There’s a fine line I notice, between what may be considered affection…”a squeeze”, and the slightly more rigorous version, “the crush.” It’s possible the difference in perception depends on how ready you are when the squeeze/crush occurs.

Walmart reminded me of this phenomenon today. I feel like I have been squeezed and squeezed and crushed a few times since Covi_d. The pressure I can say certainly (if I am conscious of learning) helps me recognize what has value what does not.

For example, driving in Lynchburg, I realized in a SHTF scenario, a tattoo isn’t going to be worth much. The CVS isle labeled “Food” offered soda, chips, and other packaged/processed stuff that appears to be food.

Let’s face it, if I am starving chips soaked in industrial by-product corn oil isn’t going to save me. And there-in is “the crush.” Big businesses that have been selling us plastic sh** from China the last thirty years since “globalization,” are killing us. And, I hope they go bankrupt. Or, go to jail for it. Likely both.

Vikings are a hardy stock, rather frightening sorts (my ancestors); but, I am fortunate for the lessons learned. Always prepare for winter and emergencies. Keep dried beans. Be dependable! And useful. Sometimes, there isn’t anybody else around to help. If you don’t work, you don’t eat.

If I sound like a hardass it because my mother never let me loller on a couch as a child. When I asked her why can’t we have a couch like other families on the South Shore of Boston where I grew up, she said: “If we have a couch, you will be laying on it.”

Comfort wasn’t a thing at my house. I sure am thankful for that! Because there’s going to be a lot of uncomfortable folks out there that have only ever known comfort, ease, and security.

I use to envy those people growing up. I don’t envy them now.