Back from our trip and new data

We just completed our trip to Denver to see the family.  This time we rented a Toyota Prius for the drive.  We had a great time and saw lots of really cool stuff, but in relation to simple living here are the highlights.

1. We saw 15 wind farms on our trip a significant increase since our last.
2. We drove by several feed lots while holding our noses.  If anyone ever needs convincing that this is not the way to raise meat, take them downwind from one of these places.  Most of the crops grown in the mid west go to these feed lots.  I prefer to see my cows happy and in the pasture.
3. All the hotels have information about not washing towels and a "green" commitment.
4. Many of the mid west towns which grow our food need help.  It is obvious that the money we spend on food is not going to the people that actually do most of the work.
5. Several towns had signs for farmers markets.
6. The Prius gets an average of 46 miles to the gallon.  I am waiting the the plug in kind.

House data

Daily Kw 5.43

Cost/Day $0.98

Yearly $356.50

Monthly $29.71

We are starting to see a drop in KW usage as the solar hot water is more plentiful and not diverted to heating the house.  In addition we are putting into the grid about 3 Kw a day in excess.