Colorado Loosen's Ban on Collecting Rainwater

I was surfing a local news to find something to write about here and came across this: http://cbs4denver.com/local/rain.water.collecting.2.971880.html

Basically, "A state senator recently found that out when he tried to conserve rainwater for his flower garden." So... now there's work going on to change the law. This Senator got into trouble for trying collect water in a rainbarrel for his garden, and that prompted an investigation into this 19th century law that says rain must go unimpeded to rivers and streams.

I blogged about this a while back. Us "homesteaders" and survival-type people have been concerned about this for years. But did anyone hear us? Did our complaints and requests for the law to be reviewed get heard? Nope. But if a SENATOR tries it, NOW the government reviews it.

This is what's happening:

"The bill that has passed says residents can now collect it with certain restrictions. "You can capture enough rain or snow to be able to put in a garden, to be able to irrigate up to an acre of land, to be able to possibly put out a small fire," Looper said. Residents still can't harvest rain without a permit from the state engineer's office, and the permits are targeted for those who live in rural areas, not people living the suburbs."

So basically even if I apply for a permit to collect the rain and snow-runoff for my house here in the suburbs, I'll be denied because I'm not in a rural area and because I'm hooked up to a water system. And if I live out in the boonies and apply and receive that permit, that means I'll be in yet another system, giving up even more information and more privacy ... for WATER?!?!

And the fact that permits are actually required to do what we should be able to do naturally... boy my buns are burning. I am t-i-c-k-e-d off!

Studies show that 97% of rainwater evaporates before it gets to streams, etc. So basically, the Colorado government wants to control something that's free and could help the environment.

Alright. Look at it this way: If we collect the rain water and use it on our gardens, then we won't need to use the water in the reservoir. Right? Good green thinking.

= = =

p.s. suggestions for articles for this blog would be appreciated! comment here. thanks.

Hiking Tips

A man fell off Lookout Mountain on Monday. Here's a link from the Denver Post: http://www.denverpost.com/breakingnews/ci_12001746

How does that happen?

Hiking is a great exercise. It's good for your legs, lungs, attitude. You can experience beautiful scenery, meditate with the serenity of nature, and appreciate wilderness. You could follow trails or go "off the beaten path" to meander. Here's a few precautions to take if you plan to go hiking (or taking pictures off a steep mountain's edge!):

• Acknowledge there are risks. Common hazards include: injuries or illness, sudden bad weather, getting lost, sunburn and deydration, or frostbite and hypothermia. That doesn't include animal attacks, poison ivy, ticks, snakes and mosquitos. Even if you've been hiking for years and years, don't assume the next trip will be perfect too. YOU can't predict so you need to be alert.
• Make a written plan of your route, with an estimated return time, and leave it with someone you trust (or the nearby sheriff or park ranger). Check in with that person upon return. If you don't return by the expected time, s/he can call for help.
• Take a cell phone. A speedy call for help for you or someone else is essential. There might be parts where you'll lose your signal but wouldn't you rather be prepared?
• Wear sturdy "broken" boots that support your ankles, and good socks.

Equipment - pack a sturdy backpack with:

• water
• compass
• dependable trail map
• sunscreen
• bug/insect repellent
• chapstick
• light rain gear
• a $.99 super lightweight space blanket
• extra clothing if you're hiking in the mountains or if it is cold out
• hat
• extra socks - change when wet with sweat and foot powder to keep feet dry
• sunglasses
• first aid kit
• food like protein bars, etc.
• Not required but a good idea would be: a camera, pepper spray, GPS equipment, foot blister medication, a radio for weather updates, and cell phones.
• For a night-time trek, take a tent, more food, toilet paper, and other overnight gear.

Unless you have practice and permission for building a fire, don't do it. The weather has been weird lately all over, and chances are there is a grave danger of fire spreading. Pack foods you don't need to heat, or a small self-contained cooking situation. And don't smoke!

Please be careful.

Finally! A Blizzard!

It's taken a long time, but finally the Denver area is having it's first blizzard of the 2008/2009 Winter season. Except, it's March 26. Spring. Go figure.

Can you see our puppy in the back, by the fence? This was the first time he'd seen so much snow and was bounding around like a jackrabbit!


We're getting ready to post more articles on this blog so be sure to come back! Meanwhile, visit our other blogs, or see our YouTube video of both dogs!

Car Deal in Colorado

I was watching TV this evening. I usually mute all TV commercials, but I was tidying the living room, putting away business things and gathering the kid's schoolwork and didn't get to the channel changer quick enough.

Kinda glad I didn't.

Just saw a commercial for Colorado Hyundai dealers - some deal where ... "For a limited time, finance or lease ANY new Hyundai, and if in the next year you lose your income, we’ll make your payments for 3 months + if that’s still not enough time to work things out, you can still bring it back."

We're not in the market for a new car - I'm fine with my 1984 Chrysler and Hubby has a 1994 Ford. They run, for the most part, and don't cost lots of money for repair.

Thought I'd pass along the information: http://www.coloradohyundai.com/

Unemployment at an All-Time High

As of March 6, 2009, CNN reported that unemployment hit a "25-year high". Let's see... that 1984. Who was President? Ronald Reagan. No comment.

February 2009 saw even more jobs go out the door, down the toilet, bled out, etc. That's more than 3.3 million jobs lost in the last 6 months.

This is a problem. More people than ever are filing for unemployment, food stamps, utility and housing assistance. Food banks are empty. Coffers are drying up. Even churches are having troubles helping their members. People are doing anything they have to do to make money or grab a little food for their families.

It's expected to get worse.

Colorado people - you can still file for assistance - go to http://www.coworkforce.com/UIB/EUC.asp. The last day an EUC (Emergency Unemployment Compensation) claim can be filed is March 25, 2009, for a claim with an effective date of March 22, 2009.

Do what you can. Er, within the law. Now is not the time for pride.