Many of us have new snow on the ground, perhaps fresh fallen today, many have had snow for a while. It's cold, been cold enough to really need your stove, not just a wistful burn in anticipation. Ice locks in some and their fires heat in ernest. Yes, looking back, it's actually been cold for some time now, hasn't it?, and the forecast for most of us calls for more of that stuff, right now! Ice, snow, cold rain, wind, it's here. Funny really, it's still only fall. Winter has come by like the guest who showed up too early and you know it's going to be around for a while, months in fact. The wood you've got is the wood you've got, hope you've got enough cause ain't much that's any good gonna be found now. Fire's are lit and your heater stands up to be tested. Too small? Don't really have burning it down quite pat? If you've been here for some time, then I know you should be warm and toasty. Enjoy the lick of flames against the glass. Settle down in the warmth of your hard work; savor the wiff of oak or hickory, cedar or fir, a bit of apple perhaps. Bask in the glow of friends come by to warm and chat, the dog curled on the blanket in the flicker of the flames, those you love content in the comfort of your home at the end of the day. Yes, for most all of us here, that special season appears. So raise a glass, pull up your favorite chair and settle in, for it once again, tis truly the Hearth season my friends. Welcome!
