Self Deception
Thursday, April 15th, 2010Author James the Wanderer
I am an Engineer, at heart; my delight is in those Things that Work, that turn energy into useful products or work, safely, efficiently, and in a controlled manner. Yet when I was an undergraduate, I was required to take Electives, and most of mine were in Psychology and Sociology, for I found them both fascinating and easy credit hours.
One of the truths found in psychology is that people deceive themselves, constantly and completely. It makes for a bearable existence; you can fool yourself in millions of useful ways that keep you from going insane. Without contradiction or compunction you can believe a dozen impossible things before breakfast, and keep going in the face of unbeatable odds. You can believe:
- That the world’s greatest Debtor Government can institute new entitlement programs that will reduce its deficits, cover new enrollees and deliver higher quality and quantity of healthcare than has existed previously.
- That the same politicians who have brought us Gator Aid, the Cornhusker Kickback and Louisiana Purchase will somehow create legislation that does the above.
- That with the market manipulations that have suppressed the prices of gold and silver for decades about to break down spectacularly, the paper currencies will maintain their values and remain the preferred methods for preservation and exchange of wealth.
- That the depressed housing market, artificially-supported stock market and intractable financial markets will rebuild and restore economic growth to bubble-inflating levels.
- That the same governments that created these problems will solve them, cleanly and without victimizing their populations with new scams, schemes and corruption unprecedented in history.
I can go on for pages, but the point is this; we deceive ourselves to get through an intolerable present to reach a better tomorrow. Oddly enough, this has actually happened, in the past; it takes a lot of rare qualities of vision, courage and perseverance and the character to forgo today’s pleasures for tomorrow’s necessities. We lack these in any significant measure, right now.
Delusions can be useful, or even beneficial upon occasion. A useful delusion might be the hope of recovery that keeps cancer patients alive UNTIL A NEW CURE IS FOUND. Or the financial delusion that its only a recession, and it will be over shortly, that provides enough confidence to GET THROUGH THE DEPRESSION. Yet there are plenty of examples of harmful delusions, both from history and present practice, and the delusional can hurt themselves badly. And until the delusional awaken and CHANGE THEIR BEHAVIOR no real recovery is possible. We MUST change our behaviors, now, to eventually reach that “better tomorrow” now invisible from today.
Are you preparing for the Crunch? That day, when the dollars aren’t money any more and won’t buy anything worthwhile? That day is coming, and sooner than you expect. Last year, Social Security was expected to pay out of revenues until 2017, and then gradually start cashing in the Treasury IOU’s for decades. This year, we will at least temporarily start pulling down SS reserves, and perhaps permanently. If the people running SS were off by six or seven years on something that serious, what other government estimates can be relied on?
One of the minor trials in my life is that I Believe, and my significant other is something of a Sceptic. I have talked her into supporting certain actions, and she agrees with certain principles, but she does not truly Believe. I have renewed my passport, invested in certain metals, bought some shelf-stable food and other goods. She has helped in many respects; she has bargain-shopped with me, set aside some items for emergency “72-hour” backpacks, and so forth. We live among the Mormons, who have solid historical reasons for their attitudes and actions of emergency preparedness, and that also helps. I know, though, that she does not think that the dollar will fail overnight, and not recover. She does not think that our nation will go bankrupt, even with the examples of Zimbabwe and Venezuela right before us; or that sudden, catastrophic change is not only likely but inevitable, given our current crop of official thieves’ attitudes towards ethics, responsibility and accountability. I prepare as best I can, given my duties and income; I pray it will be enough. I suspect it may not, even as I prepare.
All that I can do is teach, encourage and prepare myself as best I can for the coming Deluge. I will keep pushing for my wife and children to get current passports; look for a path to possible overseas refuges, or at least perhaps Canada if things get ugly. I live in a large city, and the next place I live will be more rural. I have two degrees in engineering, twenty years of industrial experience and still tolerable health and stamina; I know how to build. Given time and available resources, I could probably create a small industrial facility, from the ground up if necessary. Hopefully, it will not be necessary; but hope is a thing with feathers, that perches in the soul (Emily Dickinson). I will not let hope blind me to reality.
It does seem that the word, or at least the possibility of problems, is catching on. I have read writings on emergency preparedness in such diverse places as Zero Hedge, local newspapers (again, we live among the Mormons) and even mainstream media (after the Haiti and Chile quakes brought such ideas to the forefront). Please do not waste this opportunity to do whatever you can to cope with the Crunch; small measures might fit in a closet, but allow you to reach the other side in much better shape than those who do not prepare at all.
I do not think of myself as a prophet; I lack the necessary fervor. But if you have read this, then I hope you will listen to those who write beside me here, and start preparing yourselves to survive the tests that are coming. In his “Honor Harrington” series of SF novels, David Weber creates a new religion (his Church of Humanity Unchained), where the Christian Trinity morphs into the Tester, the Intercessor, and the Comforter. Everyone will be Tested at some point in their lives; how they respond to their Test, and what they learn from it, varies by individual. May each of you rise to your Test, receive aid from the Intercessor as you suffer, and succor from the Comforter whether you conquer it or not; but in any case, prepare for the Test of your lives; and take a few crib notes from the pages here.
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admin says:
April 15th, 2010
11:06 pm
Welcome to the party James! I look forward to hearing more from you in the future! You are spot on with your ideas about being prepared even in the most seemingly mundane ways with most people lacking even the most rudimentary of supplies to get them through 72 hours. All of us in the Ring are trying to get the word out to help those who are willing to read the advice and hopefully inspire them to lite a fire under their friends and relatives to get moving.
Linda Brady Traynham says:
April 16th, 2010
12:59 am
Welcome, indeed, James, and if you Wander down our way you can be sure of a hearty welcome. There is always room for another engineer!
That’s a great article, even though I have to point out one itsy, bitsy thing: the IOUs in the SS “trust fund” are nonnegotiable. They have no value. The whole thing is a sham. SS went under at least six years sooner than prognosticated only in the sense that they are paying out more than they are taking in, a process hastened by tax revenues being down 17% nearly a quarter ago and not likely to have improved any when the new stats come out.
A common wail here is the difficulty we have getting our loved ones to see the problem, and the most we can expect is for them to go along indulgently. My son now “believes” and has prepared enough to try to make his way several hundred miles to safety across mountains, but my daughter still thinks I’m crazy and hates having the subject mentioned. The most she would do was store a month’s worth of food, and accept a second set of sterling tableware because it was beautiful. Sure it is–but it’s also at least 75 ounces of sterling that may save her life when the ATM doesn’t work and nobody will accept dollars anyway. Such little things–a couple of 5 gallon cans filled with gasoline and one of water, a simple $32 bag of EAS protein powder from Sam’s that will provide complete nourishment for a (very bored) adult for a month, a couple of three buck space blankets, a pair of good walking shoes–in the trunk of each car could save lives and misery. A good map since the freeways and interstates won’t be safe.
Write again soon! Linda
James the Wanderer says:
April 16th, 2010
5:49 am
Thank you, Admin, and as time and obligations permit I hope to write more. I am glad to discover the Texas Ring, and as a (native, former) Texan to get back to a sane place someday. Now, however, I live among the Unbelievers, and prepare.
The best of luck to you and yours in your preparations!
Cheers!
james
James the Wanderer says:
April 16th, 2010
5:52 am
Dear Texas Lady,
You are quite correct, SS is defunct and unrevivable; it was meant to help, and became just another government lie. You and yours seem to have the correct view, and are making proper and reasonable preparations for the future. It may only be those who prepare who HAVE a future, soon.
Thank you for the hearty welcome; the encouragement you gave to get here; and the wisdom you share with us all. I’ll be back, here and at Whiskey & Gunpowder, as time and duties allow. Happiness and blessings to you and yours.
Cheers!
james
lynne says:
April 16th, 2010
11:09 am
I adore HH series and have every book in the series.
I to am prepping and I guess you can say I’m always adding more so that I’m comfortable and happy. I am getting some great deals this month and I will add another 20 pounds of pasta, 10 pounds of pork sirloin 100 pounds of rice some fruits and additional 1st aid supplies all for about $65.00.
If you are in the Inter mountain region James check out Cash and Carry restaurant supply.
It’s tough when you are starting out and building those basics for your pantry. But once you have 6 month’s on hand you will see how easy it is to maintain it. Just remember “Store what you eat and eat what you store”.
You might ask your Mormon friends about a “Mormon/LDS Cannery” If have one close by, you can get food and can it in #10 cans locally.
James the Wanderer says:
April 16th, 2010
11:51 am
Hey Lynne!
Man, this has got to be one of the welcomingist places on the Web!
My sister Evelyn is Lyn also, so you’re in good company as far as I can see.
I enjoy F&SF, science, murder/mystery/mayhem, military SF, and lately finance of all things (Michael Lewis’ _Liar’s Poker_ is a great read, and I’m just starting his _Panic! The Story of Modern Financial Insanity_). Hofstadter’s _Godel, Escher, Bach_ is another favorite; the darkness of H. P. Lovecraft, the salt air of C. S. Forrester (one of Weber’s inspirations for his HH works), and the mechanistic virtues of Keith Laumer’s _Bolo_ series are all on my bookshelves as well (reminds me, need more bookshelves).
I’m in SLC, are you nearby?
I’ve got some stuff (one month’s worth of MRE’s, some dehydrated foods, some first aid and so forth) but I’m stuck paying down some bills at the moment; as soon as I can earn some more cash, though, it’s back to Emergency Essentials (or perhaps your Cash & Carry; spread the wealth around).
We’re not too close to the Mormons at this point, but I may try to find some tame ones. Here in SLC, my house is probably 3 miles from the SLC Temple, so it shouldn’t be hard to find a cannery. My wife has lately become warmer to the idea of growing and canning your own food, so one step at a time, we’re getting there!
If only apocalypse will wait until I’m ready for it…..
Thanks for the comment, and hope you enjoy !
Cheers!
lynne says:
April 16th, 2010
5:16 pm
I’m in the Boise area, sorry can’t help you with the Cash and Carry no stores in your area. But there are some great stores in your area. I’ve shopped Emergency Essentials but for hardware only. I find the food prices to high. Check out http://www.site.homestoragebasics.org/ They are close to you in American Fork. You might check to see if you have a restaurant supply store, Good Sam’s, Wal-mart or Costco. Trust me you can buy the ingredients and basics a lot cheaper and store them than some of those survival/prep stores offer.
Did you know that Archeologists have sprouted wheat that had been stored in the Pyramids? So you can store grains as well.
I think my current fave books for Fantasy is the “Wizard’s 1st Rule” Sword of Truth series and the Wheel of Time.
Desertrat says:
April 16th, 2010
6:23 pm
I found that Lovecraft could give a 14-year-old kid some serious goose bumps.
I read all the Hornblower novels. Still re-read them from time to time.
SF? All of Heinlein, Pournelle, Gordon Dickson, S.M. Stirling…
“That the world’s greatest Debtor Government can institute new entitlement programs that will reduce its deficits, cover new enrollees and deliver higher quality and quantity of healthcare than has existed previously.”
A young fella was driving up through Appalachia. Brand new car, nice suit, shiny lace-up shoes. Stopped for gas at a little run-down mom’n'pop store. An old man came out and pumped the gas. The old man looked the young fella up and down, looked over the shiny car and asked, “Young fella, just what do you do for a livin’?”
“Oh, I’m in the War on Poverty.”
“Huh. Looks like you’re winnin’.”
lynne says:
April 16th, 2010
6:28 pm
Sorry I’m double posting but I did think of a few things that I need to add. I think paying down most debt is a good idea. I got rid of all my debt except my house and then I bought a used 2003 mini-van. You need some credit availible just not as much as most Americans have used.
Otherwise I use layaways or save up. It’s worth the pain and struggle to get the debt monkey off your back. I like prepping cause I shop at home first not the stores. I do save money now that I have the basics on hand from dishsoap and shampoo to food for meals and baking my own bread.
I still think you have some time to get ready. I think we will see some improvement based on speculation and desparation to support the markets.
Remember don’t let perfect be the enemy of good. There are lots of cheap ways for prep without dropping $3,000.00 plus on a years worth of gourmet food supply. I did it in food for about $300.00 per person for a year. Now I’m into thrive mode. Generators, fuel, home supplies, gardening and food production, barter and trade items. Looking at a home business.
This is fun, come with me young padawan and I will teach you the power of self reliance.
lynne says:
April 16th, 2010
7:01 pm
rat, there are some great books coming out of Baen publishing and you can get a lot of them free through Baen bar and websubscription. I love Weber’s books but the HH series Honor gets a little to perfect after the 6th book in the series. I like John Ringo’s 1st 3 books in the “Posleen Saga” then he get’s a bit weird. I like the Bolo series and David Drake, and Mcmaster-Bujold Miles series. If you want a good series of fantasy for adults/kids “The Godmother” by Elizabeth Ann Scarborough is a great fun. A modern take on the “Brothers Grimm” Fairy tales. It’s not the “Disney” version but no worse than the “Harry Potter” series. If you want a wild ride of Fantasy check out the “Book of Ash” by Mary Gentle. Or the re-release of the Interstellar Patrol at Baen publishing.
Desertrat says:
April 16th, 2010
7:59 pm
Elizabeth Ann Scarborough: “Captain Annie” to her friends at the old Chequered Flag folk music club, back before she went to Nam as an Army Nurse. She got a Hugo for her novel about that time in her life.
If you run across her “Drastic Dragon of Draco, Texas”, grab on to it. It’s a hoot. She spent about a week in Terlingua, which put her in the right frame of mind.
Sweet lady; good people.
Desertrat says:
April 16th, 2010
8:11 pm
Weber and Drake and the 1632 series.
Morality and ethics? “The Old Man and the Boy” by Robert Ruark, plus the sequel, “The Old Man’s Boy Grows Older”. How to do right is pretty much implicit in every story. Then let Ruark strain your credulity with the guffaws of “Grenadine Etching”. “Something of Value” isn’t shabby, either.
A lot of Edward Abbey is good.
I like L’Amour’s short stories more than his short novels, particularly the old pot-boilers from his pulp-fiction days. They’re fun. And “Monument Rock” has one story set with travels through land that I own or have hunted over.
His efforts at the longer, more historical novels are interesting.
“Walking Drum” is fun.
And of course Kipling and O’Henry.
Books are good friends…
lynne says:
April 16th, 2010
8:19 pm
She’s a great writer. I loved her “pot of gold” scenario of what would work in the real world. Hard work and cleaning never daunted this “Grandmother”. Why screw with economics if you need a clean bathroom? I find these ideas appealing. It’s probably what kept me out of the “good schools” on my own and making connections with folks that think like I do. Thank God for the Internet! I’d have never met y’all and to make a co-op of ideas. I did ask Linda for her help on crafting a “post”.She is both a writer and an editor, I do hope my post is worth posting. But if it isn’t I shall buckle down and make a worthy post. I do want to be my best but I’m not a good story teller. But I have to write to get better. So please feel free to critique. I know what I’m trying to say, but I don’t have to convince me. I need to convince a new reader that I’m not full of stuff and nonsense.
lynne says:
April 16th, 2010
8:45 pm
rat I’m late to Kipling, but I do find he speaks to me. L’Amour actually did great work on “Historical Fiction” I love the “Walking Drum” cause I had never heard about the Middle East history. Yes I walked a few of the trails of the “Walking Drum” when I was in Germany and retraced the steps of Patton. Gosh I was so fortunate I got to step in the same places as giants. I do hope I take away the lessons I have learned and let others know the wonders of history and of the giants. As Einstein said ” I can reach so high because I stood on the shoulders of giants.”
lynne says:
April 16th, 2010
9:15 pm
We are going to have to break a part books,movies and food prep, stuff hits the fan. I’m sure the ladies did not anticipate this much action. Linda has been giving me hell for my “basic prep” Is it perfect heck no. Just to give folks some breathing space is all. No need to get crazy, just time to build. Share info, I think I’m pretty good at stretching a dollar but I have more to learn.
We will get there it may be a bit convaluted but I think the basics will bleed through.
James the Wanderer says:
April 16th, 2010
10:02 pm
“This is fun, come with me young padawan and I will teach you the power of self reliance.”
Ready, willing and eager to learn! Of course, I might get carried away; generators? Short term, possibly – what when the oil gets too steep? Hydropower! A little dam on a mountain stream ought to be good for 5 kW or so….
Then the foundry, forge, rolling mill, fab shop…
It’s so neat to read so many titles from my bookshelves in your posts, as well. This could also have a literary society aspect, no stretch at all. Gotta read something on long cold winter nights.
Fred Saberhagen’s “Berzerkers” are great reading, implacable and cold machines out to destroy all life; an apprentice wizard named Wuntvor has his challenges to get through; “Hammer’s Slammers” by David Drake make me want to build hovercraft-command cars; [sigh] just one life, so many dreams….
Sweet dreams for tonight!
james
lynne says:
April 16th, 2010
10:03 pm
well the gals and the gentleman do have southern hospitality. I am a bit more of a hard case. But i tdo feel I have found a home here at the texas ring. Gosh it will be a lot of fun of avoiding the government. I come from a long line of avoiding the the government. I’m just hitting my stride. The liberty lovers in my genes is coming out. Don’t think it’s abad thing you are beating the rascals. You aren’t sheep. Be the wolf.
lynne says:
April 16th, 2010
10:46 pm
What’s cool is James you can go your own way at any time. I do hope to give you some good info but if you feel that its to whackadoodle you can walk away and make your own prep. That’s cool I love to hear how others prep. I may not agree, but most times I do learn. I get to tweak my prep.
I think I have done prepping on the cheap. But I’m have been portrayed as being a “wing nut” I’m not safe. I’m a vet I do have skills that could protect the US gov or against them as well. I can’t make my mind stop working just becuase the US goverment says to stop thinking.
lynne says:
April 16th, 2010
10:53 pm
Well I’m sure we will find of way to share data. My young padawan needs to be schooled in self reliance. I need some help I can give him some food build up but he needs protection from life as well I nned your help.
lynne says:
April 16th, 2010
11:51 pm
I don’t have all the answers, but we have many great teachers here. I am cheap and dirty and make stuff makes stuff work. But you will find folks here that have knowledge you can use. Make it work for you.
lynne says:
April 17th, 2010
12:41 am
I guess you could say I have reach a point of of no longer of being polite. I think this is life and death now. I do think we all need to be moving on this. We do need to spread the knowledge. I think we have some time for to make some basic purchaces and make it work for us. My family members will die we have tried to give them a months worth of food they have no water. you can’t fix stupid but it’s a bit annoying when it’s your family. I do hope for better outcome with your family
lynne says:
April 17th, 2010
2:35 am
It won’t hurt a bit James, may take a few sacrifices but I do understand you are paying off debt. It’s pretty easy to be prepper.
James the Wanderer says:
April 17th, 2010
9:35 am
Despite the “end times” feeling I get once in a while, I still remember that the earth will turn with or without my efforts, and that truly is a comfort. Other than that, I am doing my regular studies, occasional jobs off the Internet to earn extra cash to pay down debt or buy supplies or put away, and accumulating precious metals as favorable. Choices, choices, choices! More shelf-stable food, medical supplies, the price of gold went down yesterday; getting ready to plant some tomato seeds in flowerpots, nearly time to start yardwork. Plant a few other vegetables as well?
Tell me anything you think will be useful; I am a sponge for knowledge, which may help explain why someone is in graduate school in his fifties. [My usual line is either I’m a slow learner, or don’t know when to quit).
Some of the surveys I take online pay off in Amazon certificates. If you had $35 or so in Amazon certificates, what would you invest them in?
Cheers!
Desertrat says:
April 17th, 2010
11:32 am
“How to…” books from the used-book stores. They’re commonly very cheap there.
I figure the future will belong to the do-it-yourselfer, even moreso than now. You can find good used tools at yard sales, and can bargain for items at pawn shops. What might be of more importance than how neat and wondrous is your house would be a spacious place to work.
Working on a car in a muddy driveway in winter is no fun.
Ascending: There’s beer income, whiskey income and then champagne income. From the old adage, “He had a champagne appetite but a beer income.” Said of a guy who filed for bankruptcy. Me, I generally had a beer income but I lived like it was whiskey. How? I never had to pay anybody else to fix anything. My money all belonged to me. And the discovery of Schedule C even reduced the IRS grab.
Look around your world. Figure out what will regularly or occasionally need maintenance. Learn the how-tos and acquire the tools. Whether car or tool, buy “using stuff” based on reliability.
Kurt says:
April 18th, 2010
11:05 pm
Heh, and then there is “water income”, as in too poor for beer, like me.
You get used to fixing things yourself, or doing without, and that’s only if you have it to begin with. Half of what I gots I had to get for free and then fix, the other half mostly had to be fixed as well lol.
Some of the best investments I’ve made though have been in tools and how to books. Pays to pick up a variety of them for things you can’t live without. Sometimes it pays to pick a few niches to specialize in as well to have services you can trade out for things/help you need. I believe people should have skills that will be in demand. How to books can help start the process.
James the Wanderer says:
April 19th, 2010
11:12 am
Hey Lynne!
“My family members will die we have tried to give them a months worth of food they have no water. you can’t fix stupid but it’s a bit annoying when it’s your family.”
Why don’t they have any water? Or you can’t get them to store any for when the city utilities go down?
Believe me, my family has its own supply of stupid – enough to meet all demand, perpetually, forever.
Hang in there, sometimes enlightenment comes late – I know in my twenties you couldn’t have talked me into this, but in my fifties it suddenly makes a whole lot of sense – if you want to reach your seventies!
Thanks!
james
James the Wanderer says:
April 19th, 2010
11:20 am
Hey Desertrat!
My dad has degrees in Mechanical Engineering, and still works on his cars – at least, the parts that aren’t integrated circuits. I’m beginning to think that a ‘69 Chevy is better than a ‘09 Chevy – at least, in terms of being able to work on it.
Didn’t Ford design a car any village blacksmith could maintain and repair? Sounds like time to go back to the future…
I can do lots of things – I pulled a “vacuum modulator” plug off the transmission of a brand-new Chevy Tahoe truck one year. It was a piece of injection-molded plastic, about four inches long, located in a barely-accessibly spot on TOP of the transmission just under the cargo bed. It took hours and tons of upper-body strength, but I didn’t actually have to pull the transmission out of the truck to do it – and I counted that as a major victory, as a twenty-three year old. Now, I doubt I could summon that much strength – or possibly the patience. But maybe, I could do it again.
I don’t have much space in my 1926 house, but the basement has quite a few tools for an “academic”; I thought about building a nice, prefab steel garage when I moved in , but then I learned the city would raise my taxes if I had a “garage” on my property. Stupid! I quit while I was ahead – the next place will have a garage if I have to build it, but will probably be outside the “city limits”!
Thanks!
james
Essie Feldhacher says:
April 19th, 2010
2:17 pm
Wow, what a treasure trove of input. Spring here, sunny, and no shortage of ’stuff’ to do. Need a rainy day to get caught up on reading…! James, you’re such an asset – welcome. You bring out the best in people. Thanks, gang, for all the superb sharing!!
Desertrat says:
April 20th, 2010
7:54 am
About the simplest cars ever made are the Ford Maverick and the Falcon. Inline six, three speed. Really, almost any of the Fords or Chevys into the mid-1970s are easily maintained.
I know more about Chevys than Fords, so if I were going to set up a long-term “my last vehicle” I’d start there. Full-size, 2WD pickup. Small V8, set up for torque and with free-flow exhaust. Late-model five- or six-speed manual transmission. Limited slip differential. I’d mess with the aerodynamics by adding an air dam on the front, like the newer trucks have. I’d put a flat cap over the bed. Last, I’d go to the hassle of taking a sheet of aluminum and installing a belly pan underneath. Adequate power for pulling a light trailer and the improved aerodynamics would give pretty good fuel mileage.
lynne says:
April 20th, 2010
6:48 pm
Linda’s restoring EMP proof cars. She may not realize it cause she simply likes old cars and restoring them. LOL
I do hope that I can post here and give some hints, tricks and ideas about doing prep on the cheap. I’m sure you all have lots of things you want to spend money on. I can cut most grocery bills in half and get more for the money. It’s hard work but it will pay in savings.
Back to James and Rat about my family I suppose it’s a case of none so blind who will not see.
But I’m doing great got my Mom on board and a new neighbor. They are fired up and ready to go city. LOL
Is it easy no, actually hell no, tends to be the answer. But I won’t give up, 1 person I get that believes in self-reliance is 2 folks we don’t support with tax dollars, and they may figure a fix as well.
lynne says:
April 20th, 2010
8:01 pm
Hell I know stupid has no boundries, I am a bit annoyed that I get tested in my own family.
But what a great group that is building. I may not/can’t save them all but I do have folks that want info for preping. Though I think that’s a weak idea. I like self-reliance. I does take a lot of work. Get away form all reliance on government, utilities, think about it?
I think it will be a bumpy ride, but hold on tight folks cause it will be fun to watch.
James the Wanderer says:
April 23rd, 2010
11:56 am
Man, this has been a tough week! Research sure eats up a lot of time you could be spending otherwise (LOL!)
Desertrat, my first car out of college was a mustard-yellow Maverick that my sister and I had been using to commute (about 75 miles one-way, instate) to college. I drove it until my wife’s complaints about its poor brakes (I was used to them, she never got used to them) pushed me to trade it. It was easy to work on, and paid for, two great virtues in a car. Now I’ve moved on to Hondas and Saturns (damn shame what GM didn’t do WITH Saturn, mine’s developing “peculiarities” but still runs good. What’s worth buying these days?
Lynne, I agree about self-reliance; when it hits, we’ll all become a LOT more self-reliant than we are now. Those who can teach, will be in demand. I just wish I could get my kids to invest in the coming “one-time” silver boom, while its (relatively) cheap. But, you can lead a 22-year-old to water, but you can’t….
Cheers!
james
lynne says:
April 23rd, 2010
11:02 pm
Well James the most important things I would suggest in prep is attitude. Then next is skills, it may be learning to bake bread or knowing how to build a house. What knowledge you have can never be stolen.
On the water issue if they have a big tank water heater they should have 30-50 gallons stored. Just show them how to turn off the water main. Plus 1.5-3 gallons in every toilet tank and if they have time they can fill a bathtub and have another 30+ gallons. I know it’s not a perfect solution but it’s something to help.
Pick up the SAS Survival Guide. It’s about $12.00 at most book stores. Great book, instructions for all kinds of things from butchering to advance 1st aid.
lynne says:
April 23rd, 2010
11:20 pm
Remember it’s just like eating an elephant, just 1 bite at a time. I started with Heavyduty food grade food storage bags in the 1-2 gallon range and 10-18 gallon tupperware containers for my food storage. I started with rice, beans and flour in bulk and I started adding to it. I do like rice, beans and baking breads. Then I started adding foods I liked that I found on sale(Pasta, Meats, lentils etc.). Plus lots of spices and sauces.
Kurt says:
April 25th, 2010
5:04 pm
Lynne, you’re right. It’s fairly easy to start with just what you have on hand and know such as Tupperware. Even if it’s small, it’s still better than doing nothing, hoping the government will come bail you out. And almost anybody can afford to put a small amount of extra food aside each month. (Except maybe on any month that April 15th falls in)
Something that can help extend storage life for such things as powdered milk, powdered eggs, flour, etc, is a vacuum packer. You can pick up an inexpensive one for under $50, or look around in garage sales to find one even cheaper. Non fat non instant powdered milk that I buy in bulk 50lb bags has an expiration date on it of about 6 months. Vacuum packing it can make it last up to 18 months. Still not a long time, but if you are rotating your stock and something happens, that’s still more milk that you might not otherwise have for a few months longer than you might otherwise get it to last for.
Some other things, like rice that is not totally devoid of nutrition by processing only lasts for 6 months as well due to the extra oil content, can also have it’s shelf life extended by the same thing. Buying powdered eggs in bulk saves more than enough over canned, if you repackage them the same way.
Etc, etc, etc….. Even/especially when you’re as poor as me, a vacuum packer is almost a requirement. It helps prolong storage life on foods that are cheaper to buy than freeze dried meals. Don’t last quite as long, but you need to rotate through them anyways, and it’s better than the nothing else that we can afford.
BTW usaemergencysupply.com is a good company to deal with for some of these things.
Another thing you might consider, especially if you live in a city, is a small generator, but large enough to run what you need, with some fuel.
lynne says:
April 25th, 2010
8:43 pm
I have a foodsaver and the widemouth jar attachment, what a great item to have on hand. I think your expiration times are a little short. But I do store mine stuff away from light and in a cool place. Whole grains can last 25 years or longer when packed properly.
But I agree with you on the rotation being critical.
jlsim66 says:
April 26th, 2010
10:02 pm
I’ve been doing this for about 18 months and I consider myself still new to the “self-reliance/prepper” movement. I have learned so much, and still have much to learn. I do have a few pet peeves about the movement.
The reliance on MREs or premade meals. The bread sucks, there is nothing better than having good food come off the grill or out of an oven. You know what you like so you should cater to you and your families need and not some dietitian from the Army.
I prefer whole foods or at least those with minimal processing. I’m not saying there is no place for MREs or other prepackaged foods. But in USArmy I and others craved real food. Salts, fats and spices. Trust me after a couple couple of weeks of eating MREs you will commit Assault and Battery for a twinkie or some chips. It’s so much better if you have the ability to make and cook these items everyday at home rather than depend on a delivery schedule. You can make your own marshmallows and chocolate bars, have some graham crackers stored and you can make s’mores. Corn tortillas soaked overnight in a little lime juice, and a bit of Cayenne pepper fry up as great chips. It does take a little knowledge a bit of hardware to do these things but if nothing happens you know what your food contains and you get to make good choices, you save money, and you stick a finger in the eye of the US government that tries to control you.
Just remember the “Comfort foods” idea. Usually made from scratch ingredients, low and slow cooking or smoking. Plus you are making a statement about “comfort”. I’m good with reducing stress and promoting comfort.
jlsim66 says:
April 28th, 2010
8:01 pm
I’m always amazed at some of costs of some “Survival Kits’ I saw a little car kit made out of a small (shoebox size)container that cost $40.00 and did not incude a stove. To expensive!!
I know because I made several similar setups for my “barter box” and something to give family members. It cost me about $20.00 for all. My setup includes a stove, matches, candles, a 1st aid kit, food, spices and emergency blankets. Plus a few (safety)razor blades, sewing kit and some odds and ends. Looking to add some snare wires and fishing items next month.
I am for stacking the odds in my favor. I carry a tool kit that has a bow saw, plus a hatchet, basic tool kit, tape and rope and a little solar charger to keep the battery going.
lynne says:
April 30th, 2010
7:28 pm
Being a prepper means even if we all guess wrong on the economy stays good we still win. You can survive and thrive in any natural disaster. You can eat well if you lose an income. You are ready with 1st aid kits and blankets, lighting,heat and security. Your family can travel with some security in bad weather. You are investing and have insurance not for when you die but gives you tools to live. Let’s say you don’t have to buy groceries for 2 months. You can spend that money on all kinds of items for the family. Take the kids shopping now and let them find the bargains. What a great opportunity of teaching them some basic economics, budgets and finding deals.
lynne says:
May 9th, 2010
11:16 pm
I know I’m passionate about this subject and I have posted a lot as you all know. I want to be a helper and not a “wingnut”. If I am wrong I want to know. I don’t think I am plus you get all kinds of saving money ideas, cook real food, grow your own gandens and learn som new skills.
I see this as win/ win and I’m still just a wingnut.
I still can’t figure if the “Media” hates me because I’m a Tea Partier or loves me cause I’m “green” in trying to create a sustainable life.
What a happy thought I may keep Big Sis Nepalitano up nites wondering…
Well if she is capable of being kept up nites.
Tony says:
July 1st, 2010
7:32 pm
Interesting line of comments. Here’s a few things to consider:
1. Tony’s law is that you ALWAYS get your “money’s worth” out of two things–tools and plants. With tools, it’s not “if” you will use it, it’s WHEN you will use it. With plants, they will yield “results” for years–either food or beauty.
2. Looking for a “good” car? Try some of the “kit cars” on e-bay. Many are “simple”, powered by a VW engine, do not need smog devices (too old), and are easy to work on.
3. Food storage?? How come nobody “drys” things. Make a “box” out of pressboard (or other cheap material), put in a couple of light bulbs, drill some holes in the bottom and cut a hole in the top. Get some fiberglass screening and make some racks. (Do NOT use aluminum screening unless you like aluminum tasting food.)
It works by convection. The bulbs on the bottom of the box heat the air, which rises and goes out the top hole, which draws “fresh air” in from the holes in the bottom. The rising air carries away the moisture.
Mine was 2 feet square and 18 inches high. I had 4 racks, each 2 x 2 for 16 square feet of drying area. I dried everything from apples to squash–even tomatoes.
4. Consider making a solar oven. Many plans on the net.
5. Plant some fruit trees. The sooner the better.
rebel without a job,
tony
James the Wanderer says:
July 1st, 2010
8:35 pm
Welcome, Tony!
Man, this thread has a life of its own. Over two months now, heading for three….
Agree with you on tools and plants. Not so sure about cars, seems to me if the engine has already outlasted the original VW, won’t it break soon?
I haven’t dried much yet, but if this season’s crops of tomatoes and Bell peppers and strawberries come in, I may need to…
I like charcoal grilling more than solar cooking, but any port in a storm. Also have a NICE stainless-steel grill that my wife patiently outwaited the Kroger’s into end-of-season sale at HER price, need to buy a few propane cylinders for it.
I probably will leave this place in a year or so, but will definitely plant fruit trees at the NEXT place … wherever it is.
Good to meet you, Tony, and welcome aboard!
james
Tony says:
July 3rd, 2010
7:07 am
James,
1. Plant a few trees for the next guy. I’ve “left behind” lots of fruit trees in my life. ’sides, in terms of moving–you never know.
2. Properly cared for, an engine will last forever. You may have to resleve it, buy new pistons, etc., but the nice thing about V.W. engines is you get a friend, unbolt 4 bolts, and lift it out of the car. You then replace it with one from a junk yard that you have rebuilt at your leisure. They are quite cheap since there were hundreds of thousands of them built. Check out e-bay. Some were rebuilt before being put into the vehicle–or at least such is claimed. They are simple and easy to work on. (You need metric tools.)
If that’s not your cup of tea, get one powered by a pinto or mustang engine/drive train.
Like I sed, check out the “kit car” section on e-bay.
3. In terms of drying foods, micro-waves also work. If you go the light bulb route, you can vary the temperature by either a light switch rheostat or by changing the wattage. I found that 2 – 100 watt bulbs worked just fine and saw no need to vary the temp. It drives the box I described to about 100 degrees inside where the temperature is 70 degrees. Of course, the actual temperature inside the box will vary according to the temperature outside the box. Youse ain’t gonna do much drying in 10 degree weather–but then you can freeze it.
Be sure and shield the bulbs from food dropping on them. I used #10 fruit juice cans. I cut the top and bottom out and fastened them to the bottom of the box. (Don’t use epoxy–it’s heat sensitive.) Then I positioned the bulbs so that they were “inside” the cans.
Be sure and cover the ventilation holes with scrap fiber glass screening. Drying fruit attracts every insect for miles. In the same vein, if you can put a couple of “rails” under the box and lift it an inch or two off the ground, it also help discourage insects.
The are quite easy to make.
always,
tony