Deckman... two generations ago... my Gramma had a stew on the back of the wood stove all year round. That pot never moved except to be placed nearer to the front to boil up. I recall her saying during a nasty snowstorm... "These young people are crazy. They HAVE to get to work in THIS? Just put some more turnip, carrots, onions, potaoes and meat in the stewpot and enjoy the storm and the company... sing us a song Gary." I'd help her peel veggies and sing away tho I peeled better than I sang. But she seemed >;-) to enjoy it.