Hey everyone, I just wanted to take a moment to preach to the choir again. Since my last newsletter talking about the supply chains but it has been confirmed to me.

Aside from the news article after news article talking about the global supply chain shortage, an international shipping broker friend of mine in California had a long chat with me last night.

For those of you that do not know, I spent 12 years of my life as a logistics expert. My job was simple, get needed supplies from one place to another. While I never did imports I was well versed in getting things around the country, into Canada and Mexico.

One thing I do know is that America is the land of imports. A large portion of our goods and even food is imported into the country or at the very least, do not come from our local area.

With the mandates looming for vax and a large number of employees refusing to take the shot, a major portion of the American workforce seems willing to walk off of the job. Union Pacific is just the latest to say it looks like they are putting thousands of people on the chopping block.

Another thing that is about to take a hit, and it kind of already is, is magnesium. Most of our Magnesium is imported from China and those shipments are not flowing in. What is a major product of Magnesium? Aluminum. We use a lot of aluminum, from electronics to automobiles, to aircraft, and tons of small little things within our own homes.

The government released a statement last week talking about the upcoming fuel shortage this winter. That means tougher to get and more expensive fuels. As a blacksmith, I can already attest to the fact that propane is climbing in price dramatically. Fuel oil, Natural Gas and even Electricity is trending towards higher prices as well.

Between rising food and fuel prices, an increase in unemployed folks, and the forecast for a colder than normal winter, I foresee the making of a long and dark winter for many folks.

Holiday hint (especially for you last-minute folks):

I highly recommend you got everything you need now. Food for the holiday meals and presents for whomever you are wanting to buy presents for. I think the closer we get to the holiday season the more bare the shelves will be and the higher the prices will be.

With all that said. pay attention and be prepared. I want all of us to ride through this winter as easily as possible.

The Homestead Padre

Dark Winter