"It was a cold wintry day when I brought my children to live in rural West Virginia. The farmhouse was one hundred years old, there was already snow on the ground, and the heat was sparse-—as was the insulation. The floors weren’t even, either. My then-twelve-year-old son walked in the door and said, “You’ve brought us to this slanted little house to die." Keep reading our story....

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• Decorating The Table For Thanksgiving

  by Leahld22 on November 20, 2009

• Remembering the Bread Bowl

  by Helen on November 20, 2009

• My project for the day is...

  by Suzanne on November 20, 2009

• Thread For Contest?

  by Suzanne on November 20, 2009

• No knead bread !!!

  by Debnfla3 on November 20, 2009

November 2009
"First it's glowing, then it's snowing! A pause, then screaming squalls and williwaws. Bright but bitter, then a thaw. Yet again it's cold and storming: What ever happened to global warming?"

• I just voted. Wood heat is awesome–I have had it for over 60 years. Kindling and some smaller wood before the logs works great. - Estella on How (Not) to Start a Fire in a Wood Stove
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• Thanks for being transparent enough to tell us you can’t get the fire thing going. That sure left you open for all kinds of advice.... - Sandra on How (Not) to Start a Fire in a Wood Stove
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• Also, the lint from the dryer is the best thing I have found to start fires! - Janelle on How (Not) to Start a Fire in a Wood Stove
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• My stove does not have the rack in it and I don’t have any problems, maybe the wood likes to be closer to fire. I’m voting... - Janelle on How (Not) to Start a Fire in a Wood Stove
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• I love this photo and the caption–so positive!!! If those SAM-e people don’t hire you there is just something wrong with them. - Susan M. on Rush
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• Yeah Suzanne, as of now you are ROCKING the vote!!! (my husband has fireplace duties, so I don’t have to…) Have a great... - Susan M. on How (Not) to Start a Fire in a Wood Stove
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• I don’t know how in the world the Native Americans made fire without newspaper! - Barbee' on How (Not) to Start a Fire in a Wood Stove
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• Suzanne, it takes more than newspaper and logs to build a fire. First of all, try not to let the coals go out. If they do, then use... - Miss Becky on How (Not) to Start a Fire in a Wood Stove
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• More kindling, dry wood. Once it gets going you should be able to keep it going. I am also voting for you everyday! - Michele on How (Not) to Start a Fire in a Wood Stove
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• Ditto #41 Chic. Loose the grate! It’s tempting to use because it seems like it gets air to the fire faster, but guess what?... - Jennifer Robin on How (Not) to Start a Fire in a Wood Stove
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