A first suggestion would be to anyone who cares about their families ... if you have the space, get your own chickens to have eggs for protein. Without a rooster, most residential homes, can keep up to 5 or 6 hens, which is plenty of eggs ... this half acre could support plenty, but run usually about 14/15 and give eggs to two other families.

... and start planting beans ... all the beans you can get yours hands on, that you don't have to eat, greens, corn and squash ... summer type, and winter type, and get creative with drying, canning ...save all glass jars with lids, bottles for homemade beer, wine and vinegar, and 'onion' bags ... yeah, plant onions too, and garlic ... and fruit trees if you can ... citrus in the south. I have had some luck with artichokes in my area.

You can even dry beans when still green, by stringing them on regular twine, and hanging in a clean dry place ... leave an inch or so between the beans for good circulation. I have also been pleased with dried tomatoes, grapes (raisins), figs, even cherries! Cut the cherries with a paring knife all the way around, or remove seeds.

Some how I get this creepy, weird feeling, in my gut, that the proverbial shit is going to soon hit the proverbial fan, and relatively soon. I really hope I am wrong.

Is there any healthy type fish farming? ... don't think I would have the guts to do them in though, guess I will stick with eggs. In Peru, I think, they 'do-in' guinea pigs that they keep under their beds. Certain ones the children can keep for pets, and they stew, or bar-be the rest, as needed!!!

Amaranth grain is phenomenal ... great!!! for greens, and makes thousands of seeds ... it makes a great thickener too. Even though a seed, it taste 'green' to me ... keeps all year in a jar ... supposedly enough amino acids for a person to survive on by itself... but I had a horrible time separating the seed from the chaff ... maybe, I just need patience. I guess if my family is starving I find some!

Oh, don't forget the rain catchers!!! Lot's of them!! Plant most of your plants in a 'bowl' or trench deeply around. Mulch!

Best wishes to you and yours, Victoria

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