Today's workout comprised clearing the driveway for the Firewood Man to deliver my firewood.  It's an odd(ish) thing the annual delivery of my firewood.  The Firewood Man lives across the road from me with his Mum.  He is about my age. 

When I want firewood, which I've learnt is best if you can have two seasons ahead, and also ideally purchase prior to Christmas - actually, I don't really need firewood for next year, I just love firewood - and I've also come to look forward the "ritual of the purchase".  Also one never knows when one may need to 'winter over' as I did this year  - thanks to KC and the Sunshine Band. 

So, this is how it goes: I look out for the Firewood Man in his front garden with his Mum.  This then necessitates a review of her garden - which is in pretty good shape for a lady in her 80s.  The Firewood Man's Mum has lived in my street for at least 50 years or so, initially two doors along from me, and then she moved in with her son a few years ago.  I find her pretty amazing because she also has this amazing array of homespun wool and knitting from the sheep the Firewood Man has in a paddock somewhere.

We then discuss whether its a good year for macrocarpa or not.  I really don't know what this means, other than preffered purchase catergory.  Last year I got on the macrocarpa list.  This year apparently mac is in short supply - which I interpret as not making the preferred locals list this year.  I don't really mind, as I probably will purchase either Mac or Manuka locally via Trade Me.

Anyway, the ritual of the purchase of the firewood was almost completed tonight when the Firewood Man was waiting for me at his gate to return home from the train. Actually, he waits at his gate quite a lot in Summer to say hello to various people... He then says he can deliver one load tomorrow, another on Thursday or Friday depending on the rain, and the remaining load in the new year.  He then hands me a small piece of paper written in his Mum's handwriting with the price on it - $300.00 for the two loads before Christmas.

It's this bit of the transaction I find most intriguing, because he does it every year.  Hands me this small piece of paper with the price on it.  We never discuss the price.  I just say something like "Ok, I'll drop the money off to you tomorrow".  I kind of think maybe he can't read, or do the numbers (so have empathy for him on that one).  It doesn't worry me if that's the case, I just though find it intriguing, and a little sad if that is the case.  Like, what will he do when he can't rely on his Mum?

The final part of the ritual always necssitates discussing the train ride home, and how the weather was in Wellington.

Oh, today's exercise also comprised an hour or so of "grubbing" - the garden is "rampant" in a way a wish my exercise and weight loss would be!

Excited to discover I have green tomatos, and ready for eating: zuchinnis, rubarb, red currants, strawberries, raspberries, broad beans, and yes, lettuces - although only a few left now.

I love firewood, which is why I've devoted so much text on this post to it!  It is though, as an astute reader you've probably worked out, also an easy distraction for me.

Energy levels are higher today - but I guess its true to say, I'm regrouping on a few things as Christmas draws closer.  I think overall this is a healthy thing to be doing.   I have my draft Event Calendar and all that, but I actaully need to be a little more specific about specific goals I don't want to escape my grasp in 2012.