I went out yesterday looking for more sticks. Observation: If I had to pick between birch or beech, I'd go with birch. The young birch trees were almost arrow-straight, while the young beech trees had limbs that zigged and zagged. (General caveat about trees in N America vs. trees in Europe not necessarily being the same tree.)
I still didn't want to cut down a living tree in a Forest Preservation Area, but I did find a branch of maple that had some reasonably straight bits on it, and was... well, it wasn't green, but it was green-er than the beech I'd found. Took it home, tried to split it. Fail.
Gave up, returned to the Rose of Sharon, the only freaking thing I've managed to split the entire length of. I went at it with a wood chisel for a while before realizing:
- At this rate, I might not get it done by April 2. Surely this is because I have no idea what I'm doing, as this ought to be a very simple job.
- I am not having any fun anymore.
I think I'll write a research paper instead.
Comments