Articles by NJMike

No Picture

A.N.T.S. • Re: OK: lets Talk About the Nasty Stuff-Hygiene

June 21, 2017 NJMike 0

I’ve got several camping solar shower bags for solar heating of shower water, but also a number of black plastic totes that can be re-purposed for the same need. That said, since I’ve temporarily relocated I don’t have as much access to water. For the short term living situation, I’d prioritize stored water for drinking, and defer to use of wipes or wet towel methods for personal cleanliness.

I do also have a fine collection of hotel soaps and shampoos to offer any smelly neighbors.

Statistics: Posted by NJMike — Wed Jun 21, 2017 8:13 am

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Gardening • Re: “Mittleider Method” Anyone doing this?Is it really worth

June 21, 2017 NJMike 0

I wasn’t familiar with this method, so I looked it up.

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible … method.htm

Per that info, the plant media sounds a lot like the Square Foot Gardening’s peat/compost/vermiculite combo, just lacking the nutrient rich compost in favor of sand/sawdust with lots of fertilizer.

Not thinking I’d bother with that. I imagine there’s got to be some calculus on if the cost of fertilizer is worth it vs. the crop yield, however I’d also consider the extra maintenance time.

Personally, I’d lean towards Square Foot gardening vs. MIttleider, as the use of compost is more self-sustainable than commercial fertilizer. In my opinion of course. If I lived in a sandy area next to a saw mill and fertilizer plant I might have a different view. :lol:

Statistics: Posted by NJMike — Wed Jun 21, 2017 7:38 am

:tank:

A.N.T.S. • Re: Cooking in a Grid Down Event

June 20, 2017 NJMike 0

Lots of options for low to no smoke for basic cooking- alcohol stoves, butane hiker stoves or single range burners, propane camp stoves, solid fuel stoves (hexamine or trioxane), and solar for example.

Otherwise, I’m not expecting to cook early into a situation. There’s plenty of canned and dried items that can be eaten room temperature. Boiling water, yes. But that’s not going to create an odor.

Flavorful aromatic dishes that are simmered half a day will wait until there’s security. I won’t be frying bacon until then too.

Statistics: Posted by NJMike — Tue Jun 20, 2017 12:24 pm

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General Preparedness Discussion • Re: Russia Threatens U.S. Planes after U.S. shoots down SU-2

June 19, 2017 NJMike 0

Syrian airspace has been a crowded place the last few years. List of aircraft lost:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_a … _Civil_War

Perhaps some turnabout will occur in the near future, but I don’t see this as an escalation/flash point…any more than it already was.

I’d suggest we’ve been engaged in WWIII since 9/11 or earlier. It just doesn’t look like the previous two wars, so Western societies haven’t truly accepted it as that, just yet. We were brought up to have a different idea, that of bilateral conflict resulting in nuclear wastelands, rather than this slow bleed cluster that’s leading to destabilized governments and various economic crises.

Statistics: Posted by NJMike — Mon Jun 19, 2017 9:26 am

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A.N.T.S. • Re: Who is the Authority on Prepping?

June 14, 2017 NJMike 0
3ADScout wrote:
NJMike,

Re: gear specs- Mike know what your saying but even then you have to be very cautious with “advertised” specs. How many FRS radios say 2 miles?!?!? That is why I still think it best when looking for gear to look at reviews from people who have actually used the gear. Case in point I bought a NOAA weather radio made by a well known radio company, the darn thing was so complicated to use/program I never used it and went and bought one that is very simple to use for the whole family (by the same company). Buts great points!

Yes, I agree. Coincidentally I recently replaced rechargeable batteries in a pair of FRS radios. My AA and 9volts lasted longer. :rolleyes:

You bring up a good point on difference between advertised specs (what is said) and true specs (what it does). I believe this crowd here is pretty savvy and would look up product reviews and by product type be able to separate out the sales pitch material. I’d hope that others learn along the way as it’s a valuable life experience skill. ;)

Statistics: Posted by NJMike — Wed Jun 14, 2017 3:17 pm

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A.N.T.S. • Re: Who is the Authority on Prepping?

June 14, 2017 NJMike 0
3ADScout wrote:
NJMike,

Re: gear specs- Mike know what your saying but even then you have to be very cautious with “advertised” specs. How many FRS radios say 2 miles?!?!? That is why I still think it best when looking for gear to look at reviews from people who have actually used the gear. Case in point I bought a NOAA weather radio made by a well known radio company, the darn thing was so complicated to use/program I never used it and went and bought one that is very simple to use for the whole family (by the same company). Buts great points!

Yes, I agree. Coincidentally I recently replaced rechargeable batteries in a pair of FRS radios. My AA and 9volts lasted longer. :rolleyes:

You bring up a good point on difference between advertised specs (what is said) and true specs (what it does). I believe this crowd here is pretty savvy and would look up product reviews and by product type be able to separate out the sales pitch material. I’d hope that others learn along the way as it’s a valuable life experience skill. ;)

Statistics: Posted by NJMike — Wed Jun 14, 2017 3:17 pm

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A.N.T.S. • Re: Who is the Authority on Prepping?

June 14, 2017 NJMike 0
3ADScout wrote:
NJMike,

Re: gear specs- Mike know what your saying but even then you have to be very cautious with “advertised” specs. How many FRS radios say 2 miles?!?!? That is why I still think it best when looking for gear to look at reviews from people who have actually used the gear. Case in point I bought a NOAA weather radio made by a well known radio company, the darn thing was so complicated to use/program I never used it and went and bought one that is very simple to use for the whole family (by the same company). Buts great points!

Yes, I agree. Coincidentally I recently replaced rechargeable batteries in a pair of FRS radios. My AA and 9volts lasted longer. :rolleyes:

You bring up a good point on difference between advertised specs (what is said) and true specs (what it does). I believe this crowd here is pretty savvy and would look up product reviews and by product type be able to separate out the sales pitch material. I’d hope that others learn along the way as it’s a valuable life experience skill. ;)

Statistics: Posted by NJMike — Wed Jun 14, 2017 3:17 pm

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Educators • Re: How to organize and not overwhelm folks new to preparing

June 14, 2017 NJMike 0

Good topic. My thoughts on a category ordered list would be something like the below, but possibly skipping to more advanced topics depending on the reception of the material.

First, discuss a past local or well known disaster and how people were affected or dealt with it. (use as springboard for other topics below) {edit- yes, agree with what Ajax said}

Present relevant every day preparedness topics.

    Fire Prevention and Safety (start off with statistics on fire related deaths, open ended question on if people are prepared, discuss options, home escape routes, etc.)
    Vehicle safety topics (maintenance, inspection, roadside kit, introduce idea of get home bag)
    Camping topics (camping gear, food/sanitation), Arrange a camping trip.
    Financial security (debt reduction, diversification, savings)
    Basic home security (topics around not making your home or person the target of a robbery)
    Back up of personal and important documents

Feel out people for interest in basic skills, relate back to local disasters. Relate to Red Cross, FEMA, CERT type advice.

    Water
    Fire
    Heat/Cold survival
    First Aid

Feel out people for interest in sustainable lifestyle skills

    Gardening
    Food storage techniques
    Small livestock
    Similar topics

Feel out people for interest in SHTF type skills

    Situational Awareness
    SHTF Scenarios and thoughts on preparing for those
    Communications
    Social networking
    Threat evasion
    Self-defense
    Advanced First Aid

Hope that helps. I’ve provided some teaching on several topics locally where I knew enough to provide enough information to get people started. I’d be interested to hear how it works for you and your experience.

Statistics: Posted by NJMike — Wed Jun 14, 2017 3:04 pm

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Educators • Re: How to organize and not overwhelm folks new to preparing

June 14, 2017 NJMike 0

Good topic. My thoughts on a category ordered list would be something like the below, but possibly skipping to more advanced topics depending on the reception of the material.

First, discuss a past local or well known disaster and how people were affected or dealt with it. (use as springboard for other topics below) {edit- yes, agree with what Ajax said}

Present relevant every day preparedness topics.

    Fire Prevention and Safety (start off with statistics on fire related deaths, open ended question on if people are prepared, discuss options, home escape routes, etc.)
    Vehicle safety topics (maintenance, inspection, roadside kit, introduce idea of get home bag)
    Camping topics (camping gear, food/sanitation), Arrange a camping trip.
    Financial security (debt reduction, diversification, savings)
    Basic home security (topics around not making your home or person the target of a robbery)
    Back up of personal and important documents

Feel out people for interest in basic skills, relate back to local disasters. Relate to Red Cross, FEMA, CERT type advice.

    Water
    Fire
    Heat/Cold survival
    First Aid

Feel out people for interest in sustainable lifestyle skills

    Gardening
    Food storage techniques
    Small livestock
    Similar topics

Feel out people for interest in SHTF type skills

    Situational Awareness
    SHTF Scenarios and thoughts on preparing for those
    Communications
    Social networking
    Threat evasion
    Self-defense
    Advanced First Aid

Hope that helps. I’ve provided some teaching on several topics locally where I knew enough to provide enough information to get people started. I’d be interested to hear how it works for you and your experience.

Statistics: Posted by NJMike — Wed Jun 14, 2017 3:04 pm

Image

Educators • Re: How to organize and not overwhelm folks new to preparing

June 14, 2017 NJMike 0

Good topic. My thoughts on a category ordered list would be something like the below, but possibly skipping to more advanced topics depending on the reception of the material.

First, discuss a past local or well known disaster and how people were affected or dealt with it. (use as springboard for other topics below) {edit- yes, agree with what Ajax said}

Present relevant every day preparedness topics.

    Fire Prevention and Safety (start off with statistics on fire related deaths, open ended question on if people are prepared, discuss options, home escape routes, etc.)
    Vehicle safety topics (maintenance, inspection, roadside kit, introduce idea of get home bag)
    Camping topics (camping gear, food/sanitation), Arrange a camping trip.
    Financial security (debt reduction, diversification, savings)
    Basic home security (topics around not making your home or person the target of a robbery)
    Back up of personal and important documents

Feel out people for interest in basic skills, relate back to local disasters. Relate to Red Cross, FEMA, CERT type advice.

    Water
    Fire
    Heat/Cold survival
    First Aid

Feel out people for interest in sustainable lifestyle skills

    Gardening
    Food storage techniques
    Small livestock
    Similar topics

Feel out people for interest in SHTF type skills

    Situational Awareness
    SHTF Scenarios and thoughts on preparing for those
    Communications
    Social networking
    Threat evasion
    Self-defense
    Advanced First Aid

Hope that helps. I’ve provided some teaching on several topics locally where I knew enough to provide enough information to get people started. I’d be interested to hear how it works for you and your experience.

Statistics: Posted by NJMike — Wed Jun 14, 2017 3:04 pm

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General Family Preparedness • Re: Measles

June 14, 2017 NJMike 0

I haven’t had any vaccinations since childhood and have no idea what I had and when. I’ve been generally very healthy in terms of flu and the like. But past performance is no indication of future performance. There’s good information in this topic to chew on, and I’ll be considering a few shots in my near future. Thanks.

Statistics: Posted by NJMike — Wed Jun 14, 2017 7:48 am

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A.N.T.S. • Re: Who is the Authority on Prepping?

June 14, 2017 NJMike 0

I would echo the above. There are lots of opinions, and in many areas there is no one true way. Skills are skills, but how people go about applying them will differ depending. Canning is pretty cut and dry from long established practices. Same for first aid. There are only so many right ways to field dress an animal. There are acceptable well known methods to successful gardening and farming. Fire starting can be done many ways and it’s obvious soon enough when there’s a fire made or not.

There are facts though. When it comes to gear, there are specifications. One can’t debate the superiority of water filtration systems or methods based on gut feelings, unless that gut feeling is a negative one brought on by cryptosporidium…

Other topics are subjective to the type of SHTF, and none of us are able to predict which scenario would happen first. A generally accepted notion is that living on the East Coast near the cities is bad. Yet what if Yellowstone goes up, or the Northwest is hit by a major quake/tsunami before economic meltdown or a pandemic?

Personally, I think there are many authorities on aspects of prepping. I use my own filter in determining whose life story and information is most applicable and when. I’ll take medical advice from a medical professional with greater seriousness for example. But the rest of that person’s advice may not be as valid as someone else given a different topic like outdoor survival or farming.

And I’m happy to say I’m an authority on nothing at all. Always learning instead. :smartass:

Statistics: Posted by NJMike — Wed Jun 14, 2017 7:34 am

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General Preparedness Discussion • Re: June 2017 – What Did You Do To Prep This Week/Month?

June 12, 2017 NJMike 0

I’ve been handing out my extra seedlings, paying it forward.

Reconnected with some old friends. Found out I’d successfully inspired one family to start raising chickens. Yay! Another friend had saved a gift for me…and it was a good one. Got a free FILBE pack system, practically complete and only missing the hydration bladder and one of the hydration pouches. Everything else was all there, plus an extra hydration carrier from another company that did include a brand new hydration bladder.

Ordered a pair of IFAK pouches, plus some first aid kit refill sets to pack out the IFAKs and add to/refresh the other first aid kits.

The container garden is going well. However, I’ve been paying attention more to the amount of water I’m using, which has been about 15 gallons per watering. When I had the larger garden with raised beds and in the ground I wasn’t really thinking about the water usage from the sprinklers. So this has been a bit of a revelation about how much water would be required for growing in a bad situation. Thus, I’m thinking more around the sourcing of water for planting when I relocate. Going to consider irrigation, cisterns, catchment systems, etc.

Statistics: Posted by NJMike — Sun Jun 11, 2017 11:19 pm

No Picture

General Preparedness Discussion • Re: June 2017 – What Did You Do To Prep This Week/Month?

June 12, 2017 NJMike 0

I’ve been handing out my extra seedlings, paying it forward.

Reconnected with some old friends. Found out I’d successfully inspired one family to start raising chickens. Yay! Another friend had saved a gift for me…and it was a good one. Got a free FILBE pack system, practically complete and only missing the hydration bladder and one of the hydration pouches. Everything else was all there, plus an extra hydration carrier from another company that did include a brand new hydration bladder.

Ordered a pair of IFAK pouches, plus some first aid kit refill sets to pack out the IFAKs and add to/refresh the other first aid kits.

The container garden is going well. However, I’ve been paying attention more to the amount of water I’m using, which has been about 15 gallons per watering. When I had the larger garden with raised beds and in the ground I wasn’t really thinking about the water usage from the sprinklers. So this has been a bit of a revelation about how much water would be required for growing in a bad situation. Thus, I’m thinking more around the sourcing of water for planting when I relocate. Going to consider irrigation, cisterns, catchment systems, etc.

Statistics: Posted by NJMike — Sun Jun 11, 2017 11:19 pm

No Picture

Terrorism & other Man made disasters • Re: Matthew Olsen is an idiot!

June 7, 2017 NJMike 0

I’m going to disagree somewhat. The premise of higher casualties shared by Olsen is not really that far fetched.

Three motivated terrorists, equipped and trained to use firearms, would have been a lot more deadly with semiautomatic rifles and handguns than with knives. Compare London’s recent 3 terrorist attack to the 3 terrorists who attacked at the Bataclan theatre in Paris in 2015 for a quick comparison on body count.

If it happened here, the response would depend on where. We unfortunately have a lot of soft targets, and summer is a time for large crowds. In states with laws that make conceal carry difficult it’s more likely that a large massacre could occur.

That assessment aside, I’m not in favor of any gun restrictions based on Olsen’s or others’ sentiments. The root cause is still the extremist nuts and not the tools they have access to.

Statistics: Posted by NJMike — Tue Jun 06, 2017 9:09 pm

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Terrorism & other Man made disasters • Re: Matthew Olsen is an idiot!

June 7, 2017 NJMike 0

I’m going to disagree somewhat. The premise of higher casualties shared by Olsen is not really that far fetched.

Three motivated terrorists, equipped and trained to use firearms, would have been a lot more deadly with semiautomatic rifles and handguns than with knives. Compare London’s recent 3 terrorist attack to the 3 terrorists who attacked at the Bataclan theatre in Paris in 2015 for a quick comparison on body count.

If it happened here, the response would depend on where. We unfortunately have a lot of soft targets, and summer is a time for large crowds. In states with laws that make conceal carry difficult it’s more likely that a large massacre could occur.

That assessment aside, I’m not in favor of any gun restrictions based on Olsen’s or others’ sentiments. The root cause is still the extremist nuts and not the tools they have access to.

Statistics: Posted by NJMike — Tue Jun 06, 2017 9:09 pm

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A.N.T.S. • Re: The Gray House

June 6, 2017 NJMike 0

I’m currently in a transition space (duplex rental) for the next few months until my house sells, so in my case it’s kinda gray, but still not where I want to be… It looks like all the other units, excepting a container garden and bicycle parked out on the back patio. It’s not my ideal location, but it is what it is for the short term.

I will hopefully be moving the end of year, back into a home and out of NJ if all goes as planned.

Some ideas I’ll be taking with me in home selection and property maintenance:

1) A home out of direct view from a major road and hopefully neighbors as well
2) Equipment and tools kept indoors when not in use
3) Animal areas kept under tree cover where possible
4) Buried or concealed cisterns
5) Solar panels below treeline, and only deployed during the day, if possible
6) Minimize reflective surfaces
7) Concealable fuel, i.e.- avoid exposed walls of firewood look or large visible storage tanks.
8) No “get off my land or I’ll shoot” signs

Statistics: Posted by NJMike — Tue Jun 06, 2017 12:45 pm

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A.N.T.S. • Re: The Gray House

June 6, 2017 NJMike 0

I’m currently in a transition space (duplex rental) for the next few months until my house sells, so in my case it’s kinda gray, but still not where I want to be… It looks like all the other units, excepting a container garden and bicycle parked out on the back patio. It’s not my ideal location, but it is what it is for the short term.

I will hopefully be moving the end of year, back into a home and out of NJ if all goes as planned.

Some ideas I’ll be taking with me in home selection and property maintenance:

1) A home out of direct view from a major road and hopefully neighbors as well
2) Equipment and tools kept indoors when not in use
3) Animal areas kept under tree cover where possible
4) Buried or concealed cisterns
5) Solar panels below treeline, and only deployed during the day, if possible
6) Minimize reflective surfaces
7) Concealable fuel, i.e.- avoid exposed walls of firewood look or large visible storage tanks.
8) No “get off my land or I’ll shoot” signs

Statistics: Posted by NJMike — Tue Jun 06, 2017 12:45 pm

No Picture

A.N.T.S. • Re: Bicycles; are they worth the Investment

June 6, 2017 NJMike 0

I have 2 bikes currently, a hybrid and a 12 speed road bike. Both are old and without the features of newer bikes like lightweight frames, shocks, etc. I also have extra tubes and tires.

There are many types of bikes, and I’m no expert. I’m still looking to add several more bikes to my equipment, including a folding bike to keep in the back of my truck. I’ll need more tubes and tires as well.

My rationale for a bike:
1) Getting back to home base if roads are impassible for cars/trucks. (thus a folding bike option)
2) Getting away if roads are impassible for cars/trucks
3) Extending range vs. on foot for non-motorized reconnaissance and trade travel
4) No grazing, watering, or shoeing required
5) Many parts are interchangeable between makes and models
6) Repairable with basic hand tools

I don’t expect to carry much on a bike, although I’ve recently seen some people around my area with bikes loaded up with crates/bags like a bunch of 3rd world nomads.

Statistics: Posted by NJMike — Tue Jun 06, 2017 11:13 am

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A.N.T.S. • Re: Bicycles; are they worth the Investment

June 6, 2017 NJMike 0

I have 2 bikes currently, a hybrid and a 12 speed road bike. Both are old and without the features of newer bikes like lightweight frames, shocks, etc. I also have extra tubes and tires.

There are many types of bikes, and I’m no expert. I’m still looking to add several more bikes to my equipment, including a folding bike to keep in the back of my truck. I’ll need more tubes and tires as well.

My rationale for a bike:
1) Getting back to home base if roads are impassible for cars/trucks. (thus a folding bike option)
2) Getting away if roads are impassible for cars/trucks
3) Extending range vs. on foot for non-motorized reconnaissance and trade travel
4) No grazing, watering, or shoeing required
5) Many parts are interchangeable between makes and models
6) Repairable with basic hand tools

I don’t expect to carry much on a bike, although I’ve recently seen some people around my area with bikes loaded up with crates/bags like a bunch of 3rd world nomads.

Statistics: Posted by NJMike — Tue Jun 06, 2017 11:13 am

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Terrorism & other Man made disasters • Re: Explosion in Baghdad

May 31, 2017 NJMike 0

Yeah, no argument on the fact that there is desensitizing going on. Aside from the civilians we have the ever increasing body count of our soldiers which sees even less coverage.

And when was the last time anyone saw embedded reporters from a major network reporting on what is actually going on right there on the ground? All I see about battles (in our ongoing WARS) are one line scrolling messages at the bottom of news programs instead focused on personalities, intrigue and angst in D.C. or about new threats to Oceania from Eurasia or Eastasia. It’s Orwellian.

Statistics: Posted by NJMike — Wed May 31, 2017 2:26 pm

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Terrorism & other Man made disasters • Re: Explosion in Baghdad

May 31, 2017 NJMike 0

Yeah, no argument on the fact that there is desensitizing going on. Aside from the civilians we have the ever increasing body count of our soldiers which sees even less coverage.

And when was the last time anyone saw embedded reporters from a major network reporting on what is actually going on right there on the ground? All I see about battles (in our ongoing WARS) are one line scrolling messages at the bottom of news programs instead focused on personalities, intrigue and angst in D.C. or about new threats to Oceania from Eurasia or Eastasia. It’s Orwellian.

Statistics: Posted by NJMike — Wed May 31, 2017 2:26 pm

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Terrorism & other Man made disasters • Re: EMP-Korea Concerns & Discussions #2 (May 2017)

May 31, 2017 NJMike 0

On a more cynical note, what’s the possibility that much of this is just more political theater to justify a new arms race and massive increases in military spending?

With a government that can record all our phone and Internet chat, I would hope they’d actually know if the 2 NORK satellites had EMP nukes on board. If they were a true threat, with them flying over our airspace every hour and a half, it should be possible to bring them both down while they’re flying over somewhere else, like an ocean.

Apologies if this has been covered already, but we’ve done this before on our own satellites and not just the U.S. has worked this angle:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solwind
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Operation_Burnt_Frost
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-satellite_weapon

A small localized EMP from an anti-satellite missile detonated near each satellite could perhaps fry these without generating lots of space debris that would potentially damage many other satellites in orbit with a direct hit.

Statistics: Posted by NJMike — Wed May 31, 2017 2:06 pm

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Terrorism & other Man made disasters • Re: EMP-Korea Concerns & Discussions #2 (May 2017)

May 31, 2017 NJMike 0

On a more cynical note, what’s the possibility that much of this is just more political theater to justify a new arms race and massive increases in military spending?

With a government that can record all our phone and Internet chat, I would hope they’d actually know if the 2 NORK satellites had EMP nukes on board. If they were a true threat, with them flying over our airspace every hour and a half, it should be possible to bring them both down while they’re flying over somewhere else, like an ocean.

Apologies if this has been covered already, but we’ve done this before on our own satellites and not just the U.S. has worked this angle:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solwind
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Operation_Burnt_Frost
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-satellite_weapon

A small localized EMP from an anti-satellite missile detonated near each satellite could perhaps fry these without generating lots of space debris that would potentially damage many other satellites in orbit with a direct hit.

Statistics: Posted by NJMike — Wed May 31, 2017 2:06 pm

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General Preparedness Discussion • Re: MAY 2017 – What Did You Do To Prep This Week/Month?

May 31, 2017 NJMike 0
Cin wrote:
Bought 1 can of New Zealand corned beef, to try it out. If we like it, we will stock up for the LTS.

You bought 2 more cans in a subsequent post, so I guess you liked it. :)

It’s a favorite of mine fried up crispy with diced potatoes for a corned beef hash. I keep roughly a case+ of the NZ corned beef, set aside for several rainy days.

Statistics: Posted by NJMike — Wed May 31, 2017 7:49 am

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General Preparedness Discussion • Re: MAY 2017 – What Did You Do To Prep This Week/Month?

May 31, 2017 NJMike 0
Cin wrote:
Bought 1 can of New Zealand corned beef, to try it out. If we like it, we will stock up for the LTS.

You bought 2 more cans in a subsequent post, so I guess you liked it. :)

It’s a favorite of mine fried up crispy with diced potatoes for a corned beef hash. I keep roughly a case+ of the NZ corned beef, set aside for several rainy days.

Statistics: Posted by NJMike — Wed May 31, 2017 7:49 am

No Picture

General Preparedness Discussion • Re: MAY 2017 – What Did You Do To Prep This Week/Month?

May 31, 2017 NJMike 0

The month is drawing to a close, but I did get a few additional things accomplished in the past few weeks.

My old house will be on the market soon. A dumpster was filled last week. I’m going to need a second dumpster. That’s the danger of having a lot of hobbies, and collecting wood and other scraps for projects. The house sale will be my springboard to moving out of NJ, as soon as is practical.

The container garden is going well, despite the wet, wet…wet… weather we’re having here. The ground out behind my current place is becoming a swamp beyond my planting pots. Going to have to test out some anti-mosquito recipes this summer.

I began kitting out another 2 first aid boxes. Using the EMT boxes I picked up super cheap at the rummage sale beginning of the month, I’m doing up the smaller for basic first aid and the larger one for trauma. They’re about 50% complete.

I discovered another flea market in my new area. They have an Army Navy shop and I picked up some current MREs. I have a full pantry and already have plenty of long term food in #10 cans, 5 gal buckets, freeze dried, and self-canned. I wasn’t stocking any MREs until now. I don’t consider MREs to be long term food, but more of an immediate emergency meal stock.

This coming weekend, and a preview to a June post- more cleaning up of the old house, replacing the tubes and tires on a mountain/hybrid bike, giving away some extra plants, and picking up a freebie backpack from a friend.

Statistics: Posted by NJMike — Wed May 31, 2017 7:43 am

No Picture

General Preparedness Discussion • Re: MAY 2017 – What Did You Do To Prep This Week/Month?

May 31, 2017 NJMike 0

The month is drawing to a close, but I did get a few additional things accomplished in the past few weeks.

My old house will be on the market soon. A dumpster was filled last week. I’m going to need a second dumpster. That’s the danger of having a lot of hobbies, and collecting wood and other scraps for projects. The house sale will be my springboard to moving out of NJ, as soon as is practical.

The container garden is going well, despite the wet, wet…wet… weather we’re having here. The ground out behind my current place is becoming a swamp beyond my planting pots. Going to have to test out some anti-mosquito recipes this summer.

I began kitting out another 2 first aid boxes. Using the EMT boxes I picked up super cheap at the rummage sale beginning of the month, I’m doing up the smaller for basic first aid and the larger one for trauma. They’re about 50% complete.

I discovered another flea market in my new area. They have an Army Navy shop and I picked up some current MREs. I have a full pantry and already have plenty of long term food in #10 cans, 5 gal buckets, freeze dried, and self-canned. I wasn’t stocking any MREs until now. I don’t consider MREs to be long term food, but more of an immediate emergency meal stock.

This coming weekend, and a preview to a June post- more cleaning up of the old house, replacing the tubes and tires on a mountain/hybrid bike, giving away some extra plants, and picking up a freebie backpack from a friend.

Statistics: Posted by NJMike — Wed May 31, 2017 7:43 am

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Guns • Re: Would you get this?

May 16, 2017 NJMike 0

No to the original question.

Problem with that “gun” is it looks like a gun, but doesn’t act like a gun. I wouldn’t want to have one and face someone else with a real gun who isn’t going to distinguish.

I also wouldn’t be a proponent of getting this product into common use either. It would be like the smart gun technology. I can see laws being introduced as a tactic to curtail already limited carry rights in states like NJ, or just 2A rights in general. Make people get permits for these, and then restrict or ban law abiding citizens from having actual firearms.

Statistics: Posted by NJMike — Tue May 16, 2017 3:42 pm

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Guns • Re: Would you get this?

May 16, 2017 NJMike 0

No to the original question.

Problem with that “gun” is it looks like a gun, but doesn’t act like a gun. I wouldn’t want to have one and face someone else with a real gun who isn’t going to distinguish.

I also wouldn’t be a proponent of getting this product into common use either. It would be like the smart gun technology. I can see laws being introduced as a tactic to curtail already limited carry rights in states like NJ, or just 2A rights in general. Make people get permits for these, and then restrict or ban law abiding citizens from having actual firearms.

Statistics: Posted by NJMike — Tue May 16, 2017 3:42 pm

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First Aid & Medicine • Re: Diatamaceous Earth

May 16, 2017 NJMike 0

Yes. Good stuff.

I’ve used the food grade DE in chicken feed I’d stored long term, and with some other bulk food items.

Tried it once in the garden as a small ring in the soil around some plants. I figured on the ground that wouldn’t mess with the bees as much, but might keep pests off.

Statistics: Posted by NJMike — Tue May 16, 2017 10:25 am

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General Preparedness Discussion • Re: MAY 2017 – What Did You Do To Prep This Week/Month?

May 6, 2017 NJMike 0

Got divorced. Now I have the financial obligations set, so I can plan around that. :ouch:

Picked up some more unusual plants at an Asian market this week. Sunchoke aka Jerusalem Artichoke, Perila, Dropwort, and Aralia Root.

I found some great deals at a rummage sale yesterday. In addition to a dozen books on various useful topics, I picked up another recurve bow for $12, a camping shovel/pick for $6, two medical storage boxes for $13, arm sling, wrist splint and cervical collar for $6, two frame backpacks for $12 each and I happened upon a Condor sniper drag bag for…$6, a great deal for adding a range bag.

Statistics: Posted by NJMike — Sat May 06, 2017 9:47 am

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General Family Preparedness • Re: Prepper Spending Challenge! How would you do it?

May 6, 2017 NJMike 0
DR1VENbyKNOWLEDGE wrote:
Nice Mike…Good preps.

I’m in a rental…4 bedrooms…..And while I garden(supplements a little, but it’s more about getting the experience) I’m very limited in my space and production…Almost nothing gets saved past the season.

With that, and needing the portability of a future move in there, and being in the middle of a huge city, the freeze0dried option was a no-brainer option for me to get an immediate 3 month jump start on my preps for a family of 3 and starting from scratch…

I started with a bulk order of Wise.(I know, THE SODIUM!) but it gave me a little room to breath…. Since then(years back) I’ve been able to supplement and diversify….I’ve spent way over this specific budget listed(Family of 3) but I’m up to a conservative estimate of 7 months breathing room if SHTF with heavy rationing…water included in that.

I really want more “real food” options but I figure I’ve got it better than 90% of the 5 million people I’m surrounded by…..

Sometimes on here I second guess my preps as being inadequate or the wrong items from seeing how far behind I am from others, but I guess I’m grading on a “real curve” in a prepper community and going to judge myself harsher than when talking with neighbors/friends…..There like stated I’m in the top 10% at a guess. ;)

Thanks. We all have to work within our space constraints. I totally get that. I’d share that I’ve currently been in a 2 bedroom rental the last few months. All the food I’ve listed I’ve found some space for. I have a coat closet that is packed up to 6′ with food for example. Once I move, and I’m looking forward to that, I’ll be able to expand more comfortably, and a coat closet can be a coat closet. Of course if you’re living with others, that space utilization matters more. A nearby storage unit is an option if you’re confined by rental space.

Statistics: Posted by NJMike — Sat May 06, 2017 9:14 am

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General Family Preparedness • Re: Prepper Spending Challenge! How would you do it?

May 4, 2017 NJMike 0

I agree with the list/approach from Sageprice.

Looking at the Walmart/Augason deal- Averaged out it’s over 400 calories per dollar, 1975 calories a day for year. That might be hard to beat on dollar for dollar depending on approach, however it doesn’t include basic condiments and spices, and has many not-meat items with TVP.

I have over a year of food for myself. It’s a mix of Augason, Emergency Essentials, Mountain House, LDS canned goods, my own canned goods, 5 gallon pails of bulk items (like honey) and a variety of shelf stable grocery or discount club purchased food items. That’s provides greater variety to avoid diet fatigue. I just rotate through items with shorter shelf life.

Also, Not all my food needs hot water for reconstitution, which I think can be a huge drawback to the “year of #10 cans” dehydrated and freeze dried approach. There may be situations where water or fuel needs to be conserved. Canned vegetables and meats can be stewed in their own juices. Tuna fish, canned fruits, and other items are easily consumed out of the can without heating. I even have some B&M canned bread, as a carrying device for the Red Feather butter. :)

Statistics: Posted by NJMike — Thu May 04, 2017 9:46 am

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General Preparedness Discussion • Re: April 2017 – What Did You Do To Prep Todayhis Week?

May 1, 2017 NJMike 0

Not a whole lot going on lately, mostly maintenance- keeping seedlings going before planting and the like.

I did make a call on my damaged food order and sent in pictures of the can dents and a mylar package improperly sealed. Waiting to hear back on that.

I was going through my communication equipment and making sure everything was fully charged. A pair of Midland radios in storage had both batteries low and they didn’t recharge properly. Ordered replacement batteries, and took the opportunity to add some short whip antennas for my other hand held radios.

Statistics: Posted by NJMike — Mon May 01, 2017 1:06 pm