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

Just one really nice reason to be 3 years ahead.

Discussion in 'The Wood Pile' started by Backwoods Savage, Jan 15, 2016.

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  1. Backwoods Savage

    Backwoods Savage Moderator

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    As has happened to several folks, it has also happened to us.

    In the last 3 years we've been struggling with putting up our wood. In fact, this is what we did last year in December and January.
    2014-15.jpg
    You can't see much, because there isn't much. I figure about 3 cord. I cut the last of this on January 15, 2015. Split it, I think in June. It still sits there in a heap.

    Yes, life sometimes throws you a curve ball. 3 years ago I fell backwards off a trailer and landed squarely on my already bad back (hurt it in 1984). A year later I fell in our well pit landing right on my back right on top of the water pump. Finally, a year later I made it through the year without any bad falls.

    But then 2015 came. A hip replacement that was done in 2011 we found out had to be removed and a new one put in. We have definitely found out a revision is nothing like a replacement as I am still not healed and the surgery was last June. Then just a couple days before Christmas I popped another disc in my back. Needless to say, the wood cutting has come to a standstill and we've only put up about a cord so far but not sure when we'll be able to do more.

    On top of that, if you've read another thread I just made, I gave some wood to a neighbor and probably will end up giving more. That neighbor has never been 3 years ahead on his wood pile.

    Still, with all this happening, we still have this:
    Wood-2012a.JPG Wood-2012c.JPG Woodpile 2013-1.JPG Woodpile 2013-2.JPG Woodpile-1 2014.JPG Woodpile-2 2014.JPG
    I think there are a couple more stacks that are not in with these pictures but one picture has some wood taken from it so it balances out. In addition, this is only wood that has been split and stacked. We still have some that has not been split.

    This, folks, is one big reason why we preach being 3 years or more ahead on the wood pile. What happens if you get hurt and can't put up wood? Will you still be okay? Will you have to buy wood? If you have to buy, will the wood be dry or green?


    And still, we are a bit concerned for ourselves. We are no longer classified as young people. Both my wife and I are into our 70's and have physical problems. But fortunately, we have time somewhat on our sides as we are not forced to hurry to put up wood. And what the heck, we are planning a GTG this coming spring so hope to get a bit more put up then while having some fun too. No, we'll not worry too much for ourselves but we do worry about those who are not or do not get ahead with their wood piles. Believe me, it pays great dividends.
     
    Backwoods Savage, Jan 15, 2016
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  2. 1964 262 6

    1964 262 6

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    when you do the right thing, things have a way of working out
     
    1964 262 6, Jan 15, 2016
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  3. red oak

    red oak

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    This should be required reading for anyone who heats with wood. I remember when I first started that I would get the wood for the winter cut in September and I thought I was on top of things. Of course I was in my 20s and didn't give a minute's thought to what would happen if I got hurt. Then after reading this and other sites I decided to try to get 3 years ahead. And last year I had a bout with appendicitis which put me on the shelf for awhile. I did get all of my wood cut last year and then some, but a lot of it had to be done over the summer when it was super hot. Always to good advice to plan ahead. I wonder how many people have not done so.
     
    red oak, Jan 15, 2016
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  4. papadave

    papadave

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    I doubt you really wanna' know.
    Well, you might, but it would probably shock you into a catatonic state.:rofl: :lol::picard:
     
    papadave, Jan 15, 2016
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  5. red oak

    red oak

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    You're probably right. It's just about everyone I know just in my small neck of the woods!
     
    red oak, Jan 15, 2016
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  6. papadave

    papadave

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    Right where I want to be.
    Pretty normal around here too.
     
    papadave, Jan 15, 2016
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  7. milleo

    milleo

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    I see dinner walking around out there....:)
     
    milleo, Jan 15, 2016
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  8. rebelduckman

    rebelduckman

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    Very nice. Always like looking at your stacks. Those square cribbed pieces should stack well for an overnighter
     
    rebelduckman, Jan 15, 2016
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  9. Hickorynut

    Hickorynut

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    :dancer:
    Sorry for all your troubles backwoods. If I lived anywhere close I would at least help get all that split wood stacked. It would be the least I could do for all the sound advice I have read from you on the forums. You have certainly given much to help others. Wishing you and your wife a complete recovery in the days ahead
     
    Hickorynut, Jan 15, 2016
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  10. shaggy wood dump hoarder

    shaggy wood dump hoarder

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    I've been wanting to get 3+ years ahead but it's been so hectic lately! Luckily I've got about 2 full cord css'd in the shed drying out, and I'm really hoping to use that as a emergency only until 2018-19 and my dad is laid off during the winter to help me catch up and get ahead, if I can ever catch up on bills I'll be ordering a semi load of wood to take some pressure off and let me get wood on my own time rather than trying to keep the boiler fed with wood that is not seasoned properly:picard:
    :headbang:It's getting better but I've got a long ways to go. Wishing I could get a call for my welding work on the side to trade for some delivered firewood.
     
    shaggy wood dump hoarder, Jan 15, 2016
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  11. Elderthewelder

    Elderthewelder

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    I am 3+ years ahead, only because i live in a so called "mild climate" area of the USA. and only burn a couple cords a season. I could never store as much wood that is shown in those pics on my small city lot.
    As it stands i have about 8 cord most of it CSS but some still in rounds and I know one of my neighbors has issues with it as she always gives me those "your bringing more wood home" "why do you need so much wood" comments

    But Yes Dennis i hear you loud and clear. get ahead while the getting is good as you never know what the future holds for you!! Good advice
     
    Elderthewelder, Jan 15, 2016
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  12. oldspark

    oldspark

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    Three years ahead (or more) is some of the best advice out there as long as you have the space to store it, nice living in the country.
    Backwoods as we age part of the process is giving up things unfortunately, some day I wont be cutting wood any longer but I hope to put that off as long as possible.
    Be careful out there!
     
    oldspark, Jan 16, 2016
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  13. oldspark

    oldspark

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    I hope the guys get you 10 years ahead.
     
    oldspark, Jan 16, 2016
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  14. Backwoods Savage

    Backwoods Savage Moderator

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    They have threatened that!!!! Thanks oldspark.
     
    Backwoods Savage, Jan 16, 2016
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  15. Backwoods Savage

    Backwoods Savage Moderator

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    Indeed they work very nicely for that!
     
    Backwoods Savage, Jan 16, 2016
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  16. papadave

    papadave

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    I'll second that.
    With enough people, there should be a lot of firewoodin' goin' on.:thumbs:
     
    papadave, Jan 16, 2016
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  17. fox9988

    fox9988

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    Absolutely!!! I had never never been injured in my life. Then....
    I tore a ligament in my ankle Dec 2013. Air-boot for a month. Took ~6 months to completely heal.
    Broke my neck Nov 2014. C-2, a "hangman's fracture". Rods and screws fused it to the C-3. Off work for 6 months. Tried cutting while wearing a C-collar at about 3 months due to boredom. I gave up on that, compared it to cutting in high heels. Very inconvenient/uncomfortable.
    But at least I had plenty of wood, that wasn't a concern. Thank God.
     
    fox9988, Jan 16, 2016
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  18. jatoxico

    jatoxico

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    Kinda consider you the father of the 3 year plan and you laid out a perfect reason for the practice. Here's hoping you can start putting up some fresh wood for the future soon.
     
    jatoxico, Jan 16, 2016
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  19. MissouriFrontier

    MissouriFrontier

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    This post is classic Backwoods Savage. Always teaching. Even if "only"telling his story. Thanks Dennis
     
    MissouriFrontier, Jan 16, 2016
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  20. Backwoods Savage

    Backwoods Savage Moderator

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    Geeze fox9988, were you trying to make up for lost time? That sounds like you had an awful time and hope you have healed well.
     
    Backwoods Savage, Jan 17, 2016
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