Keeping warm

It is getting cold in Sweden and Svångemåla. To be able to keep the little house warm I have installed two different kind of heaters. The first one is run purely by solar power. A panel generates electricity for a fan that forces hot air from the panel into the house. The panel manages to increase the temperature of the air to about 25 degrees C above the general air temperature when the sun is shining. Perfect to keep the house ventilated without using any energy from the grid but useless when it is cloudy or the sun is down. (www.solarventi.com)

Solarventi



The second heater is much more efficient but uses some electricity. It works, more or less, like a freezer but backwards, i.e. it takes warmth out of the surrounding air, increases it and transfers the heat to a heater inside the house. It is very efficient and one unit can easily keep the whole house warm and comfortable without too much noise.

So far, so good but the real test will be in the winter when the temperature is far below 0 C.

Air to air heat-pump

Black Grouse (Tetrao tetrix)

All big birds in the forest are not birds of prey. In a few, relatively remote and unpopulated forests like the one around Svångemåla, you can still be lucky and spot a Black grouse or a Capercaillie although they are not very common. I was therefore very happy when I today came across a young Blackcock and managed to get picture of him.

September

It is the time of the year when drizzle is more common than sunshine, the temperature is falling by the week and we all start to prepare for the winter. Many birds have or are preparing to leave for warmer regions. The hunters are getting their weapons ready for one of the biggest events of the year in Sweden, the moose hunt and I wonder if these two will live to see next spring? The couple showed up some hundred meters away from my cottage and I wonder if it is the same couple I once met eye to eye?

http://svangemalanews.blogspot.com/2008/06/absolutely-amazing-meeting.html

Two is just perfect!

Two is just perfect. Lots of space but still someone to warm you!



Four is possible but it is getting a bit crowded.




Five is just one too many! Please find some other friends!

Mist

Although I do not really like or enjoy the cooler weather we are experiencing, I cannot deny that it looks amazing when the mist covers the field in thin layers. It is easy to understand that many can see the elves dancing around in white, long dresses. Mystical!