There was an old TV show, Green Acres, that we watched when I was growing up, laughing at the situations that befell the “city” folks living on a farm.
At that time, I lived an urban life with my parents and sister; not quite the city but definitely not the country. We lived in a neighborhood with close neighbors, within walking distance of the school and a lot of street lights to light the night.
Somewhere in the back of my mind, I always yearned for the country life, something more peaceful.
That yearning became a reality a few years ago when my corporate job was eliminated. At that time, we had just purchased five acres south of Bellville, Ohio, and I built a New England saltbox on top of the hill, resembling an early 18th-century farm house. I eagerly looked forward to the peace and quiet of the country, a little like Chevy Chase in “Funny Farm.”
It wasn’t long before I realized there is no such thing as peace and quiet in the country! Not that the sounds are disturbing, far from it, but it really isn’t all that quiet!
We’re surrounded by larger farms with a variety of farm animals, mostly beef cattle. In the early morning light, the sound of roosters crowing, cows bellowing and birds chirping can be heard loud and clear. But those are the very sounds that make my life in the country so mellow, without the day-to-day stress of a corporate life.
A few years ago I added two very young miniature donkeys to the homestead, Samson and Delilah. Unless you’ve been around mini donkeys, it’s hard to believe the fun and laughter they bring to a farm. There’s never a dull moment, especially where Samson is concerned.
They are now 6 years old, still considered “babies” since their lifespan is 30 plus years. They are as affectionate as the family dog and are quick learners.
If they hear me heading to the barn, my boots crunching on the gravel lane, they begin braying, as if to say, “I’m hungry, please feed me.” They each have their own bray to communicate, and I can tell who it is as I walk to the barn.
Due to the large coyote population in this area, they are kept in the barn each night. They know when it’s time for their dinner and start braying as they head to the barn. Delilah, ever the lady, saunters from the pasture to her stall while Samson comes at a full run, jumping in the door of his stall at full speed, stopping just before he hits the stall gate!
Samson and Delilah on a beautiful day, heading out to their pasture.
This is exactly the life I yearned for when I was younger; a life with many personal rewards.
Do I miss urban living or the corporate job? Not on your life! I traded my business suits and high heels for blue jeans, sweatshirts and work boots!
Farm living is the life for me!
Ah, the country life with my faithful companion of 12 years, Millie.
