In All The Wrong Places

Between rain showers, I have been trying to get the cribs filled back up with split firewood so that it dries off before bundling. It’s been slow going.

Getting out to the log deck for a half hour of cutting time, the limit of the fuel in the tank, is the most that I can seem to get cut before another shower or deluge hits. A tankful of cut 16 inch pieces is a Gator full. Taking the full Gator to the barn allows me to work inside from the weather for at least 45 minutes to an hour to work the chunks into 4 inch pieces at the largest and kindling at the smallest. Two Gator loads, if I have stacked it high, can yield a crib full which is half a cord of wood.

The two farm dogs think that my toils make the perfect day for them. They are off leash, away from the county road and pesky felines. They have run of the fields and forest for as long as they wish while still being able to come back to the barn for a visit or a nap throughout the day and they come back often to check in on me or to nest down in a pile of hay.

While splitting wood, I have the bed of the Gator snugged up on my left to grab wood chunks. The splitter table is in front of me and the crib is only one step behind me. The rhythm of grabbing, splitting and stacking puts me into a Zen state.

As I was working along, Butler the dog wanted me to know that he was in need of a little attention. He stood patiently between two half-filled cribs until I noticed him. He was only inches away from my legs and in the danger zone if a chunk of wood slipped from the table or my grasp. When I saw him, he gave me that look and I grabbed for the camera.

As I snapped the picture, the song ‘Looking for Love in All the Wrong Places’ popped into my head. All he was hoping for was a quick pet and a few words of encouragement and was willing to stand in the danger zone until I noticed him to deliver said needs. As soon as a photo was secured and a scratch on his neck delivered, he went off to check on his brother or stray rodents or emboldened coyotes outside the barn area. I was left with the splitter running and an ear-worm on repeat in my head.

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