Oh please...let me answer this one! Yes, it takes awhile to dry out NO MATTER WHAT YOU'VE HEARD ABOUT IT! Please reference the following thread! http://firewoodhoardersclub.com/forums/index.php?threads/thought-ash-dryed-quicker.7084/
Yes, but usually (and I say USUALLY), when split to a reasonable size, it'll season in a year or so......