Larimore: The Epitome of Country Living
Epitome: “…a typical or ideal example…” I have lived in the country for so long, I wouldn’t know how to live next to close neighbors. In the past I could see my nearest neighbor’s yard light. I guess the tree branches grew thicker to the point that I can no longer see that outside light through the trees. That light was my only feeling of having a neighborhood here in the country.
In town you may have street noises, the neighbor’s cat on your car, or their dog barking. There may be a neighbor mowing his grass next to the chain link fence where you are trying to have a family picnic next to that same chain link fence! (a true story).
Of course, there are many things I had to adjust to in the country. I have a field right behind my house. The wind might carry a cloud of field dirt right into the house when the farmer plows that field on a windy day!
One time the farmer’s cattle broke through my back gate and got out on the highway. My sweet farmer friend was not happy—to say the least.
Then, there is the wildlife on any given day. I looked out, and there was an opossum who just stopped by for a bite of cat food before he went on his way. A momma skunk found shelter and had five of the cutest baby skunks—I was happy she moved them on down to the creek!
In recent years there have been enormous amounts of wild hogs. I had an idea to wrap three sides of my property with two feet of fencing along the ground. I was given many feet of discorded fencing, and the idea worked. No more hogs going in and out of my property along the field side of the property. Woo hoo!
With fall approaching, the snakes are on the move. I looked out last week to see two six-foot, pointed-tail snakes by my side door. I am sure they were looking for a place to hide before cold weather. They were the harmless kind, but who wants snakes slithering around your yard? Snake repellant will help keep them away!
A few days ago I was in my yard. I looked up and saw two deer just casually going across my driveway. They were heading to the oak trees to eat acorns.
When I can, I grab my camera if I think I can catch a shot of the ‘creature of the day.’ There is a beautiful black and white feral cat that goes from farm to farm. I caught a photo of that cat. It has tried to take over my cat’s territory, and finally it actually killed my aging family pet—the epitome of country living.