The worst is yet to come, however that doesn’t mean that we should face the future with despair. Someone whose business sense I respect told me today that a depression – not just a recession – is coming within the next five years. I was a kid during the last big recession, and I can’t even imagine life during a Depression. However, I think that we are intelligent and resourceful people. What would it mean in Canada, with our oh-so-vital social safety net?
Pierre and I have been talking for a while about what will happen when the economy tanks. How will life change? He and I have also talked a lot about homesteading, although we have to admit that we’re not sure how to get started with that. We do have land back home which we can move to when things become really bad.
What are the skills needed in order to survive in a Depression?
Sewing - I can’t sew. I’m going to try and change that during 2009. I do own a sewing machine. One problem I’ve found with sewing, though, is that the materials cost so very, very much. My mother, who is a seamstress, says that materials are the most expensive part of sewing, and that sometimes it’s just not worth it to make something at home. I suspect that may change when the economy tanks. Not that I think store-bought fabric will be any cheaper, but re-working things may become a very useful skill.
Cooking – Now I’m a good cook, and I know it. I love cooking. Baking, not so much, but I can hold my own. I generally cook from scratch. I was given a manual pasta maker a few years ago, but I’ve never used it. (Pasta is still pretty darn cheap) Pretty much all of my recipes are frugal, low-in-meat, and versatile. I know how to make yogurt and homemade bread.
Canning and Drying- Well, I can cook. Presumably, I can learn to can. I have a food dehydrator and I know how to use it.
Gardening - I’ve grown houseplants, but nothing more.
Raising animals – I’ve never been within six feet of a living cow, sheep or chicken. I’ve learned more about animal husbandry while researching my novel than I’ve ever known.
Hunting & Fishing – This kept people from starving in the last Depression. Is it even a viable option these days?
Frugality – I’ve got this one down, although I can’t hold a candle to Pierre. Since meeting him, what I considered my “needs” have changed a lot. In fact, I had difficulty this year when people asked me what I wanted for Christmas. Honestly, I can think of very little that I “want”, even though we have very little money.
I’m going to be exploring this during 2009, while I keep a close eye on the economy. Any other ideas about skills which are necessary in a rock-bottom economy?
