I saw the Miller barn born as a muddy hold in the ground. Over time, it came alive – concrete pouring, walls and rafters – and finally, a spectacular Amish barn raising. Today, I went over to how the barn is faring as a barn, with life everywhere – horses, swings, goats.

It has the smells of a barn, the feel of a barn, the sounds of a barn. It even has windows now.

I took three photos. Have a look at a barn coming to life. I feel almost like the Godfather of this barn; I was even there when they bought the concrete.

First is the swing above, a sweet and peaceful remember of children, humanity, and family.  I see the grandchildren swimming every day.

 

There are goats in the barn now. Some will be working on eating shrubs. Some will be eaten. Some will stay to make up a herd. Moise is smart about animals; he got the right kind of fencing. Goats are magicians when it comes to escape; that is the perfect fencing for them.

Their stall is spacious, clean, and full of hay and some grain.

The carts and most horses have moved into the barn; they live on the lower level. It is quiet and peaceful down there; the barn has become an epicenter of the Miller farm.

The horses occupy a third of this room in the back. I’ll get to them shortly.