Every now and then I wonder if we’ve made a mistake moving out in the country. Vince likes the chickens and the produce from the garden but he gets frustrated with the day job and then having to deal with the chickens, the garden, the watering fruit trees, and all the other things he has to do . . especially when I’m gone. Too often I wonder if having bought a house in town would have suited him better. He says no but I’m not convinced. The thing I keep reminding him is that we don’t have to have a garden; we don’t have to have chickens. We can live out here in the peace and quiet of the country and not have all the work.
Chad’s apartment is smack dab in the middle of town, behind a convenience store, next to the police and fire stations and right off the main five lane through town. There’s always a steady stream of folks walking to the convenience store, there’s constant activity around the police station, the fire department tests their sirens often. Day or night, there’s never a time when you don’t hear something . . voices, horns, sirens, vehicles. After being there for a week, I felt totally confident that we’re where we need to be . . out here in the peaceful countryside.
Last night as Vince and I were sitting on the porch, I was telling him how it doesn’t bother Chad and Nicole at all and if ever I have to live in the city, I could do it but I wouldn’t be real happy about it. Vince told me that he can’t imagine living in the city again and hopes he never has to so I guess we’re ok for a while here.
As much as I miss Chad and his little family, it was so good to be home.
When I drove up yesterday, I stuck my head around the shop and said hello to the chickens. They just looked at me like . . who are you? It was only after I’d gone in the house and exited through the back door and said “Hello Girls!” that they all came running to the fence to greet me.
It wasn’t me that they’re happy to see but Vince doesn’t bring them scraps and treats like I do. When I walk out the back door, I’ll always say “Hello Girls” and that’s their signal to run to the corner to see what I’m bringing them. So nice to know they love me for what I bring them versus who I am . . but isn’t that the way it is with most everything?
You’ll notice little Roscoe is still safe and sound.
Vince wasn’t sure where he’s been roosting so after dark last night, I went out with the flashlight and he’s up in the top of a tree that hangs over the run. This morning just before daylight, I went out there and he was still up there, crowing at the top of his lungs.
The Dominiques were all fine too.
I do believe this guy is saying “Welcome Home!”
And then there’s the goofy little fuzzballs.
The Silky bantams are Vince’s babies. They love him and don’t have much to do with me at all. They’re sweet chickens and with two hens and one rooster, they’re just as happy as they can be. No fighting, no arguing . . just a real pleasant little coop!
We had a couple of inches of rain already this week and a slow drizzle started during the night and has continued through mid-morning. It was cool enough to sleep with the windows open last night and I loved waking to the sound of rain hitting the metal roof.
Home is a very good place to be.
Alma says
This year has been such a hectic one for you and Vince. Moving, (2X), getting sewing room built, setting up huge garden, planting garden, putting up fences, building 2 chicken coops, buying and planting trees, plants, etc, unpacking, setting up inside house, having the sewing group for the weekend—- It’s enough to make me tired just reading it. But now 75% of what you did this year will not have to be repeated next year. I think Vince will not be as stressed out with the garden/chickens. You will find your work load lighter too. Plus, the fall and winter will be the time to do more porch sitting!!
Ranch Wife says
I like Alma’s way of thinking! My chickens do the same thing when I greet them like that. And it’s good for you to be away for a bit…makes Vince appreciate all that you do! Now to get that little family just a tad closer. 🙂
Linda Steller says
Ah, I can just hear the contentment in your words. It always feels so good to be home. Enjoy!
Mary in VA says
It’s always nice having a welcoming committee! Moving to a new place is always hectic the first year, and y’all have done so much to settle in. Enjoy the fall and the quiet!
SarahB says
I think it’s our nature to second guess each decision we make… We also ponder whether we made the right decision to move to the country when our kids school is a 45 minute drive (each way). Then we sit out on the deck and look at the Milky Way, listen to the bull frogs and crickets and KNOW that this is where we belong. We could live in the city, if we had to, but with our personalities it’s better to be where the pace is slower and quieter.
Trish says
Our precious dog, Freckles, had her quirks too! She would bark at anyone driving to the house (just to let us know that somebody was there) approach them and guard the house if she didn’t know them. But one day a friend of ours, but someone SHE had never met came in dh’s car and into the house w/out Her ‘meeting’ him. When He walked out the front door, she greated him as if he was her best friend and had always been her best friend. LOL our pets are so fun!!