Cabin Cooking

No Stove yet. I hope to remedy that this weekend. Last weekend 3 local (by local - I mean the town my cabin is in) appliance stores were doing "inventory" - so the selection was not the best. Did they call each other and pick that weekend? And all that's left is the $1000 stove? Well I foiled their conspiracy and told them I would wait. We did think about buying a stove downstate and driving it up - but the weather has been iffy and Greg's back is not the best for heavy lifting. Anyways, wish me luck and I leave you with this recipe my mom gave me today - perfect for cooking at the Log Cabin!

Wildberry Crisp

• 5 cups fresh mixed berries
• 4 tablespoons white sugar
• 1/2 cup quick-cooking oatmeal
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup flour
• 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg or cinnamon
• 1/4 cup cold butter, diced
• 1/4 cup chopped nuts

Place fruit in 2 quart baking dish and stir in white sugar. Topping: in medium bowl, combine oats, brown sugar, flour and cinnamon. Cut in butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in nuts. Sprinkle topping over fruit. Bake at 375 degrees 30-35 minutes until top is golden brown. Enjoy!

Tracking sand into the Log Cabin

Hardwood floors are what typical log home buyers envision for their log home dream. (Among the stereotypical loft, stone fireplace, etc.) I was no exception. I just love my maple hardwood floors. I was beaming with pride when the appliance and carpet guys complimented them. But the one thing I forgot was all the sand we would be tracking in being on a sandy lakefront lot! (I don't believe in having grass and fertlizers if you're on the lake, it's too much risk in damaging the lake's ecosystem.) In one day my husband and I tracked in enough sand for a baseball field. I placed mats outside the door and right inside the entrance. Then purchased an area rug for the living room. Now I just need one for the dining area. But the final solution is going to be a brick or stone walkway leading up to the entrance. Greg put in mulch as a temporary solution -so that helped and stays within our current budget. The guy who dropped off the mulch said it best - to "take your time and do it right" - we can't buy everything at once. Smart guy!

P.S. I included a picture of what Sunday morning looked like at the Log Cabin. I thought it was stunning and made me realize how many more great mornings we have ahead of us.

Yard Holocaust at the Log Cabin

This week our lot was back filled and graded. The trees and other greenery were not affected on the lakeside - but the backyard (the side that faces the road) is what I now call a yard holocaust! Can you see how it highlights the propane tank nicely? Our neighbors (well they are a couple lots away) must despise us. Greg purchased some tree seedlings and bushes but you can tell from the picture that it will be quite a while before they reach a decent size. I'm going to head to the nursery and find some larger trees. I really love pine trees and blue spruces. Also toying with the idea of growing some blackberry bushes.