It took 40 minutes to:
(a) remove the flagstones covering the spot I turned into my firepit
(b) pull up grass, weeds, and anything burnable within 1.5 feet of the pit-to-be (this went quickly since they were just growing up between flagstones) plus chop down some large, unimportant plants that were close enough to be a fire hazard.
(c) dig the pit. I am not well-built and was pregnant at the time, plus the dirt was hard and clay-ish – but my DH bought me a really good shovel just before I got started, and the work went quickly.
(d) line the pit with rocks and fill a bucket with water in case things got out of hand.

It’s a small pit, but it’s worked great! I roasted a hot dog for myself before heading in to tell DH and the kids “We’re eating outside tonight!” It’s easily the best value for time and money out of all the summer projects I did this year.

I’m just mentioning this in case anyone has been toying with putting in a firepit and procrastinating because it sounds like too much work It’s really not! Do read up on your local fire regulations first – our county has restrictions on the depth and width of the fuel pile for outdoor burning to be considered “recreational”.

My husband and I own a 106 acre sustainable, grass-fed, pasture raised livestock farm in Corvallis Oregon and are passionate about what we eat and in striking this same passion in others.

I absolutely LOVE your blog!!! I posted a link to it on my blog-roll http://www.highheelsinthebarnyard.wordpress.com (hope you don’t mind )

Keep up the great work! I’m excited to follow you on your food journey!

MA–If you get an outdoor kitchen, please throw an opening party. I’ll come and help barbecue!

Flower–Your idea is ingenious. Plus, I’ve been looking for an excuse to buy a gigantic wok. Have you seen the size of the ones they sell at restaurant supply stores? You could bathe triplets in them.

Andra–I’m happy to know I inspired a lunchtime sugar binge. The world needs more smore eating.

Nathalie–your comment made me giggle. You’re right. I think perhaps it was the altitude (10,200 feet) or the fact that I had just come back from Cuba where I ate beans and rice every day, twice a day for three weeks. Chocolate had really never taste quite so good as that night.

Are you KIDDING me? An entire garden full of the most rockin’ veggies I have seen in a long time, fresh trout and you say a s’more is the best thing you ate this summer? Clearly, either the lack of oxygen in those mountains did a number on you, or we must re-fresh your recipe files, or I’m moving into your place! .