Skills to know?

[Beekissed]

I agree with you wholeheartedly, @Beekissed . We are both working towards self sustainability. That will help us to weather oncoming storms while we work towards the end.

I'm not working for self sustainability....there's really no such thing on this Earth. It's truly a myth of grand proportions. I'm just living like we've always done...garden and can it up, hunt and can it up, grow chickens and can them up, heat with wood because it's cheap and available to us, etc. We can because we like home grown foods and they are better for one's health, plus it's why God gave us land...so we could work on it.

I gave up on self sustaining or self sufficient thinking when I found out that we weren't meant to be "self" sufficient but to depend solely upon God for our needs. And so now I do.

These are not just words on a page, nor really good advice, but commandments on how we are to live here....


Matthew 6:19-21
19 Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal:(this whole line describes everything we try to store up or do for "in case of" scenarios)

20 But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal:

21 For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. (this one speaks of dependency on our stuff, our feeble preparations, etc...when one puts trust in such things, they no longer trust God fully for their provision)

You've likely heard that old saying, "Trust God but keep your horse tied."? Well, that is not how it goes....it's "Trust Allah, but keep your camel tied." Allah is not God....who wants a god one cannot trust fully, so much so that one has to keep a back up plan?

 

[frustratedearthmother]

Unfortunately lot of folks dont believe kids can even pick up sticks, been laughed at for suggesting such things as picking up sticks, collecting eggs, throwing out scratch, helping weed gardens/plots, sweeping floors and matching socks and loads of things I haven't listed....

My grandkids having been doing these things since they could toddle around the farm. I can NOT tell you how may eggs they've broken! I have never - nor will ever - chastise them for that. They are trying and that's what counts!

When my grandkids were visiting me this time they wanted to experience living like the 'old days.' I promised them we would do that - but not in August in Texas, lol. I definitely enjoy my AC! I'll have to come up with a plan to make that happen - maybe next spring break.

 

[milkmansdaughter]

Just found this VERY INTERESTING article regarding nixtamalization- why you want to use it, and how to do it using wood ash instead of the more common lime https://ronaldthomaswest.com/tag/wood-ash-process/

Very interesting @Britesea ! That looks just like the corn I got from @CrealCritter last year.

That article brings up several thoughts for me regarding this thread, but most have probably already been said. The ability to grow, dry, can, and otherwise preserve and prepare foods WITHOUT the use of electricity or modern conveniences are all good skills to know. And also sanitation is very important. Do you know how to build a composting toilet. Do you have ways to sanitize tools,and medical gear? Do you know how to make water safe to drink and cook with?

Even in times of emergency that are short term, as in tornadoes, floods, hurricanes, and blizzards, there are times when there is no power. Or heat. Or easily available fresh water. Having the ability to still provide food for your family is important.
The thing is, many people who think about "prepping" for any kind of emergency, often think of this as some far off idea. They often aren't actually prepared NOW for something happening where they might not have clean potable water or electricity or modern conveniences. If the freezer goes out, do you lose your harvest? How long could you survive in cold weather without the furnace? Is there enough canned food available at your house right now to make it not only through this year, but through another year of crops before you could grow more? And what will you feed your animals?

Most Americans are completely dependent on technology. Most are lost without modern conveniences, and would not be able to read a map, or use a compass, to tell direction by the stars or sun, would be unable to find food if they were lost in the woods, or would know how to make water safe to drink. It's sobering to think how many Americans would die within a week of no technology or electricity...

"No phone, no lights, no motor cars
Not a single luxury
Like Robinson Crusoe
It's primitive as can be"

 

[creativetwinszoo]

A good social network is definitely a thing to have, unfortunately I feel a lot of people in my offline network aren't really.... prepared or willing to learn skills or abilities. Lots of folks saying "we know where we're going." But always balk when I say no one eats for free :/

 

[Hinotori]

Just found this VERY INTERESTING article regarding nixtamalization- why you want to use it, and how to do it using wood ash instead of the more common lime https://ronaldthomaswest.com/tag/wood-ash-process/

It is extremely important if you're eating a lot of corn and don't want to get beri beri.

 

[baymule]

Just found this VERY INTERESTING article regarding nixtamalization- why you want to use it, and how to do it using wood ash instead of the more common lime https://ronaldthomaswest.com/tag/wood-ash-process/

VERY good article! I finally got my hands on Texas Gourdseed corn seed, after 3 years of looking for it. I didn't plant it, but will next year. My garden this year has been a bust.

 

[Lazy Gardener]

Just found this VERY INTERESTING article regarding nixtamalization- why you want to use it, and how to do it using wood ash instead of the more common lime https://ronaldthomaswest.com/tag/wood-ash-process/

Good article, @Britesea . The last paragraph raises a point that the average consumer, with "bury my head in the sand" mentality is not aware of. I urge all gardeners to buy OP, non GMO, heirloom, and OSSI seed when ever possible. And, it's also a good idea to think long and hard about the need for buying any seed that does not meet those criteria. Take the time to learn how to produce your own seed, and even learn what goes into the hybridization process, as well as how to selectively breed to produce crops that excel in your climate, with your soil.

I agree with you wholeheartedly, @Beekissed . We are both working towards self sustainability. That will help us to weather oncoming storms while we work towards the end.

 

[creativetwinszoo]

My grandkids having been doing these things since they could toddle around the farm. I can NOT tell you how may eggs they've broken! I have never - nor will ever - chastise them for that. They are trying and that's what counts!
When my grandkids were visiting me this time they wanted to experience living like the 'old days.' I promised them we would do that - but not in August in Texas, lol. I definitely enjoy my AC! I'll have to come up with a plan to make that happen - maybe next spring break.

Right, they dont learn less ya let them try! And unless their really reeeaaaly bad at it just give encouragement I imagine Texas is similar to Arizona a in the summer, would not be excited to live without ac at all during summer

 

[Lazy Gardener]

Most definitely likely to be lots of work in the house, which I do include towards everyone works. Most those who want to stay with us if a shtf dont do housework either, their very used to fast food and having someone else do the work


Unfortunately lot of folks dont believe kids can even pick up sticks, been laughed at for suggesting such things as picking up sticks, collecting eggs, throwing out scratch, helping weed gardens/plots, sweeping floors and matching socks and loads of things I haven't listed.... like young kids are completely capable of doing things but lots of people think they can't do anything chore related until 10 or 12 for some reason then complain they dont want to???? Like duh, you taught them not to, what'd you expect?

I dont even wanna get into the amount of folks who want a free ride when they can and are fully able to do at least minimal work

Child down the road ASKS to be allowed to do chores and cooking when she is here visiting my GD. She says her GM, who she lives with "won't let her do chores or cooking b/c: "You are only a child once, so enjoy it." This kid is 12 y.o.!!!! My grands do not come here w/o being expected to do some chores. One grumbles, the other does so very willingly.

It cracks me up... in a sad way... when I see folks standing on a street corner, in all sorts of weather begging for money. IMO, if you have the energy to stand for any length of time, in the heat or cold of the day, wearing a back pack, holding the sign, you have the strength to get a job. Signs up offering work every where you go. Perhaps not paying a lot. Maybe panhandling pays better???? I would love to take a crack at revising the welfare system.

 

[creativetwinszoo]

It cracks me up... in a sad way... when I see folks standing on a street corner, in all sorts of weather begging for money. IMO, if you have the energy to stand for any length of time, in the heat or cold of the day, wearing a back pack, holding the sign, you have the strength to get a job. Signs up offering work every where you go. Perhaps not paying a lot.

I agree with that stance, getting paid something is better than nothing.
When I was younger, more naive and able to i used to give a lot of cash to beggars on the road because well, clearly their down n out and needed help and then had a... eye opening experience is the best way to put it I suppose? found out that only a few of the people I was 'helping' actually really needed it the few that truly did were more than willing to get a hand up if it was offered, the rest... well most who just want handouts dont have a problem spitting on ya or cussing you out when you try to give them food, water or a place they can go for shelter and help instead of cash. Now I only offer bottled water, canned goods and a card to homeless shelters/faculties if I have them. There are a rare few I'll still give cash too but it's pretty rare, the money's best given to assistance shelters.