A Perfect Place

This is the tree (trees) for treehouse.

New Goals

As we cross 2006 goals off our list, we are already writing the 2007 goals. One, which Craig has gotten enthused about is the treehouse. Craig's Gramps had a treehouse for the grandchildren, a double decker, and Craig is certainly remembering the fun they had there. The treehouse has been one of my goals too, so the first deck, the first level, shall go up in the spring.

We have found and voted upon the location of the treehouse. It will be about 50 yards behind the cabin. I have cut a preliminary bee-line path from the cabin to the treehouse as Nana will have to keep a close eye on the little ones. I know I won't be able to actually see the treehouse in the summer but I'll be able to hear -- and have quick access should the need arise.

Eventually the treehouse will be at least a double decker. Possibly, in a few years, a 3rd deck or crow's nest, might be added but for now, next spring, one deck will do.

Ascent

A big smooth tree root and slippery leaves
made this part of the trail a little tricky.

Weekends

We have spent two nice weekends lately in the timber and Himself has yet to write a word -- so guess I will have to write to break the silence.

This past weekend when Son #1 came to visit with Gabby, Joe and "T", the bridge really got tested and admired. Himself finished up the last bits on the bridge with a little help, finished screwing down all the planks and put 2X4's on the edge to keep the planks from curling and cupping. Then he took the chain saw on up the trail and widened it so that the 4-wheeler will squeeze through. There is some rough terrain on this trail. Craig tried it out and got hung up on the ascent from the gully. That will happen only once, I bet, but I think we may have to build some "steps" up this hill or cut some notches in the tree root so as to provide better traction. Better safe than sorry.

We have had a beautiful November, until today. Last Friday, I think it was, the temps were in the 70s and all weekend the day time highs were 60, at least.

In addition to finishing the bridge, we put another bundle of insulation in the cabin, I drilled the last hole in my wooden sled (now I just need to remember to get some heavy duty chain, with which to pull it) and Himself took out more nuisance trees. He also worked on moving the trail back off the pond but when we tried it out, we discovered there is one more tree will have to go.

We are preparing ourselves for fewer visits, what with winter weather likely (and predicted) to set in but I have reminded Himself that we have been there on New Year's Day before. All we need is a nice weekend with milder weather, and we'll be down for a visit.

Maybe it will take getting homesick for the timber, to get Himself in gear to write again.

Himself's Bridge I

In process

Himself, working on the bridge floor.

It is wild turkey season and there were gunshots all around, some way too close! Otherwise, Himself would probably never wear this bright sweatshirt -- but a very good idea this time of year.

Cabin Comfort

Check another project off the list; the 4 post cedar bed is done! We went down on Saturday and Himself immediately disappeared down the new trail to work on his bridge. He left me behind at the cabin to put up a bundle of insulation and whatever else I found to do.

I enjoyed unrolling the fiberglass insulation and smoothing it down between the wall studs. We can get just one bundle of insulation into the jeep so it didn't take too long to cut each piece and staple it between the studs on the the north(erly) and west(erly) walls. (The cabin sets gee-jawed on the property.)

After finishing the insulation and checking on Himself's progress at the bridge, I cut and fitted a bed skirt, designed to hide all the storage boxes and tools that are now stowed out of sight, under the bed. I finished the whole thing off with a quilt the children gifted me with a few years ago. Now, doesn't that look warm and inviting? We like it!

And I had a good night's sleep. Himself enjoyed a few hours snuggled up in the bed but due to someone's duty shirking (a story for another day) he was up at 11:30 p.m. and again at 3:00 a.m. to stoke the fire. I bestirred myself at 5:00 a.m. to throw on a log but, of course, Himself couldn't sleep through that so we were up for the day!

All Saturday afternoon and evening, I puttered around our little cabin. I put back all the wall "accessories" that I had taken down so as to insulate. I rearranged furniture, washed windows and swept hundred of Japanese beetles out (again!). I imagine I was just like thousands of pioneer women of years past who took their one room cabin, prettied it up with whatever bits and pieces they could find or spare and took pride in their comfort.

You'all come down now, and visit! Ya hear?

A new beginning

Himself in the ravine where the bridge will be.
I hope he doesn't put rails on it!

THE NEW BRIDGE-10/28/2006

We have just arrived at III after 6 days of vacation at Galena, Il. I now have 3 days in which to try and get a project done, or at least started. At least the weather is good. I started by beginning a new path which would lead me to a ravine. This is where I will start planning my bridge. After measuring, planning, thinking, etc, I figured out the materials I would need. This bridge would have to be strong, as it will be designed for 4-wheelers. So, the list is made, and Herself has a list of materials for finishing her cedar post bed, so we hook up my new "toy", the trailer, and head for Girdners in Mercer. They had everything we needed, so packed up and headed for II for the nite. The next morning, we headed back to III. Craig and kids had called and said they were at III, so when we got there, the kids and herself went to the shack while I unloaded my bridge materials by the path to the bridge. Craig and I hauled cement and 4 X 4 posts to the bridge location. I dug the holes for the posts and Craig helped level and plum. As Craig and kids had to leave, and since the posts needed to sit overnite, I decided to help herself finish her bed project. We finished that and put insulation on the walls behind the bed as we knew we wouldn't be able to later. The bed is finished and it is sturdy. Herself put many hours into this project and should be proud of it. I am.
Sunday: 10/29/2006 Herself and I went to the bridge location to see what we could get done. We fastened 2 X 8's to the posts and secured them with bolts. We then laid the flooring down, but were unable to secure them at this time as the battery for the drill was running down. Next time we will finish my project. I will need to build a railing for the bridge, and it will be done.
This has been a great summer with time being spent at II and III. It seems like everytime we go to either place, a new project comes to mind, and sooner or later reality. But I think thats what keeps us going, staying in shape, keeping active, and having fun doing it.
All for now
Himself