Gardening by Cathy

A big thank you goes out to Paul and Cyndi Muller for opening their farm generously again for the 5th year!!! Without their vision, the Illinois-Wisconsin region would be a poorer place in terms of homesteading people interacting and connecting.

As usual it was a rounding success. Success can be measured in both quantity and quality. Quantity in the number of attendants and quality in terms of demonstrations offered.

There were about 35 – 40 people on Saturday. That is a perfect size. Some people get to participate, others get to watch and everyone can see what is going on so no one feels left out.
Also, this size relaxes a person to chat with others enabling one to meet new friends.

5th Mullerslane Farm Event

Secondly, quality gets measured by what actually took place. In the morning there was group participation making hooks and various items in the Blacksmith shop under the watchful eye of Paul as Cyndi showed us how to make cool method lye soap that even has swirls on all sides.

Next, Paul tenaciously trimmed the Draft horses hooves, later harnessing the horses, allowing as many as wished to have hayrides around the farm.

Somewhat later, a 4-H couple showed us how to use and train Border Collies to herd goats and sheep. The Muller’s Heidi, even watched! So,when it was her turn, she sped in, running circles around the goats, keeping them together. Good job, Heidi!

Finally, many had a chance to try their hand at churning butter or hand-cranking ice cream, before an incredible storm blew us inside around 6 to 6:30 pm.

All that in one day! Amazing. Yes, it was a success all the way around. So all of us left with a tired but happy feeling of having learned a lot. Stay tuned for Part 2 of Reflections.

You can find out about their farm and to order what they offer from soap to wool to hand forged items here:
Mullerslane farm

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