Bright Ideas

In winter one main job is to keep the home warm, whether with coal or wood fires or later with gas or electricity. There is nothing warmer than sitting in front of a blazing wood fire, but that warmth doesn’t travel far; the rest of the house remains cold.

The same is true of propane heaters, and electricity. You need a furnace or electric heaters in several rooms. We don’t have room in our crawl space for the necessary ductwork. We resort to electric heaters throughout the house.

We have a pellet stove with a fan that circulated heat, at least up to the kitchen, but it was prone to breaking down. Brice learned to fix it when service couldn’t be offered by the provider.

Southeast Electric is providing some of our heat, and the propane wall heater adds the rest. Our son used to get dressed for school in front of that heater; now grandsons thaw out there. One boy just operates his tablet sitting in front of it. You’d think he’d melt!

I suppose the cost and availability of propane will become prohibitive. Electricity may do the job; it may be the only option we have because the wind can’t be relied on and neither can the sun for renewable sources.

Ranchers and their wives rely on good, insulated overalls. They don’t protect faces, so wearers have rosy cheeks year round. If they are lucky enough to have a hired hand, the wife stays in the house to keep meals and coffee ready.

Our home is well insulated; we have good windows and we close off unused rooms. We stay warm, and I don’t go outside; I don’t have a coat or cape warm enough to battle winter. I’ll just stay inside and look out until warm weather returns. My husband will battle the elements.