Preparing for TEOTWAWKI, Depression II, Great Recession or an Emergency with Family Lore, Stories and Teaching by Example!

I follow many blogs on preparation, emergency awareness, gardening, food storage, practical living, sustainability, being a modern survivalist, peak oil, peak anything, financial news, TEOTWAWKI, spiritual inspiration and just plain fun subjects.  Yes I love to read and find the Internet the greatest library!

Now what does this have to do with my title?  I made a post on another blog that I wanted to share with you.  Here it is -

Depression Stories - The “Depression” was fixated in my mind by my Grandmother and Mother. The stories were passed down. My Mother has written a variety of stories on how the family survived during those years when she was a child. I believe family lore is important. I have read how leaving an “ethical will” allows for “what I learned in life and hopes for the family” to be passed from one generation to the next. Family stories put into book form do the same. Even movie stars are into writing what worked and did not work in their lives. In our family we have a Christmas tradition that came straight out of the Depression. My Mother’s parents would buy a tangerine [expensive in that era], an Almond Joy candy bar and a package of gum. Then they would divide them up as a treat. Every year members of my family get a brown paper bag with a tangerine or orange, an Almond Joy candy bar and a package of gum to remember how far the family has come. This last Christmas my Mother read her story about the tradition. Maybe that will become a tradition as well. It was an inspirational moment. I believe family traditions and family lore is an important tool in the box of “how to live prepared for whatever”.


Buzz Terms - When it comes to terms I find that “buzz words” are helpful as well. My children are in their 30s and 40s. They respond to terms like “sustainability”, “locally grown”, etc. I use the term “pantry” or “food storage” but my mother called it in her stories the depression term – larder. I guess in the future those who read her stories will have to have a dictionary to explain the meaning [smile]. I use the buzz words when I “Tweet”, on my Blog and on my personal Facebook page. My goal like everyone reading this is to BE prepared for whatever happens.

Staying Ready for “Whatever Happens” - I strive to keep the pantry full and have long term food storage. We garden and have an orchard even if they are in pots. It keeps our fingers in growing things and lets my children and grandchild “see” how it is done. We keep emergency items on hand. We are always working on something that will keep things up to date. I guess it is teaching by example. This year as you might remember I had a series of surgeries and almost died. I might not live to see the next Depression or TEOTWAWKI. I follow the blogs, keep inspired and do my best in preparation. I try to blend my life with necessities as well as trimmings. I have lived poor and comfortable and I prefer comfortable. My goal is an abundant life and being prepared is part of that life.

Hope you found something that will inspire you to live a life filled with Abundance and Prepared! Judy

Water Is Getting Scarce - Where Does Your Garden Water Come From?

I have lived on three corners of the United States [Seattle, Miami, Boston].  I have spent time in Southern California.  Each region has a different typography, different climate, different demographics and different industrial needs.  Yet, water is an issue in all of the regions. 

Seattle gets what might be thought an abundance of water.  During the winter I would be happy to share it around the country.  I live in the region. Check out the rain levels during the winter in Seattle.  If only we could sell some to the dry regions - ah a new business idea. I need to quit grumbling about the rain.  [See links below]

Miami has a shallow water table.  "The Biscayne Aquifer is very susceptible to pollution for several reasons
-- great permeability, unconfined, near surface, in urban area - many landfills, leaking gasoline tanks, airports, industry."  It was moving to Miami in the 1980s that really educated me on the needs of water and its quality.  [See links below].

Boston has many years of industrial impact to the water sources.  I can say when I lived on the North Shore of Boston the water did taste great.  [See links below]

Southern California region is struggling with water issues.  When I visit there it is in the winter [when Seattle gets rain smile].  There are concerns that water shortages will increase.  The state works to keep its citizens aware. 

What sparked me to write on this subject was an article on the legal issues between Colorado and Kansas on water rights to a shared river.  Colorado has to empty a reserve to make up for their over usage. The issues of water rights are discussed for Arizona, California and Nevada involving Lake Mead the world's largest water reserve.  [See links below]. 

Texas has been in a serious drought as you are aware.  This has impacted many industries and gardens.  [See link below]

As you look ahead for your garden it would be good to ask yourself, Where does my water come from?  It would be good to research water conservation for your garden.

Rain is falling today in Seattle!  I will try not to grumble [smile]! - Judy

Seattle -  Rain amounts http://www.wrcc.dri.edu/cgi-bin/cliMAIN.pl?waseat
               Helping citizens maintaining quality water. http://www.seattle.gov/util/Services/Water/index.asp
Miami - Aquifer concerns http://www2.fiu.edu/~whitmand/Courses/Fl_geo_notes.html
             Helping citizens maintaining quality water.
Boston - Shallow water table http://nh.water.usgs.gov/Publications/WRIR01-4042.pdf
              Helping citizens maintaining quality water. http://www.cityofboston.gov/environment/WaterQuality/
Southern California -  Drought Concerns http://www.water.ca.gov/drought/
               Water Shortage Looms http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703739204576228823641659148.html
               Helping citizens maintaining quality water  http://www.marketwatch.com/story/no-health-hazard-from-tap-water-with-unpleasant-taste-and-odor-2011-09-30
Colorado - Water Shortage Looms http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703739204576228823641659148.html
Texas Drought http://www.usatoday.com/weather/drought/story/2011-09-12/texas-drought-Dust-Bowl-ranchers/50373618/1

Thankful Yet Being Vigilent - Knowing My Area Could Be On the News Tomorrow

It is so easy to sit back in my comfortable life.  I am so fortunate right now we have the following:

• Good Weather
• Good Job
• Connected Family
• Pantry Full
• Emergency items in place
• Container Garden and Orchard
• Resources in the area
• Sharing with others in need
• Good Neighborhood

I believe it is important to soak up these good things and be thankful, while I have them.  Enjoy them but not get complacent.  I can enjoy yet, keep vigilant in keeping these items in place.  As I listen to the news I see many are suffering.   If you have not put in place the above list, you might start working on them.  You never know if your area will be on the nightly news tomorrow.

Truly that is Abundant Living as a Sustainable Life!  Judy

What does Feng Shui have to do with Emergency Preparedness?

I am sure your first thought is – yes, what does it have to do with Emergency Preparedness? Well let me explain. Remember the first step in Emergency Preparedness is to do all you can to “Prevent the Emergency” or place yourself in a situation that will limit “Emergencies”.

As you may or may not know, Feng Shui is a Chinese system. Feng Shui involves the blending of the Heavens [Astronomy] and Earth [Geography] to help you live successfully. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Feng_shui  This system can be complicated. At the same time there are a few very simple rules that will save anyone from some serious potential Emergency situations.

Here are the rules to help Prevent Emergency Disasters:

Strange Time for Veggies

Veggies keep getting hit it seems.  It is sad when Europe is trying to see how to solve the problem of E.coli.  The fall out has hit all farms in the EU.  Now the confidence in the farms are at stake.  The impact has a huge ripple effect.

1. People are getting seriously sick and dying.
2. People are not buying produce and veggies.
3. The farms are losing money.
4. The EU is then being impacted economically on the losses as well.

Here is a great link with several articles covering the subject.

http://article.wn.com/view/2011/06/08/EU_Seeks_to_Combat_E_colis_Hit_to_Farms/

Another motivator to grow as much of your own produce as possible!  Judy

Solar Flare Season in Full Bloom - Are you ready?

I am sure this is "old" news to you. Still I thought it would be important to share some thoughts. I am sure I have missed some things but it is a start to get you thinking.

Having a good plan if the Solar Flares Disrupt the Grid is critical!

First on the Sustainability of the garden -

1. Do you have a rain barrel?

2. Is it filled? I am filling mine today!

3. Could your plants, trees, shrubs and flowers make it a couple of days without water? I am only thinking of the lights out for a couple of days. Not the weeks and months that they say can happen.

4. It might be good to keep close watch on watering of the garden for the summer. Like keeping your gas gage above 1/2 full. Keep the garden well water this year. They expect more flares because this is Solar Flare Season!



Second on your home and vehicles -

1. Do you have enough water for several days? It is good to have a couple of 5 gal camping containers freshly filled. You can find them at Cabalas and Wal-Mart. Buy them now because they will go out of stock when everyone else thinks about it!

2. Water bottles are helpful. As much as I hate to flood the landfills with water bottles, they are the easiest to carry in the car. They last a long time. You need at least 14 gas per person to last 2 weeks. It would be good to have 4 cases of water per person on hand. Rotate them through the vehicles to keep them fresh.

3. Do you have enough food to last several days to 2 weeks to 3 months....?

4. Do you have the 72 hours kit in your vehicles?

5. Do you keep your gas gage over the ½ empty mark?

6. Do you have a way of cooking?

7. Do you have enough over the counter medications to carry you?

8. Do you have a good supply of your prescription medications?

Communications -

1. Do you have a communication plan for the family and extended family? This one I know I have to work on this week!

2. Do you know how to text? Texting is considered the best method for contact if there is a disaster. All the more reason for me to evaluate the smart phone idea.

3. Do you have a radio for emergencies?

Cash –
1. Do you have enough cash on hand for a short-term emergency? We all know the ATMs will be emptied.

2. Do you have enough cash on hand in small denominations for a long-term emergency?

News articles on the Solar Flare Season – This is a serious issue!

New York Times
http://www.nytimes.com/cwire/2011/06/09/09climatewire-this-weeks-solar-flare-illuminates-the-grids-63979.html

PC World and your techie things
http://www.pcworld.com/article/229876/solar_flares_could_cripple_earths_tech_infrastructure_in_2013.html

PC Magazine Are You Ready?
http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2386623,00.asp

National Geographic is concerned
http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2011/06/110608-solar-flare-sun-science-space/

Good Resources – Disclaimer I am not Mormon but they are experts on this subject.

1. A great resource for the simple 4-step preparation for the short-term and long-term emergency that Mormons use. I found this web site simple and practical. Disclaimer I am not Mormon but they are experts on this subject.  http://preparedldsfamily.blogspot.com/
2. FEMA – Suggests Preparation for 72 hours and 2 weeks.  http://www.fema.gov/plan/index.shtm

Are you Preparing?  How?

http://www.nasa.gov/multimedia/videogallery/index.html?media_id=93779141

Sustainable Garden Solar Flare Plan is Critical!

Having a good plan for your Sustainable Garden if the Solar Flares Disrupts the Grid is critical!

Questions for the Solar Flare Plan for your Sustainable garden -

1. Do you have a rain barrel?

2. Is it filled? I am filling mine today!

3. Could your plants, trees, shrubs and flowers make it a couple of days without water? I am only thinking of the lights out for a couple of days. Not the weeks and months that they say can happen.

4. Do you keep your garden well water? It might be good to keep close watch on watering of the garden for the summer. Like keeping your gas gage above 1/2 full. Keep the garden well water this year.

REMEMBER - They expect more flares because this is Solar Flare Season!

See my posting that covers Solar Flare in Full Bloom.

Are you preparing?  Judy

Another Reason to Grow My Own Veggies

I realize this story linked below is in Europe.  It does bring home though that fresh mass grown veggies have had problems over the last couple of years.  Are you more likely to grow your own veggies this year?  Judy

http://www.cnn.com/2011/WORLD/europe/06/03/germany.e.coli.salad.safety/index.html?hpt=hp_bn6

Green Surviving Blog

I have followed this blog for two years. I thought you might enjoy it as well. http://greensurviving.blogspot.com/ Enjoy Judy

To Be Sustainable and Survive - "Follow the Money"

I realize that in the past "Following the Money" did not usually lead to Sustainabiity. I believe things are changing. When reviewing the US Government's Budget you will find Sustainability has risen to the top like cream in milk.

Today I discovered an article written in 2008 about the economic power shifts in business for 2009. My 2nd Master is in Finance, so this article jumped at me. If I was going to boil it down to something a small business or home could use, I would say "Money Talks", therefore "Follow the Money". Decisions need to be made based on survivability of the small business or home. This survivability can lead to Sustainability.

My suggestion to surviving is "Follow the Money":

1. Look seriously at the new US Government Budget.
2. See where the money will be spent.
3. Consider how you can tap that money.
4. Adjust your business and home revenue stream around those large Rivers of Money.
   

Oh here is the article from the "Economist" - http://www.economist.com/theworldin/displaystory.cfm?story_id=12494665

Enjoy! Judy