Sounds like our home, nice! Except no power spitter, no tractor, just a small Husqavana, a mexican 8lb maul and a wedge and an old Toyota 4x4 longbed.
I've changed the way I burn. Instead of steadily adding wood through out the day, I burn in cycles. When I feel the house cooling down say maybe 68 degrees or so, I open the stove, scoop out the soft ash, rake the coals to the front, then add about 5 pieces. I stack 'em in loose if I want to heat up the place quick, or pack 'em tight if I want it to last. It is rare to see any smoke coming from my chimney. It is good to keep that chimney hot to avoid creosote buildup. Home is where the hearth is!