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(Week 3, level 1)
by mrs. patsi @ A Working Pantry
Wagon clipart link …
https://clipart-library.com/clipart/713877.htm
(For those just popping in, this is an imaginary
scenario that's part of a class we are doing and not real life.)
Can you believe we’re starting the 3rd week of our grid down situation/scenario!!!
Some of us need to replenish our water supply …
Some of us need our food supply restocked …
And some of us need food for our animals and or pets …
So, when the community/area grapevine informs you that the nearest big box store has gotten in two tractor trailers load of food, water and various other supplies, and that they are now open for business, you get excited!
You also learn that there is a limit of 1 case of water per person at the cost of $5 per case and $10 worth of food per person allowed. The store still doesn't have power so there will be no cold or refrigerated foods available. The store is limiting 25 adults, no children, in the store at one time to shop. All others will have to remain outside in line until it's their turn to go in the store.
The most important thing that you are told though, is that you must pay with cash … $1’s, 5’s and or 10’s. No other denominations will be accepted, absolutely no credit or debit cards and no change will be given. If all you want is a case of water and all you have is a $10 bill, then you will pay $10 for that case of water.
With these restrictions, are you going shopping and if so, do you have the right denominations of cash?
mrs. patsi @ A Working Pantry
She looketh well to the
ways of her household … Proverbs 31:27
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I always have cash and when I’m out with a group and they need cash they are sent my way. I still buy my weekly groceries with cash so I stay in budget.
ReplyDeleteDiana, using cash to shop does indeed help one stay within the budget!
DeleteI would have the correct denominations of cash to hand. I live out in the sticks where cash is still king and don't think much of the moves towards a cashless society.
ReplyDeleteMy initial thought was that I would definitely be buying, but when I thought about it a bit more I decided against it. If I needed anything I would first try to get it from my local small town. Our nearest big box store is in a bigger town, further away and is located right next to a very rough housing estate which has its own police station because of the crime rate. If anywhere within striking distance was to see looting it would be there and, even without that happening, a hobbling woman taking food back to her car would present an easy target for any opportunist thief hanging around aiming to grab and run. I don't think my husband would be keen on venturing there either.
Another consideration would be the fuel used to get there. I could make 4 trips into our local town and only use the same amount.
Tracy, and those are all things one would need to take into consideration when making this kind of decision.
DeleteBy this time our supplies of canned/dried goods and bottled water have dwindled. Canned fruit, crackers and peanut butter are some items on the list. Yes, we would leave early to get in line knowing many many people in the area will have the same idea. It's chilly and wet at this time of year so we dress for a prolonged time of standing in line. We have the correct change at this time to buy our limit of bottled water and canned foodstuffs. Our monies are tucked in a safe place and we keep watch around us. As seniors we know we are viewed as "easy pickings" by some less than honest and/or desperate individuals. Note to present self: put more $1's, $5's and $10's into the "cashtrophe" fund.
ReplyDeleteSuzInWA, staying mindful and alert is necessary in this type of situation! Good reminder!
DeleteI live in a suburban area with a population of more than 50,000. While I could go, I know it would be a madhouse and the water would be gone within minutes, and then I'd be prey to those who know I'd have brought cash. I opt to stay away and will barter with someone in the neighborhood, if push comes to shove. I do keep a store of cash and coin in different denominations in my safe, so I could purchase with cash, if push comes to shove. (NOTE: For safe keeping in a small space, use empty prescription pill bottles for rolled up cash in different denominations and change. Singles rolled up in one bottle, $5 in another, $10s and then $20s on hand. You can also stow larger bills, if need be. Or, put an assortment of bills in several different bottles, for easier grab and go. For change, dimes stack nicely in the smallest bottles, and on up to 50 cent pieces and silver dollars in the larger ones.)
ReplyDeleteLori, I love your empty prescription bottles savings idea! That's going in my notebook!
DeleteWhile I won’t be shopping for people food, I may too off some of the pet and livestock feeds. We try to keep a month supply on hand at a minimum…. For the livestock, if they have hay they will be fine. I do can meat (venison) for the dog and cats as supplements so I have that on hand. There is some cash on hand that would fulfill my needs in the short term (1-2 mos). I’m gonna be busy rolling quarters! Wonder if they’ll take them? 🧐
ReplyDeleteMatty, we have to take care of our pets as well, don't we?
DeleteWe are still okay with what we have here. During Helene when we saw that some stores had reopened we made the choice to not shop so that those without could get the supplies.
ReplyDeleteLana, that was thoughtful of you!
DeleteWe had quite a storm over the weekend. I put fresh snow in many containers. I think I’ll try and stay away from the store unless I’m needed to help someone else. I have a feeling I might need fuel for the generator. I’m dreaming of a hot shower. My husband and I are active in our church. We have been in contact with them, sharing resources where we’re able. I’m probably not driving much to save fuel. People’s personalities may be more visible at this point. The doers will be doing, the complainers will probably be complaining, the fearful may not be able to do much. I hope I’m preparing to be a doer as much as I’m able. Mel in Co.
ReplyDeleteMel, we are preparing to be doers too, as much as we can. It starts with the right mindset doesn't it?
DeleteYes, I have $5 to go get a case of water. I still have plenty of food, so I will pass for myself but would get some for any neighbors in need.
ReplyDeleteAnonymous, building good will with your neighbors is always a good thing!
DeleteNope...This is a big fail for us. We do have cash on hand but seldom is it less than a $20/bill. We might scrape up some ones but probably not more than $10.
ReplyDeleteLiving where we do, Big Box stores are at least 30-45 miles from us....So there's that to take into consideration. Do we have gas enough to get there? Will supplies last long enough for us to reach the area? Too many ifs to warrant wasting the gas for us.
So we'd best hope that a local store can do the same for us.
Terri, you are wise in assessing your situation to determine if this would be wise for you. It would be foolish to use more resources than you would get ... smart thinking there!
DeleteI would stay home. I still have enough provisions for the people and the pets. Although if I were going I would have enough 1s and 5s. I have made sure to have a set amount of cash on hand after Covid.
ReplyDeleteAmy, covid taught us a lot of things, didn't it!
DeleteMy husband would probably go.I more than likely am still recovering from the fall. Either way i would not be able to stand for the length of time it may take. Probably for food only. It’s been raining here .so we could collet the water.
ReplyDeleteMaybe cat food to. If possible . On thing i thought of. I am sure the store and emergency groups would have thought of the looting, stealing ect. Iam sure security would be high.
I have the cash but would seriously need to think about going. I would be fine for food but might need to think about water - although - we have had a couple of big rainstorms lately so I would have been outside collecting what I could for cleaning etc. and saving the drinking water.
ReplyDeleteSince Amish doesn't do credit cards and a lot won't take a check, we have small amount of cash. We would feed the dog people food, in fact I had 2 fighting cancer and had to cook them food. Our Amish neighbor always gives their dogs pancakes when she makes them. We have an outhouse that sits on our septic tank so we would use that to save water even though we have a cistern and deep well have a solar pump on it. Not making a trip to store. I would have to walk to one of the Amish or Mennonite neighbors to get milk or drink my coffee black.
ReplyDelete