Day 277 CJSM-book IV

Day 277

 

 

Roaring fires and sleeping in the living room

 

 

Must have been a big ole Grizzly-bear in a previous life---love Winter…love to sleep!

When the snow flies---I’m in heaven! Fire up the ole fireplace, or wood burner---Voila!

When we got lucky enough for the deep snow to cause school to be cancelled the next day, I’d fire up the logs, lay out bedding on the living room floor for a “camp-out” and sleep there.

Just begin with a clean hearth for the bed, crumple newspaper tightly and lay dried kindling on the wads (about two handsful). Shove a piece, or two, of crumpled paper up the chimney with the flue open if the chamber is filled with cold air (depends on outside temperature). Light this chimney paper and as soon as the smoke is drawn up the confinement, fire the paper in the hearth with tinder lying on it. When the kindling ignites, add slightly larger dry pieces to the flames and gradually increase the size of the fuel pieces. When a good glow blazes in the firebox, lay a 3 – 4 inch log on either side of the fire; across these, add larger logs until the fire is roaring; usually takes about 3 to 5 minutes. Then, tend the flames and enjoy the warmth and ambiance. Mmm!

I like to start with oak logs; it gives the best heat and starts easily. Occasionally I add ash as it is the second best uniform heat. Cedar is a “fun” fuel adding mock fireworks to the display as it erupts in “mini”-explosions when tiny water droplets trapped in the cedar wood heats to boiling and explodes in its escape to the surface. Hickory adds a pleasing aroma to the experience.

Any fire that warms the body and satiates the spirit is a “good” reason for the effort.

The kids loved it (probably mostly because school was cancelled), I loved it; Candy, too!

Just another exquisite adventure for the family with life with a “kid”-Gypsy out for fun!

And, the following morning? A huge breakfast prepared by Dad. Then, winter-wear for horseback riding in the drifts and saucer riding in the long field behind the truck; finally, as we reluctantly watched the ole winter-sun set, a bonfire for hot dogs, marshmallows and hot chocolate. Nothing like a gourmet-feast under a cold moon in the warmth of Family! & Love!

 

Ah! Cookie Jar Sweet “I smell---snow!” Memories!