We're Not Farmers...

So, the weathermen said Saturday that Sunday would be a stormy, windy day. But, Sunday morning it all changed and we were given a gift - a beautiful day. Of course, any self-respecting rider will tell you that all plans must go in the tank when a good day has presented itself.

My sweet husband and I tag-teamed a few things that could not wait then headed out on a ride to the Wichita Wildlife Refuge. It was a glorius day! A little windy at first but, oddly, the winds settled down as the day progressed. Since we have ridden this way many times, I endeavored to look for something new, something I haven't seen before. I noticed there were several houses between home and Anadarko that are half-buried. Then, I was noticing all the homes with acreage around them and all the people out working in their yards. Now, some people may have felt a sense of guilt - that they should be home working, too. But not me. I finally realized that I don't like yardwork. That I don't want a house with acreage, that I'm not sure I even want a house!

The American Dream is not a single path but many, divergent roads. For some, their hard work will allow them to purchase a homestead, a place where they can spread out, a place of their own. For these, making a mark on their land is a wonderful thing. But, there are others who want to be free to see and experience all sorts of things. To travel and to see places where others have made marks, to record, to report, to share what they have seen. I really think that is who we are.

The knowledge has given me a sense of peace, really. I don't believe you can have it both ways. Either you can travel and explore or you can build at home. Both are great options. Now, I realize very wealthy people seem to do both, but they really don't. They pay others to build, they don't build themselves.

At any rate, we greatly enjoyed our day. One bit of adventure - I found out my Suzuki can go about 200 miles between fill-ups. And traveling around Commanche County in Oklahoma one finds gas stations are few and far between. Didn't run out, but came way too close for comfort!

We even stopped at a new winery in Medicine Park - I linked to it on my last post. Here are a few pics. It is a really nice place though their landscaping is a work in progress. There are a few new vines in the front. You cannot see it from the pics but they have a wonderful deck on the back of the building overlooking the town. We talked with the owner, about their new venture. I asked if they will be growning their own fruit. No, was the reply, they will be buying their fruit - plenty of people are growing. Besides, "we aren't farmers."

Succient, perfectly spoken. They wanted to make wine, they wanted to have a place, a winery where they could share their wine with others. They live a little house behind the main building. And, they are so happy about it.

Matt and I are not farmers, nor are we landscapers. We've done some things to our home but we would be just as happy with a small backyard where we could light a chiminea, grill some shrimp and share a bottle of a local vintage. There is a certain amount of peace that comes from realizing not only who you are but who you are not.

Oh, the giraffe? A great piece of yard art from the front of the winery.