Happy Independence Day ...

...and do I still remember how to do this ? Roaming around blog land today, I suddenly realized that I started this blog on July 4th, 2007. It's been hit or miss lately...scratch that...11 months without a post is definitely a miss! I still read other blogs frequently, just couldn't seem to find the push I needed to start blogging again. I think the 4th anniversary is a pretty good push, yes? So, if I remember how to do this, I'll start with my one patriotic display, my flag. I always have had a flag flying on the front of my barn...for 15 years at least...replaced every year cause the Florida sun fades them to pink so quickly. Fast forward to 2010, when I started closing in the upstairs of my barn and one of the first things to be taken down was the flag, for it's own protection. The barn, like my blog, has been hit or miss depending on weather, finances and the health of my carpenters {2 very good old friends}. This morning I woke up and decided that the flag must fly again...so I hung myself out the window to get the flag back into it's bracket. I suppose it would have been easier to get the ladder, but this was before my morning coffee...too early for 8' ladders! This is the second floor of the barn, with the awesome Gothic windows I scored at a yard sale...$20 for all 3...needed many hours of scrapping, sanding and reglazing before they could be painted and installed. Totally worth it, right? After taking the flag picture, I cruised around and took more pictures of the other windows and doors that we have been repairing, painting and designing. The back wall has 2 of the huge windows that I curbshopped a couple years ago, an octagon that perfectly frames the sunset over the lake and a door that I think a Hobbit would love {both designed & built by my buddy Steve}. The window dormer on the side has 2 other custom built windows that have a view of the tops of the pine trees. It's like the best treehouse ever, and when we finally finish this project, it will be a loft room for my son Chris. The barn was built by my husband in 1996, and was slowly falling apart. I could not bear to see it fall, and neither could Steve. It has been a major project, costing much more $$ than I ever could have anticipated...new floor, replacing roof beams, bug lady spraying for powder post beetles...and the list goes on & on. But because Joe built this barn, it's worth every penny I've put into it...and more. His dream was to build a house on this little acre on the lake...we were unable to accomplish that, but we have Joe's barn. May it stand for many more years ...Have a safe & happy 4th...and I'll be back! *e*