"Then God said, "Let the land produce vegetation: seed bearing plants and trees on the land that bear fruit with seeds in it, according to their various kinds". And it was so. Genesis 1:11
Some folks can live anywhere, but some of us are pretty well defined in our comfort zones when it comes to where we prefer to spend our lives. For some, city life is the only way to live. For others it's miles outside the city limits into the country, far from civilization, city lights and city conveniences. I grew up in Cohoes, not exactly a metropolis but still a city. When my family moved to Saratoga Lake when I was 13, we moved away from the conveniences of city life, schools you walked to, and sidewalks leading to ......everywhere. School was now almost 9 miles away, 13 minutes, a tad longer than the few blocks it used to be. Stores were at least 10 miles away now and my parents now had to drive to Albany for work, a long 28 miles away. Life sure changed for us. Having experienced both of these living situations, I chose life in the suburbs. I enjoy a little quiet but also enjoy the convenience of having things close-by too. I can say with conviction, I am definitely not a city girl, at all, and that extends even to visits to the city. I'm a fish out of water and just as uncomfortable as one when I'm in a big city. By contrast, while I wouldn't want to live in the country, far from everyday conveniences, I'm happy as a pig in mud when we're on a back road in the country. For me there's nothing more sacred, more peaceful, more soothing than acres and acres of farmland for as far as the eye can see. Since I star
ted blogging and our road trips have become more frequent, we always seem to find ourselves in the country. Recently my mom saw a photo in the newspaper of some sunflowers in Ephratah, NY. Knowing we're always in search of beauty to photograph, she told me about the photo. That inspired our recent road trip to Ephratah. Holy cow....how have I never been to this gorgeous countryside?
For a little history on Ephratah.......the region was first settled in 1720. The Stone Arabia patent, granted in 1723, comprised much of the south part of Ephratah. Ephratah, the town, was formed in 1827 from Palatine in Montgomery County before the formation of Fulton County. On the formation of Fulton County in 1838, part of Ephratah was returned to Palatine. Interesting fact: in 1830 Ephratah had a population of 1818. The population rose to its highest in 1880 with 2157. In 2016 the population was recorded at 1604. (Wikipedia) It is claimed that the town was named by Anthony Beck, an early inhabitant, who selected the bible name of Ephratah which signifies 'abundance bearing fruit'. Ephratah lies on the southern border of Fulton County. Its surface is mostly hilly upland 400-1500 ft. above the Mohawk. It is known for it's numerous, rapid streams which flow with great velocity through the valleys finding an outlet in the Mohawk and its tributaries. They provided power for mills and lumbering at one time, before dairy farming became the leading industry. (info sourced from:
http://history.rays-place.com/ny/ephratah-ny.htm)
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This photo illustrates the type of road we seek when we're road tripping! |
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The Lord will send a blessing on your barns and on everything you put your hand to. The Lord your God will bless you in the land. - Deuteronomy 28:8 |
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Look at the graduated rows of corn at the top of the photo! |
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Be sure you know the conditions of your flocks, give careful attention to your herds; for riches do not endure forever, and a crown is not secure for all generations. Proverbs 27:34-35 |
We figured out on our return trip that we were only a hop step away from our cherished Stone Arabia, Amish community. That was the frosting on our cake ....with the countryside, fluffy clouds, gorgeous barns....this is what I refer to as a perfect photo expedition!
Nope....I'm sure not a city girl!! While I may not want to live out here in the country, a visit to the wide-open fields of the country ground me and calm me. I'm reminded that there's plenty to fill you up and bring you joy out here, and it isn't pricey stores, or electronics or golf courses or fancy restaurants. Those things don't excite me anyway, but spending time out in the country sure does my heart and soul good. We live in a world where people are always looking for the next big thrill - a bigger car, a more spacious house, exotic vacations. There's nothing wrong with enjoying things or seeing the world, but sometimes we forget to notice how much we already have. We forget that there's beautiful things to see right in our own neck of the woods - places that don't require planes or trains, or even much gas. Next time you feel like you need to get out of town to regroup and recharge, save the plane fare and take a drive down some dirt roads in your own county. I guarantee you'll be shocked at the beauty you'll find and humbled by the amazing world around you!
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I love to go for a ride through the countryside. God has given us such beauty but many get too caught up in the craziness of life sometimes and forget the simple joys...like a ride in the country and and all the beauty it contains. Thanks for showing us once again. Love it!
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome Carolynn! Stay tuned for a bunch more to come!
ReplyDeleteTook this same drive this past weekend. You are so right. Refreshing day.
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