“When fate hands you a lemon, make lemonade” One of my favorite quotes of all time from Dale Carnegie.
The cabin project – inspired by a picture of this cabin we found on-line last year.
Well, the weather has pretty much been a bushel of lemons so far this year – and quite the hindering factor as we begin to tackle the farms 2014 “To-Do” Goals. (see: 2014 Farm Goals)
One of our biggest and most exciting projects on the list this year is the building of our self-sufficient cabin. (See: The Cabin Project). The original plan (before winter’s cold and snowy grip) – was to have the pier base completed by now – and the walls and roof up before the main garden season began.
Winter has wreaked havoc on our building plans so far.
However, as we prepare for yet another snowstorm predicted to drop 6 or more inches of snow today – it has become all too apparent that the goal of having the cabin under roof by the main rush of garden season is all but gone!
So – its time to make some lemonade from those original plans!
Hopefully we can have a barn raising photo like this as well from our cabin raising day. (photo credit : Dandelion Spring Farm)
I have always been enamored by the entire concept of the old-fashioned barn raising parties of the past. There is something so incredible about a large gathering of people coming together to create something lasting – all while probably having more fun than work. So, we decided since winter has put us behind the 8-ball with the cabin plan – we will just pick a day, throw a party – and build it in a day with family and friends!
The Plan:
We picked Saturday, July 12th for the day – figuring it was the one time at the farm that we have a little breathing room between planting and full-blown harvest. The biggest task will be in the preparation – making sure everything is on hand and in place for the day.
You can beat starting the day with a little farm fresh breakfast from the grill!
I figure we can start early in the morning with a little grilled up farm fresh breakfast supplied with some eggs from the chickens. Erect the floor, walls and roof in the morning. Break for a picnic lunch – then an afternoon of painting and finishing work inside the cabin, as well as putting in the patio and landscaping beds around the cabin. We hope to wrap up the project up by 6 – and then, of course, the only way to finish off the night is with a big outdoor dinner, music and a bonfire.
Yes, I know – I’m sure it all sounds a little “hokey” and too “quaint”. But you know what – we can’t wait! In fact, the more I think about it – the world might just be a better place if we all took part in more events like this – passing on skills, learning from others – and working together.
Thankfully – as evidenced by this photo taken at a wedding a few years back – we have a large group of family and friends to bribe with the promise of food and a party for the day.
I think as much as we have looked forward to building our little cabin – building it with family and friends in a single day will only add to the memories. Not a bad way at all to make some lemonade with those lemons.
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Happy Gardening!
Jim and Mary – Old World Garden Farms.