I suppose the biggest thing that's transpired (and kept me from posting more diligently) is that Rex and I bought a cabin. It's not a big one, nor is it a fancy one, but it's a good investment for us. We're not big vacationers, yet we want to spend more time as a family away from the grind of the house. With both of us working, plus raising a family, a small investment property seemed the right fit. And since this once is about as 1950's as it can get, along with a Berenstain Bears flavor that just makes me laugh, we figured we couldn't go wrong.
Of course, along with our big dream of owning a cabin in the woods come a ton of work. It's meant night after night of making lists from "fix leaky sink" to "retro fit bathroom pipes." It's meant spending days in between school, work and doctor appointments finding used furniture and rental companies. It's meant following through on our word to each other when one of us needs paperwork done by x day or else.
Last week we both hit the wall with lack of sleep and multiple trips back and forth to the mountains to sign papers, fix decks and make inventory lists. Who knew a tiny 1000 square foot love shack would be this much coordination?
And yet, as I type this, I'm quite aware of how fortunate we are to put our savings into a second home while so many are losing theirs. I know that while I'm dreaming of Melmac dishes and crazy daisy Corelle pottery bought at thrift stores for our hot cocoa nights, many people are camping under freeway overpasses. I'm not blind to the fact that our "stressful" week is better than many folks' best year.
I say all this not to brag. After all, Rex and I have given up a lot of other things from time, travel and precious time with our kids to pull off this joint adventure. We're hoping, though, that the end result will be more moments as a family together. It seems that my children are growing up faster by the day - and truthfully, I don't want to miss a moment of it. If some of those memories include a fire in a rustic lodge surrounded by snow, I'll take it.
We're going to call it "Mel's Cabin" after my father who was the epitome of fun, laughter, food and family time. I miss him so much. But instead of spending my life grieving over what is behind me, I'm ready to forge head with many new experiences.
As soon as it's ready I'll post a link in case any of you want to stay there. I'll let the rental company know that all Good Housekeeping readers will get an addtional 10% off. It's either that or a cheesey gift that reads "I went to Mel's Cabin and all I got was this tacky tee shirt." I'm thinking cold hard cash will be better.
Speaking of stuff cold (it's freezing tonight) and hard... ahem... I'm off to say hi to my husband. Won't take much this evening to make a boring cul de sac bedroom into a love shack.
* Photo of our new place - Mel's Cabin.
Posted by Andrea Frazer
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