Over many autumns, I’ve drawn several variations of this gag set-up, including one this year. This one from 2011 is one of my favorites. The first winter after Arlo & Janis began its run in newspapers, I lived in a small cabin on the Tennessee River that was heated exclusively by a central wood-burning fireplace. I gained a wealth of knowledge about chopping wood, starting fires and banking coals, but it was the only such year. I never again lived without at least auxiliary heat, but artistically the experience served me well.

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