Trädbevuxen lantlig lantgård nära Lake Shelbyville och Illinois Amish land

My mother, father and I moved from the city to this country home when I was 3 years old. I attended grade school in Cooks Mills (pop. 200) in a 3 room, 3 teacher school for 1st thru 6th grades. Yes, there was one teacher between two grades but with a total two-grade student count of around 20, the teacher managed. Going onto Junior High in Humboldt (pop. 425) was a culture shock for the Cooks Mills students as our class population increased to around 25 by combining two grade schools. And there was more than one teacher. We had hit the big time.

Growing up in the country instills a certain type of duty and responsibility that carries over into adulthood. Before the school bus arrived at 6:30 am, chores had to be done, and then after getting home at 5:00 pm, evening chores needed to be done as well. Even for a six year old, a 14 hour day wasn't uncommon. Getting up early, working long hours and taking care of your responsibilities, no compromises or short-cuts becomes a part of a persons character.

Fast forward through High School (Mattoon Senior High), College (Eastern Illinois University) and the 43 years following. I've been blessed to be married to my best friend and wife of 37 years, raised two amazing sons, have traveled the world, have a residence in Chicago and own a successful business. I've seen a lot and done a lot, but without a doubt one of my life's golden nuggets is the time I can spend at my country home.