Or maybe we should call it “High Tech Hippies” This is one goal for our lives. We would prefer to surround ourselves with fewer objects of quality than a bunch of cheap Walmart crap. Both require the same input of funds, but the first is better for ourselves and the environment.

Rich and I have discussed this ideal. It already takes many forms in our current lifestyle. For example, we have banned all TV from the house except in the form of DVDs because we believe broadcast and cable television is a bad influence on kids (and us). However, we like to watch our movies on a great home theater system.

We have banned “uni-taskers” from the kitchen. A utensil or appliance is allowed in our kitchen unless it can serve multiple functions. No pasta makers, pizza makers, deep fryers, cotton candy machines or any other nonsense.

Another example. We fully intend on generating our own energy without compromises OR waste. We won’t be sacrificing our microwave (a notoriously energy inefficient device) and espresso machine, but we will sacrifice other energy hogging appliances (ceramic space heaters, electric dryer, hair dryers, coffee maker, etc). In some cases, we will use energy efficient alternatives such as a gas powered clothes dryer and a french press for regular coffee.

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Well, despite the stress fracture in my foot and the ban from running for a few weeks I am still making race plans for this summer. Here is my tentative race schedule:

April 29th
O’Rourke Memorial Triathlon
North Platte, NE Sprint Distance

June 17th
Hy-Vee Triathlon
Des Moines, IA
Olympic Distance

**Tentative**July 14th
Lake Geode Challenge Triathlon
Danville, IA
Olympic Distance **

July 22nd – 28th
RAGBRAI
Weeklong 478 mile bike ride across Iowa

August 19th
Pigman Tri
Palo, IA
Half-Ironman Distance

Bring on the PAIN! Well, not too much, my foot still hurts. . .

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That is sounding like a better idea all the time. We just received an update from our neighbors, the Offenburgers. They have 8 foot snow drifts on their property from the last blizzard. Their electricity and phone were out for 48 hours!

We have always planned on being “off the grid” but this recent event reveals another reason for this strategy. Survival. My parents would kill us if they had to come chip our bodies out of a 10 foot snow drift in the dead of winter.

Our plan involves starting with a generator for work tools, etc. Buying batteries as we can to increase storage capacity. Then, we would move to hooking up wind turbines and solar panels to generate the electricity. Our heat would come from several sources. A corn burning boiler will fuel radiant heated floors. We will also have a traditional wood stove in the main living area. The design of the living spaces allows for complete air flow to both the upper levels of the corn crib for circulation.

In addition, we will have some passive solar design aspects. Our south wall will be a greenhouse with a concrete mass floor that will store heat in the winter. The heat generated in this way will not only be useful for the greenhouse, but will also mean that we won’t be trying to heat the living space directly above an unheated utility space. We are also throwing around the idea of incorporating a trombe wall into that south facing greenhouse wall to deliver additional passive solar heat to the living space.

We’ll also be getting a plow for the front of the truck!

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