I'm just preparing....

[Niki09]

Sorry I haven't been on in a while. I have been crazy busy. Just thought I'd catch up. I love to hear from you guys, so please reply away!

I took my 4 year old, the hubby, and my 14 year old twin brothers camping up in golden gate canyon. It was freezing, and the truck is having issues with possibly sparkplugs, so anyway.. it was quite a trip. The camper we own in from the 70's and runs like a top and everything works amazing. Except the support jack stands got stuck down on the ground. We couldn't drive like that, so we fixed it.... it took about an hour. But go us, we did it!

We finally sat the twins (thats what we call them) down and explained about TSHTF, and how as the men of the house (my dad is a FF on duty for 48 HRS @ a time, I worry he may be on shift if the SHTF and not be able to get to my mom) anyway..as the men of the house, it is their job to defend the house and protect mom. We explained about letting the dogs (two 200lb labs) defend them as well. I told them about food and water supplies, and sources of power. They are very interested in learning more about our new survivalist lifestyle. One of them even offered to help us convert our truck to bio-diesel. And what we need to do ect. They want to hunt and fish with us. And they always help us cook. I haven't told my mom yet about all this, but I know she will agree being prepared is important. My dad I'm sure will think I'm nuts but if TSHTF he will be more ready than most. He's just like that. Plus he has a HAM radio so thats cool. Anyway, my mom has been saying she wants a handgun in the house, because of the way things are changing. She is scared people will rob her, and I don't blame her. So now her, my hubby, and I are all going to take a gun safety class, and get concealed weapons permits, and get my mom and I a gun. Hubby has one. We also have 2 shotguns. They are at his dad's we just need a safe. I'm also thinking about getting a few rifles and a few more shotguns. The twins can shoot, but obviously at 14 can't own a weapon, but if the S&%T hits the fan, I want them armed. I'm serious, F gun laws if I need to protect my family :)

What do you guys think of all that?

Also I found solar power panels thingys for my RV battery at costco for 25$.. I'm buying some.

Also, I bought a juicer, and blender, and a bread machine. I'm getting a vacuum sealer, canning stuff, and a dehydrator. I will be 100% ready to make all my own food. Also I am planting a veggie garden, and found some small farms near me. So that makes me happy. I'm also learning to sew. I mean come on, if tshtf, and I can cook and sew, and I'm one of few women left, you guys will be glad you know me :) HAHA!

anyway on our drive home we saw the most beautiful elk (4), man I wish it was hunting season. They looked tasty!

[tony]

It's fun isn't it.

I started by building up my arsenal and then I had a good defense plan but what was defending. Nobody is gonna bother me, I don't have food or water.

Then I realized how important a good stash of water, food, hygiene products and medicine would be.

Now I'm trying to get into renewable water, food and engergy. A hand pump well and chickens are next on my list.

You've got a good start. Explaining that dead pirate to my mom was though. I made her realize that she and my father are well ahead of me and they have been squirrels all her life.

Tony

[Niki09]

it is fun...

i thought people would think i was crazy, but mostly everyone I have talked to about it has said I'm smart especially in these times.

See I have food and water and no guns. I want guns, were pretty ok on food! HAHA

A hand pump well is a great idea. I wish I didn't live in an apartment. I would have one, and chickens, and goats, cows, ect. Thats cool if you get chickens, you can always have eggs and chicken!
I don't eat eggs, but if I was starving I guess I could!

[Loshali]

Plan on things that can be used off the grid. A solar dehydrator is better than a regular plastic one, in terms of extended use. Dehydrated and dried foods are better nutritionally than canned, because of so much cooking/processing. They can be easily stored as well. Get a pressure canner, by all means. Do NOT can meats in a water bath canner.

Glad to see another seamstress on the board! I've been a professional seamstress for quite some time, and I plan on putting it to good use TSHF.

Lo~

[Niki09]

thanks

for the ideas... I will try and find a solar dehydrator.... I have read a lot on canning, and saw A LOT of people say to get a pressure canner for meat. Everyone says to be careful, so I will follow all rules! We hunt so I'd like to stock us up on some jerky. Good protein, easy to eat ect.

Oh I wish I was a seamstress, I have no idea how to sew. I have done very little. I am dying to learn. I did cloth diapers with my 4 year old, and now they are so big that the charge like $8 a pop for those diaper covers, so I want to sew my own. Also (sorry guys) I want to sew re-usable pads. Plus I just lost 55lbs, and I'm still losing (took me 4 years to takle this 100lbs of baby weight) so I want to be able to re-fashion my fat clothes rather than buy new! Too bad you don't live in CO, I could pay you for lessons! Thats SEW awesome that you sew! HAHA. It is a talent we will need around! Any tips on a machine? I want to embroider and learn to quilt as well.

[tony]

I talk to no one about it. My mom only knows because I was trying to show her something online and I had to go through Xcolony to find it. I know they will be alright so I'm not worried about them. I gave the slightest hint to my father in-law about being prepared for whatever and he looked at me like I was nut. He said "If power goes out, Walmart has generators to keep the store open."

The truth is, Walmart stores do not have generators at the store. There are only a few flat-bed mounted generators that can be delivered to a store within 48 hours. These are not designed to keep the store open but to maintain refrigeration and emergency power. There are a limited number of these, too.

[RossA]

It's great to see more women involved in preparedness. When the bad times hit, it will be a team effort.

[Niki09]

yup!

walmart? haha I'm sorry but that's funny. I don't talk to anyone but family. They have responded well. But I know my dad is gonna think I'm a total nutter... honestly I do not care. I'll be fed and warm and you'll just think I'm crazy!


yeah on the women team effort. let's be honest guys, I may not be able to lift heavy things, but I can make babies and milk :) you need us and I know you guys here agree cuz your awesome like that. I hope if tshtf we can all move to NC since everyone but me lives there LOL. And we can all start over or something! I'm glad to know if their are any survivors, it will be you guys and gals.

And yeah I LOVE seeing women on here! It's the best!!!!

[Diesel]

LMAO!!! Ok you're hired!!

walmart? haha I'm sorry but that's funny. I don't talk to anyone but family. They have responded well. But I know my dad is gonna think I'm a total nutter... honestly I do not care. I'll be fed and warm and you'll just think I'm crazy!


yeah on the women team effort. let's be honest guys, I may not be able to lift heavy things, but I can make babies and milk :) you need us and I know you guys here agree cuz your awesome like that. I hope if tshtf we can all move to NC since everyone but me lives there LOL. And we can all start over or something! I'm glad to know if their are any survivors, it will be you guys and gals.

And yeah I LOVE seeing women on here! It's the best!!!!

[Niki09]

oh wait

NC and Texas...

Texas is closer.. I'll start there LOL

I like Texas and NC so thats good....

my husband was just saying that is tshtf Texas will be the only state that wont be affected... he was like maybe a cow will die, but those texans arent gonna let anyone eff with them, plus they all have guns. I laughed.. it's kinda a stereotype but we all know texas is texas... I think I'll move there and build and underground bunker HAHA!

[TLM]

What do you guys think of all that?

I think the twins are blessed to have a big sister like you.

Try to instill a sense of charity in them as well. I don't know if you have any religious background but I think it is important as a perspective and a balance,
otherwise it can turn into an "US verses THEM" mentality.

Violence only as an absolute last resort... but do not hesistate when it is obvious that it is needed.

Sounds like you are doing well.

God's Peace to you and your family.
TLM

[Niki09]

haha

LMAO!!! Ok you're hired!!

blah sometimes my brain works faster than my hands I'm trying to make sense without sounding like some dumb blonde.. I swear it makes sense in my head. LOL Diesel your awesome... send me your address I'm going to mail you some un-poison cookies! HAHAHAHA!

you guys really are the best!

[Niki09]

wow

I think the twins are blessed to have a big sister like you.

Try to instill a sense of charity in them as well. I don't know if you have any religious background but I think it is important as a perspective and a balance,
otherwise it can turn into an "US verses THEM" mentality.

Violence only as an absolute last resort... but do not hesistate when it is obvious that it is needed.

Sounds like you are doing well.

God's Peace to you and your family.
TLM

yeah I am trying to explain to them that its not us VS them, that it's about protecting our family and surviving regardless. I am catholic (sorry) they don't really have one, but perhaps I can find a church they would like and get involved with.

And i love this... "Violence only as an absolute last resort... but do not hesistate when it is obvious that it is needed."

I think I'll paint it on a poster board and hang it in my house!

thank you :)

[Brosia]

good to see you back Niki. Sounds like you are really getting your plan together, awesome!

[Niki09]

:)

thank you brosia always nice to hear from you :)