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Across the Fence:  Economy gloom and doom  |
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La Patite Ferme
True Blue Farmgirl
623 Posts
Jenn
CA
USA
623 Posts |
 Posted - Jan 24 2008 : 9:21:21 PM
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I'm sure we've all heard about the recession that's coming our way. Experts say it will be the worst we've had since the '70's. I remember those days. My sis and I would get up every Saturday morning and drive the cars to the gas station and sit in line (for hours) so mom & dad would have gas for the following week. Dad almost lost his job and mom put the skids on ALL unnecessary spending. There wasn't a scrap of food or a piece of clothing that went to waste. We doubled the size of our garden and managed to smuggle in a few hens for eggs. I think it was during those years when I really learned how to pinch penny's, have what I wanted for much less or nothing and appreciate the simple free stuff my family did.
I was just wondering what you all are doing to prepare for a tight economy?
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Alee
True Blue Farmgirl
22941 Posts
Alee
Worland
Wy
USA
22941 Posts |
Posted - Jan 24 2008 : 9:28:55 PM
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Doug and I are really working to get out of debt and get our bills paid ahead. We are also working with the USDA Rural Development program to get into a house so we won't be wasting money on rent instead of building equity each month.
We stock up at Costco and on things like Budget Mix from MaryJanesFarm. We are planning on, if being able to get our own house the USDA Rural Development, growing our own garden, having chickens, raising our own beef for slaughter each year.
I am also learning more on how to craft and sew. I learned how to can this year. Basic Farmgirl frugalness is starting to come through more and more and this site certainly is a huge help in that! :D
I am also hoping the economy snaps out and isn't as bad as predicted!
Alee
Farmgirl Sister #8
Please come visit Nora and I our our new blog:
www.farmgirlalee.blogspot.com |
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KYgurlsrbest
True Blue Farmgirl
4853 Posts
Jonni
Elsmere
Kentucky
USA
4853 Posts |
Posted - Jan 24 2008 : 9:29:38 PM
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I was just a young un' then, but I recall the gas lines. A boyfriend of mine said that during that time, they lived in rural Kentucky, and he and his father would go every weekend to set up a table at the flea market, or on the side of the road somewhere. That they would just go through the house and find something that they didn't use or need or in some cases, really love, to sell.
I'm saving a little money each and every day--I've been thinking about this coming for some time. Just putting it away in the house here (no, you cannot have my address  )...and I'm cutting back on excesses. This sounds really snooty, but we haven't had a glass of wine (sniff) in a couple of weeks, which is one of my favorite things. I'm hording the restaurant gift cards folks gave us for Christmas so that we can have a "night" out without feeling guilty.
I'm planning the garden and making another bed for more storage veges, and I'm going to try to get all the credit cards paid down as much as possible with our tax return to free up at least an extra $100 or so a month. And, with the "I want to help the American Public and the Economy But Not Until June rebate check", I'm going to sock it away like a squirrel storing nuts. Hope big brother isn't reading this.
Farmgirl Sister #80, thanks to a very special farmgirl from the Bluegrass..."She was built like a watch, a study in balance ... with a neck and head so refined, like a drawing by DaVinci"...
NY Newsday sportswriter Bill Nack describing filly, Ruffian.
http://www.buyhandmade.org/ |
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Alee
True Blue Farmgirl
22941 Posts
Alee
Worland
Wy
USA
22941 Posts |
Posted - Jan 24 2008 : 9:40:25 PM
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Paying off debt has got to help the economy, I mean the money isn't staying with us so it has to go somewhere, right? I mean the whole debt based part of the economy, in effect is just another economic wheel to grind. So I feel like we are doing our part by paying off debt. :D Besides, I firmly believe that if everyone got more stable in their own economic situation, our whole economy would be more stable. These dramatic up swings and down swings, in my opinion, are based at least somewhat in consumer/buyer confidence. I feel very unconfident right now because we owe debt. Once our debt has been paid, I would feel more comfortable undoing the leash on our finances a bit and buying more of the normal items, instead of living on the bare minimums.
If we were more financially secure, we would buy more organic food, we would go to the "shows" (Opera, travelling Broadway) etc more often. What would you do?
Alee
Farmgirl Sister #8
Please come visit Nora and I our our new blog:
www.farmgirlalee.blogspot.com |
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miss wilma
True Blue Farmgirl
3410 Posts
Wilma
Knob Lick
Ky
USA
3410 Posts |
Posted - Jan 24 2008 : 9:42:30 PM
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Jennifer , I like you am worried fertlizer is beyond buying here I dont know how we will get our crops out, My husband and I have been saying for a long time this big time living was going to come to an end,WE have always canned and froze lots of garden stuff so food and clothes are not a big thing now I like you was raised to survive, but you know the theives will just steal everything,It makes me so mad of all the waste that goes thru our goverment,I dont believe nothing any of them say, I do feel sorry for people that cant live where they can grow food and have house payments and all. Our country has so much there is no reason for anyone to be hungry .We have cut way back on gas and dont go unless it is necessary, I am very careful at the grocery store, We go out to eat very seldom, I know how hard it was for my parents to buy us apair of shoes and we didnt get them until winter, Now people think they have to send their kids to school in 100.00 shoes and designer clothes i am afraid they will feel it worse
Farm Girl #96
http://www.picturetrail.com/misswilmasplace
http://misswilma.blogspot.com/ |
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miss wilma
True Blue Farmgirl
3410 Posts
Wilma
Knob Lick
Ky
USA
3410 Posts |
Posted - Jan 24 2008 : 9:49:44 PM
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Alee you hhave a very good idea in my opinion get out of debt, Having a roof over your head means a lot, When we bought our farm in 1968 we borrowed some of the money , we did without every thing and paid for it in 5 years, my husband said then we would never put another morgage on our property and we havent, WE just do without until we have the money, Hope how soon you get your very own home, good luck sweetie
Farm Girl #96
http://www.picturetrail.com/misswilmasplace
http://misswilma.blogspot.com/ |
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La Patite Ferme
True Blue Farmgirl
623 Posts
Jenn
CA
USA
623 Posts |
Posted - Jan 24 2008 : 10:17:32 PM
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Miss Wilma, I think you're right, the people who over spend will not know what hit them. I live on the edge of a pretty affluent area. We use to be mostly orchards and farm land, but the housing tracts took over. They shop for entertainment without realizing they have to pay for it eventually. I think they will be in the worse shape financially as well as emotionally. A lot of people have not had to deal with this type of crisis.
My goal, like Alee, is to pay off debt. And if all goes well that will be in a few months. Then the money I used to pay debt will go into cash kept at home - "hundies with my undies"  and I'm not giving out my address either.
I got several gift cards for Christmas and will keep those for really good clearence sales. I think I'll keep the Costco card for things I don't normally buy - surprise DD with treats.
I think with the tips I've learned from this site we will be ok. Mostly I will try not to be negative and worry DD, but show her we can be just as happy and have just as good a life even if we have to do without a few things. No matter what happens I think this will be a good learning experience for her. |
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miss wilma
True Blue Farmgirl
3410 Posts
Wilma
Knob Lick
Ky
USA
3410 Posts |
Posted - Jan 24 2008 : 10:47:00 PM
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Jennifer , i guess its hard to believe that things could and sooner or later are going to go belly under, I am so glad I have had the raising I did, You know if every one would go one week and not buy gas , the prices would go down fast, why should the gas go down if we are crazy enough to buy it I kinda think it is a lot political, but then its our life when it takes every dollar you make to pay the every day bills, I havent really seen a big decrease in my sales, but the expences of operating is so much, more, and my prices dont increase, When I was in the mall I saw a decrease for several months so I thought this is crazy, I am not giving my mdse away to pay rent , so I moved it home. That was a wise decision. When things get tough you just have to figure out whats the best and go for it
Farm Girl #96
http://www.picturetrail.com/misswilmasplace
http://misswilma.blogspot.com/ |
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therusticcottage
True Blue Farmgirl
4439 Posts
Kay
Vancouver
WA
USA
4439 Posts |
Posted - Jan 24 2008 : 11:07:37 PM
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I lived through that recession and the long gas lines too. Many times there wasn't any gas at all! Times were hard, people lost jobs, the housing market was bad, etc. But we just toughened up and made it through. But I will say that gas was about 35 cents a gallon! I had a Ford Pinto and it cost me $4 to fill it up and I drove all week on that!
I am just watching every penny, trying to save as much as possible, making do, and reusing. A recession will be tough but we will survive it. Being debt free is the absolute best thing that anyone can do!! Miss Wilma's advice is very wise. We have become a society of instant gratification -- have to have it now no matter what the cost. We need to heed the advice of you don't buy if you don't have the money to pay for it. If you don't have the money then you do without until you do. And save money - no matter how little. You'd be surprised how quickly even $10 a month can add up.
Everything that MaryJane shares with us about living a more simple life, being self-sufficient, etc will help us survive a recession.
My Etsy Shop http://therusticcottage.etsy.com
The Rustic Cottage Blog http://therusticcottage.blogspot.com
Farmgirl Flair Etsy Team http://farmgirlsonetsy.blogspot.com
PROUD FARMGIRL SISTER #100
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miss wilma
True Blue Farmgirl
3410 Posts
Wilma
Knob Lick
Ky
USA
3410 Posts |
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Annab
True Blue Farmgirl
2900 Posts
Anna
Seagrove
NC
USA
2900 Posts |
Posted - Jan 25 2008 : 03:40:14 AM
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For now, I'm not buying the lie.
We live in a small town and it's ok althogh gas prices are high.
Travel to the bigger cities and the lots are packed!
Recession indeed.
I'm a child of the 70's and vaugly remember the long gas lines.
I hear 800.00 may be coming our way. Still don't know if it's for real. It will give a temproary boost in the economy if people spend as predicted.
I plan to take half and put it abck into my Roth IRA.
Have also made a trip to the bank to clear credit debt too.
Still undecided about elections.
Listen CAREFULLY! No matter your political affiliation, LISTEN to see what the candidates are going TO DO, not how bad a person their opponent is and what they did X years ago. Who cares!
And for most of us who save and spend frugally and grow/eat our own stuff, not much will change. Only major difference will be if hubby and I decide to ride our bikes to work. Seriously. We used to take turns riding home in the summer. And it's the PC "environmental" thing to do anyway. |
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palmettogirl
True Blue Farmgirl
571 Posts
sue
camden
south carolina
USA
571 Posts |
Posted - Jan 25 2008 : 06:42:21 AM
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| i don't think that you can trust the polititians...they say they are going to DO something and then blame congress or the senate and say oh well...too bad, it didn't get passed! i also think that a lot of people are into instant gratification, but they are also into disposable items whether it be a house, car or wife!! i've heard people say oh, we got to live in that nice really big house (that was financed 110%) and what's the worse that will happen, so we move to an apartment and declare bankruptcy...at least we got to live in that house...:then in a few years do it again! i can't believe it. also, i think the news media has too much power of suggestion. they just keep harping on something until it happens. i kept hearing about that real estate bubble until every thing came to a complete stop over night. it was amazing. i still have a place in florida that i'm trying to sell. the people are so obnoxious. they want the house and even keep calling every few months to see what it's priced at. (i've lowered it a lot!) anyway, they just sneer and tell you i'm going to wait you out until you beg me to buy it! unfortunately for them, i don't care and can just keep it, but it's their attitudes that i hate. but what i also can't believe is that all these people that move down from up north to fla. to retire, instead of just buying a place and getting settled, they go and rent an apartment, put all their stuff in storage and live out of boxes (which isn't living to me) waiting for these house prices to go down which they haven't gone down that much and in the meantime spend money on rent and live like gypsys! i don't get it??? |
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Peanut
True Blue Farmgirl
603 Posts
Jennifer
Waverly
Virginia
USA
603 Posts |
Posted - Jan 25 2008 : 06:45:19 AM
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quote:
i think the news media has too much power of suggestion. they just keep harping on something until it happens.
I totally agree. This drives me bananas.
"What is a farm but a mute gospel?"
Ralph Waldo Emerson |
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GaiasRose
True Blue Farmgirl
2552 Posts
Tasha-Rose
St. Paul
Minnesota
2552 Posts |
Posted - Jan 25 2008 : 06:49:45 AM
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quote:
Originally posted by Peanut
quote:
i think the news media has too much power of suggestion. they just keep harping on something until it happens.
I totally agree. This drives me bananas.
that's why I dont think its going to be nearly as bad as some people think. it might be tighter, but not as tight as recessions past.
Astrologically speaking this is going to be a very eventful year politically and financially for a great deal of people. That's another reason I don't think it will be as bad as they hype....whether or not you believe that sort of thing is up to you. I happen to.
[size=1]
~*~Brightest Blessings~*~
Tasha-Rose
Farmgirl Sister #88
Blogs: http://gaiarose.wordpress.com
http://womonandsprout.wordpress.com
http://youtube.com/profile?user=GaiasRose
Homepage:
http://ForestFaeries.etsy.com
"Joyful chaos, working in tune with the seasons, telling itme by the sun, variety, change and self-direction; all this wwas replaced with a brutal, standardized work culture, the effects of which we are still suffering from today." - Tom Hodgkinson in 'How To Be Idle' |
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palmettogirl
True Blue Farmgirl
571 Posts
sue
camden
south carolina
USA
571 Posts |
Posted - Jan 25 2008 : 07:03:47 AM
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| the astrology point of view is interesting.....it kind of goes with that saying "somethings in the air!" people do seem to move in herds so i don't know if it's the stars or......my husband sometimes says more people than you realize don't have a brain to make their own mind up and just follow the herd. but i'll go with the stars!! i don't think it'll be as bad as they are making it sound. |
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therusticcottage
True Blue Farmgirl
4439 Posts
Kay
Vancouver
WA
USA
4439 Posts |
Posted - Jan 25 2008 : 07:14:42 AM
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What we need to understand is that our president doesn't totally decide what happens to this country - congress does! A president can have very good ideas but if he sends them to congress and then they don't get approved nothing happens. We need to be careful about who we elect as president but be as careful about who we elect as senators and representatives. They are "our" voice in Washington -- if we have one. I like to believe that we do but sometimes it's hard.
My Etsy Shop http://therusticcottage.etsy.com
The Rustic Cottage Blog http://therusticcottage.blogspot.com
Farmgirl Flair Etsy Team http://farmgirlsonetsy.blogspot.com
PROUD FARMGIRL SISTER #100
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Peanut
True Blue Farmgirl
603 Posts
Jennifer
Waverly
Virginia
USA
603 Posts |
Posted - Jan 25 2008 : 07:19:31 AM
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Also, the president doesn't act alone - far from it. That can be easy to forget sometimes, especially in an election year when we only hear from that one person.
"What is a farm but a mute gospel?"
Ralph Waldo Emerson |
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miss wilma
True Blue Farmgirl
3410 Posts
Wilma
Knob Lick
Ky
USA
3410 Posts |
Posted - Jan 25 2008 : 07:32:50 AM
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Kay I think your thinking is right, In my opinion we better watch closely who we put in there, I will admit I am dissappointed in both sides, but I feel like our president has had more put on his back than most humans could have stood, I feel like the rebublicans could have done something while they had a chance and now we have the the democrats that have had control for a year and have done nothing, so it still goes back to us just keep hoping, i know if something isnt done about the gas we are all going to be hurting, Fertlizer we have been told is over 600.00 a ton and all the big time farmers are buying it up, that leaves us little farmers out, Every time it cost 500 to fill up a big truck we are going to know it at the grocery store, can you imagine how many of them are running across our nation, My brother drives for Walmart and I asked if if trains wouldnt be cheaper he said yes but they are back up for 3 months
Farm Girl #96
http://www.picturetrail.com/misswilmasplace
http://misswilma.blogspot.com/ |
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JessieMae
True Blue Farmgirl
702 Posts
Jessie
Raleigh
North Carolina
USA
702 Posts |
Posted - Jan 25 2008 : 08:26:52 AM
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I think I'm one of the "bad guys." My husband and I ran up massive credit card debt when we were starting out, and now, even though we make a good salary, we barely make it paycheck to paycheck. Now we've seen the errors of our ways, but it's too late.
I don't think anything will change without a major shift in perspective in our country. We've let our independence destroy our sense of community. We buy foreign cars because they are cheaper, and our neighbors who work in the factory go on the unemployment line. We shop at Wal-Mart to save 25 cents on toilet paper, and our neighborhood grocery goes under. Then we've got people in our communities out of work, so taxes coming in to our communities plummet, and there goes jobs for policemen, firemen, and teachers. I think that only when we lose our "it's all about me" mentality will we be able to get back on track. |
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La Patite Ferme
True Blue Farmgirl
623 Posts
Jenn
CA
USA
623 Posts |
Posted - Jan 25 2008 : 08:36:31 AM
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I think DD and I will be fine, because we are not recreational spenders. We buy it if we need it and try to get it as inexpensively as possible. I'm just trying to be prepared. Better safe than sorry I guess.
I guess the thing that worries me the most is businesses taking the opportunity to jack up prices. We saw it during the grocery workers strike a few years ago. Prices jumped really fast, but when the strike was over they never came down. That's when most fruit at the store went to $2.50 per pound and tomatoes broke $3 and $4 a pound. Now prices are going up again because of gas prices. My mom told me she read somewhere that cereal is predicted to go to $7.00 a box and a loaf of bread to $5. It's scarey when most of your paycheck is going for necessities, there's no desposible income left to spend which is what spurs the economy.
Some spending I have control over and I control it very well, but the spending we don't have control over is what's going up - like food, gas and utilities. I got 3 notices this month about price increases for my trash, water/sewer, and electric. I can limit my useage on some, but it's the base rate that's increasing and I have no control over that. Take my phone as an example, even when I don't make long distance calls or use it very often my bill is still over $45 a month.
Kay makes a great point save, save, save no matter how little. I tried to explain this to a very young co-worker, but she's not willing to give up clubbing, clothes, make-up etc in order to have a bank account. The interesting part is she is always complaining about not having money and now she is getting married and wants a big event. Oh well.
Tasha I hope you're right because I had a stellar astrology report for 08 too.
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GaiasRose
True Blue Farmgirl
2552 Posts
Tasha-Rose
St. Paul
Minnesota
2552 Posts |
Posted - Jan 25 2008 : 09:18:42 AM
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Jennifer, I did my chart and ROb's chart for the year and both of us have a pretty nice one ahead of us and it has already started out very fruitful in a variety of ways...this is suppose to be a big year as far as politics go since Pluto moved into Capricorn. it spells so serious change in governmental structures across the board. We might, as a society have a little down time, but overall this is a new age, a new time of realizations that the material is just that, material and doesn't matter as much as our human relationships....big change is coming and even though it might be a little edgy, it's going to be overall great. I have not only read it in my own forecast, but in other astrologers (many of them well known) notions regarding '08. there are a lot of plantary allignments in this year that are both good and bad but mostly for change and in good ways!
I am thrilled about this coming year.
[size=1]
~*~Brightest Blessings~*~
Tasha-Rose
Farmgirl Sister #88
Blogs: http://gaiarose.wordpress.com
http://womonandsprout.wordpress.com
http://youtube.com/profile?user=GaiasRose
Homepage:
http://ForestFaeries.etsy.com
"Joyful chaos, working in tune with the seasons, telling itme by the sun, variety, change and self-direction; all this wwas replaced with a brutal, standardized work culture, the effects of which we are still suffering from today." - Tom Hodgkinson in 'How To Be Idle' |
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catscharm74
True Blue Farmgirl
4687 Posts
Heather
Texas
USA
4687 Posts |
Posted - Jan 25 2008 : 09:31:04 AM
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Well, if anything, maybe a bright spot will be people will learn to be frugal, stop spending so much on garbage and get back to a simple way of life. It would ease up on our resources. That is my only hope...
Cheers,
Heather |
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ACountryGirl
Farmgirl in Training
42 Posts
Nannie
Ca
USA
42 Posts |
Posted - Jan 25 2008 : 10:08:25 AM
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I was just wondering what you all are doing to prepare for a tight economy?
[/quote]
Oh we have started with chickens and trimming the budget to just what is necessary. Trying to save more and once a month cooking so I have plenty in the freezer to ward off any impulse purchases :)
Nannie
http://acountrywoman.blogspot.com/ www.homesteadblogger.com/AStitchinTime
Live Laugh Love much! |
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miss wilma
True Blue Farmgirl
3410 Posts
Wilma
Knob Lick
Ky
USA
3410 Posts |
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catscharm74
True Blue Farmgirl
4687 Posts
Heather
Texas
USA
4687 Posts |
Posted - Jan 25 2008 : 10:27:47 AM
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Miss Wilma- I think if you let the bad get you down, you are going to be dragged down even more. Yes- I am the person you see walking out in the rain and splashing in the puddles while everyone else is complaining. I don't see it as a bad thing- it is refreshing the earth and cleaning the air to me. I tend to be glass half full kinda person. You have got to live your life everyday and be in the reality of it.
I am stocking up on staples- chicken, brown rice, beans, stocks,frozen vegetables like corn and peas (we eat alot of these) I want to learn how to make my own bread, I would like to put in a garden, at least with a few things like tomatoes, onions, radishes,- things we actually eat daily. I am buying cereal in bulk at the health food store. Bulk tea- DH loves sweat tea but I can see even tea bags getting expensive. Transitioning the family now will be easier in the long run. Making simpler but heartier meals.
Stocking up on toilet paper, tampons, basic soap everyone can use. I really have been looking at bath products and realized we have 6 different moisturizers of some kind, 3 different types of soap, make-up that I never finish using because it expires before I use it up, things like that. Finding alternatives or just going without. Simplifying my routine.
Hanging clothes to dry, chekcing the seals around our windows and doors, hanging up heavier curtains, installing ceiling fans instead of using air conditioner.
Consolidating chores outside the home- food runs once a week instead of twice, plan with appointment for the doc and dentist..
Finding free, close by entertainment. We do drive to the beach, which is about 5 miles, but we do bring our own food, stay all day, play around and get exercise.
Cheers,
Heather |
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Amie C.
True Blue Farmgirl
2099 Posts
Finger Lakes Region
NY
2099 Posts |
Posted - Jan 25 2008 : 10:37:52 AM
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I'm worried about a depression coming up, especially as we are literally going to run out of oil sometime in the next 20-100 years (depending on which geologists are correct). Something's got to change on a large scale, and the more time goes by without seeing any progress the more worried I get.
I know that it's possible to live off the grid and produce all your own food. But practically speaking, how many of us can do that? Most of us have mortgages to pay, if no other debt, and that means holding down a full time job.
Also, switching to new technologies is expensive to do upfront. Without some sort of government involvement, I don't think it will be possible for everyone to start walking/cycling to work and growing their own food. The whole process of urban planning over the past 50 years would need to be reversed for that to happen, and that's more than any individual can do.
On the other hand, if individuals started to plan for the future by buying homes closer to the urban center, or in existing small towns, instead of in new exurban tracts, that would be a good start. |
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Across the Fence: Economy gloom and doom |
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Economy gloom and doom
