DIY Home Improvement: Tips and ideas through step-by-step and video instruction.
Hello Ever-Loving Bloggers!
So I have to share with you some thoughts I had about watching Blog Cabin 2008 last night (I missed the premiere while traveling - a fireable offense, right?). I thought they were great episodes - what about John DiResta from Hammered trying to get up that ladder? And Matt Blashaw, our new host of Deconstruction - I loved the enthusiasm he brought to the Cabin.
I admit it - I’m a huge fan of movie mistakes, so I couldn’t help but notice when one of the twins, Chris, checked his watch when he found out the stone masons weren’t showing … but there was no watch on his wrist (anybody else catch that one?). Then the ballistics potato test? Outrageous. You know you are in Tennessee when the potato cannon comes out!
Okay, so maybe I’m biased, I work here. But you, fellow viewers and bloggers, don’t. So tell me what you thought about the show. And don’t forget, you should enter the Blog Cabin Giveaway every single day. Keep your eyes peeled for our 360-degree online tour (take a look at the 2007 Blog Cabin) - our web designers are pouring sweat over hot computers to deliver this stunning tour before August is a memory.
Cheers and have a great weekend,
Watson, DIYnetwork.com Manager
P.S. My long-awaited vacation to New York City recently has precluded me from responding personally to your comments - now that I’m back, I hope to change that.
Watson my dear friend,
My blog didn’t get posted yesterday. I’m curious how networks choose a potential winner from email addresses. I’m sure millions have entered. The home is beautiful and I’d like to think that I could be the one to “Waltz my way into Tennessee”. That song was my parents favorite and I’ve only been there one time. The Smokey mountains are incredible…especially in the fall. So, please try and answer to the best of your knowlege. Also, I mentioned that if you needed any help with clean up or anything, I’m there. That would make a great story.
Watson: Hello Carole, I am familiar with the process. Essentially, all email addresses are entered into a massive database. This database can tell when someone tries to enter more than once per day. Once the addresses are vetted and the list is compiled, the entry is selected randomly. Anyone who mails in an entry is also entered into this database, so a snail mail entry has the same shot as an email entry. This is a gross generalization, but be reassured it is very fair. Cheers!
Watson, glad to have you back. I hope your vacation was restful as well as fun.
A.Muse, so sorry to hear about your accident and the loss of Hercules. What a brave dog he was. May God comfort you and give you good health.
I’m awaiting news about last nights show. Carrie, where are you?
Mary from Texas, loved the horse game! I haven’t gotten more than 500 points yet:)
Hi Watson,
I love the blog cabin episodes!!! The creativity, comedy, and personalities of everyone are a treat. Thanks for all you have done and will do. The blog cabin is a great representation of what happens when good people come together.
Hi Wats,
Hope you had a great time on your trip to NYC. You will have to fill us in on some things you did on your trip. Maybe some really good places to eat. etc…
Misty&Rich, and Heading South,
I got special permission from our friend Mary to share this with you today. Hope you have fun! Misty&Rich, I hope no Alligators will float into your pool from all the rain. Maybe a Manatee would be an interesting and fun surprise to find in your pool though. Oh, here it that fun thing to share with you and everyone here:
http://horseridingcoach.com/jumporama/
Watson …….
Welcome back hope you enjoyed your vacation.
Amuse ……
Welcome back we sure missed you input to this blog. So Sorry about Hercules sounds like he really loved you as much as you loved him. Get well soon.
Misty……..
So glad you made it safely through Fay, I was worried about you, I haven’t called as since I was letting you get your much needed rest. You are so right we need recipes for your book and if they send them to me I can also put on the web site. So please keep pictures, poems and recipes coming to both Misty at rcmc02@embarqmail.com and me at majictux@sbcglobal.net call it a 2 for 1
Keep your strength going my dear friend.
BlognBob…….
Glad you liked the horse riding game, I can not get very far did you?
NancyBee …..
You got more points than I can get
I enjoyed watching the Blog Cabin last night, but still no mention of Cabincraver
but them again they might have been filming them begore she was not blogging. It might happen later on in the series.
Hugs and Prayers
Mary from Texas
Hi Watson,
Terri From Fort Myers, FL for now. Army Brat at one time. Loved to win this Cabin I love TN. I just wanted to say that this Cabin is awesome. My mom’s family lives in Murfresboro, TN. As a child I had tons of fun living there for a few years in Murfresboro and also Nashvile.
One question though where is this Awesome Cabin I can’t seem to find the location, unless it’s a secret? Also just wanted to say that I think the team you have building this Cabin are great, thier funny, fun and I love the videos.
Watson: Hello Terri, the cabin is no secret (just ask fellow blogger Helen Miko) - it is located just outside Spring City, Tennessee, on Watts Bar Lake. It’s a little bit out of the way, but is wonderfully scenic and I loved my trips out there from Knoxville (although it will take a little driving to reach it from Ft. Myers!).
I too would love to know how many bloggers are watching the episodes and what they think!!!
Welcome back Watson. I thought looking at his wrist was habit. You know the time: “two hairs past a pore”.
Is there going to be any recognition of CabinCraver? Has DIY found her?
Carrie you didn’t do a play by play last night. Did someone figure out how to put this on youtube for the people who don’t have DIY?
Just so you know we have potato guns in MN too. I had to confiscate the neighbor’s as they were shooting into the lake and forgot to check where the fishermen were. The acoustics being very good, I heard some colorful words spoken in angry tones.lol I did give it back to him when they moved into the country. I live in a small neighborhood that has lake view of two lakes but only a railroad track keeps me from paying lakeshore taxes.
The horse game is addictive so be careful. I can’t get past level two.
Helen, can I get your e-address from Carrie? Heading South will you send Carrie your e-address and be willing to let me have it too? LLL
Grace: You had one blogger and one who thinks I spend too much time on the computer watching the show last night.
I think it is a good show once one gets used to grown men acting like idiots. Teasing people about a fear of heights isn’t funny.
I can’t imagine a contractor’s excuse for not showing up on a tv production with great advertizing for their business. I almost fell out of my chair when the twin said the stone mason “bailed”. I am still in shock and disbelief.
Any bets on who ends up in the water on the next show? LLL
Watson,
So glad you got to go on vacation and hope you enjoyed it.
Amuse, I along with other bloggers am so sorry for you lost and pray for a speedy recovery. He was an example of how much our 4 legged family members love us!
Blognbob, I keep getting my emails back that I send you so undeliverable, help!
Mary, love the Horse Game and did pretty good at it but I have spent too much time playing it.
Grace, I do not miss Blog Cabin on TV or online. I also record and save them so I can watch them when ever I wish and show them to anyone that has missed them. Love the episodes just wish there was more!
Watson, I did catch the watch check with NO WATCH (not shouting just used for expression) on his arm and really laughed so much about it.
Helen I pray everything goes okay with your hip surgery.
Baskets of Blessings & Happy Blogging
Joyce
Blog Cabin is one of the best shows on TV. The humor, the education, the excitement on a chance to win can not be beat. I love it. I would also love to win this spectacular home.
Last night I had to choose between Project Runway and Blog Cabin. I chose Blog Cabin because I just can’t get enough of it. For me, there may be just a tad too many boy antics, but I understand how everyone likes to have fun including the viewers. Would enjoy seeing more women, so maybe a female host could be considered next year just to keep the show a bit more balanced. Just a thought- and not that I don’t enjoy watching Ahmed. Thanks again to DIY for having the Blog Cabin!!!
Hello Watson! Hope you had a good time in New York.
I love watching blog cabin. I hope everyone is really having as much fun as it seems on TV. If I won this home I think I would be so overcome with emotion thinking of all the people that have put their hard work, dedication, and love into building this beautiful cabin. What a dream come true for some lucky person. I actually am a little saddened that everyone involoved with it cannot be eligilable (sp?) to win as well. It has got to be hard to put so much of yourself into a project such as this and then let it go. That shows just how special the staff and crew really are. Thanks again DIY for giving us this chance to dream.
Ok guys I’m here for your written episode: sorry about the delay, I had a long night with little man “carter” he would not go to bed last but I must say he was buiding some fine block blog cabins while the show was on last night and he said he see his fwen Ahmed and like the boat swing and laughed at Diresta falling into the lake. Also had unexpected company this morning. So again sorry I made you wait!
Are you ready! ready!
THEY started off with Diresta Bros coming to the cabin, Ahmed giving them a little tour, and them waiting to start on their projects. Meanwhile, Chris and Simon are at a junk place, By the way where was that place at guys? Where they were junk treasure hunting, found a canoe and a bunch of water skis went back to the BC and direstas figured out what they were going to do with the junk. Ahmed and John built the big water ski chair and then they all cut the canoe in half and built a really nice cool swinging chair out of it. Really nice job bros d. I want to swing on it so bad and later Jimmy Diresta tried floating in the other half. Thinking he could float …… but sank and was baptized in the lake. Too funny Not only that when Ahmed was showing the diresta bros around on the house tour, climbing the ladder to the upstairs was a bit challenging for Jimmy D to get up there and him getting down was so funny! They could have really riled him up by just moving the ladder a 1/2 inch away. He kept yelling a little closer!! Jimmy D was assigned the task of helping Chris and Simon cut the composite decking and he was a bit scared of walking out on the plywood/ joyst and well the bee buzzing around him was amusing to us all. He obviously don’t like them but that one liked bugging him! The Bros D built the adirondack swing and that was about all they did throughout tongihts episodes.
The roofers showed up and start roofing the house boy is it pretty and The guys, Chris, Simon, Ahmed pull out the tater guns to test the roofing material lots of fun. Laughed my head off. They would hoot and holler when the taters “potatoes” splattered all over the roofing target they made. Chris and Simon: tater gun tip from carrie: Guys if you want to pull the tater gun out and want to get a good trick on one of the host just put a spoiled rotten egg in there before you start because you know they’ll want to shoot it first and the guys will think a skunk got em. Hee hee!
Back to the show,
The deconstruction guy, Matt bashaw showed up and he’s really hyper and crazy, and just about as excited if not more than I am about the blog cabin work he has lined up for the fireplaces which they install and guess what the rock layers bailed. So they can’t hang the big gorgoeus Wood I think it was cedar mantel Matt brought to hang and Chris and Simon was not happy at all about the rock layers not showing up during fiming! Nope not happy! More deadlines slowed down. But they move on back to the fireplaces and get the log house log holder built with Matt and they all go to iron shop and bang out some rhythm, while taking a turn on the hot iron bench and Matt tries a little rapping song, while cutting the log rack logs and keeps on a throwing the breaker, driving poor chris nuts. Matt stick to your day job or practice more in the singing dept. (hee hee!) and at the iron shop, they make the mantel hangers and the scrolled fire dogs. Matt also made some log stools, very quick project. I like the fact the workers are recycling alot of leftover material or logs. Oh yeah Chris and Simon work on the windows some. You guys did a nice job. If I forgot something you guys fill in for me ok.
They Show Amy Matthews in the previews and she gives a hint that they all are in bad moods next week and well yeah they show Chris shoving tools in the back of the truck right mad like and an argument in the man cave so it’s gonna be hot tempers next week.
Mary, that horse game is so much fun! Cracked me up! Very addicting. Can’t seem to get past level 1 - I keep getting thrown off my horse! LOL!!! There again, It’s been a bit hard to play with my hand in a brace! LOL!!!
Watson, I hope you had a wonderful time on vacation! Also, I wanted to say that this place is fabulous! I can’t wait to see the 360! Hope it’s coming soon for us to view! I also want to mention that I hope you’ve been trying to catch up on some of the blogs from the last post. As Blog Cabin fans, we had voiced some concerns and opinions for next year and hopefully years to follow. Please, if you have a chance, read our blogs from the last post (A Note From The Management) and give us your thoughts on our concerns. We would love to hear from you on those. We love that DIY is doing this for us, the public! It’s very special and we thank you all very much!
Oh, and by the way, the shows have been great! All those guys are very funny! Keeps me laughing and I like that. Keep up the good work!
I had the shows set to record since I too was missing last night. I have been busy lately and no time to read all of the blogs but trying to keep up.
I loved the parts with John. I know how he feels.I hate ladders and open floors and getting close to open edges and even full glass walls in high rises. I also do not trust bees. I have been stung a few times and even a group of bumble bees attacked me causing a few problems and lots of pain. I see he is like me in that he likes the water but does not like to be tossed into the lake. If he has kids I bet they have a great time with him. If not he should spend time with kids. They would love him. I did not see where they tossed the others in the water or they got in the water.
I loved the information on the TV river and water ways. When I was in high school I wrote a paper on the project which was still having some work being done but was in operation. What an idea and vision men have. It would have been nice to have gotten a shot of the other side of the damn.
Where I grew up the boys had potato guns and home made rocket launchers. I have a friend that built my son a potato gun. It disappeared when it got home like a little hammer he was given at age 3.
I noticed the cam is stuck on Aug 15. Is the camera off? I would like to see how they finish the drive and entrance to the front steps.
Blognbob’s flag looks great in front.
I noticed the what looks like a hot tub and steps beside it on a picture and the box the guys keep looking into looks like a hot tub.
The master bedroom picture looks like the bed is a tight fit since they had to work between the wall and four door opening. There is not night stand or place to put glasses, clock etc for the person on the right side.
I see by Watson’s Aug 22 entry a tour will be coming soon. I will watch for it. I an still wondering about outside access between deck/porch and the ground or patio.
This may have been asked and answered but do the tools and chest Chris brought stay in the workshop in the garage? I believe the chest is in there looking at some pictures near the dog wash.
Need to get back to work. I noticed a few of the original bloggers are still at it but miss some of the ones no longer giving information. It seems to be more personal blogs than about the cabin and trade information.
Hi All Enjoyed the show last night the tater gun looked like a lot of fun Welcome back Amuse we missed you will keep you in my prayers for healing of your grief and your injury I love that horse game Blognbob thanks for sharing
I missed Blog Cabin last night.
A very good friend hosted a Silpada jewelry party so I sniffed and went to that instead. Apparently, I missed a good time! BUT I did order some really pretty jewelry so it wasn’t a total loss. 
Ingrid– Amy Devers was the host for last year’s Blog Cabin show so I think they just wanted a change there. She did a great job so I’m sure she’ll be back. That girl is busy!
Mary and BlognBob, thanks for sharing the Horse Game. I just spent a ridiculous amount of time on that silly thing. Level 2 was it for me!
Thank You Frances,
It is good to see you ! And Thank You ! Mary is the one who really deseves credit for locating the horse game. I am just the messenger. Not sure why you are having troubles getting thru to me Joyce. I will check to see if a block was set by mistake. I don’t think so though. And I keep forgetting to Thank You Mary for the night light. I have actually had some trouble accessing the horse game today. So, I hope it is working for you all. Thank You Carrie for the updates. Sounds like a lot of fun .
‘Afternon all,
I keep saying I am not going to blog any longer and then, an opportunity to voice my opinion comes up that I just can’t pass on.
I guess I am alone in being disappointed in Ahmed as the overall host of this year’s show. Don’t get me wrong, I think he is very talented in his skill area, but he just doesn’t seem to be on the ball a lot of the time when it comes to construction. Or, was he meant to be comic relief this year, ie., a foil for all the shenanigans going on? I for one prefer to see the actual construction ups and downs and just don’t feel this is the approach DIY is taking this year.
I didn’t see last nights’ episodes but will catch them at a later date (Olympics only come every four years) Funny, I don’t feel like I missed much after reading today’s blogs.
Just my opinion……………………………
Oh love the cabin! I am from south eastern Tenn. Moved away 24 years ago but I go back often. All my family lives there. I would love to win this cabin and move back to my old stomping grounds.
Jimmy was too funny on that ladder, I felt his pain. I laughed and told my husband “look that’s me”. The twins are great, all you guys are wonderful and enjoy watching the show.
One suggestion: make sure the land scape has alot of rocks and maybe even a well.
To be honest I am not always enjoying watching the show. I find the constant jumping from place to place and the changing camera angles with zoom in, zoom out style makes me a little seasick and can give me a headache. Please can we have just a little less of the camerman fiddling with the controls and a little more for us to concentrate on for a few more seconds. Overall I like it but I will be limiting my watching unless the constant image changes can be reduced. It takes away from the Serenity Shores feel and gets more into a ‘Times Square’ feel which doesn’t work for this place.
I meant to say chris showed Ahmed how to install a window and they did a demo on low e values in windows too! Oh yeah they were working on the porches.
tingoat yes I agree they are having way too much fun at the BC alot of goofing. You know boys will be boys, no matter how old they are,though. I like the humorous parts. That’s why they need a woman to fuss at them. (Hee hee!) Break it up and get back to work boys, The show must go on and the deadlines met! But the show has just began too! They put up walls, roof and now the shingles and the windows going in and porches, and some of the custom furnitures for outside done on 2/4 episodes. We’ll see next week how constructive and far things get. I like to learn how to do things while I watch programs too! After all this is diy “they teach us to do it ourselves.” We expect to see that; don’t we! And I do also like to see that no one is perfect and know it’s ok. We have to remember Ahmeds skills is in Landscaping and he is helping to build a house. And he is a little out of his element indoors or on the roof and he is learning on the job because boy is he driving chris and simon nuts with all those questions. Oh man! And even Simon or Chris said he learns and tries. Maybe Ahmed will branch out a little in the future, he seems to be enjoying working on the house, he seems to be involved in almost all the projects… ….. and goofing around too. You do have to have a little fun in life especially when things get stressful. At least you can fastforward and not have to wait for the commercials when you watch it. I know they are informative but boy commercials drive me nuts some days. Ok Yep, I’m impatient! Have a good day.
Yep putting on more laundry! And got cornbread in the oven too! bye
Loved all the episodes so far. Was cool to learn that you can really travel places without leaving the water. Also liked that little explaination of the difference between a porch, patio, and a deck. There is a lot of information from the show to soak up.
Question for Watson: With being able to enter thru DirectTv, is that a one time only thing? I entered once on there, now all that shows up is a add for Football remotes for DirectTv.
Keep up all the good work. I would love to win this.
Mary, I did see Amy D. last year. I enjoyed last season a little better because Amy was right in there pitching in with the work. Ahmed pitches in too, but let’s face it, his expertise is in landscaping. Loved what he did with the landscaping last year! Don’t get me wrong. I like to see some of the fun and games, and I do like Ahmed. I guess I’m just more interested in the construction process. I’m also thinking that once they get to the interior work there will be more variety in what they have to show us and not need quite as much of the goofing around.
DIY- I would love to see a female host again next year just to balance out the boys a bit, and I think it would be fun if you let some of the Bloggers come by (at their expense and as unpaid volunteers) to give their feedback of the work in progress to their fellow Bloggers. Just a thought.
Thank God for DVR, that way I do not miss any episodes. If it conflicts with another show I want to record I just record the repeat episodes of the Blog Cabin to watch later weeeeeee then I can skip through the commercials and watch the 18 mins of programming.
I really did enjoy Amy last year like others said Ahmed is great in his area, (Love Yard Crashers)but on this show he has to say to many times “Can I ask a question?” Now I have a questions for you Ahmed. Won’t the deer eat some of your lanscaping? Is it all deer resistant? Gee my deer even eat the bouganvillas and they have big thorns.
Glad all that got the horse game.
Still waiting for more pictures and recipes.
Hugs and Prayers
Mary from Texas
Thursday night is fun again. Can’t wait to see the next cabin construction episode.
One concern: What’s to keep small animals and insects from claiming “squatter’s rights” to the open space between the roof layers?
Hi all!
AMuse– I’m happy to see you back. What a terrible thing to happen to you and Hercules. I’m so happy that Hercules saved you. What a wonderful dog!!! He loved you to the very end.
George– I moved here to Spring City from CT about a year and a half ago. Last winter was our 1st winter here. We never had more than a dusting here– and neighbors tell me it’s been quite some time since they have had a true measurable snow. The average winter day is in the high 40’s/low 50’s. I went around most of last winter in my fleece vest. It’s just cold in the morning before the sun comes up– once the sun comes up, it warms up quickly.
Watson- FYI—technically, we are still in Spring City– just not in the city limits. The address is still Spring City.
LindaL– tell Carrie to feel free to give you my email address. And have her forward yours to me as well.
I haven’t seen the newest episodes yet– I have friends/like family– visiting this week. So, I haven’t been home too much. tonight– we are going out with friends on their boat to show them around the lake. Of course, one of the stops is going to be seeing the blog home from the lake.
I love the show and find myself counting the days until the next Thursday comes around. I’ll have major withdrawals when it’s all over.
I like the comedy that is included in the episodes and I think Ahmed is a great host. I like that he asks questions, because I love learning along with him. It’s been very informative so far.
The roofing material is awesome. And so is the decking material. I want some!!!!
And I now know officially that I have a deck out back and a deck/porch out front, as only a portion of my front deck is covered.
A.Muse…I’m so sorry about the loss of Hercules.
A.Muse, my heart sank and tears fell when I read about your tragedy…an example of truly unconditional love and heroism from Hercules. Sending my wishes for a speedy recovery. I was missing your posts and felt the blog was incomplete without them. Welcome Back!
My mind is elsewhere worrying about my hubby…surgery will be Thursday. Can’t believe I missed the shows last night! Will have to catch the weekend showing.
Thanks Watson for clarifying the entry process…save me a post…was going to ask the same thing.
I missed the “horse game”. Would someone post the link? I’m assuming it is found on the web…
Well, gotta move, joints are very stiff today, but the rain and cooler temps over the past few days certainly has lowered fire danger a little. Will check back later.
Oops It was simon beard and all that showed ahmed how to install the windows.
Cathy P. the horse game is at…..http://horseridingcoach.com/jumporama/ I’m praying for your hubby.
Guys pray for my fathernlaw he has an apt with a specialists about his possible thyroid problems Wednesday and my hubby’s mama has a clotted artery in her neck 90% clotted and she is due for surgery next Thursday as well. Thanks everybody
Amuse
praying for keep healing up honey.
helen & linda I’ll send the emails for you guys ASAP
Greetings to Everyone!
The cabin is gorgeous! Anticipating the 3D view of the cabin coming soon! Watson, I’m missing all the Thursday Blog Cabin shows this year due to not having that channel here anymore; therefore, do you think we could get clips of the show here on the DIY Network?
Also, check out our waterfall progress on the DIY Network under Home Improvements then My Projects!
Serenity Shores will be a great big blessing to whoever wins!!
I was reading the blogs here, and noted a lot of people’s concern about Ahmed’s constant question asking. Granted he may be asking so many questions because he is learning something new, but more so it’s about
teaching the viewers about what is going on, and asking the kind of questions they think viewers might ask. Don’t forget not all of us are die hard DIY fans!!
I have a curiosity of my own even about the roof. First I really like the type of metal roof they went with, but i do have a question. With the roof system being as beefed up as it is, will you still be able to enjoy hearing the rain hitting on the roof?
Back when I was in about the third grade, my mother and I lived in an old farmhouse that had no ‘modern conveniences’ . It was oil lamps
for light, a wood stove for cooking, a fireplace for heat, and a well for water (no pump-pail on a rope). Like most old farmhouses, it to had a metal roof. Since it was just the two of us, we didn’t use the whole house,just a few of the rooms.My bedroom was actually the living room
where the fireplace was, and my fondest memories were sitting by a nice warm fire looking out the window across a distant cornfield at the lightning dancing across the night sky while the rain beat a steady rhythm on that old metal roof. It was so peaceful - called it Gods lullaby! I’ve never slept so well in my life…..
Hey guys this weekend is the Somernites Cruises in Somerset ky Hope some of you can make it! They have the big 27 cruise around dark. And the carshow is free. They have alot of food booths set up and plenty of nice cars and people to chat with. It’s fun to go to even if you don’t have a car to show. Stop by the saline christian academy booth it’s a small white trailer. They are raising money for their school trips.
The Blog cabin should have a wrap around porch which into a multi level deck out back with lots of room for entertaining on the 12 foot wide porch..
Electrical outlets and telephone outlets that are should be available so that a refrigerator could hold ourdurves and provide ice for soft drinks and wine,
It would be nice to have a home theater that also serves as a safe room during Tornadoes so a seperate room that is sound proof should hold a generator and fuel supply.
Finally a ground level big enough for a work bench lathe, drill press
band saw router table spindle sander and a plainer and moulder
I am a retired Federal worker so I expect to help if you want me
vr
Wayne Rardon
Carrie that sounds wonderful and fun! Do you live in Somerset? That’s close to Lake Cumberland, is it not? Another georgeous place to build a cabin!
Carrie-
I will be praying for your in-laws. I hope everything will work out well.
Joyce-
How is your daughter doing?
We took a ride on the lake tonight. We had a great time. Sharon & Bob are now talking about buying some land near here, and building a log home too. YIPPEE!!! I would be so happy if they actually move here. All I can say is — to visit here, is to fall in love with the area.
I was trying to find an address for Barna Log homes– but can’t find an address of where they are so Sharon and Bob can visit their model homes and talk stuff over with them. Does anyone know where they are? Are they actually from this area?
Elizabeth B. You guessed it, Yes! Lake cumberland is right here, If you like to fish you should try it out! It is a nice place to live alot of people vacation here. It is fun! we have several docks and several really nice nearby parks like Waitsboro, Burnside Gen Park, Then we have Dale hollow state park, Lake Cumberland State Park. Then we have hotels and rentals here too. The people line up on both sides of hwy 27 in all the businesses parking lots and watch the “cars” cruise go by like a parade and everyone has a good old time! Waving and watching, picnicing, watching everybody is just neat in itself, especially seeing the kids faces light up and them screaming they honked their horns at me. We don’t have an old car but we love looking at them. It’s fun to sit and watch them when they are all lined up, you can feel the motors and exhaust pipes a vibrating the ground and smell the smoke from the tires that some sneak and squeal. It’s really alot of fun. And you can even drive right along with them. They close downtown off around lunchtime and set up the cars and food and shopping booths all over down town. It’s alot of fun they have music and lots of food to eat! Don’t forget to stop at the Saline Christian Academy booth they are raising money for their school big trips to defend that #1 volleyball championship coming up again. And all the cars park in any parking spot open. It’s free to be in it. And around dark all the show cars line up and head down hwy 27 for the cruise up and down the road. You can get info about the cruise at http://www.somernitescruise.com and our city has a web cam right on the square where you can get a peak of the action at
http://www.kywebcams.com/index.php?cam=14
As for DIY oh my please come here Please come! I wish they would build the diy blog cabin here we have a nice town and the people are nice! Our people would really enjoy it I’m sure! Talking about me being excited, why I’d probably pitch a tent in the yard. (j/k) I’d love it!
Helen thanks for the prayers I appreciate it and yes I know how you can find them it’s in Oneida Tn go to google maps and it should give you directions from Spring city right to Oneida Tn and there also is a barna site that is listed on blogcabin home button down on the right side under the video link it says blog cabin partners and you can click on barna log homes right there. If this don’t work just call Barna and they will be able to give you exact directions.
Helen here’s the link Carrie was referring to.
http://www.adventurelogcabins.com/distributors/
Thanks Kathy, I didn’t think to just put the website that’s much easier!
Barna Log Home Corp. Off.
22459 Alberta St.
Oneida, Tn. 37841 800-962-4734
I only blog once and a while but reading through I see something bad happened to A.Muse. Don’t know what, but I hope all is well now.
I have written before that I can’t sit long at the computer because of an old neck injury. I do get to read some though and I enjoy all of the blog families out there. You all have formed a bond that is nice to see.
By the way…What horse game? I missed that link I guess.
Carrie, I had to laugh because by the time I got back and posted the info. you had already replied.
Hello All first time viewer and I have to admit these people are full of energy, enthusiasm, and ideas. The man cave is a great idea, the garage is super. My question are:
A. Is there going to be a dock
B. Is there a zip line from the house to the lake
C. Are there quarters for mans best friend
D. Is the bar a wet bar
Thank you.
Bob Williams
Ok I should tell you that Dale hollow and Lake cumberland are not in somerset but they are within an hour or so but have good fishing also.
Ok Bob
A. No not that we know of but the winner can purchase one tva approved.
B. No, but that was a discussion a ways back.
C. Not that we know of yet, but what about inside with family.
D. Don’t know that yet either!
if you watched the show last night it looks like they are going to be showing the man cave so you might find out if it’s a wet bar or not, next week.
Kathy yours popped up before mine, I thought
Maybe our posts collided in cyberspace and that was the result. lol
I loved last nights BC show. The things they made were unbelievable. That canoe swing/chair. What better way to show the durability of the metal roof that use a spud bazooka on it! I wonder if the other roofing choices we were given would have stood up to that test?
Can’t wait till next weeks show!
I wonder if anyone has thought of putting in an elevator?
Wow, another Bob. I was just thinking the same thing. Maybe even a dumbwaiter might be nice. but it appears we are too late for that.
Okay , what is going on?
Oh man, this is weirding me out. Three other Bobs on here at the same time? No way ! Is this some sort of game?
Must be a boborama or something here tonight.
I really like this new blog format. Did everyone enter today?? I hope so as time is getting shorter and shorter. Before you know it, it will be Sept.29th! I wish I didn’t live so far away from TN. It would be so great to be able to see this cabin in person. I also think it would be fun to actually see what each of us looks like. The mental pictures I have are probably so far off base! Oh,well! Maybe some day.
Our cable co doesn’t have the DIYNetwork. Is it on HGTV at a certain time, possibly? It sounds like so much fun. I love HGTV and the DIY website.
Thanks. I love reading the blog
Hi Everyone!
I have Thursday night’s show DVR’d but still have not had a chance to watch it! : ( My oldest had surgery for kindey stone extractions a couple of days ago. She is feeling soooo much better. She even left tonight to compete in Minnesota this weekend-ballroom dance! Everyone keep their fingers crossed. I don’t know how they’ll do as she has not been able to dance all week!
AMuse-like so many others, I am so glad to see you back, and so sorry to hear you lost Hercules. Animals, especially dogs I think, give so much meaning to our lives. I’m sure Hercules would put himself in harm’s way and give his life again if it meant he could save yours or take some of the burden of injuries from you. I can’t imagine how saddened you must be. My Luna is like another child to me….all 60 pounds of her. I really mourned when we had to put our 19 year old cat to sleep this spring, but I will be soooo devastated when the time comes for Luna to leave this earth. I hope you continue to heal mentally and physically, and know that Hercules is bouncing around with joy in doggie heaven!
Welcome to all of our new bloggers! There is such a variety of us out there! And so many stories to tell!
Well, I am going to go to bed now. I can’t wait to get up in the morning and finally watch the last BC episode before our soccer tournament game!!
Have a great weekend everyone!
Gail
Has everyone checked out the house at http://www.myhomeideas.com? It’s not the BlogCabin(my dreamhouse), but it’s a gorgeous house that someone can win.
We asked for either an elevator, dumbwaiter or a chair that would glide beside the stairs… didn’t come about…
Watson, already stated in the pass while we were still voting (I think)… that the dock wasn’t going to be built by diy…
so sorry to hear about your lost A.Muse… I am so sorry… but know that Hercules is glad he saved you… and that he is watching you from above.
Texan in Okie land
Carrie, I thought that it was pretty close. I was considering that area as one to look into for relocating. As I had mentioned a while back, I am considering relocating to TN or KY. I want to be close to mountains but I have always wanted to live near a lake. It sounds like that Somerset is a great place to live. Sounds like you have a lot of fun there and that you love it!
Helen, it sounds as though you love where you are also. I am sure that I would be happy in either place!
Carrie Miracle, my hubby corrected me when I commented on his fishing in Watts Lake. He said the lakes he had fished on were Dale hollow and Lake cumberland. He said they too were good fishing lakes. So thanks for bringing their names up. He does like this area. When I have questions about fishing….I ask him.
7 days until the 360 is here!
Have a wonderful weekend. I’ll pop in now and then to make sure.
I was just wondering did they place some kind of leaf guard system on the rain gutters. When I watched the show and that John DiResta was not a fan of climbing, it made me think of cleaning the gutters. I kept thinkin he’s going to fall off the porch or the plywood was going to move. Did you visit with those two guys, can you build something out of nothing,now that is talent. Yes, the twins and Matt have equal talent. Going into the lake on half a canoe I’m still LOL. I learned a lot about spacing of pine vs that new decking very interesting and how they pressure treat the wood. Nice Job. I hope Matt made a few more stools, this way you’ll at least have some extras for the firepit. Kris can play a few songs on his guitar,put the fountain on,relax with a few cold ones! Yes(serenity at last).
Love the show, and the cabin is absolutely beautiful. Really not much else to say except I really enjoy both the TV program and the website.
Yep, That 360 less than a week now. Hope our friends in Florida are okay. They are in our prayers. As well as your family Carrie.
Boy , I was gettin bored last night as you can tell. I think this hectic week got me going at such a pace that I didn’t know what to do when everything else slowed down around me. My little girl absolutely loves that horse game. And she is pretty good at it too. She just laughs and laughs when that guy hits the dirt.
Hope you all have a great weekend.
Watson, In your reply to Carole from New Mexico/ Aug.22nd/ 8:40am, you stated that this database can tell when someone tries to enter more than once per day.
But what happens if someone inadvertently enters twice in a day?
Are they then disqualified from winning the Blog Cabin? Does this make every entry made invalid?
Or is there a safety net like most contests have, where it won’t let you enter twice, you get a message saying you have already entered?
I loved seeing the “Bob’s”. So many in a row. Blognbob were you messing with us?
Mary?Pa no rain gutters so no need for guards. I can see all of the water washing away the front plants.
Can’t get more than level two on the horse game.
Amuse: get better fast. I too am crying about Hercules. Something about hurt pets makes me a water faucet. Had to tell my pastor I won’t be able to attend the “Blessing of the animals” this year even though it is now six months since I put my Rascal to sleep.
Jan/Az: Mary has some pictures on her web site. I would love to see more pictures sent to her so I could see what others look like too. Mine is there with my Rascal cat.
Keep sending recipes to Misty so we can have a good book to remember our friends by. Good food from great friends. LLL
Wow we had us a bob-rama, that’s too funny! And all at the same time LOL! Sounds like they all had a little which bob is bob confusion going on. Burnside Bob are you a Somerset neighbor? Well I’ll try to catch you all later looks like I have to help hubby diy and put our old blazer back together, we took it apart to clean the carpet and the seats, It had a combination of work sweat, spilled drinks stains and fishing scents! Pretty yucky ! Boy will my allergies be happy when I have to ride in that bad boy again. Maybe we will be able to get it back together in a couple of weekends. Funny how it only takes a few hours to take something apart but days to get it back together in your limited spare time. Hopefully we’ll get back together in time to see the cars cruise this evening.
Ingrid, I went to that site you mentioned. The house is indeed beautiful, but at $1 million, it’s much more than I could afford. I will not be entering it…esp since it’s on the Florida coast.As for me, this blog cabin is my dream. I will routinely enter and keep wishin’ and hopin’ and dreamin’. We’ve decided that we will work on keeping the cabin as a year round home if we win. I trust God that if he leads me to it, he will see me through it! If I don’t win, it was just not meant to be!
Hello Fellow Bloggers,
Hope everyone is have a wonderful weekend!
Helen, thank you so much for asking about Jeannette. She had her second chemo teatment a week ago yesterday and this time it was not as hard on her as the first. Last night she was doing pretting good, she actually worked Wednesday, Thursday and yesterday. She is tired alot so keep her in your prayers, please. Jeannette is a strong person both phyically and spiritly, thank God. Helen when are they going to do your hip surgery? It would be so great for you if your friends do get to move there. God just keeps sending us blessings, right?
I noticed that there is a Joyce J. on the Blog. I want to say welcome and ask if your middle name is Jean, or does it stand for your last or maiden name? If it is Jean we have the same first and middle name! I have only met one other person in my 58 1/2 years that shares my first and middle name … so hello and welcome to the Blog!
I agree the Bob’s are building up also. Welcome to all that I usually don’t see on the Blog.
Baskets of Blessings & Happy Blogging
Joyce
Blognbob
Please send me an email at granajoyce@yahoo.com I just got another email back. I am sure I have something down wrong …. I am known for that so to keep me from having to read all of the Blogs please just send me your email.
Baskets of Blessings & Happy Blogging
Joyce
Linda, Yes I think I had a moment of boredom for a moment. Then suddenly I was surrounded by friends. And all of them named Bob. Go figure! I thought to myself, I must just be tired. But then I am here , and so are their comments. I think it must be cabin fever.
Aha, my friend Joyce, You should be receiving my email right about NOW ! And Jeanette is of course still in our prayers.
Carrie, don’t really know too much about burnside Bob , but I think he might the guy at Walmart holding up that cardboard sign. Car Wash. ha…you thought I was going to say free puppies.Oooh ,that was spooky. I just got a message from Walmart. That part is serious. I wonder if they can see what I am typing now?
Kathy, that is a good question. I was kina wondering that myself. I think I uh…my wife might have entered more than once one day too. Well, she doesn’t realize all the contests she enters really.
Joyce-
I’m happy to hear Jeannette is dealing with the chemo well. I had a good friend go through all of that a few years ago in her late 30’s. All the complications from the chemo were worth it– she has been cancer free for 2 years now. And, it had already invaded her lymph nodes when they 1st found it.
The date of my hip replacement surgery is September 16th. I had to laugh– a friend of mine sent me an email yesterday that you took this quiz, and it told you how old your brain is. I took it once before I took my pain pill, and I registered a 34 years. I took it again about an hour after I took one of those ‘happy’ pills, and I only registered a 54 years. LOL
My friends Sharon & Bob just left. They are going to be looking at land here to build a log home on. I am so excited. Even though that will probably happen a couple of years down the road– I’m so happy that they want to relocate here too. She and I are like sisters, and have been through everything together in the 44 years we’ve known each other. And, Matt and Bob are great friends as well.
Love, Helen
Carrie,
I have never lived in the south or east, so forgive my ignorance. Why would someone want to watch cars cruise down a street? Are they decorated like in a parade or something? I have always lived near or in a large city and the last thing we want to do is see more cars on the streets. Driving slow clogs the roads and highways. This is something you’ll have to explain to me….
Hi everyone! I’ve been watching and reading about the cabin for a while now. Amazing! I think it’s absolutely beautiful! The show is great and I love watching it all come together wonderfully. I love the host of the show and all the workers and designers involved. I love watching all the little video clips there are showing the planning and construction of different parts. I have never owned a house of my own (only a condo) and I dream every night of winning this contest so my son and I could have our dream. I would relocate and move into it in a heartbeat and make it our permanent residence. It would be a dream come true. I don’t think I would actually believe it at first if I did win. I try to remember to enter every day. I look forward to reading all the blogs and watching the progress. I’ve read that some people would sell it if they won, and that it didn’t have certain things they would like to have, so they would change it. I have to tell you, if you have never owned a house of your own, you would never be so critical and picky or sell it. It brings tears to my eyes just thinking of the possibility of the chance of winning this house. My son and I used to drive around and look at houses we drove by and we would pick out the ones we thought would be nice…just never giving up on our dream. I hope I win and can call this home my home. I love it the way it is and I think it’s perfect.
How was the composite flooring attached to the deck. I hope you didn’t just nail it. I this point I hope you use brackets that are hidden and the composite flooring has no nail holes exposed.
Jan in Az, since Carrie is most likely at the festival, what she is talking about is a car show where they close down a part of town for this. They show everything from classic cars to fixed up, tricked out, new cars. They have food stands, vendors etc. We have them a lot down here in Florida. They are a lot of fun and you should go at least once, if you get the opportunity.
Joyce,
As I have been reading these blogs from the beginning, I couldn’t help but notice yours in paticular. I thought to write to you, but didn’t. Now I see that you are interested in name coincidences, so I had to write. You see my name is Jeanette (only one n) and my mother-n-laws name is Joyce like yours.:)
I was sorry to hear about your Jeannette, and have kept her in my thoughts. It is good that you say she is a strong person.
Jeanette
Hi Sandra-
The only reason people are talking about selling this wonderful home is affordability. If you win and plan to keep it you need to be prepared to make payments on a $290K mortgage so the taxes can be paid. Many of us are not in a position to move to Watts Landing so that would make this a second home…and a second mortgage.
I agree that it would be painful to part with it. It truly is a dream house.
Jan (Az) I don’t think you are ignorant you are from the west coast so I guess things are done differently there. ~ We Ky folk are easily entertained LOL! Elizabeth is right it is a classic car show/festival type of event. It’s like a festival but it’s a get together once a month April through Oct. here, for everyone. It’s a really big thing here in ky & car lovers & car show participants, just so everyone can look at each other’s cars and socialize and hang out and have a good time. No they don’t decorate floats or anything like that it’s just a show off of your car parade. Yes people just drive up and down the road and others literally park and sit out and look at the cars coming and going and at the close of the show the car show particpants line up and cruise out and wave at the car watchers, a few rev up their power engines and others squeal their tires, smoke em. and then there are even a few contemporary custom cars as well and some of those hydraulic type vehicles, that will go up and down at the red lights. It’s fun you really should try it at least once. My daughter worked at the school fund raiser booth, for a few hours today to earn her trip to the state and national school events and said their were about 500 cars in it today. She saw a tear drop camper, decked out in camoflauge inside and out. And some custom car that had twist around seats and a built in laptop. so it’s a good variety of different vehicles from all periods, And they have themes each show. You can get some info on it from somernitescruise.com Those that want to walk all over down town can park out side the closed off area in street parking and then those that just want to watch the cars cruise park at business parking lots along hwy 27 and watch the rolling car show and socialize. We didn’t go to the car show in town but we drove through on 27 and saw a few of the cars when we went to Kroger and to one of the local parks to play frisbee with the kids. WE have seen most of them but it is fun to watch and do occasionally. It passes the time away. but is fun!
Joyce I’m glad jeanette is deoing well. I’m praying for you all.
Ok blognbob I thought he might be from burnside the neighboring city, But I guess he could be working the walmart with a sign but it’s not his kid’s birthday! Hee hee! Yeah that cabin fever is kicking in you are hallucinating! HEE hee! plus walmart is gonna get you!
Sandra trust me I would love to keep the bc too it’s my dreamhome , but if one can’t afford the expenses then selling would be the best option for them. One really could put back a really could college fund for their kids or even a retirement fund from the sell of it. It would truly break my heart to sell it if it were me to win. But I would do what’s best for my family even if it meant giving up the house. I would make myself think of it as a really good vacation and go on with life.
Well, I have never heard of these festivals, BUT if food is there, I’m sure I’d enjoy it. Many, many moons ago, there used to be a low riders club that cruised the streets, but it is illegal and they were always ticketed. I’m sure if they were still allowed to do this, there would be a war between the gangs from California and Mexico. No one watched the cars. They drove around to look at the girls…like in the movie, Grease. But maybe you are too young to have ever seen that movie…I don’t know.
I’m confused. Watson stated that the data base is configured to be fair concerning mail in entries as well as email(online) entries. The rules state that you may enter by mail as often as you wish, meaning the amount of mail-in entries are not limited per day. Can you enter as many per day via mail as you wish or not? Im totally cofused now. Also can one enter online and via mail too? Rules did not state it has to be one OR the other only that it is limited to one perday online. Can someone clarify please?
Good Morning one and All,
Just read a few blogs this morning and was wondering about last years blog cabin. Does anyone know if it had been sold or not? I believe that all of the HGTV Dream Homes were sold after viewers had won them. At least after they received the Tax Bill from uncle sam. Carrie, I agree with you that folks need to do whats best for them. The economy is not booming. So whatever needs to be done so your family can survive, you have to do. I don’t know of anyone who would hold that against any winner. I pray that if I were to win that I too would be able to keep it.
Okay me again! Just realized that there is another blogger named Pam. So just to know who is who I have added my last initial. We have so many Bobs but yet they are all different. You kinda know which one you are bloggin with. Okay so it sounds stupid. But in my defense its early and my brain is not working yet..
T.Shaw,
You can enter both online and thru the mail. You can send in as many entries thru the mail as you like, but they all have to be hand written.
T. Shaw, Hope this helps:
Rules: Must be 21 and legal U.S. Resident
(1) online entry, per valid email address, per eligible person per day); (2) regular mail by hand printing your name, complete address, and phone number (including area code) either on a postcard or on a separate piece of paper no larger than 8½ x 11 inches, and mailing the postcard or paper to: “DIY’s Blog Cabin Sweepstakes”, P.O. Box 52226, Knoxville, TN 37950; Entrants using US mail may enter as often as they wish. Mail-in entries must be postmarked by September 29, 2008, and received by October 6, 2008. Limit one (1) entry per envelope. Mechanically reproduced entries will not be accepted. Incorrect, illegible, and incomplete entries are void.
I am not sure how things work should you want to enter online and by sending in entries in by snail mail. Maybe Watson will tell us.
Good Luck
Pam, I believe that Joyce Bennet the winner of last year’s Blog Cabin still owns the cabin. The value was $350,000.00 making it much more affordable to keep.
Hello again! The expense of the taxes would be affordable for me now. I haven’t bought a house of my own because I’ve been saving and sacrificing for the last 14 years for my son to go to college (and very happy to do so)…priorities being a single mom with not much help from his dad. But now I’m in a position where this would be perfect if I won. I couldn’t think of a nicer place to call home. I’ll keep watching and reading and hoping and praying. I’ve been having fun reading all the blogs and will continue. Watching the house grow into the beauty it is has been very exciting.
The cast and crew for the show have been great fun to watch…I think they’re all brilliant at their crafts. Very exciting!
Sweet,,, That some’s up this cabin. I have two wave runner’s that would be great for that lake, and my wife make’s pizza all day every day, so that pizza oven,,,,, Ya, she’d love it. It would be like a dream come true………………
I just love watching the episodes of Blog Cabin. Since I haven’t been blogging for a few months I am wondering what Ahmed did with the landscaping in the front. The picture doesn’t look real - on the homepage for Blog cabin. Helen Miko are you still supervising for the neighborhood?
No jan (az) not too young to enjoy that classic movie, one of my favorites just like John Travolta! He’s so dreamy!
but we don’t have much problems with gang wars here if we do it’s the younger teen set and it gets nipped in the butt pretty fast! I haven’t heard of it anyway!
Yes there is lots of food, the usual festival foods and yummy! Not to mention all the great restraurants we have. It’s fun is all I can tell you If you ever come to ky and drive through Somerset, on the weekend of the cruises it’s really fun especially on Saturdays.
Pam C Thanks for telling me that, I do want this house so bad and if I won and then had to sell I would feel really guilty for a while if we had to sell it. But like you said in this situation the new owner should do what’s best for their family.
Sandra that’s great that you would be able to afford the house with your job now. It sounds like you have worked really hard to get where you are. And if it’s you that wins, it is great that your son has a college education prepared for and you can still afford the BC. Awesome! Good luck and God bless you. You are right this is so exciting to be a part of and I have enjoyed it so much as well!
Here is something special I wanted to share with ALL PERSONS WHO HAVE DISABILITIES or family or friends who are disabled.
If you go to your local City of Commerce building, or City Hall, you can get a Golden Access Passport for free.
This GOLDEN ACCESS PASSPORT card will get not only you , but your entire family into any National Park in this great country for free. It is one of those things they usually don’t come out and tell you if you are disabled. It will also get half off for camping at those parks that have camping.
God bless. BlognBob and Family
Ok, Carrie, here’s the deal. Somerset will be the first place I visit if I win the cabin.Of course, you’d then have to visit me in TN. I have never been to KY or TN and would have no family there…no friends or acquaintances either…other than bloggers! Helen would have to be my resource for everything!!
jan(az) you got it! That would be fun!
Blognbob that’s good news for families with disabilities to get to go the state parks free or 1/2 for camping does that include rooms in the parks lodges, is that in every state or just the state where you live at? I tried the chat thing it took along time to load then didn’t see anyone still on it.
Carrie. It’s for National Parks only, not State Parks. I think they have recently changed the name from ‘Golden Pass’ but not sure what to.
Some states operate a similar system but you need to check with your locak DNR as it’s state by state and often a limited number of parks. You will need to have proof of disability.
BlognBob, Thanks for passing that info. along. It’s great to know that it can be used in any state. Half off for camping at the places that offer camping that’s a fantastic deal. Thanks again.
Carrie you can go to this link and read the article “America the Beautiful-National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass-Access Pass “Free”.
http://www.nps.gov/fees_passes.htm
Ok thanks guys about the info I had never heard about it, I will pass the info on to others who could take advantage of it.
We have in KY the Abraham Lincoln Birthplace, Mammoth Caves, Big South Fork and Cumberland Gap (I love this one!) which are listed under the national park services.
Carrie,
I will be going through KY next week on my way to Indianapolis. Ky is a beautiful state, indeed. It has always been one of my favorites. I can’t help but picture what the pioneers must have gone through to get their wagons through as we drive by on I75(thank goodness for the interstates!) KY still has so much natural beauty as does TN and NC.
I could easily adjust to living in either one of these states- preferably in a BlogCabin.
To all,
Best wishes for a good and safe week to my fellow bloggers.
Folks, don’t take this the wrong way because I do think that pass is great! I think it’s a great thing for those who TRULY, and I do emphasize truly, needs it. Unfortunately, there are those who abuse good things like that, and that is a sad thing. I am glad that you do have to have proof of disability. That at least helps. I do have to say, thank God that I am fortunate enought to not need one, and if I did, I would pay to get in anyhow. As you could probably guess, I am a supporter of the National Parks Conservation Assoc. (Insert add here! LOL!) I feel that if we do not support our National Parks, then we will eventually loose them. If they keep cutting the funding for these beautiful places, they will eventually go away. It’s up to us to help save them. Ok, I will get off my salt box now!
Hey!
I’d sure like to win this cabin! This way we can move-out of living in the back seat of my VW Bug along with my wife, my Great Dane Spot and my six kids. Gets a little crowded there in the back seat when we all try to get some sleep! LOL
Really though, this is a fantastic cabin and I’ll be sure to invite all of you to a huge BBQ once we get moved-in!
Jenny– I have to admit that I have only done drive-bys of the blog cabin lately. The hip just won’t allow for anymore. They haven’t done much different last I checked in the front– but, I haven’t been there since the beginning of the week. (to see the front that is). Maybe Sally can give us an update.
Jan– I hope the 1st place you visit is MY house. It is just across the street from Lakefront Estates. LOL And whoever wins– of course I will be the area resource for getting to know all of the ins and outs of the area.
Elizabeth B– I know what you are saying– but, there really is something you have to take into consideration. I know when Brandon was alive, we were in a much tougher spot financially. Mainly because of the prices for medications (he went through his $2000 limit for the year in a month and a half), and all of the rest of the stuff that our health care only paid partially for– we were responsible for the rest. Which all added up to a pretty penny each month. So, a lot of the people who would go to the National Park for free, would never be able to go if they had to pay a fee. Especially for those with kids who want them to have the good time, and have no financial means to do it with. Most of the families I know with a handicapped child, have at least one or more others that are perfectly healthy. If the families could go to the National parks, they wouldn’t feel like they are depriving their healthy children in order to give their handicapped children what they need too. I’ve been there, done that— it’s a terrible feeling to be pulled in so many different ways as a parent. Of course, this is my experience.
Ingrid I am thankful to live in ky love it! There really is alot of beautiful places to see and visit here and alot of state parks as well as the few national parks we have. I don’t think I would want to live anywhere other than maybe in Tn. We have alot of pioneer history, as well as civil war history, and coal industry history. But If you want to see the pioneers in action try fort boonesboro or fort harrodsburg neat places to visit here. They have forts set up with enactments. As well as Shaker Village, especially in the fall time. Nice drive to the shaker village area and just beautiful.
Elizabeth you are so right, only those that need the pass should pursue and use the pass. I love all the parks, That is where we spend most of our vacations at or even our day trips. We love the ky state parks, and look for them and visit as many as we can and we love and visit smoky’s quiet frequently. They do cut the funds for parks quiet often! Which is sad. These are really good family places to go. I know of one that was a little upsetting to me when I learned of it. My husband and I stayed at the Benham house Inn, in Benham ky In January they had a project in progress/ set to showcase the Benham School and convert and turn it into a state park. The Benham School House Inn is a neat place. But I learned recently it was supposedly not given the grants to finish the process of getting it into the park systems. It is still advertised on the ky state parks page but I don’t think it got inducted into it yet! in favor of four wheeling trails in Eastern Ky , which causes quiet a bit of damage to our parks if not supervised properly. No matter how fun it is. It still cost the small town of Benham ky to loose potential revitalization of a historic mining town attraction “portal 31″ they had planned to open this year and the inn too needed more remodeling, when we stayed it looked like they were getting ready to replace the roof. We stayed there 2 days, I loved it, we went to the coal mining museum across the road and enjoyed it too. But we like old fashion things. Some might not like it, because there’s not much to do there but it has alot of hitoric value to the coal mining industry in eastern ky and it was interesting and a very small town. We do plan on going back to it. It was really neat to stay in a hotel that was a school, the door numbers were years, it even still had the lockers in the hallways and the gym. And one of the prettiest old little white churches right next to it. It didn’t have any elevators so if you have some physical problems request ground floor. It was quiet and laid back when we visited it.
Elizbeth,I agree there are those who abuse just about any and every system ever developed to benefit those who actually need it. There are also folks like Helen and myself that at certain times in our lives we could hardly afford to drive to a park , much less pay the entry fee. Having children with disabilities is not expensive. They are still children just differently abled. However, the medical costs that can completely consume you for the rest of your life just trying to keep them alive and well. Much less providing any quality to life aside from that. I feel that is why these passes were created. My daughter was two months in an NICU unit. At only 10 percent , which is unheard of to be that low now. Well, I am sure you understand.
There is also something to be taken into consideration as to the percentage of funds that are actually returned to our parks system today. I have only heard this and am not sure of its authenticity , but it is a drivng question. Is it true that only 25 percent of the total revenue earned is returned back to the parks? And exactly Where does the rest of this money go? Who controls it ?,And who decides what happens to it? You are such a nice person, and I really am not trying to be difficult. I do have some trouble undertanding things though , either from mis-information or a lack thereof.
Carrie, I am not sure about lodging. I would just be guessing , but I think if someone could afford lodging they wouldn’t need the pass to begin with. Much Like Elizabeth has emphasized.
Hi Joyce, I just read that Jeannette is doing relatively well considering all the chemo ect. I am praying for her and everyone else here. Helen, you come to my mine daily in my prayers, and I think of you when my hip starts to pain me.
Please give your lovely family my regards. My hubby just recently asked about you. I told him, that yes you are still blogging and keeping everyone happy as a peach pie! 
I just got done picking our peaches, they are frozen and ready to go. Years ago, I would spend hours canning, but now I just freeze them in freezer baggies and they are just dandy. 
Keep Looking Upward ok 
I know you do. 
Linda L, I did read your message on the chat. Thank you so much. I love your photo that Mary from Texas has on her site. Mary from Texas, I hope you are doing well. When are you going to put up more photos? I always check in to see if you have anything new. Remember us talking about the heat and MS. Well this past Tue. Wed. and Thurs. we woke up to 40 degrees. The trees believe it or not are starting to turn color. Today is warm and I am enjoying that, because I know what is coming. Misty, Are you ok? I have not heard from you. I know that Fay has taken a toll on Florida, and I pray that you have not had any damage. Has anyone in our blogging family heard from Misty? Please let us know. So many nice new people on the blog. I welcome all of you here and have been enjoying reading your comments. Carrie, how are your parents doing? I must have missed something, as I read others asking about your parents.
BlognBob, It is always so great to read your posts and jokes that you pull on us all.
A Muse, I am praying for your healing. Please continue to rest in the Master’s arms to get you back in shape.
Mary From Texas, I forgot to tell you. The song Tennessee Waltz really brings back memories when I was a young girl. So everytime I go to you website I think of friends that are no longer here. One fellow (dear friend) was Joe Smith, he loved that song and I would sing it for him. You have a beautiful seanic view from your place. I love the deer.
Ok blognbob that’s most likey right, I just thought if camping was discounted that the lodging would be also. I thought it would just be easier for families with disabilities to stay in a lodge than a campsite unless they have a camper. I at this time in life don’t need one of the passes but know others that might like to take advantage of the opportunity it offers. You guys are right it is expensive these days to raise kids period whether they need more medical treatments or not and even children with disabilities need to be part of all family activities. It’s no fun to be left out or feel burdened and or to suffer financially because you love someone . Everyone needs help in some way. But I personally feel that the medical billing dept and healthcare is where the government needs to help families more. These parks are wonderful to visit but without good health how can one enjoy them?
Got a message from Misty&Rich this morning. She told me Rich has halted building the of the ark for the time being ,if that is any help.
Well, I can’t say my post are always good. Thank You for the consideraton there though HS. M&R were talking about all sort of animals, monkeys, alligators, manatee, horses, cattle…etc…but I am not sure if these were around the neighborhood or just floating by? hmmm? I think I need one of Helen’s happy pills. I am so confused. But I guess that pill really wouldn’t help much would it.
Heading South thanks for asking about my family it’s my father n law he has been told he has a gorter which in turn may be thyroid problems and he has to go to specialists Wednesday to discuss situation. Needs testing on it. And my hubby’s grand mother Edith has a 90% blockage in her neck artery and has been told she could suffer stroke during the surgery coming up on Thursday we all are very worried about her especially. She was supposed to go last Thursday in for surgery and the dr postponed it until this Thursday.
Carrie-
You’d be surprised who goes tenting when they go camping. Sure, we have an RV now (got it when Brandon got really bad)– BUT, one year we went tent camping with Katie at 8 weeks old, Brandon at 15 months old, oxygen for Brandon, and all of the stuff to make his special diet (he was on the ketogenic diet for seizure control), all Brandon’s meds, and 2 baby cribs in our tent. We even had a 2 tiered cot– the top part we used as a changing table– and the bottom part was for his and hers diapers. LOL Many of my friends go tenting when they go camping. Just look for those little wheelchairs outside the tents. LOL
Helen, Yes that’s true I myself have been tenting with the kids and all carter’s baby gear too! It’s just enjoyable to be together anywhere, and anyhow, and in anyway no matter what, you are right! I wasn’t thinking properly there, I was thinking on the lines of financial burdens NOT meaning that it is a burden of taking care of someone you love. Lol I can put my foot in mouth can’t I?
Sorry! I did see a handicap child in a wheelchair at the Cades cove campsite straight across the parking lot from the visitors center/rangers office.
Helen and BlognBob, you both are right. It was not my intention to suggest otherwise. I’m not sure where all the funds go, and that is something that has always bothered me about every charity organization, and why I only support a select few.
Watson,
I was curious if I could see the floor plan of the cabin. I understand that the San Jacinto was chosen but what does that floor plan actually look like?
Thanks.
Heading South……
Now EVERYBODY send me send me send me pictures, recipes, poems anything you would like me to add email me @ majictux@sbcglobal.net You will bring a smile to my face see
Hugs and Prayers
Mary from Texas
Kevin G. here’s the link to the floor plan.
http://www.diynetwork.com/diy/blogcabin2008/text/0,,DIY_30896_66322,00.html
Carrie, This Wednesday night at prayer meeting I will ask for pray for Edith. So know that many people will be lifting her up in prayer. Please let her know. I will also pray for your fatherinlaw.
BlognBob, Thanks for letting me know about Misty. Now atleast I now know she is ok and that her computer is working and not under water.
Thanks Heading south the more praying the better I feel, but ultimately I, we know she is in God’s hands through it all.
Okay all, we haven’t floated away but there’s so much sadness East and South of us. Rivers are still cresting, Rich’s work and our Grandson’s school were closed all week. We got rain and winds but so many others are still being evacuated due to flooding and rising waters. Homes were flooded, trees downed, evacuations, power outages, it’s really sad and so many lives have been affected. We were very lucky, thank you for all the prayers but please continue to prayer for those whose lives will never be the same.
On a lighter note, it’s true that someone spotted a manatee swimming down their street and another person found a gator in her driveway and don’t forget the catfish that were swimming by people out wading in their streets. One farm with 60 horses that were standing in 3 feet of water in their stalls had many neighbors come help them move all the horses to another place on higher ground. It’s times like this that the goodness in people comes out, it warms your heart. We should be this kind everyday, don’t wait for a diaster to happen.
The recipe book is coming along nicely so if you haven’t sent your recipes in yet you better get busy. Our email is: rcmc02@embarqmail.com
For those confused about the recipe book and Mary’s site, it’s simple, send me what you’d like printed but please also send Mary different ones so that way everyone will get twice as many recipes. You bloggers will benefit, just don’t send the same ones to both places. Come on, there are so many recipes to share, you’ll be able to print out Mary’s to add to the book, just think, we’ll all eat good (probably gain weight together) ha, ha.
Hey, did you all see Clive’s ziplines at the closing ceremony for the Olympics? Couldn’t help but think of Clive and BlognBob watching it. Remember their idea of the log home to lake water???
A.Muse - hopefully you are healing both physically and your heart too. Your Hercules and my Bubba are running free now just waiting for us to come home one day.
Jan in AZ - I truly hope you get to move South one day and experience the fun us country folk have, you’d be amazed at how easy we are to please and how star filled nights, car cruises, fairs, and nature make life fun filled. It’s a slow and easy lifestyle we all love. The joy of watching our horses grazing, kids riding their bikes without fear, neighbors helping neighbors, we are so lucky. Where they built this BBLH is so beautiful, everyone needs to take a vacation in TN someday to see the beauty in America. The colors in the Fall, the snow capped mountains in the Winter, wildflowers growing everywhere in the Spring and the peacefulness of their lakes in the Summer. We were married in a log cabin chapel in TN and can’t wait to return there again. It is truly God’s Country !
Good luck & Great Health To ALL !!
Good Morning again to everyone,
Thanks Kathy Seals for the info. $350 thousand would be easier than a million or two.
Your welcome Carrie Miracle, my hopes and prayers are that anyone that wins the cabin will be able to keep it. I sure hope that some are not entering in hopes to win, just to sell and get the money. That hurts anyones chances who really want to live in it.. Like me and a lot of other folks.
Have a great day and keep bloggin’.
Good luck to us all.
Carrie, My husband’s folks were from Hazard, KY and my husband was born in Louisville, so there is a definite KY connection in the family.
Question for those near the BC-when will it start getting cooler for the fall? I imagine that fall is the prettiest time of the year for you. I live in the south now and that’s what I miss the most. Somehow pumpkins and hay bales don’t look the same in 85 degree temperations…and forget about putting out Christmas decorations. It’s just not the same!! The Blog Cabin will be the perfect place for someone to decorate every season.
Helen, I wanted to thank you for all the information which you have given us all. Also for the countless hours I am sure of you walking, and driving with your bad hip to give us the details of the cabin, and the landscaping ect. I remember when this blog started and they were building, I had asked you for the name of the road that the Blog Cabin was on and your reply to me was “that is for you to figure out”. I think it was Kathy Seals who then gave the address to the Blog Cabin. Thank you Kathy.
Now you are giving out all the information to all, almost on a daily basis. So I would like to thank you for all your updates. I am praying for your hip and will as you go for surgery.
Thank you for all your hard work on the recipe book. You are one special gal!
Misty! So great to hear from you my friend! I was starting to get concerned!
for us poor folks who don’t have DIY network and are unable to watch; any idea on when the 360 degree tour will be available online? Also does anyone know about the theater system in the Man Cave is it included? That is the one thing my husband keeps asking about, lol!!!
Misty……
So glad your safe and not under water and maybe feeling better email me when your up to getting a phone call I miss talking to you. Your so special to all of us.
I would really like to thank all the bloggers that send me email you make my day and bring me smiles.
come all send recipes to me and Misty fill up her book and my web page. 
Helen….
I noticed TN is getting much needed rain and I am still praying for you and your hip.
Carrie ……
Edith is in my prayers also keep the faith.
Hugs and Prayers
Mary from Texas
WATSON: What happened to the cabin cam? The last picture was 8/15. I asked in another blog but have not seen an answer.
Frannces: Read what Watson has written in the introduction to the previous blog line titled ‘A note from the Management’. There is a link at the top of this blog.
Oops, sorry I didn’t mean to misspell your name. Just typing too fast and not checking too much.
Yes Ingrid I know Hazard, ky well. As a matter of fact my hubby and daughter were there yesterday, for a little daddy & daughter time as they traveled through to see family. We have Harlan ties. Yes I understand about wanting the cold weather for Christmas. Colder nights probably start toward the end of October Into the first week of Nov. I think the winner of BC may not get to enjoy the lake water as in swimming for very long, but I know we in KY, don’t get near as much snow, but we have a couple each year and usually quite a bit o flurry type snows, late November on. But temps flutuate for both ky and Tn quite a bit, through both oct and nov. One day it feels like spring and overnight,before the next day old man winter makes you put the long sleeves back on in one days time. Not necessarily because of snow but just bc of the cold air. It’s wild but it happens. My kids birthdays are in Jan one year we went outside no coats on to play for the party then next year total snowed 5 or 6 inches & canceled b-day party till later date. It’s always a nice surprise. (Except my daughter thinks it’s not fair some birthdays) But I love the weather that can’t make it’s mind up.
Misty so glad you are ok and I will definitely keep the fay survivors and fla families in my prayers. People should be nicer everyday not just for the bad times. You are so right there is nothing like laid back people and towns to live in. We are such self entertaining people! Sit n watch cars go by, wave, smile, eat and be merry.
Mary thanks for the prayers for my hubby’s mama she really needs them.
Good Monday Morning to all. A bright shiny day it is. Woke up to high 50’s but should get into the 80’s later.
Frances: if you go to “a note from management” you will see Watson’s note that the cam is all done.
We still haven’t heard from Keight and now Clive is not talking much either. Guess we better pray that nothing bad happened to them like it happened to A Muse. Still praying for Cabincraver and Erika and all of you bloggers. LLL
Watson: Not a firing experience of missing the premiere as long as you recorded it, You didn’t forget that did you? J/teasing! There is plenty of rerun days of it. You have seen it all personally anyhow! How is the 360 tour coming along? when is that 360 tour coming to a bc~ocd’r like me? Please hurry you dear hard working web designers? We bc bloggers are really looking forward to that sweet surprise! I’ll send you a virtural sweat wiper, he said you all are sweat slaving over hot computers! Also Watson, didn’t you promise you would be putting BC online aprx 10 days from airing on tv. The first one should be online anytime now for those who don’t have diynetwork on tv. Is it still coming to the website as well? I really appreciate everything you web designers have done. Love the website!
I drove out to the blog cabin this past weekend and it is amazing inside and out! While I’ve participated in the voting, I’ve never participated in the blog, but thought I would just say how beautiful this one is and what a great job everyone who worked on it did. If you are near it, it is worth the drive. Thank you DIY!
LindaL: I think Clive signed off a little while back saying he was done blogging and would see people next year if there’s another Blog Cabin. Some others have done the same. I’m only guessing but I think for some people, possibly myself included, the most fun was blogging during the voting and building. Now that’s at an end our interest is beginning to wane. I’m still interested in watching the finished product on TV and occasionally chirping-up on the Blog so I continue to be around. Others may have taken a sabbatical until next time.
Thanks Sallyann and LindaL. I did not take that it was something to click.
Sallyann, that is OK. At least you got the letter e correct which makes the gender correct.
Hi …..
It is in the 80’s today and we are finally having much needed rain so today we didn’t walk to the Cabin. The rain is supposed to continue over the next few days and we are celebrating that the plants will all make it through at the Cabin. Over the past weekend “Lakefront Estates” had an open house to show off their properties, houses that they have been built, houses that are being built, lots for sale and the DIY Cabin. It was open for us to see the inside as they are finishing up the final parts, trim, paint and etc. - - - yes we have been on the inside.
………..It is really something to see…. The canoe swing and the porch swing with the comfortable pillows. The “Boat Bed” is really neat and the room also has a hand painted border that really makes the room complete. The loft is really neat with a view out the front windows above the front door and there is also a view through the windows above the indoor fireplace. The furniture that they are showing in the loft makes the room really cozy. On the main floor it is the master bath that is really the show stopper, with the claw foot tub, shower with the subway blue & green tile and all the shower head that one could possible need. The vanity has these beautiful modern, yet casual sinks that is a nice change to the normal cabinet.
……….Guess that is it for now and have a GREAT DAY!
………..P.S. - - - NO GUTTERS ON HOUSE - - - - property TAXES in Tennessee are not like they are in Chicago area, or Florida, or the North East - - - - One of the reason that we retired here was the property TAXES - - -
Yes Stevie T, I believe the construction and creating of this wonderful new home is far more ejoyable. And perhaps there is some sadness that this part of the phase is all over. Perhaps next year they will overlap or begin right into the next Cabin series immediately following the give away. Perhaps letting the viewers choose from a group of locations and going from there. Maybe even the style of cabin, as was suggested. Not necessarily logs. That might be interesting to keep it going without a break. But maybe ehaustive for those in the production.
I believe though, the attention of this group would be probably more tuned in , anxiously awaiting the next series to begin immediately after.
Thanks Sally for the info on the house! Sure wish I had known about the open house, I would have been back for more! But hey we’ll see it soon enough on the 360 and the rest of the series. I’m so glad you got to go in and see it almost finsihed, esp. since you have watched it grow from the ground up. I sure would have liked to have taken a swing in the canoe. Seen the boat bed, And peek into that pizza oven. Rub my hand across the kitchen cabinets and open all the appliances. Stood on the porches and soak up that beautiful view again. I would have been a kid in the toy store again. Except I would have slowed down & soaked it all in better this time. Watts bar area sure is pretty rain or shine! You guys are lucky people who live there!
hey blog cabin folks! i am planning on winning this thing but will need an elevator installed so leave room!! just kidding but did want to say handicap accessibility is important!! i was injured in an suv rollover and am a miracle in that i am walking and a quadriplegic! however, stairs are not my friend!! remember wide doors and zero entry showers, not multi level junk! it’s really disheartening to struggle through someone’s home! anyway, just wanted to remind you of us gimpy folks! love your cabin and am trying to etner each day! god bless-marci
Hey Heading south, noel, blognbob, misty and helen and others just got word from hubby they had an opening at the hospital and Mama Edith is going in for surgery as we speak, Chris, ran over to the hospital to see her before surgery! they are doing it today so pray pray pray everything goes well! Thanks everybody.
You got it Carrie!