Friscosmom

Pam thank you - I wish!! There is so much to consider and I am trying not to disrupt our 'normal' lives in the process. Or get analysis paralysis, crawl under the bed (rats, can't, food is stored there) and give up! I have broken it down into smaller pieces. Food storage, medical/dental, investing, where to live, security (turned over to husband!), general storage, fuel, pets and general planning. Food storage is coming along nicely. If I get the wheat and mill and just keep on top of things and continue to add when there are sales, I'll feel OK. I'll feel GOOD with a garden and chickens - but that is for the future. Medical/dental is a bit interesting because those of us that MUST have meds have a hard time stockpiling them. I am very fortunate as my husband travels to India and he can get my medication there. No proscription needed and made by the same company as here! Was also able to get some antibiotics, etc. I also created a book about medicines to store along with interactions between them. We are very close friends with a 93 year old neighbor (who acts like a teenager) so I include him in our planning. I also have created a 'medical book' with all my medical history and blood work. Investing - I stew over that daily. I do have analysis paralysis on this one. I have a lot of ideas and maybe (if appropriate) will start a thread on investing ideas. Where to live is interesting. We have a small cabin off the grid in the woods in the Rockies. People thought that was a perfect place if things got really bad. But then I read about Argentina from someone who lived through it and something that had been niggling at me was brought up - living in isolation means that you are a sitting duck! He said the best place to live was a small town with like-minded neighbors. We don't have that situation, but I'm keeping an eye open. Fuel - not a clue. I'm doing 'thought experiments' on how things might be....and I'm also planning a 'drill' - 3 days with no use of electricity, living just like we would if no services were available...won't my husband be surprised! Sorry to ramble on - it's just so nice to discuss all this with like-minded people. Judy (who really does more than just prepare for disasters!)

Hi, I've been working on my storage for about a year and here are a couple things I've learned.... I purchased a '6 month supply for 2' of Mountain House freeze dried #10 cans online. But first, I tried a couple of the entrees to see if we would like them. You can get the pouches at Wal-Mart in the hiking section. They were fine! I wouldn't choose them over 'regular' food, but there were no fits thrown over them. The #10 cans last from 20 - 25 years. Just add hot water. Also, I thought about the possibility/probability of not having power, so I bought a small camping stove and some propane. Then reality hit. I had bought a 6 month supply of freeze dried foods...but when I entered it into my food calculator, it didn't last anywhere near 6 months. Really, it was enough for about a cup of food twice a day. So, I started buying some bulk food to suppliment. When Jasmine rice was 60% off, I bought 50 pounds. I got large (food quality) storage containers from the bakery at the supermarket for free (just ask) and bought mylar bags and oxygen eaters to put in the bags (eBay). Stored rice and sugar and more rice and beans and more beans. Sugar, too, and was feeling all proud of myself when reality hit (again). Wheat. What really stretches things and will store really well is wheat. That's my next move. A grain mill and wheat and gaining some knowledge about using wheat. I bought this book: Amazon.com: HOW to LIVE on WHEAT (9781884979125): John W Hill: Books I'm planning a trip to a Bishop's Storehouse near here eventually. You might want to see if there is one near you. Meanwhile, I've been buying 'regular' food when there is a 'buy one get one free' sale. I have a closet and under a bed dedicated to storage. I'm also stocking up on meds and first aid stuff, making sure all shots are up to date (tetnus, etc), thinking about one day getting one of those heart attack machines like they have on planes. This is invaluable: http://www.abysmal.com/LDS/Preparedness/Preparedness.pdf Wish I'd found it earlier! There is a lot to think about. We're keeping a supply of cash in case banks close. Sanitary items are important. Water!! Good for you for starting to prepare. :) Judy (Not a Mormon but am in awe of your preparedness.)