Chim Chim Cher-ee

This winter we'll have a functional fireplace. Matt and our friend Brian took out the old fireplace, which didn't work and put in another one today. We got the new unit for free from someone who was remodeling. It's self-contained and as the fire burns, the fans at the bottom of the unit will blow warm air into the living room. The job required part manly muscle, part engineering (at one point Brian and Matt were discussing thermodynamics) and the better part of the day.

Paul was in the thick of the action, as usual. He got the important job of using the shop vac to vacuum up the black soot from our white carpet. Joel, who loves to emulate big brother, was in the middle of things as well. He put on daddy's gloves and began "helping" in his own little way. We're all looking forward to some cold winter nights when we can cuddle up next to the fire.

Here's my little chimney sweep:

Chim chim-in-ey, chim chim-in-ey
Chim chim cher-ee!
When you're with a sweep you're in glad company
Nowhere is there a more 'appier crew
Than them wot sings, "Chim chim cher-ee, chim cher-oo!"
On the
Chim chim-in-ey, chim chim cher-ee, chim cher-oo!