Lately I have read several books about city women adjusting to living in the country: Fifty Acres and a Poodle, Confessions of a Counterfeit Farm Girl, and Black Heels to Tractor Wheels.The first two books relate the experiences of two different city couples who choose to move to the country and how they cope with living a rural lifestyle, raising animals, and doing some farming. In the third book, a city girl tells her story of meeting a rancher, falling in love and marrying him. She experiences a multitude of adjustments because she moves into his sphere.
It isn't surprising for a county guy to marry a city girl--there aren't that many country girls. Even in my marriage with all the similarities between our two families and operations, there were still many differences which meant adjustments. Our daughter lived in a rural setting growing up near the family ranch, but her new situation as a ranch wife brings with it many new experiences as well. As my husband notes, life is a series of adjustments!
Distance proves a challenge for everyone new to the country. Distance means more time spent getting to everything--the grocery store, school, appointments. Growing up for me, twenty miles meant half an hour getting to town, but on my husband's family ranch the trip to town took twice as long. So instead of traffic jams you deal with long stretches of empty roads, my preference any day. Planning and anticipating needs is essential whether it means making a list or a menu. You can't run to the store for that essential recipe ingredient or for pepto bismol. I learned to plan menus for several weeks at a time and I kept the pantry well stocked. Distance also limits socializing; meeting someone for coffee or going out to lunch happens much less. When visiting friends would offer to take us out to dinner in town, we usually declined preferring to have them eat at our house rather than drive an hour to get to the restaurant.
Dealing with animals brings a whole new perspective on life--and death. The first thing my grandson asks about a new born calf is if it is alive. You also soon realize that you are not in control; animals get loose or into things they shouldn't, and you can't wait until it is convenient to take care of the situation. If you haven't seen branding or preg checking before it's an eye-opening experience. My family always used a branding chute, but my husband's family flanked all the calves. Our daughter has learned about chickens and pigs which we never raised.
Yes, life is as series of adjustments, but adjustments indicate learning and growing and I think that is a good thing!
Interesting that the key to living in a place that seems timeless is to be constantly flexible!
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