by debra g.
Member since:
April 24, 2007

keeping warm this winter

November 11, 2007 10:26 PM EST
views: 125 | comments: 70

 With the price of a barrel of oil going up daily,and the price of all heating oil with it,last year we put the wood stove back up after not using 1 for 13 years.I had forgot how nice it is to smell wood burning in a woodstove.if the power goes out I can still have warm coffee by puting a camp pot on the stove.You can even cook on it if you really have to.It may take a while and hope you don't burn it but it can be done.I know that some may think that I'm way up there in age and I guess some think that 53 is old,but I'm just getting to what I would call the prime of life.All of the kids grown and have 9 grandkids from ages 18 down to 1.

  When the weather man said the temperatures would drop to the low 40's the price of all heating oils jumped .80 a gallon. So it was 2.59 and over night it was 3.39.I guess it will go up tomorrow as we hit the 20's last night.I have stocked up the back room with wood so if it does rain again I won't have to go out for more wood.

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Comments: 70

Denise B. Nov 11, 2007, 10:35pm EST
that is a nice big wood stove, good luck with it.
flit . Nov 11, 2007, 10:36pm EST
always a good idea not to be dependent on any one source
dee b. Nov 11, 2007, 10:44pm EST
WOULD LOVE TO HAVE A WOOD STOVE. I HAVE A CHIMMNEY AND IN TIME I MAY INVEST IN ONE. IF I HAD THE FUNDS NOW I WOULD DOIT NOW. I CANNOT AFFORD THE PRICE OF PROPANE THIS YEAR AND AM USING SPACE HEATERS WHICH HAVE SUFFICED SO FAR. THEY ARE FAN FORCED AND MAKE A DIFFERENCE OVER ONES THAT JUST GLOW
Jacqueline R. Nov 11, 2007, 10:52pm EST
I used to have a wood stove too and I loved it. Do be careful.
sheila h. Nov 11, 2007, 11:10pm EST
Hey, I'm right up there with you.(age wise,not in your woods!) we're on wood for heat and have been for 7 years,primarily. Big fuel savings.
That's a big one! You could put half a tree in there!
You might want to put a cast iron kettle or pot filled with water on the stove to add a little moisture to the room air. I'll stick some cinnamon ,orange peels, bayleaves,whatever or a combo of stuff in the heated water and let it fill the room with and aromatic scent. Just make sure you have a safe back area that won't catch fire and keeo the chimney clear. We clean ours about twice a year. Hey, you are doin' great! Have fun...and now you can make smores for the young ones!( and young at heart ones!)
debra g. Nov 11, 2007, 11:27pm EST
I figure the power co.will come and check my meter next month.(lol) I keep a coffee can full of water on it and I also run a vaporizer so the air is moist it also makes the house seem warmer,If I can get outside I'll take a picture of the store of wood we put up this summer.
Nancy S. Nov 11, 2007, 11:27pm EST
Great stove Debra. I wish you wouldn't talk about 53 being old. LOL I've really got you beat & I'm just fine. I will run my fireplace a lot. I can even cook a little in it if I need too.
Lune Wolfsong Nov 12, 2007, 12:07am EST
Yeah, oil prices are insane. I'm so glad we aren't using that for heat. Yikes.
Elaine M. Nov 12, 2007, 12:20am EST
We're taking our wood stove more seriously this year also. It looks like it will be used for more than just atmosphere!
Shaunee C. Nov 12, 2007, 2:14am EST
Wood stoves are great. i was raised with one. I like the way they small when the wood is burning. Nice article.
Rhoda S. Nov 12, 2007, 3:51am EST
I have often wished that I had a wood stove!
karla l. Nov 12, 2007, 5:20am EST
Wow, nice!!
Bob B. Nov 12, 2007, 7:51am EST
That should keep you plenty warm and save you some money Debra.
*Carol ~Bronx Southern Belle D. Nov 12, 2007, 9:33am EST
Smart cat behind wood stove.
Melinda ~choosing happiness~ S. Nov 12, 2007, 4:29pm EST
oh- I am envious! I miss heating with wood. This house has a gas log in the fireplace and I hate it.
Susan Roberts Nov 12, 2007, 4:54pm EST
I love cooking on wood stoves. I don't have one now, but sure wish I did. I do have a fireplace for heat. I used to put a pot of beans or chili or a roast on and let it cook all day, mmmmm best tastes!!
The Red Headed Witch of Gather G. Nov 12, 2007, 5:12pm EST
That looks like it'd be so warm! We used to have a fire place in our home, but we turned that home into a rental when we moved and our new home does not have one. It is a mid-row condo, though, and seems to suck the heat out of the condos next to us, so I'm happy about that.
Donald M. Nov 12, 2007, 6:54pm EST
I love wood heaters. I grew up with them. In the winter we warmed by them and grannys quilting frame that had been down in the summer for making quilts, went up to the ceiling and we dried clothes by it. Cooked on it too at times.
debra g. Nov 12, 2007, 10:48pm EST
thank you all for your kind comments,I will bring out my cast iron pots and cook stew this week when the temps hit in the 30's.
donna h. Nov 13, 2007, 3:51am EST
we have a fireplace, but it is boarded up
Christopher K. Nov 13, 2007, 10:09am EST
we have a fireplace also,but it isnt a traditional one,its gas,not with fire..wish i had what you had
Cynthia W. Nov 13, 2007, 2:23pm EST
Wow, I haven't seen a wood stove in ages. I guess that comes from living in Southern California. I'm sure there are very few in existence out here. Looks like it would definitely keep a place nice and warm though. :)
William Dotani Nov 13, 2007, 3:24pm EST
It's a good thing you have this stove. I really fear the price of heating oil will badly hurt many families this year. I fear the wrath of God because our leaders have a lack of compassion.
CyberGwen ! Nov 13, 2007, 3:43pm EST
When I lived in Washington, we had a wood stove. I loved it. I can't stand using a heater because it dries out the air so much, so the stove was perfect! I wish that we had one now!



Thanks so much for your help with My Sorry Living Room!
Deb J. Nov 13, 2007, 5:50pm EST
There's just nothing like the warmth of a wood fire! I used to have a fireplace and I just loved it!!
Phyllis R. Nov 13, 2007, 10:55pm EST
Looks nice...I like the smell of wood burning!
Connie C. Nov 14, 2007, 12:13am EST
We heat with coal and I cook on it too in winter. I am sure we will both be greatful for heat other than electric this winter. Can you imagine how much it will cost to heat all winter as high as prices are?
Donald M. Nov 14, 2007, 3:45pm EST
It is going to get where families have to reconsider and live like the Walton,s. Grandma and Grandpa and the family staying together trying to live off the land as much as possible if prices keep going up on everything.
Margaret C. Nov 14, 2007, 5:57pm EST
I bet you are as warm as toast with that , I have grandchildren from aged 10 to 18 too pal, and Iam 65 but still 18 in my head lol xxx
Jan S. Nov 15, 2007, 12:27am EST
I miss our woodburning fireplace. A gas log is less work, but it doesn't have the same sweet smell.
Bundy P Nov 15, 2007, 6:48pm EST
Take care...
Lune Wolfsong Nov 15, 2007, 10:05pm EST
I forgot to mention how neat I found this old stove of yours. So big and interesting-looking. The cat behind it in that one pic really puts it in perspective.

Growing up we had a fairly small one. Though I don't miss the work there's something kind of nostalgic to those memories of getting up early in the cold and getting that fire going, hauling the wood, and all of that associated stuff that comes with having wood heat.

----------------------
Coyotes Remember - Thanks for reading and rating this crime writer contest entry.
debra g. Nov 16, 2007, 12:05am EST
I have read and voted on a few 1st chapters,I have had this old stove forabout 18 years,we had it in the barn.My hubby said when we bought this house 13 years ago WE would not ever burn wood again.(lol)I have a small one on the porch that people want to buy and I say no.I'll take a picture of it and post it.Thanks for the great comments.
Kelly M. Nov 16, 2007, 10:24am EST
I wish we had the wood stove option! Great idea!
Bridget M. Nov 16, 2007, 7:17pm EST
You are very lucky to have an alternate heat source, I am so concerned for my family and many others, that do not have the extra money in the budget for soaring oil prices. I read something last week, about how Wal-Mart was the most profitable company, until the last couple of years. Now it is the oil companies. We will have to think about investing in a wood stove. Stay warm!
Bridget M. Nov 16, 2007, 7:19pm EST
Oh, I forgot to tell you how much I love your stove! it is gorgeous,
debra g. Nov 16, 2007, 11:59pm EST
Thanks all,Its to be 27 tonight and I'm glad I have wood to burn.
Raymond Mardo Nov 19, 2007, 3:31pm EST
Thanks for commenting on my chapter.

Debra, since you're wood burning stove is saving you so much money - if there is now an overabundance of cash - I'm accepting donations LOL.
Ann Weaver Hart Nov 19, 2007, 8:59pm EST
We supplement our gas furnace with a fireplace. It's not nearly as efficient as a wood stove, but it's what we have. Fortunately, it's usually pretty mild here.
Vicki W. Nov 19, 2007, 9:01pm EST
Great, keep those fires burning...
Nana to Seven Cutiepies Nov 20, 2007, 7:06pm EST
We heated with a wood burning stove for years. It was a lot of hard work but the warmth it produced was grat.
Scott Wittenburg Nov 20, 2007, 9:56pm EST
I'm envious - I've always wanted one of those!

By the way, you wanted me to remind you about my entry in the Crime Writer Contest. Here's the link - please vote when you get a chance! Thanks, Debra!

The May Day Murders - Chapter One
Christina F. Nov 21, 2007, 1:51am EST
53 is the prime of life. Enjoy it. 9 grandchildren - how fun!
William Dotani Nov 22, 2007, 9:28am EST
Happy Thanksgiving. May this day be filled with warmth and joy for you and your family.
J.C. Alexander Nov 23, 2007, 1:16am EST
Brrrr! We occasionally visit our ranch house - out in 'the boonies' - which heats by a wood-burning cookstove and two propane heaters.

Still, I'm reading the temperatures you've listed and... Brrrr!
Amanda "middle of nowhere" C. Nov 23, 2007, 8:34am EST
My parents had a wodburning stove for many years and enjoyed it a lot. It bothered my allergies and I didn't care for it. We have no back-up eat. If the power goes off, we're just going to freeze.
debra g. Nov 23, 2007, 10:30am EST
I thank you all for taking time to comment on this article,I hope you all had a great thanksgiving.
Alison H. Nov 23, 2007, 2:35pm EST
We have a woodstove and love it. It does help the fuel costs, especially if you can scrounge some wood some of the time. A neighbor building a house near us let anyone go in and clear his lot of downed trees, so we got a lot of wood that way last spring. Fortunately we have three sons to help with the chopping and toting!
debra g. Nov 23, 2007, 11:46pm EST
I got the pictures ,made new article to be wrote.Thank you all for your comments.
Kylee S. Nov 24, 2007, 7:34pm EST
I have not seen one of these in such a long time. I hope you and your family enjoy the warmth that it provides
necee t. Nov 25, 2007, 12:37pm EST
hi Debra... that's a good article... i enjoy
wood stoves but all we can use here
is a space heater... you enjoy
and be careful... Blessings to you...
Merry Christmas...
M. Bradley McCauley McCauley Nov 25, 2007, 8:55pm EST
If you are 'way up there' at 53, I wonder what you think of me.

I hit 70 this year and feel I'm in my prime.

Mary Mc
debra g. Nov 25, 2007, 11:08pm EST
I don't feel old most days but some I feel about 100.lol thank you all for the great comments.
Birdee F. Nov 26, 2007, 5:28pm EST
My parents used to have a wood stove & on the really chilly nights we would sleep in the room with the wood stove....it was soooooo hot!
Marci M. Nov 26, 2007, 11:46pm EST
sounds like a great way to stay warm and keep the costs down. I wish I had room for one.
JEFFREY SIGER Nov 27, 2007, 7:46am EST
Thanks Debra for your warm (as in word burning) words on my first chapter (MURDER IN MYKONOS). As one who cuts and splits his own trees for firewood, I appreciate your commitment to beating the chill the old fashioned -- and ageless -- way. Again, thanks.
Donna Besso Nov 27, 2007, 10:27am EST
I have a wood-burning fireplace that is in constant use in the Winter. I love the look of a fireplace, warm and inviting. I have had wood stoves in the past and they are a great source for heat.
Trish A. Nov 27, 2007, 10:38am EST
Your warm abode sounds lovely. I remember growing up with a pot belly stove and a wood cooking stove. The biscuits and pies all seemed to taste better in the wood stove! On Saturdays while we cleaned the house we got to smell a pot of chilli or vegetable soup simmering on top of the pot belly stove. We didn't get an allowance but my oh my the food was treasured!
arlene (no shame in my game) w. Nov 27, 2007, 11:57am EST
I love a wood fire! Makes me feel all warm and fuzzy!
debra g. Nov 27, 2007, 6:39pm EST
Thank you all.
Lina :-p Nov 27, 2007, 7:53pm EST
We love ours too! Did you know here in northern arizona they are urging us not to use them for fear of fire hazard... We are using ours cause its free heat- what is better than that?
June B. Nov 30, 2007, 1:35am EST
I used to have a wood stove. What a great invention.
debra g. Dec 5, 2007, 12:31pm EST
My power bill was $122.00 this month.If I can get Charles to cut off lights when he leaves a room it will be lower next month.
Jo C. Dec 11, 2007, 10:52pm EST
I love wood stoves but how large can your home be and still be able to use one. We have two floors.
Jo C. Dec 11, 2007, 10:52pm EST
A top floor and a bottom floor. We have more than two floors in our home. There is the kitchen floor, the living room floor and so on...
debra g. Dec 12, 2007, 12:06am EST
1454 sq foot,and it get up to 80 if I don't watch what I do,3 bedroom 2 full bath kit-dinning room and the room that the heater is in is my den and a living room.
Digital Diva S. Dec 15, 2007, 7:58am EST
I love a wood stove too. We don't have one in this house but may put an insert in our fireplace.
queen.susan . Dec 21, 2007, 8:17pm EST
Glad you have a wood stove.
Here, we are doing our best
not to turn the heater on as we
know the bill will be huge.
Photobucket
Sandra L. Nov 10, 2008, 10:51pm EST
We have an oil stove and it sucks. Our house was built in 1908 and it's not insulated the way it should be. Our windows have not all been changed out yet either so it gets pretty cold in here. I kind of miss our old wood stove, but not the mess and the allergy problems.

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