From Flu Wiki 2

Forum: Lone Star State II

11 September 2006

Bronco Bill – at 19:08

Texas is a big state, so it needs more than one thread! Continued from here

Petticoat Junction – at 22:08

Regarding a meeting in the Lufkin area: I’m about 3–1/2 hrs from Lufkin but only about 2–1/2 hrs from Palestine. Of course that’s NW of Lufkin, not south, so I guess it’s heading the wrong way (although we might be able to get some of the DFW people that way….)

We’d know each other by our N95′s and portable hand sanitizers, right? ;o) Heh, heh, we could all clear out a Sam’s Club together….can’t you just see us, our carts locked and loaded, cruising the aisles…we might just start a prepping flurry along the way.

Ok, I’m being silly; trying to take the edge off my nerves, I guess. I do think a meeting would be nice; maybe we central TX folks will have to do our own in Austin or Waco or somewhere.

Have to go get the kids in bed. bbl

Love Texas – at 22:42

I am in North Texas—McKinney but I would drive to a meeting---let me know.

12 September 2006

Reverend Reggie – at 01:48

Love Texas- Also live near Mckinney. NS1 thought it would be a good idea to say hello. Been prepping for a while. Been talking to co-workers about preparing. AKA {Reverend

Pharmacist by trade. Been a wild ride.

NS1 – at 01:49

NS1 is also in Love Texas’ town.

Reverend Reggie – at 01:55

Small town USA. Lake Lavon too dry.

Gladys – at 09:37

San Leon,Texas. On the bay in Galveston County. Haven’t seen much happening around here. Though they do have the CDC hand washing signs posted in all the clinics at UTMB.

Love Texas – at 11:34

Hey Reverend Reggie---glad to know at lest three of us in Collin County will prep. Yes I am worried about Lake Lavon but at least it is not so hot now and we are getting some rain. Hey are you and NS1 friends?

Snowhound1 – at 11:41

If there is going to be a “meeting” I would try to be there. I’m in Parker Co., so not too far away. At least by Texas standards. But please, don’t have it “downtown” anywhere. Knowing my luck, it would be the “day” when TSHTF and we’d be eating lunch next to the Index case in Texas. :)

History Lover – at 11:50

A big hello to all the new folks - Reverend Reggie, NS1, Snowhound 1 and Gladys. Did I miss anybody? I hope you folks can get together.

Petticoat Junction - I was in the Dollar Store today, and I found 3 pounds of long grain rice for a dollar. So I picked up a couple of bags. It seems I’m always adding either rice, pasta, or beans to my preps. And my son is trying to convince me to try tofu.

Poppy – at 12:22

Sounds like many of you all are in the Dallas area. Too far for me. I only get one day off. Probably we would have to do several small groups. Maybe we should do that ribbon campaign thing to get more folks in our own areas prepping. It’s taking me time to get used to Texas driving time. I come from California gas prices where it’s still almost $3 a gallon, nobody drives further than they have to out there.

Now get me into a Costco and I just might empty the asiles! Sam’s Club is more expensive than Costco. I went there once since I’ve moved here.

Who was it that lived in Center?

MLBIT – at 13:01

EnoughAlready – at 18:25

Serious sarcasm on my part, but serious seriousness on the part of the local population. Very few people are aware of the issue let alone worried about it.

Everything you need to know about bird flu

  Farndon, John. 

Bird flu pandemic

  Greene, Jeffrey Dr. 

The devil’s flu : the world’s deadliest influenza epidemic and the scientific hunt for the virus that caused it 1st American ed.

  Davies, Pete, 1959- 

Bird flu : everything you need to know about the next pandemic

  Siegel, Marc (Marc K.)

Bird flu [videorecording] : how safe are we?

  Whittlesey, Rob. 

The monster at our door : the global threat of avian flu

  Davis, Mike, 1946- 

Purple death : the mysterious flu of 1918 1st ed.

  Getz, David. 

The influenza pandemic of 1918

  Aronson, Virginia

Flu : the story of the great influenza pandemic of 1918 and the search for the virus that caused it 1st ed.

  Kolata, Gina Bari, 1948- 
MLBIT – at 13:03

Oops!! Intended to say, these are the books I have or have on order for bird flu.

Reverend Reggie – at 15:44

Love Texas-

No we are not friends. Just happened to post some gratitude to TomDVM and Monotreme for their contributions, explanations, and background information. NS1 just went the extra step and reminded me of the Lone Star forum. Guess I decided to stop lurking. I tell people what I have learned from these boards and they just look like I am crazy. I have just been open-minded on all the “what-ifs” when a pandemic happens. I plan on “what-ifs.” The hardest thing to do is trying to connect the dots between each “what-if” scenarios. For example, home,work,utlities, water,food, pets, etc. I know I cannot plan for everything and I am at ease with that. One of the worries I have iswhat happens when the bi-polar people run out of medicine? What happens when the diabetics run out of medicine? What about the psychiatric,seizure,and schizophrenic patients run out of medicine? Most of these problems will depend on the drug wholesaler daily deliveries. There is just so much to think about. Will pharmacies be hit hard? I have no idea.

Snowhound1 – at 15:50

RR-Not to mention the prisoners in our state prisons…they take meds too, don’t they, for every disorder known to man? Of course, there probably won’t be anyone there to feed them if the pandemic is severe..I wonder if the “last” guard around, will just open the doors? Something I definitely try not to think too much about.

Gladys – at 16:40

Thanks History Lover, tho I’ve been here since the beginning of time. (I’m kind of quiet,in real life too)Don’t see anyone from Galveston County.I’m really close to Houston tho and I see a few from that area.

EnoughAlreadyat 21:45

MLBIT – at 13:01

Thanks! I haven’t read any of these, but here is my online research review-

Everything you need to know about bird flu Farndon, John. {Not sure about this one. I have mixed feelings about it. Reviews were conflicting.)

Bird flu pandemic Greene, Jeffrey Dr. (Full title: The Bird Flu Pandemic: Can It Happen? Will It Happen? How to Protect Yourself and Your Family If It Does) {Editorial review: Dr. Greene cuts through the hype and hysteria to explain exactly what we need to be prepared for, and what we can do to keep ourselves safe if a pandemic happens.)

Bird flu : everything you need to know about the next pandemic Siegel, Marc (Marc K.) {Editorial review: The most important thing to know about the avian flu pandemic is that it probably ain’t coming, argues this brisk debunking of the latest medical scare story. ) (I’d like to thumb through this book to see if it would help me deal with skeptics.) (Maybe I’ll interlibrary loan this book!)

The monster at our door : the global threat of avian flu Davis, Mike, 1946- Editorial review of the book: Avian influenza is a viral asteroid on a collision course with humanity. (*The cover is cool!) The book I probably want to read most!

Purple death : the mysterious flu of 1918 1st ed. Getz, David. {For grades 3–5)(I’m going to purchase this book.)

The influenza pandemic of 1918 Aronson, Virginia (For grades 6–8)(I am going to purchase this book, too!)

Flu : the story of the great influenza pandemic of 1918 and the search for the virus that caused it 1st ed. Kolata, Gina Bari, 1948- {Review online: “It was a plague so deadly that if a similar virus were to strike today, it would kill more people in a single year than heart disease, cancers, strokes, chronic pulmonary disease, AIDS and Alzheimer’s disease combined.” This is another book I would like to read!)

The devil’s flu : the world’s deadliest influenza epidemic and the scientific hunt for the virus that caused it 1st American ed. Davies, Pete, 1959- {I’d like to read this book. Trails scientist who have historically investigated the virology of avian flu. Doesn’t sound like it is overly scientific.)

Love Texas – at 22:54

RR—I know what you mean about the look---it makes me crazy. But the thing that bothers me is that in a way I can’t blame them, all that we read on the Wiki is not on the news or in the paper, so to them we are making this stuff up. I swear I am going to start giving talks about the BF to womens groups etc they all need speakers so maybe I can sneak up on them. Yes I worry about people on meds that can’t get them if the BF hits hard, including me. I am trying to stockpile some now.

Reverend Reggie – at 23:11

Really Love Texas, Love Texas Don’t you think that will be a little like talking to the garden club? Don’t think they will listen. You may reach one or two but for the most part they are there just to be seen. I believe that the only time to speak to anyone will be when it is a little too late.

Hey, how about a visual? Why don’t you take a covered cage with chicken in it and place on a table. Arrange the chairs facing forward but surrounding the table. Do not take the cover off. Just let it sit there clucking. Do your presentation. Hit the highlights. See if this makes a impact. Possible attention grabber.

Love Texas – at 23:28

RR—Maybe I could wear a mask while I give the talk with the chicken---:)

14 September 2006

History Lover – at 17:56

Do any of you have diabetes? I have Type II diabetes (no insulin fortunately) and I realized today that my preps were really carbo-loaded. You know, rice, dried and canned beans, flour, etc. So I started looking at some of the canned goods for food managers (that’s what diabetics use as a food source when eating carbs to help keep sugar levels from spiking), and I was surprised to find such a variety at Wal-Mart’s. I found canned spinach, diced tomatoes, and even asparagus. All have low carb. I’m also going to add some cheese spreads, because they seem to have a pretty good shelf life. Does any one have any suggestions for us diabetics?

EnoughAlreadyat 18:21

History Lover

First, each diabetics “diet” is highly individualized. I would suggest talking to your doctor and a diabetes educator about your concerns. Be frank about concerns in stressful situations like illness, hurricanes/weather emergencies, and especially the pandemic. If they treat the pandemic casually or blow it off, assertively tell them you are concerned and not only want answers but need them. I would be very specific about information that you are concerned about, because this is a medical nutritional “therapy” that requires skilled implementation and recommendations.

Having said that, I will add that it is important for you to make sure you get adequate calories. A rule of thumb has been to add protein and fat to each “meal” which probably entails several “eatings” throughout the day/night. This helps reduce sugar spiking and aids in control of hunger. A diabetic educator will help you understand the concept of total carbohydrate consumption in relationship to the type of carbohydrate source. Fiber containing cereals, whole grain products, fruits, vegetables and legumes may actually be useful. What is important is what works for you, and how to manage “this” particular situation. Because you are asking on this forum, I encourage you to go to a professional who can help you answer your questions as they pertain to your unique situation. In fact, this is the time to do just that… while there is time.

I don’t mean to be evasive, but this is a very serious disease with serious consequences. And, we are talking about a very seriously extreme situation.

Watching in Texas – at 19:34

EnoughAlready - just wanted to give you a word of encouragement after the Flu Prep thread thing over carbs. Hang in there. Most of us oldbies have gotten flamed at one time or another. I made a new batch of Wit’s Aloe Vera Butt Creme for Flaming Fannies for the last flaming I got, want the receipe?:-)

EnoughAlreadyat 20:53

WIT- okay, I’ll come out of self-imposed hiatus to thank you for your kind, encouraging words. Other than that, I am LIVID over that whole incident… and generally speaking, probably will do best to hold my tongue (or typing fingers.) IMHO, it was a circular blathering.

And yeah… who could resist such a recipe! :)

Again, thanks!

Watching in Texas – at 22:11

EnoughAlready - sometimes it is good to take a break. I did that back in the summer. I got flamed and suddenly I questioned everything I posted. You know where it says on the posting instructions to think twice and post once? Well, I ended up thinking six or seven times and then just not posting anything at all. I kept thinking - maybe someone will take this wrong and then I’ll get flamed again. So, I just lurked for a while. I still am not posting nearly what I did before the Great FluWiki Flame Wars of 2006. (WIT looks around quickly to make sure her “flame-er” is nowhere around…ok, the coast appears to be clear;-)) Apparently, not everyone appreciates my sense of humor….go figure!! I have enjoyed your contributions to the forum, so if you need to go away for a while, don’t stay away too long!

History Lover – at 23:58

Enough Already - thanks for your advice. You’re always there for others. I did go to one of those Diabetic Workshops when I was first diagnosed last year, and it was really helpful. I think it would be a good thing if I checked with professionals to see if they have any recommendations for this very specific (albeit still not certain) event.

15 September 2006

TXNurseat 01:32

History Lover - did you get my list, I hope I sent it to right address? Also be sure and stock up on your test strips for diabetes,and watch expiration dates, be sure and always keep the bottles closed in between tests.Everything that “enough already” said is excellent advice. If you have a local hospital nearby they will have a registered dietician or 2 on staff and in my experience they are always helpful with free counseling and other info on diabetes and diet. Call ahead and see if one can answer your questions & meet with you. I know the ones I have worked with have always been so nice and helpful to my patients. Most hospitals always have free workshops regularly also.

Bluebonnet – at 09:58

History Lover - I agree with Enough Already. My husband is a diabetic also and we have planned very specifically for him.

He was able to go to the Stark Diabetes Center at UTMB in Galveston. Gotta give those folks a plug - they are GREAT! The diabetes education and dietician gave us really good suggestions for different illness scenarios. By that I mean what to do if he has vomiting, diarrhea, flu, etc. Also, they had great tips on what to do if he has to have more oral surgery.

They also were very specific about the total number of carbs he was allowed at each meal. This number helps enormously!

Sorry, I’m brain dead today and can’t remember where you are from. Here is the link to UTMB FYI. I’m sure your local hospital will have something similar for you.

http://tinyurl.com/ekfh5

As indicated above, diabetes is a very individual disease. What works for my husband may not necessarily work for you. My husband has had the disease for a number of years and knows which foods elevate his sugar and which do not.

History Lover – at 10:21

Bluebonnet - I’m in West Texas, El Paso to be specific. I have a lot of written info on diabetes and I’m going to give myself a refresher course. And as soon as the doctor taking over for my doctor is certified with my insurance company (isn’t modern health care so much fun?), I will talk to him about different scenarios. Thanks.

TXNurse - No, I didn’t get your list. Here’s my e-mail again (sorry it’s kind of long - just blame AOL) - jerebishopfranco@aol.com. It’s really great that we have so many nurses on this thread and on this website. I have great respect for nurses, especially since the birth of my youngest child. He has been hospitalized 26 times since his birth (not including emergency visits) for seizures, surgeries, pneumonia, etc., and the nurses are always marvelous.

Love Texas – at 13:33

About diabetes and SIP—several years ago I went with a friend to a diabetes workshop, I didn’t pay much attention to this part but they worked with a man from India and he was Vegeterian so that might be the question to ask.

Petticoat Junction – at 13:37

I was thinking of this thread and the low-sugar/carb needs when I was at HEB this morning…they were clearancing out some of the Smucker’s Simply Fruit jams/jellies for 84 cents a jar (50–75% off). Even on my budget I was able to stock up on jelly, lol. For those who really need the low sugar items, you might want to peek in your local store.

History Lover – at 15:08

For all you folks who become discouraged when you try to tell people about the possibility of a pandemic, I have some good news. For a couple of months, I have been e-mailing a few daily articles from the Flu Wiki news thread to my DH who works at a local health institution. He recently started sending them to his supervisors. Today I sent him the WHO data on current confirmed deaths from Bird Flu, and he passed it along as usual. His top supervisor’s response was “ouch.” They are now taking this more seriously.

NS1 – at 19:45

Excellent work, history lover.

I believe Ovid said, “Dripping hollows rock.”, of course, the original language is dead now so we won’t delve into it.

If we are persistent, more people will be left alive after PF51. It’s really that simple.

16 September 2006

anonymous – at 15:58

Way to go History Lover!

18 September 2006

History Lover – at 11:03

Good News - My DH and a colleague who is also very well-informed about Bird Flu have been told to prepare a Three-Stage Plan for their department which consists of approximately 60 people. My husband has asked me to help him with information, sources, and preparing an outline for these stages. We came up with this:

I. Education - Defining terms (Bird Flu, CFR, SIP, PPE, Preps, Social Distancing, etc.); describing bird flu symptoms and results; discussing National, State and Local Plans

II. Pre-Pandemic Action - This includes ordering gloves, masks and other hygienic materials for the office; having workshops on CPR, hygiene, and handwashing (I actually asked for and received a handwashing lesson from a nursing student the last time my son was in the hospital and believe me, there is a technique); practicing Social Distancing Techniques; and providing influenza and pneumovax shots.

III. Implementation - Should a pandemic occur, the office would implement certain measures. We are suggesting staggered work schedules, teleconferencing, no physical contact, working from home, etc.

I have e-mailed my DH some substantial information from several websites including WHO, the State of Texas, our city, the Red Cross, and Flu Wiki.

Well, as the Lone Ranger would say “my work here is done.”

Petticoat Junction – at 11:11

History Lover, that is fantastic! Good work to all three of you.

I’m thinking this might be good for its own thread, to get people brainstorming and also give them something tangible to take to their own companies??

History Lover – at 11:25

I agree, Petticoat Junction. Since I started the Lone Star State thread, would you do this one? I’m really excited about these plans. Even though it’s just one department, you know how institutions are. Once the other departments realize that one group is doing it, they will all be curious and hopefully want some planning. And in addition, these people will (again hopefully) begin planning for their families and communities.

19 September 2006

EnoughAlreadyat 19:33

News today from CattleNetwork.com

Houston Companies Urged To Prepare For Bird Flu Pandemic

HOUSTON (Dow Jones)--Although a much-feared global outbreak of avian flu has so far not surfaced, Houston public health officials Tuesday urged local businesses to prepare emergency response plans should a pandemic hit the global energy center.

“Things happen here,” Herminia Palacio, Executive Director of Harris County Public Health and Environmental Services, told the “Texas Bird Flu Forum.” Palacio, asked by an audience member to handicap the chances of an outbreak, predicted that a major health scare like bird flu was inevitable at some point.

“It will happen,” said Palacio, adding that it was impossible to know whether such an outbreak was six months or 10 years away. She warned of the need to avoid a similar fate to Toronto, which was badly hamstrung by an outbreak of SARS in 2003.

Palacio was followed at a well-attended half-day seminar by speakers from ConocoPhillips (COP), Exxon Mobil Corp. (XOM) and Royal Dutch Shell PLC (RDSA), who described the industry’s preparatory steps to protect employees and ensure operations continuity should a worst-case scenario surface.

A base case outbreak of a bird flu pandemic could affect 30% of Houston’s population, require hospitalization of up to 100,000 people and result in up to 23,000 deaths, Palacio said. The surge in activity from an outbreak would stretch Houston’s public health infrastructure beyond its capacity, she said.

Although a pandemic has so far not surfaced, energy companies have already contended with sporadic outbreaks of bird flu anxiety. Richard Dockins, a manager in ExxonMobil’s global medical group, said company officials had to reassure workers in Nigeria after the State Department began suggesting expatriate evacuations in response to that country’s first bird flu case. ExxonMobil has encountered similar confusion in other key energy countries, including Kazhakstan and Indonesia, whenever birds die of the disease.

“There’s still a lot of confusion, even among providers, about the difference between bird flu and a pandemic,” Dockins told Dow Jones Newswires. In Nigeria, “it took about three days for it to peak and then calm back down,” Dockins said of the surge in worry.

Basing the scenario on a 1918-like outbreak, ExxonMobil business units have an operating plan for a 6–8-week pandemic wave. Besides establishing plans to enable business continuity, the effort will strive to safeguard continual supply of transportation fuels and power generation fuels for use by critical infrastructure, Dockins said.

Energy companies in Houston are seasoned in emergency response after the wave of recent hurricanes. But a bird flu outbreak differs from the storms in that “it will impact people more than it will impact assets,” said Rob Donnelly, Shell’s regional manager for health services in the Americas.

Besides good business sense, the extensive focus on bird flu by governments is further incentive for companies to prepare bird flu contingency plans, said Joseph McMenamin, an attorney with McGuire Woods in Richmond, Va.

“Plaintiffs can assert that because of these pronouncements, you have a duty to act, whereas before you didn’t,” McMenamin said.

Source: John M. Biers, Dow Jones Newswires; 713–547–9214; john.biers@dowjones.com

21 September 2006

History Lover – at 09:56

Enough Already - Great article. I haven’t seen anything in our local news media, but my friends who are nurses tell me some of the hospitals are making preparations. At least that’s something.

Ree – at 11:00

On September 14, about 50 leaders from various Limestone County organizations gathered at the Limestone County Courthouse to hear more about the possible approach of a flu pandemic and what needs to be done to get ready for it. A pandemic is a catastrophic illness which can go on unchecked for months because there is no medication developed that can stop the mutant virus that feeds it. It can take pharmaceutical labs six to eight months to develop an effective medication to contain the virus. Citing the 1918 flu epidemic which killed over 6,000,000 Americans as an example of a pandemic, Limestone County Emergency Management Coordinator Matt Groveton opened a panel discussion open for audience participation by stressing how urgent it is toget prepared for a pandemic. He said, “The pandemic is one airline ticket away from reaching the US. With the military shuffling troops in and out of the country, it might come from that direction”.

There’s more… [www.groesbeckjournal.com/story2.shtml|Pandemic Planning in Texas]

Oh guys, I was at such a low point until I saw this. I grew up close to here, and would have never thought Limestone County would be blazing a trail - yet, here they are! I’m jazzed!! And I’m sending this to all of the counties around where I currently live, to follow up with the folks who thought I was a fearmongering lunatic six months ago.

History Lover – at 12:09

Ree - that’s a great article, and I sent it along to some people. I’m so embarrassed to say that I can’t find Limestone County! East Texas, Central Texas? (And I’m a History Professor too, just geographically-challenged).

Petticoat Junction – at 18:05

History Lover, it’s central TX….Groesbeck is |here. Yay for Limestone county! Rats, if I’d known about it I would have tried to get there.

Sidescroll alert – at 18:08

oops, sorry about that…messed up the link with a double ||. <blush›

Try this link instead for a map of Groesbeck: here

PJ

Sidescroll alert – at 18:10

Shoot. I’ve lost all ability to link today. I’m sorry. It’s my bday, can I blame it on being old? PJ

Sidescroll alert – at 18:13

Last attempt, then I’m giving up for the day:

Map of Groesbeck

PJ

History Lover – at 18:15

Petticoat Junction - read the Humor Thread today. I think it’s appropriate.

Sidescroll alert – at 18:26

History Lover…lol on the humor thread quiz. I scored 15; guess I’m just on the edge of being older than dirt? ;o)

Were you able to figure out Limestone county by my lame linkage? I see that one of the speakers was from the Council of Govt’s in Waco; wonder if she’s traveling around speaking in the general area?

Petticoat Junction – at 18:27

Oh man, I can’t get anything right today!

NS1 – at 19:10

Ree,

It’s great to see that some county is taking this seriously. Have you spoken directly with the coordinator to confirm their motivation, next steps and how carefully they are teaching the coordinators of the bordering counties?

Love Texas – at 19:29

NS1--Do you know if McKinney has a plan at all??

History Lover – at 22:39

Petticoat Junction - Just a 15? You’re a mere child. Yes, I did find Groesbeck and Limestone County. Believe it or not it is just a hop, skip and a jump from Mexia, Texas where I spent my second grade year and most of my summers with my beloved grandmother who worked in the cotton mill. And I remember people mentioning Groesbeck.

Ree – at 23:59

I don’t live there any longer, but do still know a few folks in the county offices that I will try to contact. My parents are close to Waco and haven’t mentioned anything to me about any organization in McLennan county, but I’m hoping they’ll take a cue from their neighbors. Let me see what I can find out over the weekend.

22 September 2006

Petticoat Junction – at 00:05

History Lover, a mere babe in arms, lol…just feeling really old today. Long, long day. Ah well.

I went back to reread the Limestone article and found this part:

“Cindy Rafter with HOTCOG out of Waco was introduced by Groveton and led the meeting. She explained how a plan is being drafted for Limestone County to get prepared for the pandemic which may or may not materialize. Both planning meetings for the various organizations and businesses that would be involved in fighting the pandemic and public meetings to get Limestone County residents informed about plans to take on the pandemic and what their options would be are on the agenda. A public meeting is set for Groesbeck November 6th at 6:00 p.m.. There will be one a week later on the 13th in Mexia at the same time.”

I looked up the HOTCOG site and found Ms. Rafter listed under the Homeland Security section as Hospital Planning Specialist. I think I will email her and find out if she’s giving a similar presentation in other nearby venues anytime soon (and, accordingly, what the local counties may have in the works). I’ll let you know if she answers. I’ve been underwhelmed by our county’s health dept; maybe we have more hope this way.

Petticoat Junction – at 00:12

Ree – at 23:59 “I don’t live there any longer, but do still know a few folks in the county offices that I will try to contact. My parents are close to Waco and haven’t mentioned anything to me about any organization in McLennan county, but I’m hoping they’ll take a cue from their neighbors. Let me see what I can find out over the weekend.”

Ree, the McLennan Public Health dept has this on their site re: pandemic planning. They are supposedly instituting a volunteer program but my requests for information have gone unanswered since July. They are also hosting a large regional conference next month, one track of which is “public health preparedness” dealing with “emerging zoonosis of interest,” DMORT teams, etc. And apparently they had a training session in June with a video they were showing, but I don’t remember seeing any public info at the time. Right now I’d say it’s mostly talk, trying to pull things together (I say hopefully), but nothing concrete yet.

NS1 – at 01:35

Love Texas – at 19:29

Don’t know if McKinney has a plan.

25 September 2006

Petticoat Junction – at 18:47

I saw a TX Atlas & Gazetteer for $13.88 at Sam’s Club today (list price $24.95). It is like the road atlas books of the 50 states, except that all 167 pgs are Texas.

It is not only a road/city street map but also a detailed topographical map. Every little back country road, stream, hilltop and railroad track is on there. Recreation listings like freshwater fishing are included, too, which could be helpful. Oh, it’s also coded to GPS grids.

I’ve been wanting something like this since watching the total gridlock coming out of Houston with Rita and realizing that I knew nothing about the little back roads in my area, let alone the rest of the state. Thought I’d share in case anyone else was looking for something similar.

26 September 2006

History Lover – at 15:06

I posted some time ago that had some luck in mailing news articles from Flu Wiki to my husband who then forwarded these articles to his supervisors. The result was that his institution is now taking this issue more seriously. So I decided to try my luck with my son’s middle school principal. She’s always loved my son and been very nice to me, but I was still a little cautious. I first asked her if the school district had given them any guidelines on the Bird Flu, and she said only bits and pieces. I told her that I had been keeping up on the issue since April, particularly through news articles. I asked her if she would like for me to e-mail her some of these articles. Her reply was an enthusiastic “yes”. The school nurse was also in the conversation, and she said a pandemic was due to happen sooner or later so she also had an open attitude. I think that a lot of people out there want information and aren’t receiving it. I’m going to continue to add more people to my e-mails that I send out daily (sorry I’m ending so many sentences with adverb!). And I’m going to direct them to the Flu Wiki site.

Snowhound1 – at 15:16

http://tinyurl.com/p5nl5

This is a link to an editorial, Part 2 of 3, that is running in the Cleburne Times-Review in Cleburne, TX. A very interesting read. Only hope that it “catches on” to other communities. I don’t live in Cleburne, but would be interested in reading the letters to the editor while this editorial is running.

Reverend Reggie – at 15:54
Reverend Reggie – at 15:59

Oops, hit the wrong button! Anyway, asked three people about their bird flu preparations. One was a fireman in Hunt County. He laughed and told me that it was not going to happen. Told him it will happen. He quit laughing. Doesn’t look like Hunt County is preparing. Asked two other fathers at my daughter’s volleyball game. Both were not associated with eath other. However, both of these fathers separately gave the identical answers to my question. Both said that bird flu was the biggest myth every brought to our attention. I looked both of them in the eye and stated that it will happen. They both got quiet. Heck, even the Bible states for leaders to be aware of current events to make sound quality decisions. Don’t be blind of the fact.

Thanks, RR

Reverend Reggie – at 16:01

Any Texas Masons preparing?

Just a thought…

RR

Snowhound1 – at 16:07

Regarding my post at 15:16, I just sent the author an e-mail thanking him for his editorial and also pointing out a few errors. Suggested he check out the main fluwikie as well as what Leavitt and Nabarro have said about the possibility. It will be interesting to see if he gets back to me.

Snowhound1 – at 20:11

I actually did get a reply..which is always nice for one’s ego. :) Just wish the NT Times would respond to my e-mail. >;)

Dear Tess,

I couldn’t agree with you more. However, my editors believed I should follow the recommendations set forth by the Department of Homeland Security. Frankly, this illness scares the bejesus out of me not because of the possibility of significant numbers of fatalities, but because of the enormous potential for social and political disruption. When we take a look at the disruption that followed Hurricane Katrina and also 9/11, we had but a small glimmer of the power this country is willing to grab should there be a ripe opportunity. Already, we are heading deep into the abyss of totalitarianism and I fear that such a pandemic would either encourage those already in power to seek more or encourage those who seek power to overthrow what little we have left of our democracy.

    I appreciate your having read my words. It encourages me.

Thanks, Michael

A “little” political, but it is nice to know that it does scare the bejesus out of other people and it is getting on the radar, albeit in a small way. :) I’d like to see this type of editorial run in the Dallas Morning News…

27 September 2006

NS1 – at 04:06

Rev. Reggie-

Both said that bird flu was the biggest myth every brought to our attention.

Unfortunately, several irresponsible natural health authors have recently begun promoting that very idea of The GREAT AVIAN INFLUENZA MYTH without understanding the basic science behind their self-promoting claims.

Mercola is a prime example . . . some good ideas, but off-track on the major issues.

History Lover – at 10:51

Snowhound1 @ 15:16 - That was a really interesting article in Cleburne, Texas. I like the way they put the possible pandemic into a historical context. That might stimulate conversations with survivors or children of survivors of the 1918 Spanish Flu and make it more real to people.

Reverend Reggie @ 15:59 - Don’t get discouraged about telling people about the possible pandemic. I think they are swayed more than they show by your sincerity.

NS1 @ 19:45 - I finally found the Ovid quote in Latin - “gutta cavat lapidem.” Dripping hollows the rock. I took Latin in junior high and high school and believe that it helped me immensely with my language skills. It’s too bad that most schools no longer offer this as an option. And it is appropriate here. We are all “dripping” away!

Love Texas – at 11:14

Petticoat Junction—I have the Texas Atlas in the trunk of my car just in case something happens while I am at work and can’t get home. I have used it many times looking for land and using small roads. It is great. Even if it is just a back up on the freeway you can find a way>

anonymous – at 20:06

Snowhound1, Thanks for the link to the Cleburne article. It gave me a good opportunity to bring up the subject with a friend who lives in the Cleburne area.

Poppy – at 20:07

Opps! Forgot to put my name in since swiping my computer! That was me.

28 September 2006

NS1 – at 00:59

History Lover,

Latin is the basis of all language skills, isn’t it?

Texas Rose – at 01:41

Note to self: Get TX Atlas.

Petticoat Junction – at 01:48

NS1…well, there’s Greek, too. ;o) At least for the non-aboriginal languages, anyway.

TX Rose, my parallel dream friend (wonder if we live as close as we dream?), you will feel much better if you have the atlas. Knowledge (together with preparation) is power.

Petticoat Junction – at 02:10

Hmm, the McLennan county health dept just added this in the last day or so (though it’s not front page but back under a link or two)…it’s a community pandemic flu survey, geared towards businesses, daycares, etc. Includes a section on what each business might be able to offer as a resource in case of a pandemic.

NS1 – at 04:15

Petticoat Junction,

Yes, there is the Greek, but that Greek stuff is all French to me!

Except for the roasted potatoes with oregano, of course.

29 September 2006

centex – at 19:04

Tx Nurse, how are the college kids doing? is your prep still going well? I am missing my little Aggies so much! But the house stays clean, groceries aren’t as much , and laundry only takes an hour and a half - as opposed to ALL day Sunday…..

30 September 2006

History Lover – at 10:57

NS1 @ 00:59 on September 28 - Sorry I didn’t see your post. Sometimes I have to stay away from Flu Wiki to get my PPF level down. I agree that Latin is the basis for many languages. It certainly helped me when I took other languages in college. LOL at the Greek stuff!

Petticoat Junction @ 1:48 - Do you have a Greek quote we can add to our mottoes? Something sage and pithy? (If you don’t have sage, thyme will do.)

My DH attended a workshop at another institution (not his own) and thought the presenter did a really good job of incorporating data and presenting it in a truthful way. He said he was more informed than many others, because I have been giving him a lot of information (much of it from Flu Wiki). They do expect to be overwhelmed during a pandemic with not nearly enough supplies and ventilators to deal with the influx of patients. He now realizes that it will be best to stay home and out of the way of the First Responders. That’s the best news I’ve had in a long time.

Petticoat Junction – at 11:30

LOL, History Love & NS1…right now my head is spinning with thoughts of baklava as my other current ‘prep’ is getting ready for a Greek festival & tomorrow is ‘baklava day’. I’ll see if I can come up with a good quote (but in English, right? ;o)

CenTex, with four young kids still at home I can’t even imagine the house staying clean and quiet….but I can imagine missing them if they were off at college.

History Lover, where was dh’s conference? That’s encouraging about him being willing to come straight home now. I’ve finally gotten my dh to take hand sanitizer around with him, too, yay.

EnoughAlreadyat 14:39

Hi y’all! Hope everybody is doing good. Thought I would share a couple nifty Texas websites I’ve discovered.

. www.PickYourOwn.org

You click on the great state of Texas, and find farms nearby YOU!!!!! There is one near me that is fixin’ to have a month long pumpkin patch. It’s an old fashioned fall celebration with hayrides, etc. Various places have different stuff to pick throughout the year! Hope y’all are able to utilize this, and enjoy finding a few places nearby! The one closest to me says to pack a picnic and plan to spend the day. My daughter and I are taking the g’kids next week to the pumpkin patch and to pick persimmons. (That’s all they have now, but we want to check the place out, and it sounds like a great family outting!)

2. www.gotexan.org

“GO TEXAN takes Texas bragging rights to new heights, stamping products from the Lone Star State with bona fide Texas pride!”

Click on the peach for food and market info. The links to TDA marketing sites leads to a variety of Texas sites. www.picktexas,com Has links to farmers markets and places to contact to buy from growers. I haven’t done this yet. If anybody does it, please, I’d love to know how it went!

EnoughAlreadyat 14:42

www.picktexas.com

Dot com, not comma com! I am so excited! I’ve figured out how to make links on this site. Guess I just can’t do links that are long though… creates those stretched out pages! Enjoy!!

History Lover – at 14:46

Petticoat Junction - Wish I could be there to try that baklava. The conference was in El Paso at one of the hospitals, and apparently there have been several since June. They are attended by local hospitals and different public agencies. I am relieved that there has been some planning although there hasn’t been a lot of publicity about it.

Enough Already - Thanks for the website info. I was just thinking about local farmers and their produce this morning.

EnoughAlreadyat 15:08

HOUSTON AREA:

LIVINGSTON Polk County

Livingston Farmers Market Co-op

111 U.S. Highway 59 North Loop

Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday 7:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. or to sell-out (936) 685–7508

HOUSTON

Harris County|

3000 Richmond Avenue Wednesday, Saturday Wednesday, 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Saturday, 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. www.urbanharvest.org (713) 880–5540

  • Midtown Farmers Market

3701 Travis Street Saturday 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. (713) 524–6922

VICTORIA Victoria County

2805 N. Navarro Street Wednesday, Saturday 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. (361) 277–2268 Farmers Market

AUSTIN Travis County

  • All-Tex Growers Association

6701 Burnet Road Weekly 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. (512) 454–1002

  • Austin Farmers Market Association

Location 1 422 W. Guadalupe Saturday 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. www.austinfarmersmarket.org (512) 236–0074

  • Location 2:

412 Comal Thursday 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Open April 27 to September 28 www.austinfarmersmarket.org (512) 236–0074

  • Location 3:

5405 Pleasant Valley Road Thursday 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Open May 25 to September 28 www.austinfarmersmarket.org (512) 236–0074

  • Location 4:

1416 Montopolis Drive Thursday 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. www.austinfarmersmarket.org Open May 25 to September 28 (512) 236–0074

  • South Austin Farmers Market

2910 S. Congress Saturday 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. www.southaustinfarmersmarket.com (830) 914–3756

  • Sunset Valley Farmers Market

3200 Jones Road Saturday 9:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. pamela@svfm.org www.sunsetvalleyfarmersmarket.org (512) 917–6432

EnoughAlreadyat 15:11

Point in the above stuff… they are all over the state of Texas. I knew they were there, I just couldn’t find them!

Poppy – at 17:37

There is a farmer’s market in Lufkin. It’s not listed on any of the websites mentioned above. It is just off of Loop 287. Take the Highway 69 exit. The farmer’s market is next to the Agriculture Extension office on the S/E side of the Loop. I only have gone once. There were only a few vendors, who looked like permanant fixtures there. Still the quality of the fresh produce was there. There were also plants for sale. I saw a sign the other day near the entrance advertising yams.

01 October 2006

North of Houston – at 22:35

Poppy~~There should be road side vendors along 59 through the fall and into the winter. Watch for pick up truck loads of sweet potatoes/yams from Livingston to Nac as we get closer to the holidays season. I have stopped at the Lufkin market. I was disappointed at the number of vendors; however, what I purchased was fresh, but I thought pricey.

Also, if you need firewood, vendors should start setting up soon. They normally sell when a cold front has been forecast. You can buy bundles, stacks or by the 1/2 or full cord. Be careful and purchase only seasoned oak…no pine.

03 October 2006

Petticoat Junction – at 12:02

Notice posted today:

The Waco-McLennan County Public Health District & the Brazos Area Health Education Center will have a pandemic flu community meeting, with sessions from 8:30am to noon and from 1:30 to 5pm Wed (10/5) at the McLennan Community College Conference Center. The meeting is free and open to the public.

Dr Dennis Perrotta, of the Univ. of TX School of Public Health and a former state epidemiologist of the TX Dept of State Health Services, will be the keynote speaker for both sessions.

To ask questions, call Kelly Craine at (254) 750–5429 __

If anyone here might try to go, let me know; it would be nice to meet another FluWikian. I am scrambling to find a babysitter for one or the other sessions.

Petticoat Junction – at 12:03

Oops, I mean Wed, Oct 4th

TXNurseat 12:07

PJ - Is it Wednesday or 10/5?, and is that in the city of Waco?

Petticoat Junction – at 12:38

Yes, it’s Wed, Oct 4th, sorry. McLennan Community College is on the northern edge of Waco.

Petticoat Junction – at 12:46

Yay, I just got a call from a friend of mine (nurse married to an ER doc)…she was at Sam’s in the Temple/Killeen area with a flatbed cart and wanted a prep shopping list (conveniently, I have a list of ‘good stuff’ at Sam’s and approx prices, so I just talked her through the aisles). This just made my day!

She also said she’s going to talk to her dh about getting some meds (she’s very on board with this but I’m not sure about him….but with her convinced now, hopefully he won’t be far behind).

She mentioned talking later about what I think our family might need, too. Not sure if he’d go as far as Tamiflu, but if we could even just get extra samples & such of dh and dd’s Rx meds, I would feel much better.

History Lover – at 12:48

Petticoat Junction - You’re on a roll today. Go buy a lottery ticket!

Petticoat Junction – at 12:52

History Lover - lol! You know right where that $$ would go, too, right? My own flatbed cart at Sam’s or a Honeyville order since their discount ends tonite. ;o)

Poppy – at 17:13

NofH - Lots of yams! I was on 69 NW of Lufkin on Sunday and there are loads of roadside vendors selling yams and pumpkins. Too bad I’m the only one in the family with a taste for yams. The rest of the family doesn’t know what they are missing. Oh well, more for me!

04 October 2006

Petticoat Junction – at 13:09

Sigh. I was able to make arrangements for the two older girls, but the babysitter for the two younger girls fell through so I can’t make it to this afternoon’s pandemic meeting. :o( I was able to talk to one of the coordinators, though, to see what I was missing.

I was told that today was just going to be an introductory community information session (what is avian influenza, etc). The gal I was talking to was one of the main ones working the session and only had a few minutes so I didn’t have the liberty to ask her many questions. She did say, though, that all the information presented today will be posted on the McLennan County Public Health website.

She also said that they have a more detailed/intensive day coming up on Oct 24th, with the morning devoted to medical issues and the afternoon to business. That will be more of a planning/strategy session. (I recognized her name as being the one who is doing the community survey on the website.)

I’ll let you know more as I find out.

(Poppy ~ my family loves yams! Too bad we aren’t closer; we’d join you in yam-shopping, lol.)

Texas Rose – at 14:32

Poppy – at 17:13: I’ve developed a taste for yams in the last few years and even use them in pies.

I went to a Farmer’s Market in San Antonio a few weeks ago and was sorely disappointed. One lone vendor with a small table that had a few baskets of pre-priced tomatoes(which I could get at HEB for way less) and some tiny bell peppers and eggplants. The vendor was doing a brisk business, though, so I guess she knew what those customers wanted.

Perhaps I’ve been spoiled by European markets but I expected multiple vendors selling a variety of produce and fruits.

05 October 2006

Poppy – at 09:37

Where I lived in California we had loads of roadside stands and a big farmers market. It actually put what I have found here in Texas to shame. Finding a good selection of fresh veggies and fruits here is difficult, even in the stores. The selection and variety just isn’t what I’m used to. Is it the drought or is this normal?

Bluebonnet – at 10:01

Poppy & Texas Rose - See below the Ag Report from A&M

Oct. 4, 2006 Texas Crop, Weather Writer: Lorri Jones, 281–855–5620,LJones@ag.tamu.edu

COLLEGE STATION - Two weak cool fronts that drifted across Texas last week brought relief to drought-burdened areas. But regions of the state still suffer from months of less-than-average rainfall amounts, said Texas Cooperative Extension officials.

“A small amount of rain fell early in the week and has greened up all the pastures, but I’m afraid this will not last long,” said Dr. Dale Fritz, district Extension administrator for Southeast Texas. “Everyone had a chance to harvest fall crops, and so far the weather is holding off. It looks as if we will have good yields for cotton, corn and grain sorghum.”

Dr. Galen Chandler, district Extension administrator for the Rolling Plains, said producers are learning from several years of drought.

“Producers are planting earlier this year for ‘grain only’ production, because last year once the moisture was gone there was not enough to plant in November or December when they generally prefer to plant,” he said.

District reports from Extension follow:

PANHANDLE: Temperatures were below average at the beginning of the week, but above normal by week’s end. Up to one-quarter inch of rain fell in some areas, with most areas receiving none. Soil moisture was rated very short to adequate; most areas reported short to adequate amounts. Corn harvest is 35 percent complete, and yield reports varied. Cotton was rated very poor to excellent with most areas reporting fair to good. Sorghum is headed and turning color. Peanuts were rated mostly fair to good. Soybean and sunflower harvest continued. Wheat is about 75 percent planted; stands were rated fair and in need of a good rain. Range conditions vary from very poor to excellent with most areas reporting fair to good. Cattle are in good condition.

SOUTH PLAINS: Warm, dry conditions prevailed all week, helping cotton continue to mature. Harvest-aid chemicals have been applied to many cotton fields with a small percentage of acreage being harvested. Corn and peanut harvests continued. Sorghum continued to mature. Pumpkin and watermelon harvests continued. About 60 percent of winter wheat has been planted with good emergence. Ranges and pastures are in fair to good condition.

ROLLING PLAINS: Cool morning and nighttime temperatures slowed the maturity rate on the cotton crop, but some producers began applying defoliant to condition cotton for harvest. Disaster cotton is being shredded. Small grain fields are being planted. Winter wheat planting will continue until moisture is gone. Some hay grazer is being cut for hay. Range conditions where grass was present were reported as fair to good. Over-grazed range sites still are in poor to fair condition. Some of the larger horse ranchers are getting ready for annual sales. Cooler weather has caused an increase in the fly population; most buildings and homes are infested. Low-water levels continue in area tanks.

NORTH: Soil moisture ranged from very short to adequate. Stock water sources continue to be low, although recent rains have helped some pastures. Some ranchers began baling hay and planting winter pastures. Most farmers have begun planting winter wheat and oats. Cotton was reported in poor condition as the bolls were beginning to open. Corn, soybeans and sorghum are fully harvested. Most areas continued to report range and pasture conditions as poor and very poor. Cattle prices have dropped, and producers continue to purchase hay from neighboring states.

EAST: Rain fell in some counties, but not enough was received throughout the area to improve conditions. Where measurable rain fell, cooler nighttime temperatures hindered grass growth. Cattle conditions remain good. Market prices and demand remain strong, even with large numbers being sold as producers continue to cull herds. Hay supplies continue to be extremely short in most areas. In areas reporting late hay cutting and baling, the tonnage is very low. Many cattle producers who are currently feeding with hay are seeking alternatives for the winter. Producers began planning for winter pasture planting, but soil moisture levels remain too low. Fall gardens are good in areas that received rain. Dairy enterprises in Wood County reported bad conditions.

FAR WEST: Soil moisture ranged from very short to surplus, and range and pastures were reported in very poor to excellent conditions. Cotton is in very poor to excellent condition. Temperatures have been cooler, without any triple-digit temperatures during the week. No rainfall was reported except for a half-inch to 2 inches in the southern tip of Val Verde County.

WEST CENTRAL: Warm, mild temperatures were reported this week, with highs in the low 90s F in some areas and nighttime lows in the upper 50s F to 60s F. High winds have depleted soil moisture in many areas. Cotton crops were defoliated for harvest. The cotton crop will not be as good as in recent years, and some cotton has been plowed up where insurance made adjustments. Field preparations and small grain planting continues. Some hay fields are being cut and baled; hay resources continue to be short. Range and pastures continue to improve and are in fair condition. Extremely dry, windy conditions have set back forage growth of improved pastures. Cool season grasses are coming in. Livestock were reported in fair condition, and continue to be sold off. Many producers are looking at cheaper and more readily available feeds. Some pecan harvesting has started with early varieties. Pecan crop is expected to be small.

CENTRAL: Small grain fields are continuing to be planted. Selling off cattle has slowed due to rains and grazing. Warm temperatures and hot dry winds have already taken the moisture. Hay remains scarce, and most herds are being supplemented. Cotton harvest is winding up.

SOUTHEAST: Hay inventory remained extremely short as the last fields were cut last week. Armyworms have subsided to some degree; some spraying continued. Oats, wheat and ryegrass fields being planted to improve winter grazing. If measurable rainfall is not received soon, newly planted winter forage will die. Cattle and calf sales continue with prices good. Remaining cotton crops were baled, and the harvest is complete. Producers continue fertilizing to try to get grasses to come back. Brazoria County has received moderate rainfall, which slightly hindered cotton harvest. Area-wide, cotton harvest yields are outstanding with reports of an average of 2.5 bales to 4 bales per acre. Corn harvest this year was also good, yielding 100 to 120 bushels per acre. Grains sorghum was also excellent with average yields of 5,000 pounds per acre. Frequent rains have made haying difficult and harvest has been slow, so supply is still limited. Stinkbugs and loopers persist on soybeans; however, spraying has not begun. Some wheat was planted this week. Livestock is doing well. Ratoon grain sorghum and rice look good. The main rice harvest should be completed early this month.

SOUTHWEST: With cooler temperatures and almost 2 inches of rain in mid-September the environment has improved, but the region remains very dry. The rain settled the dust and made small grains planting possible; however the region remains significantly below average in seasonal rainfall, and the sub-soil is completely dry. Forage availability is too short to sustain minimum livestock stocking without serious effect on wildlife. Cabbage, pickling cucumbers, green beans and some southern greens have been planted and are making good progress under heavy irrigation. Peanuts continue to make good progress under heavy irrigation, but yields will be down. The severe dry spell and record-high temperatures in August affected pod size. The harvest should start this month. About 20 percent of the cotton remains stored in field modules. The pecan harvest begins in about two weeks. Yields are forecast to be down from last year, due to the very dry year.

COASTAL BEND: Rain has helped increase soil moisture levels, but the soil was too wet for field activities. Farmers are preparing for spring planting. Ranchers are getting ready to plant winter pastures. Beef cattle runs have slowed down at local auctions with little supplementation needed for cow-calf operations.

SOUTH: Recent rain has provided adequate soil moisture throughout the region that has benefitted pastureland and some crops. Scattered showers and cooler temperatures continue to provide excellent forage production, which helps livestock producers decrease supplemental feeding. Field operations in some areas are still on hold until the fields dry out. Dryland wheat and oat producers are planting crops and hoping for additional rains. Land preparation for onions, cabbage and carrots was active this week. Spinach producers are holding off planting until additional information regarding the recall of spinach is released by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

Petticoat Junction – at 11:52

Nope, hasn’t been the best year for growing in TX. Our garden did not fare well, either; it burned out much sooner than usual.

I’m getting ready to do fall planting. (Still can’t get my Colorado mind wrapped around that one, lol.) I need to get some more timbers and dirt for a few more raised gardens. I have the areas cleared, just no way to finish the project right now and am hoping for luck on FreeCycle.

I also need to find the A&M gardening calendar link that EnoughAlready told me about earlier, as I lost it when our computer fried and can’t seem to locate it again. What all are you guys planting right now? Time for garlic, cauliflower…what else?

Petticoat Junction – at 12:01

Our local paper had nothing about Dr. Perrotta’s presentation yesterday. I am really disappointed. There are probably 150,00+ people in their immediate circulation area and it would have been an easy way to get info out under the guise of local news.

At least dh made it home alright last night. I hadn’t wanted to advertise that I was home alone with lots of little kids, but he was gone for the last week as a presenter at a large int’l symposium. (Which was why I needed someone to watch the kids if I was to make the meeting.) It would have been the perfect breeding ground for a pandemic explosion, ugh.

Petticoat Junction – at 12:04

150,000 people…missed an important zero with that one. Need more coffee.

Bluebonnet – at 13:35

PJ - I just harvested sweet potatoes. I am planting cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli, carrots. I am anxiously awaiting the new 1015Y onion sets (buy them online) to come out.

Bought a couple of tomato plants and they just up and died in 2 days!!!! Had a great crop of heirloom tomatoes in the spring. Maybe it was just too hot?

I also have some leaf lettuce and hope for one more (fingers crossed) crop of green beans before the weather turns too cold. I am hoping to plant greens when the weather gets a bit cooler.

Here is a link to the Aggie Home Garden Guide. I found the info very useful.

http://tinyurl.com/nrjfb

Generally, you can plant most veggie crops that mature in 30–60 days here on the Gulf Coast right now.

07 October 2006

Petticoat Junction – at 00:12

Thanks, Bluebonnet!

Hey guys, I just found a couple of wonderful clearance items at HEB and wanted to let you know. They had the 18 oz Quaker Oats (Old-Fashioned/5 min only) from $1.74 down to 37 cents and the grape Tang down from $2.99 to 74 cents! I got $18 worth of each of them (10 oatmeal canisters and 6 Tangs) for just over $8. Plus I had one of their cash-back vouchers so it didn’t cost me anything at all. They had 5-packs of cherry FlavorAid powder for 9 cents (yes, less than a dime), too.

I was thinking the oatmeal would be good for smaller households (we usually buy the larger size) and…perhaps even more…good for hand-out preps. The only downside to that is the fact that it was the old-fashioned kind, not the quick, which could be an issue if there is limited power. Still ~ 37 cents instead of $1.74 works for me. ;o)

EnoughAlreadyat 01:07

Wow! That’s a total of 11 1/4 pounds of oatmeal for $3.70--- before the voucher! I’d call that a great buy! Who cares about the size! And the tang… a vitamin C source! I got a 5# bag of flour for 50 cents, and 4 boxes of poptarts for 37 cents each on Monday… packaging was damaged. Product was intact & good. Still, I’d rather have the oatmeal and tang!

My garden has been awful. Burned up mostly. Ants got into the fruit of my cantlope and figs. Lost every cantlope we had… beautiful fruit, opened it up to find ants. Same with the figs. Figs are still producing, so hopefully will get some yield. My citrus are just pithy. The drought really hit them hard. Loaded with fruit, but they aren’t going to be tasty. Got my onion sets yesterday.

Rice crops around here are doing great. So far there have been 2 harvest crops from the same plantings. Corn I’ve seen is burned up in the fields.

Petticoat Junction – at 03:45

I have to admit that I wiped out the Tang; drink mixes had been one of the holes in my preps: they’re usually so expensive and four kids go through them so quickly. I feel better about the stash now. I do have a couple of canisters of Gatorade but I cannot stand the stuff, bleech, so am glad to have some other options, too. (Dh and the girls like it, but he is suddenly having trouble with blood pressure issues so he won’t be drinking much sodium-laden Gatorade anyway.)

But - I didn’t even take half of the oatmeal. At that price I could have…well, not quite, lol with heavy sigh…but I have been stocking pretty well on oats and this was equal to the amount I was hoping to top off for now. Mostly I just wanted to leave it for other people, though. It looked like they had restocked it at the clearance price, though, so if I am back in a few days and they’ve restocked it again, I’ll pick up some more.

Your garden sounds like mine this year. It started out beautiful but between the drought and the bugs it turned out dismal. We had multiple types of bugs that I’d not had to deal with here before and it wasn’t pretty. I’m wondering if Rita blew them inland last fall.

I did something I’ve never done and borrowed some $ from my father to prep more than I was able to otherwise right now. (Meant I could make a Sam’s run and get a lantern or two, basically. But every little bit helps.) In return I am working it off as a consultant, setting up a business pandemic/disaster plan & policies for his company/mfg plant in Colorado. So I’ve spent the last couple of hours (since the kids went down) working on the preliminary stages of that. I’m beyond tired but it’s nice to feel like I’m prepping on two fronts at once. ;o)

EnoughAlreadyat 12:43

Peticoat--- after reading about the pandemic planning meeting in Waco, I wrote the following letter to Dr. Perrotta: (thanks for the info!)

Dr. Perrotta,

I have read about your involvement in pandemic preparations in Waco. These are community meetings, open to the public. I was hoping you could do something similar in the Houston area. My family and I live in Alvin/Brazoria County. I am concerned about the state and local level of preparedness for the pandemic. A flu pandemic similar (or worse) to the 1918 pandemic will result in significant economic disruption. If a pandemic rages for 6 weeks to 5 months, 99% of citizens will find their current food supplies inadequate. Water treatment plants may not be functional.

The US Congressional Budget Office assessment on the possible macroeconomic effects of an influenza pandemic statement: “The pandemic would probably spread across geographic areas and vulnerable populations in waves. In any given geographic region, each wave could last for three to five months, and a second wave could appear anywhere from one to three months after the first disappears.”

Dr. Michael Osterholm has stated: “We can predict now 12–18 months of stress… we are going to have to plan--- unlike any other crisis that we have had in literally the last 80-some years in this country.”

Michael Leavitt, secretary of the US Department of Health and Human Services, urged preparation in news reports on March 15, 2006: “…citizens need to prepare for a pandemic as they would a hurricane or earthquake, which could happen at the same time since a pandemic could last as long as a year and a half. The biggest pandemic concerns involve significant widespread medical emergency where there wouldn’t be enough surge capacity and hospitals would be overwhelmed. “

Dr. David Nabarro, has said: “He was nearly certain that a pandemic will erupt soon and predicted it could kill anywhere from 5–150 million people.”

Australian Health Minister Tony Abbott said on November 22, 2005: “You are going to also see a very major shortage developing in your basic commodities--- everything from food, to soap and light bulbs right through to medicines, spare parts and petrol.”

USDA Assistant Secretary for Food Safety, Richard Raymond: “…individual citizens must also take steps to prepare for a pandemic with water, with food that doesn’t necessarily need refrigeration… Perhaps grocery stores won’t be open. Perhaps someone won’t be able to run the water treatment plant.”

I am asking for help in identifying measures to mitigate risks to the citizen population through local planning, policies and coordination with critical service functions (i.e., medical providers, food stores, electrical power providers, etc.)

Thank you for your time and consideration.

EnoughAlreadyat 12:49

About Dr. Perrotta:

Dr. Perrotta is doctorally trained in epidemiology, board certified in infection control, and has worked in public health epidemiology for more than 22 years. Until 2005, he was the State Epidemiologist and Scientific Director of the Center for Public Health Preparedness and Response, Texas Department of Health. He has served on two Institute of Medicine committees related to bioterrorism and recently published his first book on bioterrorism. He has faculty appointments at the three Texas public health schools and The University of Texas School of Nursing at Houston.

Petticoat Junction – at 12:56

EA, that sounds great; I hope it works for you. I had looked up Dr Perrotta, too, and was really bummed about missing a chance to hear him speak (especially since my assumption was that it would be a fairly small crowd).

I’ve only heard one tidbit that came out of the presentation, which was one of the local health dept people suggesting a 2 wk prep. I’m not surprised, I guess, though I was really hoping that with him there they would give a 3 mo suggestion instead. (I’d love to know how much he has prepped!)

TXNurseat 21:14

I had a rather disapointing day today…..for the last month my little town (20,000)has been planning a Disater meeting at one of the parks right in the middle of town, This meeting had been advertised in the paper on several occasions. Intent of the meeting was to generate info for community on different potential disasters, dispense handouts and even give free immunizations. Our fire dept was there with one big truck & their new rescue vechile, one EMS truck, the health dept was there, our emergency managemnet team was there and the Red Cross brought one of their big trucks from Austin, we all had tables set up with numerous informational handouts, I had my own little table set up with an article I have written regarding general panflu info & background, plus my supply list & other articles from CIDRAP, etc. We started at 9:00 and it was to last until 1:00. Nobody could believe the turnout!! We maybe had 10–15 people show up!This park is located on main road right across from the H.E.B. !!! I made a ton of copies of everything to had out, and was afraid before hand that I might run out so I had an email address ready to hand out also so I could email info to people…what a joke. We all packed up at 12:00 and left. This is so frustrating!

08 October 2006

Petticoat Junction – at 00:40

Oh, TXNurse. Wow. I can only imagine how fruitless all that prep time felt. I can’t believe the turnout was THAT low. I am so sorry for all of your hard work and hopes.

Look at the bright side, though. Of the dozen people you reached, who knows who they might reach in turn? There will be ripples radiating out from even the tiny handful of people who showed up today. With all of your work and perserverance you did change lives for the better. Even if there weren’t as many people as you’d hoped, the ones you did reach will have had literally a life and death difference made…BY YOU.

Hang in there!

btw, I’d love to see the article you wrote if you’d email to me!

TXNurseat 16:23

PJ - I emailed you with my article.

History Lover – at 16:58

TX Nurse - I too am so sorry that the turnout was not larger. I already have your supply list, and whenever someone wants something like that, I use yours. Would you be able to e-mail me your article as well?

Enough Already - Great work on that letter. I know that this is blatant plagiarism on my part (and in my profession people get burned at the stake for this transgression), but could I use some of the quotes you put together so well in a letter of my own. I may write an open letter to some of my local reps since telephone calls aren’t getting me anywhere.

Bluebonnet - Great work on your garden! Could you come over here and plant some stuff for me? I have the opposite of a green thumb. Plants take one look at me and just die.

TXNurseat 17:15

History Lover- done, check your email.

09 October 2006

EnoughAlreadyat 02:13

History Lover – at 16:58

A lot of the “idea” came from Will Stewart’s book, How to Prepare for a Pandemic and other Extended Disasters. He put a sample letter in there so people would have a guide. I changed things by updating, or by including something I wanted to say, or by skipping parts I didn’t need. It’s a very inclusive “letter” he has in the appendix of his book! Over 3 pages (standard typing paper size) of info that can be used to “capture attention and stir into action”… as Will puts it! (Will’s a fluwikian, btw.)

EnoughAlreadyat 02:39

History Lover… and yes use them. Those quotes are “common knowledge” types of things that can be found by simple reading of newspapers or watching the news. Heck, we have a plethra of info on this site!! I don’t think that it is plagiarism to restate those reported statements. For example, the Michael Leavitt quote was something I saw on TV and googled until I found a source with him making the “time-line” statement of a year and a half. Maybe I misunderstand plagiarism.

In fact, if you should happen to “think” of some reported findings from Indonesia, China, etc, I would greatly appreciate sources! I think a “source” list thread would be a “handy” reference guide to writing such letters to TPTB. I just haven’t had time to keep an updated file of everything pertinent. I am specifically trying to keep updated sources from global spokespeople who are considered professionally respected. Will’s guide is an excellent “guide”, but some of the material is dated. However, some of the “dated” material is just plain “timeless.”

History Lover – at 12:13

Enough Already @ 02:39 - I think a source guide would be a great idea. Whenever I e-mail something that I know will be going to a medical or educational professional, I try to find “legitimate” sources as opposed to “public/average joe sources” (even though the “average joe” sources are just as knowledgable). They will always pay more attention when it is “Dr. So and So” rather than Mr. or Mrs. Smith.

I can tell you as a published historian that when you quote something that will be printed or published (even in a letter just to be overly cautious) you should always quote the source that first published the quote. For example, if there is a newspaper article on the internet quoting Dr. Osterholm, you can use the quote verbatim and in parentheses you should use the title of the article, the source and the date (e.g.: “Interview with Dr. Michael Osterholm,” New York Times, January 1, 2000.) The name of the newspaper should be underlined of course, I simply can not do it here. If we are just passing around information here on threads, I don’t think it’s necessary.

Thanks for all you do. I will try to find some sources to use.

EnoughAlreadyat 17:47

Thanks. Been a long time since I had to know that kind of stuff. Amazing what you forget… & how “sloppy” you can get! ;) I suppose this rule would hold for any “professional” I’d be writing? Like elected officials, health department heads, etc. For the record… I have been wondering about “sourcing” on this website. Like--- recipes. Are they suppose to be sourced? Or does it matter? Would it cause a problem to the site if it wasn’t sourced?

How am I suppose to find the source that first quoted the source? My example with Michael Leavitt came from a TV blip. There wasn’t anything on the network website. I looked until I found something. Sometimes, it’s a needle in a haystack hunt with thousands of hits on a search. And I’ve got to find the original… ugggh.

History Lover – at 18:12

The internet is a whole new world. The problem with the internet is something can be there at one time and not at another so it is really problematic to use anything as an original source. The reason that historians and other scholars are so careful to credit their sources is so that another researcher can go to the exact source to check the material. So most of the documents we use are hard copy and haven’t made it anywhere near the internet. Some of them have never even been touched by anyone except the archivists and the researcher when they are first published.

I don’t think on this particular website or any website where people are simply discussing things such as recipes and how-to projects, that these things need to be sourced. It’s very much like a group conversation, and you’re freely giving a friend some information. It would be different if you intended to publish the recipes in a book and claim them as your own. I included some recipes in a book that I wrote and asked friends and family to contribute, but I obtained a release form from each contributor before it was published.

As for the Michael Leavitt quote, I would say under the circumstances to do the best you can. If this information is going to be in a letter, cite as much information about the source that you can. For example: in an NBC interview with Michael Leavitt on (if you can remember the date include it), Secretary Leavitt said (and then I would paraphrase). This should give your reader enough information to know that your source is credible. I hope this helps.

And now I need help. I asked for some food storage hints on the food storage thread (I am certainly the least knowledgable person here on this particular subject) so if any of you can answer my questions - please do!

Poppy – at 18:25

Tomorrow October 10th Lufkin is having it’s Senior Expo 2006 at the Pitser Garrison Civic Center. The event runs from 9am-2pm.

The newspaper insert put out in the Lufkin Daily news for this event had all kinds of info in it. One thing stood out though. The Angelina County & Cities Health District’s booth will be providing “information on how you can be prepared for Pandemic Flu.”

The ad which is about 1/4 of a page states: “pandemic flu PREPAREDNESS Be Prepared, Plan Now.”

DH looks close enough to being a senior with his gray hair. I’m going to see if I can get him to go over there and get whatever information they are giving out.

Nice to see they are trying to reach the seniors in the community on this issue.

EnoughAlreadyat 23:16

I answered the food storage question before reading this history lover. I am new at it too, on this massive level. I have kept food for my entire family for hurricane season. That’s different than this… as someone stated… it’s hurricane prep on steroids!

Poppy— it is so good to know Lufkin is doing stuff. Lufkin has been the most encouraging thing I’ve seen from the state of Texas!!

This article was encouraging: U.S. governors prepare for flu pandemic

http://www.upi.com/SecurityTerrorism/view.php?StoryID=20061002-033331-1840r

10 October 2006

History Lover – at 13:10

Enough Already - Would it help if I created a select bibliography listing articles from authoritative sources such as Dr. Osterholm, etc., that we all could use in our presentations or letters? I know that it would help my husband when he is dealing with professionals. I’m going to scour the Flu Wiki site for articles and then the internet. If any of you have anything to include, please post here or e-mail me at jerebishopfranco@aol.com. Thanks.

Petticoat Junction – at 13:42

History Lover, I was thinking of doing the exact same thing. I think it would be invaluable and a very good wiki page. I’ll send you anything I find. You can also reach me at petticoat.junction at yahoo.com

(EA, if I didn’t tell you before, good job!)

History Lover – at 13:47

Petticoat Junction - I just know that so many of you are doing amazing jobs in your communities and it finally occurred to me (duh!) that this is an area where I can use my expertise. It’s nothing special, just mind-numbingly boring work, but it’s something that I can do at home with my little one.

Petticoat Junction – at 14:22

HL, I understand and am in the same boat. I think your expertise in this area will prove invaluable in ‘getting the word out.’

I haven’t managed to have much effect in my own community and only with a very few friends…very frustrating. I have a few projects going with this, apart from prepping, but am mostly behind the scenes.

One of my current endeavors is putting together a business pandemic plan for my father’s mfg plant in CO; at least that way I feel like I am doing *something.*

Petticoat Junction – at 22:24

Another HEB ‘blowout’ alert for ya’ll. I had to stop by quickly tonite and saw several types of olive oil on huge clearance, mixed in with the regular priced items on the olive oil shelves…$6+ down to $1+, $20 down to $4+….some are even garlic or basil flavored. A cheap way to add a little luxury to those rice and beans. ;o)

11 October 2006

EnoughAlreadyat 01:56

History Lover: Yes, I have a “packet” of info that I put together to hand out to our family doctor, my grandsons’ pediatrician, dentist, eye doctor and teachers. regularly, I run off info to give to my husband… who in turn hands it over to the HR department. (In fact, he will be attending a 3 day seminar on BF in 2 weeks. It is a follow up from the video confrence with Dr. O) I will get what I have to you. Additionally I will repeat, Will’s book is just so well researched and sourced. Of all the books I have read, his is the most thoroughly “sourced.” Every chapter is “sourced.” I really liked that! The sources are respectable and not opinionated. I highly recommend the book… specifically because of the “sourcing.” What I am lacking in my “packets” is current status of where this thing is … something that is simple yet defined. Also, I am interested in reputable sources who are telling us to get ready… prepare. My email is: therealcrawgirl@yahoo.com I will do my best to get the refrences I have posted here in the next couple of days.

Hey… did you see all that stuff I put on the food storage thread… for you!

EnoughAlreadyat 02:03

Petticoat J: My HEB never has anything! I did pick up an apple peeler at a thrift store today… for $3!! It was in the box, unopened! I had been eyeballing the same thing online! It may say apple peeler--- but it’s gonna double as a potato peeler. ;)

How is your “fall” garden going? I’ve been trying to get stuff set out. It rained like cats & dogs this afternoon… so I didn’t get to finish what I wanted to finish today. I have most stuff set out.

Texas Rose – at 02:45

It’s a good thing I like shopping at HEB since we’re knee-deep in the stores around here.:D

History Lover – at 16:22

Enough Already - Wow, thanks for all the info. I’ll check the Food Storage thread again. I saw some of what you wrote earlier. I’ve been busy today, because my youngest, the handicapped one with mental retardation, went to the dentist for a regular checkup and ended up getting two teeth pulled. I felt terrible for not noticing them earlier. They were molars way in the back. Poor baby, he didn’t understand what was going on.

I have found quite a few sources for the bibliography I’m preparing. This one is going to be more authoritative with scholarly articles from refereed journals. I’m thinking this one would be good to give to medical professionals. I can do another one more for the general public. Give me some time to input what I’ve found so far, and I’ll e-mail you a copy.

Petticoat Junction – at 23:30

HL, what a rough day for your little guy. :( At least it got taken care of now, I guess?

TX Rose, lol on the HEB’s!

Question for the rest of you who are near military bases, have you noticed anything odd lately? We’ve had some very unusual military aerial stuff in the last day or two.

A huge formation of Blackhawks - more than any I’ve ever seen here, even when Bush is at the ranch - went overhead the day before yesterday. It was so loud that my sister and I couldn’t even hear each other on the phone….and I was indoors.

And tonite, about dusk, we were driving by the airstrip where Air Force One lands. Suddenly a big convoy of military transport planes (which I have NEVER seen land there) came out of nowhere, flying fast and low, one after the other after the other after the other, right over our heads, circled over the interstate and landed. (Did not have a ‘maneuver’ look to it, if that makes sense.) Then several more about 20 min later plus helicopters. And tonite the jets are flying maneuvers overhead. (And as far as I know Bush isn’t at the ranch.)

Wierd vibes around here. :(

Petticoat Junction – at 23:37

I forgot to add that a friend who lives in TN had the same thing with the big Blackhawk formation tonite and the 101st is still deployed. It seemed odd to her, too.

12 October 2006

Texas Rose – at 01:21

Nothing unusual noticed at the bases in the San Antonio area.

13 October 2006

History Lover – at 15:39

Petticoat Junction - I haven’t noticed anything around the base here either, but I will keep an eye open for extra aircraft or vehicle movement. Yes, thanks. My little boy is doing so much better.

Well, I’ve have a pretty good morning so far (she said nonchalantly). Two school personnel, my son’s physical therapist and one of the classroom aides asked if I would e-mail them an emergency supply list. The classroom aide told me that her sister had been at a meeting about the Bird Flu (I forget where), and the presenter said the magic words, “it’s not a matter of it, but when.” It seems that more and more presenters are using that phrase, and it gets attention.

I’m going to be working on that bibliography this weekend. I have at least a dozen articles, and anyone who wants a copy (who knows if it will help) just e-mail me.

14 October 2006

Petticoat Junction – at 01:09

Well, the freaky military stuff is still going on here; every time I’m outside I see something else.

This afternoon the puppy was barking hysterically to get inside. I opened the door, looked up, and there were two BlackHawks going north, a fighter jet going SW and another going SE and had all just intersected (at different altitudes) right over my back yard. Right after they all disappeared from view, another fighter jet whizzed over to the south.

And our house just now got buzzed by another BlackHawk - at midnight - and it was so low and loud and came out of nowhere that it scared the heck out of the poor puppy again as well as me.

I don’t want to derail the PPV thread with it anymore, but I haven’t seen the skies like this since right after 9/11. Makes me want to sew some black-out curtains. :(

anonymous – at 11:54

EnoughAlready - Yes the efforts here in Lufkin to inform people is encouraging. I just wish I saw more being done to inform everyone/all ages. DH didn’t get to the Seniors event for me and I had to work.

Petticoat Junction - Poor puppy. I hope he wasn’t too scared. I wonder if all the activity could be because of this stuff with Korea? I know what you mean seeing increased military activity can be unnerving. In California I lived near two major defense supply depots. Even they have had more activity in the past year before we moved. More helicoptors going in and out, and flying over the area especially.

Poppy – at 11:54

EnoughAlready - Yes the efforts here in Lufkin to inform people is encouraging. I just wish I saw more being done to inform everyone/all ages. DH didn’t get to the Seniors event for me and I had to work.

Petticoat Junction - Poor puppy. I hope he wasn’t too scared. I wonder if all the activity could be because of this stuff with Korea? I know what you mean seeing increased military activity can be unnerving. In California I lived near two major defense supply depots. Even they have had more activity in the past year before we moved. More helicoptors going in and out, and flying over the area especially.

De jure – at 13:22

Petticoat Junction at 1:09: Please don’t stop your commentary on this very important development. I think we have all seen some unusual military craft as of late. I for one would be most interested in your continuing posts on this subject.

Watching in Texas – at 13:41

Petticoat Junction - ditto on what De jure said:)and thank you for sharing this information with us.

15 October 2006

History Lover – at 12:32

Hi everybody - just checking in to see what’s up.

Petticoat Junction - I agree with everyone else. Keep us posted. With so much going on in the world, who knows what these flight patterns mean.

I have added a new skill to my housekeeping resume, and I am so proud of myself. I now know how to use a vacuum sealer and am sealing everything that doesn’t move out of the way quickly enough. Earlier this year, I bought one of those 50-lb bags of flour at Wal-Mart and just didn’t know how to store it. Now I’m going to freeze and seal the monster and probably put it in a donation box. My husband has a lot of relatives here and I don’t think any of them are prepping. And of course, who will they turn to when TSFTF?

17 October 2006

Poppy – at 06:30

How is everyone in the Houston area?

Bluebonnet – at 09:07

Damp but beginning to dry out. Homeward commute last night was a nightmare! Left TMC at 4:00 pm and didn’t get home until 6:30 pm. Had to stop for about 20 minutes trying to let some of the water go down. Fire Department was out on a major roadway turning around small cars - only SUVs and pickups allowed through.

We received 11 inches of rain at my house!!!!!!

Massive flooding in Friendswood. Streets are dry this morning but it is terribly foggy!

Love Texas – at 11:13

Hi everyone, glad everyone is ok. We had 4 1/2 inches at my house which is reason to sing with the drought we are in. But lately we are getting some rain just about everyweek. Boy does that help. Did any of you see the Dallas morning news today in the business section, an article on the elec grid in our state of Texas is laking and we could have black outs in the future or rolling brown outs if something isn’t done fast.

History Lover – at 11:42

Bluebonnet - I’m glad you made it home safe and sound. These rains can be scary, because they fill up our roads so fast. Maybe we should all keep inflatable rafts in our cars.

Love Texas - I also heard something on the television about the lack of electrical power within the next few years. They were more or less predicting that rolling blackouts would become the norm and not the exception.

Texas Rose – at 12:41

“Did any of you see the Dallas morning news today in the business section, an article on the elec grid in our state of Texas is laking and we could have black outs in the future or rolling brown outs if something isn’t done fast.”

I saw something similar on a newscast recently. I’m not sure if it was a local station or one of the national shows. We had brown outs during the summer, when the AC use pulled too much power.

We got some rain yesterday but nothing near what the Houston area got. Yikes! Glad the Houston-area preppers are okay.

History Lover – at 14:56

Texas Rose - We had some of the same brownouts. That’s when I ran to Wal-Mart to buy battery-powered fans!

Bronco Bill - Huh?

Petticoat Junction – at 15:27

The notes from Dr. Perrotta’s presentation last week are up on thecounty health dept site but my Adobe is acting up and I can’t access them. But here it is ~ if you can get to it, let me know what it says!

The only thing I heard about it was a recommendation of 2 wks preps and something about 8 people partcipating in the afternoon break-out sessions (not sure if that means they didn’t manage to get a dozen people at the second session, or what the numbers were at the first one; the gal who was supposed to call me back never did).


Re: electricity…We had a few brief brown-outs last summer, though more were supposed to happen than actually did (thankfully). Dh and I are beginning to look into generators, etc but we are complete novices at all of that. Hopefully we’ll have enough time to research and to save up for one….

(For now, does anyone have any pros/cons about the other service providers, btw? We are so fed up with TXU that we can’t see straight but know nothing about any of the other companies.)

De jure – at 15:38

PJ at 15:27: Try opening up your Adobe Acrobat first, then click on the link. I had this problem until I’d open up and minimize by AAR. Then it would work.

Petticoat Junction – at 16:03

De jure, thanks, I’ll try it! Our computer is a refurbished one and they forgot some of the main files. We haven’t figured out which all are missing yet so some of our functions are kind of hit and miss. Doesn’t recognize the printer, either…aargh. Poor dh is getting a lot of FluWiki files to print off at work. ;o)


BTW, since you asked before about air traffic over Crawford…I was driving through the edge of Crawford yesterday and had two BlackHawks go over, not together but within a few minutes of each other. Still seeing more fighter jets, too. And that’s with not having been outside much yesterday (sick kids & puppy having a hard post-neuter recovery).

Mamabird – at 16:43

Petticoat Junction – at 15:27

“We are so fed up with TXU…”

Try the following: http://www.powertochoose.org/

Your delivery company will remain the same, but you may be able to find cheaper power at this very user friendly site. If you are having trouble with billing or customer service, that site might help. If you are having service outage problems, don’t bother. Your stuck.

Petticoat Junction – at 16:54

Mamabird, I should have mentioned that we’ve looked at that site, we just don’t know enough about any of the providers to know who is worth considering.

We have no real outage problems, just terrible customer service with TXU and serious concerns about how they have been calculating our usage. And that is coupled with a complete inability to find anyone there (even at a supervisory level) who will do anything more than tell us that they will turn off our power if we fail to pay contested bills.

But somehow we just can’t see how our power usage would have suddenly doubled and even tripled in the last couple of months, as TXU says it has, when the only change we’ve made is to conciously use LESS electricity.

Petticoat Junction – at 16:58

(I should add that we’ve had the major power draws like AC serviced and others like the dishwasher are relatively new additions, all EnergySaver models. No changes in anything except the units that TXU claims we’ve used.)

Bluebonnet – at 17:07

Petticoat - I live near Ellington Field. We are seeing an increase in fighter jets as well as large cargo planes coming over/near the house. We are also seeing the Coast Guard helicopter going out for something just before dark. They don’t usually fly at that time.

Could be prepping for the Air Show on the 21st. No Blackhawks, yet.

DH said that when the plane flew into the apartment building last week - the ROAR from the fighter jets taking off over the house was incredible - shook the whole house!

Mamabird – at 17:11

Petticoat Junction – at 16:58

You know, it could be just a mis-read meter, which is the responsibility of your delivery company. Those things are easy to read, actually, so you should be able to verify the reading that is shown on your most recent electric service bill.

If that’s not the problem, at some point it may be worth calling an electrician to make sure you don’t a short somewhere in the home.

As to the providers on the website, its hard to go wrong as long as you don’t sign a long-term agreement which most don’t offer in any event. It’s real easy to switch providers, and if you are still not happy, switch again and again. There is no limit and there are no penalties for switching. Pretty safe choice.

kars1995 – at 17:17

I live in Crawford. Our ranch is in his flight path and we are in the no fly zone. Nothing happening here. All’s quiet on the homefront. :-) Oh, and I know exactly what you mean when you said that your whole house shook. That happens every time the F16′s fly over. We always know when he’s coming home to his ranch. They planes start flying over about two days before arrival.

Petticoat Junction – at 18:28

Kars - nice to have some quiet today, eh? LOL, I can’t count the number of times I’ve called dh to come see some fly-over and by the time he gets outside they’re gone.

Hey, did you happen to see the wierd afternoon a couple of years ago where it looked for all the world like they were shooting multiple planes down? All the traffic was stopped on 84, watching the smoke overhead. What I wouldn’t have given for a video camera that day! I was in our backyard, watching one just overhead…tracer fire making lines in the sky…and another more out over the 84 corridor…planes vanishing behind trees, smoke rising, fighter jets everywhere (I counted five or six, I think).

KXXV said they’d had a ton of calls, checked and were told it was one thing. KWTX said they’d had a ton of calls, checked and were told it was something else. KCEN and the radio stations never touched it.

I was driving on Baylor Camp Rd yesterday and thinking of you and Centex, knowing we’re all in the same general area. Maybe we can get together at Barnes & Noble for coffee one day or something. :o)


Mamabird, yes, we think something is wrong with the way the meter is registering (they changed it and suddenly our ‘usage’ tripled to anything it had been in 2–1/2 yrs in this house) but asking them to check it is like asking the fox to guard the henhouse; they just confirm themselves. We haven’t found a way yet to have it checked by an outside objective party. We’ve had the internal electrical stuff checked. We’re just tired of dealing with them altogether.


Bluebonnet - Hmm, very interesting; sounds like what I saw at the airstrip north of here the other night. (I can’t wait to hear about your med plan, btw)

Your Coast Guard helicopters remind me of when I lived in CO. Every morning at 7:30, black helicopters (the ones that didn’t exist) would come down out of one spot in the mountains (where there wasn’t a base…although yrs later it was discovered that there was one of those listening posts dug in at that spot), circle over our place and head north towards the WY border, then come back a few hours later.

Nobody believed us (because there were no black helicopters except for in conspiracy theories and of course ‘everybody KNEW’ there was no military presence in that part of the mtns) but nonetheless one of our daughter’s first words was ‘helicopter’ because she saw them every morning. lol

EnoughAlreadyat 20:19

glub…glub

Man, am I glad that rain is OVER!! What a mess. Detours all over the place. I just stayed home as much as possible. It’s like a steam-bath around here now. Main thing I kept thinking… dang… why couldn’t I have a rain water catching system in place NOW.

no name – at 20:25

Hey there fellow Texans…Glad to see the are “others”.

The Crawford activity is very interesting.

Take care.

18 October 2006

Bluebonnet – at 09:54

Hey no name - Welcome.

Petticoat - I am supposed to have a copy of the plan this pm. Will give more info tomorrow.

History Lover – at 10:57

no name - Ditto on the welcome!

Petticoat Junction - Let me know if you guys get together at Barnes and Noble. I would like to e-mail you my phone number just so I can say hello to everyone.

kars1995 – at 11:11

Hey Petticoat Junction! We may be closer than you realize! Getting coffee sometime sounds great. Let me know.

Petticoat Junction – at 12:09

kars - my email is petticoat.junction at yahoo dot com. I would love to hear from you. :o)

HL - by all means, please send your phone number along! Maybe you’ll be over this way visiting and we can all get together.

Bluebonnet - thanks for your diligence in trying to get ahold of that report!

Petticoat Junction – at 12:13

EA - I’m glad you survived the deluge. We didn’t get quite as much rain as you guys did but I was thinking the same thing about the water barrels!

Petticoat Junction – at 12:31

Good to know this in advance so I don’t have a complete panic attack if I look out the window and see multiple formations of “the most lethal attack helicopter in the world” choppering by, lol….

“Residents of a dozen West Texas counties may notice helicopters in the sky and military vehicles on the road as soldiers from Fort Hood’s 21st Cavalry Brigade (Air Combat) train pilots from the 4th Squadron, 3d Armored Cavalry Regiment how to fly the AH-64D Apache Longbow, which the Army describes as the most lethal attack helicopter in the world…”

Aircraft Training Exercises in TX

History Lover – at 13:26

Petticoat Junction - I just sent you an e-mail.

For all of those in the Houston area, I have been watching the national news reports and worrying about everyone there. I just left a telephone message for my niece who lives in North Houston. The thing that keeps running through my mind is a line from an old television show (most of you probably weren’t even born when this was on the air) “Hill Street Blues.” The commanding sergeant would give all the police officers and detectives their daily assignments and he would end with “you be careful out there.” So for all you people in Houston and the surrounding areas - “ya’ll be careful out there.”

centex – at 14:03

Hi guys - I am in the Austin area. Really funny thing….. last month I asked TxNurse to email me. Imagine my suprise when she walked into my office and said “you asked me to email you last night” The world is much smaller than you think… Would love to meet others sometimes.

History Lover – at 20:41

A couple of weeks ago I wrote that I had been sending e-mails from the news threads to my husband who works at a health institution (sorry I can’t give the name), and he had been sending them to his supervisors and colleagues. At last something is happening. A director of another department, who has been reading this e-mails, is asking the nurses who did presentations at another health institution to do the same at theirs. My husband said to say thanks to everyone who contributes to this website. So - many thanks!

no name – at 21:21

Thanks for the welcome.

I am in Dallas are there any other “bird flu fluzzies” out there in the city? Sometimes I feel alone in the “madness of Prepping”. I haven’t been able to influence anyone in my sphere to do anything. Somewhat frustrating, yet I hope that I continue to be the laughing stock because that means the “worst case scenerio” has NOT occured. Yeah!!! My ego can take it.

History Lover:

I have seen where your e-mail campagin as worked in the past months. Way to go! How lucky you are to have a husband who supports and helps in the effort. I have taken up your lead and send “info” to my best girlfriend and brother.

To all:

I have read some posts about preppers getting together. Has that worked? Do ya’ll have anything planned for the future? I have a fairly flexible schedule.

Snowhound1 – at 21:48

Hey no name…I am west of Ft. Worth and there are a couple of others I believe from the McKinney area, so you are not totally “alone” in the D/FW area. :) With all the thousands of people around in close proximity to us, I think it is even more important to be totally prepped, and I live in the “country”. :) JMHO

no name – at 21:53

Snowhound1

Good to know!!!

Thousands…that is a good thing, I can only hope so!!!

no name – at 21:54

oops you are saying with all the people around it is important to prep…not that they are prepping…DUH!!!

I agree with your opinion.

North of Houston – at 22:24

History Lover~~ north Houston is doing okay…just wet and steamy! It only got into the mid 80′s today, I think. We are still getting pounded with bands of rain moving through tonight, but it’s supposed to start “drying out” tomorrow afternoon into the weekend. Keep your fingers crossed. Where I am, we had close to 13 inches. The roads and feeders are clear just lots of standing water in yards and fields, a few creeks overflowing out in the country. Thanks for your concern.

Had to go into downtown today and stopped at the Farmer’s Market on Airline on the way back. I brought large bags (5# I think) of lentils and brown rice for about $3.50 each. Lots of peanuts, pecans, other nuts and dried fruits, as well as the usual assortment of fruits and veggies.

North of Houston – at 22:37

History Lover~~ thanks for your concern. North Houston is doing okay. It started raining again this afternoon in buckets but most of the streets and roadways are clear. Everything on this end seems to be draining. There is some rural flooding of creeks. It’s just wet and steamy with lots of morning fog. It got up into the mid 80′s today so that didn’t help. It’s supposed to clear out tomorrow and give us some relief. As wet as the yards are, it will be a week before we can mow. In addition to the water, pine needles are everywhere!!

I had to go into downtown Houston this morning on business and stopped at the Farmer’s Market on the way back. I was able to get brown rice for 1.99 for 5 pounds, and lentils for 3.29 for 5 pounds. I got my daughter Sesame Stix for 1.95 a pound. Lots of peanuts, peacans, dried fruits in addition to the regular fruits and veggies.

North of Houston – at 22:40

Sorry for the double post. I hit the wrong button. I wanted to correct the price for the rice and lentils. Now I know!!!

North of Houston – at 22:47

Sorry for the double post. I hit the wrong button. I wanted to correct the price for the rice and lentils. Now I know!!!

19 October 2006

Texas Rose – at 01:04

Goodness. There’s an echo in here.;D

I know y’all have probably heard of this stuff before but I hadn’t: Yesterday the husband brought home a tin of Sanalac dried milk with a pull date of 08/08. I just may send him back to the store to pick up a few more of those, to have on hand.

Petticoat Junction – at 02:03

N. of Houston & Texas Rose - sounds like you guys win the ‘good food find’ awards for the day. :o)

I think it’s time for a new thread, what do you think? We can just pick up over here…see ya there!

Closed and Continued - Bronco Bill – at 05:57
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