The Charms And Challenges Of Country Living
Perhaps you are looking to really get away from it all for a quiet vacation. Or, maybe you are considering retirement in a rural or even rustic environment. Those weary of the crowds and stress of city living may long for the peace and quiet of a cabin in the woods. If this is your idea of fun, you should definitely run with it. There are a few things, however, to think about before taking off for the wilderness. While you may not miss your daily latte from the corner cafe, probably you don’t feel the same way about giving up basic creature comforts such as warmth and water.
The first thing to think about with regard to life in a rural setting is being well stocked with supplies of all kinds. Depending on how far you are from the nearest town, it may be difficult to get to a store very easily if you run out of something. Food and other supplies should be stockpiled and managed carefully so that you don’t need to make an emergency trip for an item or two. Instead have planned shopping days and make sure you have enough to last for the periods in between.
Having a well on the property, as is likely, is a wonderful source of water as long as it works. Should anything go wrong, though, either with the water or the means to pump it, you could be in dire straits. Protect yourself from this situation by having a large storage tank that the well constantly tops off, and also have a generator on hand for emergency electricity. Also stash bottles of water for drinking, cooking and washing, enough to last until you can get into town or fix the problem with your well.
Being out in the country means that emergency personnel such as paramedics and firefighters will not be able to get to you immediately should you need them. For this reason, have on hand a good range of first aid supplies. At least one family member should also have first aid training, including knowing how to administer CPR.
Avoid emergency situations whenever you can, of course, both in terms of your own and your family’s personal safety, and that of your house. Keep a large area all around it clear of brush as well as overgrown trees and bushes. You can easily accomplish this with a light duty Homelite chainsaw. In the event of a forest fire, the cleared area will serve as a barrier until firefighters can put out the blaze.
You might also want to use some cleared space around your house to have a garden. Growing your own fruits and vegetables is an excellent endeavor whether in town or country. But, in the country it can also save you trips to the supermarket, which may be some distance away, to get fresh produce. And, if you really want to extend this self-sufficiency, canning the extra bounty from your garden can be fun as well as practical.
You are likely to need and want a good supply of firewood when the weather turns cool. The only source of heat for your home may be an air-tight fireplace. Or you may prefer it even if other heating options, such as gas or electric, are available. And even an open fireplace is a source of some heat as well as enjoyment. An afternoon in the woods with a heavy duty Husqvarna chainsaw will produce all the firewood you need, after, of course, you have split it with your axe.
So here you are, in your rustic country home. You have a full pantry, a storage tank brimming with water, plenty to eat and drink, a nicely cleared and landscaped yard and a garden area. Next to the fireplace is a stack of firewood, and out in the utility shed are several more cords, enough to last all winter. Relax, have a cup of tea, perhaps settle down to do some sewing on the patchwork quilt set you’re making for your sleigh bed. The country life is a good life.

Posted May 24, 2010
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