Ever have this happen?

By Phyllis Sutherland

  Ever lie in a tent beside a lake listening to a moose feeding nearby in the middle of the night? Hear the soft rippling movement of the water stirred up by its powerful legs and the trickles of drops falling from its giant head as it raises it to check the shoreline for intruders? Or feel the rising thrill as you pray the beagle cuddling beside you does not pick up the scent and howl the moose into a chaotic departure?

Ever feel the intense love for a grandchild who has just entered an unmowed field with you and exclaimed, “Look at the grass, Grammy! Look at the grass! Can I run in it, Grammy?  Can I run in it?” Then, “Look at me running in the grass, Grammy! Look at me running in the grass!” as he runs circles in ripe green grass as high as his neck, his little head peeping up so joyfully?

How about experiencing the delight of discovering the scent and finally the sight of mayflowers growing in the damp edges of a field being encroached by alders in early May?

I have.

And these are only a few of the many reasons why I live in a rural area.


Phyllis Sutherland of Albert County, considers herself exceptionally fortunate that, having been involved in running her family campground for over 50 years,  she has been able to participate  in an industry that celebrates rural living. As well, her teaching career has taken place in rural schools where she has been able to incorporate gardening and nature studies in her interaction with the students.

  

Photo by Deborah Carr.