And your wife?

We moved to this faraway place in the Spring of 2011. Below is a post I had written not long after our move. I giggled a little when I read it because, even though it's been 6 years, we still get this same reaction from people. I wonder now if maybe they ask it for different reasons? Anyway, it was a good reminder for me to read it from that place I was in 6 years ago, experiencing it all for the first time. I still feel this way about this place. It's still Heaven on Earth and I still wouldn't trade it for anything. Although, I did hear our cows say that they might like to winter somewhere a little warmer...like where temps hit a low of 50...in January...they asked about it. I told them I'd check into it...

The most common question my husband is asked since our moving is not usually about the ranch operations. "How does your wife like it?" In a way, I suppose I am flattered by their concern. Perhaps it is meant as a compliment that I am dainty and cut out for city life. Or not. Maybe they just don't think I can handle it. My husband always replies that I am more adapted to the lifestyle than he is, because I grew up in a similar situation. He tells them that I love it. And he's right. I do love it. But why? I suppose I've never been the type to do girly things, at least with any consistency. And I mean no offense by that. I admit, I loved getting my hair done. I loved the few times that I had my nails done. And new clothes? I could go broke shopping for jeans and platforms especially. But, I suppose where I am different is that I am okay doing with out those things. So what is it that is appealing about the "Land of Far?" Have you ever stood in your yard at night and looked up at the sky and felt dizzy with the closeness of the stars? Have you ever opened your door on a quiet morning and the only sound you hear is the creek flowing over the rocks half a mile away? Have you ever driven home through the mountains after a long day in the saddle and seen the sun setting through the clouds and shooting rays of light toward you reminding you of a higher power? Have you ever spent a day so quiet that when you do speak the sound of your own voice sounds like someone yelling through a bullhorn? Have you ever witnessed the birth of a calf and watched her take her first steps as her mother frantically licks her off while cooing at her? Have you ever spent a cold winter day on the back of the truck feeding cows and listening to the crunch of tires on new fallen snow? Have you ever walked in to a horse barn and heard the sounds of oats being chewed and feet standing quietly and known that your horses are content? Have you ever opened your eyes each morning knowing that a lot of work awaits you and knowing that you are finally doing it for yourself and feeling good about that? I miss my friends. I miss my family. But, I love the solitude. The Land of Far is our little slice of heaven and I wouldn't trade it for anything. Not even new jeans...