The summer of 2015 (part two)

With all the changes we've done outside there has been as many changes on the inside of our log cabin as well. We moved in the second week of January 2015 and started making changes right away.  The cabin was furnished as it had been a rental. Most of what was in it was something we had no desire to keep, as it was worn out or pasted together with glue and spit. Some of it I was able to rehab or change to repurpose into something useful. An old TV cabinet cut down to become a TV stand for a flat screen. Another one of a different design cut down to become another useful piece of furniture

We decided to change our wood burning fireplace over to gas (propane). It would be a lot more cleaner and less work and expense than burning wood.  I had cut many a tree but you can only burn so much a season. Wood will decay and not last forever. We found everything we needed for the change over at our local gas company.







We started to paint and rework the window and door trim. The trim was a rough surface milled trim to keep the rustic feel. We wanted something more softer and brighter as well as a more finished feel. Kathie started to paint and went to work on that trim.



 

 

 

The lighting fixture in the small dinning room we also decide to replace. We bought some old antique pieces and put them together to make a rustic decorative lighting fixture,. A single tree from horse days gone by and two railroad kerosene lanterns, wired for electricity and an old block and tackle now hangs over the dinning room table.



It was necessary to replace two of the three outside doors, including rough opening which had rotted out. No flashing was used and water infiltration was very evident with seal rot and incorrect installation of the doors. We also decided to go the extra expense and add storm doors as well. Making the new entries as water tight as possible.









The rot was so bad it had to be cut from the log and back filled with new wood and epoxy. Once that dried the new rough entry was framed. For several days we had sheets of plywood nailed over the entries before the new prehung doors were installed into the opening.

The doors were at different locations in the house, but showing all wasn't necessary as for as the repairs were almost the same. So showing the finished installation won't bore you haha.







We also added over 100 loads of fill dirt and changed the landscape all around the cabin, adding yard space and filling for a future garage site. There is so much we desire to do but not sure we will get to it in this life time.

Somewhere during this first year I even found time to work on my big red barn. Adding a ramp for my 0-turn mower and an overhang to keep the rain from seeping in at the top of the double doors. Like all my projects it took me several days to complete. Lets face it, I'm mot the man I use to be when it comes to getting the job done in record time. Now if I can just get rid of all the stuff inside that we don't use. A big yard sale is in our future, soon.

One of the more pressing remodels we wanted to do was to replace the thin cedar lap on the gables and dormers, with Hardie Board Siding, as well as rock our chimney. We finally got everyone in place to get those projects started.  There was much to do before the rock could go up on the chimney. I think for two weeks I worked 12 to 14 hour days, including weekends.



Before the redo could start all the old materials had to first be removed. That required chipping away all the old stone and removing the cedar lap. Next wrapping the chimney in wire mesh up about five feet from the foundation and then putting on cement board to the top. Ladders would only get me so high, before needing to put up scaffolding to complete the job.



Once the cement board was installed on the chimney side, the rocking started. It was slow going but coming together.  We felt the rocked chimney would give the cabin a rustic feel.



 

There were two windows in that gable that really served no purpose. One was actually in the way of the chimney, as the chimney was added after the window had been installed.  We decided we didn't really need them as we couldn't get to them to start with.  What little light they allowed in we could easily do without. Deleting them was a wise decision and with them gone there is more wall space.

The Hardie board took about 5 days and we were in a crunch to get everything done by Oct. the 19th. Our fall vacation started on that date and we needed to be in north Ga. for a wedding on the 24th.  It went right down to the wire, no time to spare. I was happy with the final look of the new improvements.

 

One of the nicest touches we did was to use copper flashing everywhere the flashing would show. I think it gives it a much nicer look and over time the copper will turn greenish as it ages. That will be more of a natural look for the log cabin finish.

Without as much as a breather we started packing the Seymour house the minute the construction guys left for home. It was late by the time I hooked up to the truck and staged it in front of the cabin. We had plenty to pack and lots to keep us busy. By the following day we were headed south to Georgia a little before noon. I was tired and needed a mini vacation.  When I return I'll grout the rocks on the chimney and take down the scaffolding, clean up and look for a new project.  But for now we were headed to a wedding.

The day we all had been waiting for finally arrived. Kathie's youngest daughter was soon to be hitched. We put on our best duds and a big smile and made it to the the chapel. The event was being held at the Juliette Chapel in Dahlonega Ga. I took along a little of the store bought peach moonshine, to calm the jitters of the bride or not. I think it worked after she warmed up to it, but it was a rough start I believe before it kicked in. But as they say, "all is well that ends well". The bride was beautiful, escorted down the isle by her older brother. The bride was in complete control,  she had long planned the entire ceremony from start to finish. She wrote the vows, cooked the reception meal, made all the decorations, made the bridesmaids sashes and bouquets as well as all the party favors. She left nothing to chance, had it all under control. Even ironed all the grooms shirts and even found time to do her brothers laundry two days prior. There was so much she took on I lost count of all the things she did do. To say she was in complete control was an under statement. But before this days end she would have a new last name and the world would know it :) At least the world who knew her. What a pleasure it was to attend this wedding and see the transformation from love of his life to his wife. I think they will be OK, at least they have a great start.

With the wedding over it was finally time to kick back and enjoy a few days away. I tried to rest and not think about all the new cabin projects I can't wait to get started on. Perhaps all those may have to wait until 2016 as winter and cold weather isn't that far away. Still there will be nice days mixed with low tempts. I still have a few must things to do before the weather changes over. I hope for bright sunny days until it is done.

It has been quite a year starting mid January when we bought the log cabin. Much has been done and still there is more we wish to do. There are a lot of little things we have done that wasn't mentioned, like all home owners it's just regular upkeep. I can tell you that when your home is log you have plenty to keep you busy.

Before closing let me remind you that this coming weekend is Halloween. There will be lots and lots of little one out there enjoying trick-or-treat. Please be on the lookout for them, they can't see that well with their costumes on and the outfits restrict their movement as well. They will be moving excitedly from house to house and not thinking about anything except filling their pokes with goodies. Please be mindful of them.

Happy Halloween from Dutch and Kathie, somewhere in the wilds of Rogersville, TN.


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