7 Things I Learned Living in the Country

We moved to 33 acres in the country one year ago. I’ve lived in Kentucky my whole life, but this is the most rural setting I’ve ever called home. We are about 15 minutes from most places in town, cells phones barely work without WiFi assistance, and we can’t see another house from our house although there are others on our street.

I’ve admitted living in the country is my husband’s dream that I eventually embraced. But I really do love it here.

And country living has taught me some things …

1. Poison ivy is no joke.

I had it once before when I was a kid and laid down in some poison ivy while playing flashlight tag. But I never expected to get it while helping my husband haul tree limbs in February.

I got it badly on my face, neck, and arms. So badly it requires multiple shots and oral steroids.

And I wasn’t the only one. Greg, Ben, and Cate also got it the same lovely weekend in February. Of course, they weren’t as affected or high-maintenance about it.

2. I like being home when I’m home.

When we lived in town, I was always tempted to run out and get something or do something. Now, I group my errands and don’t make getting out to do one more thing a priority.

3. Don’t put gasoline on a fire.

Apparently gasoline flares and diesel doesn’t, which we learned from an awful experience. Fumes from the gas are what burned Ben’s face and hands when he was helping Greg burn brush.

4. All renovation projects take longer than expected.

Since we bought the property, we’ve hired people to add a bedroom and bathroom, replace carpet with laminate wood, paint every room, renovate the huge garage, install an in-ground pool, and renovate and expand our deck. Not one project was finished when they said it would be, but we love them all anyway.

5. Friends still visit even if we are farther away.

Our small group meets here most every Wednesday. Friends come over – and that was even true before our pool was opened. People showed up with meals and love when Ben was recovering from the burns.

6. Pizza nights take more planning.

Nobody delivers pizza here, but we did have Papa John’s delivered to Greg’s office recently so he could bring it home. Plus we don’t think much of driving to town to eat.

7. We have a perfect spot for a pool.

Thanks to Facebook, I learned from the previous owners’ daughter that her dad had dreamed of putting a pool in the exact spot we put ours. And it’s no secret I really, really love having a pool.

Home really is about the people, and I’m so grateful for all the ways Team Taylor has settled in together in our new location.