I’ve been mostly silent on here for quite some time, dealing with health and life issues, but am now trying to get back into my firewood processing (strictly personal use). A far cry from back when I had 20+ cords CSS and usually had plenty of rounds just waiting to be processed. I haven’t really been able to scrounge in several years (this being the first year I didn’t even get a dead & down permit), and at one point, I was down to just one cord of seasoned splits. Such is life. I’ve been slowly plugging away at it this year and have been making progress, mainly just cleaning up logs/rounds that are in the wood lot (found some 5+ year old red oak rounds under a tarp – boy did those split easily). Up to around 11+ cords CSS at this point with seven of it nice and seasoned and in the shed for this winter. Anyway, it feels good to be (somewhat) back in processing mode. I can only do small amounts at a time, but despite that, I realized how much I missed it. The good news is that once I get all the logs/rounds in the lot processed, I have over 70 standing dead trees on my property that need to be turned into firewood (don’t have to go far to scrounge!). The bad news is that I have over 70 trees on my property that need to come down (blasted caterpillars). And I know people like pictures, so here you go. Hoard on.
The new(ish) firewood dog I am breaking in. I lost my previous shepherd to cancer back in January and was hesitant to get a puppy due to all my health issues (shepherd pups are a LOT of work). Thankfully the breeder I've known for the last fifteen years offered me one of her breeding dogs. He's just over two years old, and I've had him for five months now. I sure miss my previous shepherds (third pic), but this guy has been a blessing.
Thanks! Long gone are the days when I could work for hours in the wood lot, and I think that really got to me. I've since realized that processing a little at a time still has the same end net result.
Wow, gorgeous pup! That second pic looks like he's reading your thoughts. A couple hours here n there can really add up!
Easy does it. My doc told me the same thing. Apparently a few years ago after I turned 60, I apparently can't work like I could 20 years ago. But a little at a time and it gets done. I have a schedule in my head of what needs to be done and when and it's tough turning that off or at least slowing down. Glad you're doing better.
I appreciate it gentlemen. Aside from the firewood processing, I did miss the camaraderie of this forum. Feels good to be making progress as I would definitely like to get started on the standing dead. Mother Nature decided to take the top of this tree down a week ago. Tells me some of those caterpillar-killed trees are weaker than I thought.
Sorry to hear of life's woes. Great to see you back in action. I always enjoy seeing pictures of your woodyard and operation. Should you ever need a hand firewooding I'd be glad to help out.
Much appreciated, and maybe next year I'll take you up on that to go after some of those large standing dead oaks. Getting back into the swing of things did give me a reason to pick up a new 261 (before the price increase) to take the place of my aging 290. I had read so many positive comments on here about the 261 and they were right, it's a great saw.
Hoooh-Rah glad your Back.. great news about 2 year old GSD .. My wife shepherd passed last June.. I am guy that bought your MS400. If you want a GTG let me know too; I bring brother with 400 to work with buZZsaw BRAD, hopefully I can keep up with you.. Just remember we age and slow down (most of us) beats alternative of not aging anymore
Sorry to hear about your wife's GSD. I almost didn't get another one, but didn't like an empty house with no dog. We'll see how things progress next year regarding a GTG. I'll probably be going in for a hip replacement at some point, so that will slow things down. And you hit the nail on the head; being slow is better than not being at all.
Yeah once my 261 came into the picture the 290 quickly collected dust and was sent on its way. Not a bad saw the 290, but once you get a pro model saw there's no going back IME.
Beautiful pup. I lost my GSD September of '24, and lost my Dobie in May of this year. For me, losing pups is one of life's hardest trials. I've adopted the "do a little at a time" approach to firewood, after a year of not doing much at all. Moving forward, even a little bit at a time, is still moving forward, and is a good thing. I hope things continue to get back on track for ya, and things keep looking up.
It is good to have you back. Don't waste time worrying about not being able to do what we used to. Yes, it still feels good to do some work even if it is slow and for only short periods of time. Personally I've been that same boat for a long, long time. Now it is to the point where I can't even work for an hour. Even times I can barely walk after only 10 minutes, but, dammit I still do what I can. Yes, 83 years have also slowed me down. but we have to play the cards you've been dealt.
Life happens. Best of luck with recovering from all that ails you. When you feel it's time, you kow FHC is willing and able to assist in what we do. Be safe Be healthy
Yeah, I tell myself 'baby steps' on some days. If I can get one thing accomplished, its better than the alternative. Like you said, forward progress is better than no progress. It was tough not worrying about the decline in being able to do things because it seemed to happen so fast, and just one thing after another. Still, I try to keep a mostly positive outlook on what life has dealt me, and just be glad that I can still do the things I can. No use getting depressed over the things I can't do anymore. Thanks Mike. Sorry I missed you again during your latest NH trip.
