I may need marriage counseling after this morning...

[Prof]

So my wife decides to come with me to haul some wood this morning. I cut it the night before, so it was ready to be loaded, though it did need packed out over about 100 ft of rough terrain. At any rate, about 10 minutes in, I notice that my wife has a bit of a scowl--a look I know all too well. I hadn't said anything to this point, so I was genuinely curios--so I asked--in hindsight, a mistake for sure. She goes on to berate me for getting "lazy with the chainsaw" and going on some kind of "man quest." It took me a while to realize that she was not happy that I cut the wood a bit long, with about 20% over 18 inches by one or two inches. She also insisted that some needed split before moving it. I urged her to not hurt herself, and suggested that she borrow a phrase from out kid, who will say, "Hey, this one is too heavy, can you get it?" I know--not the best way to defuse the situation, but I thought I ought to have a little fun anyway. I assured her that my cutting the rounds a bit longer was not meant to challenge her in any way, and then I went on to make a few tasteless jokes referencing wood size, etc. BTW, I know that about 20% of the wood was over 18 inches, because she measured most rounds before throwing them off the truck! I think I may stick with the 10 year old as a side kick--less drama.

 

[coutufr]

I know I like to split heavy rounds before moving them around but in terms of the length it all depends on the stove. If it fits in it it is the right length. Maybe she is too perfectionist for working around firewood. Usually when I am too perfectionist at something that requires a lower level of perfection I get mad for no reason. Maybe find something to do with her like splitting the wood with a splitter.

 

[Alpine1]

Do what I did years ago: buy her a personal chainsaw.

 

[Jan Pijpelink]

I cut (bucking), split and stack our wood all by myself. All the lady says when I am done: "Wow you're sweating! Have a shower".

 

[johneh]

At least you get help
All I get is (Your not done yet )

 

[Ctwoodtick]

My personal preference is that the wood is my sole project. I think the second I start hearing input on how I’m doing, the fun of it goes out the window.

 

[Prof]

My personal preference is that the wood is my sole project. I think the second I start hearing input on how I’m doing, the fun of it goes out the window.

I agree completely!

 

[BrianN]

I try not to take my wife out. I don't like to hear her complain about the bugs, the heat, the cold, the rain...
I also like to go out alone, and get some "me" time.

 

[blades]

No win situation- being divorced some 20 years the tone of that still gives me the hebe jeebies. Take her out to nice place for dinner as a thank you for helping. might defuse things a bit.

 

[PA. Woodsman]

Just curious, has she gone out to help you do this before? I'm assuming that she has if she can tell the difference between 18" and 20" rounds, but maybe is it that it just isn't something that she enjoys doing?

 

[TCaldwell]

I give her a “A” for the thought of wanting to help you, and suspect it will be the last time she will offer. Probably should have broken her in on a easier haul, blueberries maybe?

 

[Prof]

Just curious, has she gone out to help you do this before? I'm assuming that she has if she can tell the difference between 18" and 20" rounds, but maybe is it that it just isn't something that she enjoys doing?

She has helped out with wood in various ways, but is not typically involved in the loading of the truck part, particularly when the wood is more than a few steps away.

 

[GadDummit]

I agree with the "take her to dinner" approach. Getting wood is a "me and the kids" affair at my house too. Never the wife. If she even gave me a hint that she wanted to go we'd do an hour or so of sticks, mostly kindling sized stuff 2" thick x 30" long, fill what we could in the truck, then go have ice cream and head home. She wouldn't want to do anymore than get her feet wet anyway.
Might drop her off after that first load to "make some lunch" or something then go get a real load with the babies though. They work their tails off and instead of complaining, we just sing old silly songs and have a great time.

 

[Ashful]

Time for a tractor, Prof.

Or, replace the wench with a winch!

 

[Bspring]

I must be lucky, my wife thinks it's a competition.

 

[GadDummit]

I must be lucky, my wife thinks it's a competition.

Them Carolina girls are a good bunch, speaking from experience. Texas and Carolina, can't beat them for looks or work ethic. Hang on to that one!

 

[Vikestand]

Wood cutting and hunting go hand in hand for me. The wife will only get a rare invite, otherwise it's my time!

 

[Alpine1]

I seldom work around firewood without the wife, but I NEVER go hunting with her. For that task, my dog is the best buddy: doesn’t talk, does what I expect it to do, never complains about heat or cold or mosquitoes or whatever, and is of great help. Hard to beat a dog as a hunting buddy, even for your better half.

 

[blades]

the old lock wife/girl friend and dog in trunk/ basement come back a bit later -which one is happy to see you.

 

[Seasoned Oak]

Wife not happy that yur wood is a little longer than usual. Hmmmmmm. Yea i get that all the time

 

[Ashful]

Wife not happy that yur wood is a little longer than usual. Hmmmmmm. Yea i get that all the time

... and you never thought to ask who her “usual” was?

 

[Manly]

Unfortunately Mrs. Manly is too small and wimpy to cut, buck and stack. She is the primary feeder of the stove though. She likes it warm. I have to cut and split small since it's a small stove [Jotul #3]. I don't mind doing the bulk of the work, after all, it's the Manly thing to do

 

[Chas0218]

Jeez wish i would get help. My wife always asks "when you're done playing can you take the garbage out?" Because doing firewood is sooooo much fun. I don't mind it and it keeps me in shape but it's not easy.

Sent from my SM-G930V using Tapatalk

 

[blacksmithden]

My wife helping with firewood ??? Pfttttt....the mere idea is hilarous. Personally, one of the most enjoyable things about cutting my own wood is being alone and away from people. Im not completely antisocial, but I do enjoy my alone time a lot.

 

[Suprachica79]

My wife is pretty good about helping, then again we’re both females so it’s a bit more of a level playing field lol. Most of the firewood is my job, but she’s always willing to help when doing really heavy lifting or splitting to make it go by faster and she’s awesome at stacking. I guess I’m a lucky one.