Coming Up! May 2008 Country Home Living

in Country Home

This summer we're living at the lake and building a new log home. So don't be shocked to find a little less gardening information and a little more on lakeside rentals.

The summer is nearly upon us. Children dreaming of being finished their school year. Every one just itching to get into the garden, off to the cottage, out in the sun.

The time is right for cleaning out that basement or shed and having a garage sale. For others it is the thrill of the 'hunt' - discovering just what deals can be found on their neighbor's lawn as they scout around weekend after weekend looking for those bright banners saying "Garage Sale Ahead".

Depending on where you live in the country, and how well planned you like your life to be, summer days are not all about relaxation and fun. It can be just as busy and harsh as any other time of the year.

There may still be firewood to chop, a long driveway to excavate, and animals still to tend to. Even frail or elderly animals in the barn that need special care, medication, attention.

No matter how busy you may or may not be, the spring and summer months are still a time of renewal. Buds sprouting, birds chirping, and there's always a little time left at the end of each day to sit out on the porch and contemplate - "What's Next?"

If you've followed this site from it's inception 10 years ago, you would have seen many changes - changes that are still in progress as a matter of fact - both online and offline.

For 2008 we'll be bringing a lot more content online to serve those who are following their own dreams of leaving the city behind and moving to greener pastures.

This is largely possible due to tele-commuting, internet technology and the emergence of VOIP. The world has grown smaller and as such has allowed thousands more to realize their dreams of country living.

Looking Back at Last Season

Although our nights are long and cold, I'd still choose this life over any other. This is still a great time of the year for living in the country.

In the daytime, the yard is still active and bustling with the local wild birds.

Night time strolls are brighter thanks to the moon's reflection on the snow.

It's also a great time for evening horseback rides. There's something so wonderful about being on the back of a horse you've bonded with, at one with nature, ambling through drifts and fields at night.

This time of year is perfect for slow horseback rides. The horses don't overheat and the trails are crisp and visible - even at night!

Home School - Year Round Learning

It certainly seems that the number of home schooling parents grows every year. Will our school boards or governments ever 'get it'? Something is amiss in the school systems they've created for our children.

If you're home schooling you're used to having your children underfoot and online. I urge you to take precautions and have long chats with your children about their internet use. I'm generally not an alarmist about such things but more and more this is proving to be a serious problem with our trusting children. Please urge them to only accept friend requests from people they actually know. 

Even parents who fought with me tooth and nail over why home schooling isn't good for our children started home schooling their own children last year. And guess what? They're back at this for another year!

Decorating for the Log Cabin or Summer Cottage

It's time to redecorate. The arrival of the new season seems to demand it. New walls, new paint, new beginnings. Fresh and vibrant is the call of the season.

Primitive Country Decor has always been my passion - see www.PrimitiveCountryDecor.com for some great ideas.

GoodByeCityLife Volunteers

This year it's not about cooking breakfasts for the local school children. We've grown enough new volunteers in the community for others to take over the program - so it's time to turn our attention to the older children - young men and women in the high school.

Finding time for this seems to be more challenging than previously conceived. In the meantime it's all about one on one and making yourself available to listen to the children in your life.