Plan Ahead

Living alone as I do out here in the back-of-beyond, it's necessary to plan ahead.  The cupboards are stocked with a second, backup staple so I don't get caught without.  Whenever I open a jar, can, bottle, box, or bag of something, that something immediately goes on the shopping list (a dry-erase board on the refrigerator).  When the stores are miles away or close at dark, it doesn't pay to run out of anything.  Case in point, I found out yesterday that Clay is coming up later this morning.  Bread doesn't keep well and I don't use much anyway, but it did seem ungracious to have to ask him to bring a loaf so I can make him some lunch.  I am out.

On property as large as this, it pays to pre-think every project.  It isn't as if you can holler out, "Honey, bring me a thingamabob, doohickey, whatchamacallit, or widget!"  I logged many miles as Steve's gopher (go-fer) when he'd send me back down to the shop or the barn for some forgotten tool.  I may load up with more screwdrivers or wrenches than necessary, but that's better than having to stop mid-project to get another size.

Probably the most important thing to remember is to put a fresh roll of toilet paper nearby when the one in use is getting low.