Nearly 20 years ago, we set out to create a self-reliant homestead. Now we produce our own food and our own power, and can tackle whatever craziness this wild world throws at us. If you’re ready take back control from Big Pharma and Big Food and feel confident facing Everyday Emergencies, join us.
Common Sense Home Good News Letter 11/1/26
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The temperature hovered around 30°F as the sun crept over the horizon. As I went to release the ducks and chickens in the early dawn light, I noticed wood smoke in the air from the neighbor's chimney. Heating season had begun - at least for some. Returning inside, I checked the thermometers scattered around the house - 65 in the kitchen window well, 68 in the living room, 69 in the computer room. No need for added heat yet - our thick ICF walls kept us comfortable for now. The investment we'd made in our home had paid us back many times over. Speaking of investments in resilience, emergency preparedness has been making headlines around the world this week. The United Kingdom recently launched its Be Ready campaign, encouraging households to maintain three days of emergency supplies. Japan is emphasizing three to seven days of food, water, and other necessities. Several European countries recommend a week or more of supplies. Meanwhile, reports about the Pentagon's plans to make military bases self-sufficient for 90 days have generated plenty of attention. While the headlines are new, military self-sufficiency has been a goal for decades. (My husband mentioned that it was discussed back when he was serving in the 1980s.) Does all this mean something terrible is about to happen? Not necessarily. Preparedness recommendations aren't predictions, and many of these guidelines have been around for years. What I particularly appreciate is the practical, down-to-earth advice in the UK's new campaign:
That last point is especially important. Resilience isn't just about what we have stored in our homes. It's also about the people we can count on and the skills we're willing to share. (I get into this more in the last two chapters of Common Sense Preparedness.) A little preparation today can make tomorrow easier, whatever it brings. If the recent headlines have you thinking about your own household preparedness, here are a few places to start:
You don't need to prepare for everything at once. Start where you are, use what you have, and build from there. MyPatriotSupply has a lot of the basic equipment and supplies in one spot to help you stock up if needed. And, of course, my book Common Sense Preparedness: Building Resilience for Uncertain Times takes you through all of it, from food and water to mindset. And, for something a little more fun to wrap up the newsletter - apple cider drinks! We've fired up our cider press for the season so I've been taking advantage of the fresh cider and experimenting a bit in the kitchen. After an afternoon of mixing, tasting, and adjusting recipes, I’ve put together five apple cider drinks for different occasions. You’ll find sparkling mocktails, a cozy warm drink, a frozen cider treat, and a bourbon cocktail for the grown-ups. My personal favorite is the Cranberry Apple Cider Spritzer. The tart cranberry juice balances the sweetness of the cider, while orange juice adds a bright citrus note. (We got a case of yummy organic oranges from Azure Standard and they make amazing juice!) It’s colorful enough for holiday entertaining but simple enough to enjoy whenever you have fresh cider on hand. Get the apple cider drink recipes. All our best to you and yours, Laurie (and August IV. August V, and Duncan) |
Laurie Neverman @ Common Sense Home
Nearly 20 years ago, we set out to create a self-reliant homestead. Now we produce our own food and our own power, and can tackle whatever craziness this wild world throws at us. If you’re ready take back control from Big Pharma and Big Food and feel confident facing Everyday Emergencies, join us.
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