US streets full of formerly middle class

[chervilant]

7. I have been maintaining an internet connection

so that I can sell my stuff on eBay. I have to give my roomie $50 a month for the service, because we're in an extremely rural area. I can continue to use the internet, as long as I sell most of my art and teaching supplies.

While I appreciate your concern and your suggestions, I have checked with all of the local nursing homes and care providers. Our Independent Living non-profit was supposed to have me working by the middle of last month, but their HR person was abrupt and derisive the last time I called to find out why I am not yet working ("I TOLD you I won't be hiring anyone until we have a placement!&quot .

I continue to do volunteer work: I teach art at the tiny public library closest to my roomie's home, and I will be doing craft programs at the nearest nursing home. I can do that as long as I can put gas in my car, and my car is still running (it's ten years old). (I MUST have creative outlets--as the clever and under-appreciated Abraham Maslow determined, it's as essential to me as food, water and shelter.)

I have said herein before that I will not go quietly into that dark night, but I strongly believe that this economic crisis has not yet wreaked its fullest havoc. I don't know how I'll survive after my tangible resources are exhausted.