Self Sufficiency:

 When we first moved to our community in S Colorado full time 28 years ago there was only around 40 homes in the gated community and many of them were season homes. At that time it was important that we be self sufficient in many respect. Over time we watched many people come and go because they could not adapt nor did they have the skills to take care of themselves. To compound the lack of self sufficiency getting anyone to help was very difficult. Repairmen would not show up when they were suppose to and many of the neighbors did not get along with each other. 

Before we moved to the mountains we took two courses on small engine repair. I had skills in construction and got how to books on electrical and plumbing which proved extremely valuable. I had a friend in Ohio who told me his dad was an electrician and I should get an illustrated book on running electrical components. I did just that, then had a professional electrician to check my work and get it within code. I saved thousands of dollars by doing that. 

My friend also had a suggestion when it came to plumbing. Again get a how to book and keep in mind that water runs down hill and payday is on Friday. Those two books coupled with the advanced small engine course and my knowledge of construction were more than enough to get us through. With a good foundation in place we picked up other skills along the way as they came up. 

When we left and moved to N Carolina I noticed many of the new people moving in our old neighborhood were not able to adjust from the city or urban life they came from. They had many demands and had to hire people to handle tasks that they should be able to do themselves. With the ever growing threat of terrorists hitting our countries electrical grid or other area's - those who lack self sufficiency skills including garden growing abilities will find life very hard. It is never to late to gain some skills that will help you cope in case of a disaster or calamity.