Farm Life is Not for the Weary

As many times as we have visited 13DogFarm over the last eight months I can honestly say no visit is ever the same.  Before we head north, Al and I always go through a list of to-do’s and what we need to bring.  We try and plan out each day to hopefully accomplish as many tasks as we can with the time we have there.  Reality is… we usually take one step forward and two steps back each visit.  We’ve had to deal with cold weather, very wet weather, broken RV fridge, Al’s tractor chewing up barbed wire (not once but twice), my tractor with a flat tire, invasion of the field mice, 40 acres of land to mow and I am sure many more little things.  It gets discouraging at times.  I want to make some leeway!  We have so many things that need our attention.  After this last visit we’ve decided that the best way to get and keep the grass under control is for Al to make mini trips up between our big visits.  Hopefully once the grass goes dormant things will start to move forward at a faster pace.  Farm Life is not for the weary!

This last trip though I realized what a prize we have in this property.  Even with all its hiccups!

We arrived late Tuesday and immediately noticed we had had some visitors in the form of field mice while we were away.  We located the point of entry.  All holes leading to outside have been plugged with steel wool and freshly scented Irish Spring soap bars distributed accordingly.  They didn’t really do any damage except to our paper goods.  The toilet paper and napkins had been chewed up but that was pretty much it.  Thank goodness RV cabinets lock shut! We spent the evening just getting set up.  Of course the grass was out of control.  Even the driveway was unrecognizable!

On Wednesday we took a walk down the driveway to the barn.  Found this beautiful field of purple flowers.  (Prize #1) Al replaced the fridge and added fan #1 in the kitchen area.  It can perform like a ceiling fan or it can suck air in or out.  We needed something.  July is dang hot in Tennessee!  While he was busy with those tasks, I began edging and mowing around the RV and part of the plateau.

Thursday fan #2 was added over the bed.  Yay!  The RV has a/c but, it sucks a ton of power to run it.  So, we only run it in the evenings for a few hours using the generator.  By nightfall it cools down a good bit so the fans are usually enough to stay comfortable. Thank God.  One thing I can no longer tolerate is heat! We finished mowing the plateau before nightfall.  While mowing Al found what we believe to be a peach tree on the outer part of the plateau.  (Prize #2) We had a great dinner then, sat outside and star gazed.  My God how beautiful the sky can be out in the middle of nowhere.  I could not stop gazing.  Just gorgeous.  (Prize #3) (We need to get a better lens for the camera to capture all the stars.)

Friday we woke to something leaking some where. Hiccup. Al traced the pipes under the RV and could only uncover more and more water dripping.  I went to use the restroom and guess what?  We had a stopped up toilet!!  I guess with an RV it’s more like a backed up toilet.  Ew. Once that dilemma was solved we took a side trip to Home Depot to pick up some extra gas cans for the generator. (I needed the a/c more than I care to admit.)  We filled them up and had a quick lunch at a local BBQ place.  I don’t mind these unplanned outings though.  I am eager to learn about the areas around us.  Seeing new and different things is always an adventure!  It’s about an hour one way so, by the time we got back the day was half over.   We managed to get the area we plan on fencing in for the dogs measured out, as well as, where the cabin will eventually be built.  Al also mowed and worked on the driveway a bit while I set up Al’s new toolbox (from Home Depot) in the air conditioned RV.  🙂 

Saturday we woke up early so that we could get out and mow before the sun became too overwhelming.  Hiccup….Wile E had a flat tire.  So, we tried to used some methods we had on the property but, nothing worked.  It was off to Walmart… one hour away. I was so frustrated at this point. Fortunately there is a small Marathon gas station about 20 minutes away.  We thought we’d give it a chance and stop to see if they had flat tire repair kits.  We were so happy to find that this place carries A LOT of stuff.  Not just your normal gas station Quick Trip stuff!  I figured as much.  I mean these people out here can’t be driving 50 – 60 miles out to get every little thing they need.  THIS will take me some getting used to though.   Talk about serious planning ahead.  We got back and tackled the grass around the barn and removed some fencing.  Our goal is to eventually remove all fencing within the perimeter of the property.  It will make mowing a lot easier and less chances of one of the tractors eating a big mess of barbed wire! Hiccup!  We ended the day with a wonderful steak and blue cheese dinner, wine and more star gazing. Ahhhhh….

Sunday we packed it all up, shut down the RV and picked some of the best blackberries!  (Prize # 4) While picking them we found some hickory nuts as well. (Prize #5)  Al is going to determine if they are edible or not on his next visit.  Either way these nuts can serve a purpose!  It’s all about living off the land!

Let’s not forget Prize #6 and #7!! 

One of the many things I have learned since obtaining this property is how different nature appears and acts towards us.  When we are mowing the fields there are butterflies, beetles, grasshoppers and even bees, swarming in and all around us.  They fly as if they are dancing to a rhythm only they can hear but, we have created.  The birds fly in and low, swooping down for the chance of catching a bee or bug. They look to be playing a game of chase with one another.  Then from up above, hawks appear.  (I always see their shadow before I realize they are there.) They gracefully glide back and forth looking for their chance of another meal. Even the dogs temperaments are different. It’s mesmerizing really.  Truly, a first for me.  Picking Blackberries, not a snake to be seen.  Now, I know we have snakes.  Al saw a friendly one hiding up under a rock he picked up.  It just slithered away. But, it’s different.  I would like to believe it’s because these creatures do not feel the threat of a human like they do in suburbia.  We are all as one.  This property has virtually been untouched by humans for many years. (Prize #8)

I receive these daily devotions and a few days after we returned home I received the one below. It sums up what I am trying to convey perfectly.

“To co-create, we must first begin with a foundation of mutual respect.”  Madisyn Taylor

Gardens offer us a perfect opportunity to reconnect to our true selves and remember our place in the natural world. Rather than approach our gardens as mere investments of energy, we can look at the entire process of gardening, from planting seeds to harvesting food, as a way of deepening our conscious relationship with the creative force of the universe. If we are willing to shift our intention from dominating, or at least directing nature, to co-creating with nature instead, we may discover a deep peace and renewed sense of wonder.

To co-create we must first begin with a foundation of mutual respect. As you create your garden in partnership with nature, you can respect the earth, water, insects and animals by using organic seeds, soil and fertilizers. You can also communicate with the plants, insects and elements involved in your garden, and create a regular practice of stillness to listen for any messages they may have for you. When it comes time for harvesting fresh vegetables or picking beautiful blooms, you might even ask permission first. If you ask with an open heart, you will always receive an answer.

When we recognize ourselves as allies, co-creators, with the earth and the natural world, our relationship to our environment begins to change. We no longer feel the need to control the circumstances around us and can relish in the perfection of all that is.

Dog Tired