Survival in small town U.S.A. How do you do it?

This past summer I found myself sitting in the middle of a dirt road/driveway leading to a friend’s farmhouse listening. Listening to nothing, but then again listening to everything. The wind in the grass, the lowing of cattle and the sound of horses hoofs as they run from one location to another. There was no noise of passing cars, cell phones, stereos, televisions or that low electrical hum that you never notice until the power goes out. I was listening to nothing. Nothing but the sound of nature, and it was so incredibly peaceful I thought to myself, “Why would anyone want to live anywhere...