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So much to do...So little time...To prepare for the next Depression...
Posted April 6th, 2008 by kat
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I am learning so much from everyone on this site...Great thinkers and educated minds do congregate here...And help is always around the next thread...
I've been brainstorming so hard lately because I know this winter will be seriously hard for us as a family...Last year we kept the thermostat at 63 and were miserable for the most part trying to conserve the propane in our tank..
I have taken into consideration many details of our yearly habits such as clothing, shoes in future sizes for the kids,school uniforms, school supplies, underwear, socks, as well as other products we use daily such as soap, toothpaste, deodorant, toilet paper, shaving cream, soap powder,aluminum foil, feminine pads, shampoo,sunscreen and garbage bags to name a few.
I have also been trying to prepare for Christmas by buying toys now.
Have been talking and preparing on installing a tankless water heater (to cut the cost of propane)...Getting rid of my Jeep ( I really love that car....I mean... REALLY LOVE)...which is a gas guzzler(sigh)...And built a pretty good first aid kit. And have a cat food plan.
I purchased my first silver eagles last night...have a small untended garden (I work 6 days a week) with parsley, bellpeppers, tomato, eggplant and carrots...
I still have to send off for my green source vitamins and colloidal silver...One of my best friends owns a Smoothie King and he will get me stuff at cost like protein powders etc..So i'm good there..
But I am at a loss for this
I am a weekly grocery shopper...like most of America... and I'm trying to get organized (with limited funds) on food for the next what? Two years? Four? Maybe ten? Ouch...
Dry goods...I know...Beans, Jelly, peanut butter, cereal, grits, soup, pasta, pancake mix,vegetable oil, noodles etc..
But...
Maybe someone here can help with the refrigerator issue since that is the one door that gets the most use in my house..
Meats, cheese, eggs, milk, butter, seafood etc...How do I do this?
Do I just buy and hope that another hurricane like Katrina doesn't wipe out my food investment?
Also...what about premium products..like fine liquor, or tobacco, or luxuries that might be traded or bartered at premium..Is anyone investing in expensive cigars, perfume, Crown Royal or wines? Or luxury foods that might be hard to come by or outrageously expensive in the future?
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Kat: What are you preparing for; a famine or finacial collape
I feel like people are terribly confused as to what they should be doing regarding being prepared for a coming depression. You say " So much to do...So little time...To prepare for the next Depression..."
If you really believe that a depression is coming. Maybe you are doing the exact opposite of what you should be doing. The word "Depression" simple means a depressed economy which always produces depressed prices.
We have recently moved from an entirely inflationary period, into a worsened economical state know as a stagflation, where our economy is struggling to grow (slowing down), with high inflationary pressures (due to the weak dollar) continuing to raise prices on most major commodities including food staples, oil, etc. This stagflation period is rapidly producing deflationary bubbles in our economy, such as the real estate market, and soon to be auto industry.
This last period is the scariest for the Feds, and should be for us too, as deflation cannot be controlled as easily as inflation can. Recessionary periods come and go, its all part of the free enterprise system. OUR REAL problem here we have not been operating under a free enterprise system, but a controlled one. Controlled economies vs. free enterprise economies always cause disasters, such as Hyper Inflation or Depressions.
To sum all this up in nut shell kat, we are presently in a recessionary period which could get extremely worse because of all the mismanagement of capital on the parts of both the Government and private personal irresponsibility. As a result, we could enter into a full blown period know as a Depression. We may even, first have to travel through hyper inflation to get there, but it looks like we will get there.
So my question to you is this, what are you preparing for, a famine or a depression. My personal opinion is that food prices will curb downward greatly, when we are finally in a full blown depression, because most people in this country over eat by twice the amount of food they need in the first place, so the food supply will double from what it is now, so-to-speak. The same thing will happen to the housing surplus. My theory on this housing issue is simple. When a depression hits most families will double up, that is children moving in with parents, single occupant homes will take in boarders, etc etc... this will cause the housing surplus to sore even more, depressing prices even further. The same thing will appear in the auto industry. A report last year said there are more cars per house hold now than licensed drivers. I could go on and on, but I think you get my point.
My suggestion to you is to put more efforts into preparing for the coming economic disaster that is about to happen, rather than preparing for a famine which seems to be what you’re doing instead. You can accomplish this by converting unneeded assets into cash, including converting some if not all into real money such as gold and silver. When the depression hits, you will be prepared to pick up on all those depressed priced items, which you are currently now paying inflationary prices for.
Just my thoughts, for what ever its worth, I hope this helps.
hjschaapman
Mart, Here is a picture of my bread oven
made of earth, stones, and bricks that will bake 50 loaves on one firing of junk wood.
http://i302.photobucket.c...
Did you...
.. use any plans to build it?
It's neat looking! I might download the pic and photoshop some keebler elves on it... ;)
No, my cousin in Montana
has built a bunch, one for a town in Vermont that uses it weekly, the whole town brings their bread dough to be baked. Ours was made on a frame of saplings covered with burlap and then the clay/straw mix was put on 8 or 9 inches thick. It is bigger than it looks, mine is 7 feet in diameter, but most are smaller. The bottom of the clay part is firebricks for the bread to sit on. The rule for one, any size is: the height of door opening is 62% of height of the inside of the dome of oven. Then there is the right amount of draft for the fire.
I don't want to be a party pooper, But,
In almost sixty years I've learned to take everything with a grain of salt. In the 70's we had the same predictions. I still have the 8 - 5 Gallon buckets of nitrogen packed wheat that I was supposed to need for that collaps, Then there was the predicted collaps in the year 2000. It was supposed to be the end of the world. Friends even sold everything and moved to the mountains only to loose their shirts and move back home stuck with remote mountain homes they could not sell. 2Yk came and went with a whimper. So all I'm saying is it's good to be prepared, but don't get carried away with it.
Yes but...
.. in the 70's the US was the creditor to the world, the rest of the world owed us money and the dollar was still indexed against gold and the Fed wasn't printing money like Charmin makes toilet tissue.
NOW the US is the biggest debtor nation in the history of the planet having "printed" $700 TRILLION in derivatives and is currently "printing" $38 billion dollars PER DAY to give JUST to failed and failing Wall Street mortgage concerns. $38 billion per day is equivalent to $13 TRILLION per year which exceeds the annual US GDP of $12.5 trillion.
A country printing fake fiat money that exceeds the annual GDP is the classic definition and scenario for hyperinflation. The US currently has over 50 TIMES the GDP in circulation.
The current situation just CANNOT be compared to the 70's at all. Hyperinflation is real and occurs like clockwork in the world. We are on the verge of our money being TOTALLY WORTHLESS. Good luck buying food with it! Remember the photos used in the textbooks to illustrate hyperinflation in the German Wiemar Republic just prior to WW2? The picture of the guy taking a wheel barrow full of cash to buy a loaf of bread and the lady lighting her furnace with her German money? Well, that's what we are the verge of.
Also, I think you are confusing short-term survivalism with good old-fashioned American self-reliance that Jefferson talked about. Even up to the 1970's the United States had significant local food storage capacity. Remember all the local grain silo's and local milk producers? All that is gone now and we have AT MOST a four day supply of local food in the grocery stores. Very dangerous indeed to be dependent on Just In Time (JIT) manufacturing and delivery. Especially in light of the current fascistic relationship between the corporations and government.
Good old American self-reliance and local food production and storage is what we are talking about here. Not Rambo-style short-term survivalism...
If you use a seed to grow a crop in the country . . .
. . . let's use the seeds of truth to take back the government investments we are not being told about. We need to plant these seeds of truth in the cities, and raise a cash crop! !!
Expose the thuggary and thiefdom and reclaim these assets!!
"Pull-over" these "75 year" leases with intentions of extracting resources at break neck speed with wonton abandonment at the steering wheel.
Help wanted: We need more care takers, and not more takers who don't care. Help others learn how to help themselves. Share Liberty!!!
yes mart...
I didn't panic or prepare for any of those...This time I have a feeling it will be different.
_____________________________________
"I have once heard that the ability to resist temptation is the truest measure of a mans character."
Dustin Hoffman to Steve McQueen
"Papillion"
At the time of World War 2...
.. the majority of the French were still small plot farmers. They weren't culturally backwards or uneducated but they could take care of themselves foodwise.
Most rural French families had stashes of wine, cheese, cured meats, etc. that are very healthy for you. Each family farm would make one or two specialties and trade with neighbors to build up a nutritionally complete supply.
As the US troops went through France pushing the Germans out, the French people would run out to meet them and give them food. Here in America we would not be able to do that since the grocery stores would have long been empty and the trucks that bring the food would not be running and we would be starving ourselves.
People just need to be self-reliant and have significant local food production and storage infrastructure and knowledge. We were that way here in the US until the 60's and even into the 70's and we need to return back to that kind of system for our own security and strength.
Where will we get our minerals from in a healthful diet?
Certainly not from processed foods, meats, sugar, white bread, or butter. Our best source of supply is from organically grown land vegetables and sea vegetables (especially the green varieties), and from sprout and wheatgrass.
When the mineral content of the soil is poor it yields crops that are deficient in nutrients. Without vital, living soil to grow food on, farmers have come to depend increasingly on various fertilizers and chemical sprays to keep their weakling plants alive. The color and taste of fresh foods reflects the mineral value of the soils used to grow them.
Organic growers are part of the new green revolution. They do not use synthetic ferilizers, herbicides, or pesticides, but rely instead on crop rotation, composting crop residues, and a number of biologically safe measures to control insects, weeds, and other pests.
I emphasize the word "revolution" and our unifying collective dietary/lifestyle choices enhancing and giving vision to the global grass roots momentum.
On my second day of advanced first aid
at the Red Cross. Things have changed in first aid since high school.
I highly recommend the advanced course.
___________
Lisa C.
http://www.women4ronpaul....
Hey Lisa...
Do they teach how to fix broken bones?...
__________________________
"I have once heard that the ability to resist temptation is the truest measure of a mans character."
Dustin Hoffman to Steve McQueen
"Papillion"
Regarding Water Storage:
Regarding Water Storage: There is a manufacturer of Polyethelene barrels that makes containers in various sizes. I once bought a 55 gallon size drum for storing used motor oil in at a special price. The deal was that they test a certain number of barrels out of every 10,000 or so by dropping a few water filled barrels from 30 feet. If any of those test barrels fail, they scrap the whole bunch and recycle them. Fortunately for me, they are willing to sell the barrels from the failed batch for the value of the plastic. Then it was about $14 dollars. I'll be contacting them again soon to see if they are still available as I'd like a couple to put in my basement for water storage. I'm sure I won't be dropping any from 30 feet.
Things are only impossible until they are not.
-- Jean Luc Picard
If you can afford them, plastic septic tanks make great cisterns
See http://www.dailypaul.com/... for links to various suppliers. They run a dollar or so per gallon capacity.
I had a "water catching" cistern for years and it worked out...
quite "well" (no pun, really). The inner liner of the 10k gal tank was parged with cement and neutralized the water because of the lime in the cement. Consider this before investing in a costly well system that will need power to run a pump. Also google for a free e-book called "Possum Living" by Dolly Freed - it's about living on a few acres of land. Other suggestion is to get invested in Peter Schiff's Europac Fund at www.europac.net. Schiff is Ron Paul's economic advisor and has some really good ideas on getting your money out of the U.S. dollar and into dividend paying foreign stocks. Schiff authored the book "Crash Proof" - get it and read it, please!! later, have a good day
"The question is not who will let me- the question is who will stop me" - Ayn Rand
The LDS Church now sells long-term canned food storage items
www.ldscatalog.com
Get canned wheat, white rice, quick oats, pinto beans. All stored in 30+ year cans, includes plastic lids.
The prices include shipping, and are a great deal.
I was forbidden from
I was forbidden from entering that site. Do I have to join the church before they'll let me in?
Things are only impossible until they are not.
-- Jean Luc Picard
No, anyone can browse or order from the catalog
No membership needed :-)
It works for me, just tried. Maybe the site was momentarily down for maintenance when you tried?
Here's a direct link to food storage products:
http://www.ldscatalog.com...
try this link
http://www.providentlivin...
I was able to navigate from here. I didn't take it all the way to checkout, but you can see what is available and link to places that are closer to home so you don't have to pay shipping.
The centers also have phone numbers to call. Keep in mind that these are volunteers, and if you are calling a local distribution center, their ability to help may depend upon the level of demand they are under right now. Where I live people have been told to call before coming to make sure they aren't wasting a trip.
Do you really have six children...?
wow.
____________
"I have once heard that the ability to resist temptation is the truest measure of a mans character."
Dustin Hoffman to Steve McQueen
"Papillion"
Simple can goods last a long time.
The manufactures who I believe are very conservative give can goods atleast two years up to 9 years. They really last much longer.
Here are a couple sites.
http://answers.google.com...
http://www.baproducts.com...
Canned...
.. veggies tend to last MUCH longer than canned meats.
Toilet paper, lots of toilet
Toilet paper, lots of toilet paper!
-----
New Freelanders
Self Reliance Forum
But we'll have FRNs for
But we'll have FRNs for that!
And socks...
Stock up on t-shirts, socks and underwear...That is...If you wear underwear..;)
____________________________________--
"I have once heard that the ability to resist temptation is the truest measure of a mans character."
Dustin Hoffman to Steve McQueen
"Papillion"
I'm down with the socks.
I've got at least a couple years' supply. Looking for some long-lasting boots now, some that would last a couple years without re-soling if I hiked in them daily.
Boots
My husband and sons all have Sorel boots - they rave about them and they last forever. Check on Zappos.com. I'm pretty sure they carry them and they offer free shipping and free returns, if necessary.
Shoes...
don't forget to stock up on shoes...Certain things like this might be very hard to come by...I've already bought 6 pairs of flip flops..and have to buy shoes for my youngest in future sizes...
________________________________
"I have once heard that the ability to resist temptation is the truest measure of a mans character."
Dustin Hoffman to Steve McQueen
"Papillion"
Flip- Flops?
I thought you said "shoes". NOTHING could possibly be worse for your feet, legs, and back that flip-flops. And to expect to wear them for several years?
I suggest some good shoes, appropriate for your work and/or everyday lifestyle.
Perhaps you live in a very warm climate but you should still have good quality shoes on your feet. If you doubt the consequences, talk to a podiatrist.
Okay...
In 2003 I bought a $2.00 pair of black rubber flip flops Made in China at Payless...I have worn these shoes everyday...9 months out of the year...for 5 years...(the exception being my Minnetonka's on extremely cold days)...This is my personal statement against consumerism...Everyone knows my shoes..... and I've even had people try and give me new sandals with trashy sequins etc. to throw me off my statement...Judging by their appearance...they have another 2-3 years left on them...Pretty good ,I think.
_______________________________
"I have once heard that the ability to resist temptation is the truest measure of a mans character."
Dustin Hoffman to Steve McQueen
"Papillion"
hey kat
im pretty much where your at i think, i did check out site, efoodsdirect.com as the owner is now putting out emergency food news on his site and very useful info on what to store, how much and how to store it,,,for instance adding bay leaves to rice is natural method to keep pests out..i never knew that before,,,i imagine any sort of wines or beer would be worth their weight in gold one day,,,and also this site is helpful, 100 things that disappear in an emergency.... http://www.clipmarks.com/...
Just...
thought I'd bump it...There is great information on here from fellow DPer's..
__________________________________-
"I have once heard that the ability to resist temptation is the truest measure of a mans character."
Dustin Hoffman to Steve McQueen
"Papillion"
Me too...
bump =)
Me too
Lots of good stuff on here
bump
=)
Here's a page for well drilling
http://www.howtodrillawel...
Thank you!
Thank you! Thank You! Thank You!
You're welcome.
It is so frustrating, being out in the country, and living as self sufficiently as possible, and having neighbors who don't know what is coming, and so clueless. I SO wish you daily paulers were my neighbors. Hey, if I find a subdivision somewhere of 5 acres each, at a really cheap price, would you all move there? :) ah, sigh, I know, I am a dreamer.
lol that mister rogers
lol that mister rogers neighborhood song popped into my head lol!
as for me and my home, we shall worship the LORD
come to beautiful western
come to beautiful western colorado.. you can be my neighbor there!
as for me and my home, we shall worship the LORD
Our water company is akin to the Mafia...
I live in an area with a Property Owners Association...In order to build or live here you must use the water company which is privately owned..
Each board member is appointed and NOT elected to his/her position and it is not governed by the state or any other higher authority...They can and have raised fees on residents at will ( I pay $75.00 a month) and have strongarmed businesses that move into the area with exorbant "tapping fees"...My hairdresser friend had to pay $7000. just to open salon..and all the restaurants have been charged $10,000+ in these "tapping fees"...Or else no water..
Many residents who could not get water to their homes, months after Katrina, had wells dug on their property...
When this was discovered by our water company...they sent out crews to pour cement into them...And filed a legal suit against the owners.
I spoke to a well digger in our area because I want a seperate source of water...He told me he could not do it because of the legal threats from the water company...BUT
he did tell me that if I could dig it myself...I would find water at about 80ft.
Does anyone know how to do this without huge drills and put on a handpump?
Kat..... sell house.....
Kat..... sell house..... move..... get acreage!
as for me and my home, we shall worship the LORD
If the soil
at your place is mostly clay, sand or sedimentary or something else that is amenable to it, there is an old technique of driving in a well. You use a special pipe that has a point on it and the sides are a mesh type filter for water flow. Dig down as far as you can, then use post hole diggers to get deeper. There are also extra long post hole digger handles that used to be made for this purpose. You then put a cap on the end of the pointed pipe, take a sledge hammer and proceed to drive it into the ground. When you get it low enough, take the cap off, use a coupling to attach a section of plain pipe, put the cap on the next piece of pipe and drive on. My parents put a well in at their house this way through mostly alluvial clay sediments and tapped an aquifer at about 40 feet. See if you can find a reputable water witch to help you find the best location.
Here's a link
http://www.campbellmfg.co...
Manual pumps..
.. for wells START at $700. =|
Water catchment is another way
and what law would be broken. I know someone who uses this
method until she saves the money to have a well drilled. You
should have lots of rain being in an area where it rains all four
seasons.
Just google how to drill your own water well
and there are forums which will help
Here is a personal ID card.
Personal Liberty declaration
By the power and authority entrusted to me by my Creator, I, a person of these united States, choose to exercise my unalienable right to establish and define myself as free person independent from the government of "THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA".
___________________________
No signature necessary to validate.
Generators are not so bad
We had a generator til I was 10 and it was only on for a few hours at night. No problems - just no tv and I think that is one of the reasons I can spell; all we could do was read and listen to the radio and play. Great life. And this was not too long ago. I personally don't think daytime tv is a benefit - at all.
Bravo
.
And you learned how to use a semi-colon too; cool.