It feels that way, doesn't it? Like we've entered a new era, where we can no longer shield ourselves from the excesses of the Industrial Age (too many people, too few resources, supply chains stretched too thin). To that end, I am trying to help a friend of mine (who is cash-poor but a born survivor), get prepared for the near future in terms of survival preps. He's got a wife and 3 kids and his wife is freaking out about the state of the world, and I'm trying to help get him (and his wife) in a can-do state of mind. They're both fighters and survivors, so I know they can and will persevere. If they turn that fear around into fighting/prep energy, nothing's going to get in their way.

On my own front, I'm cleaning house right now to get rid of the old clothes and books and crap that I don't use any more. I've filled my kitchen cabinets with food in the last month. Once a week or so I go to the gigantic Longs or the Grocery Outlet near my house and buy a dozen cans of bargain rate backup food. It adds up, and it's very inexpensive. A few months ago I bought a year's worth of toiletries, and several cases of TP. Again, not very expensive. I've been fattening Shadow, my cat, all winter, and she's part of my backup plan. If I skimp, and add dandelion greens, I could get several meals out of her :-) (who am I fooling? I'd chop my own fingers off and feed them to her rather than eat her). Anyway, I also have some tomatoes and basic veggies planted on the patio out front. And, I bought a parcel of land in the mountains recently, and I want to start getting some friends up there so we can bug out together if TSHTF.

I'm very interested in preparations others are making, or links to free information, or book/article recommendations, or advice, etc.

did you say 8 dollar's for hamburger meat? I may be hauling cattle to the sale barn monday. Think I may check prices right now.

Yes. I have noticed that about the good food going up and the crap is cheaper. We have been stocking up on staples too. I try to eat organic but it is getting out of sight price-wise.

From what I have read in the news that is part of what is fueling the commodities to rise, the asian countries are buying now to keep their shipping costs down.

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