It is no longer a euphemism to go to the cabin as it has been since 2014 when his prior cabin burned down.  Now we have a new cabin to go to, and it is amazing!  Here is the damaged Bullfrog bridge en route last Friday.

We were able to watch the Oregon Ducks play that evening.  Dad and I got to talking that evening and for some reason his mother’s (my gramma’s) love of wrestling came up.  I learned that he would accompany her to watch wrestling at the Seattle Armory.  Her favorite wrestlers are Frank Stojack, John Bonica, and Luther Lindsay.  Mr. Stojack was also Pierce County Sheriff.  Dr. Bonica became an anesthesiologist with specialization in chronic pain management and obstetrical anesthesia.  His experience of chronic pain from wrestling injuries and his wife’s poor experience delivering their first child were impetuses to his impressive career.  Mr. Lindsay was one of the first African American wrestlers to become a major star.  I used to watch wrestling on TV with my gramma.  But now I have hope of going with my father to see a live professional wrestling match.

We also got to talking about my experience in college helping with the broadcast of the 1984 women’s Olympic Marathon Trails in Olympia.  I remember being with Al Michaels for that broadcast.  I had forgotten that it was for ABC’s Wide World of Sports.  The upcoming Olympics were the first time women allowed to compete in the Olympics.  Joan Benoit Samuelson won the race and went on to win a gold medal in the Olympics in Los Angeles.

The next morning, I was able to take the dogs walking.  I loved the fall colors.

The valley views were nice too.

The neighbor’s new building gets even more ostentatious.  Thankfully we cannot see it from most of the land.

And here is the cabin from below.

Steve took up his usual spot being able to keep on eye on things.

There was a gorgeous rainbow that Saturday morning as well.

We were able to check out the most recent improvements inside the cabin.  The stove keeps the temperature perfect. No more being overheated in the cabin.

The kitchen is mostly in place and very functional.  There is also a nice expandable dining room table and a TV.

And the incredible views.

I spent the rest of Saturday preparing a turkey dinner.  I need to work this Thanksgiving so this was going to be my Thanksgiving.  And I had a newly butchered fresh turkey to offer.  I made Apple Turnovers.  Unfortunately I had accidentally grabbed puff pastry Tom had purchased rather than the dairy and wheat free one I had purchased.

I also made a Pumpkin Meringue Pie.  Here it is before the meringue.  I did use our pumpkin.

I made Dry-Cured Rosemary Turkey with our turkey.  I didn’t manage to get a photo of it until carving started.  I did use Dad’s oven to bake it, and it turned out perfectly.  It was the best turkey any of us had ever had.  I think it was more the turkey than the recipe but nonetheless amazing.

I also made Rice Pilaf with Cranberries and Pecans and Gluten Free Dairy Free Green Bean Casserole.  To make the latter I also made Gluten Free Dairy Free French Fried Onions and Dairy free, condensed cream of mushroom soup.  I did use our green beans.

I also made Easy Roasted Acorn Squash using our squash.  I overcooked the squash, or maybe you could call them caramelized.

I also made Allergy-Friendly Corn Muffin Recipe using our corn.  There was also Olive Oil Mashed Potatoes and gravy.  Here is my plate of food when finally all cooked. For dessert was the apple turnovers and pumpkin pie.  It was all really good.

The next morning was more dog walking.  For a bit the fog was below us in the valley which I love.  It feels like we are in heaven.

But then I had a lot of dishes to clean.  And this was without running water.  It took 3 hours.  And this did not include the dinner dishes which Dad had to clean.

Then there was more dog walking and views.

Tom and Dad looked at the snowmobiles to see if they would start for the upcoming winter.

My old Pantera that had not been started in 3 years fired up on the first pull.  I love this old reliable machine!

 

Steve is definitely slowing down on his walks.  But he still seems to like to go.

On Sunday we went to The Raven and Rooster for lunch.  It is at the old Mineral Springs Resort.  We used to go to the resort to eat semi-regularly when we used to snowmobile at Blewett Pass before Dad bought the cabin.  It had been closed for quite a while, but this new restaurant opened there in September.  Unfortunately the wildfires made it close again, but thankfully they are back open and serving really good food.  I would suggest you check it out if you are ever in the area.

I liked their bathroom sign.

We headed back to the cabin to watch the Seahawks game.  The dogs enjoyed the cabin.  We didn’t enjoy the game quite so much.

Monday there was more dog walking.  I checked out the now-burnt settlers cabin again.  Trees are growing there.  Not sure how much longer I will be able to recognize it.

Monday was windy and cold so it was mostly relaxing and leftovers.  I finished reading my The Teachings of Mutton: A Coast Salish Woolly Dog book.  I was completely fascinated by the story of the Woolly dogs.  Then there was Monday Night Football on at Dad’s cabin.  His new TV is working out great, and we are able to mirror my iPhone screen if the antenna reception is suboptimal.  And Tuesday we came home.  It was a great trip and so nice to have a cabin again!