Posted on 02/09/2009 12:36:11 AM PST by nw_arizona_granny
Yahoo ran an interesting article this morning indicating a rise in the number of survivalist communities cropping up around the country. I have been wondering myself how much of the recent energy crisis is causing people to do things like stockpile food and water, grow their own vegetables, etc. Could it be that there are many people out there stockpiling and their increased buying has caused food prices to increase? It’s an interesting theory, but I believe increased food prices have more to do with rising fuel prices as cost-to-market costs have increased and grocers are simply passing those increases along to the consumer. A recent stroll through the camping section of Wal-Mart did give me pause - what kinds of things are prudent to have on hand in the event of a worldwide shortage of food and/or fuel? Survivalist in Training
I’ve been interested in survival stories since I was a kid, which is funny considering I grew up in a city. Maybe that’s why the idea of living off the land appealed to me. My grandfather and I frequently took camping trips along the Blue Ridge Parkway and around the Smoky Mountains. Looking back, some of the best times we had were when we stayed at campgrounds without electricity hookups, because it forced us to use what we had to get by. My grandfather was well-prepared with a camp stove and lanterns (which ran off propane), and when the sun went to bed we usually did along with it. We played cards for entertainment, and in the absence of televisions, games, etc. we shared many great conversations. Survivalist in the Neighborhood
Just be sure to set up your shelves so that it is easy to keep your stock in rotation.
” I would think that being better prepared is worth more than heading for the hills with no place to really go that was prepared.”
The road we are on has 5+ acre places, and most have some kind of animals or gardens. Down the road are a few clusters of homes, but we’re still semi-rural. A friend of mine and I comment about the “town folk” and their city water and what’s in it, as some of the wishes and sentiments have been more liberal thinking of late. They don’t seem to care about taxes and efficiency, just what they think everyone needs. We are actually in the unincorporated area just outside city limits. I guess it’s time to get to know more of our neighbors down the road a bit better.
You’ve mentioned quite a few essential oils in your posts. I’m guessing they are reasonably priced and would be a good thing to have on hand.
http://www.bigmedicine.ca/southasia.htm#China:_A_case_of_Streptococcus_suis
China: Boy with flu symptoms in special care centre dies [Mar 4 Shek Kip Mei]—The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health continues to investigate the influenza outbreak at a special child care centre in Shek Kip Mei. The school has been suspended lessons for one week starting March 3 for thorough disinfection.
A total of 12 students and three staff members of the school developed symptoms of influenza-like illness since February 25.
One of the affected children, a five-year-old boy, was admitted to Yan Chai Hospital today (March 4). He had developed fever and cough since February 26. The boy passed away this afternoon. He had history of spinal muscular atrophy, a chronic neuromuscular disorder.
Initial laboratory tests on the boy’s clinical specimen yielded positive result to influence A virus. His family members did not have similar symptoms.
The case will be referred to the Coroner’s court for investigation.
China: A case of Streptococcus suis infection under investigation [Mar 4 Hong Kong]—The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (March 4) investigating this year’s first reported case of laboratory confirmed infection of Streptococcus suis (a kind of bacteria isolated from pigs).
The case involves a 56-year-old woman, who developed fever and confusion on March 1 and was admitted to Queen Mary Hospital the next day. She is still in the hospital in stable condition.
A CHP spokesman said the patient had no travel history recently. She had a history of handling raw pork while preparing food at home. All her home contacts did not have any symptoms.
A total of six reported cases of Streptococcus suis infection were reported in 2008. Six cases were reported in 2007 and eight cases were reported in 2006.
The spokesman said Streptococcus suis infection may present as meningitis (inflammation of the membrane enclosing the brain), septicaemia (blood stream infection), and less commonly, endocarditis (inflammation of the inner lining of the heart chambers), arthritis and bronchopneumonia (a kind of lung infection involving the bronchioles). Streptococcus suis infection can be treated with appropriate antibiotics.
To prevent the disease, members of the public are advised to always observe personal and environmental hygiene practices. They should avoid contact with pigs that are sick or dead from diseases and their excreta or body fluid. If contact with pigs or raw pork is necessary, one should:
* Use protective gloves;
* Wash hands after handling pigs or raw pork; and
* Clean and cover all wounds properly.
Members of the public with suspected symptoms should consult their doctors as soon as possible and report their relevant exposure histories.
They can obtain more information on Streptococcus suis from the CHP website www.chp.gov.hk
China: Mengniu milk additive not harmful to health, MOH says [Feb 16 Beijing]—”We can breathe a sigh of relief now.” That was the reaction of Yang Wenjun, vice president of Mengniu Dairy at a news conference held here Saturday in reaction to China’s conclusion that their milk is safe to drink.
According to an online statement posted Friday by the Ministry of Health (MOH), milk with the additive OMP is “not harmful to human health.”
On Feb. 2, the country’s top quality regulator ordered Mengniu to stop production of Milk Deluxe, their products contain OMP, or osteoblast milk protein. It wanted to conduct tests to make sure the additive was safe.
OMP is imported from New Zealand via a Shanghai-based food technology company and has safety certification from the New Zealand Food Safety Authority, MOH said.
However, Mengniu used it in dairy production without China’s permission and could still face punishment, the statement said.
The Mengniu group described the additive as a “common food material” used in overseas markets and said it has been used in milk products in Japan, the United States, the Republic of Korea and Taiwan.
After China launched its investigation, the company stopped using OMP and said it would apply for state approval accordingly.
“We will not call back products already sold on market as it’s not a quality issue,” said Yang.
Mengniu, a major dairy producer in China, launched the production line Milk Deluxe with OMP in 2005. Its marketing campaign claims the protein additive helps improve human health.
OMP is not yet listed as a legal food material under current food safety law and needs state approval for import and application, MOH said.
http://www.bigmedicine.ca/southasia.htm#China:_Mengniu_milk_additive_not_harmful_to_health,_MOH_says
Essential oils work and you need only start with small bottles.
The prices range from ‘not that much’ to the highest you are willing to buy.
I am in the low price range.
My interest in the e.oils peaked when I learned they were the choice for soapmakers, keep in mind that Fragrance Oils are only perfumes made of chemicals, and be sure you are getting the Essential Oils.
A friend who encouraged my passion and lack of money for soapmaking, gave me 4 one ounce bottle of e. oil for may birthday, and they sat here for several months.
One day, I was reading a newsletter about Lavender E.O. and how it would cure a headache, so having both a bad headache and Lavender eo, I used it.........and it works.
A drop is all you need, a tiny amount on the temples and the middle at the top of the nose and I get a little on the tip of my nose, [the outside, of nose, as one does not put E.O in ears or nose], and a drop on the back of my neck, at the base where some of the vertebrae have broken and disappeared........and no headache and rarely to I have one.
A drop of the Lavender or Spearmint on your pillow and you will sleep well.
Under stress, use the Lavender, all you need to do is take the lid off and breath deeply for 3 or 4 times.
Upset stomach, I smell the Peppermint or Spearmint or even put a drop on my sleeve.
Oregano has been tested by hospitals and is a germ killer, Rosemary does also but not as many.
All of them heal sores and bites from ants, etc.
For me, when the oxygen generator is not doing the trick to keep me breathing, or I have had to move around and breathing is difficult, I want my Lavender.
To me, they are super strength herbs and are as old as the Bible.
Be careful with using them, they will burn the skin if used pure and in the same spot, for many times......they can be diluted in your kitchen cooking oils, almond, walnut, olive, figure about 4 or 5 drops to the tablespoon of oil.
Do not put them on babies, but use a cotton ball and put it out of their reach.
For a cranky baby, or as they used to say a ‘colicky baby’, you rub a drop into your shoulder, under your blouse and rest the baby against your shoulder, what it get through the blouse, will put it to sleep, in peace, not via “drugged” sleep.
A friend had a new grandchild, and it cried all the time, at about 3 months old, I sent her the baby info and she used her Lavender and said it worked, as simple as that.
Yes, I believe and use my essential oils several times a day.
The one ounce bottles came from a health food store and the brand is NOW, which I think is an average type, to be found in most health food stores.
My bottles are about 6 or 7 years old and will last me another year or so for smelling and a bite or two.
I of course bought soapmaking grade oils that are not as good and they work too.
I don’t own any of the fancy diffusers, LOL, I would rather buy oils with my money.
Good place to start:
LOL, on each link, there are several that I want to read.....
Just be sure to set up your shelves so that it is easy to keep your stock in rotation.<<<
Yes, and I have gotten very sloppy and it is costing me.
You can take that water heater idea a step further by installing a bladder tank instead, which will give about 40 gallons or so under pressure, even if the mains are down. Always place a check valve ahead of the bladder tank to prevent it from draining back to the main.<<<
I am not sure what a bladder tank is.
How many tanks could one hook up, if room was not a problem?
I know that we had our 2500 gallon tank hooked up so the water filled it and we used it for the animals and garden, to keep the tank’s water moving and fresh.
I like the idea of a constant supply of fresh water and esp. in areas that have city water.
>>Is bulgar wheat different from hard and soft wheat?<<
Bulgar wheat is usually a hard wheat that has been parboiled and then dried it is then run through a coarse grinder.
It is not a different type of wheat but it is the preparation - the pre-cooking that makes it different from regular cracked wheat.
>>>The road we are on has 5+ acre places, and most have some kind of animals or gardens. Down the road are a few clusters of homes, but we’re still semi-rural.<<<
I would stay right there and get to know the neighbors!
You know your land, you know your weather, you know your water and septic - I would stick where I had the knowledge upper hand... Besides, you can store more there where you have the resources.
Thanks for explaining the differences. It will help me decide which kinds/quantities to buy.
“I’ve been gardening for years”
With a comment like that, I’m sure you’ll have something to share.
>>>You can take that water heater idea a step further by installing a bladder tank instead, which will give about 40 gallons or so under pressure, even if the mains are down. Always place a check valve ahead of the bladder tank to prevent it from draining back to the main.
<<<
Good suggestion... For those who are not familiar with the terminology or layout:
Water Main>>>>Check Valve>>>>>Bladder Tank >>>>>>House Pipes
The arrows indicate the direction of flow.
Be sure Check valve arrow points in the direction you want the water to go
You can put multiple bladder tanks for more capacity
Only problem is that you should shut off toilet fill valves, monitor children (and adults) on water usage. When the faucet flows when you turn it on it is common to let it run a bit which wastes water.
>>>But I think I will check at the Ace hardware and about and see if I can find some to purchase. <<<
For what it is worth - You can check Ace hardware online and order it - delivered to the store free...
If I order online by Monday 2 PM It will be in the store Wednesday in their regular shipment. Your store may have different delivery day and cut-off time.
>>>Just be sure to set up your shelves so that it is easy to keep your stock in rotation. <<<
Another excellent recommendation!
>>>They don’t seem to care about taxes and efficiency, just what they think everyone needs.<<<
We get a lot of those city transplants here who come to ‘retire’ because it is such a nice area... Then the first thing they try to do is make it like where they came from.
Go figure...
We are on a well, and this year are also installing a manual pump, so I will still have fresh water if the power goes out.
Other than that, I am just waiting for the new manure to be delivered.
Now, bulgar wheat is out of my realm of experience. (For now)! DW? granny? miss? TAC?
And perhaps one of you could also explain why my red hard wheat looks an awful lot like my white hard wheat? Perhaps it’s just the flavor that is different (I do think the white flour tastes a bit less wheaty)
I guess that’s what cities do - invade the country and suburbs. ;( My mom is experiencing the same thing in a small town about an hour north of San Antonio. They moved there to be away from all the big city problems, yet the problems are moving in.
Iowa sounds pretty. And like a great place to grow crops! And you said you also had woods?
Which oils would you recommend to have on hand for a first-aid/survival kit?
Just the ones you mentioned: lavender, oregano, and a mint?
I think the magnesium fire starter you recommended will be marvelous. I can forget about storing all the matches now - they won’t last anyway.
It’s in my cart waiting for me to add more items so I can get free shipping! I LOVE free shipping. Especially now that CA has increased the sales tax. I’ll be buying everything I can online to avoid giving the libs here any of my money.
And I bought honey today - 3 large (64 oz) containers. Now the question is: what’s the best way to store it?
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