Thursday, January 6, 2022

The Past - Is Coming Back to Life! (?)

 We live in the time of technology.  That can be very good and that can be bad.  A computer that can be held in your hand or worn on your wrist seems crazy.  I always think James Bond or Agent Smart or Dick Tracy!  Technology has provided many, many medical breakthroughs and remedies.  That is wonderful.  Technology can be a time stealer - that is bad.  I (my opinion only) think technology has taken jobs and has dumbed down the world as well.  Most kids can't read a regular clock to tell time - they can't do math in their head, and they can't count change.....I could go on and on.  (This also includes some adults).
Most places have self check out - I know many love it.  I do not.  Heck, even at my library, you check yourself out.  It just seems that in a time when people are screaming - we can't find help - that so many jobs have been taken away. 
Most things we buy today is made to be thrown away and not repaired.  So much waste.
And I can't help but to wonder this week - what would have happened the other day during a 24 hour traffic jam on a southern interstate in a snowstorm and cold - how all electric cars would have fared!!!!???? 

It does seem there are many that have just gotten fed up and are going BACK.  Homesteaders, living off grid, crafters, backyard farmers, etc.  People are living in many of the old ways again and they can do a lot on their own.  I really love that.
Vintage skills are coming back!!!!  
Gardening, preserving, quilting, sewing and mending, raising animals, foraging, hunting and fishing, learning about medicinal/herbal ways, living a simple life!!! 


I think we need to teach children more 'survival & simple living' ideas in school.  Home economics and shop class we important back in my day.  We cooked, sewed, ironed and learned common household things in home ec.  Boys (and girls) learned how to work with their hands and create in shop class.  We had an economics class.  There was also a vocational school we could attend for credits - car mechanics, business, marketing, engineering, learning to read blueprints, economics on all levels, etc.
Young people need to learn great work ethics and they need to know how to budget, pay bills, invest, create and just plain LIVE in a world where everything isn't done for them.

If you get on You Tube, there are now tons of sights on prepping and homesteading.  People are going back to living the way many lived years ago.  There is a resurgence of living in log homes (my dream) and living tiny.  People are downsizing - realizing, you can live well with less.  Many are relearning or learning for the first time, how to do things for themselves.  They are learning that being prepared for what-ever, and it is a good thing.  Less and small can be a beautiful life.

I have always said (for years), that at some point we would have to go BACK in order to survive in this world.  I still believe that.  I can't help but to think back to Mad Max - that took place in 2021 (then the future).  No, we haven't gotten that bad - but in some ways much of it is true.  Gangs, cliches, learning to survive in a basic way, bartering, foraging, in-fighting amongst people, just surviving day to day life.    

I love that people are learning to live off the earth again and that we are teaching each other older skills.  I love that some of the old ways are 'cool' again.  It will help people survive in a time of distress.  There are many people I know that would never be able to survive without technology and all that is done FOR them and made so easy.  I am sure you know some of them too.

I kind of like that EVERYTHING OLD IS NEW AGAIN!!!!!!
What about you?

36 comments:

  1. I totally agree. So many people are helpless without their electronics. And yes, it’s a time stealer: I have tons of unread books, because I’m usually reading from my electronic device. 🤷🏼‍♀️

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    1. It sure is. I have yet resisted to read a book on my devices. I like to hold a real book! Guess I am old fashioned.

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  2. The electric cars in the traffic jam is an interesting question. Our oldest son was stuck in a traffic jam like that for about 18 hours in Alabama years ago and he is an automotive engineer so we are going to ask him about that. Our youngest son has his Master's in artificial intelligence and he said by the time he finished his degree he had grown pretty uncomfortable with the whole thing and did not know if he would ever work in that field.

    As as homeschool family we tried to make sure that our kids knew all those things that they would need to know as adults. Some of them have thanked us as adults for that. If we do not make sure our children know these thigs than how can they be successful as adults? And I don't mean money.

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    1. AI is really a scary concept to me - I have watched a lot of programs on it. I think I would have been uncomfortable in the knowledge as well - and he knows more than most!
      Good for you in teaching them and them being receptive. There is so much more in this world than money!!!! You have given them LIFE SKILLS!

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  3. It really is a difficult world we're living in. Is it that we're moving toward self-check out because we can't get people to take a job as a checker, or that it's cheaper for the business to streamline that kind of work? And if we continue to order everything on Amazon, do we even need that store? If change becomes scarce, then everything goes to the nearest dollar ... or you pay by card only, then cash becomes obsolete. What happens to our cash-driven economic systems? Do shares of stock continue to be traded at a per-dollar(s) value, or will everything move to some other form of currency? Kids don't use bills and change and have no idea how to correctly make change without the use of a calculator or cash register telling them how to make change. Purchased something the other day for $5.02, gave her a $10 and 2 pennies. She gave me back 98 cents + the 2 pennies and 4 singles. If the schools aren't teaching basic skills, then we have to wonder about where kids are going to learn it. I have a sister who has worked in healthcare, in multiple venues, from a pediatric clinic to an ER. When young mothers think that McD happy meal is a balanced meal for a toddler???? But, we've removed Home Ec from the curriculum. We need to go back to some basics in order to get future generations on a better track, IMHO. OK, I need to stop ...

    Will be offline for about a week, dealing with a family residency situation. Although I'll be out of the Chicago cold, it's not going to be an easy week. When dementia hits and decisions need to be made, you try to do it as gently as possible, and include the individual in the decision-making. But I think it's going to try and bite us in the @$$. Prayers for sanity, please.

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    1. I agree with what you said. I don't have the answers - I just know it doesn't look good in my book! We HAVE to start teaching life skills to others - we just have to.

      SO sorry you are going through that. It isn't easy. Give it to God and He will help guide you. Prayers for your family. Check in when you can! HUGS

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    2. Lori,. I will pray for you and all involved. My Mom is in full memory care. She is happy there most of the time now that she has friends there but she constantly asks to go home which is hard.

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  4. You know what, Cheryl? In the1990s I homeschooled and worked from home. It wasn't called "remote working" then. I earned a modest income from writing and knew a few other moms doing the same. And yes, I'm seeing a real resurgence to that today. A GOOD thing in my opinion. But it wouldn't have been as possible without technology. Before social media, we had an online bulletin board group of homeschooling parents that supported and encouraged one another.

    I follow economic news/stats and people ARE moving out of cities, but rather than into suburbs, most are going to low density and rural areas. We'll be in one of those areas for our retirement. We won't be off the grid; there's power/water/phone at the street, but we've had a septic system installed and will have propane (with converter) to the house for gas appliances and heat. We'll also have a wood burning stove and ground mount solar panels installed as back ups. It's a manufactured/modular home. Simple. Basic.

    A very large hospital and medical services are nearby. And our youngest son loved the area so much, he got permission from his employer to work remotely and move with us. He's saved enough money to shop for his own home to buy in the area... again, technology makes that possible today. Sorry to be ling winded. It's just that I think both can partner together for a better, simpler life nowadays.
    --Elise

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    1. I agree there is good and bad with tech. People have home schooled for decades and didn't always have computers - I know that makes it much easier.
      I do see that many are moving from cities and I can surely understand it. I would love to - just not in my cards.
      I am happy you get to experience a different and I believe better lifestyle. Glad you son is going too!
      I guess it does take a little of everything to keep things going.

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    2. We feel very, very blessed! --Elise

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  5. Oops, I should add that I owned a (late model used) hybrid vehicle for a few years. Don't want one again and REALLY don't want all electric. Most people don't knw, and we weren't warned, that the batteries go out in 3-5 years. For an all gas vehicle, a battery will usually cost $100 or less. For a hybrid or electric, a battery costs thousands. When mine went out, the battery was going to cost almost as much as the car was worth. I traded it in for gas powered.

    And thank you for the "food for thought" today! --Elise

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    1. WOW - that is something. I had no idea. Sure wouldn't make it all that economical!

      I know people talk about wind power for all as well, I don't think they have any idea how much 'regular' energy is spent to make them - they take a tremendous amount of oil to keep lubricated, and they cannot be recycled. I know there is much to be said about the new things - I just don't think we all know what is really involved.
      Food for thought - is what I aim for!!!!

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    2. My sister has never replaced the battery in her Prius and it's 12 years old.

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  6. I totally agree .. we are working with the grandkids to teach them skills that we were taught growing up. They are enjoying it as much as we are.

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    1. Thank you, thank you, thank you. Kids really do enjoy learning and doing. Too bad more people don't realize that!

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  7. Better than teaching kids is modeling the behavior before they can do the task. Those kids at the cash register just kill me. I have had the same kinds of change experience as long as 30 years ago.

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    1. I agree wholeheartedly. I just don't get it. Someone has dropped the ball.

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  8. Living simply should be taught at an early age. While I took home economics we didn't learn how to be grateful for what we have. I think children (and parents) should learn that bigger and newer is not always better.

    I taught my sons how to wash clothing, mend clothing, cook from scratch, and make do with what they have. Hopefully those things stick with them.

    God bless.

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    1. Yes, yes, yes. Thank you! Stuff isn't the answer - for anyone. Being thankful for WHAT we do have is.
      Blessings

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  9. I am so with you on this. We had to memorize so many things and we don't anymore, and I think it hurts our ability to remember.

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    1. You know I bet there isn't a day that goes by, that I don't use something I learned in school. I catch myself realizing it all the time. I also use what my parents taught me.
      I like doing mind puzzles to keep my mind active.

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  10. Hahaha, I just had to chime in. I hear so much on electric cars and such. Where do they think the electricity comes from? ; )

    The wind turbines? They kill poor little birds, they are not dependable and caused innocent deaths in my state last February because of the lack of dependability and that goes for all of it and where do these huge wind turbines go when they are done?

    I'm not against being self sustainable at all, I live in a very rural area and we're trying to cover ourselves gradually at every angle, just little by little as we learn more about solar panels and all that jazz.

    I agree with your post Cheryl, the old ways are best! I too have noticed the unhealthy dependence on devices and services. I doubt I'm fully prepared as I should be but I'm sure-a-tryin'.

    I love a good ol' hard copy book too, when taking a course I ordered the books, I just don't do well totally online.

    God bless, great post! Thank you.

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    1. Thanks. Yep - the electricity doesn't just generate itself for those cars and wind turbines - you are right. Birds killed, not dependable in the cold and ice - proven last year, can't be recycled, and the HUGE amounts of oil needed to lube them is crazy. If I needed to depend on something else - wood or solar. That is just me!!!

      At Christmas at my brother's house, I walked in the room after walking down the hall - and everyone in there was staring at a device. It was Christmas for heavens sake!!!! FAMILY!! After hearing a huge sigh from me and looking up at Auntie - they laid them down for a few minutes! LOL - I must have had the 'look'.
      Yep - give me a REAL book!
      Thanks. have a great one.

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    2. I guess I should have specified - wood for heat and if nec. solar for other stuff.

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    3. We have 3.5 % of our electricity in Canada from wind power. It does not fail in the winter due to cold temperatures. Texas wind generators were not properly installed to deal with cold temperatures, nor were your other power sources. The producers went cheap to save $$. Had regulations been in place, the public would have been protected but many Texans support deregulating industry; Ronald Reagan was the father of deregulation and it has been getting worse for over 30 years. Wind power generation does kill birds as does fossil fuel pollution and climate change. Technology is great and electricity makes our lives easy but we must be responsible to not waste these resources.

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    4. Rita thank you for the info. Yes, there is good and bad in just about everything. I guess it is a trade off at times. Yes we all need to be careful with what we do have and use.

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  11. I hear ya gal. I can't stand that zombie stare into the devices. Good for you for sending that message! We need more people to speak up on that! Good for you!

    Yep, it takes burning a lot of coal to generate those little cars. Many people would use the coal ash left over from the generating plant for driveways but now we've found out that that same coal is not healthy for us. Yikes.

    I hear ya on the wood and solar...Me too if possible. I like a little dab of everything, wood, generators, solar and anything else I can think of! *big smile*

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    1. Yes, a little this and a little that - sounds good to me.

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  12. Wouldn't it be great to go back to some of the old ways? Courtesy, simple consideration for another, real conversation, actually looking at a person when carrying on a conversation, and some good old common sense. Need to get back to basics, folks!

    Have no desire for a car that needs to be plugged in. The Urban Farmer and I were discussing that folks are hanging on to their older cars. Would love to have one that doesn't have a computer.

    Stay warm, my friend. Our daughter had been to Big Lots and bought the boys some sweaters on clearance. They look really cute in them. When she left our house today I asked her if she had enough gloves. Being a mom doesn't stop when they get older...lol...

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    1. Yes many of the old ways were just plain GOOD! I would just like to see common decency come back. People do and say things that they never would have done many years ago. It is awful.

      I have thought about getting a different vehicle a lot - now I am thinking WHY. Mine looks good and just needs basic maintenance and it is paid for. It has a computer - but it is also pretty basic. I don't like all the new-fangled things. Just more to go wrong IMO!
      At least we get a little winter reprieve today.

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  13. Everything old is new again ...and that's not bad at all!

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  14. Winter is a time to test whether you like living back to the land. It can be cold in a home heated by wood. Water can freeze between the lake and the cabin. You can be snowed in after a few days of snowstorms and then you have to clear your driveway before you can drive out or have an ambulance drive in, if one was needed. You have to accept risks being self sufficient. You can fail. When you are young you accept a challenge like that but I see neighbours who opt to move to town as they age, to be closer to health care, social contact and to have less work in their day to day lives. The ones who stay to the end are generally found face down on the kitchen floor when someone randomly checks on them. I do sympathize with your thoughts on doing things as we did them but it really is a different world. I don't think technology will fail and send us all back to the basics and as of now, kids do not need to write, spell or add...whatever and they have tons of free time to amuse themselves on their devices. It seems the more we overpopulate the planet, the more useless we become as a species. Where it ends?

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    1. I can understand that things change as we get older and the need to be closer to things and have more accessibility is important. There are still places here in the city and suburbs that if you can't get put and do the nasty winter snow pushing, help won't get to your home. Many suburb roads are never plowed.
      "kids do not need to write, spell or add...have tons of free time to amuse themselves on devices" is ALL BAD to me. We are truly dumbing down the population. I am one of those who does believe that technology will fail US as people. AI is becoming bigger and bigger and I don't like that a bit. I know not everyone agrees with me and that is fine - this is just my opinion.

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    2. I agree with you, Cheryl. The three 'R's may be redundant but they do help in the development of brains. As does a second and third language.I feel that what we want is far removed from reality though. When I start my computer, the newsfeed is a bombardment of inane stories about people whom I feel are useless attention seekers. Why are they promoted? Does somebody care about Chrissy Teagan? a name I shudder to mention because every day it pops up and she has zero human qualities. This is where the dumbing down is happening. I want to see stories about lives well lived, acts of bravery, noble (not royal) people dedicated to improving lives. We need heroes. Sometimes one finds heroes in blogland...in frugal corners.Thanks.

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    3. Amen - I could not care any less than I do about celebrities and their doings. They are proof that all the money in the world does not buy happiness or class.
      Yes, we need more heroes. We need feel good places. We need places where we can thrive and learn and grow.
      We sure do need all our friends in blogland!
      SMILES!

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