One step up from camping is how I have described staying at our little lake place most recently. Maybe even 2 steps up now that we have a portable A/C unit and a 12 cup coffee pot.
This 4th of July we somewhat hosted our first gathering. We were able to do so because of the Bies bringing their pop-up camper as we are in no condition yet to have overnight guests in the cabin due to no bedrooms. Or walls. Or beds. Our current “living space” serves as a kitchen, living room and at night, after we unfold the futon and blow up the air mattresses, a bedroom.
Hillbilly Holiday was the name of the weekend and fun was had by all. In addition to fun, a lot of progress was also made on the cabin, thanks to Ryan, Dave and Busch Light. They managed to get the main support beams finished for the addition. Prior to that, they had to jack up the northeast corner of the cabin where the bathroom is located as it settled over the winter. This part I was able to help with as well as Krissey… We took turns sitting on the toilet making sure it felt level again!
I forgot to take a photo after they completed this part of the project. Shame on me. In my defense, it’s really hard to take photos with a drink in your hand.
The next step involves a lot of plywood for the addition and existing cabin. Ryan explained this part to me but I don’t know how to reiterate it so I will just show you lots of pictures in my next post. The long term plan with this place is to extend it 10’ x 25’ on the backside (road side) and also build up and add a loft on the back half of the cabin that will over look the lake.
Similar to this to give you an idea…
Coincidently, this random photo I found also illustrates what the outside aesthetic is that we are shooting for. Give us about a decade and you will be thoroughly impressed! I promise!!
#itsamarathonnotasprint
A few more before photos:
This is the walkway from the back of the cabin leading from the driveway. Not-So-Fun Fact: When I was a kid, this area was a cliff-like forest and you entered the cabin on the other side by running down a gravel hill and praying to Sweet Jesus you could stop in time for the stairs and not roll down the rest of the hill into the lake.
The old death hill entrance
The shed aka former outhouse. This used to be located on the other side of the driveway, overlooking the cliff-like forest area. Growing up at the cabin, there was no running water. We had electricity and that was it. If you had to “use the bathroom”, you ran up the Godforsaken hill I previously described (or “went upstairs” as the adults described… what stairs?!?!?) and entered into one of the scariest places I have ever visited - also known as “George’s Last Resort.” Sounds like a horror film and there is somewhat of a parallel. I honestly would have rather shit in the woods and risk getting a tick on my buttcheek rather than use that place. And who knows… maybe I did. I’ll never tell.
A couple other accomplishments this summer, in addition to the cabin construction, have been a fishing boat “tinner” for Evan. Ryan and Dave (dear friend/glutton for punishment) graciously refurbished this cute little 1992 Lund for Evan. Who knew Busch Light was an energy drink?🤷🏼♀️
We also bought ourselves a dock, finally, after dealing with a complete shitshow. That’s a story for another day and probably not for this blog as I try to keep this PG-rated. The point is we got a dock and miraculously no one was hurt or ended up in jail.
So purrrrrrrdy 😍
Now for a few “What’s Your Why?” Photos:
So much beauty in one photo… I can hardly stand it.
Look at that beautiful beach! Couldn’t have asked for nicer weather.
The Besties💖
Camp Bies
Dave and I having some much needed boat therapy
I have to point out something in this last photo. While I was alone in my boat that day, I was thinking about my Dad. Of course it’s hard for me to not think about him a lot but when I’m at the cabin, he’s on my mind even more. While sitting in my boat on that gorgeous day, giving thanks to the Lord for all that surrounded me, I asked my Dad for a sign that he was there too. I didn’t think he sent any until I looked at this photo that I took during that same moment. See the tiny little teal orb on the bottom? There’s my sign. Whether you believe or not is ok… I choose to believe 😇
Up Next: Progress… hopefully!
