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.