Guests at the Log Cabin - Part II

A previous topic that popped up on the log home forum I belonged to was having guests at your log cabin / log home and how to handle all the people that want to come and expect it to be a hotel. This was also discussed on the Cottage Life forum in which members described funny and not so funny things that their guests did. I believe (as in any good relationship) that communication is the key. Let them know about all the special things about your cabin/cottage/home - for example if your septic system is "sensitive" or your shower is heated by a propane tank so taking hour long showers wouldn't be appreciated. And I think you already have a sense about your circle of friends and family and what you can expect.

As I mentioned before, one of the things Greg and I looked forward to most was hosting friends and family at our log home. Here are some things I have done hopefully to make them feel welcome and comfortable:


I picked up this Cape Shore guest book at a gift shop. We have guests sign their names and recount what their favorite moments were, what the weather was, etc. It's fun to read their comments afterwards!










The book states:
"Dear Guests,
We hope you enjoy your stay. Please feel free to share your thought, favorite adventures and wonderful things you did during your visit.
We've also included an envelope in the back for special mementos to share with others."







Hopefully I've made this into a comfy & cozy guest room! I have a basket in the closet filled with towels they might need.












I love putting up this free "educational" print I picked up at Hartwick Pines State Park. I think guests like to know about the area they are staying in.












When I go to hotels, I always save the shampoos, mouthwash and conditioners I didn't use and have them in a box for guests who might have forgotten some toiletries.












I have these moose napkins for guests to dry their hands. I don't like sharing a grubby towel with numerous people - no offense!












And of course the all important scented bathroom spray. Sometimes a bathroom fan just doesn't work.....

(P.S. Yes - I'm beginning to notice a theme here, I'm very concerned about my guest's hygiene. Ha!)





Is there anything you like to do for your guests when they visit? Please share!

Guests at the Log Cabin - Part I

Our log cabin has been completed since March of this year and already we've had several guests at the log cabin. Some of them have already been repeats! Part of the vision Greg and I had when we were planning our log home was all the friends and family we would have over. We've taken them fishing, kayaking, to a parade, State Park and even to the Stampede Saloon (best wings and beer list in Gaylord!)

Now what's really been very nice (and totally unexpected - really!) is all the gifts we have received from our log cabin guests! I feel like it's been Christmas all year! And not only tangible gifts, but we've had quite a few even cook for us! One person even brought their own towels (you know who you are, you don't need to bring towels - I have some for you!)

Here are some of the gifts we've received:



A Weber grill from my sis and brother-in-law. He's the pseudo Bobby Flay!













These decorative (well I'm assuming they are since they have polyurethane on them) log mugs - aren't they great?















A bird feeder that's very popular with my feathered friends!












And who can resist a stuffed moose??

















A big thank you to all our friends and family! Just having you at our log cabin spending time with us is all the gift we need! (But Jim & Brian - we do like having you cook for us...you just do it better.....)

Fall weekend at the Log Cabin

The leaves are just starting to turn in Northern Michigan. The weather was perfect this weekend - it had that crisp autumn air. We went to the Farmer's market and picked up fruit and vegetables grown by local farmers. Such a bargain for fresh goods!

From our deck we could see birds migrating and people across the way having a bonfire. That reminded me - we need a firepit!

Here is our log home amongst the thinning trees.

I went kayaking and was tailgating these ducks for photos. I could hear their mom quacking in protest so I hurried as fast I could.

Here is a neighbor's house down the street from me. I love their meandering wood stairs down to their dock.

Big Greg & little Greg stacking firewood. (Should I tell them that we don't have a fireplace yet?!)

Here is Greg's growing rock collection. I can't wait to see where he plans on putting all these.

Log Home & Timber Frame Expo - Chicago!

ATTENTION Log Home Enthusiasts!

The Log Home & Timber Frame Expo is coming to Chicago! The event runs from October 3 - October 5 at the Renaissance Schaumburg Hotel & Convention Center.

I will be exhibiting there on behalf of Hiawatha Log Homes and would love to meet you! So if you're in the Chicago area and decide to attend, please stop by booth# 702 and say hello!

Greg and I loved attending these shows when we were in the early stages of planning our log home. We came away with such valuable information and it really helped educate us on the process. Even if you already own a log home, I believe it is still worth attending to see the latest in design, maintenance and decor.

This event should be great with all the exhibitors they have and all the seminars they are offering. Some of the seminars at the expo include:

• Log Home Care & Maintenance


• Selecting a builder


• Construction lending


• Design is in the details

Check the website for more information. Hope to see you there! This is my first log home show as an exhibitor and I'm hoping I can help someone else make their log home dream come true!

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.

Toys for the Log Cabin

Today's post is dedicated to my hubby Greg. He has been talking about all the different "toys" we need for the log cabin. (Hmmm...what about the washer & dryer, finishing the landscaping, completing the basement, saving for retirement - you know, practical stuff.......) No Shelley, that's boring. "I'm just talking about it....you know, in the future" is what he claims.

Somehow once you put a man in the woods and/or near water - he can never have enough guns, boats, water and all terrain vehicles. And all those gadgets - GPS, 3 pairs of binnoculars.....well, you get the idea.


This beloved drift boat has been sitting in our makeshift driveway. Perhaps time to put in storage as winter is fast approaching?














Honey, surely there is a better spot to park this ATV instead of on our lower patio? (Sometimes I think he likes to park his vehicles so that he is able to view them from any window in the log cabin!)












Okay, the kayaks were both of our ideas. I'm fine with it being stored in the basement.









Well you see, I've been thinking about my own "toys" and what would be perfect for me. Hmmm...let me think......oh yeah!






BORN TO BE WIIIIILD!!!























P.S. Just kidding honey, we can rent them this winter! :-)

Something old, something new

One major piece of furniture I've been missing at our log home was a dining set. I've been scouring all the rustic / lodge stores and magazines. I found one set in Mackinaw city - it was perfect. Dark, round pedastel table, high-backed heavy chairs....I was in love....except the price. There is so many other things we still need to finish on our log home and I couldn't justify breaking our budget at this time.

So I am using the dining room set my beloved grandfather had purchased over 30 years ago and had given to my parents. They have been long divorced and I've been storing it in a warehouse for the past 5 years. The chairs are outdated and need to be recovered. But I have to say - it looks nice mixing old with new things in a log home. Besides - I like having a memory of my grandfather in my most favorite place in the world.