It looks like things are definitely starting to come to a head. Here in the OK state, gas is $2.67 a gallon..I have a jeep liberty, and the only reason I don't have more of a gas saver is because when I bought the jeep nearly two years ago, it was at a dealership a two hour drive away, and the only one that would take me with my sucky credit rating. At least I was able to refinance for a lower interest rate, and kept the payment amount the same tho, so three more years, and it should be paid off. I have had opportunities to go to the dealership and have them come up with a newer car for me that is more gas efficient, but that would put me far further in debt, so I am not going to go that route. I have been doing away with all non-absolutely essential driving, like to doctor's appointments that are more specialized for my needs than the docs in town, and going to the city, I only do once a month, and try to get a number of things done at once. I am thisclose to getting a bicycle with one of those dealies that normal kids ride in the back, and using that to do my grocery shopping. So far the bicycles I am looking at aren't that much, it's the cost of buying one of those 'attachable' carts to the bike that run an arm and a leg.
Heck, since I have a grocery store within walking distance, I am going to get a wagon next month, and walk to the store and cart the stuff back.
I wish I had the money to have someone come over and till my backyard, but it isn't feasible right now, dangit. I can either pay someone to do the tilling for me, or buy a tiller..can't find anyplace in these parts that will let me rent a tiller, which is just a tad frustrating.
I think this will be the winter that will see large numbers of people either have to leave their homes and go to stay with others to be able to keep warm, shelter occupancies at an all time high, and having a number of people, particularly the elderly, be unable to swallow their pride or leave their homes, and end up freezing to death.
Here is an ominous sign..and I don't this is the exception but the rule across the parts of the US that see freezing cold temperatures during winter. But that is just my own personal opinion and I am basing it on my gut instincts and what the article says the situation is:
http://bangornews.com/news/t/city.aspx? ... zoneid=176
Human history becomes more and more a race between education and catastrophe.-H.G. Wells
The only basis for a nation’s prosperity is a religious regard for the rights of others. - ISOCRATES