Yesterday Elmer and I took a day off the farm. Before moving to Texas and starting this homestead life, Elmer and I used to take one day a month to go for a drive. Usually the Country side, the mountains and sometimes the ocean. This time was for him and I to reconnect, to talk about things without interruption. A rare time for parents of then 6 kids. It was important for us as a couple with busy lives. We didn’t have a farm but we were Pastoring a church, running children programs and adult Bible studies.
When we moved to the farm we did take a few drives out the country, seeing the area sites, we took a few days away for our anniversary or a birthday trip. But slowly over time, life got too complicated to get away and so we didn’t. Trips to town, or out of town became multi-purpose. Groceries, a Costco run or even work related. While those were still nice, it wasn’t the same. We realized we need a day to just be together, laugh and talk without the thought of battling the grocery store. And so, we will take a day trip once a month for as long as we are able. Even if its just driving the back roads for a few hours.
Homesteading has to have balance or we will burn out. Being 60, I burn out a lot faster than when we moved out here 18 years ago. Not so much just because of age, but past health issues set me back quite a bit. Im making plans to make this life work. Its not easy when those who care for you recommend hanging up your over-alls. And while they mean well, this life saved me a few years ago when I would’ve otherwise stayed in bed, And it’s still getting me up every morning.