Winter Memories.

The sweetest print ~ my favorite from Susan

Wheeler. It reminds me of many cold Winter

evenings when we would light a big fire and

the kids would join us to read or play in the

warm, cozy family room. It didn't matter how

bad it was outside, we were safe and warm

together in our home. Such good memories, 

even when the weather was not great at all!

Do you have sweet Winter memories of cold days?

~ Chy

Building a Fire.

In our old house, we had a wood burning fireplace. We didn't use it often but when we did, the smell of a fire would linger for days. Each time we'd come home, it felt so cozy and warm, even without the fire roaring on the grates. However, we didn't use it very often. Partly because it had a flue that didn't draw as well as we hoped, so we found it very hard to actually start a fire. We did have it repaired but it didn't change much. So when we built our little house in the big woods, we decided to install gas fireplaces in the great room and our master bedroom. I love that with a flick of a switch, we have an instant fire and warmth. I thought I might miss the smell of a fire but we do have a fire pit in our back garden, so it hasn't been an issue. The best of both worlds really.

It was a treat to discover our bed and breakfast cottage had a wood burning fireplace. We made a fire almost each night we were there. And with a good flue, the fires started quite quickly. In our next house, we might put in one wood burning fireplace and one gas fireplace. We'll see when we get there. Upper left picture is the very comfortable wicker chair and ottoman that I enjoyed sitting and reading in. Shot beside and lower left is dh making the fire. The bottom right hand shot is the roaring blaze that warmed up the cottage after a rainy day. 

Do you enjoy a nice crackling fire?

Do you have a fireplace in your home?

The Beast.

Our Province has been international

news over the last two weeks as the

landscape burns from an intense fire

now known by all as "The Beast".

It began quickly and despite heroric efforts, the 

fire will not slow down its path of destruction.

Without much notice, the entire city in it's way

was completely evacuated. with 2 routes to travel.

The most intense was this, where streams of cars

had to drive right beside the fire in order to escape.

Now, as The Beast continues to grow, displaced

families are trying to navigate the options and

huge decisions they'll have to make regarding

their homes and their futures. We hold them all

in our hearts as we open our homes, our schools,

our businesses, our organizations to help. As a

former "fire family", we feel helpless but are

also excited we get to give back. Our gift to all.