Green is not such a clear color

As we consider how to heat/cool and create hot water for the house, we do daily research regarding the energy savings and the expenditures. Sometimes, as in the case of the solar hot water, it becomes clear that the capital outlay is not worth the return for the two of us. ($12,000) Plus, the energy expenditure and equipment upkeep is not so sustainable, either. Further drawback, we would have to cut down some of our wonderful trees to get enought sun on the roof. That's not negotiable for us.

We have just found a wonderful unit that looks like it might be IT but, once again, my wonderful husband is ahead of the curve and it is not available until MAYBE fall of this year. It is a heat pump unit that is attached to the hot water heater and actually creates dehumidifying and air conditioning while it heats the water. Coo --ell. It's called a "hybrid electric hot water heater." What we will probably end up with is a unit that fits on a regular hot water heater. The GE one is all one slick unit. . .oh, well.

I will attach pictures of the unit when I find them. In the meantime, here's the website:
http://www.geconsumerproducts.com/pressroom/press_releases/appliances/energy_efficient_products/doetanklesshybrid.htm

Spring in the mountains is beyond description. I've included some photos which don't begin to really capture the magnificence but give you some idea of the glory (and another good reason to stay in the area by renovating!). The weather has finally developed some moisture which is desperately needed (severe drought conditions still exist) which is making everything an even more glorious green. The flowering trees and bushes usher in the season and the annuals take over from there. Mother's Day marks the planting time here, so the gardens of flowers or vegetables are springing up now, too. All-in-all a festival for the senses!!

Our renovation project's garden is a surprise everyday, too, as the bleeding heart by the door (which survived trampling and a post insertion) bursts into its tiny pink charms and the iris (in a color I've never seen before) float by the upper fence. Bright purple blooms of seemingly wildflowers bloom everywhere (which will turn into money plants later) and the trillium in the shady spots have sent up their magnificent white sentinels.

Deciding where to move the path and maintain the garden's integrity in the process is something we need to plan now, while everything is in bloom. In the fall, it's hard to remember where the bulbs are sleeping and we don't want to disturb them and rob next spring of its renewal.