has anyone else noticed how many new members are posting lately. I think it's great from a shared knowledge point, but am a little disturbed at the same time that so many are becoming worried enough to start prepping.
Amount of new members lately
- Thread starter Brent S
- Start date
Help Support Homesteading & Country Living Forum:
yeah.their on the rise..and to me,thats a good thing..
and besides.we could use some new ideas..
and besides.we could use some new ideas..
A lot of people are really worried about our future. Lots of bad things can happen, and, unfortunately, it seems like the list is getting longer all the time.
I just see prepping as something like insurance - you hope you don't need it but you're glad you have it when ya do....
I just see prepping as something like insurance - you hope you don't need it but you're glad you have it when ya do....
I feel better about paying the prepping premium than I I do for a piece of paper promising something down the road. Having water, food and security, along with some comfort items is worth a lot more than cash in shtf. In Venezuela right now cash isn't worth the paper it's printed on.
I agree. It's getting tough for everyone to just keep their heads above water, much less get ahead. I am glad more are looking at being prepared though. Better late than never. All I am certain of here is that FEMA is not capable of handling a large emergency. They are probably able to provide for the government elite, but not the masses. Learning to take care of ourselves should be taught in grade school.rising numbers in new members are telling signs that all is not well
Simple math and logistics. There's simply no way that FEMA could cope with a nationwide disaster. So far, the track record for even a localized one (Katrina) isn't so hot. Simply put, depending on the government to be there for you in an emergency is just ignorance. Nobody is saying you have to be SurvivorMan...even just some basic preps can help keep you in food, water, and security for a time.
The economy only grew 1.2% in the second quarter they were expecting 2.6% then add the Junes report of only 287k jobs created for the whole first quarter. I think there is a lot of uncertainty now include the zika virus, terrorism, Cop killings and earthquakes, the damn whole internet and daily rags and broadcast news is filled with despair, I think if people gone to youtube and focus more on the russian car crash videos instead of alex jones there would be a lot less anxiety
I'm acually glad people are starting to prep and hope it's not a fad unfortunately fear drives the prepping community instead of just thinking of it out of necessity, I just think many people are doing it for the wrong reasons thus only temporary (fad) whereas necessity is a life style. I hope the new folks know the difference between fear driven and necessity driven.
I'm acually glad people are starting to prep and hope it's not a fad unfortunately fear drives the prepping community instead of just thinking of it out of necessity, I just think many people are doing it for the wrong reasons thus only temporary (fad) whereas necessity is a life style. I hope the new folks know the difference between fear driven and necessity driven.
- Joined
- Dec 29, 2012
- Messages
- 18,445
Amen!! It is a lifestyle . . . and many do not want the lifestyle change sacrifices. I haven't had a "vacation" in hmmmm...how long have we been growing our own food and raising our meat and producing our own dairy products?? Yes, there are things you have to give up, but to us the reward is far greater and we do get an over night visit to the beach about 2- 3 times a year, so that is not a bad thing.The economy only grew 1.2% in the second quarter they were expecting 2.6% then add the Junes report of only 287k jobs created for the whole first quarter. I think there is a lot of uncertainty now include the zika virus, terrorism, Cop killings and earthquakes, the damn whole internet and daily rags and broadcast news is filled with despair, I think if people gone to youtube and focus more on the russian car crash videos instead of alex jones there would be a lot less anxiety
I'm acually glad people are starting to prep and hope it's not a fad unfortunately fear drives the prepping community instead of just thinking of it out of necessity, I just think many people are doing it for the wrong reasons thus only temporary (fad) whereas necessity is a life style. I hope the new folks know the difference between fear driven and necessity driven.
We went to a 'prepper show' a couple weeks ago. From he crowd there, and being a people watcher, I bet 90% were there because of the fad. I know my old butt isn't going to be using 50 pounds of body armor if the shtf. I'll be looking long range. I was amazed at the crowds around the armor.
I also found it interesting that there was little interest in the food prep stuff and the solar and wind systems. These folks were around for a large tornado that hit the next county several years ago and this city lost power for 5 days. Pretty interesting that a lot bugged out to a motel where there was power, but the rest sweated a lot (that spring lasted about 2 hours that year then August started).
I'm more worried about the economy than a lot of things, but all it is gonna take is 1 nuke at high altitude to turn out the lights for more than a few days....
And Danil54grl, I fully agree. I'm enjoying the preps and actually having a ball canning food with my wife.
I also found it interesting that there was little interest in the food prep stuff and the solar and wind systems. These folks were around for a large tornado that hit the next county several years ago and this city lost power for 5 days. Pretty interesting that a lot bugged out to a motel where there was power, but the rest sweated a lot (that spring lasted about 2 hours that year then August started).
I'm more worried about the economy than a lot of things, but all it is gonna take is 1 nuke at high altitude to turn out the lights for more than a few days....
And Danil54grl, I fully agree. I'm enjoying the preps and actually having a ball canning food with my wife.
- Joined
- Dec 29, 2012
- Messages
- 18,445
That IS so AWESOME!! And I am sure your wife enjoys having you there and appreciates the extra help. . . I miss having the boys around, especially #3 on those long canning days
! After securing a water supply, food is the next on my list.
I'm pretty sure I shelled about 3 miles of peas last weekend. My family always canned food from the garden, and my wife didn't have that opportunity (that I'm sure I didn't appreciate then), so we are both having fun with it. We're 5 hours from the beach and don't miss it much
- Joined
- Dec 29, 2012
- Messages
- 18,445
Hunny and I didn't grow up with it either. You were blessed to have some knowledge. Something I had to learn out of necessity from books in the local library when I was 19. . . Already with a family and not much money. I am not much of a beach bum but hunny is and I don't mind being able to catch fish and crabs so not a bad thing at all. That and I get to see grandbaby while son is down working as a pilot for parachuters.
There are two things going on, now...I think. We have a Venezuela SHTF event, unfolding in front of our very eyes and we have an election year. Millions of people get nervous in election years. I've heard that Ammo and Magazine sales are through the roof again, because people are worried about the government again.
I don't view my food storage as an expense. I try to store mostly foods that I will eventually eat. My only exception is the $8.50 bag of rice (25 pounds) that I will probably never eat. Everything else is like a savings account.
I don't view my food storage as an expense. I try to store mostly foods that I will eventually eat. My only exception is the $8.50 bag of rice (25 pounds) that I will probably never eat. Everything else is like a savings account.
- Joined
- Dec 29, 2012
- Messages
- 18,445
How is it that you will not use the rice?? There are so many options. . . Fried rice, Mexican rice, jambalaya, dirty rice and boudain are among my favorites. I know rice doesn't have much flavor, but it can be spiced up and used in so many different ways. Even in a dessert pudding. . . just thoughts to think about on your rice storage. Hunny and I had a bet years ago if we had any rice at the house and I lost. . . I will never lose that bet again and we have around 100 lbs at any given time. Even have a 25lb bag in my trunk, just in case, that gets rotated out frequently.
We have 50 pounds at the moment. In Mylar it will last 25 years, but we'll use it before then. About to start packing dry beans in Mylar as well. Just like with the canned stuff, we'll rotate the oldest to the front.
Danil54grl, I like your thinking about rice! Joe, you're exactly right about the food being like savings!
Danil54grl, I like your thinking about rice! Joe, you're exactly right about the food being like savings!
Aaugh.... steam the rice let cool then stir fry mushrooms and rice in a wok using peanut oil till the rice is golden then throw in a couple of eggs and stir fry till the eggs are scrambled in with the rice, dish up and top with spring onions, a whole meal in of itself.. and healthy
Jambalaya is best for stir fry
I won't use the rice because I don't eat grain, in my regular diet, though I do recognize its merit for storing a lot of calories, in a small space, for a long time.
one thing that gets me.are the people who don't even learn how to cook,when their fully capable in doing so.a meal for them,is probably a store bought can of ravioli with a slice of bread.or a bag of chips and a soda.i've started leaning more in the direction of home made canned chili,and less towards the store bought.i love rice.cook it up.put some on a plate.then mix a lil bit of butter and sugar in with it.and add 1 or 2 other foods with it,and to one side.im a happy camper.i've canned other foods.but what surprises me,some what.mom has been encouraging in that.and wants me to can other foods.including tomato paste and a type of home made tomato soup that she loves.no argueing with mom on that,so it'll get done....
..
We did a couple bushels of tomatoes a few weeks back. Some whole, some crushed, some pasta sauce, etc. I think we ended up with about 30 quarts. That'll make a lot of chili lol.
Hillary and the Dems have made no bones about it. If elected, I'm sure by the end of her two terms (because if she can rig it for one, she'll rig it for two), the 2nd amendment will be nullified. Not only has she publicly stated her support for this, but other ranking Dems have been caught on tape basically stating how they'll bait and switch gun control to eventually lead to a complete ban.
Agreed. They are doing everything they can to take them. My concern isn't so much with Clinton as the Dems as a whole. If they take the house and senate, I'm sure we are screwed.
Like a good friend (who probably is on some list because he's ex-military) says, I love my country but I sure don't trust the &&/$£|**}%]!! Government......
Like a good friend (who probably is on some list because he's ex-military) says, I love my country but I sure don't trust the &&/$£|**}%]!! Government......
Food for thought:
I don't see a dramatic spike in the number of new members contributing, not that I disagree with any of your comments. I think membership climbs and drops as we discussed earlier this year. I think most are joining simply because as you all have stated they are concerned with trends. It goes without saying when people become concerned, they begin their own research and I applaud those who are joining. I hope they use the site to their best advantage, if anything, to build resources for their family and possibly entice other to start thinking that way. The more that prepare, the less those that are prepared have to worry about them asking us for handouts or worse. Personally, its good for our entire world to have a in-depth plan and emergency resources to prepare.
As for people researching and beginning canning, I think most of you that actually plan and will agree that the process has saved you (those that are intensive canners) several thousands of dollars, rather than buying it in the store. The only thing is time investment, plus the necessary logistics to make canning feasible and cost effective for you. I love it when I see someone say they scored a good deal at a yard sale and most of you are pretty active at doing it. I know that my good friend JimLE is one good blood hound when it comes to finding these lovely possessions and in no time has figured how to use it in his preps. Without a doubt, the first, I would PM are Danil54grl, BrentS and Maverick for ideas when it comes to bare bones prepping (this is really intensive and hard work), as in one other BrentS threads, where he posted his bountiful hull and displayed a tasty dish too. Trust me, if we were all (and that includes those that know me) geolocated near each other, we'd be "thick as thieves", when it comes to preps. Why do I mention it, because even though in the 1900's to 1950's, many of our ancestors and family members (if you had the blessing to be around that generation) were self sustainable, they were hardy people, they were crafty and yes, they were resourceful. Somewhere over time, certainly since the big box stores and Walmart/Super Super Markets, we lost touch of that resourcefulness and self-sustaining capability. It is only when people begin to realize trouble, do they get off their duffs and move out. Do you have a plan to go high gear into canning production as trends become more toward an emergent state?
I don't doubt that the current political climate has fueled much anger and mistrust both in the nation and abroad. It is almost alarming to wonder why Russia is so interested in releasing leaks almost on a timely manner to undermine our political system, do they fear the Dem's nomination, more than the Republican...who knows and I am not a spinster, but the one I worry about is not Russia, they are as bad at saber rattling as we are on a world stage, the nation I fear is the one we owe so much money too (China) and with good reason, ask any of the members who live in a littoral nation that shares either a border or is in a "Soft War" with China over territorial water sovereignty and I'd bank money that most American's are clueless to what is going on over in the WESTPAC. Alas, that is the Dragon that can bite us both economically and military. If you have a background in maritime or naval intelligence or even read some blog sites dedicated to it...the economic impact of China in conflict with her neighbors will not only have a direct impact on the combatants, but could force the worlds economies into a tail spin reminiscent to the Market Crash in the 1900's. I am sure that some of you are saying you've lost it S.B. well, I'd counter that some of you consider the New Madrid fault line as a concern. Me, I can't control the Earth or the events brought upon weather/global warming, rhetoric and warnings have done nothing to stop it, so I live with the decisions we all make, but I can control the economic issue, by lowering my due outs and building a robust plan/logistical resources to combat a financial collapse that will bring about untold famine and hurt our grid. So this is a controllable issue for me and one that you can control through prepping.
So that leads me to things I've seen on both prep websites and like WGM, I attended an expo this year and saw the same trends of certain groups of people buying things, not that is a bad thing, America was founded on supply and demand, so if the demand is there, people will buy. Go to any Gun Show in Texas, you see the same thing and yes, Yesterday, guns are now allowed on certain college campuses with restrictions (now we sit and wait/holding our breath on that one). Increase in prep food sales is up, tactical gear sales are up and yes, those that have no experience in prepping are buying anything that lights up as "PREP RELATED". Look below at a my comment.
I have a friend who recently inherited some wealth, he retired early, and now with these assets in tow, is building a monolith of a home, complete with an above ground storm shelter. When I asked, why an above ground, he kept insisting its because I knew nothing of Texas land and shifting of the ground as a reason why we don't have basements or below ground shelters. Since we've known each other for years, I told him he was "Nucking Futs" after hearing how much he spent on the above ground construction and asked if he talked to the folks at OU and Texas Tech about above ground construction, since I know these guys, I know what they would say, but he's spent his money and well its only going to be good for about a EF-4 storm in my opinion. Oh and I failed to mention in the above description it will be used as his master bedrooms closet, so not what I would consider a prep-ready storm shelter, let alone something that I had in mind for him. Yes, for those that read this and know me, I am simply disappointed because it is a waste of money (yeah, costing him about 20K to build it), like I said, he came across some wealth. Yes and his home is in a very nice neighborhood, so will be the first targeted when TSHTF
I love it when I see my neighbors buying a new 4x4 truck. Some buy one each year, me, I keep driving my "hit me vehicle", knowing that all the parts are new, sure the paint is chipped, faded, who is going to steal it, nah...they don't even give it a second look at Walmart or Sams. This is the POS I drive to get my gas cans filled, I dress down, and no one notices the small handgun tucked behind my back. So its much more than looking like a "GrayMan" when SHTF, you should look like it on most days, so people don't get the idea.
So here is my question for you. How do you plan to deal with a rogue element bent on getting to your property? How would you deal with a motorcycle gang that has a known criminal record and is bent on taking everything away from you. Remember they have a hierarchy like the military and are very disciplined in their methodology. Are you prepared, have you developed a plan or hope they will miss you?
Hmmm now their are some thoughts.
I don't see a dramatic spike in the number of new members contributing, not that I disagree with any of your comments. I think membership climbs and drops as we discussed earlier this year. I think most are joining simply because as you all have stated they are concerned with trends. It goes without saying when people become concerned, they begin their own research and I applaud those who are joining. I hope they use the site to their best advantage, if anything, to build resources for their family and possibly entice other to start thinking that way. The more that prepare, the less those that are prepared have to worry about them asking us for handouts or worse. Personally, its good for our entire world to have a in-depth plan and emergency resources to prepare.
As for people researching and beginning canning, I think most of you that actually plan and will agree that the process has saved you (those that are intensive canners) several thousands of dollars, rather than buying it in the store. The only thing is time investment, plus the necessary logistics to make canning feasible and cost effective for you. I love it when I see someone say they scored a good deal at a yard sale and most of you are pretty active at doing it. I know that my good friend JimLE is one good blood hound when it comes to finding these lovely possessions and in no time has figured how to use it in his preps. Without a doubt, the first, I would PM are Danil54grl, BrentS and Maverick for ideas when it comes to bare bones prepping (this is really intensive and hard work), as in one other BrentS threads, where he posted his bountiful hull and displayed a tasty dish too. Trust me, if we were all (and that includes those that know me) geolocated near each other, we'd be "thick as thieves", when it comes to preps. Why do I mention it, because even though in the 1900's to 1950's, many of our ancestors and family members (if you had the blessing to be around that generation) were self sustainable, they were hardy people, they were crafty and yes, they were resourceful. Somewhere over time, certainly since the big box stores and Walmart/Super Super Markets, we lost touch of that resourcefulness and self-sustaining capability. It is only when people begin to realize trouble, do they get off their duffs and move out. Do you have a plan to go high gear into canning production as trends become more toward an emergent state?
I don't doubt that the current political climate has fueled much anger and mistrust both in the nation and abroad. It is almost alarming to wonder why Russia is so interested in releasing leaks almost on a timely manner to undermine our political system, do they fear the Dem's nomination, more than the Republican...who knows and I am not a spinster, but the one I worry about is not Russia, they are as bad at saber rattling as we are on a world stage, the nation I fear is the one we owe so much money too (China) and with good reason, ask any of the members who live in a littoral nation that shares either a border or is in a "Soft War" with China over territorial water sovereignty and I'd bank money that most American's are clueless to what is going on over in the WESTPAC. Alas, that is the Dragon that can bite us both economically and military. If you have a background in maritime or naval intelligence or even read some blog sites dedicated to it...the economic impact of China in conflict with her neighbors will not only have a direct impact on the combatants, but could force the worlds economies into a tail spin reminiscent to the Market Crash in the 1900's. I am sure that some of you are saying you've lost it S.B. well, I'd counter that some of you consider the New Madrid fault line as a concern. Me, I can't control the Earth or the events brought upon weather/global warming, rhetoric and warnings have done nothing to stop it, so I live with the decisions we all make, but I can control the economic issue, by lowering my due outs and building a robust plan/logistical resources to combat a financial collapse that will bring about untold famine and hurt our grid. So this is a controllable issue for me and one that you can control through prepping.
So that leads me to things I've seen on both prep websites and like WGM, I attended an expo this year and saw the same trends of certain groups of people buying things, not that is a bad thing, America was founded on supply and demand, so if the demand is there, people will buy. Go to any Gun Show in Texas, you see the same thing and yes, Yesterday, guns are now allowed on certain college campuses with restrictions (now we sit and wait/holding our breath on that one). Increase in prep food sales is up, tactical gear sales are up and yes, those that have no experience in prepping are buying anything that lights up as "PREP RELATED". Look below at a my comment.
I have a friend who recently inherited some wealth, he retired early, and now with these assets in tow, is building a monolith of a home, complete with an above ground storm shelter. When I asked, why an above ground, he kept insisting its because I knew nothing of Texas land and shifting of the ground as a reason why we don't have basements or below ground shelters. Since we've known each other for years, I told him he was "Nucking Futs" after hearing how much he spent on the above ground construction and asked if he talked to the folks at OU and Texas Tech about above ground construction, since I know these guys, I know what they would say, but he's spent his money and well its only going to be good for about a EF-4 storm in my opinion. Oh and I failed to mention in the above description it will be used as his master bedrooms closet, so not what I would consider a prep-ready storm shelter, let alone something that I had in mind for him. Yes, for those that read this and know me, I am simply disappointed because it is a waste of money (yeah, costing him about 20K to build it), like I said, he came across some wealth. Yes and his home is in a very nice neighborhood, so will be the first targeted when TSHTF
I love it when I see my neighbors buying a new 4x4 truck. Some buy one each year, me, I keep driving my "hit me vehicle", knowing that all the parts are new, sure the paint is chipped, faded, who is going to steal it, nah...they don't even give it a second look at Walmart or Sams. This is the POS I drive to get my gas cans filled, I dress down, and no one notices the small handgun tucked behind my back. So its much more than looking like a "GrayMan" when SHTF, you should look like it on most days, so people don't get the idea.
So here is my question for you. How do you plan to deal with a rogue element bent on getting to your property? How would you deal with a motorcycle gang that has a known criminal record and is bent on taking everything away from you. Remember they have a hierarchy like the military and are very disciplined in their methodology. Are you prepared, have you developed a plan or hope they will miss you?
Hmmm now their are some thoughts.
Hey SB: the above ground ones were hot for a while here after a particularly nasty EF5 blew through. Especially the ones that bolted to the garage floor. Until a house with one barely got hit and the one perfessionally installed went spinning into the street out front.
Thankfully, nobody was at home when that minimal EF 2 hit. The thing didn't have a scratch on it, but I bet the shiny white interior wouldn't have stayed that way if someone had been in it.
To deal with the rogue element, our BOL is in the boonies with few houses around. So, first, I hope they miss us. Next, there are some surprises ready to drop into place if they do try. Plus, there is a very good field of fire. Hope I need none of the above, but I don't have a lot of hope.
Thankfully, nobody was at home when that minimal EF 2 hit. The thing didn't have a scratch on it, but I bet the shiny white interior wouldn't have stayed that way if someone had been in it.
To deal with the rogue element, our BOL is in the boonies with few houses around. So, first, I hope they miss us. Next, there are some surprises ready to drop into place if they do try. Plus, there is a very good field of fire. Hope I need none of the above, but I don't have a lot of hope.
This actually gets more into Tactics, another forum category...but...
Our goal would first be negotiation. (unless they simply attacked, then we have particular tactics and defenses that are in place). But I'd rather not have a gun fight. Thing is, we'd have things, and services, that they would need on an ongoing basis. If they tried to take it, a) they'd lose folks and resources in the process, b) these resources would be a one-shot, not available down the road.
I have to think that any leader with a lick of common sense will realize that a deal is better for all. They could have a supply post to come back to, in exchange for dealing in goods we can't get or make here at the ranch, etc.
Last resort, we flee and leave them to it. Then, about a week later, we come back and clean up their bodies, and simply pick back up where we left off. Go ahead, ask me why they'd be bodies.....(should always be wary of food and drink left for the taking by a fleeing force....)
Luckily though, like above, we're in the boonies, and have pretty good fields of fire (as well as range markers), traps in store, etc.
Curious...why are we 'holding our breath'? Everybody I know is mucho happy about trained & legal gun owners being able to carry on-campus.
I agree with you. Almost every house around here, at least out here out of town, has an underground storm shelter....some of them just dirt with a cross-tie & dirt roof. Many have been there for over 50 + years with no issues. Would be cool to have an above-ground shelter as well, but first would prefer underground. My opinion. For reference, I'm about a half-hour from Texas Tech and you are correct....their studies on this issue are about the best out there.
Absolutely! You & me both, bud.
error that I couldn't fix....skip to next post.
Last edited:
I also like the idea of making food myself, instead of buying meals fully prepared. I cook in my daily life, so it come natural. This is true, even if buying canned foods. It's far better to buy canned beef, veggies, etc., then make beef stew or soup, than it is to buy a can of Dinty Moore, Beef stew. That stuff is like 70% potatoes. I bought one can of it and will buy no more. I feel the same way about foods marketed to preppers. If you look at them, they are mostly grains or grain products, like pasta. I can buy a box of pasta, or bags of rice, or flour. I don't see what is special about the prepper food. They just amount to overly priced ramen noodles, which I do have some of.
