Looking back on the almost two years that I have been preparing for Y2k disruptions, I am struck by how far I and my family have come:

FINANCIAL: I paid off my debts. I cashed in my IRA. I sold non-essential junk accumulated over the years. I took almost all my money out of the bank. I bought some silver. I bought some gold.

STOCKING UP: I have stocked up on toilet paper, soap, first aid supplies, antibiotics, seeds, gasoline, kerosene, propane, oil, 2 years worth of firewood, a few tons of corn and wheat, more food, more food, clothes, footwear, non-electric homestead tools of all kinds, and a mess of other stuff.

NEW SKILLS: My family has learned about and practiced many homestead skills that we never did before. We made our own maple syrup. We butchered and canned our own chickens. We gathered and ate many different wild edibles. We made soap and cheese. We learned to cook with a dutch oven. My garden was expanded to 4 times it's regular size (I got real serious!) and I kept up with the weeds (it was a beautiful garden). I made big compost piles. We made herbal tinctures of elderberry and propolis. We dried our own teas. I built a root cellar. I started keeping bees. We made a sawdust toilet and used it for two months in the summer.

POWER: I bought a generator. I bought an inverter. I bought storage batteries. I converted my electric stove and water heater to propane.

DIET: We simplified our diet. Less sugar. More greens, whole grains, sprouts, good wholesome, natural stuff of all kinds.

DEFENSE: I bought another gun and plenty of ammo. I've taught my children how to use firearms safely and responsibly, and to shoot straight

COMMUNITY OUTREACH: I talked to my neighbors about Y2k back in January of this year. I spoke about the threat of Y2k to the area chamber of commerce. I spoke at a community outreach sponsored by a local church. I did NOT talk to the local reporter who wanted to interview me about my preparations a few weeks ago, however.

SPIRITUAL: I humbled myself and drew closer to my savior and Lord, Jesus Christ. I trust in His mercy and grace and protection more than I do any of my preparations.

In short, my family embarked on a wonderful journey into the world of simple living and self reliance. We are healthier and happier because of it. Our priorities are now focused on our spiritual lives and on our children, our families, and our neighbors-- those things that are truly important in this life. Not on making more money and having more THINGS.

All of this (and more that I can't think of right now) would probably not have happened had it not been for the looming threat of Y2k. Whatever happens, I will have no regrets. I have done what I felt was prudent and responsible and my family has benefitted by it.

This is a great time to be alive!!

Best wishes to all of you at TB2000 in the year ahead. I have thoroughly enjoyed this forum (is there any other??) and hope to be able to keep coming around.

farmbeet

-- farmbeet (farmbeet@reminiscing.corn), December 30, 1999

Answers

farmbeet,

Sure would like to be hanging with you and yours right now. Have others I am responsible for right now. Glad to hear you are prepped.

I just wish more (many more) were in the same shape.

-- Michael (michaelteever@buffalo.com), December 30, 1999.

farmbeet:

I am glad to hear you are prepared properly. I sleep better at night knowing friends are ready--or at least have done their best.

michael teever:

I hear you! I've been prepping since Jan/99--after 3 weeks in a state of shock... I'm not as ready as I'd like, but I'm as ready as I am thanks to support from friends like forum regulars here!

Godspeed gentlemen.

-- (Kurt.Borzel@gems8.gov.bc.ca), December 30, 1999.

farmbeet,

Many will say you went overboard. I know I did not do as well. Your statement about simple living and self reliance makes wonderful sense Y2K or Not. We now live in a country pampered by an over- commercialized lifestyle making it much harder to keep up with the Jones'.

That is why I treasure this forum. I've learned.

And may God bless you abundantly!

-- Tommy Rogers (Been there@Just a Thought.com), December 30, 1999.

farmbeet I know exactly how you feel. We had started this journey years ago, but it was y2k that prodded us to wrap up the loose ends on our way to becoming "intentional peasants".

It doesn't matter what happens or doesn't happen, we will never be the same. We have sorted out the "fluff" from our lives. Simplified, simplified. Like J.D. Belanger, publisher of Countryside, said over a year ago. "some people will never go back. They will be changed forever, and it will be good change."

The new pullets are up to 14 eggs a day. I got the new, glass butter churn from Lehman's for Christmas. We'll be making stuffed, smoked sausage in a few days and putting the hams up to cure, regardless to what happens to the computers of the world. The ewes are lambing and the cows are ready to start calving. Yes,it surely is a good time to be alive.

-- homestead2 (homestead@monroecty.net), December 30, 1999.

Thanks for the post:

Wholesome people like yourself are what gives our fine country the chance to be great.

-- Dana (A_Non_O_Moose@xxx.com), December 31, 1999.