Monday morning dawned sunny and dry. The ground thawed, which meant mud, but the temperature meant it was a good day to cut a hole in the ceiling.
And then a hole in the roof, too.
There was more to it than that, always. But all I really noticed was that, some hours later, the opening was now closed and covered.
Some amount of banging and exclamations of frustration later, the stovepipe was intact.
And then the boys were playing pioneers, with all the lights out. (The camera flash obscures the fact that they were sitting in a completely dark room, enjoying the smell and sight of the flames.)
We had enough construction scrap lumber to keep the flame going all evening. For some hours, it wasn't overly pleasant, as the paint cured: the smell of industrial materials filled the space, and we had windows open and vents going. But after that, Phil sat in the easy chair in front of the fire, enjoying the warmth. What a load off his mind, too: come loss of electricity, we have a source of heat (and, in extremity, food preparation). This has been a concern, and now that concern is allayed.
The boys would go outside to see the chimney and any smoke. I have been luxuriating in an indoor life, so I haven't been out to see the chimney. One of these days I'll go.
Congratulations, Amy and Phil, on having a more stable (and, I expect, less expensive!) heat source than electricity!
ReplyDeleteI'm struck though: You concluded: "after that, Phil sat in the easy chair in front of the fire, enjoying the warmth." --And you, Amy? Where did hard-working Amy sit?
Well, for the moment, we have only one chair other than the folding chairs at the table. I relax by feeding the baby on the bed. The bonus there is that I have not only the space heater but blankets, too, if I want them!
DeleteThe photos of the wood stove bring back such good memories. And indeed, we used it for cooking during an extended time of bad weather and no electricity.
ReplyDeleteSo much hard work has gone into making these improvements in your living space. I'm glad you are now able to enjoy them!