The Cabin

10/19/2023

Hi friends!

A lot of people have asked me how the cabin is going. The short answer, it's going. The long answer...

We are back at it and making some progress again. Sometimes I can go out there and be okay. And then other times I just can't do it. We are super swamped in this stage of life and more often than not I just "let it go". Especially if I am really missing my dad. Because when I go up there, and he's not there, it is still very hard for me. Yes, the place is mine now, but it won't ever really be MINE. It's my Dad's. And the fact that he isn't there when I go up there is still really, really hard for me.

But you know what? That is NOT what my dad would have wanted. He wanted the cabin to be enjoyed, not just sitting.

He didn't work so hard for me to inherit the property and leave it sitting.

So we are moving forward again, slowly, and doing what we can. I would love to be ready for short-term rentals in the spring. Will that happen? Maybe, maybe not, but it sounds good :)

One more thing I have realized lately....

In order to heal, I need to finish this. For my dad.

So stay tuned!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

02/02/2023

Bedroom # 2, my old bedroom, finished in a day and a half. Ended up having to demo the old subfloor and joists and rebuild it back, but my guys got it done so quickly. I am loving this floor ❤️

We are getting there, slowly but surely.

01/23/2022

We now have a fully functional bathroom at the cabin!
Terry finished framing the walls this weekend also.

12/26/2021

As the work progresses at the cabin, I have thought about ways to individualize the rental experience and making it as unique as the cabin and property are. I have been thinking about different "packages" I want to offer to renters and wanted to post them here to see what you guys think and to keep a record.

1. Friends and Family Package:
I want to offer rentals at a 50% discount for close family and friends the first few months in exchange for your input on what you liked and what you didn't like. This will help me get more ideas and what renters will want.

2. A "Grief Package":
I know how weird this sounds. But I saw a FB post that gave me the idea. I want to offer an experience to help people deal with their grief after losing a family member. With an obituary as proof of the loss of an immediate family member, I will offer a "buy one get one" night for free. At the cabin I will leave a basket with special items that may help, such as a special grief notebook, quotes, and resources for the grieving. I am totally open to ideas here so send them my way. I am just brainstorming!

3. Anniversary/Honeymoon Package:
Special items left to celebrate, such as candles, champagne, cake, rose petals, couples games, etc.

4. A "Girls Weekend" Package:
Leaving fun things for a girls weekend. Makeup, drinks, snacks, spa stuff, facials, wine, etc.

5. Nature Watcher Package:
Leaving accessories to help enhance your experience with nature. Bird seed, a bird watcher companion, binoculars, hiking backpack, etc.

6. Christmas Cottage Package:
The cabin will be DECKED OUT in rustic Christmas decor. Christmas tree provided along with Christmas activities for a family to do together. Offered month of December through first week of January.

7. Family Package:
Offering fun things for a family to do together. Board games, cards, activities, movies, snacks, etc.

4th of July Package:
Offers fun things to do to celebrate Independence Day. Small package of fireworks, hamburgers and hot dogs, charcoal for the grill, smores, and fun outdoor activities for kids and families such as corn hole.

In addition, every guest will get a small welcome basket and fresh flowers upon their stay.

Thoughts? :)

12/12/2021

Flooring done ✔️
All new plumbing ✔️
Toilet and shower installed ✔️
Next is lighting and some trim. Thank you Terry Harmon for another productive weekend! We are getting closer!

11/14/2021

Rosie is thrilled to announce we have a toilet again at the cabin!

10/30/2021

It's potty time!! Roxy is so excited to have a potty again!
Can I just take a moment to brag on my cousin, Terry Harmon, who is back up at the cabin working this weekend by himself in the rain while we are stuck at home with nasty COVID. Thank you Terry!!!

10/17/2021

Progress ✔️

10/03/2021

Bad drainage over the last 20 years caused the bottom logs in the back bedroom to rotten. We fixed the drainage problem first then had to replace the logs. After trying unsuccessfully to find logs all summer we decided to make do with some pressure treated lumber (it won't be visible when we are done and will he more sturdy and hopefully last longer). I am happy to report the hard part is done and the cabin is sealed!
Now we get to start framing the floor.

08/29/2021

And soon you will be able to! 😊

08/20/2021

Bedroom and bathroom are demo-ed. Looking at floor samples today 😍

07/05/2021

07/05/2021

✔️ New guttering