needed. 

I never did get the gun I was talking about but sometime in the next few months. Maybe two plus a lot of ammo. Plus dust masks and nitrile gloves, which I intend to stock up on. Mostly gloves. Masks can be improvised easily.

All this may sound like I'm going overboard or becoming paranoid. Somehow I don't think so. Rather be prepared for something that never happens and look back later and laugh at myself than not pay attention to my intuition.

Top done!

I got the top section of the solarium done this evening. Plastic is anchored and pulled as tight as I could get it at both the roof and the lower (west) wall. Since north and south walls are closed up, the only things left are finishing closing the west wall (By far the easiest part) and building and installing the door. 

Unfortunately I do need a few more 2x2's for the door frame and 1x2's for the anchors. 

The new mixer came in today and I picked it up a little while ago. I burned the motor out in the old one. Don't remember how long I had it. Any way, this is by far the nicest mixer I've ever had. Stronger motor, stand and hand mode, beaters, dough hooks and whisk attachment. Even came with a glass mixing bowl. Hope this one lasts a few years.

I may seem at times to be somewhat materialistic, talking about things I've purchased or gained. However, the thing most people fail to notice about possessions is commonalities in those possessions. The nature of possessions says everything about a person. The things I always talk about or get excited about are tools of one kind or another. Concrete mixer, wood working tools.. Even a mixer is a form of tool. In my mind, even a table or a car is a tool in some form. Each one has the common trait of extending my capability.

Of course, there are the things I build with some of those tools. Those things are meant to improve my life and/or my daughter's life in some way. Though in many cases, many of even those things have multiple purposes.

Someday I will get beyond utility and focus more on esthetics. Trying to work on that a little at a time. 

Morning

I don't have much to write about right now. I just enjoy writing. Gets my brain active for the day.

Work has picked up slightly but not all that much. Been making an extra $10-15 a day so far this week. Long as I'm not dropping below my base pay, that's okay. Of course, I would rather be making extra, since I have to be sitting there. 

Come spring I'm going to have to rebuild the trellis fence. The one from last year is falling down. Too much weight from the grape vine. When I rebuild it, it will be heavier.

Up on the roof

Got the north side of the solarium closed up except for the door. I admit that side looks a bit shoddy. However, think I'll add some tarps on the outside to help seal it better against the wind. 

Got up on the roof and did much of the work needed up there. Had to put some downward extensions from the beams. That will keep most of the wind from the north and east out of the solarium, while allowing for air circulation and release of overheated air from the top. But most of the heat will stay in the solarium. Then installed 2x4's across for stability and a place to attach the film. 

I can get back up there and attach the film tomorrow evening. After that, the only thing left to the main structure is anchoring some parts of the film at the bottom roof section and closing up the sides where the film hangs down. 

I can reconfigure the north wall at some pint to make it more attractive. For the moment, I'm just trying to get it closed up while reining in expenses. 

Feeling pretty good about the things I've accomplished in the last month. Insulation, the porch and ramp, the solarium. All of them need final steps but the major portion of each is done. I should have all of them done in the next two weeks. Oh, and the shelf for the pantry. Which is done, though I haven't put it to use yet. All of these are projects I had been planning for years but couldn't complete because of finances and/or schedule. 

I'm really happy to be getting my energy back. Not like in my 20's or anything but that was way beyond normal. But even now my energy level is typically above normal for my age range. Though I really need to get more exercise once I get most of these major projects out of the way. 

Healing and injury

My finger which was infected is closed up except for a tiny scab. Redness is almost gone but there's still some swelling, stiffness and itching. 

So, of course I injured another finger yesterday. Drilled it with a screwdriver bit. Not too bad and should heal quickly. Hurt like a mother at the time because it's right at the cuticle. 

I already dropped slightly below the amount I mean to carry over on this paycheck. Oh, well. This Friday is payday. If I stick close to my budget, I can make up the difference and maybe a little more. Long as I'm making my base pay I'll be able to afford the dentures and not suffer financially. That is, if the prices don't go up too much. Waiting until after the 1st of the month to check the website for new prices.

I had declared this to be a year of healing. I was looking back over what I have made progress on this year, physically and spiritually. I found out a major issue with my health which I previously did not know and have addressed it rather effectively. Got a better vehicle. Took daughter on a couple of trips to amazing places. Moved further along with the house and garden. Maintained steady employment with nobody stabbing me in the back. Now I should be able to get dentures soon. Got the mortgage current in spite of the attempts of the bank to keep me from doing so. 

If I can keep these trends going, by this time next year I will be leaps and bounds ahead of where I am now. 

Seems happy

So, daughter seemed happy with the bicycle and clay I gave her for her birthday. I also gave her $20, which she tried to give back to me. I told her no, it was a present. But she made a sculpture with the clay and rode the bike around for a while yesterday.

She went through one of her boxes today. I made the mistake of not checking on her work. She went through the box and then left everything sitting. Guess I'm going to have to word things differently and tell her I am in charge of fixing/building her room but she is in charge of organizing it. Right now, she has 18 fabric storage bins to place things in and more available, plus a bookshelf. That's a really good start for her to work with.

I got the ramp finished today, complete with decorative gravel set in. Still have to finish the porch section next weekend. That part will be easier and faster than the ramp. I think it will look pretty decent once it's all done. Not perfect but definitely not bad. I think at some point I'll expand the porch section all the way to the bend in the wall. But not anytime soon. 

On a hunch, I measured the inside of the car the other day. Turns out the car is just long enough to carry 8 ft lumber if I lay the passenger seat all the way back. So, I was able to pick up a few 2x4's this evening to finish the solarium this week. 

Slow start

I'm off to a fairly slow start this morning. Actually, it's nice to be able to start off slowly. 

Main things I have to do this morning have to do with some cleaning and decorating for daughter's birthday. 

I was going to take her to Itz Pizza but that's pretty expensive and at this point I think it could be detrimental. We may go eat somewhere but less expensive. I'm still conserving for my dentures, any way. Maybe we can go there in a few weeks if school work and her attitude improve. 

Seems like this problem occurs to some level around the same time every year. 

I'm still racing the weather. Have to close up the solarium and finish the porch/ramp before weather starts dropping below 40 degrees, which will be in the next two weeks. So, Sunday will be dedicated to getting some of that done. May disappoint daughter but some things have to be done. 

Long week

This has been a long week. Long day. Today was the dumbest day this week and that's saying a lot. I had to seriously restrain myself many times from saying something along the lines of, "What the f***?!" 

Really happy to have a couple of days off.

Got the shelf mounted after work. That sounds a lot easier than it was. Had to clear everything from half the shelf to get the new one in place. Then put it all back after. But this should help a bit getting some things in order. Amazing how much a few square feet of shelf space can help. 

Made a cake for daughter's birthday. It was supposed to be red velvet but I ran out of red food coloring, so it pretty much came out as brown velvet. It is gluten free, so we can share it. 

Dishes, laundry. Still some folding and hanging to do, plus decorating. Get that stuff done in the morning. 

I'm a little hurt and upset. The ex says daughter has been telling her how she had a boring weekend last weekend and that she's unhappy that I haven't finished her room. However, all weekend she voluntarily sat in front of the TV and computer. I asked her many times if she wanted to do something and she said no. Plus most of what is left with her room is sorting through her boxes, which she could have been doing at least some of the time. Seems she thinks I should be taking her places at all times. Guess I've set that expectation but still, it's not at all fair to me, with all I do with her. 

Maybe I've been doing too much with her. She's also been having lower than average grades for her in school. Not focusing and taking things very seriously. 

However, something the ex told me also made sense. Seems daughter can recall complex concepts but has a problem recalling vocabulary words, which is all memorization. Hmm. I always thought that was just me but maybe it's genetic. I told the ex to encourage the daughter to place vocabulary words into a larger framework, then she may remember them better. That's how I remember anything. Didn't have anybody around that understood that mindset when I was growing up, so the advice was always to study more and dumb things down more, which was the exact opposite of what works for me. I suspect the same about her. Have to talk with her about it and (if she applies it) see how it works. 

Okay, I need some sleep.

Friday!!

I'm so glad it's Friday!

Still have lots of things to do this evening but most to do with daughter's birthday. Have to get a small cake and some balloons. Clean house and set things up so it looks nice. 

The infection in my finger finally is gone. Still swollen and the joint itches like crazy, kind of stiff and I don't have full flexion again yet. Partly because of dry skin. Still applying antibiotic ointment for now to moisturize because I don't know what lotion would do. Exercising it to get it back to normal, encourage circulation and flush toxins. Can't believe it took three weeks for me to heal. Oh, well.

Funny thing. Had allegedly stray cats running around the back yard. Until word got around with neighbors that I said I was going to shoot them. Haven't seen a "stray" cat in my yard for three weeks. Nobody needs to know I don't currently have a gun. (But arrows work well for that purpose.) 

I do still plan on getting a gun sometime in the near future. I don't believe in a zombie apocalypse but I do believe in social and/or infectious disruption and don't think one is far off. With my glasses, I'm sure I could still put a round through a 1" target at 100 yards, maybe even 300 yards. At 10 ft, I can hit a 1/4" target. At 30 ft, 1/2". 

Gotta go feed the dogs. 

Partial ramp

Got part of the ramp done this evening. Ran through all 12 bags of concrete, not enough. That's 37 bags of concrete so far, at 50 lbs each. So, more than 1850 lbs. (Also something like 11 cinder blocks.) 

I'll get 8 more bags this weekend. At least finish the porch. I don't think that will be enough for the ramp, also but that's as much as I want to carry in the car at a time. 

Didn't get any work done on the solarium tonight. One wood panel I'm using was warped, so I had to dampen it, lay it out on the picnic table and weigh it down with blocks. Should flatten in a day or two. If not flat by tomorrow I'll add more blocks. 

I need a bath. Covered with concrete dust. Then maybe I can mount the shelf I made last night. 

Not a bad day for work today. Had 17 extra cases. I've made at least an extra $100 for the week. Glad to see that after last week.

I could be wrong but I think some of the health plans have pulled out of the new program I've mentioned before. There seem to be fewer cases coming in with the Bloomberg TV type layout. Meanwhile, the daily emails regarding the program seem more and more irate and critical. Like some kind of increasing panic mode setting in. My guess is that the company makes more money on this program or it's someone's pet project which is failing. Personally, I think they need to call the whole thing a failure and let it go. But I've seen things like this before and it's not likely they will ever call it a failure. More likely it will be pushed and forced until it does long term damage. 

Shelf built

So, I did cut and build the extra pantry shelf last night. Didn't install it yet. Do that tonight.

The shelf is built to my usual standard. Just this one shelf weighs at least 30 lbs. All 2x6's and 2x2's. That should last a while!

I have to admit to myself that I don;t have the rapid healing ability I used to have. There are a couple of superficial scratches on my leg that have been there for two weeks now. Not infected. But something like that used to heal in 3-4 days. I think it's because I don't absorb protein effectively. 

However, my digestive conditions have improved dramatically this year. Not that I can eat things that cause damage but I've learned the things which do cause damage and avoid them. So I can eat safe foods with no problems, which wasn't always true for a long time. Not having the pain I used to have. That's always a good thing. 

I have been slowed down a bit by the infection in my finger. Just bumping my finger brought severe pain. But last night seemed to be the final tipping point for that. It's closed up and color is returning to normal. Think I'll work on the front ramp tonight, after mounting some wood to close off the south side of the solarium. Couldn't risk getting concrete in it while it was open. I think some of the heavy work I did do slowed the healing because the infection did damage to the blood vessels and the work made that worse. Still going to give it a couple of days more to avoid some level of stress but mostly back to normal.

Minor accomplishments

Got a couple of small things done this evening. Had to go get more screws. Came back and anchored the south side solarium sheeting. 

Stuffed a bunch of fiberglass insulation in the holes from the blown in insulation. Finally. Been having small amounts of cellulose insulation dropping from the holes for a couple weeks now. I still need to patch the holes. 

I'll get that done after next week and the time change.

Decided I'll wait until Sunday to pick up more 2x4's to complete the solarium. I can close up most or all of the north side with what I have on hand. I hope. Most of it, any way. I think I have enough sheathing from last year that I can mount on the inside of the solarium and insulate between, to help moderate the temperature and make it look nicer. Well, once it's painted. 

Still battling the dogs crapping in the solarium. So, planning on closing up the solarium when I feed them and during the heat of the day. Until they start going somewhere else on a regular basis. 

Think I will cut the wood for the pantry shelf while watching TV. I may go ahead and install the shelf tonight. 

More progress

Got more work done on the solarium tonight. Some cross beams and anchoring the film at the bottom section, especially one section which was loose enough to gather water when it rained. Pulled pretty tight now. 

I still need more 2x4's because of some changes I'm making along the way. Makes the structure stronger and a better method of anchoring the film. 

I may still change one thing I did today. Not sure how well it will work the way it is. Nothing big, just a few minutes and not yet completed. 

Little setback. Ran out of the right size screws. Have to run get some more tomorrow. Luckily, they came from a nearby hardware store, so can pick up more after work tomorrow.

Energy level isn't completely up to par. Been dragging for a couple of days now. Can only keep going at full speed for about two hours after work. Then kind of fade out. Maybe better tomorrow. Felt better today than yesterday.

I got confused. I thought the time change was this weekend. It's next weekend. That's a relief. Means another week to get outdoor projects done. That's enough time, weather permitting. 

Today sucked for work. Felt like I was listening to a bunch of hillbillies and curanderas giving me clinical information. Honest truth, I got clinical which stated the patient had "disappearing lungs". I was waiting to hear requests for bloodletting for consumption because possum ointment and chanting didn't work. 

Oh, well. Hope tomorrow is better.

More rain

Forecast today calls for more rain. Day and evening. Guess I won't be getting much done outside today. 

If this continues this week I'll be outside next week with the portable work light after work. Oh, well. Not the first time in my life. 

For now, I'll just have to work on things inside. Maybe patch some holes and sort some boxes. Install the pantry shelf I've been planning for so long. 

Yay! Finger is almost well. Got some new bandages at Dollar Tree yesterday. They only had the medicated kind. Used one over night and finger was better this morning. Then I took a look at the medication. It's the same thing as the antibacterial soap which showed the greatest effect. Means I don't have to soak my finger several times a day. 2 1/2 weeks. Yeesh. 

 

Birthday prep

It was raining this evening, so I went shopping for daughter's birthday. It's next Monday, so we'll be celebrating this weekend. 

Not going to be huge but decent. I hope she'll be happy with it. 

She's grown too big for her old bicycle, so I got her a new one. I think this one should last a while. 24" and 18 speeds. I was lucky. The Walmart website said I would have to drive to a store across town but I still checked the one nearby and found exactly one of the model I was planning on. I need to transfer the lights from the old bike to the new one. 

Also got candles, banner, hats, tablecloth, balloons and streamers. Still need to get the cake later, some helium balloons and at least one more present. And a card. 

Work seems to be picking back up. I worked an extra hour and had 91 cases today. That equals more than two extra hours of pay for one hour of work. Maybe it will maintain this pace for a while. 

Not feeling very good. Didn't sleep well at all last night. Think I'm fighting something off and it isn't related to existing conditions. Going to try and get some extra sleep tonight. 

The dogs are still dumb as rocks. I have the solarium complete enough to shield them from rain. So, what do they do when it's raining? Stay out in it and get soaked, of course. (But try to give them a bath and they fight like crazy or look depressed.) Plus, what I've always heard is that dogs won't eat where they crap. However, I picked up all their poop and have been trying feeding them inside the solarium where they have been doing their business. Hasn't stopped them. They're both eating and pooping in the same immediate area. 

Hopefully it won't be raining all week. I have a lot to do this week. The time changes this weekend, so can't get much outdoor work done starting next week.  

Heater delay

So, the jet heater is going to have to wait a little while. I took a short window shopping trip to Home Depot this evening just to get an estimate on how much it will cost to build. I'm figuring around $100. I could build it cheaper but it wouldn't last as long. 

If I built it cheaply, I could use galvanized steel pipes. Instead, going to go the extra cost for black stove pipe. The galvanized wouldn't be as resistant to the direct temperatures and salts of wood combustion. 

I'm debating for now whether to go less expensive with the combustion chamber and use a metal can, like a popcorn tin. If I do, it would have to be replaced every year or two. Or I can go more expensive and durable and use fire brick. Wouldn't need a whole lot. About $50 worth at most. The rest is cinder block, sand, concrete, stucco, mortar and tile. 

The biggest challenge is actually the placement. Trying to figure out where to build it so the secondary (hottest) combustion chamber isn't too close to the side, where it would melt the plastic. Meanwhile, I don't want to place it directly over the underground plumbing. May have to compromise on that one. 

Once I figure out the placement, I can start laying a slab for the bottom. With the concrete mixer, should only take a few hours. (With enough concrete on hand, of course.) 

Reason it's taking so many different materials is the design I've mentally settled on. Combustion chamber to pipe to secondary combustion chamber to exhaust on the inside. Sand around that because concrete doesn't expand and contract very easily. Then cinder block filled with concrete for support and mass. Mortar may not be necessary but if so, to hold cinder block together. Stucco for the sides. More mortar and then tile for the top as a warm bench surface. Simple but decent. 

Daughter and I didn't do much today. Neither of us was all that energetic. She did some artwork in her room and we both painted the front window for Halloween. I put up some more decorations in the front yard. 

I'm not feeling so great. Kind of like I have a low level infection in my system. Maybe from my finger. However, the soaking I started doing yesterday does seem to be effective. I've seen noticeable improvement since I started doing that. Maybe it will heal in the next day or two. Surface skin is healing well and deep inflammation area is seriously reduced. 

So, plans for this week. Finish closing up the solarium. Start closing up the holes from the insulation. Shelves for the pantry. Try to get some boxes in daughter's room sorted out. Lay the rest of the base structure for the ramp. The solarium and ramp have to be done while there's enough light outside. Mostly the solarium. I have more leeway with the ramp because of the lighting already in the front yard. The rest is all inside, so can be done at night. I really want to get most of this stuff and more done before Christmas this year. 

Better and worse

Daughter and I didn't do much today. I'm conserving money to celebrate her birthday next weekend. And nothing special going on this weekend.

My finger was getting better, then got much worse. Gone through several less drastic cycles like this but this became something even I was concerned about. Think I found something that will work. soaking my hand in antibacterial soap with benzalkonium chloride. Not long after doing that, the welling went down so much my finger looked like a deflated balloon. Did that a few times this evening. Then let it air dry and applied a bandage before bed. See how it looks in the morning.

If it isn't much better by tomorrow night, I'll call the doctor's line Monday and get a prescription for antibiotics. Had to research what antibiotics I can take with ulcerative colitis and a penicillin allergy. 

Wind and rain

Well, the solarium survived the first night. Shortly after I got the top finished, it got a little windy and it may have rained last night. I haven't been out to check yet. Just looked out the window to check the integrity. It held with no problems. 

I do need to get the sides closed up soon. When winds hit a structure like that, pressure builds inside. That's been one of the biggest problems in the past. Especially with the dogs destroying the lower sections, allowing wind to enter. But the attachment system I installed this time is much more effective. I used staples before, which just tore the plastic when the wind blew hard. Still the sheeting blowing up from inside does more damage than blowing in against the beams. 

I did apply silicone caulking to the 1x2's in a zigzag pattern the whole length. Let it dry before attaching for most of them. It remains pliable and forms a traction surface, so the sheeting pulls less at screw attachments. 

One thing I had thought of and then forgot to do was painting or applying water sealant to the 1x2's. Oh, well. Can't reach them well enough to do it now. The film is supposed to last up to 4 years. The 1x2's will last that long, just become discolored. After that, I'll have to repeat this process. Be easier because of no posts to set, no sides to install and the foam will still be good. Maybe pay someone to help me or have daughter help me, since she'll be older. Then I will plan and treat the 1x2's in advance. 

Once I get the sides in place and all closed up, I'm going to install some outdoor outlets for lighting, fans, etc. 

I usually do house cleaning on Sat mornings but letting it slide today. I'm sore. Besides, I've spent so much time outside this week that there's not that much of a mess. Got dishes and most laundry done during the week.  

Done!

Just as the last of the twilight faded too dark to see clearly, I set the final screw for the top section of the solarium. Yay!!! Now all I can say is.. Damn that thing is big.

I still have the sides to work on but that is much easier and faster. 

Got the length just right, only a few inches off. I had visually estimated that and trimmed it. So, with the part I trimmed off, I'm certain I have enough to finish the whole thing. I was slightly nervous about that. 

Now I'm seriously tired and hungry. Not so much in the mood to cook but not a lot of choice around here. I really miss Texas. Could seriously go for some barbecue right now. 

Okay, laundry and a bath.

Less than planned

So, I carried over a little less than planned from my last check. Still managed to carry something over, though.

Paid most of the bills soon as I woke up this morning. Guess I must have forgotten to pay electric last month. Ugh. Brought that up to date. 

Aside from daughter's birthday, I'm going to live rather frugally for the next month. Try and carry as much as I can over for the dentures next month. If I don't spend too much, I should be able to save around $800-900 before that paycheck, between regular bank account and the health savings account. I do need to have a cushion in case any of the extractions wind up being complex instead of simple. The estimate was based on all simple extractions. Plus the prices may go up at the beginning of November but not sure how much. 

Based on my regular base pay, I'm not seeing a problem. If worse comes to worse, utility bills are current and I can intentionally skip a payment there. Not expecting to have to, though. 

Only part way

Only got greenhouse film mounted over the first two beams tonight. Sounds less productive than it is. I just underestimated how difficult it would be. This is the heaviest plastic sheeting I've ever worked with. 

The first two beams are where all the alignment has to occur, otherwise everything is lopsided after that. 

Next to the second beam is where I have to go around the electrical entry cable. Then on the other side, I'll have to go around the telephone cable. 

Plus I had to avoid the dogs and especially the dog's mess. 

After these first two, things go much easier and faster. More weight is already suspended and major alignment is in place. 

I got just the right width for most of it. Last section is my biggest concern for the amount of sheeting. 

I was able to avoid having to finish everything tonight by draping the sheeting over the rest of the beams and out of the dogs reach. Absolutely necessary. The exact moment I tossed the loose end of the plastic on the ground, the dogs ran straight for it. Also happy that dirt didn't stick to it because of the anti-static additive. 

It is interesting. The sheeting was labeled that one certain side had to be mounted on the inside. I guess the outer layer must contain the UV protection. 

Of course, the down side is that I've had to put so much time into the solarium that I haven't gotten other things done. Oh, well. Just keep plugging away. 

Work is still kind of slow. No OT available this week. That's okay for the OT, I have too much else to do at the moment. It is somewhat questionable, though. Have things just slowed down in general that much? Is another company taking business away? Have some of the insurance companies started doing more pre-certifications for themselves to save money? Will things pick back up? Have to wait and see.

The special program the company started up shows more signs of rapid decay. Now they made the announcement that reviewers not trained for the program can work the cases, telephone, written and fax. Plus the cases can be worked through the main standard interface instead of the new interface. I find the new interface too hard to read. They try to force too much information onto one screen. Kinda like Bloomberg TV, which I hate. 

Still, I managed to pull even with 70 cases today. So I'm still slightly ahead for the week. Fridays are hit or miss. Mornings start off crazy busy and then afternoons die off early and drastically. 

Have to wait and see what the future holds. I know the company won't completely go under. It does remain a question what could happen if a hurricane hits the east coast. 

Shifted days

Well, Thur is usually my unofficial night to veg but this week it had to be tonight. Had to run get bandaids and a few other things. When I got back it was nearly dark.

Actually, I have less time than I thought after work now to get things done. Sunset is now just after 6:30. Means I'll have to work really fast to get the film up. I think I can do it in that time. But I am going to carry a bunch of supplies up to the roof tonight to save time tomorrow. Maybe drill holes in the 1x2's, also. 

Started up the furnace today. Down side of the insulation is that it retains existing temperature. If it gets really cool in the house, the afternoon sun does less to warm the house. For now, until the solarium is set up. For now, the insulation is working well enough that the furnace hasn't run for several hours. Not such a statement now. Be much better if I can keep that true during the winter. Had to get up on the roof and seal off the swamp cooler because most of the eat was just escaping that way. They share the same duct.

Okay, I paused writing to do the tasks mentioned above. Took the film up on the roof. Drilled holes in the 1x2's, took half up to the roof and left half on the ground. However, on reflection it may have been best to leave all but one or two on the ground. 

Any way, happy coincidence. I was thinking I probably didn't have enough 1x2's. Thought I had bought 10. Turns out the banded stack was 20. More than enough. Yay!

Hmm. Maybe I should look at receipts better.  

Bummer. On further consideration, need to make one more run to Family Dollar for some caulking. Need to apply that to the 1x2's to keep the film more secure. With strong winds, it could still slide and rip where the screws go through. Winds here can be really rough. I want this to last this time. 

Paused again to go do that. Got a couple of tubes of silicone caulk. Hope that will be enough. 

Did a lot better for work today. I was down by 6 cases for the week. Now I'm ahead 16-18 cases for the week. That's a relief. Hope to jump further ahead tomorrow.

Kinda sucks

Here's one I didn't see coming. Finger is healing. Not draining any more, deep tissue filling in. But now I see why it hurt deep down. The skin across the entire top of my finger is peeling off. 

That means the infection was one that pretty much dissolves tissue. That's what has been occurring to the deep tissue. As the infection worked it's way out, now it just shows at the surface. 

To make it one better, I'm out of regular band-aids. Have to run get some after work. The solarium film may have to wait one more day. I'll never have time to finish it if I'm running around shopping. 

Guess that does mean I still have a strong immune system and heal fairly quickly. With that much tissue damage, my body has not only been fighting the infection but rebuilding most of my finger along the way. That explains why it has cramped at times up to the elbow or shoulder. Just glad my body kept it localized because an infection like that in the bloodstream can do major damage to major organs. 

Oh, well. I can do a few more things to have the area better prepared for finishing the solarium and maybe do an even better job. Few things I had planned for after the film was up but would be easier before. 

Next to last step

Got the next to last step of the solarium done this evening. Trimmed the sharp and jutting edges of beams to reduce and try to eliminate cutting. Then got the foam strips glued in place on all the top beams and even the side beams.

I was afraid the construction adhesive wouldn't go far enough. Then I realized I didn't have to glue the entire length of each strip, only a few spots. After all, as I get the film in place, I'll anchor it with 1x2's and screws. 

So, long as the weather cooperates, I can get the film in place tomorrow evening. 

Today slightly sucked for work. Still somewhat slow. Plus my work computer locked up for half an hour. I came in at 66 cases. Could have made 70 if not for that half hour. That's on top of having 68 cases yesterday. Two days in a row under 70. I'm not happy. 

I was really relieved this evening. There was a light frost last night and I wasn't sure what effect it would have on the plants. Luckily, no noticeable damage. No more frost in the forecast this week. Have to get the solarium functional so I can move the potted tomatoes into it. Plus a few other things. 

Mostly, getting the solarium completed to this degree is going to be a relief and something to celebrate! With all the different incarnations leading up to the current construction, I've been working on this for about 4 years now. Each version stronger than the previous before I finally went all out with concrete and 2x4's, OSB and sheathing. So, steps after this will be improvements on something that is basically complete. 

I'm finally getting to that point with everything about the house. Yes, I still have holes to patch and so forth but the wiring is mostly done, insulation finally in. Things will go much faster and easier now that the major infrastructure work is done. Learned a lot along the way. I'm sure I'm not done learning yet but basic knowledge is there.  

My finger did not get well overnight. This kills me. Cannot recall having a skin infection for this long in my life. It gets better, then gets worse again. However, it is shrinking to a smaller area and closer to the surface. Definitely mostly fungal. If I apply antibacterial ointment on it, it gets worse. If I apply antifungal ointment, it gets better. However, I have to admit the fungal cream burns like crazy for a really long time. Maybe that means it's working? I've had to check and make sure it wasn't doing worse damage. Doesn't appear to be. Less swollen, smaller area of redness, a little less painful. Been trying to dry it out but it's too deep for that. So, just keeping a bandage with antifungal ointment on it all night tonight. See what happens in the morning. Worst thing is, if I went to a doctor, the first thing they would do is give me antibiotics. With the experience so far, I'm convinced that would make it much worse and could end with surgery or even losing my finger. 

Besides, I'm not sure what effect antibiotics could have on my intestines. 

Good progress

Getting more and more limited by daylight as days grow shorter. Only about 2 hours to get things done after work now.

Still, got a good amount done this evening. Got the top beams installed for the last extension of the solarium. Had to cut and install a short extension for one of the upright posts. Cut the foam strips but didn't have time to glue them in place.

Can glue the strips in place tomorrow evening. Then, if the weather isn't too windy (or rainy) I can get the film installed on Wed evening. I cut a lot of extra foam strips already, so I have some strips ready for the sides in addition to the top beams. Plus I still have a full foam panel and about another third. If I had done some calculations I would have known one panel would be enough. However, I do prefer having the extra on hand to cushion extra spots as needed. 

Had a ton of dishes to do. Managed to get them done with a bandage and nitrile glove on my hand. 

I think the infection in my finger is finally clearing up. Still aches all the way to the shoulder. It will take several days for the tissue damage to heal but I expect the last of the infection to clear by tomorrow morning. Reason it has been so bad and so stubborn is because it was a mixed infection that got into the joint of the outermost knuckle. When an infection gets into a joint, it's really hard to get rid of. 

Got my last audits done for the quarter for work today. Got the best score I have had so far, at 99.6, so I've learned something in the past year. Very close to my goal of 100 but I don't know if anyone ever gets 100. If not, this score is close enough. But I'll still keep trying. 

Wow, cool day!

Surprisingly cool today. Almost 1 Pm and temp is still in the 50's. High is less than 70.

Supposed to be warmer the rest of the week. But I may have to wrap the tomato plants tonight. 

Slow work day. I didn't realize it's Columbus Day until a caller pointed it out. What can I say? I've spent my life in service industries.

I feel really positive that I should complete the main solarium structure this week. It's looking really optimistic. 

Not today

I had planned on completing the porch today. Then the wind picked up and I figured it may not be the best day for it. Likely blow leaves and other junk into the concrete. Besides, I wasn't feeling all that energetic. 

Finger is getting better. It was so swollen that the skin is stretched out as the swelling decreases. 

Of course, my finger is another reason I didn't want to do the concrete. Risking getting concrete in the same wound wouldn't be good. The infection has done enough tissue damage. 

I did get daughter's room cleaned up from the damage the cat did last weekend. Started cleaning the rest of the house. 

Picked up another 6 bags of concrete on the way home this evening.

Daughter didn't feel like doing a lot today. Had a little bit of a cough. Checked her peak volume and it was acceptable. So, I was okay of she didn't want to do much, with the winds today. 

Going to work on the main structure of the ramp this week. Then finish the surface next weekend.

Have to get the last upper beams up for the solarium. Then get the foam strips mounted. Then get the film in place. My biggest concern is really keeping the dogs from tearing up the film while I'm attaching it. To make it as taut as possible, I have to go one upper beam at a time and let the film sit on the ground. The way I have mounted the plastic before taught me a few lessons. Now I just have to keep the dogs at bay while I'm attaching it. Maybe they'll behave while I'm physically present, which will have to be done all in one shot, one evening. 

Finally getting absolute proof the mouse poison is working. Found two dead mice today. Seeing evidence most of the bait trays have been eaten from. Which means there were more mice than I have seen. I think they should all be gone soon, unless more come in. I'm just going to keep poison in place all winter. 

Balloon Fiesta

Daughter and I went to the Balloon Fiesta tonight. Considered going last night but looked like rain. Turned out they canceled the balloon glow last night. It was short tonight but happened, so glad we made the choice we did. 

It was fun. We did our normal thing, playing on the field, wandering to the back to the pond by the Gondola Club. Tried walking to see things but the crowds were too unruly. It was her option to get away from the crowd after we got our annual pins. She asked for and collected as many cards from balloon crews as she could. Then watched the fireworks and it was over. 

Figured out why my finger was getting better, then getting worse again. The treatments have been dealing with bacterial infection but not fungal. My immune system deals with bacterial infection effectively but not fungal so well. Probably had some level of both. So, I started soaking it frequently in Epsom salt and salt water. It started getting better very quickly. Still swollen and painful but much less so. And the tissue closed up and is filling in. Damn cat. Oh, I also bought some antifungal ointment this morning to apply under a bandage. 

The TV news story aired as the second story on the news last night. I've gotten several compliments on it. On the down side, seeing it made me realize how much older I look than I thought. Mostly because of my teeth. They did a good job on the story and showed syringes, broken bottles, the overgrowth, mold and lots of other things on the property.

The county responded with a series of lies. Saying they put up No Trespassing signs. They haven't. Also said they had no record of my call. Really? Then why did they call me back? I also contacted them by email. In any case, it's stupid to tell lies like that in a day and age where cell phone records can prove just how much of a liar you are. I'll wait about 3 weeks and see if anything happens with the place. If not, I'll contact the news again.

Going to work on daughter's room and the front porch tomorrow. That stray cat which bit me also got loose in her room and tore the room apart before I caught it again. Then sprayed in the room. All that has to be cleaned up. I'll finish the ramp during the week. 

Bad idea

Some time ago, I had thought of making a suggestion about the property across the street. That the house be torn down and the land cleared for a community garden. Now I know just what a bad idea that would be.

If that happened, there would be very few people who would plant and maintain the garden. However, there would be homeless people and drug addicts still hanging out, gang members vandalizing it and some people who would raid the garden without doing any work. I know who the main culprits would be. 

Kind of a useless point, any way. That's a good idea for a metropolitan area. Here, most of my neighbors already have open space in their yards. If they don't plant there, they're not going to use a community garden. 

The thing I was very happy to be able to point out to the reporter is how much effort this neighborhood has made to improve the area in the last 5 years. For my house, I've done more on the inside and the back than in the front so far. But it still looks better than when I moved in. I have living grass, rose bushes and trees in the front yard. Cracks in the stucco are inexpertly patched but they are patched. I'll probably get to the front yard next spring and summer. However, every single house on this block has seen some level of visible renovation within the time I have lived here. Except for that derelict property. 

My finger is finally getting better. Still swollen but redness is almost gone. I'll admit (and it's obvious) that one had me a bit nervous for a while. That must have been one nasty cat. I've been bitten and scratched by many animals before and never had anything like that. 

Unofficial night off

Taking an unofficial night off. Thurs nights have kind of developed into that. Not planned, just happens that way. 

Had the interview with the news this evening. The report is supposed to air tomorrow night. The reporter was Ryan Luby. Very polite, professional, intelligent and attentive. I think his career should go far. He and the cameraman spent a long time here, walking around the property and asking a lot of questions. As predicted, a neighbor showed up and all focus was lost. They may have interviewed him but I don't think they did. I departed when the focus was lost. Meanwhile, the neighbor was following the reporter like a ferret after a turkey leg. I noted when I gave the portable microphone back to Ryan, he seemed to very pointedly place it back in the vehicle.

Just have to wait until tomorrow night and see the report.

Not getting any work done around here tomorrow. Picking daughter up after work. If the weather is good, we can go to the Balloon Fiesta tomorrow night. If not, we'll go Sat night. 

Not much else going on. Get some sleep tonight.

Weather holding

The weather is still holding for now. Forecast for Halloween currently predicts a low in the 40's. We've seen lows on Halloween in the 20's here, so I'm glad to see it remaining above freezing. 

Means I still have time to finish the solarium before it's crucial.

It also extends chances for having carrots and pumpkins. I finally have one pumpkin growing and pollinated another earlier this week. But bumblebees are helping me, since they're still active. 

I still need to get out and pull the green bean vines up and put them in the compost.

Put off getting a plastic barrel for the moment. Mostly in favor of keeping money rolling over in the bank. However with all the other tasks, if I got one right now, it would just be sitting for the moment.

Finger is getting better. I debrided it partially last night, which helped. If you can avoid ever debriding part of your own body, by all means, avoid it. But under some circumstances, it's necessary.  

Okay, have to get moving. Feed the animals and get ready for work.

Just a comment

Been there. More than once. Never going back again in any form.

Not sick

So, I'm not sick. Guess it was just sore muscles. Today I slung an 80 lb bag of concrete on my shoulder. Same weight I fought with yesterday.

Not a bad list of things done after work today. Dug a hole, mixed concrete, set another post for the solarium. Got another OSB panel set in place and cut to size. It was too long. Cut and set a 2x4 as a cross beam for one OSB panel for better stability. That will also act as a small shelf. Got everything noted well anchored.

Then had the joy of cleaning up dog poop. 

Got a call back from the news about the house across the street. They want to do a story on it tomorrow evening, after I get off work. They're going to interview me for it. I get to be on TV! Hope I don't break anybody's TV set. 

While some of the neighbors are nice, they tend to be true to their NM heritage and rather dramatic. So I hope to get the tour and interview done quickly, before they converge and it winds up in a drama fest. I don't know. Maybe that would be best. That's what the news and society, especially locally, feeds on. Not information and rational discussion. I just don't want the news crew to be put off by a lack of focus from multiple inputs going different directions. I'd much rather the effects of the story have an effect not only for our neighborhood but other neighborhoods with similar situations. 

Illness?

I may be getting sick. Not sure. I feel achy. This evening, I seriously struggled moving things I carried last week. However, swinging 1250 lbs of concrete around this weekend may have something to do with it. I could be sore without.. well, being sore. On the other hand, my bruised knee and broken toe are healed.

Finished setting the final two posts for the solarium this evening. Then put up two OSB panels for the outside wall. Two of the upright studs are about 1/2" too far apart, so I still need to set a cross beam between them to anchor one panel better. That's okay, it can also act as a shelf. These are now solid enough to be dog-proof! 

At some point I'll install more OSB panels on the inside with some insulation between them. I'll also install an inner film to make the roof double glazed. But probably not this winter. Those things will be next year. 

As for tomorrow, I'll set that cross beam and the roof beams for the last two posts. If that goes fast enough, start getting the foam strips cut and glued in place. Not expecting to get the film up this week. I'll get that done next week. Weather permitting. 

The house still doesn't look great yet but it feels great to finally be getting some of these projects done! By Christmas, I hope to have daughter's room, the ramp, the solarium, the pantry shelves and the holes from the insulation all finished. Then get the house in much better appearance and organization. Some things will still wait. Painting, my room, the office. 

Regaining control

I'm regaining control of a few things slowly. 

Bought some new mouse poison last night. Four trays, placed strategically around the house. Humane traps were mostly a bust. The mint drove some of them out but one or two mice remain. The smarter ones, that remain more hidden. Unfortunately, too smart for their own good. If they fell for the humane traps, they would just get relocated to an outdoor space. (They are field mice, after all.) Now if they go for the poison, they wind up dead. 

Daughter and I did take the two caught in humane traps and released them this weekend by the viaduct (on the opposite side of the water and away from any houses or buildings). 

Another thing is that while digging post holes, I accidentally cut through the invisible dog fence cable. Within 2 hours, the younger dog realized it wasn't working and invaded the garden. Almost got caught in the cat trap. Chewed on some Cosmos and some Trumpet Vine seed pods. (Not enough to get sick.) I blocked the gate so he can't get through, then watched the dogs long enough for them to get the idea. Have to replace that section of cable after work today. Think this time that section will be in conduit and above ground. Visible and more mobile, in case I need to move boundaries around later. 

Finger still swollen but not painful. One lateral band of red across the scabbed area. So, better. 

Haven't caught either of the two remaining cats yet. Definitely getting a pellet gun with hunting pellets next paycheck. 

I have to send the pictures from the derelict house to the news station tonight. The county has had over two weeks to come out here and hasn't moved. When I went over there, I found cans and broken bottles all over. Walls and ceilings inside the house torn up. Human urine and feces all over the place. Insects and rodents. Even a bed set up inside the shed. (That was the only neat place around there.) That place has to go. 

Long day

Just a thought. Truly romantic and truly good people have a similar trait.
If you tell a truly good person to go away, they respect your wishes and depart. They think that's what you want.
Truly romantic people will do the same thing. Because they will battle the world for you but when they have to battle you for you, the romance is lost and drama takes it's place.
If you want a romantic or good person in your life, don't tell them to leave or treat them like you don't want to be there. You'll get what you appear to want.

 Today was a really long day. Glad it's over. My finger remained swollen, of course. Little better now but still kind of sore and swollen. Draining a small amount of discolored fluid but that's a good thing. Means my body is fighting the infection, walling it off. 

Had some residual concrete boogers. From laying 1250 lbs of concrete this weekend. Plus it's very possible daughter passed her cold virus to me. Not sure yet. 

Then the power went out this morning for two hours. I think the street construction crews hit a power line. Not long after the power went out, I heard sirens which stopped right around the corner, where construction still continues. After 6-7 months. At the same intersection. 

Then I had internet problems. Had a delay four times longer than it should have been. 

Finally got everything all fixed. Of course, that didn't stop the callers from being brain dead. But the rest of the day went much better.

Finally got my day off for the dentures approved. Yay! 

Dug the holes for the last two posts for the solarium. Then it got too dark to set the posts. Get that done tomorrow. With the cement mixer it will take a lot less time. If I get out there right after work, I can probably do that and get a couple of panels in place for the sides. Then have to cut and glue foam insulation strips on top of the posts and beams. Then it's a matter of fixing the film in place. That will be the biggest and hardest part of the job. Also the part which has to be done all in one shot. Have to see how all that progresses.

Animal control

I keep forgetting which animal control office to call. There are two divisions, one city and county. The city does not pick up animals. So if you capture a stray (their job), you have to bring it in to their locations (their job). It is the county that will pick an animal up. But if you call the city information line, they don't tell you that. They just tell you that you have to drop the animal off. I now have the county animal control number programmed in my phone. 

I hate New Mexico.

My finger is really swollen this morning. However, less painful than it was yesterday. Not numb. So, even with the swelling, that's a good sign. The wound is draining pink fluid and I'm letting it. Kind of like the time I had compartment syndrome but less painful. Soaked it with peroxide a long time last night and a few minutes this morning. Kept a bandage with antibiotic ointment on all night. Makes it a little hard to type but not too difficult. 

Okay, animal control about to open. Have to call them, feed the animals and get ready for work.

Daughter's blog

My daughter started a blog this weekend. I'm glad of it. I think she kind of takes after me in being better able to express her feelings through writing than speaking. Her writing shows her attempts for figure out the world without and within. 

What pains me are a couple of statements. One is that she doesn't feel she is pretty or smart. I don;t know where those doubts come from. The other is a statement against popularity. She sees popularity as a direct contradiction to being a good person. Those two things give us a few things to talk about. 

We didn't make it to the Balloon Fiesta this weekend. She had a cold and didn't really feel like it. I didn't think with an existing cold and asthma that exposing her to the smoke from fireworks would be a good choice. Have to try and make it next weekend. Going to check with the ex and see if I can pick her up on Fri night instead of Sat morning. 

 Got most of the front porch completed this weekend. Then ran out of concrete. I had to expand the size larger than originally planned. When I pulled the wooden steps away, I found some old small concrete steps to the left of the current door placement. Obviously the door has been moved. I had to extend the porch to cover the steps, just for appearance. Still keeping a 3 ft depth. Making the part next to the door flush with the bottom door frame and with a very light grade with a 1/2" drop for drainage. Glad I can fit 6-8 bags of concrete in the car at a time. Got 6 more bags after dropping daughter off. Plus a bag of small gravel for texture and decoration. Funny, another thing daughter suggested which I had been debating versus acid staining. I think the gravel is a better option, also. Looks better and lasts longer. Going to finish the rest of the work next weekend while she's here. 

We caught two cats, one adult and one kitten this weekend. I know there is another adult and one more kitten hanging out in the back yard. The adult cat bit my finger really good right on a joint. I know there is some infection I'm fighting from it but I managed to drive it out of the joint, itself. Soaked my hand in diluted peroxide for a long time this afternoon, then applied antibiotic ointment. The cat is mean and wild but not showing any signs of rabies. My finger is swollen and the whole thing made it hard to do the concrete today. Getting better than it was, though. Going to soak it in peroxide again before bed. 

Decided my best course of action this week would be to work on the solarium. It may sound like a better option would be to repair the holes in the ceiling and other projects inside. However, days are getting shorter, time change hasn't arrived yet and I'll have lots of time during winter to do inside work. Better to get the solarium done while concrete will cure properly and I have sunlight to see what I'm doing. It also clears some large construction pieces out of the house.

 

I'm up

I'm up. Have to get some cleaning done.

Didn't get to dishes last night. Cement mixer took longer than expected. But it's a cement mixer, what can you say? I still have final adjustments and a little tightening to do on that but shouldn't take any longer than 10 minutes. For real, for once. 

Not really sure how much I'll have to roll over to next check. That purchase did leave things slightly thin but I will have money to roll over. How much depends on how frugal I am the next two weeks. 

That will be easier now, with all the canning done and building supplies purchased. I have been spending extra money here and there for canning jars, the film for the solarium and things like that. Plus I had to renew the internet phone. I rarely use it but it pays for itself if I have to send one or two faxes. And it's a good backup for safety. Has to be paid by the year, though. Not much in small bites but adds up. 

Tha original plans for the solarium don't seem completely practical in construction terms, after all. What may be a better option would be the solarium as I am about to complete it, then a separate greenhouse. That would allow for two different temperature environments. The solarium kept at a cooler but non-freezing environment. The greenhouse kept at a warmer temperature and less temperature controlled in winter. (Though I may install a heat capture system in there, as well.) Solarium for potting and cool pants, plus keeping dogs warm and a relaxation area. The greenhouse to encompass long season plants and extend the growing season. For now, I'll focus on the solarium and maybe do the greenhouse later.

I did come up with the concept of using the heat capture system to help the cooling process in summer. Rather than just turning the system off, I could divert the exhaust to the outside. It would intensify and capture rising heated air and vent it outside, which would accelerate the ventilation of cooler air to the inside. If I add a couple of swamp cooler panels and a solar powered water pump, the only expense would be the water that goes into it, which would be in a recycling system. 

I did learn this summer that the filters I put in place for the well pump were highly effective. The swamp cooler had less sediment buildup than it has in previous years with municipal water. I somewhat expected the filters to turn brown from iron but that didn't happen. So using well water for the larger cooling system for the solarium would be a good option. I think it actually decreased allergies a bit, as well. Very possible that breathing the chlorine from municipal water increases allergies. Well water may increase ambient nitrogen but nitrogen is resident in natural air, any way and tends to be low in desert environments. Even possible it increases Nitrous Oxide, which improves mood and enhances relaxation. (Naturally high in forest and wetland environments.) 

Okay, gotta wash dishes and mop.