Time and Patience



Sealing the ends for seasoning works unlike searing meat



We recently had a friend come over to fell this maple tree.  We all had reservations about cutting it down because it was beautiful and here before we were born.  It hadn't been pruned and was creeping up on the house, so it had to go.  I resolved that I'd do my best to make use of the wood.

Nothing beats the flavor of cooking over an open fire.  I'll rig up something to make charcoal.  Bits and chunks will be reserved for smoking.  I researched making lumber, but the process and time investment didn't make sense.  However, I had the idea that I could make a pepper mill and salt box.  I consulted my woodworking friend who came over and split sections to store.  I sealed the ends with latex paint to prevent splitting.  The rule of thumb for seasoning is one year per inch of thickness.  I figure it'll be at least seven years before I can hear that first peppercorn crack in the grinder.  It'll be worth it. 

"If a tree falls in the forest but nobody is around to hear it, does it make a sound?" - popularized quote originating from Bishop George Berkeley's work.  Sorry, I couldn't help myself.  I have been plugging away to get noticed in the food community and it's slow going.  As a rookie blogger, I fell into the trap that it would be easier to be seen than I thought.  I finally came to grips with what I already knew. 

I guess if I'm willing to wait years to turn some wood, I can be a little more patient.  It's all about the journey and The Plan.