Monday, May 30, 2016

Cabin Partners Meeting - Part 1.

May 28, 2016 at the Pines

Dear Family,
The cabin family partner representatives met at the cabin for an on-site board meeting.  It's purpose was to take stock of the current condition of the cabin, review the facility together, and discuss 1 to 3 year goals for updating the cabin.  Engaging in this process together, on-site, allowed us to share with each other the things that both delight us, and that bug us, about our beloved cabin. We found that we are all very much on the same page.

Though some items decided upon were accompanied with a volunteer to execute, our purpose at this meeting was primarily to identify changes and ideas.  Some of the less expensive items will be knocked out by Supreme Commander (me) with cabin funds. Other items will require partner approval, and yet other items will require volunteer elbow grease.

We also shared some information that was disseminated at the Pines Ranch shareholder meeting, and we also discussed and made some important policy decisions for the use of the cabin (to be shared in a separate posting - Part 2).

With no regrets, but only gratitude about "where we are now" and "how we got here," we all agreed to a few changes and improvements that will happen in the very near term.  Here are some facility change highlights:

Upstairs:
Beds are generally in pretty good shape, except for the bed in the northeast bedroom.  If anyone has a good source for a new queen bed for that room, please chime in.  A replacement is on "the short list."

Bathroom:  Blinds replacement, tub trim re-stain, a solution to the cold water line freezing in winter from somebody smart about plumbing.

Main Floor:
Couch / Loveseat steam clean would be nice.  Otherwise, watch for opportunity to replace couch/loveseat to include sleeper couch.

Bedroom:  Sand and re-stain water damage to logs on north wall.

Bathroom: Blinds, consider re-papering or painting north wall.  Replace toilet (cracked).

New Blinds all around were also a topic, but not necessarily as a short term project.  Repair/replace existing blinds for short term.

Restain front door benches - Judy raised her hand for some of the re-staining projects.  

Basement:
The basement should be re-worked to make it a more welcome space.  Ping-pong important to all, but the table should be replaced with a fold-up type roll-away table, so that the table does not dominate the room.

Remove church pews.  Fotheringhams will handle disposal.
Acquire movable couch / loveseat combo.  
Replace old tube tv's with a flatscreen with blue-ray / streaming device.  Connection to TV service not required.  Fotheringhams will dispose of old stuff.
Upgrade lighting with LED fixtures.  Fotheringhams will take this one too.

Clean out tool closet, removing old construction materials and organizing remaining materials. Landwards volunteered to spearhead.

Conclusions:
We remain the luckiest and most blessed family on the planet to have this beautiful cabin and ranch to enjoy.   That said, it needs some upkeep and upgrade.  Though several of the items mentioned have a volunteer/coordinator in place - you are encouraged to "step-up" and contribute your time and means to improving our shared asset.  We can't hand the key over to Marriott Resorts to clean up, refurbish, or guarantee the quality of our cabin visit.  It's on us.  Leave it better than you found it.



Sunday, May 29, 2016









Age old question finally answered - "Do bears "poop" in the woods?"  Answer: "Not always-sometimes the front lawn of your cabin."

Reminders:  Hike in groups.  Be your jolly noisy self on the trail.
At the cabin, No bird feeders.  Don't leave food trash outside overnight.  Clean up the grill after use.  Leave your dogs outside (not for the bears, but for other reasons to be explained in another post), but keep the dog food inside or in your car overnight.


This bear is visiting the Cornwall's in the Pines Ranch, Spring 2016.

"Howdy Neighbor!"
"Did someone mention desert!"
"I didn't do anything, honest!"

"K, See ya!"

Saturday, May 21, 2016

Partner's Meeting at the Pines

Partner's Board Meeting (Not everybody, just the 5 partner reps or proxies) will be meeting at the Pines on Saturday May 28th.  Thanks to Amy Fotheringham for letting the Partners invade during her paid week.  Here is our preliminary agenda outline.  If you have items you would like the Partners to address/consider, chime in here or with your family partner rep.

Richards Pines Property
Partner Board Meeting - Preliminary Agenda
5/28/16

  1. Welcome
  2. Tour
    1. Top Floor
      1. Beds
      2. Closets
      3. Bathroom
        1. Tub in Winter
    2. Main Floor
      1. Bedroom
      2. Kitchen
        1. Supplies
          1. Pots/Pans/Griddles
          2. Tools
          3. Other
        2. Appliances
      3. Great Room
        1. Furniture
        2. Fireplace
        3. Other
    3. Basement
      1. Great Room
        1. Church Pews
        2. Ping Pong
        3. Other Furniture
      2. Bedroom
      3. Bathroom
      4. Storage
    4. Outside
      1. Propane
      2. Deck
        1. Furniture
      3. Under Deck
      4. Firepit
      5. Other
  3. Other Issues
    1. Dogs/Pets
    2. Ranch Work Days - 2016 = Landward, June 11, 18, Aug 27. - 24 Man Hours.
    3. Weeks Purchased - Payments due.
    4. Other


Tuesday, May 3, 2016

Issue about Pets inside the cabin.


We have some family members who are allergic to pet dander.  Pet dander is not generally cleaned up with a good vacuuming.  It gets airborne and sticks around a while long after your pet has gone back home.  As a result, family members allergic to pet dander who visit the cabin after a pet loving family member, are unable to enjoy the cabin.

I actually have a different issue with pets at the cabin.  My autistic son, Jason, is terrified of dogs and cats. It's a completely irrational fear, but it's a deal breaker for us. Fortunately for me, my family is aware, and pets are kept away when we are visiting.

The issue of pets inside the cabin will be an agenda item at the next cabin partners meeting.  If you have input, please contact your cabin partner, or you are welcome to post comment here.