Around the first of December I began "telecommuting." Never figured I'd be one for doing that, but it saves me at least $450/month in fuel. I'm transferring to another group and one of the stipulations I made was that I be able to telecommute 3 days a week on a flexible schedule. Management LOVES my plan contrary to what one would normally suppose, because I'll continue working second shift, which is very difficult for them to find volunteers for. The two days a week I do the commute (130 miles round trip) will be fine for now. Second shift traffic is almost non-existent, so I can maintain 21 mpg by not being stuck in traffic (that's in the Lexus, NOT the Excursion, which is still being repowered with a Cummins/Allison package.
I have not contacted my congress critters on the fuel issue- but I've been screaming my lungs out about veterans medical and mental health care.
I am getting ready to read this book on Alaska oil to further educate myself on the subject of oil. There seems to be some enormous discrepancies between what industry says is available vs. what the government says is available.
The Energy Non-Crisis by Lindsey Williams
My cabin in Alaska is built to be energy efficient. There are only 3 windows, strategically placed to absorb light and the spectacular view. There are 3/4" plywood covers over the windows that I'm going to attach 2" blue foam board to for insulation. In July, I plant to raise and insulate the floor and install hydronic heating. I did special corners in the exterior walls that allow insulation around the studs to reduce cold creep, I used spray foam everywhere I could to insulate even the slightest indication of air leaks. I installed can lights in the ceiling 3' in from the 32' long walls, which would be enough to light the place, but in addition I've installed 2'x4' sealed, insulated boxes in the ceiling for bright but energy saving florescent bulbs. I'm also going to install storm doors to keep the heat in.
