Hi Everyone! I haven’t posted since February. I was super busy through mid-March when everything started coming to a screeching halt.
First, on a good note, I have continued the January challenge. I have lost 16 pounds, gained muscle, upped my exercise level and had overall good results.
Second, I want to say thank you for this website and all those that post. I have done the challenges for the last couple of years and periodically posted. Thank goodness I did as I was semi-prepared (you are never fully prepared for everything) for this pandemic.
When everyone was rushing to the stores to buy toilet paper, I merely checked my inventory to see how many tp rolls I had. Check, enough for over a year! Yes, I did the happy dance. Shortages of rice and pasta, check I had enough for several months, possibly a year. I did a quick inventory check (Thank you @daisy for recommending a detailed written inventory).
After reviewing the inventory, I looked at what I really needed for the next few months. While the grocery was mobbed, I did an early Sunday morning run to the hardware store to buy more seeds, planting supplies, wood stove cleaner, 2 extra propane tanks for grill, extra lighters for wood stove, and a few miscellaneous supplies. I did a quick grocery run, but I only needed fresh fruits and vegetables. The checkout gal looked at my cart strangely: 4 big bags of different potatoes, 6 bags of various onions, lots of fruits and vegetables. While I can, I want to eat fresh.
Life has been fairly quite here in this rural area of NY. I hunkered down for the first few weeks. I am fairly self-sufficient with wood stove, solar, well, garden, and 2-3 years worth of seasoned wood. I cross-checked all my inventories, made a new budget (military retiree here), read some news, talked to friends and family on the phone, and just carried on.
Medical friends told me immediately to wear mask and gloves. I had N95 industrial masks and disposable gloves. Before everyone else was wearing, I started wearing. I did share some of my masks with some friends (3 with compromised immune systems and/or co-morbidities). Is anyone else thinking they should have bought more masks, gloves, and such?
My biggest worry is how this is going to effect us in the next 1-2 years. I foresee supply chain interruptions for at least 12 months. I have tried to check everything critical to my life for the next 12 months. I have some ideas on what I think will be in short supply, but I would be interested to hear what everyone else is stocking up on.