During the cold spell, everything was good at home but the cabin had some issues. We went there last weekend after not being there since some time in December I think. We had water for a bit but then it stopped. The next day we went to the gas station and picked up some jugs of water so we could flush the toilet. Plumber came out on Sunday and determined that the pipe for the well was frozen outside from the house to the well pump. This was the first time this happened and because we don't know how long it had been frozen, he recommends that we replace the pump as it's probably been weakened for working continuiously. We also need to excavate and bury the pipe lower. It's possible the it was fine but because we had a driveway installed that messed it up or that it would have happened even before the driveway was installed because it finally got that cold. I'm thinking it will be like $3k after all is said and done. Sucks but we don't want to run into the same problem again.  We'll get it done in the spring. If we go out there before the thaw, we'll bring water. 

We also dream of building a polebarn/shed with living quarters out there. Apparently they are a thing...called barndominium. In retirement, we could house our RV/campervan and vehicles but also have a homebase. The cabin could be part of family compound...at least that's our dream. We haven't even discussed it with the young people.