They say time heals all wounds, but I rather think that time just passes by. The gaping hole left in our hearts is still there, but it’s hidden behind the life that we’ve lived~the experiences, the joys, and the sorrows~ that have kept us occupied since that day. It’s a little less prominent in the landscape but still there, nonetheless.
Happy birthday Dad. Miss you still.
A candle flickers out of sight, but in your heart I still burn bright. Think not of sadness, that I’m not near, think of gladness and joyous cheer.
Spruce bark beetles are ravaging our trees, everywhere. At home we have dozens dead but at the cabin they are more noticeable. Three lovely big spruce by the cabin have died and either us or the wind have taken them down. Cutting these trees was certainly bittersweet. I love these big ole trees. But they were no longer safe and had to go. Definitely a down.
Spruce bark beetle damage. There are thousands of these on a single tree.
It opened up the yard tremendously and let in more sunlight. Also less privacy, win some, lose some I guess.
The three stumps.
Jake came out with his mini excavator to help take down the trees closest to the cabin as well as pull some stumps for us. While there I had him dig a test hole in a consistently wet spot of the driveway. After about half an hour we had a pretty good seep of clear water so it looks like I’ll be developing a spring house for fresh water!! I’m so excited! Up for sure!
Little boy on board.
We still have several downed trees to turn into cord wood. And a deck to finish. And another coat of sealer to get on the cabin before snow flies. Our last two weeks of moose season will be filled with chores during the “not hunting” hours. Here’s to having a successful and productive moose camp! Hoping for a big ole up!!
No more stumps!My test hole full of water. Will be pumping it out and developing the spring here!!
I’ve got cabin fever, not the kind you’d think either. I wish to go back to the cabin. Back to the change of pace, the different priorities, the quiet riot.
We’ve been home two days now, after spending 9 days out there. It’s moose season so we went out in hopes of filling our freezer with delicious moose meat (sorry Patty) but alas, not a moose was seen by myself or Dean.
We spent some time teaching the older ones how to hunt spruce hens. Thing Two managed to bag one early on but that was the extent of his marksmanship. Guess we’ll add target practice to our PE regimen!
In between gun toting and walking in murky muck, we worked around the place. Sanded the cabin down and applied some new sealer. I’m in love with the deep rich color.
West side of the cabin.
We also put a new coat on the outhouse. It was showing some weather but looks pretty nice now. The kids all chipped in and “painted”.
The woodshed and outhouse.
We also filled the woodshed here and at the main house! Since the road crew took out an enormous amount of trees putting in the road extension, we took advantage of the plethora of stacked logs. Easy getting firewood, you don’t have to tell me twice!
The toolshed was looking a little weathered too so I had enough sealer and time to get the front coated. I resealed Tami’s memorial sign for Dad as well and hung it over the door. I decided to do a memorial wall on the shed and hang the things I find that remind me of Dad. Just got a few things up, next time I’ll add more.
The toolshed.
The stand of trees in the middle of the drive had become a problem. We took the alder out earlier this year as it was taking over the driveway. The two tall spruce have succumbed to spruce bark beetles and will need to be dropped this winter. Dean spent some time working on the alder stumps but finally got them pulled out. With all that new space I decided we needed a fire pit! This one is much smaller than our bonfire pit and will be better suited for weiner roasts and marshmallows. I even scattered some grass seed. Who knows if it will grow or not, stuff might be 10 years old. I’m ready to try out my new pit, can’t wait to build that first fire!
Now that we can drive out to the cabin our time spent out there will increase exponentially. As will our projects!
Next on the list is a new deck and an outdoor, gravity fed sink for hand washing. Can we get them started before winter? #winteriscoming #cabinlife #lovealaska
A simple number, four. It’s often over looked for it’s neighbor and easy multiplier 5, but what about 4?
There have been a lot of famous fours over the eons. In the Bible there are many fours: 4 seasons, 4 “corners” of the earth, 4 Rivers of Eden, on the fourth day of Creation Week we are introduced to day and night and the demarcation of time. The 4 Authors of the Gospels Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. Skip to the end of the book and we see the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse.
More recent history, Georgia was the fourth state to Ratify the Constitution. James Madison was the fourth president of the USA. Fast forward, we see the Fab Four-the Beetles and The Highwaymen, four of Country Music’s outlaws: Kris Kristofferson, Johnny Cash, Waylon Jennings, and Willie Nelson.
Four can be interesting. 😉
Today is the 4th anniversary of Dad’s death. Later in June it will mark our 4th year here in Alaska. I have 4 children, so does my Mom. Four is a good number.
The kids and I continued our 4 year tradition of going out to the end of the road at Cap’t Cook to have a campfire cookout, go beach combing, just spend some time in nature. This year we were blessed with our friends joining us to honor Dad’s blessed memory. It was really great to have friends along! ❤
Dad kept a small notepad for a journal during his first days out at Gray Cliffs. It was one of the more precious things to be found at the cabin. It was in the little cabin, mildewed and damp.
I love that I have this glimpse into the past and his thoughts as he begins his Alaska cabin journey. I thought that I would copy and share with you all.
Lot 306
Gray Cliff Sub.
1st Day May 16, 1987
Walked Bill &Barb back to beach & trk (truck) to say good-by, & watch the trk go down the beach-sense of alowness (sic) settles in.
Setting up camp in early P.M. Got to listen to radio for correct time and set my clock. 7pm
2nd Day 5-17
Started foundation and floor- got water, shot a spruce hen- worked on camp.
Isn’t enough hrs. in day when have to cook, clean and work. Got over 1st day rush- finally ate sup at 10:30 p.m.-tired.
I even scattered some grass seed. Who knows if it will grow or not, stuff might be 10 years old. I’m ready to try out my new pit, can’t wait to build that first fire!
Alaska on my mind... 