Top 5 Tuesday

Every Tuesday we will post a Top 5 list .  The content of these lists may or may not relate to the typical blog content.  The list won't necessarily adhere to the Top 5 in order of "best to worst".  We hope this will become a mainstay here on the blog and that people enjoy it!

Inaugural Top 5 List

What are the biggest changes between urban living and living on the Edge?

1. Distance.  This is an obvious difference.  Our old house at Sumner was located in the middle of Lincoln and we were no more than 5-10 minutes away from anything we wanted or needed.  Now the trip to get a simple gallon of milk can take a minimum of 30 minutes round trip.  You really have to condense trips, plan ahead and take care of as much as possible in one venture.  This also affects babysitting/babysitters.  Grandma and Grandpa are always willing to watch Ayla, but it takes 20-25 minutes to get there.  Grade the change: C.  We knew what we were getting into moving 9 miles outside of city limits, so there were no surprises, but that doesn't take away the fact that it sucks (for lack of a better term) at times.

2.  Quiet.  Again, this is obvious.  Living out here you can count on the fact that at night the loudest sound you will hear is the eerie sound of frogs in the distance and lots of birds.  Always birds.  Relating that to the noise of the busy street of Sumner (which many treated the 25 mph sign as a joke!)  it is much more peaceful here.  One of my favorite things to do is sit on the deck or patio and read a book, or blog, or blog about a book I am reading.  Grade the change: B+.  The only thing you miss is the constancy that others exist, but TV and internet remind you of that pretty quick.  Also, the absence of barking dogs in a crowded neighbor at all hours of the day and night are more than worth it.

3.  Mowing the lawn.  Our old house sat on a .16 acre plot of land and with my push mower I could finish mowing the entire lawn, front and back, in around 45 minutes.  Now I own a riding lawn mower (as highlighted in the Week 1-2 post) and it takes me almost 3 hours to mow my 2.26 acres of yard.  I will admit, the fun factor is increased when riding a lawn mower but the amount of time is a hindrance.  Again, something we knew about heading into this adventure, but still a headache.  Grade the change: B.  I don't mind a little more work for a nice lawn, but it is time consuming.

4.  Bubble Factor.  Living on the busyness of Sumner rendered our front yard useless for playtime.  As cars flew by, we were increasingly more cautious to let Ayla run around in the front yard, even with our strict supervision.  Too many cars, to much opportunity for poor circumstance.  The back yard was mud and weeds due to the dogs, my lack of caring for the lawn, and we purchased it while snow was on the ground....thus, she couldn't play back there so she was always inside.  Now she can burst that "bubble" and play a little further away from us and we are essentially positive that she is safe.  The stress is almost non-existent and it is a nice feeling.  Grade the change: A.  I much prefer all the space and running around safely that she can now enjoy to the constrained bubble we used to have to live in.

The Barn.  Built 1889.

5.  Barn.  We didn't have a barn before and we have one now.  I think that is a pretty significant change!  Grade of Change: I don't think this can be graded.  Let me know what you think :).