Bird Watching at the Cabin

I decided today would be a good day to bird watch from the deck of our cabin. I pulled up a chair and got my camera ready. It was kind of nice to take a break from stressing over what hasn't been finished. (I think the electrician must double as a spy as he's been very elusive and I still don't have my switchplates. ) I hung up a suet cake and tube feeder on the trees overhanging the deck. The Black-capped chickadees were rampant. I put seeds in my hand and one of them landed on my thumb. He didn't take the seed, just cocked his head at me and flew back to the feeder. Just that experience was thrilling enough. Bird count total today: 10 chickadees, 1 tufted titmouse, 2 white breasted nuthatches and 1 hairy woodpecker. Tomorrow, back to the log cabin...

Cabin Fever

I definitely have cabin fever. When we were up at the log cabin today, I immediately wished Greg & I had brought sleepings bags to stay the night. No matter that it would have been on the OSB subflooring. We were enjoying just being there looking at the snow covered lake. A black squirrel was running around the large oak tree out front and chickadees were flying about. We also had a nice visit from our log home dealers - The Fleshers.

This past week the furnace was installed and more progress was made in the kitchen and the bathroom. Speaking of the bathroom, I thought the toilet was ready to use....ha! Greg had to go get some drinking water out of the crew's water cooler and pour it into the toilet so it would flush. Whoops! This week I expect the crew will start on the maple hardwood flooring and complete the electric and kitchen.

Half Log Wall

Though we went with a full log home with our log cabin kit, it was recommended to us to have a half log wall on the lake side of the cabin due to all the windows we have. Additionally it would make the wall more insulated from the lake wind. When you look at the loft windows - you can't tell it's half log. It looks great and still has that authentic log cabin feel. Another benefit is if something is wrong with that half log - we can remove and replace easily. It would be more difficult to do with our full log walls so yearly maintenance will be at the top of our priority list. The construction crew started the half log gabling on the exterior wall the other day when it was 40 degrees in Gaylord. Today it is lightly snowing and about 25 degrees so needless to say they will be working inside. I'm looking forward to going "Up North" on Sunday to check their progress.

Log Cabin Windows and Loft

The doors and windows arrived finally. All but 2 windows are installed right now. The builder had to use a chainsaw to carefully finish cutting the openings for them. The logs arrive with the window openings, but the log company leaves room in case the homeowner changes their mind about the size of the windows. They have dark green aluminum wood clad frames which looks so right with the color of the logs. We need to make a decision about the log stain. I want a more golden color but I'm told since it is a light color - it requires more maintenance and staining. I need to ask Sashco who will be our stain provider.

Other work that was completed this past week was the tongue and groove wood being installed in the loft ceiling. It makes the room look so massive. The 5 separate windows in the loft lets in an abundance of light into our main living area.

Inside the Log Cabin

More interior construction work going on in the log cabin this week. The log staircases were installed (one going to the loft and one going to the basement.) The one thing we didn't plan for was how wide the stairs are. It ending up eating more living room space then we would've liked. In retrospect, our log cabin should have been bumped out a few more feet to accommodate this staircase.

In the kitchen, we are having the builder do custom cabinetry with the tongue & groove wood. No decision yet on the type of countertop.

The doors and windows will finally be delivered today. Now the builder can take the tarp off the openings and I won't have to worry about bears and other critters coming to visit.

Now we have to make decisions on all the fun stuff such as appliances, light fixtures, bathroom vanities and floor coverings.

Deck for the Log Cabin Is In!

The deck for our log cabin is complete. I was so happy we ordered the decking material from Hiawatha Log Homes. The log posts add such a nice touch and compliment our log cabin. The views from the deck are spectacular with our cabin sitting up high enough that we can see clear across the lake.

Log Cabin Construction Update

Our builder has told me (and he might regret this later) that our log cabin should be ready for use by February. I am already having visions of being snug in my cozy cabin in front of the fireplace and looking out at the snow covered lake!

Back to reality - we are still waiting for our doors and windows to be delivered. Now this could turn into an angry monologue on why they aren't but I've chose not to use the window provider's name in case they read this and delay my delivery even further! Lesson learned here - get a guaranteed window & door date if ordered separately from the package AND make sure they don't use holidays as a delay! (Mine were ordered the first week of November so I am still scratching my head on what holiday existed at that time to delay the production of my windows and doors....)

Anyways - the interior walls are being framed, the deck is going up, the plumbing & electrical starts next week. I am excited beyond words!