Solar Part 3

Our Chinese solar equipment got delivered 6 months after ordering.  We stored the equipment in the bunker and outside as installation started a week after deliver.  

 



Our solar guys moved the 14 collection panels to the roof.  They attached them using the screws already on the roof so no new wholes were made (which was a requirement from me) to eliminate any roof leaks. The panels are on the east, south and west sides of the roof for maximum collection from the sun.

The bunker (which was built under the Mango tree months ago) is now home to two batteries and a solar inverter.  This set up should supply us power throughout the night without having to use power from WEB, our utility company 

On the first night of solar, our batteries were charged but they were not releasing power into the house. Our solar guys monitored the system as did Rick on his phone app. They both noticed the issue.  Since China is 10 hours time different than Bonaire, our solar guys had to wait  to talk with the Chinese engineers to solve the issue.  24-hours later we were up and running with power generation and usage.

This concludes (I hope) the solar saga series.

Washing Machine

You remember how much trouble I had with the little Dutch washing machine that came with the house? I never could figure out how to work it and it never worked very good.  I had been washing towels at the laundromat because the little Dutch machine just couldn't handle towels.  I also sent my sheets out to a professional laundry (I will keep doing that because it is so nice to have washed and pressed sheets). It also took hours to wash and was starting to shake violently when on spin cycle. 

Nothing is easy.  I got a top load washer.  Most of the European washers are front load. The change required that we retrofit the laundry closet.  Rick had to take out the butcher block shelf and all the associated screws and boards.  The new machine also required new plumbing configuration and a transformer to keep it from frying when there are power surges. The delivery guys took away the old washer, put in the new washer and connected all the water and wastewater pipes.  The delivery and set was only $35.

My new LG washer is in English. Its a top load and can wash 13 kg which is double the capacity of the old washer.

We had a lizard die on our outside cabana bed under the pillows. I know, it was a real icky thing.  I had to wash all the pillows and sheets and bed covering because everything smelled like....like dead lizard.

Anyway, the washer worked and we are now back to having a modern washing machine.

 

 

'tis the season

Christmas markets are popping up all over the island.  Happens every year.  The markets are done in various neighborhoods.  They feature booths with handmade things, food and clothing. They are very charming. 
 

Rick found a mermaid and struck up a conversation.  It was short  discussion because she said she could only be out of the water for 1 hour 😂.

The whole gang (those of us that don't leave for the winter) met up for dinner at a local "snacky" after attending the market.

The holiday events are stacking up...Christmas Concerts, Markets, December Birthdays and of course, Christmas.  It's our favorite time of  year.

Lac Cai

 

We took a Sunday drive to Lac Cai which is on the east side of the island.  We were specifically looking for a hidden beach but found lots of other great spots.  On our way we saw a flock of flamingos and they were close enough to get photos.   

We always see donkeys on the roads and streets but seldom horses.  I think there is a horse riding stable somewhere on the island and this guy was probably out for a walk.  I took his photo
as he stood in the middle of road.

The road was a mess. Bumps, ruts, and puddles which required careful driving at 20 kmh.  It took us 30 minutes to get there which is a lot of time for this island.

We were rewarded with a beautiful, calm bay of crystal clear water.  We walked through low brush and trees to a clearing featuring a white sand beach.

There are mounds of conch shells in this small fishing area. Long ago they managed to over harvest conch and they are now protected.  However, there are very few left in the Bonaire waters.  Only the shells remain of their past indiscretions.

There is a weekend bar at Lac Cai serving food and drinks. They even had a band and Christmas decorations. But views were spectacular and stole the show.

On the way home we stopped at one our favorite "snacks" called Happy's.  Its the same place where we play bocce. They always remember us and greeted us with warm regards and rum punch.

It took us several shots to get a selfie that we liked.  This was the best of the bunch.  The dead tree is a bonus photo.