Path to the dam

Today we cleared a path to the dam.

It starts at the logging road just before you get to the new Big Bend road to the back.

We cut a path through the trees to the hill just behind the dam.

Then we trimmed some of the grass, limbs, etc so people can fish back there.

Looks pretty good from across the pond:)

Birthday celebration at Big Bend

Seth and Emma turned 6 on April 8th and we celebrated at Big Bend this past week-end.

We went to the space center at Huntsville Friday.

The kids had a ball and the adults learned a lot.

Then Saturday, the cousins came to play.  

Cole, Kandi, Chip, Laurel, Lynn, Steve, Ginger, Mark, and Cristin came too.  

We went fishing:) and caught several.

Then we tried to fly kites.

And of course there was food:)

New Year's 2015 at Big Bend Farm

We had a few of the family at Big Bend Farms for new Year's 2015.

There were a few fireworks, lots of sparklers, 

glow sticks, poppers, and good food:)

There were a few silly times, and just good times hanging out.

New Year's Day the kids rode the incline up to the top of Lookout mountain.

And walked down to Point Park.

Day after, Lynn , Steve, Ginger, Steve's Dad, Ruby and George came to visit.

And just for fun we made cinnamon ornaments for everyone:). 

Everybody had a job:). The older cousins helped the younger cousins:). Thanks Lynn, Kristie and Ginger.

A good time was had by all!!!

We even did some work.  Esteban got the washer and dryer functional - laundry is looking better:)

As good as new:)

Light fixtures and art work in living and dining rooms

The light fixture and fan in the living room had to be replaced.  George got the fan and light removed and put up just a light fixture in the living room.

He used the light from the dining room and then installed the chandelier that had been in the Alta Vist house for the dining room.  

Thanks George:)

We also changed and added some art work in both the living room and dining room and added the Currier and Ives prints in the bathroom, and another eagle print in the hall way.  

We also found Daddy's retirement document from the 3397th Garrison, signed by the members.  It was in a moldy box in the garage, so we cleaned it up and hung it in the hall. 

Things are looking better inside and out:)

Caulking and chinking finished:)

George and Phil repaired all the chinking and caulked crackes in the logs on the 3 sides of the cabin exposed to moisture.

They also filled the gaps between the chimney and the logs with foam.  They have the mortar mix in a plastic bag on the porch.  They plan to use that to cover up the foam and finish the job.

All their work should protect the logs and the grey chink and caulk almost matches the logs.  The cabin will probably need a coat of paint before long.

Drain tiles installed

Jeremy came today and dug the holes for the drain tiles.

He dug trenches all the way from the down spouts to the pond.  Phil and George layed the tiles in the trenches.

Then he covered up the trenches.

We think it looks really good.

The water drains into the pond.

This is the south tile.

This is the north tile right at the pond.  They worked all afternoon and got the job done.  We are hopeful that the water problem in the basement will be resolved with the tiles in and the new hot water heater installed:)

Cleaning out the basement was a dirty job!!

Ruby and I spent 2 days cleaning and organizing the garage.

The area around the hot water heater really needs to be cleaned so we can replace the water heater.  Notice how clean the floor is now:)

 

We found another go cart in the opposite corner, under insulation and other things. We found ball mason jars, and quite a bit of trash.  

George took a load of trash to the dump today, and one more is ready to be loaded into the truck.

We also cleared out a path through the garage to the big room and have purchased a new hot water heater and brought it to the cabin.

Jeremy told us of a guy who can install it and will be coordinating that with George.

The train board is now in the big room, and the mower is in the garage for the winter.  Whoever owns the black and red go carts can now get them.  The black one has 4 flat tires and is under a tarp by the back door.  The red one can be rolled out through the big room.