Beds at most traditional cabins seem like they have been in place for years - almost part of the woods.

You know, set in place by a distant relative but still usable despite the eons.

My cabin is not a time piece.

It was built in 2004.

I do have venerable bedding but it's time to upgrade.

I have bunk beds in the cabin.

My father brought them back after World War II.

I shouldn't indicate he struggled to get them through Customs after the Anzio campaign.

All I know is they have been in our possession since his return in 1945.

My sister and I slept on them as youngsters.

After my parents' house was dissembled, I took possession with great satisfaction.

My son slept on one of the beds.

Now they are the key sources of somnolent rest in the cabin, though they are barely serviceable.

They are coming apart after 60 years (assuming they were new when Dad got them).

And they don't have mattresses.

A couple summers ago, I bought Martha Stewart lounge covers and put them over the questionable "springs."

I can sleep on this odd fashion combo, but few others can.

Last summer I bought a chair/single bed at L.L. Bean.

It listed for $399 but when I got to Freeport, it had miraculously fallen to $290 on sale.

I bought it, and was thrilled.

But I didn't realize the "bed" rolls out on the floor.

Most guests do not like to sleep on the floor of a cabin in the woods.

So now I am looking at an "elevated" futon at L.L. Bean.

It's not my first choice.

I have been to Marden's, Wal-Mart and B.J.'s, among others.

But nothing offered at those stores clicked in my rudimentary decorating frame of reference.

So I am thinking of buying the futon at L.L. Bean but am a little cranky about the price of $799.

That's a lot for one piece of furniture.

But . . . if that futon lasts 60 years like the bunk beds my father provided, it would be seen as a great buy - someday.

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