We have been trying for about a year now to figure out where we can put the new barn 1 without having to tear down the existing barn 1 and rebuild in its place. We had pretty much decided that tearing down barn 1 would have to happen first until we got an idea earlier this week. We wanted to inform you of our new plan and the timeline in which we hope it happens. If you are standing in the driveway looking at the existing barn 1, we have decided to build the new barn just to the right of the existing barn. The back of the new barn would be very near the back of the existing barn, and extend f orward 20 feet or so beyond the front of the existing barn (it will be about 20 feet longer). The barn would be oriented the same as the existing barn (basically it will be build right beside the exisiting barn). Due to the extra length, the barn would extend into the paddock beside barn 1, but with some slight moving of the fence, the paddock would be back in operation. Building the main body of the barn (stalls) would basically be phase 1 construction, with phase 2 being the grooming areas, and feed storage etc. The breezeway will extend to the left of the new barn but where the existing barn now sits. So the main portion of the barn will be built, the old barn torn down, and then the breezeway completed. The driveway would then be basically where the hallway of barn 1 is now. We feel this also will be best because it will allow easy access for vets, farriers, etc into the grooming areas in the breezeway from what will be a new driveway. The problem is there will be a no driveway around back for a period of time. We can drive through the grass (I will get some trailers moved) so folks in barn 2 will have access. So the plan for the next few weeks is as follows. Patrick will spend this next weekend taking down fence in the area needed in the paddock next to barn 1. We need filler dirt for the sloped area where the new barn is going to be built. We are obtaining that from the contractors doing the bridge on Military Pike. They will be back on Tuesday and will start giving us dirt. The area will have to be leveled and then the phase one building of the new barn will begin. If there is enough fill material from the bridge construction, I think we can be started by late August, early September. As soon as the barn is completed, I would then put as many resouces as are available into getting the old barn down, and getting the addition completed on the new barn We know that any construction project is a hassle. After many hours of consideration, we do feel allowing all the horses in barn 1 to stay in the existing barn during the building project is best and will be the least disruptive to everyone, and our goal is to make this as smooth a transition as possible. So even though this plan divides it up into two phases of construction, we feel it will overall be less of a problem for horse and boarder. Please let us know if you have any questions concerns or thoughts. Thank you for your understanding and support of Bittersweet Acres.  We appreciate all of you,

 Patrick and Erica

Reid and Audrey McClellan are proud to announce that their mare Lacy is expecting a filly. They are both very excited, and so far all is well with mom and baby.

On Monday, June 28th, my sister had my first niece, Caroline Kay. She was born at 30 weeks and is 3 lbs and 15 inches. She is breathing on her on with a nasal cannula and has a feeding tube. She is doing great!Thanks for all the thoughts and prayers from our boarders in anticipation for her arrival.

If you would like to know more about Sarah’s course over the past few weeks, as well as see a few pictures of Caroline, you can visit http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/sarahgardner

It has been another busy week at Bittersweet Acres. The construction projects were on hold this week as it was time to bail hay. Patrick and his dad spent most of the day on Saturday cutting the hay (Thanks Rudy for all the help this week!). Then Monday-Thursday were spent getting the hay in. There were a few hiccups along the way with the bailer, but we are very excited and Patrick is extremely relieved that it all got put in the new hay barn prior to Friday morning’s rain. We had a lot of different guys helping, and they did a great job. Elliot and Aubrey had a great time riding the tractor with Daddy and Pa Rudy.

For those of you have been following the situation with my sister. You can follow her and the baby’s progress at www.caringbridge.org/visit/sarahgardner. Thank you to all those who have sent out thoughts and prayers to me and my family during this difficult time.

With the rain delay and waiting on materials to arrive, the remodel took a little longer than planned. The roof was finished, the remainder of the metal was placed, and all the side doors were built and hung this week. The large back door still needs to be made and added. Patrick is going to finish out the inside of the addition. Hay will need to be cut next. So depending on weather, it may be a few weeks before the inside of the remodel is complete. We are very excited about how great the remodel looks. Once the old portion of the barn roof is painted, the outside will look like a completely different barn. We hope everyone enjoys the improvements.

After a three day delay due to weather, the work resumed on the remodel of barn two today. The trusses were added to the addition. So now it is easier to visualize the final result. The foundation was started for the wash rack as well. The remainder of the metal will be ordered tomorrow, and if the materials arrive by Friday morning and the weather holds off, the outside of the remodel could be completed by weeks end.

The workers were consistent this week. The wall for the front of the barn was framedand the remainder of the windows put in. The rest of the metal was put on the barn and the remainder of the doors were framed. The concrete was poured for the entrance with the children’s handprints put in the entryway. The project was slightly delayed by weather and we are waiting for the trusses (they are suppose to be delivered on Monday). If all the material is delivered on time, the outside of the remodel will be completed next week.

The workers on the Barn 2 remodel continued to have good weather to work on Friday. The door tracks were assembled and hung. The entry way was formed and is ready for concrete next week. The framing was started for the grooming area, lounge, and restroom. The metal will be put on the barns next week, the remainder of concrete poured and if all goes very well, the remodel could be complete at the end of next week. Thanks to all of our baorders who have had to deal with the remodel this week.

Yesterday, Thursday, April 15^th, was the fourth day of the barn remodel and Elliot’s first experience with the concrete truck. Due to my mother being ill, we were out of town the previous two concrete deliveries. So needless to say, Elliot was extremely excited when he spotted the truck turning into our driveway. He intently watched as the concrete was poured for the lounge and restroom area. He stayed very excited until I tried putting him on the truck. He was not yet brave enough for that venture. Aubrey was not nearly as impressed and stated over and over that she was scared of it. I think Elliot would stay out all day to watch the men work on the barn.

So at the end of day four, the windows are on the back of the barn with about three-fourths of the metal on the back of the barn, the back door is framed, the plumbing completed for the restroom, and the concrete poured for the lounge/restroom area. Week one of the remodel is almost complete.

Well, it is Wednesday, April 14th, and we are on day 3 of the remodel of barn 2. The concrete has been poured for an outside wall to the front of the barn and for an area for 2 grooming stalls. The framing for new doors and windows has also begun. The foundation for the lounge and restroom has been started with concrete coming for that tomorrow if all goes as planned. We all know that remodeling is messy and an inconvenience, but we think the reward will be great, and hope you all feel the same!! I will try to continue to post pictures of the progress. Slow and steady wins the race!