EMERGENCY RISK REDUCTION

I am alone on the farm. It happens more often than I realize. Although a small, almost ‘hobby’ farm of 5 acres with neighbors on all sides, I also feel alone. The property has high fences (to keep out deer) and the front gate is shut, with a ‘closed’ sign for our U-Pick. This isn’t a complaint, only an observation. It’s a good kind of alone. Perhaps since much of my life has been spent around people, which of course has both ups and downs.

In an earlier blog, I spoke of the busyness of the farm, and this helps pass the hours. My mind is constantly in motion, and my body sometimes, those less than the past. Always something to do, and days and weeks pass quickly.  So I don’t feel alone most of the time. It becomes routine. I confess that this life is not for everyone. Some people simply must have someone else nearby. Maybe they have never had the sensation of being alone, just with themselves…which seems sad.  Solitude has redemptive and healing qualities.

Along with solitude, today is also quiet. Restful. Peaceful. Tranquil. I might add blissful. Even small towns are noisy towns. Even though I am blessed with a high anxiety tolerance, towns and cities are stressful. Mostly I find cities come with a poor quality of life, but since this is difficult to define, some may disagree.

But am I really alone? I have a cellphone at my side, a landline in the next room, and am linked to the internet as I write this on a laptop. No, I am not alone. Certainly compared to some of our ancestors that homesteaded…often on quarter-sections (160 acres).  Slowly carving a farm from the land by tough young men and hoping eventually to have a family. The term ‘Scandinavian bachelor farmer’, ‘mail-order bride’, or ‘arranged marriage’ were not just something out an Alcott novel.  It was common. The bachelor farmer didn’t have the time and effort required to court a young lady, even if one was remotely close. Today we have the convenience of internet ‘dating sites’ and global communication with anyone, including potential mates. Centuries, even a few decades ago, there were no such tools.

Some remained unmarried all their lives. Or perhaps more accurately, they were married to their farms. Which may be more inviting that it first appears! But please understand that I am now a card-carrying grumpy old man in my 60s who was previously married. Sort of ‘been there, done that’ and resulted in a lovely son and daughter. I wish for all to have the joy of marriage.  I have been blessed. As of this moment, I could not ask for more. For that reason, I am content to be on the farm, enjoying these precious and peaceful hours of time without interruption – alone. Except for time spent with you.

Thanks for reading.

Monty