We’ve not ever had our own fireplace. We’ve had a few wood stoves and I’ve cooked on a few wood cookstoves in my time, and have loved it. I’ve always dreamed of those lovely large fireplaces with a giant hearth and room for a cast iron pot. So, when I saw this house had a fireplace, I was quite happy!

For being an Aries, I sure am paranoid of fire. I had four different contractors come to see if my fireplace was able to be used safely! I went on the roof and looked into the chimney to make sure it was clean and didn’t have any critters living close. I looked up the chimney to make sure it was clean of creosote and that the flue worked.

The fireplace had a glass cover that was not attached to the wall- not terribly useful- so I went and got a fireplace screen.

The andirons are new to me. I have seen them in photographs, but had to look up their use. Ours are a gorgeous brass. They hold the log in place and the tall pillars keep the wood from sliding forward. Still, a grate is recommended, so I went and got a grate from the hardware store.

I have run across iron holders for a cast iron pot that hangs over the fire in antique stores, but with a wood stove, never needed it. It may be something I look for in the future! I do believe my pot could sit right in the fireplace next to the fire as well. We shall see. Stew always tastes better when cooked near a fire.

Now, we’re all set. I went and bought a box of those fake two hour “logs” made of sawdust and what have you for the effect. It’s not terribly cold here and I refuse to pay $11 for six pieces of wood! My friends have an abundance of wood from their forest land, so I will be so happy with some of that gorgeous pine and oak! In the meantime, a for-looks log with some warmth is rather nice as we watch Hallmark movies in the evenings.

The cats seem to enjoy it as well.