Ice Storm of 2019

Missouri has it's share of strange weather but this past week has topped them all.   We had rain with severe thunderstorm warnings and thunder and lightening and went directly from that into an ice storm.   I had guests at The Lodge so spent the weekend next door in The Cabin in case there were problems.  Which there were.   We lost electricity with 18 degree temperatures and unfortunately the house is all electric.   Thankfully,  I had plenty of flashlights and lanterns and even though the electricity was out for about 8 hours the house did not get overly cold.   Ice storms are a pain but I will have to admit there is a beautiful side to them too.  Enjoy my pictures as we start 2019 off with an ice storm!

The ice on the trees was beautiful.  

When you run a retreat center it is important to be prepared for anything. Knowing there was a possibility we could lose power we brought up extra wood for the fireplace.  Even though the blowers wouldn't work without electricity we could open the doors and have some heat...

Thankfully I had stored up 5 bags of ice melt and it was a good thing cause the porch totally iced over.

My guests enjoyed the fireplace even though the ice storm probably messed up their plans.  Tonight will be another cold night with lows about 7 degrees.    Hopefully,  we won't lose electricity again and tomorrow life will begin to get back to normal.    Whatever normal is for this part of the country.   Spring please hurry and come to my world!  I miss you so!

The Natives Are Restless

It's A New Year And A New Season In My Life!

 I have been  observing the fields lying dormant.  It's the season where the ground is resting and soaking up the nutrients from the rain and snow that it will need for the next season.  Which is the one of growth and new life.  I feel like I too am in a season of rest.  And I too am soaking up what my soul needs to be prepared for the next season.  A friend reminded me that even though it appears nothing is happening on the surface that below ground roots are digging deeper and becoming stronger.  I trust that is what is happening in my life also.

       I am running a Retreat Center with a Lodge and a Cabin on the grounds  here in the Ozarks and loving every minute of it.  Meeting new people.   And learning to let the cares of this world slip away and enjoying the simple life. 

      So come along with me as I journal this new season in my life.    Time to look forward and anticipate what the next season of my life holds in store.. 

The Gathering Place Retreat Center-The Cabin

  Perfect for the traveler needing a place to stay with a more rustic feel.   The Cabin is located just across the yard from The Lodge making a beautiful addition to The Retreat Center.  

                                     

                      It has all the comforts of home in a rustic setting

                                     

Decorated in  Rustic Americana we believe you will find The Cabin a delightful change from your normal stay on your travels.  The main room has two couches and a recliner for relaxing after your days activities.  The walls  are decorated with a collection of quilts and pictures of days gone by.

                                   

We left the floor concrete and put down throw rugs cause we figure it would be just wrong to put carpet in a cabin..  And this way hunters won't have to worry about getting the floor dirty..

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Since this part of the world has been known to lose power and we are all electric we decided to put in a portable fireplace and hook it up to propane.  So you'll still be toasty warm even if the electric goes out.  Which it will,   trust me....It's Missouri....

                               

  And there is a flat screen TV with satellite and Wi-fi so you still have the benefits we all love along with the rustic setting of a cabin..

                            

One corner has a snack bar set up where you can catch up on office work if you must do that sort of thing while taking a break from your normal routine.  Or catch a quick snack while watching the latest game on the TV...or play some solitaire...

                              

The kitchen part of our facility is equipped with everything you'll find at home including  a fridge, microwave, convection oven, coffee pots, electric griddle and electric skillet in case you want to do some cooking.   Notice our Cedar cabinets which are also hand made.

                                        

 I love a bargain and I found this oak antique table at a local flea market.  Thought The Cabin would be a perfect place for it.  And it's already set for supper... Just pull up a chair and have a seat!

                                              

 I stained these cabinets and they make a perfect place for the microwave and confection oven.  The confection oven is just the right size for baking your pizza.   Just cause we're in the woods doesn't mean you can't enjoy the comforts of  the city life too.

                                         

The spacious bedroom follows the rustic Americana theme and is decorated with a queen size hand made log bed made by a local craftsman using native lumber.  (If interested in one of these beds for yourself give me a call and I can put you in touch with him)

        Simplify is the theme for our Cabin.

                                               
 

                                 
                                     The bathroom is attached to the bedroom and has a oversize shower.

                                     

  Laundry facilities are located in the basement of The Lodge for your convenience

                                       

There is also a separate entrance off the bedroom where you can take your cup of coffee out on the covered porch in the early morning hours and watch the mist rising off the pond or enjoy the antics of the squirrels and other wildlife.  There is also a BBQ grill on that same porch.

    Our wildlife think they are guests also...

                                  

The Cabin is located just a short walk across the yard from The Lodge and has plenty of outdoor lighting for those needing to come in late at night.

                                                      

Fishing our stocked pond  is always encouraged here on the grounds and if you forget your poles we have some you can use.               

Sit on the dock and reflect on life

We have a walking trail around the pond for those who like to get some exercise while here for their stay

Take out the boats and enjoy spending some time on the water

                                     

                                     

And nothing compares to the beauty of the mist rising off the pond on those cool, crisp mornings

                              

A fire pit is just outside the cabin door with plenty of seating.  Light the fire and roast some hot dogs or make some Smores and sit around the fire talking about the "good ole days"  when life was simple...

Hope you've enjoyed our little tour of our newest addition to The Gathering Place Retreat Center. .  And if you're planning on being in the area give us a call.  We do have a two night minimum stay and travelers needing extended stays are welcome also.   Our door is always open and we love welcoming new friends to our neck of the woods. Check out our website at www.countrygatheringplace.com  for more information. or call 417-321-4576 You can also find us on Airbnb.   We look forward to welcoming you and making your stay with us a memorable one!

Enclosing in the Gazebo before winter

We're hurrying up to get the gazebo finished before cold weather hits.
What is grandson Mark thinking? He's studying something out.

Must be accurate.

And my son in law gets to staple up insulation.

I love this yellow tree. Little cabin in the woods.

Little by little, we're about to get it finished. But will it get done in time to have one last party before the snow falls?

Putting in the insulation...

It was a beautiful day outside today so we took advantage of the weather to put the ceiling up in the gazebo and pour in the insulation. Three guys showed up just in time to help the boy's Poppy cause I wasn't too excited about working with him after the lifter thingy fell on my foot.

Little by little...

and the work continues...

And no, I really did not get to use this thing. I just get to hold it and hand it to the boy's Poppy  as needed.

  I really like this color. Reminds me of old barn color.

Mark took this picture. Wonder what I was looking at?

And here's poppy posing so Mark could take his picture.

Can you tell Mark is whistling while he waits to give Poppy some more nails?

Never too young to learn how to work.

Studying why this window is not level. Hmmm...
Mark loved picking up the acorns. I remember doing that as a kid. Some things are timeless.

Getting closer to having the gazebo enclosed before the cold winter winds start to blow.