Counting My Blessings

​        As the days are getting shorter and the weather cooler, I’m increasingly aware of the changes I’ve had to make living in my current home. My partner built a very cool house that reminds me, and many others, of a treehouse. It looks like a big barn with a wooden silo attached. With the windows wide open, even now in the cooler weather, and our living space being up on the second and third floors, it feels like I’m living in the trees. I love it! The house is off-the-grid and powered by solar energy with a woodstove and a couple of small propane heaters. The large windows face south, and the outside walls were built with six-inch thick pre-insulated panels. We often don’t even need to start a fire until the afternoon during the winter. We actually use very little electricity. The house is set up for a 12-volt system with a converter for appliances, computers, etcetera, including the music studio equipment. Our refrigerator and pump are 12-volts as is all of the built-in lighting. That said, we do sometimes have to run a generator on cloudy days or in the winter, when we get less sunlight even on sunny days.
        I’ve had to learn to shop for food differently because our refrigerator is smaller than I was used to and sometimes shuts off, if the power is too low. We don’t have a washer or dryer, so we make trips to the laudromat. In the winter, I often can’t use my desktop and have learned to use my phone and iPad more often. I wear layers when it’s cold and only use my blender or waffle iron on sunny days. We only light the rooms we are in at the time, and I often use battery powered lights. Is it difficult sometimes? Yes, it is. But it’s worth it. I love living like this. And, I adjusted to it quicker than I expected. In all fairness, I didn't expect that it would be much different, but it is.

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        Recently, a neighbor gave us seven solar panels because he had just upgraded his system and no longer needed them. This is going to make a huge difference to us. In redoing the deck up on the roof, J. built a rack for these new panels. We’re just waiting for the new charge controller to arrive, and he will wire them to the system in time for the darker days. I’ll have to wait and see how much of a difference it will make, but any difference is an improvement. It probably means that I can use my computer more often in the winter and on cloudy or rainy days. It probably means that the refrigerator will run consistently, and we’ll use the generator much less. I already feel as though I live in paradise, living the life I never even imagined was possible. This will feel almost decadent.
        In the past seven years, I’ve gone from struggling financially just to stay afloat to being able to invest in myself in ways I thought were impossible. I run a successful business and am moving forward with my music. I have access to a recording studio, video production and an outdoor stage for events. I have a supportive partner who is not in competition with me and who wants to help out in whatever ways he can. My children are all independent and doing well. It’s the first time in my life that I don’t feel responsible for anyone else or worry about their well-being. I certainly care deeply for my children and grandchildren and will continue to be there for them when needed, but I no longer feel immersed in their various dramas. I don’t feel as though I have to fix anything, and it is such a relief.
        I have lived here almost seven years now and look forward to each year ahead. I couldn’t ask for a better, more peaceful and serene environment. It has stimulated my creativity and nourished my soul. Last night we spent time on the finished deck, looking out over the tops of the trees as the sun was setting. The solar lights in the yard started blinking on, the evening start appeared, and all we could hear was the sounds of nature all around us. Then we walked down to the outdoor stage with its solar lights all ablaze, and I counted my blessings as I watched the stars peeking out of the darkened sky above us. Life is good.