View Full Version : I'm a homesteader/prepper ask me anything
this is a offshoot of a thread on the debunking forum that was frozen(bows head in silence).
http://www.physicsforums.com/showthread.php?t=510194
I didn't use the term survivalist in the title because I personally despise it. People look at survivalists as being pessimistic and hoping for the world to end. That is totally the opposite of the truth. We want to thrive and prosper and see our neighbors and communities thrive no matter what the challenge. Yes there are some people of the mindset that are on the fringe as the same in all groups. For the record I was contacted by the producers for the show about being on it and declined for the fact that I felt it would shed a bad light on our group. Seems my fears were realized.
*disclaimer* I am not talking for everyone in the homesteading/prepper/survivalist lifestyle. I am just giving my experience and opinion
anywho, evo said I could make a thread here as long as it doesn't deal with doomsday scenarios, so that's a no no.
I have to go feed and water the animals, I'll check back on this later, peace
Tell us what you've done.
micromass
Jun30-11, 06:47 PM
This could be an interesting thread. :smile:
What events are you preparing for, and what did you do to prepare for them?
Are there other preppers in your area that you cooperate with? (I guess it could be difficult doing all of this things alone)
How much of your monthly budget goes to prepping? Do you have much left?
I'm genuinly interested and I would love to learn more about this.
Is this a mostly American thing? micro do people in your country have preppers, that are not Americans, or from an American based group?
I know that turbo says he can't find me a man unless I can bring down a moose, dress it in the field, carry everything back to his house fresh and clean, then chop and stack 2 cords of wood, and I need an outboard motor. I already have the other necessary skills to be a real woman including chopping and stacking wood. I don't have the motor though.
I think the moose would look cute dressed in a camouflage outfit.
Proton Soup
Jun30-11, 06:57 PM
one thing i'm curious about, since you say homesteader instead of survivalist, is what your typical living expenses look like. how frugal are you? many of the people on NatGeo seemed to be of the, shall we say, "hobbyist" variety. homesteading is something i've typically associated with people making the most of sweat equity, and not so much the people with more money than they really need and are just bored.
micromass
Jun30-11, 06:58 PM
Is this a mostly American thing? micro do people in your country have preppers, that are not Americans, or from an American based group?
While searching on the internet I did encounter some "prepping in Europe" sites. But somehow, I think it's more popular in America. Not sure why that is, probably because there are less disasters here (no hurricane, tornadoes, blizzards,etc.) The emergency services also seem to be better structured, schandals like Katrina don't seem to happen here).
Preppers have also assured that this is not about fear. But maybe prepping is popular in america because the media instill more fear in people then European media?? Just a thought.
Another question for the OP: what knowledge do you have? Do you try to learn a lot?
For example, if I were a prepper, I would immediately buy some books on medicine and try to learn from them. I think knowing some first aid should not be enough...
micromass
Jun30-11, 07:01 PM
Also, how many people know that you're a prepper? Do you keep it secret because you're scared of their reaction, or do you talk openly about it?
So you have a family, and how do they think about it? Did you have to convince them or did they think the same way you do?
berkeman
Jun30-11, 07:04 PM
I already have the other necessary skills to be a real woman including chopping and stacking wood.
I seem to remember something about a chainsaw, though.... :wink:
one thing i'm curious about, since you say homesteader instead of survivalist, is what your typical living expenses look like. how frugal are you? many of the people on NatGeo seemed to be of the, shall we say, "hobbyist" variety. homesteading is something i've typically associated with people making the most of sweat equity, and not so much the people with more money than they really need and are just bored.I've always homesteaded my house in states that allowed it because of the tax break and/or no one can put a lien on your home. You cannot homestead in all states. Not the same as homesteading is squatting land. If someone owns land and does not make improvements, and you get on their land and make improvements and aren't discovered for a period of time (around 2 years usually), you can claim the part of land you have improved. Obviously there are a lot of *gotchas* on this one, you have to do research before you attempt to squat.
I seem to remember something about a chainsaw, though.... :wink:No, turbo decided I could not be allowed near a chainsaw, for obvious reasons. I believe MIH is allowed a chainsaw. :frown:
Tell us what you've done.
to broad of a question, I could write a book based off that ;)
to broad of a question, I could right a book based off that ;)That's what people tell me.
So start with how you got into this and go from there.
Proton Soup
Jun30-11, 07:11 PM
I've always homesteaded my house in states that allowed it because of the tax break and/or no one can put a lien on your home. You cannot homestead in all states. Not the same as homesteading is squatting land. If someone owns land and does not make improvements, and you get on their land and make improvements and aren't discovered for a period of time (around 2 years usually), you can claim the part of land you have improved. Obviously there are a lot of *gotchas* on this one, you have to do research before you attempt to squat.
yeah, but were you into this: http://www.countrysidemag.com/
every own any Firefox books, or stuff like that?
Ivan Seeking
Jun30-11, 07:12 PM
I'm a pepper. I didn't know we were into homesteading now as a group.
gQPN3UKQM-U
This could be an interesting thread. :smile:
What events are you preparing for, and what did you do to prepare for them?
Are there other preppers in your area that you cooperate with? (I guess it could be difficult doing all of this things alone)
How much of your monthly budget goes to prepping? Do you have much left?
I'm genuinly interested and I would love to learn more about this.
the biggest concern I see is socio-economic collapse(is that ok evo)
I know alot of people in the immediate area of the same mindset, most are former military or LEO
prepping is my families lifestyle, I concur with a couple of points on the show, I don't golf ect. I prefer to spend time in my garden, go to the shooting range, spend time with my animals ect.
micromass
Jun30-11, 07:12 PM
That's what people tell me.
So start with how you got into this and go from there.
Good question! How did you come to the decision to start prepping, and why?
Is this a mostly American thing?
no, I have talked with people worldwide, it's just a different label depending on where you live
No, turbo decided I could not be allowed near a chainsaw, for obvious reasons. I believe MIH is allowed a chainsaw. :frown:MIH is allowed access to a powerful 2-stroke chain-saw. Evo is not!! There are some strict rules. The hooper has exhibited some coordination and training. The Evo is an accident waiting to happen!
one thing i'm curious about, since you say homesteader instead of survivalist, is what your typical living expenses look like. how frugal are you? many of the people on NatGeo seemed to be of the, shall we say, "hobbyist" variety. homesteading is something i've typically associated with people making the most of sweat equity, and not so much the people with more money than they really need and are just bored.
my wife and I built a earth bermed passive solar home with us doing about 85-90 percent of the work. We use a half cord of wood a year to heat it, and about 10 gallons of propane a month for the dryer, stove and on demand hot water heater. We cashed out our meager retirement and owe nothing on the house. Our household expenses are minimal.
the biggest concern I see is socio-economic collapse(is that ok evo)Ok, we'll pretend that's a concern that would cause whatever it is you think it would cause that and would mean that there would be no more functioning world, and just go from there.
I know alot of people in the immediate area of the same mindset, most are former military or LEOWe have a lot of former military and gun people here, they've never admitted to being preppers, maybe we'll find out.
prepping is my families lifestyle, I concur with a couple of points on the show, I don't golf ect. I prefer to spend time in my garden, go to the shooting range, spend time with my animals ect.
That sounds like us. Except our international members where guns are illegal.
Math Is Hard
Jun30-11, 07:20 PM
I'm a mini-prepper since I live in earthquake country. Maybe more of a micro-prepper. Maybe just preppish tendencies. I guess I'm a prepper AND a Pepper, with a stack of Diet DP 12-packs in the kitchen corner.
I don't have a chainsaw, but I do have a crossbow. When civilization falls apart there will still be good eatin' Chez MIH, if you like baked beans and squirrel-on-a-stick.
MIH is allowed access to a powerful 2-stroke chain-saw. Evo is not!! There are some strict rules. The hooper has exhibited some coordination and training. The Evo is an accident waiting to happen!I know, I'm surprised that you allow me my little ax. I can use a hand saw with no problem.
I'm a mini-prepper since I live in earthquake country. Maybe more of a micro-prepper. Maybe just preppish tendencies. I guess I'm a prepper AND a Pepper, with a stack of Diet DP 12-packs in the kitchen corner.
I don't have a chainsaw, but I do have a crossbow. When civilization falls apart there will still be good eatin' Chez MIH, if you like baked beans and squirrel-on-a-stick.We could eat crow?
While searching on the internet I did encounter some "prepping in Europe" sites. But somehow, I think it's more popular in America. Not sure why that is, probably because there are less disasters here (no hurricane, tornadoes, blizzards,etc.) The emergency services also seem to be better structured, schandals like Katrina don't seem to happen here).
Preppers have also assured that this is not about fear. But maybe prepping is popular in america because the media instill more fear in people then European media?? Just a thought.
Another question for the OP: what knowledge do you have? Do you try to learn a lot?
For example, if I were a prepper, I would immediately buy some books on medicine and try to learn from them. I think knowing some first aid should not be enough...
actually one of my heroes is dick strawbridge, he has the tv show it's not easy being green, what him and I do are very similiar, he's labeled as eco friendly, while I'm labeled as nutjob survivalist
_Ev1SIVdppg&feature=related
actually alot of the reason people get into this mindset is to get to a more simpler way of life. My grandparents and parents both canned. had a garden, raised animals. Were they preppers? or just living? The reason why those generations did what they did was they were children of the depression, they knew hard times could easily be right around the corner. That doesn't mean supernova, yellowstone erupting ect. That's something as simple as losing a job or spouse. We will all have our own personal shtf moment, it just won't be televised.
I am a avid reader and have a extensive library in print format as well as digital, my mind constantly works.
Math Is Hard
Jun30-11, 07:25 PM
We could eat crow?
Now wait a minute... those are my minions. :frown:
I know, I'm surprised that you allow me my little ax. I can use a hand saw with no problem.I can allow you access to a small cross-cut bow-saw, but that's the limit. You'll have to stop cutting when you feel the pain involved in severing your own foot.
Now wait a minute... those are my minions. :frown:I have birds, too. Chickadees love to land on me and wait (in turns sometime) for sunflower seeds. They are easy. The tufted titmouse individuals that flock with the 'dees are more stand-offish, though I wish they weren't. They are such cute little birds! They have such cute little hats.
Also, how many people know that you're a prepper? Do you keep it secret because you're scared of their reaction, or do you talk openly about it?
So you have a family, and how do they think about it? Did you have to convince them or did they think the same way you do?
I don't walk around with a billboard, but I try and show as many people as I can what we are doing. One of the complaints from our side of the table on the show was opsec. My position is knowledge has to start somewhere. I figure if I can change one persons perspective, it was worth it. Funny thing, when we were building our house, when I would show people, I would get one of two reactions. people that got it, or people thought I was insane. The people that got it were all over 50 and remembered times, the other group was all 40 and under and knew nothing more than instant gratification and the buy it now on credit group.
my wife is totally onboard, she has the same concerns as me. my daughter thought I was crazy, we didn't push anything on her, she just couldn't understand why we had a huge pantry and her friends didn't. Until the swine flu scare 2 years ago. We had outbreaks in the surrounding school districts and her school sent home papers about what to do in case of a outbreak, it listed 2 weeks of food, water supply ect. She came home, looked at the pantry and said, I guess we are all set, I said yep, she said, I'll never question you again dad
It sounds like we do what you do, but because we think it's an enjoyable normal lifestyle, we like to be self sufficient, like to see the results of our labors, not that we're afraid of anything.
This is our natural choice. We choose to be informed and self sufficient. We don't do it because we fear a doomsday scenario.
That's where I see a difference. If things got bad, we'd shared and help anyone we could, not kill them.
Our choices aren't driven by fear.
That's what people tell me.
So start with how you got into this and go from there.
I grew up on our family farm and somehow got away from it. My wife had surgery on her shoulder in the mid 90's and I went and bought a book on log homes to read during it. In the back was a small section on cordwood building, it listed rob roy in new york as a proponent on that. I called information, got his number and called him. We talked about a hour and he said he had a book on the method and also had one on underground homes, I ordered both, read them from front to back for 2 years straight planning our home. When my daughter was born in 97, We were living outside philly and didn't want to raise her in a urban setting, so it grew from there
yeah, but were you into this: http://www.countrysidemag.com/
every own any Firefox books, or stuff like that?
I have all originals of firefox as well digital copies, I use to read mother earth news, but it has become to politicized and bogged down by advertisers, I prefer backwoodshome today
I'm a pepper. I didn't know we were into homesteading now as a group.
gQPN3UKQM-U
I love dr prepper!
Don't let Ivan fool you, he lives in the wilds and has more guns and ammo than most military bases.
Good question! How did you come to the decision to start prepping, and why?
we always wanted to get to a more sustainable way of life, but we had a big push in 2005, at the time, my wife and I had some investments in apt buildings. We refinanced one and since we were self employed, the mortgage broker said we would go stated income. I asked him what that was. He responded, just tell me how much you make. My wife and I looked at him and said how many people are doing this, he responded, everyone. We knew at that point things were going to get rough
micromass
Jun30-11, 07:47 PM
I grew up on our family farm and somehow got away from it. My wife had surgery on her shoulder in the mid 90's and I went and bought a book on log homes to read during it. In the back was a small section on cordwood building, it listed rob roy in new york as a proponent on that. I called information, got his number and called him. We talked about a hour and he said he had a book on the method and also had one on underground homes, I ordered both, read them from front to back for 2 years straight planning our home. When my daughter was born in 97, We were living outside philly and didn't want to raise her in a urban setting, so it grew from there
The way you describe things to me actually implies that you just wanted to be self-sufficient and more in touch with nature. Which is always a good thing. I can understand now why it is more a lifestyle then actually preparing for something bad.
When reading the forums where you came from, I saw some people who I would describe as (excuse me) a bit obsessed with prepping. I read statements like "I like people who prep, it will save me bullets down the road". I don't think such a people are very good advertisement for preppers, it makes you look crazy and obsessed... That's why I really appreciate normal people like you explaining things in a normal non-obsessed manner.
I don't walk around with a billboard, but I try and show as many people as I can what we are doing. One of the complaints from our side of the table on the show was opsec. My position is knowledge has to start somewhere. I figure if I can change one persons perspective, it was worth it. Funny thing, when we were building our house, when I would show people, I would get one of two reactions. people that got it, or people thought I was insane. The people that got it were all over 50 and remembered times, the other group was all 40 and under and knew nothing more than instant gratification and the buy it now on credit group.
my wife is totally onboard, she has the same concerns as me. my daughter thought I was crazy, we didn't push anything on her, she just couldn't understand why we had a huge pantry and her friends didn't. Until the swine flu scare 2 years ago. We had outbreaks in the surrounding school districts and her school sent home papers about what to do in case of a outbreak, it listed 2 weeks of food, water supply ect. She came home, looked at the pantry and said, I guess we are all set, I said yep, she said, I'll never question you again dadMy wife and I have months of food stored away, both prepared and basic raw foods. We don't do this because we are convinced that horrible things are going to happen to us. We do this because that's how our families prepared for their own futures, year-to-year. When your parents have been through the great depression, they instill some attitudes in you that tend to stick. My grandmother had a HUGE pantry loaded with staples, and the French-Canadian great-aunts on my mother's side were just as fanatical about keeping staples on-hand. If you asked any of them for a few pounds of sugar, salt, a quart or two of vinegar, molasses, etc, they would look at you like you were asking if they had a penny in their pocket. After the great depression came the rationing imposed by the war effort in WWII. Those women weren't going to be restricted from cooking their traditional foods by political pressures.
As I said on another thread, I always have boxes of coarse non-iodized salt around because I like making pickles. My grandmother and great-aunts had LOTS more salt around because they salted down meats and made sauerkraut.
I'm a mini-prepper since I live in earthquake country. Maybe more of a micro-prepper. Maybe just preppish tendencies. I guess I'm a prepper AND a Pepper, with a stack of Diet DP 12-packs in the kitchen corner.
I don't have a chainsaw, but I do have a crossbow. When civilization falls apart there will still be good eatin' Chez MIH, if you like baked beans and squirrel-on-a-stick.
that's the thing, the show glamorized and highlighted what they were looking for, some of the people on the show have come forward and said things were staged. If it's reality tv, why do they need writers? What you need in EQ country is different than what I need in my area, but who has the right to tell us what we need to make us feel safe?
It sounds like we do what you do, but because we think it's an enjoyable normal lifestyle, we like to be self sufficient, like to see the results of our labors, not that we're afraid of anything.
This is our natural choice. We choose to be informed and self sufficient. We don't do it because we fear a doomsday scenario.
That's where I see a difference. If things got bad, we'd shared and help anyone we could, not kill them.
Our choices aren't driven by fear.
my goal is to help the community in time of needs, it's why we planted 20 fruit trees not just 2, it's why we keep adding raise beds each year, alot of people on this side have the same mindset, but at the end of the day you need to make sure you and your family is taken care of in times of need
that's the thing, the show glamorized and highlighted what they were looking for, some of the people on the show have come forward and said things were staged. If it's reality tv, why do they need writers? What you need in EQ country is different than what I need in my area, but who has the right to tell us what we need to make us feel safe?I think a major problem with the show is that a lot of it was, we're not sharing! This is ours and anyone that needs anything, we're going to kill them!!! It's OURS!!! And then these people have their own youtube videos instructing people on how to arm themselves and be prepared to kill people, not hunt for food, kill humans. They can't blame their websites on the show.
That's why I am giving you the opportunity to say you are not like these people, you don't own guns to kill people that need help.
Think back to the Great Depression, did you see neighbors murdering each other? How about the potato famine in Ireland, they didn't kill each other. During the great famine during the little Ice Age in Europe (14th-15th century), people didn't kill each other. These people all did what little they could to help. They changed their agriculture, they moved. but they didn't become hoarding murderers. I think that is what the average person cannot accept.
The way you describe things to me actually implies that you just wanted to be self-sufficient and more in touch with nature. Which is always a good thing. I can understand now why it is more a lifestyle then actually preparing for something bad.
When reading the forums where you came from, I saw some people who I would describe as (excuse me) a bit obsessed with prepping. I read statements like "I like people who prep, it will save me bullets down the road". I don't think such a people are very good advertisement for preppers, it makes you look crazy and obsessed... That's why I really appreciate normal people like you explaining things in a normal non-obsessed manner.
you also have to realize the media it is on, the internet offers anonymity that we have never had in the history of the world, someone says something 50 years ago, they were right in front of you and you could respond, now it's just words on a screen. There is alot of people that talk up the truth on the internet to impress people no matter where you are on the intertubes
My wife and I have months of food stored away, both prepared and basic raw foods. We don't do this because we are convinced that horrible things are going to happen to us. We do this because that's how our families prepared for their own futures, year-to-year. When your parents have been through the great depression, they instill some attitudes in you that tend to stick. My grandmother had a HUGE pantry loaded with staples, and the French-Canadian great-aunts on my mother's side were just as fanatical about keeping staples on-hand. If you asked any of them for a few pounds of sugar, salt, a quart or two of vinegar, molasses, etc, they would look at you like you were asking if they had a penny in their pocket. After the great depression came the rationing imposed by the war effort in WWII. Those women weren't going to be restricted from cooking their traditional foods by political pressures.
As I said on another thread, I always have boxes of coarse non-iodized salt around because I like making pickles. My grandmother and great-aunts had LOTS more salt around because they salted down meats and made sauerkraut.
how did we go from this to everything needed now, right at this instant, instant gratification, no one knows how to cook anymore or even where their food comes from it, it's sad
I think a major problem with the show is that a lot of it was, we're not sharing! This is ours and anyone that needs anything, we're going to kill them!!! It's OURS!!! And then these people have their own youtube videos instructing people on how to arm themselves and be prepared to kill people, not hunt for food, kill humans. They can't blame their websites on the show.
That's why I am giving you the opportunity to say you are not like these people, you don't own guns to kill people that need help.
Think back to the Great Depression, did you see neighbors murdering each other? How about the potato famine in Ireland, they didn't kill each other. During the great famine during the little Ice Age in Europe (14th-15th century), people didn't kill each other. These people all did what little they could to help. They changed their agriculture, they moved. but they didn't become hoarding murderers. I think that is what the average person cannot accept.
don't get me wrong evo, I own guns, and there is a difference between someone coming for help and someone coming to take, if you have a chance google ferfal, he's a blogger living in argentina and went through the socio-economic collapse there in 2001, he has alot of first hand experience of how bad it could get
Those are macro (economic) -social problems (unrest after any collapse) to be solved by government and various social organizations.
I am not convinced that ammunition stock solves that problem, on contrary it might worsen the problem.
Those are macroeconomic and social problems (unrest after any collapse) to be solved by government and various social organizations.
I am not convinced that ammunition stock solves that problem, on contrary it might worsen the problem.
we'll agree to disagree
and why the heck is my post count stuck on 31?
People in South America tend to have a different mindset than Americans. If I lived there I'd probably think differently.
Basically, many of the people on this forum live close to the land if possible, just because they enjoy it and for no other reason.
Obviously college kids don't have that option. But those of us that are older and settled prefer to do things for ourselves, share with our neighbors, and help strangers in need, even if it means we have less for ourselves.
When I think back to WWII and all of the people that lost their lives to take in and protect complete strangers, it brings tears to my eyes. I don't know if I would ever have that much courage.
micromass
Jun30-11, 08:14 PM
and why the heck is my post count stuck on 31?
Posts in general discussion don't count for post count. :frown:
we'll agree to disagree
Unless you want to provide some solid evidence behind your arguments. :smile: Otherwise, I am happy not to discuss it further.
micromass
Jun30-11, 08:19 PM
you also have to realize the media it is on, the internet offers anonymity that we have never had in the history of the world, someone says something 50 years ago, they were right in front of you and you could respond, now it's just words on a screen. There is alot of people that talk up the truth on the internet to impress people no matter where you are on the intertubes
I understand that perfectly well, but I'm just saying that it doesn't do you good. Let's say I was trying to find more information for preppers because I might become one. I go on that forum and I see statements about killing people because they are in the way. I'd be disgusted and I would leave, and I would think preppers are crazy (which they are most definitely not).
Anyway, another question. I would think that preppers are mostly right-wing in politics. Am I correct on that?
Those are macro (economic) -social problems (unrest after any collapse) to be solved by government and various social organizations.
I am not convinced that ammunition stock solves that problem, on contrary it might worsen the problem.
actually, I'll tell you a quick story. Last summer my wife and daughter were away at her parents. I got off work late and missed deadliest catch(rip phil harris) I decided to stay up till 12:00 to watch the late showing. About half way thru my eyes started getting tired, so I decided to get to bed. I went in the bathroom and started brushing my teeth. At that moment I heard our side buzzer go off, we have a driveway alarm there, because with being a earthen bermed house, we can't see if someone is coming around. I figured it was my father coming home.About 10 seconds later my dog starts going insane, I walk out the bathroom and the front motion light is on but no one is out there. I look in my fathers room and he's sitting there on the computer. I switch the tv over to security cameras and see someone coming towards our front door with a screwdriver in his hand. He was turning towards our front door, when my dog started going nuts, and then ran off into the woods. I called 911. "911 what is your emergency?" I just had a intruder on my property and it looked like they were trying to come in the front door. " Is your property posted sir?" excuse me? " is your property posted sir?" yes, but what the heck does that have to do with anything? "just checking, we'll send someone right out"
The police and govt are not a protective force, they are a responsive force, it is up to us as individuals to make sure our loved ones are taken care of and safe
Unless you want to provide some solid evidence behind your arguments. :smile: Otherwise, I am happy not to discuss it further.
I would, but I have a feeling it would be deleted quick (I'm looking at you evo)
that was a joke, don't ban me
http://images.sodahead.com/polls/001847503/467500348_come_to_the_dark_side_we_have_cookies_20 8415_answer_2_xlarge.jpeg
As far as living through disasters, I lived in Houston, TX the first half of my life. I lived through a Cat 5 hurricane, my aunt and uncle were visiting and my mother insisted they leave the apartment his job had put them in and stay with us. They had a second floor apartment, after the storm, there was no second floor. We cooked on a tiny grill set on the toilet of the hall bath under a window, we lived in a pine forest and most of it ended up on top of our house.
I've lived through many othjer hurricanes, floods, I had to canoe to a 7-11 to buy formula for my baby. I've been through the blizzard of the century in upstate NY in 1993, only to move to the flood of the century a month later. My youngest was born during a blizzard.
I've had to heat a room with candles during blizzards where electricity and communications where knocked out, I put a couple of bricks in the fireplace and rigged a wire mesh to make a grill so I could cook food for my kids. I was never scared, and I made it a fun time for them. My only worry was that it would warm up and the food in my freezer might go bad. I had enough prepared food to feed an army because I like to buy lots when stuff is on sale, I'm frugal.
actually, I'll tell you a quick story. Last summer my wife and daughter were away at her parents. I got off work late and missed deadliest catch(rip phil harris) I decided to stay up till 12:00 to watch the late showing. About half way thru my eyes started getting tired, so I decided to get to bed. I went in the bathroom and started brushing my teeth. At that moment I heard our side buzzer go off, we have a driveway alarm there, because with being a earthen bermed house, we can't see if someone is coming around. I figured it was my father coming home.About 10 seconds later my dog starts going insane, I walk out the bathroom and the front motion light is on but no one is out there. I look in my fathers room and he's sitting there on the computer. I switch the tv over to security cameras and see someone coming towards our front door with a screwdriver in his hand. He was turning towards our front door, when my dog started going nuts, and then ran off into the woods. I called 911. "911 what is your emergency?" I just had a intruder on my property and it looked like they were trying to come in the front door. " Is your property posted sir?" excuse me? " is your property posted sir?" yes, but what the heck does that have to do with anything? "just checking, we'll send someone right out"
The police and govt are not a protective force, they are a responsive force, it is up to us as individuals to make sure our loved ones are taken care of and safeIf you are in an area that draws certain types, and/or it's know that you are a prepper so could have lots of cash, guns, and other valuables stockplied, you would be a target. This is especially true if you are not part of a close knit community where everyone has your back.
I understand that perfectly well, but I'm just saying that it doesn't do you good. Let's say I was trying to find more information for preppers because I might become one. I go on that forum and I see statements about killing people because they are in the way. I'd be disgusted and I would leave, and I would think preppers are crazy (which they are most definitely not).
Anyway, another question. I would think that preppers are mostly right-wing in politics. Am I correct on that?
you are correct on that, there are people on the fringe of all groups, that's why I search out homesteading, animal husbandry, ect. Unfortunately there is a gray area between what I believe and what the hardcore survivalist believes. Don't get me wrong, there are some people like the ones portrayed in the show, but it is unjustified to paint everyone with the same stroke of the brush
I
Anyway, another question. I would think that preppers are mostly right-wing in politics. Am I correct on that?
forgot this part, yes I would agree alot of preppers are conservative and want a small govt and less intrusion on personal rights and freedoms. I don't get wrapped up in the whole republican versus democrat, they both serve their own interests.
As far as living through disasters, I lived in Houston, TX the first half of my life. I lived through a Cat 5 hurricane, my aunt and uncle were visiting and my mother insisted they leave the apartment his job had put them in and stay with us. They had a second floor apartment, after the storm, there was no second floor. We cooked on a tiny grill set on the toilet of the hall bath under a window, we lived in a pine forest and most of it ended up on top of our house.
I've lived through many othjer hurricanes, floods, I had to canoe to a 7-11 to buy formula for my baby. I've been through the blizzard of the century in upstate NY in 1993, only to move to the flood of the century a month later. My youngest was born during a blizzard.
I've had to heat a room with candles during blizzards where electricity and communications where knocked out, I put a couple of bricks in the fireplace and rigged a wire mesh to make a grill so I could cook food for my kids. I was never scared, and I made it a fun time for them. My only worry was that it would warm up and the food in my freezer might go bad. I had enough prepared food to feed an army because I like to buy lots when stuff is on sale, I'm frugal.
I knew you were a prepper, doth protest to much.
seriously though, I just take it to the next level, I plan for outages for a month or more. We had a ice storm that left us without power for 6 weeks
It's almost time for me to watch the new ridiculous tv reality cooking show. I need soemthing to laugh at. I think they have run out of ideas.
Rock the Block: Chefs must cook with unmarked canned goods when they're dropped off in a neighborhood in Newhall, Cal. Later, they must knock on residents' doors to gather cooking materials, and prepare hot appetizers on the block of a car engine
Thanks ftheog for sharing. I'd like to hear more about your garden, your farm animals, I expect you can and preserve most of your food? Turbo does all of his own, he does not eat processed food. He catches fish in the wild, hunts for wild animals, he lives off the land. He does all of his own butchering and preserving. So, we'd love to hear about what you do.
Myself, I want to have goats and cows and make my own cheese. My grandmother had her own cows, chickens, etc... She lived in an ancient stone lodge in the Alps and cooked on a wood stove. No bathtubs, no showers, you heated water on the stove, then poured some into a basin. No running water, no toilets. I was never happier than when I was there. No tv, no telephone, no means of communication. Just working in the garden, collecting eggs, and helping around the house. I'm an expert egg candler, learned that as soon as I could hold an egg.
If you are in an area that draws certain types, and/or it's know that you are a prepper so could have lots of cash, guns, and other valuables stockplied, you would be a target. This is especially true if you are not part of a close knit community where everyone has your back.
I live in a rural new england town of 3000 people. It's not known what we have, just that we try and live self sustainable and garden and raise animals. We recognized the person, it was the town managers son who has a drug problem and has been arrested numerous times for breaking and entering. Let's be real here, people are getting shot for 10 dollars, you see that in the news all the time.
actually. I got to let the dogs out and put the pigs and chickens up for the night, i'll check back on this later, peace
I live in a rural new england town of 3000 people. It's not known what we have, just that we try and live self sustainable and garden and raise animals. We recognized the person, it was the town managers son who has a drug problem and has been arrested numerous times for breaking and entering. Let's be real here, people are getting shot for 10 dollars, you see that in the news all the time.Is your video not enough to get him arrested for tresspassing? Or because of who's son he is, he's the town menace until something goes wrong.
Deinitely keep a low profile about what you have at home. I'd be more afraid of stupid teenagers and common crooks than any doomsday scenario.
Is your video not enough to get him arrested for tresspassing? Or because of who's son he is, he's the town menace until something goes wrong.
Deinitely keep a low profile about what you have at home. I'd be more afraid of stupid teenagers and common crooks than any doomsday scenario.
unfortunately no, the one spot he came through our property, there was not a posted sign, I'm talking like 40 foot span between signs, so all the police legally could do was give him a no trespass notice. My wife went and picked up signs the next day, we now have one like every 10 feet, sad you have to do that, isn't it? so much for rights of land ownership. So I confronted the 22 year old "kid" and told him for the safety of him and my family, stay off my property. I also communicated that to his father as well.
People in South America tend to have a different mindset than Americans. If I lived there I'd probably think differently.
Basically, many of the people on this forum live close to the land if possible, just because they enjoy it and for no other reason.
Obviously college kids don't have that option. But those of us that are older and settled prefer to do things for ourselves, share with our neighbors, and help strangers in need, even if it means we have less for ourselves.
When I think back to WWII and all of the people that lost their lives to take in and protect complete strangers, it brings tears to my eyes. I don't know if I would ever have that much courage.
true, argentina was more european than american, I'm just using that as a example of what I think a concern might be
true, argentina was more european than american, I'm just using that as a example of what I think a concern might beNo, we have a member that is european and is currently in Argentina (or is it Venezuela), anyway both are backwards and much, much, much more violent than europe. Europe is less violent than the US.
DaveC426913
Jun30-11, 09:55 PM
My wife came up with a truly brilliant strategy when we started talking about disaster scenarios.
I was busy thinking how we would fight the other 4 million people north out of the city and how we would defend our supplies.
She said, forget that. Go 300 yards *South* to the boat. Self-contained mobile house with all the supplies for living - and no traffic!
Any preppers think of a sailboat as the ideal stash?
And tell me that those pigs are decorative. I almost died when the Beekman Boys decided to eat their pet pigs and showed them being shot between the eyes. :surprised :cry:
Pigs are intelligent, it would be like shooting a dolphin. :cry:
Of course anything that gets in turbo's way dies of lead poisoning, if you get my drift.
My wife came up with a truly brilliant strategy when we started talking about disaster scenarios.
I was busy thinking how we would fight the other 4 million people north out of the city and how we would defend our supplies.
She said, forget that. Go 300 yards *South* to the boat. Self-contained mobile house with all the supplies for living - and no traffic!
Any preppers think of a sailboat as the ideal stash?
yep, quite a few, they also make great root cellars!
http://w3.gorge.net/dsines/BoatInAHole.htm
And tell me that those pigs are decorative. I almost died when the Beekman Boys decided to eat their pet pigs and showed them being shot between the eyes. :surprised :cry:
Pigs are intelligent, it would be like shooting a dolphin. :cry:
Of course anything that gets in turbo's way dies of lead poisoning, if you get my drift.
nope, they are going down in the fall, they are great animals, I will miss them
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2753/5765501117_e1b47bfcd8_z.jpg
That's nothing, the huge church fortress up the hill from me has helicopters!!
nope, they are going down in the fall, they are great animals, I will miss them
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2753/5765501117_e1b47bfcd8_z.jpgNOOOOO!!!!! They're babies!!!! :cry: I'll trade you twice their weight in fine preserved natural acorn fed pork. The stuff costs over $80 a pound and is said to be the finest in the world.
Ok, I'm kidding, but I wish I could afford to trade you for them. :frown:
No, we have a member that is european and is currently in Argentina (or is it Venezuela), anyway both are backwards and much, much, much more violent than europe. Europe is less violent than the US.
Statistics can be construed many ways, what makes me chuckle when people blame violence in america because of gun ownership, I ask them if they can explain switzerland, they usually look confused,
6nf1OgV449g
NOOOOO!!!!! They're babies!!!! :cry: I'll trade you twice their weight in fine preserved natural acorn fed pork. The stuff costs over $80 a pound and is said to be the finest in the world.
Ok, I'm kidding, but I wish I could afford to trade you for them. :frown:
they aren't babies
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2772/5845251185_1861a21674_z.jpg
that probably wasn't the right picture to post, was it
Statistics can be construed many ways, what makes me chuckle when people blame violence in america because of gun ownership, I ask them if they can explain switzerland, they usually look confused,
6nf1OgV449gShhhh, a large portion of our members are gun owners and experts. I don't want this to become another pro-gun thread.
Anyway, it's because military service is mandatory in Switzerland and the men must keep their guns after they finish service.
they aren't babies
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2772/5845251185_1861a21674_z.jpg
that probably wasn't the right picture to post, was it:cry: Wilbur!!!!
They're all babies to me. <sniff>
Shhhh, a large portion of our members are gun owners and experts. I don't want this to become another pro-gun thread.
Anyway, it's because military service is mandatory in Switzerland and the men must keep their guns after they finish service.
exactly, it's the culture, not gun ownership that creates the violence, I won't mention it again
(unless someone asks me what my preferred weapon of choice is :) )
oh and I just want to put a disclaimer, I am not talking for everyone in the homesteading/prepper/survivalist lifestyle. I am just giving my experience and opinion
oh and I just want to put a disclaimer, I am not talking for everyone in the homesteading/prepper/survivalist lifestyle. I am just giving my experience and opinionFunny, a lot of people here know how to live off the land, have all of the basic survival skills, and then some. We've been this way all of our lives and could probably teach a trick or two to people that have been trying to learn what we already know.
Did you know that you don't have to add yeast to bread? There is enough natural yeast spores in the air that if you let the dough mix set out exposed to open air for a few days days that it will collect enough yeast to make yeast bread?
But I get the feeling that preppers are mainly into gathering and storing rather than knowing how to live off the land.
yep, also can make great lambic the same way
But I get the feeling that preppers are mainly into gathering and storing rather than knowing how to live off the land.
not at all, there two groups, people who try and buy their experience and people that build their experience, usually you start off as a buyer and slowly move into a builder, but for people that live in urban areas, they are usually stuck in the buying phase
DaveC426913
Jun30-11, 10:41 PM
Funny, a lot of people here know how to live off the land, have all of the basic survival skills, and then some.
I confess, I am astonished at how many people here seem to live very close to the land.
I'd bet the folks over on that prepper board would be quite surprised.
yep, also can make great lambic the same wayHave you seen our homemade beer thread?
I confess, I am astonished at how many people here seem to live very close to the land.
I'd bet the folks over on that prepper board would be quite surprised.
I conveyed that to alot of the other forums that linked to the original thread
I confess, I am astonished at how many people here seem to live very close to the land.
I'd bet the folks over on that prepper board would be quite surprised.Yeah, I was surprised too. We're a very well rounded group. Maybe it's our interest in science that makes us appreciate what is around us.
Have you seen our homemade beer thread?
I perused some of it, I use to brew beer, but with all our strawberry, blackberry, raspberry, blueberry, grapes, apples, cherries, plums and peaches, I moved onto wines and meads, I made a killer strawberry/blackberry last summer.
Math Is Hard
Jun30-11, 10:45 PM
I confess, I am astonished at how many people here seem to live very close to the land.
Does stealing my neighbor's avocados count?
I perused some of it, I use to brew beer, but with all our strawberry, blackberry, raspberry, blueberry, grapes, apples, cherries, plums and peaches, I moved onto wines and meads, I made a killer strawberry/blackberry last summer.Sounds awesome, i remember making my first homemade wine when I was 12. I put a baloon over the bottle opening to capture the gas. My older girl friend was to blame. :p
Does stealing my neighbor's avocados count?I hate you. :devil: I love avocados, but a $1-3 dollars each, I won't buy them. I want to go back to Sicily, even at christamas the lemon tress were loaded, anything you could imagine wanting was there for the taking.
I'm hitting the hay, I just want to leave you guys with this comment from someone in the survivalist community, he sums up pretty well what alot of us think, he also has a great blog for any canadians on here, peace
"I don't mean to be so presumptious to think that I could as elegantly say what CH has said. There was something...I don't know...transcendent about that post. It just reverberates.
However, I would like to add my reasons for following a preparedness philosophy in my life. Maybe someone new to this way of thinking may find motivation in it. The stereotypical motivations of fighting the NWO or other things like that are so emotion based as to not be sustainable. But having a goal is sustaining. Well, without further ado....
Preparedness as a Retirement Plan
The concept of retirement is a relatively new one. Not so long ago, when we were a more agrarian based society, few people ever retired. Their daily duties just changed. As we grew older, we would take over running the farm, and then we would maybe step back and let our kids do that. Maybe we would take over maintenance of the equipment or something little less physically demanding, but required experience. Maybe we would help out more inside the home. But flat out retirement to travel south or play golf all day was the domain of the ultra rich. Even then, most tycoons were still wheeling and dealing well into their 60’s and beyond.
Nowadays. with retirement plans tanking and pension funds bleeding out, we may find ourselves without the ability to retire once again. However, this time, we won’t have the farm to feed us and the multi-generational home to keep us occupied and close to our loved ones. If we’re very fortunate, we may be able to find a spot in a retirement home and sell our current homes to pay for it.
Me, I have a different plan. My plan depends on me getting prepared to take care of myself and my wife for as long as we are physically able. If my plan works, we’ll also be able to ‘retire’ early. That plan is preparedness.
When you think about it, if you can provide most of your own food, utilities, and medicine and your shelter is bought and paid for, how much money do you really need? Enough to pay the property taxes, run your vehicle, and take care of emergencies. Maybe you need some money for a bit of travel as well. But not as much money as two people working for more than 40 hours a week each generate.
It’s not hard to imagine a household income of around $100,000 a year or about $73,000 after taxes. (Remember, I'm in Canada. Our dollars are about 80% of the USD.) Now, we know a lot of people are going to have mortgage payments around $1400 a month, utilities of at least $400 a month, TV and Internet for another $200 a month, $500 for food, $400 for various insurances, $200 for gas for the vehicles…it goes on and on.
So just the cost of living consumes $3100 of your after-tax income. Yearly, that’s about half of your income. If you can pay off your home, produce half of your utilities, drop the fancy TV package and step down a notch on the Internet access (that’s a tough one for me) and produce half of your food, you cut that outlay to about $1100 dollars a month. At that point, one of you can effectively retire. Or, the two of you can work half as much.
So what do you do with the extra 20-30 hours a week? Do the soul-building things like work your garden, love your spouse, split some wood, read books, start a business, whatever! Now, you are working for you. And should everything go for a poop, you are completely prepared to live comfortably and well with little to no income.
I find the thought of retiring to my homestead around the age of 50 to be a much more motivating and positive thought, than to think of prepping to cope with worldwide disaster. Disaster may never come, but time always marches on."
Does stealing my neighbor's avocados count?Poaching your neighbors' crows would count... Poaching them with glazed avocados and baby carrots with an orange-lemon glaze would bring you into the Maine need-to-marry-club. You might not even need an Evinrude Lightwin Three. I could get you hitched even without that, though most city-girls can't get over that bar.
HowlerMonkey
Jul1-11, 12:38 AM
If any major country suffers an event that destabilizes it to the point that people abandon thier stations at the nuke plants and oil platforms, there won't be any place on earth to hide.
If the prepping is for a lesser event, best advice is to leave the population centers because, 15 minutes after the last delivery truck brings it's last load of egg mcmuffins or fuel, all bets are off.
If the prepping is for a lesser event, best advice is to leave the population centers because, 15 minutes after the last delivery truck brings it's last load of egg mcmuffins or fuel, all bets are off.
true, society only has a thin veneer of civilization on it, sometimes I think it's getting thinner and thinner. I can't watch the news anymore, it's to negative and it's not even news, it's entertainment.
Ms Music
Jul1-11, 01:44 PM
Hi Ftheog. This was an interesting read this morning. Welcome to the forum.
I have now read the entire thread, but one thing that still puzzles me, is what do you see the difference between you and your "group", and us? Many here have stated they live the life currently, have lived that way in the past, or are working towards a life of what I want to call self sustainability. Why do you label yourselves as "preppers?" Why do you feel the NEED for the label? I find it very curious. I would like to understand the difference between you and your wife and community, and turbo and his wife and local community.
(also, dumb question - what is og?)
Hi Ftheog. This was an interesting read this morning. Welcome to the forum.
I have now read the entire thread, but one thing that still puzzles me, is what do you see the difference between you and your "group", and us? Many here have stated they live the life currently, have lived that way in the past, or are working towards a life of what I want to call self sustainability. Why do you label yourselves as "preppers?" Why do you feel the NEED for the label? I find it very curious. I would like to understand the difference between you and your wife and community, and turbo and his wife and local community.
(also, dumb question - what is og?)I have a similar confusion. Why is raising most of your food, hunting for game, catching fish, etc somehow worthy of a name or category? I am of French-Catholic-Canadian-Indian heritage on my mother's side and Hessian-Irish-Indian heritage on my father's side (the Irish emigrated during the potato famine), and I have lived this way all my life. Pick fiddleheads, wild berries in season, apples from long-abandoned farms, and grow as much food as possible. Make preserves, can foods, and freeze what can't be canned easily. This is not a survivalist mentality - it is a pretty sustainable life-style with minimal impact on the land and environment. I like to burn wood for heat because it's carbon-neutral (negative, actually), with trees on my 10 acres sequestering carbon faster than I can burn it. I love living this way, but never thought it would end up being a fad, wrapped up with a defensive (stay away or I'll shoot you) mentality.
My wife and I are both pretty competent with our pistols, not just because we want to be able to defend against home-invasions and burglary, but because that's the responsible thing to do. If you are a gun-owner, and you are not keeping up with your range-time to keep your skills up, that is irresponsible IMO. She doesn't like to practice with the 10mm Glock (recoil!), but you sure don't want to be downrange if she's got the P38 in her hands. Still, we regard our neighbors as partners, not threats, and if things went to hell we'd be teaming up with them to stretch out our resources and make sure everybody got fair shares of support.
Ms Music
Jul1-11, 04:29 PM
For the record turbo, I envy what you and your wife have!
While I haven't canned in many many years, I dream of getting back to that point in my life, where I have a pantry, and time to can. I grew up canning. My parents had a small vegetable garden at our house, and big gardens at two of my brother's houses, plus fruit trees. What we couldn't grow locally, we would go to Eastern Washington every summer and pick from the fields. Then can it (or freeze) all over the next few days. I was so spoiled on home grown and fresh picked orchard fruit and veggies, that I can not stand fruits and vegetables from the grocery store. I would love to get back to the point where I have enough to can for winter. Right now, we only grow enough food to barely make it. There were many times last winter that I bought kale from the store, because it just didn't grow quick enough to quench our craving for winter greens. But hey, I live in the city. We have doubled garden space this year, and should be able to live a little more off winter greens and squash. But I don't do this for armageddon, I do this because it is more nutritious and better tasting than store bought stuff. But I do know that my gardening skills and my survival skills would mean I will be fine if armageddon DOES happen. But I am not holding my breath waiting for anything to happen. And I keep praying that SOME day I get to live on my 5 acres!
For the record turbo, I envy what you and your wife have! Thanks! We love living here and sharing with the neighbors. My first greenhouse planting of sweet peppers didn't "take" this spring, but a neighbor planted all kinds of extras in his greenhouse so we got all kinds of plants. When we had both planted enough plants for ourselves, he decided to give away the excess, and I alerted our new neighbors (recently purchased the place on a road across from us) and Amy rode down on her 4-wheeler and picked up an entire flat of plants. I tilled up their garden spot this spring, and expected mediocre yields for the first year, but those pepper plants are looking fantastic. Welcome, new neighbors from Weymouth, MA!! I think they'll fit right in.
I have now read the entire thread, but one thing that still puzzles me, is what do you see the difference between you and your "group", and us? Many here have stated they live the life currently, have lived that way in the past, or are working towards a life of what I want to call self sustainability. Why do you label yourselves as "preppers?" Why do you feel the NEED for the label? I find it very curious. I would like to understand the difference between you and your wife and community, and turbo and his wife and local community.
Unfortunately anything outside of the mainstream is given a label, it is not normal for people in society to do what was considered normal just a generation ago. I don't consider what turbo does and what I do any different. We have different reasons why we do certain things but the outcome is the same. Like I said earlier in the thread, I'm not preparing for 2012, CME, invasion of aliens from planet x, ect. I am preparing for my own personal shtf moment. Loss of spouse, job, pension, ect. Since I prepare for different things that I feel will personally impact the well being of my loved ones and myself, I am a prepper. I assume most people here study physics or science, would they not be a physicist or scientist? Everyone has a label.
Let's be real though, most people in society live paycheck to paycheck and their idea of prepping is planning friday nights visit to olive garden. A IRA is nothing but a 3 letter word because the government is going to give me social security and medicaid. Do you get the projected social security statements that they send out based on your contributions? The last one I received said on the bottom that based on projected funding they expect only a 75% payment. What a Racket! Didn't Bernie Madoff just get convicted of a ponzi scheme? Yet we are forced to contribute into the biggest on in history perpetuated by our Government.
In 2007 my wife and I moved our IRA contributions into cd's that were giving us 3% and my accountant laughed at me and said we were leaving money on the table. When the market crashed in 2008, he wasn't laughing then.
My father in law retired and had his pension wiped out after the market crash in 2001. It was rebuilding and then 2008 happened, He's now back to working at the age of 70, I don't want that story to be mine.
As a child I loved Aesop's Fable, the ant and the grasshopper, I knew I was going to be a ant, unfortunately there a huge amount of grasshoppers in the world.
So since I try and prepare to minimize any hardships that can potentially harm the well being of myself and loved ones, I assume the mantle of prepper.
But hey, if things happen as they do in films and SHTF on a global scale, the crazy survivalist/prepper is the first one to die, and the smart brainy scientist comes and saves the day, at least you guys have that
going for you! :)
Seriously though I am quite impressed with the amount of people here with the same mindset.
Have a safe and happy independence day all!
Thanks! We love living here and sharing with the neighbors. My first greenhouse planting of sweet peppers didn't "take" this spring, but a neighbor planted all kinds of extras in his greenhouse so we got all kinds of plants. When we had both planted enough plants for ourselves, he decided to give away the excess, and I alerted our new neighbors (recently purchased the place on a road across from us) and Amy rode down on her 4-wheeler and picked up an entire flat of plants. I tilled up their garden spot this spring, and expected mediocre yields for the first year, but those pepper plants are looking fantastic. Welcome, new neighbors from Weymouth, MA!! I think they'll fit right in.
it's been a weird spring with rain and cold, but all my warm crops took right off, while my cold crops I had to replant, but strawberries have been of biblical proportions, blackberries look they will be great in august as well
When I think back to WWII and all of the people that lost their lives to take in and protect complete strangers, it brings tears to my eyes. I don't know if I would ever have that much courage.
I meant to comment on this. I think the biggest difference is a sense of community and self reliance. There is none today. Look how many people today live in cookie cutter sub-divisions and don't even know their neighbors 3 house down.
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