Saturday, November 28, 2009

Country Living - The Best There Is




A Simplicity Story, Thought
Country Living - The Best There Is
By Byron Pulsifer © 2007

The decision was made. We would sell our cottage, leave our hectic jobs, and move to a new province, and a country home. For us, living in the country was more than a dream come true. It was the result of a long-term goal to say goodbye to noise pollution from sirens, vehicles, and neighbours so close you could literally reach out and touch them. There was no such thing as sitting in a private and quiet backyard. Our city home was like living in a fish bowl with no less than seven other houses able to see in our back year.

Oh my, country living. All those people who spend hours commuting to their weekend retreat just so they can turn around a few short hours later and do it all again. I know how they feel. We did it for years. While you may have a few hours to relax all that was quickly forgotten as the stress levels rose rapidly on the crowded six-lane highway home. From beach side pleasures to smog filled concrete towers, we came back to our city dwelling to endure all those things we so longed to leave behind.

Now, we can sit in our backyard, a yard with no one staring at us, or noisy neighbours to interrupt the serenity of a cool evening with a glorious sunset.
The only noise there was came from the sound of evening crickets or the faint buzz of a bumblebee going about its business. Pollution, what pollution? Hardwoods and pine surround us on our land with its own babbling brook a faint and soothing sound.

And, what about those neighbours? Well, we never had better neighbours in our lives. Here we are blessed with people who will come and help you without a thought of payment, or the need to feel obliged to return the favour. Meeting them was a piece of cake especially when you go in the ditch on a snowy evening. All of a sudden, they appear out of nowhere with their shovels and muscles ready to lend any assistance required. Why, just a short month ago, I decided to see if my Jeep could fly. Guess what? It doesn't. But, when that piece of icy road propelled me through the air, up and over a driveway, and into a huge snow bank, we were only a few minutes before we had a traffic jam of friendly neighbours stop to help.

Even though they couldn't collectively budge that big Jeep from its snowy resting spot, I was only a few yards away from a neighbours phone to call another neighbour, we had met, for a tow. Not to be facetious, but when I called, all I said was "Do you want to come and play in the snow?" Without hesitation, he was on his way. Although he couldn't get me out with his 4-wheel drive truck, he simply made a short trip to his dad's place and got the tractor. Out and on our way in no time.

Country living. We hope that if this appeals to you, you'll be able to enjoy the tranquility, the beauty, the friendliness, and the solitude as much as we do. Country living - the best there is.


.