Sunshine

Saturday was a lovely day.  The sun was shining for the first time in almost 10 days. It was cold, but the fire kept us warm.

 
Perfect day for our last outside burn of 2014.  We had a big pile of branches left over from the tree trimming.  The trimmers were kind enough to take most of them.  I asked to have a few, but I didn't realize how many they left for me.  I could have made a HUGE wreath.

 
I forgot a few things about burning pine trees. 

1. It takes a HOT fire with lots of flames to burn pine.
2. Pine makes lots of smoke. (Sorry neighbors.)
3. The needles are quick to burn and the branches are slow to burn.
4. Pine needles are little, hot projectiles. Wear clothing you don't mind getting burn marks.
5. Fleece is warm, but burns (melts) easily. 

Walt Kowalski and Chain Saw Johnny planned to split more of the big pile of wood you can see in the background.  They have several stages of drying wood around our yard and his.  Once they get this pile split, they can work on the next tree to come down and start drying.