Re: Hang on tight, is it going to be a bumpy ride?
 

When the consumer is the one choosing to spend on a domestic product, rather than being prevented from buying foreign, they can assess value for money. Current spending is based on buying a shitload of low quality stuff. Quality has gone out the window as a buying criteria. If instead we bought quality, we'd buy less stuff but also not have to replace it as often. Disregarding the environment for a moment, does anyone really want to eat on paper plates year-round? Sure, they are cheaper at the time of purchase, but you have to keep replacing them, they aren't as good as pottery-based plates, and you end up spending more over a lifetime.

The clothing market has been able to justify poorly made clothing because it whirls the fashions around faster. This may appeal to the young, but it does NOT appeal to me. Same for shoes.

Re: Hang on tight, is it going to be a bumpy ride?
 

You are on. :thumbsup:
Cheers for that. Its one of the new things I want to do this year.
I have the plot already picked out in the backyard. Its about 20' square and full of triffids at the mo. A little chemical warfare and a serious rototilling session and I will be ready this spring to plant fruit and veggies. We are mid-Atlantic as far as growing goes. Humidity requiring an auqalung in the Summer. Perfect for growing anything green. EXCEPT OKRA. :eek: (banned in my place) :)

One constant I have seen here (and I'm sure most expats see this also) is that the US offers enormous choices. Trouble is, most buy the rubbish quality (WalMart, eg) Which is fine for them who have nothing (believe me, I've been there, here and it doth sucketh) but after a while, if you can afford it, you want quality don't you? So now, I'd much rather wait, save and buy something decent than buy the junky TV that packs up 1wk after you chuck out the Wallyworld receipt. :D;)

But the lesson just hasn't been learned here. People are slightly less materialistic than they were then, but that credit demon is still as strong as ever (its sooo hard to avoid hopping on the bus here isn't it?) They have just found other ways of buying on "the knock" in addition to those little bits of plastic.
Eh? :)

Re: Hang on tight, is it going to be a bumpy ride?
 

Oh noes! Don't start the chemical warfare yet.. you have pristine soil, let's keep it that way.
We get triffids too; they CAN be dealt with. And the rototilling? Well, hold off on that too. It disturbs the nematodes or something. That said, if you've got the machine, and you will promise to amend the soil...

Have you looked up what your hardiness 'zone' is? That will help you with planting timing and what will do well. And do have a list of what you'll be likely to eat and not, that is good.
The only thing you need to really shake it on is peas if you want those. They're supposed to go in on St Patricks Day night.

If you want lettuce and spinach, it could be very close to your time too. Look for your last frost free day on that map page.

Re: Hang on tight, is it going to be a bumpy ride?
 

I agree with you on that, absolutely. I am astonished by the number of people that eat off paper plates by choice and at home.

If I were a crazed dictator, I wouldn't put people into "political re-education centers", I'd be herding them into forced Home Economics classes.