Cold weather is bearing down here on the farm. The wood pile is shrinking fast, but the house is warm and welcoming even with lows at -12F this morning. I'll get some more wood ready in case we run short in late winter. The recent Christmas Ice Storm left us without power for 60 hours, but we had a great Christmas anyway. If you felt helpless, use the next few months to prepare for next winter. A wood stove backup or a generator can create a true sense of security. Oil heat has made so many people lazy. Lots of people don´t like the bugs or dirt, but how does cold feel when Old Man Winter knocks down the power lines? I'd say that most families could use a wood stove if they wanted one. For some, I would suggest burning some of their junk to keep warm. Move a few things, cut in a flue pipe and get burning. Wood is everywhere, you just need to ask and put in some sweat equity to put the wood away for later. Wringing your hands and acting helpless just doesn't keep you warm enough when the temps drop to 0F. PREPARE YOURSELF!