A Peaceful Drive Down a Back Country Road

Have you ever been overwhelmed by life and in need of a little breathing room? I sure have. I've been so busy that I don't know if I'm coming, going, or riding a bicycle.

Yesterday, I had to take some antifreeze to my husband who was working on our land. I was a bit irritated that I had to leave the house for a farm errand because I had a full day of things I needed to accomplish. However, since he was the one brush hogging, the least I could do was bring him coolant for the tractor when he called and asked.

I finished washing the dishes and folding the laundry before I left. He'd assured me there was no emergency; he just needed antifreeze at some point during the day. In the process of putting dishes away, I stubbed my baby toe so hard that it bled and swelled. It's still pretty swollen and painful as I write this.

My sore toe made it quite tricky to put on shoes that were tough enough for the field. It's not a place where sandals are an option. I was finally able to find a pair of halfway tough shoes that didn't make my toe feel like I was trying part company with it and made my way to where my husband was working.

I dropped the antifreeze off in the bed of his pickup and began carefully backing through the field stubble, praying it didn't flatten any of my tires. As I reached the grassy "path" we use at the edge of the field, I saw my hubby heading for me as fast as the tractor would carry him.

I stopped and rolled down the window for a quick chat. He invited me to walk around the recently ragweed-infested field for some "fresh air" because I spend too much time inside. I explained about stubbing my toe and then reminded him that ragweed is my arch nemesis. He went back to mowing, and I eased my way through the grass to the road.

As I stopped at the edge of the property to check traffic before pulling onto the road, I had an uncanny urge to take the road less traveled. I turned right instead of left and enjoyed several miles of back country roads before coming to the major highway that would lead me into the city. I hadn't driven down one of those roads in particular in several years.

I couldn't help but smile as I crossed an ancient bridge over the river. I bet that thing is at least a hundred years old. I enjoyed the fields of corn and soybeans interspersed with pastures in which cattle and horses grazed. I remember many days spent in such fields in my youth.

Old farms, where I used to visit my friends back when my world was much smaller, were still proudly producing food for our country. Large birds of prey perched upon tree branches and electric lines, their keen eyes searching the fields for mice and snakes.

By the time I reached the highway, I was feeling less stressed. My shoulders weren't so tight. My head was a bit less fuzzy. I was reminded of my roots and how good, hard work done with your own hands is still a way of life for many. While I make my living at a computer, a few of the kids with whom I grew up have followed their families' traditions and work the land.

My husband and I do not grow crops, but I am extremely thankful for those who do. We would be nowhere with our farmers. They don't get nearly the love they deserve.

By the time I got home, I felt much better and was refreshed enough to tackle several of my projects. There's nothing like the countryside and a peaceful drive to help you sort things out. I may take another scenic drive very soon.

I am a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for me to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

Thank you for reading Ozarks Maven! If you’ve enjoyed my little seeds of wisdom and joy, please join me again next week for more Ozarks Maven.