Back to the Cabin

We haven't been to the cabin all summer. It's funny, but when it wasn't ours, we spent all our time wishing it was. Now that it is ours, I haven't been able to feel excited about going.

Is is because I know I have to clean out every %#&$ cupboard in order to clean the place of mouse droppings? Or is it because nothing in it is really mine, so I have to clean, organize and keep order for stuff I don't necessarily even like (but can't afford to ...and don't have the energy to...replace). Or is it because I have been so overworked and stressed for so long that I'm unable to even contemplate going to a place where I will end up spending the majority of my time cooking, reading, and wandering in the woods?

Well, we went last weekend because Clint was worried that if we didn't get up there to shut off the main rooms and turn on the heater that the pipes would freeze. It's a real possibility once it starts to get cold up there. With the heat off, the cabin is no more than 10 degrees warmer than outside. If the pipes freeze, we'd be in big trouble, since it won't be warming up there again any time soon.

We had another reason to go, too. We still have several felled trees decorating our lot here at home, and there is a log splitter at the cabin that could make the job of cutting those trees for use in our wood stove this winter a whole lot easier. We even figured we could cut some wood up there in the forest while we were at it. We are required to keep the area around the cabin clear of debris, and there are always a few fallen trees around.

So, off we went. And, we had an awesome time. I finished the book I was reading, Dragons of Eden by Carl Sagan. I spent more time reading there at the cabin than I think I have in the last three months combined. Scary thought.

Tamzin was really into going for walks. She had a hard time waiting for everyone else. Finally the two of us went off on our own. She's actually a great explorer. She really notices the little things. I had my camera with me, and she insisted we stop and take photos of the mushrooms, lichens, mosses, and even the deer droppings. After first resisting taking a photo of deer droppings, I started to really get into it, taking photos of all kinds of little things.

Later, Tamzin took the camera and snapped some photos of her own. I think she has a natural eye for the lens. She snaps shots of things no one else would even consider. They aren't people, but hey, whoever said people were the only thing interesting out there to look at?!

I'm so glad we went. It was rejuvenating. I even enjoyed cleaning out those dropping infested drawers. I'm thinking I will go on a hunt for a few gently used quilts and prints at the thrift stores, and see if I can infuse a little of my own personality into the place next time we go.