Well, here we are in the middle of April 2025 and things are moving forward on the Washington project. Just back from planting the 1st phase of the fruit tree orchard (6 apple, 2 cherry and 2 peach trees) along with a 500 gal water storage tank and creek water pumping system (to the tank). Large solar and battery storage system finally(!) on order and looking to start installation by the end of the month. Hopefully get the greenhouse and hot tub in place by early June plus about to order 1500′ of 3 rail pasture fencing for installation in mid-June. Permanent move to property now set for early September. So, lots to do over the next 4-5 months!
On the climate change side, things are going as predicted, which is not good news. CO2 rise in ’24 was the highest rate in recorded history and there are concerns we humans have caused enough damage to the environment that the planet can not absorb CO2 at its previous rate. Arctic Sea Ice was at its lowest amount ever measured and the albedo effect (dark surface of water vs reflective surface of ice) will only cause the Arctic to warm faster. (this applies to Antarctica, too) Of course, droughts, fires, floods and other events are accelerating, so no silver linings out there. Good update article from the Washington Post this morning if you’re interested (or want to get depressed): https://www.msn.com/en-us/weather/topstories/what-a-record-spike-in-planet-warming-gases-says-about-the-health-of-the-earth/ar-AA1D1pk4?ocid=hpmsn&cvid=8c1164fab8f6418aa22848c7847189e6&ei=64
So, depending on your viewpoint, no time like to present to prepare for a more hostile environment and hopefully, despite being 3-4 yrs behind my original schedule, we will have a better chance to weather the storm!
SZ