There was a time not so very long ago that I thought of “preppers” as “nut-case conspiracy theorists” with irrational action plans. I still think some preppers are just that. But I am developing a growing regard for people who pay careful attention to potential social and political upheavals and who prepare to withstand their impact. Watching Trump and his acolytes chaotically deconstruct social and political systems that evolved over hundreds of years is terrifying. I seriously doubt his objectives have anything to do with saving money or creating efficiency; instead, I think he is setting the stage for an irreversible fascist regime that will outlast him and every member of his cult of followers. In other words, he is creating a Trumpian legacy that cannot be overturned without engaging in unspeakable violence. “Preppers” are readying themselves to respond to this horrific regime—by putting distance between themselves and the worst aspects of social collapse. They have sought and outfitted “hiding places” too remote for fascist thugs to pay attention. They amass stores of food, water, fuel, clothing, weapons, and an array of other items that will become necessities for survival when society as we know it begins to rot. The “preppers” probably are not planning to share their resources with the rest of us, who labeled them as “nut-case conspiracy theorists.” By the time it gets to the point when society’s degradation makes it necessary for us to “take cover” and fight for our lives, social cohesion will have evolved into intense distrust.
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When I checked out from my magnesium treatment yesterday afternoon, the oncology center staff surprised me by telling me I have another appointment this morning. But after last night’s battles with a stopped up chest, aching muscles, clogged sinuses, splitting headache, and too much sleeplessness, I have decided to call and cancel. My PET-scan is scheduled for tomorrow, but the weather forecast may cause that appointment to be cancelled, as well. My forecast for today is sleep…attempted sleep, at least…for as long as I can shut the world out of my mind. I finally gathered enough energy this morning around 6 to force myself out of bed. I need to be awake between 8 and 8:30 so I can cancel my early-bird appointment; once that’s done, though, I will do my best to plunge into a deep and restful sleep.
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Birds have disappeared from the trees outside my windows. I have no idea where they have gone; only that they are nowhere to be seen or heard among the branches where they usually frolic. It’s not just the birds that have suddenly become invisible. Squirrels and chipmunks and their larger mammal companions seems to have fled…or, at least, hidden themselves in plain sight. I suspect animals’ behavior responds to their uncanny ability to “feel” or “sense” or otherwise experience significant changes in the weather. Our cat’s behavior changes in advance of rainstorms, for example. Long before we have any sense of a change, the cat begins to pace, zoom around the house, and exhibit signs of fear or nervousness. The weather forecast for today and tomorrow and the rest of the week calls for snow, ice, sleet, and frigid temperatures. Unless the forest creatures and domestic pets can understand English, I think they have some way of knowing in advance that the weather is about to change…significantly. Perhaps the atmosphere can communicate directly with cats and dogs; in a language you and I cannot hear but that enables them to clearly articulate what to expect, weather-wise. Ah! I just saw a bird zip between some trees. I have no idea what that means in the context of what I’ve just written.
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Food holds no interest for me this morning. None whatsoever. Though I suspect I could be enticed to eat a perfectly ripe watermelon or a ruby red grapefruit. Oh, and an avocado.
