Country Truths

It has been almost four weeks since we’ve had rain, and finally it comes, just as I’m finishing a charming, witty post all about my beloved pickled jalapenos. Well, I am thrilled about the rain, but not about losing power mid-post.

Welcome to the country.

Because of the power outage, losing my last post and the frustration that comes with having to restart my thought process, I will get back to that post another time. I will take this perfect opportunity to share what I’ve learned since moving to the country, 6 months and 4 days ago. (I will also regularly hit the “Save” button, since the storm rages on.)

What Country Life Has Taught Me…

1. Your car will never look the same: Dirt roads do a number on vehicles, ‘nuf said.

2. Neither will you house: for the same reason as #1. The dirt finds its way inside the properly sealed windows and doors. You will spend ages cleaning. Sorry.

3. Life is abundant: From bugs and kittens, to frogs and birds. All creatures great and small, will find their way into and around your home. (Literally, as I type this, a seed tick is crawling on my keyboard. Head to #4…)

4. So is death: I have killed so many bugs since living in the country. We have also witnessed death up close and personal when we lost our puppy. And, as the chicks prepare to hatch, we’ve been told to be prepared for some “not to make it.”

5. The Zero-Turn is just plain awesome: Just be sure to wear a sports-bra. Seriously. And, avoid the pond. (Real-life expert, over here.)

6. Small-town life is soooo good: The parties, community gatherings, small businesses! So many people have invested in us and welcomed us into this new place. I am so grateful for their guidance and help!!

7. Except when it’s not: We are the outsiders, the new-to-towners. We don’t know everybody, and they do. There are times when we feel like we are “outside looking in.” (By no means does this give us an excuse to stop trying. We are always on the lookout for ways to get to know others and be kind, regardless of their treatment!)

8. Safety isn’t guaranteed: On one hand, we feel a greater sense of security in the country. We don’t feel like we have to lock up our house and vehicles (we do…) and I am much more willing for my kids to go off and explore, without me. But, on the other hand,we are much more on our own out here. There aren’t tornado sirens, there isn’t a local news channel, the police station is really small, the fire department runs on volunteers. (I am so thankful for the men and women who do risk their lives to protect us!) We have to watch the weather, stay aware of our surroundings, handle minor issues on our own, etc…

9. The work never ends: There is always a job to do, and just when you think you’ve finished, you remember the next thing on your list!

10. The fun is way better: Our workload has increased, but so has our fun capacity. We have so much more space to do things outside! Swimming, relaxing, riding go-karts or 4-wheelers, swinging, exploring, etc… The bonfires are huge, and there are so many lightening bugs to chase. And, the sunset! Oh, we can watch it set just behind our pond.

I may have been a city girl for most of my life, but in just 6 short months I have completely embraced country life. I am sold! And staying, forever.