Sometimes progress is measured not just in what you build, but in what you let go of to make space for something new. Each step forward brings us closer to the cabin of our dreams.
As Christmas approached, we made one last visit to the cabin to check on the progress. A 40-minute drive might not sound like much, but it’s enough to feel like a getaway, even though we’re still so close to home. The cabin’s peaceful charm always feels like a retreat from the everyday hustle and bustle.
This time, the visit was equal parts work and nostalgia. I had a broken bathroom tile to replace, so I brought along my tools and got started. While I was there, I decided to tackle some additional prep work to make things easier for the painters. I spent a few hours removing an old surround sound system, stripping outdated trim from the upstairs bathroom, and pulling out nails and screws left behind in the walls.
One of the more sentimental tasks was taking down the old projector screen that spanned the living area. As I removed it, I couldn’t help but imagine the joyful moments it must have hosted—families pressing a button, watching the screen descend, and settling in to enjoy their favorite holiday movies. It felt like a small goodbye to a piece of the cabin’s past while making room for its exciting future.
I also couldn’t help but think about this being the first Christmas without my Dad. He gave us so much—love, support, kindness. We miss him dearly. And that’s why we dedicated the cabin to his name—he was always there for me when I needed him—always. He taught me so much about his connection to nature. He always told me one of his favorite things to do was to chop wood, which always led to the warmth of a fire. We had so many fireside chats, and I can still feel him with me, the warmth of his smile as he recited William Wordsworth poems by the fire—especially at Christmas.
As my mind drifted into more stories with my Dad, I found more items to remove as I tinkered—wall-mounted hotel-style hair dryers, a vintage wall telephone, outdated fire alarms, and tangles of speaker wires and cables. Clearing these out felt symbolic of shedding the old and welcoming the new.
In addition to my efforts, real progress was being made. The baseboards in the main living area and bedroom were installed, and all the lighting fixtures were removed from walls and ceilings to give the painters a clear path. The kitchen cabinets had their primer sprayed on, and they already looked refreshed. We’re so excited to see the finished results and can’t wait to wake up in this beautiful space for the first time.
But the most rewarding part of the visit was the sense of momentum. Even these small steps—replacing a tile, removing outdated hardware, or seeing the fresh primer on cabinets—felt like real progress toward turning the cabin into a space we’re proud to share. And my dad would be proud, too. The deer, the turkey, the eagle encounters—each one reflects what he cherished most. It’s as if he’s all around me, filling this space and my heart with his love and presence.
We also wanted to take a moment to reflect on how meaningful this journey has been. It’s been so exciting to see our first blog post receive likes and shares from those following along. Your support means the world to us, and we’re thrilled to bring you along as the cabin’s transformation unfolds.
We hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas and a holiday season filled with warmth, joy, and a little bit of magic. Stay tuned for more updates soon—this journey is only just beginning! ❤️