Good changes in life rarely arrive suddenly with a big impact and great fanfare. It does seem that often bad experiences happen rather suddenly and often with a wallop. Few of us try to plan for negative experiences. Many good things in life do have a big impact, like weddings and babies. Graduations, careers and relocation are also big, but these things aren't sudden, there's time to prepare. As I look back on just how long it's been since this big move, I realize much of this has resulted in big changes, some gradual and much OJT [on the job training.] Even in the trials and errors homesteading has been a blessing. To be honest, I was excited about moving, but had no idea how much I would truly enjoy this lifestyle.
As I was contemplating the early darkness the other evening, a fun thought occurred to me that led to a cavalcade of notable changes since my big move. There have been no pizza deliveries to my home in nearly a decade. Not that I was big on delivery service, but once in awhile, it was a treat! I've also not had to dress up to go out in the evening for anything but a goat auction in almost ten years. Shortly after my big move, I remember running out of something as I was preparing a meal. There was no "running to the store!" Improvising became a natural part of life, and I love it. Improvising has led to some creative innovation. There is something truly exhilarating about being creative.
Planning has also become much more important. It takes ten to fifteen minutes to get to a blacktop road, and then at least another ten to get to a road that goes directly to town. Just the travel to town and back takes nearly an hour, so I try very hard to make the most of the trip. That may sound like a drawback, but it really isn't. It's quite rewarding to have become so much more organized and also amazing at how much I can actually do without. I'm not "roughing it," by a long shot! One of my kids says it's like camping, and another says, "it's a much needed break from the rat race."
Many homesteaders do not choose to have the conveniences I enjoy, while others bring most of the suburban amenities. For now, this homestead enjoys many modern conveniences, while I move toward further simplification. I'm grateful to have a roadworthy vehicle for town trips. I've not gone so far back to basics that I'm hitching up a team. That day may come and if it does, there will be far fewer trips to town! The television went out the door years before I began homesteading, so being too far "off the beaten path" for television is not a problem, and the day may come when internet is no longer an option. By that time, I'm thinking pizza delivery in town, will be a long forgotten "luxury" as well.
The changes that have come with this lifestyle, for me, are invigorating. The sounds to which I've become accustomed are noticed by others who visit, while for me; the sounds of the city have all been forgotten. The nearest "big city" is a metropolis of 35,000 residents, about 30 miles away. My grandchildren always enjoy so many stars at night, and late night homemade dinners always involved all of us! They'd "shop" in the fruit cellar and the milk parlor for their favorites that cannot be found in city markets or convenience stores.
There have been big changes in lifestyle since relocating, like flocks and herds; but it's the little changes of access and innovation that I really hadn't considered. Grocery shopping is no longer a convenience, but fresh organic produce, raw milk, and free range chicken eggs are just a steps out the door. Nobody is delivering any pizza or carry out, but there are plenty of options already pressure cooked and ready to open, at no charge! A trip to town is not convenient, but only needing to go to town once a month is a definite convenience.
No comments:
Post a Comment