We got started on the roof rafters today, yes the roof rafters.  Below is a picture of Dad laying out the Birds-Mouth joint for the base of the rafters. He is also seen below taking a short rest to admire his work.  Brandt Bolding the German Barn Documentation Specialist photographing wood again.....You'll have to come to the raising party n the spring time to hear the rest of that story.....:-)

Pat (my wife) came by to bring a lunch and we put her to work making tenons for the upper wall posts. Oh and yes, she helped to install one of the highest ones on the barn.  You can tell it is the highest by the look in her eyes as she stated to climb the ladder.  The beam she made fit right in with only minor persuasion.

Took a few shots from the lofts today. Quite a nice view from up here don't you think?

We added some wind-braces to  the south side of the barn today and started putting on the wall studding that is required to keep the siding secure for a long time.  There are a ton more wind-braces to make and install, so if you are feeling bored with fall/winter, stop on buy and we'd be glad to show you how.

And finally a short-video from the loft.
Loft Video

It was a bit warmer at the barn today and we got some more done.  We welcomed a new member to the work crew today. Mike Zegarelli took up chisel and mallet and started right in.  Mike is the father Tony Zegarelli who is the young man who has been dating our daughter since early this year.  Tony has serving our country as a member of the US Army.  He has recently returned from a tour in Iraq.  Thanks, Mike for coming down to help, we look forward to seeing you again. Thanks Tony for serving our country.
 
Kirk (left) holds the upper wall-post so Mike can shape it for placement.  Mike returned the favor while I took a few swings of the mallet.  Yup, it was a work to stay warm kind of day!

Brandt was up from the southern tier and shot some more videos and photos.  He came up with me to the Stempel Sawmill to pick-up a load of slab wood for the loft floor.  Sandra, loaded us up with precision.  The story around the mill from what I've been told is she is the best driver up there.  I have to mention that the Stempel Sawmill did us another favor and cut this slab wood special for this loft floor.  Thanks again to the Stempel Family Sawmill.

To close out the day only three wall-post remain to be installed on the west side of the barn and believe it or not the roof rafters are being moved into the barn for working up. Some pretty complicated joints have to be made or these rafters.  On the bright side Dad and me simplified the methods by which the rafters will be hoisted.  Stay tuned here to see how we do it.

Oh, almost forgot to mention there is a MONSTUROUS surprise coming for the new barn, something that is old will be new again.  Watch here for the unveiling, SOON.

We got a it more done today and it was darn cold as we did it.  Before even going today, I had to go to TSC and get some new Carharts to keep warm in.  Today we worked on the East loft.  We got all of the boards on except the ones that need to be notched around all of the beams.  The sun had gone behind the hill and it got COLD!  Certainly not like the days when we worked in shorts and Tee-Shirts.

The Times Union did a nice story on the barn on Thanksgiving Day. Article From the Times Union 11/22/2007

On another note, Kirk has recovered from his eye-surgery and was back in action at the farm. Kirk, glad you made a nice recovery.

I have put the photos from today as a new album under today's date.

Hope you all had a Happy Thanksgiving!

Ken

These photos were taken by the Times Union Photographer for the story.

Well, folks it's been a couple of weeks since I had the chance to write to you all.  We had a bit of a slow down due to Tim being sick and Kirk having to lay low far a week.  They are both recovered and back in action.  Before the slow down the loft boards on the west side got placed.  The second level is now ready to aid in the assembly of the roof rafters.

Those rafters where harvested from the farm by the Stempel's and transported to the mill.  I guess it should be mentioned that the rood rafters where planted by Dad when he was a very young boy.  I remember when I was young and loving the straight lines and even spacing of this forest.  I recall Dad telling that they uses the steel wheels of the Farmall Regular as a guide.  Now ever time we look up into the barn ceiling we'll know exactly where the wood came from and who planted the trees so long Ago....Thanks Dad.

  Greg Stempel takes any load of wood and the rafters up to the mill.  If you look at the album you will see pictures of the finished product.  Brian the sawyer worked is magic and produced the tapered rafters for the barn. 

As you can see in the background of this photo, the wall posts are being placed.  Dad has worked along and more wood gets added each day...Let's hope the weather holds up.

This weeks photos are in the album for the week. Take a look and see how much progress has been made. 

This week photo award goes to Kirk for this classic work pose.  Kirk, thanks for the laugh.

The floor joists are going in. Wall posts are being placed.  There is actually more wood in the air than laying on the ground for a change. Don't forget to stop and have a look.....Be careful we might hand you a mallet and chisel and put you to work again.....

Ken