At mid-day my youngest son was at work and my oldest son was away with a friend when my wife and daughter informed me they were going to the movies for the afternoon. It was quickly apparent I would be home alone with no plans of my own. On a day where Hurricane Sandy was already influencing Ohio's weather, there wasn't much to do as the temperature dropped, the rain increased and the wind intensified - except return to the cabin.
Upon arrival through the wind, rain and mud, I was pleased to find the logs left earlier in the day still burning in the hearth. Although it was just 40 degrees outside, the cabin was still nice and warm. Having awoke at 6 am to ensure there was plenty of time to prepare breakfast for family and friends, I was now starting to wear down. It didn't take long to decide that ascending the loft ladder was a good plan.
I can't fully explain how comfortable it is to curl up in a fetal position in an over-stuffed loft bed as the rain pelts down on the metal roof. Looking out the sky light, a huge tree's limbs sway in the wind above and occasionally drop acorns and leaves on the glass. The steady sound of rain is interrupted by sounds of overloaded water drops released from branches and leaves as the wind continues to increase. Not a touch of draft can be felt as I lay uncovered on the soft comforter. The loft is much warmer than the lower level which helps a nap come quickly and consume the next two hours of my life.
The mind is an amazing vault that stores so many memories of life's experiences. Before I share, I need to first explain.
After the nap, a box of Merlot on the bar, the cheap stuff you buy in the wine section of a grocery store, caught my eye. With the fire searing seasoned logs in an intense heat and the wind now blowing more forcefully outside, I kicked back in the recliner to enjoy the peace and quite of a Sunday's late afternoon with a glass of wine while watching birds frequent the feeders on the porch.
The stereo above the mantel is equipped with an iPod that contains over 5000 songs. Today, with the sound of the rain on the roof and the wind blowing outside, I decided to listen to Simon and Garfunkel's Greatest Hits, an old favorite and blast from the past.
Shortly after A Bridge Over Troubled Water began playing, my mind immediately re-opened buried memories from 42 years earlier. Listening with closed eyes, I was returned once again to the Waverly East Elementary school auditorium on a Saturday night at an 8th grade dance in 1970. It was a slow song, something an awkward Appalachian farm boy had been waiting for all night since he was too embarrassed to try dancing fast. As the boys all sat in a line of chairs against the west wall, we peered across the gym floor at young ladies on the other side trying to decide who we would be brave enough to venture over and ask to dance. I don't recall which classmate it was, Kim, Karen or Teresa... it doesn't matter as all I can remember is the feeling and experience re-opened in my mind as the song played above the fire. It's amazing how memories and experiences like this remind us how finite life is. At the age of 56, having a mother die at 63, I am reminded I'm on the last quarter of life's cycle; especially accepting that I've already lost 2 of my 3 best childhood friends. So as I listen and reminisce, I think of how it must be after death with Saint Peter at the Pearly Gates of heaven. I have to believe that the mind's vault, the soul, will once again open to reveal the life of a man. The life experiences, such as I just re-lived, will once again be reviewed.
As I throw another log on the fire and take a sip of wine, I wonder if I'm worthy of entry above.
If I could bottle and sell the peace one finds in the silence of a remote cabin, I'd be a wealthy man. However, it doesn't take long to realize that wealth is relative and a figment of the imagination -one reward of my life is being inside these 4 cabin walls.
Others can seek wealth and money.
Sunday, October 28, 2012
3 Jims visit the cabin
Our cabin was built for family, friends, fellowship, rest, and relaxation. Although there is pride in ownership, true satisfaction comes from sharing with others and enjoying the look and comments from first time visitors. So many share a common opinion that it seems so much bigger when inside than when observing it from out doors. The design was intended to create this sense of space inside that makes it very unique on such a small scale of 384 sq ft.
Kuma d.o.g stays with me during visits where we both enjoy a late night rain that sings us to sleep; Friday was no exception. Both Saturday morning and today included breakfast visitors shortly after daylight. On Saturday morning, brother-in-law Mike Childers and a family friend, Connie Martin came out and enjoyed ham and cheese omelettes, bacon and coffee. Connie recently purchased a new Jeep Wrangler which gives her access to ManCamp like few others. Today, 3 Jims, Jim Snodgrass, Jim Sevens and Jim Dixon came out. This was only the second time Jim Snodgrass had been to the cabin and he brought Sevens and Dixon along to see our project. All 3 are good friends and always welcome in my life. Connie Martin could not pass an opportunity to visit with her friends and co-workers, "The 3 Jims," so she too accepted a breakfast invitation today.
Kuma d.o.g stays with me during visits where we both enjoy a late night rain that sings us to sleep; Friday was no exception. Both Saturday morning and today included breakfast visitors shortly after daylight. On Saturday morning, brother-in-law Mike Childers and a family friend, Connie Martin came out and enjoyed ham and cheese omelettes, bacon and coffee. Connie recently purchased a new Jeep Wrangler which gives her access to ManCamp like few others. Today, 3 Jims, Jim Snodgrass, Jim Sevens and Jim Dixon came out. This was only the second time Jim Snodgrass had been to the cabin and he brought Sevens and Dixon along to see our project. All 3 are good friends and always welcome in my life. Connie Martin could not pass an opportunity to visit with her friends and co-workers, "The 3 Jims," so she too accepted a breakfast invitation today.
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| The 3 Jims and a ManCamp invader. Connie Martin, Jim Snodgrass, Jim Sevens and Jim Dixon enjoying the cabin kitchen |
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| Nobody gets out without a Kodak moment in front of the fireplace. Jim, Connie, Jim and Jim |
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| The loft bed makes for a great getaway. Star filled nights for sleeping and natural light for reading. On a rainy Fall day, this is my favorite place to be. |
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| Table set for 2 more dinner guests. |
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| Sometimes its the little things that make a difference. |
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| Saturday morning's kitchen after the rush. |
Thursday, October 25, 2012
Autumn's Moon
The first order of business after a late evening's arrival at the cabin is to take a broom and clear the covered porch of leaves. Summer's canopy above is surrendering to Fall's arrival and has released it's load. Dried transients that stopped en route must be forced on to their winter grave below.
With beverage in hand and trusted companion Kuma d.o.g. at my side, I settle into a favorite chair awaiting night's arrival. Soon the day's sun drops slowly behind the western hill causing the string of solar lights above the porch to blink awake for yet another long night.
Darkness finally arrives and a short intermission begins where silence falls over the farm. The only sound is the steady drip from the drain of the Char-Cooler on the porch as ice inside is sacrificed while fulfilling a purpose of keeping the contents cold.
With little delay, tree frogs and crickets strike up a symphony as the First Act begins.
Autumn's moon begins it's ascent above the eastern hill directly behind the cabin. A distinct separation and stark contrast between light and dark moves across the trees and meadow below as the lunar curtain rises.
Sitting now under the light of a three quarter moon reveals nocturnal wildlife moving about below.
Peace envelops the valley for another Fall night in the woods.
With beverage in hand and trusted companion Kuma d.o.g. at my side, I settle into a favorite chair awaiting night's arrival. Soon the day's sun drops slowly behind the western hill causing the string of solar lights above the porch to blink awake for yet another long night.
Darkness finally arrives and a short intermission begins where silence falls over the farm. The only sound is the steady drip from the drain of the Char-Cooler on the porch as ice inside is sacrificed while fulfilling a purpose of keeping the contents cold.
With little delay, tree frogs and crickets strike up a symphony as the First Act begins.
Autumn's moon begins it's ascent above the eastern hill directly behind the cabin. A distinct separation and stark contrast between light and dark moves across the trees and meadow below as the lunar curtain rises.
Sitting now under the light of a three quarter moon reveals nocturnal wildlife moving about below.
Peace envelops the valley for another Fall night in the woods.
Tuesday, October 23, 2012
First time visitor
This evening before going to the cabin I stopped by a good friend's house and invited him to accompany me. Jim Snodgrass had never been there before and this was an opportunity for show and tell.
As we traveled back the trail in the Jeep he gained an appreciation for why I've said it requires a 4-wheel drive or tractor to navigate the terrain. Once there, we talked about the construction project and other topics that typically come up at ManCamp: guns, deer, coyotes, squirrels and raccoons.
Jim took a panaview photo with his phone.
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As we traveled back the trail in the Jeep he gained an appreciation for why I've said it requires a 4-wheel drive or tractor to navigate the terrain. Once there, we talked about the construction project and other topics that typically come up at ManCamp: guns, deer, coyotes, squirrels and raccoons.
Jim took a panaview photo with his phone.
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Monday, October 22, 2012
Cabin Security and Stuff
It's good to know that technology has evolved to where one can make some major advancements with security assets that did not exist a few years ago for a small cabin in the woods. I've really enjoyed the innovations and assets you can deploy to address an adversary that would choose to challenge it. Of course, since it's security related, I won't disclose the level of effort or unique investments that have been deployed to deter and address such unauthorized activity or visitors. Just glad there are options to give a person piece of mind that these issues can be countered effectively.
In addition to security assets, the cabin now has motion sensitive lighting deployed inside and out to detect movement and illuminate the porch steps, the porch, the generator house, and even interior rooms and spaces. No more worry about finding keys or feeling your way in the dark upon entry!
The LP tank has been filled and the supplemental LP heater is now operational and set to ensure the cabin never gets cold while preparing for winter. A pleasant surprise was the decreased price of LP gas. The 100 lb tanks were filled for less than $70 each, a significant drop since winter of 2011.
Another surprise was how well the solar panel was able to keep the batteries topped up and fully charged. This is just another step in progression where the bathroom, living room, porch and loft lights and circuits are all now operating off the batteries instead of the generator. It's so much more convenient and quiet to simply turn on the inverter and have power without worry of starting the generator. Eventually, more solar panels and batteries will put the generator in a stand-by "off normal" status as the sun will maintain the battery charge and the batteries will contain enough storage to run all the cabin needs 24/7. Life will be good at this time!
Nic showed up unexpectedly as I was splitting wood with a maul. He immediately took over this task and to my enjoyment was less successful. My father would say he doesn't have enough 'ass' to swing an 8# maul to split wood. To his credit, he continued to try but the green white oak over 20" in diameter needed my 300# effort. Out of compassion, I set up some smaller pieces that he had success with. There was no doubt that his willingness to split and stack the wood on the porch was appreciated.
In addition to security assets, the cabin now has motion sensitive lighting deployed inside and out to detect movement and illuminate the porch steps, the porch, the generator house, and even interior rooms and spaces. No more worry about finding keys or feeling your way in the dark upon entry!
The LP tank has been filled and the supplemental LP heater is now operational and set to ensure the cabin never gets cold while preparing for winter. A pleasant surprise was the decreased price of LP gas. The 100 lb tanks were filled for less than $70 each, a significant drop since winter of 2011.
Another surprise was how well the solar panel was able to keep the batteries topped up and fully charged. This is just another step in progression where the bathroom, living room, porch and loft lights and circuits are all now operating off the batteries instead of the generator. It's so much more convenient and quiet to simply turn on the inverter and have power without worry of starting the generator. Eventually, more solar panels and batteries will put the generator in a stand-by "off normal" status as the sun will maintain the battery charge and the batteries will contain enough storage to run all the cabin needs 24/7. Life will be good at this time!
Nic showed up unexpectedly as I was splitting wood with a maul. He immediately took over this task and to my enjoyment was less successful. My father would say he doesn't have enough 'ass' to swing an 8# maul to split wood. To his credit, he continued to try but the green white oak over 20" in diameter needed my 300# effort. Out of compassion, I set up some smaller pieces that he had success with. There was no doubt that his willingness to split and stack the wood on the porch was appreciated.
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| Motion detection lighting added to address those entry in darkness concerns. |
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| Motion detection lighting in discrete locations to aid in moving around before starting the inverter or generator. |
Wednesday, October 17, 2012
Fall at the cabin
Fall is such a beautiful season for just soaking all of God's work in and enjoying life's simple pleasures of sight, smell and feel. During this time of year, I can't get enough time in the woods and am disappointed when I have to leave. Walking through dried leaves, a scent of summer's end, the crisp coolness of a gentle October breeze; money can not buy the feelings associated with this exposure or the peace of mind it provides.
I also enjoy cutting and splitting fire wood for the cabin. Sounds crazy but there is such satisfaction in knowing there will be many cold, blustery nights where a cup of hot chocolate while sitting in front of a warm fire will be my reward. Preparing for winter in October will make those long, cold winter nights very bearable off the grid. Let an ice storm hit and a heavy snow bury the cabin where nobody gets in or out and I'll be happy. At ManCamp, nobody cares if the power is out and the roads are impassable. Beulah will provide all the heat for a cast iron pot of beans and an oven full of golden brown corn bread. A Kindle full of books, a recliner by the crackling fire and no other sound but the gentle ticks of the clock on the wall with snow blowing all around is a wonderful experience. I also look forward to the vast number of wild birds that will soon visit the feeders again as their food sources are no longer available. An occasional glance out the cabin windows is a quick reminder of how harsh Winter can be and how appreciative the feathered friends are when finding the handouts.
Winter of 2011 was such a disappointment for those of us that love a heavy blanket of snow and bitterly cold, blustery days. Hopefully, the winter of 2012 will deliver!
I also enjoy cutting and splitting fire wood for the cabin. Sounds crazy but there is such satisfaction in knowing there will be many cold, blustery nights where a cup of hot chocolate while sitting in front of a warm fire will be my reward. Preparing for winter in October will make those long, cold winter nights very bearable off the grid. Let an ice storm hit and a heavy snow bury the cabin where nobody gets in or out and I'll be happy. At ManCamp, nobody cares if the power is out and the roads are impassable. Beulah will provide all the heat for a cast iron pot of beans and an oven full of golden brown corn bread. A Kindle full of books, a recliner by the crackling fire and no other sound but the gentle ticks of the clock on the wall with snow blowing all around is a wonderful experience. I also look forward to the vast number of wild birds that will soon visit the feeders again as their food sources are no longer available. An occasional glance out the cabin windows is a quick reminder of how harsh Winter can be and how appreciative the feathered friends are when finding the handouts.
Winter of 2011 was such a disappointment for those of us that love a heavy blanket of snow and bitterly cold, blustery days. Hopefully, the winter of 2012 will deliver!
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| Fall at the cabin engulfed in nature's beauty |
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| The sleepy township road enroute to ManCamp. |
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| A window view looking north. |
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| Cabin window view looking East |
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| The cabin windows bring Fall inside. |
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| Sitting in the recliner, evening's sun begins to set behind the western hill |
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| When Nic stays and sleeps on the sofa, Kuma d.o.g. curls up beside his thin body. When I sleep on the sofa, she has no room and must sleep on the floor. With winter approaching, a trip to Menard's resulted in a new bed that she loves. |
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| A trip to South Bound Flea Market resulted in very aromatic wooden wick candles that filled the cabin with the smell of pumpkin pie. |
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| Brandon and Wendy enjoyed the evening with me. It was a tutorial on cabin living as I taught them how to start a fire in Beulah, light lamps and start the generator if needed. |
Sunday, October 07, 2012
Return to Cabin Time
After a week in the Dominican Republic and it's tropical environment of heat and humidity it was great to get back to Ohio and the cabin. Apparently it had been warm here too while we were away as a cold front was forecasted to arrive with us that had everyone bundling up and talking about cold weather.
Kuma d.o.g. was so happy to see me return and was anxious to jump in the Jeep for a ride to the woods again. We arrived at the cabin after dark and as I was lighting the candles and lamps, she explored the surrounding woods for any unauthorized activity.
Tired from the 4 hour flight, dealing with Customs at the airport and a 2 hour drive home made going to bed early a high priority. The king size bed at the Riu Palace Hotel at Punta Cana had nothing over the cabin sofa by the fire for comfort. As always, sleep came quickly after the last wick was extinguished.
The wind and rain arrived in the middle of the night as Kuma and I were both awakened by the sound of the cabin under attack. Acorns falling by the dozens from the limbs above rained down on the metal roof as the wind made its presence known. As with all weather fronts, the hostility was short lived as it passed through bringing colder temperatures and a gentle rain to ease us back into deep sleep.
The 45 degree morning temperature with the picturesque view of Autumn's leaves was a welcomed sight after being away. There are many beautiful places in the world, some of which I've been fortunate to see, but none that I enjoy as much as a Fall morning's view from the cabin windows.
Kuma d.o.g. was so happy to see me return and was anxious to jump in the Jeep for a ride to the woods again. We arrived at the cabin after dark and as I was lighting the candles and lamps, she explored the surrounding woods for any unauthorized activity.
Tired from the 4 hour flight, dealing with Customs at the airport and a 2 hour drive home made going to bed early a high priority. The king size bed at the Riu Palace Hotel at Punta Cana had nothing over the cabin sofa by the fire for comfort. As always, sleep came quickly after the last wick was extinguished.
The wind and rain arrived in the middle of the night as Kuma and I were both awakened by the sound of the cabin under attack. Acorns falling by the dozens from the limbs above rained down on the metal roof as the wind made its presence known. As with all weather fronts, the hostility was short lived as it passed through bringing colder temperatures and a gentle rain to ease us back into deep sleep.
The 45 degree morning temperature with the picturesque view of Autumn's leaves was a welcomed sight after being away. There are many beautiful places in the world, some of which I've been fortunate to see, but none that I enjoy as much as a Fall morning's view from the cabin windows.
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