tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-45337030941881891762024-03-13T05:11:03.062-06:00Chasing Net ZeroBuilding a home with the intent of reaching a net zero energy balance and low environmental impact as much as possible in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.Shafraazhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12680723864772294621noreply@blogger.comBlogger207125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4533703094188189176.post-69805897554813482112014-07-03T18:43:00.001-06:002014-07-03T18:45:10.109-06:00Honoured to be in the Globe & Mail!I was ecstatic to discover my little interview with Alex Blozikovic (<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 18px;"> </span><span class="article__ontwitter--link" style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><a href="https://twitter.com/@alexbozikovic" style="background: transparent; color: red; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank">@alexbozikovic</a> )</span>last week turned into this little piece in the Globe & Mail today!<br />
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<a href="http://www.theglobeandmail.com/life/home-and-garden/architecture/article19434473.ece/BINARY/image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.theglobeandmail.com/life/home-and-garden/architecture/article19434473.ece/BINARY/image.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.theglobeandmail.com/life/home-and-garden/architecture/the-right-way-to-build-an-eco-friendly-house-hint-keep-it-simple/article19434475/" target="_blank">The-right-way-to-build-an-eco-friendly-house...hint: keep-it-simple!</a></div>
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He covered our house and a few others from across the country that are striving to be green. So, check it out~ it is wonderful to still be of interest even three years after we substantially completed it. (Don't ask what's still left to do!)... ** Blush **</div>
Shafraazhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12680723864772294621noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4533703094188189176.post-7736772234706248082014-07-03T18:35:00.000-06:002014-07-03T18:46:22.269-06:00We have bees! In our backyard! Yay!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qziQOvLMnW8/U7X18qaXRZI/AAAAAAAABKE/_CrFYIHqku4/s1600/IMG_3966.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qziQOvLMnW8/U7X18qaXRZI/AAAAAAAABKE/_CrFYIHqku4/s1600/IMG_3966.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
Shelaine Sparrow from Living Ecology discovered this little bee hive (in the ground) while she was working in our yard! I was surprised to learn they actually nest underground! So, we've put some some pavers to protect this little hive of activity!<br />
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Shelaine is helping us this year get more done in our permaculture landscape. When you're overwhelmed, you need to call in professionals!<br />
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And in related news, we're happy the City is doing this pilot:<br />
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<a href="http://www.edmontonjournal.com/Coming+soon+backyard+near+Hives+honey+urban+beekeeping+pilot/9997691/story.html" target="_blank">Coming to Backyards Soon: Urban Bee Keeping Pilot!</a>Shafraazhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12680723864772294621noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4533703094188189176.post-32643749790240926682013-10-22T23:15:00.000-06:002013-10-22T23:16:50.903-06:00Solar Energy Society: Homeowner's PerspectiveTomorrow (October 23, 2013 at 7:00 pm), come out to hear: <a href="http://solaralberta.ca/sites/default/files/news/documents/October%2023%20Seminar.pdf" target="_blank">The Home Owner's Perspective- Solar Power Systems</a><br />
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A Forum for Solar System Owners at MacEwan University- I'll be talking about our own experience with our 2012 data for PV power generation and our grid-tied system!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I purposely added the photo with snow on the modules- as even with our steep slope,<br />I wanted to show how some days the snow just sticks! (and I have to brush it off!)</td></tr>
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<br />Shafraazhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12680723864772294621noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4533703094188189176.post-69902514067129502622013-08-25T23:11:00.002-06:002013-08-25T23:17:10.523-06:00Still getting the front yard in shape! Or, Permaculture, Part 428.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
So, it's been quite an adventure, this permaculture gardening... I am happy to say things have sprouted. Things have grown and things have died. We've also have our first harvest of lettuces, basil, oregano, swiss chard, peas, bush beans, cilantro, parsley, chilli peppers, more lettuce!, alpine currents, raspberries, "mini" strawberries, and a squash. Not sure why the pumpkin aren't doing so well. And I'm also far behind weeding duties. </div>
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Here's the photo diary of our summer front yard garden:</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 9.600000381469727px;">Shelaine & Serena planting berries and tomatoes. June 23, 2013.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kn6XvcHBWkE/Uhrfw2UqXcI/AAAAAAAABGA/eEP7yykrifY/s1600/IMG_0821.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kn6XvcHBWkE/Uhrfw2UqXcI/AAAAAAAABGA/eEP7yykrifY/s320/IMG_0821.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">June 23, 2013. Watering the garden. I wish we had our rain barrels installed!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8D_mRoPye6Q/Uhrfzz4MmdI/AAAAAAAABGI/cWp4FgCyNOM/s1600/IMG_0879.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8D_mRoPye6Q/Uhrfzz4MmdI/AAAAAAAABGI/cWp4FgCyNOM/s320/IMG_0879.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">July 3, 2013- the field pea border has sprouted!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CzvIk2NkIBY/UhrfvNQ0L_I/AAAAAAAABF4/eLToHhSXoYI/s1600/IMG_0880.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CzvIk2NkIBY/UhrfvNQ0L_I/AAAAAAAABF4/eLToHhSXoYI/s320/IMG_0880.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">July 3, 2013: Letteces & herbs are sprouting too!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Mt0j50zGEKo/Uhrf1zuLRZI/AAAAAAAABGQ/VJmc4RzwwAI/s1600/IMG_0904.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Mt0j50zGEKo/Uhrf1zuLRZI/AAAAAAAABGQ/VJmc4RzwwAI/s320/IMG_0904.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">July 7th, 2013. Taking shape! & the primordial herb spiral waiting...</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wnhcZBlo7eA/Uhrf7569msI/AAAAAAAABGY/owlEgYO3Vr0/s1600/IMG_1004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wnhcZBlo7eA/Uhrf7569msI/AAAAAAAABGY/owlEgYO3Vr0/s320/IMG_1004.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">July 21, 2013. Things are really beginning to sprout! Pumpkins, beans, potatoes!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--bXjdZ1bOMY/Uhrf8KrIV0I/AAAAAAAABGc/vqJ_EhiBRto/s1600/IMG_1006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--bXjdZ1bOMY/Uhrf8KrIV0I/AAAAAAAABGc/vqJ_EhiBRto/s320/IMG_1006.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">July 21, 2013. Unfortunately, the straw on the left sprouted, taking over the strawberry patch!<br />
Always ask for non-seeded straw bales. : (</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yLX2CIgkDMU/Uhrf9unBgiI/AAAAAAAABGo/00LJuzKQc24/s1600/IMG_1007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yLX2CIgkDMU/Uhrf9unBgiI/AAAAAAAABGo/00LJuzKQc24/s320/IMG_1007.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The peppers are doing well in the southwest corner. & Berries are making up our "hedgerow"</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gcChiUm9oX8/UhrgFr2iDWI/AAAAAAAABHA/wJQJrpQ-RLY/s1600/IMG_1008.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gcChiUm9oX8/UhrgFr2iDWI/AAAAAAAABHA/wJQJrpQ-RLY/s320/IMG_1008.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Look close! You can see peppers growing!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1yMzoZl8zTg/UhrgEH3CKsI/AAAAAAAABGw/gvQDJKAOIBU/s1600/IMG_1190.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1yMzoZl8zTg/UhrgEH3CKsI/AAAAAAAABGw/gvQDJKAOIBU/s320/IMG_1190.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">August 18, 2013~ Herb spiral build day!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2YGR8Sk4PG0/UhrgEn1uivI/AAAAAAAABG4/zYv7sSEcRNs/s1600/IMG_1192.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2YGR8Sk4PG0/UhrgEn1uivI/AAAAAAAABG4/zYv7sSEcRNs/s320/IMG_1192.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mike wants this to be the mother of all herb spirals. Okay then...</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vnihUc0iOKc/UhrgNa3QGrI/AAAAAAAABHI/pLjGtId477k/s1600/IMG_1193.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vnihUc0iOKc/UhrgNa3QGrI/AAAAAAAABHI/pLjGtId477k/s320/IMG_1193.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cardboard edging on the spiral.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bzIkaLPV4G0/UhrgO2JH4NI/AAAAAAAABHU/9m_NJh74dCE/s1600/IMG_1195.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bzIkaLPV4G0/UhrgO2JH4NI/AAAAAAAABHU/9m_NJh74dCE/s320/IMG_1195.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I'm hoping I've found enough bricks!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kMwMOOHrCKI/UhrgOyw4enI/AAAAAAAABHY/T0bqCnoTBeU/s1600/IMG_1196.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kMwMOOHrCKI/UhrgOyw4enI/AAAAAAAABHY/T0bqCnoTBeU/s320/IMG_1196.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First tier of cardboard complete!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xyQG9U_K_8Q/UhrgVC4CczI/AAAAAAAABHo/Rb-N7EVsI-k/s1600/IMG_1198.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xyQG9U_K_8Q/UhrgVC4CczI/AAAAAAAABHo/Rb-N7EVsI-k/s320/IMG_1198.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First tier of bricks laid out.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gu92AqunKPU/UhrgWazzbSI/AAAAAAAABHw/Py_y_idMdcE/s1600/IMG_1199.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gu92AqunKPU/UhrgWazzbSI/AAAAAAAABHw/Py_y_idMdcE/s320/IMG_1199.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lots of stamping gravel & sand base down!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2cXlf2o9QkY/UhrgYBpMHKI/AAAAAAAABH4/hxj9QfAXQ64/s1600/IMG_1201.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2cXlf2o9QkY/UhrgYBpMHKI/AAAAAAAABH4/hxj9QfAXQ64/s320/IMG_1201.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stamp! Stamp! Stamp!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Uk8F3MP5y1M/Uhrgcuf50lI/AAAAAAAABIA/V9ZaSjidBMM/s1600/IMG_1202.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Uk8F3MP5y1M/Uhrgcuf50lI/AAAAAAAABIA/V9ZaSjidBMM/s320/IMG_1202.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">As far as we got on the first day. Thanks Mike & Shelaine for helping make this happen!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WEUskbYZE2M/Uhrgf8KXF9I/AAAAAAAABIM/w_GlYg5juCc/s1600/IMG_1233.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WEUskbYZE2M/Uhrgf8KXF9I/AAAAAAAABIM/w_GlYg5juCc/s320/IMG_1233.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">& Voila! the 2013 herb spiral with the token lemon balm plant.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-26BAzWuFtFw/UhrgftG8i4I/AAAAAAAABII/uJ2Omo32aKE/s1600/IMG_1234.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-26BAzWuFtFw/UhrgftG8i4I/AAAAAAAABII/uJ2Omo32aKE/s320/IMG_1234.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">So, anyone wanna' let us raid their perrenial herbs?</td></tr>
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Shafraazhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12680723864772294621noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4533703094188189176.post-57297025765922890872013-06-19T23:36:00.002-06:002013-06-19T23:36:27.252-06:00Permaculture Blitzing has begun!<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_Us1KB-2qZA/UcKTFlHq1OI/AAAAAAAABEk/FZ9Q7KOv9o4/s1600/landscape+plan+2013sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_Us1KB-2qZA/UcKTFlHq1OI/AAAAAAAABEk/FZ9Q7KOv9o4/s320/landscape+plan+2013sm.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
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This summer is the year we start landscape work! My friend Mike Johnson helped us plan and coordinate the front and side yards. He completed his Permaculture Design Course and wanted to get some practical experience. He told us how we can get the help of others wanting to assist with a permaculture "blitz," where volunteers come by and help out with the installation. And it was pretty good, even though the first blitz took place on Father's Day weekend. <br />
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So, we had a good group on Saturday: Shelaine, Janet, Kathie, Sharla, Chris & Dennis helped us dig a trench for the weeping tile that would bring water to the "keyhole" gardens. The clay on site was particularly brutal to dig through. And it didn't help that it rained off and on. I couldn't believe how people were still motivated to push on! Mike and I worked up until about 5pm. I was so sore...<br />
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The next day, we had Tara, Bon, Hank, Mimi and Duncan come by to finish up the keyhole gardens, start on the herb spiral and put in the mulch over the weeping tile in the trench. We began to put down some straw for the strawberry patch and put down some compost in select places. Unfortunately, the topsoil didn't show up until Monday, but we were too tired to have done any more work Sunday. What a good start!<br />
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We now have most of our foreseeable weekends trying to finish this crazy permaculture yard up.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yYNtTITAM-0/UcKTGutuLkI/AAAAAAAABE0/d4kj6ladJMI/s1600/keystoneSM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yYNtTITAM-0/UcKTGutuLkI/AAAAAAAABE0/d4kj6ladJMI/s320/keystoneSM.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">keyhole gardens with herb spiral to the top left.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mX1Pt0l6IAI/UcKTLxBRNXI/AAAAAAAABFE/fBHGfFWsgdc/s1600/trench.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mX1Pt0l6IAI/UcKTLxBRNXI/AAAAAAAABFE/fBHGfFWsgdc/s320/trench.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Digging the trench!</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lJtZ9lQqf14/UcKS_TDPGCI/AAAAAAAABEM/OJV2opWH-Ro/s1600/keyhole+garden.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lJtZ9lQqf14/UcKS_TDPGCI/AAAAAAAABEM/OJV2opWH-Ro/s320/keyhole+garden.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">keyhole with cardboard weed barrier.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RzgoDXXAz7w/UcKS_trcMpI/AAAAAAAABEQ/sXEe2aI3l8E/s1600/keyholes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="115" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RzgoDXXAz7w/UcKS_trcMpI/AAAAAAAABEQ/sXEe2aI3l8E/s320/keyholes.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Installed keyhole gardens (looking down from our balcony).</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LlYujBwA1Mo/UcKTF7p_8DI/AAAAAAAABEo/JFrrQeyOwIE/s1600/mulch+trench.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LlYujBwA1Mo/UcKTF7p_8DI/AAAAAAAABEo/JFrrQeyOwIE/s320/mulch+trench.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">filling the trench with mulch, covering the weeping tile.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JsHQ7f8mfJs/UcKTLUh6-BI/AAAAAAAABFA/sOg4_odO4Dk/s1600/strawberryPatch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JsHQ7f8mfJs/UcKTLUh6-BI/AAAAAAAABFA/sOg4_odO4Dk/s320/strawberryPatch.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Creating the strawberry patch!</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-H6T1mxpyWsw/UcKTLRWi_QI/AAAAAAAABE8/1wQkyQz77gY/s1600/strawberrySpinach.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-H6T1mxpyWsw/UcKTLRWi_QI/AAAAAAAABE8/1wQkyQz77gY/s320/strawberrySpinach.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">So, this is strawberry spinach already growing in the yard.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-p-0KSzj4xdE/UcKS_qXZT7I/AAAAAAAABEc/aGlSOgAB8n0/s1600/Mike+wheelbarrow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-p-0KSzj4xdE/UcKS_qXZT7I/AAAAAAAABEc/aGlSOgAB8n0/s320/Mike+wheelbarrow.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mike puts his roof rack to good use!</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fYIpHRuUS9U/UcKS-1cd86I/AAAAAAAABEE/HqDKkGaVRdE/s1600/Untitled.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fYIpHRuUS9U/UcKS-1cd86I/AAAAAAAABEE/HqDKkGaVRdE/s320/Untitled.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">King of the compost heap!</td></tr>
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<br />Shafraazhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12680723864772294621noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4533703094188189176.post-65680650919394507912013-03-31T22:42:00.001-06:002013-03-31T22:44:35.199-06:00TED talk by Catherine Mohr- low energy house!I quite enjoyed this quick TED talk by Catherine Mohr on how she, in her awesome, nerdy way, built a green home. Cool.<br />
<br />
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<a href="http://montgomeryplanning.org/blog-design/wp-content/uploads/2010/04/Total-Building-Embodied-Energy1-e1271897552385.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="205" src="http://montgomeryplanning.org/blog-design/wp-content/uploads/2010/04/Total-Building-Embodied-Energy1-e1271897552385.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br />
TED talk: Catherine Mohr builds green: <a href="http://www.ted.com/talks/catherine_mohr_builds_green.html" target="_blank"> click here</a>Shafraazhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12680723864772294621noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4533703094188189176.post-51247492532860021182013-03-06T23:32:00.001-07:002013-03-06T23:37:19.107-07:00It's been a while... But I've got our 2012 DATA!<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-b1GitAXX7JA/UTgzB2FiMTI/AAAAAAAABDI/RbxywqI-Eq0/s1600/2013+01+01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-b1GitAXX7JA/UTgzB2FiMTI/AAAAAAAABDI/RbxywqI-Eq0/s1600/2013+01+01.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
I have finally tabulated a years worth of energy utility (energy) consumption, PV production and <i>the fun part, Net electricity (energy) use</i>. We had hoped that our PV system would have provided 40% to 50% of our needs, based on having the amount of PV (4.8 kW), and expecting an average weather year for temperature and sunny days.<br />
<br />
It did not.<br />
<br />
Sigh.<br />
<br />
So here are the numbers:<br />
<br />
Total Utility Electrical Use (how much we bought from our utility company): 12,683 kWh<br />
<br />
Total PV Generation of our grid-tied system: 5,352 kWh<br />
<br />
Total PV power returned to the grid (excess power we did not need): 2,056 kWh<br />
<br />
Net Beverly Heights house consumption: 15,978 kWh.<br />
<br />
So, we were at 33% in chasing net zero, for 2012.<br />
<br />
And we had a fairly mild, sunny year. <br />
<br />
Not this like year~ where our winter has already been pretty brutal on the lack of sun and a good number of cold days. If it is sunny, regardless of temperature, our house IS comfortable, heating up passively to over 20 C. The combination of no sunny days and cold weather really hurts- as we need to burn a lot of wood and/or turn on our electric heaters to keep comfortable.<br />
<br />
But the good news is we consumed far less than our Hot2000 modelled consumption for space heating, hot water and appliance loads which predicted the total at 17,260 kWh.<br />
<br />
And we consumed significantly less than a typical home that is the same square footage: 27,595 kWh, or 42% less!<br />
<br />
In due course, we would like to add more PV and get to net zero. The hard part is known when we actually see/get an average weather year.Shafraazhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12680723864772294621noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4533703094188189176.post-76716020198166169072012-11-10T11:44:00.001-07:002012-11-10T11:44:34.627-07:00First World Problems<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Brushing a bunch of snow (almost 10 cm!!!) on our steeply angles solar modules is definitely a First World problem. Over the last few days, we did get a good dump of snow! So, as it looked hopeful today for some sun, I spend 20 mins brushing off the snow so we could generate a few Watts...</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LXE0QlYJrQs/UJ6eQvoEH-I/AAAAAAAABB4/v5zZC3vSAuA/s1600/SNOW+panels.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LXE0QlYJrQs/UJ6eQvoEH-I/AAAAAAAABB4/v5zZC3vSAuA/s320/SNOW+panels.jpg" width="228" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wvQsweQpEHo/UJ6eTW2vooI/AAAAAAAABCA/1dIUPieFeqc/s1600/IMG_9440.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="319" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wvQsweQpEHo/UJ6eTW2vooI/AAAAAAAABCA/1dIUPieFeqc/s320/IMG_9440.jpg" width="320" /></a> Hopefully, the sun will melt the rest of the snow/ice.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4q-weC4Wj8Q/UJ6eZT7Hp_I/AAAAAAAABCI/Ii-EF55hRzI/s1600/IMG_9434.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4q-weC4Wj8Q/UJ6eZT7Hp_I/AAAAAAAABCI/Ii-EF55hRzI/s320/IMG_9434.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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So glad I made the solar modules accessible</div>
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from our roof deck!</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PN42FGA_5u4/UJ6eaNxYKnI/AAAAAAAABCQ/EoSA8QhH4cw/s1600/IMG_9439.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PN42FGA_5u4/UJ6eaNxYKnI/AAAAAAAABCQ/EoSA8QhH4cw/s320/IMG_9439.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Come on, Sun! Burn off the morning fog!</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-30ZfRCG3YZE/UJ6fEy0IFaI/AAAAAAAABCY/pSrhNy_Ek-Y/s1600/IMG_9431.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-30ZfRCG3YZE/UJ6fEy0IFaI/AAAAAAAABCY/pSrhNy_Ek-Y/s320/IMG_9431.PNG" width="260" /></a></div>
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This was the temperature at 8:30am on Nov. 10th, 2012.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-InROXBcSGgE/UJ6fFVy06RI/AAAAAAAABCg/DDcI4V4hEfo/s1600/IMG_9432.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-InROXBcSGgE/UJ6fFVy06RI/AAAAAAAABCg/DDcI4V4hEfo/s1600/IMG_9432.jpg" /></a></div>
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And this was the indoor temperature: a balmy 16 degrees C.</div>
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On days like this, we're hoping for the sun to come out and warm house!</div>
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<br />Shafraazhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12680723864772294621noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4533703094188189176.post-15253450849469021782012-08-28T23:49:00.004-06:002012-08-28T23:49:31.304-06:00Pavers! But not quite done...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ItvGuFV06lw/UD2tL3D9R3I/AAAAAAAABBc/o6KOXxO5EAk/s1600/IMG_8880.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ItvGuFV06lw/UD2tL3D9R3I/AAAAAAAABBc/o6KOXxO5EAk/s320/IMG_8880.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
Man, this summer sure didn't work out to get our landscaping in. Between the rain, work and, well, the honest desire to do other things, we have not been quite as productive as we'd have liked.<br />
<br />
So, a small celebrations occurs with every little bit of work done.<br />
<br />
This week, we finally have installed permanent pavers to the basement suite door! Yay!<br />
So our tenant will not have to "walk the plank" with the danger of falling in mud every time it rains...<br />
<br />
Now, only if we weren't 2 pavers short of getting it all done. Sigh.Shafraazhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12680723864772294621noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4533703094188189176.post-40676469520826774312012-07-23T22:02:00.001-06:002018-07-23T11:32:59.295-06:00Scott McKeen comes to visit. Then writes about it.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ts-LhcfGGQY/UA4dsmCQggI/AAAAAAAABBE/1lwlayE9_NA/s1600/Journal+HouseBeautiful.tiff" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ts-LhcfGGQY/UA4dsmCQggI/AAAAAAAABBE/1lwlayE9_NA/s320/Journal+HouseBeautiful.tiff" width="288" /></a></div>
<br />
Shortly after the July Doors Open weekend, we had a visit by Scott McKeen. He came on a mission to learn and then write about what our house is all about. Serena was kinda' disappointed that the photographer didn't make an effort to make small things in the photos look right. And the fact he opened up the pantry to reveal what we eat. Apparently, that should be secret.<br />
<br />
<br />
Here's his story:<br />
<a href="http://www.househunting.ca/edmonton/House+Beautiful+Edmonton+architect+Shafraaz/6976322/story.html" target="_blank">http://www.edmontonjournal.com/house+beautiful+upside+down+energy+efficient+home+self+designed/6976322/story.html</a><br />
<br />
<br />Shafraazhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12680723864772294621noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4533703094188189176.post-69200344494759362162012-07-12T22:27:00.000-06:002012-07-12T22:29:39.796-06:00Concrete sidewalks! Finally!<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NB4-t02xwdA/T_9CGuPyvFI/AAAAAAAABAg/JZw-uP7a7Kc/s1600/sidewalk.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NB4-t02xwdA/T_9CGuPyvFI/AAAAAAAABAg/JZw-uP7a7Kc/s320/sidewalk.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yay! A mud free way to get to the front door!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br />
<span style="background-color: white;">After months of hoping, planning and calling people, and almost doing it ourselves, we finally have concrete a sidewalk and pads at our doors. Our friends a </span><span style="background-color: white;">Pinnacle</span><span style="background-color: white;"> Soils ended up doing this work- and looks good.</span><br />
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They even found a piece of petrified wood as they were moving around dirt on site.<br />
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Now, hopefully we'll get some black dirt and start on our perimeter "raised bed" fence!<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wpeY_SJ1v4g/T_9CGIZ34vI/AAAAAAAABAY/8fuPQDbcdnE/s1600/basement+door+pad.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wpeY_SJ1v4g/T_9CGIZ34vI/AAAAAAAABAY/8fuPQDbcdnE/s320/basement+door+pad.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;">
And a pad at the basement door. I'm hoping to find a creative</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
way to connect this to the main sidewalk. Pavers? Logs? Perhaps</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
even ancarbonized wood boardwalk?</div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-E28efeesBQk/T_-i2IY1I8I/AAAAAAAABAs/E-PoidtS4uU/s1600/basement+pad.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-E28efeesBQk/T_-i2IY1I8I/AAAAAAAABAs/E-PoidtS4uU/s320/basement+pad.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We will connect the back door with pavers. Or something.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DvzW2COk1o4/T_-i2rxyUyI/AAAAAAAABA0/i0vXsWho5yM/s1600/petrified+wood.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DvzW2COk1o4/T_-i2rxyUyI/AAAAAAAABA0/i0vXsWho5yM/s320/petrified+wood.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">While moving dirt around the house, our site work crew found a beautiful<br />
piece of petrified wood.</td></tr>
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<br />Shafraazhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12680723864772294621noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4533703094188189176.post-59700902617034718522012-07-04T23:35:00.003-06:002012-07-04T23:35:53.740-06:00Doors Open! & Rainbows, too.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.historicedmonton.ca/edhs/cache/file/ACC04921-7E3B-4AF8-B04A90C02D215CBA_medium.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.historicedmonton.ca/edhs/cache/file/ACC04921-7E3B-4AF8-B04A90C02D215CBA_medium.png" /></a></div>
<br />
Ok, here's you last chance to just wander into our house without a personal invite!<br />
<br />
We're on the Doors Open Edmonton tour this Sunday, July 8th~ so you can visit us from 1pm to 4pm.<br />
<br />
Here are the details:<br />
<br />
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<br /></div>
<div class="p4">
<a href="http://www.historicedmonton.ca/what-we-do/historic-festival/schedule/">http://www.historicedmonton.ca/what-we-do/historic-festival/schedule/</a></div>
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I'm part of 2 events: Search for "Speakers Studio" where I will be talking about our house construction process and our open house is listed as "Beverly Heights Net-zero-ready House"</div>
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<br />
And after that, I think we'll take a breather from the public realm. And perhaps finish our landscape and fencing work. And sidewalks.<br />
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<br />
<br />
<br />
And here are some rainbows and dramatic skies we saw last week:<br />
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<br />Shafraazhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12680723864772294621noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4533703094188189176.post-57825622228087695272012-06-21T00:48:00.002-06:002012-06-21T00:50:41.586-06:00Happy Summer Solstice<h2 style="text-align: left;">
Happy Summer Solstice!</h2>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I never tire of the view of the sun shining of the refinery as it sets. One day, fossil<br />fuel will see it's last sunrise.</td></tr>
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The sun is extremely important to a passive-solar house. In fact, it makes my day when it shines, as we also contribute to the microgeneration of green power! So, with the greatest amount of daylight today, we were keen to celebrate every Watt of power we make.</div>
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<span style="background-color: white;">And here's the update from our Eco-Solar home tour!</span></div>
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We had 148 official visitors from 11:30am to 4:00 pm. And we welcomed Monica & Paul from the Enmax PV House over. So, it was great to meet new friends and share the chasing netzero story.</div>
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The other neat part was when the gang from Fire Station #7 came by in their trucks! They were very keen to see how the PV connected, what would stay "live" and how to disconnect the system. They asked lots of questions that Clifton from Great Canadian Solar and I answered. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Guys from Fire Station #7 visited us on the EcoSolar open house day!</td></tr>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FAaKZ3qu514/T-K_E_AYzsI/AAAAAAAAA_g/rkaVgXUu6jQ/s1600/IMG_8390.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FAaKZ3qu514/T-K_E_AYzsI/AAAAAAAAA_g/rkaVgXUu6jQ/s320/IMG_8390.jpg" width="240" /></a>Finally, we had a visit by Ruby and Hans- our neighbours from the plateau below our house. Ruby totally impressed Serena with her awesome yellow hair. Ruby's a hair stylist, so it was on purpose, if you're wondering. Anyhow, Ruby is turning 90 this month- and it was amazing to see her go up and down the stairs and chat with us about our place. Happy Birthday Ruby!</div>
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So, now we will prepare for one more summer event: Door Open Edmonton! So, if you want to drop by, here's your chance: <a href="http://www.historicedmonton.ca/">http://www.historicedmonton.ca/</a><br />
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I'll be giving a talk on our house on Saturday, July 7th, and our house will be "open" for viewing on Sunday, July 8th.<br />
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Summer is off to a great start!Shafraazhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12680723864772294621noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4533703094188189176.post-45417004723214285502012-05-24T00:04:00.000-06:002012-05-24T00:04:01.328-06:00EcoSolar Tour 2012In June, as part of Environment Week, ChasingNetZero will be on the 2012 edition of the Eco Solar Home Tour!<br />
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We're site #2- and glad to help showcase a passive solar house with an active PV system!<br />
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You can find more info on the Eco Solar Home Tour <a href="http://ecosolar.ca/open_houses.html" target="_blank">by clicking here.</a><br />
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Hopefully it's a sunny day. <br />
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and Serena & I seem to be Pinterest addicts. You can find some our house photos and other inspiration <a href="http://pinterest.com/shafraaz242" target="_blank">by clicking here.</a><br />
<br />Shafraazhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12680723864772294621noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4533703094188189176.post-58655440099064665572012-05-23T23:52:00.003-06:002012-05-23T23:52:55.482-06:00Colour testing! with a more portable machine!Another big thanks to Philip Mees who loaned me an old PC laptop running Windows 98 that will work with our colorTron software and light spectrometer!<br />
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Robert, Felicity and I made some measurements of the dry bits of wood. The last couple days have been rainy and hopefully I'll complete colour readings tomorrow, or by the weekend.<br />
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The wood decking is showing signs of wood splintering and checking- much more than the wood used vertically or on the underside of the wood soffit. Robert was wondering if its because we planed the wood, but didn't sand it.<br />
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I'm wondering if it's just because it is getting much more standing water on it. We'll see.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Felicity checkin' out the BBQ. Rob workin' the ColorTron 2000.</td></tr>
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<br />Shafraazhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12680723864772294621noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4533703094188189176.post-62443748327096325452012-05-23T23:43:00.002-06:002012-05-23T23:43:38.845-06:00Spring Clean Out / Organizing / Unpacking<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I took some time over the long weekend to some closets cleaned out, shelves built/installed and basically re-organized the garage with my Dad's help. I am hoping the next step is to finally get everything put in it's proper place. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">What was once my tool crib is now a proper closet with shelves!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another closet adapted for really unpacking. [Note: all<br />the stuff in the closet is temporary. Serena's gonna' load it up properly.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And the mountain o' stuff that is left to unpack, find places for,<br />or re-distribute. Hope we get this done by the Eco-Solar home tour!</td></tr>
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<br />Shafraazhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12680723864772294621noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4533703094188189176.post-41978027476434262782012-05-23T23:36:00.001-06:002012-05-23T23:36:09.157-06:00Spring Blossoms!It seemed like Spring lasted only a couple of days. Bare trees blossomed and now they are leafed out!<div>
I'm still learning the names of the trees and shrubs what we retained from the Fergusons'.<br /><div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Dg89TmUAlIQ/T73G-G1VY4I/AAAAAAAAA8s/S3bb5LyCVNo/s1600/IMG_8203.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Dg89TmUAlIQ/T73G-G1VY4I/AAAAAAAAA8s/S3bb5LyCVNo/s320/IMG_8203.jpg" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Crab apple blossoms. Brilliant reddish-purple. </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nanking Cherry blossoms.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lilac blossoms, mixed with Carragana </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lilac in the sky</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">and even some tulips survived.</td></tr>
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</div>Shafraazhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12680723864772294621noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4533703094188189176.post-59094336174886766022012-05-06T22:56:00.000-06:002012-05-06T22:56:03.562-06:00Dust bunnies. Or why not to have black floors.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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We are slaves to our black floors. I'll let my wife expound on how she "told me so" and again, how I was too stubborn to listen. (Is anyone seeing a theme developing here? Don't answer that.)</div>
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So, we are finding every little crumb, drop, and what have you shows up on our black floors. </div>
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And then there are the scratches. Black isn't forgiving. So, I've accepted it as "markers of our life" and hopefully I can remember the story and reason behind most of the scratches. If not, I'll make them up. * Sigh. * But they look great for the 30 seconds after we clean them!</div>
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Oh- by the way- there was a practical reason to have them black: solar gain. With the matte finish, they warm up nicely as the winter sun beams through the windows.<br />
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On the wish list for Xmas: one of those robotic vacuums that will zip around and suck all the dirt.Shafraazhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12680723864772294621noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4533703094188189176.post-66182866732406797172012-05-06T22:38:00.002-06:002012-05-06T22:40:25.208-06:00Gah! Why we should always have roof overhangs...Well, another lesson learned.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This picture shows water dripping on the siding and how<br />
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In my architectural stubbornness, I didn't create an overhang on the north face of the house, thinking it would be flashed and peel & sticked and sealed sufficiently.<br />
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So, it was with much disappointment that we found the window at the top of our stairwell leaking. Somehow, water was finding it's way into the window or getting behind the exterior wall sheathing. After getting the roofer to double check his work, it appears the weakness is the flashing of the roof over the exterior wall.<br />
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It seems there was not enough space for the eavestrough to be slipped under the metal drip flashing of the roof. So, the "caulked" gap between the flashing and the eavestrough failed. And water got in behind the siding, peel and stick and tyvek. Then found its way around the nail fin of the window and subsequently into the house. Brilliant.<br />
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And that is when I really, really regretted not building an overhand on the north side of the house.<br />
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Lesson learned. <br />
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And in the spirit of learning more, I am trying out a product called "Encasement" to seal the gap between the flashing and eavestrough.<br />
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My friends over at <a href="http://www.kepsustainablehouse.com/" target="_blank">King Edward Sustainable House </a>are giving it a go too.<br />
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We'll see how it works!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Water was dripping at the drywall/window joint.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">There was a huge gap between the metal drip flashing and the eavetrough. Not good.</td></tr>
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</div>Shafraazhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12680723864772294621noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4533703094188189176.post-11744028886114103572012-03-26T22:02:00.003-06:002012-03-26T22:02:50.091-06:00What? We're still insulating?Can you believe it? Today, I was insulating. We discovered that the basement suite wasn't as soundproof as we'd like and especially over / near the stair wells. When I started poking around for the cause [this was quite a while ago now], it turns out that the stair landings that separate our space from the basement suite were not insulated at all. So, luckily we have somewhat removable carbonized wood floor boards to remove and I stuffed the cavities with insulation. Hopefully, that helps it a bit more. Otherwise, I'm sure to hear it from the boss.<br />
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<br />Shafraazhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12680723864772294621noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4533703094188189176.post-65446831742719090852012-03-11T23:16:00.000-06:002012-03-11T23:16:03.154-06:00Colour testing continues!I am stunned and worried about our ridiculous weather. I have not had to do any colour testing of the carbonized wood in any snow or cold conditions, as I feared last fall. December, January, February and now March have been at worst, sweater weather. With no snow on the deck. I am wondering if the seasons actually shifted by 3 months...<br />
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Anyhow, today I did all the colour measurements solo, hauling the monster desktop tower PC with keyboard and colour analyzer. Wish I had an old laptop that runs Windows 98 and has a serial port!<br />
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The wood used as roof decking is already fading into brown-grey... The soffit isn't fading nearly as fast.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Finishes from left to right: opaque red exterior paint, Behr stain, natural, polyurethane, varathane.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some noticeable lifting strands of wood. </td></tr>
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<br />Shafraazhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12680723864772294621noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4533703094188189176.post-42165876013157939962012-03-11T19:47:00.000-06:002012-03-11T19:47:15.995-06:00Privacy finally! All our blinds are installed.With the help of my Dad, we finally have all the window blinds installed. It only tool seven months! We are using the "cellular" type that creates a little pocket of air in all the blind "slats." But as <a href="http://chasingnetzero.blogspot.com/2012/01/infrared-camera-reveals-all.html" target="_blank">seen by the thermal camera</a>, lots of cold comes in around the window frames...<br />
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<br />Shafraazhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12680723864772294621noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4533703094188189176.post-4219327294868283262012-03-01T23:29:00.000-07:002012-03-01T23:36:04.445-07:00Tiling complete on 2nd Floor!Hats off to Greg Basaraba who finished our 2nd floor shower! It has a nice dark brown, wavy accent tile that we thought mimics the trees outside the skinny window. So, now I have to finish installing all the bathroom accessories and build a carbonized wood bench!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Love the "tree" shower curtain!</td></tr>
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<br />Shafraazhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12680723864772294621noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4533703094188189176.post-83069084763802271882012-03-01T23:24:00.001-07:002012-03-01T23:24:22.810-07:00Interesting vehicles visit our 'hood.Interesting vehicles visit our neighbourhood! This was quite the vehicle that parked outside- apparently to scope out something in or near the river. What would one call this thing?<br />
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<br />Shafraazhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12680723864772294621noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4533703094188189176.post-63346837888283898422012-02-14T23:49:00.002-07:002012-03-01T23:08:30.179-07:00We're on the Suzuki Diaries on CBC!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
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We're all excited around here that the Nature of Things/ Suzuki Diaries is airing this week on CBC! We're pretty pumped and somewhat anxious to see what they edited in and out! You can catch a trailer clip here: <a href="http://www.cbc.ca/natureofthings/episode/suzuki-diaries-future-city.html" target="_blank">http://www.cbc.ca/natureofthings/episode/suzuki-diaries-future-city.html !</a><br />
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So, it seems like yesterday Dr. Suzuki and Sarika were here, touring the house. I'm glad we now have railings installed- andso much more progress!Shafraazhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12680723864772294621noreply@blogger.com1