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7th Annual Homesteading Weekend
*cross posted*
Muller's Lane Farm 7th Annual Homesteading Weekend Our first Homesteading event was June 2005. We invited Carla Emery to speak at our farm on a Thursday. The next day, I followed Carla and Don to ForeRunner's homestead for their 2nd Annual Spoon River Homestead weekend. With FR hosting a weekend, I didn't think we should have our own (we're only a couple hours apart). Both Carla and FR's first wife, Wendy, made me promise that we would continue our Homestead event. I promised them both that I would. Within 9 months, both Carla and Wendy were with our Saviour. Even though Paul and I were only 3 years at our place, we knew that we had something to offer other folks. With the promise I made Carla and Wendy, we have continued our Homesteading Weekend. We never know exactly what will take place during the weekend. The blacksmith shop is always open. The cooking fire is always going. Various gardening, composting, beekeeping, spinning, weaving, canning etc, etc, etc is always happening. Then again, you can just relax and enjoy the summer breeze. SpringValley brings fresh, raw, organic Jersey milk so we can make fresh churned ice cream. Watermelons are cooling in a stock tank of ice and water. Children are playing on the tire swing and pretending up on the horse drawn farm implements. It is truly a family reunion without the attitude! Last year, FR talked Ernie into coming. Ernie was a-scared it would be totally farby ... he learned differently. We're doing things a bit differently this year. For folks that are camping out at our place (or at local hotels), we are here all day Friday. We want Friday day and evening as a time for folks to get to know each other and help out setting up the place for Saturday. Folks that are musically inclined are encouraged to bring their instruments for a jam session around the fire Friday (and Saturday) evening. Saturday is the main event. Don't be afraid to ask folks questions or have them show you how to do things. Because of folks asking last year, FR trimmed the draft horses feet. Sunday, we'll feed you breakfast, lots of coffee and conversation and send you home. I'm too worn out on Sunday afternoon to offer classes in pressure canning and soap making! Rules of engagement: No alcohol! No firearms! No dogs! If you have livestock or products you would like to sale/trade/barter, please PM or email (mullerslanefarm@gmail.com) ahead of time. If you have any questions, you can email us or call 815.625.2607 To find our place, use google maps and enter Muller's Lane Farm (Rock Falls IL). It will bring you right to us. Any other maps or GPS will leave you about half mile north of us! |
Carla was there??? WOW, she is responsible for our homesteading efforts for 28 years. My husband and I were not raised like this, we learned from Carla's book. Wish I could hop a train to be there, it sounds wonderful, and knowing Carla had been there kind of chokes me up...I know, I'm silly for 52 years old. Are you folks anywhere near Davenport, IA? I have a nephew there.
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WooHoo! I hope we are able to come this year. Now that I am not working at the clinic it SHOULD be easier. Bonus! None of my children are expecting this year! Who would have thought we would have babies in June for the past four years! As far as i can see...everyone is healthy. If I can find someone to do chores I will be there.
for the folks who have never been. This is a great weekend, lots to learn, like minded folks for great conversations, and just overall good fun. |
Sounds like a great time!
BTW, I had to look up farby..i laffed :) |
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I'll SAVE the date!
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I think I might come this year too!
If everything goes according to plan. |
I hope so!
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Lori LOVES mosquitoes. :)
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We'll save the squeeters for you and Ernie. Lori & Lily will sleep in the house.
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oh... there are gonna be mosquitoes?:run:
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Us'n gals stick together when it comes to squeeters & biting flies.
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Well you gone and done it again didn`t you, I reacon we will be there Friday night for the meet and greet. And back again on Saturday about noon, farm is open for customers till 11 a.m. so won`t get there before noon. What all we going to be doing this year ? I will sure bring my bucket and stick for the jam session Friday night hehe. Hope to see you all there, > Marc
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Course we is, Marc, and we'll do it again next year too!
If'n you got extra milk & cream, we'd be pleased as punch if you can bring a few gallons of whole milk and about half gallon of cream. We'll feed you Friday night and whenever you're here on Saturday in trade. The milk will be used for the children to hand crank the ice cream (well, really frozen custard) and the cream for demonstration of making butter. If'n you got paying milk customers and won't have extra, let me know in advance so I can get a hold of Anne (in Tampico) and get some from her. Besides them two things? What will we be doing?? You all know us, "We don't have a plan, and we're sticking to it!!" It's worked the past 6 years! |
There are so many of us who would love love love to be there with you! I've read about your weekends and think they must be wonderful! So ya'll all enjoy yourselves, learn a lot, and appreciate each other!!!!
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It is sooo much fun!
We're praying for a large group of folks and good weather. It is like a family reunion (without the attitude!) |
Just a week to go!! (June 17-19)
Looking forward to seeing everyone! |
I sooooo wish I could be there!
Maybe next year~~~ |
Wish you could be here again this year too!
Rain or shine, it is THIS weekend! |
The Fun has begun!!!
A few local and semi-local folks stopped by and will return tomorrow (Ernie, SpringValley & his wife AverageJo). JDog & ForeRunner (& FR's daughter) are here for the weekend. There was a brief appearance by RebelLemming (FR's wife) & Lily as they made her way to family in N. IL If you want to get a taste of my awesome salsa, better come early ... these folks have rated it good enough to mow it down! Tortilla chips, ice, dish to pass for eating and lawn chairs will get you in! |
Cyndi,
I'd like to see some real time posting of festivities!!! I told Ernie that we REALLY wanted to come but I couldn't justify the cost of driving over just for a couple of days. So sad. |
Then turn it into a week long vacation!
Real time posting?!?!?! We weren't sitting around the computer all weekend! LOL! Some pictures I was able to get can be found: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?...00000494676416 |
Some folks have smart phones. I could hope, right?
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Here's some pics from another attendee (She also visited Red Brick Farm, Icelandic sheep, and took pictures there)
http://www.flickr.com/photos/jmayori...85665321/show/ |
Would love to see more pics too!!! :)
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sound wonderful !! maybe someday:spinsmiley:
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I don't know who else took pictures ....
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