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But like all true-to-life dreams, not all is idyllic. Those who depend upon the land for their livelihood know that it can deliver the greatest highs and, occasionally, the most devastating lows. We have the illusion of controlling our own destiny, but it can be quickly undermined by countless factors, most notably the weather. For moments like these, we possess a sense of optimism, self-confidence and self-reliance.
I feel a part of nature in the country. I’ve watched a deer rear up on its hind legs to nibble from a bird feeder and chuckled as a strutting tom turkey displayed himself to his reflection in a chrome hubcap.
I’ve witnessed the drama of a bald eagle eating its kill as a half dozen brazen crows harass and encircle it to no avail…listened to the plaintive wailing of a baby raccoon under my bedroom window as it became temporarily separated from its mamma…and observed skunks and woodchucks make their homes under my house.
Good Neighbors
Country living fosters good friends and neighbors. When a toddler follows her kitten into a field of tall corn, friends, neighbors and even strangers spend hours searching. Child and kitten are found, tired and hungry, but well.
A calf born in the dead of winter, an injured baby pig or orphaned lamb may become temporary house guests. The family dog, brave enough to protect me from the threats of a dangerous bull, cowers under the kitchen table during a thunderstorm. These, too, are sensations that make life in the country so special.
But most important of all are the feelings of faith, hope and expectation of each new day as the sun rises over my country place. Country living is a life that simply fills me up.
No wonder Thomas Jefferson was inspired to write, “Those who labor in the earth are the chosen people of God.”
It is interesting to know
& Reading
1. You are going to read the text about Kew Gardens. Could you find gardens like this in your country? What would you expect to find there? In what ways are plants and flowers important to us?
Listening
2. First underline the correct item by guessing, then listen to the text and find out if your guesses were correct.
Kew Gardens is a botanical garden and plant research/sales centre. 500/5,000 people work at Kew. They start work at ten past/to eight. Matthew Ford is trying to save the Plymouth pear, the tallest/rarest tree in Britain. Growing orchids/fruit is vital to conserve species under threat. Some plant hunters go abroad, dig up rare species and post/smuggle them back home to sell. Gatekeeper and ticket/staff officer Jackie Howard says everyone at Kew sis friendly, whether they are labourers/cleaners or experts. Kew Gardens will always be special for lovers of animals/plants and gardens.
3. In a magazine article ‘Kew Gardens’ eight paragraphs have been removed. Choose from the paragraphs A-I the one which fits each gap (1-7). There is one extra paragraph which you do not need to use. There is an example at the beginning (0).
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