Chop Wood Carry Water

Did I mention it's been cold? I heat my house with wood. I have a propane heater as well but it's costly to run and I prefer the wood heat. I also like chopping the wood and keeping the fire going. I know the character of each piece of wood in the pile. I can judge it by weight and grain, if it will start easily or burn longer for overnight. Fir makes great kindling if you avoid the knotted pieces, Birch and Maple are dense woods that burn hot and produce more ash. Alder smells great and is a fast growing hard wood that is plentiful on my property.