Saturday, September 6, 2008

A small town parade!

Our log home is located in Waters, Michigan where they have 2 unofficial slogans.

  1. The Peaceful alternative.
  2. Snowmobile and golf without traffic jams!
We chose this location for our log home because of the quietness and quaintness of the small town. This year, Waters had their 2nd annual "Thunder Over Waters" festival. I must say for a town this size - it was nicely done.


Maybe this will grow bigger next year. I'm even thinking about having my own float. Greg is telling me "leave those people alone! let them have their own parade!" - but my argument is that we are a part of the town - come on - I won't be obnoxious. I think he's just afraid I'll make him sit on a float. Do you have any parade float ideas for me? Please share them!


*P.S. Don't forget about my Fall giveaway! Scroll down to yesterdays post to enter!






These kids were throwing beads and candy! I even caught some!






The IGA ladies hooked up 3 shopping carts together. Aren't they patriotic?!




























A snazzy yellow car! Do you know what this is? I don't have a clue.




















Cute kids ready for halloween!


















The "float" that every guy drooled over. Who wouldn't want their own John Deere tractor?!

Friday, September 5, 2008

Giveaway from 'Building a Log Cabin!'

Fall is in the air, the leaves are turning and I'm happy about my log home career so that means I have to have a giveaway! Two as a matter of fact.

Mr. Scarecrow is 1st prize, and the 2nd prize was inspired by Jen's post about "blessings" at Unglazed - a "Grateful" door hanger.

Here are the rules:
  1. Submit one favorite quote or poem as it relates to Fall.
  2. Post it here and leave a link back to your site.
  3. U.S. & Canadian residents only.
  4. Shelley's hubby Greg will decide which 2 he likes best and pick the 1st & 2nd prize winners.
  5. Contest ends midnight on Monday, September 8th, 2008.





Wouldn't you like to have me in your home?







Thursday, September 4, 2008

Today is the first day....






















My log home really inspired me. Because I love it so much and what it represents - a connection to nature and family - I wanted to concentrate on it full time to help others make their dream come true. Yesterday was the last day at my "Fortune 500" company job. Yes - a lot of people told me I was crazy for leaving a good paying job! And I did wake up at night like a cat on the ceiling thinking "am I doing the right thing?" I have a loving & supportive husband that told me to go for it. It's not too often you get to do what you love. Plus he said "hey, Maria is out of the office next week, you can come help me." Ha! So yes, I will be helping him at his company as needed too. So today is the first day of the rest of my life!

Also, Marvin our log cabin cat has said I must have a giveaway to celebrate this new venture in my life and I agree. It's going to have to be fall related as I love fall and "tis the season." I'm going shopping today to see what I find. Stop back tomorrow for details!!


P.S. My public service announcement for today - if you are looking for a log home, please visit me at Elk Country Log Homes!

Tuesday, September 2, 2008

Misty morning on the lake

One of the best locations we chose for our log home was being on the lake. There's just something so soothing about looking out at the calm water. And of course there's just so many things you can do out on the lake such as kayaking, fishing, swimming and just the observance of wildlife. I've come to realize I prefer the "silent sports" on the lake. My jet ski days are behind me.
This past weekend, we got up early two mornings in a row (no easy feat to wake my snoring husband up!)to experience the morning mist and the quietness around us.



Here the mist is just starting to rise off the lake.














Early morning is the best time to go fishing.















Greg is letting me know where my beloved loons are out on the lake.













Two loons dancing in the mist.













I took about 100 photos of the loons (some of which will be posted on my bird blog this week.)
I never tire of documenting their progress and hearing their haunting call across the lake.









Monday, September 1, 2008

Fall begins at the Log Cabin

I can't wait another day, I have to start decorating the log cabin for fall! Plus I already have the hay in my backyard (for the grass seed - but it's still good hay!)



I picked up this beautiful wooden loon decoy in downtown Gaylord. I tried to haggle with the owner on price - but she said "it's signed by the artist, last one." How do I argue with that? Anyways, doesn't he look good with the fall foliage and pumpkin by him?










I have fall leaves and mini pumpkins spread out with my bird houses and other loons. There's great prices on fall decorations right now at Garden Ridge.












Couple pumpkins in the window....











Welcome to our Harvest Home!! (I still have to pick up a lot more stuff.....I need some of those scarecrow fellows!!)