Thoughts on bartering

            If things get so difficult that bartering becomes a main source of getting the things we need, then here are some thoughts to start the process.

            First don't barter for a while. Now whether that is one month or several months will depend on the situation, and especially the season. Said another way, there is usually no imagined way to enter the barter process early. Said another way, time is on the side of those who wait and see what is going on. Now just how much time will depend on the situation and the season, like the cold season or the hot season, or even in-between seasons.

            Second, is not to barter away things we truly need, like food and seeds to grow food from.  Add salt into this equation, too. And clothes appropriate to the season we should keep, including all rain gear. The same applies to implements we would use, like axes, garden tools, etc. The assumption is that the existing fresh water and waste water system here can be protected and maintained.

            Third is to keep all security gear. Now that will depend on what is here, but at least initially, don't barter it away without thinking it out.

            Fourth is to keep most medical gear and medicines, and the Hemlocks has a lot. Before any is bartered away, a good inventory must be done. And keep in mind perhaps one can barter away portions, vice all or nothing, like save some for us. The appointed doc will have a lot of say in this matter.

            Remember we can't eat money. And assume a more Little House on the Prairie type existence. Most type A personalities will find it difficult as life slows down because it has to.

            And food spices get their own category for thinking about things.  We people like spices in our food, and the Hemlocks has a lot of spices, but how we might barter with it is to be determined.

            Now bartering should have a head barter person, like someone suited and that enjoys it. And this person will have a Hemlocks boss. Face it, some of us are better than others at bartering, and that may become an important job. And they will have some equipment to help them. One is a bicycle, two is a wheel barrow, and three is an utility cart. All three of these are designed for going to Monterey, a 20 minute walk from the Hemlocks, probably with security. And some humans may come here to the Hemlocks, and in this case coordination with security will be needed, probably to include establishing a barter area to go to, and no further. I would suggest the Cliff Field Pond area and shelter as a start, with people from Monterey using the TVA right-of-way for access.

            Another thought is that barter can be for things, and also for skills. The barter person should keep that in mind. For example, the Hemlocks may have a Home School that accepts some outsiders, like for split wood or food. And one with midwife skills should keep barter in mind, like help with a pregnancy in exchange for food. The lay minister may be able to offer religious services, too, though Monterey is full of lay ministers. The sky's the limit in what skills can be bartered. Heck we even have a cemetery area if needed. Most relatives also have a college education, and that will help in so many surprising ways.

            My last thought is the Golden Rule, like treat others like we want to be treated. That idea may often play into the barter equation. A community usually does best when people help each other as best they can.  And this community is pretty good at that. And the Hemlocks is part of that community.