So, I’ve begun to hear rumblings of anarchy from the serfs and other peasants, in general. And, the reason for the rumblings hit them where it counts. Gas prices in our area inch ever closer to $4.00 per gallon. The real estate tax assessed values are surpassing the market values of the properties in the area, but the real estate taxes aren’t going down. Cutbacks everywhere. Grocery prices have gone up considerably. There is uncertainty in the local job markets. Higher prices, in general, affect the seasonal tourist trade in the Brainerd Lakes Area. There are many businesses and families that rely upon the summer tourists for their yearly livelihood.
Fishing opener weekend was slow. There appear to be more people in the area for Memorial Day weekend, but not as busy as some years. Our local grocery store is usually so busy the Friday of Memorial Day weekend, the lines are three to four people deep virtually all afternoon and early evening. Not so yesterday when I stopped in for some milk.
Jeff and I have been really lucky as far as surfs go. We have gotten raises and bonuses to offset some of the higher prices, and, in general, are pretty smart with what we have. However, most serfs that I overhear haven’t gotten raises, and they haven’t for a few years in a row. Their incomes are not keeping up with the price escalations and the home equity deflations.
One of our friends (also a surf) said that he heard that, in the not so distant future, gasoline will top $12 per gallon. (There are many reasons why I disagree with what he heard, but that is best left to another blog.) If that happens, the feudal system may once again become a reality. An agrarian lifestyle may become a necessity. The U.S. dollar would be so weakened that one could use it for toilet paper, because toilet paper would likely be more valuable.
We attended the college graduation for a friend’s son on Thursday evening. The commencement speaker said that the coming wave of economic challenge could be handled by the graduates in one of two ways. They could either do nothing and be overcome by the wave, or they could grab a surfboard. Maybe not the best analogy in the world, but it was effective considering the speaker’s time constraints.
Serfs on a surfboard. (The picture in my mind makes me giggle.)
Meanwhile, today I’m going to wash my car and wax my car, and waterproof my tent in preparation for the Up Nort’ Shingding in a few weeks. We will likely give Scott Wikstrom a call. He is up at his mom and dad’s lake home (they aren't surfs). I’m going to put the economy far from my mind, at least for this weekend! Happy Memorial Day, everyone!
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2 comments:
Last month I did a phone interview with the University of Michigan. They do that consumer confidence index you see in the news all the time. I remain confident for several reasons.
Historically, when sentiment is low, expectations in the markets (financial, housing, stocks, etc.) gravitate back to reality. I think that is a healthy thing that allows people to catch their breath and reel in their financial situations.
Also, we are Americans. Our greatest asset is that we tend to figure things out, or more precisely, our economy finds a way to correct itself.
I don't worry too much about $12 a gallon gas, either. Innovation is not driven by good ideas, it is driven by need. $12 gas will make other technologies more viable, finally transforming us away from our 1950's based economy.
Although I am definitely a serf, I do believe that in chaos, there is opportunity. Keep the faith. We'll get it figured out.
Have a great Memorial Day weekend.
Hi fellow serfs!
I traveled to Karlstad for the long weekend with the girls and the dog. Jim went to the lake with his parents and sister's family to put in the dock and boats. While they were all freezing their toes off in the chilly water, we were battling a pesky little creature called head lice! These non-discriminatory vermin don't care if you are serfs or not!
Yes -- the girls had it and the rest of us treated ourselves like we did, too. We washed several loads of clothes and made a trip to Thief River to the laundomat, creatively named "Laundryland."
This is not an experience I ever want to relive. I will forever be in possession of a "nit" comb and ordered myself a supply of preventative shampoo and conditioner.
Doesn't it make your head itch just thinking about it?
And, on a final note -- with that economy thing.... I read an article about people who are and have been for sometime, withdrawing from society to grow their own food and work their own land. They are fearful of shortages and riots because of the shortages. I see all of this as an opportunity as well. Withdrawing is not going to help. People need to think creatively and with an abundance mindset. By working together we can come up with new ways of doing things. That, and getting that thing out of the president's office..... You know, the one who benefits greatly from oil prices going up....????
Can't wait to see you in GF! I'm especially excited about the facial muscle workout and the grinders! And, the beer.... and the old stories.... and..... :)
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