Texas Heat!

[pacerron]

Ron, the information in that link is basically right, but there's a little more to it than that. The City looks at our water usage for Nov., Dec., Jan., & Feb., throws out the highest one, averages the other 3, and that sets the sewage rate for the next 12 months, so on my bill, the only thing that varies each month is the water consumption. So this month it was:

Water = $163.48
Sewer = $ 43.54
Garbage = $ 9.92
Rate Cost = $ 0.00
Drainage Fee = $ 5.00
Garbage Sales Tax = $ .82

Total = $222.76

As I said, only that first number (Water) changes each month; the others are always the same. The sewer charge will change next March; may go up or down, depending on our water usage this Winter. And yes, we're on the senior rates.

Bird,
Going over the 25k use rate is the hurter.
Can you imagine the bill at the "Rockin Anchor Ranch" for the 120k plus volume, even with the fixed sewer rate!
Ron

 

[Western]

Ron,
I am not familiar with that brand, but you are pretty spot on as far as the effective range. I have yet to see one take a good photo at the rated max distance at night. Usually the limiting factor is the flash range, like the one I have currently will pick up an animal at maybe 35', but the flash only illuminates the eyes, (if their looking).

I say try to keep the anticipated distance to animal traffic to 30' or less, even though the photo will be a large "snapshot", the camera has to know somethings there. I put mine about 30" high, I have a lazer light on the cam that helps with the alignment.

If you haven't, I would point it directly where you think the deer are feeding, or if they are crossing a fence , that's a good spot since they generally will stand there a second to ponder the situation.
To use on a trail, it's best to have the highest trigger speed game cam you can get, I would also point it somewhat down the trail VS a cross shot. (requires allot of speed)

 

[mikim]

woo hoo! 1/4 inch of rain and temp stayed under 100 ....It ain't much -- but I'll take it!:thumbsup:

 

[txdon]

Mike, do you have connections with the weatherman, we got none?

 

[Bartcephus]

Western, I grew up a dog man... I didn't (and really still don't) care for cats. Well, wouldn't you know someone in the neighborhood is missing a durn cat that just won't leave us alone. Now I'm feeding the thing. We never take the cat in the house. One time this past winter it disappeared for about a month. We thought the owners must have found him/her/whatever it is. I felt duly blessed.... then whamo... here it is back on the porch and here I am getting admonished to go get some cat food.... ARGH! But I, like you just can't seem to pull the trigger on the thing. And, apparently, it has caught several mice/rats around us because it will show off its kills by leaving them right on the doormat. (No I don't walk out barefoot anymore... made that mistake once.) I guess there is a little good in that creature although I don't really like to tout about cats.

 

[pacerron]

Mike, do you have connections with the weatherman, we got none?

Don,
Maybe he has a completed "Wishing Well"

 

[Bird]

[QUOTEI grew up a dog man... I didn't (and really still don't) care for cats.][/QUOTE]

When I was a kid, we always had both dogs and cats, but my dad did not allow either in the house or even on the porch around the doors.

And for years my wife had a phobia about cats. She didn't want one near her and didn't want to visit in any home that had a cat that wasn't confined. I think our older daughter was 7 years old when she was visiting next door and observed a litter of kittens being born and the neighbors told her she could have her pick of the litter. I guess that was a good thing, because my wife allowed our daughter to bring that kitten in our house as soon as it was weined and it grew into a very large fluffy black & white tomcat and my wife got over her phobia.

 

[jinman]

Water = $163.48
Sewer = $ 43.54
Garbage = $ 9.92
Rate Cost = $ 0.00
Drainage Fee = $ 5.00
Garbage Sales Tax = $ .82

Total = $222.76

Bird, I'm not trying to make you feel bad, but we checked our electric bill (online) and it is $285 this month. That includes running the well pump and the aerobic septic system. We have been plenty comfortable in our house even though we do set the thermostat up to 78/79/80 in the later afternoon depending on how critical ERCOT says the need for conservation is. At night, we set the thermostat down to 75 for comfortable sleeping since our bedroom is on the 3rd floor. Our air conditioner cycles on/off normally even in the heat of the day. I think the recent renovation with added insulation and the the decks around the house make our home much more energy efficient. We also have an 18' Sunsetter Awning on the west side of the house and run it out every afternoon.

 

[Bird]

Jim, we've got a programmable thermostat but don't mess with it; just leave it on 76 all the time. Of course we've got 4 ceiling fans and I have one 16" stand fan running right behind me now. And our electric bill for this month (meter is read on the 17th or 18th each month) was $274.50. We're on a 5 year contract with TXU Energy that's costing us about 13 cents a KWH and the contract will expire the 23rd of next month. So now I'm trying to decide whether to stay with TXU Energy or change to another company. TXU has at least one plan that's about 10.6 cents per KWH.

 

[jinman]

I didn't make that very clear, Bird. But what I was meaning to point out is that my electric bill is only a little more than your water bill, and includes both water and sewer. I don't know why I didn't just say that.:confused2: I just can't get over your water charges when I use 4 times as much water and my cost is tiny. Living out here in the country really is a bargain, but of course, we have to drive to town to shop and that costs a bunch over a month.