2 years Back to Basics

Today is our 2 year anniversary of buying our dream property. We packed up our house and moved out to a 12×12 cabin on 76 acres in East Texas. God was using this opportunity to stretch us and remind us what is important. At first the challenges were technical. We had to learn to drive a tractor, buy equipment to clear the land and find local people to help us bale hay and take down old trees,etc. We then had to build a comfortable living quarters, building a deck and painting the cabin.Next it was the job of clearing paths and overgrown vines.  But in all of the trials we have found such peace. Pulling in to the gate brings a smile to my face and by the time I drive or walk the long country road to the cabin all the tension has slipped away.

The simple life has really put emphasis on relationships, nature and family. We wake early and take a long walk to the pasture to watch  the sun rise every morning. I spend alot of time in meditation and praying. I found it easy to be close to God when surrounded by so much beauty and in the quiet I can hear his call on my heart. We then work in the garden, on tractor mowing, fixing fences, hauling wood or whatever farm projects that are needed. It is a simple but busy life and by dark you fall into bed with a smile and contentment.

No television, computer or phone are there to distract. Our friends are the birds, frogs and coyotes.  Our music is the wind in the trees,frogs at night or babbling water fountain. It is perfect. It is simple. I AM BLESSED!

Counting Stars

As we ushered in 2017 this past week we were out at the ranch for some peace and quiet. It has been 18 months since we bought our dream farm-76 acres in Ore City, TX. I spent my birthday December 30th watching the sunrise, walking trails and relaxing with family. That night I sat by the fire and watched the most incredible night sky – stars upon stars!

 

I have really enjoyed the star gazing. It is absolutely amazing. Dave bought me binoculars that are far better than my telescope for casual observation…..I have been learning to locate constellations and names of individual stars. The stars on the 30th were so bright and the sky so clear it was like God turned up the brightness just for me.  I am absolutely fascinated by the night sky!!!

 

Gratitude

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Gratitude

Practice gratitude every day. It will help you focus on the good things in life, help you replace negative thoughts and find peace.

It helps to journal. Keeping a list of things you are grateful for and spending some time saying

why you are grateful for that person, experience or thing. This helps to build a positive attitude.

Little living helps you do this every day. It forces you to keep things simple, only keep what is important and to get by with what is really necessary.

 

Un-Plug

Spending time in nature helps you to put aside all the noise of the city and relax.  Setting aside the technology helps you achieve relaxation. Exposure to sunshine improves mood. The exercise you get is healthy as well. As you take in the stars or walk in the woods you get the benefit of  a lower pulse and blood pressure.

You can embrace nature right where you live

  1. Watch a sunset
  2. Go for a walk in the park
  3. Meditate under a tree in the yard
  4. Plant a small garden
  5. Star gaze

Don’t forget to keep it simple!!

Back to Basics

We have been in our new place for just over 1 year and I was reflecting back over the many lessons learned and accomplishments .20150607_061757Accomplishments:  Front gate installed, bed rack built and cabin walls closed in and covered with logs, porch built off cabin, outdoor kitchen built, bought trailer for visitors, repaired tractor with help from the neighbor, learned how to drive a tractor  (thanks Ed), repaired road, dug outhouse and installed port-a-john, got brush hog on tractor and mowed, Dave cleared masses of trails with DR, workshop installed, built tractor canopy, built dog house, built gun range, cleared new cabin site, camp shower built, built garden with raised beds, ceiling covered in cedar planks, The Nelsons (our neighbor) bailed our hay  and water fountain placed by pond.

Biggest lessons:

Buy industrial/commercial grade tools-we have been through 3 or 4 weed whackers, 2 chainsaws and 3 trimmers;

Buy good boots and gel insoles; Cordless drill is a must;

Meet the neighbors-super friendly, they keep an eye on things and are always willing to lend a hand or tool.

Watch out for yellow jackets nests and mark them so you don’t run into them twice

Warn the dogs not to play with the black “kitty”with white stripes-Gus got sprayed by skunk.

The local reserve unit flying helicopters low up the driveway and doing maneuvers over the pond- boy was he surprised when we were standing there.

Funny Early Memories: Installing new fence and storm drops tree on it next week; Road became a mud bog and almost got truck stuck; rained so hard it came in under door, under eaves and inside cabin and flooded us out in the middle of the night; Squall and Geronimo coming up to play with our dogs in the middle  of the night and Dave thought it was a wild animal: mouse ran across my face while I was sleeping, and Gus got sprayed by a skunk and he slept in the cabin with us that night.

Best memories- Catching a huge bass; sunrises;fresh cut pasture with round bales  everywhere;harvesting all the veggies from the garden; the most amazing stars every night; walking all the new trails; dinner with Ed and Betty at the winery; Richmond family reunion at the ranch; and bonfires on Rachel’s birthday.

I am so grateful for a loving God for providing this amazing land. It has brought us so much peace and quiet. I am blessed every time I pull through the gate and I’m greeted  by Dave with that huge grin and the two dogs. Counting Stars Ranch is our little slice of heaven on earth!!!!

Plentiful Bounty

20160709_080835The garden has supplied us with fresh vegetables all summer.We had lettuce, carrots, cilantro, bunches of cucumbers, yummy tomatoes, tons of zucchini and yellow squash. MY FAVORITE  WERE THE MINI WATERMELONS!20160723_094509

I enjoyed the planting, watering, weeding  and watching the new shoots come up. It made me feel like a kid again. Thankyou Lord for providing such a bountiful harvest.

planning my garden

I went to Ag extension office in Gilmer. They had some helpful handouts. I have picked out the spot. Dad has a tiller I am going to borrow to turn up the soil. I plan to use some horse manure and add some nutrient rich soil. I am going to need a high fence with all of the deer. I will start with vegetables and see how things go….wish me luck!!!