2010 Changes

I repainted the observatory in the fall of 2009. White seems to retain less heat. I also sprayed a layer of white latex over the roofing material. If I had the funds to do it, I would replace the clear plastic with opaque white plastic. It has performed well and I have no complaints about the product itself, I just chose the wrong style, clear.

I have renamed the observatory "Shadowlands" in honor of C. S. Lewis, a Christian apologist and writer, who left this life unnoticed on Nov 22nd, the day JFK was shot. He always refered to this life in this world as "shadowlands" because nothing here is truly real or lasting, it is all just shadows of things to come or things now gone. The original name was also a bit too long and did not really reflect anything of myself. I enjoy living here among these kind and generous folk but am not a native to this city and my home is my only real attachment.

So as I pass throung the "shadowlands", the new name will help me remember, the real life is yet to be.

Jan 2010

This much snow is unusual for Arkansas.

Open on a hot day

Just opening the doors makes a big difference. Notice how dark it is since I painted the roof?

Southeast looking northwest.

Side skirt panels

These were added to the original design to keep rain from blowing in on the rollers and the interior

Jan 2010

This was not a day to try to open the box!

Roof cracked open

Sliding back the roof just enough cracks open the back but leaves the front rain proof.

The white paint reflects more heat. The painted roof absorbs less. I have walked into the open shed on a 100+ day and it was the same temp inside as the outside air, a big improvement over last summer. Even with the roof cracked and the doors open, the shed used to be 15 degrees hotter.