driftwood and firewood, beach gravel and stone walls

Save for the green, of course, in the photo below, the colours in these two shots are very similar. I love how the late-September noon sun illuminates the redness of that cut log. Juxtaposing the two photos makes me think of those old IQ tests we did in school: Driftwood is related to firewood as beach gravel is related to stone walls — huh?

Pater’s been working/playing with his new chainsaw getting us ready for winter. On this little island, when the power goes out in a fall storm, it sometimes stays out for a day or two and keeping the woodstove going is pretty important. Not as crucial as it will be to this young couple, but important nonetheless.

Have you started thinking about, or getting ready for, winter?

8 Comments

  1. indigo16
    1 October 2008 / 4:34 pm

    I am writing this with bare feet, I still cannot think about Winter, let alone Autumn. However we are now past the equinox, so our winter curtains will soon be up and closed for another year.
    I love the idea of a wood burning stove though, my mother has a log fire and it transforms the living room in winter.

  2. La Belette Rouge
    1 October 2008 / 5:17 pm

    I love the Andrew Goldsworthy like photos. Your photos could make it onto my list of happy places. Is there tea and cookies in the cupboard? Best to tell me no unless you want me showing up at your door.;-)

  3. Susan B
    1 October 2008 / 6:14 pm

    Ah, cozy days by the fire. I love the wood-and-stone juxtapositions.

  4. Alison Watt
    1 October 2008 / 7:28 pm

    have to admit, I won’t miss stoking the fire this winter, but love feeling I can connect to home through your blog. Glad you decided you can still find some time to write.

  5. materfamilias
    2 October 2008 / 3:59 am

    Alison: We’ll be changing the curtains over this weekend — had one last lovely blast of sunshine and warmth last weekend.
    The woodstove is such a cozy heat; I love it.
    LBR: For you, the cookies are always ready and waiting and I’d make a big fresh pot of tea — what are you waiting for?!
    Pseu: I guess you don’t do that much where you are, the woodfire thing! But soon you won’t be “where you are,” but in wonderful Paris, you lucky thing!
    Alison: yes, well, some of us have to stay home and keep the home fires burning and all that — sounds as if your adventure is well begun.

  6. TheSundayBest
    2 October 2008 / 5:34 pm

    My winter plans have consisted entirely of adding layers of insulation to my person, so as to provide warmth for loved ones when hugged.

    No really – that’s what I’m doing. It’s a sacrifice, but one I’m willing to make.

  7. Anonymous
    3 October 2008 / 6:21 am

    Whats the answer to the IQ question? Ha, I’m getting ready to leave winter, and I am so ready, and let the summer begin!

  8. materfamilias
    3 October 2008 / 3:42 pm

    Thomas: Damn,but you’re a thoughtful, self-sacrificing guy!
    Cybill: Right! You’re in that upside-down place, aren’t you?! Back in the IQ-testing days, the early years of grade school, that reversal of seasons was such a magical concept — now I chat weekly (at least) with someone who’s living in the opposite season to me!

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