So if you believe things might "Hit the fan " what are you doing?

[Aprhys]

I really don't worry about this much anymore. I just tossed A LOT of food storage that had gone bad. I have done this three times before. Not anymore. If things get bad enough you are all going to die also. We have become so dependant on modern comforts/medicine/lifestyle. If things get bad enough you won't be able to find a single rabbit in the hills to eat. Let the civil war begin.

[JK4Woods]

I really don't worry about this much anymore. I just tossed A LOT of food storage that had gone bad. I have done this three times before. Not anymore. If things get bad enough you are all going to die also. We have become so dependant on modern comforts/medicine/lifestyle. If things get bad enough you won't be able to find a single rabbit in the hills to eat. Let the civil war begin.

I tend to agree with you.... dying might actually be a blessing in many circumstances...

[farmerchick]

Well reading tea leaves is over estimated right? Interestingly things seem to be worse now than one year ago aside from tp shortage. We tried to buy a new John Deere tractor recently and were told there is no inventory of the tractor we wanted on the west coast....it'll be awhile....haven't heard back from the dealership for a month at least. ...we could get another brand but John Deere is our preferred brand.....if you've ever had a eastern block manufactured tractor you would understand...lol.... Tried to buy a microwave ...(well three of them...over the range type....) for my rental houses. I don't know why three of them just quit in a matter of months but I digress....so I ordered one in January,..it came in April. I ordered another one In February it came in just now....i ordered one yesterday and I hope to get it June first.....back log...no inventory so they say....first microwave cost 300.00 second one cost 350.00 and third one will cost 375.00 delivered to my address...i had to buy an upgraded model for the third one because the inventory on the cheaper models were not estimated to be in stock anytime soon, I don't know if it's just here that gas prices are near 4.00 a gallon or that some lumber and electrical wire is near impossible to get, but it seems like everything I go to buy is not in stock.....SOOO once again my plain and simple approach is my garden...which is growing nicely.....so inflation seems to be here in all aspects....shortages of some important things seem to be with us a well....I'm going to just continue to take each day as it comes as usual...lol....no need to fear...no need to do things differently...just maintain and endure.....

[tribrac]

The older I get the more I don't care. Nothing I can do to change the powerful forces at work. Moroni told us what our fate is. What little I can do amounts to attaching corks to a few spoons on the titanic.

[OCDMOM]

I have been buying more rice, pasta, sauces and soups.

[Prana]

These days I am practicing purposeful action towards an unknown purpose. That is to say: Mindfulness. Attention on intention and trust in whatever will be.

[harakim]

I really don't worry about this much anymore. I just tossed A LOT of food storage that had gone bad. I have done this three times before. Not anymore. If things get bad enough you are all going to die also. We have become so dependant on modern comforts/medicine/lifestyle. If things get bad enough you won't be able to find a single rabbit in the hills to eat. Let the civil war begin.

You are projecting your circumstance onto other people. Survival is not as difficult as you're making it out to be, but you do have to put forth effort if you want to survive.

I really don't worry about this much anymore. I just tossed A LOT of food storage that had gone bad. I have done this three times before. Not anymore. If things get bad enough you are all going to die also. We have become so dependant on modern comforts/medicine/lifestyle. If things get bad enough you won't be able to find a single rabbit in the hills to eat. Let the civil war begin.

I tend to agree with you.... dying might actually be a blessing in many circumstances...

I think about this a lot. It would probably be a lot easier just to die. It's probably not worth preparing for it if you're not already ready if you are prepared to die. It is likely we will all die (except perhaps the 144000) unless we take the mark of the beast.

[JK4Woods]

Well reading tea leaves is over estimated right? Interestingly things seem to be worse now than one year ago aside from tp shortage. We tried to buy a new John Deere tractor recently and were told there is no inventory of the tractor we wanted on the west coast....it'll be awhile....haven't heard back from the dealership for a month at least. ...we could get another brand but John Deere is our preferred brand.....if you've ever had a eastern block manufactured tractor you would understand...lol.... Tried to buy a microwave ...(well three of them...over the range type....) for my rental houses. I don't know why three of them just quit in a matter of months but I digress....so I ordered one in January,..it came in April. I ordered another one In February it came in just now....i ordered one yesterday and I hope to get it June first.....back log...no inventory so they say....first microwave cost 300.00 second one cost 350.00 and third one will cost 375.00 delivered to my address...i had to buy an upgraded model for the third one because the inventory on the cheaper models were not estimated to be in stock anytime soon, I don't know if it's just here that gas prices are near 4.00 a gallon or that some lumber and electrical wire is near impossible to get, but it seems like everything I go to buy is not in stock.....SOOO once again my plain and simple approach is my garden...which is growing nicely.....so inflation seems to be here in all aspects....shortages of some important things seem to be with us a well....I'm going to just continue to take each day as it comes as usual...lol....no need to fear...no need to do things differently...just maintain and endure.....

Ah yes... the "Lean Just-in-Time" manufacturing philosophy is bearing fruit... and the chickens are coming home to roost...

Meaning, every business used to have warehouses for their stock, and when things were sold off the shelves in the store, they were replenished quickly.
Now-a-days most items are made to order.... Just buying 175 thermostats for the hotel project we're building right now, will take 12 weeks to deliver....

Look at the fuel problems in the Northeast because of one pipeline going down.

The replenishment pipelines for foodstuffs and everything else are basically garden hoses now.
Remember the scarcity of face masks a year ago...?? The supply chain reached across oceans for a ten cent item...

We can't get the hotel door locks, and we don't know when we will get them... Why..?? Because of the small chip shortage. Even the most simple basic chip used in a basic item like a hotel door lock (or a microwave oven.. ) is in such short supply right now, that automotive assembly lines have been halted because of the shortage.

I'm working out in a huge agricultural area, yet everywhere I see silos in complete disrepair... meaning the surplus grain is shipped overseas and very little is hanging around like years past.
I've also noticed that the small "seed" silos on individual farms are unused, derelict or torn down... meaning almost all farmers have to buy seed every year from some corporate conglomerate; and likely GMO so they are now completely dependent on seed suppliers every single year.

Of course all this efficiency, less cost, and other laudable traits and promises for having business evolve into Just-in-Time practices, hasn't trickled down into my pocketbook. It's just served to help corporate values and stock prices and grow larger executive bonuses.

Funny how that works... every year, I become "meeker", (I just gotta continue to hope "that the meek will inherit the earth")...

[farmerchick]

The powers in charge are slowly transforming us from a capitalist surplus system to a marxist/socialist one where everything is scarce.....while screaming capitalism doesn't work...look at the shortages.....meanwhile paying everyone to do nothing while a Labor shortage exists to make essential goods.....this can only last so long....pretty soon all production will come to a halt, held up because of certain parts needed to produce or finish......and then they will have proven capitalism doesn't work ....brilliant.....expect shortages to continue, prices to rise and the media will be screaming Trump set this all in motion and there is nothing Biden can do except throw more money at it.......they want to slow and eventually stop our very specialized productive economy...moving us from equality in opportunity .(capitalism) to equity in outcomes (marxism)......hmmmm it does seem ike they want to control the trickle of the lean principles to a stop so we can achieve ultimate equity of outcomes...lol....math was never my strong suit but I'm pretty sure 0=0 and that is the only number that represents equal equity among all of us.....the secret is, of course, that equity will never be achieved among the huddling masses.....someones camp site with a fire will be more desirable than someone else's.....than what?.....looks like this build hack better plan is working as expected...equity is on the way....

[EmmaLee]

The powers in charge are slowly transforming us from a capitalist surplus system to a marxist/socialist one where everything is scarce

There are two big car dealerships in our city and both lots are all but empty. It seems other people have been noticing it, too, as the subject came up a week or so ago in our city's FB group. Several salesmen and other people who work for the dealerships chimed in. They said they are not getting any new cars because they all require microchips, and those come from China and other countries - and none are being made. The waiting list for even used cars is months out - for new cars, it's much longer.

The same is/will be true of all appliances, the HVAC in our homes, and a host of other things we use daily and take for granted.

[farmerchick]

The powers in charge are slowly transforming us from a capitalist surplus system to a marxist/socialist one where everything is scarce

There are two big car dealerships in our city and both lots are all but empty. It seems other people have been noticing it, too, as the subject came up a week or so ago in our city's FB group. Several salesmen and other people who work for the dealerships chimed in. They said they are not getting any new cars because they all require microchips, and those come from China and other countries - and none are being made. The waiting list for even used cars is months out - for new cars, it's much longer.

The same is/will be true of all appliances, the HVAC in our homes, and a host of other things we use daily and take for granted.

Yep and it will keep trickling down as Biden continues his path of destruction printing money......more things we take for granted will not be available....can't wait for the liberals to start crying.....we will all suffer though.......higher prices for gas as Biden policies continue to undermine our energy independence......the slow wheels that will crush us are picking up speed......

[mudflap]

Gas shortage was affecting me earlier this week. Not that anywhere was out of gas (https://www.gasbuddy.com/go/colonial-pi ... s-by-state), but it was affecting supply lines (not directly, but it isn’t helping). For example: Windows for the cabin…

I want a specific style and brand of window (they call it “bronze” - it’s black), and I have to meet certain energy requirements.
HomeDepot has them - ok, “had” them. out of stock. No problem, I’ll order from their website. So on Wednesday I ordered them....
nope. Not out of stock, but no, you can’t order them to the store.

I called the help line - the lady says there are 3 things working against me:
1. They can’t find enough factory workers to make the windows because of Covid19 and Biden’s unemployment benefits (yes I know Trump started them, but as of January 20, 2021 it is now Biden’s problem. We’re 5 months in - get to it, PedoInChief - why haven’t you addressed it?)
2. They can’t find the materials to make the windows (their suppliers are having the same problem with covid and unemployment “benefits”…)
3. They can’t find drivers for their trucks to deliver the windows to the stores.

Basically, she’s saying, “Whatever we have on hand is what we have for the next 6 months, OR SO” (could be more than 6 months).
I went ahead and ordered them from a store that is 80 miles from here. I’m "mad-maxed" it Wednesday afternoon and go get them.
Why not just wait? ummmmm: “more than 6 months”. And I need windows so I can insulate so I can chink so I can install electrical/plumbing/interior walls / pass inspection and…MOVE IN SO I CAN EXIT THE CRAZINESS, which is why I wanted 4 more years of Trump (miss me yet?).

I know, the Plebs out there are saying, “what do I care about windows?” Because, Mr. Pleb - it’s not about windows. It’s going to be everything you eat, drink, put on, or need fixed.

spicy times ahead...

[Elizabeth]

Same in Australia... so many things on order, still waiting to arrive.
One wonders if some will ever come, and if not, will the money paid be lost.

[Aprhys]

Speaking of homes. My goal has been to get all of the projects around my home finished. During my multiple deployments with the Army I learned that no matter how crappy your environment, surrounding or location is, if you have a somewhat comfortable and clean place to lay your head you will be a thousand times happier and healthier. Drafty windows were fixed. All of the locks on the doors were replaced with new locks. The loose fence posts were fixed. Closets were organized. Junk that took up space was disposed of and replaced with bottles of dish soap and extra towels. Basically anything that I could do to make my house feel more like a secure "home," for my family was done. Yes, we might end up eating worms but at least we hopefully won't be doing so in a pile of disorganized rubble.

[FoundMyEden]

Speaking of homes. My goal has been to get all of the projects around my home finished. During my multiple deployments with the Army I learned that no matter how crappy your environment, surrounding or location is, if you have a somewhat comfortable and clean place to lay your head you will be a thousand times happier and healthier. Drafty windows were fixed. All of the locks on the doors were replaced with new locks. The loose fence posts were fixed. Closets were organized. Junk that took up space was disposed of and replaced with bottles of dish soap and extra towels. Basically anything that I could do to make my house feel more like a secure "home," for my family was done. Yes, we might end up eating worms but at least we hopefully won't be doing so in a pile of disorganized rubble.

This is very very true. I can’t emphasize that enough. I’m going through this right now.

[mudflap]

My shoes started "talking" a few months ago. I tried to find shoes in my size today - wow. I found some, but there were a lot of sizes missing from the store.

after my experience with the windows last week, I'm a little nervous....

[JD21]

I made "Warm Windows" panels for all of my windows this summer. Warm Windows fabric has four layers, one of which is mylar and is a great insulator. It's not cheap, but I was able to buy most of it from Joann's for half off. They make a huge difference, keeping the house cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter.

Then I used up the warm windows scraps, sewed them together, added curtain fabric and made a long panel, hung with a very heavy duty springform rod, (ceiling to floor), to block the little walkway between my living room and kitchen. On really cold days, my living room is 10-14 degrees warmer than other rooms. Blocking off this room has really helped keep it warmer.

I also turned my heat down to 60 degrees throughout the house. Most days are sunny, which warms up most of the house. I have a lot of windows that face south and west, which has worked out well. If it's cloudy and I want it warmer, I plug in a small ceramic heater to warm up one room.

My goal with this project was to reduce my propane usage as well as to be able to somewhat control room temperature by blocking the sun in the summer and allowing the sun in during the winter. I've been concerned that not only will the price of propane increase, perhaps substantially, but that it also may not be available in the future.

My living room is the room that I have blocked off. It also has 4 windows. Although the temperature setting is at 60 degrees, the actual room temp varies from 65 - 74 degrees with the window coverings. They are quite thick, like a blanket.

So far this has really worked out well. I've decreased my propane usage by about half.

Not sure whether this post will be read by anyone, or whether there are any helpful ideas here for others, but one never knows

[Sirocco]

I don't live in a house, so I guess I'll become some kind of wildman. Still need to buy that musket and stock up on black powder and lead.
And the obligatory 18th century clothes.
Then make my way south to avoid winter, as Canada has some brutal ones.

[XEmilyX]

My family added two freezers and put lots of frozen meat and veggies and fruits in them.

[NeveR]

My family added two freezers and put lots of frozen meat and veggies and fruits in them.

Better get a generator and some chargeable batteries in case the power goes out

[Momma J]

I am brushing up on medicinal plants, gathering starts/seeds and as many books on the benefits of the plants around me. I am also working my dogs more to improve our team hunting skills. Our food storage is more than adequate but I am worried about the availability of obtaining medicines for my husband

[Jason]

https://1lib.us/

...everything from DIY weapons/explosives to plumbing/construction to gardening/farming to tech skills...and lots of garbage of course...

...5 downloads a day anonymous...10 downloads a day by creating an account and signing in...a small donation gets you 999 downloads a day for 30 days when they run their special promotions a couple times a year...

...one can very quickly build quite a library of essential skills on flash drives...

...Epub's can be renamed zipped files and unzipped for more ready access to data...cut n paste...etc

[mudflap]

just bought this on ebay this morning:



it's the last piece I can't buy locally for my chimney. Code says I have to use the same manufacturer for similar parts. I got worried because the chimney pipe manufacturer got bought by another company a few years ago so maybe they don't make my chimney anymore - this part is an adapter that converts the chimney from insulated class A pipe to non-insulated single wall stove pipe. The other parts can be different manufacturers and still work. But I saved $700 on just the class A part of the chimney - this part is the very bottom piece of the class A section - the whole section takes up 22' of my 30' chimney.

Anyway, Just need the single wall pipe and a ceiling thimble and some miscellaneous screws, sealants, and hardware now before I can get it installed. maybe in a few weeks, it'll be toasty where I live.

If you don't have a backup heat source, you should figure that out. soon. this warm weather won't last. And Texas told you back in February not to rely on mommy government. prepare.

[JK4Woods]

Back when Barry was running things, I got a tent stove with pipe, rain cap, and metal roof flashing.

D016BA91-FF81-475E-92FE-28B302E87657.jpeg (298.89 KiB) Viewed 866 times

Bought the water heater attachment as well.

Burned it out in the back yard, and realized I need to get some stove door insulation. So during a backdraft on a windy day, smoke won’t billow out and fill the habitation.

I also welded on a collar for the stove pipe, so the attachment point is tighter.

Thanks for bringing this up... I now remember that I never got the fire rope for the door...

Could be a dark winter...

[OCDMOM]

Harbor Freight has an $800 dollar generator on sale for $400.