It's really just been the last few days that things have begun blooming around the homestead. The apple trees are overflowing with white flowers, kissed with hints of pink. The daffodils my mother planted years ago are opening into fragrant blossoms. Although the calendar tells us spring arrived months ago, it is only now starting to feel like it.
We all cherish these sun filled days. Work that needs to be done outside becomes less of a chore and more of a treat when birds are chirping and the sky is brilliant blue. In an effort to be more like the ant and less like the grasshopper (a favorite Aesop's fable), our winter preparations are already beginning.
Today we cut dead trees to use for firewood. Our little house is outfitted with electric base-board heaters that rarely see any action, if I can help it. The main source of heat is the wood stove that stands in the corner of our living room.
I am convinced that firewood procurement is some of the best physical exercise a person can get. There is plenty of squatting, lifting, throwing, and ax swinging involved. Many people pay good money to personal trainers for this kind of total body workout. In addition to free exercise, we finish with something tangible to show for our labor. Come wintertime and freezing temperatures, our efforts now will be greatly appreciated.
It is wise to worry about tomorrow, today.
-Aesop's Fable
-Aesop's Fable
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