Homesteading is hard work. What happens when we get old and can't do what we used to do?

One tool I use a lot is a vacuum sealer for food going in the freezer. It greatly increases the shelf life. Here's the one I currently use:

Nesco Vacuum Sealer

I attended a funeral for a friend's mom this weekend. She was a strong Texas woman, respected and admired by all who knew her. What will people remember about us when we're gone?

There is so much more knowledge now than there was in the 19th century. We can leverage modern skills to make life in a grid-down situation easier.

Louvenia shares her experiences as the wife of a Texas Ranger on the frontier in the 1870s.

Some skills have gone by the wayside, but would be helpful in a long-term grid-down world. Here is a link to a blog with what looks like pretty good instructions on specific hand sewing skills:

Essential Stitches

Gardening is made easier with specific tools. The warren hoe is a good example.

Some skills are valuable no matter the conditions we live in. Problem-solving, navigation, and negotiation will serve you well in all situations.

We finish up Fannie's story with Indian raids and religion.

When we discuss "having skills", what exactly does that mean? Are we just talking about old traditional skills, or does that include modern day skills?