Relative Something

It being a Saturday, I slept in. It felt great because my health is feeling a bit off kilter. I’m not certain whether it is a viral bug intruding on my system, or the result of a bit too much exposure to smoke from the bonfires I have been playing around the previous two days. If it is the smoke, that’s unfortunate, because all I want to do is go back down there and play with more fire.

There are two piles, and they are really big. The majority of what they are trying to burn is so green that it is reluctant to ignite. I expect we will have remnants of these piles around for quite a while, before fully incinerating the wood and re-distributing the dirt and rubble.

It has been a long time since I spent time around a bonfire. I am finding great fascination with the behavior of fire and how it seems to take on a personality of its own. There is an incredible difference in the dynamics of flames and embers. At times, it seems as though the embers have all the energy, and dole it out in a long, slow process. During those moments, the flames tend to look like mere decorations around the fringe.

After moving things around a bit, the flames will suddenly come to life with a roar that totally eclipses the previous power the embers appeared to hold. With the addition of a little movement of wind, the flames can take on a threatening demeanor that is in stark contrast to the calm energy that radiates from the coals.

I am very happy to have the burning happen when the region is frozen and covered with snow. I am also very happy to be able to make use of the very fine tool that Mary and Tim gave us as a house-warming gift. A 60″ log grabber! Thanks, you two! It works great!