We have two kinds of wood here. Our woodman each year brings a couple of loads that are seasoned and we have a stash of wood that he has brought from previous years that is more dried out.  I let it dry out because obviously the old wood will get burning faster.  Of course, I realize it burns up faster too and it would be more economical to make kindling out of some of the wood that is delivered each year.

Oh, I really don’t think that will happen – AJ with an axe? And don’t even think of her grandchildren with axes . . . one especially might make you self-defensively remember Lizzie Borden.

But, anyway, the trick is to keep the older wood accessible, that is to not bury under the new wood. That pretty much means moving wood more than once – sort of like in the army where you dig a hole and then fill it and then dig it again. The rotation pattern can get, if not complex, at least something like following instructions not written by native English speakers. Sigh.

My method has evolved into an exercise program. Instead of taking armloads of wood, I carry one piece at a time, holding it in various positions as I tote it to a new place. And then there is the walking from pile to pile and the bending over. Just slow steady walking back and forth and forth and back.

To tell you the truth, it is enjoyable in the sense that you start to physically feel better and you have plenty of time to think whatever you want to. I mean, how many people do you think get within speaking distance of a wood-toter? Not many. Sometimes we I am hefting a good-sized loglet up, and getting ready to tread my path, I think of my mother and grandmothers and great-grandmothers I did not know and for a moment imagine them saying, “Well, at least she can work a little.”

This is not a bad task for a soon-to-be old woman.