In loving memory of Kenis D. Keathley 6/4/81 - 3/27/22 Loving father, husband, brother, friend and firewood hoarder Rest in peace, Dexterday

The slow road back

Discussion in 'The Wood Pile' started by EODMSgt, Nov 16, 2025.

  1. The Wood Wolverine

    The Wood Wolverine

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    I was admiring those end cribbing pieces so much I had to show wife. She probably thinks I’m a bit weird, lol. RO would be perfect for the 4way.
     
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  2. EODMSgt

    EODMSgt

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    LOL, I can relate. I've been known to wander through my stacks just to admire the fruits of my labor (the dog likes it because he thinks we're playing hide-and-seek). I'm a bit out of practice so need to get back with the program. I think the stacks below were the best I did over the years.

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  3. JDU

    JDU

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    TH
    THAT is a beautiful picture! I'd wander out and admire that every day if they were my stacks.
    Lot of work and reward right there.
    :salute:
     
  4. theburtman

    theburtman

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    I think admiring their stacks repeatedly is a common trait among firewood hoarders.
     
  5. yooperdave

    yooperdave

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  6. MikeInMa

    MikeInMa

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    X2
     
  7. EODMSgt

    EODMSgt

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    More progress. Used the skidding winch to pull the larger logs up to a flat area and then used the grapple to move them out to the wood lot. Didn't tear up the lawn as much as I thought it would. Had originally planned to winch everything all the way to the driveway while there was still snow on the ground, but mud season came early this year. C'est la vie.

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    Only thing left from that pile is some limb wood.

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    Not something that will be used all that often, but glad to have the skidding winch.

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    Once that leftover limb wood is cleaned up this is the next project to move to the wood lot. No shortage of 'firewooding' that needs to be done.

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  8. ole

    ole

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    Man, you are really getting it done. Love your toys!
     
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  9. T.Jeff Veal

    T.Jeff Veal

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    Yes sir, that's beautiful work. So glad the toys...err...tools are making it easier to do. How do you like that brand skidding winch?
     
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  10. EODMSgt

    EODMSgt

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    With the health constraints, some of those toys are the only way I can keep processing firewood. Plus, they're still cheaper than another future ex-wife :tractor:

    Have to admit I'm impressed with the skidding winch. Pulls easily at low RPM and seems to be constructed well enough for what I will be using it for. Dealing with those logs took a fraction of the time it would have taken me otherwise. So I'm pleased so far, and with all the standing dead that still needs to come down, I think it was a good investment.
     
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  11. JD Guy

    JD Guy

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    I’ve been behind on your thread so took some time this evening to go back and catch up! It’s an understatement to say that I’m very impressed with what you’re able to get accomplished and it’s apparent why you were EOD, the meticulous way that you go about things and stack your firewood says it all. I want to echo other’s sentiments with my sincere gratitude for your service and sacrifice in service of our country As I consider what all you manage to accomplish, by comparison I’m a lightweight:salute: At 75 and with my own physical challenges you Sir are an inspiration. God Bless You and keep posting! Thank You!
     
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  12. theburtman

    theburtman

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    Well said!
     
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  13. yooperdave

    yooperdave

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    Glad to see you are finally using the tractor to move some wood. :salute:



    :thumbs: :rofl: :lol::rofl: :lol::rofl: :lol::rofl: :lol::rofl: :lol:
     
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  14. EODMSgt

    EODMSgt

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    I definitely appreciate your response. I know there are a lot of people who have it worse than me health-wise, but it definitely hasn't been easy the last few years. I learned a long time ago to just try and fight through the pain because what's the other option? I had to fight to stay in the Corps after getting injured in the '92 bombing (had to get a JAG lawyer and everything...that was back before most outside of the EOD community even knew what an IED was). Fast forward to now (and more bombing injuries later) and I just try to keep as much of a positive attitude as I can (easier said than done sometimes). I've seen too many friends and peers go down the rabbit holes of (insert your poison here) and that never ends well. We all become victims of age and deterioration in health, and perhaps having dealt with pain and injuries for so long has given me a different perspective. Fight through the pain and enjoy the few good days doing what you enjoy (and are physically capable of doing) and endure the bad days. I don't get a lot of feedback on here but appreciate what I do get and it helps keep the motivation going. Definitely some good people on this forum and especially on those bad days, I enjoy reading about other's firewooding adventures. It keeps the grey matter going.

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    I knew I bought the tractor for a reason...I just couldn't remember why :rofl: :lol:
     
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  15. JD Guy

    JD Guy

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    Well, I’d say MSgt that if ever there was someone who had the reasons to be bitter and feeling sorry for yourself you certainly do. The fact that you chose the better path speaks volumes for your guts and integrity:yes: On the other hand you ARE a Marine:usa:
     
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  16. MikeInMa

    MikeInMa

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    Hear hear!!
     
  17. EODMSgt

    EODMSgt

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    Appreciate it gentlemen. Not going to lie, it took me years after the war to finally make the switch to being more positive. Finally told myself one day that if I can't find something to be positive about when I wake up in the morning, what's the point? Thankfully I've been blessed with some great German Shepherds, and they've been great therapy dogs. The flip side of all this could be that since I've had my head rattled too many times, perhaps I'm just not cognizant enough anymore to think about being angry and upset. I can blame the traumatic brain injury for the chasing of shiny objects and oh look, a squirrel....

    On a more or less positive note, I got a bit of splitting in today. Not as much as I wanted, but it's another drop in the bucket. I also finally started playing with the 4-way adjustable wedge. Going to take some getting used to.

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  18. T.Jeff Veal

    T.Jeff Veal

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    Yes sir, we are so glad you took the upper road, the path less taken. You are an inspiration to many.

    You will love that 4way, especially with smaller 1 pass rounds...
     
  19. Skier76

    Skier76

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    Thank you for your service! And an amazing story of resilience .
     
  20. EODMSgt

    EODMSgt

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    Three days of rain in the forecast so got the four trailer loads of limb wood split. Finished stacking this morning and tried out my first IBC tote for the uglies. Almost done with another 1-1/4 cord stack of RO as well.

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