Ok, I`m on a woodburning kick tonight, can`t help myself.....
A lot of us are well aquainted with the art of splitting wood. I say art because there is a bit of technique to this that not just anybody can do on the first go round.
For those who are just getting started, here`s a link that gives a good explanation on the do`s and don`ts, as well as some good pics...
http://www.wikihow.com/Split-Hardwood-Firewood
By the way...they say firewood will warm you twice. Once when you cut it, and once when you burn it.
Stay warm....
Monday, December 12, 2011
Sunday, December 11, 2011
Slabwood
I don`t know about you, but The sight of a great big pile o slabwood make my heart all atwitter!
If you heat with wood, slabwood is an economical way to build your winter firewood stored quickly. For those who don`t know, slabwood is what is left over after a sawmill cuts logs into lumber. Most mills will cut this down into smaller pieces and sell it for firewood, some sell it whole and leave the cutting to you....
A lot of mills will keep a pile and charge you by the load if you pick it up, most will even load it for you. Some will deliver, depending on how far you are from the sawmill. We have a couple of loads brought in every year, and it normally ends up being around 3-4 cords when it`s all stacked. The money we save on eating costs more than pays for the wood, so we end up being ahead in the end.
If you don`t know of a sawmill in your area, not to worry. The Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center has made it easy. Click on the following link...
http://www.oardc.ohio-state.edu/ohiowood/counties.htm
Then click on your county, this will bring up a list of sawmills in your area. From there you can contact your local mill and see what they have to offer. Most view this as a regular part of their revenue stream, so they will be more than willing to answer any questions you might have.
If you heat with wood, slabwood is an economical way to build your winter firewood stored quickly. For those who don`t know, slabwood is what is left over after a sawmill cuts logs into lumber. Most mills will cut this down into smaller pieces and sell it for firewood, some sell it whole and leave the cutting to you....
A lot of mills will keep a pile and charge you by the load if you pick it up, most will even load it for you. Some will deliver, depending on how far you are from the sawmill. We have a couple of loads brought in every year, and it normally ends up being around 3-4 cords when it`s all stacked. The money we save on eating costs more than pays for the wood, so we end up being ahead in the end.
If you don`t know of a sawmill in your area, not to worry. The Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center has made it easy. Click on the following link...
http://www.oardc.ohio-state.edu/ohiowood/counties.htm
Then click on your county, this will bring up a list of sawmills in your area. From there you can contact your local mill and see what they have to offer. Most view this as a regular part of their revenue stream, so they will be more than willing to answer any questions you might have.
Woodburner season...
It`s time to get the fire going again! All of us that use wood or pellet or any other alternate fuel to heat with are busy busy busy this time of year!
So, that said, how`s about a quick reminder of some of the things to keep in mind as you get into the swing of things...(got this from the good folks @ the NFPA)
Wood and Pellet-Burning Stoves
Wood and pellet burning stoves can be effective tools for heating, but they also pose fire hazards that contribute to home heating equipment being the second leading cause of U.S. home fires.
That’s one reason why the nonprofit National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) are teaming up to reduce the risk of home heating fires this December, January and February, when half of all U.S. home heating fires occur. Through their joint fire safety campaign, “Put a Freeze on Winter Fires,” both organizations offer the following guidelines for safe use of wood and pellet burning stoves:
• Install the stove, chimney connectors and chimneys following manufacturer’s instructions or have a professional do the installation.
• Wood stoves should have the label of a recognized testing laboratory.
• In wood stoves, burn only dry, seasoned wood. In pellet stoves, burn only dry, seasoned wood pellets.
• Start the fire with newspaper or kindling, never with a flammable liquid, such as lighter fluid, kerosene or gasoline.
• Keep the doors of your wood stove closed unless loading or stoking the live fire.
• Allow ashes to cool before disposing. Dispose of ashes in a tightly covered metal container and keep the ash container at least 10 feet away from the home and any other nearby buildings. Douse and saturate the ashes with water.
• Chimneys and vents need to be cleaned and inspected at least once a year.
Stuff everybody already knows, but it doesnt` hurt to go over it again.
Winter fires are preventable! For more heating fire safety advice from NFPA and USFA’s “Put a Freeze on Winter” campaign, visit www.nfpa.org/winter.
So, that said, how`s about a quick reminder of some of the things to keep in mind as you get into the swing of things...(got this from the good folks @ the NFPA)
Wood and Pellet-Burning Stoves
Wood and pellet burning stoves can be effective tools for heating, but they also pose fire hazards that contribute to home heating equipment being the second leading cause of U.S. home fires.
That’s one reason why the nonprofit National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) are teaming up to reduce the risk of home heating fires this December, January and February, when half of all U.S. home heating fires occur. Through their joint fire safety campaign, “Put a Freeze on Winter Fires,” both organizations offer the following guidelines for safe use of wood and pellet burning stoves:
• Install the stove, chimney connectors and chimneys following manufacturer’s instructions or have a professional do the installation.
• Wood stoves should have the label of a recognized testing laboratory.
• In wood stoves, burn only dry, seasoned wood. In pellet stoves, burn only dry, seasoned wood pellets.
• Start the fire with newspaper or kindling, never with a flammable liquid, such as lighter fluid, kerosene or gasoline.
• Keep the doors of your wood stove closed unless loading or stoking the live fire.
• Allow ashes to cool before disposing. Dispose of ashes in a tightly covered metal container and keep the ash container at least 10 feet away from the home and any other nearby buildings. Douse and saturate the ashes with water.
• Chimneys and vents need to be cleaned and inspected at least once a year.
Stuff everybody already knows, but it doesnt` hurt to go over it again.
Winter fires are preventable! For more heating fire safety advice from NFPA and USFA’s “Put a Freeze on Winter” campaign, visit www.nfpa.org/winter.
Friday, December 2, 2011
Twelve Surprising Uses for Vicks VapoRub
Everybody knows the little blue jar….
Vicks is an age-old mentholated topical cream intended to relieve head, throat, and chest stuffiness, at least that`s what the label says. It uses menthol to elicit a response from receptors in the nose and chest and can work wonders on people with colds or chronic bronchitis. Vicks has been around for over one hundred years and is quite likely one of the most widely used over-the-counter decongestants. Lately, there’s been a lot of buzz about unique and unconventional ways to use this odiferous ointment. You’ll be surprised to learn that Vicks VapoRub is a supposed treatment for so much more than just a congested chest.
1. Decongest Your Chest
The most common use of Vicks is to decongest your chest and throat area. When applied to the upper chest, it provides excellent relief of cough and congestion symptoms.
The most common use of Vicks is to decongest your chest and throat area. When applied to the upper chest, it provides excellent relief of cough and congestion symptoms.
Been there, done that. I`m sure most everybody on the board has had a vicks rubdown before bed at one time or another.
2. On Your Tootsies
Applying Vicks to your feet provides nighttime cough relief. Generously rub VapoRub all over your feet and cover them with socks. Within moments your cough will subside—in the morning you’ll wake up a new, hacking free person.
Applying Vicks to your feet provides nighttime cough relief. Generously rub VapoRub all over your feet and cover them with socks. Within moments your cough will subside—in the morning you’ll wake up a new, hacking free person.
I can actually say this works. I`ve tried it several times and always been surprised by the results, I just can`t get in the habit of wearing socks to bed!
3. Achy Breaky Muscles
Vicks relieves sore, overworked muscles. It increases circulation and provides almost instant aid. Use a generous portion and apply it all over the aching area. (Be sure to warn your bedmate as the stench can ensure a nookie-free night.)
Vicks relieves sore, overworked muscles. It increases circulation and provides almost instant aid. Use a generous portion and apply it all over the aching area. (Be sure to warn your bedmate as the stench can ensure a nookie-free night.)
Or put in on first thing in the morning, nobody will bother you much all day!
4. Get Rid of Nasty Nail Fungus
Rub VapoRub on your toenails if you suspect you have a fungus. Within days, the nail will turn dark—this means the Vicks is killing the fungus. As your toenail grows out, the dark part will grow off and you will have fungus-free feet. Keep applying the ointment over a period of two weeks to fully cleanse nail beds of any remaining bacteria.
Rub VapoRub on your toenails if you suspect you have a fungus. Within days, the nail will turn dark—this means the Vicks is killing the fungus. As your toenail grows out, the dark part will grow off and you will have fungus-free feet. Keep applying the ointment over a period of two weeks to fully cleanse nail beds of any remaining bacteria.
Haven`t tried this one……I try to stay fungus free….
5. Stop Your Cat from Scratching
Cats are notorious for scratching every hard surface they get their claws on. To prevent Miss Kitty from ruining your doors, walls, and windows, apply a small amount of VapoRub to these areas. Cats detest the smell and will steer clear. Vicks can also be applied to your arms and legs if your kitty is prone to scratching you.
Cats are notorious for scratching every hard surface they get their claws on. To prevent Miss Kitty from ruining your doors, walls, and windows, apply a small amount of VapoRub to these areas. Cats detest the smell and will steer clear. Vicks can also be applied to your arms and legs if your kitty is prone to scratching you.
Wish I knew this a long time ago……
6. Pet Pee-Pee Deterrent
If your dog or cat is not yet potty trained, put an open bottle of Vicks on the area he or she likes to mark as their territory. The smell will discourage them from lifting their legs and wetting your rug.
If your dog or cat is not yet potty trained, put an open bottle of Vicks on the area he or she likes to mark as their territory. The smell will discourage them from lifting their legs and wetting your rug.
Wonder if this would work around the garden to deter other pests????
7. Headaches Be Gone
Rub a small amount of Vicks VapoRub on your temples and forehead to help relieve headaches. The mentholated scent will release pressure in your head and instantly relieve pain.
Rub a small amount of Vicks VapoRub on your temples and forehead to help relieve headaches. The mentholated scent will release pressure in your head and instantly relieve pain.
Once again, this will work, but you might end up with a lot of alone time….
8. Humidify Your Sleep
Vicks VapoRub can be used in special types of humidifiers and vaporizers. Ensure your humidifier has an aromatherapy compartment before using. The humidifier will circulate Vicks throughout the air and keep you breathing easy all night long.
Vicks VapoRub can be used in special types of humidifiers and vaporizers. Ensure your humidifier has an aromatherapy compartment before using. The humidifier will circulate Vicks throughout the air and keep you breathing easy all night long.
Wonderful stuff, you can even put a bit on a cotton ball or rag & hang on the head of your bed, this will have a similar effect.
9. Paper Cuts and Splinters
To prevent infection and speed up healing time, dab a small amount of Vicks on any small cut or splinter.
To prevent infection and speed up healing time, dab a small amount of Vicks on any small cut or splinter.
Should test this…if anybody does try this really soon, let me know!
10. Ticks and Bugs
If you get bitten by a tick, apply Vicks immediately. The strong odor might help get the critter to release itself and stop bugging you.
If you get bitten by a tick, apply Vicks immediately. The strong odor might help get the critter to release itself and stop bugging you.
Some of the deer hunters I know keep a jar in their camp just for this reason.
11. Reek-free Racehorses
Professional racers smother VapoRub under the nostrils of racehorses on race day. The strong stench deters the stallions from the alluring odor of the female pony and keeps them focused on the race.
Professional racers smother VapoRub under the nostrils of racehorses on race day. The strong stench deters the stallions from the alluring odor of the female pony and keeps them focused on the race.
Hmmmm…not gonna go there…..
12. Go Away MosquitoesVicks wards off mosquitoes. Apply small dabs of Vicks VapoRub to your skin and clothes and mosquitoes will steer clear. If you do get bitten, apply Vicks to the area and cover it with a Band-Aid to relieve itching.
This works, but once again, factor in the quantity of alone time you want vs the quantity of vicks you use….
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