Friday, January 13, 2023

We make fire...

 



As of today, the new chiminea has now had its first fire.  With Millie's help of course, for she is always with me, I built a fire in this little outdoor fireplace made of terra cotta.   What fun that was for a cold day in January!  Tom Hank's YouTube video here best demonstrates the thrill of it.  Of course, in his case, fire was essential for his survival on that lonely and deserted island, while we only did this for fun.  

I am, in fact, well experienced in the art of making fire (with a lighter or match) having had a wood-burning heating stove for many years.  I love having a warm fire on these cold winter days.









I was really surprised at how much heat the little chiminea made.  Holding my hands above the chimney was a great place to warm them up.  Millie preferred, however, resting in her corner of the shanty.  

It has now been 280 days since we missed walking the trails over our beloved old hill.   I loved the reflections on the pond today.




And, a pretty leaf from a briar vine had fallen to the ground.  Mother Nature surely is a wonderful artist.  




16 comments:

kathyinozarks said...

Beautiful post Mary-very special and comforting-hugs

Elderberry-Rob said...

A chiminea is a very homely thing, I think apart from the warmth, it's so nice to look at :) we had one that eventually fell apart! it had a shelf inside and we were able to cook burgers on it when the coals died down. You live in a very beautiful place. Nice to see Millie enjoy the outdoors.

Saundra said...

Wonderful photography, great creation by mother nature and loyal companion in Millie.

Julia said...

I like your terra cotta chimney and I also love wood heat. We have two woodstoves in our house as we get very cold winters.

Your printing is so neat and I can see a portion of your painting on the right page. Yes, I agree nature is amazing. The right side of the leaf resembles a fetus and also some kind of cartoonish face.

Take care, hugs.
Julia

Magpie's Mumblings said...

Castaway is one of my favourite movies of all time. I fell in love with Tom Hanks' acting ability when I saw that movie and still am amazed that he was able to carry pretty much that entire movie all by himself with the help of Wilson of course. I would love to see his new one 'A Man Called Otto' because I'm sure it's wonderful.
Your new chiminea will get lots of use I'm sure!

nookworm said...

Blogger Anni sure would love the heart-shaped briar leaf. I never felt the fire nor heat of a chiminea. Glad it was a nice experience for you. AND...the reflections in the pond are wonderful!

Shrimpton and Perfect said...

We have been having a log burning fire on every night since the cold weather hit Blighty. So warm and cosy. I love your photos, Mother Nature is ALL.

Granny Marigold said...

What an interesting leaf you found. I love the way you photographed it with your journal as background.

happyone said...

The pond is a beautiful photo.
I can almost feel the heat from your chiminea.:)

TheCrankyCrow said...

There is nothing quite a warming as wood fire. I think that is partly why I now am forever cold as I grew up with our home heated by a wood fire. Now I have oil...and it just isn't the same. Your chiminea is lovely. But, ahhh...the photo that stole my heart this go around was Miss Millie. Wood may warm your body, but that face warms your soul and heart. ~Robin~

acorn hollow said...

Somehow I missed your last post. I have always wondered about them and yes we have had a woodstove for years. Thankfully with the oil prices the way they are.
Cathy

Hootin Anni said...

That chiminea looks comforting. When we lived in Tucson, they were very popular.
Love the photo of the pond's reflection.

Debra said...

I love this post! The photo of Millie is adorable. Your chiminea is beautiful and I have always wanted one. Will probably just make do with our stone campfire pit...Thank you for the letter-I treasure it!

Bonnie K said...

I am a sucker for radiant heat. I am not very good at building fires. Yours looks cozy. What a great way to spend a January day.

Gretchen Joanna said...

It is inspiring to read about your little outdoor stove -- I think it's the same type my daughter has. But I am inspired to build just an everyday fire in my indoor woodstove.... In fact, because of you I will stop reading blogs Right Now and do that. <3

Judith Jaques said...

I was reading comments on my Classiclthdolls blog and there was one from you so I came to visit your blogs.
Your dolls are truly beautiful. i am in the process of making a izanna walker wannabe doll.
I will look forward to reading more of your adventures.