Preparation

Well, it has to be said, dear friends, one could not find more hardworking guardians than those we are fortunate to share residence with on this delightful small estate. You may indeed ask why and I will happily tell. These last seven days gone by have been our guardians "holiday" from their normal pattern of work. Have they idled for this time? No indeed they have not; why today they have spent the day ensuring our warmth during the autumn and winter filling the log shed to the brim in preparation. The wood has been laid down for a season or two to allow it to become suitably seasoned; then cut up and stored for when the temperature makes a marked downward dip. They have utilised all manner of equipment to assist them in their endeavours, physical and mechanised. Why, my sister and I could only watch in admiration; or  to be quite clear in the case of my dear sister, catch forty winks . Many an hour passed as the logs piled high; a break for a light repast and regular needs to slake their thirst and lo, reader, it has been done. It brings a warm glow to ones heart to see such endeavours for the greater benefit of us all. For my part, I am truly grateful; as one gets older one needs a little warmth in the colder months. Such are our creature comforts.

Well, what a fine sight to be had. The log shed is full to the very brim, a not inconsiderable undertaking and one I am delighted to espy. Deeply joyous are these days of preparation and remind me of the poem about firewood, apparently from the Hunter's Journal 1924; a poem that is both joyous and jolly fine advice - a must for any country dweller, dear friends.