Gassing Up

Kuma d.o.g. was so disappointed as I turned my back on her and headed out the door to get in the truck to head for the cabin. Although there is still plenty of snow cover on the ground, my mission was to go to the barn yard and obtain another 100 lb LP cylinder to haul to the cabin before the feeding cylinder goes empty. Under the snow, layers of mud exists and I couldn't chance letting a fat Labrador run free in such muck; especially since I was driving Maximus, Nic's truck. I've done this once and the lesson I learned is still very vivid in my mind. Cleaning out the cab of the truck is not only time consuming, its just a nasty job after a wet, muddy dog has been playing in the creek and mud.

The trail to the cabin is still heavily snow covered so a truck bed full of cut firewood was needed to gain traction even with good tires and 4-wheel drive ascending the hills. Adding a full 100 lb cylinder of cabin fuel would only help the cause.

After spinning and sliding, the trip was a success. Unfortunately, I wasn't able to get as close as needed so the last few yards involved carrying and then dragging the cylinder to the manifold. There was a time pride would drive me to carry the load but as we age, we become more innovative and prefer easier solutions. Today, I found dragging the cylinder was the answer for avoiding back strain or a hernia.

As LP feeds, the level is obvious even in winter as the cylinder will ice over below the liquid level. It was clear delivery was none too soon, especially since temperatures were to drop lower into the teens. The hooked up tank had less than 4" remaining, perhaps enough for a couple of days.

With a back up cylinder ready and waiting, the cabin is now ready for whatever mother nature chooses to unleash, at least for a few weeks.

First Snow of Winter

Planning for a weekend cabin retreat began Friday morning while listening to the weather forecast on the radio. Ohio weather is so unpredictable and few urban areas can predict what will happen in southern Ohio when they forecast weather events. However, Cincinnati meterologist do the best job of predicting what may effect our area so when I heard a prediction of 4-6" of snow east of Cincinnati with a high probability it would hit after dark and last through Saturday mid-day, the level of confidence was high we would get our first significant snow fall of the season.

Immediately after work I took a chainsaw and dropped 3 large locust trees to cut into firewood. Green locust burns slow and hot and it splits easily with a maul. After filling the pickup and delivering it to the cabin, I was able to split enough to fill the porch before dark in preparation of what might arrive.

A trip to the store for bird seed, squirrel food and a stop by the house to pick up Kuma d.o.g. and we were both ready for whatever mother nature could offer. Arriving at the cabin, we found the LP heater had the inside a comfortable 55 degrees even as the night air was heavy with cold moisture as it prepared to release a winter covering. As I filled the feeders, a full moon breaking through cloud cover provided the light for easily navigating between trees and feeders. Our little fur covered friends would appreciate the treat should the snow arrive.

Once a hot fire was built, Kuma settled on a couch cushion with one of her Christmas presents; a rawhide chew bone while I relaxed in the recliner with the remotes and glass of wine. With a library of movies, I chose an old holiday favorite, Gremlins, to watch before bedtime.

Awaking before sunrise and peering outside provided a glimpse of what I've anxiously awaited for months. A heavy wet snow had arrived in the middle of the night and blanketed the forest creating a beautiful winter wonderland. Although the opportunity to sleep in was available, I simply couldn't pass up watching winter's beauty from the cabin windows. After stoking the fires, putting on a pot of coffee and preparing breakfast of scrambled eggs and bacon, both my big brown dog and I relaxed to enjoy our day stranded and snowed in.

A cast iron kettle of  soup beans seasoned with jowl and homemade corn bread provided a late lunch shared with my companion. Most of the day was wasted napping in the recliner as Sixth Sense and Home Alone failed to hold my attention with such a warm fire at my side.

The morning view provides a first glimpse of winter's arrival.

Front window provides a clear view of the deer lick below
the cabin.

Christmas' tree framed by windows
and a forest covered in snow

Thankful I worked through the pain of age to cut, split and stack firewood
the evening before.

Winter's cabin

Fat and happy Kuma d.o.g.

Road to ManCamp a bit treacherous

The warmth inside awaits

Window view of winter's arrival

Merrry Christmas

Sharing the cabin with the big elf

This time of year I find myself so busy, both with work and personal life, that opportunities to spend time at the cabin are infrequent. Kuma d.o.g. has cabin fever and wants (demands) attention and time in the woods. Fortunately, my sons are both interested in spending time there and have taken advantage of my absence.

With Christmas just 5 days away, I feel privileged that Santa has stopped in for a rest at the cabin while out and about visiting children in southern Ohio. On one evening this week, while resting his bones in front of the fire, a group of very young children with their adult supervision went on a Santa Hunt to see if he was in the woods. To their amazement, they found Santa at my cabin where they shared their wish list and discussed their year in review.

A young 3 year old sits with Santa discussing her Christmas wish list and life experiences.

Soggy Weekend in the Woods

There is nothing pleasant about a cold rain that lasts for an entire weekend except when listening to it on a cabin roof. With temperatures in the 50s during the day and 40s during the night there was little need for a stoked fire to keep the place warm. In order to keep coals hot, I continuously kept a small log in the hearth which was more than enough to keep things comfortable; at least for a cabin. The smell of cherry wood burning is quite pleasant to the senses.

Kuma d.o.g. stayed close as much as she could throughout our visit. I don't really appreciate it when she goes out on a walk-about only to return with mud on her pads that she quickly tracks across the floor. A beautiful wood floor isn't so nice once a big Labrador walks all around with wet paws.

The trail was so wet and muddy from all the rain that an alternate route had to be cut to avoid the slop in the deep ruts from earlier visits. If this rain pattern continues, larger tires will be needed if I expect to continue making the trip in the Liberty.

With Kuma holding down one end of the sofa as she desperately worked on a rawhide bone, I stretched out on the other while watching an old movie, True Lies, in the light of candles and Christmas lights. Of course, I never finished the movie as the sound of the rain was so hypnotic that I fell asleep before it was half over.

As in years past, I hope for a winter with blankets of deep snow. Hopefully, sometime soon, perhaps before Christmas one will arrive. Until then, we will just continue holding out and listening to the rain.

Dark, Wet, December Hike

Just after 6 this evening, with Kuma d.o.g. at my side, I drove to the forest near ManCamp and parked the Jeep a distance from the cabin; just under a half mile.

Under a heavy overcast sky with thick fog all around, darkness had already arrived on this 2^nd day of December. A light rain greeted us as we exited the comfort of our ride and began a hike in a northern direction absent a light of any kind.

At the tree line of a pasture, sounds of bloated rain drops falling freely off wet branches above made unquestionable splats on the bed of saturated leaves covering the ground below.

As we proceeded deeper into the black of the woods, a peaceful feeling enveloped me. With nobody around and nothing to fear, the forest harbors no evil but man himself. Even at risk of encountering a pack of coyotes, a random bobcat or a rare black bear wandering inside, it fails to raise the slightest concern. Truly at peace in nature’s surroundings, I could easily find comfort stretched out on the wet forest floor if it wasn’t for a better choice awaiting us.

We arrived at the cabin in total darkness just as the black clouds released a volley of showers that roared on the metal roof above.

As I lay horizontal in the fully extended recliner under the warmth of a throw, Kuma took advantage of the vacant couch where she drifted off into an evening nap.

Once again, a week ends on a peaceful, positive note where no negativity is allowed and cabin time begins.

Night visitors

The call came in just before 9 pm. Two Jims, Jim Sevens and Jim Snodgrass had their wives, Kathy and Wendy, en route to ManCamp. Under the cover of darkness, they would drive the back roads to confuse and disorient them to protect and preserve the privacy of the cabin's location. Arriving within walking distance, with flashlights in hand they began the trek on the trail into the woods before the moon ascended and illuminated its surroundings.

Opening the door, I met the four of them climbing the porch steps with gifts in hand; fuel for the generator and a bottle of wine for the house.

Inside, we visited and talked about Santa's recent visit and the beauty of the cabin surroundings. After a short photo session in front of the fire, they departed into the night.

They are now each better off having enjoyed a few minutes of their lives on cabin time.

Jim and Kathy Snodgrass

Jim and Wendy Sevens

Kathy and Wendy with me.

A week's reward

After another challenging week, the comfort of the cabin is my reward. After stocking up on beverages and provisions, Kuma d.o.g. and my worn body are ready for a trip under the light of the moon to our sanctuary in the trees.

I am so looking forward to just getting away and warming my feet by the fire. With holidays upon us, cabin time will be sporadic as life forces us to make choices; some of which must take precedence over what I truly love and enjoy.

Santa at the cabin 2012

This self portrait of Santa at the cabin was taken with a digital camera on a tripod with a 10 second timer. "Santa" had just enough time to set the camera and return to his rocker before the shutter activated. This is the second year I've taken Santa at the cabin and have already determined what 2013's picture will look like; God willing.

Hanging at the Cabin



Just hanging at the cabin with a brown dog at my side

Just hanging at the cabin with a little glass of wine

Just hanging at the cabin not a worry on my mind

 

Just hanging at the cabin where the world is always fine

 

 

 

Getting ready for the holidays

This is the first year to decorate the cabin for the holidays and I've been looking forward to getting it ready for Christmas for weeks. If you can't get in the holiday spirit when entering a warm cabin decked out in Christmas cheer, you never will.

Kuma d.o.g. spent a couple of evenings at my side while making it happen. While I was busy stringing lights and garland or putting up the tree, she layed comfortably on the sofa chewing a rawhide bone.

I'm always happy when a plan comes together and feel the atmosphere I was trying to achieve comes through; at least for me.

This morning, Jim Snodgrass and Mike Casey visited the cabin and enjoyed breakfast with us.



Ready for Santa



A Christmas Cabin

Waiting for Santa's arrival.

The magic of Christmas

Oh Christmas Tree

Christmas at the cabin

Mike Casey and Jim Snodgrass.

'Possums in the basement

November days prepare the stage for long winter nights as evenings bow to early darkness. Once the work week ends, a man with a dog has little daylight to pack and prepare for a cabin retreat.

A trip to Wal-Mart yields a basted rawhide bone for my female companion and a fleece throw for me and the sofa. We both will enjoy these simple pleasures once settled in for the night.

Darkness in the forest in mid-autumn is much deeper and more intimidating than on warm summer nights. Although not easily frightened, there is still something spooky about its silence and the absence of light in the midst of the cold barren trees.

Unloading the Jeep, I lose sight of my friend as she disappears into the black only to re-emerge minutes later with that signature wag of a Lab’s tail.

Finding the cabin too cold for comfort is not unexpected which makes the warmth of a new built fire that much more rewarding. Although Nic stacked plenty of split wood during the week to provide ample heat, a cabin feels best when sleeping under the weight of a thick comforter; cool air just beyond its grip, containing warmth of the body’s heat while cold to the touch of its outer fabric. Kuma and I both find 60 degrees perfect for sleeping which is where the temperature levels off as she settles in her bed chewing the knuckle off the rawhide bone. The new throw’s softness seems out of place in its rustic surroundings but pleasures the skin when used as a barrier between the body and the weight of a worn and heavy blanket.

Long into the night after the fire has burned down we both are awakened by a host of opossums under the cabin. The unique audible sounds they emit while communicating and brawling in their new found shelter from cold reverberates through the wooden floor leaving night’s silence broken.

The squealing and tussling continues for an undetermined time as we drift in and out of sleep.

After some unknown period passes, we both acknowledge that thick barriers provide security between our peace inside and the wild beyond the floor.  

We return to deep sleep accepting the fact we invaded their home and habitat; they did not invade ours.

 

Deposit in the Emotional Bank Account

With one foot on a sofa cushion and the other on the weathered coffee table trunk, I sit stretched out in the light of a new fire Nic built in the hearth.

Having arrived at a dark cabin on a cold November evening, it took little coordinated effort for us to establish a peaceful and solitude environment in the woods we both sought after a busy work week day.

Now in the glow of a colorful fire, we each relax in our own way.

A stick of incense from the Ohio Renaissance Festival burns slowly on a corner table saturating the cabin with a unique, yet pleasant scent neither of us recognize.

Music from National Public Radio World Cafe fills the room as Nic rocks slowly in front of the fire in the recliner while texting friends on an iPhone.

I find satisfaction nibbling roasted almonds while sipping on a glass of Merlot; just staring at the fire in the dark while listening, smelling, relaxing and counting life's Blessings.

Once again I'm reminded of that summer day years earlier as we both stepped off the footprint of our cabin dream on the forest floor and how it has now come to be.

A cabin fire

Log Splitting

An early November's sun sets quickly leaving little time in the evenings for outdoor cabin tasks.

Today, I'm reminded once again of my youthful days growing up on the farm and the evening chores that always awaited me after school. Living in an uninsulated farm house heated only be a fuel oil stove and fireplaces required daily labor from my parent's youngest son; the only one still available at home. Before milking 'Beauty', a Holstein dairy cow or putting hay and grain out for the horses, I was tasked with taking out ashes, splitting firewood and filling the wood boxes with enough fuel to sustain the fires through the following day, regardless of the weather.

The cabin also requires a generous supply of firewood on hand through Fall and Winter since this too is the primary source of heat, much like my childhood home. I'm sure the years I spent laboring behind a maul influenced a decision of foregoing the expense of a hydraulic wood splitter and relying on God-given strength of my son's and me to address the need.

With Nic leading the charge, we labored in the woods like so many times in the past until dusk forced a retreat. Its hard to say if the wood finally dried or if Nic simply mastered the art of burying the maul and splitting the logs with single, full body swings.

I was happy to carry and stack the fruit of the labor as Nic's own memories were being made to share again some day.

Nic sizing up his next challenge

A single full body swing drives though

Added a register to track all the visitors that show up at the cabin

Continue to add little things like this pine cone napkin holder

A Two Post Day

At mid-day my youngest son was at work and my oldest son was away with a friend when my wife and daughter informed me they were going to the movies for the afternoon. It was quickly apparent I would be home alone with no plans of my own. On a day where Hurricane Sandy was already influencing Ohio's weather, there wasn't much to do as the temperature dropped, the rain increased and the wind intensified - except return to the cabin.

Upon arrival through the wind, rain and mud, I was pleased to find the logs left earlier in the day still burning in the hearth. Although it was just 40 degrees outside, the cabin was still nice and warm. Having awoke at 6 am to ensure there was plenty of time to prepare breakfast for family and friends, I was now starting to wear down. It didn't take long to decide that ascending the loft ladder was a good plan.

I can't fully explain how comfortable it is to curl up in a fetal position in an over-stuffed loft bed as the rain pelts down on the metal roof. Looking out the sky light, a huge tree's limbs sway in the wind above and occasionally drop acorns and leaves on the glass. The steady sound of rain is interrupted by sounds of overloaded water drops released from branches and leaves as the wind continues to increase. Not a touch of draft can be felt as I lay uncovered on the soft comforter. The loft is much warmer than the lower level which helps a nap come quickly and consume the next two hours of my life.

The mind is an amazing vault that stores so many memories of life's experiences. Before I share, I need to first explain.

After the nap, a box of Merlot on the bar, the cheap stuff you buy in the wine section of a grocery store, caught my eye. With the fire searing seasoned logs in an intense heat and the wind now blowing more forcefully outside, I kicked back in the recliner to enjoy the peace and quite of a Sunday's late afternoon with a glass of wine while watching birds frequent the feeders on the porch.

The stereo above the mantel is equipped with an iPod that contains over 5000 songs. Today, with the sound of the rain on the roof and the wind blowing outside, I decided to listen to Simon and Garfunkel's Greatest Hits, an old favorite and blast from the past.

Shortly after A Bridge Over Troubled Water began playing, my mind immediately re-opened buried memories from 42 years earlier. Listening with closed eyes, I was returned once again to the Waverly East Elementary school auditorium on a Saturday night at an 8th grade dance in 1970. It was a slow song, something an awkward Appalachian farm boy had been waiting for all night since he was too embarrassed to try dancing fast. As the boys all sat in a line of chairs against the west wall, we peered across the gym floor at young ladies on the other side trying to decide who we would be brave enough to venture over and ask to dance. I don't recall which classmate it was, Kim, Karen or Teresa... it doesn't matter as all I can remember is the feeling and experience re-opened in my mind as the song played above the fire. It's amazing how memories and experiences like this remind us how finite life is. At the age of 56, having a mother die at 63, I am reminded I'm on the last quarter of life's cycle; especially accepting that I've already lost 2 of my 3 best childhood friends. So as I listen and reminisce, I think of how it must be after death with Saint Peter at the Pearly Gates of heaven. I have to believe that the mind's vault, the soul, will once again open to reveal the life of a man. The life experiences, such as I just re-lived, will once again be reviewed.

As I throw another log on the fire and take a sip of wine, I wonder if I'm worthy of entry above.

If I could bottle and sell the peace one finds in the silence of a remote cabin, I'd be a wealthy man. However, it doesn't take long to realize that wealth is relative and a figment of the imagination -one reward of my life is being inside these 4 cabin walls.

Others can seek wealth and money.

3 Jims visit the cabin

Our cabin was built for family, friends, fellowship, rest, and relaxation. Although there is pride in ownership, true satisfaction comes from sharing with others and enjoying the look and comments from first time visitors. So many share a common opinion that it seems so much bigger when inside than when observing it from out doors. The design was intended to create this sense of space inside that makes it very unique on such a small scale of 384 sq ft.

Kuma d.o.g stays with me during visits where we both enjoy a late night rain that sings us to sleep; Friday was no exception. Both Saturday morning and today included breakfast visitors shortly after daylight. On Saturday morning, brother-in-law Mike Childers and a family friend, Connie Martin came out and enjoyed ham and cheese omelettes, bacon and coffee. Connie recently purchased a new Jeep Wrangler which gives her access to ManCamp like few others. Today, 3 Jims, Jim Snodgrass, Jim Sevens and Jim Dixon came out. This was only the second time Jim Snodgrass had been to the cabin and he brought Sevens and Dixon along to see our project. All 3 are good friends and always welcome in my life. Connie Martin could not pass an opportunity to visit with her friends and co-workers, "The 3 Jims," so she too accepted a breakfast invitation today.

The 3 Jims and a ManCamp invader. Connie Martin, Jim Snodgrass,
Jim Sevens and Jim Dixon enjoying the cabin kitchen



Nobody gets out without a Kodak moment in
front of the fireplace. Jim, Connie, Jim and Jim

The loft bed makes for a great getaway. Star filled nights for sleeping and
natural light for reading. On a rainy Fall day, this is my favorite place
to be.

Table set for 2 more dinner guests.

Sometimes its the little things that make a difference.

Saturday morning's kitchen after the rush.

Autumn's Moon

The first order of business after a late evening's arrival at the cabin is to take a broom and clear the covered porch of leaves. Summer's canopy above is surrendering to Fall's arrival and has released it's load. Dried transients that stopped en route must be forced on to their winter grave below.

With beverage in hand and trusted companion Kuma d.o.g. at my side, I settle into a favorite chair awaiting night's arrival. Soon the day's sun drops slowly behind the western hill causing the string of solar lights above the porch to blink awake for yet another long night.

Darkness finally arrives and a short intermission begins where silence falls over the farm. The only sound is the steady drip from the drain of the Char-Cooler on the porch as ice inside is sacrificed while fulfilling a purpose of keeping the contents cold.

With little delay, tree frogs and crickets strike up a symphony as the First Act begins.

Autumn's moon begins it's ascent above the eastern hill directly behind the cabin. A distinct separation and stark contrast between light and dark moves across the trees and meadow below as the lunar curtain rises.

Sitting now under the light of  a three quarter moon reveals nocturnal wildlife moving about below.

Peace envelops the valley for another Fall night in the woods.

First time visitor

This evening before going to the cabin I stopped by a good friend's house and invited him to accompany me. Jim Snodgrass had never been there before and this was an opportunity for show and tell.

As we traveled back the trail in the Jeep he gained an appreciation for why I've said it requires a 4-wheel drive or tractor to navigate the terrain. Once there, we talked about the construction project and other topics that typically come up at ManCamp: guns, deer, coyotes, squirrels and raccoons.

Jim took a panaview photo with his phone.

Cabin Security and Stuff

It's good to know that technology has evolved to where one can make some major advancements with security assets that did not exist a few years ago for a small cabin in the woods. I've really enjoyed the innovations and assets you can deploy to address an adversary that would choose to challenge it. Of course, since it's security related, I won't disclose the level of effort or unique investments that have been deployed to deter and address such unauthorized activity or visitors. Just glad there are options to give a person piece of mind that these issues can be countered effectively.

In addition to security assets, the cabin now has motion sensitive lighting deployed inside and out to detect movement and illuminate the porch steps, the porch, the generator house, and even interior rooms and spaces. No more worry about finding keys or feeling your way in the dark upon entry!

The LP tank has been filled and the supplemental LP heater is now operational and set to ensure the cabin never gets cold while preparing for winter. A pleasant surprise was the decreased price of LP gas. The 100 lb tanks were filled for less than $70 each, a significant drop since winter of 2011.

Another surprise was how well the solar panel was able to keep the batteries topped up and fully charged. This is just another step in progression where the bathroom, living room, porch and loft lights and circuits are all now operating off the batteries instead of the generator. It's so much more convenient and quiet to simply turn on the inverter and have power without worry of starting the generator. Eventually, more solar panels and batteries will put the generator in a stand-by "off normal" status as the sun will maintain the battery charge and the batteries will contain enough storage to run all the cabin needs 24/7. Life will be good at this time!

Nic showed up unexpectedly as I was splitting wood with a maul. He immediately took over this task and to my enjoyment was less successful. My father would say he doesn't have enough 'ass' to swing an 8# maul to split wood. To his credit, he continued to try but the green white oak over 20" in diameter needed my 300# effort. Out of compassion, I set up some smaller pieces that he had success with. There was no doubt that his willingness to split and stack the wood on the porch was appreciated.

Motion detection lighting added to address those
entry in darkness concerns.

Motion detection lighting in discrete locations to
aid in moving around before starting the inverter or generator.

Fall at the cabin

Fall is such a beautiful season for just soaking all of God's work in and enjoying life's simple pleasures of sight, smell and feel. During this time of year, I can't get enough time in the woods and am disappointed when I have to leave. Walking through dried leaves, a scent of summer's end, the crisp coolness of a gentle October breeze; money can not buy the feelings associated with this exposure or the peace of mind it provides.

I also enjoy cutting and splitting fire wood for the cabin. Sounds crazy but there is such satisfaction in knowing there will be many cold, blustery nights where a cup of hot chocolate while sitting in front of a warm fire will be my reward. Preparing for winter in October will make those long, cold winter nights very bearable off the grid. Let an ice storm hit and a heavy snow bury the cabin where nobody gets in or out and I'll be happy. At ManCamp, nobody cares if the power is out and the roads are impassable. Beulah will provide all the heat for a cast iron pot of beans and an oven full of golden brown corn bread. A Kindle full of books, a recliner by the crackling fire and no other sound but the gentle ticks of the clock on the wall with snow blowing all around is a wonderful experience. I also look forward to the vast number of wild birds that will soon visit the feeders again as their food sources are no longer available. An occasional glance out the cabin windows is a quick reminder of how harsh Winter can be and how appreciative the feathered friends are when finding the handouts.

Winter of 2011 was such a disappointment for those of us that love a heavy blanket of snow and bitterly cold, blustery days. Hopefully, the winter of 2012 will deliver!

Fall at the cabin engulfed in nature's beauty

The sleepy township road enroute to ManCamp.



A window view looking north.

Cabin window view looking East

The cabin windows bring Fall inside.

Sitting in the recliner, evening's sun begins to set behind the western hill

When Nic stays and sleeps on the sofa, Kuma d.o.g. curls up beside his
thin body. When I sleep on the sofa, she has no room and must sleep on
the floor. With winter approaching, a trip to Menard's resulted in a new
bed that she loves.

A trip to South Bound Flea Market resulted in very aromatic wooden wick candles
that filled the cabin with the smell of pumpkin pie.

Brandon and Wendy enjoyed the evening with me. It was a tutorial on
cabin living as I taught them how to start a fire in Beulah, light lamps and start the generator if needed.

Return to Cabin Time

After a week in the Dominican Republic and it's tropical environment of heat and humidity it was great to get back to Ohio and the cabin. Apparently it had been warm here too while we were away as a cold front was forecasted to arrive with us that had everyone bundling up and talking about cold weather.

Kuma d.o.g. was so happy to see me return and was anxious to jump in the Jeep for a ride to the woods again. We arrived at the cabin after dark and as I was lighting the candles and lamps, she explored the surrounding woods for any unauthorized activity.

Tired from the 4 hour flight, dealing with Customs at the airport and a 2 hour drive home made going to bed early a high priority. The king size bed at the Riu Palace Hotel at Punta Cana had nothing over the cabin sofa by the fire for comfort. As always, sleep came quickly after the last wick was extinguished.

The wind and rain arrived in the middle of the night as Kuma and I were both awakened by the sound of the cabin under attack. Acorns falling by the dozens from the limbs above rained down on the metal roof as the wind made its presence known. As with all weather fronts, the hostility was short lived as it passed through bringing colder temperatures and a gentle rain to ease us back into deep sleep.

The 45 degree morning temperature with the picturesque view of Autumn's leaves was a welcomed sight after being away. There are many beautiful places in the world, some of which I've been fortunate to see, but none that I enjoy as much as a Fall morning's view from the cabin windows.

Fall 2012

On Fall's first weekend, I shared a day with my youngest son Nic at the Renaissance Festival. We go every year together and I always try to find something for the cabin. This year, we purchased a candle rock for the 'coffee table'. A candle rock is much more rustic and manly than a Yankee Candle Co candle in a jar. Alan and Barbara Van Der Like in Sebring, Fl began making candle rocks as an alternative to glass candle jars their cats kept knocking off the tables. A little project became a business that has expanded nationwide.

I took Kuma to the cabin to stay the night with me and after building a fire and having a glass of wine, we both were fast asleep sawing logs. After midnight, a knock on the door woke us both from deep sleep. My instincts told me there was no need for the S&W 38 Special as I met the late night visitor. We were pleasantly surprised to find Nic had walked through the dark woods to join us.

After a short visit recapping his evening activities, we turned in; Nic and Kuma on the sofa together and me under a thick quilt on the loft bed. He found out quickly how quiet it gets in the woods where the only sound is the ticks of the Regulator on the wall and the crackling of the fire.



Nic in character at the Renaissance Festival

Our 2 wick candlelight rock provides plenty of light

A candle light rock from www.candlelightrocks.com

Wine

As a 'baby-boomer' that grew up in the 60s and 70s, I acquired a taste for wine at an early age. Back then, it didn't take much to satisfy our taste buds; a bottle of Boone's Farm Strawberry Hill would do. The wine was cheap and good and we would drink it straight from the bottle while puffing on Swisher Sweet cigars. It didn't concern us that people would say it contained embalming fluid; we were young and reckless and full of life. There was also no such thing as pouring it into a glass, we drank it straight from the bottle. If you're a 'boomer' you'll understand, otherwise, just accept our generation for who we are and what we did.

As I've aged, I still enjoy the taste of wine and although I've matured and only drink it by the half filled glass, I still prefer the cheaper wines like Riuniti. There is not a great deal of difference in price between Riuniti and Boone's Farm. I have never been one to buy 'top shelf' stuff for myself as I really see no value in the extra expense based on my preference of taste. However, today I went to Kroger's and bought a bottle of Kendall-Jackson Merlot. This is $20 a bottle that sells for $75 on fine restaurant menus. I bought it for a friend that had asked to see the cabin and was looking forward to sitting on the porch while sipping some wine this evening. We agreed to get together and I was to take them out for their first cabin visit.

My friend's taste is more refined than mine so I thought I'd splurge a little on a wine of his preference so as not to reveal my own low-end standard. Unfortunately, my friend had to break plans and couldn't come out to enjoy it. With nobody to share, I enjoyed a glass or two of the Kendall-Jackson by myself with some sharp chedder cheese I had in the cooler. Perhaps in the future, my friend will find time to try it again and he too will find out how time slows down at the cabin.

Sitting on the porch provides a wonderful opportunity to enjoy nature. While turkeys cluck all around in the forest, deer gently come out to enjoy the sweet grass of the meadow below.

They have no idea I'm watching as I sit on the porch sipping my wine.

A Kendall-Jackson Merlot 2009 evening is good with or without friends

They don't even know I'm watching as I sit on the porch.