I just had the most amazing Dr’s visit. Went to get the flu shot and she asked me “What do you know about bird flu?” Then went on to tell me she’d asked the same question of every patient for the last 2 weeks. I was the only one that wanted to listen!! She also offered (after a long discussion and many questions from her to me about any medical knowledge i had) to teach me how to put in an IV line. So at least one Dr in Sydney is trying to pre-empt this thing.
Don’t forget to add your name in the author box. The new server doesn’t remember you form the old server.
I’m very glad we have room for a Down Under thread.
Sorry Dem..the above was me :) Great to be back and thanks for all your hard work!!
Great step on the technical side! Congratulations and very sincere thanks to all the admin side! What a trial this has been for you folks.
Now we have to, as a community, rebuild our focus, our good habits, our resolution and our efforts to help locate news and prep information—and then to share it as before!
A little like resuming school after the long break, eh? But so good to be back. Miss contact with so many good on-line friends!
I have stalled on the prepping since fluwikie was unavailable. My chat with the Dr (above) got me going again somewhat but i now need a kick up the a**e to restart. Any scare tactics are welcome. Its the only thing i know for sure will prod me to get going again!!
I hope I am not being lulled into a false sense of security, but I find that now I have reached, and even refined, my first stage goal of 12 weeks across-the-board supplies, I am more sanguine about prospects of successfully meeting this challenge if that is to be.
A little like reaching the top of the first steep section of a mountain we’re climbing. How great to be this far! I am also allowing, even encouraging this reaction, because I see this thing could loom and linger and lurch closer for some year or even two and I have to keep my guard up all that time. I may pause, but I shall never trust that monster.
A lifetime ago I met, while in hospital with malaria, a group of your lads who proceeded to introduce me to my first Fosters at their base camp that they kindly arranged transportation. Needless to say….having my weight reduced from 170 lbs. to 132 lbs, it did not take much Fosters to make this Irishman seriously unsteady! Great people the Australians.
mmmelody47--at 16:03
“Great people the Australians.” Thanks, mate! I’ll drink to that!
And I hope you know why that’s true? Because half of us are of Irish origin! Not to slight the occasional Russian, Greek or Italian, all as vital to the mix as the olive is to a proper Martini! <Or, in my case, ‘ornamental’* maybe!>
Cheers!
Cheers to you as well!
Great to be back on the board again - I have so missed the Wiki. I must admit my preparations have also stalled through lack of prompting via the Wiki.
Over the weekend there has been reports of pigeons dying in one of our larger cities and this had raised the fear of birdflu (it is apparently a poison that is killing the birds). What did appall me (and I see other news reports similar from other countries) is the claim that pigeons can’t get birdflu as they do not migrate. This implies we all have to “go to the mountain” to get sick!
The Ministry of Health continues its radio and television campaign here asking people to prepare for the flu - it has been well received from all reports I get.
Sorry, should have added that I am on the New Zealand side of the ditch (the Tasman sea for non “down-unders”)
Great to see you back AnnieB. I was in NZ a couple of weeks ago and my mother showed me the stuff the government was sending out. Its a great start…waaaaay better than here in Oz
I am so happy Wiki is back up and running…I really missed it!
I asked my doctor what he thought of a possible avian influenza pandemic. His words, “There is really nothing we can do.” I didn’t go any further because I know “there is a lot we can do.”
I asked our local Health Dept. what their role would be. They said they would have to wait for word from higher ups. I then asked what would our County residents do? She said, “Bend over and kiss their butts goodbye.”
I call attention to the new page covering the major telecast of a docodrama on pandemic flu. There is, down a few posts, a link to the transcript (7 pages) of the programme.
It has received positive reviews from those many who viewed it. A ‘Black Dawn’ kind of level, I think.
ok Nikolai. Thats me off to Coles again! Reading that was scary
where are all the other Ozzies??
Don’t know, mam, but I hope for their sakes they are NOT at the new page “H5N1 Spreads More Efficiently H2H Than B2H”.
THAT sequence, of which one need only read the first several entries to get the idea, that sequence defines ‘SCARY’ in whole new dimensions! I really vented my fears at the end, very undisciplined and inappropriately, I’m afraid.
Coles and Big W and Bunnings tomorrow will be only minor tension relief…
Yikes…do i dare read it? Arent the shops closed for anzac day tomorrow??
Uneven, I believe. Can’t remember from one year to the next anymore!
If so, I’ll have to get to a liquor store!
AussieOne is apparently posting very effectively on one of the (desperation) sites I frequented during the ‘Drought’.
NotParanoicBut I haven’t seen back. A very keen prepper, too. It’s a fast-changing world, huh?
I just came by here to say Hi to Nikolai :)
Hey! Albert!
I remember you well, and with respect and affection—and a great deal of anxiety for the geography of your fortress!
All the best, please drop in and share your unique knowledge and point of view!
why oh why did i read that thread on a day that the stores dont open till after lunch?? Gaaah!
Hi I am back (notparanoidbut) missed the wikie too. Noticed the other day in woolies that a few people had loads of toilet paper and bottled water one was an older man and I was almost tempted to say “is that you Nikolai of wiki fame?!’ my prepping has taken a back seat too mostly out of apathy lately but will be getting back to it have been saving all my 4 litre juice containers now have a good supply in garage for water containers and food is getting there slowly For a while I got almost down to half stock! as we were dipping into it! be wary of that!!!!
NotParanoidBut here again
a few weeks ago i got a script from my local doc for Tamiflu he gladly gave it to me. i then promptly had it filled at a chemist - i have only got two lots for children right now but chemist said he had two more adult ones left (the last) and I am getting those this week. So the upshot is there is still tamiflu availalbe out there but you need to ask around a lot to finally find it
NPB, great to hear from you! By the way, you will have by now noticed we have to re-enter our author name on this new wiki.
And, oh, how right you are about succumbing to the easy, lazy temptation to just grab a couple of rolls of tp from the stockpile! ‘And, oh yes, some pasta sauce for tonight! I’ll replace it real soon…’
We need your imput, NPB, to keep ourselves believing and acting!
just went through my stocks and made it all a bit more organized. Little waste so far. However i did have to toss some flour that had moth leavings on it. Wasteful i know but i just couldnt bear the thought!! Looks like i have a good 8ish weeks in stores and another month in the everyday lot. This rotation thing is a bit of a pain tho. I wish i was more organized!! So glad to see Nikolai, NPB et al. :)
NPB here again need to work out how to register again! Hi to you Woodstock I was off having an affair for a few weeks at the Avianflu site like many others but now back on track with old faithful although the daliance was enjoyable and I have to say i still go there now sometimes. Re the prepping mine was soo low because it was like “cant be assed shopping today just grab a few wiki supplies” suddenly my stock was low it was frightening. Hey for a good laugh you should read this list they have on the avianflu forum site that is called I know i am a prepper because… it has things in it like: i will be eating better when bird flu comes along, my children get in big trouble for throwing out 4 litre containers etc…it is very funny will post link next time.
Re Aust media there has been a lot more action re BF than in prev months but compared to US and UK, NZ we are still really living in a vaccuam of information!
NotParBut here again on this cold Anzac Day
Here are a few of the You know if you are a prepper/survivalist items (I love the first one about pets!)
- You have emergency rations for your pets, and view your pets as potential emergency rations.
- You can’t put your groceries in the trunk of the car because its already jammed full with emergency kits, first aid supplies, and fully-stocked BOBs.
- You know the news three days before it hits the mass media.
- You have back-up plans for your back-up plans.
- You’re convinced you’ve been exposed to so many chem-trails, you consider it a form of birth control.
- You’ve ever repressed the urge to bleat “BAAAAAAAAAA” as your neighbor earnestly asks, “What war? Where?”
- You’ve ever bought antibiotics for human use through a vet, or grains for human consumption through a feed store.
- You’ve got more than one grain mill.
- You’ve ever wondered how you might filter the used water from your washing machine to make it fit for human consumption.
- You have a kerosene lamp in every room
- Your living room coffee table is actually a board with pretty cloth over it to disguise your food storage underneath.
— You save dryer lint to make fire starters.
- You automatically choose the heavy duty flatbed cart upon entering Sam’s or Costco.
Hi all - I only just figured out where the new forum was and that all of you (most of you at least) are back. I did miss our “prep deal of the week” posts - especially last week when Woolies were selling cupasoup for 88c/packet! Hope some of you got some of them too :-)
NPB, well done getting your Tamiflu! I’m still (I assume) on a waiting list and haven’t found anywhere in WA that has any in stock.
Nikolai - how did you go with your decision about moving to the more rural place? Hope it works out well whatever you decided :-)
I’m now stocked with about 12 weeks of food for me and the doggies, plus a 4–6 week pack for one of my siblings who is on a pretty low income.
Now that winter is moving in, I need to get a couple of ton of firewood delivered and start thinking about planting the winter vegie garden. For some strange reason coriander does really well here in winter.
Will start checking in each day or so again and thanks to all involved in getting the forums back up and running!
NPB: lol!!
Aziraphale, good to see you on the page!
You sound well and energetic and focused! I tell you, when I feel a little down, overwhelmed here, I have only to go to the main topics and read about ‘Public Unrest’, etc etc to realise how damned lucky we (maybe?) are here in Oz.
Then I wonder if just possibly I am deceiving myself and the dreadful social disruption they talk about may not just possibly occur here as well! To some degree, I mean….
As for move to a country town, no. Been there, stayed two days above the pub, checked out stores, medical, doctors, dentists, library, etc etc systematically. Can’t face it. Plus costs to move, heating, etc there. Not up to the huge challenge socially and emotionally, let alone financially.
Like the comments on the main wiki about a cabin in the hills and a well or creek, it sounds great, until you need to buy a pair of shoes that fit, get a dental filling replaced, etc.
Plus being a total ‘outsider’ in the community. Not merely lonely, also perhaps only marginally safe…
I understand your comments Nikolai about moving to a country town. I moved to this rural area about 5 years ago, and went through the ‘outsider’ stage also. It can take a long time to be accepted, but you do get a great sense of belonging that doesn’t exist in the cities when it happens. I work in the city which is handy for some things, but a royal commuting pain!
Social disruption, I don’t think we’ll escape it in Australia. I feel it won’t be as bad as in other countries, but the personality that gravitates towards that kind of behaviour is universal.
Ah Azi you return nice to see the regulars back in town
Glad to see all of you back, I’ve missed your different point of view!
I know there is another forum for it but what does everyone think of the WHO current Level 3 rating - many are saying it should be 4 what do you think? by the way raised BF with my local school to headmaster and she looked mildly amazed but mainly I think she felt sorry for me - looks like the Aus school system is still not informed in any major way. Re social disruption i dont think we are as’gun totin’ as other nations but I guess when TSHTF you never now what sort of survivalist mentality will show. I really want to prep now for my extended family who still think I am insane. I also need to keep our paws off the stores!
Hello again all :-)
I think the WHO’s level 3 rating has been a bit suspect for a while, but I understand that they are not entirely “independent” and need to work for the good of all the govts involved as well. I think they’ll be one of the last sources I check to see whether it’s all good or all bad!
NPB, as I mentioned, I’ve done some prepping for one of my siblings - the others are financially able to take care of themselves (and are certainly aware of the issue). I’m now considering small “neighbour packs” for some of my more-valued neighbours (of which there are a few!). Just some rice/2 min noodles kind of items, so pretty cheap but could make a big difference in some circumstances for $10 of food now.
Can I be considered an honorary Australian and post here ? There is no one to talk to about BF here in Bangladesh…
Our preps are in the apartment in Dhaka but I keep an open mind about moving to the country if TSHTF. The prepping slowed down when fluwikie was gone. I have mainly non-perishable stuff in store and some bundles of brand new, clean cash in the house. My wife and I each have a list of stuff to bring home if H2H starts. I’m sure we’ll have 48 hours time, no ?
Hi Albert - I’m sure I’m not going to offend any of the other Aus/NZ’ers when I say we’re more than happy to talk to anyone who posts in this thread wherever they’re from :-)
I hope we’ll have 48 hours (or even 24 hours) advance warning too, I too have a list of ‘last minute items’ that are either too perishable or too tempting to use in advance that I want to get my hands on before lock down!
Do you have somewhere planned to go to? I don’t know what it’s like in Bangladesh, but I suspect here in Australia that people showing up in country towns that aren’t known by anyone are likely to get a pretty frosty reception and be told to move on. Farmers don’t like campers at the best of times let alone at the worst of times… It’s a tough one.
I’m pretty sure I’ll have a number of my city mates turn up here which is fine so long as they’re not sick (or incubating sickness), they’ve brought at least some food, and they’re willing to pitch in with chores.
I would so love to buggger off to somewhere remote. Alas it is not really an option. I have a 2 bedroom apartment which is hardly spacious. But at the first announcement my daughter and grandson will move in here with us. The babies father will have to stay away as we can isolate (my hubby and i can both telework) but said father of the grandson can’t. Its a tough one but we see little option. My son lives in melbourne, and i have another daughter living in Toongabbie. Neither of the others have children tho…so i have to choose who to isolate with …. its quite horrible really
Azi, we have a village home up North, just next to the Indian border. Two houses, a water well, a fish pond, some high land and a lot of low-lying paddy fields. We have installed solar panels for lighting recently, and a B/W TV. The kids love it over there but as in all villages here, no privacy, people just walk in etc. I have been planning a fence around the compound but the locals won’t take that as a friendly gesture. Forgot to mention eleven geese, ten chickens, three cows, two dogs and one pig (on a leash). We had three puppies but they disappeared, taken away at night by foxes we believe. It’s a real zoo out there and I fear I will not be able to isolate properly with the kids and the domestic help and the chickens and the rest all running around helter skelter :) And I totally lack authority, the wife, the kids, nobody listens to me :)
Wow Albert - it almost sounds like you might be better able to stay safe in the city!
Woodstock, you probably don’t need to be anywhere really remote - do you have any friends even just a bit out of the city or in a larger regional centre? I have no idea how I will go for work - in theory I can telecommute, but in practise who knows…
Bother - the post above is me (on my other computer and I forgot to log in!)
Hi good peoples, I trust you all had a good ANZAC holiday.
Flicking throught he thread since my last post and I was reminded of a couple of points.
One - dental work. In periods of ‘emergency’ with people left to fend for themselves, unsanitary conditions etc., one of the greatest causes of infection and death is the mouth - bad teeth and gums. So, get all your dental work done regularly. (All military personnel must have a full dental checkup prior to overseas deployments for the same reasons.)
Two - maintaining supplies. I have just had the main brand of cat food I use change the shape and size of their tinned food - aagghh. This means they no longer fit in the allocated cupboard space! I am going to have to re-stack everything as I rotate supplies to current stock etc.
Three - I saw in today’s news reports that Bali had to destroy ducks that were infected with bird-flu and smuggled in from Java. As Bali remains a popular holiday place for many Aussies and Kiwis, you might want to warn travellers you know to be careful in markets etc - in case they think Bali is not like the rest of Indonesia when it comes to warnings.
Have a good day ;-)
Yowzer! I didnt see anything on the news about Bali…could u send the link?
Hi All I am in New Zealand and wanting to buy some solar panels and regulator- The plan is to have a couple of truck batteries continually charging to run radio, charge torches, cell phones- maybe have some light- maybe run a laptop computer. Mos tof the internet info is from the USA. Can any kiwi/aussies recommend local suppliers. Also, good advice would be appreciated.
I picked up a 44 gallon drum used to transport honey- it is lined with food grade plastic- cost $20. I want to get a few more for storing water.
DJ’s is having a sale on small appliances. Just gave in and bought a food saver. Thought others might like to know. :)
I think its time for the ANZAC’s to move to a new thread…
I agree. So let’s make new postings on ‘Australia and New Zealand 8′ to continue our traditional title…
Farewell, old thread!
Are we, momentarily, ‘threadbare’ then?
Noticed new salmon brand in tins on the shelf of supermarket today with condiments inside might be a nice change to tuna and an excellent source of your Omega −3. No I am not from the salmon business!
clark – at 20:40
Led Torches in Australia (some last 100s of hours on a set of batteries):
http://www.ledshoponline.com/24_led-flashlight.htm
in usa: http://www.action-electronics.com/lightwave.htm
I think they would know where to get solar panels local.
NPB: at coles?
Hi guys, I was wondering, is your government taking all this very seriously, planning, urging people to stock up for “2 weeks” etc.? As I’m sure you know, the U. S. government is but no one is listening except for people on this website. Just wondering your take in general on this from a different perspective.
Ruth - the NZ govt are doing alot but the Aust govt very little :-(
All - let’s put new posts into the new thread Nikolai created over at http://www.fluwikie2.com/pmwiki.php?n=Forum.AustraliaAndNewZealand8
Closed to speed Forum access
Check dates