Everett Home Page: Camp Canoe, # 2!

Our lake next door neighbor, Jason, was ready to sell his cabin earlier this year. It was handed down to him from his dad, who was the brother of Benny, the person from whom we purchased Lakeview Canoe.

We thought it'd be ideal to rent since supply is low, demand is high, and many people ask if there's anywhere else for additional friends and family members to stay. And it's another place for us to stay when #1 is being used. Amazing how God always works these things out.

BEFORE

DURING:

We closed in February and began work; some of it we did ourselves and our great contractor did several bigger projects. The place came fully furnished, but we got smart and learned that anything put at the neighborhood entrance is someone else's treasure!!

One of 15 truckloads of everything imaginable- all gone within minutes.

The owners were obviously proud UT Longhorn fans, which they wanted to keep all their paraphernalia; 3 boxes full!

Kids took turns taking a sledgehammer to the fireplace wall.

#DemoDay- We felt like Fixer Upper stars with the demo of the fireplace wall, where the new entry double door would go. While moving the heavy firebox outside, Scott complimented me: "My wife is as strong as a mule!"

Why yes, those are mummified rat skeletons inside the wall!!

We moved the wall under the breakfast bar back to create room for bar stools.

New shiplap wall in the living room to create another bedroom.

Re-orienting the loft staircase from super-steep, straight up, to along the wall.

Our contractor Mark gave me a little somethin' extra- moonshine! That's right, pure homemade, East Texas apple cinnamon flavored, straight outta the mason jar. Just a dab will do ya, and it'll light you up!

I did my fair share of painting at home- 2 coffee tables and kitchen table and chairs were all repainted white (notice in 'after' picture).

What would we do without Amazon to furnish? Our front porch, on most days.

In addition, all new exterior and interior paint (a whole 'nother story there) really made a huge difference!

The name: I have such happy childhood memories of my summers at 'camp'; my Auntie Marg and Uncle Bill's place on Sandy Pond in upstate New York. Plus, who doesn't love camp?! My wonderful Auntie Marg just passed away, she was the last surviving of 15 siblings, and my Grammie Gay's baby sister. So, in keeping with the canoe theme, 'Camp Canoe' was decided upon. But sometimes, it's easier to call it #2- sorry Jen!