Prolonged isolation—getting to know the places we live, our communities, and ourselves

Eight years ago I used my retirement savings to buy a 41-acre farm with a well, 4-bedroom home, three metal outbuildings, apple trees, a tree house, and massive rock/treasure pile at the back of our land that fascinates my grandkids. We have added five cows (and a surprise calf), more fruit trees, gardens, and more projects that we can keep up with. It is a perfect spot to develop a work ethic and family memories. We’re here most weekends and weeks in the summer. I did not know that starting March 19^th, it would be my sheltering place day in and day out from COVID.

This prolonged period gives us time to learn our home surroundings better. Now I know the tall shrubs by the pine trees along the fence dividing our place from a dairy farm are elderberries, producing bright red berry clusters loved by birds but toxic to humans unless made into jelly or wine. I’m watching small applies grow bigger day by day. Our raised garden beds are thriving except for some unknown pest that eats my bean plants. I found a pair of China pheasants roosting near my rhubarb.

I’ve loved the wildlife experiences until yesterday when a shocking encounter nearly gave me heart failure. I had photographed 2” hail damage to our metal barn doors and rail track and retraced my steps past our shed when something scuttled against its wall four feet from me. An adolescent skunk and I badly startled each other. Its brushy tail was up but facing away from me. It stopped; I stopped. It waved its tail but still faced me. I considered taking a photo but instead slowly walked away. It dashed across ten feet of lawn into tall grass bordering our gardens and disappeared. I got no photo but no spray either.

Sheltering times teach us more about the places and communities where we live and more about ourselves. Am I afraid of a pint-sized skunk? A little. But with mutual respect, I think we can safely co-exist. After all, that cute creature sees me as an enemy that might require defense. My defense is to pay better attention to my surroundings and walk wisely, non-aggressively. Does that apply to the world around us? I think so.

Please share an insight you have learned about your home, world, and/or yourself during this period.