Running Cows

If you walk through our front door I will likely give you a hug or (if a hug is inappropriate) some other form of appropriate greeting and welcome you to our new home.  I will then apologize that we do not yet have a front walk and explain that the walk will be put in very soon.  After the formalities are out of the way I will likely bring you into my office (even if you are here for pleasure, not business) and point toward the cows that graze in the field across the road.  Once you see the cows to which I am referring, I will then excitedly explain to you that cow’s run.

Did you know that cow’s run? I will say to you.
You will likely look at me strangely, because really–who cares?  However, I will go on.
Really.  Cows.  They run.  If you watch them for long enough, I will explain, they will transition from their frozen position on the grass and sprint across the field for no apparent reason.
At this point you will just stare at me like the odd person I am.  But I will go on. . .
Then they just stop.  They run and then they stop. 
You won’t believe me, but I’ll say it anyway. . . it’s really entertaining.
You may think that I’m stretching the truth here.  You know telling a story for comedic value.  I’m not, though.  There are several people who could vouch for the fact that this was our first conversation upon entering our house.  The cows across the road have proven to be quite entertaining.  Of course, it’s hard to concentrate and sometimes I catch myself staring at the cows rather than doing the work that needs to be done in my office. 

Anyway, I tell this story to make the point–country life is proving to be a nice change for us.  I’m thinking I might soon purchase a pair of overalls and really play the part.  In the meantime, we are certainly enjoying discovering the community that we now call home.

I mean, it’s not everywhere that you can find goats on a rooftop.  Santa’s got nothing on us.  Oh and see that sign up there?  The “Big Horse” sign? 

It’s not a joke.  It’s a BIG horse.  Like more than 3000 pounds big. 

The girls and I took in this little attraction one morning and, well, it was quite awesome. 

And a little bit smelly. . .

And a lot bit cute. . .

Less than a month into country living and I’ve pet a pot bellied pig, fed a goat, and given a sheep a bear hug. (If that’s possible.) 

Getting out and discovering our surrounding has been good to make us feel a bit more at home.  It seems that we moved to the area at the most perfect time.  The leaves are beginning to turn and the warmth of fall seems to fill every inch of the air. 

It was so nice to have our own personal tour guide when my friend offered to escort us to an area that she thought “is right down your alley.” 

Umm. She was right.

My friend, JoEllen, can attest to my childlike state when we enter a beautiful spot in nature.  I was so excited to be introduced to some spots that I’m certain we will visit and visit again, over and over and over. . .

Each year when summer winds down and temperatures become a bit more bearable, I begin my excited anticipating of autumn.  I’m sure I’ve written about it in past years.  Fall is, by far, my most favorite time of the year.  This year has been a bit different than most, though.  We’ve been more busy and steeped in a load of transition.   It seemed that one day it was summer and the next day I woke up and autumn had planted itself firmly in place.

While we missed the anticipation stage that usually ushers in this time of year, I’ll tell you this much. . .

. . . we haven’t miss the beauty of it.

I’m pretty certain that even if you wanted to avoid the loveliness that is autumn, it’s impossible, if you have a child.  There is something magical in fallen leaves, crisp temperatures, and vivid colors that seem to float through the sky.  The air just breathes happiness and joy and comfort and we are inhaling deep. 

Told you we live in a “different” kind of place.

I know our days of lingering in the beauty of the outdoors are numbered.  I suspect that winter will descend upon as quickly as fall did.  Honestly, I’m ready for some warm night snuggled on on the couch watching movies.  There is a part of me that is looking forward to darkness at 5 p.m. and life slowing down for a bit.  I’m ready to slow down, to think, to exhale, but in the meantime. . .

. . . we’ll drink in the now.

And watch the cows. . . running.

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One last thing. . .

Sometimes, for no reason at all, I just have to say it.  Thank you for stopping in here.  I just can’t say it enough, I appreciate those who take a moment to stop by here. Words fail me when I try to describe what it has meant to  me (and our family) over the years to share parts of our life with this community.  Thank you for being a part of our journey. . .

More later. . .

Happy Thursday!