ho ho ho

i was trying to somewhat winterize the house this evening when i took a peak up the chimney to make sure the flue was shut. to my dismay, this little device had been attached to the side of the flue to prevent it from completely closing. you see, the previous owners had at one time converted the fireplace to gas and modified the flue to allow constant ventilation. there's only one way to remove something like this and that's to climb completely into the fireplace, stand up and unscrew it. i don't think any red suit or hat could top the santa-like feeling i had as i stood amongst the ashes and soot. if only someone had left me cookies and milk...