Howdy there, folks! Grab your favorite rocking chair, a glass of sweet tea, and settle in for a chat about a hot topic: the transition away from gas and oil. Now, before you start thinking I’m a stubborn ol’ coot who’s against progress, let me set the record straight. I ain’t against moving to cleaner energy sources; I reckon it’s high time we do something about the mess we’ve made. But, hang on to your hats, ’cause I believe it’s best we put the brakes on this here exodus ’til we’ve got the ducks all in a row.

You see, there’s this fancy word they throw around – “infrastructure.” Now, I’m all for progress, but let’s be honest, folks. Our electric grids ain’t quite up to snuff yet. Imagine you’re in the middle of watching your favorite TV show, and poof! The lights go out like a raccoon in a cornfield. We need a sturdy, reliable infrastructure to support our switch to alternative energy sources, so we don’t find ourselves in the dark.

And speaking of lights, let’s talk money. Electricity ain’t cheap, especially when you’re living on a pension. I don’t know about y’all, but I ain’t got a money tree in my backyard. Making the switch to electric heating might be a good idea, but not if it’s gonna break the bank. We need affordable energy options that won’t leave our wallets feelin’ as empty as a scarecrow’s shirt.

Now, let me tell ya, furnace oil ain’t no bargain either, especially for us folks up here in the North. It’s colder than a polar bear’s toenails most of the year, and we rely on that furnace to keep us warm. But the price of furnace oil has been rising faster than a squirrel up a tree with a dog on its tail. It’s harder for seniors like us on fixed incomes to keep up with those bills.

But don’t get me wrong – I’m all for finding greener, cleaner energy solutions. We need to do our part to take care of this beautiful planet we call home. So, what’s the solution, you ask?

Well, let’s take a breather and get our infrastructure sorted out. Make sure electricity is affordable for everyone, not just the bigwigs in the city. And heck, while we’re at it, let’s find ways to make alternative energy sources more accessible for folks who depend on oil for their heating. Maybe throw in some incentives for those of us who are willing to make the switch. Other than heat pumps that is.

In the end, it ain’t about being against change; it’s about being practical. We can’t rush into this new era without making sure it works for all of us. So, let’s take our time, put the brakes on that gas and oil exodus, and make sure we’re all set up for a greener, more affordable future.

Y’all take care now, and remember, progress is great, but a little country wisdom never hurt nobody.

There is one good thing about all this warm weather. Our firewood is drying nicely for winter. I took a couple pictures of it sitting on our driveway and after our friends piled it for us as we were unable to it ourselves this year. 18 Cords to be exact.

Click on image to enlarge.

Alright. As most of you know. There are all kinds of firewood guys in our area, or outside our area for that matter. So that got me to thinking. Why not take the firewood to the next level. Heck! Folks are coming up with all kind of new ideas and inventions these days. So with that in mind, I came up with what I thought was ingenious. Firewood With a Handle. Can’t be done? Wrong. Take a look at this.

Click on picture to enlarge!!

You can reach George Walters at: [email protected]

One more old pine gone. It was 86 years old and stood around 80 or more feet tall. It was a job taking down, but everything went well. My wife and I took it down on our own. It was almost dead, caused by disease and insects, and of course old age. Kind of a shame, really. The stories it could tell. Click on pictures to enlarge.

Well … with the cold weather in mind I decided to split a bit of wood which I cut a few months ago. Should make for some good burning when them cold days of winter arrives. Most of what I am splitting is pine, not the greatest, but really nice for the fall and spring. Also, the pine saves my hardwood for the cold days. I have to admit, I hate to even think of what lies ahead, but one does, have to prepare.

Now they say a picture is worth a thousand words, so figured  I would share this one of what our Northern Old Fellers use to bring in firewood logs.  Friend sent it to me this morning. Click Picture To Enlarge.

Well got my firewood for next year piled high and dry and my basement is full of dry wood for this winters burning.  Wife has preserves done up for winter, freezers and pantry is full, meat in the freezer so guess you might say we are all set for them cold winter days and nights.  Makes me feel good all over knowing we will be warm and have a full stomach.  One thing I have always done through out my life is make sure the cupboards were never bare and we had a roof over our heads.  So took a few pictures of things around our home and thought I would share.  Talk again soon.

Well firewood came today for next winters burning, like to get it early so it dries really good. Also thought you would like to meet Autumn our old cat.  She is a real ham when it comes to getting her picture taken.  Sits right up there like a pro LOL Click Pictures to enlarge.

Thought I would share this picture, not too sure where it was taken, but it sure has a few stories to tell and, well that is what I am all about.

I know it’s a touch early but here is a bit on what wood is good for burning and an easy way to remember.  Take A Look

Beechwood fires are bright and clear
If the logs are kept a year,
Chestnut’s only good they say,
If for logs ’tis laid away.
Make a fire of Elder tree,
Death within your house will be;
But ash new or ash old,
Is fit for a queen with crown of gold.

Birch and fir logs burn too fast
Blaze up bright and do not last,
it is by the Irish said
Hawthorn bakes the sweetest bread.
Elm wood burns like churchyard mould,
Elm the very flames are cold
But Ash green or Ash brown
Is fit for a queen with golden crown.

Poplar gives a bitter smoke,
Fills your eyes and makes you choke,
Apple wood will scent your room
Pear wood smells like flowers in bloom
Oaken logs, if dry and old
keep away the winter’s cold
But Ash wet or Ash dry
A king shall warm his slippers by.

Well earlier I told you I had the firewood put away for winter, which I do. I store my wood in a separate room along with my wood furnace.  Nice thing about that I just shut the door for a week or so from the rest of the basement and it sure drys out the wood fast.  I do dry it all summer though outside which is the best way to do it.  Next spring I am going to start building a lean-to for the firewood so it has a place to dry nicely.  Also it will make it nice for piling the wood come cutting time. Which by the way isn’t to far off.  I am giving some thought this year in buying logs and getting them delivered to the house.  Figured it would save me a good amount of money.  I also figure one can get two years for the price of one if he cuts it himself.  A bit of work but what the heck.  Not that one shouldn’t be in pretty good shape to do that as it can take a toll on the old body.  For me, well I have physically worked hard all my life but with saying that the older I get the more I notice things  that pop up  now and then,  like things  hurting in spots that I never  knew existed.   Talk soon.