I think it’s hard sometimes for city-folk to imagine what it’s like to live in the country. When I tell them we have two horses out front in the pasture, they can’t imagine having that much room in the “front yard”. Then I tell them we have to drive at least 18 miles for groceries but if you want cheaper ones, you have to drive 26 miles. Our closest neighbors are my grandparents and they’re about ¼ mile away. Living where we do, I’ve learned to make lists, too because if you get to the store and forget something, you can’t just turn right around and be back to the store in a blink. It’s thoughtful and planned which sometimes drives my husband crazy because he likes to be more spontaneous. I on the other hand like to combine my trips to save on gas and time.

This is a picture of our local co-op, 5 miles from our house. This is where we get gas. There’s no pizza, no restroom, no candy, but the air is free. (Imagine that – not charging $1 for AIR.) And you have to have a card or you can’t fill up.

The co-op at my in-laws in Kansas is the same way except they have a candy and pop machine inside where our son’s Grandpa always makes a purchase when the grandkids are visiting. It’s tradition…going to the co-op, seeing all the men sitting around drinking coffee and gossiping, then getting chocolate and a pop for the ride home. Even if it is 10 minutes before lunch.

The nice thing about the pump at the co-op? It’s always open as long as you have a card.

Until we walk again …