Cabin Tip - Don't forget the propane

A few weekends ago, I was the perfect example of what people up north call people downstate in Michigan - a fudgie, trunk slammer, flat lander or troll. Fudgie has always been my personal favorite since the northern people laugh on how we "fudgies" like to buy fudge when we visit. But fudgie can also describe one of our "up north" mistakes. Last weekend we arrived at the cabin, the heat wasn't working. After several minutes of playing with the thermostat and inspecting the furnace, we called the heater guy. "Did you check the propane tank?" he asked in his all knowing northern michigan way. I as the fudgie said "no but thank you. I will call the propane people." I run out to inspect the tank gage - and it was empty. The propane people were understanding - they get these weekend calls all the time from us fudgies who forget to inspect the tank. It was an expensive mistake as we got charged an emergency fee to fill - but I was just glad they showed up. Cabin tip of the day - don't forget to monitor your propane tank on at least a bi-monthly basis.

Snow and unfinished business at the cabin

It is 32 degrees and snowing in Gaylord today! Where is spring? After I filled my bird feeders this morning, I had flocks of juncos, nuthatches and chickadees swarming them. But the lake is breaking up and we even saw a Canadian goose swimming in a small open pool of water. We spent the day shopping (to my husband's dismay) for more items for the cabin. Our fridge was delivered, we picked up some rugs (including this carpet runner pictured here in the hallway) and another bed. I've invited some friends to come up to the cabin in a few weeks so the pressure is on to get the cabin a little more complete. I'm pushing Greg to hang up the other set of blinds. This wasn't easy since last week the screws weren't cooperating and it involved a lot of swearing on his part to get the first ones up. Our lot is perfect right now for someone who wants to four wheel in some mud! Looking forward to dry weather and counting down the days till my builder's return.

My guest bedroom is better

Last weekend when we were at the log cabin, I realized my guest bedroom is better than my master bedroom. How so you ask? Well for one thing, look at all the sunlight that pours into this room! This is what morning is like in the guest bedroom. Not so much in my room. Second thing - the view is better at the guest room's smaller window. You see the undeveloped wooded lot with large maple and pine trees. In my room, my small window has a direct view of the propane tank. Also - I think the birch tree I can see from there is dying. Well I guess before I start feeling sorry for myself, I remember that my guests will think I'm such a good host for providing them with the "best room." (And oh yeah -I have the big double closet - not so bad! ha,ha).

One at a time

I feel like I'm on a treasure hunt as I pick up items for the log cabin one at a time. I'm a very careful person and want to make sure I don't regret any purchases. I have a binder filled with cut out images from log cabin magazines to give me decorating ideas. I found this great lamp pictured here at Advance Lighting in Gaylord. I like it for its metal base that resembles a tree trunk. Now where to put it.... Right now I have it on the kitchen counter.

* Click on the photo to view the details in a larger version.

A couch and a loon for the log cabin

I am happy to say that we moved our crimson red couch into the log cabin this weekend. Me and the hubby moved it ourselves. (24 hour notice was not sufficient for the furniture place. We even tried bribing them with extra money...I thought it was a tough economy...no luck.) But I was bound and determined to get that couch in this weekend. My hubby was skeptical and made me practice lifting it at the furniture store (I'm sure the people there were laughing.) As soon as we got it in and I determined my back wasn't broken, Greg (a.k.a. hubby) said the cat was not allowed on the couch. Try telling that to a cat! Anyways, I snapped this photo of the cat on the couch while hubby was outside with a project.

Also, I found this cute Loon cookie jar (pictured above.) Now I have to go make cookies for the hubby, especially once he sees this picture of the cat.

Log Stacking Memories

I was just thinking today of how amazing it is on how the log cabin has come together. It is logs stacked together! It sounds so simple but yet when you see the crew up in the boom truck lowering the logs when snow is blowing in their face, making sure the log beams are spaced apart evenly, fastening each log, etc. - then you realize what skill it takes to build a log cabin. The building conditions were not ideal either- it was a cold, snowy winter in Gaylord. Often times they would have to shovel snow out of the cabin before they could go back to stacking logs. I took advantage of their outdoor bonfire many times when I came to check on their progress. And now as spring is upon us and I'm looking at my perfectly stacked logs, I am aware of what true craftsmanship is involved with our log cabin. (Shout out to the construction crew! I think I owe them some beers too...)

Getting ready to move into the log cabin

Our log cabin (soon to be log 'home') passed inspection! I am so excited to drive up north this weekend to check it out and bring some things up. Our builder will be out of my clutches for the next couple weeks in Florida. Hopefully when he comes back, the ground will be thawed and the weather will cooperate for our remaining exterior items. I'm sure I'm being overly optimistic on how fast it will warm up...but a girl can dream! I was going through all my "old stuff" at my house that I thought should go up to the cabin (silverware from my bachelorette days, a loon picture, extra kitchen utensils, etc.) But I also want a lot of "new stuff" to christen the cabin. I think my sales have gotten better at work because all I think about is what that commission can buy for the log cabin. And I'm sure my husband and his wallet are getting ready to take cover from me....