Hi, FINALLY WE HAVE CONTACT... been a long time, so it feels.
I love the more earthtoned colors. I think it was the one titled around the world, the black iron twig light. And finally I think cherry fixtures for the closets, Cherry doesn't outdate it self and it is always a desired tone and wood. Well that's all for now. DIY TEAM LOVE THOSE 3D HOUSE VIEWS. I wish I was there on those porches right this very second!!!!!!!! You guys are lucky to work on that jobsite! Just gorgeous and such a great job you all are doing!!!!!!!!! Love it !!!!!!!!!!!

Watson: First!

Great new choices! I hope people will think of ease of use when selecting the dining room light fixture. I went with the Twigs because, not only is it gorgeous , but it will also be relatively easy to change the light bulbs. The one with the lights bulbs at the bottom looks the easiest but its kind of plain an dugly. The other took look like it will require removing the shades to get to the bulbs. I'm all about efficieny and simplicity when it comes to these kinds of things around the house.

I do love the paint selections as well. It was very hard to select one, they are all so beautiful!

Keep up the great work!

Since log cabins tend to be dark inside, I voted for the lighter colors (don't remember what they called them. I'll pay attention tomorrow when I vote again). I liked all the light choices, but would prefer the last one as it seemed to be more cabiny...if there is such a thing! LOL For the closet, I chose cherry.

It looks like the rocker lost by a measly 700 votes. DARN!

This cabin is so awesome! Looks like the deck is large enough to hold all of us! :)

Second!

I'm with you Carrie, I love the pallette for Around the World...earthy tones gang, the house is by the lake. I just can't see those pastel blues going in!!!

And as with the interior paint colors, I love the cherry closet. Nice and earthy.

I wonder if they'll throw in a rocking chair anyhow seeing as how close the votes were?

It was so nice to see blogs from CabinCraver2008 and the rest of you. I was out of town all weekend, so, very anxious to get on this morning and see who is out there.

I just don't know what I'm going to do when this bloggin is over, boo hoo.

Oh yea, the new 3D color virtuals of the house, can't help it, did anyone else notice the slight roof color change from front view to back view? Must be the way the sun is shinning on it(heehee)!

As to the chickens...Mythbusters did do a show on them, but I can't remember if they did both frozen and thawed. Very interesting though. I definately don't want a frozen poultry item ever coming my way.

BlognBob, you and your family are in my prayers for your wifes health and your daughters continued flourishing! My girls and I help out with a local soccer team and just end up with aching smiles by the time we are done with those kiddos. Brings a smile to my face thinking of them and thinking how much you must enjoy your little ones!

Clive, my goodness, I think my brain has gained 20 learning wrinkles in just the time it took me to catch up on the past weekends blogs.

Helen, Thanks for the brownie recipe!

The rest of you keep up the input and thoughts!

I was wondering what you were going to be doing with the heating and air systems. I would like to suggest a geothermal system, maybe you could incorporate some in floor heating for the kitchen, and baths. maybe some in-wall heating for the shower. You might want to consider some snow melt for the drive, and or side walks on your projects that are in the snow belt. Maybe you could include some indoor air quality features such as UV lights, humidifiers, and an upgraded air cleaner system. This is a great show and I try to watch as often as possible.

Watson, what is the height of the dining room ceiling? Thanks.

Watson: Hey Cathy, in the dining room it's 8'8".

The artist impressions seem to show steps up to the wrap-around porch to the left of the main entrance. This was in the original drawings but seems not to be in the last version of the drawings? Is there some disconnect between the builders and designers or is it just artistic license in the artistic renderings? The 3-D rendering shows no opening in the S side whatsoever off the MBR. If that's so the MBR is going to be rally dark and gloomy with just French doors on the lakeside. Same goes for the master bath with just one window. Also, the 3-D images show no outside fireplace on the front deck? Am I being too picky and is it just that the artist (or computer program) that produced the images was not given all the information and that the 2-D drawings are the best idea of what will be in the final construction?Ahmed Hassan: I apologize for not getting back to you sooner, but the matter of the artist rendering and any descrepancies are something that does warrant some clarification. The artists renderings are merely conceptuals to give an idea of a finish project, so don't get caught up with the details of the drawings. As far as the MBR is concerned I will personally make sure to see if there is a window on the south facing wall of M.bathroom, I'm pretty sure there's just that one at the front of the house but I'll make certain of this tomorrow on site. There are however French doors on both south side and rear of MBR walls so there should be a good amount of light coming in from these. Log homes do tend to be a bit darker and more private than traditional homes with windows everywhere but I'll walk around tomorrow and compare the artists renderings with the actual structure and get back to you!

Yay!!!New things to vote on! I love the light green color for the paint. I was torn on the lighting and I chose the last choice. As for the closet I chose cherry.

I was talking to a friend about how obsesed I have become with this cabin. She can't understand why because the chance of winning so slim. I just sad well there will be a winner. Why not me? :o)

It sure is fun to dream.

More fun things to vote on and blog about. I like the 3-D renderings which help a lot to visualize the final layout.

I'm ambivalent about all the choices this time. I think whichever is chosen will work as the team will do an excellent job mixing and matching. Personally, I went with maple because I'm concerned that the rooms, especially the master bed suite, will be rather gloomy with so little natural light. They will require a lot of electric light so a lighter color would seem appropriate. The same goes for the wall colors. Bold colors are great but should probably be left to the winner to choose those that they are most comfortable with.

We had an 'interesting' experience when we purchased our present home. The previous owners liked bold color statements. They had painted the living and dining room a deep, arterial blood red including the ceiling in the dining room and bay window of the living room. They then had deep purple drapes and window treatments with black furniture including a baby grand. It had all the ambiance of a "French whore's boudoir", to quote my wife. It took 2 coats of high grade maximum cover primer and 3 top coats of high cover, top quality paint to tone it down or eliminate the red color. I still have nightmares when I think of the days and nights I devoted to repainting again and again. Just the mention of deep red paint brings back the horrors.

PS. Glad we made you laugh CabinCraver. Do take care as I don't want a 'stern' note from your doctors for causing you too much fun!

So if trends run like previous choices which were basically decided in the first day of voting, we will have a boring pastel palette for a exceptional one of a kind log cabin. How much more warm and relaxing if the colors were warm greens, gold, and accent colors. Just imagine the flames of the fireplace reflected in a cold pastel or a warm inviting color on a cool nite with a warm drink and a good book. Oh well, I can always repaint.

Ok you guys, I really don't care about the paint colors because my sister loooovvvves to paint. So I will follow your lead on that vote. Not that I think I would win, but you could all come over to watch my sister repaint the interior.
I really am not into the deer antler light fixtures even it they are faux. So will vote on the twigs. I liked all of the closet choices so I will switch to whatever the majority of the bloggers are picking. That is easier than picking a solar light over a rain barrel. And Ahmed..don't sway the vote.:-) Later. LLL

Love the new Color Graphics Guys ! Someone put forth some real overtime on these. And it is much appreciated.
And some new choices to work with again. That is fun !

Noel B,
Thank You for your prayers. My wife is slowly on the mend and just got back home. I have to be careful what I make her to eat. I am not too keen on health and diets of this sort. So, this is a new challenge.

Clive,
Do you think that perhaps your uneasiness about things being blood red might also have something to do with an aforementioned drink?
Heading South,
BC OCD withdrawls Ahhhh ! You are torturing us you guys. I believe that is the new catch phrase.
Good one too !
I think it might be much nicer to have a lot of evergreens on the property perhaps in the stead of a lawn. The pine needles help keep things fragrant and seem to keep weeds down as well. With additional privacy. Plus it is nice having green surrounding you year round. Much more park like. And a lot less maintenance as long as not right next to the house.

This time I don't have any strong negative reactions to the voting choices. Paint colors are a little worrisome. I know the cabin will be beautiful whatever we choose. Now, as as for the rockers versus those darn adirondacks, I think the voting was rigged. DIY please get a vendor to donate rocking chairs for this East Tennessee upscale log cabin!

Wow! Ahmed, the 3-D renderings are beautiful!! The artists who walk on and off this project every day, must feel such a sense of accomplishment when they leave at the end of the day!
I,too, selected the "World Colors" realizing that some of them will be merely accent colors. I have a "Lodge Room" that I painted a dark Hunter green and it is very cozy, comforting. The rest of my home is neutral, but that room is my retreat,,actually I call it my wanna-be-cabin room! I only have one window in it, but I have plenty of light, even with bushes and trees in front of it.
I also chose the "twigs" light fixture,, Home Depot, Lowes both have this line and it would be simpler to clean as well as replace bulbs.
Cherry was also my choice for closet materials. It is timeless, and classier looking.
What a lot of beautiful ideas and products we are lucky to be able to select from!! Kudos to all the sponsors and staff for coordinating them.

I really like the Twig lighting fixture. I also like the palette that shows blue, I can't remember the name. I was looking at the neutral picture and saw that there were a few oranges in that one. Yuck. The blue had the true neutral colors in it. I also went with the cherry closet. Always classy. (Did I make lucky 13 again?)

Can we please get screened in porches & patio & also stairs from the back porch down to the back yard?

The vote is for "style" of MB closet -- but, I presume you really mean color or surface finish, not the style of the seup of the various units in the closet -- example, maple has a center island whereas the other 2 do not. Presume that this center island could come with any of the "styles". Is that correct?

Darn it! A few days ago I had to upgrade my FX or whatever that is that allows you to view the voting results and now it keeps having a conflict and closing my browser! I hate it when that happens!

I need to pay more attention to the twig light, I think. Can you put the new energy saver bulbs in it? I have some light fixtures that they won't fit in and I prefer them to the regular bulbs, so I am just curious. I liked the look of the Washington schoolhouse because it seemed like a good choice for a cabin. But truthfully, I'd be happy with any of them!

Hey Watson or Ahmed...will there be room to park a 5th wheel there? And is it allowed? I'm gonna start packing. :)

I'm becoming more convinced than ever that the present design has a major flaw. There is absolutely no easy access from the ground on the lakeside of the house to the upper deck.

You must either go to the back of the basement, up the stairs and back through the house or use the opening in the wrap around deck at the rear of the deck facing the road, unless you wish to go around to the front door.

There is absolutely no flow to this design. Please DIY consider some form of access (steps or ramp) on the dining room side of the house to give access to the lakeside area of the deck. This is the side where the land is highest and therefore easiest to put some steps. Otherwise, to get from the deck to the ground patio is about a 40 yard walk. While I'm all for exercise this isn't what the cabin is all about.

Although I initially voted for one of the darker color palettes I am with Clive on the pastel palettes -- much easier to paint over. Maybe I'll call Linda's sister if I win. I recently repainted half of our living/dining combo coz I THOUGHT I liked to paint but boy was I wrong! No more painting for me.

I am also sad that the Adirondacks won out over the rockers but if I win I will EBay the Adirondacks and buy rockers!

Well, we are back! :-) I was beginning to get concern for our family bloggers; understanding how many of us are really dealing with the BLOG CABIN OCD...I think Admed was wondering "I better get back online and start a new voting, otherwise these guys are going to have a melt down.. :-) He came through..Thanks Admed.
I really like the light palette, thinking especially how dark the master bedroom will be. It will also enhance the square footage of each room, making them to appear larger in size.
BlognBob, so glad to hear that your wife if home. I am sure you will take good care of her, as she heals. ;-)
Clive, I think BlognBob has a point about you being uneasy with the color red. LOL Here you are talking about painting over those red walls. LOL Could this be a related to your milky red drink... :-) I don't know...I'm just asking.. :-)
Thanks again for the info on the Bacillus popillae.
If the 3D pictures are accurate the doorway entrance will look fine with the ground being leveled to the door. That is going to be alot of fill in dirt for sure. I am really in love with the back extended porch.
Cabincraver, It's so good to hear from you. You are certainly a trooper...Prayers are going up for you :-)

Clive, you must have been able to see past the ugly paint and see the true potential of the home ugly colors and all! Thanks, you made me laugh.

I'm in agreement on the need for some type of stairs off the upper deck. The area in the rendering in front of the stone-work would be a spot. The stairs could run down along the side of the deck supports...just a thought. Though I'm not a big fan of more stairs, there really needs to be a way to get from the upper deck to the yard. The side yard would be a spot too but it would take you back to the front yard away from the lake.

With the dining room having an 8'8" ceiling, does anyone have a "feel" for the size of the lighting fixtures this round? I'm feeling extremely conservative this round...guess the lucky winner can change paint colors if too dark/light. Much easier to go from light to dark though.

Well, time for a break. Too much computer time today. Nasty weather here today...snow, wind, sun and only 41 degrees. Still kind of pretty though. Must be spring in the rockies! No yard time today. :(

Noooooo! Not pastels! Anything but pastels!!

Admed, I have a question for you, which I hope you will answer for me. Are the 3D design just a design, or will the terain be exactly as shown? Because if the ground will be leveled to the front door entrance in the log home, the shown driveway is going to have to slope down to the right, and then to the left to get into the gargage. It seems a rather tight fit to the eye, when you think about getting two large vehicles down and around. Also, when your in the basement, can you access the main floor? (Do you have steps going upstairs)? I am really thinking also about the steps in the rear of the log home, facing the lake. Where are they? Sounds like it will be alot of steps or ramps for accessing deck to lower porch. For a retirement home, it is raising alot of questions for easy acessibility. Can you please answer? Thanks Admed Ahmed Hassan: or as you say Admed, You are correct in your assumption, the rendering of the log home was just to give folks an idea not an actual as built. If we had as builts already figured out this would not be Blog Cabin where the community decides.
Now as far as the accessibility goes, the San Jacinto was the only two story option, the others were both single stories. This is a fact that the builder reminds me of every time I tell him how much blogging is being done about accessibility issues. Hey, we do live in a problem posing reality, first we have the problems, then we find creative solutions for those problems. Doesn't it always seem to go this way?

Well, gang from the renderings, looks like we are going to have to park in front, then unload the groceries, then drive down and around to park, then walk upstairs to put the groceries away. Whew, like Clive I'm all for exercising, but boy oh boy I hope the person who wins this doesn't have any mobility issues. Please, please, steps down to ground level from the upper deck, please!

Also, I still don't see any kind of outdoor firepit/BBQ area in the renderings. It would also sure be nice to have a fish cleaning station somewhere on ground level out back.

Thanks DIY crew for all the updated renderings (even though we are picking on them)! We truly do appreciate all you do to keep us bloggers happy.

Yea!! Finally new picture on the cabin cam and new items to vote on. I enjoy reading all of the blogs but I do not post one very often. I really enjoy the information and humor that they have. I do agree with Clive that there seems to be a problem with the plans not showing any access to the lake from the decks on the lake side. It does seem to be silly to walk all the way around to the front (road side) of the house to get in. As far as the color scheme that is a tough one. I am not a pastel type person but the other choices were equally nice. I guess I will close my eyes and pick one. I did really like the twig light fixture. Thanks to all of you bloggers for making me smile each day as I read the posts.

While I would not necessarily want a "visual" direct line to the upper deck from the lakeside because of unannounced lakeside visitations, I would have to agree with Clive that a side entrance off the dining room side would be rather nice. For its obscured view from the lakeside by the front deck. And It would make it rather nice for taking food and drinks down from the kitchen area for entertaining. And as Clive also mentions , it is much closer to the deck and would require little effort at this time to implement.

There are no stairs from the deck to the yard and there is no boat dock either. These must have been an oversight, for sure! Ahmed Hassan: Hey, It aint over yet !

LOL Ahmed. It ain't over yet, huh? LOL So that means the stairs are on the way? I vote for having them go off the dining room side, also. Because the land is so high over there, it would mean less steps to ground. And I would think walking down the slope would be an easy task.

Ahmed...where exactly will the stairs be that lead down to the garage/man cave? Someone said they'd be where the stairs lead upstairs, but I can't figure out how that would happen.

Thanks in advance for the info! ~hugs~

Wasn't going to say a thing. Just vote, since I didn't all weekend due to a problem, until I read Clives wife's comment about the paint job and the bordello it reminded her of and then he hopes you guys don't get a stern note from my doctor about making me laugh!!!! LOLOLOLOL! Sorry - laughter is the best medicine, and you guys are better than Penicillan! All the color schemes are bizarre to me. I don't care for any of them. They are either too pale or too contemporary, and I can't stand orange. I am just too restrained, I guess. Pale blue is blah and for a boy's room, if you are going to stay in the neutrals, keep to the more yellow or brown end, please, in a cabin! I love the Twigs fixture too. I prefer cherry and I really don't care much about any of this stuff, it can all be changed and what I enjoy the most is you guys teasing Clive about his drink! And his comments about his living room! Something will win, we will be happy. I must return to my cage.

May one of us WORTHY BLOGGERS WIN!

Goodnite and sweet dreams all! Cabincraver2008

Ahmed...I understand the builder's frustration with the accessability issues. You would think voting for a two story would mean we aren't concerned with accessability. But the truth is, since the master bedroom is on the main level, the main part of the home is user friendly even for the impaired. I got here too late to vote for the floor plan, but I may still have voted for the two story because the upstairs would be for guests and grandkids! It never would have occured to me that getting in and out of the house would become an issue.

Also, didn't the original plan have the garage on ground level? So taking groceries in would not have been an issue. Now that the garage is under the house (or maybe now that we are actually visualizing ourselves IN the house) it suddenly occurs to us how much walking/stair climbing will be involved just to get groceries into the kitchen. LOL

Please pass along to the builders how beautiful it all looks so far. I think it's awesome!!

Ahmed,
Here is a rather nice sounding TN native grass.Hair Grass - Deschampsia flexuosa. A beautiful ornamental, this delicate grass has wiry basal leaves that last throughout winter. The plant is silvery and wispy with the early flowers bronze or purple then turning tan or silver.
Just picked that one up on quick search for native grasses, copy and paste. It sounded good.
Though I still stand by my original request for evergreens as where I have lived I have been surrounded by them all my life.
More research tomorrow.

I've been in such a funk over not getting the rocking chairs :0( but, I'm coming out of it now and will concentrate on the new choices. Hopefully, some will appear (or be donated) as previously suggested by a blogger. Can't seem to picture adirondacks at the Blog Cabin, but, chances are I may not have to. :0)
I have to agree with so many here that stairs are needed off the deck. It's just the right thing to do. After all, the lake is the big attraction here and it is only reasonable that the one who lives there has full access to the lake from all points of the house, especially since the decks will be used as gathering places for family and guests. I wouldn't want them traipsing thru the house each time they wanted access to the lake-eek!
Here's hoping everyone is healthy and happy and stays that way.

Ahmed, Thank you so much for answering my question. You mentioned the blogger's voting; yes the two story won, and there was only one two story. Ahmed, I am sorry that I misspelled your name. My fingers and brain just don't work right at times, especially when I am tired. So sorry about that. :-(
I do appreciate all you do, and thank you again for your response to my question. It is still a beautiful "Log Home".

Ahmed, you have a point in that the San Jacinto was the only 2 storey design. However, that original design had the front deck about 3-4 steps up from the back yard so access to the lake was very easy. With the necessary redesign the proximity of the ground to the wrap-around deck was lost. Thus a big 'selling' feature of the San Jacinto was also lost. In my humble opinion it needs redressing. As you say "It aint over yet".

so im sooo bc ocd :) well my husband thinks hes a bloggin widower.
clive dont worry they would not paint that dark red on the ceiling prob just and accent color. please no ickie pastels, earth tones !!!! visualize people . altho i do think the master should be a nuetral. i could live with the twig lite but do like the sycamore better i think it would go with more furniture choices.
the closet i have the white but i think the cherry is much richer looking. but what is the material????
oh cabin craver so glad to hear from you !!! i read all the blogs so as not to miss anything i start from the end and work my way up. pretty ocd ??
oh ahmed how about a slide from the upper deck to the lake ??? its outrageous but could be done. how fun would that be ? otherwise thats going to be a long steep stairway
blessings to cabincraver and erika. i think of you every day !!
my dog sitter has her pooches on her deck with a gate at the stairs. she broke her shoulder this winter and i took her supper scared me to death those dogs but they were much more interested in the chicken i brought her .
did like the idea of selling the chairs on ebay and getting some decent rockers. its just the right thing to do.:)
oh and the landscaping, we moved from mesa az about 10 yrs ago to the mnts and gave away our lawnmower yea!!! our 1 ac is all natural meadow in front and the back is forest. i have a small high mnt flower garden out front so. as ahmed said this needs to be so low upkeep
oh did see the show ahmed cute very cute !!! but you wouldnt have to beg me.
also the sonic stake thing works !!!!! it doesnt kill anything. also does seem to deter rabbits as well ???

Who in their right mind would want to have a pale blue color scheme in a cabin in the woods by a lake? Come on. Apart from deep purple this is the worst choice. I'm no great fan of pastels but please not egshell blue. Save that for the HGTV dream home at the coast of the Green Home also at the coast. At least green is soothing and in keeping. A few accent bright colors would go well too. What about an orange hue in some areas or bright yellow in the kitchen/diner? That will get people enlivened.

Thank you for the tremendous job that you, Watson and Ahmed, are doing with all of these bloggers, I wouldn't want to keep up with all of this!!

As for the voting choices this round, ditto on Carrie Miracle and lin's choices. I agree, cherry is classy. "Around the World" colors are beautiful, and the twig fixture is nice. This "log home" is going to be one gorgeous place to be! I can't wait to get there! :-)

And again I say thanks, to all who are working so very hard on designing and building this awesome blog cabin. Your hard work is greatly appreciated!

Hello Y'all,
Paint! Don't really care, anything can be painted over (pastels would be easiest.)

Cherry will win for the closet.

I find the twig design for the chandelier to be the most interesting choice.

And I'm still pushing for a cistern and a small dock.
To the eventual inhabitant:
If you have these 2 items you'll be very glad that they were provided, honest!

Have been wondering if those of us that could never afford the taxes on this place could apply for a grant that would cover them?
Hey, we can dream about winning why not having the taxes paid! :)

Later folks, stay safe,
D.J.

Note to Ahmed/Watson:

If you happen to answer someone in the Blog how about sending them an E-mail with that individuals comment and your answer, many of us don't have the time to go through the blogs every day and go over all of them when we do get on here, just a thought!

P.S. In case you are doing this now, well, never mind :)

Thanks,
D.J.

Watson: Hi D.J. - that's a great thought. Unfortunately, Ahmed is probably the single busiest person that I know (two TV shows, two kids and his own business) and I take turns juggling chainsaws here at work - I wish we could do more! Thanks for your input.

Can you tell us, Ahmed or Watson if the S.W. paint that is being used will be the Sherwin-Williams environmentally friendly products?

DURATION HOME® INTERIOR LATEX
This environmentally preferred product is specially formulated to be low in odor, resist mildew and have lower levels of smog-producing pollutants (volatile organic compounds or VOC's). Most stains wipe clean with mild soap and water so no harsh cleaning chemicals are needed for clean up. The durable formula reduces frequent repaints .

HARMONY® INTERIOR LATEX
Harmony is a natural choice for environmentally preferred interior paint. It is low-odor allowing you to immediately move into your newly painted spaces. It contains less solvents and zero-VOC's (volatile organic compounds) so what is emitted into the air is more environmentally friendly.

April 22nd is global Earth Day.

It is great to know that the paint being used for the Blog Cabin Home will be one manufactured by a company that recognizes and shares our concerns about protecting the earth's environment. Sherwin-Williams' commitment reaches beyond supplying environmentally friendly paints. It extends throughout their laboratories, manufacturing facilities and distribution systems.

Their literature points to their desire to continually develop new products and procedures within their organization to reduce the impact their products have on nature. Sherwin-Williams pioneered the use of environmentally preferable solutions in their business practices and are committed to putting green ideas to work.

• Sherwin-Williams uses sustainable raw materials, like soy and sunflower oil in their paints.
• Sherwin-Williams has reduced the amount of solvent in product formulations, so the vapors being emitted into the atmosphere are more environmentally friendly.
• New techniques in Sherwin-Williams' manufacturing processes have helped produce less waste and energy efficient methods have been implemented in their plants.
• Sherwin Williams has also streamlined national distribution processes, helping to conserve fuel, energy and other natural resources.
• Many coatings are now formulated to clean easily and to resist mildew and harmful bacteria improving the indoor and outdoor environments.

S.W. introduced the GreenSure™ designation for their environmentally friendly products. The Greensure products offer maximum performance, long-term durability and the highest indoor air quality ratings.
Duration Home® and Harmony® carry the GreenSure logo designation and both have earned the Good Housekeeping Seal of Approval - proof that each of us can enjoy a beautiful room while still respecting nature's beauty.

Okay Ahmed,
another of the many BlognBob suggestions,
There appears to be enough room on the kitchen/dining room side of the house to create a smooth accessible paver path that can peak level a slight platform at the dining room deck entry area. Also Providing both a long shallow smooth run to the street side of the house , and quite possibly to lakeside level depending on the degree of descent.

Without actually being there to judge the slope personally , the path may need to wind back from street side with low or tiered retaining walls . with the aforementioned boulders, rocks giant logs etc...And if tiered, adding possibly slight accessible ramps at each level. Running all the way to the most forward lakeside end of the lower patio. Hopefully providing the least angle of descent.

Also mentioned previously for accessibility that is quite possibly of less cost , would be a custom built in pull out ramp (Wider of course) . But for lack of better description, like those on the back of a Uhaul . Built into the deck under the top step by the mud room/ rear entry. Covered with deck material to blend in and invisible, as part of the deck. But can be pulled out as needed for porch level accessibility. Same could hold true for the front porch but of course on a much smaller scale.

Possibly The least expensive and most universal option might be to contact Ibot stair climbing wheel chairs to see if your national spotlight might be enough to warrant a donation of one of these chairs to the cause. I had written them previously about this but perhaps they are waiting for someone from DIY to contact them directly.

(Note to Ahmed: A little unfinished fluffy stuff clarification from last Friday)

Hey Clive.... Not to keep adding insult to injury for those poor turkeys in your Tennessee Teaser Story last Friday, but I did a little more research about that radio station, WQXI in Atlanta and the "Turkey Drop" and discovered this:

WQXI, the Atlanta radio station, was the inspiration for the television sitcom WKRP in Cincinnati. The Series creator, Hugh Wilson, dealt with the station when he worked in advertising.

The story goes that Jerry Blum at WQXI leased an 18-wheeler, filled it with hundreds of live turkeys, and, as a promotion, tossed the huge turkeys out to the crowd at a suburban Atlanta shopping center. The WKRP episode, which aired years later, had the turkeys being dropped from a helicopter.

Everybody seems to agree that this episode is based on a true story. The question is, *which* true story? The "turkey drop" was something of a radio-business legend even before the WKRP episode aired. A report in "Advertising Age" magazine said that it was the promotion of a radio station in Dallas, and that the turkeys were actually thrown out of the back of the speeding truck.

At the museum of Television and Radio, Rod Daniel also claimed it happened in Dallas, but that "they bombed a supermarket." Daniel’s description may have been the inspiration behind the use of the helicopter, when Wilson adapted his recollection of the WQXI stunt for WKPR.

It’s great that you moved the whole incident to Tennessee... not only was it a great story for FVSS, but the revised location will make it a dandy yarn to spin while sitting on the decks of the Blog Home Cabin or just sitting with some friends waiting for the fish to take the bait or just jump into the boat to be with the fun crowd!

Looking forward to see what you share with us on Friday!

Watson:

Is there a way to allow us to see the choices after we vote each day? I always want to show my husband the possibilities but since I have already voted that day, I can't.

Hello Earalav, I wish there was a way we could do that - unfortunately, our content system (how our site functions) won't allow us to do that. Kind of frustrating, I know.

As the interior begins to take shape ... Can you tell us, Ahmed or Watson, if there is any evidence that a dumb waiter or the laundry chute will be included in the finished project?

Watson: So far Kate, that's a negative - no plans for either, even though that would be really cool.

There has been a great bit of posting about accessibility issues in the Blog Home. The addition of either of these two items would greatly enhance the user-friendly concept of the home for everyone, and, especially for those with limited strength or agility.

Not asking you to give away any surprises, but, if you could let us know if either of these two items are even being considered for installation, we would all appreciate the update.

And, while you’re checking, any chance that DIY was contacted with a donation of a chair lift? I believe BlognBob, or Heading South, or maybe it was Erin who emailed a supplier of chairlifts about the Blog Home Cabin in hopes that the Company might be interested in donating one to the project. Just wondering ... Thanks for any input you can supply!

Hi Bloggers!

I'm happy to see some new choices to vote on! I'm casting my vote for the fork in the road color palette. I like the choice of bold and muted colors...the reds and gold remind me of the fall folliage in the mountains while the beautiful blues of water and sky...please let's not chicken out with the pale neutrals offered in the pastel palette. I also voted for the pine chandaleer, it seems suited to a log cabin. As to the closet, well, I didn't want the white and I think the cherry would be too dark...I mean it is a closet after all...so that leaves the clear light maple.

Seems like there will be a lot of dirt moving to get ground level to within reach of the front door...maybe you need to build a sun deck across the front of the house and tie the porches together. A lot has been said about a way to gain access to the deck over the patio...I was all for a dumbwaiter to get the groceries up to the kitchen...but heck just go ahead and put in a small elevator. (I really don't like toteing stuff up stairs!)LOL My wobblely knees don't like stairs very much either!

Guess that's it for me tonight.

Helloooooo DIY!

I have to say, the choices were very tough this time around. My children and I didn't agree with the paint choices; they liked the pastels and I liked the last selection (with the violets).

The twig lighting is a very nice accent piece for this home. I would like to see more of this type of accent pieces throughout the home. :)

I was reading the blogs about the screening and still would not like to see screens; instead, how about planting bug resistant bushes/plants around the area to help eleviate the insect problem?

As for the steps off the back, I am in full agreement with the builder in this aspect. I personally would not mind the exercise, as well as, feel the steps should not be considered.

I was wondering, is there a possibility that there will be an office in the basement area? I would have like to have seen it where it was originally supposed to have been, however, the basement would be a nice alternative.

Also, still thinking of a possibility of a small greenhouse structure...anyone know if lot and/or codes allow this?

Lastly, I would love to see nature friendly plants that draw the wildlife into the yard. A spectacular view can not be without wildlife to share along with it. ;)

Hey guys 'n gals....you are doing a magnificent job on this home!

Happy Logging~

Love the Twig lighting... you can put the new energy saving lights in them... and you don't have to have so many types of bulbs stored for replacements... Also you can have larger watts so you can also play games at the dinning room table.. (can we have these lights on a dimmer for different lighting effects for the dinning room???)
The Paint... I went with pastels... easier to paint over if you want to go darker...
(I live in a newer house & there are a couple of my house plan in the community & 1 painted some of the rooms dark colors & they don't work... made the rooms look small... I wouldn't have bought those homes... what a difference color makes to a room... )
Let's make it easier for the winner (color is so personal)... also some of those colors in the other choices are sooooooooo scary.... for me.

I went with the Cherry... love the wood feel and have dk oak in my closet but with white shelves too... I don't think the master closet is that wide for an island... (but I like the wood trim.. reason I bought my home... was the trim in all the rooms)

Also agree with you Clive about needing stairs from the balcony patio walkway to the lakeside..
(for emergency exit also from the rear of the house besides the ease of getting from the balcony patio & kitchen to the backyard)

Yes, I know Ahmed that you are still holding out some of the items... so that we will be surprised and still have things to look forward too... but you know us by now..... we want this to be the perfect home for whomever wins...
I still am wishing for the dumbwaiter to get things up/down to different levels in the house...
(my step daughter & I laugh that we can & do carry many bags in when we come in from the market.. not like her dad a couple at a time... but you see she lives in an apt. and I had lived in an apt. for 25 yrs. that was upstairs and 1/4 a block from the parking area.... so we both look like pack mules... when we unload the car... less trips)

BlogBob... glad your wife is home & take good care of her tummy.. I know you will.. read your webpage and could feel the love you have for your family..
Cabincraver... take care and don't over due it.. we don't want you back in the hospital... but know with your faith you are ready for what comes.. but we here & your family want you around as long as we can have you here..

Having trouble getting my flowers in with the wind, rain & cold snaps... lost some plants before I could get them in the ground... had them covered with old sheets (my flowerbeds were envy of the neighborhood... haha... know my neigbors were wondering about my sanity... but I wasn't going to loose my flowers)..
better close.. as my husband says... I do run on in my emails like I talk.... :-)

Texan in Okie land

Well on a positive note... With not steps on the back, I can put a spring loaded gate off the mud room deck (opening inward for me)...And let my dog run around the deck, with a doggy door on the mudroom door...LOL
Makes for a great doggy exercise area! lol

Hoohaa one and all!

Sorry to those of you who wanted the rocking chairs. It was the closest vote so far, wasn't it? Thanks to whoever asked about which ceiling light fixture will accept the "new" long-life lightbulbs; I hadn't even thought about that. Ahmed, please let us know? Also, how about the outdoor fixture(s)?

As far as paint colors are concerned, what is going to be painted? I thought most/many of the walls would be natural wood. Isn't that why we voted for the d-style logs? Where am I going wrong here? Also, keep in mind the cabinet colors and counter tops we chose. You can't go wrong with light colors, I say.

Love to read what ya'll write. I am an early AM blogger and reading your blogs makes my day!

DIY, keep up the good work!

Hello bloggers:

Pastels please no pastels, the baby boomers grew up with cold pastels, give us warmth, pastels are boring.

I love the twig lighting, and the light bulbs look easier to change.

Chose the maple walkin closet.

Thanks Ahmed for the comment on accessibility, undwestandable that this is a 2 story house, I think most of us are concerned with getting in.

Mary from Texas.

I'm not sure all the voters read these blogs, because if they did, they'd hear most of us bloggers screaming "no" to the pastels! Well, I guess worse case scenario, I'd have to repaint if I won it.

Never had such few voting choices, leaves me out of sorts (hee hee).

Carrie, I hope your migranes aren't getting you down. I'm keeping you in my prayers!

I'm glad to see Ahmed's comment about it not being over yet, maybe we need to keep on about the stairs and it'll get done. And yes, side stairs. Plus you can put a gate at the top to keep little ones on the deck and critters off the deck.

Oh yea, did I mention, no pastels!!

Have to go with the lighter palette of colors.

Reasons being: covered decks will block lots of light, interior logs will darken things, treed lot also keeps light out. Would rather choose some accent walls later and deepen the color scheme when the whole picture is in place.

One other thing, to keep the home from being too dark may bring about an enormous electric bill...unless you like cave dwelling which may in turn bring about SAD (seasonal affective disorder) which is definitely worse than BC OCD. :)

I love the choices we get to vote on. This time around was pretty easy for me except for the light fixture. They were all nice, but I wasn't drawn personally to any of them for the style of cabinetry in the kitchen. Since everyone seems to like the twigs, I'll go with that one. I went with the pastel colors only because blue is my favorite color and I dislike orange and harvest gold colors. YUCK! I figured the lighter colors would show off the logs exposed in the home. Besides, paint is an easy fix. Cherry closets for me too. Although I hope it was the finish we were voting on and not the style. I'd hate to think I voted myself out of an island in my closet. Funny thing is, the closet is probably bigger than my present kitchen.

I'm glad to hear that those that were ill are now on the mend. I know that those who love them are taking loving care and I commend them for that.

AHMED, I love the 3D renderings. Thanks for sharing them with us. The covered deck looks stunning. I have to agree with others that for safety's sake there should be quick access to ground level on lake side. However I disagree on which side. I would place it on the left side of the deck. Reason being that the garage is on that side and it won't obstruct the veiws of the "man cave". Also, if it is on the MB side, you would hear it if there was an uninvited guest at night. We shouldn't worry about this since you and your crew seem to have a pretty good handle on things. Whatever happened to the front porch? Is it going all the way across? Is the yard in front going to be backfilled up to porch level? Thanks for your patience and for answering us bloggers.

Please help:
The following is what whawkins wrote about the closets.

It says: that we are voting on the "style" of walk-in closet.

"Also up for a vote is the dining room chandelier and the style of walk-in closet for the master bedroom."

WHawkins or Ahmed, please clarify this cause I am confused.
When you say "style" are we choosing the cherry or the maple or is it the layout they are showing in each particular picture.

Watson: Hi pockets! I think it is safe to assume that "color" is probably a clearer descriptive, because it looks like the differences (if any) are slight. I'm just using the language of the show producers in this instance.
Thanks

Hi all, I am a first time blogger but repeated lurker. This cabin is just amazing! Even better than last year! All elements, from floor plan to usage of space, compliment the location. The position of the house on the site itself takes full advantage of the day and the views; from sun rise to sun set. Just beautiful.

I noticed everyone has suggestions, so I thought I would offer one: How about some ceiling fans on the deck area? This could provide additional air movement on those calm days. Just a thought.

Also, has the basement floor plan been posted anywhere? I can't find it.

Keep posting all those good ideas!

Hi Heading South.
I forgot to add this the other day when blogging about the mole eradication techniques. Do you know what the collective noun is for a group of moles? It certainly is appropriate for anyone with a persistent mole problem. I'll not tell but leave it for something the kids (or anyone) can research?

I voted for the Twig light fixture since it really looks to fit the building. The only thing I don't like is the globes open up-wards instead of down. That would not place direct light on the table. The fixtures will need dusting and more cleaning since they open up-wards. I had one fixture like that when we built our home. About two years of cleaning the globes convenienced me to get another fixture. I was able to use the special ordered globes for the new fixture. I like the direct light as well.
Clive: You can use energy saving bulbs in most light fixtures. You would be amazed at the different energy saving bulbs out there. They even have bulbs for ceiling fans. We got some candle light shaped ones. They seem to be even brighter than the regular ones. You might want to check the GE on-line advertisement. I have a real good source, relative works for a very large light distributor. I get to see all makers newest bulbs.
I voted for the maple closet for the same reason a couple others noted. These are not one large closet and the lighting may make the them look small and dark. I hate white, which is what I have but my closet is long and limited light. It looks OK but I would like a more natural wood look like maple. I have never been a fan of cherry anyway.
I voted for the lighter colors with blues. I don't like bold colors in a bed room. I still believe what they say about colors in a bed room. Some colors disturb your sleeping and some colors are calming and restful. The only painted walls will be the none exterior walls since they are the logs. I hope if one of the darker groups win they use the darker and bolder colors for accent only. Personally I hate a red wall.
I like the 3-d renderings. I too see a few items missing or question but I would think Ahmed and the rest of the DIY group would see some of the problems as well as read the many blogs on stairs, master bedroom and screened porch. As Ahmed said It aint over yet!

Ahmed,
Here is another drought tolerant non mowing grass seed. http://www.wildflowerfarm.com/index.php?p=catalog&parent=4&pg=1&gclid=CM6f_Z6H75ICFSMaagod4Eal4g You don't have to post this if you don't want.

Ahmed thanks for the 3-D renderings of the cabin,VERY NICE. Also thanks to Watson. I don't blog that much but I do vote and wish. Looks like you have a bunch of blogers that keep you hopping. Ahmed how about giving us a little peek on how you might do the landscaping. I just can't wait till we can enter to win this home [cabin].

Greetings fellow bloggers on 'Earth Day'. Just a little diversion from the wonderful Blog Cabin and beautiful Watts Bar lake.

Up here in Wisconsin we're basking in the kudos that in Baraboo (also the circus capital of the USA) we have the most green and energy efficient building on the planet. The Aldo Leopold Legacy Center, http://www.aldoleopold.org., has won the highest rating ever for any building, anywhere from the Green Building Council. If anyone is really interested in all aspects of green building go check out this really cool 12,000 sq ft structure.

Pine needles smell good but rake up poorly and are hard on my bare tootsies. So I prefer a lush green carpet of wonderful grass.
Advantage of twig light is not seeing the bulb from below. Disadvantage is that makes it a bug and dust collector. All the other designs were open to the bottom and not as pretty. LLL

Hi all! To be totally honest, I was kind of disappointed in the choices we had to choose from this time. I love the pastels for a couple of reasons-- one, because I am a pastel kind of woman, and two, because of the nature of the inside of a log home. They tend to be a bit darker to begin with, so they need some light to come from the colors.
As for the lighting fixtures to choose from for the dining room -- all I can say is YUK for all of them. Just because it is a log home, doesn't mean it has to look like a hunting lodge. I was hoping a crystal, or tiffany fixture would've been one of the options. All of those fixtures were much too masculine for me.
I also chose the cherry closet just because I love the darker woods in furniture.
As for me-- I've been a bit quiet lately as I have been very busy outside!! A friend came over with the tiller the other day and tilled up where I'm putting my veggie garden, and also tilled up the area in my backyard where I am putting my angel garden. (It's dedicated to my deceased son, and all of the other little angels I have come to know over the years since his death.) I h ave planted a rose bush in each corner, and also peonies, dahlias, cosmos, freesia, petunias, snap dragons, lilies, and dianthis (please excuse any spelling for any of these). We also put a couple of pin wheels (Brandon loved pin wheels) and all of my angel statues too. I feel so much better now that I have an angel garden again.
I hope everyone else is doing well -- and Bob-- I'm happy to hear your wife is home from the hospital.

Welcome New Bloggers! New names and insights have begun to pop up in posts, so I am going to do a bit of a re-cap today, for those who have asked questions that have been answered in the past, but are still pertinent today. Any ‘elders of the Blog’ (in months reading and contributing, rather than by calendar years of life –Wink) may want to jump past this post. A good ‘test’ to decide if you are an ‘elder’ would be if you admit to Blog Cabin OCD! (Thanks again, Heading South for giving a name/diagnosis to our shared affliction!)

1. Below is general information and some answers to questions that have been posted in the past. The answers are based upon the information obtained from the C & R. and, unless DIY has obtained a special allowance by the A.C.C., will probably be an accurate gauge upon which to judge the building and Landscaping of the Blog Home Cabin., as well ‘rules to live by’ for the winner.
2. The 2008 Blog Home Cabin is being constructed on Lot 5, in Lakefront Estates, located in Rhea County in Tennessee.
3. The developer of Lakefront Estates chose a group of people, referred to as the Architectural Control Committee (A.C.C.) to oversee the implementation of the building and landscaping requirements that are spelled out in a document referred to as the Declaration of Covenants and Restrictions for Lakefront Estates Subdivision.
4. The Covenants and Restrictions (C & R) are very detailed, covering the types of materials that can used in the constructions of the dwelling and in the landscaping of the property. It also outlines items that the Homeowners are prohibited from doing on their Home sites.
5. If you are interested in obtaining a copy of the C & R, you can go to the Lakefront Website and use the ‘contact us’ prompt to request a user name and code that will allow you to see hidden pages on the site. These pages include, but are not limited to: Lot Descriptions including detailed plot plans, a downloadable (PDF file format) of the Covenants and Restrictions, and a list of lots Sold (3) or Reserved (2) and Homes available for purchase at present (2).
6. While the A.C.C. has the authority and duty to review all plans submitted on a lot by lot, home by home basis, and can allow some modifications from the rules set forth in the R & C, there are some items that are non-negotiable. (For instance, the garage must accommodate 2 large size vehicles and the garage doors CANNOT face the street side of the property).
7. Everything that happens on the Lot that will change its appearance from the ‘virgin state’ must be submitted in writing and be approved by the A.C.C. prior to any work being done.
8. All lots shall be restricted exclusively to single-family residential use with one primary dwelling. No lot, or portion thereof, shall at any time be used for any commercial, business, or professional purposes. Nothing herein prohibits a home office on any lot so long as such office is not used for meeting clients or members of the public. ( Note: Unless a waiver was granted by the A.C.C., it would appear that the BLOG CABIN HOME could not be used as a rental property by the winner to help defray the taxes.)
9. All rock placed on any lot for decorative use, drainage or shoreline management must be approved by A.C.C. and must be approved river rock. If a seawall design is used, all materials must be approved by the A.C.C.
10. All docks must be permitted by TVA and be approved by the A.C.C. The following criteria must be met: the dock must be on of three styles: a single slip dock with a 6x12 pitch roof (it can have extra overhang), a sundeck dock, or a 4- way hip roof dock with a copula. A dock may contain up to 1,000 sq. ft.: all roofs must be the approved forest green or burnished slate metal unless specifically approved otherwise by the A.C.C. The A.C.C. shall allow cedar shake roofs to match the primary dwelling. All dock plans must by approved by TVA.
11. The A.C.C. must approve the location of all structures on the lots and may require greater or reduced set back depending upon the topography of the Lot. (Note: The Blog Cabin Home did require and did obtain an easement variance because the footprint for the San Jacinto Plan did not fit within the established setback requirements. The R & C specifically address the issue of Setbacks and gives the A.C.C. quite a bit of latitude in approving location upon the Lot for the structures).
12. In general, walls and fences are NOT encouraged within Lakefront Estates Subdivision, as they are contrary to the architectural and landscaping concepts as well as the sense of community that is promotes at L.E Hedges, berms, and other landscape alternatives are preferred. Chain link fences are prohibited except around tennis courts with the prior written approval of the A.C.C. No wall or fence over 5 (five) feet in height shall be permitted except for special conditions approved by the A.C.C. In general, it is encouraged that no wall or fence shall extend forward at the rear corners of the house.
13. All homes shall have a driveway of at least ten (10) feet in width unless prior written approval is obtained from the A.C.C. Driveway substances whall be of concrete, stone or brick, and the A.C.C. shall determine which substance shall be deemed satisfactory.
14. No antenna, satellite dish or other device for the transmission or reception of television signals, radio signals, or any form of electromagnetic wave or radiation shall be erected, used or maintained on the exterior of any structure without the prior written approval of the A.C.C. In no event shall freestanding transmission or receiving towers be permitted. Digital satellite system dishes of not more than eighteen inches (18”) in diameter are specifically allowed when the location of said dish is unobtrusively located.
15. In no event shall flags or banners be displayed or placed on any permitted antenna.
16. No trailer, trailer house, boat, or recreational vehicle shall be parked on any Lot, except within the enclosed garages erected in accordance with the plans and specifications submitted to and approved by the A.C.C. In the event of violation of this item, any other Owner at the expense of the Owner of the Lot on which the vehicle is located may remove such vehicle. (NOTE: With the approval of the A.C.C. a limited number of RV’s and boat trailers may be approved to be parked at the community boat dock parking lot. The A.C.C. has the authority to only approve a limited number of vehicles and may also limit the time frame)
17. Finish building material shall be applied consistently to all sides of the exterior of building. Exterior materials shall be brick, stone, hardy plank, cedar, log, stucco, Dryvit, or other material approved by the A.C.C. All fireplaces and chimneys must be approved by the A.C.C. Concrete or concrete block or cinder block shall not be used as a building material for the exposed exterior surface of any dwelling or accessory structure constructed or placed on any Lot. Foundations must be veneered brick or stone. Simulated brick or stone shall be permitted but the type, color and style must be approved by the A.C.C.
18. Dogs, cats, or other household pets May be Kept on all Lots, provided they are not kept, bred, or maintained for commercial purposes. No other animals, poultry or livestock shall be kept or maintained on any Lots. No animal shall be allowed to become a nuisance. Pets shall be carefully maintained by their owners and shall not run free outside their owner’s lot. THIS IS A PERMANENT RESTRICTION AND IS NOT SUBJECT TO AMENDMENT. No structure or enclosure for the care, housing or confinement of any animal shall be constructed, placed or altered on any Lot unless plans and specifications for said structure have first been approved by the A.C.C. “Invisible fencing” for dogs and other animals (i.e. radio monitored underground wiring systems) are encouraged. All animals shall be confined or on a leash if they become a nuisance.
19. Reflective glass is prohibited. Any screen, porch, door, or window, which is a part of any Lot dwelling or accessory structure, must have a dark color screen and no bright color silver finish screens may be used.
20. All yard maintenance equipment and other similar items shall be stored out of view of other Lot Owners.

I hope the 20 points above prove informative to newcomers. The material above deals mainly with the Restrictions and Covenants. It is only a small portion of information that has been provided by a very dedicated group of contributors since the beginning of the Blog. If you have a specific question, just ask. Everyone associated with this Blog has shown a keen sense of community and is eager to make everyone who stops by, or joins in the daily activities by reading, blogging, or both, to feel welcomed as a member of the 2008 Blog Cabin Home Community off-site building team!

Nice to hear that "It ain't over yet!" Ahmed...I can hardly wait to see the landscaping as well as the solution for the stairs to the yard and boat dock. This weeks choices are telling me that we are getting close to the end of the construction choices and into the home decorating phase...Either way, the anticipation is endless...

I agree with Ahmed about accessibility...we had the choice of two (2) one story plans and the majority chose the two story home. With a two story home comes stairs and more stairs. Everyone that voted knew this. We can't expect HGTV/DIY etc. to put an elevator in every home they build for us to WIN. If you aren't capable of walking up a lot of stairs (and this includes me because of degenerative arthritis at the age of 45) then if you win, you can sell and build a one story home anywhere you choose to build. This is what I would do because I could never live in a two much less a three story home. This fact doesn't keep me from loving this home and hoping that I win it.

This home is a dream, and it will be beautiful. I think the builders and architects are doing a wonderful job trying to add suggestions from the bloggers, but it is impossible to put every suggestion into this plan. I just thank them for everything they are adding to the original plan to make it even more special.

Remember, this is a beautiful community with a lot of restrictions. This "cabin" will not be one that is built in the middle of 100 acres where no one can see your fish cleaning table from next door. :) This home is in an expensive neighborhood with gorgeous homes surrounding it.

I think too many people are thinking of last year's cabin. This is not last year's cabin. I don't think this is even a retirement home really. This is a home to live in all of the time if you can afford to and can move from your present location. I don't know very many people that can move on a dime because of their jobs. I live in Texas, and it would be a long commute for us each day. :) I still would LOVE to win.

I don't really understand the need for stairs off the upper deck. This is where the bedrooms are located, and I don't know about all of you, but I wouldn't want to have to watch the kids constantly slipping down the upper deck stairs to play or drive away without my knowledge. It really isn't that big of a deal to walk down the stairs and out the back.

I have also noticed that so many people want more windows in the master bedroom. Do you open your drapes all of the time in the master bedroom? I open mine very seldom and I live in the middle of 46 acres. Personally, I believe there will be plenty of light from the french doors. With the two other doors, we need a wall to place the king size bed.

Of course, these are just my opinions, and you know what they say about opinions.

Oh, I'm sure there will be stairs from the garage to the main floor. They just aren't shown yet. We have to be able to get from the basement garage into the house, right?

I wish everyone luck....

Debra

I just noticed another item that has me puzzled. Where are they planing to put the bed in the master bedroom? All the walls have doors and no windows. Any thoughts?

The 3D renderings are really interesting - but I realize that the finished product will be different - this is just to give us an idea of what it will look like. I really like the pine lighting fixture but also think the twig one would be a great accent. As for color - This is just to select the pallate - the DYI professionals (Ahmed/Admed are you good at this? thats a tough job!) will decide how it will be metted out in the rooms. I think the master bedroom will be brighter than people think - especially if the doors have any glass in them - the large window will really help - so I think the darker colors would work well. Regarding the stairs on the lake side or dining side - I know you're cooking up something there Ahmed - I'm not worried because I know you'll make it happen! But still - there will be access through the garage to the upstairs. So there will be options for accessing the higher levels. Ahmed - good luck on making 3 floors accessible! - just don't make the stairs slick, even youngsters will take a slide and spill on wooden stairs!!

By the way, Ahmed - I need you!! I need to take home a gardener! This plot of ground I have now is going to be my doom!! Come on over and bring LOTS of help. Which reminds me - I'm still asking for a hot tub at the cabin!

Happy Earth Day everyone!

Debra at April 22
You are correct in that we chose a two storey house originally and that does have limitations for people with mobility problems. However, as Clive says, after it was chosen it was re-designed and a lower floor (walkout basement) was added and the wrap around 1st floor deck was elevated about 10 ft from the yard. Originally, the deck had 3 broad steps out to the ground at the lake side so had easy access to the lakefront. It appears that with the re-design the lakefront access has been forgotten or they are still pondering it.
Also, you comment on the drapes in the bedroom windows, however there are no windows in the master bedroom in this house. There are French doors to the lakeside and a small door in the south side (not double doors). The only bedroom on the 1st floor (the MBR) is the other side of the house from where people are proposing some stairs. With the present lack of egress there are few options for a safe emergency evacuation should it become necessary. Or are you just going to jump?
Lacey, there is a single stairwell coming up from the basement to the 2nd floor. It's to the left of the main entrance. One flight up to the 1st floor and a second directly above it up to the 2nd floor, a zigzag design. If you wish to enter or leave through the basement you will have to climb those stairs.

Hi CabinCraver. So good to see you here. Glad we're making you laugh. Please don't take what I say too seriously, as my wife would warn you.

Hi Keight. It's been a while, thanks for the refresher on the R's & C's. I had missed rule 8. That does seem to put a damper on any ideas of the winner letting the cabin and using the income to pay a second mortgage. However, it may be possible to negotiate that with the LFE management? That really only leaves the options of the winner either being able to pay the federal tax or selling before April 15th next year. Of course there may be some creative people out there who know other (legal) ways. I don't think the raffle or collection thing would work as any money donated like that would be income to the receiver and subject to tax also?

Clive, Clive, Clive...ahh those collective nouns. Let see here...Collective noun for a group of moles could be: (Labour) Labor of Moles, Company of Moles, Movement of Moles, citadel of moles (burrows) .......
Now with the removal of the Paint Palette voting off the site (just for now)....the Blog Cabin OCD is going to take off and be a problem for all of us. With that said, perhaps Clive will be able to entertain us and keep our Blog Cabin OCD under a resonable level of control until the DIY site gets back to normal. :-) Have a good day everyone!

Ahmed I was recently edging my flower beds and was wondering what is the best weed preventer that I can use to control the weed problem most of the season if there is one. This is the conditions I have. I have a weed block fabric under the mulch but it is not working anymore and I have sprayed the weeds with roundup and put down the weed preventer called preen is there anything else I can do? PLEASE HELP!!!

Glad the paint colors are on hold... so we can think about them... maybe they will eliminate some of the colors so we will change our vote..
I love to wear bright colors but like the netural for my walls... that way I can change up for the season for the feel I want (cool or warm)...

Has everyone looked at the 2 homes that are built & for sale... $775,000 & $725,000... both have 3 car garages & 1 even has a boat storage area...
since you can't store a boat in the driveway or in the yard...

they have central vacs & alarms and wired for internet.. maybe we will too????
Both are 3 bedrooms... 1 is 3 story (like our Cabin).. the other is 1 story...
but you can't get to the lake from the 1 story from the back of the house(lakeside)...

know we will have at least a half bath downstairs (basement) since all the shows cut a home to pieces if there isn't a bathroom on every floor.. (see we do watch the TV besides reading & blogging.. hee hee)

Agree with others on no slippery stairs inside (my sister has 2 sets of stairs to her 2nd floor and everyone uses the one that is carpeted.. almost slide down the wood ones)

my 2 cents...

Texan in Okie land

Hi Watson, Good to see your comments. Thank You!

Barbara, Thank You and all those who have shared concern for my wife. She is on the mend an looks like she might be heading for a speedy recovery as of todays evaluation of things.

We have french doors with built in blinds in our living room. Blinds knob at the top so the kids can't reach it. They let is lots of light , even with the blinds shut all the way.
The only problem I could forsee is that they might let in a little too much light if afternoon naps or graveyard work is in your schedule.

Keight , Thank You for your insightful listings of the ACC rules. We , The Elders , would be lost without you. My they are strict. Looks like I would have to bring my flag to drape over the front porch on National TV if we were lucky enough to win. Rules can be changed ! Some need to be !

Dang...I feel cheated. Some blogs about colors of paint and this item has been pulled off so I'm in the dark.

Nice choices for closets and lighting.
Guess I'll just have to wait until the paint choices come back around.

Good Earth Day to everyone.
Should be Good Earth Day 23/7!

well the lighting was the hardest.. I was torn between two.. And the chetty wood closet, was an easy pick. all great all beautiful

Here's a solution for the access toward the lake- get rid of the walkout basement. We still have a basement but just a few steps off the porch. Personally I prefer a "grounded" porch rather than one that's a story off the ground. That's my opinion. I'm sure none of you wil agree with me.
A big THANK YOU to Watson and Ahmed for "putting up" with all the opinions, anger, questions and demands. We all know that this cabin will be incredible. You guys are the best!!!

Hi everyone! Three times wasn't the charm. Tried to vote three times last night and my computer froze like the guys in "Deadliest Catch!" Guess you were trying to tell me something! Even though I didn't get to vote on paint, I love earth tones, so hope they are back. Tonight I did vote for the twig chandelier, because I think it's just perfect for a log home. I also went with cherry on the closet. I took the 'what is your decorating style' quiz on HGTV.com and came out apparently loving the traditional styles. Don't know if my personality would follow suite, but who cares? :) It's good to be able to get back here!!! I hope everyone is well. Spring has sprung all over my yard and I'm loving it. My best to all.
Patty in Virginia

Ahmed, you know I love your sense of humor! I know you meant this info to mean well, but I looked up "creeping red fescue", and I'm still chukling that one of the areas of usage was cemeteries. I'm still giggling...did you mean to give us all a hint...no no just kidding, I know you didn't, but "used extensively in cemeteries...", just to name one area. Sorry sometimes my funny bone is a little whacky.

Keight I was just going to mention, "where are you" and there you were, with your wonderful wisdom again...and yep I was able to just skim the info.

Misty & Rich hope you are fine.

Another alternative, if it's allowed in the subdivision, is the new fake grass. New as in no battle wounds from it like the old turf used in football stadiums. My friends husband installs it in AZ and I just love it! No mowing!!! They are so many types now too and some made from recycled plastic. No alergic reaction when rolling on it(while playing with the kids and dogs mind you). Just a suggestion.

I said Twigs, Colleen, but meant SYCAMORE! We agree completely on the colors, and surely they wouldn't use any of those pop colors for anything except an interest wall or to use against another color on the other side of the wheel!?!? Keep being ocd, both you & Clive. Hi Keight, long time no see your name.

I lost a friend last night, and she was doing so well! I guess I had better mind my docs ! We met at the Cancer Center. She was amazing! All alone throughout the entire thing except for me, and I wasn't much help. Of course if it weren't for Erika, and my sons occasional college visits, Mike travels too much to be considered a help-mate or companion. Being in Peru for over two months just isn't company! But he's statewide now, for the time being. In Maryland. Still not by my side. That's why you guys are so important. That, plus you ask good questions, you are funny, which I need that laughter, and you have good ideas. My mind is too shaken to think much less have a good idea. I cant even tell a twig from an entire Sycamore!

We've been here since day one or two, and it has been fun, but what would be real fun would be telling the movers what to put where, and opening a door, stepping out and taking a deep breath (as deep as one can breathe) of that only smell in the world like lake water! I want each of you to move in the area. One of us wins, the rest build. K? I think it's a great idea. However, it sounds like Clive is stuck to his current home, RED WALLS WITH PURPLE DRAPES & BLACK FURNITURE. That's the Bela Lugosi look, correct? Sounds like pre-psychotic contemporary, in a way. I know you fixed it but quick!

A. Muse, I saw that episode of WKRP in Cincinnati where they got turkeys and threw them out of the helicopter or small plane! That was true and in Atlanta? People never cease to amaze me and make me laugh. Especially some of the convoluted, awkward and ignorant yet amusing things I have done in my life! If you can't laugh at yourself, then no one else better! No, I am ready and willing to giggle at my own silliness. And it's a good thing, because I provide plenty. I am getting further into trouble. Must go to bed! You know what I say. So from the department of redundancy department, MAY ONE OF US WORTHY BLOGGERS WIN!!!

Talk to you next week. Hope I don't miss too much.

Cabincraver2008

Hi Fellow Bloggers
It's your Michigan Connection back from a very long weekend conference. WOW, a lot took place in my absence. I'll have to set aside a couple of hours to catch up on all the bloggs.
Keight - question - did you have the day off today? I marvel at how you can blog such fantastic information at one time.
Cabincraver - keep blogging and feel the prayers.

Ahmed - I can't seem to get the 3-D pictures to work. My computer won't connect. Any suggestions from anyone out there?
I don't care what anyone writes. This "fantasy" log home is absolutely perfect! Thanks again for allowing all of us to join in this grand adventure. You are all doing a fantasic job and your final creation with be breathtaking.

Well I couldn't view the paint choices, so I'll have to wait till they get returned. I did like the other two choices though. Thanks.

ok debra i do open my windows and pull back the curtains in my bedroom when i clean and to air it out esp after a long winter!!! also on hot nocs i like the breeses.
so i switched to the twig lite fixture, more options as far as lite bulbs.
still like the cherry closet maybe its the green color on the wall.
helen what a beautiful idea an angel garden! i think someday i will do this as well.
keight thanks again for the homeowner regs. i got pretty negative.
blessings to cabincraver and erika
ahmed still like the idea of the slide:)

Will there be a stair and screen vote for everyone who has ideas about accessability
and sanctuary from skeeters? A screened in
section on the porch is almost a must for
parents and pet owners.
I think the dumbwaiter for unloading from the garage and laundry shoot will be included eventually as I think we have all agreed they will make this blog cabin a blogging great cabin!!
Special thanks to those who have seen the cabin in person and shared progress as well as info
on the surrounding areas !!

Just The Facts Ahmed ... 'Cliff Notes' About Landscaping Material for the Blog Home

Thank you for asking for our comments and suggestions on Plants (Especially ornamental grasses) for the Landscaping. I just know that your design plan is going to be absolutely off the charts and the other homeowners will be eager to emulate the Blog Cabin Home’s Landscape as Lakefront Estates grows. As the information about the Restriction and Covenants for the development has become available, (Thanks, Keight) I think we all began to realize how much effort you are putting into developing the perfect landscape package that meets A.C.C. scrutiny and your vision. So, here is a second set of Cliff Notes a la’Muse offered to help put a dent in all that research you must surely be doing.

Of the 51 native grass groups in Tennessee that you may be considering in your plans, the ones listed below have a proven track record.

SHOWY CHOICES EVEN IN WINTER MONTHS: HAIR GRASS

Deschampsia flexuosa. A beautiful ornamental, this delicate grass has wiry basal leaves that last throughout winter. The plant is silvery and wispy with the early flowers bronze or purple then turning tan or silver.
Broomsedge - Andropogon virginicus. The flower stalk of Broomsedge is tucked inside the leaves with silvery white hairs surrounding the flower. The plant is very coarse and turns bronze-orange in the winter. It is leafier than other grasses, and , as a plus, it is not considered a forage grass.

FEATHER REED GRASS COLLECTION (Approx. 2’ to 4’ Height)
Zones 5-9 Calamagrostis acutiflora ‘Karl Foerster’. Very showy flowering grass, growing in arching clumps 2’ to 4’ high. Does well in full sun if watered well, and mulch applied to maintain moisture of soil. Will grow in light shade but will not bloom as vigorously.
Zones 5-9 Calamagrostis acutiflora ‘Overdam’ Very showy flowering grass with thin, variegated leaves growing in arching clumps 2’ to 4’ high. Does well in full sun if watered well, and mulch applied to maintain moisture content of soil. Will grow in light shade but will not bloom as vigorously.

GOOD PRIVACY WITH 5’ TO 18’ HEIGHT GROWTH POTENTIAL/ DROUGHT TOLERANT

Zones 6-10 Muhlenbergia capillaris ‘Pink Flamingos’ Muhlenbergia ‘Pink Flamingos’ has tall, narrow, blue-green stems that grow up to 5’ and , in September, are topped with clouds of stunning pink seed heads . Its wide arching foliage habit is similar to Muhlenbergia capillaris. ‘Pink Flamingos’ is drought tolerant, preferring well drained to dry soil and full sun.

Indian Grass - Sorghastrum nutans. The small twisted bristles on the flowers are showy on the narrow flower head. Indian Grass can grow up to eight-feet-tall. The fruit, about six to 10 inches long, appears as copper-colored plumes.

River Cane - Arundinaria gigantea. The only native bamboo in Tennessee, River Cane is somewhat woody, forming extensive stands by spreading rhizomes. It is good cover and food for wildlife. This is NOT a species related to the extremely aggressive, non-native Oriental bamboo

Big Bluestem, Turkey Foot - Andropogon gerardii. The plants can grow up to eight-feet-tall with fuzzy flowers radiating from the top of the stem. Amazing colors are displayed throughout the summer and fall, from steel gray-blue in the summer to brown, red and purple in the fall. Strategic placement of this known forage plant could protect other landscape plants from becoming dinner for deer, etc.

Pennisetum villosum ‘Feather Top’ has thin light green foliage reaching heights of 18’. The abundant long white flowers are gorgeous in the landscape but are also a prized cut flower. Best suited to sunny locations in dry or moist soil.

FOR POTS ON THE DECKS (Very Showy, But Can Be Invasive)

Japanese Blood Grass: Deep red-leafed grass reaching heights of 1'-2’. For best results, keep soil warm, moist, but well drained. Full sun to part shade exposure is best. Plant can be Invasive if planted in beds, so pot planting is advised.

TO ADD INTEREST IN LANDSCAPE, BEDS, CONTAINERS OR BASKETS:

Stipa ‘Sirocco’ (Stipa arundinacea ‘Sirocco’) is a delightful colorful grass that adds texture and interest to landscapes, garden beds, mixed containers and hanging baskets. Under cool conditions, the color of the arching foliage turns to shades of copper and pink. For best results, plant ‘Sirocco’ in well drained to dry soil in full sun.

ALSO OF INTEREST (But Not Native Grasses)

DAYLILLIES:
Zones 3-9 Hemerocallis ‘Siloam Showgirl’
Siloam Showgirl features single red blooms that are 3”-4.5” in diameter. Diploid daylily that reaches heights of 12”-18”.

Zones 3-10 Hemerocallis ‘Little Missy’
This daylily features purple 2.5” blooms with gold and green throats. Height reaches up to 20” and blooms in mid-summer. Sun to partial shade is best.

Zones 3-9 Hemerocallis ‘Madame Chiang’
Madame Chiang features yellow blooms and ranges in height from 30”-36”. Diploid daylily that favors full sun to partial shade

WOULD BE GREAT IF YOU COULD ALSO WORK INTO THE LANDSCAPING: A Kitchen Herb Garden

ALSO PLEASE NOTE: Please contact a local native plant nursery for a selection of native prairie seed sources and plants.
The prairie mixes sold by many out-of-state nurseries can contain alien invasive grasses and other wildflowers and should not be planted in Tennessee. The worst invaders of natural areas include Bachelor’s Buttons, Dames Rocket, Yarrow, Ox-eye Daisy, Shasta Daisy, Crown Vetch, Cosmos, White and Yellow Sweet Clover, Crimson, Red, and White Clovers, California Poppies, annual Phlox, and many more.

THANKS AGAIN FOR ALL THAT YOU ARE DOING TO MAKE THE BLOG CABIN HOME SO GLORIOUS! Anxious to know if you have heard if there are revisions to the front porch layout in the works -extension under the two small windows and wider front entry landing and steps with storage below, perhaps.

It looks like I'm the odd man out, but I really like the looks of the old schoolhouse light fixture. I like it's simplicity and think it is a good match for the cabin. I also like the twig one. So if that wins, I'd be happy.

The closet really wouldn't matter to me. I voted for cherry because I love the look of dark wood, but in the closet, anything would work, as long as it has good organization!!

I guess the paint is put on hold, but I voted for the pastels because I have been in several log homes and they tend to be very dark. My friend owns a really large log home but the rooms seem very small because it is all so dark. I love the cozyness of it, but thought the softer colors would make the place more cheerful. I think colors are a very personal thing. People tend to have very, very different tastes in that respect. So it will be interesting to see how that vote turns out!

Hey Watson,

What happened with the wonderful colors? What does scheduling have to do with the voteing process?

I voted for the "Fork in the Road" palette...long ago I visited a log home builder display home...it was just stunning. While the exterior walls were the logs, the interior walls were drywall with rich and glowing paint choices and even some wallpaper. I currently live in a pastel home, so I really want to see those richer colors. I trust the interior designers to use them correctly so the home is not too dark.

I think I would like to see the back deck or patio area screened in...I don't know about other parts of the country but we grow mosquitos the size of airplanes here in the south and annoying little knats that gather in clouds. I must say ceiling fans on the porches would be nice.

Are the stairs to the basement located just outside the kitchen in the same stairwell area as the stairs that go up to the 2nd floor? How about putting in a dumbwaiter for the groceries ajacent to the stairs? If you extended it to the 2nd floor, it could haul laundry too! As I've said before...I HATE HAULING STUFF UPSTAIRS!

It's getting late, so time to go.

Becky

I LOVE THE 3D AND THE NEUTRAL COLORED PAINT, THE TWIG CHANDELER JUST SEEMS SO RIGHT FOR THE CABIN. JUST WATCHING HOW FAST IT COMING ALONG IS FUN.I LIKE THAT IT LOOKS AS IF THE FRONT IS GOING TO BE LEVEL. I,M DISABLED AND THAT WILL MAKE FOR AN EASY ENTRY FOR ME.WHEN DO WE GET TO FIND OUT ABOUT WINNING IT. I,M HOLDING MY BREATH AND TURNING PURPLE I,M JUST HAPPY TO MAYBE GET A CHANCE TO MAKE THIS MY HOME. GOOD LUCK EVERYONE!!!

Scheduling concern?

Hmmmm.

Scheduling concern?

Hmmmm.

!!!...DID YOU EVER NOTICE WHEN MEN PUT THINGS TOGETHER, THERE ARE ALWAYS PARTS LEFT OVER? THEY SAY "OH, THOSE ARE JUST EXTRAS..." Well guys, if you find that you have some left over wood, I believe it's for the front porch... All the pictures, and 3D images show the entrance way extended out past the Mud room and Master bath... You may want to check on that before you go to much further along...LOL
HAVE A GREAT DAY EVERYONE!

Hi Watson
We voted for the Cherry closet and the Twigs light but what happened to the paint color vote this morning? After the Twigs choice, the results page came up
And will they be installing any lights with ceiling fans? Those fans really help circulate the air and keep AC cost down.

I JUST started voting and the voting site closed on me!! Whats w/that? I was only able to vote on 2 items then it abruptly closed & gave me the results as if I had voted on all items - Watson, please check this out. I'm really disappointed not to see or vote on the colors again!

Keight, That was very nice to do. Thank you.

The "cabin" looks huge from what I had originally pictured. I really love watching it go up and everything greening up around it!

Debi

Good Morning:

I choose the lighter colors to keep the interior from being dark. I also choose the chadelier with the little shades. The twigs chandlier is my second choice becuase those nice glass shades will be real dust catchers. Cherry is my definaite choice for the closet organizer.

Wonder why they had to pull the color pallets?

Hello Watson, Ahmed, and fellow bloggers! Great to hear from Cabincraver. Agree with you about the paint colors, especially ORANGE! Just as Clive's memories of red, I got an orange kitchen in my first home. Being a young, inexperienced mom of 2 very little ones, I first tried covering it with just paint during one of those all-night painting sessions so common among those with small children. What a nightmare! Finally had to cover it all with a vinyl linen-looking wallpaper, (more all-nighters.) That stayed on for all the years (twelve) we lived there. My sympathies to the next homeowner who had to face the wallpaper and THEN the orange-sick-beige bleed-through.
Sorry to see the colors are off the voting choices for now, but can wait.
As far as accessibility, one could install one's own chair lift if necessary. The driveway will always be a ramp between levels, and we'll be thrilled with whatever Ahmed comes up with for landscaping.
Oh, and unspoken Mitzi: Not so sure we would want to "draw wildlife" into the yard. Deer will eat practically everything you want to keep and many in the Appalachians have to plant lots of things deer don't like just in self-defense. It will be plenty exciting to watch them as they are passing through and on to eat someone else's garden. Not to mention the havoc and danger presented by bears and raccoons (some of which can carry rabies.) If you would like a greater wildlife experience, there are plenty of places you can visit them without welcoming trouble.
Cheers, Connie in the Blue Ridge Mountains

Just loving it. Many of my choices aren't winning, but in the end it will look just great.

I truly enjoy looking at the cabin each day. The trees are greening up and things are really popping.

I can't wait to see the finished home. :-)

I Wish I'd WIN This Cabin,But I Could Pay The TAX's Each Year. This Cabin Is Going To Be Very Sweet. For Some One That Does NOT Need This.

Okay, my blunder once again, I misread the flag antenna thing. Told you I was slow at taking things things in. Still it makes me wonder what the policy for displaying an American Flag is? So, I would still bring my flag to let those know where I stand. I have heard a few stories of developments that will not permit you to display an American flag. Personally, this is unacceptable!

Watson, Ahmed, any luck with an updated view of the back of the house yet? I'm guessing or should I say hoping your busy weekend may have been in part , something to do with this. If just to relax, that is cool too. I think our BC OCD catches up with us all over the weekends so please don't take it personally when we panic begin to panic. We probably need our meds

Why no color chart?
Well we did get a bit lively when the color chart was posted. I wouldn't have wanted to stick my hand into that one for fear of being bit. Ouch ! LOL Poor folks at Sherman Williams must be wondering what the heck is going on with these bloggers. I know Ahmed and Watson probably wonder that all the time.

I figured the 3D graphics were for general reference and not a defined layout. But you have to admit, there is a lot of grass in those renderings. The Lawn Mowing OCD must have kicked in. Also ,Some of the no mow I had checked on were not listed for this climate zone. But perhaps a mix of this and some native grasses might be acceptable.

To all of my diy blog friends
First of all HAPPY EARTH DAY!
Do your part earth buddies, by thinking first about what you are tossing in the trash: Can items be...?
1. re-used, ~ wash it! keep items for storage or craft it into a gift for someone! Or better yet ask your child's teachers ~ school if they have need for specific items for school crafts.
Example: Plastic soda bottles or Papertowel/ TP rolls, lidded cans/jars, and tissue boxes. These items make great craft projects for sunday schools and class room and club activities.
2. donate it: Can items be reused by you/friends/family or does someone else have a real need for your don't want it items.
Example: Goodwill stores, church & school centers, Bethany house (center for abused women and children)
3. or can it be recycled? Look for free recycle centers near you! Some dumps have recycle stations~ I have seen several at walmarts: some have recycling bins out front of their stores for customers to recycle recyclable items.
And some schools have recycling centers and can use these items to raise money for school needs & clubs.

And again diy friends,
Thanks for the get well wishes, prayers and advice. I do appreciate it. And I am feeling so much better; since the dr put me on blood pressure meds. I haven't had a migraine, I checked my bp yesterday it is way down. Almost normal now, I was down for the count for a few weeks, and yes down, but I'm putting a :) back on my face and I really am feeling much better now. Thanks to all of your sweet prayers for me. Keep them up, I need it desperately. This blog is such a fun past-time for me, I love my diy blog friends, you all are the greatest encouragement and just the most fun entertainment !
You guys that are feeling bad or sick please remember that we care about you all and need your blogs and prayers. God does care about you just like the birds. We all are part of His plan.

Cabincraver: You hang in there, I'm so glad to know you are prepared to meet your maker, Me too! But remember darling, What would your family and us bloggers do without you making us :) We are prepared to meet you when one of us bloggers win that cabin! So feel better s@@n. Cause we want to see you at that "blogger's party" you hear me now! :) Put your eyes to the screen and speed read honey, cause you got to rest and get your strength back. We want to see your :) fishing from that back yard!
I sure hope that they ain't no mud puppies in Watts bar or me and you both will have a race back to the decks! :) Or just find a rock and give it a knocking. (lol)

Now I have got to finish my spring cleaning. Have a whole page full of "things to do" diy list inside and haven't accomplished a quarter of them! Where I wasn't feeling good. :) Inside list, finish organizing shelves, closets & bookcases. Finish up the bathroom and kitchen when more $ available. Move the paperworks back to the desk and clean off the table. We did get the attic detrashed and junk given away! Yeah! I still have a "storage room" that needs gone through! full of tools and such for the building.
Outside list includes: husband when finally off from work to mow grass and clean front planters or " me will" do it when my 14 year old finally gets a day off from school practices~friend activities to babysit 3 year old brother. The grass is up to my ankles. But hubby's working, and I can't leave my 3 yr old alone. He's a nosy little climber! Into everything. He likes to help but 3 yr old and push mowers just don't mix! Let the grass grow, got plenty of good air, Ahhh Shewwwwww! But clean air. That reminds me.....

AHMED: Saw yard crashers over the weekend, loved it! The dog was hilarious watering your new plants! I hope he doesn't wear down your beautiful yard again! P.s I hope you didn't eat any of those chips on the table it looked like the dog was sneaking in a few double dipping licks! Can't believe all of those people did not recognize you and you with a camera crew! You were so nice even if they didn't recognize you! Ok, now! Just stop it, Stop begging people at home depot to go home with them. I will gladly beg you to come to my home and work for and with my family. We'll even put the 3 year to work digging holes or maybe planting.
You are cordially invited to just come to my yard! (front is ok, except where the vehicles created a mud hole alsmost as big and wide as my driveway. We tried reseeding but vehicle heat just keeps killing it. Needs something done there. But my back, well: We (it) our neighbors, desperately needs you( or someone) to turn it into a low maintenance yard & make the mosquitos slow down a bit! How do you get rid of those blood sucking things? And we do have a flat round sand pit but the kids have had to stop using it the neighborhood cats and any animal passing through just love making it into a litter box. I know "gross"! How do you stop them from that! Without having to cover it everytime? I have a little boy, +sand pit +trucks +can't play in it = hissy fits @ playtime. I'd like to cover it with flag stone patio or some rock. Or cat (animal) snake proof sandpit somehow! Here's my idea! Ahmed, please, just come help us do it! If you want!
You need willing participants and we need low maintenance yard. You are within driving distance of blog cabin. You are 3 hours south of us. We are not afraid of working hard! We'd do it ourself if we could afford to! We have a decent deck area, needs cleaned and restained a lighter color, we have alot of birds here, Don't like seeing splatters! You know what I mean! would much rather have the trex decking, just spray it clean and no splinters, when playing or sitting on it but I would love for the deck to simply be roofed in, floor tiled and screened in with an outdoor table set w/ seating for 6 to 8 and a swing. Then a double outdoor fireplace connecting porch to a grass free area or patio (smoke 'em skeeters away) roast some dogs and marshmellows,a new grill. Do you guys Love ribs and roasted corn on the cob. You come I can cook that and some baked potatoes or homemade potato salad. That's something I can manage. I want a special swing with playhouse that both my teenager and my 3 year old and neighbor friends & family could use together, or enjoy seperately would be great! For it to be durable enough for adults to play w/ swing w/ the kids. We all need the exercise. And finally my husband really needs a new outbuilding. He is a real DIY'er, he helps others with their diy emergiencies and ours gets attention later. But he is good hearted likes to do things for others. He needs a place to put all his stuff and park his boat. And take everything apart and put it back together. In his own place. He has to borrow others garages to do simplest thingsj! He deserves it, He works really hard so I can stay home and raise our kids and try to keep a home, even though it's older than us and seems to be falling apart too. (lol) So come on up to Ky. Our yard and neighbors need you to crash my yard!
Here's some bait:
Remember they are having the Somernites cruise this weekend in Somerset, KY Friday April 25, Sat 26 It's fun for car lovers! Maybe you and your crew would enjoy a fun weekend. Come anyway, you don't have to do my yard or even see me! We are 3 hours north of you. Sorry we don't have an oldie to cruise in but we love watching them. Listen Ahmed if this would interfere with my chances for winning the blog cabin 08. Which is my real dream home then ehhhhh " why don't you HHHHm just wait till the drawing for the winner is done, If I don't win, Then come on up! Hey I'm teasing but would love a free gift, like a new yard and a lower maintenance one at that. That would be just the best gift I could ever give to my husband. Less work in the yard and a nice relaxing place for him to rest and enjoy with our family!
Have a great day! :) Thank you for being so open and honest and funny with us bloggers. I enjoy your comments. And all the hardwork all you workers are doing online and onsite..... great job guys!

Oh yeah Watson, I was First!!!!!!Yeah!
bring the colors back soon, :( I was so excited about them! Cause I need to paint my interiors and was enjoying the around the world pallette. Those colors reminded me of flower colors and earth tones.
I agree with the light blue comments, they are great for a boys room or maybe a ceiling "sky scene" that's about it.. I would like a dark blue eye color or the blue china blue for a accent wall in either the kitchen or dining room though.

Hey Keight, thanks for the summary. Good job.
Teresa, I get first dibs on kidnapping Ahmed and his Yard Crasher crew. lol
Glad to see the paint colors were pulled for awhile. Maybe they will give us a bigger selection and get the bloggers fingers very tired. Still like not being able to look at the bulbs, so voted for twig fixture. LLL

Beware Heading South ....

Noah asked me to alert you to the fact that Clive's question to you on the 22nd has two correct responses ... It all depends upon which side of the pond you identify more with when you give him your Mole answer (smile)

...Male moles are called boars; females are called sows. A group of moles is called a labor. Since at least the era of Early Modern English the mole was also known in the UK as told a "moldywarp" or "moldywarpes (plural)..

Oh... and BlognBob..... Noah got a chuckle when he learned you thought he was my son, rather than my husband. He asked me to tell you, you were on target in your thinking ....Sometimes he does feel he gets treated like one of the kiddos by me! BUT, to clarify, it is only after several of his back-to-back "let's get Mommy" schemes with our boys. A couple of pranks are OK, especially if I can surprise him with a few of my own. But, sometimes, when it is a week-end full of "all guy silliness", I have been known to send them all off to the park to silly-down a bit or, at least, direct their silliness away from me for a moment or two! After a couple of hours, though, I am ready for them to come back and bring their joyful antics into our home and my days. And, yes,it will probably never change..... Noah loves to stir the Mischief Pot and hopes his sons will carry on the tradition forever. I love the fact that Noah can be a such a fun Daddy and great role model along with being my Husband.
AND .... Judging from your posts... I really do believe you and Noah carry similar threads in your DNA make-up ---- Silly String!

???????
Are you guys studding up the interior walls?
Or flooring the back entertainment porch?

On the cabin cam. I just love it, I'm kind like a bug on a tree! Being nosy! Just wish I could move it around, and had another view or camera to play with too! I can't see any materials moving in the front, or any changes to the house in the cabin cam view but I do see the dumpster is being fed the scraps. So maybe you have some materials in the dry basement! For rainy day play. And now I see the bulldozer is parked over next to the dumpster. So I know you guys are up to something and so are those contractors in the van.

Do I see a jacket or bird in the upper center window? Too far away to be able to tell what it is for me!
It would be fun if you had a cabin cam out front on the road and occasionally got a view of the bc viewers.
So........Watson, or Ahmed
Are you gonna tell me what'cha doing? Excitedly waiting! Hopefully not pesting you!

Keight ---- Thank you so much for the information about the Green Sure products from Sherwin-Williams. Because of your post, we picked up both Harmony and Duration Paint for two projects we are doing. AND ---- This was so great to learn, that I am passing our experience on to others --- we brought in a non- Sherwin-Williams paint chip sample and the tech. was able to match it perfectly for us. We got the exact color we wanted in the best paint product. THANKS AGAIN, Keight ... the information you offer and all the research you do on the subject is very much appreciated!

One more thing..... Hey Watson ---- Be careful with juggling those chainsaws!!! You must realize, we've grown quite comfortable with you over the past several months. I mean, seriously, as a group, I realize it has taken you a bit of time to get use to our, shall we say, uniqueness! So, whether we are praising your efforts, or moaning and groaning loudly in your direction over the Blog,we sure wouldn't want to break someone new in at this late date! I'm just saying....Keep safe ... Don't do anything that would cause you to leave us now, after all we have been though ... you would be missed!

Watson: Hey Kate! Thank you for your concern. Aside from a touch of carpal tunnel, I manage to avoid most cubicle hazards. I'll remain careful, however:^)

I am a 50 year old mother of 7, grandma of 5. I think when my children and grandchildren come to visit at the cabin, I want to hear the kids squeal with delight when they play on the vertigo water park. This wont be happening because the chosen toy was one you simply sit in. You see, we need to think of those that may come to visit and what they might like, not just our own comforts.
Also, I wonder if the voters are not a little older than myself, which is why I see the same old pastel colors winning in the voting. This is the chance to add a little color to your life, around the world offers that color. I guarantee that when you see the colors on the walls and used as accents you will love it.
So, I hope the voting for the paint choice is taken off completely because I think the color choices of the designer would be a little brighter than the pastel colors currently winning.
As a side note, can we have both the outdoor chairs, I love the natural rocking chairs but they lost by such a slight margin, how about a mix of the natural rocking chairs and the natural Adirondack chairs? That would be a nice gesture.
Thanks from the bottom of my heart, I do so enjoy voting and seeing the cabin come together each and every day. I wish you all the best of luck and may God Bless.

Glad to see the updated video. I think a porch swing will be perfect. Keep up the great job. It looks great!!

I knew there was a reason I voted for the single story home. And so many of you want more stairs! Whatever. I won't say "I told you so" unless a single story blogger wins and has to sell the cabin in order to be able to live somewhere accessible.

Keight- Thanks for those 20 points. I read the blogs all the time but after about 50 or 75 in one blog, I tend to skim.

Ahmed or Watson - Will there be HOA fees in this development? I asked this last year too and received no reply. So, how about this new development? Thanks. ~Betty~

Hi KateByTheLake.

Good response. Don't you just think that a 'labor' is exactly what they should be called? Especially if you are trying to get rid of them they can be real hard work. Those old Brits sometimes knew their stuff.

Did you know moleskin makes a great working jacket, vest and pants? Gardeners took pride in their moleskin vests and aprons, both to show their prowess at catching the little devils and because the skin is very durable. Miners in the coalmines often wore moleskin pants and jackets. They were tough, comfortable and hid the coal dust (black on black).

OK enough on moles. Let's hope they are her only in small numbers and know to keep off Ahmed's new plantings.

Hi CabinCraver. So good to have you laughing with us. I really like the " Bela Lugosi, pre-psychotic contemporary" as a description of our living/dining room when we moved in. The previous owners did have 3 huge dogs too. Rather scary!

Just Saw the vlogs . Took some time to get them to come thru. But it looks like trex deck ! That is to Awesome. But what is best is the work going into this seven layer roof ! Man, that is a lot of work . You guys are truly the best there is. I had a hard time figuring out what was going on unitl I saw the videos. COMPLETELY AWESOME JOB !

Well finally!! :-) Here we are again
Hi Cabincraver, I am so sorry about the lost of your friend. I do disagree with you saying that you were not much help to her. With all that wit, and joy inside of you; that you share with all of your blogging family! I'm sure you were her comfort. God bless you for that. Please rest and take care of yourself, like Carrie said, we need you and would miss you something terrible!! So you get well, and know that you are loved and we all (Your Blogging Family) are praying for a complete healing.

Katebythelake and Noah, Thank you so much for your warning...you know with Clive you just never know what he is up to LOL :-) I know I can always count on you guys for help.

Betty Wilcox,
I agree with you 100%!!!!! I too voted for a single story, and I didn't want to say "I told you so", but here we are. You know what....it is what it is....It is still a beautiful Log Home.

Greetings!

And thanks to all who found the 20 Points’ post timely! (And not because of all the minutes you needed to read thro