Curiosity finally got the better of me.

I made the phone call. This device is a radio receiver and I would guess transmitter. It is the start of a system that Xcel Energy is installing in our region. When complete it will remotely read your electric and gas meters.

What is not clear to me at this point is does it also transmit that data directly to Xcel (probably hopping from unit to unit until it reach the collection point) or will we see roving vehicles that gather the data as it passes each unit. I would guess it might also at some location connect to a copper phone line or fiber optic network connection and transmit the data.

Secondly I would guess that each gas and electric customer will need an upgrade of the equipment at their residence so the data can be transmitted from your house.

Now that I know what it is I 'll dig a little deeper for more details.

Update 1: See the comments for complete dialog

 The Admiral said...

 I believe it is part of the new "SmartGrid"
http://ge.ecomagination.com/smartgrid/#/landing_page

It all sounds like a wonderful idea, but it isn't. When completed, the government through regulation at the local power company will be able to dictate the temperature in your own home, and how much electricity you may use.

Update 2: Here is more information about SmartGrid. Oh!.... grab two aspirin coffee, tea or bourbon then read on.

Overnight camping trip to Medford WI. Saturday A.M. travel.

We decided to cut our weekend camping trip a little short. Although we did spend a very comfortable warm night in the camper once we were off the road. Finding a spot to park was quite an adventure. An early snow storm made camping in a state, county, city or private camp ground a little more difficult than planned.

With the weather forecast projecting additional snow and with the option of heading south to the gulf coast for the winter out of the question. We decided to head north to home.

We enjoyed our overnight adventure and have decided to set a new goal in our retired (semi) life. Our goal for this winter is to camp at least one night each month between now and June 30, 2010 in the camper. With a little planning I think we can do it.

Anyone have a heated garage we can pull the camper into for the January-March adventures?

If not could someone remind me.....what are the signs of early onset frost bite?

It should be an adventure.






The snow line on Saturday was just south of Mellen. From Abbotsford to Mellen we drove through snow and slush. The night before left a half a dozen cars in the ditch.

24 x 24 garage move. Saturday's activity

11:11 at the head of the alley.

11:18 tight fit 30 feet south .

15:04 turning onto the slab. Four hours of slow inch by inch maneuvering for the final 30 minutes of "parking the garage".

15:13 guiding it into postion.

15:18 Making final adjustment with tractor.

15:26 "fine tuning" the position by hand. Set in place on the trailer on the slab at 16:00.
5 hrs and 49 minutes up the alley to the slab.

Family attending the wedding.

Wedding photos. From Carol Seago.

More wedding photos. From Rick Penn

The happy couple. Kellie and Scott. Let the celebration begin.

A "wood mizer" at work.

Brian at work.

Apple Cider making day.

Grinding and mashing crews.

Picking methods.

Fresh pickers arrive.

Professional picker.

You can't spend all day picking apples.



Sampling the product. Vintage 10/17 - 2009 - 12:30 P.M. A discerning palate?

Thanks to Dan and Krista for inviting us.

I couldn't have said it any better. Thoughts of a wedding guest.

I love this picture.

It shows a very happy groom, the brides lovely and tailored dress, the drums, the people.

Such a very nice time had by all.

Down to earth and very realistic.

Glad we were able to partake in its spirit.

Thank you

Ok... It was a wedding not deer camp.

A great photo of my new daughter-in-law Kellie. From the camera/iMac of Carol Seago.
Our son Scott.

The happy couple taking their vows on the shore of Lake Superior in Cornucopia Wisconsin.

Deer camp or wedding guests?

Hint: Do you see any guns?

Bending to pressure. Back to work!

Same moon, same night, same camera one hour apart.


Same bird also.

David Genszler benefit activities. Parade, auction and music.

David Genszler




Videos from todays activities including the parade, auction and the music with a message.

Activities in the tent. Music, music, music, music and food.

Additional news coverage with some video.

Additional photos and story at the site Leslie Hamp setup for the event. Great job Les.
All links posted at www.davidsparade.com


Photos from Carol Seago.














Photos from Kelly Randolph