The power often goes out in rural New England. The northern states of the region are some of the most forested in the country. And the soil is too rocky to be able to bury the power lines. So, when there is a heavy snow, or high winds, falling tree limbs knock them down. Yesterday it was sunny with a slight breeze, and it went out. Owning a chainsaw, a generator, and a four-wheel drive around here can turn a personal disaster into an everyday inconvenience.
Clearing brush and cutting deadfall, hauling your own trash, a ten-mile drive for a gallon of milk. Country life is inconvenient. This is a good thing. People talk about moving to the country, for a slower pace of life. But never why it is slower. It is the inconvenience. It can take longer to get things done, but that has a way of forcing balance, by keeping you from taking too much on. I returned from a three-day conference in the early hours of yesterday morning. After a few hours of sleep, I awoke feeling overwhelmed at all the things I need to do. Then the power went out and there were only a few things I could do. Balance.
Which brings me to my point. The Country Gentleman needs to go on hiatus for the next couple of weeks. I have been posting weekly all year to build up readership. But I am getting married next week, and going on a honeymoon the week after, and there is no way for me to keep up with that schedule right now. Not without phoning it in, and I never want to do that. So, I will be back November 2nd. In the meantime, I would suggest going back and rereading some of the top posts. Thank you so much for your support.
Congrats and enjoy the break!
Casey. Congratulations on your upcoming marriage. From one former Iowan to another, be well and I look forward to seeing you back here.