Monthly Archives: December 2010

Love those Super Cedars

Ever since I was a kid, I used rolled up, twisted newspaper and kindling to start fires in the fireplace.  For the first half season with the wood stove, I followed tradition.  But sometimes, especially with imperfectly seasoned wood, the … Continue reading

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The Back 40

Our urban lot is about 40′ x 100′ – approximately 1/10 acre.  It drops down into a little canyon in the back.  Over the last few years I’ve been doing quite a bit of work back there.  Last fall I … Continue reading

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Heating with wood

There’s something primal and deeply satisfying about the heat from a fire – listening to the crackle, watching the flames dance and flicker. But open fireplaces are often a negative heat source as they suck a huge column of warm … Continue reading

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Peas are coming up

The snow peas are now about 8 inches tall – stretching up to grab some sun.  They’re planted along the south wall of the house, but in the winter, the neighbor’s house blocks lots of the sun.  I staggered the … Continue reading

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Loquats are in blossom

Loquats are always our first fruit of the season.  We have a mature tree down in our part of the canyon and it’s in the early stages of blossoming now. CRFG says the fruit mature 90 days after full blossom, … Continue reading

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