Country Living

A decade ago, we moved into a rural neighborhood. We were raised in a city, and didn't know a daffodil from a dandelion. It was the farthest I'd lived from a Wal-mart. As far as I was concerned, I was living on the frontier. During the first few years, we planted trees and shrubs, even grew some vegetables from seed. We survived with only dial-up internet... (barely). I wore overalls, and used the word "choring" whenever I was doing laundry or other house work. I reveled in walking barefoot through the grass, and watching the stars, away from the city lights. Yes, I was living out my "Green Acres" fantasy.

Fast forward ten years. I'm no longer as clueless as I used to be. Today, I wear Carhartts, over my pajamas, as I run through the snowy field to my neighbors house to fix her broadband internet. (Our neighborhood got DSL 5 years ago. Still waiting for cable). I've learned to call my neighbors and ask if they need anything before I drive the 14 miles to Wal-mart. They do the same for me. I don't have a walk-in pantry in my house, instead I can walk-in to my friends' homes and pick through their pantries. The apple trees we planted have borne fruit and the evergreens shelter birds. The maples and oaks provide shade.

I moved out to the country to get close to nature. I stay, to be close to these friends.