Preparedness for when

mysterywoman10

Hi all

Just ventured here and it seems like a nicer place to be I share your concerns Popperwell.

This sub-board is very inspiring only just started reading it and so many wonderful ideas....need to get motivated to do some of them.

Hope everyone has a good Easter. x

Popperwell

Hi Mysterywoman10,
I've always tried to avoid being too political and into conspiracies but it is getting ever more difficult.

I will have to try and talk up the situation and hope it will work out and not bring people down. And I have been pleased with how well I and others are coping this past year.

And the last thing I want is many saying "oh no...Pops is off again"(yawn)

I like your quote.

mardatha

I've shared it on my FB page.

Upsidedown_Bear

Popperwell wrote: »

I'm not going to make comments on this link I am posting as if it involves benefits depending on your individual circumstances it can mean that you are for or against but many who work are affected too.

And with what is happening in Greece, Cyprus, Portugal, Italy and Ireland this could be an indicator what to expect in our own country and is only the start.

if you disagree with a decision where you need to appeal where benefit has been removed it appears legal aid has been stopped too. Its frightening.

The real meaning of this thread is about to affect so many.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2013/mar/28/benefit-cuts-monday-defines-government

Thank you for posting that Popperwell.
I found a link to this in the comments section. Worth reading too I think.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/debate/article-2117718/British-people-committing-suicide-escape-poverty-Is-State-wants.html

Popperwell

Remarkably I did hear that the DM not known for being on the side of those who struggle were taking a less confrontational stance. Will have a read of your link too.

In general it looks as though evenpeople who read the DM and their website are saying enough is enough...time will tell. Just hope it is not too late...

mysterywoman10

Thanks for the welcome Popperwell

JayneC

It's scary times indeed at the moment. I could have a lengthy rant but I will restrain myself.

Well there was actual sunshine here today, so had a couple of hours at the lottie, during which time there was a snow shower???!!! It was over within a few minutes and then the sun came back out. This weather is surreal! But have got some digging done and it's ready for some seeds, just need the ground to warm up a bit.

Then went to Ald! this aft where it was crazy busy, infact I went yesterday and I had to give up and come back today as I couldn't even get parked! I dread to think what it would be like if there was a crisis, the shop's only shut for one day on Sunday and it seemed everyone had to get their shopping done beforehand or it would be a major disaster... Anyway I digress, I picked up a couple of tunnels - one fleece and one polythene, a fleece cover and some cayenne pepper plug plants for the lottie. A couple of the peppers look a little worse for wear as they were all outside and it's way too cold for them really, but I think they'll recover.

I fancied trying to make some cayenne pepper, as in the spice, as I use it a lot. I'm guessing that it will be ground seeds so I'll experiment and see what happens. I ground some coriander seeds last year and that worked ok. I'm trying to think of things that may be difficult or expensive to get in a SHTF situation and see if I can find a way to manufacture it myself. If anyone is interested in trying to manufacture their own apple cider vinegar, I just did it by following this
http://mossgrownstone.wordpress.com/2012/02/13/apple-cider-vinegar-making-a-mother/
and it worked a treat. I started with cider vinegar from an agricultural merchant as the stuff in the shops is usually sterilized and the active ingredient therefore killed off.

I can't remember where I got the link, it may even have been here, if so apologies for repeating, but I was excited that it worked.

Also excitement that my mushrooms (Ald! kit) are growing, had some the other day and it was a thumbs up.

Regarding stores. Mine are somewhat chaotic as i didn't really have much of a store previously. I was really trying to become more self sufficient and so it was about developing useful skills, trying to grow my own food, I had a woodstove put in to guard against power shortages, etc. But now I'm actively trying to build some stores too. I just got paid yesterday and have already spent my monthly grocery allowance (minus milk money which I get delivered, though I have some frozen, some UHT and 2 tubs of powdered milk too as I always use more) , but I have (hopefully) got a months worth of food in, plus some extra. I reckon we could comfortably go a couple of months, up to 3 or 4 if we got desperate, though it may get quite boring. I'm also trying to think about 'gadgets' too, like solar radios, oil lamps, etc. I have some stuff but need to get more organised, do an inventory maybe and then prioritise what I still need. I have a BOB but it's extremely basic and could do with more thought.

But thanks Bob for making me think about it.

Hope everyone is ok and not getting too depressed by the state of the world at the moment

thriftwizard

herbily wrote: »

Thriftwizard, where do you get oats from by the sack? (I'm assuming you meant porridge oats rather than ones meant for horses?) I go through a fair amount, and I've not found anywhere local that does it in big amounts - I'm not a member of a cash-and-carry place or anything.

Herbily, I usually shop around online & see if there are any particularly good deals to be had, but failing that, these guys are not a million miles from us. The major supermarkets' value range oats are indubitably cheaper, but we eat a lot of oats & the Morningflake ones are nicer. Also I quite often find there aren't any, or enough, on the shelves in T*sco or A$da round here.

D&DD

Pops sorry to hear you're struggling a bit with 'stuff' atm chin up mate it must be harder for you over holidays but come on here for some company if you need it thats what I do :D

I tend to "Prepare for the worst and hope for the best" ever the optimist me..I find it's the only thing that helps at times when all around me is crumbling into utter chaos..which happens frequently as you all know well in this house!!

I look for the good things..if something breaks and I can fix it or use something in it's place,well that's a little positive for the day,that sort of thing..

Last week DS1's car was going in for its MOT and it was flat out dead :eek: I'm a laydee I know nothing of jump cables and suchlike but the Weza worked after MUCH reading :j so I now know vaguely how to do that.

If all else fails I eat cake..:rotfl:

Popperwell

That's more how I am D&DD,
Now I don't know why but I always feel at my calmest from early evening until morning.

I have been having more good days than bad and will be again, I do take notice of what is said to me and appreciate the support.