We have been trying for about a year now to figure out where we can put the new barn 1 without having to tear down the existing barn 1 and rebuild in its place. We had pretty much decided that tearing down barn 1 would have to happen first until we got an idea earlier this week. We wanted to inform you of our new plan and the timeline in which we hope it happens. If you are standing in the driveway looking at the existing barn 1, we have decided to build the new barn just to the right of the existing barn. The back of the new barn would be very near the back of the existing barn, and extend f orward 20 feet or so beyond the front of the existing barn (it will be about 20 feet longer). The barn would be oriented the same as the existing barn (basically it will be build right beside the exisiting barn). Due to the extra length, the barn would extend into the paddock beside barn 1, but with some slight moving of the fence, the paddock would be back in operation. Building the main body of the barn (stalls) would basically be phase 1 construction, with phase 2 being the grooming areas, and feed storage etc. The breezeway will extend to the left of the new barn but where the existing barn now sits. So the main portion of the barn will be built, the old barn torn down, and then the breezeway completed. The driveway would then be basically where the hallway of barn 1 is now. We feel this also will be best because it will allow easy access for vets, farriers, etc into the grooming areas in the breezeway from what will be a new driveway. The problem is there will be a no driveway around back for a period of time. We can drive through the grass (I will get some trailers moved) so folks in barn 2 will have access. So the plan for the next few weeks is as follows. Patrick will spend this next weekend taking down fence in the area needed in the paddock next to barn 1. We need filler dirt for the sloped area where the new barn is going to be built. We are obtaining that from the contractors doing the bridge on Military Pike. They will be back on Tuesday and will start giving us dirt. The area will have to be leveled and then the phase one building of the new barn will begin. If there is enough fill material from the bridge construction, I think we can be started by late August, early September. As soon as the barn is completed, I would then put as many resouces as are available into getting the old barn down, and getting the addition completed on the new barn We know that any construction project is a hassle. After many hours of consideration, we do feel allowing all the horses in barn 1 to stay in the existing barn during the building project is best and will be the least disruptive to everyone, and our goal is to make this as smooth a transition as possible. So even though this plan divides it up into two phases of construction, we feel it will overall be less of a problem for horse and boarder. Please let us know if you have any questions concerns or thoughts. Thank you for your understanding and support of Bittersweet Acres.  We appreciate all of you,

 Patrick and Erica