Dennis, sounds like I have once again failed to make myself clear. This isn't about any arm-wrestling competition between men and women.
I took Dixie's comment as contrasting the women who post here with those who walk over and turn up the thermostat when they get cold--not women contrasted with men. I thought she was saying that we are doing something that a lot of women wouldn't attempt--just as the men here are, which is the point (in a way) of the original thread, and I acknowledged the compliment of being part of a kind of exclusive group. There have been times when heating with wood is challenging and difficult, and without hearth.com, it would have been a lonely road to walk.
And the comment in my last paragraph was also sincere-I started reading hearth.com cautiously, aware that females made up a minority, and wondering if there was a place for a newbie such as myself. But here, I have never felt unwelcome based on my gender.
That "Here's to us" comment was inclusive of all of us--male and female, newbie and oldtimer, hydraulic and hand-splitter, and yes, even the pellet burners. Heating with wood, and doing it right is a commitment. I spent yesterday getting out there and chopping wood off and on until 11 pm in the heat and the skeets, and I plan on going out there again in a few minutes. Coming on here is how I work myself up to going out there when I'm tired to the bone and still have work to do. And of all the folks here, you're probably the one that most motivates me--I think, "C'mon, get off the computer and get out there--gotta make Dennis proud."
Just thought you should know that.