Preparedness for when

sb44 wrote: »

Blimey!

I guess that can't be much larger than a prison cell (not that I have ever seen one thank god but have watched Porridge a few times, oh, and Within These Walls (loved Googie Withers, showing my age now).

Just found this which is quite interesting http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NtJ4FMA87Xs&feature=player_embedded#!

wow that's great! and i bet they could modify them so they could be joined together if you want a few people to live in the same space, you could lose the extra toilet and shower on one cube, make the kitchen bigger on that end maybe some storage and then the downstairs could have more space and storage and then you could have two sleeping platforms. with two cubes joined i could see my daughter and i living in there but i think i'd def have to get a tablet or laptop vs my desktop computer

If anyone has a head torch (not got one myself yet so can't try this), give this a try and let us all know how good/bad it is:

http://pinterest.com/pin/189643834279443779/

Broomstick wrote: »

Via a pinterest mailing:

http://backwoodshome.com/articles/tate55.html

gives a sensible summary of mistakes to avoid when stocking up on quantities of food.

Regarding the MRE's (meals ready to eat), which I know are normally in myler bags and unfrozen but you could still make up emergency frozen food. Ideal for those who have to fend for themselves if their other half is going into hospital etc.

Lidl sell freezer bags that can be used to cook food in, up to to 115 degrees centigrade. So, I imagine these would be ideal for making up meals, freezing and then boiling in the bag.

They are 3 litre bags measuring 25cm x 32cm so hold quite a lot and are about £1.49 for a roll of 75, called Aromata, in a box with pics of fruit on it.

pineapple wrote: »

So do you have to stick to gluten free? I tend to have a reaction to bread but it may just be a wheat intolerance.
So I'm currently experimenting with spelt flour
http://www.livestrong.com/article/262259-nutrition-of-spelt-flour-vs-wheat-flour/
And with einkorn flour
http://www.einkorn.com/is-einkorn-flour-gluten-free/

All of which costs an arm and a leg of course! :eek:

Yes, unfortunately I have Celiac disease and I am very sensitive to gluten so can't have oats and barley and other grains. I am truly allergic to soya and wheat and have had anaphalactic shock twice (never want that again!).

I daren't risk trying Einkorn or spelt as they are old types of wheat and I react worst to wheat ( can't breathe properly, get a pain like angina in my chest/between shoulder blades, blood pressure drops etc). I have reacted badly to just two crisps in a pub and to a single piece of sugar free gum. I do not risk anything sugar free these days.

If I get gluten from another grain (for instance barley or oats) then I will start to itch all over and get a really upset tummy for about a week after having it. It makes me feel really drained and tired.

I am usually okay with Dove's farm flour and a new Greek one they have just brought out which makes the best Yorkshire puddings I have ever made. They are expensive but since I only eat baked things as a rare treat I don't mind paying the bit extra. There are no 'free from' foods available here in Greece and the gluten free bread from the chemist is the shape and weight of a wall brick at 6.50 euros each! I make my own but a loaf lasts me weeks in slices in the freezer.

I have got used to having to check every processed /externally cooked thing I eat or drink. It can be unnerving if I got out to eat at a place I haven't been before but I have stopped worrying about them thinking I am just a difficult customer. I carry a special card which explains the problem in different languages to show them so there can be no misunderstanding.

Most of the time it doesn't bother me but Christmas and New Year are hard going when I can't sit and share what everyone else is having at parties. Sometimes I would give anything to partake in a nice normal pork pie or crumpet laden with butter.....

But I am making my own mince pies, gluten free sausage rolls and pizza next week so I can take them with me to parties:rotfl:

pineapple wrote: »

Sounds fascinating- keep us posted!
I used to fancy living on a barge and by all accounts you often get some good community spirit where there are a few moorings. Depending on the type of boat, it could be useful too, in these times, having a moveable home . But I think I would miss a garden. Plus I've been put off by the sight of people's homes frozen in a lake of ice during previous winters . And I've been warned about the incidence of theft if you are moored close to a centre .

We used to have a boat on the canal near to Newark. It was my OH's idea of heaven and my idea of hell. The propeller got fouled every few yards and one of us had to go in the water to free it......it was the best day of my life when someone stole the engine and we swapped the boat for a car......:D