It all started with an energy audit

The local utility, Clark PUD offers a free energy audit. Overall, the assessor was fairly conservative. He discouraged solid foam insulation and told me my double pane windows were adequate and replacing them would not be cost effective.

First culprit, however, was the refrigerator. The original 1990 era Kenmore was not any level of energy star efficiency.

So off I go, now given free license to indulge in refrigerator shopping! I'd long dreamed of getting the super efficient (255 Kw/year) Eco-Fridg / Conserv but was put off by the small refrigeration compartment -- for better or worse.

Following the ACEEE guide, I got what appeared to be a modestly sized Frigidaire in the showroom. It looks a lot bigger in my kitchen.



I'm very happy with the door bins and I like the handles. But I've still got a lot of empty space to fill.

Local Color

I couldn't resist indulging in some flower pictures. I didn't see many peonies in San Francisco. They seem to thrive here.





The iris are just coming on. I believe these are "rainbow iris".



These are just colorful ...





I discovered I was being watched ...

Historic Kiggins House Move

June 1 ~ Lolli and Ron drove off to parts further North. My sister and I were off to a garden tour, but stopped to see the 101 year-old Kiggins House being moved.



It proved far more interesting than a garden tour! There were dozens of photographers and most of the local neighbors. It was very festive.



Take a look at this video I took of the house squeezing through trees:


Here's another shorter one of the brave young men making adjustments in between the wheels of the trailer and under the 100 tons of rolling house (keep an eye on their feet):


The Columbian (June 1) has a more comprehensive Quicktime video, "History on the Move" with interviews of the participants (Nancy and I can be seen in one frame).

Read all about it here.

Ron & Lolli Visit

May 30 ~ Ron & Lolli survived overturned trucks on Hwy5 and arrived safe and sound on Friday night. They picked this wild azalea along the road in southern Oregon. It lasted all weekend!



The weather turned warm and sunny. Here Ron and Lolli enjoy a lazy afternoon.



Lolli and I enjoy our favorite pass-time --- Scrabble. It was close. I barely won 2 out of the 3 games we played. Lolli's not a novice any longer.



Ron offered to assemble the $90 desk I purchased over Craig's list.



It took us nearly an hour to assemble and then I spent another hour unscrambling all the wires and cables. There are more finishing touches to be made, but by and large it's up and running!



I can keep an eye on the birds out the window (my binoculars and camera are ever at the ready)