A cozy fire

Installing a wood burning stove was a very smart thing for me to do. I'm for anything that keeps the utility bills under control. A year ago this last January, we had a horrendous ice storm that took down trees and left many thousands of people without power. The week before that happened, I had gotten a not-too-agreeable electric bill and knew I was going to check out stoves. Before I ever got power back, I knew it also had to be one that I could cook on if necessary. I went to see the guys at Mountain Home Chimney and Flame. Their power was also down and they were all warm in there and cooking on the stoves on the showroom floor. It didn't take all that long to decide which one I wanted. Bill came to the house see if it could be installed where I wanted it, and I started to work on the area by taking out a coat closet and opening it up to the kitchen side so I could use it for a pantry. I then had to put in what I call an "air wall" and a raised floor with a hole to the crawl space for outside air, lay tile, and then they were able to installed the stove. It was all done in time to use it quite a bit before spring came. With all the trees and branches down, there was no problem getting a good supply of wood stacked to "season" for this winter. So far I haven't had to pay for wood. There is still a good supply cut and stacked and I have continued to gather big limbs and deadfall to cut and add to the pile for next year.
Working the wood pile has not been a chore. At least, it doesn't feel that way. There is a certain satisfaction in cutting, splitting, and stacking the wood. I find myself looking at the grain of the wood, the colors, being surprised when the stack is suddenly at chest high. I like to sprinkle a bit of boric acid on the pile to help keep the bugs out of the wood, which, in turn, keeps the other critters out of the pile. The only critters that like to get in the wood pile seem to be the chipmunks. I enjoy watching them and so far have been very welcome guests.
The biggest joy of all is burning the wood. There is not a greater way to heat a home for me. The flames, the coziness, the warmth are all so inviting. The biggest challenge has been to realize it is OK to open a window when it gets too warm inside. Getting some fresh air in here in the middle of the winter is a good thing. With the controls on the stove, it will burn for well over 12 hours without reloading it. When I get home from a long day at work and it is 80 degrees in the house, it is nice to laugh at the electric meter knowing I am staying warm and not breaking the bank. In fact, the tax credit I got wasn't a bad deal either. I have figured it will take less than two years for it to pay for itself. The only cost involved (after the sale) is to have the "chimney sweep" and check up every year. They will do that in the warmer months.
Life is good here. It is getting a little greener every day. Won't be long before the dogwoods are in bloom. The deer were at the edge of the woods this morning. I need to get another salt lick for them. I'll put it in the little clearing inside the woods so I can still see them but they will feel a bit more secure. I like venison but if the deer are around here, they are pets, not food. Same goes for the squirrels and the rabbits. But that's another story. Later.