Think Like an Ant

I grew up in the Golden Days. We never had to “want” for anything. Shopping for clothes was seasonal. Food shopping was from local community grocery stores. Freezer and pantry was always stocked with garden goodies from Mema’s garden.

There was always summer vacations and camping trips…with and without electricity. I have had a camper or tent in my life since I was 5. Latrines and outhouses do not scare me.

Survival and being Prepared learning came from being a Girl Scout and a Uncle who was a Green Beret and grandparents who lived and breathed farm life. We were verbally talked to about How to do something. We were shown how to garden, how to build a latrine, how to butcher a chicken…
I heard the story of the ant preparing and always working…at least a hundred times.

So when this young girl got married at 19….I had to rely on all these past experiences to get me through my new life. Limited income,gas shortages,5 hours from family,and daily life… Well it is called survival!!

I did research at my local extension office how to garden in the new area I was in. I listened to the local radio at noon each day for sales and bargains.
I was known as the Queen of Garage Sales.

A few years later and 5 children…
Cutting corners, garage selling, stocking up on items we went through a lot, gardening and canning,and sewing. Buying next years winter clothes. Buying like brand new shoes for the next season. Being cheap or frugal or tight ….This was our life.

Trips with 5 children whether daily or for long trips meant always carrying extra stuff. I was also know as the Queen of Fanny Packs…lol the car always had extra stuff in it and we did not live in a bad weather area.

As the kids became teens, there were long trips with their youth groups. And I packed my “stuff”. Whoops we need a  flashlight….got it. Wow our socks are wet and no dryer….yep I had cording to be used as clothesline. Several had blisters after a hike…yep there were band aids in my stuff.
I was teased by the youth … Mrs. Survival!!

Y2K came around and more researching began on really living without electricity. Now don’t get me wrong…I love my electricity and the comfort I get from air conditioning!!!  Lol  Now with my knowledge of this type of living and my bucket storing methods…I was now being called… Mrs. Wack job… Behind my back…lol

Creative storage for dry goods has been fun. Living in the country mice and other rodents can make short order of your supplies. I would make trips to our bakery for icky buckets to be washed out and stored in. My grandchildren’s juice containers washed and dried stored rice and beans great!!

All my storage food came in handy this past 2 years. The economy and no work for our 2 business…. Well we ate our way thru the supplies!! God knew the big plan we didn’t. Just thankful we listened to that voice!!

I also didn’t have money for foil or ziplocks…gasp!! I used canning jars. No paper towels … I found old linen napkins for dimes at garage sales. Detergent… Wow high in cost…. Made my own along with other cleaners.

Recently I put $5.00 on that big whopping lottery ticket. Yes I did!
Then we discussed what we would do with the money… It is always fun to dream. I made the statement I would still shop at Goodwill and Garage sales. I was really happy with my simple life. With my back to basics life.
With now living in our 5th wheel and renting our home out. With gardening and my girls laying their yummy brown and blue eggs. A simple life is very peaceful!!

The whispers behind my back, the loneliness of living like this daily, the looks you get.
I don’t mind. I was following that still small voice that had led me to the right garage sale or to the Goodwill when I needed something. That voice that urged me to garden when it wasn’t popular. That voice that keeps me researching and learning about old ways and ways in other countries.

I am a survivalist… Hello natural birth 5 children….that in it’s self is surviving!!

I am a prepper….or a very organized mom…. a family of 7 on one income. And now 11 grandchildren. You have to be prepared!!!

Whatever titles or labels people put on us… Well we shrug it off , we offer knowledge we have absorbed and try to pass it on. We keep doing what needs to be done for our families. We give unique Birthday gifts and Christmas gifts….who wouldn’t want cast iron cookware or rubber boots!!!

We keep gardening and giving away fruits of our labor. We raise animals that can be used as food …. Yes butchered… Killed … We are survivors and preppers and great neighbors!!

I  am a woman who appreciates this network of humans who have their own stories to share and that I can learn from!!
Do you work like an ant? Do you store away for the seasons? Do you fight for your family? Do you fight to survive?
If so ….Hi friend!!!!

Thanks to our Hostess with the Mostess…. Literally!!!! Lol

C.B. TX

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