Esther is a beast and beasts are slow to get moving but once they are awake they can just bounce along all day. When we start her up we get up at 5:00 AM and light her up. It is a peaceful time of the day. The sky is dark and the awakening Esther from her slumber requires a gentle hand. Filling her fire box with wood and kindling to get her chugging along takes patience. If I was a coffee drinker this is where I would talk about my morning cup of joe but in reality this is a time that I sit and enjoy the quiet as I listen to the wood catch and pop. I get the vents set just right and cajole Esther up to the perfect temp. We commune for a good hour before anythings hits her grates. it may be my favorite time of a cook.