Last Stone

Myron, John, Frank, and Nolan (who replaced Robert today) are placing the last stones in the last area.  This is the retaining wall beside the garage behind which the propane tank resides.  One of the most impressive sights at Shepherd's Glen is the magnificent rock work in the fireplaces, around the foundations, walkway, and retaining walls.  The day Myron was recommended to me as the "best stone mason in these parts"...well, that was a good day. 

Old Lights

Where did this lovely fixture hang in its original home?  Do you wonder what stories antiques would share if they could speak?  Likely it held a candle before electricity was available.  J. Britt's Gallery has wired it to hold a bulb (yes, an energy saving LED bulb) and it proudly hangs in Devin's bathroom.  The ceiling and walls are American Clay hand-rubbed plaster.  It is a beautiful backdrop for this amazing light. 

Granite

Glorious granite!  Stone Works in Nashville is the most wonderful place to wander around the stone yard!  There are remnant pieces of stone slabs left from other jobs.  The selection process is challenging because they are all so very beautiful and unique.  After three visits, the selections were finally made.  For the Hamilton Cabin bathroom, Typhoon Bordeaux was selected.  Caramel, cream, and gray patterns perfectly complement the slate in the shower.

The second photo is the master bathroom vanity.  Surf green was the selection for this two-sink area.  It looks like fine sand with delicate green plantlife washed up by the waves.  Flecks of red garnet are visible, lending a harmonious blend of the colors I love so much.  Polished nickel sugarbear faucets were Lynn's suggestion at 1717 Bath Design Studio. 

The kitchen counter top was not a remnant, but a difficult search by Mary to find a good source for Peacock Gold.  The blue-green base color has deep tones of gold and quartz for a wonderfully elegant appearance.  I know that 'elegance' and 'rustic cabin' may not appear synonymous, but it is my opinion, that as nature surprises us with extravagant and often unexpectedly delicate findings, the same should be welcome in a cabin.  Who knows, you might just see a crystal chandelier around a corner?!

Neighbors

Mom and Daddy host a Memorial Weekend potluck dinner-on-the-grounds, inviting all the "river neighbors".  There were about forty people who gathered for burgers and all the wonderful side dishes.  Mark took everyone over to the Glen for a tour after dinner.  It is a great community that we feel privileged to know.

Camping in a Cabin

Memorial Weekend has become an annual gathering time for family.  This year was a special time as my dad's sister, Katherine, from Arizona was able to make her first visit to our property.  We'd hoped to have the cabins completed for this weekend, but still got to camp out in the guest cabin.  Mike made great efforts to have things as ready as possible.  We were feeling the luxury...running hot water and a "water potty" as our 2 year old nephew cheerfully exclaimed (that was after concern about using the composting toilets we've used for years at Dad's barn).  We slept on the floor, used camp chairs, and had the most wonderful time.  Jeff and Lynne organized a huge group photo on the porch in honor of Daddy's 80th birthday!  A surprise guest even arrived:  our son drove 12+ hours to celebrate with us.  Mark and I were thrilled to have most of our family members (his and mine) to share in our first sleep-over in the Hamilton Cabin.