Are You Paying Lip-service to Survival?

[Todd]

I haven't started a thread on survival for some time because I became frustrated that while many people talked the talk, very few walked the walk. Everyone on this forum should recognize by now that it isn't a matter of whether bad times are on the way but rather when they will begin to occur and how bad they will be. So, why beat a dead horse?

Similar sentiments are found on a recent thread on The Oil Durm:

http://www.theoildrum.com/story/2006/2/12/15430/0735#comments

However, I was renergized by an excellent reply by Doc1 regarding his experience with Katrina on this thread:

http://www.timebomb2000.com/vb/showthread.php?t=186016

From a survival perspective, you must assume that the event or events that trigger collapse will occur no later then tomorrow morning. And, further, that the results will be worse then your worst nightmare. I intentionally used the word "collapse" because it avoids the usual mental masterbation that goes along with trying to prepare for a future where things aren't too good but not too bad. There are dozens of potential show-stoppers that could (and I believe will) cause a real collapse of society.

Replies to these statements typically fall into four categories: First, there are plenty of resources left and new technology will save the day in any case. There is nothing to worry about. Second, society will never collapse no matter what. Third, there is plenty of time to prepare. Fourth, the poster "can't do it." So, having heard it all before why have I resurrected the horse? I could claim some sort of moral imperative - but I can't. In fact, my reason is quite selfish; the more people who are prepared, the better my life will be - and so will everyone else's. I recognize that life will not be easy even with serious preparation. However, having grown up during WWII when there wasn't much stuff and most of what was there was rationed, I know life can still be fullfilling and even my grandparents 19th century lives were tolerable.

I think by now anyone who has read my posts over the past years recognizes that I believe people need to move out of harm's way and head for the hills. I debated whether to re-write what I had posted before or to simply link to an old post of mine that I believe is still valid. I chose the latter course because this one also includes many excellent comments:

http://www.timebomb2000.com/vb/showthread.php?t=72776

Well, I have pruning to do and a strawberry bed to clean out and firewood to cut...

Todd

 

[Deena in GA]

Thanks for the reminder, Todd. While many people aren't preparing for a complete collapse (although that would definitely be best), I do find more and more people in my area and on other sites that I go to who are beginning to prepare. Their eyes are definitely being opened and they are looking well past 3 or 4 days of food and stuff. I've been surprised recently to find out how thoroughly people are beginning to think things through and taking steps to mitigate the danger, shock, etc.

 

[homemakerof6]

Preps

Todd....I think theres more quiet preppers than you think there are. Maybe not to the extent they should be but I've been surprised lately at even some people I know that were totally sheeples that are now starting to wake up and do something.

 

[Brooks]

I have never attempted to prepare for anything worse than a really bad and extended time of it. With no children and soon no dependents (elderly parent on her way out) and no SO at the time, I guess there wasn't the incentive.

I remember prior to rollover when we were sizing up the y2k potential on a scale of 1 to 10 and declaring what we were preparing for. I figured I was aiming for something in the way of a 5 to 7 and hoping for something much less. It did occur to me along the way that if I was wrong and it was much worse, I would be at the mercy of those who were accommodating a 9 or 10. In other words, I would probably turn into one of those useless bottom feeders, although by almost all accounts I had done far more than any one around me IRL.

Todd, I salute you and I have appreciated your postings. For all the work you have put into a self-sufficient lifestyle, I do hope the failure of others (including me) do not make it impossible for you to function.

 

[alpha phi]

I know most people are not prepared for much of anything.
I not even close myself, I do understand how important it is.
I have learned much from experience.
for instantance, one day I went to work, just like any other day
The supervisors were standing by the time clock with a list
Lay off time.....good thing I susspected it was coming.
I had enough stores to make it through 5 months,
with very little income. many of my co-workers lost everything
I think Katrina served up a wake up call for many
even FEMA raised the prep level from a few days
up to six months.
Prepare for the worst.....hope for the best

 

[barb43]

We were prepped for a year, back at the end of '99 . . . but we ate the food, drank the water, used up the gasoline, and moved out of that small town in the mountains to the city. Now we're starting over on prepping, taking into account the way we eat today (vs. all the prepared foods we had stocked then) -- it's a bit trickier, but why stock food we don't like and that will make us ill? We're up to more than a month's worth of most items now.

As for "heading for the hills", i'm wondering where everyone is supposed to go? (such an admonition is frustrating, i'll admit it ) I live on the edge of probably the oldest mountain range in the US, and i still own property out there in the mountains -- but going there provides no greater safety or improved chances of survival than does living here on the edge of the city limits. So, i'm curious as to "how far" you think everyone should go -- both in prepping and in bugging out.

 

[breezyhill]

well, one short answer, out of possibly dozens, would be to say that prepping with just the thought in mind of 6 months of food and water, a'la fema's suggestion, is just not enough, as that's just a surface mentality that will break down into chaos when we do face the "collapse."

what people need is to be more self-sufficient, but that would entail being something more than an "entertained consumer", and 80% of the population is doing it's darndest to run with that crowd, or should i say herd, as in herd of sheeple?

i have talked till i have been blue in the face, and it has made no difference to my family. back in the late 70s, dh and i were one of those "back to nature" types, that bought an old house, started a garden, etc, etc..

no one listened then. very few listen now.

i have tried this tactic...thinking that i would start small, and let them see, from year to year, how easy it is to provide something for themselves, from the fruits of their own labors.

when asked for some plants for those who want to garden, i have given, and even planted for them, rhubarb, and told how it would come back year after year. i've done the same with asperagus, and parsely.

what do they do? momentary interest, and then the garden is overcome with weeds and then it becomes the kid's sandbox, or the outdoor cats' litter box.

so, Todd, i feel your frustration. i look at my family and friends and know that they are not going to fare out very well.

at this stage, i think those of us that are serious about surviving, those of us who actively seek out and hone and sharpen our skills on sustainable living, have to include this prep in our agenda...to have the ability to recognize that we will have to be the least recognizable, in terms of our ability to get on with it; or, we will have everyone at our doorsteps looking for a handout.

i figure, most people are going to be more willing to stand in lines for a govt handout.

think about potatoes. such an everyday item in our food choices.

but, how many people are going to take the time to ask how do you have fresh potatoes year after year?

are they going to invest the time and effort into learning how to plant potatoes, and figure out the best place to to store them over the winter?

and, how about, are they going to be willing to learn how to can them in the pressure cooker, and dehydrate them, so that you will have potatoes after the fresh ones run out, or go bad? and, you need to remember not to use them all up or you won't have any for next year's garden.

so, that's just one food item. just extrapolate that out to onions, beans, winter and summer squash. etc etc etc.

my family is all from appelachia. you had to do for yourself, or you did without, and something you failed to do today, could adversely affect you next month and next year, etc.

it's the mentality of folks nowdays that pi$$es me off. they know every daggone thing about this show or that show, or who's having who's baby in hollywierd, but they don't have a pot to pee in or a window to throw it out of, in terms of prep knowledge.

sorry for the rant, but this strikes a chord with me too.
breezyhill

 

[Splicer205]

Nice post, Todd, and good links you provided. Thank you.

IMO, even those of us who consider ourselves totally prepped are going to be in for a rude awakening. To those who haven't prepped at all, may God have mercy on them, because many others won't.

You said that replies to the survival statements typically fall into 4 categories. I'd like to add a fifth. Those who ridicule, by means of "you seem to WANT something bad to happen," or, "maybe someday you'll get your wish," or, statements to that effect.

Though the statements are probably coming from someone who realizes it's necessary, but fails, for whatever reason to do it, it does put a damper on those who are willing to offer information, assistance, or compassion.

There are many who are always hoping for another week, another month, another year. After wishing it, they'll often post about something they bought or did, that could have been used for preps. Then, they go back to wishing for that week, month, or year, still hoping things will hold out that long and things will be o.k.

Things will NOT be o.k. Prepping IMO, at this stage of the game, should come before almost anything. Most definitely ahead of the lastest fashion, cars, t.v.'s, vacations, dinners and evenings out, unaffordable parties, movies, etc.

My heart goes out to those who say they can't afford much, but did get another bag of beans, rice, cornmeal, etc. Those who try. Those who make more effort than excuses.

Brooks, this comment isn't aimed at you personally, but at the fact that many people feel that they will be at the mercy of others. They know they should prep, but feel that others will save them. They won't. And they also won't make it impossible for others to function. Many prep knowing that this mindset exists, and are ready for it. And it's not mercy they are going to hand out. I'm not saying this to be cruel, but to encourage you to rethink your situation and maybe stock enough foods, even if it's just some canned things, a few beans, oil, salt, etc. It may save your life, and it's you who's going to have to do it.

We are not going to be there for those who haven't prepped. The .gov is not going to be there. Fema is not going to be there. You are going to be on your own. There may not be Drs. available to help those who think they're going to demand food from others. The lucky ones who had mercy on them.
The unlucky won't have to worry about finding a Dr.

Breezyhill summed up my thoughts. Those of us who have been willing to share time, energy, help, money, and information are losing patience watching others who claim to want help, but really don't.
Those who profess an interest, yet when given a gift of freeze dried food to get them started, eat the food and tell you how much they enjoyed it and tell you it was really nice to have a quick treat before they went to the movies, and how much money they saved because they didn't have to eat out.

But, on the bright side, there are the ones who don't get the attention they deserve. Those who try to learn new skills, and make the effort. Like Diamonds, on another thread, who said she was going to be canning some butter and hamburg this weekend. It made me smile.

We have an opportunity to offer our children and grandchildren a brighter future by being a living example of being resourceful, prudent, learning new skills, developing new methods, planning ahead, and learning old ways for a new life. And by teaching them that all the wishing for the best isn't going to make it the best. Only action will do that. And it needs to be done now. Time is short.

Thank you for the opportunity to rant. And for the excellent thread.

 

[ainitfunny]

The other day I talked with a police officer who had moved into our neighborhood about "prepping" for emergencies. He said he was told to prep for 20 days minimum without social services, food, water, cash etc. The "official word" that they are still telling the public is 3 days, though.

 

[Brooks]

Brooks, this comment isn't aimed at you personally, but at the fact that many people feel that they will be at the mercy of others. They know they should prep, but feel that others will save them. They won't. And they also won't make it impossible for others to function. Many prep knowing that this mindset exists, and are ready for it. And it's not mercy they are going to hand out. I'm not saying this to be cruel, but to encourage you to rethink your situation and maybe stock enough foods, even if it's just some canned things, a few beans, oil, salt, etc. It may save your life, and it's you who's going to have to do it.

splicerswife, you may have misunderstood what I was trying to say. I have made extensive preparations, but I'm not self-sufficient in the long-term, not by Todd's standards. Since I never made that last leap, I realize if things were ever to be that bad I probably would be at someone else's mercy. It isn't that I'm counting on anyone else to save me. I'm just saying I realize that my extensive preparations do have limits.

Whatever is waiting out there, whether it is a 2 or a 6 or a 10, unless the community at large prepares for that magnitude, we will all be dragged down. It stunned me to realize I could be part of that dead weight given what I had already accomplished.

 

[okie medicvet]

There are many who are always hoping for another week, another month, another year. After wishing it, they'll often post about something they bought or did, that could have been used for preps. Then, they go back to wishing for that week, month, or year, still hoping things will hold out that long and things will be o.k.

Things will NOT be o.k. Prepping IMO, at this stage of the game, should come before almost anything. Most definitely ahead of the lastest fashion, cars, t.v.'s, vacations, dinners and evenings out, unaffordable parties, movies, etc.

My heart goes out to those who say they can't afford much, but did get another bag of beans, rice, cornmeal, etc. Those who try. Those who make more effort than excuses.

ouch.

I think I fall somewhere in between in that assessment there..I joined a Sam's club, and allowed my daughter to talk me out of a 50lb sack of rice, and a vacuum sealer..her reasoning "Mom, you can get it next month, you really need that chair for your back." The chair? an ergonomic office chair to sit on my butt and type on the computer, to replace my 'thrift store special' I got two years ago..

But I did get a flat of canned goods...

 

[Gingergirl]

Having had limited success with DH and DD1 and DD2 in getting them to do anything, anytime... I don't make much of an effort to convince other people to prep.

Neighbors can easily see that I have a large vegetable garden, and a few know that I do some canning. Most of them were born and raised in this part of the country and at least remember Mom or Grandma gardening and canning. Some have the equipment gathering dust in their basements. In a pinch they could adapt better and quicker than center city types.


This is one of the reasons that 10 years ago we decided to settle in a small town. We had to be realistic...DH is an engineer, I'm an accountant...we are not farmers. Just farming would have meant quick failure and poverty and heavy debt. Nor in middle age did we have the energy to Hobby Farm as a back stop while working in our fields.

OTOH, we were lucky that DH found honorable and interesting work that paid well, near a small town with a top rate education system, in a part of the country that allowed us to buy a house on 1 acre+, with a well and septic (some measure of independence), in area that has a good growing season.

I sew, knit, crochet, and in an emergency I can make a splint basket and spin wool. Over the years, I've taken several 1st aid courses, and studied nutrition.

We have the typical wood stove and generator and white buckets and security equipment. BUT, it doesn't work this way for everyone. AND, severe illness or BIG earthquake and we could lose it all.

However, to be realistic, if TSHTF life will change, probably in some unexpected ways. We will not be able to maintain our current life style, but we will get along just fine. If the people of Sarajevo are any indication, many others will get along too.

 

[Splicer205]

splicerswife, you may have misunderstood what I was trying to say. I have made extensive preparations, but I'm not self-sufficient in the long-term, not by Todd's standards. Since I never made that last leap, I realize if things were ever to be that bad I probably would be at someone else's mercy. It isn't that I'm counting on anyone else to save me. I'm just saying I realize that my extensive preparations do have limits.

Whatever is waiting out there, whether it is a 2 or a 6 or a 10, unless the community at large prepares for that magnitude, we will all be dragged down. It stunned me to realize I could be part of that dead weight given what I had already accomplished.

Thanks for clarifying that Brooks. I did misunderstand you and I'm glad you do prep. You have a lot to offer and are very intelligent, and could be a valuable resource in a SHTF situation.

It's probably not realistic at this time to think that very many are totally self sufficient, but those few cans, few bags, some salt, oil, and water will help many survive long enough to make plans.

I think that what you've prepped, even though not being totally self sufficient will go a long way toward not only NOT being dead weight, but make others willing to help you. Many are willing to help those who have tried, but have totally lost patience with those who haven't.

Once again, my post wasn't meant to be personal towards you, and thank you for pointing out that some do have that mindset, and are far too willing to hope others will care for them.

 

[sssarawolf]

Ditto

Splicerswife said it along with a few others, here, here. We also have very little left over for extra each month, but we are getting there, little by little. Its never off my mind to get a few exta cans of this and that, and can what i can from our garden. We also have one of our sons who does and enjoys learning the old way and wants to teach his 2 children he is raising himself., he sees it as being very nessary.

 

[Chronicles]

Prep for survival?

What are you all, some kind of conspiracy whacko's ...

Everything we need is just down the street at the fast food stand and the food store. I got 3 gas stations near me. Come on man ..

I saw jus how sweat the Katrina evac went and those folk lounging on them bridges.

I have thought maybe stocking up on some duck tape, because I watch alot of TV and my educational prograns, like the Red Green Show..

And even if I did put back a couple of cans of soda, I do think I would be glad later as I plan to get right with FEMA and hook up a desk Job to slow the supply line down.

YEP, I got all figured out.

 

[Splicer205]

ouch.

I think I fall somewhere in between in that assessment there..I joined a Sam's club, and allowed my daughter to talk me out of a 50lb sack of rice, and a vacuum sealer..her reasoning "Mom, you can get it next month, you really need that chair for your back." The chair? an ergonomic office chair to sit on my butt and type on the computer, to replace my 'thrift store special' I got two years ago..

But I did get a flat of canned goods...

Aww shucks, Okie, you gotta know I wasn't hitting on you. It's the mindset. We all have it. We all think that way, and it's so hard to put aside the pleasures when you look at what you have and think, "ahhh, that's enough of that. I think I'lll..........." and
do something for pleasure.

Thank you for saying that though, cause I think a lot of people probably think I was hitting on them, and I'm not. It's a desperate attempt to make people realize we've got a limited amount of time to do what has to be done. And you know that, and are taking steps to remedy it. And your daughter sounds like a real sweetie.

 

[Splicer205]

Splicerswife said it along with a few others, here, here. We also have very little left over for extra each month, but we are getting there, little by little. Its never off my mind to get a few exta cans of this and that, and can what i can from our garden. We also have one of our sons who does and enjoys learning the old way and wants to teach his 2 children he is raising himself., he sees it as being very nessary.

You're an example for all, Sssarawolf. It doesn't take much to put aside something that an end up saving a persons' life. And blessings to your DS. His children are very fortunate.

 

[Mongo]

We (my family and I) have moved beyond "prepping" and are trying to live a somewhat self-sufficient lifestyle.

to wit:

We have a flock of chickens for eggs and meat

We are working on our garden which will be bigger and better this year than last

We just bought two pregnant goats so by April we will be goatherds - milk and meat

We have wood stove ready to be installed and have been collecting firewood - but not enough yet

I'm looking for someone to drill a well on my place - we are on rural water now

We keep the heat set at 60 during the winter and the AC at 80 in the summer to acclimate and save fuel.

No additional power source but we don't NEED it. We have oil and kero lamps.

 

[okie medicvet]

Oh I know nothing was directed specifically towards me, splicerswife, but it is a thread meant as a 'wake up call', and that is exactly how I took it. Even though I might be making a road trip next month..I will still be getting the rice next month tho.

 

[alpha phi]

You said that replies to the survival statements typically fall into 4 categories. I'd like to add a fifth. Those who ridicule, by means of "you seem to WANT something bad to happen," or, "maybe someday you'll get your wish," or, statements to that effect.

I have to agree on the 5th type ... ridicule.
Even cashiers at the store a couple of times
one girl was scanning a box of powdered milk, and
said..."wow they still make this stuff?...What do you use it for?"
Another visit a young guy picked up a 10 lb bag of rice
and said "that's a big bag of rice" and looked at me like I was insane
I often get odd looks and comments when I buy a 25 lb. bag of flour
which I do about once a month....people think it is so strange
that I actually bake my own bread

 

[Todd]

Well, I'm happy that there is some interest in this - along with some good comments.

If I sound hard at times, it is because what we have now wasn't handed to us. Instead we've worked like dogs for years with very little money while we gave up all the things people seem to want.

When I was building our first house in the boondocks (which BTW was also the first house I had ever built), we lived in a 6x9' tent with our two cats for six months through rain and snow. We either bathed in a creek or from a shower bag hung from a tree limb. The "kitchen" was a table with a camp stove. When we finally got the power lines extended, we put the fridge out there too. The bathroom was...don't ask. When the real winter arrived, we moved into an unfinshed house with extension cords for a few lamps and the refrigerator. I finally got the load center wired on New Year's Eve so we had "real" power!

Further, I was giving up any hope of ever going back to work as a chemical plant manager if this didn't work out. This move burned all my professional bridges.

This is why I so passonately believe people can do it they really want to.

Todd

 

[nanna]

Well, I have (solar) power and a well, plus a 35000 gallon covered pool, so I have the basics covered, I hope.

I live in a rural, agricultural community, so I have access to food when my stash gives out.

And, I have a lot of stuff to barter with.

I've done as much as I can do with the resources available, hope it's enough.


nanna

 

[tsk]

alphaphi: people think it is so strange that I actually bake my own bread

You can do that????

just kidding!

tsk, tsk...

 

[Robinkies]

Same thing I say to my family every week "I've done as much as I can". Five years ago we bought 2 1/2 acres with a trailer, deep well and on a gravel road 8 miles from the nearest small town of 2500. Since then we have added our current home with a woodburning fireplace, built a two-sectioned chicken coop with two fenced off pens, well house to cover the well and for storage, another storage shed, garage, huge fenced off garden, barn and have planted various fruit trees, vines and bushes. The newest item is a smal herb garden I started last year.

We have chickens for eggs and meat, ducks, geese and one rabbit(looking for a mate). We have walnut and other trees on our property and woods that go for miles in the back. We purchased a log splitter last year and have a large amount of split wood stacked in rows. There is a small stream in the back of the property, a pond down the road and we are 1 mile from a large river.

I have various items for heating, cooking, lighting and the fuels to go with them, about 6 months worth of food preps and a year's worth of non-preps.

What I feel I am lacking is more knowledge and the support of my family. My family feels that I have lost my mind(except for my oldest DD who now sees the importance of prepping and does so) and roll their eyes whenever I mention something else that we should have just in case.

That's why I was a long time lurker here before I joined. It eased my mind to know that there were other people who thought like me.

Sorry for ramblin on.

I thank all of you,
Robin

 

[Tundra Gypsy]

I always seem to have prepping on my mind; but don't openly discuss it with others. Today is my birthday and I had mentioned to my hubby that I'd seen a nice little watch in town yesterday while shopping. He wanted to take me back today and buy it for me. I told him 'no' I'd rather spend the money on some canned goods. He just stared at me and said nothing...he isn't a prepper...could you tell?

 

[alpha phi]

You can do that????

just kidding!

tsk, tsk...

Yea!....That's about the response

It's a good thing I don't use much sugar
the store clerk might just call the revenuers up here

 

[tsk]

Tundra, happy birthday!

If you lived near me, I'd send over a can of green beans for you to celebrate!

tsk, tsk...

 

[Theophilus]

Great Thread...

Deena said:
While many people aren't preparing for a complete collapse (although that would definitely be best), I do find more and more people in my area and on other sites that I go to who are beginning to prepare

Maybe you personally know people who are preparing, I don't. Sometimes I wonder if I am bonkers. My DW has come to appreciate, but does not want to think about what may be coming. So, she nows humors me and prefers that I not talk about what may be inevitable.

Truthfully, I prep for life continuing as it is now and a little voice down inside tells me, "that isn't the way it is going to be."

Have five acres, large garden [well, I am in the third year, so still early stages of learning], have a well, half-acre pond, food for several months [depending on how many married kids shows up], etc.

On another thread was the encouragement to be in shape physically. That I have made a new goal of accomplishing.

More than that, I can't imagine the amount of desperation that will come because people aren't prepared spiritually and mentally.

Monday is my day off -- so today I have been to Sams, etc... working on my present list of things to get. And, as someone else said, prepping is a subject frequently on my mind.

 

[Todd]

Some of you are putting yourselves down because you're only doing...

Folks, you are better then 99.999% of the people and you should hold your heads high and be seen as beacons of light! And, I'm serious about that.

I mentioned a few things about our back to the land/screw the corporation trip in my last post. Let me add a bit more: I had come to believe that I wanted time to live not money by the late 1960's. I had had it with corporations for a variety of reasons. At the time I was a process development manager but not yet a plant manager.

We bought our first land in 1972 and moved onto it in 1974 when I was around 36 - I'm 67 now. We bought our current land in 1979 and have been, essentially established, for over 20 years. Like my homstead link, we did it all from building another house (I'd built a number more in between so I was a lot more proficient - but we still moved in with a tarp for a back door - and, yes, it was winter again), building a large shop/garage (FWIW, it's about 1,800sf), establishing a garden, orchard and vineyard. Hell, we were even a very small-scale certified organic farm at one point during all this.

While all this was going on, I developed an ajoining 17Ac parcel of land we had.

The reason we have what we have is because we were focused upon self-sufficiency and were willing to do what needed to be done. We found joy and love in one another and the beauty around us; not stuff.

I realize that it is virtually impossible to convince another person to believe as you do. As the folks on The Oil Drum said and you here, it can be a long and lonely road. Look at it this way, it is almost like converting to another religion. It requires givining up cherished beliefs. Some people can't do it.

Todd

 

[Gizmo]

Never stopped. Never will.

 

[von Koehler]

I would like to publicly thank Todd for his informative posts, sharing his experiences, and giving a motivational kick in the ass (from time to time).

You can prep, whatever that means to you, knowing that something bad is indeed coming down the road. It's not a doomer fanasty. It does seem to be part of human nature to go into denial, and party on instead.

Nature has its own way of dealing with those from the shallow end of the gene pool.

Flavius Aetius

 

[Gonecrabbin]

Thanks Todd-lots to think about. Are we ready? I'm not sure; alot depends on what happens. Can anyone really prep for every scenario? What you least expect seems to be what happens

What I've noticed is a great emphasis on stuff-food, weapons, tools,water,etc. Now all of those things are very important,in fact they are essential. It's great to have 6mo or a years worth of food and water stored along with a good defensive plan to protect your family and your preps-I am fully preped in that regard. But I'm also aware that time and circumstance can change things in the blink of an eye-that's why I think that the most important preps anyone can have is knowledge,common sense and the ability to adapt.

Earlier this year I ran a test with my family to see if we were ready to live without the benefit of modern society and all that comes with it. What an eye-opener! We went for 4 days before the pleading of my kids and to a lesser extent my wife, compelled me to cut the dry run of a week short. I reccomend that anyone who isn't already living the lifestyle of total independance give it a try-you might be in for an unpleasent suprise....

What did I learn? Even if you already limit the kids(I have 4) tv viewing, they will have tv withdrawal-especially if you don't have cards, board games, or some constructive work for them to do.

Also, try out your food recipes now, so it isn't a shock to the system when the shtf- include "comfort "foods within reason I could go on here, but I'm sure you get the point. A dry run test for when the s really does hit the fan is important.

Another point I'd like to make is that it is important to have family,friends,orneighbors who are of like mind if at all possible. And what about cross-training? Will there be someone who has medical training around if needed?I'm a commercial fisherman and make a good living at it-and will rely on my skill to feed my family when the time comes-but what if someone gets hurt? I am also a registered nurse probably the only commercial fisherman in FL to have that distinction as well
-but I believe strongly in cross training or networking with a diverse group of like minded individuals. That has been the most difficult aspect of prepping for me-finding GI's who I trust and am comfortable associating with.
Todd-again thanks for a thought provoking thread


I

 

[okie medicvet]

You can do that????

just kidding!

tsk, tsk...

that's not that hard to do! Just get the frozen loaves and let them thaw out, then pop them in the oven.


JUST KIDDING!

 

[cannoncocker]

In my heart of hearts, I know you are right: COLLAPSE is what we will one day see. It will be awful, and many will die. I expect to live and prosper, but it will be hard.
Good post Todd.

 

[Todd]

I sincerely appreciate the thanks, But I have a thank you to give to Doc1 for his post that got me going again.

Todd

 

[justRose]

prepped? yes

An important prep is COMMUNITY there is no long term survival without it. Check out your local churches and groups find out about your neighbors ask where would they go if a storm knocked out their power for a week. Don't bowl em over with TEOTWAWKI just softly speak the answers can be surprising.

A registered nurse across the road and a bone doctor 1/2 mi away.

 

[okie medicvet]

gonecrabbin, you made an excellent post with some very good points!

I learned the hard way after the ice storm in OK the first winter I was here how important board and card games can be, and how fast cabin fever can set in! We were saved by pokeopoly (pokemon version of monopoly board game my son had)
and checkers! Also by doing volunteer work at the baptist church up the street from us..even at the age of about 8, my son wanted to help, and did! We had no power in our house for 26 days, but were very lucky..had gas hot water heater, gas stove, gas heat..so we could stay at home, and even shower at home..some of our volunteer work was making sure the showers were clean in the church's 'gym' so people could come over each day and keep taking them and making sure that no one took too long in the shower as the lines were usually pretty long. People did band together, which is one of the things I really like about a small town, but I can't help but wonder if that would be the same with a different kind of disaster, one more long term in nature? I think it would begin the same, but only with a great deal of local leadership would it remain that way..I only hope that when push comes to shove someone will step up to the plate.
and this really hit home with me too:

but I believe strongly in cross training or networking with a diverse group of like minded individuals. That has been the most difficult aspect of prepping for me-finding GI's who I trust and am comfortable associating with.
Todd-again thanks for a thought provoking thread

Getting to know and make friends with 'like minded individuals' is very important to me as well. It has been a little difficult with me since sometimes there are days when I can't leave the house with my agoraphobia (one of the symptoms of my ptsd), but I have managed to get through it sometimes and the results have been very rewarding, as I have already managed to visit two people from this site, and plan on going back to one of them this sunday if at all possible.

Also will continue to cultivate friendships online and get to meet people offline whenever I get a chance.

 

[hummer]

What a great thread......

In thinking back to my childhood I realize that as a kid I always wanted to be a pioneer.....Previous life influence maybe??? Along with that I grew up dirt poor in a large metro area....we had a corner lot not far from downtown. My mom taught me how to make the little food we had stretch to feed the 6 of us and have it be healthy at the same time. My dad taught me the value of $$ and how to make that stretch. And he also taught me about TOOLS ) And they both taught us the value of hard work.....work hard at any task, job we did. We were taught how to fix what went wrong in the house, car, bikes, etc. I did the yard work. We had a small garden in the yard...and my dad taught me how to preserve those tomatoes and peppers. And all the time telling us to put a little of everything away because you will, not may, but will need it someday. I lost my way when I was married. Afterward, my kids and I found ourselves "up north" surrounded by people who were trying to live their lives the way most of us on the thread are trying to live ours.......what a Godsend that was! I really "lucked out"..... I soon found my way again, because of the knowledge my folks had given me, and help from wonderful neighbors.....and necessity...we were able to survive with little $$$... and lots of hard work. But I still wasn't thinking to hard about really "living the life" because of what was coming down the pike. I have to admit that the threat of y2k really hit me hard and made me open my eyes....that and 9.11. My kids have now lost their way as far as the "putting things away for those hard times". The youngest one thinks I am a little eccentric.....but she always loves the fresh food from the garden in the summer and the warm heat from the wood stove in the winter. And she licks her lips when I tell her I hope to have a blueberry patch and apple trees. I do not think I would be able to go it alone if things became really bad......older age and a beat up body.....But again, I am in an area where neighbors believe in helping their neighbors. And the area has skills that range from farmers to organic growers to trades people to animal vets to emts with great medical skills, and people with lots of knowledge. And we barter and trade and do for others now! Hopefully it will still work that way when the times become tougher. I know I am kinda rambling here.....It just seems that since I was a kid I have been preparing for what is coming.... and I am still a long way from being ready. I have more skills than supplies....lol.... but that doesn't really say much . Anyway, thanks to all here at the board and on this thread who have been a wonderful source of encouragement and knowledge. Ok, I am done rambling.......

 

[Jackpine Savage]

Another great post Todd. My DW and I are headed down a path very similar to the one you have outlined and lived. Before we were married a year and a half ago we had each acquired tools and practiced many useful skills, but now we are starting fresh on a new farm, with a goal to be as self reliant as possible.

I've been working on a planning outline, much of which was gleaned from informative posts here on TB. I hope within a few days to post it to get some feedback and generate ideas.

 

[Theophilus]

Hummer, what a great post!! And those neighbors of yours will be [and are] just as lucky to have you as their friend as well.

There may be a common thread from many of us here on TB2, that is -- we were raised in very poor circumstances and wish never to be dependant upon others -- if it is at all possible.

My suspicion is that while you think your kids have lost their way -- they are very aware of your life-style and will draw from it when all else fails.

Theophilus