I feel like I don't have much to report, but when I look back at the photos of the past 2 weeks I see that we have actually made a lot of progress. A routine has developed, where we have big work parties on weekends, and Bill and I do what we can during the week. It's working out pretty well. Our friend Jerry, who is a contractor with 35 years experience has volunteered to help out, and we are grateful for his expert advice. I don't know what we would do without him! We got the concrete poured in record time- less than an hour for almost 10 yards. Even the truck driver said "that was a really good pour!" when we were done. All the glulams went up, which turned out to be easier than we thought. The hayloft floor went in (that was my job during the week- screwing down plywood), and we got a start on the rafters. I have to admit to escaping for a few days last weekend to attend my sister's 50th birthday party. I had a great time, and got back on Sunday in time to put in a few hours before the work crew called it a day.
Chicks are growing up! Our mother hen continues to cluck over her chicks, although they are really growing up fast. They still have their baby cheep cheep voices, but soon they will start sounding like grown up chickens. I am keeping them in their separate section of the coop for a little while longer, but soon they will be let out to explore the big world. They are still pretty cute, especially since they have started roosting at night on the rail, all lined up in a row with some on the ledge above, and some standing on mama's back.
I don't have any recent photos of Callie, the new Maremma puppy, but she is doing great. She had really bonded with the older dogs, and is learning every day. Her guarding instincts are evident, although we haven't had any predators since she's been here. Today she and the other dogs were barking at something on the hillside, but when I looked to see what it was, it turned out to be a grouse. They were pretty serious about alerting the flock and me to this intruder, though. She still doesn't go to the fence line with the other dogs, but hangs back and lets them do the serious work. I think it is only a matter of time. She is growing fast- almost as big as Nellie already, and only 4 1/2 months old!
This weekend we will be setting trusses and hopefully most of the remaining rafters on the barn. It won't be long before we have a roof. I'll post photos and updates in a week or two- stay tuned!
This weekend we will be setting trusses and hopefully most of the remaining rafters on the barn. It won't be long before we have a roof. I'll post photos and updates in a week or two- stay tuned!
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