Wednesday, January 11, 2023

One Size Does Not Fit All

 Over the years I have watched many preparedness videos.  Many of them have really good information.  But very few fit my lifestyle.  And I am pretty sure there are many of my vintage who are in the same boat with me.

I would love to have a homestead and raise chickens and other meat animals and grow a big garden.  And I admire those who can sustain that kind of lifestyle.  But I am not one of those people.

There are all sorts of videos about what one should pack into a bug out bag.  Good information for those who plan to cut and run when things get dicey.  But many of us can not even consider leaving our homes due to age or physical problems.

I do what I do in order to make sure my family is fed should things get really bad.  I am able to defend myself should it come to that, but I can not move all of my stored food and supplies.  It does me no good at all to can, dehydrate or buy food and supplies if I can not use them as intended or if I leave them behind.

I also pay no attention to those who tell me I must have 10 specific food items or that I can not survive unless I have the gear they are selling.  Some of those 10 items are often things I don't use.  And the idea of needing 'gear' is ridiculous for me as most times they are talking about things like night vision goggles or tools to build a shelter in the woods.  Don't need much in the way of gear here in my little apartment. 

The point to all of this is that each of us has specific needs.  What works for one person doesn't necessarily work for everyone.  In preparedness, one size doesn't fit all.  We need to take what we can use and let the rest go.  

Finding alternative ways to do what we need to do is helpful.  We can't garden or raise animals, so we visit Farmer's Markets in season and take advantage of grocery store sales.  

Keep stacking what we know will be used.  And most definitely keep on praying.  

10 comments:

  1. Absolutely agree!! I'm trying to think of anything specific to comment on, but I can't. You expressed it all perfectly.

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    1. Jennifer...I don't claim perfection. Just writing down what is on my mind at 3 AM. :)

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  2. Well said, Vicki,
    My ability to hoist any kind of pack onto my body and walk any distance is long gone. LOL. I have adapted the advise though so that I have a bag with essential documents and some cash at the ready. It's what I like to call my Gray Lady Purse.

    cheers, SJ now in California

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    1. SJ...We are not walking anywhere, so we adapt. I know where my important papers and extra cash are, but I am not as organized as you are. That's another thing to go on my 'to do' list. Thanks for the reminder.

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  3. Pete...I started out with the idea that when the S does HTF, my family would need to be fed. It just sort of grew with a life of its own after that.

    I really have no choice but to ride out whatever comes, right here in this apartment. I am sure my kids would take me in, but it would take a good sized crew to move all the stuff needed. I am ready to 'go dark' if necessary - duct tape and black trash bags to cover the windows so no light escapes. And if I move my recliner a foot to the left, I have a 'clear shot' to the door. And the tools are staged. We do what is not always pleasant but is necessary.

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  4. the praying is the most important thing
    see you tube about padre pio telling of the 3 days of darkness
    in a few weeks i will be 74. plenty of arthritis and the weakness of old age
    when young i wanted a homestead but now i could never keep up
    the only thing i can do is store some food and water
    you do what you can until you can't. then you stop
    God has to be in charge. none of us are able.
    so...pray for your kids and for the country, it really is the most powerful thing we can do

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  5. Great post and comments. Thank you all.
    We thought we would homestead, too. Then hubby tore his rotator cuff. There was always something else before we could get the animals, and now after back surgery, pacemaker, arthritis and such, as Deb says it is all in God's hands.
    And perhaps that is what he was trying to tell hubby and I all along.
    You all be safe and God bless.

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    1. Thanks, LindaG...Seems like God has a way of pushing us where he wants to go. I would love to be living a homesteading lifestyle, but that ship has sailed. I think what I mostly want is for people to know that they can be prepared no matter where they live. Even here in a three room apartment in the middle of deep freeze Minnesota, it is possible to build up a food and supply system. We just do the best we can with what we have to work with. Take care and God bless you and yours as well.

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  6. You are so right. If life has taught me anything, it’s that most SHTF situations are going to be personal emergencies…weather, health, job loss….not the zombie apocalypse. I do what I can, but like you, I am limited because of health reasons. I just depend on the good Lord for the areas in which I can’t help myself.

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    1. You are spot on, Mandy. I am pretty sure that when I look out my window, I will not see zombies shuffling down the street! The price of eggs here - $7.99 per 18 count carton - is more likely to be a problem. We just keep on doing what we can - and continue to pray. Take care.

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