“There’s a nest of mice!” or “Look at the lizard!” or “Wow, what a big garter snake!” There was always a science lesson in every pile of wood.

It seemed that, as we packed the wood, someone would get in the way, or turn too quickly, and end up with a black eye or a goose bump. Every year someone had a mishap, but nothing serious enough to require medical attention.

The job was usually completed by evening. When everyone helped it made the task much easier.

Doing jobs of this nature was a way of bringing family members closer together. While we worked, the children conversed with each other, and as parents we listened to their conversation. Through such discussions, we became aware of their social life while they were in school, or away from home.

It was reassuring for us to know that we had dry wood for the winter, and that no one had to go outdoors to retrieve it. Thanks to Joe, we were never cold during those winter storms. There were times when we were without power, but we survived quite well, snuggled in our warm, cozy home.

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