The Barn

Our first home had a single car garage.  Amazingly, we were able to fit a small car along with all our stuff inside.  That was before we had children.  After our second child came along, all I wanted was a two-car garage.  My wish was granted with our last home: two car garage AND a small little shed for J's garden items and some extra kid toys.  I thought I had it made.  But now... I have a barn.

I realize I cannot park my car in our barn and I know that come winter I will be cursing out loud when I have to start my car in the cold and brush off all the snow.  But let's be honest, J will be doing most of that for me (he's very sweet that way; he know's I HATE the cold.) Let's hope for another mild winter like this last one.  But today is a hot, June day and our not so nice vehicles are just fine out in the elements.  And I have a barn!

Most of you that know me would be surprised to realize my new love for our barn.  The key that unlocked my love: SPACE!  I like to organize and have everything in it's place.  There is plenty of room in the barn for the kid's toys/bikes/etc., the lawn equipment, the outdoor equipment, enough wood to burn in our fireplace for the next year, about 5 ladders, garbage bins and get this.... J's insane amount of gardening and chicken related supplies.

Of course, our barn is not perfect.  It was constructed almost 175 years ago by hand and it's still in remarkable shape.  But.. there are times I'm worried I might just fall through the wooden floor and I wouldn't dare jump or run in there, for that very reason.  Luckily, the children are quite light.  Also, the barn swallows are not 'potty trained' and there is a bit of poo here and there.  My solution: throw a towel over the things we want to keep somewhat spared from flying poop.

Here's a picture of our barn from last January-- when we first came out to see the property.  Despite it being so cold outside, the barn was pretty toasty warm.