An often overlooked MUST HAVE for an extended "Bug In" or "self quarantine"

Burn baby, BURN@!

Make a flamethrower and ignite from upwind.

Cabin fever is stupid. Learn a foreign language. You need very few books and materials.

Build things. Repair things. Upgrade things. Use the time wisely.

You can try your local library. They often have box sets with 10 -15 CDs of radio dramas.

If searching online you can search for "Greatest Old-Time Radio Shows of the 20th Century" or "20thcenturyradio"

That'll get you shows like Bob Hope, Dragnet, The Lone Ranger, Tarzan, Gunsmoke and others.

You can also look for "Twilight Zone Radio Dramas"

If you get them from a library you can make yourself a copy or you can buy them from various websites.

I can't say where or how I got all of mine because posting a link would get me banned and this thread deleted.

I bought a dozen of those inexpensive eyeglasses at Ace hardware. They have them on sale about twice a year for a dollar each. I don't need classes.but it occurred to me that someone might be very grateful to have even a cheap pair of magnifying glasses. That way they could participate in the card games, puzzles , reading, etc.

I also thought if would be good to have some musical instruments. Music is good for the emotions.

Glasses not classes

Dam spellcheck

People at the Power company have families just like the rest of us. I'm sure that they would be just as nervous as the rest of us about the Ebola or any other disease pandemic. So I doubt whether they will be selfless and come to work every day for Humanity's sake. Would you? Apparently not, if you're planning on "bugging in".

I don't know ..if a member of my family worked for the power company in a position where it would matter in such a scenario, I would plan to be "bugging in" at their work.

Power will be hugely important and such folks would be almost god like in such an instance.( water folks too??)

However I don't live in a fairy tale world and knowing human nature for what it is ....Shrug.

"Entertainment activities" have many "teaching & learning" elements. It all depends upon how it is perceived. And presented.

Being quarantined needn't be an horrific experience. I know from personal experience, 28-days with measles. There are probably many others on GLP who remember those long passed times.

Another fun thing is growing plants from seeds & cuttings. Think of the curiosity in a child or young adult to watch an avocado pit send out roots then a shoot. A carrot top grows into a beautiful fern. Remember, plants help to cleanse the air as well as become focal points for interesting discussions. Simple Earth Science.

During a quarantine everyone will need personal space & quiet time. It can become a sacrosanct period each afternoon. A time for quiet contemplation, day dreaming, prayer...even naps.

I know most Americans are self-sufficient and independent. The specter of dependence is anathema. There are times when, as a family, we must needs coalesce around a common bond and become interdependent.

During a quarantine, bring out the best table linens, the best china, the best flatware, the candle holders, the vases. Prepare the evening meal together. Everyone from the youngest toddler to the oldest grey hair can offer their hands, share & learn new skills. (It takes knowledge of arithmetic & fractions plus reading skills & comprehension ;-).)

Oh! Crafts. I'm learning knot-tying using para cord. Already know basic macrame knots...from the original macrame craze back in the 1960s. Great way to create wall hangings, curtains, hammocks. Latago is becoming a lost art. Why not revive leather work or rope making or whittling or...

I used to sit with my Gran when I was younger and we would listen to a radio program that played all the old time mystery shows. It was a very special time for my grandmother and I. I can see how OP's idea would be a great one to help unite a family during tough times of forced isolation with each other.

Reminded of this thread by another so I'm bumping for good info.
BTW OP. I picked up a few show CDs from the library. Still looking for more though.

Bravo, OP. That's thinking ahead, past the stage of 'accumulate 3 months of survival provisions'.

I would add to this the necessity of EXERCISE. Very important. Pushups, situps, dumbells if you have them, are all fine and dandy, but getting some cardio while staying in the house for 3 months is a bit of a tricky thing to figure out.

Cheers all.

Craft ideas that are also practical --sewing, knitting, crocheting! Read up on plants that are edible and poisonous or both! Learn how to tan animal hides, how to properly kill, clean and preserve said animals.. How to can food, how to preserve food for travel and do it with your bug in survival foods!
Use your imagination and ask your kids and family/friends who are going to be bugging in with you what they like to do....
Have lost of paper, glue, sissors, paint, crayons, markers etc..

Encourage everyone to write a journal daily..when it is all over..and time has passed..you can read them to appreciate how much you survived!!
Guitars and instruments that require no power source (stock up on strings and replacement parts) get music books and note charts--even get books on instrument repair/making..

Learn to make your own bows and arrows..


I could just go on and on sorry

My generator is powered by burning endangered barn owls.

Kazoos, slide-whistles, train whistles, bird calls, maraccas, tambourines, harmonicas, ukelele, cowbell, wood blocks, and so on.

Family rhythm jams!

It makes your dick fly off too don't ya know?

(South park reference)