simple pleasure of the week: fires in the fireplace

On a cold, rainy night there is nothing better than cozying up by the fire with a warm blanket and a hot drink. As I'm writing this I'm thinking, "well, yes that is amazing but what about hanging out by a fire pit on a summers day, or sitting by the fireplace first thing in the morning with breakfast and coffee?" Okay, so there are lots of ways to enjoy a fire in the fireplace and I'm not sure I can pick one scenario over another. What I am sure of, is that this is a simple pleasure of mine. The warmth it brings, the sounds of the crackling logs, the smell of the smoke, and the glow of burning embers. It envelops the senses. What is your favorite way to enjoy a fire?

What is your favorite way to enjoy a fire?