Unfinished projects at the log cabin

Is it just me, or is Autumn going by quickly? I didn't make it to the cabin last week due to the flu. (Now why did I get that painful flu shot at work? Hmph!!) But this week we will be headed up there as Greg and I will be celebrating our 5-year wedding anniversary! Hope there is still some fall colors left when we get there!

I was thinking about all the projects we didn't complete this summer, putting stone on the outside basement wall, putting in the walk out patio, having a party with my reclusive neighbors, etc. Oh well, there's always next year! Winter is coming and I must break out my wine collection! Cheers!

It's 68 Degrees today!

Today in Gaylord, it is 68 degrees, sunny with a light breeze - definitely doesn't feel like a November day. I think we picked the perfect week to spend up at our log cabin. Today we were suppose to get our internet installed and for the 4th time when a technician came out, the cable line still has not been pulled to our power pole so he can drop the lines. I have been trying since May. Needless to say I lost my patience on the phone with the unnamed cable company (but who I will name if I don't get my cable by next week!) We are hoping we can work from our cabin (and I have to admit - so I can keep up with my blogger friends when I'm up north!) So I'm back at Bigby's coffee using their wireless service. But despite the cable snafu - it was an enjoyable day.


Pine trees are my absolute favorite. I'm already having visions of garlands and wreaths in our cabin for Christmas.













This is the noisy Tufted Titmouse - he sounds like a duck being strangled when he sings his little song - but I still like him!

















A sunny, blue sky day from our deck.












Greg cut down a cherry tree that was severely leaning to one side. The good thing is that it has opened up our view to the lake a little more.

Outdoors at the Log Cabin

It's amazing all the things you can do outdoors just around the log cabin. Greg and I had some set projects to work on but we always find time for a little fun!


Here is the morning moon shot from the deck of our log cabin.













We checked the logs - making sure everything looks good as winter is fast approaching. I noticed my stain color has darkened slightly and I like this new tone.













We had numerous Mallard ducks in our lake quacking up a storm!

















The leaves are still falling off the trees.












The Black-capped chickadees are flying rampant on our property and enjoying all the bird feeders I put up.












I added some little pumpkins to our porch steps.












Greg and little Greg were suppose to be raking. See that very small patch of green toward the log cabin....this was their progress. The next thing I knew, I heard the ATV start up and those 2 were cruising down the road. Hey guys - what about those leaves????

To end the day, I made a cherry pie. (And told the boys they could have a slice once the raking was finished.) I have my ways.....

Log Cabin Projects

We are headed up to our log cabin this weekend to enjoy some more of Fall's colors as well as work on our projects. Our builder Randy has made good headway on our punch list items and there is only a couple more for him to do such as putting flashing in on the front of the cabin near the deck, repairing the bathroom drain and putting "weep" holes in our log deck railing outside. These weep holes will allow the water to drain thru which will be especially important this winter. I also need to get a quote for putting cultured stone on the exterior foundation. We decided against using our own rocks we gathered once we learned it might not stick as well. Randy may be hunting so I might have to chase him down next week....

Greg and I have our own list too - finish sanding the basement log stairs, getting the loft set up (it's pretty bare) and odds & ends such as hanging a bathroom mirror and pictures. I feel like with every little thing we do, we are turning our log cabin into a log home!




Right now the loft only has a queen and twin bed - nothing else. Have to get some furniture and nice rustic decorative items.













Of course I have to make time to go kayaking on our lake!










I think my fall decorations are complete except placing some pumpkins on our deck. I have a feeling the squirrels will shred them within a week!

Rocks & Log Cabin Projects

Gaylord, Michigan has miles of trails for ATVs and snowmobiles. On one of these roads, Greg has discovered "free rocks!" He drives down these trails, tossing the rocks into the back to be used for our future landscaping.

This past weekend we didn't really concentrate on our log home projects. It was nice to be carefree (never mind the popped deck board, the bathtub drain that doesn't work....you get the idea.) Instead, I took my first ride on Greg's "Rhino" and joined him on his rock hunt. It was a great sunny day going through the woods.....seeing the leaves starting to change....

The projects can wait until next weekend.

Rain at the Log Cabin

It rained all weekend at the log cabin as I'm sure it did at everyone's homes. While we didn't get to finish caulking our log ends outside, it was still nice to be there and plan our indoor projects.




This photo was taken in the afternoon - quite dark outside with all that rain. I think I need more pumpkins in the window.












One good thing about the rain, it's helping my grass seed grow! Starting to look like a lawn.

I want to plant a couple Blue Spruce trees (my favorite) next weekend.













Greg was thrilled he got to finish his work bench in the basement which included hanging up all his fishing lures.

P.S. If you get a chance, please stop over and visit Rob at the Cottage Chronicles to wish him and his family well. His wife had an aneursym and is recovering in the hospital. Rob has a wonderful and informative blog with cottage tips, product reviews and just plain having a good time with the family at the Cottage.

Log Cabin Projects

Fall is coming and then you know what is next! We've got to get a cracking on our log cabin projects! The joke in Michigan is that they only have two seasons - winter and construction. (Michiganders will find that joke funny.)




After it rained furiously in Gaylord, the rain frog gave us the okay to do our outdoor projects.


















The lot was graded and top soil was put down to prep for the grass seed. (This will be an upcoming post.)













Greg built this bird feeder tray which I do not find attractive but our bird friends do.
















Greg is trying to complete the caulking on our tongue and groove ends. I think our next log home will be a swedish cope style so we do not have to caulk for the rest of our log home owner lives!












Finally, we got to enjoy the sunset after a hard day's work.

Log Cabin Projects

I just realized I need to start paying attention to finshing the log cabin projects in the basement. Hopefully we can finish it entirely by New Years.



I have a bathroom that I've neglected. This one is decorated in a loon theme but is missing a mirror and a shower curtain. I just can't seem to find a Loon shower curtain anywhere - if anyone knows where I can, please let me know!











We finished the staircase on the main living level but we also have a log staircase that goes to the basement that needs to be completed. We called Sashco the stain company we used for the exterior and interior logs and they instructed my hubby on getting started. He finished the bottom three stairs - looking good honey!

Log Cabin Projects

Greg and I had a nice weekend to complete many projects at our log cabin.

Hung this chickadee picture in our hallway that was painted from a local Gaylord artist. It's a picture of a chickadee that she rescued that was booted out of its nest from another bird. She would hold the baby in her hand while the parents would come to still feed it.










Cleaned up the deck, checked for loose spindles. Still have more caulking to do.

Purchased a closet system from Lowes. Greg installed this all by himself. (Well, I handed him the drill, hammer and screws so I helped a little bit, ha!)

Log Cabin at Night

There is something so mystical about seeing the Log Cabin lit up at night. I can't wait for this winter to see the cabin covered with snow at night, have a fire burning (wait, I don't have a fireplace yet...)and seeing it look like a picture out of Currier & Ives. (Yes, I daydream quite a bit!) I'm thinking the Log Cabin also needs a couple more lights underneath the roof eaves. My Log Cabin projects continue....