When’s the last time you laughed uncontrollably? I mean the deep down guttural laugh that goes on and on until your diaphragm muscles are screaming in pain… for me it’s been a while. This week at Rustic Pines, we welcomed Katie’s mom & dad up to the property to take in the fall colors and … [Read more…]
It’s hard to believe that Labor Day came so quickly. It seems like it was just weeks ago that we were digging the hole for our outhouse on Memorial Day. Yet here we are at the end of summer. The days are getting noticeably shorter, the maples have started to show signs of color, and … [Read more…]
I love spending time outside in the warm weather months. There is nothing that centers me more than spending some good quality time in nature. When I am really stressed out, if I talk a walk in the woods, it doesn’t take long for me to inhale and exhale, expelling all of my stresses and worries … [Read more…]
A little over a year ago, the idea of Rustic Pines was born. It wasn’t a grand idea that popped into our head, it was more of an idea that grew out of an idea inspired by a chicken. Isn’t that the way all great ideas are born? One day you’re staring a chicken in … [Read more…]
Fresh off the drama of the last month, Katie and I resolved to resume life as normally as we could, and the best way we could, was to roll up our sleeves and get back to work on the land. We headed up late Friday, got settled in, and enjoyed the remainder of the evening with … [Read more…]
Now that we’ve built the “tiny cabin” and outhouse, cleared the driveway and parking area, we’ve reached the point at which others can come and experience a glimpse of Rustic Pines. Two of our first visitors have scheduled to come up and Katie and I couldn’t be more excited. Later this month, and mid-next, mine … [Read more…]
Summer gets busy, busy for everyone, Katie and I are no different. Our crazy summer schedule seemed especially hectic over the last few weeks, so we were excited to escape to Rustic Pines for a couple of days of quiet chainsaw harmony and the beat of hammers. Obviously, neither chainsaws nor hammers are quiet, but … [Read more…]
Up to this point, we have encountered snow on every venture into our property. Don’t get me wrong, we’ve been enjoying ourselves, but it’s a bit like unwrapping a gift. We’ve never seen the land snow free and in full bloom. As the snow recedes, each time we walk the trails, the scenery has changed, … [Read more…]
Yes, the title is overtly sexist… lets just get that admission out of the way. But I have sound reasoning for the title; If you read our first experience, you would have noticed my massive oversight when it came to creature comforts. My Katie was a trooper… she’s no snowflake, but the reality, is both she … [Read more…]
I’m learning to manage my expectations. Somehow, at my age and life experience I’d expect to be better at this. However, as life usually does, it teaches me that with less expectation comes less disappointment. I headed up the advance team of one, and embarked Friday morning with the expectation that I would survey the … [Read more…]