Time is UP// Opinion on hyperinflation coming

[JohnGaltfla]

With the advent and coming hyperinflation, the time is up. You have less than 60 days to acquire and stock dry foodstuffs, ammo, pms and most importantly "soft goods".

Assuming you have been here for a while, you've taken care of food, ammo and tradeables (pms/etc). That leaves "soft goods".

Soft goods are those you use, don't really, really ,have to have but make a TEOTWAWKI situation tolerable. With hyperinflation about to set in, items such as toilet paper could double, triple or even multiply by a factor of 10 in price.

My soft goods list is as follows(in no particular order):

1. Toilet Paper (sorry, us guys gotta have it)
2. Shaving supplies
3. Pet supplies
4. Biologicals (Anti-bacs/soap/etc)
5. Cleaning supplies
6. Kleenex
7. Laundry supplies
8. Solar rechargers
9. Sewing kits
10. Plastic/paper plates or dishware
11. Auto supplies
12. Candles

Just a smattering. With inflation REALLY to hit, I give us 12 months until the party is really over. Your input into the "soft goods" list is appreciated. Not the hardcore stuff you'd put into a pack and hike with, but the stuff you need to be comfortable....

 

[Metolius]

This is not a hypothetical, right? And if not, why are you thinking 60 days?

 

[Plasmid]

Throw away color film camera(s). There might be all kinds of reasons to take pix of things and people. You might not be able to develop the pix right away, but eventually you could, and they might be needed as "proof."

The internet could go down for a while. So mailing letters might be required to inform relatives about this and that. Mailing envelopes, and the stamps. Sure, the PO will be open if the mails are running, but it would still be nice to have the stamps on hand.

Bill of Sale forms, releasing you from liability and stating cost and "as, where is" conditions. If you trade certain things, such as a genny for $800 you don't want the dude coming back angrily demanding his money back if the emergency is over a week after he got it from you. "All sales are final, my friend.

Dollar store $1 DVDs. Some of these old movies are pretty good. Warning--when they are bad, they are very bad.

 

[JohnGaltfla]

This is not a hypothetical, right? And if not, why are you thinking 60 days?

It takes 14-21 days for fuel price inflation to filter throught the JIT pricing matrix.

SO 60 days could represent a 20-30% increase in the price of some of these goods...

 

[Splicer205]

Not sure if this is what you're looking for, but it would be nice to have:

Books
Pen/paper
Music/batteries
Teas
Candies
Good socks
Lotion
Insect and Rodent control
Extra window screen or net to keep out flies, mosquitoes
Mist bottles to fill with water for cooling off
Essential Oils
Trash bags
Lamp OIl
Aspirin or Tylenol

 

[Freeholder]

I've already started stocking up on hay for the goats, and the other feeds I need -- I buy hay a few bales at a time at the feed store (the most expensive way to get it, I know, but haven't found a reliable supplier around here who'll deliver yet). We can weather most anything as long as we can keep the animals fed so they can feed us.

I got some bulk washcloths a couple of years ago to serve instead of disposable stuff like TP. Oh, there are lots of things it would be NICE to have, but if you haven't got it you make do without. We have the essentials -- food, water, and shelter.

Kathleen

 

[JohnGaltfla]

Not sure if this is what you're looking for, but it would be nice to have:

Books
Pen/paper
Music/batteries
Teas
Candies
Good socks
Lotion
Insect and Rodent control
Extra window screen or net to keep out flies, mosquitoes
Mist bottles to fill with water for cooling off
Essential Oils
Trash bags
Lamp OIl
Aspirin or Tylenol

EXACTLY what I'm looking for...Thank you!

 

[BREWER]

BREWER

This is not a hypothetical, right? And if not, why are you thinking 60 days?

Yea, John was there anything in particular that your referring to: event wise? Inquiring minds and all that....
1;Flashlights w/spare bulbs
2:Batteries
3:First Class First-Aid kit--don't forget dental supplies.
4:More TP
5:Matches
6:Preparedness or How-to books
7:Comfort luxuries. Books for some...beer for others
8:Tylenol, loperamide[anti-diahrreal], rubbing alcohol, cotten swabs, Q-tips, etc...
9:Communications equipment[hard good]
10:Music- iPod or something similiar
11:Extra sox, underwear, bras, etc...
12:Femine hygiene supplies....and more TP

 

[JohnGaltfla]

Yea, John was there anything in particular that your referring to: event wise? Inquiring minds and all that....
1;Flashlights w/spare bulbs
2:Batteries
3:First Class First-Aid kit--don't forget dental supplies.
4:More TP
5:Matches
6:Preparedness or How-to books
7:Comfort luxuries. Books for some...beer for others
8:Tylenol, loperamide[anti-diahrreal], rubbing alcohol, cotten swabs, Q-tips, etc...
9:Communications equipment[hard good]
10:Music- iPod or something similiar
11:Extra sox, underwear, bras, etc...
12:Femine hygiene supplies....and more TP

12...definitely!!!!!!!!!!

Event wise? Uh, yes. Watch the east for funny shaped clouds, red, orange and radioactive, near "facilities" in Iran.

I don't think Israel is going to bleep around this time.

 

[CelticRose]

Tee Shirts & undies.........

Flip Flops / cheap sneakers (love the slip on ones I get at Wal-Mart)

Cheap sunglasses (zz top )

tarps / tie downs / rope / bungee cords (assorted sizes)

extra bike tires / chains and the like....... (patch kits ?)

duct tape / wd 40 (can ya ever have enough of either?? )

washcloths and towels .... I like to have extra packs of the cheaper ones for all sorts of things ......... They're thin but this can be good when I want to toss a few into a beach bag / a b.o.b. .... whatever)

those mylar like 'space blankets'

plastic storage containers of all sizes / uses

 

[JohnGaltfla]

extra bike tires / chains and the like....... (patch kits ?)

Good thinking. After years of prepping, I've actually missed that one.

Damn. Wally world I go tommorrow!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[lynnie]

For what it is worth here....

I have on several occasions the past 30 years or so had what I call very strong "words from the Lord" where something is impressed on me vividly, and they have turned out to be accurate and confirmed.

Maybe a month ago, I felt like God spoke to me in an almost audible way, when I was thinking about prepping, the word " BASICS". I have gotten it over and over again. Basics. Stick to basics.


I am the type that would love to get some freeze dried zucchini, and who stocks up on all sorts of non essentials like salsa and brownie mix and paper towels and flavored herbal teas, diet soda, and I don't know how much else. All nice, and all will get used, but time and money is short. Maybe this was just for me, not you, but on the other hand, maybe it was God wanting to speak to a lot of us.

BASICS- essentials- the bare minimum. Put money into that stockpile. I'd suggest wheat/oats and a protein source, salt, sweetner, oil. Peanut butter, powdered milk. Vitamins, esp C. I don't want to say anybody was wrong to do it, but I'm not sure fancy freeze dried cans of nice dinners count as basics when money is tight. Just my opinion. skip the non essentials.

( and yes John, I call TP a basic essential at this point )

 

[Barry Natchitoches]

Add to that list:


Pet food
Plenty, plenty, plenty of extra socks
Hand and power tools
Gardening tools (shovel, spade, hoe, rake)
A good selection of seeds that grow well in your area
Board games for the family
Other ways to entertain the family that does not involve battteries or power
Extra batteries on top of the extra batteries
A portable radio/tape player or radio/CD player that runs on batteries
Chocolate (after Easter sales are great right now, while supplies last)

 

[Metolius]

It takes 14-21 days for fuel price inflation to filter throught the JIT pricing matrix.

SO 60 days could represent a 20-30% increase in the price of some of these goods...

Gottcha, thanks. I have a smaller but similar list of things to stock up on "if and when". Based on everything I've been reading, my gut told me to go ahead and start purchasing my list items this week. Seeing your thread and thinking further about the reasons why helps me confirm my instincts. Besides, can you ever have enough TP?

 

[Freeholder]

I don't too often get 'gut feelings', at least not that I put any stock in. But I've had one for the last couple of weeks.

One of my daughters inadvertently helped my prepping out -- she sent me, for my birthday, a 'case' (six bags) of gluten-free baking mix. That's enough to last my youngest daughter and I for quite a while, with milk and eggs coming in from the animals. (And yes, we do have other food stored!)

Kathleen

 

[Metolius]

1. Reading glasses (I can't see small without them; dollar store or Costco, for cheap)

2. Canned milk/powdered milk/soy milk - one or some of all.

3. 50# bags of rice

Have tire patch kit, fix a flat and foot pump inflator, but never thought of getting a spare chain/tires - thanks.

My list includes more hay and a better quality set of barefoot horse trimming tools. I know horses are likely are not on most people's lists, but I have them and like them better than my bike.

 

[SheWoff]

Kitchen towels and dish rags
#10 washtub and scrub board
clothes line
extra canning jar lids
non-electric can openers
battery operated fan
hammock
TP
deoderant and toothpaste
hand cranck powered radio (radio shack has a nice one for 19.95)
pet food
potato chips

 

[The Flying Dutchman]

Good thinking. After years of prepping, I've actually missed that one.

Damn. Wally world I go tommorrow!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

IN regards to the bike tires - buy the *inserts* which take the place of tubes, tube patch kits etc. (The bike tires become flatless - and yes, there is a name for what those tube-like inserts are called.)

But in a SHTF situation - it would be nice to have flatless tires on the bikes...

 

[pixmo]

Shoes and boots are still relatively cheap. I've trashed a few workboots on occasion and have found on-hand backups to be quite useful

 

[theoutlands]

"Culture shock" is gonna do in a LOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOT of people!


Is always interesting to see lists like this and mentally mark off the stuff one either has in place or has already worked around - and not just looking to see what others think of that one has missed...

 

[Sharon]

OK, I'm probably going to get blasted here and I rarely put myself in that position, but maybe I just need to know I'm not alone in my thinking and prepping...or am I?

I've been prepping for almost 8 years now. I've thrown away almost as much as I've bought when it comes to food stuff. Canned goods are probably not too good after 8 years. A lot of the boxed foods, no matter how well stored get those little bugs in them after years and years of storage, not to mention much of the stuff has just plain lost it's flavor. I've bought, thrown, bought, thrown, bought...well you get the picture.

My preps are still "fairly good", but not like they were in 1999. I've got maybe 6 months, possibly 9 months to a year of food. Lots and lots of TP, cleaning supplies, medicines, long johns, water filters, tools, etc. and etc. We heat with wood and have maybe 3 or 4 years cut and split or ready to split, plus oodles of trees around us.

I have games, crafts, books, etc. and etc. for entertainment. Hand saws, hand tools, you name it.

But, to go out tomorrow and purchase what I don't have...well, it's just not going to happen. Have I become a sheeple? Not sure. But I try today to be more balanced with regard to TEOTWAWKI. I've got items stored, I may have to make a midnight run to the store for more, but in the mean time, I'm enjoying life. In 1999 and for quite a few years after (even a year or so before) I forgot to enjoy what I thought might be the last of the good years. Today I'm prepped to a point, but I'm also enjoying what may be those last good years. DH and I (we'll do ALL the work) are going to remodel the bath and kitchen plus one bedroom. That's new cupboards, new floors, new walls, changing fixtures around, etc. We haven't done it properly since we built this home (we built it from the ground up...all the electric, plumbing, etc. ourselves). I'm going to enjoy and get it done.

Am I alone in this thinking?

When DH and I started on this home, we lived here in the woods in a 17 x 23 foot room (studs on the walls and cardboard to cover..seriously). No water (with 3 boys ages 8, 11 and 14) for a year and a half. We toted all our water. No sinks, no cupboards, no inside walls, nothing. But, we did it. We have a home in Ohio (which I think we're going to sell) where there's no water, no electric, no nothing...we live up there 2 weeks at a time toting our water from stores or from the spring, we use lanterns for light, we've done it. Can do it again, and might have too, but, in the meantime, I'm going to enjoy life....again, am I alone in this thinking?

I've lived in three homes now in my life time where there was no water, no electric, etc. Saying each time I'd never do it again...was my Lord preparing me? Perhaps that's a prep I have that few have. Don't want to do it again..been there too many times and don't want to go back...but I can.

 

[1919A6]

Sharon - you are not wrong, only human.

The pressure you feel comes from without, artificially created by evil to spawn evil. Some refuse to recognized evil, while other recognize it and prep. Enjoy what you have, build for a better tommorrow, certainly there will be trials and it is hard to live a balanced life.

Be aware of this - you are better prepared for the future than 99% of the population. God Bless.

 

[Sharon]

The pressure you feel comes from without, artificially created by evil to spawn evil. Some refuse to recognized evil, while other recognize it and prep. Enjoy what you have, build for a better tommorrow, certainly there will be trials and it is hard to live a balanced life.

Be aware of this - you are better prepared for the future than 99% of the population. God Bless.

Thanks 1919. The one aspect which is almost impossible to prepare for is the emotional damage and it's effects a total crash will have.

To live 24/7 without will drive most to insanity, even the prepared. I lived having to dump water and juices from cooking outside...we had no sink. We had to bury our waste..no toilets and no water for flushing. I had to (and still do somewhat) learn to live with bugs..scorpions, pine beetles, and critters I think National Geographic would love to have discovered... (believe me, I have LOTS of bug sprays stored and I've learned which ones work, not to mention all the rat poison I keep on hand). I've learned to try and keep things somewhat clean, the best and cheapest thing to have on hand is bleach! I've gone to repair something, say under the sink and have learned to watch carefully, not only for the scorpions, but I've even discovered coiled snakes. I could go on and on, but you get the picture.

The hardest thing for me to learn was to be OK emotionally. It took years of learing it was OK to just sit down in the middle of all this and cry. It took toughening up. It took years of learning. Think most can learn to handle this overnight...NOPE, NOT, NEVER, WON'T HAPPEN. So what do we have left? A bunch of angry, scared, insane people. Won't be pretty.

 

[pixmo]

Good post, Sharon. You are not alone in your thinking. I share similar sentiments.

Be prepared, keep an eye on the horizon, but remember that life is to live...it's not an experience where we are to constantly huddle in fear.

One can be happy without living beyond one's means. Once you embrace this ideal, you are on your way towards building spirital and material wealth.

Sacrifice and success go hand in hand. Don't deny yourself, but try save for a rainy day.

The problem with many people is that they buy things that they can't afford. They want it all, and they want it all NOW.

 

[vulcan]

Hmmmm

Didn't the webots predict "scarcity and shortages" this summer?

 

[eens]

I got some bulk washcloths a couple of years ago to serve instead of disposable stuff like TP.

Me too. I got them for Y2K and of course they are still packed. I am NOT looking forward to using them as TP, but it's better than the alternative, which is---well, I don't know!

 

[theoutlands]

The problem with many people is that they buy things that they can't afford. They want it all, and they want it all NOW.

But why do "they" buy things "they" can't afford? I buy things I don't *need* just because I *want* them. I call it the "Dragon Mindset" - surrounding myself with (what amounts to) toys that serve little purpose and frequently never even get USED! I've got quite a few games, a buncha plastic models, and my Star Wars action figures that fit into this category. My oddball collection of tools doesn't quite fit that category (I hope) as they'll be useful once I suddenly have no "day-job" to have to report to regularly.

I really need to sit down in my "hoard" and ruthlessly cull it - boot out everything that doesn't make me smile (as Flylady puts it) and then even some of the stuff that DOES but serves no purpose!

Perhaps ebay will become my friend and my efforts will make *others* smile when they acquire bits of my hoard therefrom.

 

[pixmo]

Hmmmm

Didn't the webots predict "scarcity and shortages" this summer?

I remember seeing some articles referring to this. There were a couple regarding sugar and other foods. If I recall, not as many farmers are planting this year.

 

[Sharon]

I too buy things I don't need, things that make me smile or comfy, and even things I don't use (bought on a whim). Difference is, between them and us, we buy them with cash money, not charged. Except of course our newest truck which we might have to park and take picnic's in .. but still, how we love that truck and it's something we promised ourselves. Need it...yes, can we afford it?...nope, not if TSHTF, but still, if it's the only thing we owe on (home paid for), aw well, guess it was a sheeple moment. A costly one!

 

[doctor_fungcool]

Hyperinflation like Weimar 1923:
World System on Weimar Collapse Curve
by Lyndon H. LaRouche, Jr.

April 20, 2006

The fakery of the outgoing Alan Greenspan administration, in burying the "M3" report, was clearly intended to conceal the fact that the rate of rate of increase of world prices of primary materials has the world as a whole currently on the same kind of "least-action pathway" curve of hyperinflation which gripped Weimar Germany during the second half of the year 1923.

Comparing the present rates of rates of increase of primary materials prices with the pattern for Germany 1923, indicates the likelihood that, under present U.S. and European policies, the world system could reach a point of collapse of the monetary system by not much later than September 2006, if not earlier. [[Figure: Weimar 1923 hyperinflation curve]]

Under the present trends in policy-making in the U.S. government, both in the careening economic-financial lunacy of the current Bush Administration, but also the "Alfred E. Newman"-like diffidence of a negligent U.S. Congressional fraction of the Democratic Party, the likelihood is that the world system as a whole will be in a U.S.-dollar-triggered collapse-phase before Autumn.

The point is not to predict what could happen by Autumn; the point is to kick the relevant political circles in the Democratic Party with the proverbial two-by-four prescribed for reluctant donkeys, and to do so hard enough, soon enough, and often enough, to move to the kind of emergency reform of U.S. policy which could stave off an otherwise onrushing general breakdown-crisis of not only the U.S. system, but the world system as well.

There is a relative handful of persons, typified by the Brookings Institution-based Hamilton Project team, who are capable of understanding this, and who already have command of most of the essential facts to be considered. There are professionals in other parts of the world, who could begin to understand this quickly, if they were kicked hard enough to come to the necessary state of wakefulness.

The world is thus, now, in the terminal phase of a hyperinflationary collapse of not only the dollar-system, but the world-system as a whole. To bring this into focus, consider the elementary features of the way in which Federal Reserve Chairman Greenspan's lunacy orchestrated the 1987-2006 phase of the relevant hyperinflationary cycle. Keep three illustrative curves in view: 1.) my "Triple Curve," which, since January 1996, has described the general characteristics of the congoing collapse-function of the 1995-1996 interval; 2.) The curve of 1923 Weimar, Germany hyper-inflation; and, 3.) The current hyperinflationary rate of rate of increase of primary commodity prices, as led by petroleum and metals.

(Leave the "supply-and-demand" freaks, and other statisticians from Swift's Island of Laputa, to play with themselves behind the barn, where they will be happy.)

Essentially, what Greenspan did, was to bail out the banks whose coffers had been emptied by the events of October 1987, by laundering the mortgage-based securities packages of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. The real-estate bubble was built up to its presently cancerous proportions for this continuing purpose. This, in turn, provided the base-line of monetary and derived financial emission for what was to become a hyperinflationary expansion of a physically contracting economy. (See my Triple Curve.)

In the end, this became the core of a global financial-monetary bubble comparable to that of medieval Venice's tool, the Lombard League of Europe's Fourteenth-Century collapse into a New Dark Age. However, in this case, the end-game phase of this hyperinflationary process was cornering of the world market in primary materials.

For those shrewd enough to recognize that the present world financial system is already hopelessly doomed, the witting class of predators must have a "landing place" outside the bounds of such a general financial-monetary collapse. Essential raw materials represent that landing-place.

Therefore the rate of inflation of the rate of inflation in the market for primary commodities is the characteristic curve of the present world monetary-financial system. This rate of rate of inflation, as reflected in the concealed behavior of M3, is the curve which corresponds to the Weimar, Germany hyperinflationary curve of June-November 1923.

Underneath it all, is Leibniz's catenary-cued principle of physical least action, the fundamental principle of the Leibniz infinitesimal calculus and Leibniz's original correct discovery of the natural-logarithmic function derived from the double-catenary characteristic of the least-action principle. The comprehension of such systems in general, is found in the work of Riemann on hypergeometries.

30-30-30

http://www.larouchepac.com/pages/writings_files/2006/060420_weimar_collapse.htm

 

[LeafyForest]

I've been prepping for almost 8 years now. I've thrown away almost as much as I've bought when it comes to food stuff. Canned goods are probably not too good after 8 years. A lot of the boxed foods, no matter how well stored get those little bugs in them after years and years of storage, not to mention much of the stuff has just plain lost it's flavor. I've bought, thrown, bought, thrown, bought...well you get the picture.

My preps are still "fairly good", but not like they were in 1999. I've got maybe 6 months, possibly 9 months to a year of food. Lots and lots of TP, cleaning supplies, medicines, long johns, water filters, tools, etc. and etc.

Think I am in the same boat - thrown out as much as I have bought - as it got older with time. Still have a hard time doing that!! My problem is that we live in a small house and my preps are mostly stored in a closet, so what I buy last gets used and the older items get shoved back! Think I have lots of TP etc, and most items, but do not have room for anymore as much as I would like to pick up a few more things, but have run out of room!! Checked my bike supplies and am good on that as well as most items, but do not have any solar items at all - so must look into that. Poor hubby has gone along with me so far, but think that since nothing has happened so far, that I should slow down abit!!! Most of my friends think I am crazy for stocking up, but have at least got most of them to put in a few days supplies!!

 

[cannoncocker]

Galt is right. Do we have 60 days? Yes, maybe a little more, but assume 60. If the dollar declines in value, te same imported candles, sewing kits, whatever will go up in price. Inflation and a declining dollar equal more expensive goods across the board.

<B><center>By Kevin Plumberg
Reuters
Saturday, April 22, 2006

LINK</center>
WASHINGTON -- The overall message that markets will take away from finance officials from the Group of Seven rich nations who met on Friday is quite simple: The dollar will decline.

The ominous combination of a widely forecast slowing of the U.S. economy this year, growing fiscal and trade deficits, and increasing international pressure on China to allow its currency to strengthen ultimately puts a spotlight on the dollar's weak underbelly.</b>

"You would have to be blind, deaf, and dumb not to see that as pointing to a direction for the dollar," said David Gilmore, partner with FX Analytics in Essex, Connecticut.

In its post-meeting statement, the G7 finance ministers and central bankers stepped up pressure on China by naming -- twice -- the world's fourth largest economy as one of the "emerging economies with large current account surpluses" that needs to allow more flexibility in its currency.

In fact, in an annex to the statement, which focused on repairing global imbalances between some countries that run relatively huge trade deficits and others that have large surpluses, the G7 officials said greater flexibility in China's yuan is needed to allow "necessary appreciations."

Some analysts viewed such pointed pronouncements as a measure of how unsustainable the U.S. trade deficit -- which last year widened to $723 billion, nearly 6 percent of gross domestic product -- has become.

"What might prompt some dollar fears is that the United States is closer to admitting the deficits are a big problem," said Naomi Fink, currency strategist with BNP Paribas in New York.

At $875.1 billion, China's central bank holds the world's largest foreign currency reserves, partly because Beijing regularly buys dollars to hold down the value of the yuan.

"This is not a flashing sell signal for the dollar," noted Gilmore, who called the inclusion of China's name in the G7 communique an "evolution" of international views that would weigh on the greenback over time.

Participants in a conference on global imbalances sponsored by the International Monetary Fund were told the U.S. economy will likely slow along with the pace of consumer spending and that could ultimately drag the dollar down.

The dollar hit a seven-month low against a basket of major currencies this week as financial markets reduced their expectations that the Federal Reserve will raise interest rates beyond 5 percent, following softer-than-expected U.S. economic data and comments from Fed officials.

Last year, the dollar halted a three-year decline as the greenback's interest rate advantage widened over some other currencies because of the Fed's two-year credit-tightening campaign, which as lifted overnight rates to 4.75 percent from 1 percent.

But recently the dollar's so-called structural vulnerabilities have been once again haunted the currency.

On Friday, the dollar tumbled against the euro after the Russian finance minister questioned the pre-eminent reserve status of the greenback because of its recent volatility and the sheer size of the U.S. trade deficit.

"There are some jitters out there that global reserves will move away from dollars," said BNP's Fink.

In the near term, China's being named in the G7 statement could knock the dollar lower against the yen.

"It is a strong statement," said Steven Englander, chief North American foreign exchange strategist with Barclays Capital in New York.

"The risk is dollar/yen. We are closer to pain levels for investors who are long dollar/yen," he said. Being long a currency is essentially a bet that it will appreciate.

Against the yen, the dollar on Friday slipped to 116.52, the lowest in a month after a draft G7 statement obtained by Reuters named China as a country where greater currency flexibility is needed. China closely manages yuan exchange rates.

The yen is often traded as a proxy for the yuan because of the close economic ties and geographic proximity between Japan and China.

-END-
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[summerthyme]

Metolius, and those with large animals especially that they plan on counting on for the times when store stuff isn't available...

Don't forget to stock up on things like wormers, basic vet supplies (ESPECIALLY stuff like Banamine or other anti inflammatories and painkillers), SALT, any supplements which you use regularly and which you feel are essential for your animal's health (this probably doesn't include stuff to make their coats shiny, but probably does mean biotin if they have hoof problems or glucosamine/chondroitin if you have older but still sound animals).

Harness and saddlery maintenance and repair... saddle soap, oils, stitching equipment, riveter, extra pieces of "repair leather strips"..

Did I mention SALT?!!!! (a horse or cow needs a minimum of 1 ounce of salt per day.. horses can need a lot more than that if they are working hard and sweating. You do the math)

I agree on the basics.. I think it's important - vitally important- to have them FIRST. And after that, you need the stuff you'd need to keep your basics in good condition. (What I mean is, don't get a rototiller before you have quality hand tools PLUS linseed oil for maintaining the wooden handles and a set of files and stones to keep them sharp!)

More lists?

Nails, screws, staples (heavy ones and the kind for a good quality staple gun)

sharpening stones and files

lubricants.. graphite, WD-40, light machine oil (if you own anything from a sewing machine to air tools, you're gonna need that stuff), heavy packing grease.

Stuff to make other stuff stick... epoxy, contact cement, wood glue, silicone adhesive and caulk.

For those who will be working outdoors in the heat, Gatorade is really great stuff for preventing the early symptoms of heat exhaustion and dehydration. But it's not cheap. Sam's Club has powdered Gatorade mix which makes the identical stuff.. at about 1/4 the cost. If you like the convenience of the bottles, especially those with the twist "drink thought" lids, buy one case of the stuff in the bottles, and several canisters of the powder. Then after you drink the bottled stuff, make your own and refill the bottles yourself.

For REALLY cheap electrolyte supplementation, make the WHO "rehydration formula" but use diluted fruit juice or other flavored liquid in place of the water.

Don't forget extra flashlight bulbs or extra wicks for the oil lamps. Also stash a couple extra glass globes if you have oil lamps... they're pretty worthless without them, and they break awfully easy.

Summerthyme

 

[cannoncocker]

Can a mod edit my post? I cannot get the font size down smaller and have tried with advanced edit 5 times. OY!

 

[The Flying Dutchman]

Can a mod edit my post? I cannot get the font size down smaller and have tried with advanced edit 5 times. OY!

I was hoping that you'd want to change the format CC; I'll tryand make it a bit better for you (and so I can read it ).

Dutch

 

[doctor_fungcool]

From the article I just posted is this composite..............

"Therefore the rate of inflation of the rate of inflation in the market for primary commodities is the characteristic curve of the present world monetary-financial system. This rate of rate of inflation, as reflected in the concealed behavior of M3, is the curve which corresponds to the Weimar, Germany hyperinflationary curve of June-November 1923."
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My take on this situation


Compare hyperinflation/depression to a Katrina like hurricane. Everything you may have held dear all your lifetime will be turned inside out. You will suddenly be in 'survival mode'. ...........and your first line of defense are your friends and like minded folks who will help support one another. Your second leg of support are your preps...........these preps must be large enough to last a minimum of six months to a year. Your third line of defense is your belief in a higher power AND a tough minded attitude. Remember, knowledge is power, and
without it, all the preps in the world will do you no good.

Remember,also, stores may not be able to be resupplied because of diesel or gasoline shortages. A simple can of beans may become a sought after barter item, as will cigarettes, liquor, fresh bottled water, and various sundries.


Please don't panic.....................for there will be enough panic from the masses when this scenario presents itself..............prep...........and remember, your dollar will decrease in value as things heat up!

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Larouche says in his article, "The world is thus, now, in the terminal phase of a hyperinflationary collapse of not only the dollar-system, but the world-system as a whole. To bring this into focus, consider the elementary features of the way in which Federal Reserve Chairman Greenspan's lunacy orchestrated the 1987-2006 phase of the relevant hyperinflationary cycle. Keep three illustrative curves in view: 1.) my "Triple Curve," which, since January 1996, has described the general characteristics of the congoing collapse-function of the 1995-1996 interval; 2.) The curve of 1923 Weimar, Germany hyper-inflation; and, 3.) The current hyperinflationary rate of rate of increase of primary commodity prices, as led by petroleum and metals."

 

[theoutlands]

I'm enjoying this thread - for the most part - but I gotta say, I think a lot of the suggestions (maybe a third of them) are not, strictly speaking, "soft preps" like the thread started with. Of course, personal attitudes will influence just exactly what "non-life-support-essential" preps consist of. If you "rise and set with the sun," then lighting would be a "soft prep" for sure. But I hope you see what I'm saying - if you plan to grow your own food (start now!!!), then garden tools and the maintenance bits they require are NOT soft preps - whereas, if you plan to store a year's worth of food (keep it rotated so you don't have to throw it away!!), then yes, hoes and the like would be "soft preps" for you. I hope this makes sense.

Oh and let me just say - all the posts on this thread are EXCELLENT suggestions! I'm not AT ALL trying to denigrate anything that has been added here - it's just a matter of definitions...and those may well change from person to person.

 

[summerthyme]

Michael.. no, you're absolutely right.

It's just that I've read TB for long enough to realize that folks like you, and Todd and I are in a very tiny (and fortunate) minority.

And, in fact, very few folks are in any shape to be thinking of "soft preps" at all... because just getting the basics in order takes more years and dollars than most have had.

If we're getting down to the wire (and I look back at when I started serious prepping, as opposed to simply living the homestead/farm life and producing most of our own food, and it scares me how unprepared I was/would have been if the balloon had gone up then), then MOST folks need to be considering basics NOW.

If things bumble along for another year or three (always possible, but IMHO unlikely), those who got motivated to get their basics in order will have time to add the "fun" stuff.

If TSTHF soon, if they did too much on the "soft" side without first getting the foundation of basics.. well, they may not be around in 2-3 years to worry about any of it.

I also agree that the "definitions" change.. over time, due to changing family situations, and if your financial situation changes. My "basics" for clothing, after the actual readymade clothes I've bought on sale and stashed are gone, are bolts of heavy denim, cotton jersey knits and other basic cottons. My "soft preps" are some really nice quality wools, silk, and PolarFleece I've managed to accumulate.

Other folks would consider "basics" to be clothes bought at garage sales (BTDT too) and "luxury, or soft" preps to be a bolt of denim...

As I said in another thread, we all do the best we can, and I believe God will honor that.

Summerthyme

 

[beee]

Stagflation more likely

After prepping for Y2K, I said ... What was that all about Lord? He said, be patient, in time you will know. Six years later I'm asking the same question and getting the same answer. Best to always be prepared ... for economic adjustments, Bird flu ... whatever.

Here's another list I came across ...

1. Generators (Good ones cost dearly. Gas storage)
2. Water Filters/Purifiers
3. Portable Toilets
4. Seasoned Firewood. Wood takes about 6 - 12 months to become dried.
5. Lamp Oil, Wicks, Lamps (Buy CLEAR oil. If scarce, stockpile ANY!)
6. Coleman Fuel. Impossible to stockpile too much.
7. Guns, Ammunition, Pepper Spray, Knives, Clubs, Bats & Slingshots.
8. Hand-can openers, & hand egg beaters, whisks.
9. Honey/Syrups/white, brown sugar
10. Rice - Beans - Wheat
11. Vegetable Oil (for cooking) Without it food burns/must be boiled ect.,)
12. Charcoal, Lighter Fluid (Will become scarce suddenly)
13. Water Containers Any size. HARD CLEAR PLASTIC ONLY
14. Mini Heater head (Without this, propane won't heat a room.)
15. Grain Grinder (Non-electric)
16. Propane Cylinders (Urgent: Definite shortages will occur.
17. Survival Guide Book.
18. Mantles: Aladdin, Coleman, ect. (Without this, lighting is difficult.)
19. Baby Supplies: Diapers/formula. ointments/aspirin, ect.
20. Washboards, Mop Bucket w/wringer (for Laundry)
21. Cookstoves (Propane, Coleman & Kerosene)
22. Vitamins
23. Propane Cylinder Handle-Holder
24. Feminine Hygiene/Haircare/Skin products.
25. Thermal underwear (Tops & Bottoms)
26. Bow saws, axes and hatchets, Wedges (also, honing oil)
27. Aluminum Foil Reg. & Heavy Duty (Great Cooking and Barter Item)
28. Gasoline Containers (Plastic & Metal)
29. Garbage Bags (Impossible To Have Too Many).
30. Toilet Paper, Kleenex, Paper Towels
31. Milk - Powdered & Condensed (Shake Liquid every 3 to 4 months)
32. Garden Seeds (Non-Hybrid) (A MUST)
33. Clothes pins/line/hangers (A MUST)
34. Coleman's Pump Repair Kit
35. Tuna Fish (in oil)
36. Fire Extinguishers (or..large box of Baking Soda in every room)
37. First aid kits
38. Batteries (all sizes...buy furthest-out for Expiration Dates)
39. Garlic, spices & vinegar, baking supplies
40. Big Dogs (and plenty of dog food)
41. Flour, yeast & salt
42. Matches. ("Strike Anywhere" preferred.) Boxed, wooden matches
43. Writing paper/pads/pencils, solar calculators
44. Insulated ice chests (keep items from freezing in Wintertime.)
45. Workboots, belts, Levis & durable shirts
46. Flashlights/LIGHTSTICKS & torches, "No. 76 Dietz" Lanterns
47. Journals, Diaries & Scrapbooks (jot down ideas, Historic Times)
48. Garbage cans Plastic (great for storage, water, transporting)
49. Men's Hygiene: Toothbrush/paste, Mouthwash/floss, nail clippers, ect
50. Cast iron cookware (sturdy, efficient)
51. Fishing supplies/tools
52. Mosquito coils/repellent, sprays/creams
53. Duct Tape
54. Tarps/stakes/twine/nails/rope/spikes
55. Candles
56. Laundry Detergent (liquid)
57. Backpacks, Duffle Bags
58. Garden tools & supplies
59. Scissors, fabrics & sewing supplies
60. Canned Fruits, Veggies, Soups, stews, ect.
61. Bleach (plain, NOT scented: 4 to 6% sodium hypochlorite)
62. Canning supplies, (Jars/lids/wax)
63. Knives & Sharpening tools: files, stones, steel
64. Bicycles...Tires/tubes/pumps/chains, ect
65. Sleeping Bags & blankets/pillows/mats
66. Carbon Monoxide Alarm (battery powered)
67. Board Games, Cards, Dice
68. d-con Rat poison, MOUSE PRUFE II, Roach Killer
69. Mousetraps, Ant traps & cockroach magnets
70. Paper plates/cups/utensils (stock up, folks)
71. Baby wipes, oils, waterless & Antibacterial soap (saves a lot of water)
72. Rain gear, rubberized boots, ect.
73. Shaving supplies (razors & creams, talc, after shave)
74. Hand pumps & siphons (for water and for fuels)
75. Soysauce, vinegar, boullions/gravy/soupbase
76. Reading glasses
77. Chocolate/Cocoa/Tang/Punch (water enhancers)
78. "Survival-in-a-Can"
79. Woolen clothing, scarves/ear-muffs/mittens
80. Boy Scout Handbook, / also Leaders Catalog
81. Roll-on Window Insulation Kit (MANCO)
82. Graham crackers, saltines, pretzels, Trail mix/Jerky
83. Popcorn, Peanut Butter, Nuts
84. Socks, Underwear, T-shirts, ect. (extras)
85. Lumber (all types)
86. Wagons & carts (for transport to and from)
87. Cots & Inflatable mattresses
88. Gloves: Work/warming/gardening, ect.
89. Lantern Hangers
90. Screen Patches, glue, nails, screws,, nuts & bolts
91. Teas
92. Coffee
93. Cigarettes
94. Wine/Liquors (for bribes, medicinal, ect,)
95. Paraffin wax
96. Glue, nails, nuts, bolts, screws, ect.
97. Chewing gum/candies
98. Atomizers (for cooling/bathing)
99. Hats & cotton neckerchiefs
100. Goats/chickens/Rabbits

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[/QUOTE] What we are is God's gift to us. What we become is our gift to God.[/​

CENTER]​

 

[cannoncocker]

Pixmo said:
Good post, Sharon. You are not alone in your thinking. I share similar sentiments.

Be prepared, keep an eye on the horizon, but remember that life is to live...it's not an experience where we are to constantly huddle in fear.

One can be happy without living beyond one's means. Once you embrace this ideal, you are on your way towards building spirital and material wealth.

Sacrifice and success go hand in hand. Don't deny yourself, but try save for a rainy day.

The problem with many people is that they buy things that they can't afford. They want it all, and they want it all NOW.

Great post. Double what you said.


I am on abinge of buying more Tp, ammo, gear, just stufff. It has been exhausting, but in 12 months, I may not be able to buy 1000 rounds of Israeli made .308 ammo or the military grade 223 ammo I bought recently. We may never get another chance to buy some of the equipment or gear or soft preps at these prices or in the case of ammo or gold/silver or equipment maybe we will never be able to buy as much or at all.


But we have to live life and enjoy, so I am going to go to Chick-fil-A and then clean the pool filters and then maybe watch a ball game and do some reading. I think I will go with the wife out to Houstons tonght for a good meal and enjoy what I have with one I love and let tommorow come what may. Monday I will check with the local fire dept about CERT training. And start the weekly cycle of scanning the horizon for events to look out for and watch for preps I may not have.