How Much for a Solar Charging Station?

A level 1 charging station must be able to produce 120 volts at 12 amps. Basic electronics makes that about 1400 watts. To completely charge my car on that station would require about 50 hours charging (daylight) hours. That’s about 4 days, depending on the time of year and the weather.

A level 2 station requires 220 volts at about 30 amps. That math is a little harder. It works out to be more than 6000 watts. The charge rate is more than 5 times faster, about 10 hours.

The question is, how much would that many solar panels cost. The neat part is that, other than the initial cost, I would be able to pass the gas and regular charge stations every day.

Having said that, the vast majority of the time, all I need is a level one station. Moreover I would only need 3 or 4 hours of charging a day.

A Few Facts

I would suspect more than a few have forgotten a few facts from WWII. An estimated 100 thousand Japanese civilians died in the battle for Okinawa, almost as many as the 110 thousand Japanese soldiers. Of course we all know about the bombs dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki. The loss of life was almost completely civilian.

Germany certainly did not escape our bombs. Berlin and many other cities were bombed so completely that there were few places to live in after the war.

Now, suddenly, it is wrong to kill civilian populations during a purely defensive war.

Don’t get me wrong. I don’t think the IDF should go around and search out civilians to drop bombs on. However, when the enemy hides amongst the civilians, it can’t be avoided.

Besides, the civilians are not really that guiltless. They voted the Hamas in. Even now, it is estimated that about 70% of the people in the Gaza are in favor of completely killing all Jews…then us here in the US.

Moreover, getting it done and over quickly has always proved to cost less lives than letting it drag on.

It Would Have 1 Advantage

How much would I pay to go to the moon?

I don’t know. However, near as I can tell, at least there would be little chance of catching the China virus every 5 or 6 months up there.

Wait a minute. Wouldn’t be able to stay there. In that case, no need to go. I will continue to do my coughing and hacking with my feet planted firmly planted on planet earth.

Better we send Fauci to the moon, one way ticket.

Truck Driver

It is something I have considered seriously.

During my youth, electronics seemed to be the best field and especially computers. Twice I lost my job in electronics while I saw the truck driver across the street make far more money far more regularly.

Another thought I’ve had was something with trains. It wasn’t until I was older that I realized it, but I have always had a fascination with them. I guess, in a way, I was born little late. I loved the old steam engines. Still, the Diesels are neat too. Probably less work as well.

Interesting Prompt

Daily writing prompt
What’s something most people don’t know about you?

If it is something most people don’t know, just maybe it is something I would just as soon most people don’t know. Sounds very much like an encouragement to get me to say or do something I rarely would want to do.

If anyone wants to know most of my history and beliefs, my posts will tell most of what I am or want to be. It’s better that I not repeat it here.

Touching All the Bases

I saw an unusual play the other day in a baseball game. The one at bat hit a very long fly ball. The man at first rounded second as the ball was caught. Instantly, the runner returned to first, apparently in plenty of time.

Then, shortly thereafter, the runner was called out. For what reason you might ask? Because he didn’t touch 2nd base on the way back to 1st.

I must admit it caught me by surprise. I wasn’t aware of the rule. Moreover I had no idea of the runner’s mistake.

I instantly thought that there should be a real object lesson there, though I am having trouble determining what it might be. I thought about the figurative bases that I missed from time to time during my life. Indeed, it seems there is a saying, “Remember to touch all the bases.”

It sounds like a good idea. I guess it means we should pay attention to the details. It sounds like a good idea to me. I have seen, from time-to-time people incredibly detail oriented. As a person only “big picture” oriented, I must say I have always admired those who really paid attention to details.

Looking back on the base runner, I suspect that he wished he had been a little more detail oriented. It does make me wonder if he was aware about the rule. I mean, he was a major league player. You would think someone would have told him. Maybe not. Regardless, he could have avoided the out, not to mention a bunch of embarrassment had he touched second on the way back to first.

Let’s extend the saying a little. Consider the home run. The home run is not complete until the hitter touches every base. Moreover, all those on base must touch the base in order and in sequence. The hitter may not go to 3rd or 2nd before 1st.

Odd how much baseball is like life. Maybe that’s a good reason for boys to play baseball. It sorta teaches them a little about life.

I was thankful that I was able to play. It taught me a lot about baseball… and life.

Good Fences

Daily writing prompt
What makes a good neighbor?

By the way, also, good window shades and maybe a good garage with a good door.

Actually, I shouldn’t make such rash generalized statements. I’ve mostly had good neighbors. Mostly I have not had any problems and they have actually helped a few times. In fact, if it weren’t for my neighbors, the two women ambulance attendants would have never gotten me in the ambulance when I broke my ankle. There is no way they would have been able to lift my 280 pound frame. And, incidentally, it didn’t help my confidence in them that they were busy reading instructions on how to install the air brace and pump it up.

One of my neighbors let us have their 60 pound dog, which helped scare the armed burglar away. I do miss the old dog but she was getting old and had a big bleeding tumor on her shoulder. One of her favorite things was crossing her paws on the arm of the chair and putting her chin on them.

I’ve lived here since the year Elvis died and I have seen a number of neighbors come and go. One night I heard a woman screaming. Once I realized she was out in the street, I went to see what was wrong. It turned out she just lost her, I guess about 7 mo baby. He died in the crib. They had just moved in a few weeks earlier. I never saw the couple again. They moved out a few days later.

I really wish I could have done something for them. I guess they did do something for me. I realized just how thankful I am that my two boys had so few problems, for which I will ever be grateful to the Lord.

The day after the 100 mph winds came through and toppled a couple of trees, keeping me from going to work, the teen next door came over to help and that was really great, considering I was still on crutches from my broken ankle. He didn’t ask if he could help. He just did it. I guess that is the sort of thing that makes a good neighbor too. I did make to work, though I was very late. It was spooky driving home though. No street lights or traffic lights. Really dark, even with the headlights.

Still, that good fence comes in pretty handy from time to time, especially when I can keep my dog from jumping it.