~~~

We pounded and twisted and rearranged them and finally concluded that we hadn’t put them together incorrectly and that by some quirk of physics, they don’t leak.  Dan got the big hole in the roof covered with metal and installed the stovepipe and the mangled flashing, but it we too dark to see on the roof, so we left it as it was and will pray it doesn’t rain tonight.  In the morning, Dan will look it all over and screw it all in place.  A generous lashing with roof tar should take care of any leaks and a home made storm collar and chimney cap ought to finish things off.  We might use a section of the 3 wall chimney we have in the shed to take care of safety issues, vis a vis the nearby dining room roof. We also have to find just the right flat stone to level the stove so it stands straight.                

The pipe is installed, although at a somewhat jaunty angle, a few degrees off the perpendicular, but we will screw if all down tomorrow and fire it up for a test in the afternoon and with any luck have some dependable heat by tomorrow evening.  After all, our cobbled installation is no worse then many I’ve seen in the neighborhood and most of my rural neighbors seem to have managed for decades without fancy 3 wall stainless steel pipes.  We ought to fit right in.  All and all, it was one of those days, full of mishap and misadventure, but ended with some small sense of accomplishment.

Chili Frito Pie for dinner washed down with beer and black coffee.  A dinner fit for any King of the Ozarks and his loyal retainer.  A quiet night in front of the fireplace and early to bed.

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2007

A bright crisp morning with a clear sky and plenty of sun.  Up earlier than usual and took the dogs for a walk down to the pond and back.  Carried back a small load of kindling and a few logs:

When e’re you come home, Bring some wood or a log.

Tis every man’s task, Save your slut or your dog.

A quick breakfast and then we drove to Grovespring for stove couplings and screws.  We left Mint in her pen alone anmd surprisingly she was still there, waiting patiently, when we got home.  Johnny Cooper arrived with  a gift of a sack of assorted groceries-- bread, crackers, juice, pasta --and then went to work splitting logs.  Dan went to work finishing up the stove.  By 1pm, the stove was all set up and the roof sealed up tight and Dan lit the first fire.  The stove worked like a dream and in 45 minutes, the house was comfortably warm, except for the far front wing where we still have to close in the soffits and gable.  But the dining room and bedrooms were comfortable, even in shirt sleeves and the kitchen was quite toasty.

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