I love the country because the country is serene (if you don't mind the sound of cows mooing and sheep baaing) and it gives us a freedom which we don't have in the city.

We keep chickens which provide us with a constant source of fresh eggs, we have room for a garden as big as we want, we get lamb and wool from the neighbours, and at night it is dark. Truly dark.

One particular evening just after we moved here stands out in my mind - the evening we learned about the darkness of the country.

We had been visiting with our neighbours and when it was time for us to head home they graciously offered us a ride since we had walked over. We quickly declined the offer thinking it would be a pleasant stroll because we only lived up the street. However, they argued that since it was dark and we didn't have a flashlight, we really should let them drive us. We assured them we'd be fine and left.

They were right. It was dark, and when we got to the end of their driveway and away from the yard light we couldn't see more than a couple feet ahead of us. We felt completely disoriented, and it would have been impossible to find our way home without risking a few unpleasant side trips (yes, there are open ditches). Needless to say, we sheepishly turned back, had our share of humble pie, and got a ride home.