We’ve had some unseasonably warm and windy days here the past few weeks.  We’ll get a few very cool days in the low 50s and then a day that shoots up to high 60s or low 70s.  I think those weather fluctuations contribute to the crazy wind. On Halloween night, the winds were 30-40 mph I think.  As a result, our beautiful old barn sustained some damage to the roof. I didn’t notice the chunk of the roof that was blown off until two days later and called our insurance right away.  

I’m not exactly sure how old the barn is but the house dates back to 1890 so I would have to guess the barn isn’t that much younger.  I LOVE this barn! It’s truly one of the things that makes me inexplicably happy when I pull into our driveway at night after work or when I walk out the door on weekend days as we are doing chores in the yard.  I’m not exactly sure what the right word is to describe how it makes me feel, but something about it’s age, structure, heritage, simplicity, and traditions evokes stability and the feeling that I am home.

We’ve had a few contractors come out and one barn specialist to get their opinions on repairs.  We want to take care of it and maybe someday turn it into something that other people can enjoy too.  Cactus wants us to have some sort of children’s attraction on our property with a petting zoo, seasonal activities, etc.  I say absolutely not to that idea but perhaps there is some other option we haven’t yet considered.

In the meantime, we’ll be figuring out what to do for the roof, and any other maintenance for the siding and foundation.  If you know any good barn repair people, please send them my way. And if you’ve seen any beautiful barns, please send a picture my way.