Farm Day 2012

Because there can't be too many farmers ... and because we love hosting events at our farm ... and because it's tradition ... and because I am not content without a gazillion things on my to-do-list ... we are gearing up for our (sort-of-annual) spring homeschool group event. In years past we have done history reenactments of the American Revolutionary War, and the Oregon Trail. We had a grande scheme to commemorate the anniversary of the Civil War last year, especially focusing on the Underground Railroad with costumes and hiding places of our very own, but God had other plans to glorify His name, so we took the year off. To ease back into it, we have invited forty to fifty people out to our homestead to experience a day of living life on a sustainable farm.

I have lined up lots of exciting events, including, of course, meeting all the critters, opportunities to milk the goats, feed the calves, pet the horses, work in the garden as well as each child planting their own pumpkin seed, watching the "big" tractor disk the fields, enjoying a picnic and farm lunch, a garden plant sale, all followed by a soap making demonstration with classes available to make your own soap. The highlight of the whole day (which I take absolutely no credit for 'cause somehow I lost track) could be a live delivery of baby goats. Our two young does (of whom I had given up on) look suspiciously due at any moment; literally, any moment ... I should actually be doing another anxious check right about now.

In preparation for all of the fun, I have been drinking large amounts of coffee and waiting for the last minute to enjoy the rush of adrenaline that makes a farmers wife transform her little world into a city-slickers dream-fulfilled in a matter of twenty-four hours. The part that I especially enjoy about hosting events are all the projects that get completed before the big day. In the past week I have gotten the garden tilled, new fruit trees planted, a new flower bed started, the over-due chicken coop cleaned out, the long-awaited-and-needed chicken coop door installed, plus the outside and inside of my house thouroughly cleaned and company ready. I seriously thought I could finish the stairway and bathroom remodel projects, as well as the screen porch, flower garden and barn restorations and another couple of books, not to mention that desperately wanted front entryway and pantry, but I guess they will have to wait until next years event.