Life seems to be so busy that we never have time for much anymore. When we do slow down, we love to just be home away from it all.
I saw something the other day where someone was talking about being an “outgoing introvert.” I know it doesn’t make sense but this is so me.
I am very outgoing person and love talking to people, but get me in a crowd and I shut down. You won’t hear a peep from me. It stresses me out to no end to have to speak in front of a crowd, even though I do it and can do it.
I am a leader and love to take charge. I love to organize things along the way. If I tell you I will do something, it will get done.
One thing my husband and I haven’t really done in our 26 of living here is get close to any of our neighbors. We talk to them if they are outside but then go our merry way.
We live a very busy life. It is a life we love, and we love what we are doing, but by the end of the day, we are ready to go home and unwind by ourselves.
Did I tell you we love the country life? Well, we do and love being empty nesters. We have the whole house to ourselves and that is what we love at this point in our lives.
Recently, for the first time in our lives we have met our neighbors. They are wonderful. They came to welcome us to the neighborhood with lots of goodies and stayed to chat for a bit. Then I returned to them some goodies — and a friendship ensued.
We have noticed something about living in the country. If you have a need, and the neighbor finds out, they are there to help in any way.
When living in the city, everyone is always on the go. Most of the time we didn’t even see our neighbors. Country life is at a bit of a slower pace. I am learning to love it all over again.
It has been years since I lived in a very small town. Minden is big compared to where I grew up.
We are blessed by some great neighbors that almost live completely off the land. They are either growing or raising something. In due time, it will be on their table to eat. That excites me. I love things like that.
I have a very black thumb but I have decided let the neighbors do what they are good at and I do what I am good at.
So for now, I will let them grow things and share, and I will cook or bake them something. A win, win for the both of us.
I haven’t met all our neighbors yet, The funny thing is, when you live in the country, your neighbor can be five miles away from you and you are still neighbors.
I guess around the holidays I will do some baking and may need to take some stuff around and introduce myself. Because that is what neighbors do in the country.
Death by Chocolate Bundt cake
4 eggs
1⁄2 cup oil
1⁄2 cup water
8 ounces sour cream
1 (18 ounce) box chocolate cake mix
1 (3 1/2 ounce) box instant chocolate pudding mix
12 ounces milk chocolate chips
DIRECTIONS
Beat 4 eggs, water, oil,& sour cream until smooth.
Add the box of cake mix and pudding stirring until smooth.
added chocolate chips, mixing just until blended.
Pour into greased bundt pan.
Bake at 350 degrees for 50 to 60 minutes.
I sometimes garnish with powdered sugar when cooled.
Tina Specht is co-publisher of the Minden Press-Herald. She shares her thoughts and recipes each Thursday.
