Belly of the Beast

Very similar to Molly, the Mastiff...
After casually consuming her breakfast, Shorty wonders if there might be a bit more—after all, it's 16F and white outside!

We still only have two fires a day, but I do admit to giving Shorty some extra bites on chilly mornings.

Quite often, a few hours later, I find myself opening windows for a nice brisk breeze as she continues to "share" her heated lair with us!

Thomas,  

Are you being careful about her diet?  What have her cholesterol and glucose numbers looked like lately? :-)

I suspect I will never be as "seasoned" (firewood reference.....see how I did that? lol) a pro as many here at choosing fodder for the beast.  The diet here consists mostly of elm, box elder, and spruce, with ever increasing portons of green ash due to the recent arrival of the emerald ash borer :-(  But somewhat frustratingly, I've not yet acquired the knack of really knowing what is good, seasoned, dry wood from that which looks "good enough" and end up suffering the consequences for bad decisions.  Fire that struggles to consume the meal I offer it is a sad sight indeed and I feel the walls of the room collectively roll their eyes at my efforts!  I guess it's one more skill to hone in retirement.  Akin to Dr. Doolittle, looks like I need to learn how to ♪"talk to the firewood..."♫.

John Weiland wrote:Thomas,  

Are you being careful about her diet?  What have her cholesterol and glucose numbers looked like lately? :-)

I suspect I will never be as "seasoned" (firewood reference.....see how I did that? lol) a pro as many here at choosing fodder for the beast.  The diet here consists mostly of elm, box elder, and spruce, with ever increasing portons of green ash due to the recent arrival of the emerald ash borer :-(  But somewhat frustratingly, I've not yet acquired the knack of really knowing what is good, seasoned, dry wood from that which looks "good enough" and end up suffering the consequences for bad decisions.  Fire that struggles to consume the meal I offer it is a sad sight indeed and I feel the walls of the room collectively roll their eyes at my efforts!  I guess it's one more skill to hone in retirement.  Akin to Dr. Doolittle, looks like I need to learn how to ♪"talk to the firewood..."♫.

Hey John, a cheap moisture meter might be just the ticket in your case. Otherwise, you can do what I do and make sure you only use wood you cut two years ago :)

Hey John;
She is on a strict diet of Tamarack, Douglas Fir, and the occasional piece of pine. ( I know, I know, pine is pitchy and not as suitable for her belly.
She is not allowed to hunt the local deer, elk, and cattle herds.

She only allows Journeyman Rocket doctors to inspect her innards, and really, that means myself or Gerry, although I'm sure that Peter could sweet talk her into cooperating.
In the land of Blaze Kings, she flies miles above the rest!