Fireplaces are in.

Well, was I surprised today. I showed up at the site and the fireplace inserts were both in, not running, but installed in the wall.

I was impressed.

We are going to have a wood burning fireplace on the bottom floor and a gas one on the second floor. They use the same chase to vent the fumes. One fireplace on top of the other.

I really want to cook gumbo in the fireplace, the taste is so much better with the wood smoke going into it. I plan on cooking many dishes in my cast iron pot. Let it simmer all day, drawing in the wood smoke. We have two "mean" trees on the property; Hedge which burns very hot, and Locust which on many occasions has made me look like I was in the movie "The Passion of Christ" which will supply wood.

The main reason for the wood burning fireplace is that during The Ice Storm, the electricity was out here 6 days. I believe this fireplace will keep our pipes from breaking and us snuggled together, a great combination!!

It will be so nice to sit by the fire, and sip Vino in the winter with Christine and look out the window at the snow. All of our friends will have to come and share the warmth with us.

Mike