bookofjoe's Favorite Thing: Steven Raichlen's grill gloves repurposed for fireplace log manipulation

Who hasn't used those stiff, uncomfortable, ill-fitting leather fireplace gloves from L.L. Bean and its ilk, wishing there was something better?

"Solve the problem with what's in the room" — Edwin H. Land's inspirational dictum — came to the rescue this morning when it came time to move the log fragments and cinders from this fall's first fireplace burn.

My fireplace gloves are in the basement — where they'll remain permanently after my discovery, to be related forthwith — so I thought about what else I might have near the fireplace to move the red-hot embers with.

Then the penny dropped: My brand spanking new Steven Raichlen grilling gloves, purchased earlier this year to use when I use my oven, which is pretty much never.

That's why the gloves look pristine.

Anyhoo, I put them on and they were as comfortable as I recalled them to be and sure enough, they worked great as insulators while I repositioned the wood for a second cycle of burning.

$22.98.