A storm has hit the island and is dumping a lot of rain. How much? I cannot say, as the rain gauge seems to have stopped working. Likely it’s that the drain is clogged. I don’t think I have cleaned it since the weatherstation relocation back in June, but I’m not going out in this downpour just to troubleshoot it.
The weather isn’t good for solar. Right now we’re generating 239 watts at a time when we’d usually be getting 12,000. Fortunately, the new commodity generator is working just fine and keeping us in power with minimal noise and fuel use.
HA had invited neighbors over for brunch today and made an fancy feast of quiche, roast potatoes, and stuffed dates. We had planned to have it in the pavilion, but the weather wasn’t conducive so we moved it indoors by the fire.
It was a delightful gathering.
—2p
addendum 2026-02-08T17:07-10:00
I had to venture out to put more gasoline in the generator. I tried to do it during a lull, but the lull ended after I had decided it would be okay to venture out and check the weather station, so I got plenty wet but found a leaf in the rain gauge. Best indications from neighbors’ reports is that I missed about ten inches of rain. We’ve already added two inches since I fixed the gauge 90 minutes ago.
I also went in the hot tub in spite of the rain. I wore a broad-brimmed hat and stowed my towel in the deck box. I had turned the tub on this morning before starting the generator, and it had been running for 8 hours or so but had reached temp and shut off. I couldn’t turn it back on, so I had to soak without jets. Hardship. But it was fun and now my feet are warm.
The storm is predicted to worsen, particularly the winds so the chances of downed trees is increased. The state and county are closing all offices and non-essential services tomorrow. We were going to go see a movie in the village this afternoon but canceled due to the weather. We’ll just huddle here by the fire until things brighten up.