Preparedness for when

[Deleted User]

Frugalsod wrote: »

I would opt for barrels which could hold a lot more water and will get you through a number of days without a problem.

I agree.

I have these two which, since I live alone, gives me about 10 days of drinking water.

[Deleted User]

StanwithaPlan wrote: »

My Dad used to home brew and a full one of those would hold plenty

Probably not as much as you might think.

A standard brewing bin is designed to make 40 pint of beer, so, allowing for the yeast crust, gives a capacity of say 50 pints.

That's a little over 28 litres, which is around 6 days drinking water, for 1 person.

Frugalsod

StanwithaPlan wrote: »

thanks, when you say barrels, I'm thinking of the plastic sort with a lid? My Dad used to home brew and a full one of those would hold plenty, but would be a pain to empty and refill.

I'm going to pick up two five litre bottles today as a start...and I've actually run out of baked beans :eek:

I would opt for ones like bob has kindly illustrated for us above. Get a variety of sizes so that smaller ones can be used to fill bigger barrels, if necessary. There are also tap options and siphon tubes to make lifting less of an issue.

[Deleted User]

Frugalsod wrote: »

Get a variety of sizes so that smaller ones can be used to fill bigger barrels, if necessary.

They're 25 litres each, so are manageable by your average adult

There are also tap options and siphon tubes to make lifting less of an issue.

Indeed.

The taps, hanging from the necks of mine, are these.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00EO1D3ZA/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Attach to the Jerry Can, place the Jerry Can on it's side (spout at the bottom) on a working surface or stool, and you can decant exactly the amount of water you need.

MrsChristmas

Not sure if this has already been mentioned or even if the item is any good! (as I haven't picked up any batteries yet 'AAA's) but in The Works today, Swindon, there were inovvi 9x power LED flashlights priced at £1.99. But when I took it to the till, was told they were 2 for £1! So I got 2!
It says they're weather resistant, 9 long-life LED bulbs last up to 10yrs, durable aluminium & has a carry strap included.
Handy for bedside draws, handbags or even a stocking filler!!

~sends Mr Christmas out for batteries~

[Deleted User]

Funny you should mention The Works, Mrs Christmas, because I picked this up, this morning, from my local branch.



Originally priced at £6-99, it had a sale sticker on at £4-99, but the till said £2-99. :cool:

siegemode

RAS wrote: »

siegemode

My first question on this would be, which way does it face? The scope is very different if it gets the sun whenever it shines in winter, or if it is north-facing and very gets the sun.

Also can you start seedlings indoors (south facing window). You only need to get them to the two leaf stage before planting out but it would make a big difference.

The bigger pots the better as always and remember that plants that are close to house walls can get dry even when it rains.

On good place for inspiration is http://www.verticalveg.org.uk/

Do you have a local allotment site? Would anyone there give you a few spring cabbage or kale seedlings?

The other things that you could get going and transplant are:

Swiss chard - Lucellus from Lidl is hardiest and very tender, Bright Lights, Rainbow or Ruby good for winter colour and look lovely on the plate.

Mizuna - great for stirfrys survived minus 19 here. Small leaves also good in salads.

The mustards are also stir fry material and very hardy. You probably only need two or three plants. Warning Giant Red is giant and needs a good 12" at least. Smallest leaves can add bite to a salad.

Corn salad, sow now outside for winter salads - mild flavour.

Land cress can also be germinated outside now.

Also chicories might give you a little harvest and winter lettuce (Winter Density, Valdor) but start as plants indoors.

Try growing pea-shoots in a hanging basket? Stops therodents eating the seeds.

Thank you for all this useful info. I don't want to block the natural light in the lounge so height of things is a consideration as the window sill is at about 3ft. It faces SW but there is a tall tree that means it is shaded towards the end of the day.
I shall do a bit more research and try and utilise some nectar points at Homebase during their next discount weekend.

StanwithaPlan

Bedsit_Bob wrote: »

They're 25 litres each, so are manageable by your average adult



Indeed.

The taps, hanging from the necks of mine, are these.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00EO1D3ZA/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Attach to the Jerry Can, place the Jerry Can on it's side (spout at the bottom) on a working surface or stool, and you can decant exactly the amount of water you need.

I have found those carriers on Amazon and will add them to my list of bits to pick up. First is a camping stove and some gas as if the electricity goes it will be cold beans for dinner (now I've re-stocked)

siegemode

I've had an uneasy feeling all week and the feeling of dread has increased as the days have past. I feel angry about the warmongers, corporations and guberments who are pursuing not land, but resources and profit in my opinion. These on going hostilities and problems around the world are often created and then used as an excuse to liberate and aid when I think the true desire to seize and control natural resources and gain power is behind it all. Freedom and democracy my @rse. There is much profit to be made by encouraging or creating rebel groups, indirectly arming them and then setting against them. Propaganda and fear mongering justifying to the masses of the need to act.

I look around me and I'm glad I never had kids and I only wish that I had been born a bit earlier. I can't bring myself to think too much of how the world will be if or when I reach retirement. The goal posts seem to move further away and will probably be removed before I reach them. It feels like the world has gone mad and the only sanity I can find is here amongst a few other places.
After a personally stressful summer/year I see conflicts, potential pandemics and economic meltdown and find myself counting tins and checking my loo rolls etc. Do you think 204 rolls for 2 peeps is enough ?:rotfl:

RL has halted my preppy urges so really need to organise things and get back on the case. Feel like I took my eye off the ball and now need to get focussed again. De cluttering is high on the list of priorities so will check out the hoarding thread next since space is a major issue. I think the impending big 50 is making me consider our future even more so than I have before. Preparing for age related issues is now another topic on my mind. GQ you've echoed my own thoughts on this subject and I often relate to much of what you say.

To try and keep some positivity regarding our future we have drawn up a bit of a bucket list and have booked to see Sting with Paul Simon next year and also to see Mark Knopfler. Music is our only real indulgence and escape from the crazy times in which we find ourselves.

Thanks to those here that keep us informed of news that doesn't seem to make the news such as the Bristol water problems, weather and volcano updates etc not to mention virus info.

siegemode

On my shopping list is some gas for our little stove as the 4 gas canisters we had stored for emergency are showing a bit of rust and need to be taken to the recycling centre for disposal.

OH wants to build a rocket stove to take a large cast iron shallow casserole pot that I got from Sainsbobs this week for only £15. It's about 32cms in diameter and was 70% off.
Has anyone here built their own portable rocket stove and if so how have you done it and how successful is it. There is so much info out there, but it would be helpful to know how any on here have got on.