Picked up a few things while out today; always looking for little touches to dress it out.
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| Saturday night on Cabin Time |
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| Picked up a new owl |
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| A wine buddy |
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| Another duck |
Saturday, January 26, 2013
Cabin Chores
The daily chores on a cold winter's evening are now complete; ashes removed, wood split, fires banked, feeders filled, floors swept, candles lit, wine poured. Now to relax and go on cabin time.
Picked up a few things while out today; always looking for little touches to dress it out.
Picked up a few things while out today; always looking for little touches to dress it out.
Thursday, January 24, 2013
Feel a good one coming on
As the week draws to a close with Friday on the horizon, a forecast of 4-6" of snow and a cabin in the woods; I'm reminded of southern rock band Blackberry Smoke, "I Feel a Good One Coming On".
Wednesday, January 23, 2013
Silent Night
As a small child, I remember the weeks before Christmas walking on a snow covered sidewalk at my mother's side as she shopped on Winchester Avenue in Ashland, Kentucky. Those warm memories established the standard and expectation for a winter's snow during the Christmas season. Now, as an adult in southern Ohio, I can recall few days in December with temperatures below 40 or any snow accumulation before Christmas. As a result, each year I find myself having trouble getting into the 'Christmas spirit' until afterwards in January when an appreciable snow finally falls on a cold night leaving a beautiful blanket in its wake.
Tonight, arriving at the cabin after daylight retired, I find the peace and silence of a cold winter night with gentle falling snow taking me back to years gone by. The forest is very silent and dark under an overcast sky while snow flakes, in the absence of a breeze, fall gently to the ground. With an ambient temperature below 20, the flakes crystallize before landing while making a soft bed on the porch steps sparkling like thousands of diamonds and jewels. The beauty of this sight under the reflection of security lights is picturesque.
Opening the cabin door, the warmth inside was a pleasant reminder of the time and effort taken to install insulation in both the walls and ceiling; the cabin was tight and cozy and ready for this run of inclement weather.
Inside with Kuma once again at my side, I settled into the recliner with a snack pack of Cheez-its. I've said this before but it's still true; a Labrador and a pack of Cheez-its is more fun than a pet coon. Kuma might be aging but a single Cheez-it flying through the air off the flip of a finger brings out a dog's youth and agility.
You can only throw so many cheese squares from a snack pack before it's finally empty; to Kuma's disappointment our rewarding game had to end. However, not before inverted wine bottles in the wine bush on the hearth caught my eye and called to my palette. A 2010 Blue Fish Riesling was Wednesday evening's selection that provided closure to a silent winter night in the woods.
Tonight, arriving at the cabin after daylight retired, I find the peace and silence of a cold winter night with gentle falling snow taking me back to years gone by. The forest is very silent and dark under an overcast sky while snow flakes, in the absence of a breeze, fall gently to the ground. With an ambient temperature below 20, the flakes crystallize before landing while making a soft bed on the porch steps sparkling like thousands of diamonds and jewels. The beauty of this sight under the reflection of security lights is picturesque.
Opening the cabin door, the warmth inside was a pleasant reminder of the time and effort taken to install insulation in both the walls and ceiling; the cabin was tight and cozy and ready for this run of inclement weather.
Inside with Kuma once again at my side, I settled into the recliner with a snack pack of Cheez-its. I've said this before but it's still true; a Labrador and a pack of Cheez-its is more fun than a pet coon. Kuma might be aging but a single Cheez-it flying through the air off the flip of a finger brings out a dog's youth and agility.
You can only throw so many cheese squares from a snack pack before it's finally empty; to Kuma's disappointment our rewarding game had to end. However, not before inverted wine bottles in the wine bush on the hearth caught my eye and called to my palette. A 2010 Blue Fish Riesling was Wednesday evening's selection that provided closure to a silent winter night in the woods.
Sunday, January 20, 2013
A January Weekend
With those skilled at predicting weather forecasting an upcoming week of single digit temperatures, the weekend priority was to prepare both the cabin and our home for plunging temperatures. However, no weekend can begin without Friday's evening at the cabin; Kuma d.o.g. at my side, a fire in the hearth, a glass of wine, some classic music and the recliner. If Saturday is to be filled with work and chores, then Friday is for rest and relaxation; this one was no exception. Other than wind chimes clattering and ringing throughout the night as a constant wind blew in from the west, it was a very quite and peaceful night where both my dog and I got plenty of sleep.
Saturday included a trip to Tractor Supply to re-fill a 100 lb LP cylinder for the wall furnace and then a return to the forest to drop and cut up 4 mature locust trees for firewood. With temperatures in the mid-50s, it was almost too hot for the big man to cut, load, haul and split truck loads of wood in preparation for the upcoming cold snap but it had to be done. The resulting thaw made the trip back to the cabin almost impassable due to the mud. Even with 4WD, the truck wanted to slide off the trail. Thankfully, the heavy load of locust provide enough traction to get in and out without getting stranded.
By late Saturday afternoon, a well deserved nap and rest was awaiting and calling me back. Due to the mud, a decision was made to hike back to the cabin. Kuma d.o.g. didn't make this trip and was left behind to keep her from tracking mud on the floor. Arriving on foot and apparently without notice, a pack of wild dogs was surprised as I approached the cabin. At first, they barked and growled at me as if I was an intruder. Apparently my terse voice, attitude and rock projectiles convinced them to leave. I found the morning's fire still hot and alive in the hearth so it took little time to rekindle for my planned slumber. Not long after stretching out and falling into a deep sleep I was awakened by a racket on the porch. The pack of dogs had returned and were not content at just hanging out while looking for food; they began tearing cushions off the chairs and turning over the chair table. The .38 Special that accompanied me was all that was needed to humble the pack. I believe in live and let live and had no intention of shooting a hungry dog. However, the sound of multiple rounds of a .38 pistol unloaded on a porch was enough to make them scatter. A couple considered jumping the 10 feet off the front before having second thoughts and quickly scampering past me as they tumbled down the steps. All ran into the forest never to be seen again.
Kuma returned to stay with me Saturday night. Expecting cooler temperatures, I built the fires up and pulled an extra blanket out of the trunk. With temperatures outside not falling below 45 degrees, the cabin was almost too warm. The wind again blew throughout the night as if a front was coming in but the temperature never fell.
Sunday, I invited ManCamp charter member and builder/helper "Robbie" out to hang with me. Robbie had a knee replaced in 2012 and is scheduled for his other one to be replaced this week. I figured today would be the last time he could spend on 'cabin time' for a few months so having him out was not only long overdue but special.
Saturday included a trip to Tractor Supply to re-fill a 100 lb LP cylinder for the wall furnace and then a return to the forest to drop and cut up 4 mature locust trees for firewood. With temperatures in the mid-50s, it was almost too hot for the big man to cut, load, haul and split truck loads of wood in preparation for the upcoming cold snap but it had to be done. The resulting thaw made the trip back to the cabin almost impassable due to the mud. Even with 4WD, the truck wanted to slide off the trail. Thankfully, the heavy load of locust provide enough traction to get in and out without getting stranded.
By late Saturday afternoon, a well deserved nap and rest was awaiting and calling me back. Due to the mud, a decision was made to hike back to the cabin. Kuma d.o.g. didn't make this trip and was left behind to keep her from tracking mud on the floor. Arriving on foot and apparently without notice, a pack of wild dogs was surprised as I approached the cabin. At first, they barked and growled at me as if I was an intruder. Apparently my terse voice, attitude and rock projectiles convinced them to leave. I found the morning's fire still hot and alive in the hearth so it took little time to rekindle for my planned slumber. Not long after stretching out and falling into a deep sleep I was awakened by a racket on the porch. The pack of dogs had returned and were not content at just hanging out while looking for food; they began tearing cushions off the chairs and turning over the chair table. The .38 Special that accompanied me was all that was needed to humble the pack. I believe in live and let live and had no intention of shooting a hungry dog. However, the sound of multiple rounds of a .38 pistol unloaded on a porch was enough to make them scatter. A couple considered jumping the 10 feet off the front before having second thoughts and quickly scampering past me as they tumbled down the steps. All ran into the forest never to be seen again.
Kuma returned to stay with me Saturday night. Expecting cooler temperatures, I built the fires up and pulled an extra blanket out of the trunk. With temperatures outside not falling below 45 degrees, the cabin was almost too warm. The wind again blew throughout the night as if a front was coming in but the temperature never fell.
Sunday, I invited ManCamp charter member and builder/helper "Robbie" out to hang with me. Robbie had a knee replaced in 2012 and is scheduled for his other one to be replaced this week. I figured today would be the last time he could spend on 'cabin time' for a few months so having him out was not only long overdue but special.
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| The porch on a January afternoon |
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| Robbie enjoying a movie while on cabin time |
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| My friend Robbie on his last cabin visit before returning to Columbus for a knee replacement |
Sunday, January 13, 2013
A true friend
Having been under the weather for going on 9 days, it was therapy to return to the cabin with Kuma d.o.g. to get some much needed rest. I can't say it was the flu, although it started out as if it was, but I can say it was a nasty cold that migrated from my head to the chest. After missing a couple of days of work, I found myself hacking around and feeling bad for an entire work week before finally getting to a doctor for help and relief. With a bottle of presciption cough syrup and a supply of antibiotics, I didn't need anything more for the hike into the woods as rest was the highest priority.
Kuma was content settling down in her cabin bed with one of her many Christmas chewys still awaiting her. I wasted little time starting a fire before killing the lights to maximize the period of darkness ahead of a new day's arrival. That Friday night's rest, although on the cabin sofa, was the best sleep I had had in over a week.
By the time Sunday arrived, I felt 100% better. After taking down the Christmas tree, I completely cleaned the cabin. By evening, I decided it was time to pick up Robbie, a friend that helped Nic and I build the cabin, to come out and visit the progress. Robbie hadn't been out since September 2012, as he had a knee replaced and was undergoing therapy and recovery. Knowing he had finally recovered but planned to have his other knee replaced in just a week, there was no better time than today to drag him back.
A willing guest, Robbie joined me this evening for some much needed male bonding. Some adult beverages, the first season of Rescue Me, and time to reflect on the value of the project was just what we both needed. I have no friend as close as Robbie as he is the one person that accepts and appreciates me like no other. We find ourselves aligned with similar interests in life; family, health and happiness. To sit and relax while knowing it is but a finite break from the reality we both face daily is all we needed to recognize our friendship is still strong regardless of life's distractions.
Kuma was content settling down in her cabin bed with one of her many Christmas chewys still awaiting her. I wasted little time starting a fire before killing the lights to maximize the period of darkness ahead of a new day's arrival. That Friday night's rest, although on the cabin sofa, was the best sleep I had had in over a week.
By the time Sunday arrived, I felt 100% better. After taking down the Christmas tree, I completely cleaned the cabin. By evening, I decided it was time to pick up Robbie, a friend that helped Nic and I build the cabin, to come out and visit the progress. Robbie hadn't been out since September 2012, as he had a knee replaced and was undergoing therapy and recovery. Knowing he had finally recovered but planned to have his other knee replaced in just a week, there was no better time than today to drag him back.
A willing guest, Robbie joined me this evening for some much needed male bonding. Some adult beverages, the first season of Rescue Me, and time to reflect on the value of the project was just what we both needed. I have no friend as close as Robbie as he is the one person that accepts and appreciates me like no other. We find ourselves aligned with similar interests in life; family, health and happiness. To sit and relax while knowing it is but a finite break from the reality we both face daily is all we needed to recognize our friendship is still strong regardless of life's distractions.
Wednesday, January 02, 2013
Three Loves
As a new year unfolds before us with an uncertain future ahead, its easy to worry about the unknown while losing sight of positive influences in each of our lives.
Today I pause and acknowledge three loves that are extremely important to me: family, my dog and a cabin.
Returning home from work today, a package was received in the mail. To my pleasant surprise, I unwrapped a fragile and beautiful Ohio State stemless wine glass sent from my only daughter who knows I love both the Buckeyes as well an occasional glass of wine. The joy of sharing happiness, peace and health with those so close in our lives is priceless.
Returning home each day, Kuma d.o.g. meets me with her unconditional love. Dogs are God's gift to humanity. Those that live amongst us who don't appreciate canines are missing out on one of life's greatest gifts. Few dogs live beyond 10-15 years but all will give more love than they receive in their short lives. I for one appreciate and acknowledge this gift that awaits me after a difficult day.
Time at the cabin regardless of length is special. This evening, arrival after sunset simply provides a new experience where winter's cold and early darkness accentuates the warmth and welcome of a cabin in the woods
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Today I pause and acknowledge three loves that are extremely important to me: family, my dog and a cabin.
Returning home from work today, a package was received in the mail. To my pleasant surprise, I unwrapped a fragile and beautiful Ohio State stemless wine glass sent from my only daughter who knows I love both the Buckeyes as well an occasional glass of wine. The joy of sharing happiness, peace and health with those so close in our lives is priceless.
Returning home each day, Kuma d.o.g. meets me with her unconditional love. Dogs are God's gift to humanity. Those that live amongst us who don't appreciate canines are missing out on one of life's greatest gifts. Few dogs live beyond 10-15 years but all will give more love than they receive in their short lives. I for one appreciate and acknowledge this gift that awaits me after a difficult day.
Time at the cabin regardless of length is special. This evening, arrival after sunset simply provides a new experience where winter's cold and early darkness accentuates the warmth and welcome of a cabin in the woods
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| A gift from my daughter, an Ohio State wine glass |
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| The cabin on a cold January evening |
Tuesday, January 01, 2013
Happy New Year from ManCamp!
A new year brings much hope and anticipation for happiness, prosperity and peace.
Today, the new year started with a frigid walk in the woods with Kuma to give her some much needed and deserved exercise. Although the mud and water holes were ever present as the snow spottedly gave way to wet ground below, I just couldn't deny her an opportunity to be a dog where she could play outside on the first day of a new year. Realizing she will now be 7 in 2013, I must acknowledge and accept our companionship is finite and running out as she ages; an over-weight Labrador's quality of life significantly decreases as they approach 10 years of age. Tolerance, mud, and wet paws ring in the new year.
The cabin porch steps are heavily iced and not recommended for those who worry about such hazards. Filling squirrel and bird feeders required multiple trips up and down to retrieve seed, cobbed corn and critter mix for our dependent friends. Like an apprentice, Kuma made each trip with me as if I needed her help.
The blanket of snow throughout the forest provides a stark contrast to bare trees and life within. Sitting quietly on the porch we watched a young buck move cautiously through the woods on the western hill across the creek.
Wildlife has accepted the little cabin among the trees as well as those who remain unseen.
Today, the new year started with a frigid walk in the woods with Kuma to give her some much needed and deserved exercise. Although the mud and water holes were ever present as the snow spottedly gave way to wet ground below, I just couldn't deny her an opportunity to be a dog where she could play outside on the first day of a new year. Realizing she will now be 7 in 2013, I must acknowledge and accept our companionship is finite and running out as she ages; an over-weight Labrador's quality of life significantly decreases as they approach 10 years of age. Tolerance, mud, and wet paws ring in the new year.
The cabin porch steps are heavily iced and not recommended for those who worry about such hazards. Filling squirrel and bird feeders required multiple trips up and down to retrieve seed, cobbed corn and critter mix for our dependent friends. Like an apprentice, Kuma made each trip with me as if I needed her help.
The blanket of snow throughout the forest provides a stark contrast to bare trees and life within. Sitting quietly on the porch we watched a young buck move cautiously through the woods on the western hill across the creek.
Wildlife has accepted the little cabin among the trees as well as those who remain unseen.
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