Great Job Jonf, My ideas was the same as yours, but I use hot water and no frig. use the cold weather outside for 4 months then inside.... Ps. To get the seed out from the cones, I put them in a big jar and give it an good shaking with the lid close, the cones will bang around the walls and lid, E Zee , seed came out, less things on the fingers, give it a try next time, its works great for me.
i'll be picking more cones this coming fall, trying to do it before they start to open all the way, and hit by the wind...
I agree, some of the best things in life are free, plus it feel good as well to know that you can do it without cash and hand.....
I did not know the JWP are in high demand... I thought it was or is the Blue Atlas Cedar.