We enjoyed our first fire of the season this afternoon. With plenty of wood pallets for fuel, there was no need to skimp. The 24″ diameter copper cauldron we have used for a makeshift fire pit will soon be replaced with a proper one made of weathering steel and 50% larger. The size is more appropriate to the scale of the patio and the steel will match that used in the adjacent retaining wall. As the sun set we settled into camp chairs and enjoyed the warmth of the fire against the cold November air. A visiting neighbor expressed her surprise to find me relaxing rather than working on the house. Indeed, this may be the first time in two years that I have taken more than a lunch break while at the house.