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November 2025 Wrap-Up

Posted on by Econogal

Changing Seasons

Fronds of artichoke plant popping through thick layer of mulch.
Artichoke plant not wanting to stay dormant.

November 2025 was a transition month. The start was warmer than expected for the season. Temperatures were summer-like. Plus, a few rainy days and lots of wind. No snow yet. The weather experienced was more like Octobers of the past. But the seasons are changing.

Proof of the odd weather was the covered artichokes popping through the mulch. New growth occurred due to rain and warm weather. These plants were not re-trimmed. Instead, additional mulch was added. The third plant did not grow through the protective layer. It was the one surrounded by the bricks first. So, there are interesting notes for the experiment.

Finally, the end of the month harkens back to traditional weather. Cold, very cold, with chances of snow. Perfect for getting into the holiday mood albeit tricky for holiday travel.

Return to the Craft Room in November 2025

Yardwork took a backseat to the craft room in the basement. So, November 2025 was filled with sewing. Crafts included everything from stockings to soft fabric books for the wee ones. A new quilt was designed and several others near completion. All of the projects will be Christmas presents or items created for local craft fairs.

Productivity in needlework is showing a resurgence in the millennial generation. Hand crafted gifts are rich in meaning for all generations. Hopefully this trend continues. Long ago I made quilts for each couple in my newly wed husband’s family. Maybe a similar homemade gift will be among the 2026 resolutions.

Baking in November 2025

Most of the baking this month was for social events. Get-togethers with family and friends and baked goods for fundraisers. Pies, cakes, cookies and muffins filled the kitchen with wonderful aromas. However, traditional Thanksgiving baking did not occur as a destination Thanksgiving was enjoyed.

Bundt Spice Cake with chocolate muffins behind cooling on a rack.
Spice Cake and muffins

Chocolate Pecan Pie

 

Destination Thanksgiving

This year all but one of the offspring travelled to Louisville, Kentucky for Thanksgiving. Churchill Downs, best known for hosting the Kentucky Derby on the first Saturday in May, also puts on a fantastic Thanksgiving spread. Turkey, ham and all the traditional sides grace the buffet.

The kids and grandkids present all enjoyed watching the races from the first turn. Spectators can easily access the apron for a close-up view of the track. Coats and gloves were a necessity. Because the weather was cold.

Importance of Family

November 2025 reminded me of the importance of family. This is something that so many forget. Treating each other with respect as well as love despite our differences needs to be a priority. My kids have a wide range of political beliefs. But our Thanksgiving was full of love and celebration. I hope yours was too.

Changing Seasons, Changing Routines

Posted on by Econogal

New Season Brings New Routines

Year after year, changing seasons bring changing routines. Midway through Fall, temperatures range from the mid-twenties to the low eighties. Thus, some days are summerlike, and others bring hints of winter.

Naturally, routines change. At least for those not working 9-to-5 jobs or attending school. This retiree is shifting daily routines.

Morning Routines

I do not use alarm clocks daily. Instead, the Eastern sky signals when it is time to wake. During the summer, daylight comes early. Very early. But with the changing seasons, the length of the day also changes. In the Fall, the nights are getting longer. The mornings arrive later and my body adapts. Of course, the invention of Daylight Saving’s time messes with this natural change. Probably why I dislike changing the clocks.

Since frost occurs on a regular basis, there is no early gardening. Instead, I putter around the house doing light chores. The hobby room beckons, and noon can arrive without a single step outdoors.

Fall Afternoons

Golden leaves of a cottonwood tree.
Cottonwood Gold

I fell in love with Fall during college. New England is glorious in October and November. From brilliant reds to awesome oranges the harmony of the colors brings a sensation of peace.

The High Plains may not be known for leaf watching, but beauty is everywhere. Walks around my neighborhood yield colors from the bright yellows of the cottonwoods to the gorgeous spectrum of reds found in the fruitless pear trees. And early afternoons are perfect for walks. Not too cold, not too hot. Goldilocks would be pleased.

Leaves cover the ground. Raking emerges as a daily chore. A short-lived routine.

Vibrant reds on the leaves of a pearless pear tree.
Pear-less Pear

Changing Seasons Bring Shortened Days

Warm afternoons quickly turn cool as night falls. Too cold to sit on the back porch after supper. Instead, books are read and occasionally television is watched. Hand quilting accompanies the T.V. watching. Sewing and crafting replace the time spent in the garden.

The daily routines adapt to the changing seasons. And it is important to stop and reflect on the beauty of our current season. Quoting Charles Dickens ( A favorite classic writer):

Nature gives to every time and season some beauties of it’s own…

Quilt in fall colors with quote of Charles Dickens: Nature gives to every time and season some beauties of it's own...

Technology and The Labor Market

Posted on by Econogal

Internet Repaired

Yesterday our new internet provider finished the installation. The two men travelled seven hours and were planning on installing five systems in three towns spread out over hundreds of miles. But the men’s labor did not include much that was manual. Instead, they used a  Vibratory Plow.

New Technology

Vibratory Plow Vemeer SPX25 digging a trenchThe digging equipment looks traditional in appearance. However, it is much smaller than the trencher forerunners. Furthermore, the equipment is “driven” by tablet. A human is still needed to operate the tablet, but an individual no longer sits upon the unit operating manual gears and steering wheels.

Of course, the original machines were men with picks and axes.

And even though the physical aspect is reduced, the customer service remained and was outstanding.

Trenching the Cable

A Vemeer SPX 25 was the unit involved in trenching my yard. Its technology went a step beyond just plowing through my topsoil. This machine pulled a cable casing underneath the ground while operating. So, the machine further reduced the effort needed to successfully install the cable line needed for Internet service.

However, the actual line then needed the two men to thread the line through the orange plastic casing. Human labor is still a small part of the process. But with the ever-increasing development of technology, it may not be long before only one individual is needed. Or perhaps none.

Cable Casing rising out of ground behind a Vibratory Plow.

Current Reading Tie-in

I am currently reading Could Should Might Don’t: How We Think About The Future by Nick Foster. The first few chapters offer a history of technological progress since the last Ice Age. The premise of the opening pages is that for much of history gains in productivity were slow and could be represented by a mostly flat horizontal line.

Now technological growth is accelerating exponentially. Thus the curve needs an almost vertical line. This raises many questions about growth and what kind of roles humans will play. Or will AI take over?

Technology and the Labor Market

The biggest surprise from the use of the Vibratory Plow was the speed. The two-man crew was here less than an hour. The distance trenched was nearly 75 feet. Technology was a huge time saver. But there are other impacts on the labor market. Ditch diggers of old did not necessary need any skills other than the physical ability to wield a shovel. Yet, the Vemeer SPX 25 needed someone with the skills to operate the remote control. Perhaps this a skill easily learned, but it is still more than manual labor.

As technology moves forward, how much will a kindergartener need to know? And each grade above that? Will everyone be able to code software before graduating from high school? And what if one can’t? And an old question I used to ask my students, ten years from now what jobs will be obsolete and what unheard of positions will develop.

These are truly interesting times we live in.

July 2025 Wrap-Up

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A Busy Month

July 2025 brought travel to the mountains and to the seashore. When at home on the High Plains, early mornings were either reserved for the garden or walks around the neighborhood park. Triple digit weather means afternoons (and sometimes late mornings) are spent indoors reading, canning and occasionally quilting in front of the television.

4th of July 2025

Members of the family gathered in the foothills of the Rockies to celebrate Independence Day.  A parade, a picnic and swimming ushered in the morning before the afternoon showers caused a retreat indoors just in time for naps-for the very young and the not-so-young.

Prism of light forming a rainbow over foothills of Rockies.

July 2025 In the Garden

Ten peaches of various sizesThe highlight of the garden mid-summer is the peach harvest. This year the crop was moderate in number but large in size. Fresh peaches with meals are the best. But low sugar peach jam and peach pies are also delicious. We were able to share with friends and neighbors.

The lettuce finally went to seed. The loose-leaf varieties were plentiful. However, the star of the lettuce harvest was the head of Great Lakes. The iceberg variety can be challenging to grow in the heat. Head of Great Lakes Lettuce

Beets and turnips are still maturing, but the first of the crop were harvested at the end of the month. Both were good sized. Unfortunately, the seed potatoes from the first planting failed and so far, the second planting has yielded small spuds.

Jersey Shore Journey

A mid-July trip to the Jersey Shore was a treat. Travelling with youngsters takes planning and patience but it is so worth it. The journey across time zones affects youngsters and adults in different ways. Babies are hungry when they are hungry. And to a certain extent so are school-aged kids.

Fortunately, we found a great seafood place a block offshore. So good, we took our larger group back there once the rest arrived. In the interim we hit the beach with gusto and wisdom. If you are ever near Monmouth, you can’t go wrong eating at Charley’s Ocean Grill.

Jumbo shrimp piled atop ravioli

Growing Up at the Beach

For much of my first twenty years of life, I lived near the Atlantic Ocean. Over seven of those years I was in easy walking distance. Looking out on the endless horizon brought peace to my soul. (Living on the High Plains has a similar vibe-just vast open land instead of seas.)

Additionally, the lessons of living near the beach become ingrained. Those growing up on the shore understand the need to respect the tides and the current. Riptides are especially dangerous. As are storms.

Another known thing about growing up along the ocean is the likelihood of sharks will increase if the fishing boats are in close. Such was the case at the Jersey Shore. I explained to the granddaughters that if you could see the people on the boats clearly then you needed to keep one eye looking for sharks. We only saw one and it was out aways. Much to their dismay, no dolphins were sighted. However, the oldest loved the trip so much she informed us on the way home she was moving to New Jersey when she grew up.

July 2025 In the Library

Reviews of three of the five books read in July were posted and a fourth review will be released soon. The fifth was very enjoyable and recommended. Yet, it’s hard to review. Secrets of Adulthood: Simple Truths For Our Complex Lives is a non-fiction offering by Gretchin Rubin. The book of aphorisms reminds me of various wise sayings offered by my parents and grandparents as I was growing up. Short of quoting most of the aphorisms there was not enough to create a post. So, I suggest you find a copy at your local library or bookstore. It took me just over an hour to read cover to cover.

Looking Forward to August

More travel and more family visits are in store for August. But the opening days of the month will be spent at county fairs on both sides of the state line. I look forward to visiting the exhibits of kids and adults alike. The hard work of the 4-H kids and the many talented hobbyists and farmers in the area showcase the productivity of the heartland. Maybe I will even enter a baked good or two!

Mid-Summer 2025 Look at the Garden

Posted on by Econogal

Update on the Garden

We are a month into the summer season and the garden is maturing. Seedlings are growing and certain crops are complete. However, some barely started.

Rain has been sporadic. So watering is essential. On two occasions, three day runs of triple digit weather caused great concern. However, a few seventy-degree days provided good relief to crops, farmer and the water bill.

Early Crops

The garden starts in March with the planting of lettuces and other greens, onions and potatoes. The first of the potatoes have stalled out and the harvested spuds are small in size.

Salad greens are toward the end of their spring cycle. So, several varieties are going to seed. Per usual practice, seeds will be saved in envelopes for next year. The exception, the heads of Great Lakes lettuce which are still forming. Head of Great Lakes Lettuce

Peas are about finished and yielded poorly. The climate of the Plains contributes to this. Not enough cloudy days to my thinking. Beans and cucumbers are climbing and flowering. Can’t wait until they are ready to taste!

Photo is one of the Great Lakes heads forming in the greens row.

Mid-Summer 2025 Fruit Crops

The cherries and gooseberries enjoyed average yields. As discussed in the post, June 2025 Wrap-Up, both cherry jam and jelly were put up. Additionally, frozen berries and cherries are available for future enjoyment.

Peaches and apples are still ripening on the tree. Both are small crops due to blooms before the last freeze. Climate changes are impacting both. Final spring freezes are the same but are often preceded by unseasonably warm days or even weeks.

Grapes are still filling out. Green-seeded and Concord are on their usual track. Mid-summer 2025 yields the first ever crop of seedless grapes. Not sure how these will turn out.

 

Root Vegetables

Mid-Summer 2025 shows beets and second planting potatoes with steady growth. However, carrots spouted poorly. I may expand the netting over the carrots next year in case the robins are enjoying “seed hunting” too much. I do like the birds in the garden to help keep the grasshoppers at bay.

Beet Greens and roots. The netting protected the seeds.

Mid-summer 2025 Tomatoes

The early tomatoes are delicious. Most of the slicers as well as the bite-sized cherries are in the side garden near the kitchen. Very handy for picking right before a meal.

The canning tomatoes have two locations this year. As in the past, the seedling transplant was slow. I may need to start the seeds a month earlier. Or bring them out to the cold frame sooner.

Most of these tomatoes are in the flowering stage. However, a few small green tomatoes are setting. The tomato plant identifications were lost prior to transplant. So, a small mystery awaits the harvest.

Average is Okay

Many crops are just now reaching the flowering stage. For example, the beans and cucumbers and peanuts. Other plants may run out of time, most notably the artichokes. I am hoping the fall freeze is late in 2025.

This year is shaping up to be average in yield. Not every year can yield bumper crops. And the average is far better than a wipe-out. Considering other events Econogal is facing, average is okay. Maybe even good…

Cucumbers

Cucumber vines growing on a cage in a round metal tub.
Cucumbers in the Round Tub

Flowering Lettuce

Lettuce with small yellow flowers
Lettuce flowering and setting seed.

Basil Ready to Harvest

A row of Basil plants in a garden.
Basil

Encouraging Entrepreneurship

Posted on by Econogal

Kids Showing Entrepreneurial Spirit

School is out, or almost, and summer provides the perfect opportunity for encouraging entrepreneurship. Kids of all ages are creative. And contrary to popular opinion, I think most are capable of hard work and the ability to “stick with it”. So, I plan on encouraging entrepreneurship whenever I encounter it.

Support Neighborhood Kids by Encouraging Entrepreneurship

Summers bring knocks on the door, salespeople young and old. Often the neighborhood kids are looking for a job. The older ones might need the flexibility of setting their own schedules. And the younger ones can’t be employed by businesses yet.

Other youngsters can be found setting up stands in front of their houses. Fortunately, where I live, lemonade stands are still legal. Often kids have a table in conjunction with a yard sale or auction. I have even seen stands along parade routes.

And occasionally other items can be found for sale. Last year my daughter and I stopped at a table manned by three middle-school girls. They were selling friendship bracelets. These hand-made items were no doubt inspired by a very popular singer. Naturally, we bought several thereby encouraging entrepreneurship. Swifties support fellow Swifties.

Learning Opportunities

This week a group of nine- to ten-year-olds came by. Since one was a recognized neighbor, I found some work for them. They learned quite a lot. First, they negotiated a price. Then they discovered working together involves a bit more than just hanging out. The boys stuck with the task. They completed their job in three hours. And the work was satisfactory.

I don’t think it was as easy as the group thought it would be. But encouraging entrepreneurship means allowing for various discoveries. Maybe they will return looking for more work. They certainly were happy with the earnings. But they were also tired from their effort.

Encouraging Entrepreneurship

Each generation will have individuals that succeed. Furthermore, success will be measured in many different ways. Monetary success is the easiest to spot. But often the entrepreneurial spirit is stoked from a desire to create new things. That satisfaction does not always equate to monetary gains. Artistic value for instance, is in the eye of the beholder. Inventors may not personally take their inventions to the market.

Encouraging the young whether in making money or creating new “things” is crucial to developing tomorrow’s discoveries. Ideas need capital for implementation if not development. We need to keep encouraging entrepreneurship from an early age. Support your local budding entrepreneurs this summer!

New Market Basket

Posted on by Econogal

Stagflation or Just Inflation?

It is time to look at a new market basket. The inflation check challenge focused primarily on food with a few other items thrown in. The United States government excludes food and energy costs from their price index because these items are so volatile. But food and other everyday items are key in the minds of consumers. If food costs go up, more of the household budget flows to this essential. Other items take a back seat.

However, tariff driven price increases will impact a variety of items. Food does come into play. And so, we will keep food goods in the market basket. But other goods come to mind.

One of the problems in tracking goods is that many items manufactured in the United States use parts from overseas. Thus, the goods will be impacted by a trade war. We will look at some goods made in the United States primarily with imported parts.

Finally, we will include non-edible direct imports. For example, I use a Samsung laptop for my work. Other items would be tougher to track due to multiple variables. Think of gemstones or furniture or even light fixtures. For a market basket to work you need comparisons that are exact.

Original Market Basket

When I first looked at inflation, supply chain shocks due to disruption from Covid was the culprit. The items were mostly food based with a few outliers. I revisited this market basket recently and the prices jumped quite a bit in the intervening years. I have included a table for those of you who participated in the Inflation Check Challenge.

 
Item Amount January 2021
Price
Regular/Sale		 April 2021
Price
Regular/Sale		 July 2021
Price
Regular/Sale		 October 2021
Price
Regular/Sale		 January 2022
Price
Regular/Sale		 March 2025
Price
Regular Sale
Planet Oat Extra Creamy Original Oat Milk 52 OZ. $3.49 $3.99 $3.99/$2.99 $3.99 $3.99/$3.79 $4.99/$3.49
Small bag Signature Select Sugar 4 LBS. $2.99 $2.99/$1.99 $2.99 $2.99/$2.49 $3.29 $5.49
Signature Select Cream Style Corn 14.75 OZ. $0.69 $0.79 $0.79 $0.79/$0.65 $0.89 $1.99/$1.50
Fleischmanns Active Dry Yeast 4 OZ. $6.99 $6.99 $7.19 $7.49 $7.49 $6.99
Bananas 1 LB. $0.59 $0.55 $0.59 $0.59 $0.69 $0.65
Kraft Real Mayo 30 OZ. $4.99/$3.79 $4.99/$3.99 $4.99/$3.79 $5.29/$3.99 $5.29/$3.99 $5.99
Meow Mix 6.3 LBS. $7.78 $7.78 $7.78 $8.22 $8.22 $13.99
Morton Salt 26 OZ. $1.19/$0.94 $1.19/$0.99 $1.19/$0.99 $1.29/$0.99 $1.29/$0.99 $2.99
Crest Pro Health Toothpaste 4.6 OZ. $5.99/$4.99 $5.49/$3.99 $3.99/$3.49 $3.99/$2.99 $3.99/$1.99 $3.99
Align Probiotics 28 Count $26.58 $26.58 $26.58 $26.58 $26.58 $32.99
Tide Botanical Rain Detergent 92 OZ. $11.97 $11.97 $11.97 $11.97/$11.39 $11.97 $15.99

Now 84 0z.
Kerr Regular Mouth Canning Lids 12 Count $3.18 $2.88 $2.88 $3.38 $2.28 $4.99 @ Safeway
$8.99 @ Walmart
3M Ad. Allergy Furnace Filter 1 Count $15.88 $15.88 $15.88 $16.38 $17.47 $20.50
Dunkin Donut Boston Cream 1 Count $0.99 $1.09 $1.17 $1.09 $1.17 $1.79
Regular Unleaded Gasoline 1 Gallon $2.36 $2.79 $2.79 $2.79 $3.05 $2.89

New Market Basket

I am keeping quite a few items from the old market basket while adding a few new ones.

Among the additions are eggs, whole milk, Samsung laptop, Aluminum Foil, Hamilton Beach 4-slice Toaster and a G.E. Microwave. It will be interesting to see what if any impact occurs. Between the New Market Basket and the Misery Index we will get a feel for which direction the economy is headed.

 
Product Price Reg./Sale
1Gal Whole Milk $3.69
1 LB. Bananas $0.65
1 Can Cream Style Corn $1.99/$1.50
Dozen Eggs $6.49
1 Dunkin’ Donut $1.79
1 Gal. Reg. Unl. Gas $2.89
Dozen Reg. Mouth Kerr Lids $4.99
Scott’s Step Fertilizer $104.00
Hamilton Beach 4 slice Toaster $48.95
Samsung Galaxy Chromebook $624.99
G.E. 2 Cu Ft 1200 Watt Countertop Microwave @ Lowes $239.00

Is Stagflation on the Horizon?

Posted on by Econogal

An Unusual Economic Condition

Stagflation last appeared in the United States of America during the 1970s. The economic condition combines high inflation rates with high unemployment. As most students of economics know, these two functions of the economy usually are inverse to each other. When they act in unison there is strain on the economy, and we call the result stagflation.

Stagflation in the 1970s

Rapidly rising prices combined with wage freezes and layoffs created hardship for most of the 1970s. As a result, Arthur Okun devised a way to measure stagflation. The Misery Index at its’ simplest equation is easy to calculate:

Misery Index= Seasonally Adjusted Rate of Employment + Annual Inflation Rate

Much like the Inflation Rate Challenge of a few years ago, I plan to track the Misery Index throughout 2025. Currently the number reads normal. Thus, the January numbers do not indicate stagflation. However, they are just at the top end of the range. The Seasonally Adjusted Rate of Employment for January 2025 was 4% and the Annual Inflation Rate in January was reported at 3%. So, the numbers bear watching. We start with the Misery Index at 7%. Again, that number reads more like a normally functioning economy, not one experiencing stagflation. But these particular rates are lagging indicators.

Plain Old Inflation

We may just go through another rapid period of inflation similar to that of a few years ago. This time the supply shocks most likely will stem from a combination of tariffs and agricultural woes. Drought and disease are just two factors. Most farmers will agree there is climate change. The argument stems on the cause of the changing weather. But everyone can agree the unknowns of weather patterns have a great impact on farm production.

So, I plan to revisit the Inflation Check Challenge. I will keep some of the items from before. But I am now paying $8.00 for a dozen eggs so those will be watched as well. The first check will be after the February employment and inflation numbers are out so The Misery Index can be tracked, too.

Prediction on Stagflation vs. Inflation

There are a lot of ifs and maybes involved in predicting which way the economy will flow. Current variables include the impact of tariffs, the severity of governmental layoffs as well as private industry slowdowns. Personally, I don’t know of anyone laid off, just of hours cut. Furthermore, how other countries react to the tariffs is unknown.

Countries enjoying unfair competitive advantage can make more concessions than those who believe historical exchanges fall into the Fair-Trade category. Politics comes into play as well as does ongoing military conflict.

Governmental cuts, whether labor or goods, will tend toward a recessionary effect. These cuts are necessary as anyone looking at the Debt Clock can see. (For those who have not checked on the clock in a while, the powers-that-be have added a DOGE component.) The Federal Deficit is near a tipping point which, if reached, will make stagflation look pleasant.

So, while I am certain we will have inflation, I think we will also experience a recession. Thus, the country will undergo stagflation once again.

We can no longer kick the can down the road. In the short-term things will be ugly. But if we do not get the deficit under control, the dollar is in danger of default. And the strength of the U.S.A. will plummet. The country came together after 9/11. Can a unified response to the fiscal mess we are in occur? I hope so, but I do have doubts.

The Dignity of James Earl Carter

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President James Earl Carter: October 1, 1924- December 29, 2024

Dignity is the first word that comes to mind when I remember former President Jimmy Carter. The long lines gathered in the cold winter outside the United States Capitol to pay respect are no surprise. Carter was respected by most.

Personal Remembrances

Carter was one of the candidates in the first election I was eligible to vote in. I lived on campus in the heartland of the country. The university centered between the two large cities in the state. A majority of the population lived in these metropolitan areas and the rest of the state was rural and sparsely populated. The campus reflected these demographics.

Then First Lady Rosalyn Carter made a final campaign stop on campus just prior to election night. My roommate and I attended. Most of our fellow resident hall companions did not. Political apathy existed even then. And Carter was unpopular in 1979.

As history correctly indicates, Carter became a one-term president. Yet, his dignity allowed a country to see failure to attain a second term did not equate to failure as a person. A lesson for all of us. The presidency did not define who Jimmy Carter was.

Dignity in Life’s Work

Just a few years after leaving the White House, Carter began volunteering with Habitat for Humanity. The organization was founded in Americus, Georgia, just ten miles down the road from the Carter’s hometown of Plains. This work was in addition to founding The Carter Center. The two non-profits shared similar values.

For forty years, Carter spent untold hours helping build thousands of houses across the United States of America. He did not rest on Presidential Laurels, he grabbed a hammer and contributed to society with both physical labor and dignity.

A Visit to Plains, Georgia

In 2017, one of the twenty states visited was Georgia. My destination was Plains. I specifically went out of my way to see the place Jimmy Carter called home. The side trip did add a few hours to the last day of a long road trip. But it was worth it. People were friendly, helpful and willing to give insight into the former president without violating his privacy. (He had taught Sunday School the previous week.)

Peanut farms were as prolific as the wheat farms of the Great Plains. The downtown benefits from tourists. Even those just making a quick stop. I loved the peanut butter shake as well as the bag of peanuts bought along Main Street. Best of all, I appreciated the directions for a back way to the Georgia-Florida Highway so I could skip Americus and take a more direct route to the Sunshine State.

Final Thoughts-Jimmy Carter A Man of Dignity

Listening to his eulogies, the one given by his grandson Jason resonated the most. It focused on the man from a personal level. Yet, conveyed the importance of a man who’s public and personal personas did not differ. The dignity of Jimmy Carter was always present. Rest in peace President Carter.

Econogal’s Top Ten Books of 2024

Posted on by Econogal

2024

My Top Ten Books of 2024 highlights my favoritism of fiction over non-fiction. I struggled on whether to include non-fiction on the list as I have for certain years. Or leave them off all together since I read too few to compile a list. In the end, my decision was to discuss the top three.

Non-Fiction

Most of the non-fiction I read is categorized as self-help or do-it-yourself. Perhaps I read too many biographies as a child and too many research and theory books during my career. Regardless of the reason, most of what I read is either home improvement or self-improvement. This year follows the trend. So, there are no top ten books of 2024 in this category. But here are three with merit.

Survive and Thrive: How to Prepare for any Disaster Without Ammo, Camo, or Eating Your Neighbor by Bill Fulton and Jeanne Chilton Devon is excellent. Anyone who has experienced a natural disaster knows the importance of preparedness. In addition to reading and owning this book, visit www.ready.gov.

Early in the year, I read Hidden Potential. Adam Grant presents anecdotes outlining theories and then follows with constructive steps to reach goals. For the most part, reading is straightforward. However, there are parts where one must diligently slog through. Nothing worth doing is easy.

Finally, Ageless Aging: A Woman’s Guide to Increasing Healthspan, Brainspan, and Lifespan by Maddy Dychtwald with Kate Hanley is a book I am gifting. While geared toward women my current age, I wish I had read it decades ago. Especially the part concerning finances.

Fiction: Top Ten Books of 2024

As always, determining the order of the top ten books of 2024 was difficult. Click on the title to reach each review. This helps determine if the book will be a good gift for your holiday shopping. The tones vary from light-hearted to deep suspense.

  1. The Promise of Unbroken Straw by Ken Steele
  2. Crow Talk by Eileen Garvin
  3. Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus
  4. The Spy Coast by Tess Gerritsen
  5. The Museum of Lost Quilts by Jennifer Chiaverini
  6. The Summer Pact by Emily Giffin
  7. The Women by Kristen Hannah
  8. Pitch Dark by Paul Doiron
  9. The Unwedding by Ally Condie
  10. Fake Famous by Dana L. Davis

Comet Tsuchinshan-ATLAS and Mid-October Musings

Posted on by Econogal
Comet in the dusk sky with amber glow on the horizon.
Comet Tsuchinshan-ATLAS on October 22, 2024

Spotting a Comet

The highlight through Mid- October is finally seeing Comet Tsuchinshan-ATLAS. Closely following is the over one inch of rain in one weekend. Of course, the latter delayed the former! Cloudy and rainy skies during prime viewing of the comet and of the Orionid meteor shower put a bit of a damper on my favorite time of year.

Fortunately, the skies cleared enough on the 22nd for a brief but wonderful view of the comet. I live far enough north that the tail disappears into the horizon after a short time. Photos from south and west of here from the same date give views of the comet and the milky way.

Watching the Skies in Mid-October

My favorite meteor shower is the Orionids. Multiple reasons can be given. First, the showers stem from Halley’s Comet. Then, the timing. October has cool but not cold frigid nights. So, unlike the Geminid meteor shower of December, one can comfortably enjoy stargazing with perhaps a sweater or light blanket.

Plus, the shower bursts from the constellation Orion. This constellation is so bright city dwellers can identify the position. So, growing up in cities, I learned to spot the constellation early. Of course, out here on the Great Plains the stars are incredible. Worthy of a vacation for those unable to see the Milky Way due to the light pollution.

Comet Watching

Halley’s Comet was the first comet I remember seeing. I was a young adult. So, I will need to live as long as my friend Beverly, to view the return.

Hale-Bopp was the first comet my offspring watched. And the youngest was too young to remember. I hope she can leave the bright lights of Houston to get a glimpse. Like a total solar eclipse, comets don’t come around often.

No Snow-Just Rain

All through the 1990s, moisture from Mid-October forward appeared as snow. Many Halloweens meant kids wearing snow boots and once the mayor even cancelled Trick-or-Treat due to the blizzard earlier in the week. Now the first snow may not fall until Christmas. Farmers and ranchers know the climate is changing. It is the blame game that creates arguments.

Regardless of the form, the moisture was much needed and measured over an inch on my garden rain gauge. Digging the fall root crops should be easier now.

 

Mid-October in Past Years

Leaves are turning yellow, gold and orange with a small sprinkling of red. Not enough sugar trees in this part of the world. I miss the glorious colors of New England along with the afternoon football games. The closest experience in recent years was the trip to Canada in 2018. Click here for beautiful fall pictures.

However, each region has its’ own fall beauty. The tawny colors of the fields bring to mind lyrics. Amber waves of grain truly make for a Beautiful America. We need to remember we are one country, indivisible, regardless of the contentious rhetoric of late fall campaigns.

2024 Elections

Mid-October also means Election Day is just weeks away. Early voting has started in some states. I have been studying the blue book sent out by the state concerning the many amendments and propositions posited by the legislature and citizens. There are many.

Since I am not affiliated with any political party, I weigh each candidate and each proposal before making my determination. Apologies to both my father and paternal grandfather. They tried to get me to vote straight tickets. And thanks to my mom who instilled in me that the absolute best thing about the United States of America was the right to vote privately.

Pollsters may know what they are talking about. Then again, maybe not. Regardless of who your favorite candidate is, I encourage you to go out and vote. Voting is a privilege many do not have in this wide world we have.

Updating The GO Bags

Posted on by Econogal

Emergency Preparedness

Watching the coverage of Hurricane Helene prompted me to pull the GO Bags out of the front closet to check for needed updates. Quite a few were needed. To be honest, it has probably been close to two years (or even more) since I last checked these important evacuation items. So, this morning’s chores included a shopping trip to replace a few key items in the bags.

Essentials for GO Bags

Clothes, medical items, food, rescue equipment and toiletries make up the bulk of what goes into the GO Bags. Additional items might fall under entertainment. These may end up being very important if you have children in your family.

It is important not to overload the backpacks. One might need to carry the load for a distance. A key item not on the list is water. I keep that in a separate rolling bag.

Clothes

Clothes for the GO Bag include gloves socks T-shirt and sweat shirt
Clothes

I have the following packed in my bag:

  • 2 pairs of underwear
  • 2 pairs of socks
  • 1 short sleeve T-Shirt
  • 1 pair of leggings
  • 1 hooded synthetic sweatshirt
  • Rain Jacket
  • 2 pairs of gloves; one cotton, one wool
  • 1 pair of ankle supports
  • 1 LL Bean beanie with head lamps

The lights in the beanie still work, unlike the small flashlight with similar LED technology.

Medical Items

Both prescription and non-prescription medicines are in the bag. I only have a week’s worth of the two medicines I take daily. Additionally, the following over-the-counter items are included:

Align Probiotic             Thera Tears     Tylenol              Benadryl Cream         Airborne

Neosporin       Aquaphor Lip Repair               Ricola Cough Drops

 

Food for the GO Bags

This is a bit tricky. Perishable goods are not great in storage, so rotation is important. I limit myself to what fits in a one-gallon plastic bag. And I include plastic utensils. Currently, the following items are available:

  • Variety of powdered drink mixes
  • Clif Bars
  • Beef Jerky
  • Trail Mix
  • Nut Butters and Jelly
  • Individual packets of instant oatmeal and hot cocoa

Rescue Equipment

My favorite piece of rescue equipment is the Four Function Whistle by Coghlan’s. Click here for their website. The four functions are a whistle, a compass, a thermometer and a magnifier. I also include:

  • Matches
  • Mirror
  • Handwarmers by Grabber
  • Dryer Lint

Since there is room left in the quart sized bag, I also store mosquito wipes and sunscreen here. The lint is stored inside a recycled medicine bottle.

Toiletries and Personal Care Items

Within the GO Bags, another one-gallon storage bag is chock full of hand selected items to make life a little better if I must evacuate. A combination of wants and needs as follows:

Wash Cloth     Bandana          Toothbrush and toothpaste      Floss   Feminine Products              Comb

Toilet Paper     Band Aids and Tape   Kleenex   Cotton swabs Nail file             Head Band

Cotton Rounds           Hand Sanitizer              Shampoo        Deodorant

Organization of GO Bags

I use quart and gallon sized bags, clearly labeled for everything except the clothes. A drawstring bag holds the clothes in a tight bundle. Then the bundle and most of the other containers go inside a waterproof zipped storage bag. This zipped bag was recycled from some purchase long ago. The Food Storage bag is kept separate.

Since space is still available in the side pockets, other items such as spare reading glasses, a map, a sheet of paper with contact phone numbers, extra shoelaces and a belt are added. The last two items are a small hand sewing kit with buttons and a small fabric bag with cash in mixed denominations. Just beware of the overall weight. Mine weighs about twelve pounds. This falls into the guidelines of staying between ten and twenty percent of my body weight.

Hopefully, I will never need to use a Go Bag. But if a natural disaster heads my way…I am ready to go.

 

Return to 1968

Posted on by Econogal

Assassination Attempt

My thoughts return to 1968 with the attempted assassination of former president and current candidate Donald Trump. I was quite young that year, a mere kindergartener. Yet I lived on a college campus where the political climate was heightened. So, my memories are memories and not just remembered stories.

1968-A Time of Conflict

For many readers, 1968 is so far in the past, knowledge comes from the history books. For those of us that lived through the year, the significance is key. Assassinations of Martin Luther King and Bobby Kennedy during the spring set the tone.

Anti-Vietnam war sentiments stirred and would boil over in the years to follow. Protests began on campuses across the United States and many other countries as well. Living in married student housing with my parents, most of the unrest seemed distant as we played with the other kids in the apartment complex. But I do distinctly remember two key things. Chants of “Hell no, We won’t Go” and much more sobering, the weekly counts of Vietnam deaths recited on the news.

Inequality in 1968

Discrimination based on skin color led to a fear of race wars. My parents were very progressive. As a result, I was somewhat ignorant of these tensions. And as soon as bussing ended desegregation in my school district, I was invited to, and attended, birthday parties regardless of the skin color of the birthday celebrant.

At the time I was oblivious to economics and social inequalities. We lived in campus housing. The furniture had plastic cushions and I shared a small room (think old dorm size) with my younger sibling. One bathroom, an eat-in kitchen with a chipped Formica table and a small living area. My parents did have their own bedroom. The entire place was not much bigger than some of today’s hotel rooms. If I was considered poor, I didn’t realize it.

Social Differences in 2024

I am no longer unaware of the various economic strata found in each country…even those embracing communism. So, I am grateful I live in the United States where the economy is mixed. A mixed economy has tenets of various economic models. The part that is capitalist allows those individuals that create and work hard and yes have luck, to move “upward.” And there is also a downward flow. Many times, a third generation cannot build on what the previous two have built.

Furthermore, mixed economies provide protection for those that cannot work due to extenuating circumstances. We need to face the reality that not all children are born with the same opportunities. In particular, are the many that are born with physical, mental, and environmental challenges.

Uncertainties Then and Now

On the surface a comparison between 1968 and 2024 is easy. But an in-depth look shows stark differences. Key is the age of the candidates. In 1968, the oldest candidate was the Democratic nominee aged 57 with the Republican counterpart 55. The 2024 election, at this time, has a 78-year-old and an 81-year-old. Is it time for a constitutional amendment regulating a maximum age similar to the minimum age?

Another major contrast is the current military is voluntary. There is not an active draft. The final difference is the national debt.

In 1968, the debt was 368 Billion which was 39% of the GDP. Current debt is just under 35 Trillion. And the debt to GDP ratio is 135%. From an economic point, this is unsustainable. Click here for an indepth comparison of debt from 1929 to the present.

Election of 2024

The United States of America holds presidential elections in November every four years and this is one of those years. Just under four months remain until Election Day. Anyone who is not registered to vote, I encourage you to sign up. Our right to vote is a fundamental freedom not found everywhere. It is a valuable right. Furthermore, take your vote seriously. Study the issues and the candidates. Then vote as YOU see best. Try not to let commercials and talking heads make the decision for you. Our balloting system of private voting provides everyone the ability to vote independently. I wish every country could enjoy the same right.

Many Reasons to Read

Posted on by Econogal

From Entertainment to Gaining Knowledge

There are many reasons to read ranging from entertainment to gaining knowledge. And there are many types of books, articles and blogs to choose from. Plus, “reading” can be done via listening. Think of young children listening to stories at bedtime.

One of the icebreakers I used at the start of the fall semester was to ask each student what book they read most recently. Occasionally, a student would not have read a book just for fun in many years. Others were clearly readers for entertainment purposes. I found a strong correlation between students who read for fun and those students who gained much from the texts used in the classroom. (This was before the push to eliminate textbooks.)

My Many Reasons to Read

Regular readers of this blog know one of the key reasons I read is my hope to stave off memory loss. In 2013 I realized my mom was having memory issues because she could not finish any fiction books. So, this spring when I kept returning library books partially read, I became concerned.

Fortunately, my fears were unfounded. After struggling with new releases, I borrowed paperbacks from a family member. Two were by often read author David Baldacci and a third was a Stuart Woods. All three were read in timely fashion. They were fun reads.

Knowledge comes from reading. One is never too old to learn. Although I will admit learning about new technologies is difficult. Wrapping my brain around AI is one example. But the knowledge gained aids in investment decision making. Actually, in any decision making.

Reading Formats

Hardcover books are my preference. Paperbacks tend to have a smaller font. Online reading causes eyestrain for me. Even when reading with the blue light lenses. However, many of my family members prefer to read online. Everything from the newspaper to the latest beach read can be found online.

Of the many reasons to read online, convenience is at the top of the list. The Libby app allows you to check-out books online in less than the time needed to drive to the local library. As a bonus, library fines are non-existent as the app automatically returns the book on the due date.

Converting Non-Readers into Readers

Mastering reading is one of the most important tools for life. However, reading does not come easy for everyone. When working with children, it is important to find a genre that encourages the skill. The same holds true for adults.

Then, once a mastery of reading is complete reading across genres and delivery methods provides everything from entertainment to a gain in knowledge. These many reasons to read develop well-rounded, intelligent and thoughtful members of society. We need more readers in this world to produce the critical thinking that keeps the negatives of history from repeating.

I challenge each of you to read for at least an hour this weekend.

Blowin’ in the Wind

Posted on by Econogal

Spring Weather

This time of year, everything is blowin’ in the wind. Dirt and pollen and pollen and dirt. And that’s just the normal wind. Unfortunately, spring weather also brings in tornadic activity. So, now is time to review some emergency preparedness. Here on the high plains one of the greatest dangers is blowing dirt. Farmers, just like other occupations range in abilities. Fortunately, good stewards of the land incorporate practices to keep fields from blowin’ in the wind. For example, farmers can leave stubble and plant cover crops.

No Till Farming

Long ago, leaving stubble in the field was considered lazy. Now the technique is known as no till and actually has many benefits. Edward H. Faulkner posited the theory in his work Plowman’s Folly released in 1943. Thus, the text is a reaction to the Dust Bowl Days of the 1930s. Tillage is thought to be a main contributor to loss of topsoil. And loss of topsoil means dirt flying through the air.

Blowing dirt is extremely dangerous for those travelling through farm country in the spring. Even Interstate and divided highways can be shut down from loss of visibility due to flying dirt. But most dangerous are the two-lane highways used as alternates. Unfortunately, fatal crashes occur.

Blowin’ in the Wind

Gale force winds not only blow dirt, but also bring down tree branches and entire trees. In turn, the trees can bring down power lines or block roadways. Unfortunately, a repercussion of downed power lines is the potential to spark a wildfire.

Now as a precaution, high winds in areas with trees and above ground power lines translates into electric companies turning off power for hours at a time. When these hours stretch into a day or more, businesses and homeowners suffer consequences. About the only thing you can do about power loss is to have a back-up generator.

Tornadic Activity

In my opinion the worst part of the spring season is the tornadoes that epitomize blowin’ in the wind. Entire towns can disappear if the cyclone is wide enough and strong enough. The destruction is incredible. Survivors can be haunted the rest of their lives.

Emergency preparedness measures for tornadoes can be accessed from the FEMA website by clicking here. Keys to preparedness include weather radios, safe rooms, basements and common sense. The funnel cloud I videoed was almost five miles distant and moving away. Any closer and I would not have captured it. If the radio says seek shelter, do it now.

In our county last year, a farm family received a reverse 911 call telling them they were in the bull’s eye of a tornado. They retreated to the basement. After the storm everything was gone. Don’t fool with Mother Nature, seek shelter when you are in the direct path of one of these storms. So, sign up for reverse 911 calls. Even cell phones can receive these messages.

Prepare for More Blowin’ in the Wind

Severe storms go hand in hand with the season. Fortunately, my corner of the world has not revisited the straight line 100 M.P.H. winds from a few years ago…at least so far this year. I am prepared for power outages and debris clean-up from wind damage, are you?

Derby Hats, Mint Juleps, Derby Pie and Bourbon Balls: Are You Ready for Derby 150?

Posted on by Econogal

A Longstanding Tradition

Derby hats are out of storage, a few sprigs of mint peak above the ground, I am getting ready for the 150th running of the Kentucky Derby. On my to do list is to browse through my copy of Racing to the Table and start thinking about my racing picks. Handicapping the Derby is difficult in part due to the expanded field of 20.

Pix Shoes of Louisville

Many of my derby hats are bought at Pix Shoes in downtown Louisville. In addition to an abundance of shoes in widths narrow to wide, this great shop carries a plethora of hats and fascinators. If you are headed to the big race and don’t have a hat yet, make your way to 201 S. Preston Street. A treat for the eyes is inside!

Owners and employees go out of their way to help you match a hat to an outfit. And if you have time to shop for clothes as well, I will let you in on a secret: Buy the derby hat first, and then find an outfit to go with it.

Fascinators for 2024

My choices for this year’s Oaks and Derby Days are fascinators, both bought at Pix. A Kelly-green jacket atop a navy dress will pair perfectly with the navy fascinator highlighted with Kelly-green embellishments. The other fascinator will be perfect headgear for a blush and lace dress. The clothes complement the derby hats.

 

Derby hats hanging on an antique hall tree

Derby Hats

Anyone fortunate to attend the race in person will tell you how ornate the hats can be. And the men can really get into the celebration! I once saw a man wearing a replica of the racetrack complete with the Twin Spires of Churchill Downs. And others wearing horse heads as hats. Personally, I prefer the traditional looks of straw summer hats. No matter your tastes, the entire weekend is a spectacle.

Derby Menu

Those of you watching from home, I highly recommend buying or finding a copy of Racing to the Table. Click here for my review from a few years ago. The food and the beverages are a big part of hosting a party. Sweets top the list for me. I love derby pies and could easily pop a half-dozen or so bourbon balls in my mouth. But make sure to include heartier fare as well.

In addition to mint juleps, consider serving Oaks Lillies. I don’t particularly care for vodka, but the cranberry juice, lime and triple sec mixed in make for a delightfully fresh cocktail. Click here for a Southern Living recipe of this gem.

150 Years of Tradition

An event surviving over a century is remarkable in this age of forgetting history. Furthermore, celebrations are moments in time honoring traditions lucky enough to survive the ebbs and flows of life. I don’t know how many thousands will descend upon Churchill Downs and Louisville, Kentucky next week (weather will play a factor) but I do hope the celebration will be a joyful and responsible one. Enjoy your derby hats, parties and food and for those attending in person- safe travels.

Backseat to Life

Posted on by Econogal

Absence of Posts

From time to time my writing takes a backseat to life. This is the case for my recent absence. After four years of searching, we found a mountain retreat. Trying to get things set up in our home away from home takes time. Learning to deal with a different set of wildlife will take even more time.

Other things popped up as well. We were finally able to get my dad’s house on the market after a lengthy probate. We are coming up on the one-year anniversary of his unexpected death. Anyone in the Central Florida region looking for a house with good bones, and with recent improvements of the big-ticket items such as a new roof and just needing a little love to make it your own can click here.

Prioritizing Commitments

One of the biggest time commitments which caused the blogging to take a backseat to life was the planning of a Zonta International Area meeting. The meeting took place in Beautiful Cañon City and featured two wonderful women speaking on inner growth.

Cris Lindsay is known as the Happiness Coach. Her three breakout sessions keyed on the importance of balancing a hectic work-life and making time for yourself. Her interactive sessions provided many stress-reducing techniques.

Dr. Barbara Ann Jacques provided the keynote during the luncheon. The importance of time remained a key theme. She expanded with a self-evaluation using three Vs; vision, value, and vibration. Worksheets guided the participants through the process. The group of professional women were open to exploring the concept of utilizing time for oneself as a means to expand each ones impact on the world around us.

In the Library

Throw in a dislike of a few of the recent books I’ve read, and the situation gets dire. The last two books I read were non-fiction and business related. The first was a guide to developing leaders and it was ok, just dry and made leaders seem self-centered. The second was an economics booked hailed on the back cover as the best theory since John Maynard Keynes tome The General Theory of Employment, Interest, and Money. It was not. My back cover blurb would have read: Utopian at best, veiled socialism/communism at worst.

Gardening takes a Backseat to Life

An even greater problem was a deep freeze of 15 degrees just as the first asparagus popped up. No gardening pictures and few spring blooms. In fact, the mountain retreat has more daffodils in bloom than the homestead on the high plains. Not sure how that happened.

No More Backseat

Fortunately for my writing, running the recent conference for 40 attendees was the finale to my two-year term. My organizational management skills were well used. Now it is time to polish the writing skills.

Survive and Thrive Book Review

Posted on by Econogal

Catchy Subtitle

The tag line of Survive and Thrive: How to Prepare for any Disaster Without Ammo, Camo or Eating Your Neighbor caught my attention while perusing the new releases at the library. Bill Fulton and Jeanne Chilton Devon teamed together to write this disaster preparedness how to book. Since spring weather is prone to severe weather and the disasters that accompany it, I checked it out. For the most part the authors stick to their promise. However, there is a small section on ammo and camo. No cannibalism though!

The advice is proactive and non-doomsday. Initial chapters focus on the need to go beyond the government’s three-day preparedness guidelines. And the authors point out that the vast majority of households have at least a week’s worth of food on hand. The first chapters focus on building specific supplies to extend to more than a two-week cache.

Water and Food to Survive and Thrive

A good explanation of the need for uncontaminated water starts the book. Both authors bring an environmentalist approach and prefer larger storage containers to single use bottles. One of the key features is Appendix B which recommends companies and products.

The next two chapters focus on food. First, what types of food to store and how to safely store long-term food. Then a chapter on how to forage for food. Foraging for food is not an everyday event for this blogger as I can count on one hand the times I have come across plants in the wild. (Actually, twice in major cities-Portland, Oregon is rife with blackberries and strawberry plants dot downtown Louisville, Kentucky.)

Farming and micro-gardens finish out this section. A comprehensive look at everything from container gardens to compost piles reminds one of a good gardening book. Like the other chapters, the authors end the chapter with questions to answer and lists to consider.

Organization and the Three S’s

The middle three chapters offer a plethora of tips on organization, shelter, safety and security. This information offers a lot of common-sense tips that are not often followed. And then there is more.

Organizational hints in Survive and Thrive mirror those found in both The Home Edit and Lose the Clutter, Lose the Weight. Emphasis is put on organization as a de-stressor during emergencies. No need to hunt for necessary items if evacuating is key.

Knowing how and where to shut off the utilities is very important. Most people can flip an electric breaker. Finding the shut-off valves for water and gas is just as important and may require a special tool. The authors provide multiple tips in this area.

The safety and security section brings a bit of doom and gloom to Survive and Thrive. But the authors are not doomsday in their approach to security issues. Again, common sense and specialized gear are mixed in the advice.

Security issues discussed are applicable for every day life and not just during disasters. However, as pointed out in the book, stressful times can bring out the ugliness of life.

Disasters

The most comprehensive chapter in Survive and Thrive covers a host of disasters, both natural and man-made. Climate change is addressed as well. From blizzards to wildfires and everything in between, Survive and Thrive details the planning and action steps that need to occur. The first step is knowing what types of disaster your home is prone to experiencing.

Even though one plans and prepares, the actual experience of each type of disaster is a learning process. Mistakes will occur. Again, many suggestions and lists to follow. Everyone will benefit from reading this particular chapter. I have lived through blizzards, heat waves, earthquakes, hurricanes and a pandemic and I still found the information very valuable.

Recommendation for Survive and Thrive

Bill Fulton and Jeanne Chilton Devon have penned a thoroughly marvelous how-to book. This reference book is a must read no matter what part of the country you live in. Common sense through out and a very different take than survivalist prepper books. The final chapter on mental well-being sums up the theme. I highly recommend this book.

Important Things in Life

Posted on by Econogal

Top Three

Three items top the list of what I think is important to learn in life. First is reading. Once a child can read the door is open to academia and every day how-to instructions. The second is swimming. Even for those far away from the ocean. Finally, everyone needs to learn how to cook. Did the last two surprise you?

Reading is Most Important

As a parent, I stressed the importance of reading and thus books. Bookshelf wealth is now a thing, but our house has always had a plethora of books. Children’s books, cook books, gardening books, novels and how-to books and many, many text books fill a multitude of bookshelves.

My belief is once reading is mastered, any skill or subject matter could be learned. One can literally become a jack or jill of all trades. Instructional books abound and of course every subject taught in school can be learned if one feels the subject is important.

Swimming

My parents prioritized learning to swim before I even started kindergarten. We lived in Florida and water was everywhere! The Red Cross lessons taught floating and diving in addition to several basic swim strokes. In turn, I also felt swim lessons were important even though my kids lived on the high plains and not a hundred yards or so from the Atlantic Ocean.

My insistence that they learned was based on a tragedy from my junior high years. A classmate lost her youngest brother when the preschooler drowned in a neighbor’s pool. Bodies of water are everywhere. Swimming, floating and treading water are necessary skills for everybody.

Cooking is Important Too

Hopefully times have changed enough that learning to cook is important for all. However, I belong to a generation where many males grill burgers and steaks and not much else. Fortunately, my in-laws taught all their kids to cook, and I am married to a man that could be a master chef if he wanted to change careers.

I do not remember the age my kids were when they first started fixing food for themselves. But they needed chairs to reach the counter or the stove top. It was quite important to supervise them in the early years.

Now my grandchildren are picking up skills in the kitchen. All three have multi-functional furniture called learning towers or kitchen helpers depending on the manufacturer. These cool pieces can act as a chair and table/desk when on the side or serve as a very sturdy stepstool when standing on end. The sides provide extra support when they are helping in the kitchen either cooking or at the sink.

The oldest helps grandpa make scones and grandma make brownies. Cooking skills are important to develop from an early age. We just make sure we also emphasize safety.

Enjoying a snack at the kitchen counter.
Learning Tower is in the background.

Basic Skills

Reading, swimming, and cooking are all basic skills. However, each is critically important for living a full healthy and happy life. At first glance all could be placed toward the bottom of Maslow’s Hierarchy. Yet each offers an individual a chance to grow toward the pinnacle of self-actualization. Hence, they are important things for all to master.

Winter Weather Preparedness

Posted on by Econogal

Winter Storm Heather

Bitter cold is sweeping across the United States this weekend. Parts of the country will also experience precipitation, snow in the North and cold rain in the South. Planning and preparedness are critical to riding out Winter Storm Heather.

Most importantly, use common sense. Something that seems in short supply. Don’t travel unless there is no alternative. Cars break down. Electronics fare poorly in low temperatures. So, newer cars are at greater risk. And in sub-zero windy conditions, frostbite can occur in minutes.

Prepare your home before the weather hits. A roof over head with working heat is the key to riding out a storm in comfort. Several important steps prior to the storm hitting are critical to letting you stay warm and toasty inside.

Winter Weather Preparedness on the Road

Hat, scarf, gloves and body warmers are keys to Winter Weather Readiness

 

Unfortunately, sometimes traveling in poor conditions can’t be avoided. And while preparing ahead of time is not foolproof, it certainly is advisable. Proper car maintenance is the first item on the list.

  1. Check Tire Pressure and Tread

Individual tires vary in required pressure so check the manufacturer’s settings. Tire pressure decreases in cold weather so make sure to adjust for incoming cold weather. Tread depth should be 6/32 or greater.

  1. Windshield Washer Fluid

Make sure the window washer fluid is topped off and can withstand below freezing temperatures. Snow splash back is definitely a problem travelling on highways alongside 18-wheelers and other high profile vehicles.

  1. Extra Emergency Gear
    1. Blankets
    2. Food
    3. Water
    4. Hand, Foot or Body Warmers
    5. Clothing-Coat, Scarf, Gloves, Beanie, Boots

Even though winter weather preparedness gear takes up a lot of room in a vehicle, I insist on all these items before traveling out of town. Each person in the car should have appropriate gear.

These are all minimum requirements. Other items one could include are portable cordless tire inflator pumps, jumper cables (older batteries perform poorly in very cold weather), and snow chains.

Winter Weather Preparedness at Home

Getting ready for the winter season at home starts way in advance of any named storm. Each fall, the furnace needs to be checked. In my case and opinion, this is not a DIY. The only thing I do myself with respect to the HVAC system is regularly change the filters.

  1. Check Furnace
  2. Fireplaces

Those with fireplaces also need to check the flues.

  1. Insulate outdoor hose bibs

I wrap the faucets with bubble wrap and then cover them with a recycled piece of Styrofoam.

  1. Stock the Pantry

Two weeks’ worth of basic supplies is a no brainer to me nor to anyone ever experiencing a blizzard with feet of snow. It takes a while to dig out. Items such as fresh milk will need substitutes such as canned or powdered. Young families need to stock up on essentials like diapers! I still remember the angst of a neighboring family from the Blizzard of 1996. Not only were roads impassable but the grocery stores were closed. At least there were no roof collapses like last year in the California Sierras.

 

Southern States

Winter weather preparedness is also important in warmer climates. Growing up, I only had light jackets and there were few fireplaces. We certainly did not have one. So, preparations need to alter to fit the climate. Portable generators which may be on hand to combat electrical loss after hurricanes can do double duty in extreme cold. It has only been a few years since Texans experienced a major loss of power due to freezing temperatures impacting energy sources.

Good Neighbors

The most important part of battling weather extremes is looking out for others. Make sure to check on your neighbors in the days before and after an adverse event. We are all in this together. And remember, use common sense. Stay warm!

 

Love of My Heart

Posted on by Econogal

Double Entendre

Creating names and title is part and parcel of writing novels and Love of My Heart sounds perfect for a romance novel. However, in this case love of my heart needs to be taken literally. The stresses and strains of life are at a tipping point. So, to lower a greatly elevated blood pressure I now take blood pressure medicine.

Tipping Point

The tipping point came last week when I woke from a good night’s sleep but still felt off. My blood pressure reading was more than off, I was soaring into space with readings from two devices of 205/105 and 197/101. It’s hard to believe I wasn’t experiencing a stroke or other heart event.

My natural reaction was to call my health provider. However, it was still before working hours for most. So, I went for a long, slow-paced walk, keeping my heart rate in check. Upon returning the blood pressure had fallen a bit, but I made the call and was deemed enough of a concern that an appointment was made for that day.

I trust my health provider and even though I hate taking daily medication, for the love of my heart I will. So far there have been a few side-effects. Light-headiness is the primary one. And though the readings are lower, they are still in an elevated range. A follow-up visit in a few weeks will determine any adjustments. Until then I am monitoring the pressure on a regular basis.

Love of My Heart

The most likely cause of the blood pressure increase is stress aided by the aging factor and genetics. Both my parents experienced high blood pressure. So, I grew up leaving out or reducing salt from recipes. (Herbs are a great alternative for seasoning.) Additionally, I am active, not much of a drinker and not overweight. Thus, an unlikely candidate for high blood pressure.

Stress is the main culprit. Unfortunately, for the love of my heart I am not good with processing harmful stress. I let things eat at me versus letting things roll off my back or just ignoring what I don’t like. Recently personal stress has been accompanied by concerns for my country. The United States is polarized and I don’t like that at all. Within the last week, a statesman I used to admire and respect stated that if his candidate did not win in 2024 ballots needed to be replaced by bullets.

This is wrong. I hope most Americans agree with me. Civil War is not the answer.

Reducing Stress

On a personal level, my offspring are really stepping up to the plate. Much of the stress level revolves around handling the many things involved with closing out my dad’s estate. The kids have really rallied. They are not materialistic in nature so no fighting for “things.” Unfortunately, I can hardly get some of these companies holding limited assets as well as debts to talk to me as executor. Thus, the frustrating aspects of probate cannot be delegated.

Recognizing the stressors is a first step. Action is the next. My spouse found a good article in the Wall Street Journal entitled ‘The Power to Decide How You Feel’ which is well worth the read. I am trying to implement a few of the suggestions.

Writing as More than Brain Therapy

In the meantime, I will continue to write and make submissions. An active brain needs a healthy heart. In the short-term (and possibly forever) I will avail myself of the wonders of modern medicine. Love of My Heart really is catchy…now I just need a plot. And characters…and a setting. Good stressors not harmful ones. Writing is such good therapy!

Help Wanted vs. 32-Hour Work Week

Posted on by Econogal

Help wanted signs are everywhere so I was surprised to hear of a suggested 32-hour work week yesterday on the radio. Senator Bernie Sanders from Vermont is calling for the mandatory reduction in hours along with an increase in the minimum wage to $17.00 an hour. On the surface the idea will sound great to many. But, as always there are costs to a regulated market. Even the labor market.

Free Markets

The concept of free markets is a major contributor to the economic success of the United States as well as most other developed nations. In a free market, prices adjust due to supply and demand. Economic theories are complex and include ideas such as price stickiness and stagflation. But overall, the concepts work. If there is a shortage buyers pay more. When there is a glut suppliers need to cut prices or products languish in warehouses.

Wages represent the price of labor. Help wanted signs are signals that the labor market is not in equilibrium. So, more workers are needed than are willing to work. In a free market situation, wages are increased to the point more individuals are enticed to work. To a certain extent, the process works.

Help Wanted

However, other factors are impacting the labor market. Covid-19, Baby Boomers retirement, child care costs and government policy are all limiting the availability of workers. The combination of factors is having an adverse effect. There are too many reasons to not work whether one is young or old. Perhaps AI (Artificial Intelligence) will take up the slack. But for the present, we have a labor shortage. Hence the Help Wanted signs.

So, businesses respond by cutting hours of operation or even services in general. This results in disgruntled consumers. A vicious cycle begins.

32-Hour Work Week

So as a retired economics instructor I was taken aback by Senator Sanders’ proposal of a 32-Hour work week. In my opinion this is a recipe for disaster. We already have a labor shortage. Fewer hours worked, no matter how productive those hours, means an additional drain on the labor supply.

Certain industries absolutely cannot work with a shortened work week. Just-in-time industries such as fast-food restaurants don’t benefit from a shorter work week. Hamburgers can’t be “saved” for future use. Other industries such as accounting do not benefit from a 32-Hour work week either. Taxes are due when they are due. The same holds true for the legal system. Farmers certainly can’t stop the tractors and combines once the 32-hour mark rolls by.  I could go on and on.

Unfortunately, many states have K-12 systems that are prepping society for a 32-Hour work week. My local school system went to just four days a week about a decade ago. I still think this is a bad idea. Perhaps schools in Vermont where Senator Sanders is from are all on a four-day schedule.

Before retiring to focus on writing I worked in excess of 40 hours a week on a regular basis. My spouse still goes into the office on Saturday mornings. This is in addition to the longer than eight hours during the week. Workaholics? Maybe, but the quality and quantity of work is a positive. Things get done. Service-good service- is provided.

Work Ethic Needed

I am sure Senator Sanders is well intentioned. But I still disagree with his proposal. Our society needs to value the work ethic of its’ labor force. Under a free market, wages will respond to this ideal. Even if it means a period of time dotted with Help Wanted signs. Perhaps it is my Protestant upbringing, but I feel strongly that each individual needs to contribute to society through work.

An umbrella of social services is needed for those who cannot help themselves. BUT, our umbrella is too large. My experience has witnessed severely physically handicapped individuals doing their utmost to contribute somehow and in some way.

Too many individuals not in this category are opting out of work and out of society. Could this unwillingness to provide labor be responsible for our increase in violence? Perhaps. I believe happiness comes from within. If one has not accomplished even a simple task, can one develop this inner emotion? Satisfaction with one’s work plays a key role. But my understanding of psychology is limited. I will stick to economic markets. Help Wanted signs do not equate to a 32-Hour work week.

 

Unexpected Death

Posted on by Econogal

Unexpected Death

Death comes quickly when unexpected.

It drops suddenly day or night.

No warnings. Just action. Stealth.

It doesn’t seem right.

 

Easier on the recipient,

Harder on those left behind.

Unexpected Death.

 

Life is over in a moment.

Too quick for reflection?

Perhaps, and hard to know.

Suffering, little or none.

 

The mystery of life remains.

Natural death is not chosen.

Unexpected Death just occurs.

 

Grief follows shock

With each passing day

The pain reverberates,

not going away.

 

Unexpected Death

Each one a stressful act

For those left behind.

 

Weary of the mounting losses

Those still living

Must continue on.

Life means doing and being.

 

Seeking the joy in living.

While remembering those passing on.

Unexpected death gives life more meaning.

Grief

 

Everything is fine until suddenly it’s not.

Grief catches one at odd moments-

A memory here or a smell there.

Favorite songs on the car radio.

Triggers are everywhere.

 

Each one hurts in a different way.

Grief is individual. Grief is collective.

No rhyme or reason, no right or wrong.

But an Unexpected Death

Calls for me to be strong.

A Quick Good-bye

 

Just last week you called,

Uncomfortable in the single bed.

Advice was asked and given.

 

The problem so quickly solved

You hastened to take action

With hardly a good-bye.

 

Since I was relieved by spirits so high,

It hardly mattered that brief good-bye.

Not knowing it would be the last.

Why oh, why, so fast.

 

 

Never Ending Love

 

Fortunate, are those who experience never-ending love.

Mistakes are overlooked. Disappointments forgotten.

 

Grudges are unheard of.

And forgiveness always has room to spare.

 

From birth to death-

Fortunate, are those who experience never-ending love.

 

Memories console and grant inner peace.

Such love gives us strength to carry on.

 

The gift of such a love is both human and divine.

A Father in Heaven and a father who walked the Earth.

 

Fortunate, are those who experience never-ending love.

 

 

I already miss you. Rest in Peace Dad.

Easy Hack for Detangling Jewelry

Posted on by Econogal

Easy Hack

Don’t throw away those tangled chains because detangling jewelry is easy. But time consuming. You will need more than ten to fifteen minutes. In one case the process took me almost two hours. But it was worth it as I can now wear the last necklace my grandfather ever gave me.

Tools Needed

A variety of household items will be needed for this detangling jewelry hack. First, a surface that is stable and will allow pins to penetrate. I used an old bottom of a jewelry box. But the interior of a small cardboard box would work just as well. Multiple safety pins are a must. Finally, a long wooden skewer. Toothpicks are too short and can break easily.

The box needs to have sides to contain the jewelry. I used large safety pins such as quilting safety pins. Smaller ones will work just as well. In fact, fine chains will benefit from a thinner safety pin.

Detangling Jewelry Step-by-Step

First put the tangled mess of chains in the middle of the work surface. Start pinning the largest item/chain and then assess what that piece is tangled with the most. Once the second piece is identified pin that in a separate area. The clasp of the necklace may need to be pinned and then unpinned as the detangling process proceeds. If a chain has its’ clasp connected it may need to be unhooked as the work progresses.

Pin each necklace in a different section of the box to keep the jungled items identified and separate. Try working from the largest to the smallest. However, this is not an absolute. If a thinner strand appears to be less tangled, work on that item first.

Next, use the long skewer to gently-very gently- wiggle the chains apart section by section. Once the knots are loosened, individual chains can be identified. After the skewer detangles part of a chain it is important to use yet another safety pin to anchor that portion into the box.

Anchoring keeps the chains apart. If this is not done, the jumble of jewelry returns. Or even becomes worse!

Patience and Pins

Detangling Jewelry takes lots of patience and lots of pins. Fortunately, the rewards are great. I can now wear the garnet received on my thirteenth birthday. Furthermore, the jumble contained a fifth item. A simple gold chain was mixed in with those containing pendants.

Aging Alone Survival Skills

Posted on by Econogal

Survival Skills

Recently a widowed neighbor disclosed to me the difficulties of aging alone. She loves living here but her closest relatives are over 200 miles away. So, she is selling her home and moving closer to family.

This solution is not for everyone. But as we age we need to take certain things into consideration. And those with aging relatives can help. So, a list of modern-day survival skills for aging follows.

Emergency Alerts for Aging Alone

Since I seldom watch television, I don’t know if those “Help! I’ve fallen and can’t get up” commercials still air. This problem is quite significant for the elderly. I believe that advertisement was for a Life Alert medical device to wear around the neck. Those are great. But other options exist.

My personal favorite is a phone watch. Usually I am a late adaptor to new products. However, I was the first in the family with a watch that has its’ own phone. There is no need for a connection to a nearby cell phone. Calls can be made if I am out on a ten-mile run and can’t make it back. Calls for help if I were to fall and break something are easy. And unlike a medical device on a necklace, a watch blends in.

The latest technology in these watches is the ability to scan for vital signs. One of my octogenarian relatives has this type. When my current watch gives out, I most likely will follow suit. And yes, there is a bit of give and take with regard to the Big Data collected on your health. As a society we do need to be conscious of privacy with respect to the massive storage capacity technology offers.

Low Tech Alternatives

If you or a loved one refuses to wear any type of device, there is an alternative for those aging alone. Albeit not quite as timely or efficient. The biggest risk of a fall that renders one unable to move is not getting help in a timely manner. Blood clots are frequent in hip injuries but also occur in minor sprains. Lying on the ground for hours (or days) waiting for someone to notice your absence is life threatening.

So, communication is the key. Daily morning and evening phone calls to check in become a necessity if newer technology is unwanted. With an extended family a rotation schedule can be implemented. Close neighbors can help as well. Make sure contact information of out-of-town relatives is shared with trusted friends and neighbors. Aging alone does not equal isolation.

Another low-tech alternative is the use of a cane or a walking stick. Both items can add stability to one’s gait. Walking sticks are not limited to mountain hikes. They can also make a walk around a park safer once a certain age is reached.

De-cluttering and Aging Alone

Often falls occur from stumbling over clutter. So, de-cluttering and aging alone go hand-in-hand. Since it is difficult to give up things, books like Lose the Clutter Lose the Weight, Cleaning Sucks, The Home Edit and The Prepared Home are great resources.

Not everyone can afford to hire outside help. If outdoor chores become too burdensome with age turn to church youth groups for help. There may also be youth service organizations at the local high school in need of a project.

Mindfulness is important working outdoors. Care must be taken not to trip over hoses or tools such as rakes. Aging alone requires a higher threshold of awareness.

Importance of Neighbors

The importance of being a good neighbor and cultivating relationships with neighbors is key when aging alone. Looking out for each other still occurs. Humans, by nature, are caring creatures. Relationships with neighbors of all ages help the young and old alike. On a national level there appears to be many divisions in this country. But on a local, neighborhood level, life is much more civil.

Maybe it is time to turn off the social media friendships and focus on the face-to-face relationships. If you have a neighbor or family member aging alone, keep in close contact. And if you are the one aging alone, use common sense, stay healthy, and age gracefully.