Ok, ok....we do have to give them a little, but we don't give them as much as most do!!! During the year here in Montana, the temperature range can be as little as minus 30, with summer temps soaring as high as 104 or more. 

Most people we know, or have discussed heating with, say their electric bill doubles, triples or quadruples during the cold winter months!!!  Bills of $200 or more a month is not uncommon!!

We live a frugal life, in every aspect of our lives... we live on an old homestead, which we gutted down to the shell and rebuilt during the last two years.  One of the main features we wanted in rebuilding, was being as self sufficient as possible.  We did our research and opted for a EPA approved wood stove to heat our little home.  So many we talked to tried to talk us into going with a pellet stove... NO Way.....depend on a company to sell us pellets!!!  This year there was a shortage, the prices soared and some folks actually went without .... having to fall back on electric heat for the entire winter!!!

With our little woodstove, we can use nearly any clean buring wood.... we begin midsummer.  We purchase several cords from locals, who make a lving each year with the gruelling task of treking through the forest to chop up downed trees.  They lug it out, cut, stack and deliver (sometimes helping to stack at the delivery site as well).  We feel good about helping them with their yearly livelihood during wood season.... so, giving them our money feels good, plus it keeps us nice and warm. 

There is a lodgepole company in town, and for only $25 folks can load up the back end of their pickups.  Depending on the size of the truck bed, you can actually end up with a cord of wood...not bad for $25!! 

Then there are business' around town, who give away pallets....yep, pallets.... so many times, we have relied on the pallets, most people won't even bother with.  Do you know how much good heat you can get from a nice pallet!!!???

The electric company also has huge wood spools they no longer want, once they use the wires that were coiled around them.   The hardest part of utilizing them for heat, is transporting them from their site to your home for cutting.  You must have big muscles or several people to help load them onto your truck... needless to say, getting them down, is much easier....ah, gravity :-)!!!!

So about this time of year... most of our wood has been used.... we have stayed toasty warm and never paid the electric company more than $45...... For the next few weeks, as the temps are still low in the morning and evening, we utilize as much scrap wood as we can... and begin to look to the next season by stockpiling again.