We searched for old weathered barns and old country roads, old abandoned farmhouses and beautiful fall colored leaves. We get so busy here on the farm, we forget to enjoy the Fall and the area we live in. Even though it was a gorgeous, sunny day, we went for a drive down an old country road.
Seeking Simple: Old weathered barns and old country roads
The seasons come and go so quickly and we find ourselves being so busy between the house, the farm and our full time jobs that we forget to enjoy them. Fall is such a beautiful time of year here in the Pacific Northwest. Harvest season, the time to preserve the summer bounty for winter and the time to put the summer gardens to rest for another year.
old weathered barns and an old country road
Two hours into our drive, we spotted this gigantic, old weathered barn down the hillside. As we got closer it was actually located in a park with trailheads you could hike and bike. They had picnic areas and fresh cut grass. As I got closer to the barn, they had signs about the history of the dairy farm from the 1940s. It showed pictures of the farmer, his wife and their children. You got to learn about their history and where they immigrated from. It talked about their life during WWII. In 2013, they had a family reunion there and the family came back and saw the park like area where they grew up.
the history of the family who lived before
It was so beautiful to read about the farmer and his family and the life they led. We had no idea this place existed and never would have if we hadn’t drove down an old country road. I am finding it more important for us to get out an explore. Take the time and just be present in the moment.
Part of living a simple life for us, is learning to slow down and enjoy the seasons as they come. Yes, we really needed to work in the gardens. Winter is coming whether we are ready for it or not. But, it is even more important we stop and enjoy the seasons as they come and equally important that we allow our bodies to rest.
Heading home we found another old weathered barn down an old country road
On our way home, we took a different back road. Yes, it takes longer than getting on the Interstate, but the views make it worth the added time. I found another old barn nestled next to an old farmhouse. This one is still very much functional and had some lime green algae growing on it. Nature sure has a way of taking over if allowed. Over all it was in pretty decent condition.
Old abandoned farmhouse
Down the same old country road from the old barn, sat an old abandoned farmhouse that has been abandoned for a very long time. I am definitely drawn to old buildings and their history and want to know about the families that lived there when they were first built. I want to know how they spent their lives working their farms and how they provided for their families. This old farmhouse was no exception. I often wonder what happened to the families and how the homes became abandoned and unlivable.
encouragement for you
If you are seeking a more simple life, I encourage you to take a day away from whatever occupies your time during the week. If driving down an old country road sounds like something you would enjoy, do it. Plan a day, turn off your GPS and just drive. I encourage you to plan a bit of slowness in your life.
What does simple living mean to you? Are you taking the time to slow down and enjoy the seasons and what they can bring to our lives? You can read more HERE about what simple living means to us and how we are practicing it while working full time outside of the home.
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