For a while I’d noticed that the shadows were getting longer, and starting earlier; light and warmth were being obscured. It was probably time to do something about it – I’d been putting it off for long enough. I had a few things to do which I could have used as an excuse to procrastinate, but, nesting season would soon be here and this needed doing before the birds got busy.
So, I got out the saws, ropes, and other bits and pieces, and set to. There were a few days work ahead as each of the trees, due to their proximity to the cottage, overhead cables, and livestock fencing, needed to be carefully dismantled. The Ash and Maple were easy climbs, and with each cut and limb removed, the cottage began to bathe in light. The White Thorn, for obvious reasons, took a little longer and involved a lot of breath being sucked through gritted teeth. But, eventually, all was done and I had two piles of wood – one for the fire, and one, comprising some choice pieces, for an overdue project.
The light had been admitted and the view across the fields was once again unobstructed.
I selected one of the newly felled Maple logs and trotted off to the workshop. I looked it up and down for a while, turning it over in my hands, then gave it a whack with the beetle and froe – and a couple more for good measure. The split-out pieces had stunning, almost straight, grain. When I let my imagination roam free the luminosity of the wood seemed to light the edge of the blade as I worked it with the drawknife.
Outside it was overcast, almost dark, and raining. Inside, it was light, bright and warm, and all was going to plan.
It tuned out quite well, I think. But, even better is seeing it put to the use for which it was originally intended…..
It supports the lamp, which when lit, will illuminate The Path.
I hope it provides many, many years of joy and happiness, and serves it’s purpose well.