Dear Pete:

I thought you would be interested in an update on "the Highland County Project". It is amazing when I reflect a bit. It's been only two years since I bought that beautiful piece of property in Highland County, Virginia with the spectacular view of George Washington National Forest and the Virginia - West Virginia ridgeline border. I knew then and have believed ever since, that any building on that site had to be worthy of the location. I am very fortunate to have landed with the right log home company, but more importantly to have partnered with you. Without your expertise, experience, contacts and professionalism, my dream "cabin" would still be only a dream in my mind. Of course, there is much more to do, and I likely will be back to you for advice and assistance. But somehow even though our business arrangement is complete, I know you will give me whatever help I need. And because this project is being done in stages (2-3 years or more at this rate) and with me as "general contractor" there will be issues I will seek advice on.

Our relationahip was not an accident, but almost so. We first met at a log home show in Raleigh, NC in August 2004. At that time I was "only looking" - maybe at a small hunter's cabin for a start. I remember your booth and polished presentation - but I wasn't ready to start a real home - "just looking". Flash forward a couple months, my Highland County contact provided me with quotes on an antique log home, 100 years old, placed on my site and sent me 3 or 4 brochures from kit companies he could recommend. I was beginning to refine my thinking: why build a shack only to find it inadequate a few years later? Then when I saw some basic drawings from the brochures I saw one that seemed just right for me. The "Cimarron" looked just right - about 2200 square feet, two bedrooms, very traditional and with hand hewn logs, it would look like it had been on my site for 100 years. I contacted you and we visited your own Appalachian Log Home and Appalachian Log Homes in your area. I knew you and Appalachian Log Homes were my choice. The key was your responsiveness, ability to undertake the design work and the fact that you could supply a crew for the erection. In my remote area that was a must.

In April 2005 you and your wife Jackie drove up to (windy) VA - about 5 hours - for our first site visit. All agreed it was a spectacular view. All wondered how the heck we would get the trucks up the winding road. Before I KNEW IT, IT WAS July and by then we had overcome a few of the hiccups (like your foreman "retiring" from work that required travel). But you quickly located Ben and his crew, who did a great job. Then there was the 14 hour day getting the foundation walls-Superior, precast - up the hill, pushed by a bulldozer and set by crane but it got done. And I am sure August 05 was a delightful time for you, Ben and the crew: two weeks in the only motel in town. Who needs electricity, phones or such when Mother Nature provides all we really need? You and the gang got her up and within the promised time frame. So by Labor Day you had done your work and now I had to take charge. The metal roof took 2 months, a bit longer than the promised 2 weeks, but now that is all done and fits the house perfectly. Then we discovered we had too many roof panels and were short 2 windows. As per your modus operandi there was no problem. You had the excess panels collected and refunded me some dough and, as you well know, you personally delivered the windows this spring.

Since you were last up the masons have completed the interior fireplace, the basement stone façade over the block fireplace foundation and a stone retaining wall. The staining of the outside logs is complete and the first layer of out side chinking is about done. We should have it sealed by the fall and some day I might even add electricity.

All this is a long way of saying "thanks" for a first class job, for lending assistance beyond the call of duty and being a major part of my thirty-five year dream. My best to you and Jackie. Come visit soon. Take care.