Central Heating and Chainsaws

[Joygirl]

It is definitely autumn. The central heating went on last night - an extra jumper and a blanket over our knees was not enough to keep the chill off. This caused the Man of the House to declare the chainsaw is coming out this weekend. This means any tree he declares is "dead" or any wooden item within a wide radius is not safe, as we will begin the annual task of stocking up the log store in preparation for the arduous winter ahead (well, we have been snowed in twice in the last 10 years). We will then be able to enjoy winter days and evenings next to a roaring log fire. The only problem with a real fire is the fact that you can't control its temperature, turning it up, or more normally what is needed to be able to turn it down when it gets too hot! It is a bit like our FASD kids - they struggle with temperature control of their bodies and don't seem to feel extreme heat or cold. We have had kids rolling in the snow, putting the freezing snow onto their bare skin because it "felt nice". It is just another realm where parenting our kids is different - and where we have to be more vigilant about our kids physical well-being. Everyone else can think we are neurotic shouting at our kids to put on their coats because it is freezing, but you just have to remember, "parents always know best". Now, where did that chainsaw go........