Perservering

All those "ifs"...

If we get a foot of snow:

Look what's coming

If the appliances come:

Steady boys

If the wood stove comes:

Sitting in front of this is a huge part of the dream

If we pass electrical and final inspection for the all important certificate of occupancy:

But Brian knows this and is always ready for an inspection, taking pleasure in precluding the inspector's fun

Martha Stewart carpeting FAIL (accomplice, Home Depot):

After four arrival delays I pulled the plug on Martha yesterday.  A less pricey and more beautiful carpet is going in today!  Thank you Brian and Bill!

But I'm mostly packed (and it's mostly Christmas) and since we know our amazing contractor (and master craftsman) Brian Shelton is at the helm, I have confidence we're going to get through this last week, and that a week from tonight we'll be sitting inside our fabulous new cabin in front of the fire.  Cozy inside against the dark and cold of the first full day of winter, we'll raise a glass of his father's own Chivas Regal, and toast my husband's parents for this gift of a place for a family retreat, and our part in ensuring the tradition continues.