Getting Ready for Winter

Our landlord (after only three years) managed to fix the chimney this summer, meaning we'll be able to cook in our fireplace again! We have really missed this feature of the house, so we're all thrilled.

I switch wood suppliers every year, mostly because I forget whom I've used in the past and just ask around when I need some. This year, I asked Umberto (a lovely fellow about town, and one of the local contractors who also helped with my presepe), and he recommended his cousin.

This morning, after lots of promises about being right there, Umberto's uncle Marino finally arrived! Driving a little Richard Scarry dump truck, I asked him if he thought he could get into the portone. "No problem! As long as you hold up traffic for a minute or two." I could easily do that (despite a few honks), and he reversed and maneuvered in as though it were nothing. However, he really only had a few centimeters on each side, and Michael had reported having problems getting the Panda in because of geometry, doors, etc. Yes, we were impressed.

He dumped his load (about a ton and a half), and then we were all set to carry it upstairs. It had a lovely dense, hollow sound, which means that it's nice, dry hardwood.

The upper part of the cab is wood. I was trying to get the lift mechanism.

Plenty of room?

What you don't see well is the doors' silhouette
and the mirrors

And...made it back out!

For quick access from the front door.
We have additional wood in a "magazzino", basically a contorted,
low walk-in closet/storehouse.

This fireplace is stacked 2-3 logs deep and up into the chimney. 

All this, while we're fully aware that the forecasters expect it to hit 35 degrees this week (that's 95 degrees Fahrenheit).

Love,

Alexandra