The Grey Days

It's the sort of day outside that reminds one of Tolkien almost.  There's a grey misty quality where the clouds block out the mountain views and you can almost see nazgul coming out of the gloom.  Thankfully, the wind is howling so we won't have to run the generator today.

Geo's shadow and our generator

Running the generator is what happens usually during "grey days" when there is no sun and even less wind.  It gives us a carbon footprint that's unavoidable if we want to have power.  These low power days are fun because they create the sort of balancing act that goes like this: 

1.  Can't use the microwave while the heat is on.
2.  Wait to wash dishes so the pump for the well doesn't come on ditto with the shower.
3.  Turn off heat and put on sweaters.
4.  No lights on--it's nice when you have candles.
5.  Warm coffee on the gas stove (need to get myself another coffee press).
6.  No cooking using the oven since it uses a lot of power.
7.  Limit power use to laptop ie: no using the TV to watch movies.
8.  Wait to run the washer and do laundry.
9.  Toast bread on the stove instead of in the toaster--note to self replace tongs:)


These are all things that are second nature after 4 years on Quill Hill, at first they were very annoying--now they just remind us to be aware of what we're using for power.

Having six dogs that don't like to go outside when it's grey, rainy, and cold out means it's pretty lively in the house, never quiet or boring in the least.

Picture taken of our view today

The most outstanding thing that "grey days" give me is a deep awareness of God and the limits of humanity.  This is a dimension of life that I didn't notice to when living in the busy urban world where there were so many noisy distractions.   In the quiet contemplation of creation, the power of the wind, the music the trees make when their leaves fall, the dancing of the puppies outside with their Mother Ursa I feel so aware of life.  It's profound and mysterious and it leaves me awed.  The emphasis on living versus material consumption and the constant thankfullness for the littlest of things like a hot cup of coffee or the excited leaping of dogs playing tag ensures that every day is a happy one full of gratitude and joy even if it happens to be grey.