Welcome to our blog - a chance to share ideas and info about what's happening in the chimney world.  Our name comes from my wife Merrie with a nod to the time-honored olde English roots to the sweeping tradition.  In 1983, Merrie and I gave up our teaching positions in Rye and Portsmouth for the risky position of small business owners, never mind the field of operations on top of Seacoast roofs! (or the fact that I had all my life been anxious about high places!).
     A $5000 loan bought rods and brushes, a powerful vacuum and some serious ladders, along with a study manual and top hat - all crammed into and on top of my old, beat up 1971 Volvo station wagon.  Then it was off to my brave banker Mel Low's house for the first paid fireplace cleaning engagement.  What's a little soot, along with a duck carcass and an old, antique bottle?!
     That was the beginning, and, as they say, the rest is history.  In future blogs I'll share some of our adventures and some helpful chimney tips.