A rugged mountain of folded shale and limestone through the burnt trees.

Poked around some of our old spots where a fire went through a couple of years ago. I’m used to looking at it now.

We chose a couple of dead standing larch to buck up for firewood.

The fire burned the trunks, starting at the bottom, killing the trees but leaving the wood beneath the bark untouched. Once cut into blocks, the blackened bark falls off. Because the trees have been standing dead through the summers, the wood is hard and dry; perfect for the fireplace or stove, packed with comforting heat.

Lisa and I love getting firewood. We often remind each other that one block of wood warms us three times: cutting it, splitting it, and burning it. A great deal!

***

Lisa reminded me tonight that times are changing, and things that are important to us are not important to younger people. The world is changing, she says. It’s her way of telling me, “Don’t get stuck in your ways, and especially, don’t go thinking your ways are right.” Good advice and deep down I know she’s right.