Oct 30, 2006
We’re just about to head out, but have enjoyed a wonderful, relaxing weekend at the cabin. The days were beautiful and breezy although the nights were quite cold. This was Ellie’s first trip to the cabin (She’s 9 months today) and she and Emma (2 ½) loved being here. Emma has been hiking and exploring all around the cabin while Ellie has been busy tasting all the rocks and pine needles.

We took a lovely drive Sunday afternoon to check out Paria. The movie set has been burned down and we couldn’t make it all the way to the old town site in our car, but we enjoyed the spectacular scenery there and hiked around a bit.

Upon our return we were delighted to find Grandpa Lee here. We enjoyed a relaxing evening visiting together, and a delicious cabin breakfast this morning. We hate to leave – the temperature is perfect and the flies are all but gone. But it’s back to work tomorrow – boo! We love it here!!

Jason , Jennie, Emma, & Ellie Maestri

Oct 29, 2006
The afternoon was warm enough, but tonight it was chilly. Came up to see my grandkids Ellie and Emma. They’re off on a photo trek, so I’ve been sitting in my sky chair reading til dark. Most of the leaves are off the trees but down in Zion Canyon it is a spectacular display of yellow and gold. I love it here!

— Roland

September 25, 2006, third day of fall

I am impressed with the natural beauty here! The gambel oak are turning gold, orange and red. The poison oak are RED (not green). Beware of poison oak as it can cause a rash, itching and swelling. Thank you for showing us the Rockin R and hope to return

Alvie(sp??) Endo Aikens
Eugene, OR

The Rocking R is a little piece of paradise. What a great faily treasure! Jim & Barbara brought us up here from St. George to enjoy the solitude and beautiful (???) air of fall, and it is a truly wonderful spot.

Mel Aikens 9/25/06

September 17, 2006
Nellie and I made a quick trip to the cabin, just to breathe the wonderful mountain air. The weather has cooled off, the oaks have started to turn gold and the air is crisp tonight. Fall is upon us! We made a nice fire in the woodstove, had some beef stew and hot chocolate. We had a visit from three deer and a flock of very large turkeys tonight. Everything’s in good shape. Thanks to the Rogers clan for tearing down and removing the old outhouse down the hill. It really cleaned up the view. Thanks to Uncle Jim for the new outhouse door.

We are so happy that more people are using the cabin. It’s here for everyone to use. Grandma & Grandpa Rogers are happy too!
– Roland & Nellie

(Kid illustrations of Grandma, LeAnn, Ed Jr., Jeff, Elaine, Nathaniel) and families
We love this place!
Roland & Nellie:
Thank you so much for letting us have some fun at the cabin. So many great memories are made here. This place is really special.

LeAnn

It seems as though we were just here. The memories created are wonderful and unforgettable. We have done plenty of things here to last a life time of stories. I’m thankful for the stay and hope to have many more.
Love
Rosie

* artwork by Lacey & Kaden & Rosa

7/03/06
Another fun vacation at the cabin. We got here on Friday the 31st of June and stayed until Monday the 3rd of July (Adr’s birthday) too bad they couldn’t make it. We always have a good time when we come to the cabin. Thank you Uncle Roland and Aunt Nellie for always making us feel welcome here. It is always great to continue making more memories here with our family.

— Nathaniel Rogers

May 18, 2006
Another beautiful spring at the cabin! What a joyous place to be. I (like uncle Jim) count the cabin as one of our greatest blessings. OUR thanks go to Ben and Jane. We brought up a new mascot to guard the cabin – a bear! Yep, but this one is carved from a tree trunk though by our artist friend, Ron Sherman. We stationed “Mr. Bear” at his post in the center rock circle. He holds a flag so everyone will know we are patriots. We hope he scares the other bears away and the vandals too!

Nellie and I spent the afternoon finishing the sheetrock and taping and mudding on the kids cabin. We brought up a set of oak and kitchen cabinets compliments of Auntie Barb’s remodeling project. That cabin is going to be really nice when it’s finished. Our neighbors across the road showed up, but they got away before I could say “Hi”.

Well, Nellie is reading her book and I’m going to try to repair Uncle Jim’s old redwood lounge chair one last time. The I’m going to perch on my “sky chair” and enjoy the sunset. (P.S. Two rabbits living in the outhouse basement)

Roland & Nellie

10 Feb 06

Spring has not quite sprung but guess who couldn’t wait? How does it feel to be in the beautiful pines and know that there is no human being for 50 miles – priceless. Sorry about the ruts in the driveway. It was a slippery and scary ride in. I am leaving today before the ice melts, reluctantly.

There were visitors here, there were tracks (not bears Jennie) showshoers who smoked Marlboros. They rested on the deck but did not come inside. That funny old stove kept things toasty. The days were warm and sunny, I think I got a sunburned nose.

When I count my blessings, and I do, often this cabin is in the top 10. Thank you Auntie Nell and Uncle Roland. Love to all.
Uncle Jim

1 Dec 2005
It’s time to close up the cabin or the winter. We will return again in the spring.

Roland & Nellie

Oct 15, 2005
Well here we are again – the faithful autumn visitors. Is there anything more wonderful than the cabin in the cool crisp beauty of the fall? I love it I’m enjoying the sunrise in the lounge chair on the deck and feel like an Eddie Bauer ad (dream come true!) bundled in layers of clothing with a pot of water heating on the stove. I really feel there is nothing to compare with mornings at the cabin. As soon as I saw the pink light creeping up the Breaks and warm sun spreading across our little knoll, my whole self relaxes and I can only smile. It’s a little embarrassing, but I have to admit that I’m STILL afraid of the dark, and all the little night noises, and especially bears, but somehow it makes the morning even more glorious. Better go let the others know that hot cocoa is ready. Here’s to a relaxing weekend.

Jennie Maestri

9 September 2005

I don’t know if it was the bear or just being too busy that has kept our family from the cabin this summer. But whatever the reason – they are all missing out! This is the greatest spot in the world!

Uncle Jim has had the cabin all to himself this summer and he’s luckiest and smartest of us all. Roland and I came up to finish the stairway in the teen cabin – Hooray! It is done!
Now it should be safe for old and young alike to enjoy the loft.

Uncle Jim would have hated the noise we made – we needed a generator to run the saw and the drills. It was so peaceful when we finally finished and could turn off the generator. We enjoyed a refreshing rainstorm Thursday night and a sky full of stars on Friday night. Today there is a breeze blowing in the treetops, the sky is blue and it’s a beautiful warm day. Aaaah! Peace!

Nellie