Wednesday, December 5, 2012

Frugal Fodder ~4~ Beg, Barter, Borrow::

 As we head into the new year there is  a lot of talk about the Fiscal Cliff- the uncertainty in the upcoming months --changes that will happen January 1st. These are not things we want to think about. These are not things that we want to sit around and discuss. Especially if one is not knowledgeable on the matter. 
We certainly don't want to bring the party down this time of year! 
The holidays are supposed to be times of JOY and Peace on Earth, Good Will towards men. 

Not just the Holidays...but everyday. 

I don't know all there is to know about the Fiscal Cliff--in fact, I don't know much at all.  Who do you trust when you start out trying to research the matter? What  I do know is that being somewhat prepared and having a plan for the unexpected is my responsibility.  Educating ourselves (myself and my husband) is OUR responsibility.
Making changes in our lifestyle is sometimes necessary and a lot of times unpleasant. But I don't mind it so much when it's changes that I'm in control of; not being forced to do because of new mandates, laws, etc. 

Here are some things that we've been implementing in our own lives the last few years, small changes that help with our budget, save money and build relationships too! Strong Family and Community. 

Bartering: 
  • We have begun to exchange our Fresh Eggs for things like Sugar, Milk, and other staples. 
  • We have begun to share meals with other households enjoying a time of food and fun. (not to mention the element of surprise--when it comes to what is being served) I love POTLUCKS! 
  • We share traveling expenses when making trips to town. First we plan the trips and make the most of them while we're there. (We live about 7 miles from the nearest Small Town Conveniences and 20 from the nearest Large Town Conviences , ie; Wal-Mart, Lowes, etc) So, we plan trips, 
  • we make calls to others, neighbors and friends and inform them that we're going into town-- would they like to ride too? or if there is anything they need picked-up while we're there?
  • We have also called others and ASKED IF THEY WERE GOING SOON?  They are happy to reciprocate by picking up items for us?
  • This past weekend I spoke with a young woman who still lives at home; and is available to work in my home-- we were discussing the possibility of bartering for her services in exchange for a crochet lesson, we've not settled that yet. But it's a possibility!  I might get my windows washed or baseboards painted...who knows? 
  • Barrowing: 
  • Before making large purchases-- we ask around to see if anyone we know may have the item; that we may borrow theirs. (ie: saw, choppers, large tools,etc) 

  •  Begging:  (I jest) 
  • But, we have offered to take firewood off peoples hands if we come and haul away a downed tree, or cut it down for them. We've been known to take other items off peoples hands too. Things they are just going to be discarding, we offer to haul away; if it is something of value we may sell it or we my take it to the scrap yard in return for cash too.
  • We've done this with neighbors and friends. But we've met new neighbors this way too. We stopped and asked about some firewood laying near the fence once,  after the Electric Company hired a TREE SERVICE to the trim trees; we had a nice chat with the folks and they said it was fine to load up the wood and take it. Saved them the trouble and for us... it meant another night of warmth by the fire! 

We try to grow our own food. We have an average of 254 days of growing in the area we live--so it's good to know what grows well, when and where! 
Right now...we have potatoes coming up in the front garden. We'll see how those turn out. (not really the time of year for potatoes, kind of early.)
 We've got mild temps right now. 
I make LOTS Christmas and Birthday gifts...(this is something that has been frowned upon in the past; but I think is certainly coming back as being appreciated among most people) 
If we don't have the money for some item-- unless we borrow it, we do without. 
We work around our circumstances-- and one thing I've learned is WE DON'T COMPLAIN. It doesn't do a bit of good! 


If you have a Kindle You can order this book Preparing for the Fiscal Cliff (PRIME MEMBERS: $0.00 -subject to change without notice) 
I downloaded it and read it and about to read it again. It's short and a pretty good read! 

The photos in today's post...are pictures that I've taken in my yard since DEC 1st! Lovely displays of color-- for this time of year. :) 

 
************************************
Shop 9th and Denver
Vintage Items Added Today! 


Use Coupon Code: YEAREND12 
at checkout!
Then he said to them,
 "Go, eat of the fat, drink of the sweet and send portions to them that have nothing prepared, for this is a Holy Day unto the LORD.
 Do not be grieved; for the JOY of the LORD is your strength. ~Nehemiah 8:10 

 

12 comments:

Jocelyn said...

Gosh, you really are lucky to have morning glories this time of year. We have grey and brown and sad green. NOthing really pretty.

Thank you for sharing this info--I have to be honest, I know nothing about the fiscal cliff, but I am now going to educate myself.

Tilly's Nest said...

I very much enjoyed this post. Thank you for sharing all of this information. It serves as a reminder to all of us to move toward being more self-sufficient.

Debby said...

Good ideas. We all need these to help get through the rough times. Curious......why is your etsy shop names 9th and Denver.

Anonymous said...

Pat,
All good ideas. I always enjoy this subject.

Melanie said...

Good ideas, no matter what is going on with the economy!! Love the idea of homemade gifts! Those seem to mean the most and have so much thought and love placed in them!!

Pioneer Woman at Heart said...

My hubby asked folks if he can take cut trees too. Every bit helps.

Pam@OurAdventuresInHomeImprovement said...

You listed some great ideas for saving money Pat. When I was growing up, we lived in a farming community. Going 'in to town' was a big deal. I think it's great that you coordinate your trips with your neighbors. Good thinking!

Have a great day.
Pam

The Boston Lady said...

I will download that book Pat - how appropriate that it is one of their freebies. All your actions and ideas are very good, I especially like the idea of bartering (and I'm' not above begging myself!). The Fiscal Cliff talk is scary, but in my opinion, we, the people, should not panic, but as you said, prepare and prepare to survive on our own. I will definitely be looking into trying my hand at a spring garden here (or at least after the New Year when I can concentrate on such things).

Today I actually heard people talking about the Mayan calendar ending, etc. That's a whole other thing isn't it? But certainly less of a reality than what's going on with our government and society. As I have understood it, the "end of the world" talked about in association with the Mayan calendar is not necessarily the end of earth and life on earth, but the end of some aspect of our lives as we know them. Perhaps this Fiscal Cliff will be part of that. Now I sound like a crazy radio talk show host...

May we live in interesting times... and we do! Almost finished with my pay it forward project! Glue is involved and must dry!

Ann

Unknown said...

Such a great post! I'm with you, I don't want to be a downer but on the other hand, I do think we live in uncertain times and it's always a good thing to know more about being self sufficient not less... good for you my farmgirl friend... Love your photos! Our morning glories have been gone for about a month...but then again, you're in Texas Country aren't you?

Kathy Felsted Usher said...

We have friends who just got their first goats and prepared about 5 acres for them. I'm hoping to trade some of our eggs for their milk or fiber. Then we might be able to help them on their property in exchange for their honey. We all need to start thinking this way!

Art and Sand said...

What you are suggesting is that we 'live within our means', work together and help one another. What a novel thought! I am being facetious, but I think so many of my students don't know what we are talking about. They are given 2 free meals a day, half of which they throw in the trash. They spend money on lattes on their way to school. At least they walk and aren't driven. You harken back to a simpler and better time in our world when people knew their neighbors and cared for one another. We do a lot of what you have suggested, but we could be so much better. Thanks for the challenge!

Lisa/Fresh Eggs Daily Farm Girl said...

I have recently started reading your blog and love it! We raise chickens, horses and ducks on our farm in Virginia and I love finding new farm blogs. I hope you'll come share at my Farm Girl Blog Fest: http://fresh-eggs-daily.blogspot.com/2012/12/farm-girl-friday-blog-fest-12.html and also enter our contest to win some great Manna Pro products.

Lisa
Fresh Eggs Daily