I’ve always loved Mondays. I’m most rested on Mondays, and the week is brand new. Anticipation of all the things that I don’t know about yet helps me smile on Mondays.  I think that’s why I love the time from Winter Solstice through St. Bride’s Day on February 1st, the half-way point of winter. There’s a quiet to this time, a stillness that usually feels like life is just holding its breath until the light comes back in full force. Well, at least that’s what the poetic side of me imagines.  In reality, life rarely just holds its breath waiting for the sun, and this year’s deep winter has been absolutely filled with problems to solve and new things to do. It’s as if every day has been a Monday!

The most wonderful part of this year has been the tremendous generosity of Sundance R&R supporters, who contributed over $1,200 to our rescue during November and December! Thanks to all of you, we were able to purchase the lumber needed to build the little barn’s new stalls. A huge pile of 2 X 4’s, 1 X 6’s, and 4 16-foot 2 X 8’s was delivered on Christmas Eve day, and from that point on, I lost track of time. We celebrated Christmas, then started demolishing the existing stalls. That was a great lesson in what’s needed to pull out 4 inch long, square iron nails. Wow, can those things hold boards together! 

After the first stall was down, we started building ~ first up, literally, was the 16 foot 2 X 8 to support the rafters. From there, each piece has been a conversation first about what to do and why, then we cut and screw and nail-gun things together.  In the end, we’ll have two 14-foot by 6 foot stalls and one 12-foot by 6 foot stall, along with a play area for the animals when it rains or snows that will be about 12 feet by 20 feet.   

It’s been so amazing, this process of re-claiming the little barn. Our hands and feet get really cold some days, but the new siding is doing a great job of keeping the wind out. Neither one of us has fallen off a ladder lately, and one of the cats (Dave) has made sure to let us know that he’s the site supervisor. (Steve runs behind their sleeping area. He’s really not impressed with the whole power-tools world.) I’ve learned how to drill into cement to put anchors for posts in; I’ve learned that you really do need to measure twice and cut once; and I’ve learned how truly important it is to me to build these stalls to be strong and solid and safe. Best of all, our sanctuary is right on track to open on May first.  

How blessed are we that you’re sharing our journey!