Not a Farm and I have been talking back a forth about this meet-up.
Here's basically our conversations at this point. (XXXXX denotes private info not suitable for wide broadcast on the net)
NotAFarm wrote:
Hi Denise,
I'm XXXXXXXx and live about an hour and a half west and north of your paradise. XXXXXXXXX. There doesn't seem to be enough interest with the BYCers in a meet-up in Decatur and I saw you offered your place........I'd like to see a simple "potluck/cookout" get-together without the swap. You know, just a chance for us to meet each other face-to-face and engage in some "chicken talk". If you would be willing to host the event at your place, I think we'd get a nice turn out. Everyone could bring their own main dish/meat, drinks, tableservice and seating for their family/group and then a "dish to pass". Your commitment would be to provide the place. What type of restroom set-up do you have? I would be willing to pitch-in on a PortaJohn rental is one is needed. Do you have a covered area (garage, barn, carport, etc) to be in if it rains on the scheduled day...or will we need to cancel based on weather? Will parking on the grass be a problem if wet? XXXXXXXXXX. Please let me know what you think.
Oh, and about your Am eggs, lovely!! I'd love to have some of your cull pullets if you have any. I don't show and believe those with SOP quality birds need to get them into the hands of people who are willing to.......but would love to have some beautiful eggs from your girls that don't "make the cut". If you ever have any for sale, please let me know.
Looking forward to hearing from you, XXXXX
Dear XXXXX:
Yes, the offer still stands for use of my farm. I'm concerned about the swap part as I would not want to swap diseases too. Eggs are fine if course. But a get together with a bonfire highlight on our farm is a perfect thing.
Our farm has parking for 30 cars off grass. Right now we are swimming in flood. We are what is called "bottom land". Our field is so saturated we cant get in to mow or even transport, with our riding mower, wood to the bonfire area. It needs to dry out. After it drys, about 50% worth, camping with tents or campers would be easy. We have a 2 1/2 car garage. We also have a 2,000 sq foot totaly open area in our home, tile floored. I designed our home and it is for entertaining. Not kid ready, but I can put away the breakables for the weekend so it will be safe for all. There is a bathroom in the garage. We call it "The Muddy & Bleeding" bath...self explanatory there. No need fopr a port a poddy. I have a 900 squ ft room that can be used for sleeping if some one brings an air mattress. I have a 85 sq ft guest room ( carpeted). We have a "Man Cave" log cabing wood working shop with a toilet in there. Kids would have to be suprvised in there - too many sharp things. Dogs are welcomed as long as they are dog and people friendly, small dogs would have to be watched that they don't become coyote food.
XXXXXX. My new batch of pullets have already been culled ( we so cried for the last one too). I won't have pullets to give or sell. I do have a rooster who has got to go some where - we have kept him because he is unique, good conformation and he sings when he's not crowing, and his brother had such personality ( I still miss him daily) but he's overly agressive with the girls so he's pissing me off.
As far as dates go, we and Paradise Found are open for the weekends of Aug 13th, 20th, and 27th. We should be dried out by then.
Denise
Paradise Found
Any interest? We are located by the Chicagoland Speedway in Joliet Illinois just minutes off Highway 80.
