To say I love my life is an understatement. My only misgiving is the fact that we didn't move to the country sooner, but I am so happy JR and I got here when we did.
I generally have a plan of what I am doing each day which typically includes walking; some form of cleaning, whether it be donkey pen, house, laundry, organizing, etc.; gardening or yard work; food preparation or putting food by; shopping; and research. I also care for Elle, my Granddaughter, when I am needed and when this is the case, I happily put most things on the back burner until she returns home to Mama.
I know from having 3 girls of my own the days fly by incredibly fast and time spent with Elle is so important. Before I know it she, too, will be grown, living her own life. My place in the country will still be here and me along with it.
I am thrilled this is the place Elle will know as Grammie and Pop's. We spend so much time outside with the animals, walking and sitting on the porches and as Elle grows from infant to toddler there will be more and more to explore and experience. It warms my heart just thinking about it.
Another absolutely amazing thing about living here is our neighbor, Alexis. She totally saved my donkey Cletus' life after a botched up castration and a negligent vet decided he didn't want to come back out on a farm call to follow up on his care. Not only did Alexis administer penicillin to my donkey when I was ready to haul him to an animal hospital, but she recommended an awesome vet who I adore. Since, we have had Jethro castrated with minimal issues. It wasn't the vet's fault Jethro wouldn't leave his wound alone, but she was on top of the situation and helped us get him well quickly. All and all the procedure went smoothly compared to Cletus'.
Alexis and I have gotten to know each other quite well since the donkey escapade. She owns and cares for many polo horses, as well as plays polo. If you don't think I add the word "water" to "polo" every single time I think it, you would be wrong. Kimbre, my youngest, played for 10 years and I can NOT stop doing it.
Alexis needed a little help next door and even though I know nothing and I do mean NOTHING about polo or horses, I offered to help. Yikes, she is a brave soul. I have never felt more stupid in my whole life. The patience Alexis showed me was above and beyond, I have no idea how she did it. Luckily polo season ended and Elle was born and stole me away before I caused major damage to something. We aren't through with each other yet though.
Alexis is due with her first child the end of May and after her Aunt returns to England, guess who gets to care for her sweet baby while Alexis cares for and trains her horses? ME!!! THIS, I know how to do. THIS is my calling. To have Elle and Violet together, 7-8 months apart, is an added perk and I am giddy thinking about it. We are going to have so much fun!
I have been health conscious for awhile now, I say conscious, because there is definitely room for improvement, but now I have much more incentive. To grow vegetables and fruit for the girls to eat, food I know is pure and untainted, takes on a whole new meaning. To keep myself healthy is good, but to help 2 little humans grow into healthy strong adults is such an honor and gives me such a sense of purpose.
I cared for children most of my adult life with a few stops and starts when I managed the thrift store and owned the bookstore. I cooked and fed the children what I knew to be good at that time, getting progressively more informed as the years rolled by, but I didn't have the garden I do now. Now I could pick a carrot, steam it and feed it to the babies. I get chills!
Just when I didn't think my life could get any better, it did. I have tears in my eyes just thinking about it.
I am happily married to a man who shares most of my views of what we want out of life; I have 3 terrific daughters who are good, honest people; I have a granddaughter who owns my heart; I am going to have a new baby to love, care for and teach; I have a menagerie of animals who not only give me affection and entertainment, but some who provide food for me; I have good friends I have met since moving here and get to frequent a great little bar which reminds me of WI; I have friends who I haven't lost touch with even though we moved; I have an awesome garden that I am learning more and more about growing with organic fertilizer sources taken from our acreage; I have trees surviving that we planted that may some day feed us; I have beauty surrounding me on my daily walks. Simply, I have life by the ass.
And I am so thankful.
Follow your dreams. Have the patience to work towards your goals. Just do it. Believe me, I know.
