Farm Livin

It's not the lap of luxury, but having a "country" place to run off to on the weekends has been a real treat for us.

Once a working farm belonging to Joe's Altizer grandparents, the property was sold to Joe several years ago. He bought 12 acres; his parents own 8 (although they live a few miles away). His aunt's property also abuts ours.

The expanse of land makes us feel secluded, but in truth, we are less than a mile from Interstate 64.

We love to fuss over the place, especially Joe, who cruises around on his tractor. But we also have resigned ourselves to the fact that because we can only be there on weekends, usually ever other, we can't be too particular. It allows our bohemian tendencies, which are close to the surface anyway, to flourish.

It was originally a four-room house, but his grandparents eventually added a new kitchen on the back.

I have plans to paint each room soft, cheerful colors. In fact, Joe and I bought a can of a fetching green paint for the kitchen, right before I found out I was pregnant with Eva. The can remains unopened. Sigh....

I certainly never thought I'd have a second home, and there are challenges that come with such a commitment, but we are helped greatly by Joe's father, who tends the vegetable garden and keeps an eye on the place.

Even in the winter, it is a lovely escape.

Back when we remodeled the kitchen in Charleston, we stayed at the farm for over a month and commuted to work. Joe did the 45- minute trek five days a week for many years, and I now have a great appreciation for all those who have to drive that far each day. I've never been more than 10 minutes away from the jobs I've held. Yes -- I'm spoiled.

I'm spoiled in many ways. Recently I came up with the bright idea of planting wildflowers along a stretch of tall grass that runs next to the pond. We'll be able to gaze at them from the front porch, and the birds will love them! So Joe and his father turned over the soil and Joe planted the seeds. I did .... absolutely nothing! My kind of project.

They decided to throw in some potatoes as well. Apparently they are one of the few crops that the deer won't bother and we certainly will make good use of them.

Strangely, another crop we are enjoying at the moment are cherries. This is unusual because every other year the birds get most of them before anyone can pick them.

Right now we are being besieged by locusts. These giant, ugly critters are flying all over the place (one landed on my back -- I freaked out accordingly). They leave skins everywhere, ick.

But they also are a feast for the birds, who must be so stuffed, they have left the cherries alone. Joe's parents canned a bunch, and there are still tons left. I am now in search of a good cherry pie recipe.