Today, I have a day off from school, so Elizabeth and I spent the morning cooking. We made shepherd’s pie, hamburger buns, a big pot of vegetable soup, two gallons of iced tea, and an applesauce desert. While we cooked, we talked, laughed, and sang. Glenn Miller was playing on the record player and the house smelled fantastic with all the delicious food cooking! Of course, we had a few spills along the way. It seems to me like a water glass got knocked over, sugar ended up on the floor, and somehow (after washing a sink load of dishes), our aprons got a little wet…
Yesterday, the sun was shining and it was just gorgeous out. I knew that we’d be in for a few days of cooler temperatures this week, so we decided to make the most of the pretty weather and have school outside. Elizabeth and I packed up a large quilt to sit on, two small quilts to cover up with, her school books, and pencils. We also took our fuzzy house slippers, sunglasses, snacks, and water. Hey, you have to be comfortable while doing schoolwork! We headed outside and down into the pasture where we spread out and read about ancient China, practiced place value, read from the Bible, and practiced reading and handwriting. As we sat on our quilt with a soft breeze blowing, Elizabeth and I looked at each other and smiled. We both agreed that having school outside is one of the best things in the world!
After church on Sunday, Joey and I went for a long walk in the woods. It was so relaxing to walk, talk, and notice all the beautiful things in nature. We saw several different kinds of animal footprints, stopped to listen to water running in a little creek, and marveled at some of the taller trees that we saw.
We tend to be a little low tech here on the farm and, we really like it that way. Of course, we appreciate hi tech things, and even own a few. We really enjoy things like our car, heating and cooling system, and kitchen appliances. But we also appreciate a little simpler version of life. Instead of video games, we like board games. Instead of hot rollers, we use sponge rollers (or my latest obsession…pin curls!). Instead of an e-reader, we have real, honest to goodness books. Well, I think you get the picture.
So, why are we kind of low tech? Well, why not?! For one thing, it’s fun to be a little unplugged. We enjoy doing things at a somewhat slower pace. Our family time seems to be more meaningful if we all aren’t plugged in to a Kindle, I-Pad, or I-Phone.
For another thing, many of the things that we use aren’t readily available on today’s market. Shopping for these items in thrift stores and antique shops is a blast! For example, we recently purchased a 1960’s “helmet” style hair dryer to use when rolling our hair. Elizabeth and I found it at a thrift shop, brought it home, cleaned it up, and it’s as good as new. We were tickled pink by our “find” and only paid $10.00 for it. You never know what you will find when shopping second hand. It can be really thrilling!
Another great reason to go low tech is that you really get a chance to enjoy the things you already have. It’s fun to do a familiar puzzle or sew a dress using a well-loved pattern. Most of us have houses crammed with things, but feel like we still need to buy more. Take a look around your home, and rediscover some old things that you really enjoy.
If you’re someone that’s always plugged in, try going a little low tech for a day. No, I don’t mean that you have to turn off the electricity and harness up the horses! Just try putting aside your cell phone, or Facebook, or whatever it is that you can’t seem to get away from. Look around your home and do something that doesn’t require an Internet connection. You might be surprised at how much fun you can have.
If you’re someone that likes low tech things, or someone that lives a no tech lifestyle, feel free to share what you like about being “unplugged”. Right now, I’m going to unplug and get off the computer. I can hear a great book and a cozy spot by the fireplace calling my name!
A School Day on the Farm
