Safe Storage

I am so glad I have invested in good quality buckets for my dry goods storage. We had a water leak over the food storage room and outside of losing some Quaker Oats in the original cardboard packaging, none of the dry goods were damaged. We didn't figure we needed to put the oats into the buckets as we had planned on rotating them out first, but my wife found too many good deals on the flavored packets that we hardly touched them.

We transferred all the remaining undamaged oats to better containers and have been eating a lot more oatmeal lately, so it's been a plus. The kids have even discovered that there are other uses for the dried apples and peaches we put up.

- Mark
Value is based on perception.

Fall Gardens

Its been a while. The garden and kids have kept my wife and I very busy. Summer planting came and went. The squash plants are already huge and I have zucchini almost ready to pick. I finally got the drip system finished tonight. Now the corn is on the system, so the only things not on a drip system are my fruit trees and some blackberries. I still have plans for more blackberries, so that isn't a problem.

We were inundated with lettuce and peas. We couldn't keep up with them, so we gave some to friends who did the local farmer's market. We also have been sharing with friends and neighbors. The lettuce is bolting so much now that I'm not sure that we'll be eating much of our own until September.

We were late getting the Swiss Chard in, so we can substitute with it in the meantime. I still plan on planting more. We will also be starting several varieties of lettuce indoors in a few weeks for Fall planting. We'll be doing Romaine, butterhead and more leaf lettuce. I'll probably do some spinach too. I will be pulling up the current peas once they stop blossoming and will plant more for the Fall.

The bush beans are thriving, but I am a little late getting the pole beans in for Fall. They need cooler weather for better production.

The carrots didn't do terribly well, but I didn't really expect them to thrive in the cool weather. I'll be getting several varieties in this week. I am really looking forward to trying out the SugarSnax variety that was recommended for excellent taste and sweetness.

I think the best thing about all the work is seeing my oldest kids taking responsibility for weeding, watering and harvesting. The work is good for their character development, and it is often a good opportunity to talk about important things to us. The additional benefit is seeing all but my second son eating vegetables right out of the garden. he eats the fruit, but get him near the peas or broccoli.

- Mark

Value is based on perception.

Clean Water

Perhaps it is due to all the rain and snow we have gotten of late, but I want to cover water needs. (The weather has kept me out of the garden for almost a week now.) Water purity can be a big problem in emergencies. How are you preparing to have clean water?

There are two major issues with water. The first is drinking water and the second is sanitation. The later can be easy to prepare for. "Grey water" is often easy to come by for toilets. Water for washing is another story. I like to store water in old two liter soda bottles. They wash easily and when filled with hot water, seal nicely. I don't recommend the tinted plastic as you can't see what might be growing inside. I store mine under the stairs where they are out of the way and can stack easily.

Drinking water can be a more difficult proposition. I have a small filtration pump for my 72 hour kit for mobility. Treatment tablets can also be useful. For longer term water needs, you can store large barrels of food grade plastic. I also recommend having a large purification system such as the Big Berkey water system which can purify as much as 3.5 gallons an hour. That is plenty for a large family.

I'll have to cover laundry needs soon. It's always nice to have clean clothes in stressful situations.



- Mark

Value is based on perception.

Spring Gardens

Now is the time to be planting your spring garden if you live in Utah. My family and I are working hard to prepare our spring garden planting boxes and transplanting the onions and lettuce that overwintered.

Starting a small garden and working your way up is a great way to into gardening. Make it simple and as you learn, you will want to expand. Take the hard knocks as they come and learn to appreciate your successes. It is a learning process.

I was miserable with my initial failures and gave up for years until I start using square foot gardening. I had some success with it and have sought out more productive methods. I do not regret using that method as it got me kick started into gardening. I now understand why it is not the best method for gardening, but if I hadn't started with it, I doubt that I would have ever gotten into gardening. Now I can't stop thinking about what I am going to plant and harvest.

I would recommend finding a good mentor. I've been lucky to have a very generous one in Gordon Wells who grew up on a farm and got a Masters in Agriculture, even though he was a lawyer by trade.

Remember, wheat is not food storage if you have nothing to eat with it. Gardening is a great way to save money on produce, it helps relieve stress and it helps to bring parents and children together in a worthwhile effort.

- Mark

Value is based on perception.

Solar Cooking

A few weeks ago, we had a pumpkin that was starting to go moldy. (Lesson learned on better preservation for pumpkins than in freezing temperatures on the porch for Halloween before bringing them in the house.) Not wanting to waste the whole pumpkin, we decided to cut it up and take the majority of it that was good and prepare it for pies and cookies.

Needing to get this done on a very busy weekend, I pulled out our Global Sun Oven, cut it up into large pieces, placed them into a large roasting pan and put it in the oven before going to church. It was a cold (36 degrees) and partly cloudy day. After getting home from church three hours later, it was over 275 degrees and the whole oven cover was covered in condensation from the moisture the pumpkin was letting off as it cooked.

I let it go another hour to be sure it was done, but I needn't have done so. The pumpkin was perfectly cooked, if not a little overdone and was easily peeled and mashed.

My point is that if it had been an emergency, it would have been just as easy to cook a stew, make some biscuits, or cook some potatoes despite the cold weather. On warm spring days, I have gotten the oven up to over 400 degrees. As long as there is sun, it will cook or bake.

Having multiple methods with which you can cook is very important. I'll discuss other options later. Just rest assured that a solar oven makes the best baked potatoes. They're my favorites.

- Mark

Value is based on perception.

Dealing with Job Stress

How prepared are you for increasing job stress? Is the fear of losing your job causing you a lot of stress? How about the stress of picking up the slack caused by cutbacks? Is your company asking you to now do the work of two?

I have found that there are several major ways to relieve stress under these types of circumstances.

• Get enough rest. Sleep is often ignored when stressed, and this is one thing you will really need.
• Eat properly. Not only should you not overindulge to chase the stress away, but make sure you are eating fruits and vegetables to keep your health up. Getting sick will only add to your troubles.
• Exercise regularly. Working the stress out will not only make you feel better, it will keep you healthy. (You may want to visualize yourself overcoming, going through or solving your challenges while you work out. It adds to your mental health and can be fun to do when there may be no other alternatives.)
• Reduce your financial stress. Avoid eating out or going to the movies if you are worried about money. The short term benefit will not outweigh the long term load you are placing on yourself, regardless of what your friends tell you. Remember that this mess we are in was created by a "feel good today" attitude.
• Talk openly about your problems with your loved ones. Hiding the problems you are having today will only make it harder tomorrow to deal with them, especially if you have to explain why you did not communicate earlier. A little pain today can help make much happier tomorrows. Honesty really is the best policy.
• Find spiritual peace. Get to know God and the love He has for you. You'll find your very best friend.
  

Following these principles have made an otherwise stressful life very bearable. Try it, you'll like it.

- Mark

Value is based on perception.

How to Entertain

I attended a free concert tonight put on by our local library. The performers were the New York Chamber Soloists. I was pleased that my seven year old son enjoyed the performance. I was soothed by the music after a long day at work. My older daughter enjoyed herself as well.

The point is that listening to a small group of talented musicians was a very enjoyable experience and relaxing. I recently acquired a violin in the hopes that one of our kids would show interest in learning to play as we have a friend who will teach them for free. Instead, I am in negotiations to learn to play.

I am seeing it more and more as something that my family will need in the future. Whether it is piano, violin, drums, fiddle, guitar, or another instrument that you may play, the fact that you could provide entertainment for not only yourself, but also for family, friends, or those who are down and out, is a blessing to be shared.

I am beginning to truly believe that it will be very important to have those skills to share.

- Mark

Value is based on perception.

Mental Preparation

How well do we prepare for unforeseen events that are not catastrophic but are sometimes hard to endure? I was reminded of this today as I sat in major traffic jams going to and from work.

The first was in the midst of light snow and icy conditions as the highway patrol extricated a semi that had jack-knifed and was blocking the pass to the next valley. Sitting several miles from the accident and creeping along, I had to keep reminding myself that I was trying to work on patience and that I needed to relax and just wait until things got moving. I had classical music playing on the radio and thought about more important matters than how delayed I was.

Coming home, I had left work early for an arranged date with my wife but was once again held up due to a major pile-up between a couple of semis and several cars. By the time I hit the backup, I was still miles away from the accident site. I knew it was going to be a long crawl home. I again reminded myself to be patient and enjoyed the music.

By the time I got home, I was too tired for the special outing we had planned, so we changed our plans and went out for a quiet dinner together. Though the evening wasn't the special event we had planned, it was still a nice time together. Despite the difficulties, my attitude had helped to slavage what could have been a terrible day.

If we aren't preparing ourselves to deal with disappointment and trials, we will not have the mental strength to say, "It's OK. I'll go on despite this." How are you trying to prepare yourself?

- Mark

Value is based on perception.

Vacuum Canning and You

My wife got a great introduction to vacuum canning last month. If you want to make your nuts, chocolate chips, candy bars, dehydrated fruit and much more stay fresh for at least a year, vacuum canning may be for you. It takes a FoodSaver and a jar sealer for the FoodSaver along with a mason jar and lid.

My wife and I have been putting up almonds, dried peaches, candy bars, dried bananas, chocolate chips, marshmallows and bubble gum with a lot more on our list like dried herbs. The idea that we have long term storage of some of these items is comforting to us to know that we will have something put up for our family, no matter how economically stressing times may become.

- Mark

Value is based on perception.

The Value of Failure

Is it a bad thing to fail? I recently had a child who wanted to accomplish something that he said was important to him not follow through. In the end, he found that he would not earn the recognition that he was seeking. Though I was disappointed that he didn't do his part to earn the recognition, I found that the experience was good for him.

He learned that good things don't always come easily and that without effort and a good attitude, he may fail to achieve his goals. It was a learning experience for him because of his failure.

In much the same manner, preparing for future events that may occur is an experience filled with opportunity to succeed of fail. I failed for years to do gardening right. I tried on my own with a poor excuse of a gardening book to get a garden to work. I neither put the effort into the garden, or research.

After several years of licking my wounds, I tried again with more research and much more effort in the garden. With small successes, my confidence grew. With more research and some good mentoring, I am moving beyond my initial scope to a much grander scale. Success has come with knowledge and effort.

My wife and I are working on learning more about storing what we grow. We have been successful in storing dry goods, but it is now time for us to go even further. In the process, we are educating our children in self-sufficiency and a good work ethic. It is not always easy, but it is definitely worth the effort, and we are seeing the dividends.

Don't bite off more than you can chew, but do bite and chew. Once you get the sweet savor of success in your effort, you will want more.

- Mark

Value is based on perception.

Preparing Food in Buckets

My wife and I were recently putting up some foods that we had purchased and I thought it might help to give some tips on how to prepare long term storage items.

We were storing some millet and rye in six gallon buckets along with black beans and pinto beans. To help ensure that pests don't harm the food, we use a method that permeates the food with carbon monoxide from dry ice. We found this tip on providentliving.org. Many people use oxygen absorbers, but they will damage food over long periods of storage. The dry ice will kill most pests if you place six ounces in the bottom of the bucket and then add the food. (One ounce per gallon is the ratio.) Place the lid on top, but don't seal it completely to allow excess gas to bleed off. Once the bottom of the bucket no longer feels cold, seal off the lid and it's ready to store.

We have yet to find any pests in our food that we have stored this way. The kids also like to make up a batch of kool-aid when we have extra ice left over.

We haven't bothered doing this with sugar or other dense foods, but it could be useful with flour if you plan to not use it anytime soon. (Of course, the nutritional value of the flour will be minimal after a long period of storage. It is much better to grind a whole grain to make flour.)

- Mark

Value is based on perception.

Deflation Concerns

In light of recent events, it should be apparent that the rules of economics will not be thwarted by government intervention. Many have great concerns about hyper-inflation. Some just feel that inflation will continue to be a problem. I however do not see either possibility taking hold in the United States.

The real issue for America will be deflation. As the economy contracts, less money will be available for spending on discretionary items. This will continue to put pressure on jobs and thus result in less spending. The key will be when attitudes toward spending turn from buying on credit to holding what you can. Some areas of the country are already seeing this trend, but as it become more prevalent, the ball will begin to really roll.

In such instances, the best way to prepare is to ensure that you have fewer liabilities. Debt is a vicious enemy in a deflationary cycle as the amount owed will often exceed the value of the asset originally purchased with that credit. Savings and debt reduction are vitally important. It is interesting that this is the last thing the markets and government want of consumers, but consumers rule the markets, despite what "wise" men will tell you.

I also feel that it is imperative that you have emergency supplies available in the event that you become one of the unemployed. Without emergency reserves of cash and food, personal hygiene supplies and similar necessities, life will become very hard for ordinary people.

Take some time to contemplate your position for such times, then act on your needs.

- Mark

Value is based on perception.

How to be Prepared

My son just attended a First Aid Merit Badge training. I sat off to the side reading for school, but I heard most of what was said. One would think that such a training would be a preparedness tool, but I have to differ in this case. The presenter was immature and rushed through important points. He did not know many things and constantly told the boys that they would never need the knowledge of many things he was supposed to be teaching.

If we are really looking to become prepared, we need to find real mentors and advisers. I do not say teachers for a reason. Anyone can teach facts, but a mentor will help you learn them. An adviser will guide you to conclusions. I prefer a combination to really learn what I want and need to know.

I think that the key to being prepared is to reason things out, practice them and study on my own to fill in gaps or gain new understanding. I knew I was lacking understanding in market philosophy, so I went out and found several sources of information and reasoned out the arguments. I knew two years ago that the US was headed toward an imminent financial crisis. I have known for years that there were problems in the markets, but it was only after serious study that I understood how bad it would be and where the signs would begin to manifest themselves. This allowed me to make preparations before the crisis set in.

Do I have a plan for economic problems? Yes. Do I know how to cook without fuel? Yes. Do I have an earthquake plan? Yes. It goes on and on. Will I need each plan? No. Will each plan be sufficient? No. But having at least a partial plan is better than none.

Let me know what you have questions about.

- Mark

Value is based on perception.

Lessons Learned

I've learned a few lessons of late regarding preparedness. First of all, I attended a fire extinguisher training from the city fire department where I work. I had posted wondering about carrying a small fire extinguisher after seeing a car fire. Well, at least for that purpose, there is no need. The fire department won't touch a car fire with anything less than a 2.5" hose because they are so hard to put out.

The presenter also said that the smaller extinguishers are of little use since they usually don't contain enough suppressant to extinguish most small house fires. The only time he knew of one actually putting out a fire was when the top melted off of one and smothered a stove top fire.

My wife and I also went on vacation recently and discovered that it is better to listen to the weather band on your emergency radio regularly so you are prepared for the coming storms. Our tent roof failed to hold back the rain, and we got as wet inside as anything did outside. It pays to have a rain fly.

- Mark

Value is based on perception.

Nothing Like a Bunch of Scouts Together for a Camp

This last weekend, my oldest son and I went to a scout camp together. He was there to learn about the difference between the Cub Scout and Boy Scout program. I'm not sure how much he learned, but we did have fun. (My back later disagreed with that assessment.)

The most interesting thing to me was the whole idea of preparedness. The Scout motto after all is Be Prepared. Well, the leaders did a pretty good job of preparing, but there was an oversight on immediate preparedness that was poignant.

Each group of Cub Scouts was assigned a Boy Scout to be a Patrol Leader. Some were better scouts than others. My son's leader was a bit disinterested in the boys. So at one point he was minding only his own business and whittling while the boys almost listened to the instructor. As he was doing so, he sliced his finger with his knife. With blood gushing nicely from the wound and trying to be inconspicuous, he put pressure on the wound and then was directed to the pavilion where there were some leaders free to attend to him.

In all this mayhem, my son realizes that he had packed his first aid kit and retrieves it from his day pack and offers it to the instructor. He was then sent off with the kit to the pavilion. His was the only kit readily available at the camp.

How important will it be to you to be preparedness minded? Will you hope for a young scout to save your skin, or will you Be Prepared?

- Mark

Value is based on perception.

Laundry List of 72-hour Kit Items

Sometimes laundry lists can be useful, so here we go. I'll have to comment on the items more in detail later.

Water (72 hours worth will depend on your location.)
Food (High energy and protein)

• 3 Breakfasts
• 3 Lunches
• 3 Dinners
• Snacks as you might need

Something to eat on and with depending on food
Weather gear

• Rain poncho
• Gloves
• Scarf
• Hat

Change of clothes (think about getting wet and how you'd want to prepare.)
Medications
Hygiene items

• Soap
• Towel
• Toothbrush and toothpaste
• Floss
• Feminine products
• Contact supplies
• Toilet paper (flatten the roll)
• Diapers and wipes

Knife (a good leatherman type utility tool would be better)
Compass
Whistle
Shelter
Bedding
Matches in a waterproof container
Candle
Copies of important documents

• Birth Certificates
• Marriage Certificate
• Drivers Licenses
• Bank Account Information
  

Light (flashlight or headlamp)
Radio
Extra batteries
Toys and games
Something to put all this into for portability

As you can see, this is not an extensive list. I'll have to add to it as other items come to mind.

- Mark

Value is based on perception.

BBQs You Don't Want

On the way home Wednesday night, I got stuck in a traffic jam. I was wondering what the problem was when I noticed a lot of smoke. By the time I got to the problem area, it was plain to see that a Jeep roast was occurring. It got me thinking about how to be prepared for emergencies while on the go.

My 72-hour kit will do fine for me if I am stuck, but had I had a fire extinguisher in my car, I could have helped. Instead I drove by feeling sorry for the poor lady who was watching her car go up in flames. At the point that I passed, the fire was contained to the engine compartment. If I had been better prepared, I might have been able to help keep it from spreading. From the looks of the burn marks as I passed last night, I don't think that happened.

- Mark

Value is based on perception.

Prepared for the Commute?

After managing to go one mile in thirty minutes this morning on the freeway due to several accidents in a short distance, I was rather tired of my normal 45 mile commute which became an hour and a half. Emergencies can really make a mess of one's plans on the roads. If you can't get anywhere via car or truck, how will you get home?

Try adding a good pair of walking shoes to your trunk. I have a couple of portable 72-hour kits in my trunk as well. If things go bad while I'm at work, I will be able to hoof it home. (An earthquake is the most likely major disaster to completely cut off the roads where I live.) I have plenty of water and food to last me several of days, and with 45 miles of city and mountain to traverse, it could take that long. Assuming that I didn't need to stop too much along the way, I can probably use my long legs to get home in less than a day, but it is nice to know that I have sufficient to get me home or to family gathering point if not.

- Mark

Value is based on perception.

72-hour Kit Bells and Whistles

A friend mentioned bells and whistles to me today which got me thinking about what you need in a 72-hour kit for your kids. I don't recommend bells. They would probably get to be very annoying and could be dangerous if you don't want to be easily detected. However, whistles are a good item to have available for your kids so that they can make their whereabouts know to you if you get separated.

We pack one for each family member and have ones that also contain a compass and a small compartment for matches and paper. I don't recommend including those items in the whistles of less mature children for obvious reasons.

- Mark

Value is based on perception.

Faith as Preparation

I was teaching Sunday School today and covering the topic of faith. Faith is to me an essential part of preparation. The Lord has told us to prepare ourselves. I feel that this includes living one's life in accordance with the teachings of the prophets. This would thus include spiritual , physical and intellectual preparation.

Why do we need to do all that preparing? What makes it worth the effort?

Faith answers that question. If we prepare for what might happen, when things go wrong in our lives, that preparation may bring the peace and comfort which we will need. If we don't prepare, we will not be blessed with that comfort and will not have peace. Some may say that just by preparing, those benefits are there, but faith was not involved. But if we have no faith that such preparation is needed, will we prepare?

Some people will prepare physically. Others will prepare intellectually. Yet others will prepare spiritually with no thought to any other preparation. Faith tells me that I must combine all three if I am to reap the promised benefits. Any lack of preparation will diminish the blessings sought. It will not prevent blessings, but they will be diminished. Where there is ignorance of how to prepare, we may have that lack met by the Lord, but where we know to prepare and choose not to, we will not be worthy of those attendant blessings.

So if nothing bad ever happens to me or to my family, I will still live a blessed life of peace simply because I took the time and made the effort to prepare. I will have lost nothing as so many will argue. I may not have gained as much as some, but I will not have lost anything.

- Mark

Value is based on perception.