My wife and I are entering our seventh year of living the "country life" and I must say it's been quite an experience. We both enjoy the solitude, although the Mrs. still has to make it to the city on a regular basis for a "dose of civilization". I actually think it's more about the shopping for the grandkids than anything else. But, when either of us return from our occasional trips to the city, we know why it is we've chosen to live in rural America.
Sitting on our front porch gives one the feeling of living in a dense forest as all we see are trees. Some of them were planted by us to add color and texture to the native landscape, but most are native scrub oak trees, or blackjacks, as they are commonly called. They are gnarly, rough looking trees that provide a dense canopy of green leaves, and harbor a variety of wildlife. We regularly see rabbits, squirrels, deer, woodpeckers, and an occasional owl, wild turkey, coyote or bobcat.
Most evenings, however, we spend on the back porch which offers a completely different vista. It has a southern exposure where the terrain slopes gently away from the house, and offers an expansive view, much different than the front. Watching the cattle graze on the lush grass around the pond as the calves chase each other and butt heads helps calm the soul, and is something I wish everyone would have the chance to see. On these evenings when the gentle south breeze makes the pasture grass look like waves, it's as peaceful and serene as any place I've ever experienced.
This area is defined on the Kansas map as the Chautauqua Hills, and true to the description we have hills that rise from the edge of the creek along the south edge of our pasture. The hills form a ridge that borders the south and east edges of our land, and the seasonal vegetation growing there offers a spectacular array of color from early spring until winter. I find myself anxiously awaiting the arrival of fall when the pasture grasses, sumac, and trees begin to fight for attention with the brilliant reds, yellows, and purples that each one provides.
Of course with the arrival of fall on the ranch, we must be prepared for the winter when things are not nearly as peaceful and serene. The cattle will expect to be fed daily, and that will require that we lay in plenty of hay and feed for the cold weather that will be here before you know it. As much as I look forward to the fall season, I know that it's a time to get ready for those cold, snowy mornings when the most peaceful place to be is snuggled under the quilts.
As with all things, we must learn to take the good with the bad since there are very few rewards in life that don't require hard work. I have friends in the city who say they would love to live as we do. To them, I say be careful what you wish for as I will soon be chopping through ice on the pond and sloshing through the mud, muck, and snow everyday. It's a lifestyle that I find to be very, very rewarding, but it's probably not for everyone. Then again, it may be 'cause it's been proven time and time again...... What do I know?
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