Firepit Lessons

Things I learned, or was due to be reminded of, by the firepit that my son Waldy dug in the back yard so his friends could hang out around it:

** If you just dig a hole in the dirt, the fire will eventually burn away the dirt and sink deeper and deeper into the ground. That's why you should go to the sand and gravel store and buy a bucket of sand.

** Although sand and gravel stores are mainly in business to sell truckloads, they don't mind selling you one measly little bucket, since they can get a dollar for a teensy little scoop of sand.

** People like to sit around a fire, even if it is a warm night and there are bright artificial lights nearby.

** The temptation is great to build up a fire to a really ridiculous size, especially if you aren't paying for the firewood.

** When you hose down the fire for the night, the sand will be hot enough to keep the water boiling merrily for a surprisingly long time.

** Small scraps of firewood can be obtained by just keeping an eye out while you walk around town.

** Sooner or later, somebody will arrive carrying a wooden pallet, fencepost or something else that's obviously not "from a dumpster" like they say.

** A young person who has finally broken free of parental authority has a hard time with the concept that anybody ever has the authority to tell them not to do something -- even the owner of a place where they are a guest, even if the something is actually illegal.

** Sooner or later, you have to tell everybody that the party's over -- for the night, or for the summer.