September 12, 2008. Bethesda, Md.

Every problem that is solved in turn gives another problem that now needs to be solved. Last weekend at the farm, Alan asked us about building a storage shed for all the big round bales. The season for hay has been wonderful, so we have hay everywhere. The barn is full to the top with square bales, as is the shed attached to the barn. The barn is a turn of the century barn, so when it is full it is an impressive amount of hay. Several years ago, the hay was so heavy that we had to shore up the center structural supports, so now it is full to the top. The big round bales we give to the cattle and those bales are stashed everywhere both in two other sheds and also in the open in three locations. Alan would like to have another shed for all these large bales.

He also told us how and where to put it. The location will be right opposite the pond, in front of the spot where for years we have taken stone and gravel to make the roads. But the best part is that Alan will cut down several pine trees, take them to the mill to be made into boards, to be used for the three sides of the shed. The floor will remain dirt. Now the good thing is that as the boards age and shrink, the sides will allow air though the cracks, which is good for the hay. The only thing we have to is to hire Keith, our builder, to install the foundation and the roof and the side boards. Of course, Alan is too busy right now, so this will be a winter project. I love the idea that we will build a structure using the wood on our land. My goodness!! We could pretend we are living in 1908, and live from the bounty of the land totally. Other than coffee, sugar and salt, our friends the Jays are self sufficient. Maybe with this structure we will start, or maybe we won't.