Dated: August 17, 2016
I’ve been taking you on a journey through my Upland, sharing its significance and my connection to it. We previously reached the one-mile mark, and now we’ll head back.
The image above highlights the “wildcat field.” As we enter the wooded area on the right, just past the field, this is what you’ll see to our left…
The morning sun is low, casting a cool shade as we walk. On our left, we have “Donny’s Pond,” excavated by Wendell Hatfield about 25 years ago using his powerful bulldozer.
Back then, Art’s brother, Donny, managed the farm. He had dreams of creating a campground in the field overlooking the pond, charging visitors for the size of their catch. He also considered frog farming in a smaller, hidden pond down the hill. Neither idea went beyond the planning stage.
My sons spent their childhood here, fishing, swimming, and even riding their bikes down ramps into the pond.
It’s not every day you see this on my walks…
Silence is a constant companion in Upland. It’s common for me to walk down the middle of the road, encountering no traffic for my entire half-hour stroll. However, on this particular day, a vehicle did pass. The peace here is such that you can hear approaching cars long before they reach you.
Continuing past the pond, as the woods end on our right, we come to this view…
This field evokes memories of Art’s stepfather, Marco Lanzoni. I recall him, an elderly Italian gentleman, calling out to his Hereford cattle across the expanse. Art’s father died when he was young, leading his mother to marry Marco, a man older than her.
As a teenager, Art held deep respect for Marco. Such relationships were uncommon then, especially between teenagers and their stepfathers, but Marco was a remarkable individual who earned the admiration of all who knew him.
Marco, a skilled land surveyor, took Art under his wing, teaching him the trade. By the time he graduated high school, Art was proficient in surveying and hand-drawing maps. Back then, the job was arduous, involving plumb bobs, survey transits, and long-distance communication without the aid of GPS, lasers, or cell phones. Those were simpler times.
Driven to pursue surveying professionally, Art pursued higher education to become licensed. He dedicated his career to this path until cancer tragically cut it short.
Approaching the house and barns, the scenery transforms into this…
And as we crest the hill, this panorama unfolds…
Phil Murphy’s son resides in the house to the left. Directly across, nestled among towering pines, lies Phil’s former residence, which Marlene and I now call home. Our field stretches out behind it…
The photo captures our field, with our woods extending beyond. Despite owning the field for only a few years, it’s filled with memories. I’ve started a small orchard near the top. Last year, we tried digging a pond, but solid rock beneath the surface, about six feet down, thwarted our efforts. Finding water is easy here, but so is solid rock.
As we pass our house, my son’s dog greets me with enthusiastic anticipation, eager for my visit. I’ve instructed him to “sit” for now.
Continuing past the two houses, the road ahead unfolds like this…
A picturesque creek, the same one that meanders behind our house, through our woods, and under the road, feeds those graceful willow trees arching overhead. Its waters eventually merge with Owasco Lake.
Straight ahead lies the historic Defendorf property, which we explored in Part 2. For our route, we’ll veer right at the bend.
But first, let’s take a moment to appreciate the view down into the creek…
Rounding the bend, it’s a steady climb uphill to our destination…
Notice the tall pines in the distance on the left, marking the location of an old cemetery. Marlene and I have chosen our final resting places there. We believe that one day, those standing at our graves will have a clear view of our house across the field. I’ll be sure to show you the cemetery sometime.
Emerging from the woods on the right, we find our house standing before us…
Our home is modest, built with our own hands and the support of dear friends. As detailed in my book, Writings of a Deliberate Agrarian, we diligently saved to purchase this 1.5-acre plot outright shortly after marrying. A $10,000 loan from Marlene’s father helped us construct the house. We have always remained mortgage-free.
The field opposite our house, currently planted with soybeans, belongs to a neighbor up the road. Years ago, he offered to sell it to me. It was tempting, but not feasible at the time. Finances were tight, my future uncertain, and borrowing from a bank was out of the question. Marlene’s father had also passed away by then.
That opportunity slipped away. While we anticipated the neighbor dividing the field for building lots, it never came to pass. We are grateful for the continued privacy here in Upland.
Our morning walk could have easily gone a mile up the road, revealing more stories and landmarks, or we could have explored the surrounding fields, each holding its own unique history. But this glimpse suffices.
In my book, Writings of a Deliberate Agrarian, a chapter is dedicated to excerpts from my son Robert’s journal entries when he was 14 years old. It offers a poignant look into the life of a young man growing up in this rural setting.
Without distractions like television or video games, my three sons were free to explore and experience the natural wonders of Upland. Homeschooling allowed them even more time to roam and create lasting memories. They hold this place close to their hearts.
As I concluded my walk that morning, Marlene spotted me from the kitchen window, where she stood at the sink. She greeted me with…
“Hi Handsome. I have a glass of juice here for you.”
Although not a daily occurrence, her words warmed my heart that day.
The Bible states in Proverbs 18:22: “Whoso findeth a wife findeth a good thing, and obtaineth favor of the Lord.” My life stands as a testament to this truth. Upland wouldn’t be the same without Marlene.
Walking up the driveway, my gaze shifts to the left, where my garden thrives. Nearly half of our small lot is dedicated to cultivating food.
Stepping inside, I make my way through the house to the back patio. There, Marlene and her older sister, visiting from Arizona, are preparing freshly harvested beans for canning…
Awaiting me is my glass of juice: a blend of fresh carrot, cucumber, chard, and other healthy ingredients…
And thus concludes our morning in Upland. I’ve shared a fragment of my life with you. Thank you for joining me.