Practical Prepping Protocol even if Poor

Turned them yellow, as well, I recall reading, though perhaps not as badly as did opium.

Medications are going to be a large concern for many, including myself. I am stocking up what I can, and have plans to titer myself off those I will not be able to stock or later acquire. I'll be very ill and in even more pain, in fact near immobilized, even though I have enough pain meds to last a considerable period. Some of the other things I take deal with nerve pain, and being without will be harsher than I can imagine.

I can't feature what many will do without medications to which they are accustomed. Many will not be aware that they must take themselves off slowly with the last month or so of their stock on hand. There will be medical emergencies, cardiac arrest, strokes, so many things, with no 911 response. Families will have to care for their own members.

So many things need people to be aware of today, in order to prepare, yet we can only carry the message, not the people.

Did you all notice the link I posted, wherein Sweden is having their citizens prepare? Very wise of the country - wish ours would do so more vigorously, and even admit the government will not be there to rescue in those times.

If wishes were fishes, we'd all have a fry, right?

Last Edited by Pooka on 05/31/2019 11:05 PM

[link to www.reneesgarden.com (secure)]

I have seen the seed at local stores but I am in a heavily homesteaded area. You may have to order from a catalog. I plant around 20 plants and they deliver all season long with enough to share.

I have never frozen my green beans but I think they freeze pretty well if you blanch them first (steam for 2 minutes, then plunge into cold water.) Dry then bag and freeze.

I was actually in a store today getting a few heirloom seeds and looked at the green beans - couldn't remember the name you had given us but I knew I would recognize the name if I saw it. No luck. Will have to order.

Do you can them instead of freezing?

Just looked at the link you provided and they are, indeed, heirloom! Wonderful!

Edit to add: Amazing! Just discovered that scarlet runner beans are also heirloom and nonGMO!!! This really blesses me! Now I can be happier about planting and using and giving them away.

Do you think they would grow adequately in a container, like a gallon or two gallon pot? I coudln't find any Scarlet Runner Bean seeds in this store or the one last week, so will have to order. Need to make a choice here. LOL I'd like heirloom seeds, definitely, but also would like the scarlet runner beans planted in my hanging baskets, for fun.

Last Edited by Pooka on 06/01/2019 03:02 AM

This post is from LookingInward, who is yet again banned from posting - something about IPs, apparently. A general ban, not personal. She asked me to put it up for her, and it's good information - happy to do so.

LookingInward is able to read here, just not post at the moment, so address your comments to her, please and thank you.

For pain...dry the white sap that flows from wild lettuce. It is extremely bitter I hear. Place it in empty capsules or perhaps rolled up inside a piece of bread. None of the nasty side effects from pain medication. I would post a link but the domain no longer exists. Glad I saved the page. It is similar to morphine in how it works.

Lactuca Virosa is the scientific term for it, and many people have used it in place of addictive prescription pain medicine. It’s a leafy and tall plant, with small yellow buds, and could be grown right out your door. More commonly found in North America and England, it’s a cousin to the lettuce we typically see at the grocery store. It’s also referred to as bitter lettuce, or more appropriately for the purpose discussed here, opium lettuce. This milky substance is called lactucarium. And, while it doesn’t contain any opiates, it has similar side effects when used – it acts directly on the central nervous system (CNS) to lessen the feeling of pain, just like morphine.

Thank you very much, LookingInward - a number of us are going to need this, and I would suggest that everybody grow and prepare an amount, just because stuff happens, even after TSHTF, and we don't know when we might have acute pain from an injury or illness.

Last Edited by Pooka on 06/01/2019 03:38 AM

I don't have oxygen absorbers nor mylar bags. I've put the cloth bag of hard red wheat into a ziploc bag with as much air expressed as possible. My intention is to put it in the freezer for at least three days to kill any insects, then put it into storage. Make sense? Will do the same with fresh ground cornmeal when it arrives, and any other grains. I'm not buying in quantity so no point investing in the usual storage means.

Speaking of PROLIFIC. My Father planted Cucuzza Italian squash seeds.

[link to www.gardeningknowhow.com (secure)]

It was like Jack and the Beanstalk. They grew all over the garden. The vines went 30 feet up trees. I measured a vine and it grew 4 feet in a DAY.

Pop was taking a wheel barrow load out daily to give away. He only planted four seeds.

My Mother cooked up the green squash and made soups and caseroles which she froze. We ate it for months.

In a SFTF, you could slice it thin and dry it for later. Easy calories.

Two threads up today with information on ebola being here. Brief is giving out bad information - don't know if it's his "humor" or he is totally misled.

Ebola has apparently arrived in the US. If this is true, and I suspect it is, it will be all over in no time, considering the way we travel, eat out, use public restrooms, use ATMs and open doors with our hands, and every way we could be contaminated. A sneeze or a cough will disperse virulent droplets through the air.

I don't want to be alarmist, ever - want to be perfectly rational and depending on facts, except when the Holy Spirit directs me in some way.

Today I do not feel directed, at least not yet. However, I feel strong concern. I sense that our time of sheltering in place is near. Many of you are more ready than I, yet I have done what I can up to today. Next week, Lord Willing, I will be a bit more prepared.

Fortunately we should not have to deal with a grid down disaster, at least not unless and until ebola becomes pandemic and there is no one left to maintain the power systems and keep the nuclear power plants safe. We will just have to pray the epidemic doesn't come to that.

Our government and the MSM will not alert us to an epidemic until it is already too late, in the name of preventing mass panic. Therefore we have to take charge of our own timing through all the information we can gather. Fortunately we are on the one forum, to the best of my knowledge, that is likely to have posters in all areas who are able to tell us the truth from the boots-on-the-ground perspective.

Please be aware, good friends, that this is a today issue - not the distant future, not a "probably never happen" scenario. Right now there are apparently ebola known cases in the US of A. "Known" cases means many more "unknown".

Let's be very, very serious and thoughtful about the situation, and be ready, be aware, be watching threads, be watching [link to www.liveebolamap.com] although do not rely on that alone.

There are currently confirmed cases in Rhode Island and Los Angeles. Just think about it. Traveling - traveling companions already dispersed among our population. Just think.

So, for me, it is very, very near time for sheltering in place. God spare this area an earthquake and tsunami, requiring people gather in crowds in safe zones.

That sounds like a perfect thing to grow right now! Is it a summer squash or winter? I'm going to check it out.

A couple years ago a friend in Utah sent me a photo of his "squash tree". I don't recall the type of squash, but one of the vines got away from him, and next thing he knew, he realized there were huge squash hanging from a tree!

Thank you for this suggestion, Darth. Prolific is definitely the key word of the day for what we need to grow!

Edit: Just discovered this squash is also called "Serpent of Italy". Ew. Could have gone a lifetime without ever seeing that! LOL They are very long so would be simple slicing.

I wonder if it would be as delicious as zucchini, sauteed with tomatoes and onions. Sound so, no?

Last Edited by Pooka on 06/01/2019 08:58 PM

Someone actually redded me for my post about we who demand our coffee - can you imagine? Of course the coward didn't sign it, so it isn't worth anything. Wish people would grow up on here. Not going to happen, though. Some will always be children.

Hey, lame not-signer - get out of our business! You obviously come only to criticize - go find other toys to play with. Else we might make it our business to find out who you are, and return the favor a hundredfold!

Go get your ebola preps in order, if you are smart enough to do that. Probably not - you are probably soaked to the soul with normalcy bias.

I just noted that near the bottom of the article, whereas earlier in the article N95 masks were recommended. The number denotes the size of the "thing" - in this case the ebola virus - which can get through the mask. Unless the size of this ebola virus has changed, I believe N95 to be sufficient. If you have N100 or P100, so much the better. If you have not yet purchased or ordered masks - HURRY UP!!!! - go for the higher number if you like. I just ordered another batch of N95 last night, so I will be going with that size. However, I am likely to stop going out before many of you, so that's an added protection.

I also recently purchased five pair white cotton gloves, with a view toward wearing them shopping, peel off wrong side out upon returning home, toss in the laundry, launder with bleach, and wear again. They will be less uncomfortable than the vinyl-type, but I have to see if I find them adequate for this earlier time of ebola possibilities.

Last Edited by Pooka on 06/02/2019 12:10 AM

Pooka, thank you for your warnings about ebola. And methods for growing potatoes.

Bugs - just ordered nematodes today, $25 for 15 Million. Never used, but they're supposed to take out 200 species of eggs and larvae in the yard, which is the first line of defense from the outside property line, going in, then the house. We are battling fleas and natural methods are all being tried. Borax and salt seems to have made a good dent, as well as dishwashing soap flea traps in areas where the dog has been. Flea Stoppers, then a vinegar peppermint wash will seal the deal.

Aluminum, not so good to cook with; linked to alzheimers.

Ebola. Will make personal hand wash for grocery carts and use it, since I don't trust the anti-bacterial stuff provided. Have been prepping harder since Midwest flooding.

Great article - most of it seems as though I had written it!

Protection for mouth and nose and hands is critical. I am going to start adding goggles - was thinking about that all afternoon. That was not a recommendation last time around, and I believe it should have been. Goggles can be found in a variety of places, even the Dollar Tree! Protecting the eyes from any form of splash or droplet will be crucial. Hope everyone here has goggles. If not, please acquire. The kind that wrap around the sides of the eyes, and are attached via elastic, ensuring as snug a fit as possible, will be the best.

AC, thank you very much for this article you've posted! Great job!

Last Edited by Pooka on 06/01/2019 11:56 PM

TXGLP2, welcome here! Happy you are finding posts that are useful to you.

Sorry you are having such a flea time! I use the vet-type stuff on my girls and it works perfectly.

I've not purchased or used nematodes, but love the idea of ridding the garden of a lot of the damaging bugs. Of course, some of them are probably good, but the bad ones are really bad. Wonder if nematodes would remove the insects and larvae that eat leaves, roots, and even produce.

No, aluminum is not great for cooking. Stainless steel or cast iron are the best.

I would less clean a shopping cart handle and more wear gloves, from the moment of leaving your vehicle, all through the store, and back to your car. Keep hands away from face, even with gloves on. People who touched the shopping cart [EWW] have also touched merchandise throughout the store, the payment stand, door openers. Nasty business. Do you know how few people in this First World, clean, uptight country wash their hands after using the bathroom? So few - shocking.

We are near time for gloves, masks, and goggles just to go out in public, and the less going out the better, quickly followed by not going out at all. TXGLP2, are you among us preparedness folks? Hope so. Need to get everything into your shelter, whether your home or a bug-out location, immediately, as we will not be warned in time, and will need to remove ourselves from all other people long before the government says so.

Thank you for your post! Hope to see lots more from you! If any questions, please ask. We are here to help.

By the way, potatoes are incredibly easy to grow - just use whatever you have on hand to tuck around the leaves as they grow. Potatoes will continue forming as long as the roots are covered. Only use seed potatoes - don't try to use the sprouted potatoes you bought at the grocery store that got ahead of you. They will not produce well, having been sprayed with so many different substances.

Last Edited by Pooka on 06/02/2019 12:12 AM

Oh, yes, this thread... it's like the angel help thread, I follow and value it. Help is Help!
Never thought about gloves, yes. Don't really get sick since quitting vaccines, and always told myself, "well, germs and bacteria are supposed to be good for you." Hah! Up to a point, that is, and if these ebola stories are true... well, I watched "The Stand" last week, and am from a border state, have seen it up close for decades to the point of leaving that state.

I'm prepped to a point and can bugout. Partner is very knowledgeable in offgrid and we are slowly getting a small, built cabin out of town to livability, offgrid only.

PS, what vet-type stuff? We're about to try Bravecto.

Last Edited by TXGLP2 on 06/02/2019 12:39 AM

Cucuzza is actually a type of edible gourd not a squash.

We just peeled, diced, and cooked them green.

Tasted like squash.

Even as gourds these would have amazing uses! I love the shape and length of them. Some to eat, some to save for seed, some to have fun with and even make great use of! Picture slinging a four-foot long gourd, with leather attached to each end as a carrier, over your shoulder and going off into the woods. It could hold water, bullets, first aid kit, food, anything!

Hay we've been busy the last 3 days. Ill PM ya with the Info sunday my friend.
Hope your well.

I use Advantage II. As a former volunteer at a local pet rescue, I get it from there at cost, fortunately. One tube meant for one application for one large dog lasts my two smallish dogs a year or more. Twenty pounds and eight pounds.

Please get N95 or N100 or P100 masks for you and your partner, a lot of them, and 3 mil or greater nitrile gloves - a lot of them, as well. One use only for both masks and gloves. I will be grocery shopping later next week, and am seriously considering wearing either nitrile or cotton gloves for the trip.

Congratulations on your cabin!!! Hope you are not currently living in the city. If so, need a bag for each of you that is always with you, to enable you to go from work or commute walking to your new location. Hope you don't have to get there that way.

You and/or your partner might have good things to teach us about off-grid. That's my nightmare scenario - grid down. To have no heat and no way to install other kinds, and no power or running water - cannot imagine. As for doing without GLP - hugest nightmare ever!

Miss you, Bushy! Glad you are okay. Give wife a hug. Talk soon.

Last Edited by Pooka on 06/02/2019 02:51 AM

Just watched a video on growing potatoes which demonstrates exactly what I described. Thought you might enjoy it.

Three ebola threads today, that I've seen. Border patrol reports definite ebola in this country.

Crunch, dam conditions sound dam worse - are you doing okay? Still planning to stay? You have no new information that created a new plan? Wanting you to be safe and comfortable.

According to my copy of "The Garden Seed Inventory - a listing of all the non-hybrid vegetable and garden seeds...", Provider is an heirloom seed. Rust resistant, slow to wilt.

Great stuff!

Last weekend I ordered a number of heirloom seeds and am excited for them to arrive!

Of the ones I found locally last week, I've now done some planting - Russian Kale and beets. So exciting to be planting vegetables - have not done so in many years, not since I fed my family from the garden.

Since then, I'd only done flowers for some years, and then got into fruits, which has been my love for probably seven or eight years. I had not thought much of planting vegetables since I cannot put anything in the ground here, which is ridiculous.

The discovery of the one dollar buckets at Walmart bake shop opened up new doors, so to speak. I used to have a lot of buckets, even when I moved here. Many were filled with preps that I had not recycled. Bad me. So at the time I just eliminated them. Now replacing, but I like these better, anyway. Both five gallon and one or two gallon, the smaller round ones. Larger are rectangular.

Soon more seeds will arrive and I will get the buckets and find places for them. Exciting! Hoping to grow winter squash, even, as they last without being preserved, and are so wonderful on a cold winter night!

Hoping you all check in with how your gardens or plantings are doing!

Not really a prepping idea but on June 8-9, Michigan DNR is offering the "Free Three" where residents and nonresidents are allowed to fish without a license, entrance to state parks without fee and access to offroad trails without a permit. Never a better time to get outdoors.