>> clothes are washed in a machine that doesn’t require electric <<
Could you elaborate on this a bit more? Sounds interesting and useful.
I’m very impressed with your preps. Nice job. How in the world did you get your family and friends to take prepping so seriously?
I’ve spoken with my friends and while there are interesting in talking about it, they aren’t as enthusiastic when it comes to taking specific actions, i.e. - going without electricity for a week.
As to the laundry equipment, I will refer you to Lehmans.com. They are a company, based in Ohio I believe, who specialize in products for people who live without electricity, like the Amish.
I’ve done a bit of business with them over the last 5or 6 years, always with good results. The delivery is usually prompt and customer service very good. They are a bit on the pricey side, but the products are first rate.
As to my family, they have no choice, this ain’t no freakin’ democracy here. This is my castle, so to speak, and I rule it unconditionally. No, seriously, I talk to the kids, who are now all adults, a lot about where I’m coming from. They would tell you I talk too much about it. They are like too many other Americans, too busy trying to live their own lives to pay attention to things they believe to be as unlikely as the end of life as we know it. Besides, they know that in the event that I’m right after all, they know exactly where to run to and exactly what they must do when they get here. They do like, overall, the change in lifestyle around here. They like all the animals. All of my kids were brought up hunting, boys and girls, and they like shooting very much.
As to my neighbors, some agree completely and seem glad to talk to someone with a plan. They don’t really have to do anything other than provide provisions for themselves, which I have become a real pest about. I don’t want to have to shoot any of these people when they run out of food and come to take mine. I am taking care of the defensive construction. So far the consencise is that the firing positions make fist class deer blinds. I take responsibility for making sure they have access to arms and ammo and I hold a monthly BBQ at my range.
Some of my neighbors are part time residents and really like the idea of a free watchman/ caretaker for their property. I like all of the hunting property that I have exclusive acces to. Win, win.
Hope this helped you, I do tend to rattle on about things I am passionate about. Let me know if I can be of further service.