It took work to set some boundaries for the house critters: spiders and mice and wasps that enjoyed a nice long stay when no one lived here and no one cared. But we did it. Sam has even become an occasional mouser, catching and playing (not eating), and no need for a cat.
Propane was easy - it's only for the stove and heater, so spring/summer/fall the use is negligible. It is reliable, just like natural gas has always been.
Electricity out here seems to go farther. Electric dryer, water heater and of course a/c and other household utilities - but we find there's less need to a/c with the open land absorbing and dissipating some of the heat of the day. The temps are the same, but it doesn't feel as hot. Miss the pool, though!
Septic was in good shape when we arrived and we treat it lovingly ... and monthly. Knock on wood.
For us the big unknown was well water, and we have come a long way. Now when that icky sulfur smell comes from the pipes, we take it in stride: just spritz a little foo-foo and change the filter, flush the system and get back on track. And when the water pressure drops, the Hubs expertly takes care of that, too.
For having no neighbors, we have found easy connections. We are two of 53 residents, but the workers wave from the fields, and there is constant activity all around. The farmer nearest to us stops by and he and the Hubs are friends, and also the Postmistress who, it turns out, is a good person to know. The rental house down the way has people moving in this weekend, and the right*right*right next door project house has an interesting owner who comes and goes a few times a week. He is digging a septic by hand at the moment. (!!!)
Living here has been an awakening. We compost now, and build and repurpose and nurture things. It is a busier life. We understand the weeds and the bees are here to stay, and appreciate more the chance to tame a small piece for ourselves.
We find it fun to take drives at dusk. Recently we discovered miles and miles of vineyards that are tucked into the hills away from the main road. Sam hangs out the window staring at the cows and goats and horses. One time we bonded with a little mocha colored lamb and decided If and When we become farm animal ready, we'd like one of those.
It has energized us into making sure there is room for all who live here. Last weekend, a Golden Eagle startled us by flying right beside us with a rabbit in its talons. We visit with a gorgeous Great Horned Owl pair that hangs out @ Mary's Chapel, or watch a Kit Fox track its dinner in the cornfield. We laugh at bats who fly haphazardly overhead and applaud their choice of dinner (mosquitos). Woodpeckers peek out from their perfectly round holes in the trunk of the Black Locust tree.
But my most favorite moment came last summer as I turned onto our road around dusk. There were thousands and thousands of Dragonflies feeding on bugs drawn to the crops all around. The air was thick with them, colors reflecting off the setting sun as they darted in all directions. I stopped the car and just let them engulf me and live for a moment as one of them. Thank you, Lord, for letting me be here to witness this.
