Busy As Beavers

Paul's brother, his wife, their four boys, one girlfriend and two dogs were out here by about ten yesterday morning, dressed down and ready to go. Our schedules were all clear so we had made a weekend date to start on the wood. The day was beautifully sunny and the temperature sat just a smidge above zero. Perfect for working outside and, best of all, no blackflies.

We all greeted each other and the mugs of hot coffee were doled out. Then Paul and his brother started up their chainsaws and the work began. As they cut through the logs, two others worked the splitter and the rest of us, fifteen years of age and older, stacked wood. Some went into their trailer, some in the back of our truck and the rest into a pile nearby. 

Cutting and splitting

All two legged creatures under fifteen (that aren't winged), played hide and seek in the woods and later separated into teams, each soldier equipped with a toy gun of some sort, and sharing the walkie talkies, spent the better part of the weekend running, hiding and spying.

The dogs had a grand ole time running and chasing too. The chickens weren't too thrilled but managed to avoid being retrieved. Rosie had the time of her life with her two new friends. And, oh, what fun, lying down in the mucky water, or is it watery muck, out back! By the end of Saturday, she looked like a black lab from the belly down. She was smiling.

Sunday, our sister-in-law had to work, but the rest were back out shortly after ten. It was a little cooler today, not quite making it to the freezing mark, but bright and sunny again. I had a bit of a fight later in the day trying to bring the sheets in off the line - under the clothespins, the wet flannel froze and surrounded the line with ice. Not exactly gardening season yet, by a long shot, but those pillowcases are gonna smell soooo good when I go to bed tonight.

Almost through the first load of logs

It was another productive day and close to half the logs have been cut. Paul's chainsaw ended up a casualty on the day. Not sure if it can be repaired but he'll look into it. Considering it was never meant for this much work, we've done okay by it. My fingers are crossed, though.

All in a weekend's work

So, between the trailer and truck, five loads have found their way to the Landing, another load will go tomorrow and soon they'll be stocked up for next winter. This week, we'll start splitting our share and get it stacked and then on to Paul's sister's load. It's nice to finish up a weekend with lots accomplished. We're all tired. But it's a good tired.