Preparedness for when

GreyQueen

nuatha, I am so sorry to hear that there is no progress on a diagnosis for Herself. Please accept this stranger's profound good wishes for you both.

I have myself seen many a time the heavy toll that having a partner or other relative ill imposes on the one left standing, as it were. My cousin's OH ran his car off the road one night on the way back from the hospital visiting her; he was working full time, caring for their children, running to and fro the hospital and worried sick.

When my mother was hospitalised suddenly and my father was working and running to and fro the distant hospital every night after work (80 mile round trip), she felt it necessary to tell him not to visit sometimes, he so badly needed the rest that she was fearful for him.

The all-or-nothing aspect to prepping is something which we all have to consider, and can be seen by mockers as a reason not to prep at all, because you can never ensure that you have covered all the basics.

But, when you're up against it, even relatively minor things, like having a batch-cooked meal to haul out of the freezer and clean clothes to wear can be a boon. And a few K in a savings account at the critical moment will make the difference between lying abed knotted up sleepless because of the worry, and getting your much-needed rest.

When I was a CAB adviser, we would see people from all walks of life but with a predominance of people who were poorer. Usually in work, but earning NMW or not much above, and with no savings. If you have nil by you, everything which goes wrong precipitates a crisis; the cooker or the washer dies, the fridge goes, the car that is the only way to get to work fails its MOT, it never ends.

One of the older adviser gents said something which I took to heart; he said you need to have some savings. And if you can't accrue them from your regular job, why not think about trying a second p/t job, even for a few months, just to build up a little cash cushion? I have my cushion now, but there was a time when I only had £10 in all the world and I know I rest better for it.

I've been busy in the past couple of days doing some prep for a (mis)adventure planned for a few months time. I was astonished to discover that, with several months to go, I was almost on the edge of having necessary things unavailable due to the demands of others (how very dare they! ).

Some of us may have well seen the ghastly conditions on the Carnival Triumph cruise ship, currently limping towards Mobile, Alabama, due to dock tonight. Eye-poppingly awful for those stuck aboard but one thing really stuck me; some people are running out of their medications.

I take lifesaving meds and carry more than enough with me everywhere. I carry requirements x 5 when travelling abroad and x 3 when in the UK. You really don't want to run out of the critical stuff in case you bump into a cruise ship engine fire or a volcanic ash cloud. Please, when you prep, think about what you take and take it with you, and plenty left over for those unforseen situations.

[Deleted User]

Hi CRAIGY sorry you are feeling low at the moment, I think spring is long overdue after the cold wet summer, followed by the cold wet winter I am so fed up with grey and wet and cold weather it will be such a relief when we get some sunshine and warmth, it will make us all feel more positive and happier. I see the signs of spring here, violets and primroses out on the sunny corners, the birds are beginning to sing again and some of the trees are budding up and showing green, it will soon spread up the country and then we'll all feel better. In the meantime have some hugs and a big slurp from the Docky Dog and we'll try to make you smile when we post our silly thoughts on life, thinking of you, Cheers Lyn xxx.

boultdj

siegemode wrote: »

nuatha hope your situation improves soon and your oh gets a diagnosis. I doubt we really appreciate our health until it deteriorates for one reason or another. I have worn glasses and contacts since the age of 3, but it is only recently that oh has needed reading glasses and he gets so frustrated. I'm so fearful of losing my sight, hope yours is fully restored soon.

Just thourght of another good store cupboard item. Atora suet, if you have no butter or other fat it has several uses, sweet and savoury and is a source of energy. Down to my last 2 boxes and waiting for the price to drop again when I'll be stocking up.

They have got suet in Lidl,about 75p a box,taste's the same to me & OH.hth

nuatha

siegemode wrote: »

nuatha hope your situation improves soon and your oh gets a diagnosis. I doubt we really appreciate our health until it deteriorates for one reason or another. I have worn glasses and contacts since the age of 3, but it is only recently that oh has needed reading glasses and he gets so frustrated. I'm so fearful of losing my sight, hope yours is fully restored soon.

Just thourght of another good store cupboard item. Atora suet, if you have no butter or other fat it has several uses, sweet and savoury and is a source of energy. Down to my last 2 boxes and waiting for the price to drop again when I'll be stocking up.

Thank you.
I'm addicted to reading, the thought of going blind has always terrified me and as I get older my sight is getting worse, needing stronger glasses. However after the first couple of days, this is more copable than I'd have anticipated. Three months in, my sight is slowly coming back.

GreyQueen wrote: »

nuatha, I am so sorry to hear that there is no progress on a diagnosis for Herself. Please accept this stranger's profound good wishes for you both.

Your best wishes are most welcome, however I see you more as a friend I've yet to meet.

I have myself seen many a time the heavy toll that having a partner or other relative ill imposes on the one left standing, as it were. My cousin's OH ran his car off the road one night on the way back from the hospital visiting her; he was working full time, caring for their children, running to and fro the hospital and worried sick.

When my mother was hospitalised suddenly and my father was working and running to and fro the distant hospital every night after work (80 mile round trip), she felt it necessary to tell him not to visit sometimes, he so badly needed the rest that she was fearful for him.

Despite having experience of this from friends and parents, its difficult to follow the good advice at times. I'm fortunate in that we were in a position where I could cut back on my work commitments. We are also blessed with support from Herself's Mum.

The all-or-nothing aspect to prepping is something which we all have to consider, and can be seen by mockers as a reason not to prep at all, because you can never ensure that you have covered all the basics.

But, when you're up against it, even relatively minor things, like having a batch-cooked meal to haul out of the freezer and clean clothes to wear can be a boon. And a few K in a savings account at the critical moment will make the difference between lying abed knotted up sleepless because of the worry, and getting your much-needed rest.

I've always preached the "do what you can" rather than the "all or nothing" approach.
To me, its the minor things that make the biggest difference. I don't batch cook from a SHTF perspective, I do it because its far easier to make standard meals in bulk, but it was probably the biggest difference in the first crucial weeks.

When I was a CAB adviser, we would see people from all walks of life but with a predominance of people who were poorer. Usually in work, but earning NMW or not much above, and with no savings. If you have nil by you, everything which goes wrong precipitates a crisis; the cooker or the washer dies, the fridge goes, the car that is the only way to get to work fails its MOT, it never ends.

One of the older adviser gents said something which I took to heart; he said you need to have some savings. And if you can't accrue them from your regular job, why not think about trying a second p/t job, even for a few months, just to build up a little cash cushion? I have my cushion now, but there was a time when I only had £10 in all the world and I know I rest better for it.

Very good advice, not always easy to follow but well worth trying. Any savings that can be built up can make a big difference.

I've been busy in the past couple of days doing some prep for a (mis)adventure planned for a few months time. I was astonished to discover that, with several months to go, I was almost on the edge of having necessary things unavailable due to the demands of others (how very dare they! ).

At least you have time on your side to acquire the necessities, if you'd left it to the last minute then ...

I don't understand people not keeping extra meds on hand where possible (Herself's morphine supply is fairly limited, which is understandable).

craigywv

NUATHA your situationputs mine away into perspective and i hope youroh gets the correct diagnosis soon and makes a quick recovery xxx thanks for your support all xxx up early here as the dog has vomitted everywhere 2 times...............overdid the grub last night..................anyway whole house up but dog sleeping peacefully on hhis cushions lol thanks for the kiss DOCKY xxx

vanoonoo

morning all - I think we are in need of a big group hug - remember we're all doing the best we can to deal with and prep for our own situations and that is highly commendable (sp?) - we all deserve a pat on the back at the same time as the group hug!

love and luck and dry feet to us all x

[Deleted User]

Well said VANOONOO it's really reassuring to know we all have the same drive to prepare to deal with the vagaries of life and such a comfort to know we share the same aims and objectives and motivations to cope with situations as they arise in our lives. I find you all such an inspiration to keep trying in those dark periods when it all seems too much effort or just a little OTT , just knowing there are a band of like minded brethren (sisteren?) plodding along making provision, keeping skills and ideas alive and kicking gives me a lift and kicks me back into sense. Have a collective hug from me too, you are my backbone and my inspiration and each and every one of you is valued, Thanks everyone, Cheers Lyn xxx.

ginnyknit

I was only thinking last night as I logged off how we are all pulling together even more as things get tighter and more precarious. I told OH last night that we were all battening down the hatches because we could sense that things were going to get much worse - he said we have to do what you think best as so far we havent been proved wrong.

Ds was pleased with my latest things from AF as some of them benefit him, drinking chocolate sachets and breakfast bars for pennies. He has a good wage but prefers to keep it in his pocket and doesnt waste his money. Every purchase is a considered purchase for him yet he is generous with me.

All I feel like doing today is heading back under the duvet but hate to waste days so am going to get my a** into gear and finish some projects. Note to self - go soak your beans :rotfl:

Nuatha, you really have a lot of weight on your shoulders at the moment but am glad to hear your sight is improving. So glad you have Herselfs Mum for support.

I agree about the savings, it is hard but it doesnt matter if its just a pot of pennies - I know our penny pot has bailed us out on many occasions. At the mo I have a plastic bottle I am filling with 5ps abd already theres a fiver in there.

Hugs to all those in need and also to those who give so much support especially Lyn and Docky - it is appreciated

tina_malteser

So glad i don't live in Russia, i'd have thought it was the end of the world with that Meteor shower, but then again there is an Asteroid passing earth around 7pm tonight xx

pineapple

Most scientists are saying the two are not related. However RT and a couple of scientists are saying they could be. If we get any more exploding fireballs, I won't be persuaded it's coincidence! :eek:
Apparently DA14 will be spottable through binocs or a telescope between around 8-8.30.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/science/across-the-universe/2013/feb/15/asteroid-2012-da14
You can find live online tracking if you google it.