I’ve passed the one-year milestone. That’s a pretty good time for an update. We started our preparations for our ranch about 10 years ago, and we’ve been part owners of a student boarding house even longer. That made for something of a slow-motion move. Things were well along when we finally made the jump. Between the two projects, the permanent move was akin to jumping on to an already moving horse. We took up residence in the boarding house and commuted to the ranch.
Editor’s note: Pete, your pictures and story are wonderful! I am a bit envious! MindanaoBob
Our first order of business was to get good perimeter fencing and the beginnings of our fruit orchards put in on the ranch. We improved the little Native house on the property and put in some outbuildings. Money that had been budgeted for a barn had to be spent on repairing our badly eroded access road. Instead of a barn, I will make do with a tool shed that doubles as storage for my horse gear. Roofs and fencing were attached to the shed to house our poultry. The other building is a toilet with modern fixtures but no running water. We hired a new caretaker. The old one did a tolerably good job but seemed to have lost interest in it. We also made our initial livestock purchases. That is a story in itself!
My good wife, Marlyn, has opted for semi-retirement, looking to pad her 401-k a bit more until she can tap into it without penalty. Her employer offered her a good, flexible deal that she was reluctant to pass up. We bought a used pickup truck and hired a younger relative to assist me with translations and to do some driving. We spent a couple of months setting things in order on the ranch and visiting with our son and daughter-in-law in Japan. Then she returned to work. That I was left to my own devices here worried a few folks. The usual query was whether or not I was OK alone. That question amuses me a bit since I’m in the boarding house with 30 to 60 people at any given time.
Marlyn has already exercised her flexible working schedule. Last winter, we went to Japan again to meet our new grandson. We will meet in Hawaii later for a family wedding, then return to reset the clock on my balikbayan visa. She will be back again when our son and his family visit us over here.
In the meantime, I’m learning my way around and getting to know a few people. I was introduced to some folks who share my interest in nature and conservation. I accompanied them on a weekend expedition into the Cordilleras, and they have spent a weekend on the ranch. We are planning more of that. The local folks I’m getting to know are from the agriculture and veterinary fields. One of the Schools near our boarding house has a rodeo club. That discovery is already leading to some adventures.
All in all, I’m settling in. Crops and fruit trees are outside my area of expertise. Our new caretaker seems to have that under control, with long distance guidance from Marlyn. I commute to the ranch. I watch my cattle graze, check my fence lines, count my chickens, and work with our little horse.
It’s spring time in the temperate climates. Still, I hear reports of ice and snow while I listen to the wind rustle the coconut palms and banana leaves. So far, so good.