Installing Solar Panels…

So, we (well, I ) went ahead with the installation of solar panels on the roof. It took about 3 days when all was said and done.

If you are interested, here's the link to get an estimate.
(full disclosure...if you do sign up via this link, we both get some $).

Some FAQ’s:

1. I went with "lease" instead of "buy" option.
2. Put $1k down and have committed to $68/month. At current electricity consumption rates, this covers about 25% of our monthly usage at a FIXED rate.
3. Payback period…approximately 7 years.
4. Green value is something I am factoring in.
5. Best argument, in my mind, came from Gary of Clean Currents who positioned it as a “hedge against future energy price increases.” (If there’s one thing I have a high degree of confidence in-sure, I could be wrong—it’s that energy prices will go up)
6. It helps to have a new or mostly new roof
7. The company guarantees 95% of their estimates.
8. I’ll be sharing the results of this experiment in the months to come…

To be CLEAR...I'm not advocating just yet since I don't know how it will go, but figured I'd share it for now.

To understand some of the technical components, check out this interview with one of the installers.

Hi-Ho...a new standard in High/Low

Our Sabbath Meal Invite Strategy and preparation document are the subject of a great deal of "roasting" within our community.

And, over the years, we've had plenty of people rise to the occasion with extremely creative, exciting, and memorable "gifts" to make the moment even more special.

Whether it is a trash can, a fire extinguisher, gifts that are symbolic of our children, folding chairs, WD-40, electric extension cords, Drano, carpet cleaner or whatever (and I'm just naming a few not saying the others aren't great), each of these items like a piece in a museum that says "donated by the XX family foundation" holds a place in our memory long after the meal is done.

However, this past week, we reached a new plateau.

One of the things we ask our guests is to share "a high point and a low point" of the past week.

We've had great highs and very sad lows, but until now, as far as I can recall, no one had ever come with a prepared statement in the form of a song.

Bobby Medow, father of our friend, Panina Licht, on the plane from St. Louis penned the following to the tune for "Hi-Ho" from Snow White and 7 Dwarves.

We pause and recognize the grandeur of this moment.