We had the most amazing storm the other day and aside from losing three shutters off the house, I knew by the chill in the wind that "the question" would start in earnest.
"The question" actually started two and half weeks ago during our indian summer.
With much enthusiasm "O" asked, "Is it cold enough to start a fire?"
"Not when it's 73 degrees outside."
Coming back again he asked,"What if we turned on the air conditioning?"
"Just so we can start a fire?" I said as I looked at my son with sort of a crazy- ish gleam in my eye.
With a look of defeat he ventured off to one of his other projects. I noticed yesterday that the silent treatment started. Not in anger mind you. It starts with an orange peel being left to dry and then one orange shows up on the counter and then another. Logs start coming into the garage and being stacked for the serious fires of winter.
After our blustery day the temperature dipped into the 40's. I knew that our evening firesides were beginning.
"It's very chilly in here. Do you mind if I start a fire?"
And with that firestarter season had begun.
To make the house smell wonderful, take your orange,tangerine, and clementine peels, hang them or put them on a cookie sheet to air dry. Once dried throw them on the fire. Not only does it make the house smell fantastic but the oil in the peel actually helps the fire to keep going. May you have many wonderful evenings by the fire.
