build-a-barn ~ the fun continues

If you read my previous post on trusses, you've picked up on the fact that I am a tad bit obsessed with them. I mean, just look at what they create...the shapes, the shadows, the unlimited possibilities, and you can SEE between them!! Not to mention their real purpose. 

close-up of the peak 

inside the barn, looking straight up the center
bonus points if you spot the crescent moon

The only person more excited about building the barn then me, is Brad. He was out there twice a day in the am & pm, on every possible work day. Checking on progress and keeping a watchful eye. The first week warranted daily visits for me, after that the building changes were less obvious so I didn't go as often.

looking out the horse side of the barn

base of dividing interior wall

Many conversations were had in the open barn that included things like "the _____ will be from about here to here". Of course we did the floor plans together, but I am terrible with full scale dimensions! I just can't visualize large scale things. I'm a details gal. Brad did a lot of explaining and answering questions. To add to my learning curve, support wood was constantly being put up and taken down. I asked a lot of "why is that there?" I have no idea how the builders knew what went where and just when to move what. I am just glad they did, and so efficiently! It must be like assembling a barn sized jigsaw puzzle, where you also configure the pieces.

the ultimate inspector (Brad)
is someone in a related trade

ratchet tie-downs

The builders had strategically anchored ratchet tie-downs. They looked a bit like booby-traps. See that twisted stick? I'm pretty sure if you hit one just wrong you either lose an eye, or it scoops your feet up and you find yourself hanging upside down from the trusses! Ha haa!! Either that, or if you trip the tie-downs the whole barn comes toppling down! That would not be a fun game of pick up sticks!! I was very careful around them.

strategically placed wood

the first pole wall that went up
is still straight as ever

looking up at the center peak

We ran into a few days with less then ideal building weather. Some snow, some rain then ice. Needless to say, the barn site got very slippery! The next time I saw the barn it was dark, and they were framing.

center dividing wall
(iphone pic)

they started putting the metal on
the roof, soffits & sliding door frames

the dividing wall was the first one covered
you can see the sun setting through the door,
and future square stall window

the stall side faces west

 Do you see what I see?
An exposed truss!!!

The front of our barn has an over hang entry. After a lot of thought, we decided it was worth the extra expense. We think it will be an area we use a lot, for pure enjoyment. We wanted some place we could just hang out, near our horses. To take a break from chores or whatever, outside with a cool beverage of choice. Without having to go into the house. We plan to put a couple chairs on the porch, or maybe a bench or...who knows. We haven't gotten that far, still in the dreaming stage...

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build-a-barn ~ raising the roof

The excitement at our barn reached sky high proportions on day 3! It was time to set the trusses, with a huge 75 ton crane!!

before I realized I was too close for the long lens on my camera,
they had lifted and were placing the first truss

the back truss got placed first 

or not

why are they bringing it back? 

something isn't right

Brad walking through the barn to fill me in

the reach to the back was a little short

the crane is now parked inside the barn

perspective really changes the appearance of the truss

resetting the first truss 

view from behind the barn
makes the truss looks huge

observance
day 33/365 ~ photo challenge
the fearless builders climbed up the barn like it was a jungle gym

the crane was moved back out of the barn
to pick up the second truss 

flying trusses 

setting truss two

the crane holds the trusses in place
until the builders secure it

the builders use a lift to climb onto the rest of the trusses

all trusses are set by the end of the day

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build-a-barn ~ phase two

SO much has happened over the past several weeks, that I haven't been able to keep up!! They started our pole barn on January 31! We are extremely excited, and I am loving watching and photographing the building process. Let me tell you it is AMAZING to see all the hard work that goes into building. Seeing it all come together is more fun then I could have ever imagined!!! I've tried to catch the building process in as many stages as I could, to relive these once in a life time memories...

Day One: 

it all starts with a pole

I got permission to take photos from the foreman
pretty sure the rest of the crew thought I was crazy

perfectly spaced poles await

wider view of barn site
(iphone)

all lined up

one pole, after the other, and another...
I kept count for a while, and sent Brad updates

securing the poles to the foundation

our wooden barn puzzle
(iphone)

Day Two:

the trusses arrived! the trusses arrived!!

marking window placement for pre-approval
preplanning = efficient work flow

looking through the sliding doors

view from behind the barn

It was very cold, but it didn't stop these guys from working hard. Only two days into the process, and our barn has already taken shape! Horses will be on one side, storage on the other. 

wider view of back of barn site
(iphone)

Stay tuned for the next, most exciting building day! So exciting, it deserves it's own post!!  

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go faster get further behind

We have managed a consistent weekly indoor riding pattern of two days a week for a while now, three for Brad with his lesson day. That wasn't the case around the holidays, ice storms, cold weather, and everything else that got in our way earlier this season. During those sparse visits, every ride felt like "starting over"...it is amazing what a second ride does for Koda & I. We are able to build on where we left off. It makes a big difference for us, especially me. Koda has behaved remarkably well, through what historically has been challenging months for us - and I am absolutely thrilled!!

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Day 36/365 Photo Challenge

Nemo on the other hand has taken issue with the end of the arena, to a whole new scary level. He is an extremely sensitive horse. One of those "horse eating things" can pop up at any given moment, any place, on any horse. Being the good boy that Nemo is, with complete trust in Brad, he gets over it quickly. Keep in mind Nemo is a rock solid trail horse, not much bothers him. When he takes issue tho, he is seriously convinced there is a problem. These are very rare for him, and nothing like this. This is different. Nemo is not just being naughty, he is downright scared. Brad has had his hands full... 

Forcing Nemo through this would have just put them both further behind. That doesn't work anyways, especially with sensitive horses. Many would have handed the horse over to the trainer to fix. Instead, Brad has gone way back to basic ground level type stuff in the arena. Like just standing by the door on the ground (over, and over, and over) with lots of love. Standing, so he can safely get off etc. I know it's been extremely frustrating for Brad, but I am really proud how they are working through this. Let me add, we have thought about Nemo being in pain and his behavior as trying to tell us something (other then he is scared) but he is perfectly normal in every way. We do have a routine vet visit coming up soon. Should that be the case, it will reveal itself. 

If it's not one horse, it's the other. Let's just say our horses keep our life interesting, and we cannot wait to live with them!!! 

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Day 29/365 Photo Challenge
(chosen for the daily feature)