Welcome to the Country

Welcome to the Country. Since moving to Boring, I have heard this phrase more times than I can count. Usually people use this phrase with a hint of sarcasm after I mention something unusual or just plain bothersome. For example, we have been dealing with ants in our house. Not just in the kitchen, but in the bathroom, the bedrooms and in the couch. They are even coming out of our showerhead. Tiny, little nuisances. They are harmless, sure, but I don't want to share my home with them. As I discuss my discouragement with friends and family they respond to me with a rousing "Welcome to the Country!" Usually with a smile on their face as if to say 'tough luck girl, they come with the territory.'

When we first moved here in early May, "Welcome to the country" was a welcome change. It meant that we were living somewhere new and beautiful, with bunnies hopping in our yard, clean air, wide-open spaces and bright stars at night. We now live where our neighbors own horses and the birds wake us in the morning rather than the sound of cars outside.

Then in June "welcome to the country" meant, your grass and tree allergies are 10 times worse out here, deer are eating your roses and you have a drowned mole in your pool.

By the time July rolled around I was beginning to adjust and the city mouse in me was more at ease in the country. Even so, every time I would drive into town I could feel my whole body just relax. For me this was familiar and friendly. I liked seeing people out and about on foot and bike. I miss my beloved shopping in close proximity (although Dan is glad we are not so close to Target now!) Did I mention restaurants...so many more choices. Once I am back home I forget all about those things I missed while in town. Our place is so beautiful and peaceful. Often at night I just wander around the yard, trying to get my head around it all. Once at dusk I was doing just that when...What's that! Oh, a snake has just slithered across my foot! AAGGHHHH!!! "Welcome to the Country."

Now we are nearing the end of August and I am still experiencing new aspects of living in the country. A couple days ago while cleaning up in the back yard, I came across what must be the biggest beehive I have ever seen...No, I'm not talking about a hairdo! Take a look for yourself.


This is home to a zillion buzzing, flying insects called Bald Faced Hornets. (For your reference, this hive is bigger than Dan's head.) Boy was I ever glad to see them in our yard, and just feet away from the kids' play structure too. We are a lucky bunch! So needless to say, the kids won't be playing back there until we can get it removed.

Just yesterday, as I was painting the walls in Natalie's room, a bird flew in and landed on her bed. Hayden and I had fun chasing it around for a while until it finally found its way back out the window. New experiences are not rare around here. Surely these things happen no matter where you live, but one thing I know is, things are sure different out here...IN THE COUNTRY!