Framing the Main Cabin

Wowzers! I can see the outline of each room now. The lines on the plans have come to life. Walking through all those places I have been studying on paper for over a year was awesome. I can feel the inside of the cabin now and it is even better than I've dreamed of. Hard work and commitment to excellence shows everywhere you look. The workmen are having ideas, thoughts, visions themselves as they join in the creative enterprise. Everyone is able to leave their mark and they are proud to do so.

An exciting meeting with a local alternative energy expert re-energized our hopes for hydro energy. He left with plans to crunch some numbers and see what can be produced. That energy question still looms up. Mike is using generators for the tools they need. I trust the energy solution is nearing...stay tuned.

Site Visit June 29, 2009

The Writer's Cabin has really taken shape. It is in the process of being stained/sealed on the exterior. It looks wonderful!





Myron and his crew have outdone themselves with exquisite rock work on the fireplace. We've still been able to use the rocks on site. The weather is taking its toll with heat index temps registering in the 100-110 degree range! The work day begins at 6am.



Remember the big oak tree that was damaged? When it was taken down, the entire tree was like a giant straw! Creative ideas as to how to use this unique feature run the gamut from book cases to a water trough, to an interior tree from floor to ceiling.

Daniel's Visit

Our son, Daniel was finally able to view the cabin in progress. Home for two weeks leave from his deployment in Iraq, he was amazed to see that the land has been transformed so drastically. He laughed as I enthusiastically pointed out all the rocks and timbers. Finally, he sarcastically remarked, "Gosh, Mom, I didn't know you even liked rocks?!" I have always picked up rocks that I want to keep...now there is a place to put them all. :) Daniel and Granddad are in the gathering room of the main cabin.

The eaves over the porches and around the exterior have been covered with reclaimed barn wood. I love the variations in the old wood's coloring.

Cedar shingles adorn the roof of the Writer's Cabin. It looks wonderful! Each week finds the cabin looking more habitable. Actually, Uncle Scott has already camped out in it as our first guest! That was fitting since he provided some of the red oak barn wood from his old barn.


A log sealant has been applied to the exterior. Those old logs have endured over a hundred years already and will need to be protected adequately from the elements. The depth of the old grain is beautiful and resilient-looking with the finish. Chinking will be the next step in the process.

Hollow Tree

Our beloved grand 48" diameter oak tree had an accident last week. On a calm, still night, half of it collapsed, falling away from the main cabin over the upper drive. Upon learning of this, my first response was gratitude. What a blessing that it fell when there was nothing there to be damaged; no people or structure. A friend made a keen observation: though visibly a strong, grand tree, it proved to be hollow inside which rendered it weakened. May this tree remind us of the importance of having a solid interior life; strengthened by the Lord in order to endure daily circumstances. I don't want to find myself with a hollow or shallow interior that would be subject to falling apart. Oh, the lessons God shares in His wilderness. Turning the mishap into opportunity...we will now have plenty of firewood!