November 12/13 in Vegas!!

[yahderhey]

After lingering quietly around here for three years, I’m finally taking the first step of the dream to build our own log home. Took some saving and planning to go, but I know the pay off will be great. My excitement is through the roof and I can’t wait. :D

Anyone else going to Vegas in November? It’s gonna be refreshing to meet other crazy log home dreamers like myself.


Any Wisconsinite members or future members? Where abouts you building??? :cool:

[edkemper]

I'm glad you're diving in. The water is warm and the people on the other side are also. How I remember what you are feeling. Happy to hear you're finally going to join our family.

[Thomas Pannell]

Your excitement is completely justified. And you'll get as much information again from the members' forum after you complete the course.

[jrdavis]

3 years!!!!

Thats awesome. Way to 'take the plunge'.
I am in Glenwood Iowa so just due South of you.

Welcome to the gang.

JD

[John17three]

I'm considering coming with my father-in-law in November, but if he's not able to make it, are there any folks out there needing to share cost on a room in Vegas?

I'm male, clean, married, two young kids, fresh breath, not overly gaseous! : -)
I don't drink, smoke, or chew.....or bunk with with folks who do! : -)

Thanks!

[edkemper]

John,

> I'm male, clean, married, two young kids, fresh breath, not overly gaseous! : -) I don't drink, smoke, or chew.....or bunk with with folks who do! : -)

Sounds like a party. <smile> Hope to see you soon on the other side.

[Bill LaCrosse]

yahderday,

Welcome soon to the association...I have at least five members coming this weekend to help..or just watch and eat and learn...we are putting on the RPSLs today, ridgepole and rafters tomorrow, decking the next couple of days, the SIP panels, then metal...target completion to have a roof complete is next Saturday. There are more benefits to this association than just the mounds of info from the class...my recommendation...embrace it with ears and eyes wide open and don't sweat the small stuff!!!
Congrats!
Bill

[blane]

Bill,
You have help comming for the roof? Congrats on that. If you are able to get all that done by next Saturday you may have time to head south for a few days and help me get my roof done and still have time to sleep. You have some very intimidating work ahead on the ridge pole and rafters. Be careful up there.
yahderday,

Welcome soon to the association...I have at least five members coming this weekend to help..or just watch and eat and learn...we are putting on the RPSLs today, ridgepole and rafters tomorrow, decking the next couple of days, the SIP panels, then metal...target completion to have a roof complete is next Saturday. There are more benefits to this association than just the mounds of info from the class...my recommendation...embrace it with ears and eyes wide open and don't sweat the small stuff!!!
Congrats!
Bill

[blane]

But the real question is, can Baptist dance? Answer: some can and some can't. See you on the other side.
I'm considering coming with my father-in-law in November, but if he's not able to make it, are there any folks out there needing to share cost on a room in Vegas?

I'm male, clean, married, two young kids, fresh breath, not overly gaseous! : -)
I don't drink, smoke, or chew.....or bunk with with folks who do! : -)

Thanks!

[John W]

Another question. What's the difference between a Baptist and a Methodist? Methodists drink their beer on the FRONT porch!

[ncgator]

My wife and I just signed up for the Vegas class too. We are looking forward to meeting other peeps like us that like the DIY method of building:) Blane. we were just up your way over the weekend. Let me know if you need any help; I can probably assist on some weekends.

[rckclmbr428]

Enjoy the class, we will see you on the "other side"

[John17three]

Well, Blane, we say its not dancing till ya got both feet off the ground! But no, we don't get overly animated in our song services. : -)

[tjmash]

yahderhey, glad to know your diving in. We are from Horicon, Wisconsin so whenever you got the chance you are more than welcome to check our project, we are currently working on our 12th layer. Congratulations again!

Tim and Grace

[yahderhey]

tjmash, awsome! I'm really excited to hear of another member in the area. I'm a short drive from you in the West Bend area. I'd love to come up check it out some time soon after I become a member. I'd love to see a log dream coming true in person.

Now I'm more excited to get to Vegas. :)

[jrdavis]

Now? come on.....
thats just icing on the CAKE, IceCream and a Surprise too. :)

[blane]

Give me a shout after you get back from class, or next time you will be passing through give me a PM and you are welcome to visit any time.
My wife and I just signed up for the Vegas class too. We are looking forward to meeting other peeps like us that like the DIY method of building:) Blane. we were just up your way over the weekend. Let me know if you need any help; I can probably assist on some weekends.

[ncgator]

Will do Blane. As I understand the forum's Terms of Service, I will need to wait until after we get back from Vegas (Rule #28). BTW, Your blog has really inspired my family to tackle a similar project. Did you get the roof finished? I can already feel the change of season in the air.

[Zetmandu]

ncgator,
welcome aboard, or almost aboard anyway. Nice to see another east coaster joining the group. Looks like we arent that far away either. Good luck to you!!

[ncgator]

Thanks Mark. You're just up the road from me. I am looking forward to the class in Nov. How's your project coming along?

[Zetmandu]

ncgator,
its moving along, but slowly. Between having to travel a lot for work, the really bad heat and just normal complications I havent gotten as much as I would of liked completed during the summer so far. Still in the logging stage right now, skidding, peeling etc, but at least its still moving along anyway.
As pretty much anyone here will tell you, the class is great and one of the best things you can do. Enjoy and once you get to the other side is where the real learning process will begin, but due to the wonderful people here who are in different stages of builds the wealth of info available is worth more than the class even. You wont find a better group of people to help you along the way

[fishlkmich]

Hi folks,

Since my plan is to build in several years, would there be any advantage/disadvantage to taking the course now? I have the land (with cabin grade timber), but I have a full time job and tons of clearing to do on the land.

I am considering getting a mill as soon as the smaller hardwoods are cleared and cutting all of the trees that can be used for board (not prime construction logs). I would like to mill the board and build a solar kiln. I have a pole barn for storage of the finished boards.

Should I do this grunt work first and then take the course, so that the information is fresh (I'm getting "senior moments" already). Or, is this something that you can pick up and not lose over time? I'd hate to have to take the course twice, in case this economy keeps me working longer than I hope to. I would consider getting started right away, but I can't afford the taxes on a "vacation home" that I would only use for a few weeks per year.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

[Tom Featherstone]

Welcome to the forums!

Ad/disadvantage? Yes to both. Advantage, you'll have plenty of time to plan your build, you'll have access to the members side and a great bunch of people that will help you figure out what you'll do with your build. My wife and I took the class over three years ago....I wish we had found LHBA more than 20 years earlier. We purchased our plans this spring and if the stars align correctly.... there will be a load of house logs in our field this winter, then I'll know, the build is on for next year.

Disadvantage? You'll end up with "logitis". The symptoms are, you don't look at trees the same way again, you stay up late at night or early in the a.m. reading every forum post you can. In severe cases like mine, you'll want to go help every member with their build, although not possible, to meet these great people to shake their hand, to lend a hand.

Take the class is what you'll hear here. I've heard of no regrets in over five years of being here. The only one being, I wish we done it sooner..

Good Luck to you!

Tom

[loghousenut]

Take it now. I did it in 1981 and it changed the rest of my life. I took it again in 1989 just for fun and with the woman I loved. Proposed to her the night before class and here we are. There are many, many, MANY decisions to be made between now and groundbreaking. I guarantee you'll approach every one of those decisions from a different angle after taking the LHBA class and joining in on the forums on the members side.

Any info that gets lost in a senior moment will be found again if you're fairly active on the forum. I oughta know... I'm kinda old and "seniormomentish" myself and I'm doing fine on the place we're building. By the way, if there is a Mrs. in your life she oughta go to class with you. Having the banker view every decision from a common ground really makes a difference in how long she stays married to you.

[blane]

Getting close. We should have it "mostly" done by next weekend
Will do Blane. As I understand the forum's Terms of Service, I will need to wait until after we get back from Vegas (Rule #28). BTW, Your blog has really inspired my family to tackle a similar project. Did you get the roof finished? I can already feel the change of season in the air.

[blane]

Take the class now, I would say. Planning for the future is actually a big part of the class that will be useful now.
Hi folks,

Since my plan is to build in several years, would there be any advantage/disadvantage to taking the course now? I have the land (with cabin grade timber), but I have a full time job and tons of clearing to do on the land.

I am considering getting a mill as soon as the smaller hardwoods are cleared and cutting all of the trees that can be used for board (not prime construction logs). I would like to mill the board and build a solar kiln. I have a pole barn for storage of the finished boards.

Should I do this grunt work first and then take the course, so that the information is fresh (I'm getting "senior moments" already). Or, is this something that you can pick up and not lose over time? I'd hate to have to take the course twice, in case this economy keeps me working longer than I hope to. I would consider getting started right away, but I can't afford the taxes on a "vacation home" that I would only use for a few weeks per year.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

[yahderhey]

I have a question for the members. I'm signed up and paid for. Is there any confirmation I should expect to receive from the Ass.? Is anything coming in an email or mail that I need to show when I get there, or will a photo ID be my confirmation to get into the class when I arrive?? I feel as if I need something from LHBA as proof to enter the class.

[drummer boy]

I have a question for the members. I'm signed up and paid for. Is there any confirmation I should expect to receive from the Ass.? Is anything coming in an email or mail that I need to show when I get there, or will a photo ID be my confirmation to get into the class when I arrive?? I feel as if I need something from LHBA as proof to enter the class.
Bring an empty coffee cup, a smile, an open mind and a pen. They will have you on a list that they check at the door. They take care of everything. Trust them. You will not find anyone on earth like these folks here. It is the most amazing community that you have ever seen.

[BoFuller]

I have a question for the members. I'm signed up and paid for. Is there any confirmation I should expect to receive from the Ass.? Is anything coming in an email or mail that I need to show when I get there, or will a photo ID be my confirmation to get into the class when I arrive?? I feel as if I need something from LHBA as proof to enter the class.

Yeah, they really drill you on ID. At least 3 pieces are necessary with two of them pictured.

Just kidding. They know you're coming. :D

[BoFuller]

Take it now. I did it in 1981 and it changed the rest of my life. I took it again in 1989 just for fun and with the woman I loved. Proposed to her the night before class and here we are. There are many, many, MANY decisions to be made between now and groundbreaking. I guarantee you'll approach every one of those decisions from a different angle after taking the LHBA class and joining in on the forums on the members side.

Any info that gets lost in a senior moment will be found again if you're fairly active on the forum. I oughta know... I'm kinda old and "seniormomentish" myself and I'm doing fine on the place we're building. By the way, if there is a Mrs. in your life she oughta go to class with you. Having the banker view every decision from a common ground really makes a difference in how long she stays married to you.

Ditto this. LHN, you're my hero. (except for the gutter thing). :p

[edkemper]

The one thing I would recommend is a good nights sleep. That will end up being your biggest asset. Everything else will work out. Some would think the best are on the forum. But you are going to find out where we all came from and who is responsible for all of us.

[John17three]

The one thing I would recommend is a good nights sleep. That will end up being your biggest asset. Everything else will work out. Some would think the best are on the forum. But you are going to find out where we all came from and who is responsible for all of us.


@edkemper. Everytime I see your incarnation (a.k.a avatar), I think the moderator is commenting. For some weird reason, that Simpson character you chose looks really "official" for some reason to me. LOL!

To all, I was quite reserved about pressing my father in law to come to the conference. He said he wanted to, but I felt like he was just doing it for me. Its one thing if he said he like to go along to the movies with me, but $1300 investment (give'er take a few) is a lot to ask of someone. So I asked my wife to follow-up with him and see where he's at on the LHBA. He told'er he'd like to go for nothing else than just sit in and learn. He doesn't think he'll ever build a log home, but would probably help with my build. So, my worst suspicions are true: he wants to just hang out with me and thinks it'd be fun to learn a thing or two. I guess we'll be signing up this week probably. I still feel a little guilty about it--but it does save me a $100. :o

[drummer boy]

The class is contagious. At minimum they will see another option and freeing life philosophy is out there. If I never built a home it was worth the money. sometimes people don't know that they don't know.

[BoFuller]

The class is contagious. At minimum they will see another option and freeing life philosophy is out there. If I never built a home it was worth the money. sometimes people don't know that they don't know.

I second that.

Bo

[Mosseyme]

John17Three
I don't think that your father-in-law will be disappointed. If he is just doing it to hang out with you that is a compliment and a good bonding thing. The rest will be icing and there is a lot of icing. If he is terribly disappointed you can pay him back $10 a month. You can get a lot more out of this than just log building info. it is up to you. I had to kinda talk my husband into it. We went to class in WA. Since we love the NW he agreed to it as a 40th aniversary trip. He said first time in his life he had sat through 11 hours of class without dozing once. Same for the second day. We have never once thought of that money again except to wonder how you can listen harder and maintain more. Thankfully you have a manuel and notes to take home and all the wonderful people on the other side that will remember what you don't. Also if we start to stray to far in our exploring our own individual ways of doing things the instructors will chime in and suggest you rethink what you are thinking and explain why. Hope you take the leap! Where are you in Missouri?

[John17three]

John17Three
I don't think that your father-in-law will be disappointed. If he is just doing it to hang out with you that is a compliment and a good bonding thing. The rest will be icing and there is a lot of icing. If he is terribly disappointed you can pay him back $10 a month. You can get a lot more out of this than just log building info. it is up to you. I had to kinda talk my husband into it. We went to class in WA. Since we love the NW he agreed to it as a 40th aniversary trip. He said first time in his life he had sat through 11 hours of class without dozing once. Same for the second day. We have never once thought of that money again except to wonder how you can listen harder and maintain more. Thankfully you have a manuel and notes to take home and all the wonderful people on the other side that will remember what you don't. Also if we start to stray to far in our exploring our own individual ways of doing things the instructors will chime in and suggest you rethink what you are thinking and explain why. Hope you take the leap! Where are you in Missouri?

Thanks for the encouragement! I'm about 50 miles Northeast of Branson, MO--its where the retired Nashville entertainers relocate!

We're in Laclede County. Its actually a real nice community. I've lived here most of my life. Low taxes, just 30 minutes from Lake of the Ozarks, 50 minutes from Springfield, MO, and has around 8-9000 acres of Conservation land to hunt. There is also an awesome trout hatchery at Bennett Springs State park that is about 15 minutes off the interstate. Land is relative cheap here. You can get fully wooded land within 20 minutes of town for 1k/acre. Some land is upward around 2 and 3K, but that is in the lower denominations of 5-15 acres. I actually found a 10 acres spot (3 lots) about 5 miles from Bennett Springs for sale, asking only 12k for it. Lots of land around here for sale if you're interested. I have a buddy that's a real estate agent if anyone out there is interested. The only downfall is that there are not too many pine stands around. : -(

[John17three]

:p I did it. Signed me and pap-n-law up just now!! Got two round trip tickets to paradise for $534 from Chicago to Vegas!! Pretty good deal from Spirit Airlines. I'll have to pack my change of clothes in a 16x14x12 backpack. Whatever else doesn't fit, I'll just have to wear on the plane. Got our hotel for two nights for $141.10 'bout a block or two from Planet Hollywood (off the strip, of course). The money we saved, we'll use for the killer dinner deals at the casino's along the strip. LOL!

Anyway, we took the plunge. Feels a little surreal!! Look forward to meeting everyone in Vegas! Thanks for all your gentle encouragement to sign up. I'm not sure I could have done it without your rhetoric. ;)

[loghousenut]

You two will fit right in. See you on the other side.

[jrdavis]

317 --
Welcome aboard and I KNOW you'll have a great time of learning.
I can just hear your 'pap-in-law' saying to you -- "My dad used to say that...." and such. Enjoy and take good notes.

BTW -- I have looked at some 10-20 acres plots just south west of Ft. Leonard wood that would be good buy, cut, build, sell acreages....
Who knows... after my first one is finished, we might cross paths down there.
We like going to Branson too, so who knows.

JD
Ps119:165

[ncgator]

John17three,

My wife and I will see you and your Pap-in Law in Vegas (less than a month to go!). From the posts on this site and the way the members encourage rather than pressure about the LHBA building methods, I am looking forward to the class and meeting people who share an independent spirit. I figure that the class is worth much more than the $$ figure (building with family and friends, knowing the house from the ground up, the personal accomplishment of doing it yourself and of course the lack of a mortgage is icing on the cake). I guess that I look at it as an investment that will give me greater returns than the market ever could.

BTW, it sounds like a nice part of Missouri. I have a good friend that lives in Springfield and I always love getting outside the city on side trips to the Ozarks and Eureka Springs.

I look forward to meeting you and the other students at the class.

Jim

[John17three]

Looks like it might rain on Saturday (30% chance) in Las Vegas. High of 61 and low of 46. Sunday not likely to rain (10% chance). High of 62 and low of 45. Just a weather update. Look forward to seeing everyone there! : -)

[panderson03]

have fun, you guys. looking forward to seeing you on the member's side. welcome to the family!

[yahderhey]

About to leave for Vegas and couldn't be more excited. Can not wait to start learning tomorrow. See you guys on Saturday! Thanks to all the members for the warm welcome and making the discision to dive in an easy one, Good group of people. :cool:

[ncgator]

We are waiting for our flight in Charlotte. Should be leaving soon for Vegas. See ya on Saturday!

[Jane Doe]

I am waiting with baited breath to hear feedback from the attendees!!! How was it?!

I spent the ENTIRE weekend reading this ENTIRE forum and am now properly caught up.

I'm so happy that the class filled up (and I'll be even more happier when the next class is announced)!

Safe return to all ya'll!

[ncgator]

Jane,

I can only speak for myself here ( I will let my wife give her own feedback).
The class exceeded expectations. We met some great people from around the country. Mr E and Steve are great instructors. Practical and frugal in their approach. The classes are long; typically from 9am to 9 pm each day with some breaks for lunch and to stretch. It was probably the most straight forward and honest discussion about log homes that I have ever witnessed. In my opinion it was worth every penny. That said I must admit that I am not a fan of Vegas. O really wish we could have been in a "Skip" type house for the seminar. I highly encourage you to try for the next session that LHBA has.

Jim

[John17three]

I am waiting with baited breath to hear feedback from the attendees!!! How was it?!

I spent the ENTIRE weekend reading this ENTIRE forum and am now properly caught up.

I'm so happy that the class filled up (and I'll be even more happier when the next class is announced)!

Safe return to all ya'll!

Jane,

Yup! Class was great! Teaching and student interaction was great. People of all ages, races, states, and even intellectual abilities were there. I'm sure you'll enjoy it. I played the devil's advocate against myself, and tried to find a reason why I'd ask for my money back. I couldn't think of one. You'll enjoy the class, the instructors, and the people you'll meet. After the class, you'll have an inspirational, optimistic feeling of "I bet I can do that." Geez, even a cave man could do it! I'm sure during my build I'll need a few cave men to peel my logs, but between a little help from my friends and the online member forum, they'll not be a task to large to tackle. No complaints about the class.

However, Vegas is Vegas. I went to Vegas in the late 90's about 6 times, and I'm guessing they paid their employees a little better; the casino girls wear much less now than then. I could have done without that. From a logistical and business standpoint, I understand why Vegas is their choice location for the conference. Just my opinion but prospective members should not expect a class elsewhere anytime soon. But again, just my guess.