Last week we had a cord of firewood delivered. We don’t heat with firewood, but use it for cozy enjoyment all autumn and winter. We do, however, count the fireplace as a backup heat source. Because we live in an area with a long winter, this is important.
David has started stacking the wood and will slowly finish it over the next several days as the hot and humid weather allows. We’ll call the chimney sweep this week to set up an appointment before he starts getting busy. We didn’t have the chimney cleaned last year so it definitely should be looked at this year.
It’s sometimes difficult for people to think about the chill of autumn and winter when it’s almost 90 degrees outside with oppressive humidity. But now is the time to take care of these things. After experiencing shortages, many people have had a permanent change in their thinking. They are now planning ahead in a way they never did before. This is a good thing for them, their loved ones, and our society as a whole. On the other hand, if you are one of the people who puts things off then you may find yourself scrambling for supplies and appointment openings.
Whatever your views regarding current events, it’s become clear that our system is a fragile one. In the UK, there are currently significant shortages in the grocery stores due to a lorry driver shortage. They are short literally tens of thousands of drivers. Whether this is a real crisis or one that is being created for nefarious purposes (pingdemic) doesn’t really matter if you can’t provide for your family. Similar things are beginning to happen here. Again, it doesn’t matter if it is real or manufactured. (That’s another post.) The result is the same with less available products in the store.
She watches over the affairs of her household
and does not eat the bread of idleness.Proverbs 31:27 (BSB)
As I wrote in 3 Reasons You Must Become a Prudent & Prepared Homemaker, you have a responsibility to care for your home and loved ones. That post is the opening to an entire series in which I help you begin thinking about what it means to be a prudent and prepared homemaker. I encourage you to take this part of your responsibilities seriously. Do not be lulled to sleep right now during the summer sunshine.
Getting a load of firewood delivered is just one of the many tasks I have as a homemaker. As I think about the approaching seasons, there are other things that come to mind. This week I’ll be updating my prudent and prepared lists and worksheets in my binder. I encourage you to open yours up and do the same thing.
One more suggestion before I go. Start thinking seriously about your Christmas shopping. If you read in my forums, you are already aware of this from something I shared in early July – Shop early for Christmas because product is not getting through. If you don’t read what I post in there, then consider this heads-up my early Christmas gift to you and your loved ones.
Berean Standard Bible
Thank you for posting this ..now that my children have left home I have found myself less attentive to the home …I need encouragement to continue prudence and prepared housekeeping !! Yesterday I paid for the propane for the winter , and stocked up on some canned goods that were running low.. this is the first time I have thought of it all summer , usually I begin in June making lists…The past 2 generations did these things , I have discovered over the years that it has been important due to mostly extended elderly family illnesses ,( when you are sitting at the hospital you can’t also be grocery shopping , but those at home will still need to eat) and weather situations.. mainly because we live a ways off the main road . Sometimes I have had a few friends question if I am not ” trusting in God” , but I feel I trust God gave me a brain to think about how to make decisions .I live in Michigan – therefore I will be snowed in at some point !!!
Hi Karen,
I’m glad this was a helpful post!
Somehow I doubt people in the past asked each other if they weren’t trusting God as they filled their pantry and larder each year. It’s an example of how we as a society have been removed from the seasons and agriculture. We now have multiple generations that simply expect food to magically appear any time they want it.
I confess I’m looking forward to snow a little bit right now. Too much heat and humidity lately in our lovely state!
Good to hear from you!
Sallie
Loved this, Sallie. I must admit that my favorite time of year is coming up and I do love all the preparations for it. One thing that 2020 taught me was the importance of staying on top of things in regards to making sure that we have a certain amount of food/toiletries on hand and plans on what to do in case of shortages/power outages, etc. It’s not a perfect plan but it’s better than what we had before! : ) Much more work to be done.
God bless, Sallie.
Mary
Hi Mary,
I think many women look at their homes differently after the experiences of 2020. Although it was a hard learned lesson, it’s a good thing for our culture as a whole moving forward.
I have a new picture book to share sometime this week that I think you will like. I saw it in Barnes and Noble and it was one of those books I knew I was going to buy when I saw it. I have such a love of children’s picture books and allow myself one or two a year. I could easily buy one or two a week. LOL!
Sallie
We stock up on groceries once a month. We have started our Christmas shopping. We have always done the Christmas shopping early. We buy things and put them away throughout the year. We are anxiously awaiting Autumn. It is our favorite time of year. It is 95 degrees here in new York. Have a good week. God Bless you and your family.
Joan, Marion and Marilyn