[SamAdams76]

Great story but damn, I've got my firewood stash about 100 feet away from the house and on many subfreezing nights, I've gone out there in pajamas and loafers to grab more wood for the fire. Sometimes even in bare feet.

Something to think about.

[palmer]

I wear slippers sweat pants and a t-shirt but never bare feet. And I am in relatively mild Virginia. Even if my cats happened to be outside they would quickly go back inside to stay warm and would be very unhappy if nobody came to fill the stove.

[Man from Oz]

I have a big plastic trash barrel in the stove room and keep it filled up to avoid going out at night.

Accidents can happen anytime. My 84 year old Uncle had the wind blow a door back on him causing him to fall and break his hip right before Christmas. Fortunately, he made it through surgery and rehab and is now home with my cousin.