NOW I know why I was so compelled to cut and split all this firewood last spring, summer, and fall. This image shows less than half of my wood supply. This is one of the earliest, heaviest snowfalls we've ever had. Twenty inches. Who knows what's yet to come? Winter hasn't officially started yet.

With deer season upon us in most of the country, lucky hunters will have fine venison meals forthcoming. How about our pet canines? They can share in the bounty too, and you don't have to feed them edible meat. Here's a nifty trick to not only get rid of the inedible scraps, but make your dogs happy little campers as well. It's healthy for them too, providing plenty of necessary fat and protein.

I'm sitting here outside in my man-cave, next to my wood pile, which is my favorite spot to hang out, weather allowing of course. Blogging isn't new to me. I quit writing them in 2006 while working for Outdoor Life Magazine, when my final blog caused a bit of a stir.