I have been checking the Cabin Cam for about 2 weeks. I like to see the various task being done daily. It looks like the basement will be the foundation foot print of the main part of the house. It is a pretty good size basement.

I like the closer look in the photos from Watson. The logs should go up fast. They look good. It has been a very cold, windy and rainy day here so the photos brought some sunshine to my day. I hope this mess doe not hit the construction site tomorrow.

Keep it up guys, you are looking good.

OH MY GOSH!!!! The logs are going up!! I can't believe it's starting. I feel like I'm there with hammer in hand. I can't believe how excited I am. All the years of reading Log Home Living and I actually get to watch how they build a real log home. I had no idea that the logs were placed and set the way I saw in the pictures. Gosh, I'm writing like a school girl, but this is SOOO exciting. I think I want to take a ride this summer just to see how the house looks for real. I can't remember the last time my heart was beating this fast. I have to keep re-reading because I keep making mistakes as I write. Excuse my errors, it's just that I feel like I am living a dream.
Hope all my fellow bloggers feel the same. Also hope that each and every one of you have a wonderful weekend. We're in for more snow so I probably won't be back until Monday. By the way if you look closely you can spot some beautiful green grass in one of the slides. Spring please come soon!

It's me again. Just had to comment again after looking at the slides of the log raising today. It's awesome. What a perfect day. It's my fathers' 87th birthday and the birth of "our" new log home. Happy weekend fellow bloggers!

Wow! You are on a roll. It's it exciting that the first logs are in place and you are moving along nicely. Keep up the good work. I love it when things start coming together.

Anxious to see each phase coming along..

Nice to see whatkins out in the fresh air & finally put a face with the name if that's you in the flannel. Good work blog cabin builders! It's looking beautiful. And I loved the shot of the trees from the lot, can't wait to see some green come out on them, even though they will start to block our veiw of the lake some.

What kind of footing/foundation is being used?

Thanks for the photos and keeping us up to date on the progress.

Hi Vikki!

The D-logs look great. I can't wait to see the outer wall structures up. This should be the best log cabin yet.

Wish I was there helping with the cabin. Can't wait to se it done. Keep up the good work of staying up on the job site. Already working on the landscape as you look over job? Thats it for now good luck to all.

you all make it look so Easy

Oooh, how exciting! Im ust complain a bit though... what's with you people and granite? You are totally granite obsessed. Ewww... boring!

I am so excited! Log raising has begun!

A W E S O M E ! ! !

What beautiful photos! Must be East Tennessee! Hello from Oak Ridge and best of luck building that beauty! Spring should be here in... about a week or so. I hope it brings y'all warmer weather to work in!

It's really exciting to see the building underway. It's been a little while since I checked on the progress. The picture showing the stark view of the trees in winter is as pretty as I'm sure the springtime view will be. I just voted for the kitchen sink, fixtures, backsplash, etc. and am anxious to see the results. So far, some of my personal choices are winning and some aren't. I personally think any of the winning choices will be pleasing to a whole lot of people.
I voted for the man cave spa, because, well, frankly, I could use some exercise. Can't wait for the next set of features to vote on!

Thank you for the added pic's...You guys are doing an excellent job! Your really moving along fast...And it's really wonderful that your letting us watch the progress...Be careful near the edge! Looking forward to seeing more pic's!
God bless yins all...Susan

Wow! Y'all have made amazing progress. Can't wait to see the slide show!

Welcome back Watson. My, when you guys get out and on the job things certainly move quickly. There are a couple of contractors in our neighborhood who clearly didn't go through the same training as you folks.

I noted that there only seems to be one hole presently in the floor for the stair well so I assume that the request for a dumbwaiter system for assisting with heavy loads from garage to kitchen etc was not possible? C'est la vie. Looking forward to more pictures soon from your outing to Watts Bar lakeside. So glad to see there are parts of the country not covered with snow and ice. Winter in Wisconsin sucks this year.

I HOPE MY HUSBAND I CAN WIN IT WE LOVE WHAT YOU GUYS R DOING TO THE CABIN,WE NEED TO GET AWAY CAUSE OF HIS HEALTH AND HE LOVE LOG CABIN AND DREAM ABOUT LIVING IN ON

THANK YOU WANDA DAVIS FROM SCOTIA NEW YORK

This may be a dumb suggestion at a late date,(I'm a first-time blogger). Are you going to have a screened in porch on this blog cabin? As a kid sleeping summer nights on a screened in porch was magical. Now, those nights are very fond memories. I also just discovered blog cabin. I'm hooked and can't wait to see how everything comes out; with everyone's input of course.

I love the new cabin local but where and what lake is it no? I am a Viet Nam Vet an I am disabled but not totally.how can we go about winning this new blog cabin? It looks like everything is going great and I pray that it does!!!!!!!

Hey Watson,

Way ta go, your a 'woodchuck' too!
You should have looked up so we can see what you look like!
Thanks for all the work you put into the Blog, glad you could get out into the sunshine.

Nice to see some action on the build, will look even better with blooming trees in the picture!
Looking forward to all the progress down the road.

Keep blogging folks!

I agree with you 100% it's so exciting to see the progress every day from the blog cam and also to see your photo's which are even closer. I envy you to be there on site and to do hands on. can hardly wait to see tomorrows blog cam.

Hi Keight, Carrie, Cabincraver, BlognBob, Susan, Muse and all. No offence intended if I didn't mention you all by name but this is becoming a big community and names are one of my very poor suites - just ask Susan. I took a sabbatical for a short while for a whole bunch of reasons but, as things are really heating-up at the cabin site and, clearly, time is short to make comments and suggestions for changes I though I would chip-in again.

I wish I had been away in some warm place to escape the seemingly interminable Wisconsin winter this year but no such luck. My days of basking in the tropics are curtailed for a while but each has its own charms so long as ‘cabin fever’ of the upper Midwest, long winter type doesn’t get to you. We actually did a couple of days at a water park to keep the kids from going completely crazy last weekend so we’re all a bit pruney but in much better spirits.

Part of the reason for the absence was a moral issue. I really enjoy taking a little time from my lunch break to add a blog or two. It makes a pleasant break in the day to read the blogs, see how my blogging friends are doing and change gears for a while. It’s very therapeutic and, so Susan tells me (and she should know as this is her professional forte), actually increases productivity and helps stress reduction. However, I am using my work computer and their internet space to do this. My institution is very lenient with internet access and only blocks the obvious sites but there is a moral obligation to limit personal internet time. We need a lot of bandwidth and internet access for large files, data streams and video links. I may find myself having to discipline someone for inappropriate internet use and if ever that time comes I need to be in a position to set an example. Therefore, despite the therapeutic side to the blog I have decided to limit my access to the evenings. OK I’m off that moral soapbox now.

Back to the cabin, the vote and my ‘wish list’. First the cabin cam is such a help and it’s truly amazing to watch the incredible speed of progress once the ground had been prepared for the footings and basement walls. One thing I noted was that there only seems to be one hole presently in the floor for the stair well so I assume that the request for a dumbwaiter system for assisting with heavy loads from garage to kitchen etc. was not possible? Maybe I’m jumping to the wrong conclusion but I would have thought it easier to install now than later. This brings me to one of my persistent themes, that of making the cabin at least a little user friendly to disabled people. I’m still asking for a ramp up to the front door and /or a ramp on to the wrap-around deck. Not just for disabled access but it’s so much easier to move big items up ramps than up stairs. Indoors can there be no thresholds between rooms and from inside to out can the thresholds be such that it’s easy for wheeled access? No big chunky sills etc if possible. Can door hardware and window hardware be easy to grip and operate rather than fancy and fiddly. This is also more in keeping with a log cabin surely. This doesn’t mean it isn’t stylish but functionality should be an issue too.

Keeping on this theme I like the undercounter sink with the two bowls which should help conserve water but is it possible to have this in the apron style with two faucets one on each side? This is easier for access to more people and children than a sink recessed and with all the faucets etc at the back furthest from reach. My personal preference is for the metal backsplash. I just wanted something different from boring, same old-same old granite. OK it’s nice to look at etc. but it’s so overdone and there are more practical and equally good looking, much lower maintenance countertop & backsplash materials available. A gleaming copper or burnished bronze backsplash would add some contrast and warmth to the stone countertops.

For the rear foyer either tile or concrete. Both are better than cork in this place although I would like to see cork as an option for bathroom floors. I installed it in an apartment I had in London many years ago and it was the warmest, softest floor I ever had in a bathroom and it took everything we could drop on it and still looked good. My only reservation about concrete is whether it will crack. The house is wood and that will move with changing seasons. Will a concrete floor crack with this movement? I don’t know but I do know that most concrete over 12ft square will crack even with reinforcing. Of course tile can crack too but it will probably be along the grout lines so easy to repair. The newer waterproof, high impact resistant grouts should keep well for years before needing a touch-up. Any thoughts my blogging buddies? Of course tiles in this place must be non-slip so most ceramics may be non-starters but a nice slate would be rustic but stylish at the same time.

I’ve been thinking a bit about some of the outer features too. I’ll leave the landscaping for now and just concentrate on two things on the outside, the gutters and the wrap-around deck. I would sincerely hope that all the guttering will be protected by some sort of leaf and debris excluder. There are many good makes on the market and I’ll leave it entirely to the DIY team to come up with one they feel is best for the site. However, these are a must in this environment. We installed them about 2 yrs back as I was getting tired of climbing a 30ft ladder about 10 times a year to clear our top gutters. We have some beautiful mature maples and oaks in our back and front yards and are very loathe cutting them, but the leaf and seed debris was becoming a nightmare. We now have a gutter topper system with a lifetime warranty that can be handed on to the next purchaser of the home. The system does a great job of keeping the tree debris out and since we installed them I haven’t had to get up on the roof again. Also the maintenance agreement (free with the installation) ensures that the installer has to clean them on demand within 24 hours of a request from me. So far they have done this once and there were no hassles. A friend has a similar system on his large lake house in a similar setting to this cabin and was very positive in recommending them for us. We consider it one of our best small investments in our house. Please, if possible, can the gutters drain into an underground cistern that can be used for yard watering and other outdoor things to help offset some of the effects of the ongoing drought in this region. Just one look at how low the lake water level is should tell people that this is a real problem.

For the wrap-around deck I would suggest one of the many synthetic products. I’ll probably annoy a few people here by stating that in this day and age using wood of any sort for decking is just gratuitous waste of timber. The synthetics have wood beaten in every area when it comes to decking. Durability, ease of use, green product, very low maintenance, no splinters color doesn’t fade - the list is long. Speaking as the not so proud owner of a 35 x 18ft wooden (pressure treated and cedar) deck I can only say that as soon as we have enough money and it reaches the top of our priority list I’ll have great pleasure in destroying the wood and replacing it with a recycled synthetic product. Only last weekend I was cleaning the latest snowfall off our deck and realizing that within a couple of months I’ll be again cleaning, sealing and refinishing the deck. It’s an annual task and let no one tell you otherwise. With children, pets, and weather extremes every year there is a part of it that needs some attention. If I leave it for a year or so the job becomes more costly and takes longer. Both of my brothers-in-law has recently built a new or substantially refinished an existing property on similar sized lakes in N. Carolina & W Virginia (which is why I have some information to hand for some aspects of the blog cabin build). In one case the wooden deck was replaced by a ‘Trex’ decking deck which looks great and is virtually no maintenance. The other house, the new build, has a large wrap-around porch with a front extension over a walkout basement (sound familiar?). These folks went with a synthetic board from a company called ‘Correct Deck’, http://www.correctdeck.com/ . This company makes a decking specially to go over another deck called ‘Rain escape’, http://www.rainescape.com/ . It has a drainage system built underneath it so that nothing drips through from one level to the lower. This would be the ideal system for the blog cabin. Whether its rain or simply water from washing the upper deck nothing will drip onto or spoil anything below thus making the lower space a better covered and more usable space for an outdoor kitchen (or other uses).

That’s definitely enough from me for this evening. Bedtime stories to be read and homework checked before Susan & I can put our feet up in front of the TV. Ah yes a Home Theatre please complete with popcorn maker and cooler for sodas. I’m inclined to a projection system but will be happy with anything so long as the popcorn is good and we can all snuggle into big chairs and enjoy a movie together or with friends. A spa would be good too but I’m a runner and Susan a yoga person plus we walk & cycle a lot so indoor exercise isn’t a big need for us. Kids run, cycle and walk too and there is a whole lake to swim in and canoe on for several months a year. See you all on the blog soon. Enjoy the up coming weekend and keep well.

Tennessee is now harvesting and selling lots of beautiful mountain stone.The bottom level of this cabin would look very nice with a facade of mountain stone. Ditto for the fireplace.I saw some stone on this lot;if it is mtn. stone, then some mtn. stone pathways would provide a nice touch to the landscaping.
My son and I fish and enjoy boating the Tennessee river often.We would love to have this beautiful place on the water.I will enter the contest as soon as I figure out how.This is my first comment.
P.S. I am not in the mtn. stone business.

Oh Boy, it looks so pretty down there. A great day for building. The lake looks so pretty in the sunlight. Can't wait for spring. So far the house looks wonderful, now I understand where the garage is. Wasn't quite sure how it would look from the blueprints. Thanks for the updates Watson, it's so exiting to be able to watch the progress.

Oh my godness! Oh my goodness!!! These pictures are great! Thank you so much. It is comming along very nicley. :o)It just makes me want it all the more. This is such a tease I can hardly stand it!

Ok can someone help me. I do not know my way around the computer very well.
How do I found out what my URL is? Thanks.

i more then likely WONT win and i'm ok with that fact.
however IF i do win PLEASEEEEE dont paint a rug on any floor of the house!!
if i win and i see a painted rug, the first thing i'll do is buy a sander for the spot then after the spot is gone i will sell the house with that big sanded spot on the floor.
if i dont see a painted rug IF i win, i'll keep the house.
and in lastyears cabin there was "fancy" paintings on the walls in the master bedroom, also DONT do that!

WOW - this is so exciting, I can't believe the first logs are up already, thanks so much for sharing this dream with us. You are doing a fantastic job with all your shots and descriptions, keep up the great work, everyone appreciates it. With the voting, the blogs, the cam, etc. we all feel like we're watching our own home get built, we can only hope like everyone else. Please keep in mind the disabled like myself, even if we don't win someone else might need the access for a neighbor, friend or family member, even to the dock, most of us can't boat anymore because of lack of access. Those opposed to it please remember that you may meet someone one day that won't be able to visit you without access, how will you feel then? This cabin is too beautiful to turn away anyone, I'm sure whoever wins would love bloggers to stop by, I know we would. What a dream home, I'm hoping the winner uses it full-time not just for a get away, it's way too beautiful not to be enjoyed all the time. We hope to win and share with all our family & friends but we know there are many others trying to win it too so we wish everyone good luck. Thanks Watson, your making someone's dream come true!

Fantastic pictures! Love those logs but the scenery and lake views are incredible.Thanks for the vision. We already feel at home with the lake. Hubby is even willing to sell his Desert MINX. Never thought he would do that, but I'll bet you he replace it with a boat now! Take care Jo Ann

Beautiful!

Let's us start to realize the views that this cabin will have.

Thanks for the hard work!

Wow! You guys have really put on the steam. Love to peruse the photos with my morning coffee. Also love to read the other bloggers whenever I have an extra moment. Cabincraver: still praying for a speedy recovery! (Cough, cough....cute.) I have a laptop which has given me untold freedom. One of those large bedtrays sometimes becomes my desk. I also bought a roll-around hospital-style table which can provide a desk or side desk (for check sets, etc.) But the best location is my stationary bike. Took off the handlebars, jerry-rigged a support & attached a little bedtray atop, suspended a mouse tray below,(cad requires some serious clicking, too much for a laptop's mousepad) Now long hours at the computer can be combined with gentle pedaling to get in that all-important exercise necessary for recovery and over-all health. Get tired? Just go back to a chair or bed with the bed table or tray.

Fellow bloggers: I love the idea of a "tax fund" to defray such costs for the winner. The question is: would it be possible (or even legal) for DIY to administer such a fund? We would need to have an accounting of contributers so that, if the actual winner did not contribute at least $1, then the total amount would go to some worthy cause(s). That seems fair to me. What do you guys think? DIY, could you administer it?
Thanks, Cadconnie

Ahmed! You must have just about the coolest job ever! Thanks for the pictures - This is more exciting for me than you can ever know. I see how each D log is numbered - to help with assembly I'm sure. How long did these logs dry after being harvested? Aren't they shaped after drying? This is very exciting and I'm happy to see the cabin being built. Are you back in your cubicle? Get back out there - fresh air is good for you & we get more pictures! Can't you just see my kayak sitting on the shore waiting for a time to explore?!?!?!

The progress looks great!! Seeing the foundation set and layout plus with the logs starting to go up really gives a great visual of what to expect! I'm already getting fantasy images of this cabin in my mind! I'm sure most people, like me, dream of having a beautifull cabin with mother nature all around you to enjoy the finer things in life. And it can't get any better then having a beautifull lake to enjoy each and every day! It is really nice to see this cabin slowly coming to life!

Good Morning Watson!!! You make me feel as if though I could smell and feel that crisp fresh morning air! It really looks great! I am already moving that earth back towards the foundation (in my mind) trying to visualize it all. What a great place to work each day, enjoying that view of nature. Have a wonderful day!!!!

This is the log cabin that my husband and I have been dreaming about. Before he got cancer, we planned on buying a place by the lake for him to fish. He has spent his whole life saving on cancer treatments. Now, I dream of winning this log cabin.

Wow. Great pictures. Thanks for the updates. I really like the look of the D-logs. Glad we chose them. This is getting more exciting all the time.

Watson, I am so excited to see the logs going up. I blogged earlier this week about the possibility of making the cabin more kid friendly and building a log cabin tree house? I think it would be really cool, And we could vote on it if there is time. My kids have always wanted a tree house and what better place could you think of than this beautiful lot with all those trees. Does anyone else think this is a good idea? Maybe for the next blog cabin if there is no time. I sure hope you are going to build another one, I love what you guys are doing. Keep up the great work.

The pictures here and the slideshow are wonderful. I LOVE the raising of a home. Every home owner who is lucky enough to get to build their own should do a daily photo shoot.

This is going to be a beautiful home on an exquisite site. Really breathtaking!

Wow - y'all are moving real quick!!

Greetings Watson and fellow Bloggers:

Ahh, it's such a wonderful thing to enjoy a morning cup of coffee and review slides of a lakeside cabin raising...the next best thing to being there!

As I write this--looking out of my window at the dreary Cleveland sky--I imagine the smell of wood and the sunshine on my face. The breeze from the lake and the sounds of hammering, laughter and drilling converge as this dreamy cabin comes together!

Thanks Diynetwork, building team and bloggers for making these stark winter days a little brighter !
And Watson: there's something special about a man who can write well AND handle power tools-ha! I think you need to get out of the cubicle more often.

Yours in cabin dreaming,
Rebecca from Cleveland

Helllooooo DIY~

What a beautiful site and home this is!

Just a thought, Watson...is it possible that a scrap book of the step-by-step photos taken be presented to the lucky winner?

Happy Logging~

I too like the idea of raising money for the winner. Hope DIY looks into that for us.

Tree house would be nice but that may be pushing it a bit for this cabin. HOA might not approve.

I hope you are planning on giving the cabin a private boat dock. That close to the lake without a dock for the kids to jump off of(and the new owner to park his fishing boat) would be a waste. It also might be nice to throw in a boat for the lucky winner too. I love the concept of the blog cabin, and I hope that maybe the next cabin will be somewhere here in Wyoming. There are so many beautiful places here, your producers should take a vacation to the equality state.

Thanks for the pics! Very cool. Sure hope your weather holds. This part goes fast. Nice to see spring is in the air. We still have quite a bit of snow and muddiness is growing by the day. We leave in a week to head south to the land of "red rock" for a couple weeks. Sure hope spring has made it there too!

What a cool concept this is, building a cabin that people can input their opinion about the construction and then someone gets to actually win it! I think it is very cool. I also think that Watson has a very cool job. I know this was done last year but I did not really participate like I am this year. It is fun watching what is voted for. good luck to all who enter. I hope that this cabin goes to someone who will really appreciate it.

It is so amazing to see this beautiful cabin going up! I do have one suggestion and hopefully enough others will agree and we can get this situation remedied. The pictures from the cabin cam are great but I feel like I am watching a cabin be taken apart not built since the pictures are shown with the most current ones first then scrolling back to the beginning. Can the pictures be shown in order of the build stages? Or at least give us the option of changing the order for ourselves?

I know nothing about technology so this might be really hard to do... or not. It's just pretty annoying that every time I want to see progress I have to click on the arrows to make it go back to the most recent picture and if I'm too slow I have to keep clicking and clicking.

Otherwise, great job! Keep up the good work!

from a Cabin Dreamer in Miami

This is going to be a really beautiful cabin!

Hi Bloggers and Hawkins

First was wondering why I hadn't read any post by clive lately welcome back I sure enjoy reading your blogs and opinions.

Second Hawkins the progress so far looks great, except I notice with the foundation up now that the front entry will be rather high, that may make it hard for the elderly and disabled to enter.

Third I agree with clive synthetic wood would be much better for the porch and decking, living here on the lake we have to seal the pressure treated wood once a year.

Have great weekend all

Mary from Texas

Just found this show and we will definately be watching the progress. It's been our lifelong dream tobuild a log home or timberframe and this show looks awesome. Guess we will have to catch up on last seasons progress until August.
One suggestion I would like on the new project would be the fireplace. Since it is on an exterior wall and the rear faces the deck would it be possible to convert this to a double sided fireplace? I'm not sure if they make fireplace doors airtight enough for the exterior to keep out the elements, but with the popularity of patio fire pits and such I thought that on the cool spring/fall evenings it would be a nice option to be able to have the fireplace going and still be able to utilize the deck with the heat from the fireplace. If doors aren't an option perhaps a blower on the exterior to dissipate heat from the fireplace to the deck area wold help keep the chill off.

Why do so many want Simon to shave??!! How else can we tell him from his brother? He looks a little older and wiser - more like a true TN Mountain Man!

Bryan
Slidell, LA

I have not blogged prior to this, but cannot resist. pix of construction stir the dream of possibly winning. For the past number of years we have made annual visits to the Maryville/Townsend area just prior to beginning of school year. The opportunity to win this cabin is a dream in itself! The real dream is actually winning and living there! I was surprised at construction pix, I imagined the building being farther from the water. It's going to be great! Design and quality are terrific! We all can't win,but I dream everyday that it will be me!!! I guess we all win just by being a part of the construction. Good luck Bloggers!

I want to have a family reunion in this cabin when I win it. Sorry to all those who think they even stand a chance.

i agree with soo many about the granite, i think tile would be so much fun like a mosaic lake theme , also the double basin apron sink is pretty cool. stained concrete if it cracks just adds character. and the man/woman cave wellll if i was to build a spa id put in a sauna, wouldnt that be great with a exercise room ??? later bloggers

I like what you are doing and i enjoyed in voiting seams like i am a little late in getting in on it.but keep up the good work love your show

I checked the Cabin Cam this morning and did not see anyone out there. I just checked again and no one is out there. The weather does look like a gray overcast. Sorry about the jinx in my blog yesterday. Also sorry about the mis-spell. If you are getting what we got Wednesday you are in for possible snow tomorrow. I got a very light coat but north of me got a few inches.

If you have not looked at the Cabin Cam you should check it out. It is on the left side of the home page. Just click and then in the screen just right you can view the shots in a slide show.

I wish more bloggers would read the other blogs. You find some interesting information. The finale plans are done. You can see them clicking the sketch under the Cabin Cam picture. They will answer some of the questions in the blogs.

I like the idea of using local or Tennessee stone where the foundation and basement wall will be exposed and the fire places. It would really be great if they could do the chimney in the same stone, if possible.

I saw the blog on a tree-house. There may be a problem with that and some other ideas since this is an association with restrictions for buildings. As mentioned by Ms. Branim the garage had to be placed to where the doors did not face the street. That was luck for the person that will win the cabin. It gives them a great basement instead of a stand alone garage. You can see her information if you click on the Recent Entries listed on the right of Watson's blog.

I guess the choices we have now will stop soon. I agree it would be nice if we had links to see information for some of the choices before voting. This is true for types of materials and fixtures someone has never seen. Also I saw some blogs about the bathroom fixture choices and the kitchen sink. I would hope the faucets presented for the bathrooms would not be the same ones used in the kitchen. They are different types and come with extras. If we are not given a choice on the kitchen faucets I trust the DIY people to pick something that would match the decor of the kitchen. We may be picking the materials like granite but the DIY people will need to see what is available in the area and it more than likely will not look like the pictures for the counters and back-splash. That goes for the stone used and the tiles. They can order the tiles but they will need to determine what will look best on a floor or wall.I trust them with those things. But I do like to have some say in the building of the cabin. It gives one the feeling their choices do matter and ownership in the project.

Well my lunch time is ending. I will give the Cabin Cam one more look.

so just read the racoon story, very creative and cute! actually a blessing with the electrical stuff when you think of it.
well we had a large crop of rabbits last yr had a dickens of a time keeping them out of my very small garden . but didnt think too much of it until this winter when my car wouldnt start , so what do you do but pop the hood so i figured that out [not that i had any idea of what to do next mind you] and a very healthy rabbit jumped out! well it cost me $187.00 to repair the car. and it wouldve been more if i didnt have the upgraded AAA.

For those of us who are more creative, why is there not an option for the "Man Cave" as a shop or an arts studio? The options given seem to be all leasure or sporty.

With such a beautiful place to build it, all I can say is it's looking absolutely marvelous darlings. I can't wait to see how far you get with it next week. Seeing this on the computer is almost like being their with you as it is being built. This is great. Thanks!

Hi Bloggingbob. Just to clear up any gender misunderstandings I'm a 'he' (at least that was true when I last checked) and Keight told me she was a 'she' a while back when I made a mistake. Happens to us all. Just one other thing I'm not the Clive one sees on "Designed to sell' but I am a fellow countryman of his though not in the same or even a related profession.

Have a great weekend & I'll see everyone on the blog next week. I've a few ideas about the landscaping that I would love to throw out for comment.

PS. I'm not at work this afternoon so I'm not breaking my self-imposed 'blogout' for comments during my working hours.

to : Mary at March 7, 2008

If you read the posting by Ms Branim on Feb 14th concerning the redesign you will see that the fireplace is a two way design with a fireplace both inside and outside on the extended deck.

W-h-e-e! We had flurries here for about 30 min. this a.m.!!

Please contractors and design teams, do use LOCAL materials and products wherever possible!

Cabincraver, rest, relax, and don't feel guilty about it.

Clive, I completely understand re work; you're setting an important example! I think we bloggers were worried it was something *really* bad ....

Watson, super pics! Makes me wish the cabin cam had a telephoto lens or mounted much closer.

Stay warm/cool, y'all,

Leslie fr E. Texas

Just had an amusing thought. Maybe Mr Hawkins has been watching a little too much "Home Improvement" with Tim Allen? Do you notice how all the faces of the people working on the cabin site yesterday, including his, are partly obscured? For those of you familiar with the TV show does this have a ceratain similarity with the 'Wilson' character; the neighbor we have never really seen yet?

It's just a thought. I'm not taking things too seriously this Friday afternoon and you are all welcome to join me in virtual silly space.

Welcome back clive,
I hope all of us: help needed now, answers needed people didn't get you into trouble @ work!
Well Whawkins, Ahmed, Chris , Simon, anybody if you need a fishing buddy, my husband Chris loves Watts Bar. He's been there a couple of times, Doesn't know it too well, but he says it's a great fishing lake and he would love to go fishing with you. So his one request is to please put a small boatdock in just big enough to park the boat or to sit on and If we are blessed to win he'll be at the old fishing hole faster than the line can hit the water! I know he probably would never be at home, he would be out fishing day & night on the lake whenever he could be off from work.

to Adam Bailey
You are welcome to your opinions of course "free speech" but the comment you made today about sanding the floor and maybe leaving the spot was just right down rude. You sound as if you are a very unappreciative & selfish person for sure. You could win and you would be so stupid as to say you would sand and leave an ugly spot on the floor and sell it. Because you don't like artwork painted surfaces. I have a suggestion for you: If you don't like what you see, don't vote and if you would rather sell: why try to destroy the house. If I were in control of the blog I'd delete your vote.... for being an unappreciative possible recipient of a free and very expensive beautiful gift. Just remember a.b. the majority rules. We could vote unappreciative people off.

Hi, I am a first time bloger ...My wife and I have always dream of a log cabin on a lake surrounded by trees,in the south..tennessee is great..the discription of this cabin sound great to me,like watching the progress..296550 jack fr.NJ

Hi Fellow Bloggers!! Clive, you are too much! I am sitting here laughing. You really gave me a good chuckle, telling us that you are a "he" and that Keight is a "she"...I thought Keight was a "he" too! I told my husband "This Keight, is really a smart cookie, with all the information he is giving us".....now I know that Keight is a "she". I was just thinking, about the lighting in the cabin. The Green House at HGTV has beautiful lighting in the living room, and I thought that the cabin might look nice with the same lighting fixtures as the Green House has in the living room. Just a thought. Need to run and feed the horses.....Happy Blogging! :-)

Wow!!! Thanks Watson, the cabin cam is great, but your photos make the cabin and the surrounding area come alive.

I'm originally from the West (Utah & Idaho), now living in Maryland in farm land area. It's nice to think of a cabin in the woods, near real mountains. We just have LUMPS out here. Our family cabin and surrounding land were located at the base of the Sawtooth Mountains in Idaho. It was a great place for kids to be each summer, all three months. So looking at this cabin makes my heart race to be there. Of course I have already moved in and ready to have a party for all ya'all.

Thanks again for the opportunity to vote for so many things. Even if my desires are not winners, it's still fun to participate!!

janer

ps I asked for a pot filler to be installed, but when I did, I must have been on some bad drugs..
I meant for it to be over the stove, not over the sink. lolol

janer

Ok...I don't want to harp on the steps leading down to the back yard, but if I was to win the cabin and a child was hurt while I was up on the deck! (Well just picture a 50 year old lady leaping over the railing ...grabbing a bungee cord to lighten the fall as she's still attempting to run in mid air)...Let me just say, IT WOULDN'T BE A PRETTY SIGHT! ROFLOL
Thought my idea of a Tax Fund for the winner would have gotten a few more responses...Maybe it was just me! I thought it was a great thought!

Well, keep in mind...If they don't add steps, at least provide a strong bungee cord!
God bless yins...Susan (from OH...brrrr!)

Adam Bailey is that your drug site on myspace with pictures of half dressed women and drugs Well at least now we know why you are always so confused!

WOW, looks like a nice area and can't wait to see the show.

from the blog cam I can tell that the sun rises on the back of the log home and will set in the front of the house and making the master bedroom the south side of the house and speaking of the master bedroom I though the revsion of the original plan said that the windows would move to the side that the original door was at and that the doors were to be moved to the original window wall but it looks like the door has stayed--I'll will be disappointed if this stays as it looks like--that the door is still on the side along with the new doors on the window side. will you please check? I'm loving the progress and keep the camera rolling!(pictures too!)

Thank you for the pictures! I can wait to see more of the progress. I am so excited to see the votes I have cast come to light. Thank you

It is a beutiful site for a cabin I sure would like to win it. Hey you good luck. I would sure love to jump into that lake or just sit and watch nature happen.

B.E.P.

Gorgeous! I enjoy the cam images and seeing the progress of this cabin.

HI,this lo cabin sounds like everything my wife and I have always dreamed about...log cabin,on a lake,surrounded by trees with a deck to retire on..right now we live by the ocean in new jersey...but with no view of the water...can't wait to see the finished cabin..I have never bogged before,but,this seamed the perfect opportunity to be the first...jack fr. nj

One of the reasons I love this site so much is because of the spirit of the bloggers. This is a place for erudition, edification, encouragement, lifting each other up instead of tearing each other down. How sad the environment of young people who have grown up in a blogging atmosphere where the opposite is true, and the only way they can get attention is by negative attacks and shocking others. (Shock requires worse and worse shock each time to have the same effect.)

I'm hoping we can be a force for good to lift others up instead of condemning them for behaving the only way they know how. We can learn from the greatest Teacher who ever walked the earth who kept associating with tax collectors (in those days corrupt officials) and sinners. In the end He said that others would know us by our love for one another. Yeah, it's pretty hard and sometimes even dangerous, but it will ultimately be worth the effort, I am convinced!

God bless you WHawkins and all you bloggers!

I just found this site and I think it is great! I too would like to know how to win this cabin? I have had a life long dream to live in such a place. I can't wait to see how it comes out.

To Anonymous March 7 to adam bailey:
Talk about rude. Remember the voting is open to all. Based on your blog if anyone does not vote the way you want it should be deleted. If we start picking who can vote or win the cabin that is uncalled for comments. I read most of the blogs and yours just rubbed me the wrong way I guess. I like the personal touches in the blogs. When I read a blog with and idea I don't like I just state what I do like and why.
When I read his blog I agreed about the painted rug and the wall stencil. I did not like the painted rug. I would have tried to get it up someway or cover it. I like the real thing. A painted rug is not very warm to the feet in the morning. As to the stencil, that was added by the lady doing the paint work. The stencil was actually votes against and should not have been done. The majority did not want wall paper or a design on the walls.
Get real, how would you know which vote belonged to a blogger. Not all voters blog and they are anonymous votes as you did your blog. The voting is a way to let the DIY team know our thoughts about the choices; what we would change or add; and likes and dislikes. That is how they determined to make a few changes to the plans which really look great.
I would hope the majority would not like your idea of voting people off which is not the bloggers' or voters' right or choice. This is DIY's project and they have been gracious to let us vote on many areas of the project and set up a blog site so we can voice our thoughts.
So lets keep them positive.

Wow...this is really exciting to see the pictures and the cabin taking shape. Its 10 degrees here today, so even with the stark landscape, it sure looks better than the snow outside my window. I can hardly imagine how beautiful when the starkness of March turns into the lush green of spring on the building site! What an awesome view it will be!!!

Good luck everyone, although Im selfishly hoping my family would win the cabin ;0)

God bless....

Yea!!!!!!!!!!!!! We finally got some winter snow!!! I live in Ky and have waited all season for ah honest to goodness snow day! Did it snow in TN? Would love to see the lake in snow. Yeeeeeaaaaaaaaa, snow!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Everytime I go to this web-site, I just get more & more exceited! This isn't just a cabin, it is truly a dream home. In 2001 I was diagnosed with Stage III Breast Cancer, my boss retro canceled our groups ins. coverage so his rates would not go up. I lost everything I worked for all my life in order to get my treatments, my entire family gave their life savings for my treatment & God, my will to live, & my great doc's have made me a survivor. I now take care of my 86yr old mom since loosing my dad in 2006. I am so blessed to have my life, my mom, & my family. This home would be a dream home to live in year round to share with ones family. I hope who ever wins this, realizes what a true gift it is and enjoys it for years to come with their family. I have come to realize what a true blessing it is to have a wonderful family & what is really important in life. The views around the cabin looks like what I would imagine a painting by God would look like. Keep up the good work! The world is made of dreamers & you are certainly creating a wonderful one!!!

I would just like to say that you are all doing a Great Job Building MY Blog Cabin and I thank you from the bottm of my heart!!

Hello I am new to this ...........so what I do to get my name in the blog cabin contest.

This is not only going to be a great home but this is also a wondeful location. I know th area well and the new owners will love it. Keep up the good work.

How exciting! It looks like spring is coming to Tennessee! We still have snow and freezing rain in the eastern US but it looks great at the cabin site. Good to see u Watson and put a face to the name. Be safe all and enjoy this once in a lifetime experience! Wish I could take time from school and bring my students down to help in the progress. What a field trip THAT would be! Have a great weekend all!

Clive, I think the crew have their faces partially obscured because they know they forgot the footing. lol!

Actually, I'm confident the DIY staff and the crew have everything set up fine.

For those people having trouble with the web cam pictures try the slideshow feature in the center, just beneath the photo. You can quickly move left or right to select the image you want.

RE: cabin cam- Any possibility the camera could be closer? When the shell is finished, will the cam be moved inside?

FYI- The pics are in reverse order but by using the controls you can move to the beginning and start over.

Side note: Selling something you win is one thing but defacing the property for others is just wrong. Let the new owner decide, they might like it!

It's amazing how quickly the Blog Cabin is going up. The more I see it, the more I like it. I don't enjoy moving, but I would enjoy the hassle if I knew I had this house waiting for me.

Also, a comment to the remarks on Adam Bailey (above). I don't think he was trying to be rude. Some people just express their opinions a little more bluntly and less diplomatically. It doesn't necessarily mean they are unappreciative, selfish,etc. Isn't that the reason we are allowed to blog? I vote to let him have his say. You can either agree or disagree. Move to the next entry if you don't like negativity.

Thanks to everyone for your great comments and observations. You make my day!

This is so awesome to see the process happening, we have always dreamed of a house on a lake and this makes it almost feel like we are building it ourselves, (of course with millions of other people feeling the same) !!!! Just so cool !

The saw the snowflakes a falling on the diy blogcabin cam. We last night got us an unusual thunder with lightning iced storm last night put a light layer of ice on the ground plus about 3 inches snow here in my part of Ky. I was hoping to see a good layer of snow at the blog cabin too! But I loved the cam shot with the snowflakes It was very pretty!

First time blogging about the DIY Cabin. Watched the other go up.

I wished they were not restricted in time when showing the actual work. Would like to see more of the steps done visually.

Hope to see more "green product" choices and planning and use of materials in future events.

Well Ive never bloged before but I couldnt help it all of the decisions that everyones making are just absolutly gorgeous and anyone would be lucky to call it home

Hello All you Bloggers,
I've been away for a time and come back and so much has happen! WOW already up from basement to first floor!

I had so much reading to catch on!
And yes A.Muse I even read your story! lol

Clive I see you was away also I'm sure everyone missed your very informed information on this also.

Cabincarver2008 I see you are home from the hospital, welcome back! I'm sure you will get better faster now that you are home, at least sleep better I could never sleep when I was in hospital with them waking me up every few mins to check my vitals.

So I guess there is no word on if we will get an eleavator dum waiter?

Thanks for the pictures whawkins is that you in the flannel shirt?

Clive I agree it looks like "Home Improvements" except everyone is too aware of the camera and hiding their face like Wilson. lol

Have a great weekend!
Susan

Leap Frog & Catch-Up Time….
Realized almost everybody has made the jump to this entry for posting, so I will, too. But didn’t want to just Leap Frog over without responding to a couple of entries I just saw in the previous two or three posting areas. Catching up but in no particular order ….

1. Kim Mc (March 7 @ 12:21 am). Oh My Goodness. So your neighbor is J. A. Korvant! Very exciting news. SO… tell me: Are you the neighbor he would think of to say, buy a shirt for, while vacationing with his family at the very first KFC Restaurant, OR, are you more the neighbor who has the keys to his home, and picks up his mail and papers during those trips, and is ofen rewarded with huge quantities of his beer brewing skills? Even though I’m not thinking of giving up my day job, (chuckle) your answer will help me gauge how much ‘help’ we are talking about here (smile). One thing for sure, though, you could do me one favor right now ---- next time you are swapping stories with your Crazy Neighbor Joe Andrew Konrath, tell him that you just happen to know of someone “who professes to a love of his work” …. And, since I am not his brother Mike, I’ll be expecting him to deliver on that beer …. Or a signed copy of Fuzzy Navel when it is published in June 2008.

2. Carrie Miracle (Mar 6 @ 7:33 pm). Again … let me say…. Your telling of the raccoon’s version of the events was priceless --whether you actually can converse with the animals (wink) or make it up on the fly, sharing it with us all was absolutely terrific! I am so glad you didn’t second (or third) guess yourself but rather just gave your imagination room to breath…..so refreshing! And, check out my response (above) to one of Kim Mc’s post …. Maybe he can get us both some help from his published friend and neighbor, Joe. (As in J. A. Konrath, --- maybe you are already familiar with his work: The main character is Jacqueline “Jack” Daniels. With each new book we are rewarded with a real mystery thriller with a brand new twist … Konrath's sense of humor is fluid in every book.)

3. Cabincraver2008 at March 6, 2008 5:51 PM … That cough, cough, cough worries me some. Unless it is brought on by deep breathing exercises your Doc prescribed, have Erica give him a shout and see if she can’t get you a little relief from the hacking. Being the weekend though, you might want to try sipping some Honey and Lemon until you get a call back on Monday. Now,to the rest of your post ... OK… here’s the thing Cabincraver … I surely don’t want you to waste your strength looking for the Mary and William answer post. I will be more than happy to repeat them here, especially for you, DearHeart! 1. The “moral of the story is: Where There’s a Will (as in William) … There’s a Way. (You may now let out a big GROAN, if you feel the urge!) 2. “Why did the raccoon turn the light on every night?” The answer is the raccoon didn’t turn the light on every night, because a raccoon is a nocturnal being and could have gotten along perfectly well in the darkness. The light kept coming on because there were electrical problems in the house. The builder had to send his electricians back a half dozen times before they got it all straightened around. Laura (that is Mary’s sister) mentioned that Will always questioned whether the place had ever actually passed an electrical inspection during construction. PLEASE NOTE: the answer as given for #2 is based upon the version of the story I was told. You really must check out the post of Carrie Miracle at March 5, 2008 11:41 AM ---- She has given us all an absolutely brilliant alternative to consider.

4. Heading South at March 6, 2008 9:46 AM … No Coon yet, but do check out #7, of the pics when you click on the slideshow mentioned in Watson’s Blog … Draw your attention to about ¾ of an inch above and at a very slight right angle from the #5 marker sign…. Could that be a tiny chipmunk popping up from his hole, just gazing out at ‘his’ Lake in the morning light?

5. And, To Clive (hope you read this before you go into hibernation (work) mode) --- and to all the other CabinHuggers who are opening minds and hearts to the concepts, cost, and feasibility of ‘being green’, I have a reward of sorts for you! Go to the landing page for HGTV.com and click on the sweepstakes button at the top of the page – You will discover the GREEN HOME BUILD. With a mission statement, pictures and product details, and even a Blog (that pales in the sheer volume and content of our entries at the Blog Cabin, but still very interesting). You can also “walk the home” via a house cam which not only shows off the completed home, but by toggle, offers green hints in most rooms! And … SURPRISE!!!! (Oh, I just love Surprises, don’t you). Starting March 21st through May 8th, each of us will have the opportunity to Enter every day during that period, for a chance to win the Green Home in HGTV’s GREEN DREAM HOME GIVEAWAY, which is located in the Tradition Hilton Head Community in South Carolina. Now we have two places to bookmark and more chances to win a home, or two! Go, check it out. Enjoy! Browse the first of its kind HGTV giveaway Green Build. Enter if you have a mind to, but, then, please, make sure you come back and play (post) here at the Cabin. It just wouldn’t be the same if anyone stopped, now would it?
Glad Tidings to all and to all you hold dear… A. Muse

I'm here in Maine...you want snow we have plenty of it. My husband and I are looking to move down that way next Spring/Summer just to get away from the snow and cold. It looks so beautiful...we can't wait to see the area. Everything is coming together so nicely....great work! Our dream is to live in this home....but isn't it everyone's? :-)

My husband and I are new to the show, but immediately fell in love with the cabin and location. Our dream home has always been a log cabin and we think the Smokey Mountain areas in TN are some of the most beautiful in the USA. We will follow the building of the blog cabin and "dream" of living there :)

I was disappointed to see that home theater was more popular than the gaming room. We watch enough tv already....I'm for gaming, healthy competition, laughter, and exercise. Come on America vote for the game room....get us off our backsides so we can have fun together as a family. Enough TV.

Hi Bobbie Anken, Thank you for you blog entry. As I read, I got a knot in throat. You certainly have gone through many storms in your life. Your prospective on life is truly a lesson for all to heed to. To be thankful for what we have in Health, Family and Life. Life is too short, and family is so important. The spiritual journey on this planet earth, within the human body is just that, a journey. Keep looking up :-) God Bless you Bobbie. May the Sun shine upon you today! I agree that this cabin will certainly be a blessing for someone, it is really going to be a gem of a home....good fishing, quiet time, nature, hiking, ect.

So sorry I missed posting on the Virtual Silly Space on Friday (Clive at March 7, 2008 5:25 PM)!

If it is not too late, and, especially, because we are all about to face Monday morning with an hour less of sleep, I offer ‘my take” on the Mr. Wilson Simulation by Mr. Hawkins and the rest of the Cabin Building Crew.

First, I agree wholeheartedly with Clive’s observation, since, I am quite certain, I read or heard somewhere, that in order to become ‘certified’ as a Homebuilder a person must watch at least 80 episodes of “Home Improvement” (Remember the beard or no beard segment … see the similarities emerging folks!).
OK … now, Second … I truly believe that there may also be another reason why we are not seeing full frontal views of the crew …. Everybody working on the site before noon is A BODY DOUBLE.

That’s’ right, CabinHuggers, it could be that several of the show’s stars have it written into their contracts: no heavy hammering until they have at least two lattes and their mid-morning power nap! The reason they show up at the sight at all is obvious, too. They realized the Body Doubles were having just way too much darn fun! Building the Blog Cabin is a perk onto itself.

Next time you look at the Cabin Cam, see if you can figure out who really is who. Hmmm … With the twins, that means there could be four bearded/non-bearded cute guys running around the site for our viewing pleasure.

Hope you have a grand week and thanks again, Clive, for launching the Friday Virtual Silly Space on the Cabin Blog. FVSS on CB is a grand idea!

What a beautiful site for this cabin. I was sooo excited when I found out that the blog cabin was being built right here in Tennessee, and to beat all, on Watts Bar Lake!! Spring City was like my second home growing up. My grandparents had a house on the lake when I was young, nothing fancy like this cabin is going to be, but it was a place our family got together at and made momories never to be forgotten. I would love to be able to give my children a place like this... anxiously awaiting more pictures and the chance to vote on more stuff!

MAN YOU GUYS SURE ARE FAST. THE CABIN SURE DOES LOOK LIKE IT WILL BE VERY PRETTY. WOULD REALLY BE SOMEPLACE NICE TO WIN!! KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK.

Response to: Heading South at March 7, 2008 6:06 PM

You gave me a good chuckle, too. I agree with you … It is difficult to figure out just by the content of the post, whether the submitter is a he or a she, and, then, when even the name attached is unfamiliar to the eye or ear, all bets are off on the question of gender.

As for Clive, I pegged him for a guy from the get go because I know another man named Clive. Kim Mc., on the other hand, had me fooled for a bit. Something he said in his post a few weeks back, was an Oh, OK, Kim Mc. Is a guy Moment for me. Before that, he was a she in my mind. SORRY, Kim! -- If it’s any consolation, I thought of you (and continue to think of you) as a very smart cookie, too!

So, ‘Heading South’,Thank You! I really do appreciate that you have found my posts of value and that you bunched me in with the group of “smart cookies”, even if, all the while, you were imagining me as a he.

Hope my posts always deliver great 'food for thought' and for a little tidbit before I close..... the spelling of my name is a variation of the "usual" which happened after my Godchild insisted she “heard” everyone helping her spell my name that way: Sweetie … just draw a K and then add 8 to it. Kiddos … You just have to love their sweet wit and pure wisdom!

A. Muse, you amaze me! I love your stories and hope you keep those coming! I have a German Shepherd named "Will", but mostly I call him "Will Not!" lol! I was surprised that your young couple moved from NEBRASKA ~ that's where I am. And raccoons CAN turn on the lights! They are like a toddler at "terrible Two". Always into everything! You are an awesome story teller.

Glad Cabincraver is back online! My prayers for your recovery continue! Keep us posted as you can.

Love the progress so far! Looks like Simon will have to shave so we can see that fresh face. Would have liked to see what Watson looked like, but was glad to see him concentrating on the job at hand w/a power tool. Safety first!
It is such fun watching this come together, reading the blogs, keeping up with what's going on with whom, reading Muse's stories, and watching the cabin cam.
You can go to the last picture of the cabin cam and click on the back button quickly to run the slide show from the earliest date to present.

Happy March to all!
Mic

P.S. Keight, you're a female? :) I should have known,ie: extremely smart, research the facts, try to cover each base,if you don't know something, you're gon'na find out. . . I guess I should be more surprised that Clive is a "he" ~ just kidding Clive, I am soooo appreciative of all information you have shared! And it sounds like most of us seek your opinion by reading through these blogs every weekend. (Which I have been for a while so I DID know you were male. Smile!) And I do like to get the facts just exactly the way you present them. Keep up your blogs!
Mic

To all you blessed people who haven't had the snow and would like to...I'll trade places any day! Here near Cleveland, it's been snowing for 3 days (after already having a foot of snow) and it doesn't look like it's going to stop any to soon!
It's been so long since I could get out, I forgot I had steps of the front of my house...Today I went out and fell off the porch (snow was level to the door)dropping about 3 foot to the ground! ... Guess I should have had bungee cord here too...hehe
Well for me, I really look forward to the pictures everyday (no snow)...And reading all the great comments from my family here at the Blog!
And as far as the reunion...just leave your name and address's on my web site, I'll send yins all invites to my cabin warming party (wink)...
God bless yins all...I have to go dig out my German Shepard, thinking I may have left him out too long!

I apologize for upsetting some of you or him over the "adam bailey" comment he rubbed me wrong with his comment. Just like I rubbed some of you wrong with my judgement of him. I just like the cabin so much. And I felt like that was just a crazy comment/action & if he wanted to sell because of painted details why not leave it alone. Anyway it doesn't matter any more. I won't do that again. I did say he was entitled to his "free speech" so why was I not.... Sorry sorry sorry I'll be a good blogger from now on....

Frances in Texas, March 8: WAY TO SAY, WOMAN!!!! This is supposed to be fun, fair, interesting, and a great way to meet some great people. I am so glad you made your remarks.

Hi everyone! Back to bed again. I MISS YOU GUYS AND WANNA SAY MORE, PLUS I HAVE ?'s.

Must mind doctor, so goodnight.

Cabincraver2008

I was just showing the family the progress so far on the cabin and noticed that the blog cam was showing snow falling! Wonderful! the walls are going up so fast and everything seems to be coming together just as fast--like voting for interior and exterior decisions. can hardly wait for more!

Hi: M Robert Orlando at March 5, 2008 9:04 PM….. You Wrote: If there are no footers for the slab basement floor then the slab may heave. Gravel footers? Is the gravel bonded together with cement or some other agent?

The information below was supplied by Superior Wall Systems … It is their wording and their current information on their product and I hope the explanations will be of help to you….

1. What are the components of the Superior Walls System?
Superior Walls panels are created in a factory, where high-strength 5,000+ psi concrete is bonded directly to DOW® insulation. Solid concrete studs provide support, as does a built-in concrete footer that rests on a sub-footer of clean crushed stone. The attention to detail is evident in features that make finishing basements easy, such as pre-engineered wiring access holes and furring strips for easy drywall installation. A 5,000 psi concrete wall combined with top and bottom bond beam and solid concrete studs reinforced with rebar, means our Superior Walls system is about ten times stronger than a conventional block wall.

2. Why isn't a concrete footer used with Superior Walls Basement System?
Many people are under the mistaken impression that a concrete footer is what keeps your house from settling. Actually, the primary purpose of a concrete footer is to provide a level, solid area on which to start laying block. Water can be trapped under a footer or slab, allowing hydrostatic pressure to build up and actually cause settling or heaving. The gravel footer system, promoted by architect Frank Lloyd Wright, allows water to drain away from the basement slab and wall system. A site that is properly drained will not have any water or noticeable settling problems.

3. What is the insulation value of the walls?
Superior Walls offers two wall systems. The original R5 wall is built with a continuous layer of 1" Styrofoam and has an R-value of 5. The Xi wall system is built with a continuous layer of 2.5" Styrofoam, resulting in an R-value of 12.5. Additional insulation can be added between the studs for a total of R-24.

4. What makes Superior Walls better than conventional foundations?
Superior Walls foundations are dry. By using a special low water/cement- ratio concrete, our wall system requires no additional damp proofing. They are warm, with full-length insulation built in to increase energy efficiency. Superior Walls high-strength 5,000 psi minimum concrete is reinforced with steel rebar and polypropylene fibers for added strength. They are smart, with convenient features like built-in accesses for wiring and treated wood nailers for drywall. An important feature for builders is the speed of installation. It takes just five hours to install a typical home foundation
How are Superior Walls delivered and installed?
After manufacture in a factory-controlled environment, Superior Walls panels are delivered to the new home job site on special carriers. There, cranes carefully lower the custom walls onto a bed of clean crushed stone, where they are permanently installed into place by specially trained crews. A triple bead of Superior Sealant forms a tight permanent seal against moisture. As soon as the foundation is in place, building can begin immediately - usually the same afternoon.

5. How are the walls sealed where the panels meet?
The walls are sealed with a one-part polyurethane sealant made specifically for precast concrete panels.

How beautiful this site and the wonderful home will be for the blessed winner.
Love, love the comments from all bloggers. Even the cranky ones!
Please keep your research ideas coming as I'm learning lots about building a cabin...or in this case an expensive lake home.
DIY is obviously running this sweepstake on a democratic basis...the majority of votes for a category choice is the winner.

Lighten up cranky bloggers. Whatever the choice..even if hated by the winner...can be changed.

Good Morning Fellow Bloggers

Every morning when I vote, check the cabin cam and read all the blogs I get more excited. Just watching the cabin go up in such a wonderful and beautiful setting brings a smile to my face! I seem to enjoy my coffee more and the dreams are endless.

Tomorrow we should be voting on new features for the log home. I wonder what they will be? I had wanted the under counter apron sink, stained concrete and tile back splash, but none of those are winning. The vote of the majority wins, which is the way it should be.

I would love to win this for my husband and I to retire to. Like many others we also have dreamed of a log home on the lake for years. I pray who ever wins realizes how blessed they are and keeps the home. I am thankful for DIY giving us the chance to feel like we are a part of the building process.

DIY has really out done themselves with the location and the home this time.

Thank you DIY and all the crew for brightening our winter days and letting us dream!

Baskets of Blessings & Happy Blogging to All

Joyce

When do we get to sign up for winning the Blog Cabin? Can't wait for the shows to start.

Fabuloso! Thanks so much for the pics. How exciting to see the construction progress and those first few walls go up! I feel like I'm giving birth, lmao! I watched the log kitchen and bath videos too. Some of those finishing touches for cabinet handles, etc are terrific. I think I've fallen totally in love with the traditional type of log home.

Hi All...

Just recycling one of my old posts .... seems relevant today:

When ordering the countertops for installation in the kitchen, would it be possible to have the manufacturer put in the grooves that allow for drainage into the sink of the run-off from rinsed dishes, washed vegetables, etc.?
For anyone who is unfamiliar with this countertop treatment and would like to see an example of this application.... A picture of a grooved countertop can be viewed on the landing page at www.soapstone-co.com (unless the landing page has been changed within the last two months)

Again, let me state, that I realize soapstone is not the winner in the voting for the kitchen countertops, but a kitchen designer explained that the grooving can be done in granite, too. He also stated that bacterial build-up in the grooves from food preparation has not proven to be a cause for concern because of the way the area is finished, and has actually been proven to help eliminate the accumulation of bacteria on wet areas near sinks on countertops. Spray Methods used to keep the countertops sanitary is all that is needed on the grooved area for cleaning purposes.)

WOW! I just finished looking at the new photos of the groundbreaking and the beginning of the log cabin, at first I thought, it looked kinda small, but when I looked closer I saw the little specs that were actually PEOPLE! This cabin is definitely going to make a serious statement - a cottage it isn't - but a future family home it certainly can be!

For me it is hard to resist having little afternoon dreams of actually living in this cabin to be that we are creating right here on this blogspace! My wife and I love to have friends and family over for BBQ's and dinners. This cabin just seems like a great place to bring friends and family together. And after the great evening, waking up in the morning to such a great view and accommodations I am sure the great atmosphere of the evening would spill over to the morning with hot buttery pancakes and hot coffee while sitting on the outside porch taking in the view and sharing great conversation with a close friend or family member who stayed the night with their family.

I am fortunate that my job allows me to live anywhere in the country, and seeing the groundbreaking on the blog cabin has me thinking about Tennessee. I remember several years ago living in Virginia and my daughter and I drove down for my first 10 year reunion [I did say this was several years ago right] to Port Arthur Texas. Along the way - we took the t-tops off of my wife’s brand new camaro and really enjoyed the nature views as we took some mountainous and curvy roads through Tennessee and the most memorable experience was pulling over to the side and watching some white water rafters take on the rapids. It was everything I could do to resist skipping my reunion and getting on the water! [I'm a retired Navy man so it's just natural that I am drawn to the water - and during my career I spent a lot of time in it]. But those white water rapids cutting through the mountains were gorgeous and something I have never forgotten. Even my daughter remembers the occasion from her childhood.

I would like to recommend something that may not have been suggested yet. I think one of the rooms should be decorated with various pictures that show stages of the build process from the outside. From the ground clearing - to the foundation - to the framing - to the finished product - and finally to you handing over the keys to me and my wife! [OK, actually handing over the keys to whoever is fortunate enough to win this awesome contest and be blessed with this beautiful cabin/home].
Also, I would like to add that "Maurine’s'" input about the deck was brilliant and I saw a similar program that highlighted this feature. Seems ideal for the outdoor areas!

Posts (4) Published (0 to date)

regards,
Ron

Another major must have issue...How are we going to get our favorite show (DIY)!!! Are they going to have Cable, Satellite, etc. anything?

Hi Fellow Bloggers,
Good to see you back on line Clive. I agree with some of the products that you wrote about, espically the Trex deck. I've seen the product and it is beautiful. More importantly, there is minimal upkeep. It may not blend as well with the real logs but if they place the natural brick facade at the bottom of the house, then the Trex won't look as obvious.
It looked to me like there may have been some snow falling at the lake. What a surprise. Then again, this entire winter has been more than abnormal. Here in Michigan, we've had record breaking amounts. What happened to global warming? The good news is that the great lakes have risen over one to one-and-a-half feet because of the excess snow! That's great for us and all of you that visit our great state.
I'm still in favor of donating $ so the winner can be tax free. Remember, this is "our" cabin and hopefully we are all willing to help the winner.
Have a great week-end!! To my neighbors in Ohio, good luck digging out of the snow and stay warm.

Love it, beautiful location.

It is great to see the blueprints come to life! Any chance you might have an aerial view of the lake area in relationship to the cabin? We are looking forward to more pics!

I am from TN but have been living in KY for the past six years. I truely want to go back to TN in the near future and since I was a little girl my dream has been to live in a log home. I just love watching this one going up and being able to vote on things. It makes my dream seem real.

Has anyone read what the decision is in regards to access to the lake from the main living area of the cabin on the deck side, or whether this area, or the area created below at the basement level will be screened?

I’m hoping the stairwell to the back has been incorporated into the final blueprints, and I have discovered two alternate methods to screen in the areas if there is a chance that DIY, et el, plan to incorporate traditional or new screening methods into the finished plan.

A conventional screen room set-up may work on either level. Doors from the screened area to the backyard at the lower level would be needed, of course. If a staircase from the upper deck is built, the addition of a door (s) at the deck level would also be prudent. A locking door into the screened area would add to the security of the cabin and its occupants. However, one point needs to be remembered - depending upon the Configuration of the screening, if the entire upper deck area is not screened in as a whole, the flow from one area of the cabin to another while on the upper deck will become limited.

If traditional screening methods in these areas prove to be cost prohibitive, there is an alternative screening method that could be considered. If you get a few extra minutes to browse the internet, stop by www.mosquitocurtains.com. They manufacture a screening method that is less expensive than traditional screen porches, and offers several benefits over the fixed screening method. Below is a brief summary of their product…

Panels, made of a very durable mosquito deterrent screen fabric, are attached at the ceiling level of the deck on a track system (Imagine a beefed up version of the curtain track system used around a hospital bed). In the corners (or around posts), and at the floor, the bound curtain is further secured with Marine Snaps. Clamps can also be used at the floor level if the surface area does not lend itself to the installation of Marine Snaps. The screen material can be purchased in white or black, in case the Covenants and Restrictions have a color preference (Keight?). The system appears easy to install, and is much less expensive than traditional screening-in methods. Another added feature is that it can be taken down and washed to remove pollen, and for winter storage. It can also be pushed back on the track and gathered (like drapes) at times when an open area is desired, or when the season is over, (if taking it down for storage is not desired). This type of screening method would lend itself to the upper deck area, as well as the area off the 'man cave'. Panels could also be attached that would allow ventilation in the garage area when the garage doors are raised.

Reducing the number of blood thirsty mosquitoes, as well as wasps, hornets, or other ‘biters’ in these areas would also reduce the chance of a swarm in the main dwelling!

Hi all...It has been a few days since I last checked in on all the progress and it is amazing! The D logs look spectacular and things are moving along at a nice clip. I am sure we can all agree, that this log cabin is going to be a gem! With a setting like that and the collective design effort of us all, it will truly be a wonderful place to call home.

It is really easy to imagine ones self in this log home surrounded by friends and family at the end of a long lazy summer day,tired from sun and water. Can't wait to see more of it take shape!
Have a good night fellow cabin watchers.
Stephanie

Looks great! Really cool to watch the blog cam progress. (Must say, no footings or foundation worries me!).

Noting the 'huge' beam (steel I-Beam?) spanning across the basement and under the floor... looks like that will make for some 'wide open' spaces down there... perhaps a pool table, etc. in addition to the home theater?

Also, is there any way we can download the pix? We're planning on building a retirement home in 3 - 5 years and are in the planning phase... having these pix to refer to as we consider options, details, etc. would be nice to have.

Thanks, and great job and experience.

I loved lookin at the pics...the cabin is coming up quickly.

Wonderful, how about a real green addition, Geothemal Heating/Cooling. It would save money and lasts a very long time, with limited wear and tear on the system.

to anonymous at March 7, 2008 5:38 PM
negativity is my hook, its what i'm good at.
i cant help the way i feel about things.
the floor would be ruined by a FAKE rug anyway, a sanded spot would have more texture.

to adam2 at March 7, 2008 10:24 PM things are things, drugs are drugs and girls are girls.
drugs dont cause confusion, its the lack thereof.

to Frances in Texas at March 8, 2008 8:18 AM
i say exactly what i feel unlike 90% of the population.
if i dont like something i'm NOT going to be all fake 'gah-gah' over it just to make people happy.

to Cathy P. at March 8, 2008 1:58 PM
a perfectly good floor got defaced by the painted on rug, the new owners or myself could restain the floor and have less to strip.

to Ingrid at March 8, 2008 3:15 PM
thankyou for your support on my comment.
your explination of me while unneeded was spot on

What a picturesque homesite! The D-shaped logs are awesome, inside and out. I agree with Clive's reasons for suggesting a synthetic material for the wraparound decking. Many of my friends in Virginia have wooden decks and have to refinish them every couple of years. If it rains or is too hot and humid, they end up with a gooey residue and a lot more work ahead. One of my Virginia friends has a newer home with a Trex decking system and it is beautiful. I was hoping for an exercise area~I have MS and can't always traverse too far from home for my exercise. Plus, it would be great for my son when he is Stateside and has leave from the Navy and he (and his friends) can visit~they like to work out just about every day. Whatever is selected, I know DIY will make it wonderful. I saw a repeat episode on TV yesterday about bathroom makeovers showing a Zen bathroom, which I could envision in the cabin.

WOW! This is going up fast!! Exciting.

One question for Barna: I noticed there is a door opening in the master bedroom non-lake facing wall. I thought that there was going to be no door there since the porch was moved and instead you said that there was going to be 2 windows. What's up? What master bedroom needs 2 openings to the outside? I know that it was never changed on the revised plans yet that is what was verbally conveyed when the changes were presented. Anyone else notice this? Am I seeing things?

I went back to the original post by Barna and I think the construction log layout looks more like a door not 2 windows. Bloggers examine the photos and let me know your thoughts.

Here is quote from the post by Darlene Branim:

"Now that we no longer needed a side entrance from the master bedroom to the private porch, we moved the two windows to the side wall of the master bedroom and added a double door to the deck/porch side of the master bedroom for access and to match the dining room wing."

It doesn't appear that is what is being built. I hope it is not too late to correct.

Love, love, love the new voting items, & it's great to see all my favorites already with a great lead!

Am so looking forward to seeing it all come together on the new show!

You guys are awesome

Sharon A

How is the fishing on the lake? I wish the stain chosen for the logs was a lighter color. With time all stain turns dark.
Nice location and view. Is this a new man made lake or has it been there for several years?
Keep the pictures comming.

Good Morning Everyone,
Clive, thanks for the vote for Trex on the decks. We have a deck that is 80'x 16' and it is all Trex, even the hand rails (no splinters). It has now aged to a light grey and we love it.
The new choices are great, especially the heated floor, wish we could have it through out the cabin, it's much more efficient.
We have the front loader washer and dryer machines and they work very well. Especially considering that the washer takes soooo much less water to run.
Considering that you get ice and water from the front of the side x side with the bottom freezer drawer, does that mean that you have two freezers? It seems like it would be more efficient to have the two door/drawer top and bottom model so you would have more space for fresh food on the top.
I'm happy with all the new choices, and for once I am in agreement with all the first voters, hope it stays that way. But if not at least we tried. :}
CabinCraver, great to have you back, take care of yourself, you are important to us!!!

janer

Hey bloggers and crew out there this is so exciting.
The construction is really moving along, and great job. I was currently remodeling my kitchen with some new flooring thanks to the helpful crew at diy.
I also lost the end of my middle finger on my right hand in a table saw accident. I am happy to report I will get to keep the finger, but this goes to show
no matter how experienced you are accidents can happen. This happened only a week ago yesterday, but Keep up the good work and I will catch you later.

Oh Goodie! More things to vote on!!! So far all my choices are winning but we are only in the hundreds not the tens of thousands. LOL I'll keep my fingers crossed.

The cabin in going up so fast. It is so fun to watch and dream. I can't wait to start entering to win! :o)

Please vote for the wine frig. It is so much more useful than the warming drawer. This house will hopefully be a vacation home for whoever wins it. I think drinking a glass of wine says vacation more than spending time in the kitchen and needing a warming drawer. That's what microwaves are for.

This is the house that dreams are made of...my son would love this. He's 11 and would fish every day if we could fit it into our hectic schedules.
Just the thought of sitting on the porch, or even at the edge of the lake fishing, is relaxing. Watching this build is fun.

Hi Clive,

Been away for a few days , I saw all the pics just before leaving last week, now it is Monday morning and I am reading thru all the posts and it looks like I made a mistake somewhere. Sorry about the gender error/typo. I will proofread with more attention when I retype or add things. FYI I knew you were a guy despite my error.
I agree with the new decking materials you suggested. A LOT less maintenance. And of course the gutter guards . I have been on a lot of rooftops in my life, and I would have to say I would not wish to be on this roof or hanging off the side anymore than is absolutely necessary.
And I just can't get over how nice and clean the basement looks. I am not used to seeing such clean lines and surfaces on basements. (Old School again) Awesome !
They might yet surprise us again with a dumbwaiter. I know if I were working top side, I would leave as few holes open as possible while carrying those logs around.I think with all the posts favoring something like this , that they will likely surprise us all. Guess I am optimistic.

Watson, It is good to finally put (Well, kind of) a face to the name anyway. If I didn't know beforehand I would have just figured you for another of the guys on the job. Being out there on the site is nice isn't it? I really miss that New Home smell ! Fresh cut wood ,sounds of tools, new cement, (sorta) and that crisp morning air, and beautiful surroundings. Nothing quite like it. I know personally I like taking pictures but don't like my picture taken.

I do hope you are feeling better Cabincraver!

If I win I will invite everyone to a fishing contest. Then hoping a bbq is supplied , I would gladly volunteer to cook up all the fish caught ! (Never said I would clean 'em all though.) The one with the biggest fish would have the luxury of choosing who would do the cleaning. That should be motivation enough to catch the big one. And Clive, please bring a tape measure ok?
Now, I have to go back and see the new options for voting . As I wanted to see about you all first.

This is so exciting. Thank you for these great pictures. Voting daily over the last several weeks has been a lot of fun. We're even more involved in this Blog Cabin than last years Blog Cabin. So many more choices this year. Thanks again. Any updates on Simon or will the results be on air? ~Betty~

Hi Keight! I just checked photos shot#7, 34" from the #5 marker, and I don't think our little critter is there :-) .....but we will all be looking from here on out to summer. I bet we will see something out there. Where is Clive today? He should be back by now, don't you think?
:-) I was thinking also about the wrap around deck. I think Trex is the only way to go. We have a treated lumber deck, and I get so tired of treating it with Thompson Sealer. So I vote for TREX!!!!!Also I was thinking about a cistern to catch all the gray water, and pipe it into the areas where the flower garden and bedding will be. This way we are reusing the water during drought times in the summer, when water levels are low. I am thinking that during the summer the gray water will keep the ground moisture and the shrubs healthy. I am sure DIY would need special permits for this, however Ahmed where ever you are, you may want to consider the Gray water cistern to be a part of the final stages of the beautiful cabin. :-) Thanks again DIY for doing such a great job, and including us in the choices.

Hello Every Great cabin I enjoy voting and wacthing the progress. The wife tells me to stop dreaming but we all know that wont happen. Can't wait to see it done. I'll keep watching to see If I win . Thanks for the great show

Hi Patti (march 10, 2008 7:28 and 7:38 AM) … You wrote: One question for Barna: I noticed there is a door opening in the master bedroom non-lake facing wall. I thought that there was going to be no door there since the porch was moved and instead you said that there was going to be 2 windows. Went back to the original post by Barna and I think the construction log layout looks more like a door not 2 window? I know that it was never changed on the revised plans yet that is what was verbally conveyed when the changes were presented. Anyone else notice this?

I noticed the discrepancies between Darlene Branim’s Post, and pictures labeled as the revised “final plans” too. I just figured that the REAL Final Blueprints were not available at the time of the posting of the pictures, and that the actual construction would not begin until the blueprints were redrawn and the materials needs were recalculated, so that the logs and other elements would arrive on site consistent with the dimensions and new configuration of the cabin. Now, I’m wondering along with you, too!

The cabin cam sure seems to be showing a door where the windows were to be repositioned. Also, the area being readied for the placement of windows on the front of the cabin (tub area and new ‘mud room’) do not look like they are the same size, although her post also stated that: Although not requested by the bloggers, we added a small arch window to the rear foyer wing and changed the window size from a single to a double to match the master bath wing. This really made things look balanced from the road elevation. (FYI: Someone did blog/request this change to bring symmetry to the front façade a week or two before D. Branim’s revision comments were posted)

Mr. Watson, Kind Sir …. Can you respond to our queries? Thanks!

Just playing catch up and I can't tell from any of the photos what kind of footings or foundation is being used. It almost looks like the structure is set on gravel.

I can't believe the view...it would be great to sit on the bank fishing and watching y'all work!
Really wish it could be mine. Everyone has such great ideas, some I never would have came up with on my own. May you be blessed for all your efforts and skills.

Hello Fellow Bloggers
Love the new features we get to vote on for the next two weeks!
Thanks for listening to the blogs about heated floors. The items I love are wining so far, this round.
Viewing the cabin cam shows us that you are wasting no time in getting the log home up!
Love it!
That says it all the log home, location on the lake and the nature that can be enjoyed!
Thanks again DIY and the crew.

Baskets of Blessings & Happy Blogging
Joyce

Love the view....how wonderful would it be to wake up every morning and see that view?! I'm happy that I just wake up..let alone seeing that!

So happy to find that the front load machines are the preferred choice so far….I hope they stay the frontrunner … they are real water savers! And the new LG units and a few other brands now offer a “steam” cycle feature as an added bonus.

Another added bonus of the newer front loading machines is that the controls are placed on the front face of the machines; The sometimes ‘wasted' space between upper cabinets and the top of the machines can now be repurposed. We installed an antique wooden door as a ‘table area’. It sits about three inches above the washer/dryer units, and runs from wall to wall in the space. It is the depth of the units plus two inches which allowed for a rod to be installed with a bit of room left in front of the machines.

Since our laundry room is multi-purposed: The table serves as an excellent spot to fold laundry, as well as sort the clothes when I release them from the laundry chute above, (yes, “plastic bugs and all”). In-between laundry duty, and with the addition of a couple of bar height stools, the table has become the perfect spot for craft work, and kid’s school projects as well as the fax/copy/landline machine.

We installed a fabric panel that matched material in the window curtains on the rod. It pulls back easily when the machines are needed, but conceals the washer/dryer when not in use, making the space user friendly and eye appealing since our laundry room door has a mind of its own and very rarely stays shut!

Hope the table idea is something the on-site team will consider for inclusion …. Along with the much requested laundry chute!!!

To Patti at March 10
The written report and the plans seem very contradictory. We have a clear statement from Darlene that there will be a door and two windows on the side of the master bed overlooking the garage entrance. However, the plan clearly shows a single door and no windows. This is the version that appears to be being built.

Question to Darlene Branhim. What happened to the windows and french doors that were planned for the master bed side on to side porch?

Zip-Ah-Dee-Doo-Dah! Wahoo!! I can smell the scent of wood, hear the buzz of the drill echoing off the water, the swish of the bare tree limbs in the breeze!!! "Our" cabin is rising out of the ground like magic!!! I want to fly down there and grab a power tool and get this project going warp speed, don't you all??
It is like playing with Lincoln Logs when we were little; does anybody else out there remember those cool toys? I like the idea of selecting luxury items, neat idea.. sorry to see the high maintainence tile won out in the foyer instead of the stained concrete.. oh well, it can be replaced.. I have my bags packed, my towels and kitchen utensils all selected for moving day!! I am ever the optimist!!! Good luck to all of us, the journey is the exciting part!!

A steam shower!! Yes yes yes! Luxury and medicinal all in one! How can anyone say anything negative? Of course we'd all do things a little different if we were doing the building but it's all coming together in a one-of-a-kind way. I love the idea of using rocks from the area for the fireplace and foundation. I'm also oh so happy to hear that there will be a two-way fireplace. Someone's dreams are being built and we all get to share the experience.
Be safe evry1 and keep looking up to that beautiful sky above you!

Hello to one and all,
I am happy to move on to some new items for our approval (or disapproval.) I must march to a different drummer 'cause I don't seem to vote for more than half of what the rest of you have chosen. Ah well..........as someone else already said, things can be changed by the winner.

I saw the final episode of the the '07 cabin build again yesterday. I had forgotten how many little (and not so little) changes occurred; eg., no windows on either side of the front door. Let's hope everyone learned from that project and things stay pretty much as we have voted for them.

DIY, you are awesome!

My last entry statement concerning the critter of #7 photo was meant for A. Muse. I typed Keight by mistake..sorry :-( I need to slow down when I type. My brain runs faster than my fingers. :-) Need to run again....Happy Bloggins!

Re: painted rug-agree to disagree and agree we all have an opinion... :)

Wow, for the first time all my votes are leading...

Well you know Adam, I can appreciate your honesty. Creative criticism? Well, I am working on that myself.
I do agree with you on the painted carpet thing. I am not so sure I would paint over the wood, even if it might be considered traditional in some areas of the country.
I am not saying I would grind it off But, if I could even afford to keep the cabin I would likely just cover it with an old bear or buffalo skin rug or something. Hey, I am from the N.W.
Even though I might personally have a dislike for the thought of painting over the natural wood. It would be a part of the original created structure and would retain value in the home as part of the the DIY cabins' original design.
As for the walls,I paint in my spare time myself and would rather create a nice oil or acrylic on canvas to display . It would be more personal that way.
I would hate to cover those beautiful wood walls or floors with any sort of paint. Having worked on homes ( to me ) ,it would bring the question to my mind that perhaps there was some horrible mistake or something that someone had tried to cover up. So, I would also ask, please don't .
Does anyone know what type of wood the logs are ? I was just wondering. I do like the inside view of them as located behind Watson in his pic.
Now that the voting is over for the last round , I hope there will be a basement level floor plan in the works for us to see. I know you are probably already on top of that Watson, so that is all I will say.
The other views are so nice ! I do hope perhaps there might be a lakeview pic or two. Perhaps when the front deck is being built they can add a cam or something for that view as well. And then perhaps a few progressive inside shots later.
I think the reason the cam pics are reversed is so that you can see the current work first. If having to start at the beginning each time , there would be complaints about having to file thru all the pics to get to the current photos of the day right? Just another reflective thought.

Hi Susan D (Mar 10 @3:44PM)...

I was wondering the same thing and after reading Patti's two entries, I posted asking for clarification by Watson or the powers that be among the on-site builders.

After I posted, I got to wondering if the windows will be placed higher than I had 'pictured' them in my mind (since their actual placement was never shown on the revised plans). Maybe they were not planned as to the floor windows, but rather are planned to mimic the size and height placement of the windows on the front of the house, or even higher on the wall. This would make sense, since the MB side of house does look out onto/into another (home) site. Perhaps the window frame areas will show up on the next layer of logs. That could be a possibility.

The front of the house, in regards to the windows still leaves me with some questions, but, it could just be the angle of the cabin cam and the sunlight (or my eyes and my inability to accurately guage the sizes) that makes the frame area look unmatched in size at the mud room and Master bathtub area.

It will be interesting to hear back from the builders on these points .... or to see the next cabin cam pictures which may also hold some answers.

Hi I have not been here for a little while what great progress This cabin is going to be so beautiful The show will be great I love all the pictures

OK - It’s official …. I bought a big journal and will be filling it with your remarkable facts and fiction to enjoy for many years to come!

TO: Colleen (Mar 7 @ 2:34pm): What on earth did that rabbit do while under the hood of your car that cost $187.00 to repair?

TO: Mibeth (Mar 6 @ 10:04AM): Thanks so much for the heads up about Raccoons and lights and their terrible two’s personality trait … Would love to add it somehow to the Will and Mary tale, giving you full credit, of course! Oh, and please give your Will (not) a pat for me!

TO: CabinCraver (Mar 8 @ 11:49 AM) I agree… Carrie’s sequel was really great! And, you and Mike, armed with just Fire Tongs creeping into the darkened kitchen. What a sight that must have been! I imagine the two of you as quite the fearsome twosome! Did the Bandit Family scatter or just stare you down? And, where in the world was that cat of yours during the raid? Can’t blame the poor thing for hiding under the nearest sofa … I mean no offense, but, Geez Louis, fire tongs as your weapon of choice!

To: Barb (Mar 8 @ 11:30 AM) Do you know off hand if parts of the true story you shared about the ‘bandits’ in North Dakota were used to make a movie about 5 years ago? While reading your post, I thought I recalled catching the tail end of a movie on one of those late, late night movie channels with the same plot line. Let me know, OK!

To: BlognBob (mar 8 @ 10:35AM): Your fish fry event sounds like fun! Just one thought …. If Clive is bringing the tape measure, I want to bring my kitchen scale. Clive has mentioned his roots go ‘across the pond’, so he may ask us to rely on that pesky metric system! (smile)

Moving Over Now to the New Posting Place …. Looking forward to finding you all there soon!

I have been voting for the designs for the Blog Cabin and dreaming just like everyone else that I could possibly win as well. I am handicapped and have 2 daughters who live with me. One of them has Type I diabetes and has been critically ill over the past several years. Living in a house like this and getting away from the snow in Ohio would be a welcome retreat for us and possibly bring us better health. We have never lived in our own home so IF I SHOULD WIN, I would have a lot to learn about keeping up a house. It's very exciting to see the construction started - everythng looks so beautiful. Good luck everyone!!!

I have been voting and visiting the building site. I think the choices make the plan more exiting. The views are wonderful.

Hooray! A wonderfully sunny, crisp day in SE Wisconsin with temps just above freezing and the promise of them staying there during daylight hours for the next week, and we have an ‘extra hour’ of daylight to enjoy too. Could Spring be peeping around the corner at last? Cabin fever of the cooped-up indoors type is beginning to get really bad up here this year. One can understand easily how some of our less enlightened ancestors would have started looking for scapegoats for winters such as this. Luckily, these days we have water parks and even Disney World if we are fortunate enough and can escape for a while. I believe this marks a considerable advance from blaming things on ‘witches’ and burning them at the stake. I wonder if advertisers for these wonderful get-away places have considered the slogan “A weekend in ****, even better than witch burning”. OK that’s the end of the virtual silly space (VSS) contribution for the day. And apologies to anyone who practices paganism, no offence was intended.

The new things to vote on and more progress with the construction are both great to see. It’s good to have the link to the blog also on the vote complete page. I hope this helps direct people who tend only to vote to link to the blog and add their voice. Glad to see the front loading washing machine/dryer is winning. More economical on energy and wate