This morning my friend Danny and I went to pick up my beams from the nearby sawmill. When I saw them in the flesh (rather than on paper or in my mind's eye), I was rather taken aback. They were HUGE.
I'd ordered the main cross beam 20 by 20 cms in section, 4 metres long, and in SOLID OAK. I couldn't even lift one end off the gound! The joists, that rest on the top and come out either side, were 10 by 10 cms in section and 2 metres long; also in solid oak (I can just about lift one of these).
Luckily my neighbour Claude (driving the tractor) was passing by and I enlisted his assistance. Then my other neighbour José (Laurence's dad) turned up, and, together, the four of us managed to get the beast into place; inch by inch. It wasn't easy!
I am so lucky to have such wonderful neighbours. We've kinda grown up together, and nothing is ever too much for them. Love thy neighbour? YES I DO.
But they are gorgeous beams!! You're lucky to have such wonderful friends.
ReplyDeleteWhen they're all in place, I'll post a picture!
ReplyDeleteThat's great! Another exciting development in Cro Tower. I love that your neighbors all came to help out. That beam dos look rather huge, I'll bet you were sweating it out for a moment there!
ReplyDeleteSomehow Cro, I suspect you have gained good neighbours by being one.
ReplyDeleteThat's a lovely thought Jacqueline. But I'm sure that kindness is heavily weighted on THEIR side.
ReplyDelete"If thy neighbor removeth a moat in thine eye, shalt thou not removeth a beam for him?" (or words to that effect)
ReplyDeleteoh beams glorious beams!
ReplyDeleteCro - glad everything went well! Yes good neighbours are great to have! Last summer my other half bought a 400 gallon water tank from a farm sale (about twice the size of his van!!) S from the farm up the road from us was there and offered straight a way to load it up on his 4x4 and trailer and bring it home. He arrived with his son before MOH got home - they not only unloaded it but put it exactly where we wanted it to go and wouldn't hear of taking any payment. I think good neighbours are well .... good!!
ReplyDeleteWe all have to feel so sorry for those who have unhelpful neighbours.
ReplyDelete