Now that spring has begun, it's time to come out of hibernation and start getting ready for the year ahead. The wood stove has been going 24/7 since November 20th, with only short temporary outages in order to clean out the ashes, &/or run a brush up the chimney. In 5 months, I've burned less than 5 cords. That's not bad considering it was going day and night. The new stove is a perfect fit.
Anyway, now I must begin to accumulate some wood for next year. Here comes that first load now.
Interestingly, the price of firewood has not changed in the last 3 seasons or so. I find great comfort in supporting such an industry. Oil on the other hand, seems to be dominated by shall we say "opportunistic" types with oft-questionable morals and values. I despise all of the marketing, speculation, and uncertainty that accompanies the petroleum circus. I get more than my fill of that at the gas pumps :)