The Firestarter

We had the most amazing storm the other day and aside from losing three shutters off the house, I knew by the chill in the wind that "the question" would start in earnest.

"The question" actually started two and half weeks ago during our indian summer.

With much enthusiasm "O" asked, "Is it cold enough to start a fire?"

"Not when it's 73 degrees outside."

Coming back again he asked,"What if we turned on the air conditioning?"

"Just so we can start a fire?" I said as I looked at my son with sort of a crazy- ish gleam in my eye.

With a look of defeat he ventured off to one of his other projects. I noticed yesterday that the silent treatment started. Not in anger mind you. It starts with an  orange peel being left to dry and then one orange shows up on the counter and then another. Logs start coming into the garage and being stacked for the serious fires of winter.

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After our blustery day the temperature dipped into the 40's. I knew that our evening firesides were beginning.

"It's very chilly in here. Do you mind if I start a fire?"

And with that firestarter season had begun.

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To make the house smell wonderful, take your orange,tangerine, and clementine peels, hang them or put them on a cookie sheet to air dry. Once dried throw them on the fire. Not only does it make the house smell fantastic but the oil in the peel actually helps the fire to keep going. May you have many wonderful evenings by the fire.

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Comments

9 responses to “The Firestarter”

  1. I love saving citrus peel and even squeezed halves for the fire. I think there is an innate need in us for a winter fire – funny how it is the boys that are so keen too – my elder son loves sitting in front of the flames and poking about with the fire. Stay warm. xxx

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  2. We have started fire season here too – I do love it! Have you tried whole oranges? If you have a batch that are horrible to eat or starting to go off (oranges here can be a real disappointment, I don’t know if it is the same for you?) if you cut slits in the skin and dry them in the bottom of the oven – or on top of a woodburner, they make fantastic firelighters and you are right the smell is gorgeous! Have a good weekend Em xx
    Ps works with lemons, limes and grapefruit too!

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  3. Lisa of Rosamund Avatar
    Lisa of Rosamund

    Hello Valarie!
    This post made me smile. With having three boys, I can so relate to the fire starting questions/begging ๐Ÿ™‚ Thanks for the information about the orange peel. I will definitely try this.
    Warm Wishes,
    Lisa

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  4. Dearest sweet Valarie, your post and photo made me smile too! Such a wonderful way to make the house smell wonderful!! Thanks so much for sharing! Have a lovely merry happy day and love to yoU!

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  5. i’ve never heard this before, definitely will do! thank you so much! a lovely post too. โค

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  6. I had no idea that you could use orange peel in this way and I’m making a mental note for the fireplace of my dreams! It’s a lovely thought, you and your family, enjoying winter nights by the fire. I get such a vivid picture of O from your descriptions and it never fails to make me smile!

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  7. Oh I am smiling because we just recently had our first fire as well ๐Ÿ™‚ It is so lovely to sit and visit in front of the burning flames…. I love it ๐Ÿ™‚ The orange peels are a fabulous idea! The evenings are going to be in the 50’s this weekend…. I think we might be able to sneak in one night time fire!

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  8. Ha… we just had our second fire of the season!! Loving it! Also totally digging the new look around these parts…soothing to the eye acutally! Glad I stopped by, take care.

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  9. Oh i am dying for a wood stove! …and this post is just so evocative. Adding orange peels? Mmmmmmm!

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