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Keeping in Touch:  Are you a prepper?  |
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woolgirl
True Blue Farmgirl
883 Posts
Elizabeth
Great Lakes
IL
USA
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 Posted - Mar 25 2012 : 10:55:45 AM
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I wouldn't call myself as much of a "prepper" as I would "preparer". I guess there isn't much of a difference, but to me it just is being prepared to a lesser extreme. Since we move so much it is hard to build up a supply of needed supplies, especially since we are only allotted a certain poundage for big moves. But we do have a few shelves in the basement with boxes of MRE's, canned foods, water, blankets, medical supplies, and a few other things. We could probably get by for a few weeks, I would like to get that up to 6 weeks. Those shows about the bunkers do crack me up though. Especially the "zombies" bit. But the amount of money some of those people spend blows my mind!
Liz
Farmgirl #1947
www.militaryfarmgirl.blogspot.com
http://www.etsy.com/shop/MilitaryFarmGirl |
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Oggie
True Blue Farmgirl
482 Posts
Ginny
Machias
Maine
USA
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Posted - Mar 26 2012 : 7:48:54 PM
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Diane, thanks for the laugh! You hit the nail on the head girl! "If you were really a Doomsday Prepper, the last thing you would do is go on a show like that and tell everyone where your stash is!"
Ginny
Farmgirl #2343
www.thedewhopinn.com
www.etsy.com/shop/cybertiques
"I always have a wonderful time, wherever I am, whomever I'm with."
"Well, I've wrestled with reality for 35 years, Doctor, and I'm happy to state I finally won out over it." Both by Elwood P. Dowd (Jimmy Stewart) in the Movie Harvey
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Ninibini
True Blue Farmgirl
3797 Posts
Nini
Pennsylvania
USA
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Posted - Mar 26 2012 : 9:45:34 PM
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I'm all for being as self-sufficient as possible, Diane, believe me! You're okay in my book - Tops! THE BEST!!!
That's so funny and so true, girls. That's one thing that really cracked me up - when the husband from the older couple boasted how nobody knew where they're stash was, and then in the next moment his wife yelled out for him to get something for her from storage in the barn! My son immediately picked up on that one and exclaimed, "Well, the jig is up! Your secret is out now!" LOL!
And I know what you mean, Liz. My foster daughter and I were discussing that the other day. She asked how in the world do these people afford this? I'm figuring some of them have tapped into retirement funds or something. One guy said that this is all he spends his money on, so there you have it. I imagine he doesn't get to really enjoy life very much; it doesn't seem like much of an existence to me, but, like you said, Rachel, to each his own.
Regarding the zombies: We watched a really silly movie tonight called, "Bubba Hotep." It was about an undead zombie preying on elderly patients in a nursing home, sucking their souls in order to survive. It really was a stupid movie, almost "campy," but funny. Anyhow, the two patients who fought the zombie simply squirted him with a mixture of rubbing alcohol and gasoline (Eghads!), and then lit it him on fire. I absolutely, hands down do NOT recommend anyone try that at home, but I will say, it looked pretty effective. Maybe we should stock up on some rubbing alcohol, just in case the zombies attack!
I loved LOVED the one with the couple who have turned their pool into a self-sustaining ecosystem. though! They were AWESOME! I wouldn't want that in my backyard, but you have to give them credit where credit is due. The way they have it all working together - that's just amazing. Kudos for their ingenuity!
I also loved the woman from Massachusetts (I think that's where she was) who thought prepping and setting goals for her entire community to work together to help each other through was the key instead of stockpiling weapons. To me, she seemed pretty darn smart. It seems much more sensible that the only way people are going to survive something like this is if they pool their skills and resources, and work together for the common good. (If you and your family are the only ones to survive, and if you kill off all "intruders," how in the world are you going to re-populate, as they discuss doing? Boggles the mind.) I'm sure in that type of scenario that weapons would have their place, too, but I would hope they would be more necessary for hunting. I had to laugh when the guy said he wasn't worried about weapons and how he'd just invite strangers in, show them his abundance, and share a meal with them. He said if he felt threatened by them, he'd just poison their food or hack them while they were sleeping. WOW! That's a creative thinker, there! I bet rat poison and a hatchet would go a long way and be a whole lot cheaper than guns and ammo! Eghads! LOL!
This weekend I caught the tail end of Joel Osteen which made me think about these people on tv. His message was that it isn't so much that God helps those that help themselves as it is that God helps those who reach out and help others. He said, in effect, if you are using your resources to help others in need, you can rest assured that God will ensure that the needs of you and your family are met, along with plenty to continue giving away. I truly do believe that - experience tells me that God is bigger than anything that comes our way. If we truly want to survive, it's going to take a heck of a lot more than bunkers, weapons and canned goods. I, for one, truly believe that in a doomsday scenario, we're going to definitely need to rely on and trust in Him, whether we believe - or like it - or not. :)
I had posted in the Farm Kitchen strain, but do any of you know whether those juice bottles (#1 pete) can be used for storing dry goods? I know you can't use them to store water or for juice or kool aid or any other type of beverage, but I think if they're food safe they would be so great for the abundance of rice, flour, etc. we buy in bulk. We'd use soda bottles, but we just don't buy or drink a lot of pop. We do, however, purchase Ocean Spray cranberry juice, and the jugs are just so nice - it would be great if we could recycle them in that way!
Hugs -
Nini
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(='.'=)
(") (")*
Farmgirl Sister #1974
God gave us two hands... one to help ourselves, and one to help others!
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Edited by - Ninibini on Mar 26 2012 9:48:16 PM |
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rksmith
True Blue Farmgirl
660 Posts
Rachel
Pembroke
GA
USA
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Posted - Mar 27 2012 : 3:07:07 PM
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We reuse them for making ice. I would think that if you are concerned about plastics leaching toxins into your food or BPA then it probably wouldn't be good for storing dry goods, but if that isn't a concern then I don't see why not. I actually hadn't thought about using them for dry goods. If we buy some I'll have to keep that in mind. Thanks for the idea. Why can't you use them to store other liquids?
Rachel
Farmgirl Sister #2753
True enlightenment is nothing but the nature of one's own self being fully realised-- His Holiness the Dali Lama
http://madame1313.wordpress.com/ |
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Ninibini
True Blue Farmgirl
3797 Posts
Nini
Pennsylvania
USA
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Posted - Mar 27 2012 : 3:23:49 PM
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Thanks, Rachel! From what I've read, with this particular level of pete plastics, it's impossible to remove all the sugars and bacteria once they're empty - even if you use a bleach mix. I had been using them to reconstitute frozen orange juice for a long time, never knowing how harmful that could be (not that OJ lasts very long in this house! LOL!). Here's a link to Fema's .pdf concerning approved food and water storage that explains it much better: http://www.fema.gov/pdf/library/f&web.pdf The only thing is, on every site I've looked I only see reference to these containers being bad for liquid storage... I would LOVE to know they are safe for dry goods. They're so sturdy, they've got handles... I love them. I suppose worst case scenario we can use them for things like rock salt, fertilizer and laundry soap - maybe? I don't know if they would chemically react with the plastic, though. I'll have to look into that a little bit more. Anyhow, this year's Farmer's Almanac listed the different grades of pete containers and their "safe" uses as well, but, again, they didn't really mention the whole leaching of toxins into dry goods. I guess what it boils down to is "better safe than sorry." Oh well... Maybe another farmgirl will be able to shed some light on this for us! :)
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(='.'=)
(") (")*
Farmgirl Sister #1974
God gave us two hands... one to help ourselves, and one to help others!
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levisgrammy
True Blue Farmgirl
3822 Posts
Denise
NJ
USA
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Posted - Mar 27 2012 : 5:16:21 PM
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We do store water and such things as we would need if the power goes out for an extended length of time. I have to remember not to get caught up in such things as then I forget where I put my trust. Not in myself or others but in the Lord. We should prepare but I believe it is foolish to go overboard.
farm girl sister#43
http://www.ladybugsandlilacs.blogspot.com/
O, a trouble's a ton or a trouble's an ounce,
Or a trouble is what you make it!
And it isn't the fact that you're hurt that counts,
But only--how did you take it?
--Edmund C. Vance.
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rksmith
True Blue Farmgirl
660 Posts
Rachel
Pembroke
GA
USA
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Posted - Mar 28 2012 : 3:17:42 PM
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Wow. Thanks for that info, I did not know that!
Rachel
Farmgirl Sister #2753
True enlightenment is nothing but the nature of one's own self being fully realised-- His Holiness the Dali Lama
http://madame1313.wordpress.com/ |
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Fiddlehead Farm
True Blue Farmgirl
4427 Posts
Diane
Janesville
Wisconsin
USA
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Posted - Mar 28 2012 : 6:04:26 PM
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Did anyone see last nights Doomsday Prepper show? The old guy (mad scientist), who has been building the underground bunker big enough for 500 people. It is a bunch of old school buses buried underground and linked together. He has been doing this since the 80's! He plans on saving 500 children and then repopulate the earth after the nuclear war. He even has "go away" kits to give to the children's parents. In other words, leave your children but you have to go away! I know he thinks he is really helping mankind, but all I can think is what a waste of his life. If all you do for 30 years is plan for the end of civilization, it must be a very sad life.
I get so torn because my DH is such a doom and gloom thinker. I just can't live like that. I just want to be more self sufficient and learn as many old skills as I can. I really enjoy the fruits of my labors so much more than the spoils of my consumerism. I just can't live every day planning for the end of days. We have some food, equipment, guns and ammo, seeds and other necessities stored but I do it more for the self sufficient reason than the doomsday one.
http://studiodiphotosite.shutterfly.com/
farmgirl sister #922
I am trying to be the person my dogs think I am.
I get up every morning determined to both change the world and have one hell of a good time. Sometimes this makes planning my day difficult.
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Ninibini
True Blue Farmgirl
3797 Posts
Nini
Pennsylvania
USA
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Posted - Mar 28 2012 : 9:00:17 PM
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Yep! I just watched it tonight, Diane... Pretty shocking. All I could think of was that Star Trek episode where they came upon a planet filled with children. It was so sad.
If I was a parent during that time, and he asked me to leave my little ones behind, I'd be pretty torn. I mean, of course I would want my child to live. But not to know anything about this person, and to simply let go and trust my children to his care for the rest of their lives... I don't know if I could do it! I mean, who says he is responsible and wise and loving and SAFE enough to parent all those little ones? And what if he dies? Then what? I think I'd take my chances with my kid(s) and keep them with me, because their fate with this stranger could be far worse than anyone could imagine - you know what I mean?
I do have to admit, though, when thinking about the name of his compound - ARK TWO - I was very convicted about scoffing about some of this. I mean, in Noah's day, people scoffed, too. But the difference is that in Noah's time, those other people had no faith whatsoever. I do. Not just in God, but in people. I just really trust God, and I'd be willing to trust Him in the midst of all of that, too. I will continue to buy in bulk and try to "get ahead" a little bit by preparing for the unexpected, and I am buying seeds because I want to avoid as much of the GMO's as I can, but I just can't bring myself to bunker down with prepare for the end. It's kind of an oxymoron, though, don't you think? If you call it "the end of the world," that means it's really going to really be the end. What's the point in preparing like that?
Don't be upset with your husband, though. I mean, he loves you, he loves your family, he loves life... His love runs very deep to be thinking ahead like that to prepare for your family in the event of adversity. I think it's extremely commendable, to be honest. He wants to do everything he can to take care of his family. What a wonderful world this would truly be if all men cared so much! You're a lucky girl to be so very loved, indeed! You just have to figure out how to help him enjoy his life, too, and appreciate the good things that he might be missing, that's all. :)
I'm like you - I can't dwell on "the end." What will be will be! I like the idea of becoming more self-sufficient, to be sure! A lot of these t.v. preppers have come up with exciting alternatives to daily necessities like fuel, power, processing and storing foods, medicines, bartering, etc. (I never knew that about fish antibiotics! But I would hesitate to mess around with it - I think you'd have to be extremely knowledgeable before messing with stuff like that - including herbal medicines, which I am ALL for! I would LOVE to learn all about that!) Needless to say, I come away from each program with exciting ideas and new food for thought. And I'm with you - I think the self-sufficiency aspect is so, so important. You are spot on about the spoils of consumerism! I think it has the potential to leave us extremely weak and vulnerable. In all seriousness, though, where we live, there's only so much we can prepare for. I guess maybe that's why I see this so differently - I'm simply DOOMED! LOL! Seriously, though, I just can't ever see myself telling another person they can't share in our abundance when I know they are starving. I couldn't live with myself, you know? I think that alone would literally drive me insane! I'd just have to give it to them and put my faith in trust in the Lord to provide. I figure, we'll do the best we can do and give the rest to God. His will be done. If he wants us to have an "ark" of sorts, I'm sure He'll tell us directly - just like He told Noah.
The thing is, we weren't made to live forever. Eternal life begins after these bodies perish. I'm not in a rush to get there, but I am looking forward to it! At the very least, the program is serving as an excellent conversation starter, to be sure. I just feel that despite their efforts, hard core preppers cannot truly adequately prepare for the adversity and challenges that will come. They seem to be missing the joy of living - the point of this gift of life we have received. Just as much as we learn from them, as a family, we are also finding some serious flaws to their thinking. I wish them all well, of COURSE! But I tend to believe that in a doomsday situation, they will not survive nearly as long as they hope. I'm afraid that it's going to be more like you said - they will look back on all the years - all the time, money and energy - spent on all of this and find out it was for naught. Imagine what that would be like to one day realize they could've been REALLY living in the "good times," and they missed out on all of it. You can't get that back. Once it's gone, it's gone. Just think of all the people who have gone through life scrimping and saving, never enjoying a penny of their earnings, only to be hit by bus and suddenly lose their lives...SO sad. It's kind of like that with the extremists we see on tv. Balance really is the key, I think. Love a lot, pray a lot, prepare wisely, and always remember to dance in the rain, find joy in the presence of loved ones, speak words of love and encouragement, treat yourself every now and then to a special little something, and take time every day to smell the roses! Basically, we should celebrate every day as if it was our last!
(\_/)
(='.'=)
(") (")*
Farmgirl Sister #1974
God gave us two hands... one to help ourselves, and one to help others!
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Edited by - Ninibini on Mar 28 2012 9:28:51 PM |
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duckmama
Farmgirl in Training
46 Posts
Robin
Vermont
USA
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Posted - Mar 29 2012 : 09:32:19 AM
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Well I have always, even as a child, been a worse case scenario planner. The idea has always been if I am ready for the worst, anything else that happens will be a piece of cake. I have always canned, cooked from scratch, gardened and sewed. Over the last 15 years I have been learning to use more tools, dehydratng fruits, and researching all types of self-sufficient skills. As the years go on, I have become less dependent on the outside world, and am proud of it. I just finished building a root cellar, and am currently building a greenhouse out of construction waste. This mindset has allowed me to feed a family of 5 ( 4 are adults)on less $300 dollars a month. Due to regular long power outages, we have a stockpile of water and purifying kits and lamp oils. We have gone 2 weeks with no power, heat or running water in New England in winter and we were comfortable, well feed, and warm. I see prepping as a safety net.
On the thought of cost, I have done it slowly over the years, collecting stuff as I go. Every spring I pick up canning supplies for free off of Craigslist and freecycle, same with building supplies and shelving. I watch yard sales for oil lamps and oil lamp parts, and used camping gear. I always check clearance bins at stores for off season deals.
My best advice is to create a list of what you need and carry it with you. Being prepared to live for 6 months without income or power is were I like to be. A sudden loss of income, a spouse, or other emergency will be easier with the less you need to worry about.
Duck Knoll Farm
Driven 2 Distraction
driven2distraction.biz
Designing Green
Living Green |
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SpyChicken
True Blue Farmgirl
388 Posts
Christine
Fond du Lac
WI
USA
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Posted - Apr 17 2012 : 6:10:38 PM
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| I'm not sure I'd call myself a prepper, but let's just say I like to have a plan or two in case of an emergency. I have been storing more canned goods and trying to reuse and repurpose things. My dh was a lifelong boy scout and I'm a former girl scout, so I guess preparedness runs in our family! My brother-in-law takes prepping way more seriously. He has kits for each of the cars, stuff buried in the yard, etc. I actually do admire his organization! |
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marmieto12
True Blue Farmgirl
213 Posts
laura
utah
USA
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Aunt Jenny
True Blue Farmgirl
11381 Posts
Jenny
middle of
Utah
USA
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Posted - Apr 19 2012 : 9:56:06 PM
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I agree with what Laura said....my take on it exactly..and her essay is a great read!!
Jenny in Utah
Proud Farmgirl sister #24
Inside me there is a skinny woman crying to get out...but I can usually shut her up with cookies
http://www.auntjennysworld.blogspot.com/ visit my little online shop at www.auntjenny.etsy.com |
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emsmommy5
True Blue Farmgirl
1531 Posts
Angie
Buckley
WA
USA
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Posted - Apr 20 2012 : 09:42:03 AM
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I would be considered a prepper. It's just a way of life for us and always has been. It's not to prepare for the end of the world as we know it or some cataclysmic event. I only get paid once a month, therefore, I can only go grocery shopping once a month. A lot of people can't even skip the store for a day or two.
We have storms and power outages a lot. We live at the foot of a volcano and on some testy earthquake faults. Plus, one never knows when an illness or job issue might happen.
So it's not about the end of the world for me, it's about being able to take care of my family. I know many people who have been out of work for months and month and having food storage has saved them. I also believe in developing skills and having ways to barter for things we might need.
Do what you love, love what you do. |
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marmieto12
True Blue Farmgirl
213 Posts
laura
utah
USA
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Keeping in Touch: Are you a prepper? |
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Are you a prepper?
