Pellet heads!! What's up today?

Current price for pellets at menards have went up significantly from last year. Not sure if they'll have a good sale or not?

I'll be finding something, propane lock in price was crazy this year!

 

Wasn't too bad here, I pre bought 500 gallons at $1.99. Presently, it's $2.15

 

Propane is about $4.00 here

 

First night in the 40's in what seems a very long time. Mini split has been off for about 36 hours. I did have a couple of window fans going yesterday early morning But this morning, even with all the windows shut and the house being at 74* when I went to bed, the house temp has dropped to 69*. So, depending on how much sun I get this afternoon, there is the possibility that no conditioning will be needed.

This weekend I have to replace the ash pan door gasket of the P61a. I should have done it last year but I kept procrastinating. I made sure I will get it done this year by ripping the old gasket off. I'll have to check the firebox door too. And, probably should check the P43. Funny, the Rutland graphite impregnated gaskets are about $10 at TSC and $15 at Aubuchon's. Guess where I got mine from? The Checkout gal at TSC said the gaskets were selling like hotcakes. Well yeah, with HHF prices high, everyone wants to make sure their pellet stoves are running well.

 

Another day without conditioning, which is good with the increase in electric costs - up 100% as of August 1. Just got my bill and even though I used 30 kwh LESS than the previous month, my bill is $30 higher. Compared to this time last year, I used 8% less (about 10 kwh) and am paying $40 more.

However, I am fortunate that I don't use much electricity, even working from home, so I don't have the whopping bills that some do.

I did change out the ash pan gasket yesterday morning. Checked the fire door gaskets of both stoves with the dollar bill test and they are both nice and tight.

 

I suspect it might be a cold winter. as to precipitation since things tend to average out I suspect a bit more than last year.

 

Heck, I cannot even 'access' my pellets or my skidded corn as I have numerous round bales in front of the, It's difficult even getting the tractors and the round baler in the barn and I never leave the bailer sit outside as rain causes the hay chaff to turn to concrete. it's blown off (never gets washed). You never wash hay tools. just blow them off with compressed air, grease and oil them and put them away. My mower is outside but completely shielded so no rain can impact it and my rake and tedder is also outside, blown off and serviced. Once the round bales are picked up, everything goes inside for the winter.

Tractors are always inside when not being used, no exceptions.

Staying real pleasant here and been picking green beans like no tomorrow. I've picked at least 15 gallons so far this year and all of them have been frozen (after blanching and cutting off the ends of course. getting time to dig potatoes soon.

Won't have to grow any string beans next year or the year after, I'll have plenty in the freezer. Next year will be Brussels Sprouts, more potatoes and possibly Ambrosia sweet corn along with Beets and Cantaloupe.

 

No issue here. Bring retired with no urgent need to go anywhere, I can sit inside and play on the computer or read a book or do something 'non constructive'... All while toasting my feet in front of the biomass stove along with the cats and our 'pup'.

Like to listen to the scanner and take in all the 'wrecks' every time we have a 'snow event'. people drive like idiots, especially the AWD SUV drivers. What the seem to forget is, they can 'go' but stopping is a different (and usually results in a wreck or in a ditch) issue.

 

Snowy where are you? corncob posted something near and dear to your heart.

 

I hope more than last year - we didn't have much in my area. I think I snow blowed something like 4 times. Then we had some light snows that either weren't worth cleaning up at all, or I only used a shovel to clear the driveway.

 

I'd gladly take a few more inches of removable snow for less slush & ice that takes forever to melt and can send me flying.

Sam

 

I’ll second more snow.

Want bone chilling cold, lots of snow.