What I've learned about the country

In the time I've lived in the country, I've come to learn a lot about it. For instance:

1. There are a lot more bugs. You see, in the city, and especially in my city where manicured and watered lawns are di regeur, they and the gardens that surround them, are also pest-controlled within an inch of their life. When you live in a neighborhood with city block after block after block of pesticide covered turf, there are also very few bugs.

2. There are a lot more critters. Since living here I've seen:

• deer
• moose
• coyotes
• porcupines
• lots of birds, bald eagles, turkeys, pheasants, and tons of songbirds.

3. There are sirens in the country, too. Don't get me wrong, most of the time it really is very peaceful. But, I've been amazed at how often the silence is broken by sirens.

4. Magpies can clean the carcass of a 150 pound white-tail deer in less than 72 hours. I mean C-L-E-A-N it.

5. Living on acreage is a lot of work. I mean a LOT. of. Work.