Keeping Up the Good Work

As the weather has stayed fine for the last couple of days it has been easy to get everyone outside and turning all the gadgets and appliances off.

We've not just been walking (or running out of shot!) Harry our dog but have been playing in the park and getting bikes and scooters out from their winter breaks.

However, it has started to rain tonight and is meant to get colder so won't be as easy as switching-off and getting outside. Zero power, tumble dryer alternative has arrived but needs fixing-up so will have to wait until the weekend until we reveal all!!!

Following Tom's science experiments for homework and it being National Science Week, Sammy has found it much more exciting to actually get messy than play Science Papa on the Wii console and now wants a full chemistry set! I wonder what other console games we can make hands-on so that the power stays off? Also, still playing loads of board games and cards, especially when the Xbox starts calling Tom so I don't think his missing it too much.

Nearly had the first hiccup yesterday when there was only just enough hot water for our shared (one at a time) bath. Thought we might have to put the timer on for longer (ARGHHH!) but then found out that Toni had bathed Harry earlier in the day (no-way were we keeping his dirty, flea-ridden water to share). At least he is clean and smells nice, making him a great, cuddly alternative to a hot water bottle - I wonder how much energy that saves???

ESTIMATED ANNUAL SAVINGS
No power games & activities        £10
Less charging (car inverter)          £15
No power lawn mowing                £10
Reduced ironing                            £15
Hall energy saving light                £30
Front door solar light                    £30
Lined bedroom curtains                  £5
Cooking Co-operative                   £25
Dishwasher used only when full   £20
Bed half an hour earlier                 £25
Washing Machine at 30 deg C      £15
Reduced Heating & Hot Water     £50
Ditch the Tumble Dryer                £50
Still Less TV & Xbox                   £10
Total Annual Savings                  £310

ACTUAL SPEND (will add items in as we install them and estimate their savings)
Invertor                                          £20
Hall energy saving light                £27
Front door solar light                     £25
Lined bedroom curtains                 £10
Total spend                                    £82
As we've all been more active, we are more tired in the evenings so makes us all keep up the going to bed earlier (and turning everything off earlier - kerching!)

TTFN