I took the day off so that I could be here when our woodburning stove installers came. They arrived about 11:45 (it's 1:30 right now) and it's been quite the adventure. I am fearful for the moment when MeeMaw arrives home and sees the mess.
The fellows had to demolish the old damper (it was frozen in place), and when they did, about fifty gallons (no exaggeration) of ash and soot came a-tumblin' down into the living room. I had the foresight to close off all the rooms that I could, and I'm glad I did. Right now in the family room, foyer, kitchen, dining room, and office, every surface is covered with a fine black soot, which very much resembles the fingerprint powder we used to use in CID. This is going to be one long, arduous cleanup job.
All the windows in the family room are open, along with the front door, and I have a fan going to try and suck out as much floating soot and ash as possible. Poor Bonnie is in her crate in our bedroom, and the cats are in the middle bedroom. Purrl will be our litmus test to see how well we clean up after the installation is complete. She may very well not be as monochromatic as she is as of this writing.
But I'm hopeful that when the job is done, we'll have a beautiful source of heat (and cooking!) when the power goes out again, which it almost certainly will do at some point.
Speaking of heat and power, I thought I'd share this very dignified video of Dr. Shine and Dee Dee.
And some people wonder why the church is not held in high regard in many circles.
Love to you all...
~ PeePaw
