So . . . since we're starting over, we have some choices and decisions to make. What kind of lifestyle do we want? Where do we want to live? Will it be convenience over dreams? The known over the new experience? These are the questions that whirl around in my head these days.
I grew up in the city. Well not the city like New York City or San Francisco, but you know the suburban city with the cookie cutter tract houses, grocery store on the corner, fast food and shopping at your fingertips. You know the place - if you didn't know where you were, you could be in most any city in the country.
Even though I grew up in the city I always yearned for the country. One of the best things of my childhood was having horses. I loved riding and taking care of my horse, we spent many long summer days together, swimming and riding around the lake. I also had a duck in the backyard, (even had my horse in the backyard once), and dogs, and cats. At one time I thought I might become a horse vet, but alas life changed and I got married and started a family and we couldn't afford that place in the country.
Even though I grew up in the city I always yearned for the country. One of the best things of my childhood was having horses. I loved riding and taking care of my horse, we spent many long summer days together, swimming and riding around the lake. I also had a duck in the backyard, (even had my horse in the backyard once), and dogs, and cats. At one time I thought I might become a horse vet, but alas life changed and I got married and started a family and we couldn't afford that place in the country.
I traded in my horse for babies and I had to shelf the country lifestyle, but I continued to read my country living magazine and hope that one day I might be able to have a place where I could have a garden and some chickens and maybe even horses! We were busy with kids and church and work and school and activities and life just happened, and now here we are almost 30 years later and we have decisions to make!
So back to the question - city or country? Would we rather have the convenience of a small home in a housing tract with less upkeep that would give us more freedom, or get a home in the country with a little land that would give us the opportunity to have that garden and the chickens and maybe the horses?
Let me know what you think?
Blessings,
Mamawizzy
Well. I've read your posts...all of them, and I'm glad you weren't here to see me feigning interest in which backpack and boots to take on the trail. Seriously, it wasn't my best effort. Of course I am loving all the stuff about your babies and grandbabies and all, but this is the post that speaks to me!
ReplyDeleteCity or country indeed. It's actually a little sad...most people our age just don't take the time to reflect on where they are or how they got there....You realize that your parents, (I think) were the first generation of people on earth, IN ALL OF HISTORY, to know nothing but abundant food and water? In my family, I am the first generation that didn't have to can food for the Winter, or worry about starting a fire that would not only cook the food for the day, but be used to wash items and even ourselves.
How quickly the issue of sustainability came about, huh? Thats where we are headed. Our quality of life will cost significantly more in the near future, and all around me I see signs that far too few of us are aware of it.
I have taken care of roughly 150 acres for a little over 10 years now...before that, it was a tract home on a single acre lot....before that, i lived in my car. Sometimes, i miss the simplicity of driving my house to work. caring for a parcel of land this size is a ridiculous amount of work, and I didn't grow up doing it, as you know.
I wouldn't trade it for the world. Okay, yes I would, especially if I could afford to live at a Hotel/Casino with unlimited gambling credit and hot and cold running maids. And a concierge. Short of that, I am staying put in the country. I'll drive into the city when I need to stress out a little.
I had to wander back by make sure you knew i was only teasing about the other posts. My wife is an avid hiker, so much so that she actually hikes to the top of Mt. LeCont (sp?) in the Smokies....in January. I think her last outing it was minus 8 degrees. I realize how important the right gear is to a successful outing.
ReplyDeleteAnyway, I hope you continue to write here.
Mack,
ReplyDeleteThanks for your input. It seems that the consensus is with country. I'm glad to hear that 'cause that's where my heart is. Most of the complaint is that it's a lot of work, but aren't we always working at something.
Do you make a living on your land?
Mamawizzy
Not yet, and not sure if we will try. Our best bet is to raise smaller livestock (goats, sheep, pigs, chickens, etc) since we don't have the acreage to truly farm at the levels necessary to make money. Equipment cost, fertilizer cost, and of course the time must be factored in. A small farm is manageable, but the climate in Texas is basically hot, with occasional periods of warmness....
ReplyDelete