I have a thing for numbers, and I’d like you to know that you’re reading Ubi Libertas Blog post #1,776.
Most of the cordwood I’ve burned so far is cherry, drawn from a couple of loads I bought from a local guy. It catches quick and smells amazing, but it doesn’t burn as long or put out as much heat as some other hardwoods.
Monday night, as I stuffed the firebox and closed the dampers, I put a large oak split on the coals. White oak, I think.
It was still burning Tuesday morning, a true all-nighter. I’ll finish up my stock of cherry and pay closer attention to what I pull for long burns.
I also noticed yesterday that I’d run myself out of coaling wood indoors. All I had left was bigger chunks, and they’re not always the right tool for the job.
I could’ve simply grabbed some smaller splits from the rack right outside the cabin door, but I decided to bring a load up from the wood yard instead.
After the rain we got, I was pleased to see that the wood was nice and dry under the tarps.
I know what time it is. Despite living my best life in Razorback* Country, I realize that The Game is this Saturday. Ohio State is undefeated and ranked #1, and will face #18 ❌️ichigan in Ann Arbor.
The Buckeyes are the defending national champions, of course, achieving the feat with a team that lost two games, the first time in school history that’s happened. And never before had an Ohio State national championship squad failed to win The Game.
They hoisted the trophy with one hand and held asterisks in the other.
If the Buckeyes beat ❌️ichigan on Saturday — which they haven’t done since 2019 — presumably they’d play #2 Indiana (not a typo) for the Big Eighteen title. But there are seven possible scenarios, depending on who wins and who loses this weekend, including an Ohio State – ❌️ichigan rematch.
Whatever happens, though, one thing’s certain — ❌️ichigan still sucks.
*How the Hogs doin’ this year? They fired their head coach in September. Going into the last week of the season now against 7-4 Mizzou, Arkansas is 2-9 with an 0-7 SEC record, which puts them securely in last place. #WPS
Bushradical dropped a new video on Monday. Naturally, I set aside time to watch it. He (Dave Whipple) was trying something different — a “podcast,” as opposed to his customary practical-skills primers.
Though I’d have to say that I prefer his usual content, this video (almost 49 minutes long) still was worth my attention.
Smudge and I are constant companions. I guess that’s pretty obvious. And yeah, I do go on about what a great dog she is, but there’s more to it.
She and I, along with my dear girl Scout, were left behind unceremoniously 297 days ago. Four became three. With Scout’s passing, suddenly it was just the Heeler and me.
The bond between us strengthened. Each of us relied on the other, consciously. Together, we struggled. Together, we’ve celebrated.
Together, we’re winning.
I’m reminded of the closing paragraph of Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance:
“Trials never end, of course. Unhappiness and misfortune are bound to occur as long as people live, but there is a feeling now, that was not here before, and is not just on the surface of things, but penetrates all the way through: We’ve won it. It’s going to get better now. You can sort of tell these things.”
Today, Miss Smudge and I revel in a life far better than anything that came before. We’ve emerged from darkness and live in the light. We’ve vanquished, in all the ways that matter, forces bent on destroying us. Not only are we inseparable — we are, in the most genuine sense, unstoppable.
I couldn’t decide which of these photos, taken a half-hour after sunset Tuesday, to include in today’s post — and then I remembered that I didn’t have to decide.
Take care of yourselves, Patriots. Stay calm. Stay sharp. Stay free.
#WiseUp #LibertyOrDeath #Ungovernable