Warning - Bears at the Cabin

Our game warden neighbor, Greg, told us to be armed and aware of the influx of bears around our cabin.  He told us that they have been raiding the bird feeders in peoples' yards.  We didn't see any while we were there but we did see the photo he took of tracks in his driveway.  So we may be installing some triangles, gongs or bells on our buildings so that we can alert each other if one is spotted.  Bear mace, whistles, and bells may become some our outdoor attire.

When we were there this last time I had opportunity to travel to Minneapolis, attend a grand nephew's graduation with my sister Tess, and then bring our granddaughter back to the cabin.  We stopped at an antique store and rescued a giant, fuzzy, brown bear from a small crib - he was very embarrassed to be in such a small bed and holding a doll - he now has a new home at the cabin!  We have to think of good name for him.   

Working on the cabin continues

New vanity

Paul and I joked this morning that we are always looking forward to our next visit to the cabin but are so tired when we arrive from getting ready to go and go so hard when we are there that we have yet to sit back and enjoy the place - that too will come.

A clean floor for the new dining room table

Exploring with Grandpa was big on our grand daughter's list so off they went - lots to see with 40 acres.  We had a wood chuck in one of our buildings and a family of skunks lives in our brush pile - Paul is purchasing a live trap for our next trip there.  We'll be doing some birding when we are there - have identified lots of kinds of birds - we'll be painting the birdhouses that need a little attention.

Tiling 2 bathrooms will be a new skill that Paul is going to tackle - the new septic system and drain tile are working beautifully.

"This Trays for You"

Trays to choose from

Last week I had the privilege of introducing a group of ladies to tray making.  We had a great time crafting together.

My daughter, Bridget and I made our first ones years ago after seeing the idea in a magazine.  The first step is to paint the tray, then add feet, then design a collage (the French word for gluing materials in new arrangements and designs), and lastly adding glass to protect the design.

Mom's tray - my first tray - when I was young we used this tray to carry our picnic dishes and foods to the backyard for family picnics.
Paul's tray - this tray features Christmas cards that Paul's postal patrons have given him.

The trays are varied colors, shapes, and sizes.  The themes can be anything the tray makers choose - some gals brought pictures of friends and grand children to add to their trays.  Each gal left with a new "tray" creation.

Easter at the Cabin

Easter "plantings"

My grand daughter and I planted Jelly beans last Easter and sucker came up!  This year we planted them again in a large flower pot and voila the next morning brought squeals of delight as she spied the fuzzy rabbits and eggs on sticks, tootsie roll pops shaped like eggs and mini carrots - she rearranged the stuff in the pot many times during our stay there.

Easter Decor

Mantle magic.

Easter chandelier

Placemats as art.

Each holiday I use my design skills to decorate our home.  I attempt to use common things in unusual ways.  I am displaying a rug on my living room wall, placemats as an art piece on the wall, and as a backdrop to shelves. The mantle is decorated with green grass around 3 pink, pedestaled candy dishes - each dish is full of colored eggs. And last but not least I've done my bath room chandelier with bunnies, eggs and beads. Hope you have a Happy, Hoppy Easter!

Wall rug art.

Placemats as art.

Family Celebrations

On our latest rip to MN we had lots of family there - my 2 sisters, our son and grand daughter, and my husband and me.  We ate our breakfasts at the cabin and did our first big family meal together - homemade chicken, vegetable soup - crockpots are a wonder!
We took a bit of a break one afternoon to swim at our local Wellness Center - what a beautiful facility!

Valentine's Day window.

We celebrated Valentines Day - my grand daughter and I decorated a wee bit with hearts in the windows and a pink polka dot tablecloth.  We celebrated my birthday and had lots of fun opening gifts and just spending time together.

Festive table.

We're planning an Easter trip - weather permitting.  And we look forward to possibly having as much family as can come for our first Christmas at the Cabin. 

Winter visit to the cabin

Looking out our front window.

In the midst of moving.

Last month we traveled to our MN log home - it was a snowy wonderland with -20 degree temps.  Inside our 16' enclosed trailer were beds, bedding, blow up mattresses, pillows, towels, dishes, furniture pieces, tools, light fixtures, wooden palettes and a snow blower (if you don't pack one you will be sure to have loads of snow to clear).

Light fixture installation.

Light fixture installation.