There we are, perched in the driveway of our soon-to-be ranch. The U-Haul is packed to the brim, my SUV looks like it has swallowed another car, and we anxiously await the green light that the closing funds have been received and the purchase is on record. Each second ticks by so slowly... making us feel like we've stumbled into a bizarre country-themed time warp. But we dare not crack open the vehicle doors or set foot on the land until we have official confirmation. (I mean, our vehicles are in the driveway... but we have the self-control to not start unloading!)
Why the apprehension, you ask? Well, let's rewind a bit. When I prematurely assumed our first condo deal would go through, we thought we'd be settling in a month earlier. In my overeager state, I had some mail sent to the new address. This seemingly innocent act ruffled the feathers of the property owner, even though the place sat empty.
As it turns out, we have waltzed right into a hornet's nest of a transaction. This ranch has been in one family since the dawn of time, and not all family members were consulted before it hit the market. Add to the mix that we are outsiders from another state, and it's no wonder the situation is sticky. Our new property borders land belonging to three of the siblings, and we have a sneaking suspicion it might take a while for them to warm up to us. Small-town rumor mills churn out wild tales about our identities, (I heard we were from California... can you imagine?), so we wonder if we've signed up for a never-ending feud á la Hatfield and McCoys, Montagues and Capulets, or perhaps Roadrunner and Wile E Coyote.
Just hours earlier, I'd signed all the papers in the charming town of Hallettsville (seriously, it's like a Hallmark movie come to life) and received the prized single, worn key to the front door of the farmhouse. I floated on Cloud Nine, giddy with excitement: holding that key that represented so much more than the old door it would open.
And then, as we idle in the driveway, the long-awaited message arrives: the transaction is official. The ranch is OURS!
I let out a massive sigh of relief, realizing I've been holding my breath ever since we decided to embark on this adventure. I survey our new kingdom: the long dirt driveway leading to a quaint pink farmhouse (yes, John Cougar's 'Little Pink Houses' plays in my mind), a hodgepodge of weathered buildings, and pecan trees drooping under the weight of the season's harvest. All the lush greenery and overgrown fields are ours. I can't see a single neighbor, and it feels like a dream come true.
Some people might have been apprehensive or overwhelmed. But not us. Fear was nowhere to be found or, if it was there, it was buried beneath a mountain of excitement and anticipation. We have work to do, and if there's one thing Brandie and I excel at, it's getting shit done (note to self: potential book title).
Our first day as ranch owners was dedicated to unloading and returning the U-Haul. We transform the front "stable," a three-sided building, into our storage hub. Tarps were laid, and the unloading commenced: construction materials for cabins, appliances, tiles, laminate, tools, and more. We draped tarps across the front to deter any curious passersby. (As if that would truly stop someone looking for a score of appliances and building materials).
Though the day began at a crisp 63 degrees, the temperature skyrocket to a sweltering 96. Thankfully, my outdoor training in Arizona had prepared me for such extremes, and we push through. Cadence is, as always, a trooper, helping us to unload and offering a constant stream of commentary.
Exhausted, sweaty, and proud, we wrap up our first day as ranch owners and retreat to the welcoming embrace of Twin Oaks Ranch, not wanting to leave but yet excited to prep for day two!
As we wrap up this blog post, we want to thank you for being a cherished part of our community. Whether you're a seasoned visitor or a newcomer, we'd love to hear your thoughts, experiences, and questions, so don't hesitate to join the conversation in the comments section below.
Be sure to share our blog with your friends and family, so we can continue to grow our Kindred Spirit Ranch community. Remember, the journey is always more enjoyable when we travel together!
Until our next adventure, take care, stay inspired, and keep in touch!
Adios, amigos! Belinda, Brandie, and Cadence – the Rambunctious, Rural, and Ridiculously Charming Rancheras of Kindred Spirit Ranch! 🌵🐖🌄