Spring Will Spring Up Soon

Friday, February 26, 2010 by Wesley Duke Sapp
Who's ready for it? If you're ready to make a move mentally and want to get set for what you're going to do first why not book your spring visit to Lake Cottage Rentals Indiana for this spring?

Jack-in-the-Pulpit, Lady Slipper Orchids and Trillium's are Spring Ephemerals that begin to grow and bloom in late February through April then lie dormant in May or June.  They won't last long so come and see them while you can.  Take a walk and you'll run into them for sure or you may see them from your boat.
 
Many anglers are surprised to learn that Indiana cat fishing is some of the best in the world. In the early part of spring around May and June the catfish are searching for a place to spawn, which means they are also very hungry during this time. They will be incredibly active and in search of food.  April through May are some months when Crappie Fishing Indiana is great because they are beginning to bite now that the waters have opened-up and are warming.

Close your eyes and imagine getting out for some Muskie Fishing Indiana and then pick up the phone and call Take It Easy Cabin for your Vacation Rentals Indiana at 317-625-2782 or 574-453-4098 today!


Muskie Fishing Indiana

Thursday, February 25, 2010 by Roxanne Turner

The above clip is courtesy of Hoosier Muskie Hunters. This video will give you a taste of Muskie fishing on Lake Webster.  If you are looking for a great fishing adventure and a great place to stay in Northern Indiana then consider our Vacations Rentals Indiana Cabin. 

Great Lodging Here For The Indiana Muskie Classic

Thursday, February 25, 2010 by Roxanne Turner

The 14th Annual Muskie Classic will take place in North Webster, Indiana May 14th thru the 16th.  Tournament waters will be in Barbee Chain, Lake Tippecanoe and Lake Webster.  Over 50 muskies were caught in 2009.  We know it will be an exciting event for avid fisherman. Our northern Indiana vacation home rental has already been rented by a avid muskie fisherman hoping to catch plenty of big ones. 
Lake Webster is known for Muskie fishing and the entire month of May is an ideal time for Muskie fishing.  There are a few available dates left in May ..so make your reservations today. 

Enjoy A Winter Cabin Rental Weekend for $300.00

Sunday, February 14, 2010 by Roxanne Turner
This years Indiana winter weather has been intense.  We have dealt with days full of snow, sleet, ice, freezing fog and single digit temps!  It's hard to take it easy when you are dealing with old man winter being so contrary.  Yet there has been tremendous beauty in the nature of winter this year with the glistening ice shimmering off tree branches, or in seeing beautiful snow caps lay on evergreen limbs.  There is a cute parade of front yard snowmen in our neighborhood carefully made by the delight of children and family. It's a delight to awake to the hush in the air of new fallen snow and watch a neighbors dog try to romp through the snow drifts. Most of us can't stop to really enjoy the fun of winter during the work week but come the weekend it can be a fun family adventure.
 
Our Vacation Rentals Indiana Getaway is located in Epworth Forest in North Webster, IN.
It is a great place for a winter family reprieve  This Indiana Vacation rental offers a lakefront view of Lake Webster, offering activities of ice-fishing, sledding, ice-skating and making snowmen. There's nothing like taking a walk across the frozen lake and marking your initials or name in the ice or snow, followed up by the warmth inside to two toasty fireplaces (one on each level) along with a hot cup of coca.  It's not unusual to spot a deer family right outside the cabin doors. Now until the end of March we are offering a Indiana Winter Getaway Special. For only $300.00 you can enjoy winter at it's best from Friday until Sunday. 
 
Make reservations today to treat you and your family to some Indiana Winter fun!

Indiana Highway 13...The Road To Small Town Treasures

Saturday, January 30, 2010 by Roxanne Turner
One of the joys of going to our Vacation Rentals Indiana Cabin can be found in the shopping stops we make along the way to the many stores we have discovered.  Of course, there are many ways to get to our North Webster Lake Cabin Rental and it will depend on what direction you are coming from.  One of our preferences is to travel Highway 13 North from Fishers, IN.  It takes you through Elwood, Wabash, North Manchester, Pierceton and then North Webster, IN and then on into Epworth Forest.   When you travel this path you not only get a taste of the small town Indiana flavor but find wonderful hidden treasures in each store. 

There are many shops that I could blog about but I wanted to make mention of a few of the favorites that come to mind. Kitchens Plus is located in Wabash, IN  and is a must visit. Do not let the name fool you as, yes they specialize in kitchens, but when they say PLUS... they mean it.  They have so much more!  This store is over flowing with a variety of unique items with emphasis on primitive home decor.  The owners and staff are extremely friendly and talented.  The store has an interior designer's touch and is creatively decorated with awesome displays. If you own a cabin or love primitive this is a great place to shop. 
 
In North Manchester, IN.. you will find a very quaint and friendly downtown.  You don't want to miss stopping in Nordman's Nook for gifts and the best homemade cookies, pies and cakes. Travel down a little further into town and you will find Home Again gift shop.  This is a favorite store for shoppers in the area.  Home Again offers an array of items from gifts, jewelry, home decor and children's toys.  The Owner greets each guest with individualized attention and has a good variety of quality products.
 
Once you enter Pierceton, IN you will find a wonderful antique shop called Sydow's Antiques.  The Owner is extremely knowledgeable about antiques and has very rare collectibles in his shop.
 
Upon entering our final destination, North Webster, IN you will find an array of shops in the heart of downtown. We are partial to this community and it's store's so it's hard to say that one shop is better than the other. 
  
We highly recommend North Webster's Ace Hardware Store and it's emphasis on seasonal items.  The Third Generation Antique Store is packed with antiques/collectibles and hidden treasures. The store owners are very friendly and the pricing is great.  Olson's Furniture Store is the perfect place to find inside cabin or lake cottage furnishings along with outdoor furniture and decor.  The Golden Mermaid is a must see for visitors or cabin renters as they have all sorts of lake memorabilia to buy for souvenirs. 
So if you are ever in this area or on your way to our "Take It Easy Cabin"... enjoy and savor your trip by stopping in one of these merchant's locations. 

Our Vacation Home Indiana Cabin is located just 2 1/2 hours from northern Indianapolis.  This Indiana Log Cabin views Lake Webster and the lake is known for Muskie Fishing.   Reserve a date today to enjoy the adventure of travels and shopping to our Lakefront Cabin Rental. 
 
 
 

Make Your Valentine Happy With A Indiana Log Cabin Getaway.

Friday, January 29, 2010 by Roxanne Turner
Stuck in a rut about what to do this Valentine's Day? Don't want to do the same song and dance of candy and flowers? Then why not book a Winter Cabin rental and enjoy a Indiana weekend getaway at our northern Vacation Rentals Indiana log cabin.
 
There's nothing like a cozy romantic log cabin where you can enjoy alone time with the company of your sweetheart.  We have two crackling fireplaces in our two story log cabin that has great panoramic views of Lake Webster.  It's completely furnished (except for personal linen) so all you have to do is pack a light bag and you're on your way.
 
What better way of saying "I love you" then treating yourself and lover to a log cabin retreat. Unlike gifts of flowers, which die and candy, which is eaten, a creative gift of a rental cabin weekend is one gift that will leave behind lasting memories to be cherished for years.

 

Haiti, Then and Now

Wednesday, January 20, 2010 by Wesley Duke Sapp

When I was young my Dad and Mom took me to Haiti.  I learned that this is a beautiful land and these are beautiful people like you and me.  But you could stand in one spot and look in one direction and see beautiful palm trees, beaches, boats and oceans then turn your had a there was poverty, human waste in the streets, shantytowns and ugliness. 

This country was a beautiful land back then with fishing just like ours.  Granted it was different than Muskie Fishing Indiana, Bass Fishing Indiana, Crappie Fishing Indiana, Vacation Rentals Indiana but they love things like fishing, boats, water and goodness just like you and I do.  They love their babies, their families their friends and even their shacks too.

Now Haiti's been hurt by the terrible tragedy of the earthquake.  Now the ugliness has spread and brought with it more pain and suffering.  They were finding happiness where they could then like you and me but now what little they had has been rocked.  Right now these people need our help, not later, now!

If you know Epworth Forest, if you understand fishing, if you love your family, friends and acquaintances, then your spirit knows it's time to help them now.  If you don't know the spirit of Take It Easy Cabin and our area, but you know compassion, then you know what I'm writing about.

Anyone who comes to our Cabin for spiritual healing, or fishing or whatever, we'll give what we can in your honor to Haiti relief.  We'll donate 25% of whatever we get from rentals to Haiti from now 'til the end of FEB 2009.  If you want a receipt, we'll give you one.  We're doing the best we can and hope you are too.  "Lighten up while you still can...take it easy."

Sincerely,

Duke & Roxanne, 317-625-2782

PS We are so blessed, and if you're reading this so are you, we have been touched and are trying to help, so let's take the time make a difference for those in so much pain. WDS

Spring is Just Around The Corner (But Come To Take It Easy Cabin Anyway!)

Monday, January 18, 2010 by Wesley Duke Sapp
It's been winter lately, did you notice?  People frequently tell me how cold it's been or how they wish it would be warmer, well, guess what...it's Indiana in January!  It's supposed to be cold.

But, come visit the cabin anyway,  there's a furnace to keep you toasty, 2 fireplaces to make you cozy, a log cabin atmosphere for nostalgia and plenty of activities to keep you occupied.  Lake Webster Fishing is good on hardwater just like it is in the summer.  Fishing Lakes Indiana are good all year 'round.  And the shopping at antique malls never stops.

There's no better spiritual retreat than Epworth Forest!  The spirits of the saints, saints like you and me and our ancestors, are everywhere and the scenery is beautiful.  Roxanne and I looked out the window and saw 7 (seven) deer walk across the lake form the bird sanctuary to our yard and it was wonderful.  We've all written our names in the snow, made snow angels, some ice skating and I've even eaten snow ice cream, have you?

A Winter Cabin Rental would be perfect for you.  Lake Cottage Rentals Indiana, Vacation Rentals Indiana, Indiana Weekend Getaway and Vacation Rentals Indiana are something we do for you and our family and friends because they're valuable to the soul and to the collective peace of mind.  Spring really is just around the corner but like the song says: "lighten up while you still can...take it easy."

The Spirit of Christmas

Thursday, December 17, 2009 by Roxanne Turner

 
We have spent the last two weekends sharing in the holiday spirit with family members at our Vacation Rentals Indiana cabin. 
 
 
This past weekend we had our niece Molly, husband and their 3 children join us.  I must say there is an extra magic at the cabin when little ones come to visit.  Their laughter and Christmas excitement lights up our cabin.  We had a full day of treats that included sipping hot chocolate with mini marsh mellows, unwrapping gifts found under the tree, and in making Christmas sugar cookies.
 
 
Lake Webster was frozen in sections allowing the outside Christmas lights to cast a nice glow and reflection over the ice.
Our winter rental cabin is a perfect holiday setting to welcome children, family and friends.






See more of our 2009 Holiday Family Cabin Weekend: 
http://www.onetruemedia.com/shared?p=a02a9664fe023338123232&skin_id=1604

Log Cabin Family Christmas Decorating

Wednesday, December 9, 2009 by Roxanne Turner
Last weekend a few family members of our Vacation Rentals Indiana log cabin gathered to decorate our winter cabin rental Christmas Tree.  It was a fun weekend of stringing the lights and hanging the new "woodland theme" Christmas ornaments that I carefully selected.  We love the cozy glow of the Christmas tree and the lights out back that look out on Lake Webster from our Lakefront Cabin Rentals.  
 
We had a loving weekend of decorating, eating, playing cards and watching one of our families favorite Christmas movies... Christmas Vacation.  I have seen it so many times but still laugh when the squirrel jumps out of the tree. 
 
Next weekend we have more family members coming with young children to visit the cabin... Can't wait!

HO HO HO!!!!
 


Pie Eyed Petey's... Our favorite casual dining spot

Saturday, November 14, 2009 by Roxanne Turner

Whenever we go to our Vacation Rentals Indiana cabin we always try to take a short drive to Leesburg, IN to eat or have a drink at Pie Eyed Petey's.   It has great food and a kicky upbeat atmosphere that you'll enjoy.   The inside is decorated in a pirate/nautical theme including boat seating.  The Restaurant is less than 20 minutes from our Lakefront Cabin Rental in Epworth Forest and we think one the area's nicest casual spots to have fun.  Last weekend we dinned in one of their boat seats and grabbed a delicious pizza.

The "Lake Trash Band" Rocks The House

Monday, November 9, 2009 by Roxanne Turner

Last weekend we had another fun adventure at our Winter Cabin Rental.  We went to Syracuse, IN on Saturday night to check out an area band performing at the Huntington Street Bar.  The drummer is a long time friend of Wesley's.  Man, Did they ever rock the house!!  It was packed with local residents and cabin owners.  If you like Stevie Ray Vaughn type music then you are going to love this band!
 
The Legendary "Lake Trash" Band features International blues/rock recording artist Dave Chastain on guitar Ric "Mr. Soul" Workman on lead vocals,International blues/rock recording artist Tommy "Hot Sticks" Jernigan on drums  and "The Hammer" McKinley - Worlds Fastest Bassist - on bass. 
 
This band is a must see for all Vacation Rentals Indiana guest when they are playing in the area.

Enjoy Pumpkin Cheesecake at our Vacation Rentals Indiana Cabin

Saturday, November 7, 2009 by Roxanne Turner
This is a great recipe to make at our Indiana Cabin Rentals.

Ingredients:
Crust:
1 pkg of graham crackers crumbled
1/2 stick of butter melted
1/4 cup of sugar

Filling:
3-8 oz. pkgs cream cheese
1 cup sugar
1 tsp vanilla
1 can pumpkin
3 eggs
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp nutmeg
1/4 tsp all spice
 whipped cream


Mix crust ingredients together. Press into bottom of 9" spring from pan using the bottom of a flat glass but make sure not to press too hard.

Combine cheese, sugar, vanilla in large bowl, mix until smooth with electric mixer.  Add pumpkin, eggs, and spices, beat till smooth.  Pour into the crust.  Bake for 60 minutes at 350 degrees.  Remove from oven and allow cooling to room temp.  Refrigerate for 4-6 hours before serving.  Serve with a dollop of whipped cream, if desired.

Thanksgiving will be here  before we can say, " I love Pumpkin Cheesecake"... Enjoy!  And be sure to book your stay at our Vacation Home Indiana.

Another Upcoming Weekend of Cabin Bliss

Wednesday, November 4, 2009 by Roxanne Turner

This weekend we are headed back up to our winter cabin rental for some more cottage bliss.... well sort of!   We always feel more relaxed when we are snuggled in our lakefront cabin rentals that looks out on Lake Webster amidst the beautiful nature of Epworth Forest in North Webster, IN, but this weekend we have a full scheduled planned.  We plan to join some long time area friends for dinner and music in Syracuse, IN.  The "Lake Trash Band" is playing and the drummer is a old friend of Wesley's.  We also plan to get a very early start on some of our Christmas decorating as we have many family members coming up to visit us in December.  We decorate the entire cabin inside and out so it's a wonderful place to enjoy the holidays.  This year we are decorating in segments as we are saving the Christmas Tree trimming for when the grown children and grandchildren arrive in early December.  I love the holidays and all the traditions that go with it...especially at our Vacation Rentals Indiana lake cabin

Fall Leaves + Family = Autumn Fun

Thursday, October 15, 2009 by Roxanne Turner

Raking leaves should be fun, not a chore. You only do it once or twice a year. It's a great family event and fall memory to savor.  It's also another way to burn some extra calories outside in the fall crisp air.
I can remember as a child raking for hours and having fun doing so as this was the lead up to jumping into the huge piles of leaves before they were bagged or burned. Years ago it was very common for neighbors to burn their leaves instead of bagging them.  As a child I enjoyed the smell of the burning leaves drift through our neighborhood but today find it somewhat disturbing as smoke from 5 pounds of leaves contains about a pound of air pollution not to mention the health hazards it can cause.  At our Vacations Home Indiana Log Cabin in Epworth Forest we are surrounded by trees resulting in a flood of autumn leaves that cover the property.   It can take hours even with our blower to remove the leaves that fall. We always have fun with this chore as we make our "Vacations Rentals Indiana setting more appealing for ourselves and guest. Raking leaves for us is a fun family fall ritual event. 

Warm up to a fall bonfire in Epworth Forest

Wednesday, October 14, 2009 by Roxanne Turner

The nights are definitely cooler now and the breeze carries the scent of the leaves falling and a hint of birch bark crackling somewhere close by. Just the thought of it makes you feel cozy and ready to pack up the marshmallows and chocolate,  hot dogs,  coco, or warm apple cider and head out to our fire pit area at our Vacation Rentals Indiana Cabin. We have bonfires in the summer and fall yet during the summer months it can get a bit heated by the fire with all the humidity.  Fall is the best time to really enjoy a full blown bonfire. Wesley or one of his friends usually brings out a guitar, and we huddle around the fire to exchange stories, laughter and fun.  Having a bonfire is a wonderful way to connect with friends and family.

What's your favorite Halloween Candy Treat?

Monday, October 12, 2009 by Roxanne Turner


My favorite part of trick or treat was sorting my candy. My sisters and I would each claim a spot in the living room and empty out our pillow cases full of candy.  We would spend at least an hour going over our haul. We'd make it last as long as possible and gloat if one kid ate all theirs faster than another. We hated the people who gave out popcorn, apples, raisins, and the dreaded pennies.  I could get fruit year round at my house any day and was guilty of discarding a few of these unwanted apples in the neighbors front lawns My mom always enjoyed our haul and would pick out her favorite candy which I believe was a Mars Chocolate Candy bar.
 
Wesley and I have been trying to figure out what would be the best treats to give our trick or treaters in Epworth Forest from our Vacation Rentals Indiana Cabin that views Lake Webster.  In doing some research here are some top candy favorites
 
  • Mini Mounds Bar
  • Chunky
  • Reeses Peanut Butter Cups
  • Snickers
  • Milky Ways
  • M&M's
  • Three Musketeers
  • Butterfingers
  • Nestles Crunch
  • Candy Apples
  • Popcorn Balls
 
From the look of this candy list it doesn't look like much has changed in 40 years in regards to Halloween Favorites.  What is your favorite Halloween Candy or Halloween memory?
 

New Generations

Saturday, October 10, 2009 by Roxanne Turner

On each visit to our Vacation Rentals Indiana cabin we can't help but reflect on all the generations of family and guest who have come through these doors to create special moments and memories.  Currently, we have 2 family members and one close friend expecting babies.  Wesley will become "Papa Duke" again when his third grandchild arrives in March.  This will be his youngest daughter Jessica's first baby. My youngest niece Bridget is expecting her first baby so I will be Great Auntie R  again too:)  All of these Mothers to be have made special moments at our lakefront cabin rentals and two of them have shared memories at Lake Cabin Indiana "Take It Easy" with previous generations that came before them.  It is our hope that as these babies arrive and grow that they too will enjoy the beauty of this surrounding and hold it dear.


Gratitude is found in our Lakefront Cabin Rentals

Friday, October 9, 2009 by Roxanne Turner



"Gratitude is the fairest blossom which springs from the soul"
 Henry Ward Beecher

This past September I captured a moment of Wesley giving gratitude for the gift of our Indiana Cabin Rentals Log Cabin.  He had no idea that I had captured this sweet moment on camera.   The peaceful surroundings of our cabin of wooded trees, the Lake Webster view and all the wild life gives you a serene sense of comfort.  His personal family ties and youthful history here in North Webster, IN opens up a flood gate of growing up memories.  He has shared many stories of his past youth of Crappie Fishing, hiking, family and friends

Having a grateful heart is transforming and should be a daily event. Living in the United States most of us have a standard of living many higher than two-thirds of the rest of the planet. Instead of focusing on what we do not or can not have it's good to bring your awareness around to the many things you do and begin practicing gratitude.

Wesley and I try not to save gratitude for just Thanksgiving but year round too.  Our Vacation Rentals Indiana cabin is the perfect place to spend Thanksgiving.  Check out our availability calendar for openings.


 

Halloween Ideas For Our Lake Cabin Indiana Rental

Wednesday, October 7, 2009 by Roxanne Turner



One of our favorite fun holidays is Halloween because it brings out the child in the young and old.  Normally, we stay at home for Halloween and greet all the neighborhood children with tons of candy and our singing "Mr. Bones"moving skeleton.  Usually a few friends and relatives stop over later in the evening to enjoy our "spirited" brew.
This year we are headed to our Vacations Rental Indiana cabin and want to share in the Epworth Forest Halloween traditions.  I have been doing some research on what we could do special for the Lake Webster area Halloween Trick or Treaters and guest.  Here are some spooky ideas that we found from http://www.evite.com/

Halloween Adult Drink Ideas 

Slime Punch — This spooky punch looks the part and tastes fizzy and lime-licious.

Sangria — Vamp up your cocktails with this sweet sip, a drink that takes its name from the Spanish word for blood.

Bloody Mary — Thanks to its macabre name and blood-red color, this spicy cocktail is dripping with Halloween flavor.

Zombie — Afraid your party might be kind of dead? These strong, rum-tastic cocktails are guaranteed to liven things up.

Non-Alcohol Drink
"Eyes" Tea (makes 1 pitcher)

8 tea bags
sugar (optional)
lemon slices (optional)
• grapes

Boil 4 cups of water in a large saucepan. Remove saucepan from heat, and add tea bags. Cover saucepan and let tea steep for 5 minutes.

Remove teabags and pour tea into a pitcher. Pour in 4 cups of cold water and stir. Add sugar and/or lemon slices, if desired.

Serve in martini glasses garnished with a grape "eyeball

Halloween Music To Play

.Werewolves of London / Warren Zevon
2.Living Dead Girl / Rob Zombie
3.Somebody's Watching Me / Rockwell
4.Spellbound / Siouxsie and the Banshees
5.Don't Fear the Reaper / Blue Öyster Cult
 
6.Tubular Bells / Mike Oldfield
7.Devil Inside / INXS
8.People Are Strange / The Doors
9.Possum Kingdom / The Toadies
10.Bela Lugosi’s Dead / Bauhaus

Eye-Ball Cupcake Treats

White paper cupcake liner
1 recipe for white cup cakes
1 recipe Vanilla Butter Cream Frosting
Red food coloring
Pastry bag and small round tip
Small black jelly beans
Round candies with hole in the middle
1 recipe Vanilla Butter Cream Frosting
Red food coloring
Pastry bag and small round tip
Small black jelly beans
Round candies with hole in the middle

1. Line cupcake tins with the liners. Fill the tins two-thirds full with the batter and bake the cupcakes as directed in the recipe.

2. Frost the cupcakes, reserving some of the frosting. Pile the frosting up a little in the center to make a sort of domed shape, more like an eyeball. To make the surface smooth, dip a butter or frosting/palette knife in hot water and smooth it over the top of the frosting.

3. Tint the remaining frosting bright red with the food coloring. Using the pastry bag, pipe the red frosting on the tops of the cupcake in vein patterns. Make the veins radiate from the center of the cupcake to make the bloodshot quality more realistic. Cut the jelly beans in half. Place a jelly bean half into the circle of the round candy. Now you have and iris and a pupil. Place this in the center of a cupcake. Continue with the rest of the eyeballs.

This Halloween we plan to have thrills ,spills and chills galore at our Lakefront Cabin Rentals.