My husband and I own and live on 80 acres atop the Ozark Mountains in Winslow, Arkansas. We have lived there since 2005. Most of the following is from my early experiences living on this farm. There have been ups and downs. Even now looking back, I still feel pretty much the same.
Eary Impressions of Life on the Farm: July 6, 2007
We currently have twelve cows, three dogs, two cats, and a variety of wild creatures that like to graze or dig. When I moved out here two years ago, it was a dream come true, or ……so I thought.
The fresh air, the beauty of the green pasture and wooded areas all called out to me. I have lived in a city or town most of my adult life. I longed for the country life that soothed my pains as a child. Now, I have it.
Those early spring mornings, before the sun rises, I hear the whippoorwill sing its cry. I know the alarm will ring in the next few minutes. The summer mornings on my front porch, sitting in my comfy chair, drinking coffee starts the day with peace and harmony. For the moment.
My coworkers and my students laugh at my stories of life on the farm. Not what they would consider the life of an English teacher.
At times, I myself question this life I have chosen out here.
The moments when I have to wrestle that calf whose mother doesn’t seem to care about him. Unless, of course, I am wrestling her baby trying to feed him with a bottle while she’s watching me with those horns lowered against the unsteady metal gate that separates us.
The times when I try to help my husband get the cows in the barn, into the chute, to worm them and give them their required shots as I stand amidst the cow dung and urine.
The times when the cow-dominant horse we bought with the property decides to chase the cows creating damage and discourse. Even the 2000 pound bull runs right alongside the heifers to get away from the crazy horse. (I can’t understand why he didn’t turn around and make a stand against that Paint.)
My husband riding the four-wheeler through the woods in the late night hours, seeking to get the cows back within our fences. I stand and watch, wanting to be able to help in someway. (My 5’ body with short legs and arms has trouble maneuvering our four-wheeler.)
Those times when we haul the three dogs (a cocker spaniel, basset hound, and boxer) in the 4Runner to the vet for their yearly shots and checkups (the panting, drooling, and hair!).
Those times, trying to shuffle the kittens my daughter adores with the dogs that my husband adores. Trying to make everyone happy and comfortable. No one likes the litter box, so the dogs are put in the fenced area at night so that the cats can go out in the morning and evening to avoid having to deal with the litter box. After the cats have their morning jaunt, they are brought back in to the house so they are not snatched up by wild creatures. The dogs have the run of the place for rest of the day.
Yes, there are times I wonder why I am out here on these 80 acres in northwest Arkansas. Then, I sit on my back deck or front porch, drink my glass of wine or cup of coffee, watch the deer graze (those sweet little fawns), feel the cool breeze, listen to the quiet, and watch the sunrise or sunset. I know I’m out here because this is where I really want to be.
Yes, my commute to work is a long one, driving fifty miles be it in the snow, rain, or sun. Yet, when I turn the bend and see the beauty, whether snow-covered fields, green grass, deer grazing, or a sweet newborn calf, I can sigh and know that I am truly home and will have a peaceful evening. After, of course, I count the cows, coerce the dogs in to the pen, feed and let the cats out and back in, get dinner ready, and so on). Ah…the blissful country life.
Fast forward to today, 2018.
I no longer have that long commute to work. I now have more time to focus on my family, our animals, the farm, and our other business. We have considered moving, several times, but now, especially since our remodel is finished, we just can’t bring ourselves to do it.
On a recent Saturday evening, I watched four rabbits chase each other all around our yard. One early Sunday morning, I watched a doe and her fawn pass through.
This morning, I saw this little guy (skunk) in our backyard. None of the dogs or cats were let out until this little guy was gone.
Come August, the deer will come eat the peaches that have fallen from the tree.
The place can be trying but mostly is beautiful and peaceful. We’ve redone almost everything with our own personal touch. Just shy of building the house from the ground up, we have made it the home we have always wanted. It is my sanctuary, my oasis, my happy place. I know one day we will have to give it up when we are too old or tired to keep up with it. Living in town poses its own challenges, too, I’m sure. For now, though, I can’t wait to get home!