Log & Timber Frame Expo

The first day of the Log & Timber Expo is behind us! It was a light crowd but not surprising since it started on a Friday afternoon and most people are working at that time. I'm convinced that people who have an interest in log homes always turn out to be some of the nicest people you'll ever meet. About 30% of the people we met today already own land and are now looking for the right log home. Tomorrow should be the busiest day of the expo and we are looking forward to it. I'm looking at some of these rustic furniture dealers and want to buy almost everything I see. Well my feet are killing me and I'm headed to sleep - here are some photos I took this morning before the expo opened up to the public.

Preview - Log & Timber Frame Expo

Greg and I are in Chicago (Schaumburg Convention Center) and looking forward to the Log Home Show beginning tomorrow. People are setting up their booths and already I see some I would like to personally visit - especially the Lonesome Cottage Furniture Company. Here is a little preview taken with my phone.


Here is Hiawatha's booth! (I should note that I did not set this up - Bob at Hiawatha arrived early and did it all himself. I am going to owe him big time!)

I think this copper tub is a dream come true!

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.