So, a little more intro- born and bred in SW VA. Moved at an early age to MS with father but spent some wintertime in VA with grandparents. Grandfather heated his home 100% wood in a stand alone stove/ kitchen stove combo. GrF cut hauled and split all his own wood all spring and summer long oftentimes making do with the gnarly trunks left by other scroungers. I can remember many times only hauling 2-3 rounds at a time in a pickup due to size. He split with ax, wedge and a sledge he called “Blue Monday” and claimed the louder we yelled the name the faster it split, lol. In MS my father warmed us in a Blue Ridge Insert still in the house today. We scrounged wood and bought by the cord if work didn’t allow enough time to lay in a supply. I will not claim any kind of professional status in cutting and splitting but I’ve done a bit. My bride and I have lived in our current residence 18 yrs and we have operated under the illusion of heat via our large open FP…. I pushed early and often for an Insert but she feared losing the look and sound of the open FP. We are blessed now in that she can stay home full time so one winter of her hauling wood from outside to in had her considering the insert addition. I struck fast while opportunity knocked (after research) and ordered our Drolet 1800 I escape…. Did it as a trio purchase and ordered a few other goodies to uncomplicate installation. My BIL and I installed it all fully in about 10 hrs ( in June in MS no less) ! We enjoyed our first winter with it in 20-21. My wife has commented several times how much more she enjoys our Insert and How great an idea ( of hers) to go ahead with purchase/ install. Lol, I agree!
Awesome! Neat story. Glad you guys are warm and comfy and happy with the means of heat. I bet you'll see a big difference innthe amount of wood hauled around too!
Glad your bride is so smart! In the north that 18 year learning curve would have been 18 days in January
Prospector welcome the FHC. Bless her heart for having such a great idea Enjoy your Drolet. Lots of good feedback on that setup.
