Voice of the DBA

Tag: syndicated

  • The Effectiveness of Solar Estimation

    We added a solar system to the ranch as a way to hedge against future costs as well as require less energy from the utility. I don’t plan to, or think, that everyone can get away from using utility power, but this is a way to control our finances for the future better, as well as reduce the load on the utility.

    When we designed the system, the company (Namaste) provided us with production estimates for each month of the year. I wrote about this in a database design post, but I wanted to update how things are going.

    The estimate for May and June were:

    • May – 1556.81kWh
    • June – 1779.63kWh

    Pretty specific, but based on our house, the system, and weather patterns, this is what they came up with. I have a real time tracking system, which I back up in my database, so I can keep a running total.

    For May, we had unusually dry, hot weather. Not good for the land or ranch, but good for power. We ended up producing 1830.28kWh. This was a surplus of 273kWh, or 5.4 extra days of power.

    June is still going, but as of the 20th, we had produced 1263kWh compared with a running total estimate of 1186kWh. It was interesting because the first half of June was mostly negative with some cloudy (and a little rainy) weather. Since the 12th,however, we’ve been on a sunny streak and have been building a surplus.

    I don’t know what this means for costs this year as we are supposed to have a surplus of power in the May-October time period and then draw more in the winter months. However, our power bills have been near the minimum charge for a connection to the utility. So far, I think we’ve made a good financial investment, but time will tell. I’ll continue tracking and hopefully continue to see positive results.

  • Daily Coping 24 Jun 2022

    I started to add a daily coping tip to the SQLServerCentral newsletter and to the Community Circle, which is helping me deal with the issues in the world. I’m adding my responses for each day here. All my coping tips are under this tag.

    Today’s tip is to get outside and find joy in being active.

    My ankle is doing better. I managed to go this whole week without a cane for assistance, including a work trip to Austin.

    I took advantage of this to walk alongside the Colorado River in Austin. enjoying the cool(er) evening air. Since I’ve been limited in my mobility, this was a great chance to enjoy the outdoors in a very neat place, watching people enjoying the city life and the river.

  • Daily Coping 23 Jun 2022

    I started to add a daily coping tip to the SQLServerCentral newsletter and to the Community Circle, which is helping me deal with the issues in the world. I’m adding my responses for each day here. All my coping tips are under this tag.

    Today’s tip is to look for something good in a difficult situation.

    I had ankle surgery a few weeks back. Actually, it’s almost a month and things are going well. However, the first two weeks I was in a boot and supposed to avoid weight bearing where possible. The next week was beginning rehab, but still being careful how much I used the joint.

    In that time, I had to travel to Germany, camped in Nebraska, and flew to Austin. Across those trips, I had to maneuver with a cane and wheelchair, navigate planes, steps, ferries, trains, carry bags, and more. It was certainly difficult at times. My ankle ached, My right arm and wrist were sore from using the cane to support myself, and I was slow. I couldn’t do things that I normally do, or if I could, I moved at half speed.

    Still, I got to go to Germany and speak at a conference. I got to go camping with my family and enjoy a beautiful view of nature. I got to go to Austin, speak at an event, meet people, and see my cousin.

    I had a lot of good, even if it was difficult.

  • Daily Coping 22 Jun 2022

    I started to add a daily coping tip to the SQLServerCentral newsletter and to the Community Circle, which is helping me deal with the issues in the world. I’m adding my responses for each day here. All my coping tips are under this tag.

    Today’s tip is to take time to notice things you find beautiful.

    This probably doesn’t look like much:

    20220618_132029

    It’s a new manure spreader. It’s a work of engineering and art, at least compared to the old one. We’ve had the same one for 15 years, and it was small, the bottom rusting out, the wire cables that operate it were frayed a bit and I’ve had no shortage of scratches and cuts while using it.

    I didn’t use it often, but each time I did, I wished we had a new one. Or that I’d have time to take things apart and replace them. I never did, but it eventually rusted the bottom and we bought a new one.

    Seeing this in action is beautiful, and while I don’t relish the chore of spreading manure, I am think it will be more enjoyable when I do need to use this device.