Country Mysteries

I spent half my childhood in the city and half in the country. What a difference!

One of the myths held by urban dwellers is that the country is a “peaceful” place. The people have embraced an idyllic fantasy. The country can be anything but peaceful.

One urban legend is that the country is quiet. The reality is that it is quieter in daytime than at night. Once darkness falls, a host of nocturnal creatures add their  voices to the landscape. There are a host of owls, cicadas, grasshopper, whippoorwills and others whose voices are only heard at night.  For some city folk, the noise is intrusive. But for those who know, the nightly din is a reminder of Life, and thus a thing of comfort.

Country skies at night are brighter than city skies. The ambient light of cities obscures the stars. Only the brightest ones are visible. Lacking that ambient light, country skies are filled with stars from end to end.

Country living used to have more differences. The average urban hardware store’s wares would not fit the bill. Country living required people to be more self-reliant when it came to nature. Along with the usual tools and nails and paints, other things were needed. Lanterns were a must. Kerosene lamps were common. Years ago, batteries were not as strong, nor did they last long.  Stick matches were a must. So were axes and wood saws.

There are many urban people who regard wildlife as “cute, fuzzy animals.” Even a squirrel can do some harm! The reality is that when cornered, a deer can be deadly. Those antlers are like a jousting knight! Racoons may look cute, but they are not safe. And bears? Forget your teddy bear. A black bear can be mean and unpredictable.

During the Fall, when apples and other fruit are on the ground, some animals can get drunk. The fruit naturally ferments as it decays. Bears and deer have been known to get drunk on fallen fruit. In that state, they can be as unpredictable as a human boozer. Otherwise peaceful animals can become belligerent.

Finding work in the country is not easy. There are few jobs. City staples like manufacturing are nonexistent. Most jobs are government: state or county. Neither government nor private sector jobs are lucrative. Likewise, business may be good, but it is not as good as in the city.

I am sure things have changed. The country we knew is less rural. Thanks to modern transportation, commuters are moving to the region.