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My hubby jokingly asks me how the 'gloom and doom' news is, because I'm always reading the economy blogs, CNN, etc. There is so much scary stuff going on out there, I truly don't believe the Great Depression will compare. So yes, I think there are good reasons to learn to be self-sufficient.
Hello, Rosemary, from another Louisiana gal, we, too, are really starting to believe and have for a while, that people should at least learn to be more self sufficient. I always thought I should have been born at the turn of the last century, have always loved gardening, growing veggies, and fruits. Hope a lot of the younger generations will learn to do the same. Not pessimistic, just realistic. Dona
I think since the economy was damaged over some years, it'll take years to repair the damage. The Great Depression was pretty severe...so hopefully things won't get that bad. In the meantime, it doesn't hurt to prepare just in case it gets worse. I figure stockpiling with food that won't go bad is good (there are websites that explain what can be kept the longest, getting out of debt (if possible), saving money if possible, etc. I'd like to get chickens as soon as we can get something built to keep them safe. We've been getting silver and gold coins for a while now, just in case, you know. DH collects coins anyway. We raise a small amount of edibles, not a good area for that.
I have to say that I'm quite worried. I remember back in the early 90's when my hubby got laid off from work for about 2 months. As I think back, I don't recall being as scared then as I am now. But of course, we didn't have a mortgage then.
I'm most worried for my son. He's 20 and planning to get married in September. He works at a factory where his dad works and they have announced a 2 week shutdown in June and another in November and December. This is better than a layoff and this way he will keep his job.
I work for a University and even there it is scary about job reductions. Talks are everywhere in every department. Since banks aren't lending students funding, enroll has declined.
I, too collect coins, preserve vegetables from our garden and purchase meat in bulk on sale. Of course, I do find that sometimes I spend money on stupid things like cigarettes, bottled water, gum and lunch. I hope to stop smoking by April since I'm expecting prices to go up to $6.75/pack. This will save me a lot of money.
My husband is more conservative than me, save, save, save, is his motto. This is great because this offers a more balanced financial relationship.
Hi guys, i was glad to see this thread. I'm 68 and grew up after the depression but heard a lot about it from those who did. Things now seem to be so much like what happened before the depression. It was almost global than and now it seems to be fully global so yes i'm very worried. MY DD and i were lucky in that we had family that was pretty independent from the economy at large. We can and have grown our own food. Raise chickens,a cow,pig.We can hunt and fish and know what wild plants are edible. So can or kids. We will survive as long as we can also defend our stuff.
But i worry about the rest of the country. What is everyone going to do. These community gardens are great but i've read that strict rules have to be made as to plot size. rules of manners and everything possible. What will the laws be for city people. They can be either against survivle(SP) or for it.
Transportation? There are so many things to think about and no one seems to be doing it.
I can't see that saving money can be an answer. better invest in land to grow what you need to survive.
Most important learn what you need to know to survive in a couple of different scenerios.
We also have to learn to get along or none of us will survive.
Sorry guys, I'm off my high horse now. hoping to hear some great ideas.
I'm really worried. My dh said they are going to 3 day work weeks, and less if more work doesn't come in. I don't know what we will do. We don't owe alot and have paid off a lot of our mortgage but without a job long term, I guess we could lose it all.
Short term we would be ok, we have family to help also. But I think the economic problems will be very long term for the US. A new way of life.
I worry only because we are much less prepared today than those during the GD.
I mean, how many people even know how to plant and tend vegetables! Or even have the desire to learn!? How many people hunt and fish? How many people have saved any money? How many people are used to just going to a store to SHOP for fun? How many people know how to sew an outfit? Can their own veggies? Stock, store and save are key skills that have been lost.
Tir_Na_Nog-
you are so right, and I am in that same trouble, so I have been wondering if the answer to survival in years to come will be an "every man (woman, family) for himself attitude, or if creating ties and bonds with other people who have skills, and sharing our own abilities and willingness to learn is a better option. (That sentence needed a better option!!)
In other words, safety in numbers, or isolationism? I'm not even sure myself just yet.
I know what you mean! I was shocked to move to Houston and see NONE of my neighbors ever out, everyone here hires out lawncare. And to go from the house to your car in the drive or garage you literally never see neighbors out. I don't know I may be to negative but I suspect it'd be more of a every man for himself additude as that's how it seems to be right now.
The other would be nicer though!
I'd like to live in the country though so I don't have to find out ;)
I believe a lot of the isolation is due to smaller families and those moving away from home. I think often of those I can count on in case of emergencies and I hope that I have many friends and family I can count on in time of need.
I'm lucky in that I have a good relationship with my closest neighbors. We respect each others privacy but also depend on each other to help when needed. We take turns transporting the kids to events, watching each others pets, and trust each other in our homes when away. We share plants, seeds, recipes, garden tips and sometimes borrow an egg when needed.;) More so me borrowing since I'm not that good at planning ahead. I am respectful in replenishing those items that I borrow and then some.
I'm an only child who grew up close to my cousins. My mom had 5 siblings that all stayed close to home when they married and had kids. With that, we were always at Grandma's and Grandpa's for the holidays. Now that my Grandfather has passed, I've noticed the family doesn't get together as much. My fear is when Grandma passes, the family will be more separated than it is.
I would be able to work with what I have to survive a depression. Growing up poor and being raised on welfare, I'm very much familiar with Soup Kitchens and resources for assistance. If in need, I'm not shy about asking for help. I would sell my home or rent it out to roommates, eat macaroni with butter, wear my clothes more than once and hang them out on the line to dry.
On the other hand, my husband is more proud and would find it hard to do without. He would be able to survive, but I don't think I would want to survive with him. He can be a grouch when not making ends meet. Everything has to be organized and in it's place; toilet paper, toothpaste, laundry soap, coffee and if something isn't replenished, his schedule is off and he doesn't know how to manage his day. He takes a lot of pride in everything he does, he is so particular almost having OCD (obsesive compulsive disorder). :)
We are so different that we are "opposites attract". With our differences we both have skills and knowledge to help each other in time of need. We count on each other to build on the others weakeness and to grow by learning what we have to offer the relationship. Yes, I'm proud o say "we are preparing to celebrate our 18th year of marriage."
itliff, loved you post. my dh and i were complete opposites also and we really complimented each other.We both tore our hair out at times but always made the best out of life.LOL
He managed to keep me from wild shopping sprees with a look. And i saw to it he bought proper equipment and not junk.
You know guys, I have faith in Americans. I think in desparate times we will manage to pull together.I'll teach anyone who wants to learn on how to garden,cook simply or quilt. Tho we may be preaching to the choir.
Love the last 2 posts! So good! It gives me hope after watching Oprah (which I almost never do) yesterday. It was competely depressing and about people living in TENT cities in areas that were thriving 5 years ago.
I have large families and none of them can I count on. None of them have skills for survival nor supplies for hard times. And that's okay. I'm a bit to proud to ask anyone for help. I wouldn't ask a neighbor for an egg :( I'd just wait til I go to the store again for what I'd planned.
BUT in hard times I think I'd be more humble if only so my kids are cared for. I can do without but the children, no.
I envy those of you with people in your inner circle, those with skills and those with enough gumption to ask for help. :)
I'm a little jealous too, of those with large families that feel like family, and Iratliff29. too, who has a good close-knit neighborhood to lean on. This is so often said, but hard times really do bring out the best and worst in people. There's no more room for pretending!
I have enjoyed reading this thread to see I am not alone. It does scare me. I have been disabled since 2000 and it is rough. My husband passed in sept 2006 and I have been shocked on the close friends I can count with one finger.
My neighbor said a few years back we all need to get back to helping each other and I thought it may really mean people were starting to care for each other. It turned out it is an each man for himself. Hurricane Ike came through and I still have a mess. Not one of my neighbors offered to help me. Actually before that when I was trying so hard at keeping the grass mowed in the heat I had had several neighbors say they would be there for me. Well NADA. Not one of them with the riding lawn mowers offered to help or mow. One lady did it several times but after she moved it ended. I have a self propelled push mower but i have a failed 2 level lumbar surgery, I also have neuropathy in both legs,
I was suprised after the Hurricane Ike that not one came forward. I have worked so hard and still have 2 of my flowering trees to cut down and a huge pile of branches to haul little by little to the dump. It will take me forever as I put in a full half day and then the next few I feel so bad I have to sleep to escape feeling so horrible.
My neck hurts from the stress and I noticed today I am clenching my jaw again. I have one brother and I ask him 6 months back for help and he said all his money is in his business. But I am not sure but when you own a business I thought you could use some of what you need. I have given up caring as I have no one to help. He lives in PA so help with the hurricane torn yard is out.
This has become a sad world we live in when neighbors don't help neighbors. And no one helps a woman by herself. And to be disabled on top of that. Even after Dennis died the church did not come forth as the bible speaks of taking care of the widows. But oh well it may still be out there for the next one. Insurance has not paid even half what is needed to fix my house.
Vegetables the plants fry in the sun. I have never had any luck growing tomatoes. Oh well enough of that. It really is a sad world we live in when others are not lent a helping hand. And I don't have money to pay anyone. I may have to sell my house and get a tent. Sad but not joking.
Oh I sympathize. I live in Houston now and find my new neighborhood less neighborly than my one on the outskirts of San Antonio. After Ike we were asked by neighbors to go help some other neighbors cut a tree :) but no one came to help us clean up either. We even offered to pay our neighbor who is a landscaping guy but he was overwhelmed with just cleaning up all his regular landscape accounts.
I don't expect anyone to come help me. And in that way I have less to be disappointed about :). I try to safeguard what I can while I can and hope for the best.
On the tomatoes, there are heat-resistant varieties they sell at the good nurseries. Perhaps a potted veg garden would be easier on you?
On a positive note though I have found DGers very generous. I've met some who have shared with me advice, nursery pots and cuttings.
ilovejesus,
I understand that you have no help from your neighbors but it amazes me that you don't have help from your church.It is a clear new testament teaching,directly from the Pauline epistles,that the churches widows are to be taken care of if they have no family that will help.Dmail me if you need chapter(s) and verse(s).
Our church helps two of our widows both financially and with help from the men of the church.Our daughter's husband was killed just over a year ago and her church helps her both financially and with all other kinds of help.We have to get in line to do any work around her yard.That was not to brag but to show that many churches still practice what they preach.
If I were in your shoes I would have a long talk with your pastor and if that didn't pan out,look for a church that still believes the book.
ilovejesus and Tir_Na_Nog
It's heart breaking to be reassured that yes, some people are out for themselves. I do admit that I know many people who are selfish and don't offer to assist to help others when they are able. I find this irritating and remind myself that I don't want to be that way.
For those people who are out for themselves I find them to be disrespectful with no manners. More of a spoiled type of attitude. Yes, I believe there's a little bit of that in everyone but I guess I have great hope that in time of need we would pull together.
Obviously, in the situation with ilovejesus, it's unfortunate that you can't get assistance from neighbors, family, friends or your church. If you were my neighbor I would definately check in on you, ask if you need anything and help where I can
I'm not perfect.
Here on DG I have witnessed some very thoughtful friends who go the extra mile to put a smile on someones face. I look up to them and hope to learn from their good traits.
I don't want you to think my life is rosey. I have witnessed some pretty awful things in my life. Growing up with an alcoholic mother, boyfriends who beat her constantly into the hospital, being placed in shelter homes and sent to foster homes while my mom went into rehab is just a little taste of my childhood life.
I still remember to this day just like it was yesterday, being heart broken because all my toys were throwning in the trash by a landlord because my mom was on a drunken binge for over 30 days and didn't move our things out when she didn't pay rent. I went and stayed with my aunts, not knowing where I would lay my head each night. I bounced from aunt to aunt to grandma's and sometimes in foster/shelter homes. Not having anything of my own.
I did get pregnant at 15, the father died when I was 8 months pregnant, and had my son when I was 16. I made sure to return to school, to graduate on time with my class. Not once did I accept welfare.
I will try to be very careful here, and say that this is just a generality, but it seems to me that often it is those who have had it the hardest who have the biggest hearts. Of course sometimes tragedy destroys a soul, but if not, those people are (I think) more aware of the needs and pains of others. Like I said, that doesn't mean that a person who has had a normal happy childhood and life may not be just as considerate and loving. But I think that if you have 'been through the wringer' you may be very empathetic to the pain of others.
I'm sorry that you live so very far away, ilovejesus99. I would try to find a way to help. I agree that you should try another church. I know the idea of selling your home is painful, but sometimes God closes one door and opens another, and perhaps, instead of a tent you might end up in a nice trailor, and have more freedom, less stress, and even see some of the world. I really don't know it your physical condition would allow you that freedom. But...
Iratliff-wow! My mom went through something like that too, and it damaged her, emotionally and mentally, so that she raised us kids with some rather strange attitudes about life and people. It sounds like you have been able to overcome, and have a healthy adult life. I don't know why some people make through better then others, but I'm glad for those that do.
My son is disabled, and always when our income gets low we receive a disability check for him. that really helps. I have heard that some states are broke, and are issuing IOU instead of tax refunds. That worries me about his disability checks if they will be there when we need them. My neighbor down the road is disabled, he called last night and said his transportation services were being cut out due to funding issues. He cannot drive, so he now has no way of getting to appointments or buy groceries. He just finally got his place paid off last year and was looking forward to getting a dog this summer. But now he is afraid to as he wont have any way of getting his dog to a vet for services.
Really makes me hot. I am going to make some calls around today to 'services' and give them a piece of my mind while hopefully finding out what is going on so he can get some help!
This whole thing is getting ridiculous. So many houses setting empty too... I don't see any reason for 'tents'. A house down our street is empty and the neighborhood kids have ruined the siding throwing rocks at it, and broke out a window. It WAS a nice place. Letting a house sit empty will devalue it pretty quickly. I can't think that that would be in a bank's best interest anyway. It is all just sad. Also a lot of homeless pets. :(
We have family we could live with, but still that would be a last resort for us. We are going to be on unemployment soon, it looks like :( YIKES!
Frilly, I understand your concerns! They are valid ones for sure! BUT consider the flip side. What about those who have paid their bills? If it was as simple as not paying your mortgage but to keep the house occupied your bank said okay you can stay why then would anyone pay?!
There were to many new homes built for a housing boom that allowed every tom, dick and harry a home who may have in another senerio been unready for. It's left people homeless with credit so torn it may be years before they can enjoy the American dream again.
And it has trickled down to almost every community now as we all struggle with this economy. Best one can do is prepare as you can and be more aware that the world is bigger than one's own self: i.e where can we help a neighbor?
I think helping people to reduce payments, find alternative work, and starting community programs to help each other with house repairs, babysitting and finding work- would be a better solution than just kicking people out and letting the houses go downhill. They would still be paying the debt back, just slower, and still the house would keep its value. Even knocking off the interest would work, and that would help other people that were able to make their payments as well, because it would help the overall economy and things maybe would not have gotten so bad. Think also about all the extra kids being put into state care and the increase of welfare to those people, which the REST of us paying working folks are paying in the form of taxes. Well it is a complicated mess. I guess there is no easy fix. But anyway, it is what it is, at this point.
And will soon be US if DH is laid off. !!
oh well this will work out for our homeschool. If we become homeless our 'school' will move with us wherever we go :)
We will 'live' at the library lol
I was at least at peace to read a section in a recent Readers Digest that diagrammed several other time periods in U.S. history that suffered a recession. Being young I don't have a memory of hard hit times and to hear others talk it's the end of the world BUT it is nice to see that although history repeats itself you can also see from history we will rebound.
Yes, history is a beautiful thing. When I was in school I dispised the fact that I had to take history. Now, being older, it's more important to know how our ancestors handle things. It's great when you can learn from other's mistakes.
The economy will rebound, but at what extent of damage will we have to endure this time. Fortunately, I haven't had to worry about my job, and hope my husband will be safe from layoff.
I suppose it is possible it would not rebound. Just because it has in the past would not necessarily mean it would have to again.
Remember there were GREAT countries in the world's past that thought they were too 'great' too fall. Remember Rome? All the luxuries of the day. But eventually it fell to ruin and to enemies. I believe the US is not exempt. Our country is also 'young' compared to other developed areas of the world.
I seen an article on MSN about whether or not China should bail out our economy. Of course everything on store shelves is made in China nowadays. But you know the old saying... a borrower is slave to the lender. That is theoretically what is happening now, but not literally happening... yet, but it could...?
Last year I read an article some nitwit wrote on MSN about how the US would never suffer a famine. Uh, his theories were pretty stupid. He didn't address the little problem of water shortages. And last I knew, I don't know of anyone that can control rainfall LOL.
That was when everyone was talking about the cost of groceries, and the rising price of rice and corn. They are of course staples all over the world, alot of rice and corn are exported to other countries from the US. I'm not sure what Ethanol is doing to the people that depend on that as a food source. I also heard that Ethanol will only get you 2/3 the mileage as gasoline. So even though it technically is cheaper per gallon, it ends up costing more than you think.
At least my dayliles so far, I have been able to divide up and sell now and then, and that helps on the bill to feed my addiction. Oh, in hard times you can eat daylilies too ;)
So you should consider them an INVESTMENT!!!!
I was reading up on the 'tent' cities. Seems the local officials are making the churches in the area stop hosting the people, unless they can house them indoors. The counties know they can't do that of course. There are too many of them. How sad. At least someone is trying to help, I think they are party poopers. Just jealous they did not think of it first, and so could call the shots...? nah, they are probably looking for a way to charge a 'fee' !!!
Speaking of that BOY are the cops thick around here lately! The highway patrol too. I told my husband with the states going broke, they are probably out trying to get anyone they can to make a buck! So watch out! Those tickets can get pretty steep. They are not getting any of my money!
I heard that cities are considering "legalizing" tent cities and providing services. I tell you a week or so ago I did not even know something like them exsisted here in the United States. :(
Yes, we could fall you are right. I try not to think of it and discussion (at least on my part) for that issue would be a hot political button we aren't allowed to press here.
Soooo I just hope U.S. recession history repeats itself once again. On a positive I think all American's will and are viewing money and our consumer society differently and so that's a positive outcome already.
Well there is no sense in worrying. It will not change anything. But that is so much easier to say than DO.
We just have to take one day at a time and do what we need to do to make it.
I more and more have to remind myself that things are JUST things. Material possessions I will die and leave someday anyway! But like I said, I repeat that often to my little brain lol
It's tough...
tirnanog and ilovejesus99, Your plights of not getting help with your outside work reminded me of the ability of many lil ole southern ladies. Who in desperation for help would start up the old oven and start baking homemade cakes,pies. What ever men loved cooked and went visiting with a well loved item the man of the house loved to eat. The conversation would turn to whatever needed to be done. A man will just about kill for a favorite homecooked goodie. Some women will also. It's worked for me and i did what i could to get what i needed. I did'nt get a freebee. I provided a wanted service. In my family i can cook meatloaf,chocolate cake or pie, cocoanut cake or pie, butterscotch pie from scratch.fried venison,mashed potatoes,gravy and bisquits. Most of us lil ole ladies have an advantage. We Can Cook!!!! AND THE COMPLIMENTS ARE PURE BLISS.LOL
It does'nt take much brawn to cook. And we're all old enough to have learned how to cook something.
By southern lil ole ladies i mean southern yankees, southern french, southern german or southern eskimo.
My brother in law was a house painter and he painted at least 2 houses for a couple of quilts each.
And there is always the boyscouts. There are always some boys ready to earn a badge by helping someone out.
Just something to think about that might solve a problem.
Vickie
Wow Vickie I had not thought about that. Thank You.
And I am a very good cook. Thanks again.
Before I opened and saw this I was reminded by a small still voice in my heart that no matter how big things look Jesus is still and always will be bigger. I have at times fell down but God always gave me a hand and brushed me off and set me on my feet to start over again.
The Bible I must remind myself says do not worry about tomorrow as today has enough obstacles to get through.
With that said Jesus does give us the wisdom to do what it takes to plant a garden even if my tomato plants fry from the heat. He has given us what it takes to help ourselves and each other.
Sometimes my fleshly eyes lose sight of what is Spiritually right in front of me. Speaking to myself first and possibly only myself but Thanks to you here you helped me realize what I had lost sight of. Not saying I am still not concerned but I have to believe in this or the worry would gobble me up. I tend to over worry.
Ilovejesus99,
I have fallen and lost faith more times than i care to count. But always someone-something sent by God grabs me up and sets me on the right track again.
I feel that many prayers for all of us here originate from DGers.
