Hello Everyone
Everything seems to be going so well – and then! Not Again!
The waterwheel is a central part of life here at the Mill. It is our main power source and a symbol of independence, a part of the ethos of the Charity, but as you can see from the photos, the coupling snapped – again.
Can you imagine the strength of the twist at that point that made that happen. It must be immense. The output of the hydro system is not very much, only a kilowatt at most at this time of year, but still the twist was huge. The coupling is four inches diameter (note old fashioned imperial measurement) of solid steel. So although the strain is there 24 hours a day and 7 days a week, it is still quite something to take in. Thank goodness for a stand-by generator and several days of hot sunshine on photovoltaic panels, so between them we have continued to have power this past week. Hopefully a welder will be down tomorrow to make the repair.
It is a lesson in miniature of the fragility of our lifestyle. When something we rely on, but take for granted, goes wrong, it throws other things into a muddle or even chaos. Independence and self sufficiency is all very well, and perhaps we should do well to strive for more of it as a society, but we cannot live in isolation. We do need other’s help from time to time, whether that is concerning physical things such as electrical power, or more ephemeral things such as emotional security and stability. We do need each other after all is said and done, warts and all.
The usual updates are there. Planting by the Moon and Astrology for Healers and Therapists.
Have a good month – Blessings
John
