Can't Make Vegas! Ugh! Waiting for the next LHBA Meeting. [Archive]

John17three

08-04-2011, 05:18 AM

I'd suggest signing up for our new class email alerts at http://www.loghomebuilders.org/alert

You'll get early notification of new classes if you're on that list.

Thanks! I've already signed up and am waiting on the notification (still breathing, though). I know the Sept class is in Vegas, but can anyone speak to previous locations?

I'm just kinda curious of the various places LHBA has had the 2-day seminar?

blane

08-04-2011, 12:25 PM

Skips home in WA was something to see. It made everything in my mind seem real. Ellsworth and Steve would use the home we were sitting in as examples on how to do certain things. Then we would go outside for instructions and watch as they would show us things, such as how to notch a log or a batter board measuring system. It was a wonderful setting for the LHBA class.
Thanks! I've already signed up and am waiting on the notification (still breathing, though). I know the Sept class is in Vegas, but can anyone speak to previous locations?

I'm just kinda curious of the various places LHBA has had the 2-day seminar?

LogLover

08-04-2011, 02:53 PM

kinda makes the whole thought of Vegas seem kinda sick, per se.
Is it apparent I hate Vegas ? lol :(

Scoutman

08-04-2011, 04:09 PM

My thoughts about Vegas also. After the seminar had to go back 2 weeks later for a HS reunion. But a good class!

blane

08-05-2011, 04:27 AM

Vegas is not a place I would ever choose to visit except for the knowledge of Ellsworth and Steve. Vegas sounds like such a dark place to me. But you can choose where to go and what to see and avoid as much as possible for the sake of the class.

LogLover

08-05-2011, 07:47 AM

November class - Vegas again.
I can make it this time but ..... no way will I attend a class to build a log home in the Glitz Capital of the USA.
Seems so wrong, so far out there ..... sorry to vent but OMG.
:confused:
Vegas ... never happen with me. Never again
So I will wait or maybe even have to look at alternatives I guess. Wonder if anyone else shares the thought/opinion?

Tom Featherstone

08-05-2011, 08:05 AM

LogLover,

Hang in there. The reason the class is in Lost Vegas is to keep the costs down for "new" members. Bite the bullet and take the class as soon as you can, then get the H E double tooth picks out of LV after the class. I'll bet ya one of LHN's muffin's you wouldn't regret it. The first half hour of class you'll forget where you're at, your mind will be on logs......not the strip.

My only regret with the LHBA is, I didn't find them over 20 years ago!

Best Wishes,
Tom

jrdavis

08-05-2011, 09:47 AM

LogLover --
I have to echo Tom.
DO NOT (I repeat, DO NOT) let the W_H_E_R_E sidetrack you.
I could list 10 reasons EASY as to WHY NOT VEGAS (and I have an aunt within 40 minutes of there -- and we're a close family).
but don't let the 1/2 mile dirt road, without county maintenance trip you up.... the view at the TOP will (it WILL) overwhelm you.

YES -- walking through Skips hand made, custom, 6 inch thick doors - big enough to drive his VETTE through -- WOULD seal the deal.
YES -- your first look up and seeing, then double-taking at the horse buggie chained to the RidgePole -- would seal the deal.

BUT -- KNOWING that with the knowledge you will leave class with, YOU (yes YOU) will be able to build one yourself, will suffice.

Just be glad you don't have to traverse the hills and watch out for FANG.

come on in-- the water IS GREAT.
JD

Scoutman

08-05-2011, 11:12 AM

I'll agree with Tom and JD. I'd been to Vegas several times before going to the class. Take the class. The location shouldn't matter THAT much that you would forego the entire LHBA does it?

LogLover

08-05-2011, 11:36 AM

pinewood

08-05-2011, 12:03 PM

How very, very sad. You need to say nothing more. So sorry for your loss.

~Dane~

Scoutman

08-05-2011, 12:43 PM

Sorry for your loss LogLover. :(

edkemper

08-05-2011, 12:45 PM

Loglover,

I hear ya. My sis was made a vegetable for over a decade before she finally died. In my case, it was the Simi Valley Police Department that committed the crime.

My point? It doesn't matter where you're from anymore, or where you go, there are no safe places anymore. One of the reasons why I want to move out of my city.

The best thing about Vegas is the cost. I'm betting you won't be "enjoying" the Vegas lifestyle for the couple of days you're there for the class. The guys will keep you so infatuated with the subject, you're not likely to think about much else.

Good luck my friend, sorry for your loss.

loghousenut

08-05-2011, 03:54 PM

Loglover, That's as good a reason as any to hate a place.

Ellsworth and Steve, If you're reading this and want to entertain an alternate location, you can consider using our half-baked, half-built, crooked and out of square, semi-LHBA, 36x36 dance hall as an alternate location for class. It's 35 miles to a real airport and it is at that stage of construction that would allow an instructor to point out how not to do a thing or two. Our first floor subfloor will be nailed down by tomorrow afternoon so it'd be fairly clean and comfortable.

This is a serious offer. If it's a good idea and if there's a way to make it work, feel free to PM me.

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t55/loghousenut/Floor8-2011002.jpg

Tom Featherstone

08-06-2011, 02:40 AM

Loglover,

I'm so sorry to hear of your loss and totally understand your reason to not go to LV. Our hearts and prayers go out to you and your family. May your hearts be filled with the good memories of your sister, so that your wounds may heal.

Still, hang in there log bro. We took the class over three years ago and our dream of building almost went up in smoke last year. We lost our home of 23yrs, forced into bankruptcy to protect what we had left. Our dream started 32yrs ago. To buy a parcel of land in Michigan's UP, build a log home, raise a few chickens, and work at McDonalds to pay the taxes ... it didn't quite work out that way.

Before we moved here, from metro Detroit, I had totally discounted building a log home for all the reasons you've been learning about here. I stumbled across the LHBA web site about 5yrs ago, read everything in the public forum, then decided to take the class. I'll never forget the look on everyone's face as we stood in the parking lot/cow pasture, being from the "D", "did we all just get had?". It didn't take me to long into the class to realize this is for real, to change into the "sponge mode" to absorb as much as we can, thank God Linda was there to take excellent notes too.

Fast forward to today. We were able to keep our property we purchased. We live there today in a 70's vintage mobile home. No water, no electricity. We survived and have healed/healing a huge wound. We finally purchased our house plans, our well Driller started yesterday. God willing,there will be a load of house logs in our field this winter, so we can start building next spring.

It will be worth the wait until you can take the class. There is a Great bunch of people in this organization, we'll support you more than in just your build. It wasn't a part of the class, just one of the many benefits.

Sincerely,
Tom
LogNut2

dazedandconfused

08-06-2011, 04:22 AM

I too did not care for the location and fully understand your reasons but what is the alternative? I got my room at Harrahs and basically went from my room to the conference room 5 floors down, I could have went the 3 days without seeing the outside. A few good folks went to Mcdonalds for lunch a few days. The only time I felt part of Vegas was coming and going, just too much information to sightsee, really 10 or 11 hours of class. I watched TV in my room. The class was awesome and fully worth while. I believe opportunities present themselves and you have to choose to walk through the door, maybe this is an opportunity for you. What I think is in 5 years you probably would say I should have taken the class 5 years ago.

John17three

08-08-2011, 01:04 PM

Yeah, I got the notification!! I may go in November, but not sure. I might be buying a piece of land, too. So two expenses converging has caused me to second-guess my time frame of buying, building, and the seminar.

I'd like to know how Vegas seminary is cost effective. Anyway, been to Vegas 7 times for high school athletic championships (Track/Football) in the late 90's.

Funny story, but totally unrelated to log homes. After losing our state semi-final of football in Las Vegas, a bunch of guys went out on the town to hussle some beer and bud (not 'weiser). One guy came back to tell the team that he scored a huge deal. He was so proud of his ten dollar purchase until after further examination, it was nothing more than a bunch of parsley and oregano mixed with rubber cement, all braced inside by a toothpick. LOL!! But the whole experience was even funnier having know the naivete of the guy. LOL! I can't laugh too hard, he did smoke me for $96 on a hand of poker over the weekend. : -(

But back to the meeting place--has an LHBA ever been in the Mid-West? It'd be sweet to be able to drive.

MN Guy

08-08-2011, 03:42 PM

loghousenut

08-09-2011, 12:18 AM

I am kind of onboard with the wait until ..... I don't think Vegas and I are compatible.
I hope maybe next year brings a change in locations but if not I may consider changing my mind. Like everything in life - things evolve.
My brother is at a log school up here in Grand Marais this month sometime. It will be interesting to hear his thoughts on it when he is done. I think it runs 2-3 weeks, more of an actual hands on build thing if I remember right. Funny - he lives outside Seattle and traveled here and I am saying no to LV. lol
Anyone in MN area doing a current build?

MN Guy, I can't wait to hear how the family reunion goes after you take the LHBA class and then get together with your brother. Trust me when I say it'll be fun to watch. You'll be butting heads like a couple o yearling rams who are across the fence from a herd of good looking ewes in heat.

Before the fun starts, I have a bit of Fatherly advice for you. Don't try to bring him around. Do your thing and let him shake his head in disgust. It'll work out fine for you in the end and you'll own your home free and clear. It'll work out fine for him also.

You'll end up at the same place after taking different roads. Personally I'd bet you will take the easy road for the long run but I may be wrong. Photo below is the road we are taking.

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t55/loghousenut/P1000316.jpg

spiralsands

08-09-2011, 04:04 AM

I took the class in Washington and that was forever memorable but if there has to be a class in the middle of the country somewhere, why not go to Oklahoma City? I go there with my job for training at the Aeronautical Center and stay at the Biltmore which has 500 rooms, 3 pools and the friendliest staff in the world. They do lots of cool conventions there. A few weeks ago they had the Hudson Car Clubs there and the parking lot was full of cars from the early 1900's. There are lots of horse show, dog show, club people who book there because of the room and service. Oklahoma City is a lot better than Vegas any day. I also would never want to go to Vegas because I also lost a sibling there, my brother. Weird how Vegas has that effect on people.

John17three

08-09-2011, 07:30 AM

From a marketing standpoint, I understand why LHBA would schedule the course in Las Vegas. Vegas pulls people of all ethical and moral persuasions. I mean, I even got David Hasselhoff's autograph in line for the roller coaster in Circus Circus--back when he was equally popular in States as in Germany. There are some perks to Vegas.

From a practical standpoint, it sounds much better to have it at a log home. I'm sure the directors could (with a view to future courses), have a centralized location somewhere that has a log home. It would be ideal to combine log home building theory in class with a practical demonstrations of a skill/task (peeling a log for a basic example), or multiple tasks. So that one may be at the location learning theory but also be shown in person tips or pointers on how to avoid certain pitfalls/errors in common tasks. Maybe even a basic session of how to survey your build site for grade or whatever. Just a thought. I understand there are some time constraints involved so demonstrations would need limits.

jrdavis

08-09-2011, 08:01 AM

LogLover --
To recap but not restate everything others have said...... We are (I AM) sorry for your loss.
Sometimes life just sucks. (period)
Give yourself some more time and see how things pan out for you....

****I DO like the idea of having a class at others' log home/ either built or being built. free help AND good times.
It just might start a new trend!!!!

JD

edkemper

08-09-2011, 08:11 AM

jr,

We have to remember this is only a 2 day course. I have no idea how much we would have lost out on if we had had a hands on type of class. I think the boys have it all together. Teach the class where ever it's practical. Vegas seems to be a fairly cheap venue. I know it cost me more to go to Washington for the class than it'd have cost to go to Vegas. As for hands on training? That is why we have volunteers.

Just a thought. It was amazing to see deer roaming on the property while having the class. But then again, I didn't go for the deer. I was there to hear a couple of masters.

jrdavis

08-09-2011, 08:20 AM

Ed ---

I get your point... and not to hijack the thread, but I was just thinking, because I'm a hands on-kind of guy, no matter how many times I see it on paper and hear it in words. When the Hands touch the Items, it clicks for me.
--thats just me. :)
I didn't go for the deer (or fang) or Chip, but some things are just 'benis'.

JD

blane

08-09-2011, 11:22 AM

Looking good LHN.....the house, I mean, not you avitar:)
MN Guy, I can't wait to hear how the family reunion goes after you take the LHBA class and then get together with your brother. Trust me when I say it'll be fun to watch. You'll be butting heads like a couple o yearling rams who are across the fence from a herd of good looking ewes in heat.

Before the fun starts, I have a bit of Fatherly advice for you. Don't try to bring him around. Do your thing and let him shake his head in disgust. It'll work out fine for you in the end and you'll own your home free and clear. It'll work out fine for him also.

You'll end up at the same place after taking different roads. Personally I'd bet you will take the easy road for the long run but I may be wrong. Photo below is the road we are taking.

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t55/loghousenut/P1000316.jpg

Timber

08-10-2011, 07:29 PM

nice to see the inside of that home your building

jrdavis

05-16-2012, 05:47 AM

Ok - I will open up a deep and painful wound so that maybe one "gets" me and my basis.
My sister was sexually assualted and then murdered in that place a few years back when she drove there for a weekend of fun from Diego.
The town of Glitz and Glimmer holds ugly memories beyond what I can handle. I hate Vegas - I hate everything about it for many many reasons.
Enough said

LogLover --
You have been on my mind for the past week.
Its strange how life brings people to a better understanding.

The way you feel toward Vegas -- My family and I now feel towards the Memphis/northern Mississippi (Batesville and I-55 area).
My father-in-law was murdered last week in northwest Mississippi and we now have a family boycott towards the area.
He was just driving thru from Nebraska to Pensacola, FL to pick up my son from college.....
as of right now if "we can't get somewhere without going through I-55.... we ain't going".

So if LHBA ever do another class somewhere else, I hope they will put you on the list FIRST.
I make a personal plea to do another class at "the Wallace Lodge" for the hands on and log loving newbies.

I apologize for bringing a painful memory BACK to light again, but you are on my mind daily.
Peace to you and your family.

JD

panderson03

05-16-2012, 06:37 AM

JD that's TERRIBLE! I'm so sorry to hear about your Father-in-Law!! prayers for comfort and peace sent up.

edkemper

05-16-2012, 11:22 AM

The location isn't necessarily important. It's the horrendous unnecessary loss no matter where it happens.

My older sister was effectively murdered (died after years in a coma) by the Simi Valley (SoCal) Police Department. A police officer/car without lights or sirens and traveling between 80-100MPH down the main street of town broadsided my sister's compact car. Then the officer filed a personal injury lawsuit against my sister.

My heart goes out to those who have lost.

panderson03

05-16-2012, 03:11 PM

so sad and senseless

Cruiser

05-17-2012, 01:50 PM

LogLover --
You have been on my mind for the past week.
Its strange how life brings people to a better understanding.

The way you feel toward Vegas -- My family and I now feel towards the Memphis/northern Mississippi (Batesville and I-55 area).
My father-in-law was murdered last week in northwest Mississippi and we now have a family boycott towards the area.
He was just driving thru from Nebraska to Pensacola, FL to pick up my son from college.....
as of right now if "we can't get somewhere without going through I-55.... we ain't going".

So if LHBA ever do another class somewhere else, I hope they will put you on the list FIRST.
I make a personal plea to do another class at "the Wallace Lodge" for the hands on and log loving newbies.

I apologize for bringing a painful memory BACK to light again, but you are on my mind daily.
Peace to you and your family.

JD

JR, I am so sorry to learn that was your father in law. Such a senseless act by a deranged individual. We live in the area where this happened so we are watching the news closely. The police, sheriff's dept and state troopers have told everyone that they do not have to pull over until they have called 911 and had the dispatcher verify that it is a "real" cop behind them. They have also pulled all unmarked cars off the road. I think they will catch the perpetrator. MS is known not to "play". It really is a good area. Again, I am so sorry for your loss. Our prayers are with you and your family.

Sent from my MB865 using Tapatalk 2

loghousenut

05-17-2012, 11:44 PM

Heard tonight that a suspect is in custody.

John W

05-18-2012, 06:33 AM

Not that the guys aren't busy enough.... What about two classes? The current class stands as it is, and you don't need anything else. But after you attend that class you have the option to attend a hands on class at a later time. Two day class also, run through all the tools, all the steps. Debark, lift some logs, drill, pin, etc, etc.

panderson03

05-18-2012, 07:28 AM

not needed, from my perspective. you want to run through the tools, steps, peel logs after the class just visit a current build near you! or read up on the members side. its all there (but truly there's nothing like the education you get when you visit someone elses build!!)

BoFuller

05-18-2012, 08:57 AM

There are evil things that happen in every state and every city. The perps may have been passers-by. There are good people in every state and every city. We have some great friends (pastor and his wife) who live in Vegas and have a summer home really close to where we are building. You can't blame a town, as it's only made up of people.
If Vegas is the logical spot for travel reasons then we all have to address our issues. I am truly sorry for the losses that anyone has experienced but we all need to get beyond locations. I know grieving takes longer periods for different people and I truly do not mean to judge anyone. I'm just saying its not logical to blame a location. Time heals all wounds.

Pokey

05-18-2012, 09:40 AM

:(
Aaaah man - JD, my thoughts and prayers sent to you and your family.
This is just so so so wrong...... I am at a loss for words to share. Sorry is the best I can further do.And many prayers sent by us here.

jrdavis

05-18-2012, 09:42 AM

Ed -- I remember you talking about your sister before.
There is tragedy everywhere... but when it hits close to home and its "not the other guy/girl" it is devastating.

Thank you all for your thots and prayers.
LHN - they did catch the perp. raping a woman and had the gun (matched balistics) on his person.
He has a long list of felony charges in the past and is a gang member.

Cruiser -- Thanks for keeping an Eye on things.
the police and other agencies were ALL on top of things and even listed to the questions I asked the day after to make sure they were "focused" on things *I* knew.

The funeral was yesterday and there were over 300 people at the service.
Thomas K. Schlender mad a GREAT impact in his part of the world and will be sincerely missed by many.
There were even people from restaurants that he frequented with my invalid mother-in-law.
Best of All, He knew Jesus Christ as his Saviour and was prepared for death, though NOT in this way.

Thanks again all.
JD

ps. I still think wallace lodge is a good one to visit.
those that aren't as concerned about the money won't "go to that one"......

Pokey

05-18-2012, 09:46 AM

There are evil things that happen in every state and every city.

That is fact Bo but I know for some, myself included, there are places that are so bitter tasting in memory I won't have any of it. To many good places that do not have that feeling and I'd rather move on myself.
Yes - time heals but I also question whether it heals all things. Lessens them I know but heals all ? - no. Not for me at least ...................guess we all different