What modern conveniences are the least we need?

[MerryBlooms]

130. My sister and I share a mobile home.

We've updated all our appliances to energy efficiency, including hot water heater, and refrigerator within last 6 months. We'll replace the heat pump this fall, then in November, the furnace. We have ceiling fans to help circulation. Our temperatures have risen quickly, and we've had lots of days in the mid 90's and some 100's, with more coming. Our highest bill has been $115, and I don't think that's horrible for 1,500 sq.ft'.

I buy my clothes at the close-out goodwill bins, by the pound. Lol It's the stuff goodwill got for free, jacked up the prices so high, no one bought. So, you grab a shopping cart, and get some beautiful items for little a nothing. Many items I buy still have store tags on them I buy for me and 3 women out in the homeless area behind our house. I'm also able to sometimes get them nice sleeping bags, boots, coats, backpacks, etc... and a whole cart will cost under $40! I do by them new sock and unders tho, because I don't skimp on that. But, if folks want to help the coats for kids, or others in needs, check to see if goodwill has a Bins in your area! Goodwill makes a huge profit no matter what.

My 23 y/o Honda Accord 5 manual, has 105,000. I don't drive much except work, I fill up about every 6 weeks. I mostly run the a/c when my sister is with me, otherwise, I do okay with windows down, unless over 95 degrees, then I splurge on myself after work, that way I am way less cranky from heat and nutty drivers.

We have zero lawn. We do have a combination of tropical oasis and vegetable gardens. As soon as you walk up our sidewalk, the temperature drops about 10 degrees. We have lush arbors, Orientals maples, and green covering the whole lot, except river rock and moss paths. Hundreds of iris, hundreds lily of every type, clematis, star jasmine, wisteria, rose arbor, hosta, shasta daisy, trumpet, lily of the valley, mums, succulents, cactus... You name it, it's probably here by design, squirrel or bird! I replaced all our sprinkler heads... I'm peak watering now, but our water bill was $35 last month, so will be a bit more this month.

We have hummingbird bath fountains hanging, plus regular fountains and bird baths. Large tolling chime that reminds me of the church bells when I was a kid.

I have battery yard and hand tools. I'm not strong enough to handle the upkeep without them, and there's no way we could afford to pay for someone to come in to do what I do to maintain our oasis. It's a lot of work, but it brings us such joy! Now, inside the house is different story. I can't do much of that on my own anymore, especially working outside our home. We share all the cooking and cleaning, but we pay (well) for repairs and such.

I'm 60, I have been working on lightening my worldly possessions for years. My sons have chosen not to have children. That's huge in the positive column. They have zero interest in most family keepsakes, except items that directly relate to myself and husband; wedding rings, jewelry my sons helped choose, our hope chest, things with wonderful memories and meaningful. Definitely not old family photos from ages ago of people they feel no connection, not even the old tintypes.

There's a lot more we will do. We have been talking about trading in our cars for something better environmentally wise. But, we still need 2 cars, because while I'm at work, my youngest sister needs to get our oldest sister to doc appointments and the Bins! Lol

I know I've rattled on, but I really enjoyed your OP, and the responses. Plus, really good day at work, even though it was way long.

Have a lovely evening.