So much as changed, yet so much has stayed the same since my last post. Now, how is that for an opener. Just for a reminder, I live in the suburbs of a large city. I'm actually 2 miles from living in another city and county. For most of my life my little area has been a safe place. That has started to change.
Sadly, not for the better. For the most part my little area of the world had petty theft like car and storage shed break ins. The shootings and murders were in other parts of town. Slowly those things have been creeping into my area. We have also seen a huge increase in homelessness. Every now and then I will see a small homeless camp and lots of beggars on street corners.
I'm sure there are many that will say, "Why don't you move?" That isn't always easy. The housing values have declined, interest rates are up and our closest family members live near by. Thankfully we feel safe in our home. Our little street is quiet and we have good neighbors. I am hearing that this isn't isolated to my area. I see and hear that this is happening everywhere.
I keep feeling this nudge to prepare my home for what the future may holds. There are many ways that this can happen.
I know that the poster is from WWII, yet I feel the advise is pertinent for the times we are living in now. Late last summer we were gifted a chicken coop. Let me introduce you to our six girls.
They have grown so much since this picture. They are in their ugly teenage stage, so I will spare you the pictures. *smile*
Since they are growing fast we (meaning Chuck) is working to get the chicken run complete. Honestly, I can't wait to get the girls out of garage. They are starting to well, smell like chickens!
Our spring has been different. One week we are warm and sunny, the next week we are having frost/freeze warnings. Gardening is on my mind. So far I have planted cabbage, potatoes, several kind of lettuce and 4 blueberry bushes. Gardening is pretty much a gamble. Some times the results are great, other not so much. So I will see how things go. A couple more weeks and I can start thinking about the big garden.
The plan is to add plenty to my pantry. Although the grocery stores seem to be pretty well stocked, have you noticed that they aren't carrying as much? My favorite store has really cut back on the variety of pasta that they carry. Many times when I go I see that the shelf isn't full in that area. (I will have to snap a picture.) I also see limits on the amount of items at different times. Some people will agree with this and other won't... I feel that it's VERY important to keep a deep, well stocked pantry. The example of limited pasta stock plus seeing limits on different items from time to time is one reason.
Another is that I keep hearing about poor crops and of course there is inflation. I notice a slight increase most trips to the store. Stocking up when you find a good price is a great way to edge inflation. I also know that not only is the U.S. economy not stable, but the world economy is not stable. This could lead to so many things, one being job loss. Thankfully, we don't have that fear, but as we all know no job is secure.
I am also making plans for my home. I have some projects in mind. Several years ago there was a series along the line of making your home a haven. That is exactly my aim. As the world gets crazier and crazier the more I want to be home.
The world is a changin,' and not in a good way. Please know that none of this is written in fear. The good news is that as a believer I know how this story ends.
Take care, friends, and remember to look well to ways of your household!
Wendi
