When I was about 8 years old, my aunt gave me a heavy sterling charm bracelet, with one charm on it. Those bracelets were very popular back then, and the idea was to get me started on collecting for it.
It was too big and heavy for a kid, but every vacation or special occasion I religiously acquired a charm or was given one; and by the time I was in my ‘twenties I could actually wear it. (By then they were out of style, and a real oddity. Fortunately, they ‘came back’ later.)
In recent years, I’ve justified the continuing collection-habit by thinking that it might be useful if SHTF. The little items are all sterling; I figure I could barter with them - for a loaf of bread here, or a gallon of gas there ;-)
When we began ‘prepping’ in our small way, Toilet Paper was first on the list. We’ve got a stack of 20-packs to the ceiling in an unused bathroom, and are starting another stack. I hadn’t thought about it as barter-stuff; but I guess nobody would want to be without it.
I read some years ago that the nickel is the only coin we have left that is actually worth, in metal, it’s denominational value. Is that true? Since then I’ve saved all of our change; I figure, hey, it’s metal...
I personally think that the most important things to gather for prepping, are SKILLS. But on a lighter note: there’s not much room on that bracelet for any more charms, and wearing it has become a chore. I guess I must start a second one, ‘posthaste’ ;-)
-JT, whistling ‘Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friends’
Yeah, I need to restock TP again. I had a lot before the move, then used up a bunch because moving it 2300 miles while it was still affordable seemed silly.
And U finally get to work on skills now that I’m a country girl. My little gardens are flourishing! I love living where things grow ;)
But I still have so much more to learn. Ibwas saying to a veterinarian friend that her medical skills and my husband’s skills fixing things will be invaluable, while I will just be a burden. She very kindly, if not completely accurately, said my cooking ability will be needed. And deductive reasoning as well.
I need to learn about raising chickens, raising goats, making cheese, ... more than I can even remember at the moment.