COLD DARK ROOM

Yvonne G

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Yesterday, as I was taking my laps around the pasture, I spied a huge eucalyptus branch on the ground in the SA leopard yard. I checked on all the tortoises and thankfully none of them were in that yard. So, more work for me! If only I were independently wealthy and could hire things like this done.
 

Yvonne G

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Location (City and/or State)
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The dreaded tree branch. As you can see, there are two, maybe three more branches hanging over my property. I've blocked off the tortoises' entrance to their pasture:
euc tree a.jpg euc tree b.jpg

That grey wall is the tortoises' shed.

The branch is about 50' long, and it bent my wire fence on its way down:

euc tree c.jpg euc tree d.jpg euc tree e.jpg euc tree f.jpg
 

Yvonne G

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I just feel overwhelmed!

As you know, I have a solar electricity system. It's set up where I only pay my power bill once a year, called Tru-up. This year's tru-up was about three times higher than previous years, so either something's wrong with the system or I really, REALLY used too much electricity last year. Normally I have to pay about $1,000 to $1,300 at Tru-up. This year my bill was a little over $4,000. Now, Folks, I'm on a fixed income. I set aside an amount each month so that at the end of the year I have enough $$ to take care of homeowner's insurance, car insurance, taxes, etc. Having to pay that much to the power company at Tru-up dipped into my end-of-year reserve. So there is absolutely NO money to take care of cutting up that darned branch and repairing the fences. I just feel beaten down. To be honest, I feel like crying. Retirement was supposed to be MY time. A time to sit back and relax, take time for myself. And I've got all these projects to take care of. Because of the high electricity use I have to hire someone to come take a look at the solar stuff and see if its working properly, and if it is, I have to do something different with how I heat the tortoises; something that doesn't use as much electricity. A little research tells me that my pig blankets use more electricity than radiant heat panels do, so I'm thinking of making night boxes inside all the sheds (smaller areas to heat) and changing to RHP. There just is no end in sight to all the work I have piling up around me. And this old body just can't do it like I used to.
 

DE42

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Apr 8, 2016
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Did the tree branch do a whole lot of damage when it fell?
I hope that the extra Clarence can help you reduce your power bill with your solar panel system. It looks like it has been a lot of hassle to say the least.
 

Yvonne G

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Did the tree branch do a whole lot of damage when it fell?
I hope that the extra Clarence can help you reduce your power bill with your solar panel system. It looks like it has been a lot of hassle to say the least.
The branch bent the wire fence behind the vacant house, and broke the tortoise fence. The wire fence is really no problem, but I can't allow the tortoises back onto their pasture until I fix their broken fence. So they'll just be off that pasture until next year. No energy, ambition or $$ to take care of their fence for a while.
 

Lyn W

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UK
The dreaded tree branch. As you can see, there are two, maybe three more branches hanging over my property. I've blocked off the tortoises' entrance to their pasture:
View attachment 278138 View attachment 278139

That grey wall is the tortoises' shed.

The branch is about 50' long, and it bent my wire fence on its way down:

View attachment 278140 View attachment 278141 View attachment 278142 View attachment 278143
Thankfully nobody hurt and so glad it missed your house Yvonne!
 

Lyn W

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I just feel overwhelmed!

As you know, I have a solar electricity system. It's set up where I only pay my power bill once a year, called Tru-up. This year's tru-up was about three times higher than previous years, so either something's wrong with the system or I really, REALLY used too much electricity last year. Normally I have to pay about $1,000 to $1,300 at Tru-up. This year my bill was a little over $4,000. Now, Folks, I'm on a fixed income. I set aside an amount each month so that at the end of the year I have enough $$ to take care of homeowner's insurance, car insurance, taxes, etc. Having to pay that much to the power company at Tru-up dipped into my end-of-year reserve. So there is absolutely NO money to take care of cutting up that darned branch and repairing the fences. I just feel beaten down. To be honest, I feel like crying. Retirement was supposed to be MY time. A time to sit back and relax, take time for myself. And I've got all these projects to take care of. Because of the high electricity use I have to hire someone to come take a look at the solar stuff and see if its working properly, and if it is, I have to do something different with how I heat the tortoises; something that doesn't use as much electricity. A little research tells me that my pig blankets use more electricity than radiant heat panels do, so I'm thinking of making night boxes inside all the sheds (smaller areas to heat) and changing to RHP. There just is no end in sight to all the work I have piling up around me. And this old body just can't do it like I used to.
So sorry you are feeling down in the dumps Yvonne, are the family close enough to help out with the branch?
If not maybe put a sign up offering free wood to anyone who will cut it up and take it away.
That's a big leap in the electricity bill maybe there is a problem with it. Perhaps the company will come and do a free assessment for you.
Hopefully others who are more familiar with US systems can suggest what to do.
Can your tort partner help out with the tort houses or help you find a cheaper way of heating?
 

JoesMum

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Good Friday morning..

Some are traveling, some are reading, some are prepping for school, some are recuperating, some are unboxing, while others are re-decorating either tort house or owner’s house. I think a few are actually WORKING!

Enjoy the soon-to-be WEEKEND.

Sunrise from Smith Island

View attachment 278131

Wow!
 

JoesMum

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10 Year Member!
Joined
Oct 26, 2011
Messages
21,606
Location (City and/or State)
Kent, South East England
The dreaded tree branch. As you can see, there are two, maybe three more branches hanging over my property. I've blocked off the tortoises' entrance to their pasture:
View attachment 278138 View attachment 278139

That grey wall is the tortoises' shed.

The branch is about 50' long, and it bent my wire fence on its way down:

View attachment 278140 View attachment 278141 View attachment 278142 View attachment 278143

☹️ That’s a lot of work. You need Mark and his chainsaw
 

Maro2Bear

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Joined
May 29, 2014
Messages
14,712
Location (City and/or State)
Glenn Dale, Maryland, USA
The dreaded tree branch. As you can see, there are two, maybe three more branches hanging over my property. I've blocked off the tortoises' entrance to their pasture:
View attachment 278138 View attachment 278139

That grey wall is the tortoises' shed.

The branch is about 50' long, and it bent my wire fence on its way down:

View attachment 278140 View attachment 278141 View attachment 278142 View attachment 278143

Wish I lived a lot closer. Id get my shredder, saw, large pruners, and have that knocked out by lunchtime.

Send me a piece of Eucalyptus - I’ll send you back a bowl or candlestick or _____.
 

JoesMum

Well-Known Member
10 Year Member!
Joined
Oct 26, 2011
Messages
21,606
Location (City and/or State)
Kent, South East England
I just feel overwhelmed!

As you know, I have a solar electricity system. It's set up where I only pay my power bill once a year, called Tru-up. This year's tru-up was about three times higher than previous years, so either something's wrong with the system or I really, REALLY used too much electricity last year. Normally I have to pay about $1,000 to $1,300 at Tru-up. This year my bill was a little over $4,000. Now, Folks, I'm on a fixed income. I set aside an amount each month so that at the end of the year I have enough $$ to take care of homeowner's insurance, car insurance, taxes, etc. Having to pay that much to the power company at Tru-up dipped into my end-of-year reserve. So there is absolutely NO money to take care of cutting up that darned branch and repairing the fences. I just feel beaten down. To be honest, I feel like crying. Retirement was supposed to be MY time. A time to sit back and relax, take time for myself. And I've got all these projects to take care of. Because of the high electricity use I have to hire someone to come take a look at the solar stuff and see if its working properly, and if it is, I have to do something different with how I heat the tortoises; something that doesn't use as much electricity. A little research tells me that my pig blankets use more electricity than radiant heat panels do, so I'm thinking of making night boxes inside all the sheds (smaller areas to heat) and changing to RHP. There just is no end in sight to all the work I have piling up around me. And this old body just can't do it like I used to.

[emoji22]
 

Ray--Opo

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Palm Bay Fl
Thank you. We are in France already and heading South on the “Autoroute des Anglais” (Motorway of the English)... that’s its official name and most of the vehicles on it are British[emoji1]

We have 500 miles to drive today

Enjoy your work trip. And that King Size; I hope it’s comfy [emoji4]
Autoroute des Anglais is there a speed limit?
Safe travel's :)
 

Ray--Opo

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Messages
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Location (City and/or State)
Palm Bay Fl

Ray--Opo

Well-Known Member
5 Year Member
Platinum Tortoise Club
Joined
Oct 14, 2017
Messages
7,018
Location (City and/or State)
Palm Bay Fl
I’m sure by now you are all tired and bored, or bored and tired of Pelican pix....but, I think this (last) one is pretty neat. Captured accidentally as I concentrated on the pelicans on shore.

Running on Water”

View attachment 278112
That's a great shot. To bad we don't have a pelican calander contest.
 
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