Unusual January Weather

This afternoon, after picking Laura up from physical therapy where they manipulated her new titanium knee, I told her I wanted to go to the cabin. She has accepted the bond and attraction I have to the woods and encouraged me to go. For January in Ohio, 70 degrees is highly unusual and today's warm breeze as a cold front pushed through was calling me to the porch.

A trip to Kroger's and I replenished the cabin supplies of Merlot, crackers and cheese; all of which accompanied me. With winds gusting 40-50 mph, the bamboo wind chimes spun and clattered loudly but not enough to discourage visits by wild birds to the porch feeders. I took a short walk around the cabin as many branches had recently fallen due to the wind and a large tree had been uprooted just off to the north. I was surprised to find 2 new dandelion blooms erupting through the winter soil thinking Spring had arrived. Just another example of the bizarre winter weather we're now having.

Night Life at the Cabin

Late Saturday evening I made a trip to the farm to walk down trail cameras and change out the digital cards. It was very dark with heavy overcast and not a star or moon in the sky. Visibility was limited to just a few feet and you couldn't even see where stepping. Having grown up on and exploring the farm for over 45 years, I could easily navigate anywhere in the dark so the walk didn't bother me. However, as I made my way back into the woods, the sound of coyotes howling deep in the hollow stopped me in my tracks. I immediately thought, 'maybe I should wait until daylight to change the cards; after all, no sense in breaking up a party.' I turned around and went back to the car.

Tonight, I returned to a wet, foggy night in the forest. While driving en route to the farm, I had to slam on the brakes to allow a small herd of deer cross the township road. It was the perfect evening for deer to be mobile. The big difference was the temperature; it was in the high 30s this evening and the ground had thawed. With the wetness, my steps were muffled so walking up on an unexpected deer out and about was not unexpected. I saw many deer tonight, one of which was captured by my camera near the cabin. Afterwards, I sat on the porch with a small glass of wine and just appreciated the evening.

Ice Storm at ManCamp

In the winter of 1965, we had our first opportunity to sleep in the farm house at Fosson Family Trails. My bedroom was upstairs which was unheated. I can remember on some nights waking up and finding ice in my glass of water on the night stand beside the bed. Mom piled so many quilts and blankets on our beds that you either stayed warm or you suffocated under the load. It's life experiences like this that I attribute my love of the cold and why I enjoy mornings like this at the cabin. This morning, with camera in hand, I took pictures as I enjoyed the aftermath of a late night ice storm that came through.

The mini-project of installing a wall heater is now fully complete and it is working great. The cabin was 45 degrees this morning and did not get below 44 during the night; an excellent sleeping temperature.

The pines are weighted down

The porch view is a sea of ice crystals

Took this picture looking out the living room window

This is the side yard as seen from the fireplace windows

The small 20000 btu wall heater has an automatic blower and
built in thermostat. Does a great job when the fireplace or
Beulah are inactive.

A 100 lb tank of LP installed behind the cabin

Flooded Hollow

Tuesday's heavy rain flooded the hollow and saturated all paths to the cabin to the point that only the 4WD tractor was up to making the trip back into the woods. A pair of knee high gumboots would be needed for the walk; something I didn't have readily available. It's amazing how much water comes off the watershed above the farm after such a rain event. The drive was enjoyable none the less as there was an invigorating Spring-like atmosphere; even though it is just mid-January. Once at the cabin, there was such a contrast in weather conditions as time progressed. What started as a very loud, hard rain on the metal roof, soon gave way to strong wind, clearing skies and almost 60 degree temperatures. The change was perfect for sitting on the porch with a glass of wine while listening to the overburdened creek rage below. It also brought a variety of wild birds out to feast on the re-filled feeders, to my enjoyment.

Having other obligations, my stay was short but I did have enough time to measure and hang the new wall heater in the main room. Hanging it was the goal since this was the most difficult part of this mini-project. Drilling through walls and running the gas line to the outside tank would be easy and wouldn't require much effort. With Ohio's winter weather and the short term forecast, its anybody's guess when this supplemental heat source will be needed to keep the cabin above freezing during times when Beulah is dormant.

Cabin Windows

The ManCamp weather station said it got down to 11 degrees last night yet the portable LP heater set on low kept the cabin above 40. For me, this is a good temperature to work in; being one of those sweat hogs that breaks sweat even when its zero out. My friend and helper, Robbie, once asked me, "why are you sweating? we haven't done anything yet." My response was, "well, I'm breathing - that's something." At least when its 40, I only soak my shirt and not my pants, too. I love cold weather and really appreciate it when winter settles in since I run hot all the time. Never could figure if that was healthy or not or just genetics as I recall dad having the same issue; he lived to be 84.


Satisfaction from building a small cabin comes from knowing how each little incremental step can later be identified as progress toward completion. Today included some of those little steps that still made a difference. The cabin has changed from where it was yesterday and even I can say it was for the better. Once again the UPS truck stopped by the house yesterday and dropped off a cabin package. It wasn't very big but it contained an order placed on line about 4-5 days ago with Cabela's.


Its been over 6 months since Laura visit the cabin project. Her last visit was to help determine what colors to use for the wall in the main room, the kitchen wall above the breakfast bar and the bathroom walls that were not paneled. I remember her saying there was way too much brown and that the cabin needed color. It was hard for me to find fault with a brown cabin; after all, wood is brown and everything from the ceiling to the floor was wood. Since I'm color blind, her assistance in picking out the colors was a big help and one that others will  appreciate more than me. On the other hand, I tried to consider her comment when placing the order for window valances with Cabela's. I was so anxious to open the box to proudly show her that some of us are trainable. I had picked out valances for the main room windows with confidence they were rust or red and would look good with the red wall painted with the color she'd selected. As the first set was pulled out of the box, she burst my bubble as she says - BROWN!! "You have way too much BROWN in your cabin, you need some COLOR!" Well, so much for a color blind Appalachian trying to pick out fabric on a computer. What I clearly thought was going to please her simply re-enforced her conviction that the cabin needs a color make over.


My plans of having a deep, brown or saddle leather sofa probably won't be received well either. Should better start looking for something aztec now since one more brown piece will be one too many; especially after installing the (brown) wood floor.


Other than needing ironed, I'm still pleased with the window valances. This is just one more check mark in the completed column for cabin progress.

Need a little ironing for those brown valances

Relocated the oil lamp to avoid a fire

The world always looks better through the cabin windows

Corner windows on north east corner of cabin

Whats not to like about brown curtains in a cabin?

Much better picture of the kitchen valance

window above kitchen sink

Winter morning

Walking to the cabin at sunrise this morning, my mind took me back to 1966 when my best friend Mark Bayes and I made that same trek back the hollow on a similar January morning with Daisy BB guns we had just received on Christmas. A couple of 10 year old boys going 'anything' hunting was pretty common yet uneventful but seems like only yesterday as I once again focused attention on that unchanged view of Scioto Trails ahead. The now frozen mud in the tractor's ruts crackled loudly with each step of the way after a bitterly cold night. Mark has since died and yet the memory and sound of his laughter on that cold morning years ago is just as clear now as it was then. In many ways, it was sad without him and his loyal friendship at my side yet I was comforted knowing he was still with me in spirit. Even then, we both recognized the shortness of life itself and how all that we enjoyed was a Blessing and could be gone in an instant.


New window dressing for the cabin has came in so this visit was to put new kitchen valances up. Some may question if the cabin is truly a 'man camp' with such cosmetic additions that serve little value other than to make the cabin more hospitable. Personally, I like them and since its my cabin, we make the rules. It won't be long before the living room window valances also arrive from Cabela's so I've got another walk to look forward to.


Sitting at the kitchen table, I realized what a great winter view was available when the blinds were raised. One of the rewards of planning ahead with the end in mind.

A change of season and the cabin prepares for the cold of winter

The road to the cabin with a dusting of snow

New kitchen window valance installed

The kitchen window looks like ice blocks with the snow on the ground
behind the cabin

Winter views are so very special in the morning

A Blustery Cabin Day

Wind constantly whipping the porch chimes, 2 inches of snow in the woods, a bitter 18 degree temperature and snow squalls makes for a great cabin day. The wild birds, squirrels and hardiest of chipmunks are eager for handouts when winter arrives. With the ground finally frozen, there was no reason to leave Kuma d.o.g. behind on a trip to ManCamp. She has had a severe case of cabin fever the past 2 weeks; no pun intended. On a day like today, a middle aged Labrador is pretty happy zig zagging in the woods while bobbing her nose in the snow and leaves.

Before going, I made a trip to Tractor Supply and picked up supplies to install a 20,000 btu wall mounted vent-free furnace. Although the fireplace and Beulah do a wonderful job heating the cabin, there needs to be a heat source to keep the place above freezing when not there to constantly stoke the fires. A small wall mount furnace located in the lower left corner of the red wall will provide enough thermostatically controlled heat to keep the place from being so hard to warm up when it gets really cold out. It will also make those long winter naps more bearable when awakening after banked fires in Beulah and the fireplace have lost their battle to keep coals hot. It was 23 degrees inside when we arrived and when its that cold it takes too much effort to bring the cabin temperature up each visit. Besides, there is no reason to freeze the toilet and kitchen supplies. I will install at least 1 and possibly 2 100 lb tanks of LP behind the cabin to supply the heater. The LP is needed for the water heater anyway so it makes sense with it getting so cold out now. There is no way a vendor could drive a propane delivery truck to the cabin anyway so the 100 lb bottles are just the right size to haul to a filling station when empty. I'm sure someone will thank me someday for making this decision. Nobody likes to be cold and a cabin in the winter can try your patience when waiting on things to warm back up. Clearly, the wall furnace is not essential but a convenience that will be appreciated many times in days ahead. A small LP portable heater that I picked up from Lowe's was perfect during the early days of construction. It utilizes a 25 lb LP tank just like a gas grill and provides sufficient heat to warm the entire cabin. It is radiant heat though so unless you're right in front of it, you only feel warm when the overall room temperature rises.

Just unpacked it. Wall mount blue flame vent-free heater.

For $99 at Lowe's, you can't beat the portable LP heater.
Rated at 18,000 BTU, great for temporary heat. Uses a
standard gas grill tank which is self contained in unit.

Sleeping Loft Update

Before sunrise Saturday while my bride was in New Albany getting a new knee, I went and grabbed Robbie to help me get the 120+ lb cast iron art work up on the loft and in position. For a couple of over weight fat guys, it was just about all we could handle and were lucky we didn't drop it through the frame on the floor. Almost done with this part of the project. Just need to polyseal the wood work.

View from living room area

The cast iron artwork is 29"x68" and weighs 121lb

Sleeping loft view from access ladder. Ready for a bed.

View from kitchen table. Almost ready for tongue and
groove flooring.

View from entry door.

Bear Metal Art moved to cabin

Today I loaded the black bear metal art on the tractor front end loader and took it to the cabin. I thought it was wrought iron but was wrong; it's cast iron. I was able to get it inside but I just didn't feel comfortable trying to get it up the ladder and onto the loft since it weighs 121 lbs. It will sit at the base of the ladder until reenforcements are summoned.

Loft Metal Art order comes in

A trip to the back dock of Menard's with Kuma d.o.g. in Dudley. I picked up a special order, 'black bears in forest' metal art for the cabin loft and Kuma was given milkbones by the attendent. We are both happy.

Winter has arrived at the cabin

With about an inch of snow on the ground, a moon lit night and a 16 degree temperature, its clear that winter has finally arrived at ManCamp. A large fire in the fireplace and Beulah working overtime had the cabin a comfortable 70 degrees at the ground level and much warmer up on the loft. Work details continue to take priority over relaxing and enjoying the peace and tranquility of the forest. With the metal art on order to install inside the deck railing, finishing the staining and sealing is important now and this is my focus area. This evening the 3rd and final coat of stain was applied to the loft railing. Once it drys, a couple of coats of semi-gloss sealant should have everything ready once the artwork arrives.

It is a very clear night sky so the stars are very bright. Southern Ohio provides an opportunity to enjoy all 4 seasons. Looking forward to what winter has to offer. I filled the squirrel and bird feeders to keep my little friends fed during this cold snap.

Rework on loft railing- it failed the quality check

After a quick trip to Lowe's to get more spindles this morning, a return trip to the cabin to continue the loft rail work. It was 55 degrees inside which was pretty warm since it was only 45 outside and had got down to 40 during the night. Beulah must have had it pretty warm most of the night to hold the heat.

Upon arrival, there were 4 squirrels enjoying the re-filled feeders. Big Ninja squirrel wasn't with them. He was probably curled up in a fetal position sleeping off yesterday's feast. Won't take these guys long to go through 50 lb of food; everyone is inviting friends over to dine.

The big guy wasn't happy with the spindles installed yesterday so we had to take them back down and replace them. This time, custom cut the new ones and drilled counter-sink holes to conceal the wood screws with oak button caps. Finished installing all the spindles on the 12' side of the loft. Well, with 6 feet reserved for the metal art; actually only installed 10 to fill the 3 foot sections on each end. The biggest challenge was cutting the angles and fitting the railing and toe board beside the ladder. After a few mistakes, finally cut precision pieces that fit exactly  between the post and the ceiling. Legs gave out from going up and down the ladder so unfortunately didn't get the spindles cut/installed in this section. Each spindle has to be custom cut due to the ascending run and ceiling angle.

Beulah was good and hot so she made a pot of coffee and cooked clam chowder for lunch. Maybe tomorrow we'll finish the last of the spindles and apply the final coat of stain before sealing it all with semi-gloss poly seal.

Reloading Firewood

With rain and colder weather in the forecast, I spent time on the west side of the farm in the forest cutting firewood for Beulah. Its amazing how many white oaks have died and are either dropping limbs or falling over. At least there is an abundance of seasoned wood available. With the front end loader filled, I returned to the cabin and off loaded it all on the porch to air dry for a future day.

Continuing work on the loft railings and trim. Its a slow progress due to having to cut, stain and then cure before installing. With the hand and foot rails up, I'm now installing the spindles while also cutting, staining and installing quarter-round trim around the loft flooring.

Cleaned out ashes in the fireplace and installed a new cast iron grate. Also installed a solar spot light out near some pines off the porch to shine on them after dark. Lastly, after seeing Ninja Squirrel searching the empty feeders, I picked up 50# of squirrel food to keep him and his little buddies, the chipmunks (that are still awake) fed over the next week.

Unexpected visitor

I made it to Krogers today and stocked up on groceries for the cabin. The cabinets are now full and there are 5 liters of Merlot in the fridge.

While staining the cabin loft railings (again), Nic showed up for a visit in the woods. He rummaged around in the kitchen cabinets, stoked Beulah with a hot wood fire and before I knew it we were sitting together at the dinner table eating home made cream of potato, bean and bacon soup. So nice having a culinary arts major in the family. I didn't even know we had the ingredients to make what he put together; it was really good! Always a treat when one of the kids comes out to check on the cabin progress.

Loft progress Report

The cabin just keeps me coming back. I'm obsessed with trying to get it finished and don't know why. Once it's done, I'll just kick back and hang out and occasionally have guests. Kuma d.o.g. is really depressed that I haven't been taking her with me on work details. She doesn't understand that it is so muddy, I can't even drive the 4x4 vehicles and have to use a 4WD tractor to get back to the site. Yesterday I drove Maximus, Nic's 4WD Ranger to drop off the loft railing posts. As I was leaving, the truck slid sideways down the pasture hill in the muddy soil. Thank goodness for anti-lock brakes as they finally stopped me before sliding down into a grove of trees.

Today I finished installation of all 5 loft posts. They were mounted by counter sinking lag bolts into the 4x4 timbers that supports the loft and are behind the paneling. After the bolts were tightened down, I glued wooden plugs in the holes to conceal the bolts. All the posts have now been stained Early American. The posts will need one more coat before putting a clear finish coat on top. I also cut trim, the handrails and foot rails and stained most of the lumber before calling it a day. A recent review of My Ohio Cabin on the Small Cabin Forum said they couldn't believe its only 16'x24' as it seems much larger. I can't wait to post pictures of the finished loft railing with the black bears running through the forest. It may be a small cabin but it really takes my breath away when I open the front door as it looks more like a lodge than a cabin. Returning to continue this project tomorrow.

Working during the rain

So enjoyed the cabin today with all the rain. Such a peaceful sound hearing the rain on the roof while watching squirrels and birds out at the feeders. Beulah was all I needed to warm the cabin to a balmy 70 degrees while working on the sleeping loft. Finished the loft access ladder today and move on to mounting the railing posts. Had to shim 2 so they would be plum  but otherwise, an uneventful task. Returned to base home and cut one of the 4x4" posts in halves so I could mount a half post as the terminal post at the wall. Next up is staining them before adding the handrails and toe boards. 

Didn't want to leave. Sat in the rocker and just melted into the peacefulness of a rainy, cold December day.

Loft Work

Today I began building the loft ladder. Using (2) 2"x4"x10' studs and 2"x4"x17" rungs, attached with (2) 5" lag bolts counter-sunk through each end with a little liquid nails, we now have a loft ladder that will pass the 300 lb load test :). Had to go back to Lowe's to pick up more wooden plugs to conceal the heads of the lag bolts before its stained. Its really nothing fancy but is quit functional. What more do you need to climb 8 feet up on the loft than a basic ladder? The primary objective is to make it functional, not too big and keep with the rustic, Early American stain theme. Now that I've decided to install it on the corner of the red wall, I will need to move the carbon monoxide detector and re-position the artwork on the wall to maintain balance.

Using the gift certificate my daughter Natalie gave me for Christmas, I returned to Menard's today, too. I purchased the posts for the deck, also the toe boards and hand rails. Now that I've decided to put the wrought iron artwork between the posts of black bears running through the forest, I'm trying to decide what type of spindles to use. Nic recommends black spindles as the posts, handrails and toe boards will be stained Early American; same as the wall.

Bears in the forest art work on order. 29" x 68". Should look good on the loft rail.

Christmas presents at the cabin

I am so blessed with a wonderful family and good friends so sharing Christmas gift giving is just an added joy. Today, my daughter gave me a $100 Menard's gift certificate that I already have plans for with an upcoming cabin project. My son Brandon and his girlfriend Wendy gave me a new "menu" sign for the kitchen and a beautiful 4 qt cast iron dutch oven for soup beans. I also received a bottle of Crown Royal from some good friends, Misty and Carla after helping them with a Christmas party this weekend.

Even with all that was going on this weekend, I found time to finish putting the flooring down on the sleeping loft.

Beulah has all the essentials for a soup bean dinner

Brandon and Wendy gave me this Wolfgang Puck cast iron dutch oven

Menu posted thanks to Brandon and Wendy

Sleeping loft flooring now completed.

Wishing Everyone a Merry Christmas

Back to Menard's

With the Christmas season upon us,  time is very limited to just relax at the cabin. The transition in life to the big elf in red keeps me almost too busy visiting children to get much done on the project. However, today I arrived at Menard's when the doors opened to take advantage of their Christmas sale on flooring. The loft is not a high traffic area and at only 8'x12', once a full size bed is installed there really won't be much floor space so laminate flooring is going to be installed. I wanted to avoid the really thin laminate as I've heard nothing but bad reviews on it. I picked out the heavier grade with padding already installed on each section. To cover the ~100 square feet, Menard's had a good quality floor for about $80. I'll be installing this and building the loft ladder during the holiday break. Also picked out posts and railing for the loft. I'm planning wrought iron artwork in the center section of black bears running through the forest. After putting the loft ladder rails up, I've decided to hang the ladder at the far end of the loft just around the corner from the bathroom wall. This will allow it to stand offset from the wall without becoming a tripping hazard. It also opens the entire 12' length of the loft for the wrought iron artwork which will be about 68" x 32". Going to look nice and be an eye catcher upon entering.

Cabin Update pictures



Ceiling and ridge beam finished



Dining area. Ready to start on loft ladder and railing

Ceiling looking south over sleeping loft

Christmas fireplace

Ceiling completed.

Santa Claus visits ManCamp

Santa likes the cabin at ManCamp

Finishing touches

The last few visits to the cabin have been focused on finishing all the work related to the high elevation so I can return Ray Rigsby's tall ladder. With the ceiling boards installed and the ridge beam dressed out, the last tasks needing completed were the ones for installing trim. All the trim boards have been stained and have a satin cover coat. All the trim has now been installed around the fireplace and it's gable end. Only 2 more pieces to install tomorrow and the next project will be the sleeping loft flooring and railing.  Pictures soon.

Moving on to trim

With the ceiling paneling project now complete, I've moved on to cutting and installing the ceiling trim. Today I installed the 1"x6" stained hickory finish plate on the underside of the rough pair of 2"x10"s that were used for the ridge beam. This board now makes the cabin look like a lodge with a beautiful ridge beam. I stained it Early American so it is in full contrast with the Antique Oak high gloss ceiling. I'll post pictures after the trim is installed.

Ceiling finished

The last ceiling boards have been installed and for all intent, it is finished. Now moving on to installation of the ridge beam finished cap and trim that needs to go up the gable ends and around the fire place. Difficult finding time to work with Christmas just around the corner. Once I get the trim up, I'll post additional pictures. Pretty proud of how it looks. So glad when a plan comes together; it's just as I dreamed it would be.

Last board stained

The final coat of stain and poly has been applied to the last 10 boards for the ceiling. It's good to know this is behind us. Once cured, we'll get them installed and the ceiling will be finished. A warm fire in the fireplace was just what I needed to motivate me to finish the job. Afterwards, the cold night wind that hit me in the face as I opened the door was laced with wood smoke from the chimney above. What a wonderful smell in cold weather!

As I walked out of the woods and past the old farm house in the dark, the 60 ft pines roared like the ocean waves as the wind rustled through their needles. Who needs a conch shell to hear the ocean when you have the wind and majestic pines?

Moon Rise over ManCamp

The late fall moon always rises in the east above the hill behind the cabin. On days like today, shortly after the sun goes down, an autumn moon wastes no time before eliminating a December evening's darkness. As it rises above the eastern trees, it's so beautiful as it illuminates the hollow below. Although it was 36 degrees out, I sat on the porch enjoying the view and the shadows cast through the trees. A distant coyote in Scioto Trails breaks the silence and reminds me once again that I'm not alone.

A second coat of stain has been applied to the last 10 ceiling boards for the ceiling; only 1 more coat and all will be ready to finish the ceiling project.

Blustery Cabin Day

Not quite winter yet but with the wind whipping and temperatures falling in the low 30s while spitting snow flurries outside, it was clearly knocking on the cabin door. Fires in both Beulah and the fireplace kept the cabin above 70 while I worked some more on the ceiling paneling. With the last trip to Menard's behind me, I hung all the finished boards available and then sanded, vacuumed and stained what will be the final 10. Hopefully I can stay focused and get these boards finished before the weekend so I can wrap this significant project up.

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.