Why did I start burning and why am I still doing it?
The economics were my excuse to get started and justify the decision (when oil hit $4.50/gallon we were looking at $2-3K to heat for the winter even with the temp kept lower than anyone else we know).
The desire to burn has always been there - my wife says that she has never seen me unhappy when tending a fire. Thus she likes to have it for me to play with too.
I have a pretty serious 'self sufficiency' bend in my personality. Although it is easier to just call the oil guy (ok, I do it online, even easier) it is still relying on someone else and the cost is something I have very little control over - even with the best research and such I can't get much more than a 5% variance in price from 'market rate' on oil. Now, wood ranges from free to 'who the heck is crazy enough to pay that?' prices. The joy of the hunt!
The cutting/splitting/etc is something that I had not really considered too much before but I'm finding that I enjoy this as much as anything. Perhaps going back to the self sufficiency? I've heard comments here that wood piles are like money in the bank. Perhaps so... the idea of being a year or more ahead is a worthy goal and I can see achieving that. My job is full of unclear objectives - things that are hard to know when you are really done. I KNOW when I'm done splitting and stacking a particular pile of logs and can see the progress as I go. That is very satisfying and provides a nice balance in life.
When I'm cutting or splitting it is unsafe for anyone to be too close to me and I wear ear protection during cutting. I can get lost in my thoughts and not be disturbed... As a father of 3 younger kids this is a very nice thing and allows me to get some ideas worked out while getting some good exercise. I've noticed greater strength in my upper body and my back is clearly stronger from my regular workouts with the woodpile - less aches and easier to pick up and toss the kids about which they love.
My kids are seeing me work for something and are beginning to help. As they grow I expect they will pick up on more chores related to this - carrying wood in, cleaning up, eventually cutting and splitting. They will help as their ability and maturity allow. I see this as good for building character. Carrying wood in the house is something that can be easily verified and relatively safe. It benefits the whole family and thus is a good task for kids to share in the responsibility.
I've actually gotten to know a few neighbors better that I didn't know before. Some have stopped by while I'm working the pile - I have helped one cut down a small tree. Got a days worth of wood out of it, but better than that I think it helped to break the ice with them as we haven't really talked much since they moved in a year or so ago. I've found other friends through friends who burn - swapping information and such. Working with someone to load a haul etc is a good way to get to know someone and helps to build community.
Oh - and the radiant heat from the stove is nice too
