01/27/2022
I have been preparing Hatch for our next move. The McAllisters are moving back to the country! We bought a few acres a while back with plans to build a house. But with the economy in the shape it’s in I think we’re going to delay that decision for a little while. The lease on our apartment runs out soon and we don’t want to extend it. It’s a nice place to live but there are so many people here. My rough guess is, there are more than 800 people living in this little community.
One year is about all a country boy can take of this lifestyle. I need some dirt between my toes and some stars in the night sky. Besides, Hatch is a country dog and needs some room to roam. One of the weird side effects of apartment living is, people isolate themselves and tend to be less friendly with their neighbors. Maybe it’s because there are too many people in this little neighborhood. Out in the country, when there are acres between neighbors, people tend to get along better.
Hatch is excited about the move and asks me constantly if it’s time to move yet. As moving day gets closer, my dog and I spent a few hours today talking about things we love about living in the country.
Here’s our list:
Top 10 Things We Love About Living In The Country
10. Peace and Quiet.
There is so much noise in the world that it’s nice to go home and get some peace and quiet.
9. Stars at Night.
Out in the country away from all the city lights, the stars seem to shine brighter at night.
8. Breakfast.
Cooking breakfast in an iron skillet tastes better out in the country. My Small Group this semester at Journey is Saturday morning breakfast and Men’s Bible Study. Iron Skillets will be in action.
7. Good neighbors.
It may be because there are fewer of them but neighbors in the country seem to be friendlier. They look out for one another and they respect your privacy.
6. Fresh Vegetables.
Rachel and I both come from farming families. But she’s better at farming than I am. We’re both excited about planting some vegetables this spring.
5. Back Porch Sitting.
Out in the country where I come from the neighbors would gather on somebody’s porch on Saturday night and play music and sing. That’s one of the highlights of my childhood, sitting there on the porch with family and friends and listening to music fill the night air. Sometimes the kids would play in the yard and chase “lighting bugs” and lay in the grass.
4. Backyard Party.
Barbecues, crawfish boils and fish frys! These are all just great excuses to get your family and friends together to catch up, tell stories and just otherwise be together.
3. Going To Bed Early.
It’s so quiet in the country that when the sun goes down, I always think about going to bed and getting some sleep. Of course, when you go to bed early that means you usually get up early and that’s a good thing too.
2. Fire.
Me and Hatch are really excited about having a fireplace again. I like being responsible to build and tend to the fire. It’s amazing to build a fire in the backyard fire pit and then sit around it in the cold air and enjoy the warmth of the flames.
1. Family.
That’s the best part of all.
