Sawing, splitting, stacking

Ooops

What was intended to be a nice, clean, hot fire turned into a ghastly smog. I think the wood must have been treated with something!

Fire!

We enjoyed a fine evening on the Lucan estate, the highlight of which, for Boris, Norris, That Hideous Sister and myself at least, was the bonfire. All the scrappy brushwood left over from the log-cutting and splitting was piled up with the roots, and duly lit!

At one point a huge root came rolling out from the fire. It had been on the top - and all its's supporting branches had burnt away underneath it and it came flaming and rolling from the bonfire! This picture below shows his Lordship in the digger lifting it back on.

It's getting really cold out

It's nice and warm in here though, although I've noticed the chairs have begun their annual migration to the fireside.

Happiness is a warm... axe

We spent a splendid afternoon on the Lucan estate on Saturday. They have brought down a dodgy tree and so while Lord Lucan worked away with the chain-saw, I swung the axe. Boris and Norris then joined in the fun of throwing all the split logs into the dumper truck ready for stacking. Best of all - they got a ride in the dumper!

The Axe Man Cometh

A very full log shed and an aching back!

No Such Thing As A Free Log?

Well actually there is - and here they are. I've been offered a few nice big chunks of wood for the fire; all I have to do is to collect them, split them and dry them out. Time to bring a trusty axe out of hibernation I think...

Winter

Winter has arrived in Scotland. The only warm place is right by the fire.

Next Winter's Wood

Next winter's wood has arrived. I've spent many happy hours splitting and staking it.

It's better than the T.V.!