Preparing for smaller situations that could happen any time

[Maverick]

Death is the most burdensome part of life, best to have all the ducks in a row and get it done early, I'm going to be burned, wife already said she will mix my remains with her cremated dogs, I have a written and video taped will, given the Wife is much younger she can remarry and he can live on the property but won't have legal say unless her and all the kids say otherwise with a 100% consensus. I also had the Wife and kids in front of my attorney and they all signed the will and notarized, anyone that contest the will, will be stricken from it (all signed and notarized) We had a round table discussion and we made the will out together before going to the attorney, nothing was hidden and everyone involved.

No one going to cry over my body or ashes in my case, it's going to be a Wake, a drinking Wake.

 

[Mountain trapper]

Death is the most burdensome part of life, best to have all the ducks in a row and get it done early, I'm going to be burned, wife already said she will mix my remains with her cremated dogs, I have a written and video taped will, given the Wife is much younger she can remarry and he can live on the property but won't have legal say unless her and all the kids say otherwise with a 100% consensus. I also had the Wife and kids in front of my attorney and they all signed the will and notarized, anyone that contest the will, will be stricken from it (all signed and notarized) We had a round table discussion and we made the will out together before going to the attorney, nothing was hidden and everyone involved.

No one going to cry over my body or ashes in my case, it's going to be a Wake, a drinking Wake.

This is something that the wife and I need to get serious about doing. We've had some brief discussions with the kids about our wishes, but we do need to get a will drawn up. And possibly a living trust. I also want the have all the arrangements made prior to the big day. We both want to be buried here on the ranch and have a nice spot picked out. My father in-law is already there. My parents want to be buried here too. We plan to leave the ranch to our son (if he wants it) and make some donations to several organizations that are important to us. Ideally I'd like to start giving a lot of my stuff away to the kids as I get older.

 

[Kevin L]

The best thing that you and your wife can do for prepping is to train and educate yourselves.

In my mind, it's not always about stockpiling stuff (although, in the spirit of honest disclosure...I stockpile stuff. My girlfriend suggests--not without justification--that I may be becoming a hoarder).

If you can take classes on repairing small engines, sewing and clothing making, first aid, vet tech, EMT, basic botany and/or animal husbandry, LPN, dental hygienist, and so forth...you will have a barterable skill that will do more for you than any stockpile.

Saving a month's worth of canned food, 150 lbs. of rice and soybeans in mylar bags, a wood-burning stove (bought second-hand) with a few cords of wood, a hand pump well, some basic medical supplies, a few extra boots, maybe 100 gallons of bottled water...you would probably be set for perhaps 95% of any disasters that might come your way.

Such a stockpile is surprisingly cheap if you browse and shop around. Look at thrift stores, buy canned food from the dented section (but avoid rusty cans, and cans that bulge. Cans that bulge like an overfilled balloon may kill you from botulism), follow ads in newspapers with couples that may be getting divoraced so you buy their stuff for a song. Watch for stores that are going out of business. Go to garage sales and flea markets.

And so on.

I could probably create a comprehensive stash for less than a thousand dollars (US) if I took my time and shopped around.

I hope this helps you.

 

[Kevin L]

One thing I just remembered: I'm not sure what gun laws are like where you are, but (and I have many guns) gun ownership for prepping is, perhaps, a little overstated.

If your laws permit, a cheap Moisin nagant rifle with a few hundred rounds of steel ammo and some basic cleaning supplies will go a long way. Such a setup can be had for less than $200.00 ( US).

It won't be as sexy as an M-16 or an AK-47, but a good bolt action rifle with .30-.06 ballistics like the Moisin Nagant will go a long way toward putting food on the table.

Also, note that most snipers use bolt action rifles, and sharp shooting from a distance has its place post shtf.

You can then help yourself to the enemy's stuff.

Note that in WWII, a farmer from Finland took his simple bolt action rifle into the boonies and got over 600 kills against the Russians that invaded his country.

Many of the Afghani Mujahadeen resistance fighters used only bolt action rifles against the Soviets that invaded their country.

Don't fall into the idea that you must have a huge arsenal of expensive (and possibly illegal) guns to make things work for you in a crisis.

 

[Brent S]

This is something that the wife and I need to get serious about doing. We've had some brief discussions with the kids about our wishes, but we do need to get a will drawn up. And possibly a living trust. I also want the have all the arrangements made prior to the big day. We both want to be buried here on the ranch and have a nice spot picked out. My father in-law is already there. My parents want to be buried here too. We plan to leave the ranch to our son (if he wants it) and make some donations to several organizations that are important to us. Ideally I'd like to start giving a lot of my stuff away to the kids as I get older.

I want to be cremated and don't even care what anyone does with the ashes as I won't need them anymore....
As far as your financial arraignments and stuff, it's really important to spell it out exactly as you want. Most people don't die when they expect. Take the little bit of time to write everything down and put it somewhere safe. Better yet, do it with a lawyer, but even a clearly worded sheet of paper will suffice mostimes. It's a good idea to get that notarized though. If you don't have a will the courts will decide who gets what. I'm sure that there are some good judges out there, but most are just very successful lawyers, and we all know what kind of values lawyers have. So basically I don't want them deciding anything for me. If you care about the people in your life, get this thing done.

 

[Silent Earth]

I want to be cremated and don't even care what anyone does with the ashes as I won't need them anymore....

OK Brent but should we wait until you are dead first???

 

[Silent Earth]

One thing I just remembered: I'm not sure what gun laws are like where you are, but (and I have many guns) gun ownership for prepping is, perhaps, a little overstated.

If your laws permit, a cheap Moisin nagant rifle with a few hundred rounds of steel ammo and some basic cleaning supplies will go a long way. Such a setup can be had for less than $200.00 ( US).

It won't be as sexy as an M-16 or an AK-47, but a good bolt action rifle with .30-.06 ballistics like the Moisin Nagant will go a long way toward putting food on the table.

Also, note that most snipers use bolt action rifles, and sharp shooting from a distance has its place post shtf.

You can then help yourself to the enemy's stuff.

Note that in WWII, a farmer from Finland took his simple bolt action rifle into the boonies and got over 600 kills against the Russians that invaded his country.

Many of the Afghani Mujahadeen resistance fighters used only bolt action rifles against the Soviets that invaded their country.

Don't fall into the idea that you must have a huge arsenal of expensive (and possibly illegal) guns to make things work for you in a crisis.

The INDIVIDUAL PREPPER or SURVIVALIST who gets into a gun fight with multiple LEOS, FEDS or others is going to die, The PDW is to help fend off one or two bad guys trying to do you harm. If its more than two you should give ground, shoot and scoot.

 

[Brent S]

OK Brent but should we wait until you are dead first???

Preferably yes, thanks!

 

[Silent Earth]

I remember when individuals and small groups such as the Weavers at Ruby Ridge, The Branch Davidians and those dudes from the Posse Commitatus tried to face off against overwhelming force, where as if they had learned how to bug out and regroup at s safe rendezvous location multiple tragedies could have been avoided. Look at the loon Claude Dallas every time he was coming under pressure he buggered off, he only ever engaged one or two lawmen or rangers at a time. And remember in most cases WE have families to care for so if one of us gets taken out there is very often no one to take over, unlike the gangs, LEOS and Feds. Learn from Insurgents from the US Minutemen, or the Vietcong, or the IRA or Basques or Native Americans etc

 

[Brent S]

I remember when individuals and small groups such as the Weavers at Ruby Ridge, The Branch Davidians and those dudes from the Posse Commitatus tried to face off against overwhelming force, where as if they had learned how to bug out and regroup at s safe rendezvous location multiple tragedies could have been avoided. Look at the loon Claude Dallas every time he was coming under pressure he buggered off, he only ever engaged one or two lawmen or rangers at a time. And remember in most cases WE have families to care for so if one of us gets taken out there is very often no one to take over, unlike the gangs, LEOS and Feds. Learn from Insurgents from the US Minutemen, or the Vietcong, or the IRA or Basques or Native Americans etc

My motto is to advoid as many confrontations as possible in life.

 

[Silent Earth]

My motto is to advoid as many confrontations as possible in life.

Mine is " Let the other guy die for his cause" I'll always try to give ground, bug out, relocate and regroup and avoid conflict where possible, but if cornered to him them with everything then get out quick.

 

[lonewolf]

I've just spent the last 8 years talking to (some) people on prepping forums who don't have a clue what I am talking about.
I have always thought of myself as not part of the common herd, I think very few have my vision or my insight, that's what makes me different, trouble is I seem to be alone, the one person who understood where i'm coming from has serious health problems and has dropped out of sight. there seems to be little point in continuing, its not like I have converted any sheeple, just alienated those that don't believe as I do. I wish you all the best of luck in your endeavours. goodbye.
clyde please cancel my account.

 

[DrHenley]

Well bigpaul, I hate to see you go. We disagreed on some things but I valued your input and experience. But, I guess your natural instinct is to be a hermit, and social interaction is a bother. Believe it or not, I feel the same way sometimes. Social interaction energizes some people but it actually drains me. I can only take so much before I have to withdraw and recharge.

As someone once said: "If we agreed on everything, one of us would be unnecessary"

 

[lonewolf]

I just feel like i'm flogging a dead horse, dosent matter what forum i'm on i'm a dinosaur.
I've been called "paranoid" so many times- I've lost count!

 

[Proud Prepper]

Do what you think you shoukd do. I enjoyed having your views here.

 

[Maverick]

I've just spent the last 8 years talking to (some) people on prepping forums who don't have a clue what I am talking about.
I have always thought of myself as not part of the common herd, I think very few have my vision or my insight, that's what makes me different, trouble is I seem to be alone, the one person who understood where i'm coming from has serious health problems and has dropped out of sight. there seems to be little point in continuing, its not like I have converted any sheeple, just alienated those that don't believe as I do. I wish you all the best of luck in your endeavours. goodbye.
clyde please cancel my account.

I stopped talking to anyone away from the property a long time ago regarding prepping/survival, not worth the effort. Majority of people outside of prepping would view our thinking as being paranoid and I proudly except it, rather paranoid (being ready) than complacent, way I see it, their loss not mine! I can easily become an hermit given I really don't have any desire to interact with anyone when off the property. The only interaction I have regarding prepping that's off the property is here on this forum and it's the only forum I interact with, I visit others but never post nor signed up with any other. We have a pretty good cross section of people here, we all don't see eye to eye on everything here and throw in a few dramas but by in large we have an commonality that sets us apart from the sheeple, hey, least we have have our **** together for the most part even though we never really are ready.

Religion been working for over 2000 years trying to convert everyone, they still working at it

 

[WGregMiller]

Paul, I hate to see ya go....

I aspire to be more of a hermit than I already am. That’s why I’m looking for property that’s a ways from a crowd. I’m not really anti-people, but the older I get the less I want to be around a bunch of them.

There are a few people I talk to about prepping, but we’re pretty much in agreement on how things are turning....l

 

[Dani]

I honestly don't see how living off grid and away from society would label a person ' paranoid'. I hardly ever see another person during the week besides my hunny and days I go to work. I find that relaxing cause I can get my work done and not be bothered. I only wish we could be further away than we already are. Its the simple life that we enjoy and are prosperous in. Not what society says is prosperous and a meaningful life. My mom and sis has a heir definition and I'll have mine. Besides I find that I can communicate with 4 legged furry critters better than most. People tend to think I'm a little crazy for living the way I do too, but I'll keep it. Hope you don't fully go away Big Paul and continue to drop in, at least on occasion. If not, then good luck to you.

 

[lonewolf]

its not so much non preppers, its the "hobby" preppers that we seem to have in the UK, the ones that (say they)prep for very minor events, although even this I am suspicious of,stuff like minor power cuts- a few hours or maybe a day or two maximum, transport problems and holdups getting to work, or the odd trade union strike, but that's it, that's where they stop and they cant see any reason why anyone prepares for anything more, so when I try to talk to them on forums about long term events, societal collapse or gawd forbid TEOTWAWI, that's when I get all the abuse, I've got them now on my British Forum, they just cannot see where I am coming from because they don't want to, is the worst so terrible to contemplate? or is it better to be paranoid like me and prepare for it?

 

[Brent S]

its not so much non preppers, its the "hobby" preppers that we seem to have in the UK, the ones that (say they)prep for very minor events, although even this I am suspicious of,stuff like minor power cuts- a few hours or maybe a day or two maximum, transport problems and holdups getting to work, or the odd trade union strike, but that's it, that's where they stop and they cant see any reason why anyone prepares for anything more, so when I try to talk to them on forums about long term events, societal collapse or gawd forbid TEOTWAWI, that's when I get all the abuse, I've got them now on my British Forum, they just cannot see where I am coming from because they don't want to, is the worst so terrible to contemplate? or is it better to be paranoid like me and prepare for it?

I just have a different attitude about it Paul. I prep, not just for the small things, but for the long term disasters too. The key word I used was I. I'm smart enough to know this is for me, and no matter how smart or wise I feel it is to have supplies to weather a storm, the average masses out there will not consider anything past a few days. I think there is enough information out there for people to make their own decisions about prepping. You can look throughout history and see events and disasters that changed societies. Countries and economies rise and fall, they always have and always will. Even current events should give enough clues for people to want to be prepared. I care about people in general, but know I can't save the world. I can however improve the odds that I can save myself and my family. I would love to have the chance to teach others about prepping and help them see the benefits of it, but as the old saying goes about leading a horse to water but not being able to force him to drink...

 

[toexist]

I have been overly cautious my entire life even when I have had very little reason to be. It is just my nature. I don't however try to force my beliefs or philosophy on to others. That is just being rude.

There is absolutely nothing wrong with living in isolation if that is what YOU CHOOSE to do. The problem stems when you try to promote this as THE ONLY WAY to live because I can assure you for most people...it is not.

As matter of fact for most people the thought of living in complete isolation is not at all appealing nor practical. There is also a big difference between living in an isolated rural area and being completely cut off from human contact altogether.

That is still your right if that is what YOU CHOOSE. You don't however get to force this way of life as the norm just because you created some fantasy narrative playing out in your head.

People have to live their lives. They have to build relationships and achieve their own desired goals. They have to find ways to be happy and content with themselves. Life goes on regardless of what happens with or without us. We are only around for a short while and nothing is guaranteed.

I would be lying if I said I didn't believe certain members of this forum are completely bat shyt crazy because...I do. Not that this matters because it doesnt. This doesn't mean that I don't listen or even take opposing views into consideration because...I do. Sometimes even crazy people make valid points.

Bottom line...live how you want to live but don't tell other people how they should live. Just do what makes you happy and f##k everyone else. At the end of the day...if you aren't enjoying this journey...whats the point?

 

[lonewolf]

if I am running a prepper forum, which I am, I have to sometimes add threads to that forum, this in turn gets replies, some of those replies are less than nice. what do I do..ban everyone and just talk to myself??
i'll converse with anyone and they are all entitled to their opinion, as am I, but its the abuse I receive when I don't agree with their opinions that makes me wonder if they are only there for that purpose.

 

[DrHenley]

is the worst so terrible to contemplate? or is it better to be paranoid like me and prepare for it?

I think you hit the nail on the head. They would rather not contemplate it, and when someone tries to make them, they stick their fingers in their ears and go LALALALA

 

[lonewolf]

AND they start with the abuse.
I know we aren't all going to agree but why cant they just agree to disagree??

 

[lonewolf]

I suppose at the end of the day its all "social media" and there are some nasty individuals out there in internet land.
I guess i'll just have to develop a hide as thick as a rhino, either that or go offline completely-which I don't really want to. one day that time might come.

 

[DrHenley]

AND they start with the abuse.
I know we aren't all going to agree but why cant they just agree to disagree??

??? Must be someone I've hit the ignore button on. Wonder who that could be...LOL

 

[toexist]

??? Must be someone I've hit the ignore button on. Wonder who that could be...LOL

You seem to refer to me more after you allegedly blocked me than prior. Not much going on doctor Jesus? Whats the matter? Haven't booked your next elephant trophy hunt yet? No childrens books to narrate?

 

[Brent S]

I have been overly cautious my entire life even when I have had very little reason to be. It is just my nature. I don't however try to force my beliefs or philosophy on to others. That is just being rude.

There is absolutely nothing wrong with living in isolation if that is what YOU CHOOSE to do. The problem stems when you try to promote this as THE ONLY WAY to live because I can assure you for most people...it is not.

As matter of fact for most people the thought of living in complete isolation is not at all appealing nor practical. There is also a big difference between living in an isolated rural area and being completely cut off from human contact altogether.

That is still your right if that is what YOU CHOOSE. You don't however get to force this way of life as the norm just because you created some fantasy narrative playing out in your head.

People have to live their lives. They have to build relationships and achieve their own desired goals. They have to find ways to be happy and content with themselves. Life goes on regardless of what happens with or without us. We are only around for a short while and nothing is guaranteed.

I would be lying if I said I didn't believe certain members of this forum are completely bat shyt crazy because...I do. Not that this matters because it doesnt. This doesn't mean that I don't listen or even take opposing views into consideration because...I do. Sometimes even crazy people make valid points.

Bottom line...live how you want to live but don't tell other people how they should live. Just do what makes you happy and f##k everyone else. At the end of the day...if you aren't enjoying this journey...whats the point?

Good advice!

 

[toexist]

Good advice!

Thanks!