It Takes Energy

Energy: either you have it, or you don't. You pay for it in many different forms, and you expend it in many others.

A few of the energies I have been using lately…

We made a big green change this month, but first a little background and some local politics: Our local electric and gas supplier will be hiking up the service price 72% over the next few months. Kris and I have been concerned about the energy crisis and how our local utility is responding to it, so we called them and asked "What are your green energy options?" and the operator paused and said she did not know what that meant. We took that as a sign, and immediately started researching our own options. There was recently a deregulation on energy services in the state of Maryland, and because of this, we chose to go with another supplier – Washington Gas Energy Services.

We made the choice to go with 100% wind energy for all of our electric utility.

With 100% wind power, it is slightly more than we were paying before – however, a customer can get a discount from wind energy if you choose 20% wind power, or even 60% wind power. I am very happy to see that we do have a local supplier who is making sustainable resources available to customers.

More and more companies are offering green alternatives for energy supply. This easy step can conserve vast amounts of resources, and is very reliable. Please consider changing your energy supply, it is as easy as calling your utility company!

Our pond has been of great interest lately because it is teeming with life, both floral and faunal, and also because we installed a solar-powered circulation pump. The pond is several yards away from the nearest outlet, and instead of "running a line" to hook up an electric pump, I suggested that we search for a solar pump – this part of our yard gets a full day of sun, and the choice would obviously be better for the environment, and for our electric bills: Harnessing the energy of the sun!

We mounted the panel just outside the pond on the fence, and it is working like a charm! I am sure that the sunny hot days are helping it along even more. The water has cleared up, and the fish and the plants seem much healthier and happier!

These fish, called Endlers, are endangered in their natural habitat (Amazonian Venezuela) and are bred by many aquahobbyists (like Kris) in order to ensure the species' survival. Our pond is full of them – and a number of them are pregnant! They are quite friendly and they love to play on my hands.

And of course, there is creative energy – you probably have a good dose of it if you are here reading this blog! The ideas never stop! Unfortunately, there are not enough hours in the day to expend all of that creative energy! I have a number of projects going right now, and I am trying to give them equal face time. The Durrow pullover was the most recent recipient of my creative energies…

Almost to the armholes – Men's sweaters take forever!

And the creativity does not stop there… I have a big bag of August-appropriate craft supplies waiting for my attention. I am hoping to do some jewelry-making, some embroidery, and of course, more knitting.

I am thankful for the creative energies of others too…

…like my Flip Flop Swap pal, KnittingNurse Jannett! She sent me a great package with some fabulous summertime goodies! see my new shoes!! and she was so kind and understanding about my yarn diet! Thank you!

This pomegranate necklace was a gift from Maggi! Thank you so much! (of course, you know I love it! It has a pomegranate on it!)

…and thanks to Amanda for sending this adorable crocheted wristlet and a great antique postcard!

Thank you all for sharing your energy with me!