We all come from different places and each of us has our own unique background. Some of us may have grown up rather local and in the old rural communities of the midwest, and some of us may have come of age in the city. Regardless of where you come from, and how many people are there, it’s unlikely that you don’t appreciate the great outdoors to some extent. This past couple of weeks ago I visited a friend’s property in the countryside, and I was reminded of how I miss those country dirt roads and barns out in the pastures. Out on those roads are great memories that we have made from years past. For those of you who are as sentimental as I am, let’s take a look at a couple of great memories you make living out on those dirt roads.
Starting off with the rain. Now for those of you in the city, you may not quite grasp the concept of predicting the weather. But every farmer knows that the weatherman’s reports are merely suggestions to the never-ending chaos that is Kansas weather patterns. Even more than that, I remember my own grandfather and the way he used to “smell the rain comin’”. He’d predict it from many hours out, and sure enough, it came. Living out on the country roads does that to some people. You notice the nature around you more, you notice the coming and going of bird species, and the way the sky tinges green when tornadoes are near. It wasn’t just predicting the weather though. Being out in the rain, and in the storms is something else entirely, and going swimming in the ditches and rivers once the rain has come through are just a few of the memories one makes out there.
Tending to the various chores of growing up in the country may not be everyone’s favorite topic, but now that I’m older, I appreciate the memories I had of doing such things. That could just be me though, after all, not many people would think of chores when talking of nostalgia. Be that as it may, the incredible community of helping hands that are developed as a result is something to appreciate in its entirety. On those country roads, if a neighbor has their property damaged in some way shape or form, you go out to help them. Through that help, friendship and good relationships are forged. It’s easy to take the community aspect of country roads for granted, but take it from someone who’s lived in the city for a while, you start to miss it. Country hospitality is a blessing to all who may experience it.
Now, a couple of weeks ago, I got the chance to meet Tom and Jan Rogers, who were the inspiration for this article. Tristan England had introduced a group of us to them, and they showed us their lovely property, and of course, what would country roads be without the farm animals and the family dogs. The Rogers have both, seeing and interacting with them made me appreciate the memories I had of tending to farm animals. While it may have been hard work at the time, I’m all the better for it. Being on their farm also made me appreciate the simple living aspect of being out in the country. Their way of life is quite spectacular, and in my eyes, there’s nothing quite like it.
There are so many different aspects of country living that I have yet to mention, the cooking, the shenanigans, and the wonderful get-togethers. However, for now, I’ll have to leave you to your own wonderful memories of country roads and country livin’.
