October has arrived...sunny, with crisp mornings and skies of robin's egg blue. The afternoons and evenings are warm & breezy, but as the evening shadows fall, autumn's chill finds us scurrying to gather wood for a bonfire.
As we walk to the fields, we hear the crunch of leaves underfoot and spot plentiful acorns that have fallen from the oak trees.
The kids tell me that that acorn caps will surely be chosen by fairies and turned into bowls, and squirrels will be stocking up for the approaching winter on what the fairies leave behind.
For us, the warm days and gentle breezes of fall make it an ideal time to clean barns. It's time to sort out the gatherings of summertime, pack away garden tools, and prepare a warm & cozy spot for barn cats to snuggle into. The barn closest to our home is large, open, and dirt-floored...most likely a spot where farm wagons and tractors were once sheltered. It's a nice barn to putter around and explore. The discoveries have been few: a millstone, milk bottle, 1950's farm magazine, and a hand-painted sign. To me, these "treasures" tie us to all those families who have lived here before.
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| door hinges |
The inside of the western-facing corn crib has been lined by a previous owner with old doors and windows. Secured tightly,
side-by-side, they were meant to keep out the winter winds and snow. The doors are fascinating to look at...brass and ceramic knobs with rosettes, skeleton key lock-sets, and decorative hinges speak of another time. I suppose they were replaced with more "modern" doors, and while I love the old 6-panel doors with glass knobs that are in our home, these doors, relegated to the barn, are beautiful to me as well.
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| pegs |
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| chiseled beams |
side-by-side, they were meant to keep out the winter winds and snow. The doors are fascinating to look at...brass and ceramic knobs with rosettes, skeleton key lock-sets, and decorative hinges speak of another time. I suppose they were replaced with more "modern" doors, and while I love the old 6-panel doors with glass knobs that are in our home, these doors, relegated to the barn, are beautiful to me as well.
An enduring symbol of country life, it's a good thing to save and keep barns. It seems to me they're at their truest when filled with the activities, sights, and sounds of farm life.
Now it's time for me to live up to the old saying,
"Make hay while the sun shines."
I'd better get back to work cleaning our barn...
it was 35 degrees this morning. Something tells me that winter
will soon fly in.
A real craftsman built your barn-- love those wonderful pegs and beams. Our old barn needs attention, but it's full of personality (and mice!). A previous owner laid a sturdy floor in the attic and hung big lights so they could use it as a party dancehall. Next summer's project: new paint on the barn. Now, doesn't that sound like fun???
ReplyDeleteHow fortunate your farm still has its barn. I would love to go exploring in one and find a little nook to make my own. Instead, I will build one, hopefully, to leave as a treasure for future owners.
ReplyDeleteAnd yes, winter will be rushing in sooner rather than later. Word on the street is it will be a doozy, with lots of snow. My fingers are crossed.
~Andrea~
Also, I wanted to mention that I picked up a copy of Mary Jane's Farm last week and read your article. I enjoyed every word and can certainly relate. Congrats again!
ReplyDelete~Andrea~
Great post! We have a similar old barn that we treasure. Ours has old pedestal sinks n doors among it's treasures... We also have a 200 yp small barn that was used for hogs inside it's stone lower walls. The top has weathered poorly and was covered in tin. We hope to soon find time to restore it and use it for a small shop and gathering spot. I always enjoy your blog and shall return soon... Right after I go clean out the horses winter blankets from my hayloft. Thanks for the reminder! ;-)
ReplyDeletehugs,
Leslie