Month: May 2025

Solar Experiment

I’ve finally had the time, and the weather, to sit down and play with the solar devices some of you were kind enough to provide for me. Thank You, Thank You, Thank You! I’ve actually been using the portable units since they got here, and it is worth noting that I’ve not actually been able to drop them down significantly.

Testing out all the current solar gear

I wanted to see what would happen on a nice sunny day (where I would enjoy being out, sunny in winter isn’t it really). Within two hours, the portable units were fully charged. I’ve not been able to drain them like I expected, as there is quite often enough light to keep them mostly charged.

The fold-out panel is amazing. It has already got the big unit charged up, and you can charge it and another item (like a cell phone) at the same time. Suspect there is some time cost to do multiple at once, but didn’t really notice it on my limited experiment.

As for the big pack, I’m really wanting to try it on the router/fiber optic station upstairs. The fiber optic portion should stay up even in a power failure, so getting power to the router should provide internet access. Good theory, and if the landlord has no objection, will see if the “brick” can power it and maybe get an idea of how long.

While I don’t think the fold-out panel would be good for backpacking, it should be great for camping. The portable units would be great for backpacking and useful with camping.

I’m going to play more with them in the days ahead I hope, but for now I have a solid source of DC power in emergencies for cell phones, laptop, and other devices. Which means I have at least basic communications. If the router test works out, and the fiber optic stays up, that would be very, very helpful.

So, these systems are a very good add to your preparedness power portfolio. Useful for camping and other activities as well. Remember, the more independent sources of power you have, the better.

More soon, and thank you again so very much to all of you who made this possible!

Getting hit by lightning is not fun! If you would like to help me in my recovery efforts, feel free to hit the fundraiser at A New Life on GiveSendGo, use the options in the Tip Jar in the upper right, or drop me a line to discuss other methods. There is also the Amazon Wish List in the Bard’s Jar. It is thanks to your gifts and prayers that I am still going. Thank you.

Sold Car Saga

Those who are long-term readers will remember that I sold my car last year, I thought to a young man (young men) who’s grand-dad was going to use it to teach them car repair. The last few days have been interesting, as that was a great big steaming pile.

Not sure if I mentioned it here or not, but last fall I learned from the BMV that the title had never been transferred. Per their recommendation, I sent a certified letter offering to help with that transfer to the address I had for the buyer. Letter was refused and I made little progress in finding a lawyer (particularly cheap or free) that could help me with the issue.

Got back into that search hard yesterday, as Saturday I got a notice that the car had been impounded by the State Police and that as it was still in my name I was liable for fines, fees, and storage. Talked to the holder of the vehicle, and was told not to worry as if not claimed it would be sold. Since I do not have current proof of ownership, couldn’t claim it even if I wanted to.

So, spent yesterday dealing with Legal Aid and such, and this morning had an online chat with a lawyer through the Bar Association. Short version, I don’t have ‘proper’ legal proof of sale (photo of title signed over to the buyer); there is not much I can do/could do anyway; and, it could zorch my credit rating. Not sure about other legal liability, but am going to go next Monday to talk in person with a different lawyer to see what, if anything, I can do to protect myself.

To make it even more fun, the young man who allegedly bought the car may well have used a false ID, given a false address, and the name given does match a person with an extensive rap sheet that seems to involve a number of issues around cars and fraud going back a couple of decades. Seems ISP may have impounded it after catching him out with false plates on it. Don’t know for sure, but suspect the ‘grandpa’ was this man.

So, at least according to this consultation, there’s not much I can do. Other than Pray, and that will be done. Meantime, will be getting a second opinion, if not a third, and make every effort I can to protect myself and my credit rating.

Joy. Not what I wanted to be dealing with, or ever expected to have to deal with. If you ever sell a car yourself, take care and cover yourself. Oh well, onwards!

Getting hit by lightning is not fun! If you would like to help me in my recovery efforts, feel free to hit the fundraiser at A New Life on GiveSendGo, use the options in the Tip Jar in the upper right, or drop me a line to discuss other methods. There is also the Amazon Wish List in the Bard’s Jar. It is thanks to your gifts and prayers that I am still going. Thank you.