Yes, we sleep but not enough!

????????

What is wrong with the blog cam? There have been no new pictures since Saturday. I am having withdrawal!!!!!

?????????

Ahmed:

HAve you noticed that if you add the votes on the painted and raw rockers together and compare it to the total of the painted and raw Adirondack chairs, that the rockers WIN! Also, if you add the votes of both round handles together, that the vote is VERY close to the bar pulls. Hmm.....Ahmed Hassan: Eh! Nice try! Not sure what's going on with the cabin cam. I'll email Watson although I know he's already getting all your comments on this.

I just got told that I have submitted too many posts in a short period of time. Huh? Has this happened to anyone else. I am not even sure that my first post will be posted. This is my second.

Looking at the time on your blog Ahmed, It looks like you don't sleep much either. Are we reeling you in to being hooked on the blog? Get some rest dude. I just blogged the last blog. so I'll let you go for now.

Whats going on with the camera cam???No new pictures...I miss them

Ahmed,

We sleep but it is not enough. Spring is here and there is so much to get done outside plus we have to check on the blogs, cabin cam and vote. I enjoy being outside so much working in my flower bed, filling the bird feeders, trimming up everything and just taking some time to enjoy the glory of everything waking up after a long winter sleep.

What is going on with the cabin cam? I have gone into withdrawal, help!

I enjoy reading the blogs and watching the log home come along so much! It has added so much to my granddaughter and my play time when she comes over. We use the Lincoln Logs and built the log home but at age 5 she wants to know when we are going to our log home in Tennessee! It is taking a lot of discussion to convince her that this is everyone's home and that we have very, very little chance of winning. Like I task her aren't we having fun even if we don't win? Her answer was yes, but!

I feel so blessed!
Joyce

Keep up the good work everybody!!
I think the cabin progress is great and I love the voting and reading the blog.

Everyone's input and comments have been interesting. Ahmed, get some sleep and don't let everyone bog you down.

All I Have To say is No water toys.. Small boat with small motor. For fishing is all is needed. It's CABIN...

I watched the progress of the first Blog Cabin from Iraq...when time would allow and the internet was up. I am home now in TN and enjoy seeing the progression of the second cabin.

Thanks so much to everyone for thier suggestion on how to get rid of the slugs and snails! A special thanks to the person who suggested the gum to get rid of the moles. I will most certainly try it. Something has to work before I lose all my plants to the tunnel masters. The moles seem to have a fondness for tunneling around my rose bushes which kills them. We went from having the nicest lawn in the sub in the early part of summer to one of the worst by the end of summer thanks to them detestable moles. I am not alone in my disgust for moles. A friend of ours makes special machines and he is engineering a particularly evil one to deal with the moles in his yard. He hates them that much. Someone said they were doing us a favor by making them tunnels. NOT TRUE! Have you ever stepped on a tunnel and had your ankle turn sideways? Have you lost plants due to the air on the roots? The shallower tunnels kill the lawn quickly. Other than the slugs and snails the only thing else in my lawn is worms. Yep, plenty of those. I do everything I can to encourage the worms since they are so good for my plants. Unfortunately my neighbors on both sides of me have problem lawns {grubs} and could care less. I take that back, the one neighbor cares enough to water his grass but not enough to expend any actual physical labor on it.

Once again my fellow bloggers, please vote the water park toy in. I want something to play on lol. I don't care what cabinet harware is voted in, I'd choose my own if I won anyways. Personally, I'm hoping for an OUTDOOR KITCHEN! Oh yeah, thats the life. Family and friends out on the deck and under it on the patio. Grilling some serious burgers and dogs and watching the kids play on the water park and watching some others fish off the banks for smallies. Thats the life for me!

BLOG MEISTER OR A BLOGCABIN ADDICT in the making?
THE TRUE CONSPIRACY BEGINS....
Ouch ! I thought I had some odd hours Ahmed? LOL. Next is the chat sessions. Then waking in odd hours of the night to see who might be on. Or re-reading that particular blog entry to see if it really said what you thought it did. SLEEP? like the military, when and if you can.
Actually, I wake at all hours because my wife is on lots of meds and up at varying hours of the night. Being usually a light sleeper, I awake often to find myself plugging in for thoughts I might lose if I go back to sleep. If any of this sounds familiar you might be a BlogCabin addcit. If it all does...well, enough said.
You know it is getting bad when you have to drive back out the building site more than once to think about if that blogger may have been right.

I have to admit, I am impressed that you have taken upon yourself to go another round with this wild party of a blogging family ! Or, is it because YOU HAVE A NEED TO?

Sleep? All I can get! The camera cam is working great for me today. The pictures are amazing. I can't wait to see what the metal roof looks like, but I know that's a long way off. So far, so great! ~Betty~

I'm with Tracy...no water toys a nice boat for floating, thinking, dreaming and and maybe a bit of fishing. ;-)

I am new to the blog and I want to mention that a nice set of steps to the second level from the outside might be nice...So one can have a hammock under those trees, take a nap, wake up and run to the kitchen for a sandwich...Just a thought

Dear Ahmed, #690188 my anti-spam number
What fun I have had following and voting on my favorite things but my family can't stand it when I get into this because I never want to get off!!Please help me and those like me that want to know, when we will be able to vote to win this wonderful home. A home on a lake/body of water is my dream to where I would choose to live out my remaining time hereon this earth. Hope to hear from you soon.

XOXO for such a good job by you and everyone involved.

Hey Ahmed ... If you are going to be up writing to us at 2:12 A.M., the least we can do is stay up and keep you company!

Clive: Really, Finally, Understand much better about the whole Cistern Process. Thanks for your clear description of installing one for maximum benefit. It would be great if you could re -post your comments in this new area. It would be a shame if someone missed it now that a new area for posts has opened.

Did the information in my April 14 @ 1:01 P.M post help to clarify the sewer thing for you? It is my understanding that the treatment plant in the development was constructed to meet the needs of the development in its initial phase. If the Developer annexes more land, the need for increasing the size of the current facility or adding another complete treatment system within the community will need to be addressed at that time. Section 19 of the Covenants and Restrictions says this about Water Supply: No individual water supply system shall be permitted on any Lot with the prior written approval of the A.C.C.. If such approval is given, such system must be located, constructed, and equipped in accordance with the requirements, standards and recommendations of federal, state and local public health authorities, and all necessary approvals of such system as installed shall be obtained from such authorities at the sole cost and expense of the Owner of the Lot to be served by such system. Watts Bar Utility District will begin charging a monthly fee to each lot owner beginning when the lot is purchased.

As for questions about garbage: Found in the C & R document: No garbage or trash incinerator shall be permitted on a Lot . The Lot Owner shall keep and maintain on said Lot covered garbage containers in which all garbage shall be kept until removed for the Lot. Such garbage shall be kept at all times, at the option of the Lot Owners, either within a side or rear yard or within underground garbage receptacles located on the Lot. In no event shall garbage containers create a visual detriment to the Subdivision. Garbage and refuse shall be placed in containers and shall be capped and contained in such a manner that they are inaccessible to animals. The containers for the Lots shall be concealed within buildings, be concealed by means of a screening wall of material similar to and compatible with that of the building, or concealed by sufficient landscaping to provide a permanent screen from view of surrounding property. These elements shall be integrated with the building plan, be designed so as not to attract attention, and shall be located in a reasonably inconspicuous manner as is possible.

Sounds like the job of landscaping the Blog Home must seamlessly address a ton of matters!

Stick a water hose down that mole hole and run it until you find the second or third exit. Then block all you find and run the water a little more. They also hate thumping noises on the lawn surface. Get a lawn roller and bang it around. Good luck.
Ahmed, just want you to know that not all of us wanting to win that log cabin/house are into fishing. So don't listen to the little boat and motor rambling. While I am concerned about storing the cabana I would love to have it. Looks like a great place to curl up with a book.
Hope everyone is healthy and happy today. Last weeks two foot of snow is quickly disappearing in the 57 degree weather. Maybe I can do yard work in a couple of weeks.
So Ahmed, come to our lawn and garden store to let me kidnap you for my pathetic landscape. This old lady cannot do it by herself. LLL

This Tennessee gal is still trying to get those natural rocking chairs on the final decision list. It just reminds me of several years ago when our lovely state celebrated its bicentennial year and rocking chairs were used as a down home symbol for the celebration. The logo used was of a rocking chair with a Tennesse State flag (with the 3 stars representing the 3 geographical areas of the state--west, middle and east)draped over the chair. The chairs that were sold as the bicentennial rockers were made by a company in my hometown of Sparta (Sparta Spoke Factory--no longer called by that name but still in business). Yes, they originally made wagon wheel spokes--but, I'm not THAT old. So, nothing but rocking chairs for me.

What if 2 cabinet knob/pull designs were used? The bar pull could be used on the upper cabinets and a coordinating round on the drawers and lower cabinets. I'm hoping the kitchen cabinet design includes more drawers or slide out drawers behind cabinet doors below the countertop than a reach-in cabinet door style.

Several have mentioned having a porch swing (which could always be added) and this is a unique take on a swing as made by artisans in Knoxville, near this beautiful Blog home. Their website is:
http://www.fantasysteel.com/home.html

Hope you get some sleep, Ahmed. Kudos to you and all the great craftsmen and women who are involved in building the Blog home/cabin.

Hi everyone! Just wanted to let you know I'm still here, just not feeling well at all. I have been voting, but that is all. I wanted to let you know that I think of you and our cabin often. Make the good choices and good decisions! That's what you are good at!

May the worthiest OF US BLOGGERS WIN!!!!!

Cabincraver2008

I don't mean to sound like a whiner or offend anyone. But that HOA seems like just the pickiest group I have ever heard of. It will make creativiy in the community a bit boring. It makes me nervous to just think how will anyone ever please them. The winner will have to constantly be studying the rules to make the simplest change or take the risk of being warned! All who wants this house and plans on voting for it had better start cheating and reading all posts concerning the hoa rules. :( scary thought isn't it!

CAR LOVERS:
If anyone out their is into old cars or classic car shows and in KY on fri. April 25 & sat. April 26 you should go to Somerset, KY. It will be the 1st showing of the Somernites Cruisers for the 08 season. Lots of classic cars and really good eating. Go to www.somernitescruises.com for the info for it. It's fun & free for the participants. We have went to it, more than a few times. After the Saturday show, Everyone parks along hwy 27 and watches the cars a cruising, It starts around 8pm Sat. night, you can even join in the cruise & drive right along with them. If you can afford the gas that is. Might be better to sit, hang out and watch. But it is a fun experience. Should try to come it if you can. It's one big happy parade of cars and family/ friends hanging out.

Hi Carrie Miracle!

Your post made me laugh! I want to give your daughter a pointer I learned while growing up, but, before I do, I’ll let you in on a little secret. There is nothing Noah and the boys can pull on me that hasn’t been tried before .... I have older brothers! Nevertheless, I ALWAYS respond with dramatic shrieks or groans for the little guys, because I get such a kick out of their reactions to my reactions.

Growing up, my brothers were extremely protective of me (still are, actually) and everybody knew they would have to answer to them if anyone made me cry. On the other hand, they did think it was (and still is) their responsibility, or maybe even their God-given right to play pranks on me at every turn! The more gross, the better in their minds! I learned early on that if one of them started a sentence with “ Hey Magpie, come here I’ve got something for you” that they were up to no good!

In reading the posts over the months, I’m thinking BlognBob or Clive may be distant relatives --- if they aren’t cut from the same cloth, then, most certainly they were created with the same silly string that’s woven into my brothers and my husband! (Not that I am lily white in the pranks department --- After all, I learned from the Masters of mayhem!)

That is probably why I should have realized there was more to Noah than I was seeing when my brothers didn’t attempt to scare him off the first time I brought him home. I admit it - I was so smitten with him by then, that I completely ignored the signs... But, I mean, really, who would think a Rocket Scientist (yep, Noah really is a Rocket Scientist) would have an inexhaustible silly side. To this day, I know I loved him from the start for all the right reasons. The fact that Noah was smart and funny did not hurt either --- My brothers welcomed him into the family because they have always wanted only the best for me but saw true potential as a “partner in crimes of the silliest kind” in Noah, too! Pandemonium continues to keep us all close, even though we are hundreds of miles away from each other’s home base!

Someday I’d love for you to meet all the merrymakers in our clan – perhaps when the magnificent off-site building team get together at or near the Blog Home (It surely seems to have passed the stage of “if we get together” to “when, where and how soon” we get together) .

With that thought in mind, I want to pass on to your daughter a suggestion about night crawlers (worms). When I was growing up, I hated the look and feel of those things.... Actually, I still would list them right up there with geoduck, red drinks and escargot (who else thinks of them as slimy garden snails raised to new heights after perfecting a French accent). Anyway, if I wanted to go fishing with my Dad and my brothers, I knew I had to catch my share of the bait. My brothers thought my reactions during the hunt were too hilarious to pass up, so they made me catch my own worms in order to go fishing with them. I was too stubborn not to go, but had to devise a plan to get through the nasty business at hand. And here is my secret plan ...Next time she finds herself on the wrong end of a worm, just pull out a Kleenex. That is what I used to snatch them up from the wet ground, when we went out bait catching in all our neighbor’s yards. I really thought the technique would get me a “by” in the collection process, but it did not. Nevertheless, it does keep the slime at bay, or least to a minimum.

Tell your daughter I’ll make sure I pack a box, but, if she takes after her Mommy in the cute and sweet department, my sons will probably be falling all over her to bait her hook for her! Be just like taking care of a Big Sister if they had one.
That the thing about Families .... you never really know where or when a distant relative might come a callin’ to brighten your day!

Hey Ahmed, do you hear that sound? It's the sound of being sucked into this blogging family! Enjoy and learn, I do.

Glad to see no negative nellies posting yet on this blog.

Can't wait until we get new pictures of the whole jobsite. I wonder if the no cabin cam and no updated photos is because, the roof is going on and they want the next pics to really impress us!

I'm still curious about Helen's brownie recipe.

I like the rocking chair math/addition I saw mentioned!

I can't help but wonder, if the times showing below are posts are our time zones. Just for fun, I'm in AZ and it is 4:22p.m.

Continuing to think of and pray for you CabinCraver2008!
Happy blogging gang!

OOPS, found Helens brownie recipe, I'll stop buggin for it !!!

I've just been looking at the new/latest pictures of the cabin. I know that the ceiling in the great room is two stories. My question is how tall are the ceilings in the other rooms. I guess the rooms on the second floor are fairly high. I'm just wondering about the ones on the main floor and in the home theater. I hope that they are at least 10 feet high.

Watson can you or Ahmed give us this information.

Thanks

Cathy McConnell

Hello all!

Sorry I've been absent...it's spring and I work in a garden center. My busy season! Lynne--Good luck with the moles. Hope the chewing gum (I've heard Juicy Fruit is a good choice) works well. If not...there are a number of castor oil based mole repellents out their. I've heard they work...don't know from personal experience. My problem used to be voles...but then Fred, the six-foot-long black snake started denning somewhere in the yard and the voles disappeared. I love Fred!

I use saucers of beer to trap the snails...I figure they die happy. And a bi-weekly spray schedule (Tree Guard and I Must Garden) keeps the deer away from my roses and hostas. Headed outside to cover some of my stuff to protect it from the late freeze they are predicting for tonight!

melanie

Well, there are some interesting changes of mind going on...most towards the green edge of things.Living in Tampa Bay, we are now allowed to water once a week for a total of 6 hours, so I researched "the Florida Friendly garden" and adopted most of the suggestions...our water bill dropped from avearge $220 to $120 and now, 3 yrs. later, to $42 a month. But my neighbors, or many of them, hate my front yard. They want vast expanses of grass. It will be a severe wake up call when water restrictions get even tighter! And they will. But with luck we will be in Tennessee before things get too bad.
Even though Watts Bar is part of a water control project, please remember the drought effects this lake as well. The water drop was nearly 2 months later this year because of water shortage.

With moles all you have to do is eliminate the food source which is mostly grub worms. I am good for something which is a turf grass manager. Just go to your nearest home improvement store like lowes or home depot and get some granule insecticide look at the square feet of area to cover and figure how much material you need. There is 43,560 square feet in an acre. This may take a couple of applications to get all of them and this would need to go on the ground just before a rain for best results it has to be washed in. This step must be repeated throughout the season to be effective. My yard looks like crap because I am too busy taking care of everyone else. Looking good out there Ahmed I also wondered when we will see some metal going on the roof at this stage it is not a big deal as long as you are in the dry when it rains. What does the back of the cabin look like? We love you DIY and get some sleep Ahmed I am sure you need it. Later
on WIl Webb

Oh Ahmed, you have got yourself into hot water in our house. It was my 8yr old daughter who first asked me to ask about the the little tree just to the left of the cabin at the road side, the tree that has had green leaves since the first cabin cam pictures. She has 'adopted' it because it has survived all the work around it and she eagerly looks each day to see if it's still there. She can also read quite well and has read your preabmble to this blog line. Now she knows you know her question. Time to step up to the plate and give her an answer. No pressure here of course. Thanks in advance.Ahmed Hassan: Alrighty! So the low down on that little green tree is; it's a small oak and though it does have green leaves and has had them from the get go, the trees trunk down low has been damaged, I'm not sure which piece of equiptment or which person operating this equiptment did the damage but the trees health has been compromised. Also due to the fact that this tree is so close to the deck and we are now looking at putting in an access ramp that would also give access for wheel chairs, the tree is probably going to have to be removed. If something changes and it looks like we can keep the tree then we will ,but I have a feeling it's going to be going! I wish I could have put a positive spin on this but here it is!

Ahmed: FACTs Post
Many are hoping that a DUMBWAITER becomes part of the Blog Home. We know you are busy with classes, so here’s a little help with research. Consider them your personally prepared Cliff Notes ala A. Muse

Here is a condensed version of info gathered from: www.dumbwaiters.com

If you can spare two feet square inside or out (ground level to deck), you have room for a powerlift residential dumbwaiter. No need to carry heavy bags of groceries up stairs from garage to kitchen, or laundry baskets floor to floor. The powerlift automatic dumbwaiter will carry 6 to 8 large bags of groceries or two laundry baskets floor to floor at the touch of a button. Dumbwaiter is a completely assembled unit; with its own shaft. Patent No. Us 6,167,670 b1 (no building special shaft) delivered to job site, stood in place, and surrounded with standard construction. (Our) dumbwaiter has the motor, and controls at the bottom of the unit. If you live in a flood plain or on the beach where flooding can be a problem we can put the motor on the top unit.

A Dumbwaiter shaft can be installed in a kitchen in either wall mounted or under counter (floor base) cabinets. Placement options are unlimited in a home (pantry, laundry room, closet, etc.), as long as the two square feet free area is available. Check the website for Specs. and delivery options.

Also found very good information on: www.eilifts.com and www.ameriglide.com Advice on one of the sites: Be sure to choose a dumbwaiter system for your project that has been evaluated by a third party "recognized" testing facility to ensure compliance with building and safety codes. Ask for documentation while evaluating other manufactures systems.

Oh... and, if you will indulge me .... Your comment about when do we all sleep, made me chuckle! I gather you were up and reading our Blog Comments at 2:00 a.m. since it appears posts are logged in using the DIY website’s time zone. Many of us do keep what could appear to most as ‘strange hours’ --- for some of us this is due to work schedules or job requirements, or maybe kiddos. And some of us are just night owls. Many do not live in your (the DIY) Time Zone, but the posted times give the impression you are dealing with a whole forest of night owls --- consider it a compliment that rather than counting sheep, we choose to drop you a line just to let you know we are cheering you and the on-site building team on to a successful build!

Ahmed,
The Cyber-world never sleeps, but the people do. We all just do it at different times...that way someone is always keeping watch...like cabin cam when it's working.

Ahmed, Seems to me that your not sleeping much these days yourself with all this Blogging and building you must be exhausted and there is still a lot left to do so I imagine this is just the beginning for you. I am a bartender and my suggestion to you is a nice stiff drink, but not to many. It may help you sleep. You are doing such a good job with the blogs that I'm not sure that Watson will take the job back. I bet you guys wish you could give this job back to Amy. I love you guys, you are hard workers and have great personality's. Good luck keeping up with all of us blogger's

Ahmed, some of us can't sleep because we are thinking of your beautiful cabin at Watts Bar Lake. Can you blame us?

ATTENTION ROCKER LOVERS:

If we want to have a chance to win we need to all vote for the NATURAL rockers. I like the painted ones better too, but I changed my vote when I saw that if we added all the painted rocker votes to the natural rocker votes we win over the all Adirondack chair votes. Vote NATURAL!

KateByTheLake:

A real rocket scientist? I would not be surprised if you lived near me. I live near the Rocket City and know quite a few rocket scientists. The say here that if you throw a rock into a crowd that 9 times out of 10 you will hit an engineer, most of whom work with rockets. Even engineers like cabins!

To LindaL at April 15, 2008.
I think you have been watching too much 'Tom & Jerry'. If American moles are anything like their UK cousins a hose down the hole is not going to work unless it's a 3-inch fire hose and you can pump half of Watts Barr lake down the holes. Their runs can go huge distances with many outlets and side passages. A quarter of a mile isn't unheard of. However, you may well give the ground a good watering. This will encourage worms (night crawlers especially) which are the moles favorite food so guess what will soon be appearing in larger numbers?

The traditional method in the UK for nuisance moles is night crawlers laced with strychnine. I am definitely NOT recommending this although it works well. A more humane & safer way is a mole trap. Either a live trap or a lethal one (really a wire noose) placed in a run (you have to dig a bit to expose the run) is very effective. I have known a mole problem to really upset some people who have a somewhat over exaggerated sense of lawn pride (I call them Lawn Nazis). I do hope Lakeview Estates doesn't harbor any of these. I would guess not. They all seem to live in small areas of Florida from what I have seen, read and watched on the news.

Wil Webb-

Thank-You for your suggestion. I did use grubX on my lawn and it worked wonderfully. Is it safe for flowering shrubs, hostas and flowers? My flower bed was the only place I didn't use it.

AHMED- I'm kinda sorry about all the blogging going on. I really feel your pain. You need sleep, want sleep but also have to and want to read the blogs. I'm only kinda sorry cuz if I was all the way down deep in my heart sorry I wouldn't blog so you'd get to bed. I'm liking this cabin and this community too much to give up blogging so how bout this. If I have something that is important to me that you read I will put your name in all caps. That way you can skip over what you don't see your name like that in. Would that help?

Vertigo Water Park, Vertigo Water Park, Vertigo Water Park. {Subliminal message, lol}

I like all of the info on the dumbwaiter. I expect they have a hefty price tag. So... my next question is how many of those charming, prankster loving, mother worrying little kids can fit into a dumbwaiter? Or does one worry more about how many inebriated doofusses get stuck in one? Been there and would have done that. LLL

You know what might be fun , yet functional, and also fit with the cabin is an old fashioned well pump. One of those old cast iron well pumps, perhaps out next to an iron foot grate where you can wash off your boot or feet before stepping up onto the porch. Even if there is not a well it would be a fun thing to have for kids and actually functional for us oldsters.

Kate By The Lake,
Wow, Your boy Noah is actually a Rocket Scientist? That is so cool . Does he work for NASA? I have a neighbor friend of mine I grew up with who was the Doctor for the astronauts at NASA to qualify them. I guess he will be one of the astronauts on either the next mission or very soon. He was always into astronomy since he was a kid. His brother is in South Africa with the peace corps.
Me and Clive cut from the same cloth? Well, my ancestory does go back to the other side of the pond, but that was long long ago. Clive has a lot more up in the attic than I do. I use SAE he uses Metric.
But, did you know they actually pass down kilts from generation to generation? Clive and I "don't" share that woven cloth either. (I would have to say Thank Goodness to that)Nothing personal Clive! You know, at times I wonder if that is where the term airing your laundry really comes from?

The List,
I am still in on the dumbwaiter too ! Of course and elevator or Ibot wheelchair as a first choice though. Pot filling spigot above the stove, Power outlets in the eves, and each side of the house. ,water spigots each side of the house, except perhaps that left side. Possibly, an RV dump, water and power station. A place for a row of trash cans. Extra power outlets in the garage.,A wash station in the garage or just outside to clean up , clean fish, etc... Well, there is something I forgot I am certain ,but that is most of it I think.

Joyce you took the words right out of my mouth in your blog. You sound like me, bird feeding, raking, flower beds, cleaning up Old Man Winter. It is a glorious feeling from the past dark winter. We are blessed to have a new spring, new life coming forth. It certainly helps contrast the daily challenges of life. I am out working by 7:30am, however with all the work outside, I noticed that the inside needs my attention. So it's 11:55am now and I am in to check the blog, cam, lunch, and then working again.
I do have a serious problem :-) that I am trying to deal with OCD....you see while working outside I get very manic to get inside to check this blog :-) I am starting to think that there is a new syndrome disorder called the OCD Bloggers, more specific "Cabin Blog OCD"....Sorry to inform you all, that you also are suffering from this disorder.
Admed, is slowing getting sucked into it too...poor guy...
The symptoms are: Checking the blog three to four times a day; Having panic attacks when the cam camera is not showing new photos (the panic attacks occur because you feel that you are missing out on something) :-); Thinking about a conspiracy; going nuts trying to figure out Clive's drink :-) Wondering why oh why don't we ever see Admed in the photos; interrogating poor Helen for all the information about the Log Home; Having a melt down when the computer is not working; A addiction problem that is noticed by our families when observing us more and more at the computer; Waiting everyday for BlognBob to give us the joke of the day, or one of his pranks; LOL,. :-) If you are suffering with these symptoms, or similar ones....it is a definite diagnosis of "CABIN BLOG OCD".
I from the very start of this blog, have been asking time and time again about that tree, sitting to the left of the screen. Admed, it is time now for you to let us all know what kind of tree it is. It has been green from the start, looks very young, I am still guessing a young Cedar or Hemlock. Please answer this question for us...
Cabincraver, great to hear from you...We miss you...
KatebytheLake, I agree the Clive and BlognBob are the pranksters of jokes, and I love them! As I am sure you all do....
Carrie, I too have been starting to think about the HOA...where do you draw the line when writing up the rules and regulations?
BlognBob, Hope your wife is getting better. I still need to check out the Balut....see there goes that "Cabin Blog OCD" again...LOL
Take care everyone...happy blogging! :-)

That new Electrolux range and stove top in the Best Buy ads associated with this site do look REALLY NICE! And are advertising that they heat faster than the typical as well. I hope these might be considered for this Kitchen if it truld does what they say. I wonder how it stacks against the Pro Series that I previously had mentioned? A hybrid cooktop? Not sure what that means though? And electrolux when I grew up was a vaccuum cleaner. But , if it heats faster...hmmm. That part in and of itself would sell me having to go electric , but if there were gas lines??? Then a gas range and appliances would of course be my first choice.

Hi kate by the lake
Your family sounds delightful and fun loving. Just makes my heart sing with laughter. So you got you a rocket scientist. Lucky girl & got older brothers to protect you then and now too I bet. It's usually the ones you love the most that will get you as they say. I think your brothers figured out real quick to let him in on the fun & games or else he & you would out smart their pranks. There is no rocket scientists in our family but we are really smart~ ~ in the mouth. lol :) Especially me! I am the oldest of my family. As is Christen. She would probably love being the apple of your boys eyes as long as they hooked her worm. I will most definitely tell her about the kleenex trick. She has mentioned using rubber gloves. Last time we went fishing she had gotten a particularly long one out and had to, break it apart! It had wiggled & slapped her on the leg and she jumped and dumped the whole bowl on her. Just too funny! You should see her yucky face she makes and the ooohing & it's gross! I thought she was gonna jummp in the lake! She probably would have too, if we had not seen a couple snakes in the water that day! When we make her face her fears after hooking a million of them slimy worms. We get tired of it! Tell her no. She will beg and promise you the moon to do it for her. You think she would be over it by now! We managed to "accidently" forget them gloves at home though. Too funny watching her squirm more than the worms. We are just simple Ky folk. I married a hardworking man who can build a pretty mean cabinet or furniture piece when he wants to. Usually for a living and not for me. But someday, I'll get mine! Right now he is installing cabinets for other cabinet shops. Alot of competition in that market. And gas/ diesel & inflation prices are eating alot of what little profit from that end right now. We are making it as they say.

noel b. ok girl I'll join in the cabin blog time game. I'm from KY It's 1:15 pm

(Ahmed: Semi-Fluffy But Still A Fact Post)

Hi Lynne ...

Glad you are going to try the Juicy Fruit Gum suggestion (especially if you have kids or family pets playing or digging in the yard because the gum is pretty safe for both if not swallowed in large quantities, of course). Just make sure to leave the wrapper around the gum otherwise it may ‘melt’ or lose its aroma before the deed is done.

Now about my ‘other comment’ in the same posting -- about the moles doing us favor. I am a softy at heart and only tried to let you know that even those annoying underground excavators have a purpose in life. They just are not very good at getting their “mission statement” out ---- their tunnels can make the yard an Emergency Room Visit just waiting to happen! I, too, have unfortunately found their tunnels to be the most dangerous and lamest way to warn us about the underground nasty grub worms that they are actually destroying for us by eating them!

In order to redeem myself in your eyes (in case your moles don’t take the gummy bait) ..... And ..... For any with a similar turf/yard nightmare that have really reached the end of their rope with the critters...... Go to:

http://www.victorpest.com/mole_gopher_products.htm

These traps really work! Alex had had enough and installed several (just for good measure). Just be prepared - you will have to dispose of the dead moles and they, as my granny often says “have a face only a mother could love and even she had to work up to it!”

P.S. To Sheila (April 12) How did Loki do? Hercules is on his third crate (We think he will not outgrow this one!) but has adapted well to its use. Hope you had a great trip to Spring City and the Loki did,too

Well, Ahmed, it's 11:51 am in Montana and we sleep at night (most of the time)lol. Had workers here at 8:30 a.m. to dry wall our basement talk about noise pollution! We are so excited to finish our "cabin".

BTW will the basement in the Blog Home be fully finished? May have missed a post about this but am still wondering what the plans may be?

I'm sad the rockers are losing...:(

Excellent landscaping with some really nice stone work would be one answer for the front entry area...bring in the "Rock Solid" guys!

Just curious, did DIY send you to class or is this a personal endeavour?

Also, fellow bloggers, what have you discovered that works as deer repellent for shrubs???

No water toys. Frankly, they appear to be an accident waiting to happen.

Rocking chairs...we need them AND a porch swing.
It's a cabin...we are supposed to be relaxing away the hours doing nothing except rocking and dreaming.

Sleep is good. You could nap in a rocker or a porch swing!

Cabin looks to be coming along nicely. There will be so many entries...wow!

OOPs ! Sorry Katebythelake,
Got confused as to whom Noah was. I am slow at taking in thoughts. And worse at keeping them. Your family sounds a lot like mine with the joking and pranks. Need to update my Id ten T form I think.

You know Susan from OH.,
I was wondering if that turn in from the drive might be a bit tight to avoid those post too. But the view is a bit hard to see from our vantage point.

Still think some larger diameter logs would look better at that entrance. That's just me.
And you know, I am wondering what is really going on with the other side of the house? hmmmm???

I think it might also be really neat to have some custom made log splitter using perhaps some of those trees that were taken out. Something truly original to only the Blog Cabin and the DIY crew. Coming from an old logging family , that would be fun to see.

Ahmed,
Sleep? What's sleep? If I remember correctly it's when the body is placed in a prone position with minimal movement for approximately 7 hours. Haven't experienced that in a long time.
The messages from Muse, Clive, Keight, BlognBob, and the remainder of the regulars make my day worthwhile. This is my special time of the evening that I can be educated and entertained at the same time. Thanks again for the delightful experience and for working so very hard to make all of us happy.
Cabincraver - hang in there! The prayers are still flowing your way.

Think SPRING!

Hi Everyone!

What a week - we have an audit tomorrow along with an employee meeting so it has been one hell of a week with long hours. I have enjoyed reading all the blogs since the weekend - and yes Ahmed you are right we don't sleep because there just is too much to do!!! I can see that you are just like us because of the time you sent your blog. lololol

By the way can you tell me how to keep those pesty chipmucks from getting into my garden - they tunnel all over the place. Last year I tried garlic but they got around it so not sure what to do this year so they don't eat my bulbs and veggies on me. I would have thought I would have more problems with the deer but nope it is those pesty chipmucks. I even have threaten them that I would hit them over the head with a shovel if they didn't keep out of my gardens. After that they would wait for me to come home, run inside and hide in the siding of the house (they chewed a hole in it! lol) and then would stick there heads out so I would see them!!! So if you have any suggestions on these pesty little devils I would love to hear it!

BlognBob I would love to meet your daughter since I know I would be laughing my butt off until my stomach hurt and I was crying tears of joy. She sounds like a real sweetheart and I suspect that she takes right after her Dad! Like you I have a husband who is always in pain and meds don't always help so he is up and down all night long - he ends up sleeping during the day! And being a light sleeper I wake up every time he gets up so I only get about 4-5 hours sleep on a good night! When I'm not working it is not a problem since I will get up and play on my computer but now that I am back to work it makes for a very long day so I can understand where you are coming from.

Carrie sorry about the migraines - I have had them since I was 6 and they don't get better. At times the pain seems worse if that is possible - like when my pillow feels like a rock! lol Just have to go to bed until they settle down enough to tolerate them! Never get use to them though! And not easy when you have children. My Mom had them but I don't remember her having a lot of problems when I was a kid - I am sure she did but I think she was just real good at hiding it from us and my Dad always helped out a lot. I still think we should get to vote on your idea about extending the porch in the next round. I personally think it would look great - we could also vote on a fireman pole going from the back porch to the ground! hahaha

Cabincraver2008 hope you get better soon - was hoping when you sent us a blog you would tell us you were getting better and starting to feel like your old self again. So take it easy and take care of yourself - you know we are praying for you so don't over due it! Say "Hi" to Erika - miss seeing her comments. Hope all is well with her and her family.

A. Muse I think Ahmed is finally getting use to all us and is realizing we are a crazy group that not only talks and gives suggestions about the cabin but also passes long information, stories, and have fun doing it. Don't stop with the stories - it was along time in between the first one and the last one - I love reading them maybe I can send you my chipmucks - they certainly would inspire you to write with their antics.

Well got to go - long day again tomorrow so you probably won't see me until Friday - I think today is Wednesday!!!

Clive take care love the information you and Keight provide but I also think you and BlognBob are long lost brothers!!! Too much alike.'

Take care all - hope you are getting a chance to enjoy this beautiful spring weather we are having!

Erin

Hi there! Ahmed-- I had a good laugh for myself yesterday. Katie and I went over to see how the log home was doing, and when I saw people at Lakeside Estates planting Hasta. I tried to tell them that that wasn't the wisest choice for this area, but, it fell on deaf ears. I, too, have Hasta right near my front door of my house. And the vast majority of last summer, they looked like Morticia Adams from The Adams Family was caring for them. You see, the deer around here just LOVE Hasta, and mine last year were just stalks without any leaves. And, the deer came right up to my front door to eat it, so they won't hesitate around there. LOL Maybe, if you tell them this, they might take you more seriously than they did when I told them.

Hey Folks,

Long time, no blog. Just wanted to say hi. I've been reading the blog when I can. Glad to see Clive, Keight, BlogginBob, A. Muse, KAthyByTheLake, etc. have all been active.

I've been swamped with work and family issues, so no time for play.

CabinCraver, glad to see a post from you, keep getting better and here's a bowl of virtual chicken noodle soup for ya.

The cabin looks great on the Cam, last I checked.

Ahmed, Watson...nice job, keep it up!!!

Really looking forward to Ahmed's plans for the grounds!

l8r good people

BTW Clive where abouts in the Land of Cheese you hail from?

I'm a Flatlander to you (or a FIB, yeah we know that one down here in Lincoln Land too).

Cabin is looking great...keep up the good work! Can't wait to see the finished product.

Got up to take meds and saw Kate by the Lake's blog! Come here we've got something for you! LOL and hold my tummy I'm laughing so hard. Does God give boys/men, same thing, a special language all their own that we must, after chocolate syrup in our hair and other disgusting tricks, eventually tune in to? Worms - I went fishing too much for them to bother me. Just wash your hands really well. The dirt around worms is actually very clean, and that's because they pulvarize it or masticate it; and the soil is soft and easy to wash off. Anything by or near a lake is alright by me except for cotton mouths and copper heads. One loves water, the other sun and rocks. Also catching a mud puppy on my pole in a farm pond once scared me to death and I threw that pole so hard, having no idea where it went or what way to run, with the boys all ahead of me. But we get them back, don't we! They have to eat what we feed them! Wear what we wash and dry and usually buy. And they must be gentlemen if they don't just want to cuddle!!!

Must rest. It was good to see names I've missed like Clive and Ahmed and Watson and Kate and A. Muse and there are so many of you I admire that I don't have the energy to list you, but you know who you are and that my thoughts are with you. I am so tired I can't type.

Miss you guys! May one of US WORTHY BLOGGERS WIN!

Cabincraver2008

Good mornin', DIY!

Wanted to tell ya the log cabin/home is turning out gorgeous, which might I add, is not to my surprise!

I see the suggestion for a dumbwaiter is still floating around. I am not in favor with that suggestion. I still would like to see this home as close to a log cabin as possible.

I was wondering if there is enough room on the property or if it is even allowable, due to the regulations, for a greenhouse?

Some lucky family will not only win a beautiful home, but great and friendly neighbors as well!

Happy Logging~

Ok, I'm probably way behind the times, but I just discovered the video of Amy visiting the site and I see she brought a canoe kit! It appears we may be getting some surprises we don't know about with this home! :)

I am saddened when people talk about the high taxes the winner will have to pay. I would so love to win this lake front home! It would kill me to have to sell it do to lack of funds.

Has anyone posted the monthly association fees? If so, I missed it and am curious to find out what they are.

Someone commented that the CC&R's seemed to be very restrictive. I have never seen a development that had CC&R's that didn't seem overwhelmingly restrictive. But in my real estate experience I've discovered that most are not as severe as they seem on paper. The purpose of the restrictions is usually to keep the property values high by not allowing things that could turn into possible eye sores. I've never lived in a development with CC&R's, but I have friends who do. They don't seem to have any problems unless they really break the rules severely.

I keep voting for the rocking chairs, but so far they are still behind. I hope the rocking chair lovers will get busy and vote before we run out of time!!!

Ahmed, have you all come up with a good plan for the front porch yet? I'm anxious to see what you have planned. I also look forward to your next video of the place. Can you walk all around the outside so we can get a panoramic view of the whole cabin? Also, a walk on the deck would be awesome. :) Thanks Ahmed! :)

Hey there bloggers.

Cabincraver glad to see your post i was worried about you.

Amuse your post are always fun.

Blognbob I enjoy you post you seem to try to give a lot of info like clive. blognbob i see its hard to get any answer about disabilty access, or anything to do with it so after this post I give up.

Take care everyone love all your post.

Mary from Texas

So glad to see a Cabincraver post-hope you get stronger, listen to your body. :) I've had multiple chronic health problems over the years and it's just been a roller coaster ride. Have learned to do what I can when I can. Don't push myself too much. Less is more for me. Have some renewed hope of late with a new medication. This little blogging community helps me redirect my focus. Helps to keep my brain from turning to total mush! Managing my chronic conditions is like a full-time job sometimes and can be overwhelming. Thanks to all of you for the distraction.

I am so grateful that for now my problems aren't life threatening. Although, one thing for sure, chronic pain and extreme fatigue keeps me from being an "OCD Addicted Night Owl Blogger". This condition might put me over the top!

With this said,(my personal agenda)any type of system which helps to get items from the garage to the main floor is a must- be it a dumbwaiter, elevator, pack-mule--DIY just include something, please! If all else fails, my husband is elected to be the designated pack-mule (although his bad-back would not agree) should we be the lucky winners. :)

Natural rocker voters-keep 'em coming. Time is almost up!

Lynne grubX is a great choice and will not hurt any of you shrubs or other plants. I thought it would help you out a little if you ever need to ask anything go ahead I will try to read all I can. I am in the start of baseball season and I have two boys playing little leauge and a girl playing softball so I am busy trying to coach the boys and work. Take care to all and I will catch you later.
Wil

Hello Everyone - The cabin is really coming along beautifully - still hoping for a view of the lakeside of the cabin! I also agree - the dumbwaiter!

Also, them moles are stubborn esp here in Washington - the only thing that really works is to get rid of their food source - We tried all the great "wife's tales" like the gum, water, hair, etc... the only thing that really worked was getting rid of the grubs! Here on South Hill - you either work really hard at getting rid of the grubs or you end up with moles and/or crane flies! Still havent figured out which is worse! Cant wait for the next round of voting - cant even imagine what it could be! Still praying for another angle of that cabin cam - but! Seriously those men/women are really working hard on this cabin CHEERS to them!
Merry :-) from Wa

Hi Fellow Bloggers,

I just came in from working outside and had to check on everything while I was taking a break! The log home looks so great with everything turning green and the sun shining on the lake! I like all of you would love to be there today. It just takes my breath away thinking about sitting there enjoying the breeze off the lake and taking in all of natures glory!

So happy to see that Cabincraver has posted! I like all the others miss ya and pray for your recovery!

Baskets of Blessings and Happy Blogging!
Joyce

This next round of voting focuses on some of the cosmetics and extras of Blog Cabin 2008. i wish we could vote on the type of dock and pathway you're going to install. At least I hope you're going to install one. A dock makes for cleaner access to the water.

Rebecca

For people wanting more information on Wil Webb's grubX lawn grub control insecticide go to http://www.shelbylandscaping.com/html/grub_control.html

However, why would anyone use a highly toxic chemical intervention when there is a 'natural' alternative for these lawn destroying pests, the Japanese Beetle grub.

Bacillus popillae is a naturally occurring soil bacterium that causes the lethal "Milky Disease" in these grubs. It's marketed as "Milky Spore Disease" and is available in shaker cans from most good garden supply stores. However, it's useless to spread it in spring time. It has to be spread in late summer. The same goes for grubX if you want it to be really effective. The grubs feed heavily then and lightly in the spring. Treating in the spring is not very effective and requires a lot more insecticide to achieve a noticeable effect. These controls both need a considerable amount of watering-in at a time of year when it's hottest and they can only be applied once per year. If you treat at the wrong time you can't re-treat in the same 12-month period. Remember that GrubX is a chemical poison and is toxic to humans in larger doses (about 1 teaspoon is a lethal amount for a 150lb human). It kills grubs by being taken-up into plants which concentrate it in the juicy roots. The grubs feed on the roots and so are poisoned. Be careful if you have any root vegetables in the vicinity or even fruiting plants (strawberries, raspberries etc.)! Conversely Bacillus popillae is completely non-toxic to humans, pets or birds.

One last point on GrubX (Imidacloprid). It is a non-specific toxin and will kill many creatures and most insects. It has been implicated in the catastrophic decline in honey bee populations in some countries where it has been used to kill insect pests on flower and oil seed plant crops such as sunflowers and rape and mustard flowers.

One last point on moles from the grub perspective. Moles eat earthworms primarily. Grubs such as the Japanese Beetle may form a part of their diet but not much. Moles are designed to catch and eat worms. Even their saliva contains a toxin that can paralyze worms so that they can be stored, alive, and ready for a mole banquet later. GrubX also kills worms (which are good for the soil and a sign of a healthy soil). It's almost certain that when a gardener treats with GrubX to control moles he is killing the worms as well as the grubs. It's probably a combination of the removal of the worms and poisoning the moles (who will eat the poisoned worms) that is doing the trick for him. In eradicating a mole problem everything else is being killed too.

It's neither green nor very good gardening practice to use this type of systemic poison without properly realizing what you are actually doing. In the case of Imidacloprid it's probably a counter productive measure for the garden in general unless you want a sterile landscape where you have to work twice as hard to keep things alive for long and pollinating insects such as honey bees die after visiting your toxic flowers.

A Triut Fish? Story,

Has anyone ever heard of a Triut fish? From what I understand they are truly a delicacy. A rather big ugly looking bottom dweller that usually doesn't bite during the usual peak fishing time frame, so very little is known about this species.
They are most heavily populated in the more remote areas of Lake Michigan. And the optimum time to catch them would be during December, or the Yule Tide season , by dropping your line all the way to the bottom thru the ice.
Many have caught and thrown these away , either not able to identify the species or the fact that they might closely resemble a carp or something.
But the triut fish is actually one of the most sought after fish on the list at the most high end restaurants across the country. Clive had mentioned to me about fishing for these just recently , so I took it upon myself to look them up on the web.
You know me...love the fish ! So, my recommendation to anyone who has never actually had such a delicacy is , Triut yule like it.

Hey CabinCraver. Take it easy. So glad to see you back on the blog.

Mrs Cabincraver! It was so good to hear from you! And all I can say to that comment to us alls is AMEN! The things that we go through & do for love! And sometimes don't do! :) Ha ha.. like laundry & cleaning house etc.
I loved your fishing story: talking about fish tales:
(Ahmed or Watson ~ don't read if you don't have the time, ok unless you just have too :)
Mrs cabincraver
My husband had a bait tank sat up in our carport at one time and we were catching some fish to take to a new local pond that was near a boys n girls club. The church kids I had worked with liked to fish there. So we took it upon ourselves to do a few fish drop offs afterhours. So one fishing trip, Chris had caught a catfish a little over a foot long. So it was late when he got home and he had a couple of long work days ahead and we were gonna take them later. The next day I had went outside to take a peak and try to feed them, fish food, until the drop off day. Well anyway to my surprise, that catfish was missing! I looked for it everywhere, couldn't find it! I thought it was probably lunch for the neighbors cats. Started to go back in, but I started hearing some clicking & popping sounds. Finally it occurred to me to look behind the bait tank. And yep Mr catfish had jumped over board and was behind the tank. Just a flopping around beside the tank and a making some awful popping & clicking sounds and his whiskers were sticking out. Very Scary & mad looking fish to me! So I thought who knows how long that fish was laying there and I was SCARED TO DEATH of him, I thought he would sting/stick me. So I tried everything from a boat paddle , fishing net, shovel & even a broom to get him..... nothing I did would work. Then.... the realization hit and I realized the only thing that would work was for me to pick him up. 'aWWW' it scared me to death, probably more than Christen's worms scare her and kates bros did her. I couldn't find the garden gloves and had to do it by bare hand. That catfish was so slimy and then so rubbery & gross at the same time. Slippery and a smelly cat! I had to do it over and over, he was just to slick to hold on too! it a popping it's disgust and me screaming mine at him. It was one of those fear facing funny moments. A hoping the neighbors don't see, deals! But after I finally got him in there and he didn't sting/stick me. I thought are we ok and laid the wire net back on the tank, which we had forgotten about! Mr catfish even wiggled his thanks at me when he finally hit the water tank!
A few days later we finally got them fish off to their new pond and It was worth it. The next Awana meeting we had one of those kids a bragging! That she had caught a big catfish about so long and out that pond. Yay!!!!!!!
This really is a true fish tale!

Erin Yes I agree about the migraines they do hurt horribly and you never do get used to them. I agree they do keep getting worse, each time for me as well. Sleeping them off in a dark room just seems to be the best medicine for mine. Some people like your mom are tough cookies & probably could deal with it alot better than some of us. I'm a stay at home mom, kid raising and house work falls mostly upon me and my husband works alot so him helping is not always an option for me. My daughter is 14 and she is 11 years older than her brother. So she does help some. Thank goodness.

Ok Ahmed n Watson you can read this part!

Yes Erin I would love to see my idea of the front porch to be extended and your idea of a fire pole in the back too!

Heading South

Thanks, I do have Cabin Blog OCD! I did not realize it had a name. This is my second blog today because I missed yours the first two times that I had checked in today! Just had to answer you and say thanks. I should have known it had a name because it is so real!

How far North are you?

Baskets of Blessings & Happy Blogging
Joyce

Admed the LOG HOME looks absolutely beautiful!!..I was thinking that perhaps you could have your crew make a large enclosed bird feeder and place it on a natural (treated) wood post on the lake side, with an evergreen tree close by. Just a thought...Bird watching is enjoyable and relaxing. Watching Cardinals, Blue Birds, Chickadees, Blue Jays, Titmouse, Snow Birds, Gold Finches; Wrens; Nuthatches; and Downey Woodpeckers all together in the morning is magical.

I have had migraines for over 40 years. Most neurologists will tell you they could be caused by a food allergy. (ie: shell fish, chocolate, peanuts, etc.) My Neuro/Psychiatrist put me on a diet: three days of nothing but prunes and rice. Seems that no one is allergic to prunes and rice. On the 4th day add one item. (I added cocacola)and add a food item every day. Later I learned that I get them when stress is over. So preparing for a test, no problem; after the test, a migraine. I still get them but now I can sort of prepare for them. Hope that helps you. I also learned that they hurt just as bad laying in a dark room as being up and doing something. LLL

For some reason, I keep wondering about the other side of that house? Of course there are the conspiracy theories...
* Possibly, They bought a new hot tub for the house and need a few weeks to break it in.
* Perhaps they are trying to catch an alligator gar? Or are barbequing?
* Or maybe they are missing a small piece for the very bottom of the canoe in a box and are looking frantically trying to find it amidst all the wood chips.
OH...There are More ! We have been talking.

Erin,
Yes, poor little girl of mine. Though she is very fortunate not to have any of my physical characteristics, she doe have my personality. But unlike me has learned to steal hearts away with it. She is a little miss attitude. Actually, I think I am learning more from her. I am so glad you didn't mention anything about peeing your pants when lauging at my blogs. I can't tell you how many times I have heard that. Oh, don't get me started !
Mary,
Thank You for such a considerate comment. Me informative? Well, that might be a stretch. But I appreciate it none the less. You are far too nice.
Kim Mc,
It is good to see you back again !
Carrie Miracle,
I really liked your fishing story. I was laughing to myself at picturing you trying to pick up that catfish.
Heading South,
Glad you get a good laugh from my antics. My wife is admitted now , so she is in better care than I can provide. I am certain she will have plenty for me to do when she gets back home from our second home the hospital. Life is far too short to take seriously. That is why I feel each day should be fun. Why not?

Just a quick thought about the cabinet hardware. The draw pulls have a tendency to catch on your clothing and rip it or break the pull. My mom had them and they can be a pain.

varmints; for moles [we have pocket moles] i used a sonic stake 2 d sized batts use early in spring and move occ. they dont like the sound. deer and sometimes rabbits liquid fence , late last yr the rabbits seemed to actually like the liq fence . spray on [smells really bad] and reapply after rain and watering.
also i live a a drought area and we haul water [this is actually a common practice in some areas of az]. so you adapt ,catch water in a bucket before it gets hot use in humidifier, water the dogs water plants and flush toilet. also i have a washing machine that uses only about 15gal per load as apposed to the 50 gal i originally had.
im hopeing for motion lites for the exterior. i like the idea of a dumbwaiter. and have switched to voting for the rocker [its just the right thing to do ] :). i also think that some of the rooms are going to be dark so skylites to the porch roof . also before i did ask about exterior hose bibs and outlets
well cabincraver im sad you still seem to be so ill im praying for you. we lost our manager last yr to ca he was in his 30s still choaks me up.
ahmed we do seem to be on our computers at all times but this not so . so keep up the good work.
and we are so greedy for info and pics!!!!! more more
im also addicted to this site i think it was heading so that stated it so well, i had a good laugh
god bless all, colleen

Hi Fellow Bloggers.
It's your Michigan connection! I think that spring may have finally arrived since I can actually see some green blades of grass pushing through what's left of the winter scrub.
We have also had a major mole problem and the grubx product seems to have helped. Then again we have a very neurotic English sheepdog that attacks anything that moves along the lawn. With all of his prancing and dancing, he may have done the job for us. I too had to laugh about the hostas. As much as I try, the couple of deer that live here in the berbs seem to find every hosta I plant in the back yard. It's a toss up between the rabbits eating my lilies and the squirrels destroying my planters. Got to love them!

Cabincraver - I'm so very happy that you were able to share your fish story. I've got some great ones that I'll share at another time. You take care and relax.

Ahmed - any chance of relocating the cam so we can get a look at the opposite side of the house? I would love to get a better view of the front porch. The "fanatsy" house looks awesome. Thanks again. Can't wait until the landscaping starts.

Off to Lansing for a convention tomorrow. Hope to get back, relax and read everyones notes on Sunday. Have a great weekend.

Are you going for a bachelors, masters, or just expanding your education a little Ahmed?

Any word from Dolly Parton or George Jones yet about them rocking chairs? Though I also like the adirondacks being from the NW. where they are quite common. This time I would have to side with the local folk. I mean, Tennessee without a rocker? Have you been to some of the shopping malls there? My folks were. And told me ...in the middle where you would normally find those nice comfortable easy chairs to relax and sit in, there were rows of rockers.

I can see thru the front windows that the sheets are down on the rear roof. I still think at least two skylights might add a bit to the lake side. But we will have to see how things are shaping up back there first.

Heading South,
Loved your OCD BlogCabin trip. That was a riot. Much better said ! I was totally cracking up. You are so funny !

Ahmed and the rest of the DIY crew--
Next time you are over at the log home, I thought you might be interested to see my hubby's DIY project -- he's building a 3 seater airplane. Right now, it's in back of our garage, as it got a few dings when he transported it from CT when we moved it. (You should've seen the looks he got transporting that on the trailer. LOL) It's mainly finished except the painting, installing the motor, and stuff like that. Feel free to come over and check it out.

wow.. yeah I wold like to think that I sleep allot.. butI was watching DIY and I gotten addicted.. lol.. this network is great.. I just wish I had the time to do half the things tha your nexwork does.

I have a question. My Mom actually inspired this thought and not being as young as I USED to be myself...sighs...I wondered....
What happens if an elderly person(s) wins the cabin?
I mean..think about it...they really can't reach low for items--the bottom drawer freezer, storage, front load washer/dryer, etc.
YES, they are very nice, but not very convenient for a anyone who does not have the dexterity and flexibility as SOME of us..LOL
I have to wonder...is everyone out there thinking alone of what THEY would want and not about the actual winner?
Don't get me wrong--I'm not irritated about it..simply curious; because...the possibility does exist that a person of age could win it.

I am awake too. I was going to go to bed an hour ago and started looking at the pictures of the cabin and lost track of time.

It is in such a beautiful setting. If you notice the way the light and how it brings out the color of the water and sparkles light across it. I can imagine sitting out in the morning having my cup of coffee and looking over the water, or taking a long morning walk along the water and the trees.

Or getting cozy on a wintery night seeing only the light from the stars in the sky and the quiet of nature.

On that comforting thought, it is time for bed.

Night!

I don't post often because I have a neck injury that keeps me from typing to much. I wish I could because you all have formed such a nice blog family. I just wanted to say I am as passionate about this cabin as most of you.
I didn't join early enough to know what cabincravers illness is. I tried asking once but it was overlooked. What ever it is I hope you recover soon and are not in much pain.

As for the cabin I am surprised that the rockers are falling behind seeing that most here seem to want them. My first choice would be a porch swing but hey, I'd gladly take this cabin with nothing in it at all.
Ok gotta go. I love reading the blogs.
DIY crew keep up the good work and thank you for letting us dream... Goodnight. :o)

Clive, you make a very good point about the chemical side effects of grub X. Any time you can use something natural you are better off. I know grubx
will work for grubs and I am sorry I did not offer any other alternatives, I just was not thinking. Thanks for covering my back and adding the parts I left out. That is why you guys are on tv. I hope you are having great weather on the hills of Tennessee it is great here in Kentucky got to love it. To the voters about the rockers they are moving up keep pressing the vote button we will get it be positive. Got to go so until next time
blog you later. WIl

Glad you are back Cabincraver. I haven't put my two cents worth in for about a week but have enjoyed all the blogs...especially the fish stories.
Ahmed, as I look at the voting results I see that the natural rockers and adirondack chairs are very close or neck and neck as some would say. I have a solution that is going to go against my original posting about adirondack chairs - don't let them in East Tennessee. Compromise. Adirondack chairs just don't belong on a porch. I think most people would agree with me. Now this suggestion may change your landscape design plans but just keep an open mind. How about dragging those adirondack chairs ( that really belong in the Adirondacks) down to the fire pit that you'll be building somewhere between the house and the water and putting those versatile rockers (as someone pointed out can also be used inside- unlike adirondack chairs)on that beautiful porch? What do you think?

Hi everyone! Wow, things have really been moving along. Have been voting every morning, but haven't had time to blog with everything that has been going on at my house.

Took some time today to check out what the blog has been doing and love the way it looks. I agree with the idea of that front porch going all the way across between the extensions, I blogged that in the early days, but the comment was one in thousands. It too, is a good place to sit and watch the deer go by and relax. Put frosted glass in that bathroom window so not one can go up and peek in. You still get the daylight.

Well got to run.

so ahmed ive got a question, what is the shoreline like?? muddy sandy rocky ??? there have been many pics but nothing close enough to give us an idea.
blessings to cabincraver and erika

(Ahmed --Fluffy)

First--this is pure fact .....Welcome back Cabincraver and Kim Mc! Glad to see posts from both of you again!

Fluffy, now...
Hey .... It's FVSS time again, folks! Here is may contribution for Friday Vitual Silly Space...

Here's one that Noah has probably heard a million times, but will share it for the rest non-rocket scientists in our group!

Scientists at NASA built a gun specifically to launch dead chickens at the windshields of airliners, military jets and the space shuttle, all traveling at maximum velocity. The idea is to simulate the frequent incidents of collisions with airborne fowl to test the strength of the windshields. British engineers heard about the gun and were eager to test it on the windshields of their new high-speed trains.

Arrangements were made, and a gun was sent to the British engineers. When the gun is fired, the engineers are shocked as the chicken hurls out of the barrel, crashes into the shatterproof shield, smashes it to smithereens, blasts through the control console, snaps the engineer's backrest in two and embeds itself in the back wall of the cabin, like an arrow shot from a bow.

The horrified Brits sent NASA the disastrous results of the experiment, along with the designs of the windshield and begged the US scientists for suggestions.

NASA responded with a one-line memo: “Defrost the chicken.”

More, you say... OK - here's a quick one about an Englishman, Irishman and Scotsman-- added because everyone of us (E-I-S Bloggers) is already recognized as having a pretty good sense of humor about ourselves:

Englishman, Irishman & Scotsman have been captured by a tribe of savages and are waiting to be executed when another captive whispers to them that the tribe is afraid of natural disasters. On hearing this, the three friends work out a plan. Later, the Irishman is standing in front of a tribal firing squad (using bows and arrows). The tribal chief proclaims, "Ready, aim- "

"ERUPTION!" yells the Irishman, who escapes while the tribe are fleeing, terrified. When everything settles down the Scotsman is brought to face the tribal firing squad. The tribal chief proclaims, "Ready, aim-...."

"EARTHQUAKE!" yells the Scotsman, who escapes while the tribesmen are looking over their shoulders, saying, "where?"

When the tribe settles down again, the Englishman is brought to face the tribal firing squad. The tribal chief proclaims, "Ready, aim.....-"

"FIRE!" yells the Enlishman

Hope everyone's Weekend is especially fun! Catch Up with all of you and the Blog Cabin progess again next week.

Hey information gurus. How big is the lot and what are the lot set backs? How close are the neighbors on either side going to be? And do we know when the neighbors will be starting their construction? The lot looks like there aren't very many trees on the sides where neighbors would be building so not much privacy. Maybe someone needs to plant a lilac hedge or row of arborvitae. Is this far enough south to plant a boxwood hedge? Thanks. Every one stay healthy or get well quickly. LLL

Hi A. Muse. Hmmmm, jokes about us Brits eh? OK fairs fair, how about one concerning your fellow countrymen? The story of the 'Tennessee Turkey Drop'?

So the story goes a little town in rural TN held an annual giving of 50 turkeys to residents. This philanthropic event was deemed rather boring so it was enhanced with the idea that live turkeys should be released from a helicopter over the town and anyone catching one had their dinner. The organizers forgot one important thing. Although wild turkeys can fly their farm raised cousins, bred for huge breasts, can't. Apparently the center of town was a real mess with turkey entrails all over the place. Undeterred, and in a last ditch effort to 'get it right' the next (and last) year it was decided that the easiest thing would be to attach frozen, oven ready turkeys to small parachutes and again launch them from a light aircraft over the town. Just one small problem, no one bothered to test the parachutes made from plastic bin liners. Inevitably, the parachutes either shredded or became entangled and 50 large oven ready frozen turkeys plummeted earthwards. There were several cars damaged, some roofs were smashed and some sidewalks were cracked. Luckily no citizens were injured but the old 'boring' distribution method has now been reinstated. Maybe this one is for the ‘Mythbusters’?

Have a great weekend one and all. Spring seems to have finally arrived in Wisconsin (famous last words, I hope not) so the back yard beckons.

PS. The chicken joke has it's origins in fact. The Brits actually invented the chicken gun to test aircraft fuselages and cockpits against bird-strike. It was sold to the US FAA and is used to this day I believe.

Looking at this cabin just makes me want one more,with the lake behind it is so peacesful,is there a way we could have a sun set or sun rise picture from the back porch of the cabin,keep up the great work.

Still Say NO TO WATER TOYS! Just Small Boat Is Fine.

A. Muse

Thanks so much for the mole/gopher trap website! Now I have to be the one to tell my friend that his evil spearing mole trap has already been invented. The vibrating poles someone mentioned also might work. I'm not getting a dog to pounce up and down on the lawn, sorry. As much as I don't want to use a toxic product, I'm also not willing to lose anymore of my landscaping to the moles.

To those who suffer from migraines- try taking a multi-vitamin geared toward women with higher B vitamin levels. This did the trick for me. Not only have my migraines went from often to rarely, my restless leg syndrome did the same. I do advise taking it at night with green tea {the way it was recomended to me}. Give it 6 to 8 wks to kick in, be patient, its worth it. In the mean time, no soda's at all, very little caffine and try and eat organically if you can. Have you added any chemically treated wood in your home {like mdf or most formed wood products}? Some people are highly sensative to the gases released by these products.

I loved the catfish story. I'm so glad to know I'm not the only one to think fish feel really ucky and gross. I like to fish but am glad hubby is willing to bait {rarely is live bait used} and remove for me. We catch and release only. Neither of us has a clue how to even clean a fish. Other than giving a nice walleye to a homeless man fishing along the banks, we've never kept anything we caught. We actually have only fished for smallies but once in a while we catch the unintended.

For the one with the chipmunk problem. Try a spray made with cayote urine. It worked great for me to get rid of the cute lil pests and the rabbits and deer feasting on my hostas. I believe they also make one out of wolf urine. Havn't tried that one so don't know if it works. I wish this product worked on moles but it doesn't.

Remember everyone, vote for the Vertigo Water Park toy. please, please, please!!!

Hi LindaL. You can get most of the information on plot size and shape from LakeFront Estates (LVE) website. About 0.72acres in size but Ahmed did say that DIY had asked for an easement on one side otherwise the house couldn't fit the plot.

You can't cut trees greater than 4in in diameter, hedges etc are discouraged by LVE and fences almost impossible to get permission for. The size and shape of adjoining plots are available on LVE website

Ahmed:

I hope the men (and ladies?) are working hard today. I can't tell from the cabin cam. It doesn't appear that much has been done in the past few days and there is no picture for today. There IS rain coming! I love online radar on the Weather Channel website.

Have a great weekend!

Lynne. One last piece of help with the moles. If you haven't seen this site already check out http://elkhorn.unl.edu/epublic/live/g1538/build/#target8
It has all you need to know about their habits and how to eradicate them including mole trap designs. It may help.

Hi Clive....
RE: Hi A. Muse. Hmmmm, jokes about us Brits eh? OK fairs fair, how about one concerning your fellow countrymen? The story of the 'Tennessee Turkey Drop'?

Great FVSS story you posted! Have heard several versions of that one, but none end well for the Turkeys! I think it was a story line for a sit-com, too. The 'turkey giveaway' was sponsored by a local radio station with the commentary of the drop taking on the horror seen through the eyes of the on-air commentator.

But, I really want to ask you: Does this mean you are revoking my right to own up to/joke a little about - my roots that stretch back across the pond? (wink) Surely you jest!

Hope you, Susan, and the kiddos have a very fun weekend.

Lynne, if it's just the moles you want to get rid of then use a trap or strychnine impregnated dead worms. It's much more effective and is specific to your need. Spreading a poison like grubX, especially in springtime is completely useless unless you simply want to kill most living things (including the possibility of killing your pets) with no guarantee that you will get the moles. It's like saturation bombing, it kills a lot of things but often not the intended target.

Greetings - First time posting, but i've been enjoying the voting and comments. I really like Jenny's suggestion from this morning...rockers on the porch and Adirondacks by the fire pit. Sounds like a real deal to me!

WOW! I love how the cabin is progressing. The porches look so inviting. I love voting for all the new choices on the cabin and can't wait to see what's next. Thanks for keeping us informed.
Allison

Mary, Cathy P., Clive, Joyce, Carrie Miracle, Colleen, Luci,Jenny, thank you for the welcome back. Don't be sad. If I go, it's only because God needs more filing done! I will be busy! Look at all the great people He must keep track of! FISH STORIES & TURKEYS! A. Muse & Clive, you make me laugh too hard! Did anyone see the movie with Sir Anthony Hopkins where they were in what looked like Alaska and got hit by bird strike. It's a very scary thing! Especially if it's frozen chicken!!!!! Clive, where do you get all of your trivia? You must read 24 hours per day but how can you when you are being a contractor, scientist, comedian and teacher? Back to bed, of course. But BlognBob, I believe La Truit is The Trout (in English) and they are a delicacy in France. Clive should know, A. Muse will have a joke about it, and my doctor is gonna git me!

Have a wonderful weekend all, I'm thinking of you, and MAY ONE OF US WORTHY BLOGGERS WIN!!!!

Cabincraver2008

P.S. I can't help but read and write if you are going to post jokes and stuff like that. You are the temptations!

I am an avid fisherperson and love to eat them,, BUT I think for a lazy,sticky, humid summer day, the island cabana would be great! No danger of head injuries, with the canopy on it, one cannot dive from it; protection from the UV rays, and it has a table and drink holder! You could attach a marine rope to it,to haul it closer to shore when you choose to actually move from your snooze or good book! A giant sized ziploc with your book, sunglasses, sunscreen, frosty beverage and snack could be put on it and oh! What a nice way to let your cells age!!! Ahhh....

I have a clothes chute in my home that drops from the master bath to the laundry area in the basement.. works great if the dumbwaiter isn't feasible..
I also have a "solar dryer", which has just about gone the way of the dinosaur, we use it for our pool towels, swimsuits and of course, there is nothing sweeter than bed linens dried on the clothesline, but I know that is a no-go.. but did we address how towels and swimsuits were to dry before entering the house? Just a thought..
I agree with the hosta thing,, I have wild violets all over my back yard and the bunnies love them! They are the major food source for them all summer!
As far as moles, my dog has killed every living thing on my property that cannot outrun her! She is thirteen years old and has wiped out all the mice, moles( about two dozen each),two full-grown woodchucks, at least 5 squirrels, quite a few bunnies. She even jumps all over in the air to get bees, spiders, flies,etc!! Very anal about trespassers! We try to watch her when she is out, but it is a big lot and we make noise to scare them away before she can nail them!
Ridding the property of grubs and snails will send the moles packing for another subterranean buffet! Beer will do that... good luck!

Well,time to do some more raking,, Michigan has finally thawed out for a few months!

Wil Webb and everyone else, thanks so much for all the info on moles...they are eating us alive...or our grubs alive. I really appreciate these things to try. I was afraid I would have to live with them the rest of my life...ugh!

Hi A. Muse and Hi Clive...

With all the recent postings going on, I am Beginning to believe in that theory of only six degrees of seperation between everyone!

Did a little digging and found the TV version of the story that Clive posted ....

WKRP in Cincinnati (1978–1982) is an American situation comedy that featured the misadventures of the staff of a struggling radio station in Cincinnati, Ohio. The show was created by Hugh Wilson and was based upon his experiences working in advertising as a client of a classic album-oriented rock radio station.

One of WKRP in Cincinnati's best-known and most-loved episodes ("Turkeys Away") is a comic account of a disastrous promotion. As a publicity stunt, the station drops live turkeys out of a helicopter over a shopping center as a Thanksgiving's Day giveaway. The turkeys plunge to their deaths as shoppers run for their lives, all while Les Nessman describes the scene in words reminiscent of Herbert Morrison's reporting of the Hindenburg disaster. A shaken Arthur Carlson later remarks, "As God is my witness, I thought turkeys could fly." It was named by TV Guide as one of the greatest episodes in television history.

Funny thing about this show: This episode was based on real events occurring at WQXI in Atlanta, a station that series creator Hugh Wilson worked while in the advertising business.

Thought you would like to know!

Admed the LOG HOME looks absolutely beautiful...
Thank you for the final design...It's Awesome...

I can't wait to move in! Only thing, I didn't see the steps leading down from the deck! (Anywhere)??? You really didn't take me serious about the bungee cord did you?

Susan

Hi A.Muse

Yes, Noah has heard the Chicken Gun story in many versions, but that, in no way means it is not a great little bit of fluff to carry us all into the weekend on a silly story vibe! I, too, am among those thanking you for your wit and wisdom, and your spot on ability to figure out which we need the most at any particular time.

And Clive, your post, helping to stir the pot a bit was, as always, typical of your fine spirit for keeping the fun times rolling!

Just one note to add... The Guns in the story are not officially called Chicken Guns, but they are really operated by the FAA and the US Air Force rather than NASA, as is commonly believed.

Hello fellow cabin lovers!

Ahmed, I love the drawings of the finished home. Is that a driveway in front of the house? If so, is it a circle drive? I hope so, because it makes it so much easier for company to come and go. Also, gives us a ground level place to unload packages such as grocery bags from the car.

I'm so anxious to get a walk-around view of the house! Next time you go out, Ahmed, could you take a movie camera and give us a panaramic view of it all? Thanks! :)

Have a great weekend, everyone!

FYI all who want to exterminate the grub population. Almost all species of birds feeds their hatchlings grubs. I stopped all spraying because birds are necessary for contolling the insect population. I also love listening to them. P.S. I'm not a birdwatcher.

To Jane Apr 18, 1:38am
In answer to your question "is everyone out there thinking alone of what THEY would want and not about the actual winner?" Yes, I am voting for what my family and I would like if we were to be the winners of this home, as most of us probably are. If there was already a winner, and everyone was voting for what they thought the winner would need or want, that would be different.

This does not make anyone voting in this way selfish, just realistic.

AHMED,

ENJOY THE PICS ON THE CABIN CAM, BUT THEY SEEM TO BE FIXED AND TAKEN FROM ONE LOCATION. HOW 'BOUT TAKING A WALK AROUND THE CABIN AND TAKING A CAMERA ALONG SO YOU CAN GIVE US SOME DIFFERENT VIEWS.....SAY FROM THE LAKE SIDE AND ALONG THE SIDES OF THE CABIN? SOMETIMES IT DOESN'T SEEM AS THOUGH MUCH PROGRESS IS BEING MADE, BUT MAYBE WE JUST CAN'T SEE IT FROM THIS ANGLE.

Linda L & Lynne
Thanks for the migraine advice. You are so right about those migraines they hurt no matter where you are. And most times I do have to keep moving. Especially since I have the boss title of mom and wife and help in short supply most days. Sometimes keeping moving will help ease them. Other migraines just rest will work. I think that you are right one of the biggest migraine makers is stress alone. What mom don't have stress? And no I don't eat very well, Not big on raw veggies for sure (love most cooked. Love all fruits though! Well except prunes! I am trying to change my habits somewhat. But it is hard, and I now have high blood pressure to boot. That may be causing some of them m's. Not good but It's been gorgeous the last few days and warm. Been playing with the kids outside and am going to start walking some more.

Heading south:
I confess I too am a ocd bc addict.. Hope I got that right! As you can tell from my blogs. Love it, need it, want it! 24/7 DIY~DIY~DIY~ Honey I dream about it, in the night and in the day!

Mrs Cabincraver
I looked up your mud puppy. I would've run for the hills too! Yikes that thing looks like a fat snake... ugliest puppy I ever did see!

Blognbob:
Glad I made you laugh, It took me probably 20 times to get that stinker of a fish back in that tank. To this day I'm still a little bit scared of them but I will touch them now. And sometimes pitch them if they are a loud grunter! Mr catfish broke me in and now I know they won't get me, even though I thought he would.
Hope your wife gets better soon! Did you mean trout or did triut run away? I can't catch him on my google bait!

Have you ever heard of Snipe hunting????

A.muse & Clive! :) I had never heard that one. Too funny! better defrost those chickens or was it turkeys? hahahahahah!

The big news here in ky was about the Illinois earth quakes! And how it's tremors shook everyone awake, around us, Except me & my husband! I hope all our friends there are ok & none of us don't get all shook up again!

DIY BLOG CABIN GUYS AND GALS
I love the new front and back virtual pictures of the house. So you are filling in the front yard? Looks nice! That makes more sense with the front entrance porch being small.. love the walk way to the front! I wish I could see the house center faced. So I can see the porch better. I can just picture a beautiful, hanging, tiered rustic fountain to the side or one of those fancy brass statues with a child holding a fishing pole and his puppy tagging with him. Or one with an elderly couple in retirement together. I am really so in love with the back porches and patios all around. Just awesome I can picture the winning family just having a grand old time on them. Cook outs, birthday parties, my kids are in the winter, Oh yeah we have that fireplace, hanging out times and just doing nothing on them. Just gorgeous and I can't wait to see the end results with the plants, lawn furnitures, kids & toys, and people just enjoying it, and the lake too. I can not wait for the series to begin already! I also am looking forward to the kitchen and bathrooms coming to life! And finally seeing the tall ceiling from the living room! And the windows and doors going in.
I could keep on going but I think I had better try to go to sleep soon! Anyway Good night bloggers, c u next blog party!

By looking at some of the earlier construction photos I am assuming that the draw down of the lake is not too severe. Our local lakes in upper East Tenn. are drawn down quite a bit. I assume the draw down has to do with the yearly rainfall, drought, etc. I've even seen some of the lake bottom used as a race track.

Yep, still pulling for those natural rocking chairs. Call your friends, family, enemies, whoever and get out the vote. Glad to see at least a few people have "seen the light."

I'm passing on some of the advice on ridding one's lawn of those dratted moles. My son-in-law has been at his wit's end over the little varmints.

TVA and Corps of Engineers look disparagingly at cutting trees within certain boundaries. We have some property on Center Hill Lake in mid Tenn and we can't cut most trees within a certain area that has been surveyed by the Corps of Engineers.

The cabin is looking great. You're doing a grand job and I'm learning lots.

I've been watching (and participating) in the Blog Cabin design for almost as long as it began and have not seen any comments related to the possibility of including a whole house power generator in case of power outages. Are there any plans for one?

I bought and installed a propane powered generator while building my log home. It was a bit expensive, but is comforting to know that my home will always have electrical power when the main utilites are cut off. During a recent storm, (while I was away from home) a tree fell on the main power line coming up the mountain, starting a small fire. Since my home was the only one still with power, the neighbors came to get water from my well to help put out the fire! Now, all my neighbors are getting generators!

well, it seems that only a select few get their comments posted,, this is the ninth time mine have not been posted,,,and I have read previously of some others that have it happen to them,, do they screen us and our ideas?? Not sure,; I didn't even say anything negative and I blogged only about the cabin, not anything unrelated.. don't have to be a rocket scientist to figure out who has a chance at the cabin,, what's the deal here? Not another Dream Home scenario is it?

I have never read a blog before nevermind participated in one but after checking it out today I can see how you can get hooked. I am worried now that this beautiful spring day will be spent inside trying to catch up on what I have missed! (That is until just before my husband is due home and then I will rush around trying to make it look like I haven't spent the day in front of the computer!)
Have to say that after reading the comments, I will now change my vote on the rockers. It doesn't sound like anything else will do.
Also, Clive, enjoyed your story about the Tennessee Turkey Drop but it sounded just like an episode of an old TV show called "WKRP in Cincinati" where they drop turkeys from a helicopter over a strip mall as a radio station promo, not realizing that the turkeys couldn't fly. I can still hear the newsman's voice as he watches, horrified, from the doorway of a store. It was a pretty funny episode! So which came first - the TV show or the Tennessee Turkey Drop? Or is the Tennessee Turkey Drop an urban myth based on the show?
Anyway - back to reading frantically!

I have been away for a week and it was exciting to see the progress on the cabin. I love the porches and can imagine sitting on a wonderful rocking chair and soaking up the view - that is with my outdoor refridgerator near by. I didn't care too much for voting on the water toys but voted for the family floater. Thanks for all the fun in watching, voting and sharing DIY and Ahmed.
There is cabin fever of the good kind in New Jersey!!!

I love outdoor fireplaces, I was thinking the fireplace backing that leads out on the deck. Wouldn't it be great if there were an outside fireplace there? You could use the chimney for both fireplaces. Also, Maybe that part of the deck could be screened in to make a cozy three season room?

I have to tell you, my two daughters and I are totally in love with this house, And they have already picked out their bedrooms:)

Lynne, thanks for that advice on the migraines - I recently saw a natropath who also told me to try that - See, I have had IBS for like 30 years now & for the past 8 years I also have Rosacia, and recently RLS as well, which seems to occur more and more often, So the natropath told me to 1. stop taking the antibiotic for my Rosacia. 2. Stop all dairy products for 30 days 3. Go on a multivit for women and drink more green tea and no sodas or coffee! Then we see what happens.
So, that is my goal - to see if this is all related or just my dumb luck!

Cabincraver - I am sorry to hear that you have had so many hospital stays - I hope that you are on the mend and things get better really soon!

Helen, I took down that brownie receipe and cant wait to try it!

I also agree there seems to be a standstill on the construction of the cabin - maybe what is going on isnt viewable - I still hope they change the view soon to the back side!

Who knows - the weather here in Wa is quite crazy, SNOW and all! - so maybe that is the problem there?? Who knows???
Merry :-)

Just got done working outside.....again....beautiful day, sunshine and a pleasant breeze, the pussy willows are blooming yellow, cleaning out the stalls, gathering more leaves, getting the mower ready, and of course the boat....that is top priority in our house, due the insane love of fishing...I just read the blog...a good time to rest up ....
A Muse, enjoyed your funny fluffy stuff...
Cabincraver, great hearing from you, and enjoyed your fish story. Hope you are feeling stronger with each new day. Praying for a good report from you real soon....
Bob, I hope Jerri is home by now and feeling better. I love Triut! :-) LOL.....
Clive, thanks for that site on moles, but I couldn't read it. They stated the description, but said it was not available. Perhaps, I am doing something wrong. Couldn't get in to read that...but I am going to try the Bacillus popillae...I have heard that it works really well....I am so hoping that we will not have the Japanese Beetles again this year...so I am going to apply it hopefully this coming week. Thanks for the info.
I just saw the final design of the Log Home they just revealed it. Beautiful as ever, the front terain seems leveled at the door way, I don't think that will be possible in the actual Log Home unless they bring in tons and tons of fill dirt and then top soil. The extended deck facing the lake is awesome!! I quess they wanted to surprise us and that is why they would not let us see it. I love how it extends so far towards the lake. I love those southern extended porches. Very impressive...It looks like the $$$$$$s are going up and up on this Log Home...Hope everyone is enjoying their weekend...God bless you all!

Hey Watson, Ahmed, whats up with the cabin cam? It hasn't changed since the 17th. Also, when do we get new update photos for the rest of the cabin? I know I'm being impatient, but I can't help it. I just gotta know what the rest is like, I just gotta. Please, Please, Please. By the way, you guys are doing a great job. Tell everyone thank you for all their efforts and work that they do, so that the rest of us can have so much fun and dream about winning our own cabin by the lake.

Great idea Heading South! A bird feeder would be awesome. Would love to keep ours up year round but with the bears and all...not recommended.

Sure wish we could come up with an extra 700 or so natural rocker votes...oh well, guess no cat's tails will be injured at this home. :)

Such little greedy bloggers we are...boat, dock, bird feeders, hot tub...awe, but would complete the package though-- just wondering, was last year's cabin fully furnished for the winner??? Hmm...just another greedy little blogger dreamin'

so how many of us have blogcabin ocd??? i love the friday stories wish i was more creative in that area, but im not.
saw the new pics of the plans really impressive this is definetly not a cabin but a really mag home!!! lots of stairs tho my husband has a knee thing now. so uneven ground and stairs are killers for him. just thinking about it makes my knees hurt.
so helen what is the shore line like???
when they get inside they really need to move that opening into the kitchen. that would make it a lot more accessible to the greatroom, and the design would make a lot more sense.
bought pansies and snapdragons yesterday and my daffodiles are blooming . so i guess spring has arrived in the mnts.
blessings to cabin craver and erika

Thank you Warren. I even think I might revisit the strange site at LVE.com. Nevertheless I found the correct website which gave me a lot of information. But since I wasn't paying sufficient attention in the beginning I don't know on what lot # DIY is building. The older I get the more blonde I become. Can't blame it all on senior moments you know.
Lynne. I was prescribed caffeine for my migraines since I couldn't keep coffee down. Didn't help. I also have low B levels and need monthly shots of B12 so that wasn't it either. I don't think there is a one size fits all remedy for migraines. Sometimes Migraine Ice works, sometimes it doesn't. As long as I don't start crying or vomiting I can deal with the pain. I was told 45+ years ago that I would outgrow them but it hasn't happened yet. Just hope you guys eventually find something that works for your migraine.
Keeping the prayer chain working for all the not too hale and healthy bloggers. LLL

Forget the water toys. Build a dock and boathouse. Lakes are for fishing.

WooHoo! I see the rocking chair is gaining ground! That's awesome!

I hope everyone is having a great weekend!

Regarding the post from Tisser at April 15, 2008 5:03 PM
Tisser, thank you for your info on the steel swings and rockers et al! Like so many other blogs - there is a LOT of info here that can be used by everyone! I've sent the website for the swings to family & friends for their info - its a great way to put art into your every day life - Ahmed, I hope you looked at this site too!

The cabin is looking great - I'm waiting for the waterfront view of the cabin very patiently - it'll be a wonderful surprise!

All you northern gardeners - I've gardened in Michigan & New York but nothing has prepared me for gardening in Florida. Plus I'm older! Everything I'm putting in is Florida native but the weeds and vines are relentless. The acre that I'm carving out for living use has never been worked before. ANYONE who has attempted this kind of gardening in Florida knows exactly what I'm talking about. I look at the cabin and all that ground waiting for hands to work it and can't help but think it'll be easier going and maintaining. Don't get me wrong - I love how my work is looking. Its very rewarding. Thank you Lord for my hottub! For retirement we plan to move back north - even if we don't win the cabin!

Just saw the final floor plans and picture. Beautiful. It is so much fun to see the feedback incorporated into the design. What a great idea. Can't tell if and or how the concept of accessibility has been incorporated. Did the elevator idea work. Even if it did not I am glad to see that it appears that with the layout one could be added without detracting from the design.
Also, thanks for the cabin cam to keep us up to date.
Dreaming the dream,
Judy in New Jersey

The color drawings of the "Blog Cabin" look great, that outdoor deck and patio are fantastic! I was a bit difficult to envision from the original plans, they are huge....great for entertaining and outdoor fun.
An outdoor kitchen on the patio would be great for summers and any one lucky enough to win might consider an outdoor living space, which is all the rage now. And it would fit in perfectly at this wonderful location.
A porch swing looking out towards the lake would be a great place to settle in and read a book on a lazy afternoon or to just watch the sunset....

Ahhh we can all dream about how we would spend our time here, well good luck to all the bloggers, voters and dreamers.

Ahmed,

I have been following the blog for some time, but have only blogged once or twice. Everyone's comments are genuine and true to their souls and what they would like in a cabin. We have also learned of each other's ilnesses, grandchildren and children. Friendships have been made and acquaintences with future neighbors of the winner of the 2008 Blog Cabin have been established. Last year's cabin was beautiful and in line with what I would like to have as a personal residence for permanent, occasional, or vacation or any other purpose.

I trust that you, the buliders, DIY, and others will complete this cabin in a manner that will be consistent with last year's Blog Cabin 2007. I have been voting along with all the other blogger voters, but trust that you all will complete this cabin similar to the last; what I would consider to be a little upscale. The design and the elements, voted on to this point, do not indicate that you are building just a little cabin in the woods! We all have differing visions of the finished product and enjoy differing ideas for future use of the property. Personally I trust you and the DIY staff to complete this Cabin in a way that anyone would be more than happy to own it! Keep up the great work.

Some comments have been made regarding the cost of home ownership. I will be happy to pay the future cost(expense) in exchange for the pleasure of owning and using this property!

When do the entries begin? Good luck all you bloggers! keep on bloggin.

Jimmy in Waldo.
12:35 P.M. ET

I was checking out the floor plans again and would like to suggest that the door to the master bath be placed in the bathroom wall rather than the bedroom wall. This would help eliminate any smells and moisture from the closet areas and make the closets more a part of the bedroom.

Well darn...yesterday the rocker was neck and neck with the other chairs and today it's down by almost 1000 again. Come on rocking chair fans, let's get that number back up there!!!! :)

Hi All,

Hope everyone enjoyed this gorgeous Spring weather that we had this weekend. I for one was out in the garden and hopefully will do so for the next several weekends if this weather keeps up! Ahmed hope you were out there this weekend getting your hands dirty.

Thanks all for the tips on the migranes but mine are because of my family medical history. If by chance I feel one coming on (nomally this does not happen - they are just there is full bloom) if I eat a hot dog and drink a chocolate milkshake it will go away. Yup, I know this is the worst thing for a migrane but mine are not triggered by foods as you can see. Even my doctors are amazed by this one! lol I just need to take a pain killer and go to bed in a very dark room until it blows over. Fortunately, for me as I have gotten older I get them less, which is nice since I have had them all my life.

Lynne - thank you for the tip on the chipmucks. My husband has told me that there is now a baby chipmuck! A friend told me fish food will also move them along to someone else's yard so I will try it and see. I don't have a problem with deer, which surprises me since we have a lot in the woods next to our house and the herd grows each year with new ones. Just those pesky chipmucks. Sorry but I cannot vote for the Vertigo Water Park that is a serious accident waiting to happen. And since safety is part of my job and having taught swimming I always try to look at what kinds of accidents could happen. The Vertigo Water Park scares the living hell out of me since I can visual