Strong as Steel

I haven't written anything in a week, b/c nothing much has happened.  Little things here and there, but not a whole lot b/c until the final footing was poured and the steel was cut and delivered they couldn't do much.   I woke up this morning to see my brother's smiling face waiting for the beam and column to arrive!  And within minutes it was here....

and it came to the right place!   Ha Ha!
The steel was done by my Dad's company ISE (I think I mentioned it before, but I'd never give up a chance to give a shout out to my Dad and his company) and one of his employees and my brother who works for my Dad did the labor today!  I took a lot of pictures, so I apologize for so many, but I think you can get a good feel for what happened today by looking at them, and not reading what I have to say! 

Column coming off the truck with the help of Sandy....

Column in Place.....

Here comes the beam.....again with Sandy's help.....

Getting beam in place....

Making sure it's level

Sandy welds the beam into place....

I learned today that "welding" is when 3 different "types" of steel come together and create a glue of sorts to hold it in place!  The beam is #1, the plate  (rust color) is #2 and those white sticks at the bottom right of the picture are steel type #3...once all 3 come together under high heat they form a "glue" to hold it into place! 

Then the column gets bolted to the footing...

And then it's all done! YAY! SO that was pretty much what happened today. I didn't get outside to get some more pictures....but John and Craig did pack it with wood so when they start framing they have something to connect the wood too. Pictures to follow tomorrow!


Buuuuuuuuuuuuuutttt....... I can't let you go without giving my Dad a spotlight on this page, b/c without him we wouldn't be where we are today! I love my Dad, and appreciate all that he's done for me, and for my family...and now for this addition! LOVE YA DAD!!!!!   <3 <3 <3

~Gianna~