Looking for Tips for Country Living? We learned the hard way, some through embarrassment and humiliation and we want to share some tips that we learned. There are no guidelines as to how far you want to or can go with this lifestyle. And you can increase your "country living savy-ness" gradually as you go forward.

When on a concession or township road, remember to wave at cars that come toward you, at people walking their dogs, at the guy picking up his mail or the lady taking out her garbage.

When driving raising a finger off the steering wheel and nodding will suffice. But fail to wave, and you'll probably be labeled "unneighbourly".

Never, EVER shake your fist at an infuriatingly slow-moving piece of farm equipment, no matter how late you are for something. This could be the farmer who will help you out of a ditch in the winter.

Are you moving to an area where there is a lot of snow in the winter? Can you get to your property through the snow? How do you plan to get rid of it?

"Where's my coffee?" Be careful how you talk to your waitress. You never know who might be related to you by marriage.

Does the property have water installed? How about power? Septic? Is the existing septic big enough to suit your family?

Remember having a well means you do not pay any water fees.

There are three main types of well: dug, bored or drilled.

When buying a house with a well make sure you get the Well Record from the owner. You should obtain a Water Recovery Test from a licensed contractor.

How is the water quality in the area, and is the quality acceptable all year round? Some wells might dry up in the summer and make your water taste funny.

Having a septic system means you do not pay any sewage fees. A septic system comprises of two main components, a septic tank and a leaching bed. Many rural properties will not be connected to a municipal sewer system and must therefore rely on a septic system.

Power outages are more frequent in rural locations than in towns or cities. You should be aware that if you have a well, as soon as the electricity supply is lost, you will also lose your water supply as this relies on an electric pump to work. This means no tap water, showers or toilet flushing.

It is advisable to invest in a generator for these periods of electricity loss.

If you want Internet high speed then you may need to do some research before committing to a property.

Many schools operate a school bus system, which literally collects and deposits children outside their homes. Living on these routes ensures that your road will be plowed first.

Seeing deer roaming in your garden can be quite magical and romantic, however, if you are a Master Gardener, you would not love them.

It also helps to get involved. For example, join a Fair committee. Offer to take tickets at a dance. Or agree to bake five dozen cookies for a bazaar.

Don't look to hiring any contractor during hunting season. You will wait a long, long time.

Country living has a different pace. Calls may not be returned promptly however, they may just show up on your doorstep. Surprise!

And our final tip and most important tip is ... "Just do what you're told for a year or two; then you can branch out to offering an opinion".