survive « Robin Writes

Here are some fun facts about the farm:

We first saw the farm, online, in late January; we were unable to go see it because of snow . . . that was almost one year ago.

We made an offer two weeks later—and still hadn’t seen the property in person.

We started signing paperwork, disclosures and such, at the end of February . . . eleven months ago.

We finally were able to visit and look around, and the seller happened to show up and gave us a tour. That was last March, ten months ago.

We closed at the end of March, and started work the beginning of April—nine months ago.

So, for your viewing pleasure, here are some before and after pics:

Our target move date is somewhere between May 20 and May 31, depending on how the sale of this house goes—and our realtor is coming by next week to start the process.

And that means—about four months and ten days!

And of course, you’re prepared for this, right?

The kid is prepared too—he left for church this morning at 7:00 a.m. with temps in the single digits and windchills hovering around -16. Naturally, I reminded him to make sure his windshield was clear and that, if he had any trouble, to stay in the car until help arrived. He texted me when he got there, and I’m sure he was still rolling his eyes.

See, the kid is 18 and, like all teenagers, thinks he’s invincible. Pretty sure that he secretly thinks we’re totally crazy for prepping, etc., although he hasn’t actually said anything. Yet.

He was wearing two coats this morning, but I saw no evidence of gloves. I suppose he could have used his pockets to keep his hands warm if he’d had to walk, although that could be awkward for any length of time. No hat, no scarf.

Hey, you try convincing a teenager . . .

However, he does have the requisite supplies in his Jeep: ice scraper, water, snacks, heat blanket, paracord, knife, matches, and a small first aid kit. And probably some other things. I seldom actually look in my kids’ cars, because it’s so horrifying . . . my daughter, for example, treats hers as a second closet . . .

But you do need to stay prepared for vehicle issues, any season, as well as for your general preps. Particularly because your vehicle is also your safety net if you have to bug out. Keep it maintained, keep supplies in the trunk or wherever, and have at least half a tank of gas at all times.

And if you don’t want to dress for the weather, at least take along those items you may need: extra coat, gloves, scarf, rain gear, and so forth.

As for being skeptical of “needing” preps, at least on a sizeable level, well, you never know . . . and yes, I know what I said last week, but things are changing. Have you looked at the market lately? A definite downhill slide; wonder why gas prices are dropping? That’s why. China sending troops to back-up Russia. The Saudis and Iran stirring up stuff, as usual of course, but stepping up their game.

Be careful. Be watchful.