Jim Stewart
In Town: “I have worked as a truck driver for 10 years for KK&T who distribute automotive parts. I really like the job. I get my weekends off though how long I get is determined by the workload for the week. I really like the freedom of not being tied down to a building like when I worked in a factory. My wife, Vicki, works in town too as an elementary special education teacher.”
In the Country: “In Hartville, Mo., I raise cattle, some to sell and some to keep for me and my children and grandchildren. I even enjoy my chores and living off the land as much as is possible these days. We pick berries and have a garden. Living in the country allows me to hunt and to sit in the woods watching the scenery and wildlife. I also go four wheeling and watch the countryside. I go to a small church in the country too.”
How does town and country living complement each other?
“It’s a good life. I have town friends and country friends, and the country gives me solitude I couldn’t find in town. My neighbors and I get along great but we also give each other space. Social time and alone time, both are good. The best part of living in the country is what I can add to the lives of my grandchildren. The oldest is only 6, but we can always find something to do. This weekend we built a playhouse and are playing in it. They also love the swings. Of course we have cats and dogs they play with all of the time. I have a grandson with spinal bifida who is in a wheel chair. The country really adds to his life as well as ours. Because I live in the country and have cattle, I can take my granddaughter Lauren to the sale barn, which she really loves. She gets so excited and always wants to go in and see the cattle.”
Story and Photo by Terry Ropp
