Summer has swiftly dissipated and now, we are heading straight into winter.
This past week, temperatures have begun to dip and I have found myself
wearing a sweatshirt inside more than once. I can’t remember the last time
that I have worn a sweatshirt inside. It was unbearable during the height of
summer with the inside temperature of my house reaching 80F. Now, my
thermostat has plummeted to reading 68F in my house! I was expecting part
of September to remain warm because I was not ready to jump into cold
temperatures this fast!
I had planned to move part of my woodpile upfront, re-brick my wood stove,
and get my upstairs fireplace operational. I have simply ran out of time and
now I am racing against the clock to get what I can done. This week will be
dedicated to re-bricking the interior of my woodstove. The bricks that line
the stove and keep it exoskeleton safe from the extreme heat are
dilapidated and I can’t go through another winter using them. I ordered
bricks for this job, and they are not cheap! I’m hoping things go smoothly,
but I know something will go wrong and a brick won’t fit in ruining the whole
puzzle…or something.
My upstairs fireplace has been on the backburner for me. I need to order a
grate for it and some sort of front. Actually, getting the front I need and
getting someone out to install it have been an absolute hinderance. Plus, my
puppy loves to lay in it as her new official cozying-up place. She makes life
difficult in the best ways.
This first summer on the homestead had me running around like a chicken
without its head. It has been WILD! Everyday something needs cleaned up,
animals need tended to, and I still stream five days a week. Busy busy.
The only thing I have managed to check off my winter prep list is get my
cow hay for the winter. I got her organic beautiful hay from a farmer I met,
and I’m so happy I did it when I did—they are now all sold out! There has
been a shortage of hay, the prices have skyrocketed, and I’m grateful I had
a personal connection to secure my cow’s “bag.” She enjoyed sampling the
menu as I unloaded hay from a bowered truck and trailer (I love my
neighbors!)
Tis’ the season and here’s to hoping I get everything done!
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