Near As I Can Figure

Posted on by Gary Fultz

My first time visitor from across the lake wanted to see the little saw mill operation. He was a bored brother-in-law visiting the neighbor and got my number somehow and found our place after assuring me he wasn’t a telemarketer on the 3rd call. “So, what made you decide to build a little cabin?” “Well (I scratch my head through the sweaty cap and stroke a short beard) I had 3 windows and some lumber left over from a project and felt it was a good fit”. He paused to slap at a gaggle of mosquitoes on his arm “why in the woods?” I squelched a small chuckle in half and said “Where would you put the in-laws? (Now you guys know this is in good fun right?). He pressed on. “How soon will you have it done?” I shrugged my shoulders and grinned, “when the fish quit biting and probably after I help some brothers on two other building projects here and there.” His sigh was audible. It made me feel like a country hick. Felt good!!

I dropped the act a bit and shared the real reason for a little rustic off-grid cabin in the woods by our house. Guests are a gift and often need a gift. A writers cabin. A nature photographers cabin. A fishing buddy cabin. Grandkids and scary story cabin. A personal retreat cabin. I could go on, but I will share some of the things I pause for in my life. Things which make me realize how much nature often upstages my level of wonder, awe and worship of our creator. We all need a big rock on the lawn with an inscription “If You Don’t I Will” (He says in Luke 19:40, “And he answered and said unto them, I tell you that, if these should hold their peace, the stones would immediately cry out.”)

In This Case…Flowers, seeds and garnish

Gary

Several bear have helped themselves to the yard and back deck. some day I will take a clear picture while I’m not chasing them away.

28 thoughts on “Near As I Can Figure”

  1. I love that, Gary!
    “Guests are a gift and often need a gift”…
    I bet they all leave your place well nourished with beautiful views, good food and unforgettable stories….and they will receive some of THE FATHER’s love that’s in you and being passed on by you… some inspiration, refreshing of their faith – a strengthening retreat and a time to remember!

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    1. Thank You David. It’s so true. I had a missionary from Africa and his deaf brother-in-law in the boat when the sun began to fire up the sky over a storm cloud. We were catching fish while the elements were in worship over the lake. The rays and shadow on the water after the the sun was hidden look like a reminder of the cross (to me).

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  4. The pictures are beautiful – especially the two of the sunrise or sunsets. Love the outline of the cloud in the one and the rays of light in the other. And, of course, the daisy with the little green bug perched inside. Sounds like whatever the cabin’s purpose is for any particular day, it serves to give pause “for wonder, awe and worship of our creator.” What could be better?

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  6. Thanks Linda. I am hoping it will be a blessing to many who may want a quiet place to be for a day or 20. Someday my next dream is a cabin in the tree tops with an awesome view. It’s only a dream, but a fun one

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  7. Gary, “a little rustic off-grid cabin in the woods” sounds absolutely glorious and filled with so much potential productivity. I gasped at the abundance of Lady Slippers you have growing in the field. There was only one place my Dad knew of where Lady Slippers grew. Each year we’d drive to the northern end of our county to hike a rocky trail in hopes our timing was right and we’d spy the few that grew up out of the rocky soil. I’ll be looking forward to that bear photograph when you stop to click first and chase later. The dogs and I encountered a bear this past week. The heat and humidity have me walking them at dawn. Fortunately, Adi had been quietly tipping me off to her presence before she emerged from the woods so I was on high alert and spotted her quickly She made a beautiful picture in the early morning fog but I was more interested in getting the dogs turned around and headed the other direction before Summer took to howling to even think of a picture. Later I learned that she got what she was looking for- our neighbors fully stocked bird feeder.

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  8. We have hopes the cabin will bless many Beth. Glad your bear encounter didn’t hurt any dogs. that’s very common if the dog chases. I estimate we have about a quarter mile of lady slipper groups partially around a big swampy lake (hundreds?) They are still there in various stages. It’s tough for them as the grass is very high there.
    ya, bear love bird feeders…and campers that put there food in the tent and go swimming.
    No food and partial tent left.

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  9. God bless you, Gary, for erecting that cabin. What a blessing it will be! I’m imagining a book that includes the stories of the guests, their reason(s) for seeking its refuge, their experiences and outcomes of their visits, etc. Along with your camera, you’ll need to keep journal and pen nearby!

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  10. I love how deeply you see God in nature. Us city folk don’t get to appreciate that as much. The cabin sounds like a wonderful place!!

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    1. Thanks Stephanie. I am sure hoping it works well and blesses those who use it. I’ll have the relatives and some friends try it out first and and then tackle their suggestions on how to make it better. My hope is that some writers and bloggers will want to try it out on their way by this neck of the woods. I want to make the deck screened in…mosquito will only be allowed to hum.

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    1. I think and hope it will be Manette. I may wood burn some phrases like that around the cabin. I should also have a guest comment and home made Testimony book. If I get too many ideas I will have to add on.

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  13. Thank You Jo. I had those words painted on a rock by the entrance to our place where I used to live. Now I am looking for another big rock here. We do have some great things to see in nature here. had an owl visit and pose for pictures yesterday

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  15. Thanks Nancy.
    I’m hoping to make it useable before snow flies. A fun project so far. Roof windows and a door are next. I’ll post a picture after cleaning up the site

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  16. Beautiful thoughts, Gary. Beautiful pictures, too. They look like they could be taken around where we are in Northern Michigan – except the bear! I hear there are bears around here, but I have been coming here for nearly six decades, and I have yet to see one in the wild. I did run into a couple of baby raccoons the other day, though. They resembled little teddy bears and whimpered like puppies. So cute – until they grow up and start getting in the trash cans. :/

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  17. Thanks Ann. We do have a lot of the big predators here. Some cougar, bobcat, big Timber wolves. loads of black bear, pine martin and fisher. Some of those owls stand at 2 feet on the barred owl and the great horned is bigger. Yes, the coon can make a huge ruckus with about anything loose. The wild places have their own laws out there and awareness is a good thing to develop, just like in life with people.

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