All this watching you guys build your building has me in the mood to build another one this year. Heaven knows I need one.

On another note, do y'all have any auctions around there where old hand tools come around? Like old bit braces, augers, draw knives, etc.?

You can always come and help us on our building.

I haven't really done the auction circuit, but we do read about real estate auctions a lot. From the two I've been to, it sounds like they might fit the bill --- they tend to auction off everything from the barn in the process, which often includes a lot of hand tools.

Your building looks great, especially for your skill level. You shouldn't have any problems with that big old beam on there. That old wood is already dry, unlike houses built today with "wet" pine. Yes they dry the wood but everyone can tell you that it is not completely cured. As it drys it sags and warps. Plus that old wood was mostlikely slow growth timber, not the fast regrowth lumber of today. Alot of todays codes are there due to this weaker wood. Also your building is just that a building not a foundation house. If your cedar piers rot, just through a farm jack under it and add a new one. I have done this many times with storage buildings. Its not that hard, you aren't lifting a house.

Get that water line covered up and insulated at the tank. Life will be much better. Make it a priority, water is essential.

Loved the book! Great read even just for the entertainment value.

I'm so glad to hear someone with a similar building philosophy to ours. I was starting to doubt our methods.

I'm also glad to hear that you approve our old beam. It was seriously hard wood! Mark had to drill pilot holes to get the screws to go in (compared to the storebought wood where we just screwed straight in.)

You're totally right about our water line. We're adding it back on this year's top ten list and hope to get it insulated as soon as the building gets done.

Finally, thanks so much for your kind words about our book!