[HillsideHomesteader]

My parents live in Rogersville, I am near Bristol. I have not formally started or joined a MAG, but my mind is right there with you. Over the last 6 or so months, I have been much more intentional about getting to know people that live very close to me as well as being deliberate about identifying and vetting other like-minded people within about an hour from me. I think the vetting part is very important. As an example, I started a discussion with a nearby neighbor some time ago about being more prepared. Early in the conversation, he had commented that if things got bad, he would just shoot one of the cattle in the area to feed his family, he wouldn’t let them starve. He also said that he would be a good person to run security in the area if things got bad, and I could focus on growing food. I made my mental notes, then “tested” the water a few more times. I went down with my tractor to help clear an area for him that was formerly a garden and a good site for one. All he had to do when I was done was light a match to burn the brush and start the garden. Two years later, the pile is still there. Also 2 years later, I now have cattle on my property. I have not forgotten that early statement he made about feeding his family. I get that part to a degree, but someone that won’t take responsibility right now, instead opting for stealing from someone later, doesn’t rate very high on my scale. He is considered a “threat” in my view, not an ally. I still chat with him when I see him and I am neighborly, but I maintain an observant buffer.