Instructions for using an automat

Living in a Self-Service World: Fewer Workers Means More Automation

With 2.2 million fewer people working in the hospitality and restaurant industry, it's no surprise restaurants are turning to automation or asking customers to serve themselves.
Propane tank

Survival Diary June 28: Propane Possibilities

Our all-electric house may be getting its first propane-powered appliance. That could be the foot in the door.
Rising Prices

Double Digit Inflation Causes Pain in my Wallet

Its pretty shocking when things I bought in March and April cost more just two or three months later. Inflation is here, and its far more than 4 or 5 percent.
Bottled water as far as the eye can see.

Costco Shopping Trip Shows No Sign of Inflation, Yet

I visit two stores known for low prices and I found no signs of inflation. But its there at the gas pump.
Week old chicks

Another Busy Week on the Homestead

With spring giving way to summer and summer storms rolling through, we have to plan our work around the weather. There always seems to be more to be done.
blackberry blossoms and buds.

Prepper Diary: A Chilly and Somber Memorial Day

Why do we say "Happy Memorial Day?" Shouldn't it be a more somber holiday? This year the weather was cold enough that no one on the East Coast felt like celebrating the start of summer.
Polymer 80 box

Time to Buy an 80-percent Receiver and Build a Ghost Gun

Gun sales are soaring. Ammo is in short supply. The Democrats want to ban your guns. The ATF wants to increase regulation. Sounds like its time to buy a gun,
plants in ports

Prepper Diary May 28: When is a Weed not a Weed

With the weather improving and the sun shining again, we embark on a host of gardening and other outdoor activities
Containers in a port

Road Trip Report: Gas Shortages and Lots of Trucks

We get a good look at the Southern states, mask compliance, gasoline shortages, the economy, and eat plenty of biscuits.
A pile of firewood waiting to be stacked

Prepper Diary May 13: Is Firewood An Inflation Fighter?

Anything that you can buy now and keep for a couple years will help you resist the undertow of inflation as rising prices threaten to drag you under.