Blue sky, white clouds and green fields |
Karla went on to ask if would I share what was my favorite and not-so-favorite things about Idaho, from its landscape to its people. So sitting in my cozy chair by my fireplace in the deep chill of winter, I will attempt to paint with words what I live each day and every day. Because for me, it is where my rainbow ends and where all the riches I seek in life are family, friends, faith and life-style.
Photo taken one evening in 2012 on "the Palouse" |
Traveling to get to get it's destination point during harvest |
Around here, we don't really have a rush hour, more like having to sit occasionally through a stop light during a busy time is more like it. I like to think we have a slower pace of life and a better work/life balance and for the most part, I find my fellow Idahoans friendly, helpful and kind. But as in the past two blogs that I have written about, life in a rural area is not perfect in any manner. We have the same kinds of concerns/problems that others throughout the USA have, but on a much smaller scale.
Today as I write this, it is January 19th and it was a spectacular day with a bright blue sky, white snowy fields that sport the occasional tracks of wildlife and the cold temperature has left the snow with a rough texture that sparkles in the sun. A sunny day in winter is a gift as most days are gray and sometimes it is hard to distinguish where the sky ends and the land begins. The air has a crisp smell though, but not much in the way of a scent, just clean and cold. In the country, winter is quiet.
Springtime is sort of elusive and regardless of what the calendar says, I know Spring has officially arrived when I catch the first heavenly scent of the earth. Usually it is mid March - late April, and as the days grow longer, the feel of the sun is stronger- it is when the farmers start getting the ground ready for planting. When I breath in the smell of freshly tilled dirt- there is no other smell like it on earth and one that I have always loved.
Seeding Spring Wheat |
Mid-summer to early Fall on the Palouse is marked by harvest and pre-harvest has a smell to the air . I guess it is when Mother Nature says to the farmer, your crops are done and ready to be harvested!
I do love most aspects about Idaho, but there are a few things that are not so great
- Our main highway that runs through the state is still mostly a 2 lane road. (I remember overhearing a truck driver talking to his dispatch and swearing that he was sure the back of his trailer was going to touch the front of his truck on some of our nasty curvy roads.)
- I do not like the small group of white supremacists who sometimes spew their ugly propaganda, and give the rest of Idaho a black eye, as the majority of the population find their actions reprehensible and in no way do we condone what they think or do
- I do not like Indian casinos that are sprinkled throughout Idaho. I feel any kind of gambling industry is unhealthy and that does more harm to our state than good.
I again, extend my invitation to tell me what you want to see on the blog and I'll do my best to make it happen, so drop me an email or leave a comment. All my best, Gayle. idahofarmwife@gmail.com.
P.S. Thank you to all who left those wonderful and heartfelt comments on my blog or who emailed me directly. The love and hugs felt through those messages were felt and were so appreciated by me and my family. =)
Your pictures are amazing - I love the one of seeding seeding spring wheat - it looks like the tractor is driving into the sky!
ReplyDeleteI love your post on my home state. I was born and raised in the Boise Valley on a small dairy farm and Idaho will always be home. What a wonderful state! And God bless you as you carve out your new life.
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Ray
I love the Palouse! Lovely pics!
ReplyDeleteSadly, we had to leave our rented farm in Troy because the landlords decided to retire there early. I was heart broken but I'm adjusting to living in Moscow now where we actually do have rush hour and near wrecks because of all the college students walking about! I'll take the Troy "traffic" any day! ♥
I love Idaho, I have family in Buhl.
ReplyDeleteLinda
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A very interesting and a nice blog.
ReplyDeleteGreatings from Portugal
Paulo
http://viajaredescobrir.blogspot.com