Like so many who live in this northern border state, we needed to go farther Up North to have a cabin. Our family's experiences of resort stays, visiting our parents' lake homes and even buying a small two-bedroom place nearby were simply rehearsals for our final creation.

About 20 years ago we began the serious search for a site — we started looking more northwest than direct north. We located wooded acreage between two small lakes, each with sandy bottoms and plenty of fish. One of our first experiences was hearing the loon calls, so we tagged the prospective cabin Loon Lodge.

Many of our friends and relatives assisted with the construction. Now our six-bedroom cottage in the woods exists for all to visit. The final addition was a tall pole cemented into the ground where we fly the American flag.

We routinely entertain groups of relatives and friends throughout the season, occasionally numbering up to 25 people. Our entire flock of 13 grandchildren has visited multiple times and has lasting memories of family and place. We have radio and Internet access, but no television. We play games and water sports, hike, read, pray, sing and recite poetry. We like to provide a meal of fish to all who visit. However, we require participation in the catch.

The major projects are complete. So when visitors are gone, bedding is changed, yard and garden work is done, and we sit on the deck or swing and simply listen to the many colorful birds and witness the pair of eagles raising their annual set of eaglets. This is the time when we count our blessings.

Over the years, this structure has known a few names — Grandpa's Cabin, Uncle Tom's Cabin, Summer Stuga, even Paradise-Built-for-Two. But for the most part it is simply Loon Lodge.

KATHLEEN SCHULENBERG, PLYMOUTH

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