The Beagle Log, 13 October 2007 - Change

Subject: The Beagle Log, 13 October 2007 - Change Sat 13 Oct 2007 - 1:22

Good Morning All,

The best time of the year is upon us - fall. The weather is getting crisp, leaves are change, and you can work in the yard without working up a sweat.

Last night we held our annual ceremony, the first lighting of the fireplace (well actually the stove). For a little better than 20 years we had a wood burning stove, (pictured below). It was a delight to fire it up for the first time each year. The smell of burning wood and heat radiating from the unit were things to enjoy.

We burned on average 3 to 4 cords of oak each year. I usually bought the wood cut to length and split it myself and with the “cheerfully assistance” of my sons when they were teenagers. Now that they are grown and out of the house, splitting wood is no longer fun.

Five or so years ago, we replaced the woodstove with a gas stove. It is easier to maintain; no ashes to dispose of and no wood to split and haul. But, it’s not the same.

What changes have you made that are for the better but do not compare with the thing replaced?

Subject: Re: The Beagle Log, 13 October 2007 - Change Sat 13 Oct 2007 - 10:34

Hi Don
Yes my favourite season is Autumn/Fall too. The house I lived in when I was growing up had no central heating only a coal fire in the living room. In the Autumn/Winter months it was lovely to sit in front of on a cold evening, but it was our only means of hot water, which was great but in the Spring/Summer to get hot water it had to be heating in a boiler and carried upstairs for bathing. Now I live in a house with full central heating and hot water 24/7 all year round, but nothing to sit around in the evenings. It nice to have hot water/heating but I do miss the fire, but there again

Subject: Re: The Beagle Log, 13 October 2007 - Change Sat 13 Oct 2007 - 10:42

Hi
My computer not working properly this morning, so I'll get back to you later

Jean

Subject: Re: The Beagle Log, 13 October 2007 - Change Sat 13 Oct 2007 - 12:38

Hola Amigos from hot and sunny Spain where we have very little heating apart from small electric heaters and a calor gas stove for the coldest evenings!

After 48hours of thunder and nonstop rain we are basking under blue skies again. Everywhere has been washed fresh and clean. The greenery really is green and the weeds will shoot up tomorrow! For much of the year this is a brown and arid landscope, even the orange groves manage to look dusty most of the time. We do miss the changing seasons when we are in Spain. Although there are changes they are comparatively insignificant and the winter can look beautifully green with blue sky even if it is cold.

I miss the coal and wood fires of childhood. In our English home we now have a gas 'coal' effect fire which, like Don's, kids you that it is real and is a lot less work. However, I remember as a child gazing into the magical heart of the real fiire and seeing a magical fairy world inhabited by wondrous creatures. I never see that in the modern fire!

Adios amigos! Gillian

Subject: Re: The Beagle Log, 13 October 2007 - Change Sun 14 Oct 2007 - 1:01

Gillian, you’re so right. A gas fire doesn’t replace the magical qualities of a real fire.

The gas stove is an enjoyable secondary heat source. Our primary heat (and air conditioning) source is a heat pump. Heat pumps are effective when outside temperatures are 20 degrees F or warmer.

Are heat pumps common in England?
_________________
Don

Subject: Re: The Beagle Log, 13 October 2007 - Change Sun 14 Oct 2007 - 8:09

Hola Don

No,as far as I am aware they are not. Certainly not in the north where we live. They are making some impact in Spain and we are currently investigating the possibility of a heat pump to warm the community pool water. We are a community of about 40 homes so it is the installation which is likely to be the biggest expense.

Adios Gillian

Subject: Re: The Beagle Log, 13 October 2007 - Change Sun 14 Oct 2007 - 19:22

Hi all.
I miss a real fire also, as you said staring into the coals produced all sorts of images.
I notice the telescope Don. I have one quite similar on a wooden tripod. Bought it out in Jeddah about 10 years ago.
The sky's were so clear out there.

Daz.
_________________
My family are like stars in the night sky of my life.
Always there at the end of the day.
The light of their love forever constant as the Northern star.
Safely guiding me home.
Dreams are the realities of tomorrow.
Everyone is in tune with the spirits of their ancestors. Unfortunately some are tone deaf.
Copyright. Daz.2008.

Subject: Re: The Beagle Log, 13 October 2007 - Change Sun 14 Oct 2007 - 22:48

Daz, We bought the telescope to watch Halley's Comet in 1986.
_________________
Don