The Kassel Family Project Life 365

The City of Columbia Water and Light department came out this morning and installed the new solar meter.  We were surprised because they have up to thirty days from the inspection and they are not known for being quick.  We were definitely not complaining though and were thrilled that we were one step closer to functional.  Then, the inspection happened this afternoon.  When all was complete, the City of Columbia inspector flipped the switch and the solar panels are functional!  In total today, we used 11 kilowatt hours.  Since the solar panels were turned on at 2 pm, we produced 5 kilowatt hours.  Considering those 5 kilowatt hours were in a 4-1/2 hour period, I think had the panels been on this morning, we most likely would have produced as much as we made.  I love it!

Two things happened today.  I rode with Andy and he got a King of the Mountain (KOM) on Strava.  When looking at the overall leaderboard, we discovered that I actually own the true overall by one second from my last ride on the Bear Creek Trail.  I am KOM!  Nevermind that Andy was riding with me and riding *my* speed.  I know that he will own the real KOM soon, but, for today, I took a picture.  I will never see this again.  As if that was not enough, he told me while we were riding that he noticed that I am thinner especially in the legs.  When the person who lives with you everyday and sees you all the time notices, you know the change is happening.  I will be smiling all night!

The Kassel Castle got an upgrade today!  Twenty-four solar panels were installed on the back of our roof.

The crew arrived about 7:45 and the panels were installed by mid-afternoon.  Each panel weighs about 50 pounds and each had to be carried to the roof separately.

The last step is for the City of Columbia to switch the meter to a solar meter.  We hope to be taking advantage of our solar panels by the end of March.  I am looking forward to lower electrical bills!  We are projected to see a 70% to 80% reduction in electrical cost.

Another Girl Scout Cookie Season has come to an end with money turn-in this evening.  I love cookies, but I am always glad to see the end.  Laura sold a total of 308 boxes though we “donated” eight of those boxes to another girl in her troop so that she could reach the next prize level.  As a troop, the girls sold over 1800 boxes.  Way to go Troop 62262!

It is time to sand the Pinewood Derby Car!

The Withrow Shockers had their first scrimmage of the year against the Mid-MO Monarchs.  I stopped by for a bit only to watch John strike out.  When I went to leave, I told him that I would see him at home.  He replied (complete with impish grin), “You jinxed me.”

It was an afternoon of adult fun tasting great beers and enjoying time with my husband.