Every squirrel I know has a bad reputation. Perhaps it is just those that live around the Bayou but here, they are thieving, destructive little critters. They swipe the fruit from the trees, steal my tomatoes before they are ripe and can gnaw their way through just about any surface. More than once has Son had to repair the roof, siding and doors just because a squirrel has decided our house is its house. And don't think they are not sneaky enough to try entry in the middle of the night! Son and I were out on the rooftop at 2am because one persistent rascal was ripping the siding off the upstairs walls! Bird feeders, gardens, kitchens...none of these are safe. We have had our battles in each case. Squirrels...the evil ones of the rodent family. Well, rats are not nice either...nor are shrews! Shrews are downright wicked! They are quite feisty!
Now that it is settled that squirrels can do a lot of damage, I want to repair the damage done to their reputation by the previous statements. Squirrels are not complete fiends bent on driving humans mad with their antics. In fact, some squirrels are helpful! Yes, you read that right and, yes, that did come from me. Squirrels can be helpful! Just today, an example of their good deeds came to light. I was overjoyed to be the recipient of their kindness! Oh, lucky me!
While I was out doing a bit of yard work, it occurred to me that I should gather a few "fire sticks" (as my sweet granddaughter calls them) or twigs. We are to have a bit of cold weather here for the next few days and the old woodstoves will need stoking. Twigs are a great fire starter and in the enclosed iron stoves, they last a good while. It is my custom to gather a handful or two on each outing so it is not a big chore to get them when needed. I found just what I needed in the lane. There are several large squirrels' nests in the hickory trees that line the lane and beneath those, there were dozens of fire sticks. It seems that the ideal size to gnaw a twig for use in nest-building is also the perfect size for my woodstoves. It took only a few moments to gather a nice bundle of the 14 to 15 inch sticks. Squirrels are great at measuring and gnawing the limbs but, apparently, not so great at holding on to each one they cut. The lane was filled with lovely fire sticks...or nesting supplies...whichever. So, a big shout out to the gray squirrels that live down the lane! Your help is greatly appreciated and your status has gone up a few points in my book. (At least, until you steal my plums come this spring.)
I do not know whether to be fully astonished at the entrepreneurship of some folks or befuddled at the ignorance of others. (Notice that I used the word ignorance and not stupidity. There is a vast difference. Look it up before you get your shorts in a wad.) Granted, maybe folks do not have access to the things that the Bayou and land provides but it seems to me that there are those who cannot fend for themselves. Being a bit under the weather with this flu bug, I have plenty of time to browse the Internet for useless items or items that cost a fortune but can be had for free. The latter is what the aforementioned remark is pointed.
What used to be almost a necessity back in our grandparents' and even my parents' days, now has become somewhat of a luxury....obviously. At least, if I had to dole out the hard cash for something this expensive, I would deem it a luxury! On several websites "Fat Wood Starter" is going for whopping prices. Who would ever expect something that can be found with every walk in the woods would demand such an exorbitant bit of cash! Granted someone has done the splitting and packaging for you but, hey, free beats $20 for 8 lbs of sticks. I guess city folks just don't want to dirty their hands or maybe do not have the time to wander about hunting the old fat knots. Maybe there are just no places to go scrounging for these things. I do not know but I find it dumbfounding that a stick is worth that much. Maybe I should start a new business!
Back growing up on the farm, it was almost a ritual to pick up any fat knots when we were out in the woods. The heart of felled pine trees or downed limbs provided us with a winter's worth of fat wood. Once home, a hatchet and a bit of elbow grease saw the knots shaved into the tiny slivers that assured a quick light. I remember Pop telling of how Grandma would start her old wood burning stove with a few slivers then pop in a large knot. This made a fast and very hot fire to get her pots to boiling. Once the fire was going real good, some seasoned oak, hickory or pecan chunks provided a steady heat to continue her meal-cooking chores. Her old stove had a side oven that kept a temperature steady enough to bake the finest of cakes. The fat pine knots would cause a major soot build up in the chimney. Pop and his brothers were forever having to clean the chimney to prevent a fire from starting where it was not supposed to be!
Yesterday, before the rains started, the old dog and made a nice hike into the woods behind the house. Escaping the confines of the sick house was pleasurable. I picked up several fat knots to throw on the wood pile to be split once I get to feeling better. While these are not seen as a necessity they once were, I still prefer to have the split pieces on hand. The aroma that the sap-soaked heart pieces has evokes a lot of memories of days past. Just chunking a couple of slivers into the fire bin of the old wood stove makes things right with the world. Seeing the bright flames shoot up with such enthusiasm gives hope. But...then I remember the folks who are paying an arm and a leg for a few "special" fat pieces and the bewilderment returns. Ha! One company even labels their fat wood as organic! Duh....I stand in awe! Maybe I will go into business! There is a wealth on the ground behind the house just waiting to be found!
