Country Life here in Ferry County, Washington

Life is not always easy up here in the Back of the Beyond in Ferry County, Washington. To be sure, we have our challenges. Winter is long and arduous. Summer is hot, dry and the danger of wildfire is always present. Living 12 miles from town can be real inconvenient if you run out of milk. Spokane is a 3 hour drive away and when my sewing machine broke I had to drive it down there to be fixed. Yesterday, I drove back down to pick it up and I stayed just ahead of a furious rain and wind storm that flooded Spokane on my drive home. If we want to see a movie, we have to drive to Canada! Oh yes……..challenges.

But then at 5:30 am this morning I stepped out onto our front porch and was greeted by goldfinch feasting on the socks of Nyger seed I have hung out for them. The Calliope Hummingbirds were zooming back and forth to the nectar feeders at full speed. They aren’t the least bit skittish around me anymore. They stop and hover right in front of my face which made me laugh out loud. A flock of green and yellow Evening Grossbeaks were resting in the Serviceberry bushes behind the house and our resident white tail deer were browsing on the hill. How many people can step out from their shower, look out the window and watch those deer? Soon the fawns will be arriving and that is an awesome treat especially when they birth right in our pasture.

And then, there is this………………………

Our little orchard is in full blossom. With four apple trees, two pear trees, four plum trees, two peach trees and two cherry trees we produce far more produce than we can eat. Being able to share with our friends, neighbors and the local food bank is a real blessing for us all!

Seeing all the trees in bloom is such a spirit lifter! But it’s not just us. Everyone driving up and down our country dirt road sees this blooming delight.

Trees in front of me and trees behind me. All of them are beautiful!

And then there are the lilac “trees.” I say “trees” because these are no mere shrubs or bushes. Some are 20 feet tall! I am thankful for whoever had the foresight to plant all six of them many years ago because their beauty keeps on giving. All of them are different colors too. They range from deep purple to lavender, pink and white.

Walking about the yard is such a delight as the air is scented with the cloyingly sweet scent of lilac!

Our crab apple tree is so loaded with blooms the branches are bending down. The hummingbird feeders are nestled in these branches and it is also a safe haven for the other songbirds who frequent my feeders.

Caught in mid flight, the Calliope hummingbirds are so teeny but they sure are gutsy little fellas! They don’t seem to be afraid of anything!

The hillsides are covered with the bright cheerful yellow of Arrowleaf Balsam Root. How can you not be happy when seeing all this beauty?

 

Yes, we sure do have our challenges up here in the Back of the Beyond in Ferry County, Washington, but the rewards of living here in the north country are enormous!

Thanks for stopping by today my friends. I so enjoy sharing our country life with you all. Everyone of our lives are busy, but I hope we can all slow down just a bit to enjoy the beauty of a simple flower and experience the joy of a swallow swooping through the air calling out their happiness.

Until next time, journey on!

Hugs and much love from me,

Karen, TJG