Posts
Since moving here and setting up housekeeping I have stared out the window above our computer at a hideous, half dead Jack Pine. Today, Sweetie stood in the loader bucket with an extension ladder and rope while I raised it up nearly as high as it would go. Then I sat there praying he didn't fall while he placed the ladder against the tree and began to climb about 16 feet. Once the rope was tied around the tree I lowered the bucket and stood in the driveway with Dad to watch the rest of the operation. After attaching a chain from the tractor to the rope, he took off through the woods until he was pulling the tree over. What a sight. And being the worry wort that I am, I was relieved that he missed the two red pines and one white pine that I admire so much near the edge of our yard.
I'm having another MS flare up so not doing much other than the drunken sailor walk with Dad and small household chores. The timing couldn't be worse because we have so much to do but it's happened so often lately that I've consented to another series of tests to see how much it's progressing. Frankly, it just frustrates me and I feel myself going into a funk. Sweetie bought me some peanut butter chocolate ice cream to boost my spirits. Helped for awhile but I still want to be outside working.
The couple we bought the motor home from have visited us twice and we've discovered we have a lot in common. It's been nice to have some company and they are looking for land! When I heard that I flippantly said, "We've got three acres across the road for sale." Now, they're looking for financing and we're checking on legally splitting it from the main parcel. After selling us the motor home they bought a 1978 22 foot Shasta trailer. They used to camp down at the end of the private lake here until it was developed into high priced lots. So, they're familiar with the area and even told us of a spring on a road near here where campers get fresh water! Marvelous how things develop sometimes.
Well, I'm exhausted again so it's time to rest. Have a great week everyone, Treesong
Monday, May 17, 2010
Friday, May 14, 2010
We Still Have Room!
I spent about three hours today cleaning the rig. Ever since I've been loading it and there's still empty cupboards!
If I got rid of my paintings and photographs, our furniture and about half our clothes we could live in the RV full time. Hmmmm...
We would need a garage for Sweetie's tools and our gardening supplies but otherwise the open road is sure calling my name.
The guy that bought the acetylene torches called and wants to pick them up. Wouldn't you know that a certain mechanic can't find the gauges! Grrrrrrrrrrr....
I think he needs to downsize his collection of "stuff" in the pole barn. That would generate some cash, believe me!
Well, it's actually warmed up this evening so I'll do a bit more work before collapsing on the sofa. Later, Treesong
If I got rid of my paintings and photographs, our furniture and about half our clothes we could live in the RV full time. Hmmmm...
We would need a garage for Sweetie's tools and our gardening supplies but otherwise the open road is sure calling my name.
The guy that bought the acetylene torches called and wants to pick them up. Wouldn't you know that a certain mechanic can't find the gauges! Grrrrrrrrrrr....
I think he needs to downsize his collection of "stuff" in the pole barn. That would generate some cash, believe me!
Well, it's actually warmed up this evening so I'll do a bit more work before collapsing on the sofa. Later, Treesong
Wanderers and Prepping the Motorhome
Dad says my maternal grandma had gypsy blood because she moved so often. She was French, Cherokee and German. Add Norwegian from my Dad's side and you have my nationality. Looking at our family history, we've all been wanderers and adventurers.
My paternal grandparents immigrated from Norway to southern Michigan. My maternal grandparents were born in Kentucky and Michigan but moved frequently due to grandpa's jobs. The maternal great-grandparents immigrated from Canada by covered wagon. After divorcing, my maternal grandma moved at least 12 times and Grandpa wound up in Arlington, TX. But wanderlust was never far away as he travelled throughout the U.S. in his truck camper every vacation.
And then there's me. I've moved over 40 times since graduating from high school in 1971! No wonder I'm attracted to dead-end roads, two-tracts, mountains and homes on wheels. I often think how great it would be to sell everything and take off especially now that we have the motor home. It won't happen in the foreseeable future as we're current on the mortgage and have Dad to consider but I still dream of it. My other wish is that we were 10-15 years younger 'cause growing old sucks when your health deteriorates.
Like now. With two steps outside the motor home and one step inside it feels like I'm climbing Mt. Everest. With MS it's going UP stairs that's the problem, not downstairs. I've heard this complaint from fellow MSers but don't claim it's a universal symptom.
As I clean and stock the rig a conveyor belt from the house to the motor home door would sure be nice! By tomorrow I should have everything in its place and I'll await Sweetie's confirmation that we're ready to roll.
His sleep patterns have been irratic lately so he's outside at night tinkering beneath the stars and the pole barn lights. Despite the weather forecast, it's been warmer at night and cooler during the day. Today the winds have picked up and it feels like 40 though the thermometer says 52.
But back to stocking the motor home! Redundancies have come in handy! With duplicates, triplicates and more of most items, I don't concern myself with needing something and realizing it's in the motor home or visa versa. Having another "home" equipped with food, toiletries, medical supplies, tools, clothing, etc. gives us more room in our main home. In an emergency we'd grab the dog and cats, important papers and be gone. And now I see the floor in our bedroom closet which means I have another spot to stack canned goods!
Another plus of our new adventure is sorting through ALL our preps. It familiarizes us with all the stuff we haven't seen in awhile. Even though I have a list of what we own, it was out of date. Sometimes we'll look at something and realize we could use it for a different purpose. And twice we've discovered something damaged because someone stacked something on top of a box that someone else had not labelled clearly. Hmmmm...who do you suppose was the first "someone" and the second "someone?"
Well, Dad's venturing out for a walk and I think I'll tag along. Treesong
My paternal grandparents immigrated from Norway to southern Michigan. My maternal grandparents were born in Kentucky and Michigan but moved frequently due to grandpa's jobs. The maternal great-grandparents immigrated from Canada by covered wagon. After divorcing, my maternal grandma moved at least 12 times and Grandpa wound up in Arlington, TX. But wanderlust was never far away as he travelled throughout the U.S. in his truck camper every vacation.
And then there's me. I've moved over 40 times since graduating from high school in 1971! No wonder I'm attracted to dead-end roads, two-tracts, mountains and homes on wheels. I often think how great it would be to sell everything and take off especially now that we have the motor home. It won't happen in the foreseeable future as we're current on the mortgage and have Dad to consider but I still dream of it. My other wish is that we were 10-15 years younger 'cause growing old sucks when your health deteriorates.
Like now. With two steps outside the motor home and one step inside it feels like I'm climbing Mt. Everest. With MS it's going UP stairs that's the problem, not downstairs. I've heard this complaint from fellow MSers but don't claim it's a universal symptom.
As I clean and stock the rig a conveyor belt from the house to the motor home door would sure be nice! By tomorrow I should have everything in its place and I'll await Sweetie's confirmation that we're ready to roll.
His sleep patterns have been irratic lately so he's outside at night tinkering beneath the stars and the pole barn lights. Despite the weather forecast, it's been warmer at night and cooler during the day. Today the winds have picked up and it feels like 40 though the thermometer says 52.
But back to stocking the motor home! Redundancies have come in handy! With duplicates, triplicates and more of most items, I don't concern myself with needing something and realizing it's in the motor home or visa versa. Having another "home" equipped with food, toiletries, medical supplies, tools, clothing, etc. gives us more room in our main home. In an emergency we'd grab the dog and cats, important papers and be gone. And now I see the floor in our bedroom closet which means I have another spot to stack canned goods!
Another plus of our new adventure is sorting through ALL our preps. It familiarizes us with all the stuff we haven't seen in awhile. Even though I have a list of what we own, it was out of date. Sometimes we'll look at something and realize we could use it for a different purpose. And twice we've discovered something damaged because someone stacked something on top of a box that someone else had not labelled clearly. Hmmmm...who do you suppose was the first "someone" and the second "someone?"
Well, Dad's venturing out for a walk and I think I'll tag along. Treesong
Thursday, May 13, 2010
One Step Forward And Then Another
We often feel we take one step forward and two backward but lately it's been one step in front of the other! Help and resources come from unexpected places which makes life all the more interesting.
We've wanted a UTV but of course the prices - even for used vehicles - were outrageous. A golf cart was another option but they too were always out of reach - until I checked Craigslist three nights ago. A 1992 Yamaha golf cart and trailer were listed for $1,500. I kept thinking it was a misprint but emailed the owners anyway. It took 12 hours to hear back from them and another 24 hours to pick it up. And it all happened because I had an old vase valued at $600 sitting in our closet and my Dad spoke up and said, "I think I'll contribute to the cause." What a blessing to find a deal when the money has dried up and the funds come in unexpectedly. It re-affirms my belief that when you're on the right path things work out.
Even better, the people we bought the motor home from came out for a visit Tuesday. Of course the guys got to wandering through the pole barn. By the time they left some bartering had knocked $400 off the price of the Class C and Sweetie drove it home last night. I just love looking at our vacation/bug out vehicle in the yard!!! Today he's doing routine maintenance and I'll clean the inside.
We've decided to make our first RV trip June 7th, weather permitting. We'll stay at a campground two miles from here and take a day trip further up the Lake Superior coast. With the golf cart in tow we'll have transportation home if we have any mechanical issues.
In other news, the neighbor behind us, who removed the fence poles last year and whose outbuilding is half on our land, has arrived from Texas. Last week his son moved the two boats off our land, after a drunken tirade about us putting up "pig fence that looks horrible." Couldn't help think our 'pig fence' was an appropriate choice to keep the neighborhood pigs from littering on our land!
It's just started raining here and the temp has dropped about 8 degrees. I think it's a good day for homemade soup. Keep prepping and enjoy the day, Treesong
We've wanted a UTV but of course the prices - even for used vehicles - were outrageous. A golf cart was another option but they too were always out of reach - until I checked Craigslist three nights ago. A 1992 Yamaha golf cart and trailer were listed for $1,500. I kept thinking it was a misprint but emailed the owners anyway. It took 12 hours to hear back from them and another 24 hours to pick it up. And it all happened because I had an old vase valued at $600 sitting in our closet and my Dad spoke up and said, "I think I'll contribute to the cause." What a blessing to find a deal when the money has dried up and the funds come in unexpectedly. It re-affirms my belief that when you're on the right path things work out.
Even better, the people we bought the motor home from came out for a visit Tuesday. Of course the guys got to wandering through the pole barn. By the time they left some bartering had knocked $400 off the price of the Class C and Sweetie drove it home last night. I just love looking at our vacation/bug out vehicle in the yard!!! Today he's doing routine maintenance and I'll clean the inside.
We've decided to make our first RV trip June 7th, weather permitting. We'll stay at a campground two miles from here and take a day trip further up the Lake Superior coast. With the golf cart in tow we'll have transportation home if we have any mechanical issues.
In other news, the neighbor behind us, who removed the fence poles last year and whose outbuilding is half on our land, has arrived from Texas. Last week his son moved the two boats off our land, after a drunken tirade about us putting up "pig fence that looks horrible." Couldn't help think our 'pig fence' was an appropriate choice to keep the neighborhood pigs from littering on our land!
It's just started raining here and the temp has dropped about 8 degrees. I think it's a good day for homemade soup. Keep prepping and enjoy the day, Treesong
Saturday, May 8, 2010
A Valid Question
An aquaintance asked: "I thought you were preppers. People who stockpile everything under the sun. What are you doing spending money on an old Class C?"
My answer: "If things fall apart so badly that we're not able to make our mortgage payment and the Social Security check stops, we'll have a roof over our heads."
Have no doubt we've often thought, "What would we do if..." so spending $2,500 on a mobile shelter seemed prudent. Next week, we've been here a year. In that time we've scouted possible bug out locations, the closest across the road from us, the furthest about two miles away. They all offer us seclusion, water, wood and familiarity. If there's an nuclear event we'd be toast; if there's a forest fire or earthquake we'd travel further. We have two 10-gallon containers of gas with an additive set aside for bugging out. In addition, there are numerous gas cans filled for the tractor, vehicles and emergencies.
Each of us has to survey our own particular circumstances, formulate a plan and begin to work the plan. None of us will ever have everything we think we need or want. But working toward being more prepared is better than doing nothing.
Of course, we hope the SS check continues to flow because it's the only income we have. That's reality, plain and simple. We know it's funded by dwindling contributions as the labor market contracts and Washington spends like drunken gamblers. Maybe someday that will stop too. Who really knows? So poor as we are and PREPPED as we are, we're hedging our bet.
We're surrounded by thousands of acres of vacant private, state and federal land. We're within a mile of Lake Superior, a few hundred feet off an inland lake and have the ability to move our preps to another location, if need be.
My answer: "If things fall apart so badly that we're not able to make our mortgage payment and the Social Security check stops, we'll have a roof over our heads."
Have no doubt we've often thought, "What would we do if..." so spending $2,500 on a mobile shelter seemed prudent. Next week, we've been here a year. In that time we've scouted possible bug out locations, the closest across the road from us, the furthest about two miles away. They all offer us seclusion, water, wood and familiarity. If there's an nuclear event we'd be toast; if there's a forest fire or earthquake we'd travel further. We have two 10-gallon containers of gas with an additive set aside for bugging out. In addition, there are numerous gas cans filled for the tractor, vehicles and emergencies.
Each of us has to survey our own particular circumstances, formulate a plan and begin to work the plan. None of us will ever have everything we think we need or want. But working toward being more prepared is better than doing nothing.
Of course, we hope the SS check continues to flow because it's the only income we have. That's reality, plain and simple. We know it's funded by dwindling contributions as the labor market contracts and Washington spends like drunken gamblers. Maybe someday that will stop too. Who really knows? So poor as we are and PREPPED as we are, we're hedging our bet.
We're surrounded by thousands of acres of vacant private, state and federal land. We're within a mile of Lake Superior, a few hundred feet off an inland lake and have the ability to move our preps to another location, if need be.
Friday, May 7, 2010
A Camping We Will Go
Sometimes a deal comes along that you just can't resist. Yesterday, on our way home from my birthday lunch, they guys spotted a garage sale and had soon aquired a Johnson outboard and aluminum scaffolding.
But I found a 1981 Class C Rockwood Motor home with 80,000 miles on it!
While siting in the car with Dad I asked my son to inquire about it. He came back and said, "You better get out of the car. Either I'm hearing him wrong or it's the deal of the century."
After looking at it I thought, "And we just spent all our money!" You know how it is when you have four monthly expenditures that arrive simultaneously, you're remodeling and have car repairs. We had $300 in cash to our names with another payday due on the 15th. With a home full of preps and Dad as financial backup, I know we won't be destitute but what a time to find a motorhome!
Though we could have asked Dad to front us the cash, we'd rather make our own way. I asked the owner if he'd take a deposit with the balance next week and he agreed. Wow, was I pumped! Then I discovered I hadn't brought the checkbook! Ouch! I asked Dad if he'd loan me some cash until we got home. He reached for his wallet and said, "That makes two of us!" I turned to my son who said, "Sorry, I just used all my cash for the scaffolding!"
I swear it was a test of our determination!
Still determined to buy the motor home, I asked the owner if he'd hold it until today. "Sure!" he said. I wanted to kiss him!
Today we got a more thorough inspection, drove it around his yard and gave him the down payment. The owner put two spare tires in our car's trunk and next week we'll drive it home.
My head's still spinning so I'll post technical info later. It's been well cared for, was used once last year, has an Onan generator and it's very clean. Our digital camera is acting up again so no pictures yet.
We're within a mile of Lake Superior and lots of camping sights so this motor home will be our entertainment and guest house. Some day we may drive to Florida 'cause Sweetie would like to visit his old stomping grounds near Hudson.
In any case, I am still in shock. And what a fantastic birthday gift!
But I found a 1981 Class C Rockwood Motor home with 80,000 miles on it!
While siting in the car with Dad I asked my son to inquire about it. He came back and said, "You better get out of the car. Either I'm hearing him wrong or it's the deal of the century."
After looking at it I thought, "And we just spent all our money!" You know how it is when you have four monthly expenditures that arrive simultaneously, you're remodeling and have car repairs. We had $300 in cash to our names with another payday due on the 15th. With a home full of preps and Dad as financial backup, I know we won't be destitute but what a time to find a motorhome!
Though we could have asked Dad to front us the cash, we'd rather make our own way. I asked the owner if he'd take a deposit with the balance next week and he agreed. Wow, was I pumped! Then I discovered I hadn't brought the checkbook! Ouch! I asked Dad if he'd loan me some cash until we got home. He reached for his wallet and said, "That makes two of us!" I turned to my son who said, "Sorry, I just used all my cash for the scaffolding!"
I swear it was a test of our determination!
Still determined to buy the motor home, I asked the owner if he'd hold it until today. "Sure!" he said. I wanted to kiss him!
Today we got a more thorough inspection, drove it around his yard and gave him the down payment. The owner put two spare tires in our car's trunk and next week we'll drive it home.
My head's still spinning so I'll post technical info later. It's been well cared for, was used once last year, has an Onan generator and it's very clean. Our digital camera is acting up again so no pictures yet.
We're within a mile of Lake Superior and lots of camping sights so this motor home will be our entertainment and guest house. Some day we may drive to Florida 'cause Sweetie would like to visit his old stomping grounds near Hudson.
In any case, I am still in shock. And what a fantastic birthday gift!
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
Keeping Busy
Here's Sweetie using his new six foot brush hog. We have about nine acres of underbrush, tree branches and ferns to clean up. All went well today until he realized his tow chain, which he'd left sitting on top of the brush hog, had fallen off - somewhere. We walked the area where he worked today and didn't spot the chain. But, it could be buried under all that lush shredded material now covering the ground! Oh what fun. I'll be back out there tomorrow looking. And to think we were just talking about painting the ends of our chains so they're easier to spot. Murphy's Law in action.
My Dad was gone to town today so we worked outside and skipped lunch. I even washed windows and raked another part of the yard free of pine cones and needles.
It rained three times today and the top of the ground is still wet. Yippee! It is so dry here and I have nightmares about a dropped cigarette butt starting a fire.
Sweetie also fixed the cruise control and horn on our car, after changing the oil. It's up to me to vacuum it. The rain water has washed it. Good enough, says I.
By supper time I was exhausted again so we had grilled ham and cheese sandwiches and canned soup. I have about 18 cases of canned soups on hand for just such a day. To tire to cook from scratch and it's easy to give everyone their own soup variety.
Monday I'll go grocery shopping. The list keeps getting additions and I keep eyeing our storage areas wondering where I'll fit it all. A new resale shop has opened nearby so I've loaded three boxes of stuff to drop off Monday. Gone are the rocking horse and swan hand carved by an artist from Ishpeming; my Dad's collection of classic, blues and country CDs and assorted small things that serve no purpose and collect dust!
Well, Dad just woke up from his late nap. Time to fix him supper. Have a great week folks. Treesong
Monday, May 3, 2010
Four Years Ago Today...
My life was blessed by meeting Sweetie! We had communicated via online and the phone for a few weeks when we discovered we were both headed to Walmart. We were driving about the same distance from opposite directions and met in the parking lot. I have to say, at first I wondered what I'd gotten myself into but the minute he smiled any doubt disappeared.
It's been rocky at times and always a financial struggle but we're blessed to have one another!
Today we took my Dad to town with us for a celebratory lunch at our favorite greasy spoon. Afterward we ran a couple errands and came home to discover his trolling motor had been delivered. Now the guys are taking their naps. I may do likewise as my energy is still zapped.
We've had three days of intermittent showers and weather that changes by 40 degrees either way many times a day. Everytime we start a little project, we rush to complete it before the rain starts again. Guess it's nature's way of telling us to take it easy!
Later this week I'll post some pictures of our latest work. I turn 57 this week and Sunday my oldest son is taking us out for Mother's Day. It's great to have the life we do, despite the morons in Washington. Take care, Treesong
It's been rocky at times and always a financial struggle but we're blessed to have one another!
Today we took my Dad to town with us for a celebratory lunch at our favorite greasy spoon. Afterward we ran a couple errands and came home to discover his trolling motor had been delivered. Now the guys are taking their naps. I may do likewise as my energy is still zapped.
We've had three days of intermittent showers and weather that changes by 40 degrees either way many times a day. Everytime we start a little project, we rush to complete it before the rain starts again. Guess it's nature's way of telling us to take it easy!
Later this week I'll post some pictures of our latest work. I turn 57 this week and Sunday my oldest son is taking us out for Mother's Day. It's great to have the life we do, despite the morons in Washington. Take care, Treesong
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Working Overtime
Sweetie and I were sitting in our usual places a few nights ago, just listening to the wind when I asked him, "What are you thinking?" I know, typical female question!
Once again, we discovered our minds run along the same track. He said, "I think we need to double up on our preps and work our butts off these next couple months."
We've often said we'd like to complete X number of projects this year due to our health issues. And now, with my Dad here, much of our time is scheduled around how he's feeling or what his appointments are. To top it off, Sweetie has basal cell cancer on his right temple and will have surgery next month.
So the past week or so we've exhausted ourselves with fencing, fire wood, vehicle repairs, prepping and small remodel/repair projects in the house.
Today, I'm paying for it big time. Dad and I went for our second walk of the day and he had to finish it by himself. I sat on the side of the road and waited for Sweetie to pick me up. As I watched Dad shuffle down the road I thought, "We're really in a pickle if he trips..."
His mental faculties are so mixed up lately that he usually can't figure out how to operate his cell phone and I didn't have mine on me. Not a good situation but fortunately he made it home (about 800 feet) and got Sweetie.
So I'll couch serf until this bout of the drunken sailor syndrome passes and get back to work soon, I hope.
In the meantime we have 12 more cases of vegetables, a six-bottle case of Corn oil, 20#s each of white and wheat flour, and four flats of tuna fish to stash someplace. Next week when our cash is replenished I'll do more shopping. I haven't started a garden yet as we still have temps in the low 30's at night. I wish I had a crystal ball to know what the growing season's weather will be. Sweetie says it will be a cold, windy summer. Thus far that's been our Spring weather.
Well, keep prepping folks. Treesong
Once again, we discovered our minds run along the same track. He said, "I think we need to double up on our preps and work our butts off these next couple months."
We've often said we'd like to complete X number of projects this year due to our health issues. And now, with my Dad here, much of our time is scheduled around how he's feeling or what his appointments are. To top it off, Sweetie has basal cell cancer on his right temple and will have surgery next month.
So the past week or so we've exhausted ourselves with fencing, fire wood, vehicle repairs, prepping and small remodel/repair projects in the house.
Today, I'm paying for it big time. Dad and I went for our second walk of the day and he had to finish it by himself. I sat on the side of the road and waited for Sweetie to pick me up. As I watched Dad shuffle down the road I thought, "We're really in a pickle if he trips..."
His mental faculties are so mixed up lately that he usually can't figure out how to operate his cell phone and I didn't have mine on me. Not a good situation but fortunately he made it home (about 800 feet) and got Sweetie.
So I'll couch serf until this bout of the drunken sailor syndrome passes and get back to work soon, I hope.
In the meantime we have 12 more cases of vegetables, a six-bottle case of Corn oil, 20#s each of white and wheat flour, and four flats of tuna fish to stash someplace. Next week when our cash is replenished I'll do more shopping. I haven't started a garden yet as we still have temps in the low 30's at night. I wish I had a crystal ball to know what the growing season's weather will be. Sweetie says it will be a cold, windy summer. Thus far that's been our Spring weather.
Well, keep prepping folks. Treesong
Saturday, April 24, 2010
Unbelievable, Just Unbelievable
Since my last post I've realized human nature sure is a strange character.
If you present the facts to a person; explain them slowly, patiently and clearly; and then repeat yourself a dozen times it's no guarantee the other party will comprehend one word. Not one. No wonder there are sheeple in the world.
We've spent hours installing the fencing along our south property line. We've talked to all but three property owners in this little plat. We've pointed out the trash piles as we haul other people's junk off our land. We've provided everyone with pictures of the blight and "stored stuff," copies of our survey, our deed and the local blight ordinance. And yet, we're asked, "Why are you putting up a fence?"
BECAUSE WE WANT OUR LAND RESPECTED, DUMB ASS!
And still our actions are interpreted as being unfriendly, unneighborly, stuck up, insensitive and just plain stupid. Amazing; simply amazing.
Kind of reminds me of all those phone calls and emails to Congress when the TARP and the health care abomination were being "debated." No matter how many times or ways they were told, the message fell on deaf ears.
So this morning, bright and early, as most people were still in bed, I took the rake and walked along the south line. Within three hours I had piled a row of Red Pine needles and brush beyond the first two rows of trees - well away from the fence. It's unsightly and a fire hazard and I was determined to clean it up. Later today I'll load it all into our truck bed, dump it in a pit on our land and wait for winter when it will be burnt.
As I was walking home along the road a neighbor drove up in his truck and stopped. "You know, that area looks so much nicer when it's raked."
Amazing words considering they came from the mouth of pontoon boat man. Wonders never cease.
If you present the facts to a person; explain them slowly, patiently and clearly; and then repeat yourself a dozen times it's no guarantee the other party will comprehend one word. Not one. No wonder there are sheeple in the world.
We've spent hours installing the fencing along our south property line. We've talked to all but three property owners in this little plat. We've pointed out the trash piles as we haul other people's junk off our land. We've provided everyone with pictures of the blight and "stored stuff," copies of our survey, our deed and the local blight ordinance. And yet, we're asked, "Why are you putting up a fence?"
BECAUSE WE WANT OUR LAND RESPECTED, DUMB ASS!
And still our actions are interpreted as being unfriendly, unneighborly, stuck up, insensitive and just plain stupid. Amazing; simply amazing.
Kind of reminds me of all those phone calls and emails to Congress when the TARP and the health care abomination were being "debated." No matter how many times or ways they were told, the message fell on deaf ears.
So this morning, bright and early, as most people were still in bed, I took the rake and walked along the south line. Within three hours I had piled a row of Red Pine needles and brush beyond the first two rows of trees - well away from the fence. It's unsightly and a fire hazard and I was determined to clean it up. Later today I'll load it all into our truck bed, dump it in a pit on our land and wait for winter when it will be burnt.
As I was walking home along the road a neighbor drove up in his truck and stopped. "You know, that area looks so much nicer when it's raked."
Amazing words considering they came from the mouth of pontoon boat man. Wonders never cease.
Friday, April 16, 2010
Since Dad's Decision
We've worked nearly non-stop since Sunday morning moving Dad's 25-plus year accumulation from his rental home. Thank God, he'd been "downsizing" for the last couple years.
The garage and basement were already clear; the one bedroom house was mainly a dust-covered collection of US Coast Guard memorabilia, books and a small amount of kitchen equipment. The only furniture we moved here was his washer/dryer, file cabinet and bookcase.
For the past couple days he's been sorting through most of what we hauled here and made ample use of "the round file." He owned at least 20 jackets and a dozen afghans and most still remain here. There is a memory attached to most of them and it's hard to let go of any so I told him keep what he wants right now and we'll pack the rest away. "Good idea," he said.
Remarkably, my siblings have been civil. The sister I seldom see has had the most contact with us and been the only one, plus my sister-in-law, to help with any of this move.
Tonight Sweetie said he hoped we could find time to install more fence. I said it sounded like a great change of past. My Dad overheard this and said, "Yeah, you guys install fence and I'll watch; I'm tired of sorting." So we're all on the same page.
My Dad was always a big music fan and devoted listener to NPR radio. Yesterday, while Sweetie was in his recliner and I was sacked out on the sofa, we were jolted awake by loud rock 'n roll music. From where we were we could look down the hall. Here's my Dad shuffling down the hall pretending to dance. It was hilarious but the music was on volume 100!!!! I told him the riff-raff lived next door - not here! So he turned around and lowered the volume to 70 - still ear shattering.
My Dad was also a collector of vacuum cleaners. Three remained at his home after he came here in January - a Bissel, an Oreck and a batter powered Shark. We brought the Shark home today and told Dad, "now each of us has a vacuum here." He smiled and said, "I thought I was living in my retirement home."
We have yet to figure out what to do about the dishwasher. I've been lobbying for help in the kitchen and finally said, "My birthday and Mother's Day fall within a week of one another, so a dishwasher would be a nice gift." Sweetie pointed to the bag of paper and foam plates we brought from Dad's. My father said, "You don't need to worry about what model of dishwasher you get. We have the Suzann model and it's the best."
Cute aren't they?
The garage and basement were already clear; the one bedroom house was mainly a dust-covered collection of US Coast Guard memorabilia, books and a small amount of kitchen equipment. The only furniture we moved here was his washer/dryer, file cabinet and bookcase.
For the past couple days he's been sorting through most of what we hauled here and made ample use of "the round file." He owned at least 20 jackets and a dozen afghans and most still remain here. There is a memory attached to most of them and it's hard to let go of any so I told him keep what he wants right now and we'll pack the rest away. "Good idea," he said.
Remarkably, my siblings have been civil. The sister I seldom see has had the most contact with us and been the only one, plus my sister-in-law, to help with any of this move.
Tonight Sweetie said he hoped we could find time to install more fence. I said it sounded like a great change of past. My Dad overheard this and said, "Yeah, you guys install fence and I'll watch; I'm tired of sorting." So we're all on the same page.
My Dad was always a big music fan and devoted listener to NPR radio. Yesterday, while Sweetie was in his recliner and I was sacked out on the sofa, we were jolted awake by loud rock 'n roll music. From where we were we could look down the hall. Here's my Dad shuffling down the hall pretending to dance. It was hilarious but the music was on volume 100!!!! I told him the riff-raff lived next door - not here! So he turned around and lowered the volume to 70 - still ear shattering.
My Dad was also a collector of vacuum cleaners. Three remained at his home after he came here in January - a Bissel, an Oreck and a batter powered Shark. We brought the Shark home today and told Dad, "now each of us has a vacuum here." He smiled and said, "I thought I was living in my retirement home."
We have yet to figure out what to do about the dishwasher. I've been lobbying for help in the kitchen and finally said, "My birthday and Mother's Day fall within a week of one another, so a dishwasher would be a nice gift." Sweetie pointed to the bag of paper and foam plates we brought from Dad's. My father said, "You don't need to worry about what model of dishwasher you get. We have the Suzann model and it's the best."
Cute aren't they?
Sunday, April 11, 2010
Dad's Decision
My father decided Friday to remain here full time and give up his rental home. We're relieved and he's admitted he really doesn't want to leave us.
There is, of course, more to the story. While on a walk yesterday he said he had "to be honest" with me. "I've waited for two years for your brother to invite me to stay at the farm with him," he said. "It's not going to happen and I don't want to be alone any more."
Dad's always claimed he'd be carried out of his house feet first. Truth be told, he wanted to die at the farm where he raised us. My brother owns the place but is seldom there. As Dad said, his four day visit to the farm while "the ass" was home "was the most time he's spent with me in 25 years."
My brother is what I call a professional soldier. He takes assignments from various governments or US agencies; is gone for months on end, often not letting anyone know where; and seldom contacts Dad. He's a self-absorbed, arrogant jerk who has no patience for anyone who's no in "top form." An elderly, infirm man cramps his style. Dad said he did his best to "keep up with him" as he worked around the farm or shopped in town but finally realized he was "wearing himself out."
His son's life is all about getting drunk and impressing people. He throws big parties; buys dinner and rounds of drinks for 20 or more; and sits around drunk telling fascinating stories of his exploits. In the meantime his fourth wife dutifully carries out whatever "orders and instructions" he yells at her; manages the bill payments and projects he's commissioned; and cries with loneliness while he has multiple affairs.
It's a sad, pathetic life for both of them and my Father, who used to keep his son on a pedestal, has grown angry and weary. Remarkably, my brother saw no changes in Dad and told his wife, "there's nothing wrong with him that a few drinks wouldn't cure." This statement comes from a man with high blood pressure and gout who claims he'll never grow old. Given his lifestyle, he may be right.
So, today we move my Dad's bookcase, pictures, file cabinet and clothing. He says he'll contact my siblings and his grandkids about any furniture they may want, otherwise it'll be left behind. His SUV is here and he knows he can drive anywhere anytime he chooses so he hasn't "lost all his freedom." Aside from my brother's behavior, it's the "slowing down, getting older" part that troubles him most. Sweetie and I are a few steps behind him in that department, so we're good company for one another. Together, the three of us will carry on.
In a day or so I'll post on my
Have a great day and keep prepping. Treesong
There is, of course, more to the story. While on a walk yesterday he said he had "to be honest" with me. "I've waited for two years for your brother to invite me to stay at the farm with him," he said. "It's not going to happen and I don't want to be alone any more."
Dad's always claimed he'd be carried out of his house feet first. Truth be told, he wanted to die at the farm where he raised us. My brother owns the place but is seldom there. As Dad said, his four day visit to the farm while "the ass" was home "was the most time he's spent with me in 25 years."
My brother is what I call a professional soldier. He takes assignments from various governments or US agencies; is gone for months on end, often not letting anyone know where; and seldom contacts Dad. He's a self-absorbed, arrogant jerk who has no patience for anyone who's no in "top form." An elderly, infirm man cramps his style. Dad said he did his best to "keep up with him" as he worked around the farm or shopped in town but finally realized he was "wearing himself out."
His son's life is all about getting drunk and impressing people. He throws big parties; buys dinner and rounds of drinks for 20 or more; and sits around drunk telling fascinating stories of his exploits. In the meantime his fourth wife dutifully carries out whatever "orders and instructions" he yells at her; manages the bill payments and projects he's commissioned; and cries with loneliness while he has multiple affairs.
It's a sad, pathetic life for both of them and my Father, who used to keep his son on a pedestal, has grown angry and weary. Remarkably, my brother saw no changes in Dad and told his wife, "there's nothing wrong with him that a few drinks wouldn't cure." This statement comes from a man with high blood pressure and gout who claims he'll never grow old. Given his lifestyle, he may be right.
So, today we move my Dad's bookcase, pictures, file cabinet and clothing. He says he'll contact my siblings and his grandkids about any furniture they may want, otherwise it'll be left behind. His SUV is here and he knows he can drive anywhere anytime he chooses so he hasn't "lost all his freedom." Aside from my brother's behavior, it's the "slowing down, getting older" part that troubles him most. Sweetie and I are a few steps behind him in that department, so we're good company for one another. Together, the three of us will carry on.
In a day or so I'll post on my
Living In La, La Landblog. We met with the township supervisor yesterday regarding the fence, the garbage and the general attitude of a few neighbors. It was an interesting meeting.
Have a great day and keep prepping. Treesong
Friday, April 9, 2010
And So the Day Begins
Sunny, windy, no snow and 32 degrees here today. Sweetie's gone to salvage some garage door panels and Dad's just getting up. I've read a few blogs and sent an email to a friend in Tuscon.
Still waiting for an email from the Township Supervisor about his arrival time this weekend. If history repeats itself, we could be waiting months. Looked back through my old emails and found I first contacted him on July 27, 2009. Snow was not covering the ground then as was his latest excuse for not showing up last November. In fact, we didn't have any snowfall until 9 days after I called him in November! But, I must remind myself I'm trying to communicate with a politician.
Speaking of them, Rep. Bart Stupak has announced his retirement. Now that he's done optimum damage guess there's greener pastures elsewhere.
The man who bought 34 acres to the north of us has stakes in the ground marking his future driveway and utility pole. On my morning walk I introduced myself as he was hauling trash off his land. Imagine that! Another property owner clearing debris from his property!!!! I invited him to stop by for coffee and said we'd be happy to show him the trash remaining on our land. That perked up his ears so we walked to his south boundary - our north line - and I pointed out the mess in the distance. From that line to the fence wreckers' place is 209 feet and without any leaves on the trees it's an interesting view, to say the least.
The poor guy said, "I walked all over my land early this spring and didn't see much trash." I said we'd done the same thing and learned NO ONE should look at snow covered land and make an offer.
So, I'm hopeful that we'll have one SANE neighbor. Time will tell.
Still waiting for an email from the Township Supervisor about his arrival time this weekend. If history repeats itself, we could be waiting months. Looked back through my old emails and found I first contacted him on July 27, 2009. Snow was not covering the ground then as was his latest excuse for not showing up last November. In fact, we didn't have any snowfall until 9 days after I called him in November! But, I must remind myself I'm trying to communicate with a politician.
Speaking of them, Rep. Bart Stupak has announced his retirement. Now that he's done optimum damage guess there's greener pastures elsewhere.
The man who bought 34 acres to the north of us has stakes in the ground marking his future driveway and utility pole. On my morning walk I introduced myself as he was hauling trash off his land. Imagine that! Another property owner clearing debris from his property!!!! I invited him to stop by for coffee and said we'd be happy to show him the trash remaining on our land. That perked up his ears so we walked to his south boundary - our north line - and I pointed out the mess in the distance. From that line to the fence wreckers' place is 209 feet and without any leaves on the trees it's an interesting view, to say the least.
The poor guy said, "I walked all over my land early this spring and didn't see much trash." I said we'd done the same thing and learned NO ONE should look at snow covered land and make an offer.
So, I'm hopeful that we'll have one SANE neighbor. Time will tell.
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
A Face Cord
Someone asked, so I'll answer.
A standard face cord measures 8 feet long by 4 feet high by 16 inches in depth. Three face cord equals one cord. The depth/length of the wood can be more or less than 16 inches and the price will reflect this. Most people use 16 inch pieces of fire wood. We are currently paying $45 per face cord for hard maple and oak and we pick it up nine miles from here. Our supplier is going to place a trailer beneath his wood processor conveyor & fill it to the brim. After measuring how many FACE cord it will fill (he estimates five) the price to unload the trailer (thus saving him the time of stacking cords of wood) will be $140 - a great savings to us.
Well gotta scoot. Sweetie has an opthamology appointment this morn.
A standard face cord measures 8 feet long by 4 feet high by 16 inches in depth. Three face cord equals one cord. The depth/length of the wood can be more or less than 16 inches and the price will reflect this. Most people use 16 inch pieces of fire wood. We are currently paying $45 per face cord for hard maple and oak and we pick it up nine miles from here. Our supplier is going to place a trailer beneath his wood processor conveyor & fill it to the brim. After measuring how many FACE cord it will fill (he estimates five) the price to unload the trailer (thus saving him the time of stacking cords of wood) will be $140 - a great savings to us.
Well gotta scoot. Sweetie has an opthamology appointment this morn.
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
Progress Today
After unloading and stacking two face cord of firewood, we gathered supplies and headed for the infamous fence line. Two hours later we had installed 200 feet of fence and changed our plans with regard to where we'll eventually install the gate. Uneven terrain, the guide wire from a utility pole and easier digging made the decision for us. For now we ran fence without leaving a gate opening. Sweetie said he'll frame the gate, insert the cedar posts, cut the fencing and tack it onto his gate frame.
Pontoon guy came outside while we were working but ignored us. When we were done fencing for today, Sweetie pulled into his yard and went inside to inquire about the pontoon. It had been for sale but has now sold. Thank God, as I consider it a piece of junk. Sweetie thought he'd use the pontoon as an opening to discuss moving the stuff off our lot line. The neighbor was not very talkative and after a quick cup of coffee we left.
To me, both men were avoiding the elephant in the room, so to speak. I felt both men were waiting for the other to say something about the fenceline. Sweetie said he'll "let him stew; he knows what we're doing." My take on the situation is: be direct. Say the stuff has to be moved within a week, then deal with his reaction. Sweetie doesn't confront directly because he wants to avoid a blow up - from both of them!
Once back at the house, I asked if we were going to fence all areas except the two neighbors who have junk on our land. He said since the one neighbor (who removed fence last fall) isn't here now, we'll install posts along his north/our south line, "so when he arrives he realizes he has to move his stuff." The man was told last fall he had to move stuff!
Avoidance at its best IMO. But Sweetie is the BOSS, so we'll see how well the BOSS's plan proceeds.
I'll leave it to you all to wonder what BOSS stands for.
Unfortunately, I have no pictures of our progress. The camera konked out.
Well time for chicken and rice casserole, salad and peach pie. Have a great day.
Pontoon guy came outside while we were working but ignored us. When we were done fencing for today, Sweetie pulled into his yard and went inside to inquire about the pontoon. It had been for sale but has now sold. Thank God, as I consider it a piece of junk. Sweetie thought he'd use the pontoon as an opening to discuss moving the stuff off our lot line. The neighbor was not very talkative and after a quick cup of coffee we left.
To me, both men were avoiding the elephant in the room, so to speak. I felt both men were waiting for the other to say something about the fenceline. Sweetie said he'll "let him stew; he knows what we're doing." My take on the situation is: be direct. Say the stuff has to be moved within a week, then deal with his reaction. Sweetie doesn't confront directly because he wants to avoid a blow up - from both of them!
Once back at the house, I asked if we were going to fence all areas except the two neighbors who have junk on our land. He said since the one neighbor (who removed fence last fall) isn't here now, we'll install posts along his north/our south line, "so when he arrives he realizes he has to move his stuff." The man was told last fall he had to move stuff!
Avoidance at its best IMO. But Sweetie is the BOSS, so we'll see how well the BOSS's plan proceeds.
I'll leave it to you all to wonder what BOSS stands for.
Unfortunately, I have no pictures of our progress. The camera konked out.
Well time for chicken and rice casserole, salad and peach pie. Have a great day.
Saturday, April 3, 2010
Residents of NJ City Claim Cops Worse Than Criminals
The story below is just one example of police corruption. Too bad we don't hear more about CONgressional corruption where the office holders are actually removed from their jobs, investigated and prosecuted.
CAMDEN, N.J. – Josephine Skinner's grandson Dequan was 11 or 12 years old a few summers ago when she says he had a run-in with a Camden police officer who neighbors claim terrorized them for years.
As the youth crossed the street to buy a soda at a store, she said Officer Jason Stetser — known on the streets as "Fat Face" — sprang from his cruiser.
"He grabbed my grandson and said he had $100 of stuff on him," Skinner said. "They tried to lock him up."
For years, residents say some police officers have bullied them in this impoverished city, making cases by planting drugs on suspects, falsifying police reports, and conducting searches without warrants. Now four officers, including Stetser, are being investigated by a federal grand jury.
And prosecutors say they've had to drop charges or vacate convictions in 185 criminal cases because of possibly corrupt police work — meaning scores of criminals could end up returning to drug-infested streets.
Another of Skinner's grandchildren, 15-year-old Artice Skinner, said he witnessed the episode between Stetser and Dequan and saw Stetser hold out his hand, overflowing with crack cocaine that the police officer said came from Dequan's pocket.
Skinner said Dequan was released after an aunt explained that he wasn't the neighborhood child police were looking for.
"The cops were more of a problem than the crime was," said Josephine Skinner.
Their Waterfront South neighborhood has breathed a little easier since November, when Stetser and at least three other officers were taken off the streets as authorities began their investigation.
Stetser's lawyer, Richard Madden, declined to comment.
Among those suspended was 29-year-old patrolman Kevin Parry. On March 19, he admitted in court that he stole drugs from some suspects, planted them on others, bribed prostitutes with drugs for information, conducted searches without warrants, lied on police reports and in testimony, and roughed up suspects. He acknowledged 50-70 acts of police misconduct from May 2007 to October 2009.
Residents say it was not uncommon for some officers to greet locals by punching them, using force to intimidate. The threat of criminal charges was the main police currency.
CAMDEN, N.J. – Josephine Skinner's grandson Dequan was 11 or 12 years old a few summers ago when she says he had a run-in with a Camden police officer who neighbors claim terrorized them for years.
As the youth crossed the street to buy a soda at a store, she said Officer Jason Stetser — known on the streets as "Fat Face" — sprang from his cruiser.
"He grabbed my grandson and said he had $100 of stuff on him," Skinner said. "They tried to lock him up."
For years, residents say some police officers have bullied them in this impoverished city, making cases by planting drugs on suspects, falsifying police reports, and conducting searches without warrants. Now four officers, including Stetser, are being investigated by a federal grand jury.
And prosecutors say they've had to drop charges or vacate convictions in 185 criminal cases because of possibly corrupt police work — meaning scores of criminals could end up returning to drug-infested streets.
Another of Skinner's grandchildren, 15-year-old Artice Skinner, said he witnessed the episode between Stetser and Dequan and saw Stetser hold out his hand, overflowing with crack cocaine that the police officer said came from Dequan's pocket.
Skinner said Dequan was released after an aunt explained that he wasn't the neighborhood child police were looking for.
"The cops were more of a problem than the crime was," said Josephine Skinner.
Their Waterfront South neighborhood has breathed a little easier since November, when Stetser and at least three other officers were taken off the streets as authorities began their investigation.
Stetser's lawyer, Richard Madden, declined to comment.
Among those suspended was 29-year-old patrolman Kevin Parry. On March 19, he admitted in court that he stole drugs from some suspects, planted them on others, bribed prostitutes with drugs for information, conducted searches without warrants, lied on police reports and in testimony, and roughed up suspects. He acknowledged 50-70 acts of police misconduct from May 2007 to October 2009.
Residents say it was not uncommon for some officers to greet locals by punching them, using force to intimidate. The threat of criminal charges was the main police currency.
Things I Saw Along The Way
It does a soul good to get out of Dodge once in awhile and see how others in the country are faring. Not that I didn't have a clue; but seeing is believing, as they say.
My route took me south on US41 to the Covington Junction, then east on M28 to Highway 117. From there it's a short hop south to US2, then east again to the Mackinaw Bridge. Thus far I saw little change but then my route was mainly rural. Baraga, Marquette, Munising and a few smaller towns had a couple more vacant storefronts and homes for sale. If I lived in one of these towns probably the changes would be more apparent.
Lower Michigan was another matter.
As I approached the bridge two cop cars were parked at the on-ramp. On the bridge, a cop was parked at each turn off on either side of the hill. Two more cops were parked at the first exit after the bridge. Either they were waiting for someone or having a Homeland Security exercise. I waved at the bridge camera after the toll booth on the St. Ignace side to acknowledge their watchful eye.
From the bridge it's an easy drive south on I-75 to Highway 127 which continues south toward Lansing. I exited west on Highway 46 toward Edmore. My destination was north of Ionia.
I've driven this route at least 90 times in 30 years so I notice "change." As expected, there were plenty of empty storefronts and partially completed building projects. Of note was a residential area east of 127 near Mt. Pleasant. "The American Dream" was lost in a sea of overgrown yards and vacant homes.
A much clearer picture of our economic decline continued west along Highway 46. Like I told Sweetie, it was a 22 mile yard sale. If I'd been driving the truck I could have chosen between pontoons, boats, motors, motorcycles, log splitters, mowers, tractors, balers, trucks, cars, golf carts, furniture, building materials, fencing, generators, books, clothing, knick knacks and appliances.
Driving around the Ionia area I saw much the same, though the vacant/foreclosed homes were most obvious. A megamansion south of Ionia on over 20 acres had recently been sold for about $260,000. It was rumored to have cost twice that to build. The swimming pool and fountain will require major work; the race track downhill from the house has weeds growing through the pavement; and whomever bought the place must believe their fortunes will fare better than the previous owners.
A friend from a neighboring town took a drive with me one day and we wound up counting empty homes while reminiscing about who lived where years ago. After 70 homes we stopped counting. It was too depressing. Ionia's downtown is nearly vacant and food pantries do a booming business.
The elderly friend I stayed with has her scanner on 24-7. Robberies, domestic disputes, property damage, road rage, driving without a licence, no insurance or plates, drug busts and alcohol induced fights are the norm. After listening to the scanner for two days I decided against taking an evening stroll through her neighborhood. On the third day a visitor asked me how it felt to "get out of the sticks." I said the "sticks" were safer and quieter. She said, "The quiet would drive me nuts." I told her it's a matter of what you're conditioned to: violence and noise or peace and quiet.
On my drive home I had plenty of time to reflect. It amazes me that I ever lived in a city, small town or even a crossroads with six houses. Ionia is a prison town so it attracts the families of prisoners. Add to the mix commercial farms who hire migrants and being located near the I-96 drug corridor and you have a volatile mix.
There are only four people who bring me back to that area and soon that number will dwindle. I'm thankful for the friendships and the memories for they're all that's left in a decaying area.
My route took me south on US41 to the Covington Junction, then east on M28 to Highway 117. From there it's a short hop south to US2, then east again to the Mackinaw Bridge. Thus far I saw little change but then my route was mainly rural. Baraga, Marquette, Munising and a few smaller towns had a couple more vacant storefronts and homes for sale. If I lived in one of these towns probably the changes would be more apparent.
Lower Michigan was another matter.
As I approached the bridge two cop cars were parked at the on-ramp. On the bridge, a cop was parked at each turn off on either side of the hill. Two more cops were parked at the first exit after the bridge. Either they were waiting for someone or having a Homeland Security exercise. I waved at the bridge camera after the toll booth on the St. Ignace side to acknowledge their watchful eye.
From the bridge it's an easy drive south on I-75 to Highway 127 which continues south toward Lansing. I exited west on Highway 46 toward Edmore. My destination was north of Ionia.
I've driven this route at least 90 times in 30 years so I notice "change." As expected, there were plenty of empty storefronts and partially completed building projects. Of note was a residential area east of 127 near Mt. Pleasant. "The American Dream" was lost in a sea of overgrown yards and vacant homes.
A much clearer picture of our economic decline continued west along Highway 46. Like I told Sweetie, it was a 22 mile yard sale. If I'd been driving the truck I could have chosen between pontoons, boats, motors, motorcycles, log splitters, mowers, tractors, balers, trucks, cars, golf carts, furniture, building materials, fencing, generators, books, clothing, knick knacks and appliances.
Driving around the Ionia area I saw much the same, though the vacant/foreclosed homes were most obvious. A megamansion south of Ionia on over 20 acres had recently been sold for about $260,000. It was rumored to have cost twice that to build. The swimming pool and fountain will require major work; the race track downhill from the house has weeds growing through the pavement; and whomever bought the place must believe their fortunes will fare better than the previous owners.
A friend from a neighboring town took a drive with me one day and we wound up counting empty homes while reminiscing about who lived where years ago. After 70 homes we stopped counting. It was too depressing. Ionia's downtown is nearly vacant and food pantries do a booming business.
The elderly friend I stayed with has her scanner on 24-7. Robberies, domestic disputes, property damage, road rage, driving without a licence, no insurance or plates, drug busts and alcohol induced fights are the norm. After listening to the scanner for two days I decided against taking an evening stroll through her neighborhood. On the third day a visitor asked me how it felt to "get out of the sticks." I said the "sticks" were safer and quieter. She said, "The quiet would drive me nuts." I told her it's a matter of what you're conditioned to: violence and noise or peace and quiet.
On my drive home I had plenty of time to reflect. It amazes me that I ever lived in a city, small town or even a crossroads with six houses. Ionia is a prison town so it attracts the families of prisoners. Add to the mix commercial farms who hire migrants and being located near the I-96 drug corridor and you have a volatile mix.
There are only four people who bring me back to that area and soon that number will dwindle. I'm thankful for the friendships and the memories for they're all that's left in a decaying area.
Friday, April 2, 2010
Home Again
Arrived home at 7 p.m. It was a long drive with frequent stops. Had lots of leg cramps and no sleep the previous night.
Tears me up to leave my elderly friend in the conditions she lives in. Imagine for a moment an elderly woman who's lost her sight, has a broken pelvis and is about a size 3, living alone with her dog that pees and poops on the floor. Imagine further that she receives frequent phone calls from people who profess to care about her but do very little for her. Her daughter and son-in-law (my ex) did drop off their garbage. Too much trouble for a GM retiree to pay for garbage pick up. The ex did took the dog outside while the daughter complained that the house stunk.
Her 80-year-old sister called screaming at her that she can no longer stay alone & ordered her to have me drop her off at her house. The sister and her husband are both dying of cancer, use wheelchairs and have an obese alcoholic son next door who sometimes helps them. So the situation is similar to hers.
I took her for two rides; the first time she's left the house in 8 weeks. I cleaned her stove top for an hour and a half and removed the burner handles so she has to rely on the microwave. I vacuumed, dusted, washed bedding and cleaned the frig. We read the instructions on TV dinners and glued pieces of foam to the microwave buttons that she needs to use - our version of braille.
I washed her hair, gave her a back rub and trimmed her finger and toe nails. The ex's former girlfriend is helpful but has issues - which my friend hears about daily. She was concerned I would take her place, wants the furniture arranged differently because "it would look better," and is a woman who has no friends. When we went for a ride she suggested we stop by. We didn't and that pissed her off. The next morning she called told my friend, "You are coming by today, aren't you?" My friend said she's wanted to show off her home. So we relented. Well...
I don't collect unicorns and Jimmy Johnson Nascar junk so I wasn't impressed. The small three bedroom ranch is cluttered with collections that overflow tables, china cabinets, buffets and bookshelves. I was claustrophobic and sat at her dining table thinking of all the money she'd wasted. According to my friend, her life is all about the price tag. Sure enough as we toured the house I heard, "I paid...for that. And that I got on sale for ..." She had just spent $1700 on a flat screen TV and ordered more unicorns. And of course, she complains about not having enough money.
Oh well.
My sister-in=law just texted to my computer. My brother and one sister are meeting Dad for breakfast. He's bringing his med minder in case he gets to stay with his son a few days. Sister-in-law says it's a pow-wow where Dad's being told he has to return home.
He and Sweetie picked his car up Tuesday & he drove himself to his doc appointments, then came home exhausted. He's trying hard to condition himself to prove he can be trusted to drive and be on his own. Then my other ex who lives here - the nurse who was fired for nearly killing a patient, the one I was married to when I cracked up - called to tell Dad he'll check on him daily at home, set up his meds and be sure he has "something to do every day" - a sly reference to us "not getting out much."
Oh well, again.
As far as we're concerned, we've done the best we can with Dad. He made the decision to stay the winter here. He was warm, safe, loved, fed, and the center of our attention. None of the family, except relatives downstate and my sister-in-law, are grateful he was here. The others focus on how terrible it must be to live in the sticks with two crazy people who prep.
Have to remember, opinions are like you know what and let it go.
Was nice to sleep in my own bed. Today I'll do laundry answer a stack of emails. Then we'll unload the car, organize preps and collapse for awhile.
Have a great day, Treesong
Tears me up to leave my elderly friend in the conditions she lives in. Imagine for a moment an elderly woman who's lost her sight, has a broken pelvis and is about a size 3, living alone with her dog that pees and poops on the floor. Imagine further that she receives frequent phone calls from people who profess to care about her but do very little for her. Her daughter and son-in-law (my ex) did drop off their garbage. Too much trouble for a GM retiree to pay for garbage pick up. The ex did took the dog outside while the daughter complained that the house stunk.
Her 80-year-old sister called screaming at her that she can no longer stay alone & ordered her to have me drop her off at her house. The sister and her husband are both dying of cancer, use wheelchairs and have an obese alcoholic son next door who sometimes helps them. So the situation is similar to hers.
I took her for two rides; the first time she's left the house in 8 weeks. I cleaned her stove top for an hour and a half and removed the burner handles so she has to rely on the microwave. I vacuumed, dusted, washed bedding and cleaned the frig. We read the instructions on TV dinners and glued pieces of foam to the microwave buttons that she needs to use - our version of braille.
I washed her hair, gave her a back rub and trimmed her finger and toe nails. The ex's former girlfriend is helpful but has issues - which my friend hears about daily. She was concerned I would take her place, wants the furniture arranged differently because "it would look better," and is a woman who has no friends. When we went for a ride she suggested we stop by. We didn't and that pissed her off. The next morning she called told my friend, "You are coming by today, aren't you?" My friend said she's wanted to show off her home. So we relented. Well...
I don't collect unicorns and Jimmy Johnson Nascar junk so I wasn't impressed. The small three bedroom ranch is cluttered with collections that overflow tables, china cabinets, buffets and bookshelves. I was claustrophobic and sat at her dining table thinking of all the money she'd wasted. According to my friend, her life is all about the price tag. Sure enough as we toured the house I heard, "I paid...for that. And that I got on sale for ..." She had just spent $1700 on a flat screen TV and ordered more unicorns. And of course, she complains about not having enough money.
Oh well.
My sister-in=law just texted to my computer. My brother and one sister are meeting Dad for breakfast. He's bringing his med minder in case he gets to stay with his son a few days. Sister-in-law says it's a pow-wow where Dad's being told he has to return home.
He and Sweetie picked his car up Tuesday & he drove himself to his doc appointments, then came home exhausted. He's trying hard to condition himself to prove he can be trusted to drive and be on his own. Then my other ex who lives here - the nurse who was fired for nearly killing a patient, the one I was married to when I cracked up - called to tell Dad he'll check on him daily at home, set up his meds and be sure he has "something to do every day" - a sly reference to us "not getting out much."
Oh well, again.
As far as we're concerned, we've done the best we can with Dad. He made the decision to stay the winter here. He was warm, safe, loved, fed, and the center of our attention. None of the family, except relatives downstate and my sister-in-law, are grateful he was here. The others focus on how terrible it must be to live in the sticks with two crazy people who prep.
Have to remember, opinions are like you know what and let it go.
Was nice to sleep in my own bed. Today I'll do laundry answer a stack of emails. Then we'll unload the car, organize preps and collapse for awhile.
Have a great day, Treesong
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
I'm Downstate
I left home at 3 a.m. Sunday to drive to Ionia County to stay a couple days with my elderly friend. Arrived at her home at 12:30 p.m. Sunday.
Now I don't have to imagine what her living conditions are. I can see them for myself. Needless to say I've been busy cleaning. We've been out for a couple drives and today I took her to the cemetery to place artificial lilies on her husband's grave.
I know I've mentioned my friend before here. Got to meet the woman who's been stopping by and checking on her - my ex-husband's former girlfriend. So we all had a nice visit and laughed about how his ex wife and ex girlfriend are the ones who bother to help her out. Oh well.
Feel so fortunate to have stayed with her a few days, reminiscing and laughing and wishing to time wouldn't go by so fast. She has an opthamologist appointment next Tuesday & we're all hoping he can do something to restore at least some of her sight.
I head home tomorrow, stopping first at our old home to pick up a few things Sweetie had left behind. Have called home twice a day and thus far all is well. My Dad has his SUV at our home now and has decided to save my brother the dilemma of coming to our home to pick him up for a visit. Of course, we're all waiting to see if a visit is forthcoming.
Went into Save-a-Lot and filled a cart twice with cases of food. Had to stack it all on the back seat to save room for the stuff I'm picking up tomorrow. Great to pay 39-69 cents for canned veggies, etc. instead of 89-$1.39.
Well, have to scoot. Computer time at the library here is almost up. Treesong
Now I don't have to imagine what her living conditions are. I can see them for myself. Needless to say I've been busy cleaning. We've been out for a couple drives and today I took her to the cemetery to place artificial lilies on her husband's grave.
I know I've mentioned my friend before here. Got to meet the woman who's been stopping by and checking on her - my ex-husband's former girlfriend. So we all had a nice visit and laughed about how his ex wife and ex girlfriend are the ones who bother to help her out. Oh well.
Feel so fortunate to have stayed with her a few days, reminiscing and laughing and wishing to time wouldn't go by so fast. She has an opthamologist appointment next Tuesday & we're all hoping he can do something to restore at least some of her sight.
I head home tomorrow, stopping first at our old home to pick up a few things Sweetie had left behind. Have called home twice a day and thus far all is well. My Dad has his SUV at our home now and has decided to save my brother the dilemma of coming to our home to pick him up for a visit. Of course, we're all waiting to see if a visit is forthcoming.
Went into Save-a-Lot and filled a cart twice with cases of food. Had to stack it all on the back seat to save room for the stuff I'm picking up tomorrow. Great to pay 39-69 cents for canned veggies, etc. instead of 89-$1.39.
Well, have to scoot. Computer time at the library here is almost up. Treesong
Thursday, March 25, 2010
I Will Not Apologize
If someone doesn't like me, no matter their reason, fine. If anyone expects me to apologize for who I am, what I believe, how I live or any other reason that "troubles" them, forget it.
I am who I am. I don't covet the latest fad; nor do I agree with "going along to get along." I don't let intimidation instill fear in me and the condemnation of others is simply their attempt to feel better about their own pathetic lives.
You do know the old saying about opinions, don't you?
So my fathers' only son and a few other judgemental jerks can get take their opinions elsewhere. Surely there are plenty of insecure people who interpret your holier than though persona's as love and acceptance. Seek them out because once again you need to prop up your fragile psych.
I am who I am. I don't covet the latest fad; nor do I agree with "going along to get along." I don't let intimidation instill fear in me and the condemnation of others is simply their attempt to feel better about their own pathetic lives.
You do know the old saying about opinions, don't you?
So my fathers' only son and a few other judgemental jerks can get take their opinions elsewhere. Surely there are plenty of insecure people who interpret your holier than though persona's as love and acceptance. Seek them out because once again you need to prop up your fragile psych.
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Please Check My Profile
The link to my new blog is contained within my profile.
Otherwise, I'm taking the day off. Have some concerns with my father and work to do around here. Keep Prepping!
Otherwise, I'm taking the day off. Have some concerns with my father and work to do around here. Keep Prepping!
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Survival Isn't Mandatory
"It is not necessary to change. Survival is not mandatory." - W. Edwards Deming
When I read this statement two concurrent thoughts kept competing for my attention.
One interpretation was: It's not necessary to accept the "Change" promised by Obama because, despite increased government intervention and mandates, your survival isn't mandatory.
Or, it could be interpreted as: It's not necessary to change with every government intervention into my private affairs because I know that survival of the powers that be is not mandatory - though the PTB thinks so.
Either I choose to take care of myself to the best of your ability while resisting government intrusion or I become a co-dependent, delusional, trusting individual who willingly follows the dictates of fear-mongering, lying, criminal morons who think they know what's best for me.
The choice is obvious.
And this thought goes right along with the following statement:
"Five percent of the people think; ten percent of the people think they think; and the other eighty-five percent would rather die than think." - Thomas A. Edison
I'm a five percenter. How about you?
When I read this statement two concurrent thoughts kept competing for my attention.
One interpretation was: It's not necessary to accept the "Change" promised by Obama because, despite increased government intervention and mandates, your survival isn't mandatory.
Or, it could be interpreted as: It's not necessary to change with every government intervention into my private affairs because I know that survival of the powers that be is not mandatory - though the PTB thinks so.
Either I choose to take care of myself to the best of your ability while resisting government intrusion or I become a co-dependent, delusional, trusting individual who willingly follows the dictates of fear-mongering, lying, criminal morons who think they know what's best for me.
The choice is obvious.
And this thought goes right along with the following statement:
"Five percent of the people think; ten percent of the people think they think; and the other eighty-five percent would rather die than think." - Thomas A. Edison
I'm a five percenter. How about you?
Monday, March 22, 2010
I Was Thinking...
A friend who reads my blog says I ought to write another blog called "Living In La-La Land." There is MUCH I don't mention here and she claims the entertainment value alone would be worth my effort. Personnally, I think it would be good therapy for me. Better than going ballistic and knocking a few heads together or destroying THEIR property.
So in a short time "Living In La, La Land" will make it's debut.
So in a short time "Living In La, La Land" will make it's debut.
The First Load of Posts!
Other than seeing my beloved Sweetie, there's no better sight than the first load of cedar fence posts - at $1.50 each! Due to the terrain, we're using a mix of cedar and steel T-posts. Cedar for all the corners and as a blockade in two areas where steel posts were pushed down.
And to clarify, the neighbor who wound up in the mental ward DOES NOT have land adjoining us. However, it would be nice if the two neighbors who are jerks on our property line become fellow ward mates. ONE of them previously spent a few days there so there's always hope.
Well, it's time to help unload, do laundry, carry in firewood - temps in the mid 20's here at night - and fix supper. Have a great day. I'm feeling pumped because this is the first step toward progress!!! And I love to see progress around here. Yahoooo!!!!
Insomnia, Confusion & Zombies
No one in this house had a peaceful, restful night's sleep. About 2 a.m. someone in the neighborhood behind us started yelling. Soon after tires were squealing and I heard a crash. Probably a smashed fender and an arguement between drunken lovebirds. Don't know for sure and I'm not going to investigate.
Next thing I knew Dad was up wandering around asking why I hadn't put his cat outside. Told him it doesn't go out until 8 a.m. and he promptly told me I didn't know poop. Then he turned around, got back in bed and asked me to cover him up. "And please stop making so much noise," he said as I left his room.
He was awake again about 4 a.m. asking for sugar free cough drops and coffee! He forgot his request after using the bathroom but was awake again at 6:40 a.m. After eating a banana he said he'd had a rough night and planned to "sleep all day."
No sooner had he climbed back in bed then there was a loud knock at the door. Scared me because it's rare we have visitors, especially at that hour. It was still dark so I turned the outside light on but saw no one. I stepped away from the door and heard a knock again. This time I went to a window to look at the front steps. On the ground was a man, stumbling around, knocking on the deck. I saw no car so I opened the window to ask what he wanted. "A damn drink would be nice!" he shouted. Took about two seconds to realize it was the jerk next door - our pontoon boat trespasser. I woke Sweetie up and told him to deal with the guy.
One thing you don't want to do is wake Sweetie from a sound sleep! First thing he did was accuse me of "hearing things," followed by stomping his feet down the hall and yelling about no coffee being made. When he heard pounding on the door he asked,"what the hell is that?" Then Dad's standing in the hall yelling about the noise. I calm him down, Sweetie opens the door and yells at the neighbor who stumbles down the driveway. With the commotion over, Sweetie heads for the bedrooom and tells me he's going to "sleep all day!" At least two people in this house have the same idea!
Like I said, whoever thought life in the country was boring and we're weird has no idea what they're talking about.
Next thing I knew Dad was up wandering around asking why I hadn't put his cat outside. Told him it doesn't go out until 8 a.m. and he promptly told me I didn't know poop. Then he turned around, got back in bed and asked me to cover him up. "And please stop making so much noise," he said as I left his room.
He was awake again about 4 a.m. asking for sugar free cough drops and coffee! He forgot his request after using the bathroom but was awake again at 6:40 a.m. After eating a banana he said he'd had a rough night and planned to "sleep all day."
No sooner had he climbed back in bed then there was a loud knock at the door. Scared me because it's rare we have visitors, especially at that hour. It was still dark so I turned the outside light on but saw no one. I stepped away from the door and heard a knock again. This time I went to a window to look at the front steps. On the ground was a man, stumbling around, knocking on the deck. I saw no car so I opened the window to ask what he wanted. "A damn drink would be nice!" he shouted. Took about two seconds to realize it was the jerk next door - our pontoon boat trespasser. I woke Sweetie up and told him to deal with the guy.
One thing you don't want to do is wake Sweetie from a sound sleep! First thing he did was accuse me of "hearing things," followed by stomping his feet down the hall and yelling about no coffee being made. When he heard pounding on the door he asked,"what the hell is that?" Then Dad's standing in the hall yelling about the noise. I calm him down, Sweetie opens the door and yells at the neighbor who stumbles down the driveway. With the commotion over, Sweetie heads for the bedrooom and tells me he's going to "sleep all day!" At least two people in this house have the same idea!
Like I said, whoever thought life in the country was boring and we're weird has no idea what they're talking about.
Sunday, March 21, 2010
Prophetic Words
Twice in the past week - during moments of frustration with the neighbors - I said: "Maybe the only way things will change around here, aside from us leaving, is if they all either move, drop dead or become disabled!"
Today, while working on the ceramic tile, my son says: "You guys hear about your neighbor?" No and which neighbor, we asked.
Wednesday, the man who's an arrogant jerk but doesn't have property adjoining ours, tried to kill himself. Seems his bartender girlfriend wasn't interested in being amorous so he drove home 10 miles - after drinking for 8 hours - swallowed a bottle of sleeping pills and texted her: "See you in the next life."
She never read the text until the next morning at which time she called 911. According to our source, 911 and the cops have had plenty of experience with him. Anyway, they found him with a faint pulse, rushed him to the hospital in time to put a vent in him and them took his blood alcohol level - 2.04. Yesterday he was vent free so they shipped him to a hospital Mental ward. Today was his birthday and he wanted to party. The staff had other plans so he tore apart a room and knocked a cop out who'd been summoned to help handle his efforts to leave.
After my son left Dad and I took a walk. The ambulance was at an elderly neighbor's. He'd fallen and couldn't get up. Sadly, he's also an alcoholic who drinks every day. Last week we were told he was diagnosed with cirrhosis of the liver.
This makes two out of six full time residents who are not doing well. They guy with the pontoon boat parked on our land kicked his girlfriend out and has been banned from the country bar. Last year about this time, he too was in a mental ward. He'd barricading himself in his house after he ran out of drugs and booze. His ex-wife refused to return and his disability case for mental problems had not yet been awarded.
That leaves us, another elderly man who was wild until he had a stroke, and a neighbor about 10 years younger than me who I grew up with. This man suffered a head injury in an accident and sometimes repeats himself but seem to otherwise does well. He has three rental homes in town, does woodwork, guides fishermen and hunters and built a log cabin here for a rental.
And people think it's boring in the country and we're the weirdos? Hmmmm...
Today, while working on the ceramic tile, my son says: "You guys hear about your neighbor?" No and which neighbor, we asked.
Wednesday, the man who's an arrogant jerk but doesn't have property adjoining ours, tried to kill himself. Seems his bartender girlfriend wasn't interested in being amorous so he drove home 10 miles - after drinking for 8 hours - swallowed a bottle of sleeping pills and texted her: "See you in the next life."
She never read the text until the next morning at which time she called 911. According to our source, 911 and the cops have had plenty of experience with him. Anyway, they found him with a faint pulse, rushed him to the hospital in time to put a vent in him and them took his blood alcohol level - 2.04. Yesterday he was vent free so they shipped him to a hospital Mental ward. Today was his birthday and he wanted to party. The staff had other plans so he tore apart a room and knocked a cop out who'd been summoned to help handle his efforts to leave.
After my son left Dad and I took a walk. The ambulance was at an elderly neighbor's. He'd fallen and couldn't get up. Sadly, he's also an alcoholic who drinks every day. Last week we were told he was diagnosed with cirrhosis of the liver.
This makes two out of six full time residents who are not doing well. They guy with the pontoon boat parked on our land kicked his girlfriend out and has been banned from the country bar. Last year about this time, he too was in a mental ward. He'd barricading himself in his house after he ran out of drugs and booze. His ex-wife refused to return and his disability case for mental problems had not yet been awarded.
That leaves us, another elderly man who was wild until he had a stroke, and a neighbor about 10 years younger than me who I grew up with. This man suffered a head injury in an accident and sometimes repeats himself but seem to otherwise does well. He has three rental homes in town, does woodwork, guides fishermen and hunters and built a log cabin here for a rental.
And people think it's boring in the country and we're the weirdos? Hmmmm...
Saturday, March 20, 2010
Comments Regarding Our Fence Line
I appreciate the comments regarding our fence line. Just to fill you all in - the BOTTOM photo shows the survey stake and the junk beyond it. The peach colored building on the left is part of the owner's camp. The building to it's right is his shed. Our property line goes THROUGH his outbuilding. Everything to the right of the building needs to be moved - one way or another. The TOP photo shows the survey stake of another owner and everything to the right is over our line - pontoon boat, snowmobiles, sheds, bed spring, trash, etc.
We stuck metal fence posts in the ground about every 50 feet last fall and ran a nylon line along the entire 1320 feet of our south line. Every 15-20 feet we tied orange plastic flagging tape on the line. We thought this would get everyone used to where the line was.
The south line is not a straight 1320 feet; it travels straight for about 750 feet before making a series of turns around adjoining lots. Picture a rectangle that on one end has a few "bites" into it along the 1320 foot side.
The lot owners have been respectful until the last 188 feet (where the pontoon boat is)before our first turn. Everything from that point on rankles the owners who have stuff piled well over the line. In the neighborhood they're the biggest trouble makers, litterbugs, drunks, fighters and just plain stubborn people. The guy we bought this place from was one of their good buddies. So the three families had long standing "traditions" that we have now "ruined" in their opinions.
Five owners within this 40-acre plat have had their lots surveyed. There are 75 lots within the plat and about 25 structures. We own four lots and all the acreage on the north and east sides that was never developed into lots.
According to a neighbor, most owners "assumed they knew where their lines were and haven't been willing to spend the money to know for sure." So along we come and basically put ONE THIRD of the neighborhood "on notice."
Three of the six full time residents have no problem with the survey. One full time and one part time resident who's lots adjoin us aren't happy and you can see why. A third full time resident, who lives on the second trail into the lots, is tolerated by most people. He claims we're acting like "big city nerds" for having our land surveyed.
After we bought the place people said they were glad to see it "get cleaned up" and warned us we'd have trouble from the two owners giving us headaches.
The nylon line and posts we installed last year were removed from nearly half the south line! The materials were thown into the woods and some are missing entirely. Trash, targets and arrows now litter MORE of our land than last year.
In other words, the disgruntled owners damaged our property and basically communicated f.y. A complaint was filed regarding this but no formal charges were pursued because both men are known as "loose cannons." A visit from the township supervisor and his recommendation was noted in my previous post.
So, yes, we'd love to be on good terms with everyone but they make the situation tenuous at best.
The Lines Are Drawm
If you've read this blog for any length of time you know we had our land surveyed - so the neighbors would know for certain where their boundaries are. And, as stated before, a few aren't too happy about it. Well, the time has come to pick up 1320 feet of fencing, cedar posts for the corners and T-posts for the straight runs. With luck this will be done by next weekend. In the meantime, I've been out cutting brush and snipping away at tag alder shoots. The neighbors behind us who winter in Texas have not arrived yet, which is just as well, because by the time he does the plan is to have the fence erected and his crap moved back onto his land.
That's the plan, and you know how plans go...
I've decided to make copies of the survey, place them in plastic protective covers and tack a few on some posts along the fence line - along with NO TRESPASSING/NO HUNTING signs. Maybe, and that's a big maybe, the jerks will get the message. If not, it's war.
While brushing the line behind us, I discovered the neighbor had set up a series of targets in a new location 50 feet inside our line. Broken targets and bows were embedded in the ground so I cleaned up the mess and dropped it all at his doorstep. His son's name was recently in the paper for assault and property damage so I suspect they fell from the same tree. Times will get interesting, for sure.
The spaghetti spined Township Supervisor (who is a cop) says we'll "have to tread lightly with him." In other words he knows he's a drunken powder keg who thinks he can get away with anything. And, thanks to our beloved supervisor, he has thus far.
Well, I'm gonna get dressed and continue brushing. In the meantime Sweetie is awaiting my son's arrival. If he shows, the ceramic tile may be completed today.
It's about 25 degrees here today with a lake breeze. Good working weather. We counted snowflakes during our walk yesterday and that was the extent of our traditional St. Patty's Day storm. Just in case, the shovels are still outside and the winter clothes have not been packed away!
That's the plan, and you know how plans go...
I've decided to make copies of the survey, place them in plastic protective covers and tack a few on some posts along the fence line - along with NO TRESPASSING/NO HUNTING signs. Maybe, and that's a big maybe, the jerks will get the message. If not, it's war.
While brushing the line behind us, I discovered the neighbor had set up a series of targets in a new location 50 feet inside our line. Broken targets and bows were embedded in the ground so I cleaned up the mess and dropped it all at his doorstep. His son's name was recently in the paper for assault and property damage so I suspect they fell from the same tree. Times will get interesting, for sure.
The spaghetti spined Township Supervisor (who is a cop) says we'll "have to tread lightly with him." In other words he knows he's a drunken powder keg who thinks he can get away with anything. And, thanks to our beloved supervisor, he has thus far.
Well, I'm gonna get dressed and continue brushing. In the meantime Sweetie is awaiting my son's arrival. If he shows, the ceramic tile may be completed today.
It's about 25 degrees here today with a lake breeze. Good working weather. We counted snowflakes during our walk yesterday and that was the extent of our traditional St. Patty's Day storm. Just in case, the shovels are still outside and the winter clothes have not been packed away!
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
Jerking Government's Chain
Sweetie's son has been awarded Social Security disability. What a crock he went through to get it - since having his leg amputated - and a further travesty he's endured to receive a damn cent! Twenty six months after filing for disability, he went before a judge! The judge said: as of today you are awarded full social security disability benefits including Medicare." He then asked him if he had been on Medicaid during all this waiting period. "Yes, you honor. For three months, then I was kicked off." The judge nearly had a coronary and told him, "As of today you also qualify for Medicaid and you let me know if there's anymore waiting."
Kind of remarkable to hear from the bench. Well, fast forward three months. Today, he received his Medicaid card. In the meantime he has talked with Social Security numerous times by phone and in person and had two formal appointments with them but still no check. In fact, the bastards won't even tell him how much his monthly check will be. Nor will they tell him the amount of his back pay. Ludicrous, plain ludicrous. When he asks why they won't give him any pertinent information he's told, "I'm not allowed to release that information."
Then the census taker knocked on the door. He asked me to verify our address. I said, "look on the mailbox or the green post out there with the 911 address." The guy didn't think it was funny and repeated the question. I said, "If you can't read the address how did you manage to get a job with the census?" He commenced to explain the penalty for not cooperating. Well, I gotta tell you. Any idiot who knocks on my door before I've had my morning cup of coffee and wants me to answer an asinine question or fill in a form needs a wake up call. "Tell you what, come back when the owner's here," I said. "I don't know a thing. Besides, I could be a squatter and the owner could be buried in the back yard for all you know." Poor guy looked like he wanted to walk backwards very carefully. I smiled, told him to have a nice day, and shut the door. He walked back down the driveway, sat in his car awhile and kept trying to get cell phone reception. After about 10 minutes he left. Maybe that cop car with the spotlight will be paying me another visit!
Later it occurred to me, I was never counted in the last census. Never filled out a form, never had a visit, never, never, never. And look how well our government continues to pillage the country? Little old me not being included didn't change a damn thing.
Kind of remarkable to hear from the bench. Well, fast forward three months. Today, he received his Medicaid card. In the meantime he has talked with Social Security numerous times by phone and in person and had two formal appointments with them but still no check. In fact, the bastards won't even tell him how much his monthly check will be. Nor will they tell him the amount of his back pay. Ludicrous, plain ludicrous. When he asks why they won't give him any pertinent information he's told, "I'm not allowed to release that information."
Then the census taker knocked on the door. He asked me to verify our address. I said, "look on the mailbox or the green post out there with the 911 address." The guy didn't think it was funny and repeated the question. I said, "If you can't read the address how did you manage to get a job with the census?" He commenced to explain the penalty for not cooperating. Well, I gotta tell you. Any idiot who knocks on my door before I've had my morning cup of coffee and wants me to answer an asinine question or fill in a form needs a wake up call. "Tell you what, come back when the owner's here," I said. "I don't know a thing. Besides, I could be a squatter and the owner could be buried in the back yard for all you know." Poor guy looked like he wanted to walk backwards very carefully. I smiled, told him to have a nice day, and shut the door. He walked back down the driveway, sat in his car awhile and kept trying to get cell phone reception. After about 10 minutes he left. Maybe that cop car with the spotlight will be paying me another visit!
Later it occurred to me, I was never counted in the last census. Never filled out a form, never had a visit, never, never, never. And look how well our government continues to pillage the country? Little old me not being included didn't change a damn thing.
Sunday, March 14, 2010
Maxine's View Of Health Care
Y'all are familiar with the cartoon Maxine, right? This is her view of health care. Let me get this straight......we're trying to pass a health care plan written by a committee whose chairman says he doesn't understand it, passed by a Congress that hasn't read it but exempts themselves from it, to be signed by a president that also hasn't read it and who smokes, with funding administered by a treasury chief who didn't pay his taxes, all to be overseen by a surgeon general who is obese, and financed by a country that's broke.
What the hell could possibly go wrong?
What the hell could possibly go wrong?
News From Here
The last few days have been interesting to say the least.
Sweetie and I actually had a date night! Drove about 6 miles to Gay to watch the sled dogs arrive at their first checkpoint. This was the inaugural run for the CopperDog150 and despite mid-40 temps and intermittent rain the race continued. Snow was hauled into Calumet's 5th Street where the race began and plenty of shovelers were on hand near Gay to keep snow on the trail as it crossed the bare road. Yooper perseverance at its best!
Yesterday we had our St. Patty's day dinner. In all my years I've never cooked a better corned beef brisket. Melted in our mouths and left me feeling grateful I'd bought and cooked TWO. Today we'll feast on Reuben sandwiches, peach pie and ice cream.
My oldest son paid us a visit yesterday, so the day was extra nice. He whooped my Dad at cribbage and promised to finish the ceramic tile in our hall and above the wood stove today. So, here I sit waiting to she if he'll call for a ride. He's the son without a license who manages to travel like a saleman!
The weirdest thing to occur was my trip home last night after bringing my son home. As I approached the turn for our road an oncoming car slowed down. I thought to myself: "Either it's a drunk, some one's lost or a deer has crossed the road." No. It was a Michigan State trooper who shined a spotlight on my car! I stopped, rolled the window down and he asked who I was, where I lived and where I was going.
Now, if you know me at all, you know those questions got my dander up. I'm thinking: "I don't like his attitude and I'm not under arrest. Therefore, I'm not answering!" Instead I said, "There's nothing wrong here officer. I'm turning here and heading home." And that's exactly what I did!
He turned around too and came about 300 feet down the road. Whether he'd run my license plate I don't know. We live one mile down the road and five minutes later he raced by with his spotlight on. Maybe he'd had a call about a domestic dispute or an altercation of some kind, I don't know. We watched for more than an hour but never saw him return. So that means the two track along Lake Superior is open and he circled around or - he was on a call for several hours.
Maybe he was searching for some dangerous criminal but, his line of questioning left me feeling like I'd met the Gestapo. It's rare that I'm out after dark and stranger still to see any patrol cars out here. The previous night we'd been to the sled dog race in Gay, where hundreds of people gathered, and never saw any cops!
Sweetie and I actually had a date night! Drove about 6 miles to Gay to watch the sled dogs arrive at their first checkpoint. This was the inaugural run for the CopperDog150 and despite mid-40 temps and intermittent rain the race continued. Snow was hauled into Calumet's 5th Street where the race began and plenty of shovelers were on hand near Gay to keep snow on the trail as it crossed the bare road. Yooper perseverance at its best!
Yesterday we had our St. Patty's day dinner. In all my years I've never cooked a better corned beef brisket. Melted in our mouths and left me feeling grateful I'd bought and cooked TWO. Today we'll feast on Reuben sandwiches, peach pie and ice cream.
My oldest son paid us a visit yesterday, so the day was extra nice. He whooped my Dad at cribbage and promised to finish the ceramic tile in our hall and above the wood stove today. So, here I sit waiting to she if he'll call for a ride. He's the son without a license who manages to travel like a saleman!
The weirdest thing to occur was my trip home last night after bringing my son home. As I approached the turn for our road an oncoming car slowed down. I thought to myself: "Either it's a drunk, some one's lost or a deer has crossed the road." No. It was a Michigan State trooper who shined a spotlight on my car! I stopped, rolled the window down and he asked who I was, where I lived and where I was going.
Now, if you know me at all, you know those questions got my dander up. I'm thinking: "I don't like his attitude and I'm not under arrest. Therefore, I'm not answering!" Instead I said, "There's nothing wrong here officer. I'm turning here and heading home." And that's exactly what I did!
He turned around too and came about 300 feet down the road. Whether he'd run my license plate I don't know. We live one mile down the road and five minutes later he raced by with his spotlight on. Maybe he'd had a call about a domestic dispute or an altercation of some kind, I don't know. We watched for more than an hour but never saw him return. So that means the two track along Lake Superior is open and he circled around or - he was on a call for several hours.
Maybe he was searching for some dangerous criminal but, his line of questioning left me feeling like I'd met the Gestapo. It's rare that I'm out after dark and stranger still to see any patrol cars out here. The previous night we'd been to the sled dog race in Gay, where hundreds of people gathered, and never saw any cops!
Friday, March 12, 2010
DofE Wants Shotguns?
Now doesn't this just leave you with a warm, fuzzy feeling?
March 11, 2010 (CHICAGO) (WLS) -- A week from Monday, a shipment of combat-ready shotguns is due to arrive in Chicago, destined for what would seem to be an unlikely recipient: the United States Department of Education.
ABC7 investigative reporter Chuck Goudie has learned the details of an unusual gun order.
On Monday, the US Department of Education began soliciting bids, not for books or laptops, but for guns, Remington shotguns decked out with all the combat trimmings, such as short barrels for concealment and modified sights.
Why would the department of education need guns? That is what the I-Team wanted to know.
The guns are to arrive in Chicago west of the Loop on Monday, March 22, in the 14th floor offices of the US Department of Education inspector general.
According to the bid solicitation, the department is purchasing 27 Remington Model 870 pump-action shotguns with 14-inch modified choke barrels. They are custom-made for law enforcement and have shorter barrels than required for purchase by private citizens.
The Remington shotgun being purchased by the education department is intended to replace an older, malfunctioning arsenal, according to officials, and would have to be compatible with existing combat armor.
The I-Team called US Education Secretary Arne Duncan Thursday afternoon to find out why his inspector general's office requires guns at all. Duncan, who previously ran the Chicago Public Schools, referred questions to the inspector general's office.
In an e-mail, a spokesperson told the I-Team that their special agents work waste and fraud cases involving education funds and programs, and they have full law enforcement authority and training, and they sometimes conduct search warrants and make arrests.
The shotguns are expected to arrive at the loading dock in 10 days and are being shipped to Chicago because this is where the education department's firearm's inventory manager is located.
And so, as the anticipated $35,000 gun purchase is in the federal pipeline, the I-team asked federal officials when the last time was that an education department inspector general employee actually fired a weapon in the line of duty. A spokesperson said, "in our history, we have been fortunate that our agents have *not* had to discharge their firearms in the line of duty."
She added, "please know that in the course of our work, we have arrested individuals with violent criminal histories, including violence against law enforcement officers."
(Copyright ©2010 WLS-TV/DT. All Rights Reserved.)
March 11, 2010 (CHICAGO) (WLS) -- A week from Monday, a shipment of combat-ready shotguns is due to arrive in Chicago, destined for what would seem to be an unlikely recipient: the United States Department of Education.
ABC7 investigative reporter Chuck Goudie has learned the details of an unusual gun order.
On Monday, the US Department of Education began soliciting bids, not for books or laptops, but for guns, Remington shotguns decked out with all the combat trimmings, such as short barrels for concealment and modified sights.
Why would the department of education need guns? That is what the I-Team wanted to know.
The guns are to arrive in Chicago west of the Loop on Monday, March 22, in the 14th floor offices of the US Department of Education inspector general.
According to the bid solicitation, the department is purchasing 27 Remington Model 870 pump-action shotguns with 14-inch modified choke barrels. They are custom-made for law enforcement and have shorter barrels than required for purchase by private citizens.
The Remington shotgun being purchased by the education department is intended to replace an older, malfunctioning arsenal, according to officials, and would have to be compatible with existing combat armor.
The I-Team called US Education Secretary Arne Duncan Thursday afternoon to find out why his inspector general's office requires guns at all. Duncan, who previously ran the Chicago Public Schools, referred questions to the inspector general's office.
In an e-mail, a spokesperson told the I-Team that their special agents work waste and fraud cases involving education funds and programs, and they have full law enforcement authority and training, and they sometimes conduct search warrants and make arrests.
The shotguns are expected to arrive at the loading dock in 10 days and are being shipped to Chicago because this is where the education department's firearm's inventory manager is located.
And so, as the anticipated $35,000 gun purchase is in the federal pipeline, the I-team asked federal officials when the last time was that an education department inspector general employee actually fired a weapon in the line of duty. A spokesperson said, "in our history, we have been fortunate that our agents have *not* had to discharge their firearms in the line of duty."
She added, "please know that in the course of our work, we have arrested individuals with violent criminal histories, including violence against law enforcement officers."
(Copyright ©2010 WLS-TV/DT. All Rights Reserved.)
Monday, March 8, 2010
Little By Little
Little by little we either add to our preps or pay the cost of not doing so. Either we refrain from buying trinkets or gaze at them with disdain when we're hungry or can't pay the electric bill.
I've never heard of anyone eating the $19.95 gizmo they ordered off late night TV. Have you? Likewise, anyone who thinks a pot cover that acts as a strainer is a great investment has as many holes in their head as the cover. And how about that gizmo that cracks eggs in half? Don't people realize that a little egg shell adds calcium to their diet? Sheez...
Little by little, people continue to believe the gossip, innuendo, false promises and reassurances from the FDIC or any other alphabet agency. Like hell your money's insured. Just how can they claim it's insured when there aren't enough funds to cover the total deposits? But, I forgot, the FDIC is run like any other insurance scam. An amount is paid in, some claims are paid, others are denied, and the bulk of YOUR money goes to the officers, shareholders and annual junkets to warm climates. Recently the FDIC admitted it hasn't enough greenbacks. The fee banks must pay the FDIC was raised and collected well in advance. Trouble is, they're still broke. Sounds familiar.
Little by little more regulations are imposed, more people are hired to administer them and more people live their lives unaware of how many laws they've broke that day. The time will come when the only people employed are working for the government. The rest of us will be either dead, dying or enslaved. I never used to think to that extreme but lately I'm convinced it's the natural extension of today's world. The question is: will the masses revolt before life reaches that point? Personally, I don't think so. There will be skirmishes for sure, but overall, the populace is too fat, preoccupied, uninformed, fearful, brainwashed or otherwise clueless.
Just yesterday I read the IRS requires people to file a 1099 if they've settled a debt for say $500 when they owed $2500. The $2,000 is income as far as the IRS is concerned. So, I, like millions of others, am waiting to see if I get a 1099 in the mail. I don't file taxes but you can bet Uncle Sam is desperate for cash and will be knocking on my door one day.
This weekend my youngest son came to visit with his two children. I took them to our inland lake to walk on the ice. The kids marveled at "walking on frozen water." It was heart-warming to watch as my 5-year-old grandson tried pound a stick through the ice. He asked if we had any string so he could catch some fish. As he worked I thought to myself: this poor kid has no idea the world we're leaving for him. It brought tears to my eyes and I had to take a short walk to compose myself.
Later, as they were leaving, I told my son I'd like to take the kids at least once a month for a day-long outing. He said they'd drive me nuts because I don't have the patience for their electronic gizmos. It disappointed me that I had to explain our "outing" would not be held in an arcade.
Told him I'd take the kids to old cemeteries, old mining building, beaver ponds, lakes, rivers, beaches, fire towers, abandoned slate quarries, and the Indian cemetery near L'Anse. Other possibilities are the Hanka Homestead, the Quincy Hoist, and the old community of Alberta where Henry Ford had a sawmill for his Woodies.
My son claimed the kids would be bored. Not one to give in I said, "I'll do it anyway. Maybe someday they'll appreciate experiencing those things."
Saturday, March 6, 2010
Picture of Our Keweenaw Outing
Today the temps were in the 40's, the sun was shining and we rolled out of our drive at 10:30 a.m. bound for Copper Harbor. Took the lake route, driving to Gay, then Lac La Belle and finally Copper Harbor. We stopped for coffee and a bathroom break at the Bear Belly Bar & Grill overlooking Lac La Belle Lake. Pictured are my Dad and Sweetie. Note the bear and beaver on the pine log above the bar.
Other scenes are along Lake Superior's shoreline and The Holy Transfiguration Skete, Society of St. John. The monastery is located at 6500 State Hwy. M26, three miles east of Eagle River. The brothers operate The Jampot across the street with a wide selection of jams, confections, fruitcakes and bread. The business is well known throughout this area and does a booming mail order business as well. Google The Jampot for more information. Their products are expensive as far as I'm concerned but their more than 25 years on the Keweenaw coastline is a testament to their determination.
I could write forever about the various natural and man made attractions in this area and our history. But my fingers are fatiqued and it's time for my Dad's backrub!!
Thursday, March 4, 2010
Regarding Yesterday's Post
Staying Alive asked where I find these people. Had to laugh at his question because I'm convinced they're everywhere.
It would be easy to say they're of a certain nationality, income bracket and life experience but that's not the case.
They are simply people who - if they watch TV news - rely on CBS/NBC/ABC. I dare say they skim over the newspaper articles regarding world events because - like millions of others - they've been dumbed down to the point of feeling helpless and sure as hell don't want to admit to being clueless. So they insulate themselves in the familiar: family, friends, entertainment, gossip, baby showers, birthdays, weddings, funerals, playing Farmville, the local bar, the Department of Human Services and odd jobs.
They have yet to see the grocery stores empty, the delivery trucks parked, the electric grid go down or the cell service never come back on. Until either or all of those happen they'll hold fast to their mindset.
And by God, anyone who presents a different perspective or talks of having a different experience is considered "weird" or otherwise full of delusional thinking. Even people at the local food co-op promote self sufficiency yet many, many think it overkill to stock food for a year. Afterall, they've worked hard to keep the co-op viable.
In one generation the people have removed themselves from hard work, thrift and self-sufficiency. Many still can still recall the former era but are relieved to be free of its shackles. They're convinced that money and buying what they need is the answer to all their needs. I wonder how many of these people realize their consumption isn't sustainable. When I mention this subject most classifiy me as an anti-job environmentalist. The skullcap of "I should be able to..." and "I'm entitled to...because everyone else has one" is still tightly fit around their heads.
Yet 50 years ago this region was incredibly self-sufficient. Potato warehouses, dairys, slaughter houses and family owned meat markets were common. Huge gardens, root cellars and orchards dotted the landscape. Every little community had its own grocery, repair shop, churches, saloons and community center. Most are gone now in favor of Chinamarts. The old stores, if still standing, have been turned into apartments or storage facilities.
Today, community building has little to do with barn raisings and bringing in the harvest and more to do with paying to participate. Tournaments, parties, festivals, gourmet dinnenrs and fundraisers are the focus. Not that they're all bad it's just that the other basic, helpful activities have all but disappeared. People insulate themselves in front of the boob tube or the computer and complain there's nothing to do while their children whine about being bored.
It's a sad commentary on the whole of this nation and in this region it's very apparent. One has only to drive through the little communities to see signs of "the old ways." Houghton and Hancock have fewer indicators but they are there; trouble is the people are distracted by all the development, the activity and the talk of progressive consumption!
It would be easy to say they're of a certain nationality, income bracket and life experience but that's not the case.
They are simply people who - if they watch TV news - rely on CBS/NBC/ABC. I dare say they skim over the newspaper articles regarding world events because - like millions of others - they've been dumbed down to the point of feeling helpless and sure as hell don't want to admit to being clueless. So they insulate themselves in the familiar: family, friends, entertainment, gossip, baby showers, birthdays, weddings, funerals, playing Farmville, the local bar, the Department of Human Services and odd jobs.
They have yet to see the grocery stores empty, the delivery trucks parked, the electric grid go down or the cell service never come back on. Until either or all of those happen they'll hold fast to their mindset.
And by God, anyone who presents a different perspective or talks of having a different experience is considered "weird" or otherwise full of delusional thinking. Even people at the local food co-op promote self sufficiency yet many, many think it overkill to stock food for a year. Afterall, they've worked hard to keep the co-op viable.
In one generation the people have removed themselves from hard work, thrift and self-sufficiency. Many still can still recall the former era but are relieved to be free of its shackles. They're convinced that money and buying what they need is the answer to all their needs. I wonder how many of these people realize their consumption isn't sustainable. When I mention this subject most classifiy me as an anti-job environmentalist. The skullcap of "I should be able to..." and "I'm entitled to...because everyone else has one" is still tightly fit around their heads.
Yet 50 years ago this region was incredibly self-sufficient. Potato warehouses, dairys, slaughter houses and family owned meat markets were common. Huge gardens, root cellars and orchards dotted the landscape. Every little community had its own grocery, repair shop, churches, saloons and community center. Most are gone now in favor of Chinamarts. The old stores, if still standing, have been turned into apartments or storage facilities.
Today, community building has little to do with barn raisings and bringing in the harvest and more to do with paying to participate. Tournaments, parties, festivals, gourmet dinnenrs and fundraisers are the focus. Not that they're all bad it's just that the other basic, helpful activities have all but disappeared. People insulate themselves in front of the boob tube or the computer and complain there's nothing to do while their children whine about being bored.
It's a sad commentary on the whole of this nation and in this region it's very apparent. One has only to drive through the little communities to see signs of "the old ways." Houghton and Hancock have fewer indicators but they are there; trouble is the people are distracted by all the development, the activity and the talk of progressive consumption!
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
I Just Shake My Head
Anymore it seems trying to discuss preparedness with people is like talking to a wall. Not sure why but I seem to run into these morons in clusters.
Example #1:
Youngest sis called looking for my Dad. She asked what I was doing and I said I was fine tuning my shopping list. "Don't you have enough?," she asked. "Never," I said. Then she tells my about her latest shopping trip. "I bought a few groceries, some wall border and more paint." When I asked why a "few groceries" she claimed she "needed" the wall border. I asked how her new job was going and she said she's now scheduled "on call." So, in the flush of two 36-hour a week paychecks she's painted and papered her rented home, bought more subliminal CDs and a "few" groceries. Before month's end she'll be at the food pantry.
Example #2:
The neighbor's girlfriend has found a part time job. She had one last fall but left after the boss "kept screwing with" her schedule. Working weekend nights interfered with their barroom antics. Now she's working as a babysitter. "The hours are great and by June 1st I'll have enough saved that we won't have to worry about being broke on the weekends." In other words, they'll have money to party all summer long.
Example #3:
Someone heard from my children that I'm "a prepping nut." She stopped me at the gas station and said, "So what if you have all that food? If the lights are out you won't be able to cook or see anything anyway." Sorry, but I couldn't resist. "You might not be able to cook or see but we will," I boasted. "How's that?" she asked. "A woodstove, propane camp stove and grill; kerosene and Coleman lamps with plenty of fuel; candles, flashlights and spare batteries, oh, and a solar oven," I boasted again. She looked lost a moment, then said, "Okay, suppose all those things don't work. How you gonna eat then?" I smiled and said, "Open a can or jar and insert a spoon." The thought of eating unheated food straight from the container mortified her. "Yuk, Yuk Yuk!" she screamed, as though she'd swallowed sour milk.
Example #4: The neighbor and I met while our for our walks - me heading north, she going south. "You gonna pick a lot of blueberries this summer?" she inquired. "Of course," I said. "And this year we'll can most of them to save on freezer space." She stopped in her tracks. "Why would you want to go through all that trouble?" she said. "Besides, they're small berries and hey'll be floating around in juice." Had to agree with her regarding their size and the juice. "The whole point of picking and preserving them is to have enough to last until the next crop." She laughed and said, "It's too much work. Go buy them already frozen if you're not going to freeze them yourself." As I retired State Police trooper I'm sure she can afford this. I can't and wouldn't consider it anyway.
Example #1:
Youngest sis called looking for my Dad. She asked what I was doing and I said I was fine tuning my shopping list. "Don't you have enough?," she asked. "Never," I said. Then she tells my about her latest shopping trip. "I bought a few groceries, some wall border and more paint." When I asked why a "few groceries" she claimed she "needed" the wall border. I asked how her new job was going and she said she's now scheduled "on call." So, in the flush of two 36-hour a week paychecks she's painted and papered her rented home, bought more subliminal CDs and a "few" groceries. Before month's end she'll be at the food pantry.
Example #2:
The neighbor's girlfriend has found a part time job. She had one last fall but left after the boss "kept screwing with" her schedule. Working weekend nights interfered with their barroom antics. Now she's working as a babysitter. "The hours are great and by June 1st I'll have enough saved that we won't have to worry about being broke on the weekends." In other words, they'll have money to party all summer long.
Example #3:
Someone heard from my children that I'm "a prepping nut." She stopped me at the gas station and said, "So what if you have all that food? If the lights are out you won't be able to cook or see anything anyway." Sorry, but I couldn't resist. "You might not be able to cook or see but we will," I boasted. "How's that?" she asked. "A woodstove, propane camp stove and grill; kerosene and Coleman lamps with plenty of fuel; candles, flashlights and spare batteries, oh, and a solar oven," I boasted again. She looked lost a moment, then said, "Okay, suppose all those things don't work. How you gonna eat then?" I smiled and said, "Open a can or jar and insert a spoon." The thought of eating unheated food straight from the container mortified her. "Yuk, Yuk Yuk!" she screamed, as though she'd swallowed sour milk.
Example #4: The neighbor and I met while our for our walks - me heading north, she going south. "You gonna pick a lot of blueberries this summer?" she inquired. "Of course," I said. "And this year we'll can most of them to save on freezer space." She stopped in her tracks. "Why would you want to go through all that trouble?" she said. "Besides, they're small berries and hey'll be floating around in juice." Had to agree with her regarding their size and the juice. "The whole point of picking and preserving them is to have enough to last until the next crop." She laughed and said, "It's too much work. Go buy them already frozen if you're not going to freeze them yourself." As I retired State Police trooper I'm sure she can afford this. I can't and wouldn't consider it anyway.
Monday, March 1, 2010
March Musings
Another month begins and so does my prepping list. Tomorrow I'll grab a newspaper somewhere - preferably free - and check out the sales. If there's anything I absolutely can't live without for a few more days, I'll buy it. Otherwise, my monthly shopping trip is planned for sometime between the 5th and the 10th. Lots of leeway there because we're jammed packed with appointments from now through the 9th. Most are for Dad - who came home from his weekend getaway kind of cranky - so we're treading lightly for a few days here.
The new toilet we bought last fall was installed yesterday. What a treat to not feel like we're using the kiddie bathroom. As usual, Sweetie discovered some more of the previous owner's engineering when he removed the old toilet. We were prepared to do the complete job but Murphy's Law strikes again so I packed everything up and thanked myself for NOT mixing up any mud.
Dad had come home earlier than expected and stood in the bathroom shaking his head.
According to him, with every new discovery we make, he's more convinced we paid for the land and the pole barn. "The home," he said, "is an afterthought that someone didn't bother to tear down." Oh well.
My Dad was skunked by every cribbage player he encountered this weekend. Then he was not impressed with my ex's attempts to "advise" him on what would be best for his health. He went to bed early last night and took two naps today. When he walked in the door Sunday he said, "Nice to be home. Really nice." Of course we appreciated his comment but I wondered if it was for our benefit because he's aware of the family dynamics. Last night, my SIL emailed concerning the other camp's "discussion" with Dad. Of course, they had nothing flattering to say about us. Oh well again.
We communicate with a fellow prepper in Lower Michigan who's coming to the area in April. He works here for about 6-8 months and stays in his motor home at a park nearby. So it will be interesting to meet.
Well, supper's nearly done and I'm starved. Have a great day, Treesong
The new toilet we bought last fall was installed yesterday. What a treat to not feel like we're using the kiddie bathroom. As usual, Sweetie discovered some more of the previous owner's engineering when he removed the old toilet. We were prepared to do the complete job but Murphy's Law strikes again so I packed everything up and thanked myself for NOT mixing up any mud.
Dad had come home earlier than expected and stood in the bathroom shaking his head.
According to him, with every new discovery we make, he's more convinced we paid for the land and the pole barn. "The home," he said, "is an afterthought that someone didn't bother to tear down." Oh well.
My Dad was skunked by every cribbage player he encountered this weekend. Then he was not impressed with my ex's attempts to "advise" him on what would be best for his health. He went to bed early last night and took two naps today. When he walked in the door Sunday he said, "Nice to be home. Really nice." Of course we appreciated his comment but I wondered if it was for our benefit because he's aware of the family dynamics. Last night, my SIL emailed concerning the other camp's "discussion" with Dad. Of course, they had nothing flattering to say about us. Oh well again.
We communicate with a fellow prepper in Lower Michigan who's coming to the area in April. He works here for about 6-8 months and stays in his motor home at a park nearby. So it will be interesting to meet.
Well, supper's nearly done and I'm starved. Have a great day, Treesong
Friday, February 26, 2010
GM Crops, Television and Other Musings
I highly recommend you begin your day with Coyoteprime's blog, Running Cause I Can't Fly. He features a wide variety of topics from other sources so it's my first read of the day.
Today two posts caught my attention: Jim Goodman's "The Fairy Tale of GM Crops" and another one titled "The Truth Will Not Be Televised."
http://coyoteprime-runningcauseicantfly.blogspot.com/
In other news: Certain members of my family have realized they could invite Dad to their home for an overnight stay. Actually, it wasn't a family member who made contact with Dad. It was a boyfried - who they all have a love/hate relationship with. But, desperate delusions call for desperate measures.
What a novel idea from people who don't want Dad here and won't come here to visit. And then, because it's "so disgusting" that he's hear, weeks ago they stopped calling him here too!
My father, being the peacemaker that he is, graciously accepted their invitation and said, "I'll smile alot and wait for their disappointment when they realize I'm not being tortured."
So I emailed my sister-in-law with the news. She replied, "Well take advantage of it and enjoy your day."
A few hours later she emailed again: "They plan to tell him he's staying there for the duration." They're reasoning is the boyfriend's laid off now "and needs help" and would "be there all the time." Furthermore, Dad "wouldn't be in the woods anymore with those crazies who heat with wood and think the world's coming to an end."
Never mind that he chose to stay here or that he's one of the owners.
So, beginning this weekend, we'll have one less person at the dinner table and I'll have to take walks by myself. And we'll wait and see what develops.
According to my sister-in-law, "If he's there long enough maybe they'll realize how much work it is. Remember, they all work except the least undependable one."
And now, because the sun is shining and it's a beautiful day in the Copper Country, I'm going to clean the refrigerator! Bet you thought I was going for a walk!
Today two posts caught my attention: Jim Goodman's "The Fairy Tale of GM Crops" and another one titled "The Truth Will Not Be Televised."
http://coyoteprime-runningcauseicantfly.blogspot.com/
In other news: Certain members of my family have realized they could invite Dad to their home for an overnight stay. Actually, it wasn't a family member who made contact with Dad. It was a boyfried - who they all have a love/hate relationship with. But, desperate delusions call for desperate measures.
What a novel idea from people who don't want Dad here and won't come here to visit. And then, because it's "so disgusting" that he's hear, weeks ago they stopped calling him here too!
My father, being the peacemaker that he is, graciously accepted their invitation and said, "I'll smile alot and wait for their disappointment when they realize I'm not being tortured."
So I emailed my sister-in-law with the news. She replied, "Well take advantage of it and enjoy your day."
A few hours later she emailed again: "They plan to tell him he's staying there for the duration." They're reasoning is the boyfriend's laid off now "and needs help" and would "be there all the time." Furthermore, Dad "wouldn't be in the woods anymore with those crazies who heat with wood and think the world's coming to an end."
Never mind that he chose to stay here or that he's one of the owners.
So, beginning this weekend, we'll have one less person at the dinner table and I'll have to take walks by myself. And we'll wait and see what develops.
According to my sister-in-law, "If he's there long enough maybe they'll realize how much work it is. Remember, they all work except the least undependable one."
And now, because the sun is shining and it's a beautiful day in the Copper Country, I'm going to clean the refrigerator! Bet you thought I was going for a walk!
Thursday, February 25, 2010
An Old Friend
Everyone should be blessed to have "an old friend." Mine is a feisty woman of 72 who's nearly blind now. God willing, I'll see her for a couple days the first week of April.
She lives alone in a mobile home park and I lived with her for a few months after leaving the U.P. five years ago. She's always been my "mother" and friend, a rare and precious combination.
I met her years ago when I bought a place next door in a small town near Ionia. Eventually, I married and we became good friends with her and her late husband. Years later I divorced and moved away. Before my doormat was even pulled up my "soon to be ex" had shacked up with her daughter. Better her than me.
The story gets better though.
After 10 years of marriage her daughter and my ex divorced. No surprise. When her daughter's current live-in boyfriend died she came home to her mother. And, you guessed it, she remarried her ex, who was my ex. Since remarrying, she's had little to do with her mom. My friend made supper for her former son-in-law every night while they were divorced, cared for him when he broke his leg, listened to him cry about his broken marriages, etc. In other words, she kept on giving - no matter the person or circumstances - while he kept on taking.
Now my old friend's ailing and the daughter and "recycled son-in-law" are "just waiting" for her to die. My friend's bailed her daughter out of more situations than either of us can count, provided a home for her while she was "shopping for another man" and helped out all of her grandkids and great grandkids. Where are they now? "Busy."
It gets better still. The former girlfriend of the "recycled son-in-law" is the woman who does what her family should be doing. Every day she stops by my friend's house to walk her dog, pick up her mail, have coffee, bring her groceries and tidy up her home. Every morning she calls to make sure she's awake and out of bed. In the evening the roles are reversed: my old friend calls to make sure this woman's up in time for her evening shift at Meijer's.
So last night my old friend and I were talking on the phone. She says: "One of these days my daughter will have to find another man. She's not capable of standing on her own two feet." I laughed and said, "She's probably already looking seeing as ----is going in for back surgery."
A few seconds of quiet were followed by: "She wishes he'd just die on the table 'cause she's tired of him being sick and laid up." And then, "I finally asked her, 'what are you gonna do when you get old and have more ailments than you do now'?"
All I could think was karma's gonna do its thing.
She lives alone in a mobile home park and I lived with her for a few months after leaving the U.P. five years ago. She's always been my "mother" and friend, a rare and precious combination.
I met her years ago when I bought a place next door in a small town near Ionia. Eventually, I married and we became good friends with her and her late husband. Years later I divorced and moved away. Before my doormat was even pulled up my "soon to be ex" had shacked up with her daughter. Better her than me.
The story gets better though.
After 10 years of marriage her daughter and my ex divorced. No surprise. When her daughter's current live-in boyfriend died she came home to her mother. And, you guessed it, she remarried her ex, who was my ex. Since remarrying, she's had little to do with her mom. My friend made supper for her former son-in-law every night while they were divorced, cared for him when he broke his leg, listened to him cry about his broken marriages, etc. In other words, she kept on giving - no matter the person or circumstances - while he kept on taking.
Now my old friend's ailing and the daughter and "recycled son-in-law" are "just waiting" for her to die. My friend's bailed her daughter out of more situations than either of us can count, provided a home for her while she was "shopping for another man" and helped out all of her grandkids and great grandkids. Where are they now? "Busy."
It gets better still. The former girlfriend of the "recycled son-in-law" is the woman who does what her family should be doing. Every day she stops by my friend's house to walk her dog, pick up her mail, have coffee, bring her groceries and tidy up her home. Every morning she calls to make sure she's awake and out of bed. In the evening the roles are reversed: my old friend calls to make sure this woman's up in time for her evening shift at Meijer's.
So last night my old friend and I were talking on the phone. She says: "One of these days my daughter will have to find another man. She's not capable of standing on her own two feet." I laughed and said, "She's probably already looking seeing as ----is going in for back surgery."
A few seconds of quiet were followed by: "She wishes he'd just die on the table 'cause she's tired of him being sick and laid up." And then, "I finally asked her, 'what are you gonna do when you get old and have more ailments than you do now'?"
All I could think was karma's gonna do its thing.
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
The Menu is Sidetracked Again
No stuffed green peppers tonight. Forgot we were picking up pasties from the Hancock Eagles. My Dad buys 10-20 a month; some are used to fill orders he's taken, the rest go to family. After running other errands we got home at 3 p.m. and I read for awhile before curling up on the sofa. I am getting nearly as good at that as Sweetie is at sitting in his recliner!
As for the blueberry rationing I mentioned yesterday - they are WILD blueberries, the best kind to have, more flavor and no expense, etc. of planting them. Our acreage is covered in blueberries in sandy soil, ferns, pines and birch.
One of our local grocers had small cans of tuna for 60 cents; Walmart had them on sale too but at 70 cents. For a couple weeks now all local grocers have the same things on sale and thus far it is the local grocers who have lower prices. GOOD for them!
Not much else to say today. My mind's percolating but I have some emails to answer and an elderly friend to call. Later, Treesong
As for the blueberry rationing I mentioned yesterday - they are WILD blueberries, the best kind to have, more flavor and no expense, etc. of planting them. Our acreage is covered in blueberries in sandy soil, ferns, pines and birch.
One of our local grocers had small cans of tuna for 60 cents; Walmart had them on sale too but at 70 cents. For a couple weeks now all local grocers have the same things on sale and thus far it is the local grocers who have lower prices. GOOD for them!
Not much else to say today. My mind's percolating but I have some emails to answer and an elderly friend to call. Later, Treesong
Monday, February 22, 2010
Rationing Blueberries & Other Food Thoughts
Thanks all for your comments regarding my waffles. Sorry, Did It My Way, but I'm rationing blueberries. Of the 50-plus pounds I picked last summer I have under 10#'s left. Need to make them last until the new crop is ready.
We had roast beef for supper and I expected a few nibbles left over to combine with the leftover potatoes for roast beef hash. NOT! The roast was sooooo good we nibbled until our dog Lady started to whine - "where's mine!" She got a few fat scraps and some drippings. Poor dog, she's getting sick of chicken.
Tomorrow I plan to make stuffed green peppers 'cause we have three large ones getting soft in the crisper. I add rice, chopped onion and garlic clove and seasonings to the ground beef before stuffing it in the peppers. A quart jar of home canned tomatoes goes over the top, cover the pan and in the oven it goes.
Still need to make chop suey...got sidetracked by dinner at my youngest sisters and other things in the freezer. If I don't make it soon with mushrooms (which I dislike!) Sweetie and Dad will never let me forget it. Besides, the celery is getting limp.
I realize I'm talking about food when I fully intended to discuss something else. But, I have a good excuse.
We were on our way home from eating one of my sister's creations which didn't stimulate my taste buds. In such a predicament, I always crave sweets. At the store a quart of Peanut Butter Chocolate for me, a quart of Strawberry Sundae for Sweetie, and a quart of Butter Pecan for Dad cured that! Just goes to show you the importance of providing tasty, attractive meals to curb cravings and lack of will power!
At sister's what began as Tater Tot Casserole became Chili/Lasagna/Tater Tot Casserole - all because she didn't want to add hamburger to the original recipe. I can handle my Seven Day Soup but this meal was a stretch. Thank God for the salad, though she didn't have a bottle of dressing or oil in the house. Ah well, fewer calories.
In other news, Dad and I walked twice today for a total of nearly 3 miles. Not bad for an 81-year-old man with a leg brace and his overweight daughter who got a case of the stumbles half way through the walk. Ol' MS is making an appearance again.
Well, I need to rest. Doctor appointment tomorrow for the usual drill of blood work, xrays and advice to keep my life balanced and stress free. When she tries to push a few more prescriptions my way, I'll decline. I swear, I am the one in a million who never fails to get the "rare reaction." Last time I consented to a med my skin began to peel and my legs and hands started to swell.
Beginning tomorrow snow is forecast here with lower temps. Have a great evening. Treesong
The Best Way to Start the Day!
Other than waking up next to the one you love, is to have homemade waffles! The picture above is the last waffle made this morning on the Toastmaster waffle iron my paternal grandmother used! My cousin's wife was going to donate it to a thrift store a few years ago but said I could look through the pile first. When I spotted grandma's waffle iron I knew I'd struck gold. Cousin's wife was getting rid of it because "it's old."
Kinda the same thing they do with people except now karma's caught up. They're "getting old" and that's not going over well!
Aging is inescapable unless you die young. So why not savor each stage of your life? Unless you believe in reincarnation, you're not going to be young again anyway. And frankly, who says you'd return as a 16 year-old with a Barbie doll figure or some other fantasy? Personally, I wouldn't want to repeat most of my former years. If given the option, I'd like to live another 50 years to enjoy the life I have now. That's not going to happen so, despite disappointments, mistakes, frustrations or other impediments, I try to make the best of today. Besides, a life not challenged is kind of dull!
Well, time to enjoy that last waffle. Have a great day. Treesong
Saturday, February 20, 2010
Thrift! That's What We Need More Of!
Had this comment from Paywithammo: "We got a taste of deflation yesterday when we paid $1.69 per pound for ground beef, 80%. Picked up 20 pounds and a new case of quart mason jars...just wish those jars would deflate in price too!"
At $1.69 per pound, I would've been in line behind him filling the grocery cart! Then, I'd cook it up on low heat and can, can, can until the job was done. We don't have a chest freezer and I'm not interested in relying on electricity anyway, so canning or dehydrating is the way to go.
I want to raise a couple hogs, beef cattle and chickens but Sweetie says just buy more canned meat. I say, by the time we paid for what we'd get from raising our own, we could have paid for and raised at least twice as many animals. But, it's the work involved in raising animals that he's concerned about. I see his point. It would be ME doing most of the work as he has little energy. Ah well, keep smoking with your 50% dead lung tissue! Yeah, I'm a bit frustrated with that today.
This time of year I'm anxious to start working outside. I go to bed dreaming of a greenhouse, square-foot gardening and firing up the kitchen wood stove to can our produce. And then I realize all the work involved because I have no greenhouse or square foot garden beds made, or stove installed anywhere. Cooking outside with no shelter over the stove is NOT happening this year!
Oh to be young again and full of energy. But, we'll press on regardless. Around here that means I go outside and start the project and he comes out and tells me how it's supposed to be done. Before you know it, the job's done and he's exhausted again.
Which leads me to a little lecture. Don't expect to maintain a homestead if you've been neglecting your health. Don't expect that you'll always be young, strong and able to overcome every adversity. Aside from accidents, poor health has a way of sneaking up on us "invincible" humans. No amount of money or machinery will solve all your dilemmas - manpower is still required! Have a big tractor with a front end loader? Well, it needs fuel and maintenance and someone who's capable of driving it - anytime it's needed. Think there will always be someone else around to repair it? Will the parts always be available? Will you always have the money to pay for parts and fuel? Got any idea how heavy one of those tires is? I do!
This brings me to the subject of groups. Nice if you can find one to bond with but it's not going to happen for everyone. So, among other things, that means you work smarter, not harder. Though I think you'll wind up working harder anyway - especially after certain comforts and conveniences fade away.
If you're still in the planning stages of a "retreat" I say you're probably too late. Not that the country's going to hell tomorrow but, it takes lots of time to set up a semi-self-sufficient homestead. Most people will never do that anyway. Too tied to city living, commuting to jobs if they still have one and owing the banker or wanting conveniences. Believe me, I understand. Been there, done that, got the memories to prove it. Personally, I don't think it's worth it and often think of how much further along we'd be if we'd both made different choices. But, that was then; this is now.
Guess what I'm really trying to impress on you is this: Do something everyday that prepares you for what's coming - i.e. the final death throws of life as we've known it. Start living now as though your choices were more limited. So what if you can still "afford" dinner out, a movie and maybe a few beers at the local hangout on the way home? What good is that if you'd be standing in line at the grocery or gas station if disaster is forecast or has already struck? There are other kinds of entertainment that do not require buying anything!
Life is a matter of choices. The ones you make today influence those you're able to make tomorrow, and the next day, and the next day...
For example; My father, bless his heart, gives us $300. He claims it's his entertainment money every month!!!! Frankly, I wouldn't doubt it. His says it'll cover the extra gas we consume driving him around. It has but believe me - I can squeeze 25 cents out of a nickel. So I rearrange appointments and combine trips to consume less than $300. Every cent of the remainder goes for preps.
My father's also used to eating out. It's a social activity for an elderly man who can do little physical work, doesn't want to cook anymore and has seen most of his peers die. I make sure either someone pays for our meal or Sweetie and I order the least expensive item and share portions, i.e. one order of fries instead of two.
The problem with many people who complain about not being able to prep is they still want to maintain the status quo. Somewhere in the recesses of their gray matter, they cling to the idea that satellite TV and weekend "relaxation" and yearly vacations and other activities are "normal." Forgoing TV, barbecueing at home and discovering their own neighborhood is associated with deprivation and sacrifice - something most Americans still don't fathom - especially if they see their neighbors still "consuming."
Tell people how we really live and they roll their eyes. Hanging clothes outside is something they "don't have time for." Really? In the time they sat there looking at me like I was nuts I've hung a load of clothes on the line.
Explain "when it's yellow, let it mellow; when it's brown, flush it down" and they're afraid to use your toilet. And we do this NOT being hooked up to a public sewer system.
Recite last week's supper menu: red beans and rice, soup and sandwiches, tuna casserole, country ribs, chicken and two imaginative meals made of leftovers and they wonder how you still breathe! What's wrong with leftover pork mixed into the leftover beans and rice? Leftover chicken, peas and carrots and a handful of flat noodles and some seasonings were made into soup to accompany peanut butter sandwiches. Side dishes were a little tuna casserole, a dab of green bean casserole (from the baked chicken meal) and a fruit tray made from one orange, one apple and two bananas. The left over mashed potatoes were mixed with red pepper flakes and an egg, shaped into patties and fried in butter. I served those for breakfast with fried eggs for the guys.
Yesterday I made a 13x9-inch pan of lasagna. It was supper last night, will be again and three portions are froze for another meal. We're having left over soup and grilled cheese sandwiches for lunch. When the soup seemed a little thin I added the last of the beans and rice to it! Tomorrow we're invited out for supper.
I once had a mother-in-law who made "seven day soup" once every other week! All week she saved her leftovers by freezing most of them. On day eight she mixed everything in a soup kettle, added some seasonings and that was supper for the week! Obviously, she grew up in the Great Depression. Her basement was a warehouse of canned and dried foods; her garden was mammoth and her home was furnished 1950's era. She and her husband had NEVER had debt. Never. She owned six house dresses, three pairs of women's slacks, three blouses, two sweaters and two pairs of shoes. They had used the same dishes and silverware since their marriage in 1928. Everything was used, reused and worn out before being disposed of. No wonder they were able to be debt free. And no wonder, that at her death, having outlived her husband by 17 years, she bequeathed over $1M to her children and grand kids. Today, one grandkid's in prison, one's on welfare and one's had her home forclosed on while she makes $12/hr. and her hubby makes $20/hr. Their father, my ex, lives on a GM retirement but has payments on everything: home, cars, ATV's, tractor, motorcycle, boats. Hmmmm........wonder why they're all broke?
We could sure take a lesson from people who lived through the Great Depression!
At $1.69 per pound, I would've been in line behind him filling the grocery cart! Then, I'd cook it up on low heat and can, can, can until the job was done. We don't have a chest freezer and I'm not interested in relying on electricity anyway, so canning or dehydrating is the way to go.
I want to raise a couple hogs, beef cattle and chickens but Sweetie says just buy more canned meat. I say, by the time we paid for what we'd get from raising our own, we could have paid for and raised at least twice as many animals. But, it's the work involved in raising animals that he's concerned about. I see his point. It would be ME doing most of the work as he has little energy. Ah well, keep smoking with your 50% dead lung tissue! Yeah, I'm a bit frustrated with that today.
This time of year I'm anxious to start working outside. I go to bed dreaming of a greenhouse, square-foot gardening and firing up the kitchen wood stove to can our produce. And then I realize all the work involved because I have no greenhouse or square foot garden beds made, or stove installed anywhere. Cooking outside with no shelter over the stove is NOT happening this year!
Oh to be young again and full of energy. But, we'll press on regardless. Around here that means I go outside and start the project and he comes out and tells me how it's supposed to be done. Before you know it, the job's done and he's exhausted again.
Which leads me to a little lecture. Don't expect to maintain a homestead if you've been neglecting your health. Don't expect that you'll always be young, strong and able to overcome every adversity. Aside from accidents, poor health has a way of sneaking up on us "invincible" humans. No amount of money or machinery will solve all your dilemmas - manpower is still required! Have a big tractor with a front end loader? Well, it needs fuel and maintenance and someone who's capable of driving it - anytime it's needed. Think there will always be someone else around to repair it? Will the parts always be available? Will you always have the money to pay for parts and fuel? Got any idea how heavy one of those tires is? I do!
This brings me to the subject of groups. Nice if you can find one to bond with but it's not going to happen for everyone. So, among other things, that means you work smarter, not harder. Though I think you'll wind up working harder anyway - especially after certain comforts and conveniences fade away.
If you're still in the planning stages of a "retreat" I say you're probably too late. Not that the country's going to hell tomorrow but, it takes lots of time to set up a semi-self-sufficient homestead. Most people will never do that anyway. Too tied to city living, commuting to jobs if they still have one and owing the banker or wanting conveniences. Believe me, I understand. Been there, done that, got the memories to prove it. Personally, I don't think it's worth it and often think of how much further along we'd be if we'd both made different choices. But, that was then; this is now.
Guess what I'm really trying to impress on you is this: Do something everyday that prepares you for what's coming - i.e. the final death throws of life as we've known it. Start living now as though your choices were more limited. So what if you can still "afford" dinner out, a movie and maybe a few beers at the local hangout on the way home? What good is that if you'd be standing in line at the grocery or gas station if disaster is forecast or has already struck? There are other kinds of entertainment that do not require buying anything!
Life is a matter of choices. The ones you make today influence those you're able to make tomorrow, and the next day, and the next day...
For example; My father, bless his heart, gives us $300. He claims it's his entertainment money every month!!!! Frankly, I wouldn't doubt it. His says it'll cover the extra gas we consume driving him around. It has but believe me - I can squeeze 25 cents out of a nickel. So I rearrange appointments and combine trips to consume less than $300. Every cent of the remainder goes for preps.
My father's also used to eating out. It's a social activity for an elderly man who can do little physical work, doesn't want to cook anymore and has seen most of his peers die. I make sure either someone pays for our meal or Sweetie and I order the least expensive item and share portions, i.e. one order of fries instead of two.
The problem with many people who complain about not being able to prep is they still want to maintain the status quo. Somewhere in the recesses of their gray matter, they cling to the idea that satellite TV and weekend "relaxation" and yearly vacations and other activities are "normal." Forgoing TV, barbecueing at home and discovering their own neighborhood is associated with deprivation and sacrifice - something most Americans still don't fathom - especially if they see their neighbors still "consuming."
Tell people how we really live and they roll their eyes. Hanging clothes outside is something they "don't have time for." Really? In the time they sat there looking at me like I was nuts I've hung a load of clothes on the line.
Explain "when it's yellow, let it mellow; when it's brown, flush it down" and they're afraid to use your toilet. And we do this NOT being hooked up to a public sewer system.
Recite last week's supper menu: red beans and rice, soup and sandwiches, tuna casserole, country ribs, chicken and two imaginative meals made of leftovers and they wonder how you still breathe! What's wrong with leftover pork mixed into the leftover beans and rice? Leftover chicken, peas and carrots and a handful of flat noodles and some seasonings were made into soup to accompany peanut butter sandwiches. Side dishes were a little tuna casserole, a dab of green bean casserole (from the baked chicken meal) and a fruit tray made from one orange, one apple and two bananas. The left over mashed potatoes were mixed with red pepper flakes and an egg, shaped into patties and fried in butter. I served those for breakfast with fried eggs for the guys.
Yesterday I made a 13x9-inch pan of lasagna. It was supper last night, will be again and three portions are froze for another meal. We're having left over soup and grilled cheese sandwiches for lunch. When the soup seemed a little thin I added the last of the beans and rice to it! Tomorrow we're invited out for supper.
I once had a mother-in-law who made "seven day soup" once every other week! All week she saved her leftovers by freezing most of them. On day eight she mixed everything in a soup kettle, added some seasonings and that was supper for the week! Obviously, she grew up in the Great Depression. Her basement was a warehouse of canned and dried foods; her garden was mammoth and her home was furnished 1950's era. She and her husband had NEVER had debt. Never. She owned six house dresses, three pairs of women's slacks, three blouses, two sweaters and two pairs of shoes. They had used the same dishes and silverware since their marriage in 1928. Everything was used, reused and worn out before being disposed of. No wonder they were able to be debt free. And no wonder, that at her death, having outlived her husband by 17 years, she bequeathed over $1M to her children and grand kids. Today, one grandkid's in prison, one's on welfare and one's had her home forclosed on while she makes $12/hr. and her hubby makes $20/hr. Their father, my ex, lives on a GM retirement but has payments on everything: home, cars, ATV's, tractor, motorcycle, boats. Hmmmm........wonder why they're all broke?
We could sure take a lesson from people who lived through the Great Depression!
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