Imagine

 

Imagine =

intransitive verb

1. To form a mental picture or image of.
   "imagined a better life abroad."
2. To think or suppose; conjecture.
   "I imagine you're right."
3. To have a notion of or about without adequate foundation; fancy or believe.
   "She imagines herself to be a true artist."
    
   Source: American Heritage Dictionary
    
    
    On a very basic level, forming a thought, mental picture, or notion; seems to be a common sense perspective. So, how is it that what we are seeing, experiencing and getting a mental picture of; is supposedly wrong? I have a LOT of topics to cover today, as I took the weekend off the internet(mostly) to celebrate my daughter and find my center balance once again.
   
   
   
   
   We are being blasted many times a day now, with one dumpster fire or another. Job losses, rapidly rising federal deficits, deceptive business practices, criminal behaviors, media censorship and deception, political nonsense, and every possible means of division known to human kind. This trickery has filtered down through society into the weakest minds, and those who wish to place blame everywhere except where the blame belongs. Some of the latest attacks are on people, like me, who have chosen to return to the roots of my family culture and quite honestly...the roots of MOST cultures. The homesteaders and farmers. Basically, anyone who believes you should do your own research, raise your own food, prepare your homes and be fiscally responsible. That is a bad thing for the elite class of folks that want everyone dependent on the government, ignorant, and being just smart enough to do the work but dumb enough to push their bull shit. Sadly, there are still plenty drinking that koolaid and even more sad...they will caught up in the same mess as everyone else...possibly worse. 
   
   
   
   
   I'm going to begin with the homestead life style. This is truly a life style, not something you just pick up or set down when the urge hits. For many of us, it is a 24/7 life, that is typically worked full time by one and part time by another. For example: I am full time on our farm/homestead, and my husband is part time after he works his full time, off-the-farm job. That is kind of a deceptive description, because he has to be full time at his job, but still put in full time hours on our farm too. It takes both of us to make this work. There are no vacations, no breaks - animals require food and water daily, there is constant planning/organizing/prepping, there is mountains of paperwork, quite a bit of juggling, a constant gamble when dealing with Mother Nature, and the risks are beyond massive. While we do buy a portion of our foods at a store, we still raise or grow the majority, here on our farm. That, is an undertaking with its own mountain of strategic planning. We don't have hired hands. Everything that happens on our farm, is on us. If it sinks or excels is based on OUR efforts, mostly. This life style, is considered an antique form of life...because too many are too lazy to do it. It's become more important to have fancy lawns, gated communities, or concrete jungles. Honestly, anyone could grow some of their food, if they made the effort. Anyone could preserve some of their food, again...if they made the effort. This point is becoming very evident in the young people today...they believe they can just go to a store and there will automatically be food. Sadly, even writing that, it's not just young people. Too many are content with the Roman Empire thought of, "give them bread and circus." It's become too evident that vacations, entertainment events, gambling, the latest technology, and even the media itself; is giving some the bread and circus. With that said, are you actively preparing your home for any time of emergency situation?
   
   
   
   
   
   
   Just the past week, the reports of job losses ticked up. John Deere, Family Dollar/Dollar Tree, and Tyson; have stated they will be laying off workers and closing facilities. So, let's dive into the basics of these alone.  John Deere Co. in September 2023 laid off 225 people from its Havester Works facility in East Moline, Il. NOW - it's laying off 150 maintenance and production workers from the Ankeny, IA facility. So, over 7 months 375 people have or will be losing decent paying jobs. Tyson Foods in 2023 closed nearly all of its chicken processing plants. NOW - it is laying off 1276 people and closing the Perry, IA facility. This story goes beyond ignorant. The Tyson Corporation has publicly announced hiring 52,000 "or more" of the illegals through their Ohio division. The Family Dollar/Dollar Tree company - Dollar Tree Company purchased the Family Dollar Stores. Nearly 1000 stores will be closing, and those employees losing their jobs. Nearly 600 Family Dollar stores will be closed the first half of this year, 370 additional Family Dollar and 30 Dollar Tree stores will be on the chopping block in the coming year, as store leases expire. But, our economy is strong and getting stronger. How about our local communities, and small businesses? Folks, we are losing small businesses every single day. Many smaller communities can't afford to lose them. Just the layoffs in this paragraph alone will have massive impacts on many communities!
   
   
   
   
   Let's discuss the crime. Criminal behavior, should be treated as such. There are millions of laws on the books already, but criminals NEVER follow the law. Why would they, when they are being rewarded for being complete wastes of oxygen? When we are being invaded, and they are given free healthcare, food, lodging and free travel; criminals are being bailed out by politicians, you can destroy entire cities and businesses and be given a "get out of jail free card," or you can legally go into a store and steal - what deterrent is there? When American Veterans and citizens are living on the streets, American citizens are being forced to make a choice of paying bills, buying food or their medications. American tax payers are footing the bill for every "hand out" given by the politicians...we have a BIG problem. All the monies being sent to other countries, is tax payer money. The government does not make anything, it only taxes, takes and spends. Why is the government sending money anywhere or giving it out to those illegally entering our country, when we have Vets and citizens in dire straights?! America is in trouble. These criminals in DC have promoted division, and criminal behavior. Do you want to truly be educated? Go do some research about each of the elected officials in DC, and their criminal records. Not to mention their fringe benefits, that they voted for themselves, but refuse to allow for citizens. You want to hold hatred for a group of people...stop first and pray for your heart to be cleansed. Then get educated about what is really happening and what has actually happened. Many of those in DC that are supported by the less educated, are using them like slaves to keep our country in an uproar. Yes, I said that. You are being USED. There are several that need to relearn History, the real history. Many lands have been conquered over thousands of years. Every single time, there were sell-outs that sold out their own people to allow the lands to be taken. Educate yourselves on the history of the political parties you support. 
   
   
   
   
   I have zero desire to argue with fools. I will gladly stand alone on what I have researched and know. Every single person could do the exact same research I have done. The difference? Most won't! They are too happy to live in their bubbles, continue to spread division, or remain willfully ignorant. Yes, I am being very blunt. I am sick of the ignorance. I am sick of people that try to argue over feelings instead of facts. The sad truths of it all, while so many are arguing over the petty differences that make our country so unique...those sick and evil people at the top are abusing every single citizen in our country. 
   
   
   
   
   So, while you argue about color, race, gender, nationality; millions of women, children and even men go missing every single year. Millions of women and children are being sex trafficked in a multi-billion dollar industry(in the U.S. alone). Thousands of people of dying daily from illegal drugs being brought across our border. Thousands of Veterans and Soldiers are dying by suicide because they can't get the medical care they need. Thousands of people are losing their jobs, their homes, their families, and starving because the government being supported has broken its oath to protect American's first. OUR government has failed us. They have forgotten THEY work for US...NOT THE OTHER WAY AROUND! Our Constitutional Republic was designed that the Constitution was a contract, the elected representatives were to represent the people that elected; not whatever corporation or foreign government or lobbyist paid them the most. Here's a fun question to end this rant: Which United States Presidents virtually worked for free? Meaning, they either did not take the Presidential salary or they gave it back to an American entity. 
   
   
   
   

Let's Talk

 

Let's Talk!

Well, my brain seems to be on a fast moving train, as usual, but on a down hill slope. My thoughts are truly all over the place, at rapid succession. Many times, conversations in my home, lead to further thoughts and analyzing other thoughts. One thing that tends to annoy my husband about me, is that I do actually care for others, and try to help everyone possible. While I get that I have been hurt by this many times over, it's just my nature. So, I guess you have to take the good with the bad. 

Lately, it has become very clear that so much has changed not just in our country, but also in our small communities. Ego has been an issue for a long time, but it seems to be ramping up at rapid rates. Those of us in the GenX range are shaking our heads at both the younger generations and the older ones. Some of us are turning to the "grandparents" generation for wisdom, guidance, and direction. Many of us have started to see both the positives and faults from their generation forward. Since my generation was the last generation to grow up without technology and cell phones, we are over all the drama they have created. We once thought the internet would help expand knowledge, and now know...that is not the case. Our world is driven by those supposedly "educated" yet we can see, they probably all failed but were pushed through school, because they aren't. We see more and more that education has resulted in more division amongst those that are given just enough to get through but not enough to gain actual wisdom. So, I want to touch on some of these areas, obviously from my own view point. 

Just a word of advice, I change my mind once in a while, but never based on opinion...only on FACTS. I have gotten a rash of tongue lashings for my opinions. I DO my own research, and it's not based on media. If you disagree, that's ok...that is your opinion. Go write a blog or social media post, or better yet...go make videos proving your point. 

I'm going to jump into Ego, first. This is a first hand experience with this Biblical sin, not to mention surest form of ignorance. There is not a person on Earth that should have an ego. What's the phrase, "be careful of the fingers you step on, on your way up the ladder, they may be attached to the ass you have to kiss on your way down." No matter how much each of us would like to believe we are an island, and don't need anyone else...we are wrong. I could go a few directions with this. Once you start believing you are better than anyone else, you know more than anyone else, you are more educated because of the degrees/certificates hanging on your walls...you are sunk. In a different light, let's look at this from a relationship perspective. I am married. While I am fully capable of taking care of myself, I depend on my husband. While I can do everything that needs done, I shouldn't have to. In a relationship, it should be a partnership. It may mean you pull 80% of the weight when they are only capable of 20% on any given day. It may mean you are better in some areas than your partner, but they are better in others. While I believe all relationships should be 100% by both people all the time, I am also smart enough to know, that rarely happens. Both people are going to make stupid mistakes, both people are going to have moments that are ugly. Having the intelligence to understand that it takes both people working together, losing the ego, learning to converse/comprehend each other, and not just throwing in the towel when things get rough; Sadly, the ego plays a huge part in the majority of relationship failures. The same goes for business. When an ego is the lead in a business, it will fail. 

Let's jump into the business side of ego. One thing that has become very prevalent in recent years, is the lack of loyalty from employees AND employers. Years ago, when I was a young adult, we were taught that you found a good job, worked hard and your retired from that job. Many of those "good jobs" have evaporated, I know. The thing is, even today, small businesses are being run like corporations that only have a loyalty to themselves and their share holders. You have management costing businesses a lot of money, you have company owners that are not loyal to the ones that are making them their money, and you have employees that no longer care...they are just there for a paycheck. This is a recipe for disaster. I know the illness created a huge issue, but the reality is, a lot of this began before that. Let's start with management. This is the direct link between employee and owner. When you have management that does not do their job or no longer cares; you have a big problem. A manager is to direct the employees, as the owner wishes. That, in the most basic terms is, that manager should be doing everything possible to help the owner with his bottom line income, keeping customers and building business, directing employees with work/empowering them with tools needed, and relaying to the owner of issues and feedback of employees. This is a very brief description. When any or all of these break down, again, you have a big problem. Whether the business is losing customers, losing income, losing employees, or worst, folding up...there was a serious break down, and in nearly every situation, there is an ego involved. Whether it's the owner, manager, or employee...and in many cases, it's all of the above. Which typically is what I call a snowball effect, that began at the top, and rolled down hill. 

Many of you know my beliefs are not main stream. I do not believe in religion, although I have full faith in God. I don't believe I have to be a Christian, Muslim, or whatever, to believe in God and have him hear my prayers. However, I recently had a dream that weighed on me, and I felt I needed to explore. You may not know, typically, if I have a dream that I remember...there is something to it. They either come true, or the meaning is revealed to me when I seek out whatever it is that weighs on my heart. I refer to this as discernment and insight. What it actually is, I don't really question. I just know that throughout my life, this has happened. Anyway, there was one simple line from the dream that stuck with me, several days after having the dream, "you need to go to church with So and so." I am going to leave names out. After about a week of trying to figure out the why's, what's that mean, etc. I connected with the person that was mentioned, and I actually went to church. I had been trying to get more time to spend with this person anyway. So, I went. I truly enjoyed Sunday School and the service, spent time with an amazing woman, and felt a weight lifting from my heart. I felt contented for those 3 hours. You see, I pray nearly everyday. I take time to meditate, and ask for guidance and direction. So, while I thought one thing about that dream, I believe now, that it was quite possibly a multifaceted dream. That was my direction for most of what I had prayed for - guidance(Sunday School), time with the person, and direction for so much. 

As a child of GenX, I look at the kids today(anyone under 30) as pretty weak. Not necessarily by their own doing, but because society has wrapped them in bubble wrap. They rarely spends days dirty, in the dirt or working like dogs. They rarely spend any time outdoors. Their vocabulary, grammar, and punctuation is worse than our 3rd graders were in the 90's. They have a serious lack of communication skills, unless it's on computer/technology of some sort. They can't handle scrapes, scratches, or pain of any kind. They all think they are something special, and we all are unique but not everyone deserves a participation trophy. Parents lose their shit over their kids drinking out of a garden hose. While we had bullies in our generation...we FOUGHT BACK! We were taught you never threw the first punch, but you sure as hell better fight back. Several younger generations were taught they had rights...LOL!! You know what rights we had? You didn't talk back or you were likely to be missing teeth. You didn't roll your eyes, you didn't curse, you NEVER talked back to an adult, and honestly...kids were not only not to be heard, most of the time you weren't to be seen either. The adults had conversations, and the kids were kept in the dark - SO THEY COULD BE KIDS! You were not supposed to thrust adult issues on kids. 

I am going to touch briefly on division. While many of the divisions currently in our country, were put to rest(for the most part) 60+ years ago; many of them are being reignited by a citizenship that has neglected to do their own research. I will accept that there are ignorant and biased people in our society, but the overwhelming majority is not. We do have some scars on our nation, just as EVERY single nation does. The one thing many fail to recognize, is that it was America that has attempted to right many wrongs. No one alive today, was a slave, or owned slave - at least not in the traditional sense. We are ALL currently debt slaves to the federal government. By the very wording of our Constitution, we are FREE to move about our nation - you are not required to stay where you are. You are Constitutionally guaranteed Equality, NOT Equity. We are all given the opportunity to better ourselves, but it OUR choice to do so. We are guaranteed our God given rights, that is stated - not any other deity. While I believe we should have the right to pray in schools, by allowing Christian prayer, that opens the door to prayer from other religions we may not agree with. America should ALWAYS be the number 1 priority of any and ALL elected officials. Sending our tax dollars to other countries - no matter the reason, when our own country is struggling, is wrong! Allowing our tax dollars to support those who are invading our nation is wrong and illegal. Breaking laws, makes you a criminal, PERIOD! Anyone supporting and encouraging that, should be arrested for accomplice as well. When we have soldiers - that have been sent to fight for our country, whether abroad or at home, on the streets and not receiving the healthcare they need and we have American citizens living on the streets, we have families that can not afford to buy groceries and pay their bills; ANY money sent out of the country should be illegal. When our elected officials in Congress AND Senate write new bills and laws, and each of them contains hundreds of pet projects not directly related to the bill - this should be illegal. Instead it's called ear marks. Every single vote in either chamber should be on single subject items, period! Those people in D.C. have the biggest egos of them all. I encourage you all to go reread our Constitution, our Bill Of Rights, go read the executive orders and every single bill going through our Congress. Do your own research. Stop listening to the noise box, in 2008 they were given the green light to start using propaganda against every American. It's the updated Smith-Mundt Act. Educate yourself on how long railroads, highways, all basic infrastructure was already in place LONG before the 1913 Federal Reserve Act. Educate yourself on who signed the treaties for the Native American relocation act, the expansions of lands, and political party that pushed it all. Every single division point being pushed by the current mainstream, is completely fabricated. For many of you, the very people you are supporting are the true enemy, you just don't realize it.

As I move forward with my day, I want to finish this blog with a few more thoughts. As I spoke of early, relationships are not easy. They can help you find your weaknesses AND your strengths. While conversations are absolutely necessary, equally important is comprehension. You have to learn your partners conversational abilities, both of you, and learn to comprehend what they are saying. Many times, you will find both partners are in the same spectrum of thought...just communicating it differently. The same can be said for every other thought in this blog.

Coffee Chat, rant and always more

 

I always tell myself that I need to make things short and sweet. It rarely happens that way. Spending nearly 99% of my time on the farm, means I have very few conversations with actual people. Sure, I "talk" to a lot of people online, through text and a few phone calls. Actual in person conversations, are a rarity. Most of the time, this is probably for the better. I don't have much of a filter from brain to mouth, and I typically don't give 2 cents what people think of me. That doesn't play well with so many that have an image to maintain. I don't have the "right" name to be included in my county, which is also ok, for the most part. 

My son and I were talking a few days ago, about being part of a community. Living as rural as we do, it's difficult to be claimed in communities. Although our address is not even part of the county we pay taxes to, it was prior an address for an entirely different state. Many of us living in this rural setting, are considered the laplanders. This is an area that has bounced between 2 different states...and is quite frankly, forgotten about....except when they want tax money. We are literally 3 miles from 3 counties, in 2 states. Our closest towns, are 15 minutes away in a different state...or 25 minutes in our state. While I love living rural, and would not change most things...it is frustrating. I could go on and on about this. Most of us, in my area, are connected, we try to check in on each other. We help each other when it's needed, and we watch out for each other. While there have been some new folks to start venturing into this area, they have not made the same attempts. It begs the opinion that they believe themselves to be an island. Meaning, they think they can manage with their "city/town" thinking out here where the fire/ambulance district can't find us, it takes nearly an hour to get police to, and all the crazies that try to outrun the law...end up here, including illegals that have already been run out of the conservation area a half mile from my house. 

So, this is a great segway into mass exodus that seems to be happening nationwide. All the people transplanting from areas of high crime, high taxes, loss of freedoms, and unConstitutional laws; that flee to places like here... A word of advice; if you are running away from all of that, do not bring that thinking here and expect us to be just like where you left. Seems pretty logical, right? Apparently not. We have noticed it in our county over the past 20 years. The majority of people in our county, are now transplants from somewhere else. In our direct area, we have people from cities - doctors, lawyers, etc. paying outrageous prices for land, driving up land prices for the local people, driving up property values with their excessive "city-fied," hunting properties. They think they are moving into "big buck country," but that hasn't been the case in many years now. That is actually now Iowa and further south in the county. These folks have no hunting signs all over their property, yet they expect to be able to drive/hunt where ever they want to on other's property. The locals, that live here and farm here, are in constant battles with these new comers as they try to throw around their money to walk all over whomever they wish. Opening morning of deer season, sounds like a war is breaking out. When you have some of these people shooting COWS, they claim they didn't know was a cow...this is what we are dealing with. There is a major difference between a cow and a deer. We raise sheep...and KNOW to keep them close to the house, because if they can't tell a deer from a cow...how the hell will they tell the difference between a sheep and a cow. 

As I'm sure everyone is aware, we have entered the ever present election season. It sure seems that these pathetic politicians are in constant election mode anymore. Rarely do we see any real efforts from either party...besides the constant back and forth blame game. I am not a person who hates anyone. That is such a harsh term. However, I hate everything this current political class(both parties) stand for. After watching the demonic, pathetic, and polarizing State of the Union; I am beyond angry. I took several days, to absorb the speech, and to research the content, and research previous speeches. So, rather than being yet another talking head, with the exact same media talking points of both parties, I wanted to THINK FOR MYSELF!! So, quite literally, 5 minutes of research was able to completely discount 90% of Biden's talking points. Recognizing that of all the disruptions during that speech, it was a Gold Star Dad that was arrested - this is the dad of a fallen soldier, from the horrific and botched Afghanistan withdrawl. How pathetic!!! That really pissed me off. When the large part of the entire speech was directed around "protecting democracy" everywhere else, gaslighting the American people because we KNOW the economy is not "strong and getting stronger," and our tax money is defending every other border EXCEPT our own...this is not how an American President should behave. When you more evidence proving that you, your family, and honestly even your party; are and have broken a multitude of laws. A prosecutor claims your are too feeble to stand trial for breaking multiple laws. The media, that should be doing actual investigative journalism, instead of propaganda, the entire lot is committing treason. There are plenty of Republicans that need to be added in to the mix as well. While it was a struggle for me to listen to the entire thing, I think all American's should listen. American's need to get over themselves, and STOP promoting all the divisions. The largest part of American people, are inherently good. It's these governmental bureaucrats that are the problem. It's the government, that have created 99% of ALL problems in this country. The everyday American's want to live their lives, raise their families the best they can, and live comfortably. That is the bottom line. While I do not agree with many of the scars on our country, lands have been fought for and conquered for thousands of years. Genocides are STILL happening, around the world and right here on the home front(abortion and trans crap, leading the way). I am all for "you do you," BUT parental rights come first until that child is an adult. Quite frankly, I don't care if you want to be a purple gay person, if your character is good...I will treat you good. If you are a complete waste of oxygen, that is how you will be treated. You see, our Creator, whether that is God, Universe, Evolution, Aliens, WHATEVER; created each of us, if you believe in the Bible...it states we are created in his image and likeness, which means we are created to perfection. It also means, WE ALL BLEED RED, and we are ALL children of God. So, what does that mean if we are promoting the death of unborn children, promoting war to kill other children of God(different nationalities), sending our own people(soldiers) to war - where they are murdered? There are bad people out there, sadly many of them are supported/elected to represent our country, and they are no better than the thug that out murdering someone for the sport of it. There will be bad people in society, that is a given. However, there are billions of good, amazing and intelligent people worldwide. Typically, we are given only the projections of the bad, so we believe there is this scale tipping of bad. Look at your own communities. Even if you disagree with them, are the overwhelming majority in your communities bad people or do they just have a differing opinion? 

Our nations State Of The Union, SHOULD be an honest conversation about OUR NATION. Not a diatribe of anger, sending our tax dollars everywhere but America, and causing more divisions. It should be a conversation about how we can fix problems, unite our people, help our people, and promote America's sovereignty. NOT taking away more of our Constitutional Rights, not amping up hatred, not leaving American's behind both domestically and in foreign lands. When a President publicly regurgitates 60 minutes of lies(provable lies), division, continues to drive an already bankrupt nation further down, refuses to help our own Soldiers and Veterans, our own homeless, our own borders, the food insecurity that nearly 80% of American's are facing, and the entire Government is REFUSING to release the very evidence that can show ALL American's what exactly happened on January 6th, there is a massive break down. These clowns have forgotten they work for US, not the other way around. If J6 was truly an insurrection, how is it possible that there were no firearms...except the one that shot an unarmed female Veteran? A riot, that might be a more tangible argument for that day...but if we look at our Constitution, even that is not plausible. So, it's time to release ALL the footage, unredacted, in prime time news for the world to see. Although, most every other country already knows the truth, and is struggling to understand why American's are allowing our country to go in the direction it has. 

I have a handful of people online, I pay attention to their opinions. Some I agree with, some I don't...however, it is my civic duty to be an informed and educated voter and American citizen. Maybe this thought comes from growing up the daughter of a veteran, maybe it's because I will fight for this country I love, to this day. Either way, I have spent 5 years educating myself on many areas that I didn't know, I didn't know. Yes, you read that correctly.... I had to learn what I didn't know, because I didn't know that I didn't know. Everything from economics, to the stock market, to different government reports, gold, silver, crypto, researching history that was taught only from the winners point of view...not a neutral one, to religions, extremism, politics, and even education itself. It's terrifying how much influence is in every corner of our lives, that is NOT Constitutional. It's even more terrifying how many people do not know the branches of government or what they do, what our Constitution/Bill of Rights even says, or that they have been lied to for hundreds of years. I loved history throughout high school, so I actually studied it diligently. I still love history, and the past 5 years...I love research, to a degree. I have had to overcome some serious cognitive dissonance. So, I do understand some that get overwhelmed when I try to converse with them. However, I do get angry when people even refuse to research for themselves and instead want to argue about things they have a serious lack of knowledge on. I don't care if you have a degree from some prestigious college, all that means to me, is that you were able to be told what to think...instead of how to think. 

Here's a great example, from the first time I heard the term conspiracy theory. I was a Sophomore in high school. I had a teacher that had us doing a debate, after I chose to do another report on JFK. The debate was meant to degrade me, but he made it very well known, that anyone that disagreed with the report was a "conspiracy theorist." He then opened the debate up, with a show of hands who knew anything about JFK. Needless to say, I don't remember this teachers name(though I do remember what I called him), it was at that point I insisted on doing another report on the subject. When the day came, I gave that report, I was told I fell into the conspiracy theory guideline. I pointed out flaws in the report. I pointed out missed opportunities to protect the President. That teacher ended up giving me a low grade on my report because I didn't buy into the report, and in his words..."asked too many questions that I had no right to ask." I truly hated that class, and was not fond of the teacher since after that he would go out of his way to make me feel less than dirt. But hey, I was just a dumb kid, right?! Guys, that was the early 90's and the thought police were already in our schools. You were not supposed to think for yourselves...you were supposed to just spew back what the educators told you, never question them or you would bear the brunt of their weight at every possible turn. On the other hand, I had an outstanding History teacher, that encouraged us to ask questions and think for ourselves. He would give us the lectures, and then tell us, "this is what I have to teach you, now...it's up to you to decide how much more you want to learn." He encouraged the questions, he brought in soldiers that had just returned from Desert Storm, to talk to us about war, the civilizations they say, and the atrocities they saw. He reminded us that if war is inevitable, the devastation from it far outweighs the benefits. That war should always be the absolute last resort, and diplomacy should always be the start. During my high school years, Desert Storm was the war of my time. Talking to the soldiers, was reminder of how many young men and women were killed. These were sons and daughters, sisters and brothers, and spouses. Not just nameless, faceless people. 

We, as a society, have become so desensitized to war and killing. So many of our young people are enveloped by video games promoting such things, our movies all portray these things as just, and so many people have become complacent to wearing blinders to protect them from things they don't want to see. We have become lazy. We see the number of people living on the streets and assume(you know what this means right?)they are lazy, druggies, or whatever. Do you know their story? Do you know how many of those homeless people once fought for our country, and were NOT helped by the very government that sent them to war? Do you know how much loss those homeless people have endured before ending up on the streets? Now, what if that were you, or one of your family? What if you suffered some life changing event that left you destitute, and begging on the street? What if it was one of your parents, siblings? Why are there so many groups trying to help our veterans? Why isn't the government that has sent them into all these battles, helping them? Why do veterans have to basically beg, borrow and steal to get medical help? We all are quick to give thanks to veterans on the special days, but what are you doing to SHOW them that they are appreciated everyday of the year? 

Sadly, there are many that will turn a blind eye to things they don't want to hear. Or...I will get lots of nasty messages about how I don't know what I am talking about. That's ok. I may not be an expert...but I promise you, I do not talk about things I don't understand. I may see things different than some, and usually do, because I ask questions. I don't blindly follow. I don't believe we are powerless to make necessary changes to save our country from corruption. I still have faith in God, and the American people. 

I will continue to preach getting and staying prepared. I'm not talking about the extremism that some like to spew. I'm talking making sure you can overcome any emergency - from a natural disaster to a manmade one. I'm talking about learning self defense in times of another summer of destruction, attempted car jackings, or someone breaking into your home. I'm talking medications, food, pet supplies in the event of further supply chain break downs or economic woes. I'm talking about the constant cyber attacks that have shut down healthcare systems, banks and fuel lines. I'm talking about learning skills that can help you in the event of an attack here in our country, that the FBI is already warning about. I'm talking about networking with others in your community, so that if an emergency should occur, you have additional support or can help someone else. I'm talking about education, beyond the school systems. 

 

Today, I am going to encourage you to continue preparing. Strengthen your mind, body and spirit. Pray! Our country is facing a multi-front battle, and we do not have any leadership currently, to manage these battles. Our nation is hurting, financially, mentally, and spiritually. We need to have real conversations, agree to disagree where necessary and get back on track. We can not do this while buying into all the division being thrown around by both parties. 

Back to Basics: Make a List

 

Make a List!

 

Actually, you will probably want multiple lists. It is my opinion, that getting starting in living a prepared life style, requires knowing how YOU live. While I can tell you a laundry list of things to stock, what I do/use will, quite possibly, be different than what you do. So, you need to have a running list of the items you use; everything from food to medicines, pet needs, paper products, home inventory, and any specialty products. Let me explain.

 

Years ago, I began keeping track of everything we use. For example: I know we use an average of 130 pounds of flour each year, 150 pounds of sugar, about 100 pounds of rice, 20 pounds of powdered sugar. I know we go through about 10 rolls of paper towels, 6 rolls of toilet paper, 3 bottles of soap, 2 bottles of shampoo, 2 tubes of toothpaste - in a month. So, I average that out for a year's supply, and round up to make sure I have enough. Most of our vegetables, fruits, and meats are raised on our farm; but the ones not raised, I have those averaged out too. Over the last few years, I have been including a few shelf stable foods, that we rotate through - ravioli, tuna fish, corn bread mixes, cake/brownie mixes, store bought canned vegetables, and other store bought canned foods that could be used in a pinch(soups). I have been growing my collection of recipes, experimenting with new recipes and making changes to them, learning new food preservation skills too. I have slowly added new kitchen gadgets to my arsenal of tools to make preserving more time effective and productive. I have learned to preserve items in jars, using a vacuum sealer...this has been hugely helpful to keep not only fresh, but also to keep other smells from leaching into them. I have learned to truly grow from seed to harvest. This has been an interesting lesson. I have grown vegetables from plants, but last year was the first year I did a lot from seeds I actually started. This year, I have started all my plants from seeds I saved from last year's plants or items purchased from the store.  

I made a list of our budget needs. My list is broke down; debts, monthly expenses(utilities, insurances, fuel and grocery - food and non-food), repairs/maintenance(home, vehicles and farm), savings, emergency, and the "want" list. Then I listed incomes: Off-the-farm job, farm, and other. Obviously, the goal is for the income to exceed the expenses. The bigger the ratio between the income and the outgoing, the better...however, that is usually something we need to work towards. Ideally, you want a minimum of 25% of each income in your home to be saved/emergency/wants. If you have more than one income, you want to only have to depend on 75% of a single income. Obviously, many people are not yet to that position. Start by paying down your debts. My financial classes stated to start with the smallest debts firsts. This way it allows you to see and feel the accomplishments of paying off debts. You can then use that extra from paying those debts to pay extra on other debts, or sock it away in your savings or emergency funds. Again, in an ideal situation, you would 6-12 months of emergency money - that would cover all of your expenses. I can tell you that we are not there yet, so set it as a long term goal, but do not get frustrated if you aren't there instantly. Learn to be frugal. This is a challenge in a world of instant gratification. We have gotten very spoiled in this area. Instead of jumping into things, contemplate actual needs from wants. 

The needs vs. wants, is really not all that different for anyone. You need a roof over your head, you need food to eat and water to drink. You do not need a $10 cup of coffee, a $15 meal from McDonald's, or another streaming service. You need gas for your vehicle to go to your job, you don't need to eat out everyday. You need clothes but not so many that you never use them. I'd be willing to bet we all have at least 2 trash bags full of stuff in our homes, that we could sell or give away, and never miss! Speaking of selling...go through the items in your home and your closet. There are a million online swap & shop sites, you could easily sell unneeded items. Just remember, items are only worth what others are willing to give for them. Just because you may have bought something at $100, does not mean others would pay even $25...the actual value is in the eye of the buyer. More and more people are struggling with tighter budgets, so it is becoming increasingly more difficult to get premium prices out of used stuff. 

After speaking to my insurance company, making a semi-annual home inventory list is recommended. Their recommendation was to make the inventory list, with an estimated cost of replacement, twice a year. Obviously, they recommend having a fireproof/waterproof safe, on an outside wall, in your home. This is one area we are lacking...the safe, kind of. We have one for firearms, but we need a second smaller one for important documents. That will be taken care of this spring. Anyway, everything within your home, needs to be on that list - clothing, food, firearms/ammunition, dishes, etc. You also need to adjust your insurance policies as needed to reflect the content replacement costs. Yes, I know insurance is already stupid high, but it is the law. It's also recommended to regularly check on your auto policies. Sometimes, there is actually adjustments that can lower your costs. The entire goal of all of this, is to have a good understanding of what you have, what you need or don't, and where you can save some of your hard earned money. 

On the same line as your home inventory, is a running pantry/freezer inventory. This is beneficial in so many ways! It helps you to keep track of what you have, how much of it you have, and if you need to restock something. It can help you to not waste money buying something you already have, but have forgotten about. Additionally, it can help you gain your emergency backup pantry. Having a pantry with emergency supplies is a need, in my book, but that stock has got to be rotated. There are dates on items bought at the store....however, the "best by date" is NOT an expiration date. So many people get this wrong. That is the date stores have to sell by, and you typically have another year before they just aren't as good. This is a serious money suck for many. Just as so much is wasted because people don't know how much you can freeze for later use. I will dive into that in depth in another blog. A few quick notes on this....peppers, onions, celery, garlic, bread, heavy cream, half and half, etc. can ALL be frozen for later use! Just as many pieces of store bought produce can be regrown. 

Keeping up with your health is another list. Sure, you can mark on your calendar about doctor appointments, etc...but I am talking here about your daily health. I am talking about a list that shows your daily food, your daily mental/physical health, your emotions, your stresses. Many times, we don't realize how our daily routines are damaging our overall health. The allopathic medicine of today, only treats symptoms, it does not create cures. True healthcare covers mind, body and spirit. When one of those is out of alignment, it throws off your entire body. Disease is created by unbalance in one area of your body. You want to take control of your own body, and that means understanding the areas of symptoms that are at dis-ease. 

Finally, for me, I am a goal oriented person. I have to set goals, make daily to-do lists, and plan; or I feel completed discombobulated! I do not manage the "fly by the seat of your pants," thought well. I have to have direction...even if it is only generic. Having multiple plans of action are necessary for me. Clearing out clutter in my home, clears out clutter in my brain too. Making time to work through thoughts about one issue or another, is necessary for me to comprehend the issue in its entirety. That usually means, I will either clam up completely about something...or I will fly off with an off-the-cuff response, until I have time to piece together my thoughts. You have to learn about yourself, how you manage in your own life, how you need to proceed in whatever direction you are going, and most importantly; you need a safe but balancing outlet for stress and overwhelm. 

In the next Back to Basics blog, I want to cover some simple food preservation options that do not require much for special tools...things you can do even if you live in town. See you in the next blog.

Coffee Chat

 

Yes, the day of the Irish is just around the corner. That also means, the semi-annual clock change and the official start of Spring is too! March is a busy month. 

I am feeling a bit crappy and dealing with some big body aches this morning, so I thought I'd write since moving too much hurts! Let's do some chatting. 

2024 has definitely started with a bang. I try to be diplomatic in most circumstances, but I truly do not understand how there are still people not capable of seeing the absolute break down in not just society but in our economy too. Are there people that can't see the grocery prices have, at least doubled in the past 4 years - or gas, home insurance, utilities, um...nearly everything? Are there truly people that believe it's ok to break laws - not just in destruction of property but also with both our Northern AND our Southern border? Are there people that truly believe the person supposedly running our country, is actually competent to do so? Are people truly so overscheduled that they can not see all the destruction within our country, that every one of us has become a slave to those "in power", and that saying to put American's first is a bad thing? We are truly in one hell of a spiritual battle, and I hope those that read/follow this blog, and me...are in the correct lane on this one. 

So, before I jump into the previous conversation, let's get some personal stuff out of the way. Back about a month ago, or so, my stove decided to give me more fits. I use the hell out of all my appliance, big and small. The items that most claim are "indestructible," give them to me for 6 months...if they can withstand what I do...they are good! For example: I burned up a vacuum cleaner every couple of months until I switched to a Shark...those last about 4 years for me. I burned up a Kitchen Aid mixer, that I was told couldn't be done. I now have 2 Ninja food processors - one is about 8 years old, the other about 3. They last good. My stove, we bought used. It was about 2 years old when we bought it in 2018. It's been a good one. However, because of the canning, cooking and baking I do...it has to function exactly or it is unusable for me. The oven heating elements quit heating evenly about a year ago, but I learned to just rotate the stuff in the oven...I couldn't justify buying a new stove at the time. Last month, the element indicator light came on and wouldn't go off, and the burners weren't heating my canner in the means they should. So, that was my catalyst it was time to get something before canning season begins again. Well, something as simple as replacing a stove, should not have been the drama it became. Trying to find appliances, in stock, is a nightmare! We have bought appliances from big box stores and frankly they suck! So, as with everything I talk about...we try to always walk the walk. We started calling all the local appliance stores. Finding an electric stove, with coil burners....you'd have thought we were searching for a lost arc. We found out that that type of stove is about to become extinct. Manufacturers are phasing them out over the next 5 years. Now, every single electric stove has something called a sensi-burner. It is basically a button in the center of the burner that shuts power down to the burner if it senses the burner is too hot or that there is no longer a pan on it. Supposedly, it's meant to be a safety feature for idiots. That does not work when you actually cook or can on a stove top. Additionally, if you want to bypass that, you not only have to purchase the new stove but also purchase additional burners that do not have that button. So, an $800 stove, and nearly another $200 for the usable burners. Complete B.S.! We found some on Amazon, and got them cheaper, but it's complete crap! You should not can on glass top stoves, the glass top will shatter. I do not have gas coming into my home, so a gas stove isn't an option...not to mention the government is trying to phase them out too. Talk about a complete shit show! We found one, and ordered it 2 weeks ago. My husband is on his way to pick it up right now. Thankfully, even though I have had a major attitude this morning, he was gracious enough not to push me to ride along, for that I am grateful. I try to keep this attitude in check, but it doesn't always work. 

This attitude plays into more personal space. This whole peri-menopausal stage of life it ridiculous! If you are one of the fortunate ones that is breezing through it...I'm happy for you! I, however, am not! It's taking every ounce of strength to keep my attitude, anger, and over all pissy-ness, in check! I am completely exhausted with aches and pains, that make zero sense. The sensitivities in smells, skin, and even tastes; is really stupid! Certain clothes, I've worn forever...I can't wear, because the material makes my skin crawl! It makes zero sense. Smells send me either into coughing fits or asthma type breathing. Things I have always loved to eat...I can't stand the smell of, and can't eat anymore. It's worse than any morning sickness I ever felt. The need for order, lack of clutter, and things that seem like common knowledge to me...are completely lost on everyone else in my home. So, I do what I can, but then I just sit down stewing about how no one can see the trash can overflowing, the trash bags piled up to take to the dumpster, the dishes sitting in the sink, the floors that need swept, the empty toilet paper roll, the laundry that needs put away, and none of this even touches WHY no one else finds it important to have a home clean and to be proud of it. UGH! I know I am in the late stage of this and I'm ready to get done! I have already hit the point of not giving a damned about a lot of things. I'm not old, but I just can't do everything I've always done, at the speed I used to do it. Between the mental, emotional and physical symptoms, there are days I am completely exhausted by 7 pm. Sleep is yet another challenge. I may sleep for 3-4 hours really good...then I am awake or tossing and turning. Hot flashes, night sweats, headaches, muscle aches, and fighting to stay focused is more lovely areas. I swear, it's a damned good thing God made women with the strengths we have! 

In January, we began our lambing season. This is an every year thing. It's ALWAYS began in January. This year, we have the biggest herd we've had to date. We have an estimated 68 sheep bred to lamb from January through March. At absolute minimum, that would be 68 babies, but usually only first time lambers have single babies. We've had a LOT of twins and triplets this year. We are very diligent about keeping check on the sheep several times a day. This allows us to save a lot of babies and moms. That means we only lose minimal amounts of lambs, when many producers lose a lot. Nearly every sheep is put in a pen in the barn to bond with its lamb(s) for a minimum of 24 hours. This allows us to make sure both momma and babies are healthy. It also helps in the event that a momma has issues delivering the lambs. My husband has already had to pull a handful of lambs this year. Since he has an off-the-farm job, it's my job during the day to check on the sheep and lambs. I am not as knowledgeable of them, as my husband...he spends a lot of time with them, and is able to visually see changes. I can look for new babies, take notice of observable changes, and check on the newest babies in the barn, or fill water tanks. It's a lot of work, but this is part of our farm income. That means when you neglect it, that can cost you in the end. There are no short cuts on a farm, unless you are independently wealthy and don't depend on your farm income. I don't personally know producers that fit in that category. Every animal on our farm, serves a purpose. Typically, we don't have "just pets," although we do have some. The chickens and ducks provide us eggs, and if necessary, could be used for meat. The outside dogs, protect the chickens and ducks from predators. The sheep and lambs, are income producing...even though they are treated like pets most of the time, and could provide a meal if necessary. Our pasture/hay is feed for our livestock, and if we have a bumper crop....could be sold for additional income. The gardens are our food source for a majority of our vegetables and fruits. So, all of this leads into the beginning conversations.

I know so many that get tired of hearing "doom and gloom." I do too. The hardest part for me, is to actually see coming to fruition everything I have been talking about for nearly 4 years. I know, I've heard so many excuses for not preparing, not paying attention to economic policy, or even paying attention to the global economies. The biggest excuse is "not enough time." Well, I refuse to buy that. When nearly every person I talk to is complaining about the cost of everything, the empty shelves, and taxes...that means you SHOULD investigate WHY! Another common excuse..."I can't do anything about it, so why bother." It's a damned good thing our ancestors weren't that lazy and complacent!! We'd still be visibly under the British monarchy. We can all make changes by being involved in our local communities. Getting involved in our states. I know it's overwhelming, and there is a LOT of corruption from the top down. I get that! But, when you sit on the sidelines and do nothing but complain, you are part of the problem...not part of the solution. You are either willing to tolerate the corruption, or you are willing to put in the effort to fix it. Have you seen the meme on social media, the one where the elites have a board game sitting on the backs of people...the game ends when someone STANDS UP! Additionally, we have a CIVIC responsibility to get out and vote! I know it's difficult to believe that it matters, but it does. We the people, have show up. We have to make it known that we aren't going to take it anymore. Show up, and show out! When we show up, place our votes, and hold those we are supposed to be electing to represent us, that WE ARE THEIR BOSSES...our voices will be heard, but only those voices that do show up. If you don't vote, you don't have a reason to complain. 

Economics. Do you know where your retirements and pensions are invested? If you are living on one or both, what is going to happen if they disappear? Did you know a large portion of retirements and pensions are invested in: commercial real estate, government bonds, and the stock market? If you are not keeping up, the commercial real estate worldwide, is crashing. Government bonds are junk and our country is bankrupt, and the stock market...have you not learned about the 1929 crash? Do you have anything tangible to live on? The last time I researched it, the dollar was 93% leveraged...meaning our dollar is actually work 7 cents. Have you heard about bank bail in's? That was a law passed, allowing banks to actually legally take deposits, that we have made into that bank, to use themselves. That means any money you have sitting in your bank, is technically NOT yours. You are allowed to use it, unless that bank runs into issues, when at that time...they take every dollar in deposits to bail themselves out. That also means, that you...the depositor, is left with NOTHING. By law, they have to "pay you back," if and when they can, but if they are insolvent...you are just screwed. A common statement I have been living by, "if you don't hold it, you don't own it," is one I recommend taking. We all know you have to have money in the bank to pay bills, but I don't recommend keeping any more than necessary in a bank. Get yourself a fireproof/waterproof safe to put in your house. Look into buying some silver and gold. Gold is high, about $2100 an ounce. Silver is about $50 an ounce. There is also copper and palladium. Learn some useful skills. Something that is beneficial should you need to barter. Things like: gardening, preserving foods, herbs/traditional healing or sewing. Have items on hand, that you could trade, like: dried foods, tools, fuels, etc. I know there are some rolling their eyes right now. You believe this kind of thought could never happen. I hate to be the barer of bad news, but it's already happening in many areas of the U.S. Our food banks are already stretched thin because of the food insecurities. Many of the illegals coming into our country are taking food out of the mouths of our citizens and our veterans. The homelessness has more than doubled in the past 4 years. Too many people are not only losing their jobs, but are not able to work just a single job to make ends meet anymore. If you honestly believe that we will not see a complete breakdown, ignore what I am saying. I will say this, if you are ignoring everything and planning to just mooch off someone else when everything crashes...I would reconsider that. Myself, I am not taking food out of the mouths of my family to support others that have done nothing to prepare themselves. Period. I have tried to help people to get prepared and gotten nothing but grief. So, I am moving on. 

Sadly, I believe there are a lot of people that will be blindsided by the economic mess we are going to see in the coming months. It been evident, if you'd been paying attention since 2020, but many have not. The pandemic killed our commerce, and our freedoms. All the people you see celebrating veterans, yet they walked around like zombies with diapers on their faces...that was a slap in the face to those that fought and died for our freedom. These global elites that proved how many true slaves there are, and how easy it was to take full control away from the people. The lethal cocktails they tried to force on American's was yet another test, that so many failed. Our veterans deserve citizens that are willing to have their backs against a tyrannical government right here on the home front. That is no different than the very rights we are denied - freedom of speech, right to bear arms, freedom of assembly - life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness...NOT equity or even equality. There are far too many people that do not even KNOW there rights or how much has been taken away from them. It's truly sad!

When 3300 sheriff's across the United States have been warned of creditable threats within our own country, with millions of illegals pouring into our country....I fail to see how people are not seeing the urgency to be prepared. When the FBI is warning Congress that cyber attacks are ramping up, corporations having to pay ransom to get control back of our healthcare systems, our banks, our utility companies, and everything in between...what exactly do you think is going to happen? These are not "some conspiracy theorist with an outrageous claim," type of threat. These are the people charged with protecting us and telling us, that WE ARE ON OUR OWN!!! The government, the military, and even the police are not going to be able to help all of us!! It''s imperative that you utilize our freedoms. Get yourself some self-defense and LEARN how to use it!!! Keep it close everywhere you go! Prepare your homes, property in the event of a utility outage, or any further disruptions to our supply chain. Learn to take care of yourself in every manner possible. If you find all this too overwhelming, the coming months are going to run over you. 

As I close this out today, I pray that some miracle abounds to stop all the escalations in the world. I pray that somehow, some way, the divisions and distractions in our country stops and people are able to see what is and has been happening. I pray for each of you!