I'm a dedicated firewood hoarder, and am usually 3 years ahead. When my non wood burning friends and relatives visit and see all the wood, they ask why? I explain drying time and heaven forbid, what if something happened to me and I could not cut for a year or so. Well, it finally happened. This winter, not only did I tear the lateral meniscus in my right knee, but also tore 2 tendons in my right shoulder rotator cuff area. I was unable to cut or split (I split by hand) any wood this spring, my usual busy firewood time. So, I'm still in good shape for a couple years but what if I require shoulder surgery and have to take another year off? My only redemption is I am able to still get hardwood blocks and boards at local pallet mill to supplement supply. So fellow firewood hoarders, as you all know there are multiple benefits of getting ahead!!!
Indeed there are benefits and this is a big one. I really hope this does not keep you down for too long. If you are on the three year plan then a year off is not a big thing. Two years off can be but still doable. It can be a tremendous help here if you have friends that can help and as I found, it can be fantastic having fellow hoarders to help. I’m not sure what I would have done a couple times when I was laid up but some fantastic Hoarders came to the rescue. Now for several years we've had a GTG in the spring and these guys have been fantastic! I've not cut wood for 2 years now due to physical problems but there is no fear of wood shortage. If it is possible I advise considering a GTG. Make it so there is both work and fun with plenty of good food and drink but be careful or you will have enough food to feed a small city!! Most everyone will bring some food and their favorite beverage. We have had 5 large GTG now and a couple mini GTG too. If anyone would like any tips or suggestions on starting one feel free to ask. Again JDU, good luck and heal quickly.
Heal fast and well JDU as my body is aging I am trying to get on a 5-6 year plan.. teenager help they always need $$
No shame in buying firewood if it comes down to that. Buying firewood can be a tough choice when you've spent many years making your own.
I had a meniscus tear trimmed in February. The recovery was not as easy as the doc described, but my knee is pain free now. It slowed me down for a few months. My shin bone is still partially numb from the nerve block needle damaging nerves.
Thats great you were three years ahead. Sorry to hear of your ailments. Hope you are back to your old (former) wood hoarding self soon JDU. I recently switched to hydro after a lifetime of hand splitting. If i didnt sell wood i would still split by hand.
Yes, I have considered this already and you are correct, very tough choice. Thanks for your thoughts.
Chud - Thanks for sharing. I hear you about the pain, which in my case was increased by the formation of Bakers cyst behind the knee. It about took me out until I got a cortisone shot about a month ago, plus the cyst ruptured and drained, pretty much pain free since then and increased bending/mobility. So I'm hoping to avoid surgery there.
I hope you recover soon and well... Our thoughts and prayers go out to you as you work through this. My knee issue slowed me down but I was able to work through it, but a shoulder issue would be harder to deal with for hoarding firewood. The surgery was the easy part. The rehab can be brutal but it is essential. I hope you can push through and come out as good or better than before.
Great offer PA Mountain Man . JDU I hope you get well soon so you can back at it. Always nice seeing the willingness of others to help those in need.
