Today's Chat: To be a fly on the wall

By SAVANNAH CUNNICK

Lean to the Right...Lean to the Left...Now Listen.... Daddy, why are you going to tear down Grandpa's old barn? Because it's leaning too much to the LEFT. Well, Fix it...so it leans just RIGHT !

I agree whole-heartedly with that little one...don't tear that old barn down ! Preserve it, repair it..keep history alive !

Whenever I walk into one, I can smell the tobacco that used to hang there and feel the spirits of the animals that have come and gone. I love all the old tools and sometimes I see a plow or two and well worn horse harnesses.

When visiting an old family homestead I get that BACK IN THE DAY sensation...that warm feeling of family togetherness that has long since been missing from today's society. I see the old wood stove, cast iron skillets, old cupboards and the long kitchen bench table where laughter still softly echoes shadowed by candle light in such a loving way.

The smoke house still embraces you with the aroma of bacon, ham and jerky. There is even the olden days storm cellar secured with cement blocks and a trap door. It provided security from bad storms and was excellent cool storage for momma's canned fruits, vegetables and preserves.

It is do to the past knowledge, love and fellowship that has contributed to the long standing strength of these old barns and homesteads. Generations of family spirits are still within and that's okay. Simplicity.

Hmmm...we may not have these dear relatives with us today...but we DO HAVE a few souvenirs....especially the BARN WOOD !!

Wood from the old barns that are dismantled. Barns that would only take a small breeze to blow them down...those that one would only view from afar. So, it's BARN WOOD .... palettes of weathered grey and brown reflecting age, wear and exposure to the elements.

Nowadays, obtaining this wood is a real treat if you are able to obtain it for free. Otherwise, prices have gone up due to the fact that the demand for it is astounding and the owners have found that out. Along with the rusted hardware, barn wood is transformed into elegant functional furniture, cabin accents, fireplace mantels, house siding, rustic fencing and even picture frames. Those who surround themselves with all this are truly admirers of the American family history so many years ago.

Uncle Festus told me that pioneers crossed the country in covered wagons because they didn't want to wait 40 years for a train.

Aunt Martha said to not listen to him. That he's getting so OLD that his birthday candles cost more than the cake.

On the other hand, Martha doesn't plan to grow old gracefully. She plans to have face lifts until her EARS meet. She's always believed to marry a man

her age or older...so as her beauty fades...so will his eyesight !

Festus tries to keep in shape...he recently added squats to his work out...he now puts his beer on the bottom shelf.

Aunt Patsy had a recent tiff with Uncle Raymond. He told her that he would leave her if she doesn't stop shopping...Patsy replied: Lord, I'll miss that man !!

I, myself, am convinced that these two couples need to return to their old homestead and CHILL !!

So, all in all, BARN WOOD makes me HAPPY! It's a comfort to have it in our home. Point being of the CHAT is: please no longer look at a falling down barn and say: What a Mess !..... Someone's saving it and they will make it RIGHT !

Enjoy each beautiful day....

HUGS,

SAVANNAH