We knew the first two years would be tough. This thing called "transition" is not easy. It quickly wears you down as you juggle two completely different lifestyles, wishing there were more hours in a day. We are splitting our time between our city jobs and country living. No longer can we relax and unwind on the weekends. Instead, we're driving several hours between the farm and our rental, showing up late at night with a weekend project list a mile long. We spend those days getting as much done as we can, preparing for the winter and full-time life on the farm. We're working all week, then all through the weekend, packing a lot of work into a short amount of time.
I suppose that's what our future life on the farm will be like anyway, but with less clock-watching and fresher air. Where we will work in acres, not hours. It might have been easier if we had started this 20 years ago, when our joints were young and healthy. Our bodies are screaming out in protest and our minds are exhausted. Although we know it will be worth it in the long run, we still wish for time off with no responsibilities.
Some days, I just want to jump ahead to the good stuff. To planting and harvesting, seeing progress in the projects, collecting eggs, milking goats, talking to the animals, and making small batch cider. To sunsets on the porch and soaking in a hot tub heated by firewood. Or swimming in the silo pool filled with rain water. It's these future goals and dreams that keep us going, keep us motivated. As they say, "Life is better on the farm".
