*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!
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