Hi all, been a long winter here in Altamont, NY.  There is still snow visible on the farm and the temperature tonight is going down the teens.  Wanted to give you a little update on what has been going on.

1. The barn we all worked so hard on is still standing tall and strong.  We've got a bit more trim work to do and then over the summer we need to tighten up the floor.  Oh, I almost forgot the joy of a bit more roofing work to do. For sure we'll be back up there adding the remainder of the screws that we did not get too last year.  We'll also be adding the snow slides....Does not seem quite as daunting a task as last year.
2. In case none of you noticed last year, the pole-barn that houses the saw mill was in pretty bad shape.  That structure was erected on the late 1960's and served the farm well but time took hold and it slowly rotted into the ground, in fact way into the ground..... Tim and Dad doing what they do best have been raising it to it's original position over the last couple of weeks....Take a look at the photos below see if you see a difference.
3. Today 3/22/09 Tim, Dad Ken and John cleared all non-fruit bearing trees from the orchard that is being restored this year.  We're working on a fruit tree order of Dwarf and Semi-Dwarf trees to start the first row of trees from the old Crab Apple tree along the road the to the south.  We'll be exposing the old well up bu the cabin so we can siphon water down to the new trees.

Before

After

Here's Another Before and After  -  You Might Enjoy

   Hi All,

A bit late with this update. All of the photos are in the album of the day.  It was a great day for the family and friends.  The weather cooperated so nicely.  There was a party after the party till about 9:30 in the evening.  The barn was warmed by heaters but more importantly by the closeness of family and friends. 

It was a great day for the family.  - To all who helped make this day possible, I extend a special thank you.  Ken

More pictures in the albums including the party after the party.

Today's progress;

1. Floor closed up in the drive through
2. Animal door trim complete
3. All hinges installed (7) on the South Side drive through doors - Doors Operational
4. Tools no longer being used are being moved to the Dutch Barn

Doesn't seem like much does it.....These little things that finish up the barn give it that finished look.  As planned Thanksgiving will be held in the barn.....The tables are there.

Here are a couple of pictures from today.

Left to Right - Tim places the last pintel on the South door, The last hinge is bolted into place, Dad, Tim and Kirk stand in front og the now swinging split door.
  

HAPPY THANKSGIVING and Thanks to all who gave to make this possible.....

Ken

  Today in the mix of rain and dampness we got doors trimmed and doors hung and swinging.  Yesterday Tim and Dad mounted very old door latches into the animal and people doors on the barn.  What a great sound these latches make when they open and close.  We are just about ready for Thanksgiving in the barn.....

The South door hung and swinging.....I will be posting a video on You Tube when I get the time.  Trust me they swing and they swing fine.  Just to confirm the hinges in these photographs were taken from the original barn built on this location in 1799.  They were hand-made from wrought-iron by a local blacksmith and installed.  They have been reborn to work again.  Thanks Dad for taking the time as a 10 year old boy to save these for today. - Ken