We started a good list of "last minute" items yesterday... This could be just as interesting!

I've learned: My neighbors and their kids are really pretty cool. I'm glad they're there.

Non-hybrid seeds suck. You don't get near the volume. I should have stuck with the ol' hybrids to get more quantity this past year.

Woodstoves are extremely versatile tools.

The old lady up the street is very smart.

Some people are just naturally bitter and angry, and always will be.

I am much more willing to eat garden veggies than I used to be. And - surprise, surprise - they taste awesome! (gotta have those pickled beets!)

-- dan (dbuchner@fdxsupplychain.com), November 09, 1999

Answers

Having lived the good life before for many years, I found out that I am that really smart lady that lives up the street!! LOL Never knew that before.

Taz

-- Taz (Taz@aol.com), November 09, 1999.

I've learned that folks who can see both sides of an issue are more likely to gain acceptance and my attention.

I've learned that my eight year old is capable of much more thant either she or I believed.

I've learned that even my polly hubby can be supportive, because he loves me more than he loves being "right".

I've learned that I make a SWELL bean soup.

Already knew about the non-hybrid seeds.

I've learned that my Italian landlord is useless and at times downright dangerous.

I've learned that there is always something more worth learning.

Still listening,

Ynott

-- Ynott (Ynott@incorruptible.com), November 09, 1999.

At the heart of so many "preparers" is a happy, optimistic person.

I often wonder how being prepared is considered by some to be a negative.

It is generally apparent from posts made by "non-preparers" that their view of life is very negative, unhappy and unfulfilled.

*

*

hittin the...

-- snooze button (alarmclock_2000@yahoo.com), November 09, 1999.

Gotta get the right non-hybrid seeds. For instance- Golden Bantam sweet corn is excellent! So is Yellow Moonbeam melon, Jade and Provider beans, Green Arrow peas, a whole bunch of dried beens, Black Seeded Simpson lettuce, Tom fox pumpkin, etc etc.

I grow veggies comercially, and some OP varieties are wondeful. Some are not as good- case in point- I'll take Black Bell Eggplant over Black Beauty any day- and a hybrid butternut squash over Waltham in our short season area. Keep experimenting, be glad the grocery store is still stocked, and ask that ole lady up the street!

-- farmer (hillsidefarm@drbs.com), November 09, 1999.

Good thread. We have had our eyes opened to the unreality and unconnectedness of modern lifestyles, and have chosen to go more and more off the grid. This has set a positive trend in our life that we will continue whatever y2k brings.

Thank you for your practical and balanced wisdom

-- seraphima (seraphima@aol.com), November 09, 1999.

I have learned that our infrastructure is so fragile and everything works hand-in-hand and not take it for granted.

I have learned to not take everything at face value and not believe everything I hear.

I have learned to research and learn to distinguish what is truth and what is false, and what is borderline and to keep an open mind.

I have learned that people have their own minds and thoughts and that it's not up to me to change who or what they are or how they think.

I have learned to be a thrifty tightwad, and I am thankful that I found TB2000 2 years ago, I believe this forum has saved thousands of lives.

-- bardou (bardou@baloney.com), November 09, 1999.

I've discovered that I can bake real bread now. (And it's a good thing, too, because we were running out of doors to put those little whole-wheat doorstops against!)

-- Ann M. (hismckids@aol.com), November 09, 1999.

I have learned that there are smart people who chose to remain ignorant.

-- Pete (phytorx@lanset.com), November 09, 1999.

I learned my aunt lived thru the depression with no electricity, I asked her how she kept her food cold. She said she had no food to keep cold. I realize she is still alive. I learned worrying and obsessing over it is NOT the answer, I have done what I can, living within 500 feet of a chemical plant I came to learn that He is in control, I am not, if He chooses to allow me to die, I'll die knowing I did what I could. Beyond that I learned that life is precious and everything 'we' have been trusting in is now at risk.. That in and of itself is pretty profound when you think about it. I put money in bank, is it safe? I trust in doctors, do the medicines always cure? I buy insurance will it really protect? I pick up the phone, what if there is no dial tone? So many what ifs...We trust in things., and things are just that...There just maybe a whole lotta shaking fixing to go on, but WHAT good does it do to worry? If my aunt survived, so shall I.

-- tis me (not@aol.com), November 09, 1999.

I have learned that complete strangers can be more caring than "close" relatives.

Taz is one. Without hesitation, she shipped me a non-electric food processor from Big Lots because I mentioned our BL didn't have them. I have spoken to Taz on the phone but never met her. What a generous gesture!

Then there were all those forumites who sent money and food to the NC pets made homeless by Floyd. There was so much food that the surplus was given to associated volunteers, like The Hungarian, who maintain healthy colonies of feral cats by regular feeding and trapping (for spaying, neutering, vaccinating), all at their own great expense.

There are untold numbers who comforted me greatly when a beloved pet died due to a misdiagnosis and delayed treatment. (I still feel some guilt and anger, but great warmth for the heartfelt outpouring.)

But the most significant caring came from someone who has to remain nameless because she broke the law by buying me four months of diabetes medicine in Mexico and shipping it to me--then sent me an e-mail saying don't worry about paying for it! I am awed by a businesswoman so courageous as to risk being caught and fined and then saying don't worry about the check! This good samaritan e-mailed me from out of nowhere and offered to pick up diabetes medicine when she went to Mexico.

None of these people are the altruistic, holier-than-thou pollies, who claim to want only to help. They are selfish, bloodthirsty, anarchistic, fascistic, wacko Doomers.

Thank you.

Love,

-- Sniffly Old Git (anon@spamproblems.com), November 09, 1999.