Lots of beams and one post!

This week, we faced our most difficult challenges so
far. We placed 3 beams and a 25 foot post. The
first beam (below) weighed over 700 lbs. It is
in the center of the garage. When they delivered
it, Duane asked if they would put it on the garage.
The fork lift could just barely reach to put it up
there. Then he used his car jack to lift it up and
lower it into place. What I thought would be
impossible turned out to be smooth and easy.

Then he and Doug (works for Duane) placed
the beam over the garage opening.

Next came the floor joists for the 2nd floor.

On Saturday, Duane and I placed the 25 foot post
in the center of the house. Next we put in place
the beam that anchors to the post and supports
the loft.

We started putting down the sub floor for the
2nd floor. (Ugh--every screw I put in the sub
floor makes me remember all the screws Paul
Oborn had in his floor before he put the tile
down!!).

Amazingly, we got a lot done. And even more
amazingly, we were blessed with ideas of how
to do heavy, difficult tasks with limited manpower!

Once we get all the sub floor down, we can begin
framing the few walls that are on the 2nd floor
and finish framing the walls on the main floor.
Then we can do the roof!!! Whew! I'm tired!!