Fire pit.

[Murf]

Like DanG I like the small fire / sit close theory.

'Cept I either got more wood ta burn or it's just that much colder up here.  :D

I use two old split-ring truck rims welded end to end, they sit up on a couple of cement blocks and have a heavy steel grate welded to the bottom. The grate is fine enough to hold the fire & coals, but fine enough ta' let out the ashes when I give a thump or three.

I even made a steel disc with little tangs that fits over and locks in place, then when it's time for some shut-eye I can just drop the lid and let it alone safely.

Most of the neighbours (few that there are) know that when they see the flames it's visiting hours.  :D

One feller up the hill even commutes by golf cart ta' warm his bones, swap stories and visit some.

We've even been known to sit out there in the snow and watch the fire, no mossies that time a year.  :D