OPSEC with your preps

[Weedygarden]

The Fed-ex man knows every prepper in the county. So much for opsec.

And the mail person.

 

[Weedygarden]

Loose lips sink ships. We don't tell either although one of our neighbors tells all she had stocked up big time. Others are not outspoken. But would be ready for zombies. All of them are always shooting around here for miles. One vet from V Nam said it use to bug the crap out of him because it brought back flash backs of the jungle. Bless his heart he moved away.

So many want to try to convince others to prep. I think either you get it and you prep, or you don't. I wonder how many here were convinced to prep by someone else, or did you get it in another way?

 

[timmie]

i don't call it prepping. it's a way of life. i watched my parents struggle to keep food on the table and there was always something to eat at grandparents home. so i guess i learned from them.

 

[Caribou]

So many want to try to convince others to prep. I think either you get it and you prep, or you don't I wonder how many here were convinced to prep by someone else, or did you get it in another way?

It is the way I was raised.

I get my mail at a Mail-R-Us type of place so FedEx, UPS, and USPS don't have a clue. We moved since we open the mailbox so even they don't know where we live. We get a lot of packages but the only stuff that has ever elicited questions or comments is the bullet orders. Fifty pounds of lead in such a small box has elicited questions that confirm to me that they really don't know what is in there. A simple smile as the only answer and they don't ask anymore.

 

[Meerkat]

It is the way I was raised.

I get my mail at a Mail-R-Us type of place so FedEx, UPS, and USPS don't have a clue. We moved since we open the mailbox so even they don't know where we live. We get a lot of packages but the only stuff that has ever elicited questions or comments is the bullet orders. Fifty pounds of lead in such a small box has elicited questions that confirm to me that they really don't know what is in there. A simple smile as the only answer and they don't ask anymore.

When we were kids our parents didn't have all the gadget's we do now so they had to prep for things like storms, droughts,etc,. And stick parts for wells, cars and appliances. Plus food items too.

 

[Weedygarden]

It is the way I was raised.

I get my mail at a Mail-R-Us type of place so FedEx, UPS, and USPS don't have a clue. We moved since we open the mailbox so even they don't know where we live. We get a lot of packages but the only stuff that has ever elicited questions or comments is the bullet orders. Fifty pounds of lead in such a small box has elicited questions that confirm to me that they really don't know what is in there. A simple smile as the only answer and they don't ask anymore.

It is the way I was raised as well, but it was also the way that many in my small town lived life. The gardens were usually very large and the pantry's were full of canned fruits and vegetables. Freezers were full of sides of pork and quarters of beef, as well as chickens that were raised in the spring and summer. Some people had chickens, but not everyone. We did, and always had fresh eggs.

 

[Sentry18]

That's why I don't have things delivered to my address.

Agreed. The UPS, FedEx and US Mail person think I am stocking up on Sephora, Amazon Prime and Chewy.com supplies. Everything related to prepping is delivered to the PD and then goes into the back of my Tahoe.

 

[Weedygarden]

Agreed. The UPS, FedEx and US Mail person think I am stocking up on Sephora, Amazon Prime and Chewy.com supplies. Everything related to prepping is delivered to the PD and then goes into the back of my Tahoe.

Another thing about having packages delivered at work is that they are less likely to be taken by porch pirates.

 

[SheepDog]

The question of hand outs is a null point. If you feed a bear it will come back. If you stop feeding the bear it becomes dangerous.
If you give someone a bit of food they will assume you have more and they will be back. If you explain that you don't have any and ask if they have anything to share they will leave.
If someone tries to use force you should kill them right then. The same way you would kill any other dangerous animal. The difference is that the animal can be used for food. The dead person has to be moved so that the animals don't associate your place as a possible food source. It sounds wrong to kill a person who is just trying to get enough to eat but if they are taking food from you they are causing you to go without food. There will be no outsiders (including extended family) allowed. I have a plan that will keep my family fed and work they can do. We are of the mind that we love everyone enough to let them live with the consequences of their own actions or inaction. Failing to prepare is preparing to fail. Nobody has the luxury of being a specialist. A doctor has to be able to do something when he is not needed to heal. We will have no place for a president or lawyer but we will need farm and ranch hands. We will need hunters, cooks, cleaners, teachers but all of them will need other skills. There is no place for "drop in labor".

 

[TMT Tactical]

Wow, there have been so many wonderful posts on this thread, too many to name in fact. I am going to try and comment on several that made a point or impression on my thinking. Now in no particular order of significance:

1) Bargeahead -- Your link made numerous points to the need and value of how, to whom and when you might want to share your preps or why you might not want to share. I still recommend all preppers read that article.

2) ssonb -- Your post very clearly pointed out it all breaks down to a game of numbers. X number of supplies and an unknown number of days, multiplied by X number of people. The unknown factors (people and supplies) can be narrowed down but the unknown number of days (maybe years) is exactly that an unknown, out of our control. You also pointed out the question of "What Do You Bring to the Table? That is another excellent point for all to consider and would make a good topic for a thread. HINT, HINT.

3) Meerkat -- I did watch the series "Jerico" and I will watch it again. I now watch from an aspect of did they make the right decisions or did they screw up and could it have been handled better.

Angi_nrs -- Your post pointed out something that many will fail to take into consideration "Personality Conflicts". Just because they are Kin, family or friends does not mean they should be welcomed into the stronghold. Another point along this same line of thought, is how well th person will comply with the new rules of life. Can the nice big hearted family member be trusted to guard the gates or would he open them to a starving child? Does the DIVA accept the fact she has to go clean the chicken coop or shovel out the barn? Your post brings up many points to consider.

4) Always Ready --- I truly liked the fact that you had already established who was welcome and who was not welcome. Not just in your minds but in the minds of those people that were involved. They know where they stand, no surprises. The only flaw in that process (that I see) is that they may at some point barter that information regarding your preps for their own well being.

5) Sentry 18 -- Your point regarding the different phases of a SHTF is well taken. There will be definite phases. A) Denial, not that bad, the government will come to the rescue. B) Hunker down and wait. C) The defense portions, defending against desperate folks willing to do what ever it takes to survive. D) Rebuilding phase, trading, barter and institutions of law and order again. As preppers, I feel we should strive to be prepared for each phase.

6) Sheepdog --- Your post hit the nail on the head. No hand outs, no free rides and everybody contributes on all fronts. Well said.

A great series of thought provoking points being discussed. Well done Ladies and gentlemen. Sorry if I missed anybody.

 

[Grizzleyette___Adams]

My closest friends and family members would probably think twice about coming to my place when the SHTF. I have talked so much about edible insects that they joke how they are afraid to say "yes" to a dinner invitation now. Who knows what-all is in that gumbo? (snicker, wink, wink!)

All kidding aside, my preps are more of a sustainable nature because there is a limited lifespan to stored preps. Primitive living skills are what I count on on when the "beans-n-bullets" are depleted.

Then there's that old adage, "The more you carry in your head, the less you need." A few words of caution about sharing too much of what you KNOW:

In spite of trying to be discreet about my level of hurricane preps that I had in my van, and the lifetime accumulation of prepper knowledge in my noggin, it turned out to be my downfall.

In spite of best-laid plans I was trapped among strangers during and after Hurricane Katrina. Long story short: after the roads were cleared, I indicated that I would be moving on. They informed me that I would not be allowed to leave.

Say whut?

They told me that I was too valuable to let go. (To the very end, they had NO idea what all I had in that van...much of it was buried under religious literature, ha ha ha.) But the joke was on me. It was my know-how that they wanted. It seemed like I had the solution to just about every emergency that came up (from medical knowledge to how to purify water, to you-name-it... gaaahhh these people were so clueless.)

I don't know what was worse, the looters or them. In the end, I borrowed a lesson from King David (1 Samuel 21: 13-15) and acted like I was pure-D crazy. Wild-eyed. This, and the fact that I was more than capable of defending myself, persuaded them that it would be a good idea to accept my offerings of batteries, lamp oil, water purification stuff, etc. etc. and just let me go. They thought that the stress of things got the better of me. When I look back on it, I must admit, that crazy stuff was not entirely a put-on act. Nights of no sleep (because of being alone among such people, AND concerns about looters had me on 24/7 alert), plus the incredible stress all took its toll on me. I think they realized that I was about to go all Cajun on them...

It worked.

Never, ever let on what you know or have. But, as you can see from my story, this is not always possible.

 

[TMT Tactical]

When the skills / knowledge are lacking, then those who can get it done are either the leaders or the captives.

My closest friends and family members would probably think twice about coming to my place when the SHTF. I have talked so much about edible insects that they joke how they are afraid to say "yes" to a dinner invitation now. Who knows what-all is in that gumbo? (snicker, wink, wink!)

All kidding aside, my preps are more of a sustainable nature because there is a limited lifespan to stored preps. Primitive living skills are what I count on on when the "beans-n-bullets" are depleted.

Then there's that old adage, "The more you carry in your head, the less you need." A few words of caution about sharing too much of what you KNOW:

In spite of trying to be discreet about my level of hurricane preps that I had in my van, and the lifetime accumulation of prepper knowledge in my noggin, it turned out to be my downfall.

In spite of best-laid plans I was trapped among strangers during and after Hurricane Katrina. Long story short: after the roads were cleared, I indicated that I would be moving on. They informed me that I would not be allowed to leave.

Say whut?

They told me that I was too valuable to let go. (To the very end, they had NO idea what all I had in that van...much of it was buried under religious literature, ha ha ha.) But the joke was on me. It was my know-how that they wanted. It seemed like I had the solution to just about every emergency that came up (from medical knowledge to how to purify water, to you-name-it... gaaahhh these people were so clueless.)

I don't know what was worse, the looters or them. In the end, I borrowed a lesson from King David (1 Samuel 21: 13-15) and acted like I was pure-D crazy. Wild-eyed. This, and the fact that I was more than capable of defending myself, persuaded them that it would be a good idea to accept my offerings of batteries, lamp oil, water purification stuff, etc. etc. and just let me go. They thought that the stress of things got the better of me. When I look back on it, I must admit, that crazy stuff was not entirely a put-on act. Nights of no sleep (because of being alone among such people, AND concerns about looters had me on 24/7 alert), plus the incredible stress all took its toll on me. I think they realized that I was about to go all Cajun on them...

It worked.

Never, ever let on what you know or have. But, as you can see from my story, this is not always possible.

 

[angie_nrs]

My closest friends and family members would probably think twice about coming to my place when the SHTF. I have talked so much about edible insects that they joke how they are afraid to say "yes" to a dinner invitation now. Who knows what-all is in that gumbo? (snicker, wink, wink!)

All kidding aside, my preps are more of a sustainable nature because there is a limited lifespan to stored preps. Primitive living skills are what I count on on when the "beans-n-bullets" are depleted.

Then there's that old adage, "The more you carry in your head, the less you need." A few words of caution about sharing too much of what you KNOW:

In spite of trying to be discreet about my level of hurricane preps that I had in my van, and the lifetime accumulation of prepper knowledge in my noggin, it turned out to be my downfall.

In spite of best-laid plans I was trapped among strangers during and after Hurricane Katrina. Long story short: after the roads were cleared, I indicated that I would be moving on. They informed me that I would not be allowed to leave.

Say whut?

They told me that I was too valuable to let go. (To the very end, they had NO idea what all I had in that van...much of it was buried under religious literature, ha ha ha.) But the joke was on me. It was my know-how that they wanted. It seemed like I had the solution to just about every emergency that came up (from medical knowledge to how to purify water, to you-name-it... gaaahhh these people were so clueless.)

I don't know what was worse, the looters or them. In the end, I borrowed a lesson from King David (1 Samuel 21: 13-15) and acted like I was pure-D crazy. Wild-eyed. This, and the fact that I was more than capable of defending myself, persuaded them that it would be a good idea to accept my offerings of batteries, lamp oil, water purification stuff, etc. etc. and just let me go. They thought that the stress of things got the better of me. When I look back on it, I must admit, that crazy stuff was not entirely a put-on act. Nights of no sleep (because of being alone among such people, AND concerns about looters had me on 24/7 alert), plus the incredible stress all took its toll on me. I think they realized that I was about to go all Cajun on them...

It worked.

Never, ever let on what you know or have. But, as you can see from my story, this is not always possible.

Thank you for sharing your experience. I'm sure that wasn't easy. At least you do have a realistic idea of what to expect. I think many of us (myself included) are just guessing. Sleep deprivation will definitely play a key part in the equation. There are very few people I would trust to stand guard while I slept, so without a doubt that will be an issue even in a short term crisis. You bring up some very interesting issues.

 

[Grizzleyette___Adams]

When the skills / knowledge are lacking, then those who can get it done are either the leaders or the captives.

This experience taught me that the leader/captive equation can be flipped at the blink of an eye....when you least expect it. Even though I was very aware of the possibility that it could happen because of veiled threats and power plays, I was not sure how it would play out because I was grossly outnumbered.

 

[Grizzleyette___Adams]

Thank you for sharing your experience. I'm sure that wasn't easy. At least you do have a realistic idea of what to expect. I think many of us (myself included) are just guessing. Sleep deprivation will definitely play a key part in the equation. There are very few people I would trust to stand guard while I slept, so without a doubt that will be an issue even in a short term crisis. You bring up some very interesting issues.

Two weeks of this definitely left an impression on me. I learned a lot. The aftermath was not pretty, either. I am the kind of person that copes well during a crisis, but falls apart afterward. I dealt with PTSD effects alone, mostly for lack of $$ for professional help (which turned out to be a blessing in disguise. No pills for me, thank you).

What got me through the PTSD was partly spiritual connections to my Creator, and partly what amounted to a kind of "cognitive therapy" (for lack of a better word). I was drawn--like a moth to a flame--to videos, photo-documentaries of Katrina, etc. I cried like a baby each and every time I saw or heard mention of the event, but kept on watching it. I didn't understand why I was attracted to something that caused pain! My closest friend thought I was insane. He wondered why on earth I kept inflicting the pain. "Just quit watching the stuff, already!"

Little did I know, that I was conditioning my mind to a form of cognitive therapy that has been proven effective. Later, I read of a similar program that the military uses, with the same successful effect.

Now I can say I am stronger for it, and no longer a bowl of quivering jello, lol.

 

[Caribou]

There was a story about Katrina that was going around. One guy told a couple of his friends that they could bring their trailers to his place to camp out. They told others who in turn told more. His home turned into a trailer park. They showed up with little food, little cash, the credit cards were of little use, and the banks that their checks were drawn on were literally under water. Few had firearms so they couldn't even provide their own security.

This guy wound up going through all his preps feeding, watering, and providing security for a bunch of people without the gumption to take care of themselves. If you invite someone to your home let them know who else they may bring.

 

[TMT Tactical]

This experience taught me that the leader/captive equation can be flipped at the blink of an eye....when you least expect it. Even though I was very aware of the possibility that it could happen because of veiled threats and power plays, I was not sure how it would play out because I was grossly outnumbered.

Grizzleyette, I think you played it perfectly!!! Outnumbered and in a vulnerable position is not the time for heroics, it is a time for brain power. You survived and that proves it was the right course of action.Well done.

 

[Weedygarden]

This experience taught me that the leader/captive equation can be flipped at the blink of an eye....when you least expect it. Even though I was very aware of the possibility that it could happen because of veiled threats and power plays, I was not sure how it would play out because I was grossly outnumbered.

I know that most of us think that when something happens that is not what we wanted or expected, we wish it would have gone a different way. I have learned to really trust no one. I have experienced such deception that I could never in my life have expected. The thing I always think is that there are lessons to be learned and to make the most of my experiences for the future. People are self serving--through manipulation, power plays, lies, deception, saying what they think you want to hear...

Those experiences help to protect us in the future and to train us to be aware of the danger that exists in our world.

 

[ssonb]

Grizzleyette that story about Katrina on the subject of not being able to leave by private entities, that is something I have not even considered !!..........Still thinkin bout that one..................You sound like what I am striving for,to be the wizard...................After thinking about it for a minute the reason wizards were feared is because they can be curse as well as cure.....With your knowledge of plants you might need a stash of some "pharmaceutical" distractions or irritants to give you the time you would need to egress. Just thinkin out loud here.

 

[Grizzleyette___Adams]

I know that most of us think that when something happens that is not what we wanted or expected, we wish it would have gone a different way. I have learned to really trust no one. I have experienced such deception that I could never in my life have expected. The thing I always think is that there are lessons to be learned and to make the most of my experiences for the future. People are self serving--through manipulation, power plays, lies, deception, saying what they think you want to hear...

Those experiences help to protect us in the future and to train us to be aware of the danger that exists in our world.

True dat!

In my observations (and conversations with others) about the Katrina experience, I also learned that extreme stress can sometimes break the integrity of the people we have trusted the most, even close family and friends. News reports of stupid stuff like family members killing one another over a bag of ice, or attacking a close friend for a gallon of water...shocking! I thought there must have been a disconnect to begin with, or those things would not have happened. Nope, not always. I talked with some who related to me that they NEVER expected that so-and-so would ever turn on their family. "But he was a kind and gentle man who would never do something like that!" Or, "She was such a loving mother...who knew?" This disturbing undercurrent was found in four states during the aftermath of Katrina, not just a localized area.

All this because of a hurricane? Imagine what a widespread or prolonged event will do to the best of us?

Sadly, we never know what extreme distress will draw out in people, even if they acted "OK" in past stressful times. So yeah, keep your preps under wraps. Keep a hidden reserve that only you know about. Even if you trust your family 100%, something like an accidental slip of the lips can spell trouble.

 

[Weedygarden]

True dat!

In my observations (and conversations with others) about the Katrina experience, I also learned that extreme stress can sometimes break the integrity of the people we have trusted the most, even close family and friends. News reports of stupid stuff like family members killing one another over a bag of ice, or attacking a close friend for a gallon of water...shocking! I thought there must have been a disconnect to begin with, or those things would not have happened. Nope, not always. I talked with some who related to me that they NEVER expected that so-and-so would ever turn on their family. "But he was a kind and gentle man who would never do something like that!" Or, "She was such a loving mother...who knew?" This disturbing undercurrent was found in four states during the aftermath of Katrina, not just a localized area.

All this because of a hurricane? Imagine a widespread or prolonged even will do to the best of us?

Sadly, we never know what extreme distress will draw out in people, even if they acted "OK" in past stressful times. So yeah, keep your preps under wraps. Keep a hidden reserve that only you know about. Even if you trust your family 100%, something like an accidental slip of the lips can spell trouble.

People underestimate the affects of stress. If family members do this to one another, what would strangers do?

 

[Grizzleyette___Adams]

So, in keeping with the theme of this thread...NO handouts from my house. There may be exceptions, such as...

The only handout from me might be a recipe for cricket stew. And, would they like a taste of it???

Ha ha people already suspect that I ain't right, and that would remove all doubt. (Lookit dat crazy old woman, grubbin in dirt again. Wonder if she's gonna eat it?)

Ha ha ha ha!!!!! I'll need to perfect my crazy old lady cackle...heh heh heh...

 

[Weedygarden]

There was a story about Katrina that was going around. One guy told a couple of his friends that they could bring their trailers to his place to camp out. They told others who in turn told more. His home turned into a trailer park. They showed up with little food, little cash, the credit cards were of little use, and the banks that their checks were drawn on were literally under water. Few had firearms so they couldn't even provide their own security.

This guy wound up going through all his preps feeding, watering, and providing security for a bunch of people without the gumption to take care of themselves. If you invite someone to your home let them know who else they may bring.

I wonder if he has changed up how he thinks about preparedness and helping others? If he has, it should include selling his place and moving.

 

[Grizzleyette___Adams]

Ok, in line with the thought that I ain't right, I have some unorthodox ideas and thoughts that just might work in some situations.

For example, you have preps and the Walmartians down the road are wild-eyed because their pantries are bare... It will eventually be apparent to anyone with eyes that you and yours are better fed than most. Hmmm... what then?

I have in my preps oversized clothing to look like I have lost some weight, just like everyone else. I also have a stash of makeup that I can use to appear to look a bit gaunt or peaked. It is incredibly amazing how just how far a bit of applied deception can go... A little hint of brown under the eyes, and just under the cheekbones can do wonders. No makeup handy? A tiny smudge of charcoal from burnt wood works well.

Please forgive me for bringing to light this disturbing info, but it needs saying: More than a few times over the years, I have read polls and comments from posters on several survivor-type forums that caused me to lose sleep. Cannibalism IS in the plans of more that a few people...I was shocked at the sheer number of people who said they would do such a thing, and how... oh geeze. I can't unsee this, so I prepped for that too.

OK then, hopefully my theatrical makeup will come in handy in that department too. Who wants to eat long pork that is infected with boils or some weird looking disease, and looks quite sick? And smells like poop, too? (If the going gets that bad, I plan on smearing a few pieces of cloth with dung, and tucking it here and there in my clothes, if needed.) I will resort to anything to be as unappetizing as possible.

 

[Peanut]

As I read all the posts in this thread I realized that for me opsec is an impossibility. There a few people who have bought land out here in the last 20 years. Other than that… everyone for miles around has known each other for generations. Everyone knows who has cattle, sheep, chickens. There is a sign in front of my house now that says “Eggs for Sale”. Everyone knows who has weapons or skills. Many of these 1000’s of people are relatives.

My 4 grandparents and their siblings totaled 74 children which means I’m related to half the people in 3 counties. At least it seems that way sometimes. I’ve been to many family reunions as a kid where more than 400 people attended. The family rented the city park in town. I literally don’t know how many 2nd or 3rd cousins I have. More than a few live within 10 miles. I have 37 first cousins not counting their spouses. Half of them live within 10 miles, the other half within 50, there’s a few that drifted out of state but not many.

As a teenager it was a nightmare. I meet a girl at a church function or ballgame then come home to hear the dreaded words “She’s your cousin!”. That’s Aunt so n so’s granddaughter. I heard that more times than I care to remember.

Everyone out here has a garden so stores some food. I used to sell at the farmers market in town. Even sold charcoal I used to make.

No one may know exactly how much food I have stored or how many rounds etc. In a shtf scenario does knowing exactly how much really matter? My opsec left the building before I was born.

 

[Weedygarden]

So, in keeping with the theme of this thread...NO handouts from my house. There may be exceptions, such as...

The only handout from me might be a recipe for cricket stew. And, would they like a taste of it???

Ha ha people already suspect that I ain't right, and that would remove all doubt. (Lookit dat crazy old woman, grubbin in dirt again. Wonder if she's gonna eat it?)

Ha ha ha ha!!!!! I'll need to perfect my crazy old lady cackle...heh heh heh...

Just for kicks, I have a recipe for Cricket Soup. I calls for no crickets, but we could change this up and write a recipe that calls for crickets.

https://recipes.sparkpeople.com/recipe-detail.asp?recipe=66507
cricket soup
Introduction
A soup my 3 year old will eat!
Minutes to Prepare: 15
Minutes to Cook: 30
Number of Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 
  4 cans 99% fat free chicken broth
  2 cups low sodium V8
  5 pre-cooked chicken tenders,sliced
  1 cup sliced bok choy
  1 cup sliced carrots
  1 can water chestnuts,sliced
  1/2 tsp olive oil
  1/2 cup sliced onion
  1 clove minced garlic
  1/2 tsp sage
  1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
  1 small sprig rosemary or 1/2 tsp dried
  salt and pepper to taste
  Parmesean cheese
  Crusty bread

Directions
Saute garlic and onion in oil until soft then add veggie and saute a couple mins. Add broth, V8 and spices and simmer over md low heat until carrots are soft, about 30 mins. Serve with a couple sprinkles of parmesean cheese and a chunk of crusty bread.

Number of Servings: 4

Recipe submitted by SparkPeople user CRICKETINE.

 

[Grizzleyette___Adams]

After thinking about it for a minute the reason wizards were feared is because they can be curse as well as cure.....With your knowledge of plants you might need a stash of some "pharmaceutical" distractions or irritants to give you the time you would need to egress. Just thinkin out loud here.

I suspect it's not quite as easy as books or movies would have us believe...

 

[Weedygarden]

I have thought about the lazy do nothing unprepared people. I have thought if they had the same boring food morning noon and night, without spices or seasonings, it might give them an incentive to do something besides hold their hands out. How about rice, every meal, or oatmeal?

 

[Grizzleyette___Adams]

No one may know exactly how much food I have stored or how many rounds etc. In a shtf scenario does knowing exactly how much really matter? My opsec left the building before I was born.

Yes, it matters. A lot. I keep a reserve that only I know about, which could be my "ace in the hole" someday, be it physical or mental.

Preps are not all about how much is stashed on the shelf... it can be something as simple as camouflaged gardening (plants valued as food, but not readily known as a food crop), or other primitive skills that come in handy when the last bean is gone.

 

[Grizzleyette___Adams]

I have thought about the lazy do nothing unprepared people. I have thought if they had the same boring food morning noon and night, without spices or seasonings, it might give them an incentive to do something besides hold their hands out. How about rice, every meal, or oatmeal?

Don't count on it!

Hunger is the best sauce! When times get tough, we will ALL be grateful for such things!

When friends, family and neighbors come with their empty hands, I will give them an empty tin can and ask them to help me find some termites, crickets, and grubs for tonight's supper.

I am serious. And most of them already know it.

Trouble is, some already know that you can float anything in a pot of properly made gumbo or jambalaya and it will taste wonderful, lol.