Highlandsgal, you're funny as hell. You too, C5. I hope to meet you guys soon.
Great post, as always, C5! Thank you very much.
In my family, the skills you mention you DO have would have made you a very welcome guest at my house/my family's house, believe me! In fact, you would probably have been invited to stay forever. I love your attitude. And, honestly, attitude IS everything (or at least the 'first thing' one needs) since it sets the stage for ingenuity, perseverance, and hope - all critical to survival.
Congratulations on all the things you learned during this past while, while 'in the dark'. That knowledge and, more to the point, experience, is invaluable for you and your family. But the best thing is that you shared it here to give others things to think about and assess when it comes to their own lives/preparations.