Dolan Creek Farm

Hello, this is Kristi Knifong, a long-time friend of the Wellings. I have spent half my life visiting this beautiful farm. Some of my favorite memories have taken place at this homestead from a by-gone time. It is my hope to inspire others through this blog not only to visit Dolan Creek, but to give the old fashioned ways a try...you just might fall in love with them! I'm referring to chopping your own firewood, canning your own food, making jam, collecting your own eggs and hanging your laundry out to dry. There is something very fulfilling in slowing down, simplifying and working hard hand in hand with the Creator. We have our own little farm, but we always love to visit the Wellings because they are the best of mentors. If we have a chicken crisis, a question about pressure canning or which seeds to save, Chris is the woman to ask. I have the delightful job of keeping you up to date on the goings on around Dolan Creek! Stay tuned to this blog for my trips (with my 5 children in tow) to see what's new.

Yesterday we came over so I could take some pictures of the garden at the end of the summer. We marveled at the 16 foot tall "Bloody Butcher" corn and the gigantic Pineapple tomatoes. The tomatoes are still going strong as well as the corn. It's almost time to harvest the squashes and pumpkins. The canning has been going on non-stop and the pantry shelves are filling quickly! So beautiful to behold!

22 Bourbon Red turkeys (a Heritage breed) are fattening up for Thanksgiving and 2 steers were butchered last week. Raising turkeys has turned out to be a daunting task but they've managed to keep them alive and healthy.

Kirk is finishing up adding a loafing shed to the back of the barn to keep it dry and safe from errosion. The cows will love it this winter.

In the beginning of September the Wellings celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary with a garden party on the back lawn. The staff from their favorite restaurant, The Rendezvous Grill (in Welches), created an amazing menu with fresh produce all from the Welling's garden. It was a dream come true and a very memorable evening for all.

Kirk & Chris with their 2 daughters and 4 grandchildren.

It sounds like the CSA customers have been very happy with the bounty they've received each week, sometimes too heavy to carry! It has been a very good experience for Chris and she sounds enthusiastic about doing the CSA again next year. (YEAH!)

Hope you've enjoyed the pictures as much as I enjoyed taking them.
Until next time!  ~Kristi