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.