Weekly Prep Thread, March 19-25, 2006
- Thread starter A.T.Hagan
- Start date
Shooting Star
Veteran Member
1. I have vacumn sealed about 20 pks of ground chuck (to be put in the freezer)
2. Bought a case of canning jars (I am trying to buy a case per week)
3. Ordered Morning Moo Milk (6) #10 cans and Buttermilk (6) #10 cans - I ordered it from Walton Feeds (shipping was more than I wanted to pay)!!!
4. Rinsed out 10 (55 gallon) drums - getting ready to fill them up with water..
2. Bought a case of canning jars (I am trying to buy a case per week)
3. Ordered Morning Moo Milk (6) #10 cans and Buttermilk (6) #10 cans - I ordered it from Walton Feeds (shipping was more than I wanted to pay)!!!
4. Rinsed out 10 (55 gallon) drums - getting ready to fill them up with water..
NukeMaster
Contributing Member
After a year in Iraq I'm busy with restcking. Had a case sale at the local commissary, so I went to do some shopping.
They opened at 9:00am, I got there at 8:20, there was a line already with 50 or so. By the time they opened the line had over a hundred in it. It went slow, I got through in two hours. But I got all kinds of stuff. The register on these special sales isn't itemized, but I remember some of the prices.
24 can case of libbys corned beef 14.00$
8 can pack of corn, beans, or peas 2.42$
Frozen Cocktail shrimp platters, 10 lb, 10.00$
Arizona green tea, 12 case 2.16$
They take off for coupons at the register, the prices above are after coupons.
I got coffee, cooking oil, peanut butter, grape jelly and treats like oreo cookies and toastems(these were cheap-about 12 cents a box). I paid 90.00$, the coupon discount was 180.00$!! I did the math and was surprised. I knew the savings were a lot, just by buying in case sizes and the bonus was nice.
It was especially good to get the corned beef so cheap-good animal protein is expensive. I looked at expiration dates-looks like this stuff is new production-not old'git rid ofs'. They had all kinds of stuff-TP, snacks, TV dinners, hot dogs, in fact a whole refer semi full of frozen stuff.
Most shopping were retirees, and they active duty.
Today I bet all they have left is TP, paper towels and canned vegetables!
They opened at 9:00am, I got there at 8:20, there was a line already with 50 or so. By the time they opened the line had over a hundred in it. It went slow, I got through in two hours. But I got all kinds of stuff. The register on these special sales isn't itemized, but I remember some of the prices.
24 can case of libbys corned beef 14.00$
8 can pack of corn, beans, or peas 2.42$
Frozen Cocktail shrimp platters, 10 lb, 10.00$
Arizona green tea, 12 case 2.16$
They take off for coupons at the register, the prices above are after coupons.
I got coffee, cooking oil, peanut butter, grape jelly and treats like oreo cookies and toastems(these were cheap-about 12 cents a box). I paid 90.00$, the coupon discount was 180.00$!! I did the math and was surprised. I knew the savings were a lot, just by buying in case sizes and the bonus was nice.
It was especially good to get the corned beef so cheap-good animal protein is expensive. I looked at expiration dates-looks like this stuff is new production-not old'git rid ofs'. They had all kinds of stuff-TP, snacks, TV dinners, hot dogs, in fact a whole refer semi full of frozen stuff.
Most shopping were retirees, and they active duty.
Today I bet all they have left is TP, paper towels and canned vegetables!
Lurking LRRP
Contributing Member
I bought another 5 gallon water can, 2 more boxes of powdered milk, 12 lbs of canning salt, another 100 rnds of 9mm ammo, and a couple more cans of pork and beans, oh and more gravy packets. And today I will plant the potato sprouts in the buckets I asked y'all about.
Oh and one more thing, I think everybody ought to buy and read the foxfire books, I ordered 1 thru 4 used from amazon, shipping was more than the books cost. Great info on the way they did everything back when.
Hope y'all are doing fine and getting it done
Lurking LRRP
Oh and one more thing, I think everybody ought to buy and read the foxfire books, I ordered 1 thru 4 used from amazon, shipping was more than the books cost. Great info on the way they did everything back when.
Hope y'all are doing fine and getting it done
Lurking LRRP
1.5 lbs hamburger rocks in the Excalibur right now (pre-cooked weight). After frying, and draining and rinsing the 1.5 lbs was down to .7 lbs. Curious to see what the finished weight will be. Oh, I used ground chuck (80/20).
Also 2 lbs of carrots. 1/2 was finely diced and parboiled. The other half was pureed, salted and peppered, after parboiling. Im trying carrot leather.
2 bell peppers, diced.
1 can fruit cocktail - finished. One 15 oz can of fruit cocktail(no sugar added, drained and rinsed) = 1 oz dried fruit!
3/4 lb fresh strawberries-done.
Picked up some extra paper goods and toiletries. Got them stashed under the bed. H would freak if he ever looked under there!
Also 2 lbs of carrots. 1/2 was finely diced and parboiled. The other half was pureed, salted and peppered, after parboiling. Im trying carrot leather.
2 bell peppers, diced.
1 can fruit cocktail - finished. One 15 oz can of fruit cocktail(no sugar added, drained and rinsed) = 1 oz dried fruit!
3/4 lb fresh strawberries-done.
Picked up some extra paper goods and toiletries. Got them stashed under the bed. H would freak if he ever looked under there!
Picked up an 80 lb. bag of concrete mix at the bigbox bldg materials store, along with a few treated 2X4s to build a platform for the new hand pump on the new well in the pasture. That will get done next week sometime.
Tomorrow (Monday) the welder is supposed to be here to cut an opening and weld the steel door into the conex box we are setting up as an office/shop/storm shelter. We've bought the door and the steel for the frame and now just have to get it installed.
Will be spending a lot of time next week dealing with doctors, so that will cut into some things I had rather be doing...
dd
Tomorrow (Monday) the welder is supposed to be here to cut an opening and weld the steel door into the conex box we are setting up as an office/shop/storm shelter. We've bought the door and the steel for the frame and now just have to get it installed.
Will be spending a lot of time next week dealing with doctors, so that will cut into some things I had rather be doing...
dd
Bird Guano
Membership Revoked
Water barrel maintenance/ wash out, refill, treat
500 gallons takes a LONG time.
More receiving into the inventory spreadsheet of all the freeze-dry stuff that has
arrived via UPS and truck, then finding a place to put it all. I'm running
out of space. 24 months of food takes up a LOT of space.
Another run to the asian grocery for cheap noodles, sauces and packaged mixes.
Ordered a 1/2 young cow for slaughter. I have them hang it for a 14 day dry age, then butcher into freezer portions.
Major Smart N FInal run. They no longer have any 3M masks in stock, but are carrying more bulk dry foods in heavy mylar re-sealable bags. Picked up lots of wide mouth jars and lids. They now carry things like 25Lb bags of dry milk in mylar bags.
I'm hoping my pressure canner comes this week, so I can start learning how to can protein. Especially now that chicken is so cheap.
Ordered another 100 P100 filter cartridges for my respirators. I now have over a year's worth of daily use.
Ordered 4.000 exam gloves from Overstock
I'm pretty much done except for treats like chocolate blocks, rotation, and trying my hand at canning.
500 gallons takes a LONG time.
More receiving into the inventory spreadsheet of all the freeze-dry stuff that has
arrived via UPS and truck, then finding a place to put it all. I'm running
out of space. 24 months of food takes up a LOT of space.
Another run to the asian grocery for cheap noodles, sauces and packaged mixes.
Ordered a 1/2 young cow for slaughter. I have them hang it for a 14 day dry age, then butcher into freezer portions.
Major Smart N FInal run. They no longer have any 3M masks in stock, but are carrying more bulk dry foods in heavy mylar re-sealable bags. Picked up lots of wide mouth jars and lids. They now carry things like 25Lb bags of dry milk in mylar bags.
I'm hoping my pressure canner comes this week, so I can start learning how to can protein. Especially now that chicken is so cheap.
Ordered another 100 P100 filter cartridges for my respirators. I now have over a year's worth of daily use.
Ordered 4.000 exam gloves from Overstock
I'm pretty much done except for treats like chocolate blocks, rotation, and trying my hand at canning.
Canning burger and chicken breasts right now, with another big pot of cooked chicken quarters cooling to be picked from the bone and canned. Found a real good deal this weekend, so couldn't pass 'em up.
I'm testing the incubator so we can hatch a batch or two of chicks this spring from my one Red Star hen (only fox survivor...she is the smart one who hid in the woods and waited for me to find her) and the Beautiful Mutt rooster. It would be a good way to build up the laying flock again, with some young roosters to butcher as a bonus. Incubating chicks might just be a good skill to brush up on.
I'm testing the incubator so we can hatch a batch or two of chicks this spring from my one Red Star hen (only fox survivor...she is the smart one who hid in the woods and waited for me to find her) and the Beautiful Mutt rooster. It would be a good way to build up the laying flock again, with some young roosters to butcher as a bonus. Incubating chicks might just be a good skill to brush up on.
ka5gtc
Contributing Member
I just got back from the retreat. I took a load of lumber and roofing for a new project. Did a little check on the supplies and found I need a few things. Hope to go back next weekend with more lumber and supplies. I got a call from a friend in Alaska on the 18th and was told that I might get the chance to work on the slope. Sure will help the pocket book, and will allow me to purchase more land next to the retreat. Doing all that I can to be prepared......................
gillmanNSF
Veteran Member
Alright, today was laundry and cleaning supplies prep day. I finally purchased a rubbermaid mop bucket with wringer for a makeshift mechanical laundry and a plunger for agitation. I also purchased a 300 oz. size of Gain and ordered a couple of washboards from http://www.redhillgeneralstore.com/wash.htm?source=washboard. I got another 200 feet of clothesline and 100 more clothespins, which will be a cheap way of gaining favor of and cooperation from neighbors. I got two huge bottles of PineSol for disinfecting garbage if there is no pick-up for while and a couple more spray cans of Lysol disinfectant. I got a few other cleaning supplies as well as 7 pkgs. of Cottonelle Wipes refills for a total count of 588 wipes. I went to Target and "wiped" them out of their supply of refills. 
I also went to a nearby RadioShack and purchased their PRO2096 digital trunking scanner. I had to buy the floor model as that was their last one and they're out of stock on the RadioShack website. At least I got a year extended warranty for free, a $45 value. I wonder what the deal is with the lack of supply of these scanners. Conspiracy theories welcome.
I'll probably play with it in the dead of night (after midnight) see what's going on around me.
I also went to a nearby RadioShack and purchased their PRO2096 digital trunking scanner. I had to buy the floor model as that was their last one and they're out of stock on the RadioShack website. At least I got a year extended warranty for free, a $45 value. I wonder what the deal is with the lack of supply of these scanners. Conspiracy theories welcome.
I'll probably play with it in the dead of night (after midnight) see what's going on around me.Attachments
Deep Blue Dragon
Senior Member
I made a little extra money recently doing some book reviews so I bought a food dehydrator and a worm bin (and worms). I also ordered a case of powdered eggs and freeze dried chicken. Took delivery of the Mountain House deal items (it's beginning to look like Y2K again around here! ).
We pulled out the winter crops that were bolting and are getting organized for the spring/summer garden. I started some key lime seeds (DD loves the Florida Keys). From what I have been able to learn it is the only citrus that you can grow from seed as the other types are all grafted plants. Our other citrus do OK in large containers that we move inside during the winter.
Added to my prep library: a book on growing citrus, one on rainwater harvesting, "101 Things to do with Ramen Noodles," and the scary book on the 1918 flu epidemic.
I had some some freeze dried food sent to my parents back East; had a nice chat with my mom about items in the Emergency Essentials catalog. They are concerned about bird flu and we were talking masks.
I am really stepping up my prepping!
).We pulled out the winter crops that were bolting and are getting organized for the spring/summer garden. I started some key lime seeds (DD loves the Florida Keys). From what I have been able to learn it is the only citrus that you can grow from seed as the other types are all grafted plants. Our other citrus do OK in large containers that we move inside during the winter.
Added to my prep library: a book on growing citrus, one on rainwater harvesting, "101 Things to do with Ramen Noodles," and the scary book on the 1918 flu epidemic.
I had some some freeze dried food sent to my parents back East; had a nice chat with my mom about items in the Emergency Essentials catalog. They are concerned about bird flu and we were talking masks.
I am really stepping up my prepping!
Bird Guano
Membership Revoked
gillmanNSF said:
Be sure to get the computer programming cable and the Win96 programming software tha unlocks the bands and lets you program
the V folders with ease.
http://www.starrsoft.com/software/win96/default.asp
I absolutely LOVE my Pro96. GRE Japan makes it for them and they make good equipment.
I think they are winding down production of that model and will come out with one that covers the new 700Mhz public safety bands and the new channel plan for 800 trunking sometime in the next year.
gillmanNSF
Veteran Member
Thanks BG for the tip. I got the cable when I got my Pro 83. I downloaded the zipfile and opened it successfully. I'll have to try it out later though. As long as you're stepping up your preps, got KI? I finally ordered them along with "The Package" from KI4U.com on Sunday. I hadn't really given much though about radiological preps, but I was reading an old thread, then before I could stop myself, I ordered the whole kit and kaboodle. Sheesh! It's one prep I'm not mentioning to anyone. Friends might want to initiate an intervention if they found out.
BREWER
I thought I had a new malt mill ordered last month only to find out they are having problems getting the supplies they need to complete the order so I cancelled that order. Next I called my homebrew supply store owner and talked to him about the one he uses in his shop. He walked me through the Alpha and Omegas and I ordered another mill that is actually less expensive. I read an article I believe posted by PCViking regarding the western flyway will be having possibly H5N1 infected birds fly through the Willamette valley. Most of the hops grown in the US comes from there and the Mt. Hood area. I decided to order additional hops that I use anyway [in quantity] from that area before the microbreweries get wise to the probable infected status of a key ingredient that will suddenly be in short supply due to the feces that 'possibly' infected birds will be dropping during the upcoming growing season. Hops are traditionally harvested out there, and in Euroland, September thru early November. Those months may be tough months in 2006 if H2H transmission is a reality. I'll bet ya Anhuser-Busch is thinking about this, too. I also ordered several cases of Hormel's Mary Kitchen brand of Roast Beef Hash. I started to plan out menus for Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner and I'am looking out 12 to 18 months. Whew...what a project!!
I thought I had a new malt mill ordered last month only to find out they are having problems getting the supplies they need to complete the order so I cancelled that order. Next I called my homebrew supply store owner and talked to him about the one he uses in his shop. He walked me through the Alpha and Omegas and I ordered another mill that is actually less expensive. I read an article I believe posted by PCViking regarding the western flyway will be having possibly H5N1 infected birds fly through the Willamette valley. Most of the hops grown in the US comes from there and the Mt. Hood area. I decided to order additional hops that I use anyway [in quantity] from that area before the microbreweries get wise to the probable infected status of a key ingredient that will suddenly be in short supply due to the feces that 'possibly' infected birds will be dropping during the upcoming growing season. Hops are traditionally harvested out there, and in Euroland, September thru early November. Those months may be tough months in 2006 if H2H transmission is a reality. I'll bet ya Anhuser-Busch is thinking about this, too. I also ordered several cases of Hormel's Mary Kitchen brand of Roast Beef Hash. I started to plan out menus for Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner and I'am looking out 12 to 18 months. Whew...what a project!!
yellowsprings
Inactive
I have a thing for flashlights 
so I have added a few more "shake" flashlights to my preps. I also purchased two more LED lanterns that were on sale.
I found a LED bulb replacement for my AA Mag flashlight at Walmart. It replaces the current bulb with three LED's. It really made a big difference in the light output! DH lusted after mine and now he wants one!
so I have added a few more "shake" flashlights to my preps. I also purchased two more LED lanterns that were on sale. I found a LED bulb replacement for my AA Mag flashlight at Walmart. It replaces the current bulb with three LED's. It really made a big difference in the light output! DH lusted after mine and now he wants one!
Would you believe, yesterday 2 different clients asked me about elderberry and immune system stuff. My clients don't usually ask unless they want me to blend them something, this was news to them. I told them the simple directions to make their own tincture (one guy was paying $20 for 4 ounces!).
Opened a can of WSU Creamery's Cougar Gold cheese. Dang! It is terrific. I'm glad I have room in the fridge to keep some.
Am assessing shelf space re: more prep storage. Looks like a little re-arranging is in order again.
Opened a can of WSU Creamery's Cougar Gold cheese. Dang! It is terrific. I'm glad I have room in the fridge to keep some.
Am assessing shelf space re: more prep storage. Looks like a little re-arranging is in order again.
A.T.Hagan
Inactive
My seed order from Territorial came in yesterday which now completes my seed purchases for this season.
They claim to have an OP yellow summer squash that is at least powdery mildew tolerant, possibly even resistant, which interests me greatly as that is invariably what polishes mine off every year. They've also got the Cornell bush delicata that is likewise supposedly powdery mildew tolerant. I'm looking forward to seeing how they perform.
Old man winter is reminding us that he's not quite done yet for the season as our Friday night low prediction has sunk to 33. Reckon I'll have to wait a few more days before putting out the tomatoes. Next year I'm going to start them two weeks later as they're already quite leggy even with being in full sun. The peppers and egg plant will be just about perfect for transplanting the first weekend in April.
.....Alan.
They claim to have an OP yellow summer squash that is at least powdery mildew tolerant, possibly even resistant, which interests me greatly as that is invariably what polishes mine off every year. They've also got the Cornell bush delicata that is likewise supposedly powdery mildew tolerant. I'm looking forward to seeing how they perform.
Old man winter is reminding us that he's not quite done yet for the season as our Friday night low prediction has sunk to 33. Reckon I'll have to wait a few more days before putting out the tomatoes. Next year I'm going to start them two weeks later as they're already quite leggy even with being in full sun. The peppers and egg plant will be just about perfect for transplanting the first weekend in April.
.....Alan.
Gonecrabbin
Senior Member
I finally finished the forms for my hurricane room;got sidetracked with boat repairs for a couple weeks so my project time was greatly reduced. I've got about 70 days till the official start of hurricane season so I'm gunna havta hustle to make up for lost time
Bird Guano
Membership Revoked
yellowsprings said:I have a thing for flashlights
I found a LED bulb replacement for my AA Mag flashlight at Walmart. It replaces the current bulb with three LED's. It really made a big difference in the light output! DH lusted after mine and now he wants one!
This may be like giving crack to an addict, but try this forum for everything flashlight.
Glad to see somebody else shares my obsession
www.candlepowerforums.com
Bird Guano
Membership Revoked
gillmanNSF said:
Yes I keep KI around, as well as some Prussian Blue blister pack tabs I got while in Germany about a year ago.
NBCsurvivor
Has No Life - Lives on TB
OK, just got back from the new Bass Pro Shop that opened up in my neck of the woods. Here is what I got....
Surefire G2 (new model w/improved tail cap switch)
2 packs of surfire batteries
2 packs of Mountain House for my BoB
Niteize LED upgrade for mini maglite
6 pack of Sam Adams (sanity purposes)
Surefire G2 (new model w/improved tail cap switch)
2 packs of surfire batteries
2 packs of Mountain House for my BoB
Niteize LED upgrade for mini maglite
6 pack of Sam Adams (sanity purposes)
Alan.. try beating them up! Not exactly... but either use a rather strong fan on them for a couple hours a day, or use your hand and firmly brush it back and forth through the tops of the flats, pushing on the plants.... just not hard enough to break them off.
This somehow "stresses" them JUST enough that they develop MUCH stronger stems and they also stay shorter.
It sounds wacky, but it works. Until I learned that trick, it didn't matter how many lights I used, how close to the seedlings, etc.. I still ended up with rather weak, spindly plants.
Summerthyme
NBCsurvivor
Has No Life - Lives on TB
Bird Guano said:This may be like giving crack to an addict, but try this forum for everything flashlight.
Glad to see somebody else shares my obsession
www.candlepowerforums.com
I found that forum through this forum. It really pisses me off that what I thought I knew about flashlights was really not that much (not really, very thankful actually). I have alot to learn and am stoked about maybe one day building my own.
Ok...Ok... I have been a member for a few months and have lurked for almost a year but today I actually became a full, fledged member. I went to Sam's and then to Walmart and spent about $500.00 on preps. I bought food, water, first aid.... I think I have a good start on making sure that I am prepared. My mother has been a member of this forum since '97 and she was ready for 2000. I thought she was nuts. ... and some of the family laughed at her. Now, I am one of you guys because I feel something is going to happen. I hope it isn't as bad as some of you think but I have a good start on being ready. I just thought I would let you know.... thanks for all of the tips.
NBCsurvivor
Has No Life - Lives on TB
Wingie said:
Congrats!!!!!!!!!
throw down though!!! tell us what you got!!!!
north runner
Membership Revoked
Bird Guano said:
Prussian blue blister packs? Civilian or military.
Next time you're over there pick us up a few thousand
Burbsteader
Inactive
Received my Territorial Seed order in the mail too. Also ended up buying some seeds at Lowes. The boys were with us and asked if they could grow some stuff too.
Said yes.
THen they asked if they could have their own garden.
Said yes to that too.
Told DH we would build them their own 4' x 4' raised beds. Oldest picked out carrots and flowers. Youngest picked out carrots, lettuce (after confirming is was a good kind to put on burgers. He's got his priorities!) and flowers, inc. flax. Just about have DH convinced to grow grapes again and to start growing raspberries, or any kind of berry like that, like Logan, Boysen, or Marionberry. May plant another gooseberry and elderberry.
Also looked over fruit bushes and trees they had for sale, discussed varieties. But we will buy all of our fruit bushes and trees at the local reputable nursery.
We were there pricing lumber to expand our raised beds. The new part will be about 20' x 11'. Then the 2 4' sq. beds.
Made arrangements to get free horse manure. This is several years old and well composted. We will get that this weekend.
Priced juicers and food processors. That will really help speed up food production like canning and drying.
Also made good headway into plans for a covered area (which I intend to use to hang clothes during the gray, drizzly days we get around here) and to beef up our chicken coop. We are going to lock the girls in and the wild birds, possums and raccoons out. Discussed types of wood burning stoves or outdoor ovens that could be installed around a covered area. I'm working FT this month and I'm saving the money to use for these ideas.
I can now knit mittens and socks without looking at a pattern. My speed is improving too, which is good because my boys are clamoring for handmade socks!
Finished our wood laminate flooring. No more carpeting anywhere! Woohoo!!
This will be a big blessing. It means I won't ever have to worry about how to clean it during SHTF. Had to vaccuum at LEAST 2-3X a week before due to DH's and oldest son's allergies and asthma. NO more!
Said yes.
THen they asked if they could have their own garden.
Said yes to that too.
Told DH we would build them their own 4' x 4' raised beds. Oldest picked out carrots and flowers. Youngest picked out carrots, lettuce (after confirming is was a good kind to put on burgers. He's got his priorities!) and flowers, inc. flax. Just about have DH convinced to grow grapes again and to start growing raspberries, or any kind of berry like that, like Logan, Boysen, or Marionberry. May plant another gooseberry and elderberry.
Also looked over fruit bushes and trees they had for sale, discussed varieties. But we will buy all of our fruit bushes and trees at the local reputable nursery.
We were there pricing lumber to expand our raised beds. The new part will be about 20' x 11'. Then the 2 4' sq. beds.
Made arrangements to get free horse manure. This is several years old and well composted. We will get that this weekend.
Priced juicers and food processors. That will really help speed up food production like canning and drying.
Also made good headway into plans for a covered area (which I intend to use to hang clothes during the gray, drizzly days we get around here) and to beef up our chicken coop. We are going to lock the girls in and the wild birds, possums and raccoons out. Discussed types of wood burning stoves or outdoor ovens that could be installed around a covered area. I'm working FT this month and I'm saving the money to use for these ideas.
I can now knit mittens and socks without looking at a pattern. My speed is improving too, which is good because my boys are clamoring for handmade socks!
Finished our wood laminate flooring. No more carpeting anywhere! Woohoo!!
This will be a big blessing. It means I won't ever have to worry about how to clean it during SHTF. Had to vaccuum at LEAST 2-3X a week before due to DH's and oldest son's allergies and asthma. NO more!
idelphic
Inactive
Trying to get into making the weeking city run worth MY while. DW and I meet her mother in town about once a week. drive by Sam's every week too. So going to try to start making use of that trip...
Picked up Canned chicken, peas, and corn tonight. When we get back from Florida, make a run for water to restock what we use,...
It's a start..
Picked up Canned chicken, peas, and corn tonight. When we get back from Florida, make a run for water to restock what we use,...
It's a start..
Charlie
Membership Revoked
Went ice fishing today. Prepping can be FUN! 
This time of year the big fat bluegills go nuts on our lake. Put a few meals of fillets in the freezer.
I built a big kahuna garage/shop over the last year and I am now organizing all my tools and hardware items. Having your nuts, bolts, plumbing, wiring, on and on supplies organized and ready to use in an emergency is definately a prep. I had some money left over in my building budget and blew it on a new cutting torch set up and a bunch of those plastic organizing bins and cabinets. I have been sorting out buckets of nuts, bolts and 10,000 other hardware items and getting them all lined up front and rear, left to right. This makes it much easier to find what I need in a hurry.
I scrounge free materials all the time from my caretaking business. The folks who's homes I take care of are constantly remodeling and PAY ME to haul away their old stuff. Much of it is almost new. I do not keep "junk", but do strip controls, plumbing parts, hinges and all other sorts of good useable stuff. I pitch anything that is not as good as new. Over the years I have accumulated a lot of items that will be darn handy to have on hand if TSHTF and harware stores are out of supplies.
A couple of days ago I hung up a very nice ceiling fan that I was "paid" to dispose of. Kaaaaching.
This time of year the big fat bluegills go nuts on our lake. Put a few meals of fillets in the freezer.
I built a big kahuna garage/shop over the last year and I am now organizing all my tools and hardware items. Having your nuts, bolts, plumbing, wiring, on and on supplies organized and ready to use in an emergency is definately a prep. I had some money left over in my building budget and blew it on a new cutting torch set up and a bunch of those plastic organizing bins and cabinets. I have been sorting out buckets of nuts, bolts and 10,000 other hardware items and getting them all lined up front and rear, left to right. This makes it much easier to find what I need in a hurry.
I scrounge free materials all the time from my caretaking business. The folks who's homes I take care of are constantly remodeling and PAY ME to haul away their old stuff. Much of it is almost new. I do not keep "junk", but do strip controls, plumbing parts, hinges and all other sorts of good useable stuff. I pitch anything that is not as good as new. Over the years I have accumulated a lot of items that will be darn handy to have on hand if TSHTF and harware stores are out of supplies.
A couple of days ago I hung up a very nice ceiling fan that I was "paid" to dispose of. Kaaaaching.
gillmanNSF
Veteran Member
Burbsteader said:Finished our wood laminate flooring. No more carpeting anywhere! Woohoo!!
This will be a big blessing. It means I won't ever have to worry about how to clean it during SHTF. Had to vaccuum at LEAST 2-3X a week before due to DH's and oldest son's allergies and asthma. NO more!
Congratulations! I'm still in the midst of my laminate flooring project from last October. I got stumped at the hallway, plus I was dog tired. It's a big job for just one person to do. Pulling up the old carpet and mohair liner talk about allergies! Then there's the tackboard around the room perimeter. I'm still tired. My new area rug in the living room really does define the area from the dining area just like they say on HGTV. I find I have to clean the hardwood more often as you can easily see the dust and debris on hardwood laminate flooring, then there's the little rocks that some how make it inside. The telescoping handle Swiffers are excellent for cleaning inbetween vacuum sessions.
Charlie said:
You're a wascally wabbit, aren't you?!
Yes, getting your tools and hardware is certainly a prep. I still can't find stuff I know I have. Organization is my forte.Jazzman said:
Congratulations to you too. My first experience with my new Cuisinart breadmaker last weekend. Didn't help that I forgot to put in the paddle after I had all the ingredients in the pail. The bread came out just blah. I'll give it another go soon.
north runner
Membership Revoked
I've been doing zen prepping for awhile... just sitting on idle, not buying much of anything. But after getting my Pioneer DV-383 multiregion DVD player to watch the full 3 seasons of Survivors (which is great) I finally started cruising amazon uk looking for historical DVDs and found Fire and Fever. A documentary about the 1665 London plague and great fire in 1666. Really odd this isn't available in the u.s. Other than that nada except a used digital scale I picked up off ebay for reloading. Oddly enough the distributor for my local gun store had none in stock. Saving money. Unfortunately I'm sick with the flu or a bad cold likewise daughter who is absent school (although getting better) my activities have been curtailed quite a bit. Those viruses that go deep in the lungs are the hardest to shake
yellowsprings
Inactive
Bird Guano said:This may be like giving crack to an addict, but try this forum for everything flashlight.
Glad to see somebody else shares my obsession
www.candlepowerforums.com
Oh yea ...
I know where I will be spending my afternoon after I bake cookies for the school bake sale!
Finally finished the dogs' dental work. Had an indoor sale two weekends ago to sell off the belongings of an AWOL tenant and made pretty decent money doing it. That let me make a hefty payment on that 1-year-no-interest furniture we bought in August -- may have enough left over to pay it off before the end of this month. And, re-renting that house also put a little extra in my pocket sooo i set out to do some "catching up" on preps yesterday. (The point here has been to do a little bit of everything with whatever money we can squeeze out of the month -- pets, vehicles, paying down bills, stocking up food: all of it.)
Just as i arrived at the commissary on post, there was an announcement that their system was down -- they could only accept cold, hard cash: no checks, no debit cards, no credit cards, no access cards (Okla's version of foodstamps). Decided i'd pick up a few things at Wal-Mart and Sam's and go on post another day.
That's how i learned a hard truth: wally's really doesn't offer much selection (at least not in this town). I was kinda shocked. They don't offer a very wide variety of sizes or brands - and they aren't really too inexpensive on most things. I picked up some dried fruit for under $1 a pack (some comfort food to squirrel away); some first aid supplies - bandaids, gauze pads, tape, peroxide, alcohol, etc. - also under $1/pack; saline nasal spray; and a bottle of elderberry syrup (1/4 the price of Sambucol from the health food store - of course, dont' know if it's worth it or not). Went on to Sam's next door and bought a "picnic" pack of Heinz condiments (2 ketchup, 1 relish, 1 mustard) for a reasonale price; plus Tuna steaks in pouches; a bundle of Mac & Cheese; feminine supplies; and a 16-bar pack of Dial soap (our household's favorite).
We don't have anything like a "real" grocery store in this town. We have wally's (2 super stores); a "chain" called Country Mart; and a United. Period. Nothing big, no real competition. If we didn't have the commissary, we'd have to make a run to Okla. City or Wichita Falls once a month (my conclusion after yesterday's frustrations). This has really been sinking in lately - the shortfalls here - it's bleaker than i had realized.
Just as i arrived at the commissary on post, there was an announcement that their system was down -- they could only accept cold, hard cash: no checks, no debit cards, no credit cards, no access cards (Okla's version of foodstamps). Decided i'd pick up a few things at Wal-Mart and Sam's and go on post another day.
That's how i learned a hard truth: wally's really doesn't offer much selection (at least not in this town). I was kinda shocked. They don't offer a very wide variety of sizes or brands - and they aren't really too inexpensive on most things. I picked up some dried fruit for under $1 a pack (some comfort food to squirrel away); some first aid supplies - bandaids, gauze pads, tape, peroxide, alcohol, etc. - also under $1/pack; saline nasal spray; and a bottle of elderberry syrup (1/4 the price of Sambucol from the health food store - of course, dont' know if it's worth it or not). Went on to Sam's next door and bought a "picnic" pack of Heinz condiments (2 ketchup, 1 relish, 1 mustard) for a reasonale price; plus Tuna steaks in pouches; a bundle of Mac & Cheese; feminine supplies; and a 16-bar pack of Dial soap (our household's favorite).
We don't have anything like a "real" grocery store in this town. We have wally's (2 super stores); a "chain" called Country Mart; and a United. Period. Nothing big, no real competition. If we didn't have the commissary, we'd have to make a run to Okla. City or Wichita Falls once a month (my conclusion after yesterday's frustrations). This has really been sinking in lately - the shortfalls here - it's bleaker than i had realized.
Lurking LRRP
Contributing Member
Bought the Cayenne pepper, 10 more cans chicken, 10 cans ham, and 2 more boxes of saltines
bought the ham for my muzzie friends
want to make sure i have something for them to eat...
Lurking LRRP
bought the ham for my muzzie friends
want to make sure i have something for them to eat...
Lurking LRRP
Bird Guano
Membership Revoked
NBCsurvivor said:
You do NOT want to get into building your own.
It's a V E R Y expensive hobby.
Especially when you start designing your own modifications on CAD and get machine shop quotes.
YIKES !
I probaby have more invested in flashlights than my car.
32 pounds AA2230C, 16 pounds PowerPistol, 5K SS109, 5K M855, 3K Wolf 7.62X39, etc. My annual loading stockpile. Powder Valley is my friend
Just picked up half a dozen 1 watt luxeon flashlights that run off AA rechargeables, and built two "ROP" lights, 1000 lumens in a Maglite body for about $50 each. Check out www.candlepowerforums.com for great info on serious flashlights.
Just picked up half a dozen 1 watt luxeon flashlights that run off AA rechargeables, and built two "ROP" lights, 1000 lumens in a Maglite body for about $50 each. Check out www.candlepowerforums.com for great info on serious flashlights.