Toasty Warm

Fireplaces are so comforting and warm. Today the temperatures are below zero and we have a small electric fireplace that is helping keep us warm and providing a homey glow. Through the years and through our lives we have had a variety of fireplaces to set the mood for the holidays and keep our toes toasty.

When we lived in northern California, the temperature was so mild that we didn't even have a fireplace. I remember one Christmas the local tv station had a yule log burning on the tube all day so their employees could have a family day. We left that channel on all day, chuckling at our modern, techno fire. Not much heat coming from the old set but it was good for a laugh.

In New Mexico, we had a wonderful woodburning stove that kept us warm throughout the house. This was our most efficient heat source. During Ron's high school years his parents had an old stove in the kitchen that burned coal and wood. For years that was their only heat.

Now we are in our 50s and in a house with a not so practical fireplace. That along with Ron's allergies and the effort to do the whole wood burning have led us to a decision. We are going to get a gas insert for the fireplace. That means less work, less planning when we want a fire and more efficient heat that I can stand next to. Our house has base board heat but I miss walking up to warm my bum at a fire. So as expensive as this undertaking will be, we have decided we are worth it and it is worth it.

Next Christmas, instead of Natalie's little fireplace heater we should be enjoying our gas flames and the warm glow our new stove will provide. Guess we can use the tv for showing old home movies like we did this year.

In Him,
Joyful
1-2-2010