COUSIN COTTAGES

Just a Few Weeks Away!!!

2009-07-13T22:28:00.023-04:00

When I signed into Blogger - the first thing it told me was that my last post was April 15 (coincidentially, Shannon's birthday)!! That was 3 months ago!! I guess my first clue was when I forgot my password to Blogger!! (= So sorry guys, but I absolutely lost all motivation for this. I know that I look forward to the blogs that Corey, Shawn, and Melanie do... so I'm sure you all look forward to this too and I let you down. But I just got tired of not having any information and having to make things up to write about. Well, that is no more!! We are in the home stretch now and there are definitely things to write about.

First of all, Heath has just about finished the supply list for everything that we will need to order for the cabins. We have figured out that there are 6 cabins that are definitely getting built this year. The lucky ones will belong to Corey and Duncan, Shawn and Camille, Devin, Kelly and Steve, Rad and Jen, and Heath and I. In what order will they be built, we will have to see!! First of all, Devin has been boasting that his cabin will be up before any of us even get up there!! Devin, Leigh, and Mia will be getting up to Nova Scotia about Wednesday (the 5th) , so if we do end up ordering the supplies from there ... we can have them delivered by Thursday, the 6th. So Devin can get a head start. Seriously, we will be all working together to get them all up. But I have to say something... last year when we were talking about what order we would put them up, we said that we would have to get the Grodacks and Braces cabins up first because they have the kids. OK, that makes sense when you think about it on one level but not really. I would say that because they have ACTUAL rooms - those of us in tents should definitely be the priority!!!! But that is just my humble opion!! (=

So the next step, after the supply list is for Heath to call Alfred Marchand. He is the supplier that Uncle Charlie talked to last year and who guarenteed to beat any price that we came up with for supplies! Unfortunately, the problem right now is that Heath is away in Oregon all week on business. And when Heath is away on business, he gets up at 6AM and goes to bed at 1AM - usually working through lunch in between. He's hoping to call him this week but I would not be surprised if it does not happen until Monday, when he's home. We'll just have to try to be patient. Definitely not my strong suit. Here's a cartoon about impatience that made me laugh out loud.

I did come into some info that is cottage-related this week. AMAZING!! Kelly and Steve and Jen and Rad are building their cottages down at the Cape in the next couple of weeks!! The plan is that they will have everything built in pieces before hand. Steve is borrowing his father's truck and trailer and will transport all the supplies up to Nova Scotia. Great plan guys - you will have your cottages up in no time!! I expect some pictures please!! So of course this information means that we are ordering supplies for 4 cabins instead of 6.

In other news, Heath has bought a total of 14 windows from the auction that we frequent. The first 12 he got for $40 each. They are brand new, matching windows that are just gorgeous. They have grates on them, they have the screens inside, and they tilt-out for cleaning. They cost between $160-190 each at Lowes and Home Depot. It was quite a deal we got!! Then yesterday, Heath went again to the auction trying to find more windows for Corey and Duncan. He got 2 more for $30 and $15 - very nice, brand-new Stanley windows. So all in all, I think we are in good shape. Here are a couple of pictures of the windows that Heath got in the first round.

Aunt Lori, if you are reading this, and I'm sure you will... I would like you to email me the meal schedule because I hear that we are doing this differently this year. I would like to post it officially on the blog. For all of you that do not know, we will be cooking in pairs. I hear this is because we have too many cooks this year! I do not think that is possible! If we have too many cooks, then just have us cook once instead of having some of us cook twice!!!! We should get in touch with our partners because I like to bring ingredients up because a lot of things are hard to find in Nova Scotia - or just plain too expensive!! Hopefully it won't be anything like the next cartoon...

OK, I need to save some things to talk about at a later time. I'm sitting here, with my puppies at my side, watching the Home Run Derby. I was just thinking, will we be having another Home Run Derby in Novi this year? Probably not, since we will be super busy with our project. But it will be so worth it!! (=

Project Over... Next Stop... Paradise!

2009-04-15T18:29:00.017-04:00

The project is over and I am back ... for a limited time only! I can get a post out this week but, unfortunately, the blog will only be back for one week! By next Wednesday, we will be cruising around the warm Caribbean on the way to Grand Cayman! Our ship is the Carnival Triumph and that is our ship in the photo above. I just can not wait and this weekend can not get here soon enough for me! Of course most of you know by now that the project I was working on was a baby quilt for Shawn and Camille. It really came down to the wire and I did not think that I would get it finished - but 1:30 am on Monday morning came and alas it was finished! Sorry that the blog suffered but Camden is way more important! And soon enough Camden and ?Sidney/?Brooke/?Aubrey will be here for all of us to love as much as we love Calleigh. Slight apologies for the next cartoon but it gave me a chuckle...

On Monday night, we had a baby shower for Shawn and Camille and there was plenty of talk about Nova Scotia and the impending project of the cottages! And according to the countdown, it is 116 days away. Of course I think it is actually a few more days than that... because I think the countdown was for August 1... but we'll go with this one for now!

The poll last week was "Do you have all your money saved up for your cottage?" 2 compadres voted on this poll. One said "No way" and the other said "Getting Close!" Hopefully, all of you non-voters out there are more along the "getting close" line. I'm going to try to start picking up extra shifts at work to help with the cost. We all do what we can to get it done!

This week the poll is "Do you want to go camping on the Cabot Trail this year?" This weekend, Shawn, Camille, Heath, and I were talking about this possibility. We were a little concerned that with all the building we will not have the time to get away... but we have an idea. What if we spend Sabbath on the Cabot Trail? We could go up early on Sabbath morning to get a camp site and then spend the day chilling, exploring, and hiking. We spend the night and get up on Sunday and drive back to the cabins. We would then at least have half of Sunday to get back to business! I am very much for this option because I still have not had the pleasure of camping up on the Cabot Trail and I really would like to. Camping is one of my favorite things to do and Nova Scotia is my favorite place - so it seems like it would be a great combination!

Here are a few more pictures of some 12' x 16' cottages... Let us drool and daydream about what could be!!

The recipe this week is for "Blueberry Pizza." It is not an actual pizza - that would be disgusting! But it is a dessert and it sounds delightful! If someone out there tries it - let me know how it goes!

Well, I'll talk to you all in a couple of weeks. I'm heading to paradise... (=

On a Deadline...

2009-03-25T20:05:00.003-04:00

I did not write last week - I am sure some of you noticed. The Copsey family was putting together a cruise for 4/19-26 - very last minute and there was a hundred details to put together. For days at a time, I was going to sleep, going to work, to come home and go right on the computer for price-shopping/bargain-hunting. I am happy to report that we are booked for the Carnival Triumph to Cozumel, Grand Cayman, and Jamaica. "We" - includes all the original Copseys, Heath, Leigh, and Mia. There was so much sweat and tears that went into the plans - I could not get a blog out.

Now for my next excuse, I can not get into it right now but I am on a major deadline on a project. I'm not at liberty to talk about it yet - but I'm not sure if I will get it done... so every waking minute has to be spent on it.

I promise I will write soon!

P.S. Maggiano's lived up to the hype and more!

Short and Sweet...

2009-03-11T21:15:00.023-04:00

Hello all! I have to admit that I do not have much this week to talk about. Big shocker - I did not get any news from any of you! But there is one thing that I have been looking forward to this week! And that is the Quarterly on Sunday. We will have a great time at the Imax and Maggiano's. I think I am probably the only one in the group that has never been to Maggiano's. We'll see if it lives up to all the hype! But most of all it will be great to see everyone.

The poll last week was "Do you know what meal you will be cooking in Nova Scotia?" There were 2 voters on this poll. One said "yes" and one said "no." Because I said last week that I had figured out my meal - I guess you can figure out who voted "yes!"

The poll this week is "Do you have all your money saved up for your cottage?" This is something that Heath and I have been talking about this week. We are not good at doing an exact budget - we just don't spend money on anything most of the time. But Heath's favorite phrase is "The money needs to come from somewhere." Oh, the fun "discussions" we have over money!

Here are some more pictures of 12 x 16 cottages or sheds...

In the spirit of last week, I want to continue the blueberry recipes. This week is "Blueberry Cream Smoothie." I have not tried it but found it online. It just reminds me of Nova Scotia! I know a lot of our family members are into smoothies - so I thought this one sounded good! Not exactly healthy - but I'm sure it tastes great!

And that is all I got guys! Short and sweet - but better than nothing, right? Till next week...

Drama, Drama ...

2009-03-04T22:32:00.024-05:00

OK... so despite the lack of information from any of you - I am back. I can't stay away forever! I've actually missed writing the blog and I think that is what has led me back. Back into your waiting arms - I hope! (=

Drama, Drama... the cartoon is the best that I could find! It may be shocking but I think that it is a fake gun that he is holding to his head - because he is in drama school after all! This week has had some drama in regards to the date of going to Nova Scotia. There has been emails, phone calls, and Facebook entries that centers around this issue. This is because now we know (for sure) that the teacher-pastor conference is a go. And that retreat is August 2-5. So that puts Uncle Bill, Aunt Sherrie, Uncle Kevin, Shawn, and Jen unable to go until at least Thursday 8/6/09. You might have noticed that I did not put Camille in the mix - since she will be officially retired at that time! (= With Shannon in Chelsea's wedding that is on August 2 - we had originally planned to go up to Nova Scotia right after Chelsea's wedding. However, with the retreat - it does not make sense to go up there to build the cottages with so few people in the beginning. We need to maximize the time we are up there with as many of us as possible - to be as efficient as we can with our building. Let alone, just wanting to be together as much as possible. Well, all of this posed a problem because of stupid nursing. Being a nurse equals needing to ask for your vacation time at least 6 months in advance. I had asked for the first 2 weeks of August off - and Shannon did as well. I thought that I could change my request - but that would force Shannon to do the same - and she would then have to buy 2 different plane tickets. Needless to say, it was not a great situation. But the positive is... that we both changed our requests and mine has already been approved. So the 2nd and 3rd weeks of August it is!!!!! It can not get here soon enough! Soon the calendar will look like this...

A U G U S T 2 0 0 9

Sun	Mon	Tue	Wed	Thu	Fri	Sat
						1
2	3	4	5	6	7	8
9	10	11	12	13	14	15
16	17	18	19	20	21	22
23	24	25	26	27	28	29
30	31

The last entry's poll was "Do you think we will have another stimulus check coming to help us pay for our cottages?" I forgot to vote again! Shame on me! There was 1 vote for yes and 1 vote for no. I'm not always current with my politics (as you all know) - so I'm pretty sure the jury is still out on this one. We shall see...

This week's poll is directed toward the ladies... "Look at all the lovely ladies..." (inside joke for us Copseys and Corey & Duncan) Anyway, the question is "Do you know what meal you will be cooking in Nova Scotia?" I could not think of a cottage-related question and it is 12:30 AM - so that might have something to do with it! I usually make a last minute decision for my meal - but I tried a recipe of my mother-in-law's last week and I think it will be perfect. But I can't say what it is yet! I mean, this is such an important, top-secret thing! (=

Here are a few more pictures of 12 x 16 cabins... Enjoy!

The recipe this week is from my new recipe program "Big Oven." Adam gave it to me for Christmas and it is awesome! This recipe is Fresh Blueberry and Lemon Parfait and it is one that I have not tried yet. It would be something perfect to eat in Novi - with all the great blueberries up there! If any of you end up trying it - just let me know how it turns out!

Everyone have a good week - Spring is coming and soon all the snow will melt away! Or for you Floridians... it will be 100 degrees soon! (=

The Gloves Are Coming Off!!

2009-01-21T20:20:00.018-05:00

Hello one and all! There is something very special that I have to report... Look at the Countdown Clock. It is reading (at this present moment) 199 days! We are under the 200 day mark until we go back to Nova Scotia! That is truly exciting news! Time is passing by - slowly but surely! We will make it back there before we know it!

The poll last week was "Due to the decling economy, should we desize the cottage to a 12x12?" Once again there were only 3 voters involved in this poll. But it was a unanimous decision! We will not be desizing the cottages! Just to let you know, this question was from Heath... but it was just a joke! He really was not being serious - he is just a big teaser. I think that it was a good question, though, given the times - but I do not want to make our small cottages any smaller.

The poll this week is also based on current events. I know that it is surprising coming from me since I do not watch the news or read the newspaper. But at least there is something called "The Internet!" It does keep you pretty up to date. Anyway, the poll is "Do you think we will have another stimulus check coming to help us pay for our cottages?"

Thank you very much Aunt Melanie for a suggestion for this blog! I will be posting some random pictures of 12 x 16 cottages/sheds/cabins. It is great to get an idea of what the potential is and what our cottages could look like. Here are 3 photos and there will be more to come!

Heath and I have a few colors in mind for our cabin - but our top choice at this time is "Woodleaf Green" exterior semi-transparent wood stain by Behr. It is a tad lighter than sage green. Green is my favorite color and just seems to be the logical choice. Here is a picture of a cabin with almost the right color. Not quite but close enough...

So about the colors and the mind games. Another week has passed and not a soul has contacted me with their color. So forget the mind games. I will just be very clear and give you all an ultimatum. Next week there will not be a blog without 1 person giving me their top color choice. I have tried to be nice and drop hints but NO MORE! You have all brought this on yourselves. The boxing gloves are coming off!

Onto a sweeter topic...the recipe for this week. I had the priviledge of tasting this incredible creation over Christmas. Amanda, my sister-in-law made it and I got the recipe from her. I really am not one for cakes, pastries, etc.. I am more of a cookie/ice-cream girl - but this cake is to die for. Literally. It is called "Sticky Toffee Pudding" but it is actually cake with a toffee syrup that goes over the top. Just try it sometime and you will not be disappointed.

Speaking of disappointment... I better not be disappointed next week.

The People Have Spoken...

2009-01-14T18:01:00.016-05:00

Here I am a week later... I was kind of hoping that I would be writing in 2 weeks... but, alas the people have spoken! (= And I am a blogger of the people! And by "people" I am talking about 3 of you! So it will be cemented as a weekly expose but I need help with this. I don't think the blog "Cousin Cottages" should just be about Alison's life - that kind of defeats the purpose of this site. So I'll be hoping for the information to keep pouring in! I'm sorry for the "now shut up" part of the cartoon - I obviously do not want you to shut up... it's just the only relevant cartoon I could find! (=

For those of you that did not get the subtle hint before ... IF YOU KNOW THE COLOR OF YOUR COTTAGE NOTIFY ME IMMEDIATELY!!!! I would really like to share the colors with everyone - so please call me. As you all know, I might not answer my phone but you can always leave me a message! I think I might need to resort to mind games to get information out of you all! (= OK, I have to share a little secret from my past. To get Shannon to wait on me hand and foot - when she was about 6 or 7... I would make a game out of everything. Our favorite show back in the day was "MacGyver." I liked how he could get out of anything and create weapons out of everyday items (sidenote... I married a MacGyver!!) but Shannon had a major crush on him. So I would always say, "Shannon, I am going to time you to see how long it will take you to get my book upstairs. If you don't make it in under 45 seconds, then the world will explode. We are all depending on you! Just like MacGyver, Shannon!" Oh, it's sad to think of what I did to her - but she was so excited and so into it! I think I might have to put a spin like that on the cottage info. I will have to come up with something good - as we are not kids anymore! )=

Speaking of not being kids anymore, we are all adults living on our own and responsible for our own finances. That brings me to this week's poll question. "Due to the decling economy, should we desize the cottage to a 12 x 12?" If you haven't already figured it out, this question comes from Heath! (big shocker, I know!)Here are some pictures of what Heath and I got for Christmas from my parents. I have not officially decided what our "theme" will be in our cottage - but I know that I want it very rustic/cabin-like - and with many different types of wildlife. Hence the loon rug and the mirror is perfect! See what you think...

Lastly, I will be posting a second "pumpkin recipe." I love this soup from Aunt Melanie so much and I don't know if everyone has it. It was featured at Kelly and Steve's wedding and most recently, at the Progressive Supper during Thanksgiving at the Cape. I made it this week - but I did not taste exactly like her creation. Aunt Melanie please let us know if you have a secret ingredient!

Have a great week guys! Hope to be hearing from you soon!

I'm Back Baby!!!!

2009-01-08T00:37:00.015-05:00

Happy New Year to one and all! We are actually in 2009 - so the countdown for "Nova Scotia 2009" seems even closer now! (= I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday season. We definitely did! It was great to see all of my family and we had a great time together. And I took an extended "holiday" from this blog with all the hustle and bustle of Christmas and New Years. I really did not expect it to be this long... but alas, it was good to take a break! (= It was not because I got a PS3 and Rock Band as some people think! As I have hinted time and time again... the cabin info is harder and harder to come by these days. So it brings me into a segway for the poll this week. "Due to lack of news, does anyone object to this blog becoming a biweekly feature?" Please be honest but I really do need help if this will continue to be a weekly event.

The poll about 6 weeks ago was "Have you decided on the color of your cottage?" 1 poor soul has not made their decision. But 4 of you out there have figured out what color your abode will be. Now we need to share this information! Whoever has their color picked out... please reach me by email, phone, or MySpace and let me know. So we can compare color choices! (=

I'm sure that most of us received something for the cottages at Christmas! So again, I expect some pictures sent my way so that we all can see how we will adorne our cottages! Here are a couple pictures from Shawn and Camille. They got some great stuff - I love the blue, you guys!

Here is the recipe for the Pumpkin Whoopie Pies - as promised. Sorry, it is a bit lengthy. OK, well - depending on the results of the poll... I will talk to you in a week or two! (=

The Foreman is Down!!

2008-11-19T22:35:00.002-05:00

Most of you know this, but Heath had Appendicitis and had an Lap Appendectomy on Monday night. He is doing well - thank goodness! So I am busy nursing him back to health and then doing my regular job of nursing - so this blog will be on a hiatus for a couple of weeks. First because of Heath and then because of Thanksgiving. I'm sure all of you will understand. I had taken a cute picture of him in his hospital gown on my phone - but it will not let me download it to our computer right now.
This is not really Heath's CT Scan... (= I had found some great shots of a "real-life" appendix but I felt it could gross out the non-medical people! So I held back!

You're Not Sorry...

2008-11-12T16:39:00.008-05:00

Another week has passed... and we are that much closer to going to Nova Scotia. Sometimes it feels like the time is flying by and sometimes it feels like it is crawling ever so slowly. I'm hoping for more days of the flying... (= What is going on in good ol' New England these days? In 6 days, the American League MVP will be announced and I'm hoping that Dustin Pedroia gets the award that I feel he so richly deserves. I can't help it - he absolutely is my favorite player. He plays with such might - I love watching him swing the bat. He just gives it his all- all the time. For short people everywhere - he is truly an inspiration! Let's just hope K-Rod doesn't steal the MVP away from our 'lil Dusty. Something else that is going on soon is a little holiday called... Thanksgiving! Can't wait for us to be together again (minus a few key people...)! Heath wants you all to come prepared to talk about the cottages! I'm sure we would be anyway... but he might have some extra things to discuss!

Last week's poll was "Shutters or no shutters?" There was a whopping 2 votes on that poll. It was a dead-lock tie between "undecided" and "shutters." I am so shocked that our family who are outspoken regarding our right to vote are not exercising their duty to vote now! I mean, just because it was a national election last week - does not take away from your voting privilege in our weekly polls! But I do not want to hear any excuses. My feelings would best be described by the lyrics to the song "You're Not Sorry" by one of my favorites singers, Taylor Swift. (What is written in quotes is from me)

All this time I was wasting (writing this blog)

Hoping you would come around (and vote)
I've been giving out chances every time
And all you do is let me down
And it's taking me this long
but I figured you out (you don't care anymore)
And you're thinking we'll be fine again
But not this time around

You don't have to call anymore (not that this happens)
I won't pick up the phone (this is what usually happens)
This is the last straw
Don't wanna hurt anymore (because no one votes)
And you can tell me that you're sorry
But I don't believe you
Like I did before
You're not sorry, no no (don't even try)

OK - so I'm exaggerating. I don't actually believe this. But it is just a plug I have to do for my girl, Taylor. She is just a teenager and her talent is incredible. I was brought up to appreciate music - but especially song-writing. Because anyone can sing a song - but to actually write the sings that you sing is rare in the music industry. And if you don't know this about Taylor Swift or guessed yet- she writes all of her songs. Anyways, this is not the point. VOTE, VOTE!!

The poll this week is "Have you decided on the color of your cottage?" I'm not sure Heath and I are 100% positive - but I'm sure there are people out there that know exactly what they want. We are leaning towards Behr's "Woodland Green" semi-transparent stain. It is like a sage green! I can't wait to see it on my cottage siding! I would show you a swatch of the color, but the Behr Exterior section is having technical difficulties at the moment.

Here are the pictures, as promised, of Steve and Kelly's windows. And remember - THEY WERE FREE! We are all just going to have to drool over the pics and wish that we could be so lucky to get free windows. Nice job guys! And thank you for the photos - I know everyone wanted to see your great find. What do all of you think? Do you think Steven and Kelly would miss a couple of them? (= Well, until next week... talk to you soon!

P.S. The recipe this week is from Top Chef Chicago - in honor of the Top Chef Premiere tonight.

Election Schmelection...

2008-11-05T14:36:00.020-05:00

Hello again! It is the day after the election in a brand new America. After a historic night, it is hard to put into words what this means for the US. Despite my "no voting" policy, Heath and I actually voted yesterday. It was Heath's first time voting ever - and it was only my second time. New Hampshire was supposed to be a possible "swing state" for McCain - so we tried to do our part for the Republican party. So much for that! Unfortunately, our 2 measley votes did not do squat to prevent Obama's victory. Even though I am definitely not an Obama supporter, I could not help being emotional and touched by the moment when he took the stage with his family for his speech. Knowing that after all this time and prejudices that have taken place - an African-American is now in the highest position of power. I think everyone can apprecite this moment in history. So despite what our poll was a few weeks back about who we wanted for President - next summer when we go back to Novi - our Commander-in-Chief will be Barack Obama. I know at least of 1 person in our "group" that is over the moon about it! (=

The poll last week was "Do you want a regular door or a rustic door?" The rustics won out with 3 votes and the regular door got 1 vote. Because of her comment last week, I'm curious if the regular door voter was Shannon! It seems that she is concerned that wild animals (mostly bears) could break down the wooden door! I guess the rest of us are undaunted... so it looks like Steve and Heath could be busy making doors after all the building is done! Looking forward to that!

The poll this week is pretty straight-forward. Shutters or no shutters? A pair of regular shutters range from $20-40 at Home Depot. Just so you know what kind of money we are talking about! It is something that we might be able to find at yard sales or on Craig's List. Obviously, there would not be a space problem with the cottage design with one window on the front. But with the two windows... it might be a little tight! If you like the look of the shutters - you might have to go with the one window in the front design. Food for thought...

With shutters...

Or without shutters????

Speaking of Craig's List, I am sure that everyone has been waiting all week for the update on the Conrad's windows! So I misunderstood Kelly with the first bit of information on the windows. Steve got the 10 windows for free!!!! How exciting is that? It is so exciting that the blog will be covering this story for a 3rd week in a row - because the pictures were not available this week. We will just have to keep waiting for those pics!

"Good things come to those who wait"

The Series is Ov-ah!

2008-10-29T21:24:00.024-04:00

Hello all! As I am writing this, I am watching Game 5 of the World Series. I had stated that I was not going to watch a second of the Series, but who am I kidding? I am wanting the Rays to lose as bad as I would want the Yankees to lose. And I am not going to watch any baseball for about 5 months, so I have to get my last fix in. There is 1 out in the 9th, with the Phillies winning 4-3. They should have this in the bag with their closer in.

The poll question last week was "How long are you planning to be in Nova Scotia next year?" There were 4 choices - but obviously not nearly enough. The Cases will be there for 4 weeks and Shawn/Camille will be there for about 10 days. Sorry guys that I did not have those as choices! Anyway, 2 weeks was the most popular choice with 3 votes. Longer, of course, is better - but many people have come up for only a few days or a weekend. I know we will take whatever we can when it comes to going to Nova Scotia.

Just a side note... The Phillies just won the World Series! I'm so glad it was them. But all I can say is that we would have smoked them if we had made it!
The new poll this week is "Do you want a regular door or a rustic door?" Meaning, is your door going to be made of metal or made of wood? Don't be worried if you don't know how to make a door... if you want your door to be wood I know that there are a couple of guys that can make this dream come true!

Regular door?

or

Rustic door?

GREAT BIG NEWS OUT OF THE CAPE!!!! Hear ye, Hear ye... Steve has purchased windows from Craig's List for the cottages! There are 10 of them and they are storm windows. Of course, they are not for the taking... they are spoken for. Steve/Kelly and Jen/Rad are all set for next year! This is a big deal and it is such a big deal that this blog will be featuring this story next week also. Pictures will be coming for next week! So stay tuned!

I'm sorry folks, but that is all I've got this week. My allergies are horrible today and I have probably sneezed 50 times over this laptop while trying to write this. I feel like my head is going to explode. So I'm going to try to hit the hay early! Talk to you next week!

The Stork Has Landed...

2008-10-22T21:22:00.027-04:00

Hello again from partly gloomy and partly excited New England! A lot has happened in the past week in our sports world since my last post. The Red Sox were down 3 games to 1 - and the pivotal game 5 was the next day. Of course, we know the rest... history was made with an incredible comeback while losing 7-0 in the 7th inning. We made it to game 7 just to choke in the end. I have to admit that I did not expect the Sox to make it very far in the post season this year due to all the injuries... but when they beat the Angels and then made it to game 7... it just seemed so right. But what can you do? They ran into a great pitcher, but it is just hard to come so close! As most of you know, a group of our family members from the South got to go to game 7. A blessing or a curse... ?

The partly-excited part comes from the beating that the Patriots gave the Broncos on Monday night. It was a glorious and a much-needed uplifting after the Red Sox loss the night before. The offense clicked and scored a season-high 41 points - but the defense was a huge story. They forced 5 turnovers and held the Broncos to only 7 points. It was a great showing after the pounding they took from San Diego. Very encouraging, even though the win came with a price in the form of Rodney Harrison for the rest of the season. So as you can see, two of the three loves of my life have me torn in which direction that I am feeling. Either happy because of the Pats or sad because of the Sox.

The poll last week was "While in Nova Scotia next year, who do you want our president to be?" The choices were McCain, Obama, Other, or "I Don't Plan to Vote." The results were predictable with our family Republican ties... McCain won with 4 votes (I'm sure that is the only time we will see that phrase in print), Obama did not receive a single vote, "Other" received 1 vote, and the "I Don't Plan to Vote" was utilized by me. Yes, that is right - for all those who do not know it... ALISON EDWARDS DOES NOT VOTE. I'm not going to go on and on about why I don't... it is what it is.

The poll this week is "How long are you planning to be in Nova Scotia next year?" Either 1 week, 2 weeks, 3 weeks, or unknown. Personally, I would love to spend the whole summer up there - but it just is not possible. We might need to be up there a little longer than we first expected. Because...
THE STORK BUG HAS BIT OUR FAMILY!!!!!! It is true what I wrote before... a real lot has happened in the past week. And not just in the sports world. Corey and Duncan are expecting baby number 2 and Shawn and Camille are getting ready for their first little one. And if that is not exciting enough, they are probably going to be due about the same EXACT day!!!!! Imagine it now. Last year, think all the fun of having baby Calleigh in Nova Scotia again. Now think about next year, we will have 3 babies up there! Even though, Calleigh will actually be over 2 years old and won't be considered a real baby anymore! This is starting to be a very interesting time in our family and our family continues to grow and grow.

So the moral of this news is that we are going to need the cottages to be built faster than ever! We really came up with this idea just in the nick of time! The Grodacks and the Braces will be in the most desperate need of these cottages first next year. They will have 2 new infants - and I can tell you - everyone sleeping in the main cabin will want them in their cottages as quick as possible! (= So let this news get you pumped up for some major building to be done!

Time Sure Flies...

2008-10-15T15:25:00.042-04:00

Hello from gloomy New England! Autumn might be here in all its glory and it is truly beautiful... but the Sox being one loss away from the end of their season just makes things seem dark. Throw in there the beating the Patriots took on Sunday night and you could get down-right depressed! However, there is still a small (but improbable) chance that they could beat all odds again. Maybe this day off will stop the Rays' roll and we might find our mojo again! One can only hope!

The poll last week was "Should our porches be covered or open?" With 5 votes, it was a dead tie between the two choices and one person was undecided. I think that just having a porch at all will be great! But this is something that will be an on-going discussion - probably for next year. We will have our hands full building the cottages - that I doubt we will get to building the porches too! We'll see... maybe our men will work as speed demons - with our help, of course!

The poll this week is an idea from Aunt Lori. Thank you for a suggestion! The question is "While in Nova Scotia next year, who do you want our president to be?" It is getting very close to the end of the constant ads, debates, signs, and phone calls... and the nation will be choosing the next president. So who will be getting your vote? McCain or Obama? Or neither one? It will be interesting to see what comes out of this poll... (=

WHICH ONE WILL YOU CHOOSE??

Kelly and Steve found a great bargain at... yes, you guessed it... another yard sale!!!! They got a refrigerator for their cottage for $15 and it is not a tiny one either! Great find guys! That will be very well utilized! Here are a couple photos of the purchase.

A final thought this week is something very exciting to me! I don't know if you noticed... but take a look at the countdown! IT IS UNDER 300 DAYS UNTIL WE GO BACK TO NOVA SCOTIA! Time is flying by us and next thing we know... we will be back to our beloved Novi! Can't wait!

Fair Odds and Ends...

2008-10-08T21:42:00.016-04:00

This week is a challenge for me! I am seriously having a hard time coming up with material ... so I'm feeling like this one might be a bit short. Please help me out next week! Thank you in advance!

The poll last week was "What should Aunt Sherrie make for her meal next year?" The choices were Spaghetti Fest 2009, Lentil patties, or Soup. There was a wonderful, exciting, 6 votes this week! Finally, we have broken the string of only 3 voters! That makes me encouraged - keep voting! Back to the results... And the winner was ... Spaghetti Fest with 3 votes! Lentil patties received 2 votes and only 1 lonely vote for soup! Can't wait for next year for the feast that will be before us!

The poll this week is "Should our porches be covered or open?" I thought of this question while seeing the cottage at the Fryeburg Fair nearly 2 weeks ago. I have to say that the enclosed porch was pretty spectacular, but I know that it will cost more money. Do you guys think that it might be worth it? I will have to get a quote from Heath about what we would be talking about...

Covered?

Or Open?

Continuing with the fair... here is a picture of what Corey says she wants on her porch! I guess that the enclosed porch would be great for a spa because if it rained then you could still use it! Given the fabulous weather we enjoyed this past year - that is definitely something to consider. It was so rainy, cold, and uncomfortable - wouldn't slipping into a hot tub just do the trick?

I could live with this...

Besides the giant donut, soup-in-a-bun, french fries, pizza, and a burrito that I got at the fair...I did manage to buy something for the Edwards' cottage! It was only $5.00 and it was just what I was looking for. I'm not talking about another Red Sox hat - but I did get one of those too! It is just the "country" type of thing that I wanted and not for a bad price, either! Check it out!

Well, that's all I got folks. Tune in next week for hopefully something more substantial! Go Sox!

"Shed Happens..."

2008-10-01T20:43:00.032-04:00

Another week has passed - and it has been a fun one! The Fryeburg Fair weekend has come and gone but at least we have some pictures for the memories. A great time was had by all - despite the rainy weather. God held off the downpours for most of the day. The highlights that we did as a group were the pig scramble (of course), watching sheep dog trials, soup-in-a-bun, and seeing a 12' x 16' cottage! It was a true cottage and not just a shed! It had an enclosed porch (with a porch swing), carpeting, finished pine walls, and countertops with cabinets. I have to say that it was quite impressive. It was so impressive to Uncle Bill that he made comments that he would not mind to get a cottage built for himself and Aunt Melanie! See, we will be the envy of the parents- who are living in the "big house!" When you see the pictures, keep in mind that our cottages will have a higher, steeper pitched roof - so our ceilings will be taller. Heath and I took brochures from the company - which is called "Shed Happens, Inc." The website is www.shedhappens.com. I got a kick out of the name - hopefully I am not the only one! The asking price for the fully furnished cottage that was shown at the fair is $15,900. We didn't have the heart to tell the guy that we would be building ours for about $2000. Of course, we will not be starting with all the bells and whistles - but you never know what will happen down the road.

The poll last week was "What do you want for window treatments?" The choices were curtains, blinds, shades, or unknown. For the 3rd week straight, there were 3 votes total! Shades won out with 2 votes to the 1 vote for blinds. Interesting, interesting...

The poll this week should not be a surprise to the faithful reader of this blog. Uncle Kevin had made a comment 2 weeks ago regarding a new poll question. After discussing this with both Uncle Kevin and Aunt Sherrie - it has come down to this. "What should Aunt Sherrie make for her meal next year?" The choices are Spaghetti Fest 2009, lentil patties, or soup. I think any of these choices sound delicious!

Speaking of delicious, I made Aunt Bertha's sugar cookies last week and they are to die for! I have always preferred sugar cookies to ANY TYPE of cookie but I promise that I am not biased. The recipe makes 40 cookies and I admit that I ate probably 30 of the 40. Heath was away on business! They are easy to make and if anyone has a chance to try them - you will not be sorry! I also tried the Warm Chicken Salad - and Heath and I thoroughly enjoyed it - even though it was not as good as Aunt Lori's!

Well, I think I will end here. I have to save some info for next week! And I need to stop and concentrate on the Red Sox game now. It's the 4th inning and they are losing 1-0. I'm feeling like they need my full support and undivided attention! Go Sox!

The Fair is a Comin'

2008-09-23T22:38:00.027-04:00

Hello again! This week is very exciting for me and I have been waiting for it to come for the past year! This is because a big group of us will be together this weekend for a good ol' fashioned country fair! The Fryeburg Fair is spectacular in all aspects - but you can always find nice knick-knacks for your home for a bargain. So everyone keep your eyes open for things we can get for our cottages! Can't wait for all of us to get together! I'm sure there will be plenty of talk about the cottages and Nova Scotia in general!

The poll last week was "What type of flooring are you thinking of?" The choices were hardwood flooring, tile, carpet, or plywood. Again, 2 weeks running - there was a huge total of 3 votes! But the only difference this week - is that there was a 3 way tie between hardwood floors, tile, and carpet. No clear favorite - so our cottages will be unique and have different feels! I have been complaining a tad about the participation but I have to admit that I forgot to vote this week! It was probably a good thing because I have no idea how I would have answered!

Continuing with the theme of interior decorating, the new poll this week is "What do you want for window treatments?" I realize that this is quite a "girly" question but you guys are just going to have to deal with it! The choices are curtains, blinds, shades, or unknown. Because of my own ambivalence with last week's question, I felt I had to add the "unknown." Here are some pics for visuals!

Here are some pictures of the dresser and end table that Heath and I plan to bring up to the cottage next year. We bought them when we first got married at the Christmas Tree Shop! They have lasted longer than we originally thought! When we bought our new bedroom set 2 years ago - I painted them to go in our guest room upstairs. Hopefully, we will be redecorating that room soon and should not miss the pieces.

Some news from the Cape: During some incredible yard-saling recently, a great buy was secured. Toni found them and Mimi purchased them. We were in need of curtains in the eating room in the main cabin. Well, the need is no longer a need! Here are the 9 curtains and they were bought for only $10! Some of them need hemming because they are too long - and that is a project that I will finish by next summer. There might be a few curtains left over that may be available for the cottages. First come, first serve!!!!!

As promised, here are the floor plans from the Edwards and Devin. Devin's is quite unique but ours actually was never really finished - but this is what we have so far!

Notice the crib in the Edwards cottage! We are thinking positively!

Do you see the sink in Dev's cottage? That is a whole other discussion!

Is the Excitement Over??

2008-09-17T15:12:00.048-04:00

Time for the weekly update! Every week that comes I think, "What can I possibly write about this time?" But things do come up and seem to fill the blog! But, please don't forget to email me or call me with any information that you have about the cottages!

Last week's poll was "Do you want your door to be in the middle or on the side?" The middle won out with a clean sweep of a whopping 3 votes. What is happening to our participation? Is no one reading the blog anymore? Come on - is what we had feared coming true? Is the excitement truly wearing off? Say it ain't so!!!!

THE WINNER!!

This week's poll is "What type of floors are you thinking of?" The choices are hardwood flooring, tile, carpet, or plywood (which is what the cottages will be made out of). It will be interesting to see what people's preferences are! Obviously, I'm assuming Kelly and Steve will use the piece of carpet they purchased at a yard sale!

Speaking of interior decorating, here are a few floorplans that we played around with. This is to scale - so we could actually fit these things in our 12' x 16' cottages! Posted this week are the choices from the Braces, the Conrads, and the Grodacks. Stay tuned next week for the Edwards and Devin's!!

This is Shawn and Camille's choice. The smaller-looking bed is a set of bunk beds. They are thinking ahead! The tan "box" is a dresser. And they have a refrigerator doubling as an end table! Great way to be efficient on space!

This is Steve and Kelly's adaptation. As you can see - they went buck wild with a table and chairs! And they have 2 dressers, including a larger one with a mirror!

This is Corey, Duncan, and Calleigh's home! Just so you know, the blue "box" is a crib for Calleigh! Notice their placement of the bed to maximize the room space!

The weekend that I have been waiting for has arrived! The North Country Auction! There is a fabulous auction in Ossipee/Tamworth area that occurs every few months. We have gotten some wonderful things there over the years for great deals. Unfortunately, it seems every time they have it - I manage to be working! )= There almost always are windows/doors/tools at every auction. The very sad thing is that Heath will most likely not be attending either, because he has been trying to backpack Mount Washington with his father for the past month. It has been raining nearly every weekend but I believe they are really going to go this weekend. So if anyone wants to go to the auction - just let me know and I can give you directions. I know most of the Southern New England folk are coming up next weekend, so two weekends in a row might be too much - but I would just like to give out the info anyway. The website is www.northcountry-auctions.com - here is a list of what will be at the auction and photos of some of the items being sold! Maybe we can get a group of us to go together next auction!

PARTIAL LIST TO INCLUDE: Heavy Equipment * Boats * Auto’s * Snowmobiles * Motorcycles * (3) Forklifts * Trailers * (4) 40' 10" I-Beams * Lawn & Garden * Automotive/Woodworking tools * Golf Cart * Power Sweeper * Shelving * Antique Farm Tools/Equip. * Sleighs/Buggies * Building Materials * $30,000+- New/Store returns to include: Lawn furniture, Fountains, Patio furniture, Lighting, AC units, Tools, House wares, Etc. * Misc. Furniture/House wares * Crafts * Office Furniture * Display Racks * Wood Stoves * Much more coming in at press time!

Wouldn't a trunk look great in our cottages?

We could use one of these for the lake!

Wouldn't these look great on our front porches?

Cottage Finds and More...

2008-09-10T16:55:00.050-04:00

Hello again all! Another week has passed and we are 1 week closer to going back to Nova Scotia! Just some general information about this blog. The recipes/polls that are posted are part of a specialty format that has to be changed weekly - there is not a way to save them. So if you see a recipe that you want - better grab it fast! I know that Corey made the salsa this past Saturday night with good results! And I am making Aunt Lori's Warm Chicken Salad this week! But if you do miss a recipe - just call or email me and I will help you out!

On to last week's poll. The question was "What should we name the cottages after?" Just for clarification, this is not an official vote. This is just feeling out what people's opinions are. Just because "Lakes" won with 4 votes and "Games" had 2 votes - does not mean that it is final. Someone could come up with an even better idea that we all love. Speaking of which, Jonathan made a comment on last week's blog with a great idea. Since we all love to travel, we could name the cottages after world cities/places and we could even decorate the interiors to go with the place. I love themes for decorating, so I think this is a great one to consider!

Lakes...

Games...

Or world cities?

This week's poll is "Do you want your door to be in the middle or on the side?" We had voted in the business meeting in Nova Scotia that either one was acceptable. So this poll is just for fun to see what everyone's preference is! Here are the pictures to show the different looks!

As promised, Duncan, here are the sizes for the windows and doors!
Windows = 30" x 36" (+ or - 4") This is if you have 2 smaller windows on the front
Windows = 34" x 46" (+ or - 4") This is for the bigger window on the front
Doors = 32" x 80" (this is a standard door size)
Below are 2 photos of the type of windows that could work.

On Heath's parents' shed

Window in Arichat

Here are some pictures from Camille and Shawn of a couple of things that they have purchased for their cottages!

And here are some pictures from Kelly and Steve! Keep up the great work, guys!

Confessions of an Obsessed Shed Fan

2008-09-03T23:50:00.029-04:00

Another week has passed and time for some updates! One important bit of information comes from Uncle Charlie. He had an enlightening conversation with the owner of the Saw Mill in town before he left for the States. The news is that the Saw Mill will match or beat any price that is out there for lumber. He would be able to deliver everything needed the week we arrive - so the supplies would be immediately available. This is great news, especially for those who do not have access to a truck to bring to Nova Scotia. The next step is for Heath to email the owner with a supply list - and get quotes from there. We'll let you know when more info comes up!

I'm trying to stop typing with double exclamation points - which I have always done with my expressive personality... but Heath says it is very distracting, so I will do my best to contain myself!!!!!

This past Labor Day weekend, a group of us were able to go to Steve's parents' cabin in Grafton, NH. A great time was had by all and there were many discussions about the cottages. The fervor has not died down yet!

I can honestly say that the exterior of the cottages are not the only thing on our minds! Last week, Devin purchased Darlington Oak laminate wood flooring from Lowe's. It is was on sale for $0.98 a square foot and then he found it at our Lowe's in Tilton for $.068 a square foot! What a bargain! Here is a picture to commemorate the purchase!

I was supposed to give the measurements for the windows/doors - but alas, I can't find Heath's notes and he is in bed. Forgive my shortcomings, Duncan -but I will definitely post them next week!

Speaking of shortcomings, only 3 people voted on the poll last week! )= But I finally found a countdown clock that works on this site - it's not the most extravagant but it does the trick! I am counting down to the winner of the poll - Saturday August 8. Not a majority, but there you have it.

In closing, I have to admit that I am absolutely obsessed with sheds that are 12' x 16'! Whenever I am driving anywhere, I am constantly looking for them. I have seen plenty of the real thing - but I am still not satisfied and I keep searching them out! Here are some pictures of my sightings!!!!!

Our shed in Sanbornton (10' x 16')

Heath's parents' shed (12' x 12')

Shed at West Lebanon's SDA church/school (12' x 16')

Cottage across the lake from Conrad's cabin (I swear it's a 12' x 16')

Shed outside a local barn (again I'm obsessed that it's a 12' x 16')

Imagine What Could Be...

2008-08-27T16:15:00.018-04:00

Thank you all for your kind words regarding the blog. It is rather exciting, isn't it?? I am going to try to post the blog on Wednesdays. That way it will be easier for everyone to know when the new posts come out. I will do my best!!

I need to officially report the results of the poll. The question was "What are your plans for siding?" Colored stain won with 4 votes, paint came next with 2 votes, and wood stain brought up the rear with 1 vote. Good participation!! Only 3 out of the 10 were tardy in responding!! I have to give some information to the 2 voters that chose paint. The experts say (and of course I mean Heath) that we might want to stay away from paint. Paint peels and chips - as we can see on the main cabin. Stain is great because it does not peel or chip - but only fades with time. And if you like the look of paint - you can get solid colored stain that appears just like paint. Next time you are at Home Depot, pick up the pamphlet of exterior wood stains by Behr. The title on the cover states "Behr Solid and Semi-Transparent Exterior Wood Stains." It is shocking that there are so many different kind of colors to choose from!! And whatever color you choose, they show what it will look like in a solid color (like paint) or a semi-transparent (that shows the wood grain). It will be interesting to see what color choices people are thinking of!!

The current poll - as you can see - addresses when everyone is planning to go up to Novi next year. I really want to have a countdown on this site but we need an actual date to countdown to!! Also, the countdown function on this blog is broken at the moment. I am hoping to find one on-line that I can add, but when I have attempted to do so - it just gives me an error message. So this is me stalling!! One important bit of information shared to me by Shawn and Camille is that the pastor/teacher retreat next year is Sunday August 2 - Wednesday August 5. It is my understanding that it is a Union meeting, therefore this will affect Shawn, Camille, Jen, Uncle Bill, Uncle Kevin and Aunt Sherrie. So take this into consideration!!

The photos posted below were sent to us by Jan and David Ellis. I think all of you know them. They relocated to Washington State years ago. Recently David took a second job working at a hospital part-time but it was nearly an hour away from their home. So they bought a piece of land and built a 12' x 16' cabin on it!!!!! Imagine that!! They stay there regularly. I came to the conclusion, if they could stay in it every week - then we could definitely stay in ours one week a YEAR!!!! Just look at the placement of the windows/door. They actually did 2 large windows only on one side to maximize the room inside. But this just gives us an idea what ours will look like. It's fun to visualize our cottages - isn't it?? I can't wait!!

OK...until next time. Please feel free to comment on things you would like to see on this blog - or any new ideas you have. They would be greatly appreciated!!

Back to Reality...

2008-08-21T15:53:00.038-04:00

Now we are all home!! )= Talking with Shawn and Camille last week... we hope the excitement of the cottages continues for the rest of the year!! Hopefully this blog will keep the interest alive!! I aim to keep you all apprised of plans, building material deals, and like Corey, a countdown until we go back to our beloved Novi. Also I will report the gossip that occurs down the Latimer train - regarding the cottages only - of course!!

For a bit of news, I hear that Rick has obtained all of his windows and premium decking materials free of cost!! That is very exciting. I believe that he is the first - but please correct me if I am wrong.

Attached are some pictures of the sites and the hard work that was involved this year. I am going to try to write once a week about the project - but be easy on me - since this is my first attempt at the blogging world!!

Aerial view of the sites

Stake your claim!! Will this work??