Prep Monday – Brrr, It’s Cold!


Yep, it’s been a while. No excuses, no apologies. Okay, the holidays were hectic, and I’m still working on end-of-year stuff, but . . . here I am!

Here I am, sitting in sub-zero temps – outside, not inside, thank heavens. Although my tub/shower pipes seem to keep disagreeing with that.

My point is that, while I can’t get outside and do much of anything in the way of prepping or, really going into the garage is a bit painful too, I have resolved (ahem) to do at least ONE THING, every day.

So far, I’ve packed up and labelled my generally useless drawer of sewing supplies. It’s not a lot, none of sew, actually; I even gave up on buttons and such over the years. I’m not very good at it. But who knows, maybe someday? And, of course, when SHTF, I’ll be forced into it. But at least I have those supplies!

I’ve also counted, rearranged, and re-catalogued my indoor supplies, as well as my freezer. You know how sometimes you need just ONE THING to make dinner, so you grab it out of the supplies? Yes, I’m guilty. On the other hand, it is important to rotate supplies on at least a semi-regular basis. And I’ll be restocking as soon as the roads clear up and the temps rise.

Something else to consider – I’m sure you’re familiar with all the “stuff” we all accumulate. Well, when SHTF, what’s going to happen to it? Now, I can be as sentimental as the next person, and there’s no reason not to enjoy our “stuff” as long as we have it, but what about all the things you DON’T need, or DON’T use, or even don’t really want or need to keep?

Like old clothes, most of which are too small. For me, that is. Maybe not for you. And, of course, if you bug out or stay in and lose power, you might want to forgo fashion and just layer up. Unless what you have is too small, of course. So keep what’s useful, but that old cocktail dress you’ve held onto for years that’s a size or two too small? Sell it. Sell whatever you can, and sock away that money in your cash stash.

Keep the blankets, old sheets, ugly sweaters. Especially right now, I’m thinking of all things warm. Single gloves gone the way of old socks? Keep them. Again, layers. But really think about the other “stuff,” stuff besides clothes, maybe old DVDs or CDs, maybe a box of computer parts and wires, maybe things you were going to repair, someday, or whatever you don’t use or need or will probably never look at again.

So there you have it – no outdoor action right now, unless you have livestock, so get busy on the inside!

Bookstore Wednesday-on-Thursday


Here’s a thought – and I’m channeling Grumpy Cat, just FYI – don’t any of you read books? I know you must, because I know a lot of people who DO read books, and surely I know YOU. Or maybe not.

My point is that here I sit, while everyone is Christmas shopping – at Amazon? Maybe. Or maybe you already finished shopping. Or maybe you don’t give books as gifts. Beats the hell out of me.

And it’s true, we don’t usually carry bestsellers, but we can order them for you. And we have a lot of great titles, in spite of them not being on “that list.” In fact, we have our OWN list!

And a lot of people don’t seem to realize we’re here, even after two-plus-years.  Even the ones who park their big damn SUVs right in front of the store, and then wander off to eat lunch or have their nails done for a couple hours.

I see posts and hear people talking about “shop local” all the time – but when it comes right down to it, these same people “like” pages and talk about “great deals” at big box stores. That’s where the advertising is, that’s where the “deals” are. I guess.

My point – wait, I already said that – my OTHER point is that we have nine months left on our store lease and it’s time to make some decisions. And this Christmas shopping season is definitely making me think twice.