We've been learning a lot in the 2 1/2 months we've lived out here.... How our Solar Panel system works, well pumps, how to conserve energy, the animals, what time of day we do what type of homestead chores, etc... It's been an adventure already and we are just scratching the surface!
One thing I've come to realize is what goes into living off a dirt road. At first glance you wouldn't think much of it. But really it's been quiet the adjustment of living in our old condo surrounded by asphalt.
Things I've learned living off a dirt road:
1. Sandals are no longer your "everyday shoe". It's muck boots, work boots are tennis shoes if you want to keep your feet from looking like pig pen. This was a big adjustment for me! As a Cali girl I practically live in sandals 11 out of the 12 months of the year. I've forgotten to change shoes a few times leaving the cabin and it always ends up like this.
2. Your Car will not stay clean. Gone are the days of getting the van washed and it looking pretty tell we get a random rain fall. The second you drive onto that dirt round. Bam, shows over.
3. The morning walks are so peaceful. Each morning the kids and I go on a 1/2 mile walk around our Oak Grove with the dogs. Hearing the dirt under their feet, seeing no buildings in sight and just God's beautiful country side is breath taking. I feel humbled and inspired each morning taking it all in. This is why we moved out here. To simplify, to reconnect and to give our kids a different kind of lifestyle.
4. Foot Prints: You can see all walks of life's foot prints and who's been on your road. Animals, Humans.. The kids love seeing the little foot prints on our morning walk and guessing what kind of animal it was that left it.
5. It doesn't hurt as much when you fall. The kids used to play outside on the asphalt outside our condo and when they fell, the boo boo's weren't pretty. When you fall on dirt, it doesn't leave as much of a mark. How's that for glass half full? LOL
Our way of life out here is much different than the one we had just a few short months ago. Soon I plan to blog a "day of the life" type post so I can share more. One thing for sure is we are so happy out here. There are things that are more difficult out here or luxuries we might not have anymore (by bye less than 35 minute trip to walmart). But we've traded those days for watching the sunrise come over the mountain top and listening to the roster crow. We've traded it for rolling hills, impromptu golf cart rides through our woods and evening camp fires. And we wouldn't have it any other way.
"do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:6-7
