What's Happening?

[JustGeorge]

With all the political focus lately, and everyone alarmed that the US might be going to hell in a handbasket(or is already there), I sometimes stop and ponder reality... what's real, what's fears for the future, or indignity about the present, or upset about the past.

I hope most of you know me well enough to understand I'm not trying to make light of anyone's situations, or imply the future doesn't matter. But, I'm genuinely curious. Regardless of where you are in the world, how have political, environmental, or economic changes hit you, personally? I'm not talking about how they've affected someone in a news article or a YouTube video, but you, or perhaps your family. Again, please share things that have happened, not things that could happen.

For my own household, food prices have changed the way we eat. I'm a chef by hobby, but I have to make more of a point to use what we have rather than obtaining more. I'm learning to tweak recipes and stretch things out. We actually bring in more money than we did a few years ago, but are getting closer to living like we did when we were 'poor'. We're having to plan most purchases that are over 20 dollars. We're not suffering, but its a change.

In the last decade, the environmental patterns in my region have changed dramatically. There's almost always a drought. The frequent summer thunderstorms I loved so much are gone, and tornado sirens are rare(they used to go off at least several times a year).

Politically, the only thing I can measure that's changed(other than people's attitudes) is that our mayor and city council has done a fantastic job of helping revitalize our crumbling city. The downtown area still needs a lot of work, but its happening. New structures are being built, and new businesses are going in. Its taken awhile, but its refreshing to see things liven again.

 

[questfortruth]

things that could happen.

 

[Vinayaka]

Excellent question. I'm not sure if politics here in my country have changed my life one iota. Certainly I can't think of much. Climate change, some I guess.

I think that there is a mass media attempt, for whatever reason, to make it seem like we're far more unstable than we are. That does depend on geography some. I'm sure the folks in downtown Ottawa or in the Maritimes on the coast would beg to differ.

 

[JustGeorge]

Excellent question. I'm not sure if politics here in my country have changed my life one iota. Certainly I can't think of much. Climate change, some I guess.

What are some changes you've noticed in your local climate?

 

[Vinayaka]

What are some changes you've noticed in your local climate?

Slightly longer growing season in general, like this year the temple marigolds were good to the second week of October. We can plant (plants subject to frost) earlier in spring too. The guideline for very safe planting used to be June 1, but now I look at the weather forecast May 15. It's not really significant, but I do notice it. All this is a trend though. Personally I look at it over 10 years, not 2 or 3. The last two years have had very wet springs, and very dry summers, but 2 years doesn't make a trend. Here in Alberta, one good local thunderstorm can add an inch of rain, and that's just luck.

How about there?

 

[JustGeorge]

Slightly longer growing season in general, like this year the temple marigolds were good to the second week of October. We can plant (plants subject to frost) earlier in spring too. The guideline for very safe planting used to be June 1, but now I look at the weather forecast May 15. It's not really significant, but I do notice it. All this is a trend though. Personally I look at it over 10 years, not 2 or 3. The last two years have had very wet springs, and very dry summers, but 2 years doesn't make a trend. Here in Alberta, one good local thunderstorm can add an inch of rain, and that's just luck.

How about there?

Its hard to say for sure, but it seems like the growing season has shifted a bit. Things aren't starting as quickly in the spring, but things do seem to be extended a little longer.

I don't have the room to garden, but we get our produce from the local market and a farm down the road. The market opens/closes the same time every year, regardless, but the farm shifts around as needed. Its what I've noticed from them, but it could just be a pattern. I haven't used the farm for more than a few years.

 

[Vinayaka]

Its hard to say for sure, but it seems like the growing season has shifted a bit. Things aren't starting as quickly in the spring, but things do seem to be extended a little longer.

I don't have the room to garden, but we get our produce from the local market and a farm down the road. The market opens/closes the same time every year, regardless, but the farm shifts around as needed. Its what I've noticed from them, but it could just be a pattern. I haven't used the farm for more than a few years.

I cancelled my vegetable garden as of this fall. The neighbour has a huge tree that blocks sun for about half the day, and our house gives it shade from about 4 on. It's never done as well as I would have liked because of that, and the 'therapy' from being outside digging is plenty over at the temple in all the flower beds. We added 2 more this year, now that I have a friend who volunteers to make marigold garlands. I don't think I'll miss the home veggy garden much.

 

[exchemist]

With all the political focus lately, and everyone alarmed that the US might be going to hell in a handbasket(or is already there), I sometimes stop and ponder reality... what's real, what's fears for the future, or indignity about the present, or upset about the past.

I hope most of you know me well enough to understand I'm not trying to make light of anyone's situations, or imply the future doesn't matter. But, I'm genuinely curious. Regardless of where you are in the world, how have political, environmental, or economic changes hit you, personally? I'm not talking about how they've affected someone in a news article or a YouTube video, but you, or perhaps your family. Again, please share things that have happened, not things that could happen.

For my own household, food prices have changed the way we eat. I'm a chef by hobby, but I have to make more of a point to use what we have rather than obtaining more. I'm learning to tweak recipes and stretch things out. We actually bring in more money than we did a few years ago, but are getting closer to living like we did when we were 'poor'. We're having to plan most purchases that are over 20 dollars. We're not suffering, but its a change.

In the last decade, the environmental patterns in my region have changed dramatically. There's almost always a drought. The frequent summer thunderstorms I loved so much are gone, and tornado sirens are rare(they used to go off at least several times a year).

Politically, the only thing I can measure that's changed(other than people's attitudes) is that our mayor and city council has done a fantastic job of helping revitalize our crumbling city. The downtown area still needs a lot of work, but its happening. New structures are being built, and new businesses are going in. Its taken awhile, but its refreshing to see things liven again.

What is affecting me directly in the UK is inflation, higher energy bills, poorer and more erratic availability of goods in the shops, restaurant closures, a progressively worse healthcare system and more and more unusual weather.

 

[Twilight Hue]

With all the political focus lately, and everyone alarmed that the US might be going to hell in a handbasket(or is already there), I sometimes stop and ponder reality... what's real, what's fears for the future, or indignity about the present, or upset about the past.

I hope most of you know me well enough to understand I'm not trying to make light of anyone's situations, or imply the future doesn't matter. But, I'm genuinely curious. Regardless of where you are in the world, how have political, environmental, or economic changes hit you, personally? I'm not talking about how they've affected someone in a news article or a YouTube video, but you, or perhaps your family. Again, please share things that have happened, not things that could happen.

For my own household, food prices have changed the way we eat. I'm a chef by hobby, but I have to make more of a point to use what we have rather than obtaining more. I'm learning to tweak recipes and stretch things out. We actually bring in more money than we did a few years ago, but are getting closer to living like we did when we were 'poor'. We're having to plan most purchases that are over 20 dollars. We're not suffering, but its a change.

In the last decade, the environmental patterns in my region have changed dramatically. There's almost always a drought. The frequent summer thunderstorms I loved so much are gone, and tornado sirens are rare(they used to go off at least several times a year).

Politically, the only thing I can measure that's changed(other than people's attitudes) is that our mayor and city council has done a fantastic job of helping revitalize our crumbling city. The downtown area still needs a lot of work, but its happening. New structures are being built, and new businesses are going in. Its taken awhile, but its refreshing to see things liven again.

It's like clash of the titans!

 

[Revoltingest]

Yet another example of The Simpsons predicting the future.

I've noticed some price increases. Fortunately for me
(I'm sure you all want to know), they don't affect me & mine.
But....
1) What used to be a Subway "5 dollar foot long" sub was
about $13 at a highway rest stop last month.
2) My Shockerhitch trailer coupler I bought for $530 in 2020
is now $680.
3) Menards has been out of Beach Cliff sardines in Louisiana
hot sauce for many months now. They have Bumble Bee
brand, but I prefer Beach Cliff.

 

[JustGeorge]

I cancelled my vegetable garden as of this fall. The neighbour has a huge tree that blocks sun for about half the day, and our house gives it shade from about 4 on. It's never done as well as I would have liked because of that, and the 'therapy' from being outside digging is plenty over at the temple in all the flower beds. We added 2 more this year, now that I have a friend who volunteers to make marigold garlands. I don't think I'll miss the home veggy garden much.

I had a grand one at my old place. Beautiful, lovely, full vegetables... and one by one, the woodchucks would take my vegetables and... set them on the railroad tracks to get run over by the train. If they'd have eaten them, it could have been forgiven, but this was clear waste!

I really hate woodchucks...

The place we're at now is too shady in the front, and the kids/dogs play in the back. We're struggling to even grow grass. I've tried to grow some marigolds(you inspired me) in the front, but they didn't really do much.

What is affecting me directly in the UK is inflation, higher energy bills, poorer and more erratic availability of goods in the shops, restaurant closures, a progressively worse healthcare system and more and more unusual weather.

Good shortage has been a problem here, too. Right now, I can't find paper towels to save my life, so we're using napkins for sudden messes. Also, I keep aquariums, and there have been shortages on the basic chemicals as well, and what I can find is near unaffordable.

What have the weather changes been like over there? What changes have happened to the healthcare system?

It's like clash of the titans!

I'm not sure I get your reference.

 

[exchemist]

I had a grand one at my old place. Beautiful, lovely, full vegetables... and one by one, the woodchucks would take my vegetables and... set them on the railroad tracks to get run over by the train. If they'd have eaten them, it could have been forgiven, but this was clear waste!

I really hate woodchucks...

The place we're at now is too shady in the front, and the kids/dogs play in the back. We're struggling to even grow grass. I've tried to grow some marigolds(you inspired me) in the front, but they didn't really do much.



Good shortage has been a problem here, too. Right now, I can't find paper towels to save my life, so we're using napkins for sudden messes. Also, I keep aquariums, and there have been shortages on the basic chemicals as well, and what I can find is near unaffordable.

What have the weather changes been like over there? What changes have happened to the healthcare system?



I'm not sure I get your reference.

A lot is due to the combined effects of covid and Brexit, both of which have contributed to a shortage of labour. Many older people left the workforce during lockdown, reappraised their lives and never returned. In the health service, staff got burnt out by the covid workload and are leaving, Also, if they catch covid they have to stay at home, reducing the operational capacity of the system. We also lost many nursing staff and doctors from the EU. To make matters worse, we have a backlog of non-urgent treatments that were suspended during the pandemic - and no spare capacity to catch up. Increasingly, people with means seem to be resorting to private treatment, to avoid the waiting. (Staff in private medicine are better paid and don't have the pressure of being overloaded, so they have tended to stick around rather more than their NHS colleagues.)

Regarding goods, lorry drivers are in short supply ( a lot came from the EU or were older men who left the job during covid). The restaurant trade has suffered greatly from the departure of EU workers. Many are only opening 4 or 5 days a week and some have ceased trading.

On weather, we have had record high temperature and drought this summer. Over the last few years we have had a lot of dry springs and the rainfall pattern the rest of the year has altered, with many more severe downpours, causing flooding, in place of the gentle rain that was more typical of the British Isles.

 

[JustGeorge]

A lot is due to the combined effects of covid and Brexit, both of which have contributed to a shortage of labour. Many older people left the workforce during lockdown, reappraised their lives and never returned. In the health service, staff got burnt out by the covid workload and are leaving, Also, if they catch covid they have to stay at home, reducing the operational capacity of the system. We also lost many nursing staff and doctors from the EU. To make matters worse, we have a backlog of non-urgent treatments that were suspended during the pandemic - and no spare capacity to catch up. Increasingly, people with means seem to be resorting to private treatment, to avoid the waiting. (Staff in private medicine are better paid and don't have the pressure of being overloaded, so they have tended to stick around rather more than their NHS colleagues.)

Regarding goods, lorry drivers are in short supply ( a lot came from the EU or were older men who left the job during covid). The restaurant trade has suffered greatly from the departure of EU workers. Many are only opening 4 or 5 days a week and some have ceased trading.

On weather, we have had record high temperature and drought this summer. Over the last few years we have had a lot of dry springs and the rainfall pattern the rest of the year has altered, with many more severe downpours, causing flooding, in place of the gentle rain that was more typical of the British Isles.

Restaurants have been affected oddly here. It seems like Covid initially took some local restaurants out, but those who survived flourished(though there are some with cut hours, due to employee shortages). The restaurant my husband works at has been packed to overflowing, and with the new trend of carry out orders, there is more business than they can handle some days. Other than around local events, where many people are out on the town, he often has more hours than he'd like. They struggle with product unavailability as well. Right now its paper products and butter.

 

[Brickjectivity]

I'm not talking about how they've affected someone in a news article or a YouTube video, but you, or perhaps your family. Again, please share things that have happened, not things that could happen.

We are having warmer weather. Last year we received little snow. Autumn has come and changed the trees, but now we have entered a warm period. This year we're having our usual transitional, heavy rains, but the weather report shows they will be followed by 80F(26C) dry conditions instead of cold weather. This is so common here that we have names for it. As with last year I expect that we will have a late winter, an extensive spring leading gradually into a late summer.

Allergen levels will be off the charts. I expect that one could, with a fine enough net, drive down our highways and collect pollen to convert into biofuel.

I was not eligible for the debt forgiveness program, because I did not work for the correct kind of employer. Either that or I had the wrong information. Nevertheless my required payments are 0, currently.

I changed my medical policy to pay less per month.

Last month I made an appointment three weeks ahead to see a doctor, but when I got there I had to wait in a lobby with 4 people playing different kinds of music from their phones, a crying baby, a man humming loudly to block out the noise, someone playing worship music and also a TV running children's programming. It also smelled of alcohol. For someone like me this combination of sound, waiting and listening was pretty close to hell. I gave up and left after waiting 1/2 hour for my name to be called. If they're going to make me set up an appointment and wait for 3 weeks, the least they can do is warn me about being in some kind of torture room before the exam so I can bring something to stuff in my ears.

 

[JustGeorge]

We are having warmer weather. Last year we received little snow. Autumn has come and changed the trees, but now we have entered a warm period. This year we're having our usual transitional, heavy rains, but the weather report shows they will be followed by 80F(26C) dry conditions instead of cold weather. This is so common here that we have names for it. As with last year I expect that we will have a late winter, an extensive spring leading gradually into a late summer.

Allergen levels will be off the charts. I expect that one could, with a fine enough net, drive down our highways and collect pollen to convert into biofuel.

You're in NC, correct? That is where I found my husband... he would tell me about the pollen you speak of, but it wasn't until he came to Iowa that his allergies got miserable.

Was snow common in your area in previous years? My husband seemed pretty unfamiliar with it. The first snow of the year that we had after he moved here was light; you could still see the grass poking out. He looked out the window and panicked. "I can't go to work today; they're going to shut down the city!" I laughed and laughed... he couldn't figure out what was so funny.


This is a normal Iowa winter...

 

[Left Coast]

With all the political focus lately, and everyone alarmed that the US might be going to hell in a handbasket(or is already there), I sometimes stop and ponder reality... what's real, what's fears for the future, or indignity about the present, or upset about the past.

I hope most of you know me well enough to understand I'm not trying to make light of anyone's situations, or imply the future doesn't matter. But, I'm genuinely curious. Regardless of where you are in the world, how have political, environmental, or economic changes hit you, personally? I'm not talking about how they've affected someone in a news article or a YouTube video, but you, or perhaps your family. Again, please share things that have happened, not things that could happen.

For my own household, food prices have changed the way we eat. I'm a chef by hobby, but I have to make more of a point to use what we have rather than obtaining more. I'm learning to tweak recipes and stretch things out. We actually bring in more money than we did a few years ago, but are getting closer to living like we did when we were 'poor'. We're having to plan most purchases that are over 20 dollars. We're not suffering, but its a change.

In the last decade, the environmental patterns in my region have changed dramatically. There's almost always a drought. The frequent summer thunderstorms I loved so much are gone, and tornado sirens are rare(they used to go off at least several times a year).

Politically, the only thing I can measure that's changed(other than people's attitudes) is that our mayor and city council has done a fantastic job of helping revitalize our crumbling city. The downtown area still needs a lot of work, but its happening. New structures are being built, and new businesses are going in. Its taken awhile, but its refreshing to see things liven again.

Several things come to mind for me. The cost of living in California is absurd. Gas in particular is, last I checked, about $2.00 more per gallon here than the national average. I've watched the price of groceries and rent also go steadily up in recent years.

Homelessness is the other major issue that confronts me in my daily life. Tents line the sidewalks. Homeless people, either psychotic or high or both, wander into traffic, panhandle, and create scenes in public. The situation has become unsustainable and local politicians mostly point the finger at others to solve the crisis. Truly sad and frustrating to watch.

 

[The Hammer]

Hmmm... Not much has impacted me. The food and gas prices are ridiculous for sure. I've got a friend worried he won't be able to afford his rent soon (they keep raising his rate). Climate here has certainly shifted too. Summers are much hotter and drier. And the last 3 winters have been rather wet, and colder then usual. We're almost flooding out the river near us again.

 

[TransmutingSoul]

With all the political focus lately, and everyone alarmed that the US might be going to hell in a handbasket(or is already there), I sometimes stop and ponder reality... what's real, what's fears for the future, or indignity about the present, or upset about the past.

I hope most of you know me well enough to understand I'm not trying to make light of anyone's situations, or imply the future doesn't matter. But, I'm genuinely curious. Regardless of where you are in the world, how have political, environmental, or economic changes hit you, personally? I'm not talking about how they've affected someone in a news article or a YouTube video, but you, or perhaps your family. Again, please share things that have happened, not things that could happen.

For my own household, food prices have changed the way we eat. I'm a chef by hobby, but I have to make more of a point to use what we have rather than obtaining more. I'm learning to tweak recipes and stretch things out. We actually bring in more money than we did a few years ago, but are getting closer to living like we did when we were 'poor'. We're having to plan most purchases that are over 20 dollars. We're not suffering, but its a change.

In the last decade, the environmental patterns in my region have changed dramatically. There's almost always a drought. The frequent summer thunderstorms I loved so much are gone, and tornado sirens are rare(they used to go off at least several times a year).

Politically, the only thing I can measure that's changed(other than people's attitudes) is that our mayor and city council has done a fantastic job of helping revitalize our crumbling city. The downtown area still needs a lot of work, but its happening. New structures are being built, and new businesses are going in. Its taken awhile, but its refreshing to see things liven again.

What is happening, well in a nutshell, the old world order is rolling up, and a new world order is rolling out in its stead.

Our materialism has raped the planet and the natural order has been greatly unbalanced, the scales will tip. Humanity is learning war and predudices have no place in our modern world, a world where justice prevails.

IMHO, the Message of Baha’u’llah, the plan that God gave us, is unfolding.

Things will get a lot worse before they get better.

All the best, much love and peace to you.

P/S I see Australa will suffer great financial difficulties as well, most likely it will be global, but Australia known as the 'lucky country', has created a greedy country.

Regards Tony

 

[Brickjectivity]

You're in NC, correct? That is where I found my husband... he would tell me about the pollen you speak of, but it wasn't until he came to Iowa that his allergies got miserable.

Was snow common in your area in previous years? My husband seemed pretty unfamiliar with it. The first snow of the year that we had after he moved here was light; you could still see the grass poking out. He looked out the window and panicked. "I can't go to work today; they're going to shut down the city!" I laughed and laughed... he couldn't figure out what was so funny.
View attachment 68190

This is a normal Iowa winter...

I am in MS, the birthplace of Elvis Presley, Oprah Winfrey and James Earl Jones. Here the rain falls more randomly than it does in NC, because rain here does not wait until 5pm to fall. Our weather is strange, but its got nothing on yours.

 

[Brickjectivity]

What is happening, well in a nutshell, the old world order is rolling up, and a new world order is rolling out in its stead.

Our materialism has raped the planet and the natural order has been greatly unbalanced, the scales will tip. Humanity is learning war and predudices have no place in our modern world, a world where justice prevails.

You are leaving out a lot of the good positive things. Also I don't think global economics is going away permanently. It will be missed just as Nebuchadnezzar is missed when he temporarily goes insane. The countries will decide they want globalization back with safe shipping lanes etc. It will be Ok.