Mud Trails

Libby the jeep could not make it to the cabin today due to the mud and water run-off on the farm road into the hollow. Even with 4 WD low range she slid sideways and came close to hanging up below the pond levee. Once freed from the mire and safely on flat ground, I switched to the tractor for a trip back to the cabin. No sign of the free range goats today. Gun shots in the Scioto Trails was a stark reminder we're in the heart of deer gun season in Ohio. Hopefully, the goats escaped the gun fire. Once inside, I gave Beulah a rest and built a nice fire in the fireplace. It was 46 degrees inside when I arrived but 39 and falling outside. The insulation in the ceiling is making a significant difference retaining heat and helping warm the cabin quickly once a source is established. I finished another quart of stain putting a second coat on trim strips for top of ceiling under ridge beam and  the first coat applied on 10 more 10' ceiling boards.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               

Cabin regulars

What a cold rain today in the woods! Although it was only 43 degrees, the wind and rain made it feel much colder. Before staining trim, I built a big fire in Beulah and knocked the chill off. With a pot a coffee percolating, I made some 'turtles' by placing Rollo's on top of tiny twist pretzels and baking them in the oven. A former co-worker, Rich Gill taught me this little secret and he was right, they are succulent! With the generator running, I put True Lies in the DVDs and kicked back with coffee and turtles.

The free range goat herd in the forest are now regulars at the cabin. Could be the corn I throw out but I just think they are really curious. They really don't harm anything and leave about as soon as they come. Just another group of friends that are always welcome. Someone will end up picking one off and try to pass it off as a deer kill. This is southern Ohio...

First Day of Deer Gun Season

The first day of gun season finds me in the cabin holding down the fort and ensuring nobody considers the cabin as an oasis in the woods. Southern Ohio brings out all kinds of people in search of their first kill of the season. Unfortunately, property lines and fencing is seldom respected when in the hunt. Thankfully, no issues and no close gunshots.

Worked on hanging more ceiling boards on the unfinished lower half. The ceiling is 24' long so I took a tape measure to check just how far off my courses were from one end to the other. I was shocked to find that both ends measured exactly 29" from the top of the last course of paneling to the ridge beam. We've been very lucky with this cabin being square. Who would have thought that after all these boards installed that we would be perfectly plum! With 10 unfinished boards at the cabin, I need about 15 more to finish this project. Looking forward to completing it and tearing down all the tooling and moving on to laying tongue and groove flooring. I actually enjoy that project since all the boards are already finished and computer cut to tight installation specs.

Beulah really likes the wood Robbie and I cut this past weekend. She sure throws off lots of heat. Great green tea stove.

Making Progress

Finally, the upper ceiling is completed. I thought having the loft would make this side more accessible but I didn't realize how difficult it would be installing the final 4 courses. Too close to the edge to have a good seat and yet the ladder was no help as it couldn't be positioned close enough. I learned to work with 1 foot on the loft and the other on the ladder to finish the runs. Now anxious to finish the lower side. Looks like about 20-25 more 10' boards to finish this.

Finished staining the hickory finish board to go on the ridge beam. Using the same Early American stain but it looks much different on the hickory than pine. It will look really good in contrast with the ceiling at the ridge.

Robbie assisted with cutting firewood this weekend and we were successful in filling the tractor's front end loader with 3 loads that we neatly stacked on the porch. Really glad he helped out, I don't have the patience to cut the 2-3" diameter stove wood by myself. He just kept feeding branches to me and we cut enough to keep Beulah hot for weeks. The little stuff burns really hot and is quick to warm up the oven for biscuits and corn bread.

As we were sitting in the woods while I sharpened the saw chain, the 'free range' goat herd came wandering by with their bells ringing. I have no idea who owns these rascals but they seem to enjoy just hanging out in the woods. They stopped to munch on honeysuckle surrounding a locust and then were off into the woods again. A large flock of wild turkeys also came through just migrating from one ridge to the other like they owned the place.

We filled the bird and squirrel feeders to keep everyone happy. Ninja squirrel is still coming around and still competing with the raccoons and chipmunks for the shelled corn. Looking forward to the first snow at the cabin this year with all the dependents that come through looking for hand outs.

Beat the Rain

With rain moving into southern Ohio, it was a good day to take advantage of Nic's Ranger to get more ceiling boards before the moisture arrived. I also picked up finished hickory to cap the ridge beam. During initial construction, we used 2x10s bolted, nailed and glued together to make the ridge beam to hang the rafters from. Although functional, its not very attractive from the underside so I'll stain the hickory and dress it out.  With dark clouds above and a deluge just minutes away, it was a stressful 25 minute drive worrying that I would get all that green pine and expensive hickory wet. Thankfully, it was only sprinkling as I arrived at the cabin from Menard's. Once stacked inside, a change of direction had me up on a ladder staining the new finish boards and trim installed around the skylights. Afterwards, a third and final coat of stain was put on a group of boards and 10 of the new boards were sanded, vacuumed and stained with the first coat.

Insulation complete

With use of Ray Rigsby's ladder, I've been able to complete installation of all the insulation between the roof rafters. I also picked up some select 3" pine and framed the skylights. Hopefully I can get a coat of stain on the skylights this weekend. With only 14" left to panel on the uphill side of the ceiling, another load of paneling will complete it and go a long way in finish the ceiling project. Can already feel a significant difference in how fast the cabin heats up once the fires are built.

Chorizo on Beulah

Nic made fresh chorizo sausage and brought it home from culinary school. Since I planned to do work on the cabin this afternoon, I took it with me to prepare. After building a fire in Beulah, I covered the sausage with beer and simmered it while baking corn bread. The smell of garlic and all the spices really filled the cabin. Made a very nice little meal. Too bad Kuma d.o.g. wasn't with me to share. She hates the hunters that are shooting in the forest so I left her behind.

Simmering in a skillet of beer on Beulah.

Cabin Coffee

After two months of trial and error, finally, a percolated pot of coffee on Beulah that has full body, is aromatic, and filled with tasteful flavor memories from mom's kitchen 40 years ago. It took grinding beans and many failed sample pots but I lucked into it by chance Saturday morning. After incrementally increasing the measured grounds, I inadvertently lost track of time and percolated the pot 15 minutes. We're there, it was great, not bitter, just right. Now, when visitors want a rich, unique cup of java while visiting, I will be serving up the best the cabin has to offer. Another project completed.

This weekend I completed boxing skylights with 1"x 10" finished pine, now ready to frame and apply some stain. Continued with ceiling paneling and still making good progress as completion nears. Ray Rigsby, a friend and great man, loaned a 12' step ladder that should provide access needed to finish without having to erect scaffolding.

Beulah hard at work in the kitchen.

Pot of coffee percolating on the scalding top of Beulah.

Skylight above loft after boxing it in with finished boards

View from where bed on loft will be positioned. Nothing but
God's heaven above to enjoy both during the day and night.

Antenna erected at edge of forest behind cabin.
Still using the old rotor from mid-70s.
HighDefinition antenna upgrade.

Good, HD picture on TV "free through air".

Top of the ladder

Still making good progress installing ceiling boards in the cabin. I'm working at the dangerous level on the 8' step ladder. You know, the step that you don't ever want to go above. I've been working on the 'uphill' side or the side in the cabin that has the skylights. All boards have been installed between the skylights and now I'm just above them. There is less than 2' needing paneled to complete this side.  A little slow down cutting around the recessed light but that too has been completed. Also picked up more insulation to install. It seems to work real well just sliding 23" wide pieces down between rafters after installing boards. I really need to find another step ladder that is 10 or 12 foot tall or just set up scaffolding to complete this. I'm now ready to take down the Buck head and get serious with finishing out this side. Also plan to finish the skylights with finish boards and trim. Looking back, I'm running 1-2 months behind where I wanted to be at this time but the ceiling will still be finished and we'll move to the flooring next. I've been looking at furniture. 'England' has a nice queen size sleeper sofa that is a combination leather and aztec that would go great under the window. I'm already having dreams of sleeping in front of the fireplace on a cold winter night.







The cabin keeps me coming back

Today at sunrise I picked Robbie up and we arrived at a cold cabin for work. It didn't take long to warm the place up after building fires in both Beulah and the fireplace. We knocked a 30 degree chill off in a hurry and it was quickly a warm and toasty 70.

We worked on hanging the last of the pre-finished ceiling boards before quiting due to the Ohio State Buckeye's game at noon. I don't recall how many boards were actually hung but it was less than 10.

After the game, I took Kuma back to the cabin intending to sand and stain another 10-20 boards. Nic and his friend Kaleb showed up so we just hung out instead of me doing any work.That is the joy of building a cabin, you really don't have to do anything if you don't want to. With darkness moving in, we built fires and sat in front of the fireplace listening to the radio. Nic and I enjoyed some green tea made on Beulah while he tuned in Christmas carols on the radio. Nic asked if I would put a Christmas tree up in the cabin this year.

The magic begins.

Off The Grid Evening

With the rain dancing on the metal roof, I built the first fire of the season and enjoyed an off the grid evening. What better way to enjoy a book than in the quiet of the woods with nothing but the rain and the fire to break the silence. Even Kuma d.o.g. fell into a deep sleep and her snoring just added to the peacefulness of the moment.

The ceiling paneling is still progressing. Lots of work to complete above the loft yet but its coming together. Now in a routine and will need to get some scaffolding to finish the last 2' and the cap over the ridge beam.

Ceiling is cropped at where the paneling stops. Up to about 12' now with the
last 2' screaming at me to complete so we can install the wood floor.

Paneling in progress above the loft. Will be finishing this and trimming
out the sky lights. Tunes always are welcome while we work.

Another day of working on the ceiling

Picked up Robbie at 7:30 for another Saturday at the cabin. It was 35 degrees outside and 43 inside upon arrival. The first order of business was to put a fire in Beulah! We worked at installing the 20 boards I had stained this week. We got up to the skylight frames before running out of boards. Another 20 boards are in the sand/stain/poly cycle. We've got about 400 board feet available at the cabin so there is plenty to work on before the next trip to Menard's. Once we get these boards up we will only need about 300 more board feet to finish this painfully long and labor intensive part of the cabin. Tomorrow a trip to Walmart for some more stain and I'll get back to preparing boards again. Will it ever end?

Just a Stain'n

Took half a day of vacation to work on the cabin today. Too wet and swampy to take Libby up to ManCamp after the recent rains. There is no doubt she would get stuck in the 'swamp' with her street tires so I fired up the 4WD tractor for the trip. It was colder than I expected at Fosson Family Trails today. The cabin thermometer showed 44 degrees inside and 40 outside so stoking a big fire in Beulah was a necessity for creature comfort.

Today's goal was to clean off the sleeping loft where it's been turned into a storage area during the cabin project. I filled the tractor's front end loader with the scrap wood, stacked all the extra 8' boards from the loft on the loader and delivered it all to the barn on the farm. Additionally, all the scrap insulation, dry wall boards, nails and paint was removed. The task needed completed to gain access for installing the ceiling boards above this area. Once the loft was cleaned off, I set up the stereo speakers and receiver on top so I could 'jam' while working.

The final coat of stain and poly was applied to the 20 ceiling panel boards I've been working on for this weekend. I went ahead and sanded and stained another 10 boards to start getting them ready, too. Hopefully by Sunday or Monday they'll be ready to hang, too.

With a hot stove, there was plenty of tea pot water for some green tea. A pan of ravioli made a great lunch. The cabin was 74 degrees when I locked up; just wait until logs are burning in the fire place.

Do a Little, Leave a Little (or leave alot)

With my trusted companion Kuma d.o.g. always at my side, I was able to finish a few jobs at the cabin today. The freezer door hinge on the refrigerator had to be repaired. It was damaged at the factory and after unpacking the fridge before finding the defect, it didn't make sense taking it back. I was able to replace a hinge pin that was broke off and now it works fine.

It was such a great afternoon with a strong, warm breeze that working outside was a pleasure. The 2" gray water drain piping is now fully installed and buried to service the drains from the kitchen and bathroom sinks.

Lastly, 20 more 10' ceiling boards have been sanded and coated with the first coat of stain/poly seal. Tomorrow they'll get a second coat and by the weekend be ready to install.

With a fire in Beulah, I cooked a pan of bean soup, made some green tea and enjoyed a relaxing evening on the porch as a light rain moved in.

Silicone Investment

When building our cabin, the one thing we did not skimp on was tubes of silicone. We put it around the walls, windows and cracks both inside and out. We also put it around the cabinets and baseboards. Now that Fall has arrived and the spiders, bugs, snakes and mice are looking for a nice place for winter, you would think a cabin in the woods would be full of these critters. It is so rewarding to open the door and not find any bugs or spiders and this is due to all the tubes of silicone we emptied during construction.

This past weekend, I spent time cutting firewood and stacking it at the cabin. October and November in Ohio is typically wet and although most of the month has passed with relatively little percipitation, the next few weeks could easily become very wet and cold.

This evening I took Kuma d.o.g. to the cabin and built a fire in Beulah. We shared a few sticks of Slim Jims while I sanded ceiling boards. Once the water was warm on the stove, I cleaned up the kitchen and did a few dishes that had accumulated in the sink. Still very pleased with the stove; it does a great job.

A little firewood for Beulah and the fireplace.

Getting Supplies for the Weekend

Another trip to Menard's this afternoon and I'm now stocked up with plenty of supplies for projects this weekend. I like having options so the goal is to have enough stuff around to change course if needed. The plan is to sand and stain more ceiling boards but that gets so boring that I also picked up pvc water lines to run under the house.

I took Kuma d.o.g. with me to drop the supplies off and to just hang out on the porch this evening. Got a picture of a buck checking us out. Also emptied a trail camera and picked up a picture of a wild turkey stopping by the cabin. Well, Thanksgiving is just around the corner!

A wild turkey stops by the cabin for a visit.

A flock of turkeys at the edge of the forest.

One of the many birds that frequent the porch

I work with some guys that would just love to meet some of my  neighbors
like this young man.

Unexpected Visitors

Early Saturday morning, Robbie and I took a spud bar and post hole digger and broke ground for the antenna tower. Ohio soil in this area of a forest hillside is very full of sandstone, clay and roots. After laboring for a couple of hours and breaking through multiple large rocks, we finally had a 3' hole large enough to plant it. A trip to Chillicothe's Lowes and Menards was a welcome relief from our labor as we picked up cable, an antenna and accessories. A 100 mile HD/digital antenna is really big when assembled! It must be about 10' long and about 6' wide. I can't remember how we first up righted this same tower at my parent's farm house 30 years ago and I don't recall ever having any trouble. However, we found it extremely difficult and challenging to stand it up into the hole after we had already installed the antenna, rotor and cables. Only after getting the tractor and front end loader with chains were we innovative enough to lift and rig it into it's hole. After adding 300# of concrete, its now up and providing free broadcast service through the air; another cabin project completed.

Sunday is a day for rest and today I took full advantage of it. Unlike my wife and kids, I've never been one to sit and read a book for hours but having a cabin has changed all that. A Kindle loaded with the book, "The Killing of Lincoln", a beautiful, fall windy day in the woods and Kuma by my side has inspired me to take up this leisure activity. It's so easy to get drawn into a book when there are no distractions. The warm breeze and falling leaves seemed to aid concentration. At one point, while reading about General Lee's confederate army's final battle, I began hearing bells ringing in the woods which is highly unusual. Looking up and turning in the direction of the sound, I was amazed at the sight of about 12 goats walking up the lane to the cabin. Each had a collar and a bell under it's chin that rang as they walked. As I called out to them, "well hello fellas!" they were clearly happy to see a friendly face as they wagged their little tails like puppies. I've owned goats before that eventually became wild and roamed the forest and these were definitely not wild. They were someones pet goats that had wandered off and were apparently lost. Just as quickly as they showed up, they were back off into the forest. I have no idea where they were from or where they were going.

Enjoying the beauty of Fall

After spending most of the day in the house, Kuma and I went to the cabin to get some much needed exercise. With a camera in hand, I couldn't help but stop along the way to take pictures of various views we enjoyed on the farm to share on the blog. For someone diagnosed as color blind, there are some colors I still see better than others. It's always a rewarding walk to the cabin, especially in the Fall.

The road to the cabin

Cabin in the woods

A view along the road to the cabin

This view out the window beside the fireplace never
gets old. A deer path is just above the woods.

Beautiful tree along the road.

The dinner table inside the cabin.

Fall's Gift

A late evening trip to the cabin with Kuma d.o.g. left little time for work which was ok with us. Fall is such a special time of year so we all should take time to enjoy it before it's gone.

As we ascended the cabin porch steps, we were met with a layer of dry leaves that had recently fallen and failed to reach the ground. Fall has come early in southern Ohio and has caught us all by surprise. Arriving 2-3 weeks early this year with colors already peaking, it's beauty came well before any announcement by the news media or weathermen. Leaves are falling rapidly so if we get tonight's forecasted rain, many more will be on the ground by morning's rise leaving bare trees behind for winter.

I love the smell and the sounds of fall. Even in the depths of the woods, the rustling of leaves by chipmunks and birds fill the air. After picking another 'fruit' off the cabin wine bush, I enjoyed a glass of white merlot as we sat listening to the evening sounds below.

Kuma was the first to hear a deer on the hill above the meadow and attentively watched as it slowly navigated down to a salt lick on the opposite bank of the creek below. We both watched as it cautiously looked toward the farm house and distant township road surveying for approaching danger. It had no idea we were watching and were much closer than anything it feared.

Evenings like this reminds me why I built the cabin.

They don't make them like this anymore

Another cabin project that I've put off is finally completed.

In 1979, a close friend, Roger Robinson gave me a 30' antenna tower complete with antenna and electric rotor after many good years of use at his home. I transported and installed it at my parents farm house and for the first time in 14 years on the farm, they had good TV reception. The tower has stood at the farm house ever since even as the house falls in from age and neglect and hasn't been lived in for over 20 years. Today I took a generator, a reciprocating saw and the tractor to the house and brought it down. I was impressed with how well it has weathered the years. It was as solid as the day I set it and showed no signs of weakness.
I hauled it to where I plan to plant it on the hill behind the cabin. After finding the original rotor controller in the farm house, I hooked it up and to my surprise, it still rotates the mast as smooth as it did over 30 years ago. Did I say it was all made in the USA?

30' tower for pulling in some free TV in the woods

Reload at Menard's

When Nic comes home for the weekend I take full advantage of his Ranger to get construction supplies at Menard's delivered to the cabin. Today was a beautiful day to be in the woods. I love this time of year.

Another bundle of ceiling boards ready to off load.

Cabin time with Nic on Sunday afternoon

Cabin peeking through the woods

View from meadow below

Cabin Work Detail

Work on the cabin began before daylight today. Fog was still low and heavy in the hollow as we worked our way back the trail. After firing up Beulah and putting the coffee on, the morning sun began peaking through the trees on the back hillside.

With Robbie and Kuma d.o.g. we cut and stained trim boards; Robbie trimmed out the bathroom door and I hung ceiling boards. A #8 cast iron chicken fryer was just the right size for a pot of soup beans. After a lunch of cornbread and beans, we cleaned the cabin up for tourist. Sandy and Mike are hosting a cookout this evening at the farm and I expect a few visitors in the woods to check on progress.

Finally over half way up with ceiling boards. Getting out of reach on a ladder
so will be setting up scaffold to finish.

Robbie put the trim up between ceiling and wall while I hung boards.

Kuma d.o.g. says she would like some soup beans, too.

Classic cast iron corn bread.

Robbie installing a receptical up on the sleeping loft.

Robbie sampling the soup beans.

Ceiling Work

I'm so tired of working on the cabin ceiling and yet I'm less than half way done. This weekend I worked alone and put up about 40 boards. It was nice and cool Saturday morning so I built a fire in the kitchen stove and fixed breakfast, coffee and put the soup beans on. By mid day, the beans were done so I baked some corn bread and had a great lunch. Soup beans and corn bread will definitely be a regular meal at ManCamp.  Today I installed more insulation in the ceiling and later prepared and stained another 10 boards. Until this task is completed, it will consume most of the time at the cabin. The living room wood flooring cannot be installed until the ceiling is complete to avoid damaging it so staying focused on this job is the only way to get it all done. Brandon and Robbie have offered to help some this week and will both be welcomed.

Stress Relief at the Cabin

Today was a good day to get away from everything and have a mental health day at the cabin. After a trip to Menard's, I picked up Kuma d.o.g. and headed for the woods. It was windy and the temperature continued to fall all afternoon. I built a fire in Beulah, put a pot of coffee on and hung about 12 ceiling boards that Brandon helped me stain this week. We fell short of our goal of preparing 50 boards but the 40 that are stained and ready to hang will keep me busy throughout the weekend. With Nic working at Hocking Inn, Brandon going to the OSU game and Robbie going to an auction in Jackson, it looks like I'll be working alone. Sometimes it gets really difficult getting a 10 foot board's tongue in the groove. Your arms aren't long enough to work both ends so you just have to have patience and be innovative with a mallet, hammer and nails.

I'm still amazed at Beulah's efficiency and value to the cabin. I hope we have a cold winter where both the stove and fireplace are providing warmth as I'm sure it will be cozy. I opened a can of Spaghetti-Os, poured them in a sauce pan and set them on the stove. Within just a couple of minutes they were piping hot and steaming. The coffee is getting better too as I continue adjusting the amount of grounds and time on the stove.

Before leaving, I put pinto beans in a pan to soak. Saturday will be a day of corn bread and soup beans slow cooked on Beulah. 

Cabin Update

With today's rain, I didn't want to deal with Kuma d.o.g. going to the cabin with me. Like all Labradors, she loves water, mud and just basically getting filthy so I left her home (and dry). Working alone, I completed another 10 ceiling panel boards today. This makes 30 boards ready to hang with hopes of completing 50 for this weekend. We're trying to find someone that has scaffold to reach the peak but if we're unsuccessful we'll just rent it. Sharing a few update pictures in today's post.

Fireplace illuminated with recessed spot lights mounted in ceiling.

So impressed with LED lights. A 7 watt LED PAR30 light is equivalent to a 50 Watt light. 7 watts is like a
night light. Although bright, they work great off the grid when powered by solar, generator or batteries.

Today's finished product. Ten more ceiling panels ready to install.

My Paula Deen percolator and tea pot.

South Bound Flea Market canisters under $10 for set.

Bathroom ceiling light

Bar Snacks or Dog Snacks? ...Both. Now we need some pickled eggs.

Another South Bound Flea Market purchase. Wooden measuring spoons for $1.

This is supposed to be a votive candle holder. Its a stemless wine glass in my opinion. Might need to get
more of these; only $7 on Internet website.

Back to South Bound Flea Market

I gave Robbie, Brandon and Nic a break from helping me out this weekend.

Nic left for school last night and is moving back into Hocking College this weekend for his last year of Culinary Arts. Brandon planned to spend the day watching college football with friends while Robbie had things he needed to do at home. Solitary days like today can actually be rewarding if time is managed effectively.

After filling the squirrel and bird feeders, reading the morning paper and drinking coffee on the porch at dawn, I returned to the US 23 South Bound Flea Market. I'm becoming a regular and some of the vendors I buy from remember me and are very friendly; they know I'm a 'buyer' and not a 'looker'. I had an agenda as I was looking for a wood burning stove skillet lift handle and a short stove poker. I found the perfect stove poker and a vendor promised she would bring me a lift handle next week so it was a successful visit. While looking around, I picked up a set of smoked mason jars with glass lids in descending sizes to use as canisters for flour, sugar, coffee and tea. The set was only $8 and looks great on the counter. A lady had a unique set of wooden measuring spoons on leather cord for $1 that I couldn't pass up. I also found a buck deer head toilet paper roll holder for the bathroom for $10. Lastly, I found a cast iron corn bread mold that makes "corn cob" bread for $5 and a cast iron muffin pan for $6.

Upon return to the cabin, I fired up Beulah and put on a pot of hazelnut and cinnamon coffee to percolate while sanding and staining another 100' of ceiling panels. The boards Brandon and I prepared this week are ready to hang but the goal is to get about 500' board feet completed before focusing on installing them.

I'm going to try to get Laura to visit the cabin this weekend to share progress. She hasn't been very interested in it so far while under construction but I think that will change as it gets closer to completion.

Father and Son

This week I invited my oldest son Brandon to help with work on the cabin. I regret that he hasn't been more involved and as a result, he hasn't gained the same appreciation of the progress and accomplishments on the project as my youngest son, Nic. All is not lost as there is still many tasks left to complete and we worked together on one this week. With only 400' of 1900' of ceiling panels stained and installed, we still  have a major project needing completed. Brandon found out how slow this progresses as each board must be sanded, vacuumed and stained at least 3 times before installation. He also found out how much I appreciate the help and how much quicker the job goes with 2 people working together. We only prepared 100' of paneling this week but these boards are some of the best looking panels yet. They are smooth and shine like glass so I'm pleased with our efforts.

Since we could only complete the work on a finite number each day, there was also quality time available on the porch for discussing the world's issues. This is what the cabin was built for; this is one father's way to reach out to his three children and show them he has a heart, a dream and soul where they can talk about things important without the distractions of a daily routine.

I was so pleased when Brandon told me that he now looks forward to this time together.

Coffee Chemistry

Before today's rain, I cut up a large fallen tree limb into Beulah fuel. After filling the tractor's front end loader with the stove wood, it was neatly stacked on the front porch away from the moisture moving in. This evening, I loaded the stove to test the quality of the seasoned bounty and see how many BTUs could be generated. I was surprised how well the wood burned and how much heat was generated. A constant, steady rain was falling which was so very peaceful on the cabin's metal roof. Once the stove was up to temperature, I loaded the percolator in an effort to replicate the body and flavor of the coffee my mom taught me to make years ago. As a young boy, one of my 'chores' was to put the coffee on the stove before mom and dad came home from work. Mom was careful to make sure I understood all aspects of the procedure to ensure repeatable, predictable results each and every time.  My best recollection was to percolate the pot 10-15 minutes. However, timing is dependent on the size of pot, amount of coffee added, coarseness of grounds and heat of the stove so nothing is really the same as it was back then. Today, I came close but still not quite there. I percolated the pot for about 12 minutes and although the coffee wasn't weak or bitter, it still didn't have that rich, full body flavor I remember from the 60s before drip coffee makers took over. Comparing a cup of coffee percolated on a wood stove to coffee brewed in a drip coffee maker is like comparing a hamburger prepared on a charcoal grill to a burger off a gas grill. They try to tell you there is no difference but your taste buds know better.  Before the first frost, Beulah, this Paula Deen percolator and I will master this goal.

Happy Memories

Today, just after sunrise, it was 40 degrees when I arrived at the cabin. A handful of kindling and some sticks of seasoned hickory and Beulah was hard at work warming up the kitchen. Laura had recently gave me a Paula Deen stove top percolator coffee pot that I loaded with fresh ground beans and set on the hottest skillet. While things were warming up, I walked to dad's cabin to pick up a paint brush. Upon return, I opened the front door and was taken back by an aroma of hickory smoke, hot cast iron and fresh coffee percolating on Beulah. My kids have yet to enjoy this unique and special smell; it is exactly what a cabin is supposed to smell like. It immediately took me back to 1965 when we first moved into the farm house and mom would have a pot of coffee percolating on the kitchen's wood burning cook stove as she prepared a farm breakfast. I love how the senses and mind retrieves memories from the depths of your soul.

Cabin progress today included the installation and wiring of recessed lights above the living room just below the ridge beam. Two directional lights illuminate the fireplace with the buck in the middle. I  also put a last coat of paint on the utility room walls and shelves.

At the end of the day after darkness moved in, I lit some oil lamps, shut down the generator and enjoyed a glass of Crown and coke in the quite with nothing but the crackle of wood burning in the belly of Beulah to break the silence.

Cooler Weather has arrived

For those not keeping up with Mother Nature, she is sending a strong message that we better be preparing for cold weather and winter. Tonight's forecast is for 43 degrees but it typically gets a few degrees colder on the farm. This evening, Kuma d.o.g. accompanied me to the cabin. Upon arrival it was 57 degrees and falling; it was down to 50 degrees and still falling when we came in off the porch.

I've got one of those little liquid propane stone fire burners that sits next to my chair on the porch. On evenings like tonight, its very peaceful sitting and watching the flames dance above the lava stones in the bowl. It didn't take long before I fell asleep while enjoying the combination of cold weather and heat from a flickering flame. I awoke to the smell of something burning; I didn't realize my arm was too close to the flames and the smell was from my arm hairs being burned off!

It is still worth it.

Stuff Needing Done

I really enjoy the satisfaction of finishing a major project on the cabin like the fireplace, Beulah, the kitchen...

Sometimes, you just have to deal with stuff needing done that isn't fun. Work the last few days has been just that. Anyone that has ever painted inside a large closet with shelves will understand how boring it has been as I've been completing the battery/inverter/charger utility room that is adjacent to the bathroom so I can call this job complete, too.

All the scrap wood and metal from construction was stored under the cabin. The metal had to be hauled to the barn, the good wood was cut into kindling and the bad wood (treated, glued) was hauled to a brush pile to burn. Cleaning up under the cabin was necessary to make room for winter firewood.

Also spent time cutting firewood and clearing brush below the cabin to open up the view to the meadow below.

Now, I should be able to get back on some fun stuff such as paneling the ceiling again or working to finish the bathroom. No deadline or schedule to meet makes delays a little more palatable.

A primitive wood stool brother Don made about 30 years ago that I had
in my first apartment makes a great foot rest when enjoying a
beverage with some peanuts.

ManCamp

Need I say more?

More new glassware.

Stocking Up

After trips to both WalMart and Krogers, I was ready to pick up Kuma d.o.g. and head for the hills. My first stop at WalMart was productive. I picked up a colander, a cutting board, muffin pan, oven thermometer, pot holders, kitchen towels, cleaning supplies and a whole bunch of food. Afterwards I went to Krogers where I found adult beverages and ice for the cooler. After stocking provisions away, I fired up the stove to check the oven temperature and enjoyed the evening after dark on the porch. A light fog drifted in under the moon light as we sat outside.

Fall's Premier

The calendar may say Fall is still 2 weeks away but calendars are for bean counters. Mother nature sets the calendar and in southern Ohio at ManCamp, she decided that Fall's premier would be today.

It was a great day to take a chain saw into the woods and start cutting fire wood for winter. Fire wood for a wood burning cook stove must be cut much smaller than for the fire place. It takes getting used to when cutting little 8-10" pieces instead of the standard 24" logs. I'm sure I'll get the hang of it before the first frost.

It was 58 degrees at the cabin upon arrival with a bit of wind chill from a steady breeze. I was able to get a fire going in Beulah in less than 5 minutes to address the chill. Within the hour, she had the kitchen up to 80 and the tea kettle whistling before I throttled her down for a slow burn. I'm looking forward to the weekend and the first pot of soup beans with corn bread from her labor. She is a jewel and a great addition to the cabin.

After putting up the saw, Kuma d.o.g. and I took in some quiet time on the porch. It wasn't raining, not even sprinkling but the air was heavy with moisture. Looking out at the western slope of the hollow across from the cabin, the mist took on the appearance of smoke wisping across the tree tops. As a 20-30 mph gust of wind passed through, leaves heavy with moisture on trees above the cabin would release their load making the sound of a torrential down pour on the metal roof, if only for a few seconds. I love Fall.

Kuma and I went to the camera and pulled pictures off from recent visits.

Always hand outs for friends at the cabin.

ManCamp Cage Match

I often witness chipmunk spats and little fights at the feeders as one running down the tree meets another running up. They will roll on the ground in a ball and fight until one gives up and takes off running.

Today I observed a chipmunk lift the lid and go into a squirrel feeder; nothing new or unexpected. Ninja squirrel had robbed the feeder of most of the grain so the little fella had to go to the bottom to fill his pouches. Before he could come out, another chipmunk ran up the tree, apparently not knowing the feeder was already occupied. He too lifted the lid and jumped inside.

They apparently weren't friends.

The two got into a big fight that was clearly visible through the plexiglas for spectators on the cabin porch. As the dust rolled out and the feeder jumped on it's nail, they squeeled and tumbled on a bed of corn. Finally they called it a draw and both ran out and down the tree. One went East while the other ran West to my amusement.

It was a great day to be at the cabin. At dawn it was just under 60 degrees with a light rain. 5 wild turkeys wandered by picking at the corn I've been throwing out. I fired up Beulah and she quickly had the kitchen toasty and comfortable. Without Kuma d.o.g., Robbie or Nic, I worked alone. I finished insulating and installing the wall boards in the utility room. I also cut and mounted the shelf supports for the 5 shelves that will be installed to hold batteries, inverter, charger and household stuff. A coat of paint and I will be ready to check this off my list. I plan to work on the bathroom to get it completed next now that the kitchen is finished and Beulah lives. So nice having a large pan of hot water and a stove to cook lunch on.

Beulah's Day

Kuma d.o.g. and I are pretty proud of ourselves today. After a year of planning, working, procrastinating and finally re-focusing efforts, we've succeeded in bringing Beulah back to life just in time for cold weather. A few minor repairs, clamps, seals and checks and she was ready for her first fire in a new home. A handful of kindling, paper towel and a match was all it took to bring her up to a steak searing temperature.

Preparing meals on a wood burning cook stove is a dying art. Asked how it's done I find it difficult to explain due to it's simplicity. Wood cook stoves are incredibly easy to operate at no cost for both cooking and heat. Its like having 6 burners on all the time; 2 high heat, 2 medium and 2 low, with no utility bill. A few sticks of kindling and you are frying bacon and boiling water while the oven is always ready.

Beulah fired up and ready for dinner.

Doesn't take long for a cast iron cooking surface to get hot with a hot fire inside.

In business now, water is boiling.

Now, sitting on the porch listening to the radio, I find tears welling in my eyes as I listen to Justin Moore sing, "If Heaven Wasn't So Far Away". Its so hard to lose family or friends as they pass before us. I would love to share today's accomplishment with mom and dad, my childhood friend Mark or even Great Aunt Beulah, a strong lady in my past that the little cook stove was named after. I know they all would be so pleased to share my happiness. As Justin sings, I close my eyes and see each of them smile.

A Glimps at Ninja Squirrel!

Today Kuma d.o.g. and I drove Maximus to the cabin for a little peace and quite. No girlie Jeep tippy-toeing across the wash outs on this trip! We were bounding back on the cabin road like only an Appalachian in a Ford 4x4 truck with a Labrador by his side can do. We got back to the cabin so quick, there was no time for an intruder to make a fast exit. There on the roof of the largest bird feeder hanging from the corner of the porch was the infamous NINJA SQUIRREL! He was as surprised to see us as we were to see him. Upright on his back haunches, mouth wide open, eyes as big as saucers he was shocked his cover was finally blown in the midst of yet another raid on the feeders. He quickly jumped to the ground to make a speedy get away. I've seen smaller over-fed house cats than this mammoth size rodent. This is not your average squirrel. If you're a squirrel hunter, (I'm not) I would characterize Ninja Squirrel as a family meal pak. As quickly as we made eye contact, he was scampering up a large white oak and jumping from limb to limb, tree to tree and off into the forest. My summer is complete. I now know he still lives and all my efforts at refilling the feeders just to see him once again has not been in vain.

Kuma d.o.g. has moved in and is staking claim to
a spot next to Beulah for the upcoming cold weather.

Very patient. You can almost hear her asking, "Is it done yet?" Going to be
hard to cook on Beulah if she stays this close.

On cabin time, you can't get in a hurry for your morning
coffee. We brew it one cup at a time.

I was recently asked if there was food at the cabin.
Does a bear poop in the woods? While under construction,
the kitchen is stocked with non-perishable snacks and meals.