CountryPlans Forum

General => Owner-Builder Projects => Topic started by: Rob72 on March 21, 2007, 11:40:50 AM

Title: Re: 20 x 24 Cottage (updated with interior pics)
Post by: Rob72 on March 21, 2007, 11:40:50 AM
Beautiful job on the cabin!  Drywall is a pain to install and finish, but the contrast of it with the wood looks awesome.  Very nice selection on your hardwood.  Looks great with the woodwork and stairs.  I found a site last year that follows the progress of a couple building a log cabin in interior Alaska.  They also followed this concept on their staircase, but went with a more rustic look.  Check it out.

http://www.alaskaantlerworks.com/Alaska_cabin_page6.htm

Fantastic job!   :o ;)
Title: Re: 20 x 24 Cottage (updated with interior pics)
Post by: Jochen on March 21, 2007, 01:54:07 PM
Chuck,

Thanks for the reminder. Yes the video was very helpful and I don't regret that I bought it.

Jochen
Title: Re: 20 x 24 Cottage (updated with interior pics)
Post by: Sassy on March 31, 2007, 11:46:52 AM
I love that staircase!
Title: Re: 20 x 24 Cottage (updated with interior pics)
Post by: Jochen on June 16, 2007, 01:56:31 AM
It's time to move in :) Kitchen cabinets and staircase are now completed. We used 2 x 4/6 kiln dried wood to mill the profiles for the doors. I can already smell the coffee ;)
Jochen

(http://i8.tinypic.com/4ytxsab.jpg)
(http://i13.tinypic.com/4ubmhqv.jpg)
(http://i11.tinypic.com/6f4s175.jpg)
(http://i17.tinypic.com/52p9x1h.jpg)
(http://i13.tinypic.com/4xoub7t.jpg)(http://i17.tinypic.com/6cdm9ap.jpg)
(http://i18.tinypic.com/5y0hc92.jpg)(http://i15.tinypic.com/66uicm1.jpg)
(http://i15.tinypic.com/5y1rqme.jpg)(http://i12.tinypic.com/4lsbcpj.jpg)
(http://i18.tinypic.com/4pyfzgw.jpg)
Title: Re: 20 x 24 Cottage (updated with interior pics)
Post by: glenn-k on June 16, 2007, 02:03:20 AM
That is terrific, Jochen.  Nice Job :)
Title: Re: 20 x 24 Cottage (updated with interior pics)
Post by: jraabe on June 17, 2007, 02:16:34 AM
What can I say after I say, WOW!  :o

Creative craftsmanship in spades!

Very nice work. A place for the ages...
Title: Re: 20 x 24 Cottage (updated with interior pics)
Post by: AAA-DAY on June 17, 2007, 04:07:27 PM
Jochen, your place is fabulous! That is an awesome stairway, did you make the kitchen cabinets yourself? If so, how did you do it, I absolutely love your interior shots, especially the tile on the floor of the kitchen. What did you use for that? Sorry about all the questions, I just love what you have done. Are you going to post more? I hope so!!!
Title: Re: 20 x 24 Cottage (updated with interior pics)
Post by: peg_688 on June 17, 2007, 06:39:29 PM
Very nice Jochen , Accuride slides or knock off Sterlings ??  I like KV same style I just like the release mechanism on the KV 's .

Very nice attention to details all around  8-) Lots of Pine  ::)

So where the mistakes  ;D  
Title: Re: 20 x 24 Cottage (updated with interior pics)
Post by: Pala on June 18, 2007, 12:31:11 PM
Beautimus!!

You must be stoked!!

thanx for the photos,
chuck.
Title: Re: 20 x 24 Cottage (updated with interior pics)
Post by: Sassy on June 24, 2007, 10:39:15 AM
Gorgeous!  Keep posting more pics!  I love it  8-)
Title: Re: 20 x 24 Cottage (updated with interior pics)
Post by: deertracks on June 24, 2007, 03:35:20 PM
You should be so proud of that great custom craftsmanship.
Thanks for posting the pictures. Enjoy all your hard work now.
Title: Re: 20 x 24 Cottage (updated with interior pics)
Post by: HaydensMom on July 16, 2007, 11:51:54 PM
I am really loving your new pictures, they are great. I love everything espeically the different colored tile on the floors. You must be so happy with the progress!!! Your home is very beautiful I can't wait to see more pictures, keep them coming. I am stealing ideas for my future home..........LOL ;) So thanks in advance!!!
Title: Re: 20 x 24 Cottage (updated with interior pics)
Post by: jwv on July 28, 2007, 09:02:38 AM
Ditto!

Judy
Title: Re: 20 x 24 Cottage (updated with interior pics)
Post by: hobbiest on October 12, 2007, 11:04:32 PM
Aw, come on PEG, you know none of us like to show the mistakes!  Awesome work, you should be very proud.  How about some exterior photos?
Title: Re: 20 x 24 Cottage (updated with interior pics)
Post by: C.White on October 17, 2007, 05:25:26 PM
Wow, that's inspiring.  Love all the detail along with everyone else, and the tile floor is sensational.  
More pictures please!
Christina
Title: Re: 20 x 24 Cottage (updated with interior pics)
Post by: karnf on December 03, 2007, 01:41:51 AM
 I have to say Chuck this is by far the nicest interior cabin I have seen. Do you you have more
interior pictures of the inside cabin such as a full shot of living room or just when you open the
door and walk in. Its hard to get an idea of how the cabin is laid out. Do you also have exterior
pictures? I have seen larger cabins on this site that don't even come close to getting that cozy
feel and using your available space wisely. A shot of the stone bar. I hate to ask for so much but
this cabin seems just what I am looking for. A superb building for a truely cozy cabin living! 
Title: Re: 20 x 24 Cottage (updated with interior pics)
Post by: karnf on December 03, 2007, 01:48:10 AM
From karnf....Sorry for the typo! I mistook you for Chuck but really wanted to contact the
owner of this beautiful cabin Jochen. Please forgive me and I hope you send more full view
pictures of interior and exterior pictures! I think you could win the award for the nicest cabin
on this site.
Title: Re: 20 x 24 Cottage (updated with interior pics)
Post by: karnf on December 10, 2007, 11:25:45 PM
Jochen,
What a beautiful stairway. Is it a kit or handmade? It does look like it is handmade.
What type of material did you use for the kitchen countertop? Was hoping you would send
the full interior pics. Please send.
Title: Re: Re: 20 x 24 Cottage (updated with interior pics)
Post by: glenn kangiser on December 10, 2007, 11:31:05 PM
Jochen works out of country sometimes, but usually checks in every few months.
Title: Re: 20 x 24 Cottage (updated with interior pics)
Post by: benevolance on December 13, 2007, 02:13:23 PM
never get tired of looking at that staircase.. wonderful stuff that
Title: Re: Re: 20 x 24 Cottage (updated with interior pics)
Post by: Jochen on December 18, 2007, 08:32:26 PM
Quote from: glenn kangiser on December 10, 2007, 11:31:05 PM
Jochen works out of country sometimes, but usually checks in every few months.

Sorry that I haven't checked back earlier. But as Glen already said, I'm quite often working overseas. I will try to get some new pictures uploaded soon. I was home in November for my oldest daughters 21st birthday and finally managed to unpack the first 700 books. I'm starting to feel comfortable now in my little home.

Some of you have left comments about the floor tiles. Yes they are beautiful. Handmade in Italy, but I was able to find them locally here in Nova Scotia. But you really have to hunt for such gems.

But Glen, any idea what has happend to the first pages of this topic with all the exterior pictures???

Jochen
Title: Re: Re: 20 x 24 Cottage (updated with interior pics)
Post by: glenn kangiser on December 18, 2007, 09:07:31 PM
Here is a link to the first two pages on the first forum.  Second forum is the one that lost it.  I will post a note to John and see if he has a backup to try to fix it.

Nice to hear from you, Jochen.

http://countryplans.com/cgi-bin/yabb/YaBB.cgi?board=01;action=display;num=1104351466;start=

This should be the middle section from the Yabb2 forum... (JCR)

http://www.countryplans.com/cgi-bin/yabb2/YaBB.pl?num=1104351466

Remember to pick up the thread here as the earlier forums are closed to new posting.
Title: Re: 20 x 24 Cottage (updated with interior pics)
Post by: sab on February 19, 2008, 06:20:58 AM
Even with really awful colour quality on my pc those stairs look great!
Title: Re: 20 x 24 Cottage (updated with interior pics)
Post by: karnf on August 31, 2008, 08:59:28 PM
Hey Jochen,
Haven't heard from you since Feb08'. Are you still working overseas? I have been on this site since I saw
your cabin which inspired me to continue to view. You by far have the best interior cabin I have seen here
but would really like to see more interior and your exterior pics if possible. Hop all is well and you are enjoying
your new dream cabin.
Thanks,
karen
Title: Re: 20 x 24 Cottage (updated with interior pics)
Post by: megan67 on October 20, 2008, 05:14:02 AM
hi,your forum is very interesting. I entered here by chnce. You all have nice projects-congratulations [cool]
May I ask you something- I readed everithing in the site about Alaska but how can I conect the people there ??? Can you help me please@
Title: Re: Re: 20 x 24 Cottage (updated with interior pics)
Post by: glenn kangiser on October 20, 2008, 10:25:40 AM
w* to the forum, megan.

There is an e-mail envelope button under their screen name if they accept e-mail, otherwise if you see that they are here quite often, the text balloon button next to the envelop pix will send them a personal message they can get here if they look, or you can click on their name and on their profile is a line that says send this member a personal message.
Title: Re: 20 x 24 Cottage (updated with interior pics)
Post by: megan67 on October 20, 2008, 01:48:27 PM
Thanks for the advice Glenn, I sent them a message on the e-mail, I hope to receive an answer ::)
Jochen, the stairs are very nice and original. You gave me a veru fresh idea  [cool]
Title: Re: 20 x 24 Cottage (updated with interior pics)
Post by: Jochen on November 30, 2008, 06:54:17 PM
Okay, long time promised, here are some pictures of my adventure building a cabin. I hope that this time the forum won't crash again and we will loose them again.  ;)

The beginning in 2004. I don't have any pictures in the moment available digging the piers. But I have used BigFoot footing and 8" SonoTubes. All digging was made by shovel and pickaxe and the concrete mixed by hand in a big bucket.

One of my favorite pictures. Robby, then five years old in the foreground and Charly, then seven years old in the background posing
(https://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp209/zumsel/My%20Place/2004/Haus052.jpg)

Moni, my former wife cutting the support for the center beam. She is a real wizzard with the chain saw
(https://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp209/zumsel/My%20Place/2004/Haus067.jpg)

(https://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp209/zumsel/My%20Place/2004/Haus069.jpg)

(https://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp209/zumsel/My%20Place/2004/HausJochen004.jpg)

(https://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp209/zumsel/My%20Place/2004/HausJochen014.jpg)

(https://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp209/zumsel/My%20Place/2004/HausJochen023.jpg)

(https://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp209/zumsel/My%20Place/2004/HausJochen029.jpg)

Just in time for winter
(https://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp209/zumsel/My%20Place/2004/HausJochen030.jpg)
Title: Re: 20 x 24 Cottage (updated with interior pics)
Post by: Jochen on November 30, 2008, 07:01:54 PM
2005, the extension wing. My future workshop/playground  ;D

(https://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp209/zumsel/My%20Place/2005/haus02010august.jpg)

Moni, always with a smile, ah cigarette
(https://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp209/zumsel/My%20Place/2005/haus07412august.jpg)

(https://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp209/zumsel/My%20Place/2005/haus09817august.jpg)

(https://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp209/zumsel/My%20Place/2005/haus11217august.jpg)

(https://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp209/zumsel/My%20Place/2005/haus12418august.jpg)

(https://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp209/zumsel/My%20Place/2005/haus13722august.jpg)

(https://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp209/zumsel/My%20Place/2005/haus14722august.jpg)

(https://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp209/zumsel/My%20Place/2005/haus15023august.jpg)

(https://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp209/zumsel/My%20Place/2005/haus17326august.jpg)
Title: Re: 20 x 24 Cottage (updated with interior pics)
Post by: Redoverfarm on November 30, 2008, 07:02:50 PM
Great looking job on the stairs.  Waterfront to boot on the cabin.
Title: Re: 20 x 24 Cottage (updated with interior pics)
Post by: Jochen on November 30, 2008, 07:07:38 PM
Still 2005   :) Cedar Siding

(https://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp209/zumsel/My%20Place/2005/haus20608Nov.jpg)

(https://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp209/zumsel/My%20Place/2005/haus21210Nov.jpg)

(https://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp209/zumsel/My%20Place/2005/haus22818Nov.jpg)

(https://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp209/zumsel/My%20Place/2005/haus23118Nov.jpg)

(https://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp209/zumsel/My%20Place/2005/haus23925Nov.jpg)

(https://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp209/zumsel/My%20Place/2005/haus24329Nov.jpg)

And again winter
(https://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp209/zumsel/My%20Place/2005/haus25008Dec.jpg)

(https://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp209/zumsel/My%20Place/2005/haus25908Dec.jpg)
Title: Re: 20 x 24 Cottage (updated with interior pics)
Post by: Jochen on November 30, 2008, 07:20:32 PM
2006 Interior

The fire place. The start
(https://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp209/zumsel/My%20Place/2006/haus04230March.jpg)

Between
(https://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp209/zumsel/My%20Place/2006/haus09919April.jpg)
(https://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp209/zumsel/My%20Place/2006/haus19505May.jpg)

Finished, still to be oiled
(https://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp209/zumsel/My%20Place/2006/haus21425May.jpg)

First coat of oil
(https://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp209/zumsel/My%20Place/2006/haus25409June.jpg)

Bathroom
Jenny, my oldest daughter taking the first bath
(https://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp209/zumsel/My%20Place/2006/haus12522April.jpg)

(https://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp209/zumsel/My%20Place/2006/haus19805May.jpg) (https://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp209/zumsel/My%20Place/2006/haus23628May.jpg)

Again, first coat of oil
(https://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp209/zumsel/My%20Place/2006/haus25909June.jpg)
Title: Re: 20 x 24 Cottage (updated with interior pics)
Post by: Jochen on November 30, 2008, 07:29:06 PM
2006, more interior pics

(https://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp209/zumsel/My%20Place/2006/haus16227April.jpg) (https://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp209/zumsel/My%20Place/2006/haus16527April.jpg)

View through the stair well
(https://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp209/zumsel/My%20Place/2006/haus17227April.jpg)

(https://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp209/zumsel/My%20Place/2006/haus21725May.jpg) (https://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp209/zumsel/My%20Place/2006/haus21925May.jpg)

Floor tiles
(https://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp209/zumsel/My%20Place/2006/haus23028May.jpg)
(https://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp209/zumsel/My%20Place/2006/haus23228May.jpg)

Stiebel Eltron Tank Less Water Heater
(https://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp209/zumsel/My%20Place/2006/haus20505May.jpg) (https://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp209/zumsel/My%20Place/2006/haus26209June.jpg)
Title: Re: 20 x 24 Cottage (updated with interior pics)
Post by: Jochen on November 30, 2008, 07:47:40 PM
For 2007 there are still some of the kitchen and stair pictures on the first page and not much else was accomplished in that year.

Oh, I finally moved in!  :)

Some more stair pictures:
(https://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp209/zumsel/My%20Place/2007/Stair/CDbilder008.jpg)

(https://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp209/zumsel/My%20Place/2007/Stair/CDbilder010.jpg)

(https://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp209/zumsel/My%20Place/2007/Stair/CDbilder011.jpg)

(https://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp209/zumsel/My%20Place/2007/Stair/CDbilder015.jpg)

Title: Re: 20 x 24 Cottage (updated with interior pics)
Post by: Jochen on November 30, 2008, 08:02:32 PM
So we are coming now to 2008. It was time to correct some errors and finally do the drainage, add an exterior staircase to the big playground above the workshop, built the decks, protect the area below the house and built a wood and tractor shed.

As you can see, I haven't put any stain or protection on my cedar siding. This is now weathering nicely.

(https://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp209/zumsel/My%20Place/2008/IMG_5430.jpg)

Footings for the staircase
(https://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp209/zumsel/My%20Place/2008/IMG_5433.jpg)

(https://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp209/zumsel/My%20Place/2008/IMG_5567.jpg)

One of the building inspectors
(https://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp209/zumsel/My%20Place/2008/Dad1-1.jpg)

More of them
(https://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp209/zumsel/My%20Place/2008/Dad1-4.jpg)

Title: Re: 20 x 24 Cottage (updated with interior pics)
Post by: Jochen on November 30, 2008, 08:03:31 PM
Still 2008  ;)

The tractor and wood shed
(https://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp209/zumsel/My%20Place/2008/Dad1-7.jpg)

The stair
(https://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp209/zumsel/My%20Place/2008/Dad5-2.jpg)
(https://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp209/zumsel/My%20Place/2008/Herbst2008079.jpg)
(https://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp209/zumsel/My%20Place/2008/Herbst2008087.jpg)

No more wind will blow under my cabin!!!
(https://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp209/zumsel/My%20Place/2008/Dad6-1.jpg)

View from the deck. Can you smell the Atlantic???  ;D
(https://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp209/zumsel/My%20Place/2008/Herbst2008026.jpg)



Title: Re: 20 x 24 Cottage (updated with interior pics)
Post by: Jochen on November 30, 2008, 08:08:20 PM
And finally we built a wood shed for Moni around our old 20' Sea Container as well. We had all our belongings in this container when we immigrated to Canada 2001.

(https://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp209/zumsel/Monis%20Place/2008/Dad2-1.jpg)

(https://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp209/zumsel/Monis%20Place/2008/Dad2-5.jpg)

(https://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp209/zumsel/Monis%20Place/2008/Dad4-1.jpg)

(https://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp209/zumsel/Monis%20Place/2008/Dad4-3.jpg)

(https://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp209/zumsel/Monis%20Place/2008/Dad5-1.jpg)

(https://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp209/zumsel/Monis%20Place/2008/Herbst2008074.jpg)
Title: Re: 20 x 24 Cottage (updated with interior pics)
Post by: Jochen on November 30, 2008, 08:18:31 PM
And this is finally a picture of our property taken 2003. A year before I started building my cabin. Moni and our girls are living in the multi coloured house. Her new Saltbox will be placed behind that and the old house will then be teared down. But that has to wait until 2009.

(https://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp209/zumsel/My%20Place/Ourproperty.jpg)

And sorry, I couldn't resist. My new toy I bought this summer  :) And my two little gems, Robby and Charly
(https://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp209/zumsel/Tractor/Thumper05.jpg)
Title: Re: Re: 20 x 24 Cottage (updated with interior pics)
Post by: glenn kangiser on November 30, 2008, 09:24:34 PM

Thanks for all the pix and update, Jochen. 

We are on a completely different system with the forum now ao I think it is pretty stable.

Nice looking kids and of course, tractor. :)
Title: Re: 20 x 24 Cottage (updated with interior pics)
Post by: karnf on December 02, 2008, 12:14:23 AM
Thanks so much for the pics Jochen. I have waiting for you to return. Your building work is
so thorough and unique that you are really a gem on this site. Everything you have built into
your cabin is quality to the highest level. Is that hickory flooring on your floors?
Also, you stoned the fireplace. Looking at your kitchen area stone counter; is the fireplace
connected to the kitchen counter area or seperate? I was trying to imagine what your interior
would look like when I opened the front door looking in. Could you post an angle shot of this?
Welcome back; we need your creative ideas and opinions.
Title: Re: 20 x 24 Cottage (updated with interior pics)
Post by: Jochen on December 02, 2008, 03:32:52 PM
A gem??? I don't know. I believe my girls would rather call me Grumpy  :)

The floor is the cheapest hardwood floor I could lay my hands on. It's called Rustic Birch. It's the knotty part of the Birch planks which the manufacturer could not sell otherwise, I guess. But everybody who saw the floor in person agrees that it is looking way better then the more expensive ones, due to it's rustic nature. Here is a link to the spec sheet. http://www.boisbsl.com/2007/upload/essences/25_pdf_en_.pdf (http://www.boisbsl.com/2007/upload/essences/25_pdf_en_.pdf)

(https://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp209/zumsel/My%20Place/2006/haus07607April.jpg)

The fireplace is standing nearly in the centre of the first floor which is one open space. And yes it is connected to the kitchen counter. I will shoot some pictures when I'm back home. But that will be after Dec. 19th. The kitchen is also a two room thing. The fridge and stove are located in the 10' x 17' wing which connects the 20' x 24' cabin to the 24' x 24' workshop/garage. I will see if I find a floorplan to post as well.

Jochen

Title: Re: 20 x 24 Cottage (updated with interior pics)
Post by: karnf on December 08, 2008, 01:09:57 AM
You are very humble too! You see Jochen; you have given so much info about your building process which
I know has helped so many people who want to build small cabins but needed your unique ideas to get them
started. You have showed us that you can build small but have a cabin look like a castle with creative ideas
without the expensive cost and not make such a large footprint on nature by keeping it small. 
Looking forward to your added portfolio. Hope you have a wonderful Christmas with your family in your cozy
cabin.
thanks again
Title: Re: 20 x 24 Cottage (updated with interior pics)
Post by: waggin on April 25, 2009, 10:01:51 PM
Quote from: Jochen on December 02, 2008, 03:32:52 PM

The floor is the cheapest hardwood floor I could lay my hands on. It's called Rustic Birch. It's the knotty part of the Birch planks which the manufacturer could not sell otherwise, I guess. But everybody who saw the floor in person agrees that it is looking way better then the more expensive ones, due to it's rustic nature. Here is a link to the spec sheet. http://www.boisbsl.com/2007/upload/essences/25_pdf_en_.pdf (http://www.boisbsl.com/2007/upload/essences/25_pdf_en_.pdf)

Quote


I used a rustic maple grade in my existing house which I'm trying to sell in order to build my cabin, and I get big compliments from everyone as well.  Keep in mind this is a suburban Seattle view property, and real estate agents and potential buyers are constantly asking me what the flooring is.  As I'm sure you know, the more uniform and "defect" free wood is, the more expensive it is.  Let's see, I can buy the cheaper stuff that has more character, or spend a bunch more for something that might as well be Pergo...hmmm.   ???
Title: Re: 20 x 24 Cottage (updated with interior pics)
Post by: diyfrank on April 26, 2009, 12:07:20 AM
Thats a nice looking place you have there. Great job.
Title: Re: 20 x 24 Cottage (updated with interior pics)
Post by: John Raabe on April 26, 2009, 10:21:51 AM
Great report and most interesting project.

Lots of person hours in there but the results speak for themselves. :D :D :D
Title: Re: 20 x 24 Cottage (updated with interior pics)
Post by: secordpd on June 19, 2009, 11:11:11 AM
Jochan,
I saved a picture several years ago it seems, of a woman standing next to a log center pole in a unfinished house.  I was never quite sure where I had saved it from.   Fast forward 2009 and I'm checking out your pics and low and behold - there is this exact pic I saved!!  The one of Moni next to the log pole in the house  -  just way to funny...
You are a craftsman and your craftsmanship is only something I aspire to achieve on some pieces of my home. Esp. the stone tub surround(because I would attempt something like that).

I'm also envious of your view, I'm a water person, and even though I have my own little pond, your view is just stunning ;D