Economic turmoil, invasions in Europe, a handicapped American president…it’s like LARPing the late 1930’s.
I’ve been doing mostly ‘normal’ stuff as of late, although I’ve been keeping a close eye on things when I go grocery shopping. Prices seem to be rising on some things and on the things that aren’t showing a price increase there is, instead, a reduction in size/quantity. The old ‘shrinkflation’ stunt of keeping the price the same but reducing the amount of product…and hoping the consumer doesn’t pay attention to details on the packaging like quantity or size.
Interestingly, after the quick rise in gas prices, they seem to have stabilized locally at around $3.99/gal. This is…unfortunate….because I’d like to go to a gun show in Kalispell next weekend and even if I don’t buy a darn thing it’s still gonna be close to a hundred bucks just for gas.
I may be heading up to the LDS cannery next week. I need to confirm their hours and, most importantly, that they will still admit non-members. In previous times of ‘heightened demand’ they have closed the place to non-LDS, which makes perfect sense to me. Before I head out that way I’d like to make sure theyre a) open, b)not out of stock, and c) taking all comers.
I don’t really need much from them, I’m going with a friend who wants to get some things for themself. I pretty much pegged the needle on LDS cannery goodies years ago…although it doesn’t do any harm to have a couple extra cases of more recently produced foodstuffs.
All in all, it’s pretty quiet around here. For now. Mostly because I’ve spent the last thirty years or so gradually increasing my resilience against this sort of thing. I’m gonna suffer the ravages of inflation just like everyone else, difference is that unlike 90% of the population my life is at a level of resilience where the effects will cause me magnitudes of pain less than it will to the unprepared.
But..can’t get cocky. Tomorrow is another day of inflationary government spending, international intrigue, pandemic nonsense, and whatever else can possibly go wrong on this planet. Just because I made it through today with no hiccups doesn’t mean tomorrow won’t throw a curve ball that will knock me for a loop. So…gotta stay vigilant.
“….gotta stay vigilant.”
That’s the really hard part.
Indeed. Mission fatigue is a real thing.
One of my favorite work place snacks are Triscuit and saltine crackers (to stretch cost of Triscuits) with a cut up cheese stick. All three cost about the same except for saltines – increase about 75 cents.
For my snack I cut the cheese stick into eight equal pieces (half / half again / half again) on the eight units. I have noticed the pieces of cheese have been reduced by at least 1/3 in the past six months). Shrinkflation indeed.
Oh well, doctor would be happy to note I’m reducing my sodium intake. Wallet is not happy by a long shot.
I loved Triscuits, myself. It actually tastes good, compared to my homemade wheat items. Of course, I had to revert to generics some years back, as the prices went insane. While the name brand may not have gone up in price, the generics did. Something like a 40% hike. And that was a year ago. I stopped eating them altogether though, as the oil went from soy to something much worse- canola. So you got toxic oil and a near doubling in price.
Yes…one must have their eyes wide open all the time.
This. Local store had Wolf Brand Chili (not really chili but whatever) on sale 15oz regularly 2.89/can for 1.89. Then I noticed the can looked smaller. Eyes open and there on the bottom shelf was Wolf Brand Chili in a bit bigger can. Looked at the store label and it was Wolf Brand Chili 19.4oz can for 2.89/can. Guess the sale was to imprint the new size on people. Yup, keep those eyes open for the truth on what is going on.
Most of the local cannery’s were closed. Everything is drop shopped for 3 bucks. Yes they still let non members in.
https://store.churchofjesuschrist.org/usa/en/food-storage-3074457345616678849-1
If it has a price on the item it’s in stock if not out of stock. Also a good barometer on panic flows.
The local LDS crowd here used to put together a huge group buy from Walton Feed. That was so nice. Much bigger variety and because the order nearly filled a 53′ trailer the shipping cost was way down vs individual purchase from Walton.
That folded up. I dont think anyone wanted to manage it.
I have friends and relatives who just started to prepare, little late in the game. I just gave my daughter and son-n-law a tour of my survival supplies which I’ve always kept well hidden from others for 20 years, it was time. I’ve always struggled concealing everything, but only a handful know. Since Friday, some local banks limiting 5k cash withdrawals max. Seems some things are transitioning further into another stage?
LDS used to be represented by Harry Reed. In 2009 he was declared “Mormon of the Year”. Now they have chosen Mitt Romney to represent them. After those two I’m going to do business with someone else. —ken
Don’t make assumptions. Most LDS Nevadans couldn’t stand Harry Reid, and most Utah LDS that I have talked to, who voted for Mitt, feel betrayed.
These two clowns are an anomaly. They don’t represent majority LDS political values. But by all means, you are free to do business with whomever you please.
Just an FYI. My family has prepped & stored for SHTF, war, famine or other disaster for years. In any case I wanted to pass on this small tidbit revolving dried beans. Surely many of the readers do the same, however I had not seen write ups on cooking OLD beans i.e., a decade or more from storage.
We store pounds (about 25 lbs. w an unopened Box/Container of table salt–kept in salt 1 lb. container) of dried beans in 5 gal. food grade buckets. We use twist on resealable lids to be able to reseal if reopened. In the last month we opened one of those buckets, holding dried beans approximately 11Years old PLUS, an estimate due to an unknown: We don’t know exactly when they were harvested (Colorado or New Mexico), sold (2010) and THEN we STORED. At the very least 11 years and change, for a good estimate anyway. Importantly noted: The Food grade bucket has been in a DRY dark pantry, temps ranging Inside our home from about 58-84 F, approximately. Most importantly to NOTE we have used several pounds of these Pinto beans the last 3 months with ZERO issues, with the EXCEPTION of extended cooking times. The cooking times are a bit longer than fresh dried beans but ZERO issues with flavor etc. I’m pretty sure we might hear from survivalist eating older beans, but I wanted to update a more recent trial if you will for our brothers out there.
Obviously, I can’t attest for nutrients but all things considered it seems very viable for a long term survival option. ONE last NOTE, consider USING Baking Soda as a way to SHORTEN cooking times for dried beans with lessoning gas problems. We live above 5300′ of sea level, using Baking soda helps on both problems, YMMV. Research cooking beans with Baking Soda, you might be surprised. Be prepared, and I luv the adage, Beans, Bullets and Band aids.
Pressure cooker (small amount of oil to prevent foam)
With the way your utilities are going to increase, you’re a damn fool not investing in a pressure cooker now. I can make a equivalent can of refried beans for about 25cents. If you use a small amount of beans, not filling up the pot, you don’t even need oil. Ten minutes cook time, then put beans in a blender with some of the cooking water. Refried beans, done. Tastes so much better than store bought ( after a little salt added- and again, no need for oil added to the beans, or the water ).
It’s “stabalized” in Southern Arizona at around $4.99. Glad I no longer commute.
Same gas price as MN; 3.99 per gallon the last couple weeks. I was filling every day I drove, now waiting until it’s down 1/4. Will continue to evaluate.