The Prepping Thread - A Newer Beginning ;)

Airthrey

It turns out I had a lot of HM ‘ready meals’ and soup in the freezer and I ate most of those. Thinks like shepherd’s pie, lasagne, pasta sauce, chicken casserole, curries.  There were also more sausages than I remembered and I ate a lot of them. I had just bought bacon and cheese when I went into isolation, so I had bacon or cheese rolls or sandwiches as well.  I had rolls in the freezer and a friend brought me fresh bread, eggs, milk and fruit after about a week. I also made a loaf with out of date yeast that wasn’t too bad. I had plenty of cereal.  It turns out I have huge quantities of staples like rice, pasta, flour, oils/fats, lentils, beans, chickpeas, herbs/spices and tinned fruit, mainly grapefruit. I was also in no danger of running out of household stuff and toiletries - think I have several months supply. 

The main issue was mental/psychological. I had plenty to do and frequently didn’t want to do any of it. I’m appalled to say that a couple of days when the weather was bad, I just stayed in bed and played games on my iPad. Which isn’t like me normally.  I spoke to people daily and compared notes with my daughter who was doing the same thing 120 miles away, but I’m used to being energetically out and about and I felt I was missing out. I’ve always thought of myself as fairly resilient. Some bad things have happened in my life and I’ve coped, but I’m not so sure about resilience any more. I can see how easy it could be to slip into depression.  As my daughter said, it’s like being in prison. I’m sure it isn’t really, but I knew what she meant. I’m not sure if there’s any way to prepare yourself psychologically for something like this. 

euronorris

Wasn't so bad here, but lots of places nearby copped it pretty badly. Can only imagine the hills shielded us or something. Though DH tells me there was a wild half hour late last night where the wind really picked up, and the rain and hail.....and DD and I both slept through it! It doesn't really surprise me. I slept through the storm of 87 too, when I was just 4/5 years old! Lol

I suppose interaction is different for everyone. There are a lot of people who prefer to interact behind a screen, and so would probably cope with that aspect quite well. I'm not one of them. I can do it, but I do start to go a bit stir crazy, and DD would really struggle with it. She's a very sociable little girl, and tries to make friends with everyone and loves being outdoors. 2 weeks (or more) inside would be very tough for her, and difficult for her to understand.

Karmacat

Airthrey, I'm glad its over for you.  I think your daughter is right about the prison analogy - your choice is being taken away, even being out is limited, there are distinct similarities.

[Deleted User]

Thanks Airthrey, I wondered how you'd coped with the isolation of it all and the uncertainty of your daughters outcome must have been excruciatingly worrying to deal with alone.  I've books put aside to read, we always have jigsaws etc. that are waiting to be done and I'm quite content in my own company if that happens BUT enforced is such a different feeling to choice and would be much different in feel.  I think you've been amazingly resilient in all of it not to mention being stoic and brave, well done!

thriftwizard

I felt our old house shake in a buffet of wind for the first time last night, and we're pretty well-sheltered here, down near the South Coast. Have to admit that was a tad scary. The railway line up to London is under several feet of water, too; I doubt we'll all be bouncing back to "normal" Monday-to-Friday, 9-5, tomorrow. 

When things like this happen, we often hear that "the Govt has pledged £X million for the flood-hit regions" - I can't help wondering whether the people who have lost everything ever actually see a penny of this, to help rebuild their lives? Or does it all go on flood-prevention schemes & the like? Obviously it's necessary to try to stop it happening again, but do the individuals affected receive any real help, and if so, how long does it take?

Nonnadiluca

According to the environment secretary, flood defences are working well, so that's ok then!

DigForVictory

You know how when we get into prepping we often mention loo roll? Seems in Hong Kong preppers late to the party got a bit desperate.
I shouldn't chuckle, I'm currently on my last known box of tea (there may be another stash under the ladder but access remains contentious) but at least I plan a civilised trip over the road from the office to resupply at the coop there. I'll take my reusable bag, my payment card & loyalty plastic - and be scrupulous not to threaten anyone - I'm not risking my chance at a stash of tea!

herbily

DfV, I saw that in another article, which said HK residents were being warned not to stockpile as their loo-roll could go mouldy. Have moved some of mine into the airing cupboard just in case!
Hope your tea supply is replenished before armed gangs start raiding the Co-op.

DigForVictory

Mouldy loo roll? Euwwh. Well, the humidity. Happily my lot take showers rather then extended baths so I shan't worry too hard.
 
I am perched by my stash smiling the innocent smile that has my offspring paranoid. Any armed gang can make off with all I left - the smaller boxes & 1 large to remind staff what I hope to find resupplied. Poor form to pick a tree bare, I think, but the Coop had three security folk nattering by the front door... (One in French, which intrigued me.) Any armed gang may want to reconsider & try Lidl...

Jojo_the_Tightfisted

Ugh, everything is sodden. Fortunately for me, just outside, not inside. But the downstairs loo doesn't flush and there's a suspicious looking dip in the weedpatch out the back. I know what I'm doing for my week off...clearing overgrown plants ready for somebody to do some very expensive digging.