I ask Dennis this question so many times. Basically, even that extra $20 he wants us to use, to buy to put back is really hard to come up with; especially with the prices going up in everything!
I am really excited about what I've been learning this week. My niece has been doing this and I can't wait to start. It's using coupons, I used to think it would make me buy what I didn't want or need. But through this great site I've found it really explains how you can find the items you like and send for it or even down load that coupon and print it out! She even explains how you never buy anything at its original price, you wait for it to go on sale and than use manufacturer coupons plus any store coupons and you can get the items for under a dollar if not free!! Gotta be excited about this. My niece says it works she does it all the time. So please check this book by the Krazy Coupon Lady and get some great ideas and save. So I was thinking of the next step...if I could save on money for toiletries and shelf items then I would have a little extra to buy large amounts of meats when they are on sale. Generally don't find coupons on meats unless its processed or Tyson, something like that. Though, my niece did say she gets some great deals on hot dogs etc. But if we are not spending all our grocery budget on toiletries and cleaning supplies, than we can exhaust the rest of our budget on meat products. This all brings back the idea about making freezer meals. We have to have the ingredients in the house to put these meals together. My next goal is, the money I save from coupon saving is to buy a small freezer for our apartment. When I find meat go on sale I don't have to worry I don't have enough room in my freezer. I think this will be a big help. Let me know if you've tried either the freezer meals or coupon savings.
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
Where has the time gone?
I'd like to echo Cheryl's apologies to our readers about not posting much recently, both she and I have been busy.
During the next few weeks cheryl and I will be clearing the garage out in preparation for a yard sale our apartment complex will be having at the end of June. This is part of an on going attempt to clear excessive unneccessary items out of our life and convert them into neccessary ones. What doesn't sell I will put up on craigslist.
We have moved into a larger apartment and are now settled in. After the yard sale we will begin the process again of trying to prepare for the fincially hard times that I believe are in the not to distant future. So keep checking back to see whats new with us.
Dennis
During the next few weeks cheryl and I will be clearing the garage out in preparation for a yard sale our apartment complex will be having at the end of June. This is part of an on going attempt to clear excessive unneccessary items out of our life and convert them into neccessary ones. What doesn't sell I will put up on craigslist.
We have moved into a larger apartment and are now settled in. After the yard sale we will begin the process again of trying to prepare for the fincially hard times that I believe are in the not to distant future. So keep checking back to see whats new with us.
Dennis
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
My apologies go out to all of you loyal readers!
I am so sorry for not getting back to here sooner. I missed so much. Lets see there was Mother's Day. Hope all you ladies were treated like Queens! I had to work but my husband was wonderful to me as usual. Dennis and I celebrated our 14 year Wedding Anniversary. The best part, was getting alone and just enjoying a nice relaxing, but always romantic walk with Husband, in the park. I did finally have a day off to enjoy Memorial Day, with family and meet some new family. Now the event that was the most abrupt was very quick move to the next apartment building . I had one day off and Dennis had to help finish with some friends and family after work. It was worth it, we really just enjoyed the location so much.
There seem to be a lot of stress lately, but just being able to "stop and smell the roses" even if means on our own balcony looking over a small pond and some ducks; really helps us to re focus and calm each other down and make more plans. It really became our "talking room". I suggest that couples find a a "place that you can go to that helps you both talk, plan and rethink ideas/ dreams.
I hope to do a better job getting back here once or twice a week. So if you haven't already... please pass on our blog and let friends, Facebook, twitter, email -however way you communicate that there is a couple who is just as concerned about the things we see and we see it as our responsibilty to NOW, before any man-made or natural disasters occur where we are located, to think and do something about it. And every week we will let you know our experiences and what we plan to do to give ourselves some peace. We want to hear from you and your comments and if you have any suggestions, please feel free to email us or leave a comment.
There seem to be a lot of stress lately, but just being able to "stop and smell the roses" even if means on our own balcony looking over a small pond and some ducks; really helps us to re focus and calm each other down and make more plans. It really became our "talking room". I suggest that couples find a a "place that you can go to that helps you both talk, plan and rethink ideas/ dreams.
I hope to do a better job getting back here once or twice a week. So if you haven't already... please pass on our blog and let friends, Facebook, twitter, email -however way you communicate that there is a couple who is just as concerned about the things we see and we see it as our responsibilty to NOW, before any man-made or natural disasters occur where we are located, to think and do something about it. And every week we will let you know our experiences and what we plan to do to give ourselves some peace. We want to hear from you and your comments and if you have any suggestions, please feel free to email us or leave a comment.
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
DO SOMETHING!!
This blog site is supposed to be about what Cheryl and I try to do every week to prepare for the difficult times we believe are soon upon our country. While this is not a political blog site I do want to make it clear that I don't believe for a minute the so called news that comes from Washington or New York. What I do believe is the evidence of my eyes and ears, and my gut instincts. I read the financial sites and blogs, and while these are all over the place as far as good time to bad times the trend is definitely to the bad.
History show that fiat money always fails. The dollar is backed not gold and silver as is used to be, but by "the full faith and credit of the United States". Our credit has run out and if anyone has been paying attention to some of the real news, so has the faith.
So some weeks it is hard to find the money to put things back like batteries, toilet paper, food staples. What do you do those weeks?
The answer is that those are the weeks you take the time to access your situation. take the time to organize your preps, identify deficiencies, and make a plan to address them. Make a list (Cheryl loves lists) and prioritize what you need to address next. For example:
1.Water
A. Storage
B. Purification
Are you storing bottled water? Do you have jugs or even pop bottles?. Do you have a water filter like the Big Berky or AquaRain or a Katadyn Pocket Filter? You can live for 3 weeks without food but only 3 days without water. Cheryl and I are fortunate to have both the AquaRain and theKatadyn Pocket Filter. We used the AquaRain to filter sping water for 4 years when we lived in Tennessee. You can live without Twinkies but not without water. Don't assume that you'll always be able to go to the faucet and water will come out, make a plan!
So the point is to understand what you need day to day to ...live. How about a list that looks like this.
Water
Food
Clothing
Shelter
Medical
Security
Etc.
Sit down and break out each of these catigories and decide what they really mean to you. You may not be able to to anything about them each week but to identify, access, plan, or organize. This week I am going to be focusing on food. I know I have the water covered. But I need to put back more staples and find a way to start gardening again. Next week I may still be on that or move on to some thing else. The point is ...DO SOMETHING!! Clean a closet to make room. Re-organize your kitchen. Go through your meds and throw out the ones that are expired, and identify what needs replaced.
Okay now go make a plan....I'll quiz you later ;)
History show that fiat money always fails. The dollar is backed not gold and silver as is used to be, but by "the full faith and credit of the United States". Our credit has run out and if anyone has been paying attention to some of the real news, so has the faith.
So some weeks it is hard to find the money to put things back like batteries, toilet paper, food staples. What do you do those weeks?
The answer is that those are the weeks you take the time to access your situation. take the time to organize your preps, identify deficiencies, and make a plan to address them. Make a list (Cheryl loves lists) and prioritize what you need to address next. For example:
1.Water
A. Storage
B. Purification
Are you storing bottled water? Do you have jugs or even pop bottles?. Do you have a water filter like the Big Berky or AquaRain or a Katadyn Pocket Filter? You can live for 3 weeks without food but only 3 days without water. Cheryl and I are fortunate to have both the AquaRain and theKatadyn Pocket Filter. We used the AquaRain to filter sping water for 4 years when we lived in Tennessee. You can live without Twinkies but not without water. Don't assume that you'll always be able to go to the faucet and water will come out, make a plan!
So the point is to understand what you need day to day to ...live. How about a list that looks like this.
Water
Food
Clothing
Shelter
Medical
Security
Etc.
Sit down and break out each of these catigories and decide what they really mean to you. You may not be able to to anything about them each week but to identify, access, plan, or organize. This week I am going to be focusing on food. I know I have the water covered. But I need to put back more staples and find a way to start gardening again. Next week I may still be on that or move on to some thing else. The point is ...DO SOMETHING!! Clean a closet to make room. Re-organize your kitchen. Go through your meds and throw out the ones that are expired, and identify what needs replaced.
Okay now go make a plan....I'll quiz you later ;)
Friday, May 6, 2011
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
Have Gun, Will Travel
Have Gun, Will Travel used to be a TV show in the early 60's starring Richard Boone as a traveling gunfighter. I love the old TV westerns that I grew up on. Right was right, wrong was wrong and the good guys usually won.
But my topic for this week will be about firearms. If you go to any survivalist website the section about firearms is usually HUGE!!! While everyone knows that getting into a gunfight is an extraordinarily bad idea I kind of believe there is a part of survivalist that holds a romantic notion of fighting against the MZBHs (Mutant Biker Zombie Hordes) that will roam the countryside seeking to devour the flesh of the poor, unprepared, defenseless people in a post apocalyptic world. It will be the survivalist with his night vision equipped, laser-sighted, compact, lightwieght MZB blaster with a gazillion rounds of ammo that will make the world safe again for truth, justice and the American way. (cough, cough, wheeze)
So ok here is the short and skinny on this subject. Have a gun! Period. 99.99999% of the time you will not be fighting to defend your life against MZB's, looters, stray dogs or pesky children (well OK maybe pesky children could be a problem! but don't shoot them!). But should that situation arise that you need to defend you or your family, have a gun. It's like having a fire extinguisher. You don't want a fire to happen, but a quick response with a fire extinguisher or a firearm can save you and your family.
Your firearm has 2 and only 2 purposes in a survival situation. 1)That hopefully rare occasion where you may have to defend your life and your family. 2) Hunting, which would be the vast majority of your need for a firearm.
I have had numerous firearms in my life. I am to the point that while I am an admitted gun weeney I don't have a lot of them any more. I have what I feel I need and I am going to post what I have and why.
1.) A 22 caliber rifle. Ammo is relativly cheap, there is no recoil so it is easy to shoot. It will take small animals and non-flying birds. This one gun will satisfy 90% of what a person needs for hunting survival. Mine is a lever action. Some will say that you should have a semi auto for follow up shots. Bull! Pick your shot right the first ime and you won't need a follow up shot. With the 22 you can practise, practise, practise without breaking the bank (or robbing one).
2.) A 12 guage pump shotgun. This is the jack of all trades gun. You can hunt, and defend with a shotgun. I would get one that would allow you to change your barrels. Long for hunting birds and small game and a shorter one for deer hunting and self defense. but I have separate shotguns for each purpose because that is just how it worked out. Your can get slugs, OO buckshot, and #2-#6 shot to cover most all of your needs. Have a good quantity of each type of ammo.
3.) A handgun, semi or revolver, whatever you are comfortable with. Some people are caliber snobs, meaning that they will pooh pooh whatever selection you make if it does't agree with theirs. So what? I have a 357 magnum revolver, why? Because you can shoot 38 special ammo out of it. I also have a semi-auto 9mm because 9mm is cheaper to shoot and reload than 45 ACP. But remember the only purpose and advantage of the handgun is that you can keep it with you most of the time.
That's it! Would I like a whiz bang AR-15 with optics and multple 30 round magazines? Sure! If that is what you feel you need, go for it you might be right! But if you are just starting out prepping keep it simple. Above all practice safe handling of any firearm you may get.
Now if I had to pick just one of the above it would be a 357 magnum revolver paired with a 357 carbine (which I have). Why? The 357 magnum cartridge becomes a lot more effective out of a long barrel and it is an effective hunting round. They don't recoil a lot. 38 special and 357 magnum are common and plentiful, and they are easy to reload, which is a whole 'nother subject.
One other thing to remember about firearms, they are like tools in a box, and each one has a purpose they are better suited for.
Dennis
But my topic for this week will be about firearms. If you go to any survivalist website the section about firearms is usually HUGE!!! While everyone knows that getting into a gunfight is an extraordinarily bad idea I kind of believe there is a part of survivalist that holds a romantic notion of fighting against the MZBHs (Mutant Biker Zombie Hordes) that will roam the countryside seeking to devour the flesh of the poor, unprepared, defenseless people in a post apocalyptic world. It will be the survivalist with his night vision equipped, laser-sighted, compact, lightwieght MZB blaster with a gazillion rounds of ammo that will make the world safe again for truth, justice and the American way. (cough, cough, wheeze)
So ok here is the short and skinny on this subject. Have a gun! Period. 99.99999% of the time you will not be fighting to defend your life against MZB's, looters, stray dogs or pesky children (well OK maybe pesky children could be a problem! but don't shoot them!). But should that situation arise that you need to defend you or your family, have a gun. It's like having a fire extinguisher. You don't want a fire to happen, but a quick response with a fire extinguisher or a firearm can save you and your family.
Your firearm has 2 and only 2 purposes in a survival situation. 1)That hopefully rare occasion where you may have to defend your life and your family. 2) Hunting, which would be the vast majority of your need for a firearm.
I have had numerous firearms in my life. I am to the point that while I am an admitted gun weeney I don't have a lot of them any more. I have what I feel I need and I am going to post what I have and why.
1.) A 22 caliber rifle. Ammo is relativly cheap, there is no recoil so it is easy to shoot. It will take small animals and non-flying birds. This one gun will satisfy 90% of what a person needs for hunting survival. Mine is a lever action. Some will say that you should have a semi auto for follow up shots. Bull! Pick your shot right the first ime and you won't need a follow up shot. With the 22 you can practise, practise, practise without breaking the bank (or robbing one).
2.) A 12 guage pump shotgun. This is the jack of all trades gun. You can hunt, and defend with a shotgun. I would get one that would allow you to change your barrels. Long for hunting birds and small game and a shorter one for deer hunting and self defense. but I have separate shotguns for each purpose because that is just how it worked out. Your can get slugs, OO buckshot, and #2-#6 shot to cover most all of your needs. Have a good quantity of each type of ammo.
3.) A handgun, semi or revolver, whatever you are comfortable with. Some people are caliber snobs, meaning that they will pooh pooh whatever selection you make if it does't agree with theirs. So what? I have a 357 magnum revolver, why? Because you can shoot 38 special ammo out of it. I also have a semi-auto 9mm because 9mm is cheaper to shoot and reload than 45 ACP. But remember the only purpose and advantage of the handgun is that you can keep it with you most of the time.
That's it! Would I like a whiz bang AR-15 with optics and multple 30 round magazines? Sure! If that is what you feel you need, go for it you might be right! But if you are just starting out prepping keep it simple. Above all practice safe handling of any firearm you may get.
Now if I had to pick just one of the above it would be a 357 magnum revolver paired with a 357 carbine (which I have). Why? The 357 magnum cartridge becomes a lot more effective out of a long barrel and it is an effective hunting round. They don't recoil a lot. 38 special and 357 magnum are common and plentiful, and they are easy to reload, which is a whole 'nother subject.
One other thing to remember about firearms, they are like tools in a box, and each one has a purpose they are better suited for.
Dennis
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
alternative medicines
planningsubject
One thing that I always try to keep in the house is vitamins and minerals. I use Swanson Vitamin Shoppe. They have great prices and quick shipping. After starting these vitamins I noticed quite a difference in how I felt for a few weeks without them;; so I couldn't wait to start on them again. I imagine what a lot of the health newsletters will tell you... the nutrition isn't in the foods and soil to grow the vegetables and fruits. I guess this is the best reason to go organic. I really think you really need a supplement; sometimes, even more. With the threat of the H1N1 Flu and the possibility of having to get the flu shot. We wanted another option. So by following the doctors from some newsletters I took their recommendations and kept vitamin c, d3 and enzymes in the house and we didn't get it. I guess it was more of an preventive. I take a variety other than those above, so if you want a list of what I take and why, feel free to contact me. But I also encourage you to do some research.
One thing that I always try to keep in the house is vitamins and minerals. I use Swanson Vitamin Shoppe. They have great prices and quick shipping. After starting these vitamins I noticed quite a difference in how I felt for a few weeks without them;; so I couldn't wait to start on them again. I imagine what a lot of the health newsletters will tell you... the nutrition isn't in the foods and soil to grow the vegetables and fruits. I guess this is the best reason to go organic. I really think you really need a supplement; sometimes, even more. With the threat of the H1N1 Flu and the possibility of having to get the flu shot. We wanted another option. So by following the doctors from some newsletters I took their recommendations and kept vitamin c, d3 and enzymes in the house and we didn't get it. I guess it was more of an preventive. I take a variety other than those above, so if you want a list of what I take and why, feel free to contact me. But I also encourage you to do some research.
Thursday, April 14, 2011
Just $20 more
Food/Medicine/Gardening
Wow, with me working now and having to work weekends its hard to find time to go shopping; especially together. But we finally managed to schedule a time Sunday morning. We will probably add $20 to our food budget for extra canned goods to put up. Like maybe some canned meat, stews, something like that. We will take turns changing up with canned fruit and vegetables too. Living in an apartment now...its a little more tricky to store items for lack of kitchen space. But we actually stack the canned goods in the closet. I sure you can even use under a bed or dresser if there was lack of closet space. With the price of food going up we think this is a good plan.
How much "stuff" do we need?
How much junk do we really need? Reading Cheryl's post about cleaning the garage got me to thinking about this. We have a lot of "stuff" (that's using a nice word) in our garage. "Stuff" other than my tools which we haven't used for a year now.
What does this have to do with prepping?
1. I am spending a lot of money to store "stuff" I am not using. Money that could pay off a bill, buy some extra food, etc,etc,etc.
2. It would have taking me a lot of time to find emergency items in amongst all the other "stuff".
3. That "stuff" could be sold and the money used to pay off a bill, buy some extra food, etc, etc, etc.
Get the point?
Now granted there is "stuff" that we store that we have every intention of using again, like my wife's sewing machine or my reloading bench. Tools not frequently used now would be more expensive to replace later.
But the other "stuff"............................YARD SALE!!!
My Uncle Arden used to teach us about living a fasted life, which is the idea of not keeping so much more than we need, and not being to attached to it! Remember, ..."for where a man's treasure is, there will his heart be also."
Take the time now to decide what things you can live without and convert those items in to some financial liquidity or into things that you may really need in the long run.
Dennis
What does this have to do with prepping?
1. I am spending a lot of money to store "stuff" I am not using. Money that could pay off a bill, buy some extra food, etc,etc,etc.
2. It would have taking me a lot of time to find emergency items in amongst all the other "stuff".
3. That "stuff" could be sold and the money used to pay off a bill, buy some extra food, etc, etc, etc.
Get the point?
Now granted there is "stuff" that we store that we have every intention of using again, like my wife's sewing machine or my reloading bench. Tools not frequently used now would be more expensive to replace later.
But the other "stuff"............................YARD SALE!!!
My Uncle Arden used to teach us about living a fasted life, which is the idea of not keeping so much more than we need, and not being to attached to it! Remember, ..."for where a man's treasure is, there will his heart be also."
Take the time now to decide what things you can live without and convert those items in to some financial liquidity or into things that you may really need in the long run.
Dennis
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
Cleaning the garage
They said we were going to have a nice day. So the first thing Dennis and I planned was to organize the garage. We have in the past had some items that would help us to be a little bit more independent during the time of a crises. Now it was a matter of finding them. We also was storing a lot of other things. We had toys, camping supplies and equipment, canning supplies, backpacking equipment, tools and some items that we had in there from last year's garage sale. So on one side went our tools, camping, backpacking and a few cases of canning jars and pans for putting up some fresh fruit jam. And the rest of odds and ends went on the other side with a note to give or sale these items by June (when we plan on moving). We were pretty happy with the results and knowing just what is in there and where it is located exactly gave us some peace. I mean if you have flashlights and candles but no batteries or matches than they are pretty useless. Get things in the same area and make sure your batteries are still good. Go down the list. You should have items for the following areas: Food, shelter, clothing, protection. We will hit on the details for some of the above list in several upcoming issues but if you want us to discuss something specific or you have thoughts of any of these, we certainly would love to hear from you.
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Why Prepare?
The subject of disaster preparedness is a touchy one with some folk. The reason for this is probably some deep seated psychosis that I am I am not qualified to even begin to discuss. Yet these same people who will not discuss putting back some extra food for an emergency, learning first aid or even making a disaster plan, practise preparedness in other ways. These people keep a fire extinguisher handy in the kitchen. they have smoke detectors, they buckle their seat belts in the car. Obviously no one want a fire in the kitchen or to be in a car crash, but we take steps to deal with these events should they occur. The point is that with some modest preparations we can mitigate some of the consequences of these events should they occur in our lives and of those around us. Disasters can take many forms, but most of the time localized events, such as a tornado cutting a path through a large area destroying homes and businesses.. Usually help for that area come first from the people and governments surrounding it. Federal support follows several days later, as I saw following some of the devastating tornadoes that swept through middle Tennessee in 2006 and 2007. Being prepared for events such as these not only allows you to help and help others. You may become the first responder, whether you want to be or not. Help may not always be immediate, you have to be able to rely on yourself first. Can you dress a wound? Can you start a fire with our a lighter or matches? Are you able to protect yourself against looters who sometimes show up after events to see what they can pillage?. Just look at the aftermath of hurricane Katrina that hit New Orleans to see some of the worst examples of the behavior of people and the government's response to that emergency. Some people were without food and water, and medical attention for days. Some of the issues that I will be discussing on this blog are:
- How do we prepare?
- What are appropriate levels?
- Can you garden?
- Can you defend yourself and your family?
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