There is no doubt that we are all watching what is happening in the news with the Corona Virus.

Falling stocks, closing schools, and store shelves selling out as panic worry begin to set in. The instinct to prepare for uncertainty is something most of us have. However, some folks tend to wait until the last minute to get things in order.
I, like many, have always had emergency food, funds, and firewood stored away…because you just never know. Watching the images of lines at grocery stores and shopping carts full of canned foods reminds me of people rushing out to buy milk and bread hours before an ice storm.I will never forget the bad winter storm we had a few years ago. Many people around here lost power for several days. We received DOZENS of calls from folks needing a wood stove installed – for that VERY DAY. Unfortunately, we could not accommodate, and some lost heat for days.

One of the greatest feelings about owning a wood stove is knowing that no matter what, my house will be a cozy 78 degrees all winter even during uncertain times in America.

Just like the majority of folks around here, we lose power every couple of winters. Yet I have never worried about heat – or cooking or heating, for that matter. Because unlike those who are hostages of the utility company, I can always build a fire.

I can remember well the last major winter storm when we lost power. While people were posting photos of their thermostats down in the 40’s, I was cooking breakfast on the wood stove with the windows open. Later, we heated up some water to take hot showers.

One of my favorite all-time quotes is from naturalist Aldo Leopold. He said, “There are two spiritual dangers in not owning a farm. One is the danger of supposing that breakfast comes from the grocery, and the other that heat comes from the furnace.”

Please remember that nothing these days is guaranteed, whether it is food from the fridge or heat from the vents. We must hope for the best and prepare for the worst in the uncertain times in America, and prepare well in advance of when it is needed! If the thought of becoming self-reliant by installing a wood stove or fireplace insert has ever crossed your mind, now is the time to get started! It has never been a better time because many models have huge discounts right now, but we are selling out fast.

Stop by and see our showroom, or visit our website if you are under quarantine.

Warmly,
Shawn Lee