It’s that time of the year again to start planning our next meet for members of Eastern Ontario. This year I am helping Farmgal to organize this event and she asked that I take the lead on messaging as she is swamped with gardening and farm chores (as she always is – but this year, is a particularly busy one).
The timing was a bit tricky because a number of us will have been to the Survival Expo the previous weekend, and may not be able to do road trips 2 weekends in a row. Still, we are hoping we get a healthy turnout. If past meets are any indication, we should have no problems with numbers.
So here’s what we were thinking. From 9 to 10 we will do a meet and greet. Each member will have about 5 or 10 minutes (give or take) to speak about themselves, and what they have been up to. Then we want to move right into the presentations. We are looking for at least 4 to 6 volunteers to speak and/or demonstrate something they think might be of interest to others. Depending upon how many volunteers and the subject matter will determine how long is needed for each (they could be between 15 minutes and 1 hour).
Farmgal has agreed to do at least a ½ an hour on backyard chickens and the keeping of quails inside the home or garage and how their feathers can be used to supplement your gardens (they are not just for pillows). She may be willing to do another ½ hour on seed saving (or something similar) if we ask real nice. Pretty pleaseeeeeeee.
I know some folks make maple syrup and I for one, would love to learn a bit more on that sweet subject – any takers? If you have any other ideas for presentations just let us know.
At noon we will break for a potluck lunch and a chat. Once we get a better idea on the attendance we will let everyone know so they can bring enough for everyone to try (or not). This is not a requirement. If you prefer you could just bring something for yourself to munch on. I will be bringing some water bottles, a few paper plates and napkins and if I can find my stash of plastic forks and knives I will bring some of those as well. But don’t count on it. I will also make a chilli from my preps which should feed a few of us.
At 1:00 we begin the next set of presentations. After that, we have planned another barter session (and a chit chat). I love these. You can bring canning goods, plants or other treasures you think might be of interest to others. Remember we are not allowed to sell on the premises (only barter). Besides bartering is so much more fun.
This is a family affair so if you wish to bring your kids – please do so. We also understand that not everyone can spend the whole day with us, so if you wish, just drop in for an hour of two.
Bugs can be a problem in the woods so you may wish to bring an insect repellent. There is no electricity or running water at the place, but there is an outhouse across the road.
If you think you can come, you can either respond on the forum or PM me directly.
Hi Folks,
I have a fun little backyard chicken talk planned but I will also be showing how to make a awesome hands on quail tote.. This tote will also work for a number of small breeding animals..
As for my second talk, It will be plant related in some way.. but I am not sure what yet.. seed saving, talking about interplanting or heritage plants, composting or so forth..
Look forward to seeing what other folks come up with in terms of idea for presentations, step on up and join in the fun..
http://livingmydreamlifeonthefarm.wordpress.com/
I am working on coming. Fingers crossed - health issues seem to be better.
Farmgal, do you still want the single furrow plough? The blade is good but it will need new handles made.
Hope you can make it Old School, glad to hear that the health issues are better, I am looking forward to coming without a air cast this year 🙂
I am ok on the plough, I picked one up at a farm sale, so while I will give it a new home if needed, if someone else needs it more, please feel free
http://livingmydreamlifeonthefarm.wordpress.com/
Glad to hear there's a date planned!
Can we ask what people are interested in hearing about?
I heat with wood and cook on my wood cookstove - is there any interest in a half hour session on wood heat?
I also tap my maple trees /make maple syrup and could participate in that session, even though I've only been at it for 5 years.
There is usually a good mix of new and long time preppers, so i think both subjects would definately be of interest to some. Btw. If you have been tapping for 5 years, that's 5 years longer than I.
Old School! I hope you can make it - haven't seen you in a few years.
Farmgal, those strawberries you gave me a few years ago have grown into their own patch with loads of berries this year. Thanks again! Are there any plant you're looking for that I can bring to the swap?
I am bringing maxwild01 with me btw or he is bringing me not sure which way that works.
Love all the ideas so far.
I have a request (if possible) - solar power. I have what I think are all the bits but no clue how it all goes together. If there is space in the truck (and it is ok with Max) I would like to bring up my solar stuff for some hands on help .
edit - I have "extra" lemon balm plants if anyone is interested
I have "extra" lemon balm plants if anyone is interested
I'd be interested Old School.
Great suggestion. Surely we must have a few that are solar savy.
I've been doing maple syrup for years and just started beekeeping.
I'll look into attending and could speak to those topics a bit as well.
It's coming... and it's going to hurt!
That would be great. I will PM you to work out the details.
Will try to make it
Hi Guys,
Prepher, I am so glad that the strawberries are doing well, I added in a new kind this year, a new 125 strawberry plant bed, and so next year I will have a new kind of june bearing that will have some babies to share 🙂
I am not sure on what I would be looking for at this point, but I am always open to new or even more plants.. We can consider a plant swap, also can consider bringing extra if anyone wants it for the barter table in terms of veggies ready at that time.. just let me know..
So my main planned barter item this year is going to be salves, I am working on a few blends for basic healing salves for minor itch, scratches, bug bites etc..
Looking forward to seeing what others are bringing..
http://livingmydreamlifeonthefarm.wordpress.com/
UPDATE:
I know it is still early in the game but I thought I would share how the meet is shaping up. So far we have 5 confirmed presentations (backyard chickens/home quails; Maple Syrup; Heating and Cooking with wood; Beekeeping and Seed saving). The attached is a draft agenda, but this is of course, subject to change. We still have room for 2 more ½ hour sessions, if we can find others willing to present. I was hoping we could find someone that was solar savvy and perhaps a bug out bag presentation. Those are only suggestions, so if anyone has any other ideas, just let us know.