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January 2017 Prepping

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Penham View Drop Down
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    Posted: January 02 2017 at 9:24am
It's a new year! A time for evaluating our prepping needs, getting off to a new start, getting prepared for whatever may happen in the new year! So what are everyone's plans?

I am cleaning out closets, organizing and getting my house in order. I took a week off work after Christmas to get some things accomplished. One was to get a new vehicle purchased, which I did, but I am still in the middle of cleaning and organizing, so I continue with that.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote KiwiMum Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January 02 2017 at 8:58pm
I'm reading a book about forest gardening. We have a fenced orchard with irrigated 8 year old fruit trees of various kinds in it, so we have a good head start. So I'm working out what to underplant with. Next comes a layer of berry bushes such as blackcurrants and blueberries, then below that other things like strawberries, rhubarb and perennial and annual vegetables. 

The thing that's attracting me to the idea is that to the untrained eye, a well established food forest looks like an unkempt, overgrown wilderness, yet everything in it is edible and in it also roam chickens. Once it's established, it will self manage and can withstand extremes of weather better than traditional fruit and veg plots can. 

Anyway, I'm just in the reading about stage - it'll probably be another year before it makes it onto my "to do" list. 
Those who got it wrong, for whatever reason, may feel defensive and retrench into a position that doesn’t accord with the facts.
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Penham View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Penham Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January 04 2017 at 5:09am
Speaking of fruit trees, I am hoping to get plums this year! I planted the trees about 4 years ago I think it was and last year both trees had 6-10 plums on them. I think the birds or squirrels got them though, because one day they were there, still small then they were all gone a few days later. I need to get a net.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Guests Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January 04 2017 at 7:15pm
I guess I am "tired" of prepping! I don't live in the country to plant trees, I can have chickens just don't eat that many eggs and don't want to worry about them dying at -5 degrees.    I have much of what I would need to survive for a couple of years if needed and if I and/or my son make it so I am pretty much done with prepping.

I guess I am tired of waiting for TSTHTF and am now considering getting a dog to love and care for.   Just would have to put in large quantity of dry kibble, not a problem.   Penham, I am with you I need a new car, will keep my old one but have to make sure my kid is finished with college hopefully next fall!
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote KiwiMum Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January 05 2017 at 7:13pm
Flumom, you sound like you need a break. I find prepping depressing because it focuses on all the things that can go wrong. Getting a dog sounds like a great idea. Dogs are wonderful. We have three and they are so funny, and so loving and always pleased to see us. Do you have any nice hobbies? I do needle point, and I really enjoy reading, or listening to audio books when I'm doing needlework. 

I reached the point of being fed up a few years ago and now focus on the happier things in life, but all the time knowing we're well set up, should the need arise. 

Get a puppy and go to puppy classes. If you get some type of terrier they are so intelligent and you can teach them all sorts of tricks. It's nicely time consuming, and you meet really nice people at puppy classes and in your local dog park. I hope it works out for you. 
Those who got it wrong, for whatever reason, may feel defensive and retrench into a position that doesn’t accord with the facts.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote jacksdad Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January 05 2017 at 11:32pm
Speaking of cars, I reevaluated our vehicle status last year and decided something off road capable and roomy would be more suited to a bug out situation if the worst happens. Luckily I can turn a wrench, so I got an older Jeep and modified it. Looking at my sedan now, I can't imagine how I thought it was ever going to be suitable if the going did get rough.

Don't forget that while you're looking after a dog, FluMom, they're looking after you. Nothing beats a dog when it comes to keeping you alerted to danger, and protecting you should a threat appear. Head to the pound and see what they have  Thumbs Up




"Buy it cheap. Stack it deep"
"Any community that fails to prepare, with the expectation that the federal government will come to the rescue, will be tragically wrong." Michael Leavitt, HHS Secretary.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote CRS, DrPH Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January 06 2017 at 11:52am
I agree, a dog is a great prep!   Of course, you can eat them if you have to.....Confused

I've been in the prepping business since about 1968, when Chicago had its riots from the King assassination.  My father (retired US Navy officer and life-long Boy Scout leader) gave me my first lessons:

a) always go to bed with a full tank of gas in your car

b) always have a working flashlight and matches on hand 

c) always have a plan for any disaster.  It doesn't have to be elaborate, but consider options = shelter in place, bug out, etc.  

d) no matter where you are, find the exit and keep it in mind.  

I've also always kept firearms and ammo on hand since I was about 12 years old.  I don't stockpile massive quantities of ammo, but I have enough based upon my expectations.  

When TSHTF, I suggest learning about your local law enforcement and emergency management resources.  I'm not a big "black helicopter" sort of guy and have a lot of faith in our police, federal agents and military, and they will ride out the big one better than most.  

 Consider volunteering so that you are known to them....opportunities include Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) membership, and your local law enforcement via COPS (Community Oriented Policing Services).  


We all have unique talents and skills, and the professionals want to work with us and know about us.   Also, it is a blast (literally, one federal agency lets me shoot their machine guns once a year!).

Be safe, and don't worry, preparation and training is never wasted.  Don't spend your life on edge, but be like a coiled spring, ready to act if necessary.   


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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Penham Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January 06 2017 at 12:06pm
I'm testing out my natural gas wall heater in the living room right now. I had the smaller one replaced with a larger one and I had not used it yet. Seems to be working just fine! We use the gas wall heater in the bathroom almost everyday, so we know that one works well. We are in the middle of getting snow and the roads are horrible outside. We got to go into work an hour late and then they released us to go home after an hour and a half. These are my heat sources if I lose electricity.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote CRS, DrPH Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January 07 2017 at 10:09am
Originally posted by Penham Penham wrote:

I'm testing out my natural gas wall heater in the living room right now. I had the smaller one replaced with a larger one and I had not used it yet. Seems to be working just fine! We use the gas wall heater in the bathroom almost everyday, so we know that one works well. We are in the middle of getting snow and the roads are horrible outside. We got to go into work an hour late and then they released us to go home after an hour and a half. These are my heat sources if I lose electricity.

Thanks for the update!  USA is being hit with a lot of winter weather, so it pays to prepare your vehicle: 

a) Fuel - make sure to keep a full tank, because if you have air space in the tank, the moisture in the air can condensate and freeze, sinking to the bottom of the fuel tank & blocking the inlet to the fuel pump.  You may also use isopropyl alcohol (Heet), but the full-tank trick is best. 

b)  I learned in Minnesota that we should keep a prep kit in the car in winter.  An important ingredient is a conventional candle and matches.....if your car dies on the side of the road, that little candle will provide enough heat so that you don't have to idle the engine for heat.   A life-saving suggestion. 

c)  Check your car's lights, as these will help you avoid collisions with other vehicles during snow storms/fog.  Carry a flashlight and make sure it works.  

Be safe out there, Chuck



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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Penham Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January 07 2017 at 11:47am
I didn't know about the candle tip! That's a good thing to know for future reference. It was -5 here this morning. Since I bought my new Jeep last week I had not really put much into it except a tool kit and ice scraper, so I am glad I didn't get stuck anywhere. It looks like next weekend we are in for an ice storm, so might be a good time to prepare my vehicle just in case.

Chuck, I also did not know about the gas tank thing, but I did fill my tank on Thursday before the storm hit, only because it was a bit warmer than Friday was going to be, lol.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote CRS, DrPH Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January 07 2017 at 7:46pm
Originally posted by Penham Penham wrote:

I didn't know about the candle tip! That's a good thing to know for future reference. It was -5 here this morning. Since I bought my new Jeep last week I had not really put much into it except a tool kit and ice scraper, so I am glad I didn't get stuck anywhere. It looks like next weekend we are in for an ice storm, so might be a good time to prepare my vehicle just in case.

Chuck, I also did not know about the gas tank thing, but I did fill my tank on Thursday before the storm hit, only because it was a bit warmer than Friday was going to be, lol.

Glad the tip interested you, I used to live in MN and -30ºF days were not unusual.  They used to broadcast prep tips on TV, the candle trick was one of them....also, keep a sleeping bag in the vehicle if you break down!   I actually did that and had to use it once in Illinois when the old clunker gave out during a massive blizzard....I woke up to the sound of a state trooper rapping on the window with his flashlight!  

The "full tank of gas" trick is a good prep 365 days/year, in case you have to make a run for it.  Highly recommended.  
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (1) Thanks(1)   Quote Penham Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January 07 2017 at 8:03pm
I do always keep an extra jacket, gloves and blankets in my vehicle, but not for prepping reasons, lol. My daughter has played softball her whole life and now plays college softball, so I always have chairs, blankets, a case of water, snacks, a jacket, gloves, so it can all double in an emergency situation. But the only thing I have managed to put in the new vehicle so far is the case of water, chairs, jacket and gloves.

I need to put blankets, a flashlight, the matches and candle and snacks. Your post was a good reminder.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote hachiban08 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January 18 2017 at 10:01pm
I'm mostly adding some OTC things to my preps. Especially adding some Benadryl Dye Free Liquigels now. Tonight, I ended up having some weird allergic reaction to the food I was eating (despite supposedly having no known food allergies), and my lips swelled up, my face itched, and later on, my throat itched. That's not exactly something that happens to me. Luckily, I live somewhat close to a Target, so I got the Benadryl there. While it did put me to sleep pretty quickly, when I woke up from about an almost two hour "nap", my throat itchiness had stopped, and my lip swelling has gone way down. My face itchiness is still somewhat there, but manageable. I might take another one before bed and see if I can follow up with my PCP tomorrow (or urgent care) to see if I can have a repeated allergy test. Guess I'm not going back to that restaurant again.
Be prepared! It may be time....^_^v
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Penham Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January 27 2017 at 3:57pm
Benadryl is a must to have for allergys, I also have some Epi-pens. I did get a few more bottles of OTC cough syrup
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote hachiban08 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January 27 2017 at 4:52pm
I'm pretty good with benadryl  and they gave me epi-pens as well. I'll be doing the food allergy test with an allergist next week
Be prepared! It may be time....^_^v
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Penham Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January 27 2017 at 6:15pm
I have also been stocking up on more canned goods this month.
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