We're heading below freezing tonight here in Virginia. It's 33F now, but the woodstove is a trusted old friend, sitting idly by for the summer, but now running for the first time this season.

We're toasty now, a handful of hickory logs doing the work. But come February, when daily wood-toting is mandatory and gritty ash and bits of bark under foot are commonplace, we'll wish it away.

For now though, we're feeling a little festive, and hopeful about those winter heating bills.