Solar Meter Reading

Happy New Year !  I hope everyone had a good celebration and took the 1^st day of the new year as a day of rest, and a time to think about that resolution you made in the wee hours of the morning, possibly under the influence.

I made one resolution, which as basic and boring as it may sound, is to continue on my health and fitness routines, which include me running a 10K this year, and also logging at least 1000 miles of running before year end.  Sue mentioned that she is going to do some form of exercise 365 days this year, today was the exercise bike.  Given that 2012 is a leap year, she gets to take one day off and still boast 365 days of exercise.

This day in history “First New Year’s Day: 

http://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/new-years-day

In 45 B.C., New Year's Day is celebrated on January 1 for the first time in history as the Julian calendar takes effect.

Soon after becoming Roman dictator, Julius Caesar decided that the traditional Roman calendar was in dire need of reform. Introduced around the seventh century B.C., the Roman calendar attempted to follow the lunar cycle but frequently fell out of phase with the seasons and had to be corrected. In addition, the pontifices, the Roman body charged with overseeing the calendar, often abused its authority by adding days to extend political terms or interfere with elections.
In designing his new calendar, Caesar enlisted the aid of Sosigenes, an Alexandrian astronomer, who advised him to do away with the lunar cycle entirely and follow the solar year, as did the Egyptians. The year was calculated to be 365 and 1/4 days, and Caesar added 67 days to 45 B.C., making 46 B.C. begin on January 1, rather than in March. He also decreed that every four years a day be added to February, thus theoretically keeping his calendar from falling out of step.


It was a very mild day, almost balmy and I can’t help but wonder if we are being treated to some global warming.  The other night Luke and I made a fire outside in the chiminea, and didn’t have to wear a jacket.  It is winter, and I have heard that the farmer’s almanac is predicting a lot of snow this year…Jan/Feb/Mar may provide the cold I remember when I was a kid.

From the weather.com – December 2011 - “Through the 29th, Hartford, Conn. is seeing its 3rd warmest December on record. In New York City and Boston, Mass. this is the 5th warmest December. This comes off a November which was a top ten warmest for all of these locations."


Many of you already know that I think we can all make a difference in helping to reduce global warming, or at least our use of fossil fuels.  So far, a pellet stove, solar panels, CFL or LED lighting, and reusable water bottles.  Car pool to and from soccer matches, and practices, and strategically closing blinds on sunny side of the house in summer, and opening of them in fall and winter to offset heating and cooling.  And let’s not forget shutting off lights, TV’s, cable boxes, etc. when no one is in the room.  Luke is my worst offender as he leaves his bedroom TV and light on often.  I took a meter reading and will keep track of power production starting today.  Hoping to produce about 6000 KWH each year.


Photo of the day “Solar Meter Reading”