Back of the Driver's Neck, 65th Day of Childwinter, 525 M.E. (Electra): I got into a conversation with the produce manger at my local supermarket. He confirmed that the majority of their berries come from Mexico this time of year, even if the suppliers are based in Florida or Texas. He also confirmed that any day now, I can expect to see steep price increases due to Mumps' tariffs on Mexico. 

Why am I picking berries to talk about the tariffs? Because that's what will affect me first and most directly: since about this time last year, berries have been an important part of my diet. A bowlful of berries over yogurt (plain, nonfat) make up one of my  meals each day, and in a week I go through at least 12 ounces of blackberries and raspberries, 24 ounces of  blueberries, and 32 ounces of strawberries (actually, that many ounces of berries go through me each week). Today, those berries cost me $22.50 (my receipt claims I saved $5.91, but over what, some random price they could have charged me?). A 25% tariff, however, could drive the cost up to $28.12 or more, depending on whether the wholesalers and retailers mark up the markup. 

I'll survive, at least with regards to berries. But I'm still driving a 2009 car, which won't last forever, and someday I'll probably need a new computer. 

Mt point is tariffs suck and Mumps is stupid.