Good news and not so good news

The good news is that with Robert Katsur here, he and Rodney were able to spend some time in the pelton wheel house debugging the generator plant. The bad news is that both of our inverters are shot. That wasn't really unexpected. We thought before that they were acting rather fickle. We could get one tomorrow in Anchorage but it really isn't quite what we want so we're opting to run without an inverter for a little while until they can ship one from Fairbanks. That means we'll basically be running on the diesel generator more and going without power when we aren't running that. Inverters are too expensive to buy one that isn't quite what you want so it is well worth the wait to get the right one.

Robert also gave us some suggestions to improve the operation of the batteries - in a nutshell to keep them warm! We'll probably be installing a small propane heater for this winter and then plan to move them up under the house next summer where we can keep them warm off the hot water loop that we're installing under the house (for the new water system, the laundry room and now the battery "room"). Everything really is a little more difficult in Alaska! That is what Nate, Rodney and others love about it though. There is a new challenge every day. It is well worth the challenges! I'm still convinced that this is the most amazing place on earth to live! That said, my back is to the wood stove as I type. It's hard to be unhappy when your belly is full and your back is warm.

I'm also busy getting ready to visit my parents for a week. I'll leave on Monday and come back the next Monday so if you don't hear from me again until then, you won't need to worry. Pray for Rodney who will be left here with the electrical problems and 3 teenagers! :) Poor guy! I really do feel bad. It isn't the best timing, but realistically there is never good timing when you have kids. Take care and behave and I'll see ya'll when I get back!