Back in December 2017 we installed a SolarEdge 5.7kWp solar PV system on our average 1930s semi. Incorporated with the system was the ability to divert excess solar generated electricity to the immersion heater in our hot water cylinder. Initially there were a few problems with the controller for the hot water which wasn’t fully… Continue reading Project sunshine – update January 2019
Project sunshine – December 2017
Today saw the start of an exciting project to add a solar PV array to our house. The first stage was to erect scaffolding to give safe access to the roof. Now the installation can commence. Just a day later the solar pv installers are onsite, unfortunately the 1929 slate roof is quite fragile so… Continue reading Project sunshine – December 2017
The Kampong, Coconut Grove, Florida
The Kampong is the name given to the home and garden of the American botanist and plant hunter David Fairchild. The garden is not part of the NTBG (National Tropical Botanic Gardens). I visited The Kampong on several occasions during my stay in Florida whilst attending the 2016 American Public Gardens conference in downtown Miami.
Gifford Arboretum, Coral Gables, Florida
[draft] In June 2016 I visited the Gifford Arboretum during the APGA Conference
Playing around with themes
As you’ve probably noticed the website looks different, this is because I’m playing round with a new theme. The current theme is called Customizr and I chose it due its good reviews and responsive design. What do you think, let me know?
Sand, sea, steam and scheduled ancient monuments
Our 2015 family holiday was based around Littlestone-on-Sea close to New Romney in Kent. The extensive property was right on the seafront with excellent east facing views over the English Channel to France. The beach is a mixture of shingle, sand and mud and the tide goes out a long long way; so much so the… Continue reading Sand, sea, steam and scheduled ancient monuments
Boy’s websites back
Just a quick note to say I’ve reinstated the websites for Carl and Isaac. At some point I’ll upgrade them to WP sites but for the time being you can see some photographs taken on our visit to South African in spring 2014. carl.rupes.net isaac.rupes.net
Discovering space
Whenever possible we try to inspire our two boys with science, the ESA Rosetta mission to comet 67p /Churyumov–Gerasimenko was no exception. Both Carl and Isaac followed the videos produced by ESA on their YouTube channel. As is often the case Carl disappeared to his room where the Lego is kept and a little while… Continue reading Discovering space
Welcome back!
You will have probably noticed that my website has received a makeover. After growing up on handwritten HTML and static pages I’ve decided it is time to move on and jump into the world of the CMS driven website. I’ve opted for the popular WordPress CMS and hopefully it will be a long and productive… Continue reading Welcome back!
Driving and Firing Experience
On Wednesday 26 September 2007 Rupert fulfilled a childhood ambition of driving a steam locomotive. The venue was Alresford station on the Mid Hants Railways affectionately known as the Watercress Line. Thank you to all the family who made this a 40th Birthday treat a day to remember forever.