it's about that time

We need to call our wood-guy! Chilly nights call for cozy fires in the fireplace, one of my favorite things in the world.

photos: here

feeling empty?

This is not my fireplace.  In fact, my living room looks nothing like this.  Sigh.

{flickr}

When I get around to cleaning out my fireplace this spring, it will look more like the above.

I am always at a loss as to what to do with it.  I have tried leaving it totally empty, and leaving unburned logs in it.  Neither of those choices seem appealing to me this year.  Is there an alternative?

I certainly don't want this.

....or god forbid, this!

And while I'm at it -- have you seen this - A fireplace *DVD*?!  egads.

Thoughts?  Suggestions?