From Flu Wiki 2

Forum: New Lurkers Welcome and Tell Us About Yourselves

17 October 2006

I’m-workin’-on-it – at 15:58

A lot of us have broadcast the recent ability to purchase from a supplier with a great discount to friends and neighbors & I thought it might have brought some new lurkers to the site. Hope you won’t lurk for long — go ahead and introduce yourselves here! And hope maybe some of our older lurkers will finally introduce yourselves as well.

I’m-workin’-on-it – at 22:59

bump…..anyone out there???

18 October 2006

anon – at 00:25

Alot of lurkers come over here from Curevents to escape Aleph Null - the “dear leader” and cousin of Stalin

BeWellat 01:01

I be a lurker who hasn’t lurked lately…. But coming back on board after a hiatus. I first made a very few comments months ago. Am somewhat experienced (not as much as many on this board) with natural remedies, especially Ayurvedic. Am working on a website, and will post the url when it’s ready. Nothing spectacular, just stuff I’ve learned and much of it practiced, from a natural, vegetarian POV.

I hope to spend more time here and make up for the time I haven’t lurked. If anyone wants to be contacted about my insignificant little website you can gmail me at MayAllBeWell@gmail.com.

Neatles – at 08:11

I’ve been a lurker for a long while now. I have learned SO much from all the posters on this site. I have learned to prep on a tight budget. Was able to buy some MRE’s this week with the group buys. I live in southern IL, husband is disabled, elderly mother with some health problems. Was worried my husband would have a fit over my prepping, instead he told me his dad used to sit them down, show them a can of food, and tell them “this is what might save your life if our country is attacked”. This was back in the 60′s. He’s been very trusting and supportive. I feel so much richer with Fluwiki in my life.

Neatles – at 08:13

Safer too.

Graywolf – at 08:24

I have been a lurker for months!I learn so much from the folks on here and Fluwiki!So all i want to say is thank you to each and everone of you!

crfullmoon – at 09:17

Hey, thanks for posting! Welcome.

Feel free to find the thread for people in your state, as well; helps to know there are others paying attention and preparing.

lifeisgreat – at 09:41

I lurk about also. I comment only occassionally. Because I live and breathe work it has taken me a bit of time to comprehend forum etiquette. I do believe there is going to be a severe pandemic. When I come here and read I am reassured that I am not an alarmist. Life is hard enough without these types of fears. Simultaneously, being realistic and preparing to the best of financial and emotional means is imparative. To one and all I sincerely say: THANKYOU.

I’m-workin’-on-it – at 09:42

Well, there you go! Some new folks willing to speak up and introduce themselves! Good for you ALL!

BeWell, I’d be interested & will write you - my older sister is more into healthy alternatives than the rest of the family, but she keeps us interested & I might learn something from your website plus I can share the link with her too.

Neatles, I’m so glad that your husband is supportive. Mine called me yesterday and out of the clear blue asked where I’d like to go to dinner out (Cracker Barrel) and he just sounded sooooo happppppppyy!!! I knew he was to attend a business continuity meeting yesterday, and apparently it went well, and he was feeling really good about it — he’s got to make a report at the next one & it means that some of the things that he’s been proposing for years to improve their continuity will now be considered seriously. And I got a good dinner out of it! :-)

Graywolf, if you haven’t already, find your state’s thread and introduce yourselves over there too so they’ll know you’re here!

Glad to see all of you!

I’m-workin’-on-it – at 09:48

crfullmoon – at 09:17 I guess great minds think alike….I had to step away from my post & didnt’ see that you had mentioned posting to everyone’s state’s thread so they’ll know new folks are here.

Lifeisgreat — love your screen name — an glad to know you’re here too. I have a friend (college roommate from 30 years ago) who is so consumed with work, my talks didn’t really register with her with Y2k or with this until I finally said that her mother, who is a living, breathing, walking saint, would be busying herself trying to take care of sick people & my friend needed to either figure out how to keep her from doing that (impossible and we both know it) or figure out how to keep her safe while she IS doing it (almost impossible but well worth the effort). Realizing her mom, retired Navy, if I remember correctly, would be up to her elbows helping someone somewhere, finally got her awake I think.

Hope you’re figuring out its easy to post here, but I remember well, my trying to learn & how intimidated I was when someone would tell me how to do a URL or something. I THINK I finally got over it - :-) and you will too. Posting often is the best way to learn!

Tom DVM – at 10:19

Hi everyone. Nice to meet you on flu wiki.

I’m workin on it and crfullmoon…Thanks!!

NIdahoat 10:19

I am a long time lurker and occasional poster. I have been trying to organize people in my state for years on emergency preparedness. I am involved in politics to some extent help to influence the masses through selective influence. For the most part people are anti prognosticators and will not prepare for anything unless it is in their face or very obvious to them. This site has been very useful, but can get to much attention. I appreciate the effort that this site strives too.

anonymous – at 22:53

bump

I’m-workin’-on-it – at 23:09

NIdaho – at 10:19 … people are anti prognosticators and will not prepare for anything unless it is in their face or very obvious to them

Boy you’ve got THAT right…..what do you mean that fluwikie can get too much attention? I’d love to hear what things about BF you’re able to get worked into some of your political endeavors!

NIdahoat 23:33

Im-working-on it -

As far as fluwiki attention goes, there are those who feel I should not be posting too much information. Political wise I am involved in pushing for emergency planning. Avian influenza is one of the items I inform people I know within local government about. There are others items as well. I am not someone who believes in fear mongering, but someone who pushes for sound emergency planning. I am a big supporter of the new CERT program, however local support is critical and difficult to get.

So I dont post much but do watch what others have to say. Old military habits can be hard to break.

19 October 2006

Clawdia – at 00:56

anon – at 00:25

Alot of lurkers come over here from Curevents to escape Aleph Null - the “dear leader” and cousin of Stalin

Somehow, it doesn’t surprise me that this was posted by an “anon”. If you want to call names, you could at least call your own as well.

I’m-workin’-on-it – at 07:19

NIdaho – at 23:33 ….I am a big supporter of the new CERT program, however local support is critical and difficult to get. So I dont post much but do watch what others have to say. Old military habits can be hard to break.

Do you work with one area of CERT more than another — medical or terrorist or rescue — I know there are other specific aresa, just can’t think of them right nowm or do you ‘sell’ the whole idea of CERT overall? I’ve never known quite how that program gets activated or how easy it is to keep funded.

Glad you’re here with military background; we learn a lot from you guys from intelligence to physical solutions to problems!

debtrag – at 12:48

I have been lurking here occasionally from time to time and have been trying to figure out how to register. The group buy was mentioned on another site of which I am a member and I thought I would check it out. What a fantastic chance to add to your preps. I will be adding my order soon, thank you so much for making the offer available. Your forum is set up very well and has some great resources that I have benefitted from. Keep up the great work.

crfullmoon – at 13:03

(waves hi to debtrag)

Welcome any other new lookers,

or, new thinking-about-posting-ers!

There are also state or country threads around, so you don’t have to think you’re the only one in your area that is concerned about this.

Quartzman – at 13:23

Howdy Howdy Howdy…

OK - so I’m not new but I know i haven’t been around much lately. :)

For those that care to know, I’m not a 32yo Dad. Our first wee one was born the end of Sept. a full 2 weeks early. She’s spry, she’s pretty, and dang, she’s hungry! (Realizing I greatly underestimated baby food in prep lists.)

In any case, I suppose I drifted off because I felt I’d hit an internal wall. Realized I was coming here more to hear myself blather on than contribute meaningfully.

Returning because, as the “season” approaches, I feel a responsibility to stay on top of this news. I feel pretty well adjusted, still endure the mockery of some coworkers, “Hey Abe, build a flu shelter into your new kitchen?? har har har” but I feel an odd peace with all of this now. Stopped trying to project my lack of control into predicting this beast and have gone to a “watch and wait” stance.

I also return here because I know there are others here who have been in that state for some time and I know I can trust them to keep the keel even. ;)

Cheers to all and to Mother Nature skipping this one past our heads.

Quartzman – at 13:27

oops - meant “I’m now a 32yo Dad.”

dang it.

Snowhound1 – at 13:28

Congratualtions Quartzman! I thought you had probably taken a reprieve from the wiki to practice your new “Daddy” skills! Does she have you wrapped around her little finger yet? >;)Did you name her Jade? :)

I’m-workin’-on-it – at 13:31

debtrag – at 12:48 You don’t have to register anywhere — all you have to do is go to the www.MREdepot.com website & add stuff to your shopping cart, enter your name and address and on that screen at the bottom should be the ‘promotional code’ box (or something like that) and you type in the word — fluwikie — and then click through the checkout & they calculate the discount for you — you’ll see a notation on the confirmation page that comes up so you’ll know that you got the discount. And it’s on ANYthing on their website and it’s open to ANYbody through 12/31/06.

Quartzman – at 13:23 Hi again! If you don’t know about it already, you might want to check the Join in on buying canned butter and canned cheese and MRE’s thread for further info on what I just explained to debtrag above.

And welcome (back) to you both!

Abraxas – at 13:32

I’ve been lurking here for several weeks. I’ve been following this beast for a couple of years.

And prepping. I’ve added to some of my prep plans from some of the conversations here.

Just want to thank everyone.

I’m-workin’-on-it – at 13:32

And I forgot to say CONGRATULATIONS on being a new dad!!! That’s big time stuff!!

I’m-workin’-on-it – at 13:33

Abraxas – at 13:32 Hey, we were posting at exactly the same time! Glad to know you’re here….are you posting to your state’s thread so they know you’re here as well???

Quartzman – at 13:34

Snowhound1 – at 13:28

Ha, no - we’ll call her “Laney” but I think, if she takes after her old man and is open to suggestions, I’ll guide her to use that name as a handle on the future InterSolar Web. ;)

I’m-workin’-on-it – at 13:31

Thanks and I’ll check it out. :)
Abraxas – at 13:46

I’m-workin’-on-it

No, I haven’t done that yet. But, I will. Thanks.

I’m-workin’-on-it – at 23:19

NIdaho – at 23:33 If you visit here again, pop over to the Jericho (tv show thread) and look up post starting on the 19th — someone mentioned that the show this week, had a DHS person stating that they would restore power first, communication then something else, maybe it was travel…..anyway the question was whether there is any plan in place to do step 1, 2, 3 in any particular order? Wondering if the writers of the show researched that at all or just made it up.

21 October 2006

NIdahoat 13:01

I’m working on it - I believe in the development in overall CERT. Each county should have several groups, and the bigger towns or cities should have a larger setup. CERT teams overall are community based and have basic skills in first aid, search and rescue ect. Since I don’t believe in waiting for help to come, communities need to be able to handle low level emergency support.

As far as the show Jericho goes, I really do not remember what was said but find the amount of disaster shows to be somewhat disturbing to be. There has been allot of attention on individual preparation for some kind of disaster.

I’m-workin’-on-it – at 22:29

NIdaho – at 13:01

I know what you mean about the number of disaster shows ….. if their storylines make someone get serious about prepping, then that’s great, but I fear that they will turn more people off than they help — it’s not like watching the Japanese mosnter turtle movie I was watching this AM, the stuff we talk about here can really happen, will happen eventually, it’ll be like a monster turtle movie (bad on every level of consideration) with a bad ending instead of the typical happy ending.

Mo – at 22:42

I have been a lurker for some time, soaking up information like a sponge. I was lured into the open by the canned burtter. I thank you all for the group buy opportunity and for all the great ideas and information. Having announced my presence, I will slink back into the shadows and continue to learn. Again, thank you all.

Mo Molly – at 22:44

Name should have read MO Molly at 22:42.

KimTat 22:56

Hey Mo, stick around and welcome!

Mo Molly – at 23:26

Thanks for the welcome. This is a very friendly and informative forum. I just wish it were not so frightening.

I’m-workin’-on-it – at 23:50

MO Molly at 22:42.

Hi — that butter will bring a LOT of people out of the shadows I hope! Glad you introduced yourself here — be sure to introduce yourself on your state’s thread too—they’ll be glad to know you’re here.

I know it’s frightening to read some of the stuff here, but the more you try to prep, the more confident you’ll become that you’re doing all you can and it will give you the confidence you need to face the challenge of facing something scary.

Keep up the work to learn & prep. It’ll help!

22 October 2006

ChrisCat 17:46

I’ve been lurking for a while, and learning a lot too. I’m in southern California where prepping should be ubiquitous given the number of larger earthquakes we experience. But no, in my circle of friends and family I’m the only “serious” prepper.

KimTat 17:48

ChrisC, Welcome! How long are you prepped for?

crfullmoon – at 17:52

Hi, Mo Molly! Sometimes we’re scared, but, better prepared!

I’m-workin’-on-it; “Ga-mer-aaa!” :-D

I’m-workin’-on-it – at 17:55

ChrisC – at 17:46 Oh my goodness Chris….that is scary that you’re the only one that understands the seriousness of being ready for anything. What do your friends say when you talk to them?

VJayat 20:45

Hello everyone! Happy to de-lurk. North central Alabama area. I have been following the flu sites since last November and prepping since February. What a motherlode of help and inspiration you all are. I am still the only one I know that is prepping around me. I am “loony bins” at work for pushing pandemic prep so don’t talk about the flu as much as I talk about being prepared for whatever is coming.

Have my DD on board in Georgia and my DS in Michigan, DH is tolerant but doesn’t feel the urgency I feel. I work in the legal field and see no one concerned around me or preparing in any way. I have run the gamut of all the expressions here and it is great to know you are kindred folks.

23 October 2006

Mo Molly – at 01:58

How do I find my state’s thread?

AnnieBat 03:00

Mo Molly

Perhaps one of the easier(?) ways is to take this link to the Forum Topics - sorted. If you scroll to the very last entries, it is Area Preparations and these link to the various States (and countries).

I am from Down Under (New Zealand) and always feel like I am doing the nightwatch here on my own - nice to have others around ;-)

I’m-workin’-on-it – at 08:32

crfullmoon – at 17:52 I’m-workin’-on-it; “Ga-mer-aaa!” :-D

YEAH!!!! That’s the monster turtle!!! Thanks~

crfullmoon – at 08:36

That’s one of the ways I take a break, I’m-workin’-on-it; Japanese monster movies, or, MST3K…

Welcome new lurkers/lookers/posters - (silly movie fans)

and how did you hear about the Flu Wiki, or, about being in a pre-pandemic alert period?

Hide in the Hills (and wait) – at 17:52

V-Jay @ 20:45

What part of North central Alabama are you in?? county/city?? There is an Alabama Preppers forum too. Join in the discussion.

I thought that I was through with prepping after Y2K. Now, I’ve got to get all my stuff back together and prep more food.

24 October 2006

I’m-workin’-on-it – at 21:27

bump

25 October 2006

Nidaho – at 00:23

I’m-workin’-on-it – I am afraid I spoke to soon, on the lack of response. It appears I have been requested to attend my Local Emergency Planning Committee for our county. Since I do not have the agenda, only an invitation from the chief of police who heads the committee I’m sure it will be interesting. I guess local politics is not dead after all.

I’m-workin’-on-it – at 10:24

Whhhhooooooooweeeeeeeee!!! Nidaho! That’s great!

I’m sure you’ll have a lot to add to the meeting and in a very persuasive way — I gather from your attitude here that you have the ability to persuade people to listen and act, and having the overall understanding you have from lurking here, and on other flu sites, you’ll have an arsenal of facts that you can share with confidence.

Whew that was a run-on sentence, but you know what I mean. You’ll make a positive impact on the group. Boy, I feel sorry for that chief of police after you get his attention!! :-)

Give it to ‘em double-barrel & don’t forget to hand ‘em this web address AND tell them they can buy supplies from the group buy through www.MREdepot.com !!!

And let us hear from you when you’ve gotten back — let CERT live forever!! ok, I’m getting mellow dramatic. Just do your thing, it’ll be great!

Nidaho – at 20:56

I’m-workin’-on-it – I will post what happenes in the meeting on the Idaho stage page on Flu-wiki.

I’m-workin’-on-it – at 20:59

Great! I’ll go there to keep up with it!

libbyalex – at 22:01

I’ve been lurking for months off and on, and posting rarely. I work in a public capacity, in a large east coast city and will stay where I am for the duration. Resources here at FW and other places have been invaluable in helping me think through this pandemic threat.

26 October 2006

I’m-workin’-on-it – at 00:00

libbyalex – at 22:01 I’ve seen you here before and welcome “out” of the shadows once again! Hope you’ll post more and more — it’s always good to hear from people about what’s going on in their areas, especially when someone like you is working with the public — brave to begin with since we can be difficult to deal with — but extra important to have folks like you in those public places now to keep pulse of what’s going on.

I’m-workin’-on-it – at 21:19

bump

28 October 2006

Maid in Michigan – at 21:48

Lurking for 9 months. Truly amazing. New to computers learned alot about the internet by looking for H5N1. I have done alot to prepare my Adult Foster Care Home for emergencies and would be glad to share with other foster care homes. Thanks for all the info on this sight how greatful we are.

I’m-workin’-on-it – at 21:52

Maid in Michigan – at 21:48 Hi there! Glad to have you on the forum — I’d like to hear what all you’ve done for your Foster Care Home. Be sure to post to your state’s thread too, so they’ll know you’re here!

31 October 2006

never posted aw come on Welcome – at 08:42

Welcome! Keep posting!

ChrisCat 11:19

KimT and I’m-workin’-on-it

I’ve been seriously prepping for almost exactly a year and I can’t tell you how much I appreciate the group buy discount negotiated with MRE Depot (thank you!). I do wish that I could get more people in my circle to prep, if anything, for the impending next earthquake. I’ve given out 3-day kits as Christmas gifts at work, etc… but for the most part, they are appreciated for a short time and then forgotten. I just hope people put them in a handy spot for easy retrieval. The frustrating aspect regarding work is that I’m a scientist and work with a couple of hundred other scientists and it’s still hard to get people interested in preparing. At least I talked several people into getting the flu vaccine that work provides us for free.

I’m-workin’-on-it – at 14:01

ChrisC – at 11:19 Glad to see you here! Be sure to post on your state’s individual thread as well so they can welcome you too, if you haven’t already. I did the 3-day kits for Y2k, for my family, so they should know by now to keep at LEAST that much, but some of them have never opened it. When I told my sister there was a solar wind up radio in there……..well, she was excited — 6 years too late! Go figure. I think it’s sooooo odd how prepping is sort of like fishing — you either love it or you hate it, there doesn’t seem to be any inbetween room….you either see a need to prep or you don’t.

Sigh.

Being a scientist should mean that they should listen to you more than the average Joe, but no, I know it doesn’t work that way. :-)

Welcome Come on in – at 22:25

If your community was getting ready for a pandemic year, what groups or essential sectors would you like to be publically brainstorming together?

(get them to come look at the Wiki too!)

Goju – at 22:51

police, fire, EMT, Food markets, hardware stores, library, visiting nurses, Power company, Water management, local Media, Publiuc Health dept, School board and principles, PTA, Religous groups, medical professionals.

crfullmoon – at 22:58

;-) (Goju, you’re not a new lurker, but thanks, and keep on keepin’ on!)

Pick a nickname and post, new readers! :-)

Goju – at 23:08

Sorry crfullmoon… I always feel like i am the last one to the party… always outside looking in.

Please all people who read the FW posts but have not joined into the discussions… your opinions are wanted. Your feelings aired… your concernes voiced. I was new to Panflu last year, and by joining in these discussions opened a whole new world for me. I have learned so much about so many things while learning about H5N1, pandemics and preparedness. I’ve even made many new friends on the boards.

So feel free to jump in.

01 November 2006

Betty – at 03:46

Hi Everyone, I just started with this site a couple of weeks ago (?) and have posted a couple of times, but I haven’t introduced myself. I have been following H5N1 for over a year and I’m sooo glad there are others like me. I am a divorced 42 year old mother of two teenagers (the one’s at the biggest risk) and I’m hardly prepared. I still have quite a bit to purchase. I’m really hoping to get some kind of advance feeling (even slight will be good) from persons here as to when to start wearing masks and/or SIP. But I’m sure there are many others hoping for this too. Anyhow, I live in Northern California and really like the people here and the information you all provide.

I’m-workin’-on-it – at 10:42

Betty – at 03:46 Welcome Betty — what Goju said up above is very true and we’re all glad you’re here — this place WILL open up a whole new world for you and you’ll find many people who feel as you do so don’t ever feel like you’re alone in this preparation! Now I’m off to hunt donw something I’d read about dehydrated hamburger! bye!!

mcjohnston92 – at 11:55

Hi,

I have been following h5n1 since 1999. I have lurked and read fluwikie for quite a while, maybe 2 years or so. I have posted as anonymous more than once, but wanted to finally pick a handle to be part of the community.

Father of 2 young boys, a prepper since before y2k. Terrified that this thing catches us unawares. Camper, hunter, fisherman, outdoorsman, gardener, avid reader of fiction and nonfiction as the mood strikes me.

Love the folks posting here. Deeply respect the caliber of intellect I have found here. Tom DVM, CRfullmoon, Enza, Dr. Dave (who I hope we haven’t scared off…), I’m-workin-on-it, annoyed max, frenchie girl, anon-22, commonground, dennisc, bronco bill. I have missed a bunch who I enjoy reading and value so much. I feel like we are some odd kind of an extended family, remotely completing each other’s thoughts and filling in the blanks in our reasearch for answers about this gathering plague.

Frenchie Girl—you need to keep us posted about those late lights at WHO headquarters. I think that could be an interesting way of sensing something coming just a little before it breaks wide open.

I’m-workin’-on-it – at 17:38

mcjohnston92 – at 11:55 well how do you do!!!!???

Glad you picked a handle — it’s so hard to keep posts straight when they’re anon!!

You share a lot of fun hobbies with the rest of us — what state are you in?

Dr Dave’s still around & posting :-) he’s pretty tough — all us older birds are I guess. Wasn’t prepping for Y2k the pitts? I didn’t prep until then and it consumed my life and scared the bejeebies out of me & I felt I had to warn everybody in the world. But I’ve stayed almpst prepped since then and am much better off now than then.

Go say “hey” on your state’s thread!

mcjohnston92 – at 17:56

I’m-workin’-on-it at 17:38

Thanks for the welcome! And you are right, prepping for y2k was the pits. It is partly because of that non-event that I feel that I don’t really have much traction with my family and friends when discussing panflu. They always have a trump card for my argument—”well, remember y2k…”

I’m in CA, unfortunately…even worse, a suburb of LA. I have plans, depending on the speed of events unfolding, for getting my family out. I stay vigilant so I can have the longest time possible to prep my family for the “bug-out”.

cassandra – at 18:01

I posted for the first time about a week ago on my states thread, but thought I would post something here also. I have been lurking for over a year now, more so in the last 6 months.

I really appreciate everyones time and effort to make this site so informative and supportive. Some days I feel I could lose my mind due to the fear of what the consequences could be if we have a severe pandemic.

I live in North Dakota, as close as you can get to being married (just celebrated 7 year anniversary), mother of three daughters (13,3,2).

My childrens safety is what keeps me motivated to prepare and discuss this threat with anyone who will listen (yes, I get the look too). It is frustrating, find myself doing it less often lately unfortunately.

It breaks my heart when I think about how much pain and anguish people are going to experience once the pandemic starts, it gets overwhelming sometimes. Some days I tell myself ….focus on getting the house cleaned or just play with your kids and make them laugh.

Anyway I am so thankful for the people who contribute to this site. I believe there are thousands of lurkers(and nonlurkers)that look here for support and guidance.

Homesteader – at 18:11

I’ve been following H5N1 for several years. Married, blended family of 2 boys and 4 girls. Only two kids at home most of the time due to “my two” are with their mother when not at college and two step daughters live with their grandparents in France during the school year and are home with us during the summer. One son is a birth adoption from South Chicago while my wife was doing social work there. He is African-American and was exposed to crack in utero. Great kid, loves boy scouts, doing well in school despite some LD issues. I’m a high school biology teacher, wife is ESL teacher with Masters in Teaching. My parents raised us kids on an organic farm in CT, no TV, no refined sugar, etc. ..I’ve run fishing lodges in remote regions of Alaska and Labrador, had my pilots license and flew float planes in Alaska. My wife is a type 1 diabetic, grew up in Germany. Her Father is French, her mother is from Iowa and joined the DoD to teach and see the world. My wife and I decided to move from Maine to NC last year in part due to PF since trying to survive the PF in Maine in January was a chilling prospect to say the least. We have goats, rabbits, chickens, preps etc. . .We have concentrated on renewable, sustainable preps as the best long term solution for us. I built an off-grid solar powered home in the early 90′s and would not go that route again for a long term “no-resupply” scenario. Had lurked here a few weeks before posting. It is a great site, really appreciate the depth of scientific/medical/real life experience represented by the regular cast of characters posting.

MalteseMomat 18:21

Thank you so much for this site. I have been lurking for about 2 months and I am prepping as fast as the budget will allow. I have really looked at needs vs wants and replacing the wants with preps. I have been able to influence my two sisters, one in CA and one in WA, and they are finally prepping. I just finished reading the Influenza Primer I & II. Now I understand much better Dr Niman point of view. Thank you all and keep up the good work.

I’m-workin’-on-it – at 18:48

Oh it just warms my heart to see you new folks here — each one is one less one the rest of us have to ‘worry’ about, if you know what I mean!

I’m sittin’ here eating storebought cornbread muffins, but I buttered ‘em with our canned butter! That’s one of the things I learned about here on fluwiki along with many many other helpful things that others have shared — there’s lots for ALL of us to learn so I’m looking forward to you all posting more often!

It IS hard sometimes to replace our wants with what we feel like we need, but it gets easier and easier to do.

cottontop – at 18:51

Cassandra, Homesteader, MalteseMom-

Welcome one and all. We are pleased to have you join our growing wiki family. I had been a lurker for several months, and decided to join these good folks. It was the best decision I could have made for my family, and I haven’t looked backed. I have learned so much, and still have much to learn. Whatever your question, whatever your thoughts, please don’t hestiate to post. Also you might want to consider joining one of the lookout post. You’ll find it in the daily news thread.

Welcome abord!

crfullmoon – at 19:05

mcjohnston92, MalteseMom , and everyone, so good to know you’re “out there” with us! :-)

Looking for one month or one year, give yourself a name, virtual neighbors!

(The more people you tell locally about pandemic the more you will find others who thought they were the only ones concerned about it - some negative reactions too, but that’s where this forum helps us keep going. When there are enough people who find each other locally you can start to go together to ask questions, or to inform others, or to make contingency preparations.)

MalteseMomat 20:29

I have a question and I am not sure where to ask it sooo here goes: When you answer it, Please let me know the correct forum. Would a pneumonia shot provide any help with the bird flu??

I’m-workin’-on-it – at 21:52

No, I don’t think so…..avian flu is a virus. However, the flu (any kind) can cause a secondary infection of pneumonia and that what the pneumonia helps you fight against. If you type the word pneumonia into the search box and click search, you’ll get a list of threads discussing pneumonia that you can scroll through & read about….there’s probably several threads you can post to dealing with pneumonia shots. Hope that helps.

naketu – at 23:31

A Lurker no longer. I spent last week t a parent woorkshop at my son’s boarding school in Montana. I asked the school doctor if the school had any contingincy plans for pandemic flu. He said the school had stockpiled Tamiflu and Relenza and would I like to buy some for my child? “Yes, of course I would, “ I said. He asked me if I was a doctor and I told him, “No, I am a Fluwikian.” He had no idea what I was talking about.

I am somewhat prepped, but DW would rather have me doing other things. I just finished Gina Kolata’s book on the 1918 flu. Very interesting. Also, I just finished listening to “Beating Back the Devil” audio download on the history and workings of the CDC.

I am so impressed with the quality of this forum. Thank you.

The Florida Girl – at 23:57

I have been a lurker, posted awhile back, and posted tonite. Got my first response tonite, yea!!! I have not been a lurker for awhile, my family and I were foster parents for a beautiful 2 month old baby boy. But unfortunaely he did not sleep, & in eight days I logged 23 hours of sleep and my husband travels thru the week and is only home on weekends and this led to really by mirgrains. So we decided to ask Children and Families to move this precious baby to a “specialized” home, one that experience dealing with drug addicted babies (his home health nurse and diagnosis him )and we would take care of 2 year olds since my doc thought that the sleep depravation was bringing on the migraines. Well, our foster son died withing 6 hours of leaving our care. His new fostor mom laid him on his abdomen to sleep and he suffocated to death. So with this tragedy I am way behind on my prepping. Thanks to any that read post. It has been a struggle to even think about prepping again.

02 November 2006

janetn – at 00:50

Florida Girl I dont even know what to say. I cant imagine your pain. You certainly have my sympathy and prayers. Prepping will wait.

I’m-workin’-on-it – at 13:10

naketu – at 23:31 Good to hear from you! At least you’re not consumed with football right now as many people are….:-) And glad to hear your school is taking being prepared seriously, that’s a really good start.

The Florida Girl – at 23:57 as Janetn said, there just aren’t words to express the mix of relief and sorrow you must be feeling, or for us to say how tragic it must be for both you and the other foster parents to go through this…..prayers are with you and Janetn is right again that prepping can wait — by God’s grace you’ll be able to rest, heal and later get done in an efficient manner whatever you feel needs doing. Healing yourself and your family right now is the most important thing that you can do. Let us know if there’s any way that any of us can help you out…..whether it’s by email or by phone you know you’ve got friends here that will understand and do what we can. Find some peace in your sleep & heal.

Rose

07 November 2006

I’m-workin’-on-it – at 22:48

I’ve seen some new names here and there in the last few days…..come out, come out, wherever you are!!

08 November 2006

new readers can post here – at 12:56

Welcome, and what needs to happen in your state?

(lots, but, Hi!)

~crfullmoon

FriscoParentat 13:34

Hello all, I am not new around here but I do lurk around alot. I post once- in- awhile. Just to tell you a little about myself. I am in my mid 30′s. I am a single parent of one huge 16 yrd old young man. I am a registered nurse. I live just north of Dallas, Texas in a three bedroom apartment. I have been prepping since about eight months ago. Buying small things here and there every week. I could sit in place for about two months for three people. (My son eats for two so I count him has the first and third person) :) I love this place. I come here before I hit cnn or foxnews. :) There are alot of friendly and informative folks here. Thanks everybody for making this a wonderful connection place for me.

10 November 2006

I’m-workin’-on-it – at 10:09

FriscoParent – at 13:34 Very nice to meet you and learn about your family. You’ve done well in your prepping! Nice to have a nurse here too to share your point of view on things. I love it here too.

anonymous – at 10:16

I”m a lurker, very occasional poster. I like threads that give me a sense of when people think the BF might hit north america. I been browsing threads this am. and don’t have a sense. Although I don’t get the sense of urgency on the threads that I got months ago. Waiting for my free flu shot in Guelph, Ontario Canada.

runinonmpt – at 11:31

Long time lurker here. I have been following the progression of AF for a year and a half and appreciate all of the information provided by everyone here. I have two kiddos (hs one) been married to my husband for 20 years. I have used the info on this site to wake up my two sisters and get them to prepare. Admittedly, I don’t have my own preps in place fully yet, but am working on getting them to where I feel comfotably prepared. We have bought a place in the mountains far removed from any large population center, with its own spring and a river, but unfortuanately not a very good shelter as of yet. I keep hoping this AF holds off until we can get that property ready for a bug out home. Right now we live in a beach resort town, and I really don’t want to be here when TSHTF. Thanks to all for their helpful contributions.

johnO – at 13:35

I’ve been lurking for almost a year and am impressed in general, but especially so with all the translations of the foreign local news reports (i.e. Indonesia news). I’m a meteorologist and became interested in diseases associated with seasonal patterns, like West Nile when mosquitoes are active during the year. I remember when I thought West Nile news seemed like a big deal, but H5N1 makes those days seem so halcyon and benign. Anyway, I have been using this site to update friends and family and suggest how to prep. Thanks for all the great discussions, all, and keep up the good sleuthing and analysis.

crfullmoon – at 15:34

Welcome, and so glad to hear others are aware and trying to prepare.

Unlurk more often, perhaps in your state threads? Helps to know one’s not alone…

FriscoParentat 17:23

Hey I’m workin’ on it. I love your handle.. busy bee huh? I know I am over here. Seems as though I’ve never done enough with preps. Its a working process though. Thanks for the welcome.

11 November 2006

I’m-workin’-on-it – at 07:36

anonymous – at 10:16 Welcome — I’m not sure the urgency has diminished, as much as people’s focus toward “more immediate” matters like school, pretty weather, holidays coming up, presents to buy, etc. Tey the Hong Kong thread!

johnO – at 13:35 glad to have you aboard — have you ever seen any study about sinus pressure and changes in barometric pressure? I can always tell you when the barometric drops to 29.97% by the sinus headache I get. :-(

Glad to have you aboard!

I’m-workin’-on-it – at 07:43

FriscoParent – at 17:23 .. busy bee huh?

Yep, it seems I’m always slow to put preps away all at one time, slow to organize my lists or complete my mile-long to-do lists, just running behind but workin’-on-it!

14 November 2006

in-it-together – at 16:15

Another long time lurker here. To tell you about myself, I live in the Pacific NW, and am married with three wonderful children. This site, with all of its wonderful contributers, is such a great resource. Even though I have been checking in on this site for about a year, I probably have only a little over a months supply for our family of five. :( There is a lot of work to be done yet, but it is comforting to know that there are other people ‘out there’ who take the possibility of this pandemic seriously and are doing their best to share their information/expertise/advice/time…. whatever they have to offer. The discussions/debates/info sharing on this forum are interesting and it is the quality of these discussions that has me continually checking back with you guys! Unfortunately,for many of the people that I know bird flu is not even on their radar. So, THANK YOU ALL for your efforts, and as they say, hope for the best, prepare for the worst. That being said, I should follow my own advice and get back to preparing….

In-It-Together – at 16:25

Another long time lurker here. To tell you about myself, I live in the Pacific NW, and am married with three wonderful children. This site, with all of its wonderful contributors, is such a great resource. Even though I have been checking in on this site for about a year, I probably have only a little over a months supply for our family of five. :( There is a lot of work to be done yet, but it is comforting to know that there are other people ‘out there’ who take the possibility of this pandemic seriously and are doing their best to share their information/expertise/advice/time…. whatever they have to offer. The discussions, debates, info sharing on this forum are interesting and it is the quality of these discussions that has me continually checking back with you guys! Unfortunately, for many of the people that I know bird flu is not even on their radar. So, THANK YOU ALL for your efforts, and as they say, hope for the best, prepare for the worst. That being said, I should follow my own advice and get back to preparing….

Greytpaws – at 17:40

Long time lurker (occasional poster long time ago) Took a break as we were finally able to move to 15 acres in the country! It was the BF and fluwiki that finally won my partner over to the idea!! Now moving all those preps was NOT fun! I just kept opening box after box that said BF supplies! I guess thats good but I didn’t think it would ever end! Anyway, we don’t have DSL now and have to pay long distance just to get on the internet so my time online is now limited. But I continue to be amazed and thankful for the amount and quality of information here. Thanks to all the faithful wikians who keep this place going strong!!!!

MidwestMomat 20:15

Hi everyone, I am a 44 year old married mother of two. I have been a lurker for about a year. My mother and I are the preppers, everyone else thinks we have lost our minds. Some time back, I tried talking to friends etc. but everyone joked and reminded me of Y2K (I had about 2 months worth of supplies and a generator). We do not have anywhere near what we should have but we’re working on it. I really enjoy hearing what you all have to say and I would feel very alone in this if it weren’t for the Wiki.

I’m-workin’-on-it – at 20:54

Hi all new lurkers!! We really ARE all in it together (love your name) and so many of us are either struggling with extended family, friends or even spouses who are too busy remembering what we did/said for Y2k that we can’t get through to them. I hate to say it but only if something bad happens will most of them have a lightbulb come on in their heads. I know that if something bad happened like a storm to knock power out for a week or two, some of my friend and family would be sitting around thinking, “well, I guess Rose has food & light and we could too, if we’d listened to her”. But then it’s too late for them to not be inconvenienced — or worse.

In It Together we all started with a month, some even started with just 2 weeks — don’t apologize for where you are because ANY action you’ve taken, even if it’s just planning in your head puts you sooooooo far ahead of most of the people around you. You have a big family and unless you’re rich it’s going to take you a little longer to “accumulate” a large quantity.

Greytpaws how great to have 15 acres!!!! You GO girl! I’m sorry that you have to pay long distance to surf here…..is there someone you can call or email to request a local connect number from your carrier?

MidwestMom same thing I said earlier applies to you — ANYthing you’ve set aside is a great effort in the right direction….just keep consistently doing what you’ve been doing!

17 November 2006

karen in MS – at 19:12

Hey, Ya’ll. Have been lurking for about 1 1/2 years. Glad to de-cloak. I work in a large bank’s customer service department in Jackson, MS and am in charge of Research Customer Service and solving mishaps which occur bank-wide. Hope everybody has a big wad of cash put by, because your local financial institution certainly won’t----if they are as prepared as the one I work for. When hurricane Katrina hit, most of our institution’s ability to maintain basic operations fell apart. Our main office is 148 miles from the Gulf and our most southern branches are in Hattiesburg and McComb. Am married to a psychologist, who tries not to think about TSHTF, who was raised during the Cold War and has tons of Survival books laying around for me to find, even though he refuses to consciously talk about PF. Have two boys, ages 12 and 7. Am trying to keep them spoiled for as long as possible. but the money i am spending on supplies lately is starting to cut into their spoilage.I check this site everyday, am prepped for about 1 month, but have plans to go wholeale on preps after Christmas.

I’m-workin’-on-it – at 19:32

Karen, Hi! I’m glad you brought up this thread again — I was hoping that at least a few of the 37 anons on the IQ thread would come out and pick an identity. :-)

You’re sooooo right about the bank’s ability to function…..or lack of….it’s scary. Read those books!!

18 November 2006

I’m-workin’-on-it – at 21:08

bump

19 November 2006

Possible Impact – at 00:38

Hello everyone, (that isn’t over playing on the new forum)

I’ve been visiting frequently since summer of 2005, but mainly just to browse.
The IQ thread caught my attention. I found several “near twins”, or at least fellow travelers.
I bought my first Prep book back in the mid ‘70s, “Survival with Style” by Bradford Angier ISBN: 0394719824
(I was 13…)
We have a well stocked “root cellar” and 5 full cords of wood for our two woodstoves. (a Drolet Eldorado, and a Newmac Classic II)
Our 17 year old son is a classic sheeple. (doesn’t want anything to do with the real world)
15 year old daughter “gets it” and is a big help.
Oh, I’m-workin’-on-it my IQ score was in the mid 140′s. Our kids both test higher than me.
Looking forward to talking and sharing on the new (and improved) forum.

Snicklefritz – at 02:34

I’ve been lurking since last March. I may have posted here briefly once in the foggy past. I spend most of my time on another flu forum, but I try to check in and get your take at lease once a day - especially if it’s a big day, so to speak.

I’m a big fan of the Reveres. I follow Niman, but I’m not a Niman follower. I love to read AV research papers, although some of the detail leaves me in the dust. I wish this virus was called something other than ‘Bird Flu’ - I think of Big Bird everytime I hear the term. I love long walks on the beach, and I want to make world peace…yada, yada, yada (while getting ready for the swimsuit competition).

Thanks for the good work you all do.

Peace and Health to All,

Snick

I’m-workin’-on-it – at 10:09

Possible Impact – at 00:38 & Snicklefritz – at 02:34

Glad to see you both here! I played over at the other forum….i guess I’m a slow learner & I didn’t have my mind on it much yesterday with stuff we had to do around the house and our team’s ball games - I’m in a mixed marriage — and hubby’s team played my team — my team won!

Have you guys played at the new site? Glad you’re here!

21 November 2006

Decloaked for Once – at 17:12

Except for one post, I’ve lurked since last October and been grateful for the information here. Maybe some of you don’t realise how destructive the sniping between posters is. I don’t have time or energy for it—things are stressful enough. So, as addictive as this site is, I’m going to look elsewhere for news and advice. But I do want to thank those who have shared so much practical information about preparing for and weathering a pandemic.

crfullmoon – at 19:03

Guess the strain gets to us all sometimes, and it comes out in different ways.

All the best to you, Decloaked for Once.

27 November 2006

I’m-workin’-on-it – at 15:39

Oh well, some come, some go. I’m curious whether there are any new lurkers on THIS site we are now lovingly calling Old Yeller, who have not visited the phase II of this forum!? Anyone new here?

I’m-workin’-on-it30 November 2006, 08:18

hi all!

db?01 December 2006, 00:41

I have lurked for over a year. Only posted a couple of times. I am grateful to those here who share thier knowledge and understanding of events surrounding AI. I watch as others do for the “shoe to drop” so that I may protect my family. I have been a prepper using the helpful info shared on this and other sites. I am the only member in my family that sees this beast for what it is. My husban is not convinced there is a cause for concern. So the planning and prepping is shouldered by me alone.I am grateful for the info found here. I do not feel so alone with all of you familar posters as my silent prepper buddies. I’m Working on it - your kindness on my first posts elsewhere calmed this newbie’s jetters at the posting thing. Thanks db

Country Girl?01 December 2006, 10:52

Hey. I was wondering if anyone hear knew the discount code for the internet grocer. Want to get cheese & butter but the delivery is almost $200.00. I tried using “flu wikie” but it said invalid or expired. Please help.

I’m-workin’-on-it04 December 2006, 11:47

Country Girl, not I-grocer, but mredepot.com and use all one word fluwikie with an “e” on the end. Hope that helps!

db, nice of you to say…..I remember how intimidated I was to post at first — you can see I got over it!! :-) Glad you’re here.

I’m-workin’-on-it13 December 2006, 20:55

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Marylander?13 December 2006, 21:54

I have been reading some of your discussions for about a month now, and have been picking up a couple extra items now and then at the grocery store, but I am not able to do much in the way of prepping…husband thinks it is nuts, work is crazy, and money is very tight. I also live in a very small apartment where there is no room. Any suggestions? I have appreciated all of your knowledge—it has helped me begin to start preparing—I have been watching bird flu and studying it for three or four years now.

Kelly P?14 December 2006, 01:33

Marylander, like you, my BF previously teased me about my worries and only went along with my efforts in a patronizing manner, as if to humor me. He thought I was an alarmist and needed to be mentally checked for some type of neurosis or psychologically unsound state of mind because I tended to worry about how bird flu is going to affect us.

The first time his mother came to visit our home, I showed her my pantry (only partially stocked at that time) and told her it was my bird flu pantry. She frowned and told me not to call it that because it sounded creepy. Still, I persevered and continued my efforts to explain bird flu to her. I continued trying to approach my BF about the bird flu and tried countless times to discuss it with him. Armed with such an incredible amount of ‘intelligent’ information that I had gotten off this website, I was able to counter much of his objections and ridicule, and now, although he does not openly admit his worries in front of me, he actually helps me prep.

Well, guess what, a year later, after we had bought our home, his mother came to visit us again, and one of the first things to come out of her mouth was, did I still have my bird flu pantry? I said yes, and showed her the pantry that my BF had built for me in the garage, complete with hinged doors, as well as a large upright freezer which he recently bought for me so I could store my frozen foods. His mother told me to continue the preparations and that she may join us if things get bad. Talk about vindication.

Oh…about your lack of space…someone here said that if you have a box spring, it will hold several hundred cans of food, not to mention the space underneath the bed that can hold much more non-food items.

I’m-workin’-on-it14 December 2006, 09:27

Marylander, glad to meet you! I lived in a small 1 bedroom apartment for a number of years & now I’m in 2 bedroom condo, so I think in terms of hiding places in every “nook and cranny”.

If you’ll type in the word “apartment” in the search box at the top left part of the page, you’ll find a whole list of threads where apartments are mentioned, but there are 3 that you should find very interesting.

The first is Apartment Preppers — here’s the link to that one: http://tinyurl.com/uvofk with lots of good ideas

There are also 2 threads titled Can An Apartment SIP Work part 1 and part 2.

Lots of information there for you! And believe me, lots of us understand those looks husbands are giving us when they see 6 peanut butter jars, or 18 flashlights! :-) You’re doing the right thing to buy a little at a time — money is such a major issue — and can be such a sore spot — with married couples and prepping doesn’t have to be something that breaks the bank every month!

KellyP, you’ve done well to bring your family around! I hope your MIL can help with some of the supplies in some way, even if it’s just that she agrees to do some of the cooking or baby sitting or whatever while you get some rest — afterall you’ve done most of the hard work already! I know it’s soooooo hard to do all the work & take all the flack & rolled eyes & head-shaking, but it’s worth it if it means that one other person starts prepping or understands the implications if they don’t SIP fast enough! Good for you!

Convoy?14 December 2006, 15:10

I’m a prepper from Y2K…I travel around the country and try to prepare where we are……I participated in the Conference call last year over Bird Flu issues….My big concerns are the Salton Sea, where we observed many dead birds and fish.Lake Havasu, which we just left…many birds there………and right now I’m observing Red Tide in the Gulf of Mexico…….I am constantly learning from all of you thank you……..

14 December 2006, 16:30

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Sidescroll Bad Sidescroll Down Boy?14 December 2006, 16:31

Sidescroll Alert

I’m-workin’-on-it28 December 2006, 20:21

CONVOY!! Somehow I missed your post — so sorry — I try to respond when I see a new person onboard!

Tell us something about your work — I too started prepping for Y2k and just couldn’t stop, although I slowed down. I had to pick up the pace & get better organized all this year once I learned about BF.

Are you a student, a reseacher, or have some other interest or career responsibility that takes you to places wehre you study and observe?

Glad to have you here!

I’m-workin’-on-it29 December 2006, 22:02

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I’m-workin’-on-it30 December 2006, 23:44

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I’m-workin’-on-it03 January 2007, 10:05

Hi to any lurkers out there!

The Quiet one?03 January 2007, 19:15

I have been lurking on this site for what seems like forever. I have always been a prepper with all cupboards stocked. My world ended Oct 2nd 2006 when my husband had a heart attack, 4 days later he had triple bypass surgery. he is in his 60′s I am in my 50′s we are raising a 4 year old grandson. We had always been in the best of health so this has rocked our world. He went from decent wages at a job he has been on for over 30 years. Now we get $150. disability weekly. I am constantly worrying and the flu seems like something I can barely think about any more. But 1 good thing was that I was so stocked at least food has not been a problem

I’m-workin’-on-it03 January 2007, 21:20

The Quiet One, love your sweet self! What a nightmare you’ve been through — being in my early 50′s and it just being my husband and me, no children, I fear what will happen when we have a serious illness and how we’ll manage to cope. With your hands full with a 4 year old as well, isn’t easy! I’m glad to know that your husband is recovering - that’s a blessing. I know it cuts into the budget, especially when you’re not prepared for it, but you’re right — one of the reasons we put food by is to have something in an emergency & you’ve certainly made good use of your pantry. Now that things have sort of settled down, I hope you’ll use coupons like I do, and shop the Buy One Get One Free weekly store ads & start building back up what you’ve used down from your pantry. Remember that some stores double coupons up to 50 cents, but some don’t — Target, WalMart, etc. take coupons but DON’T double them so watch out!

How is your husband dealing emotionally with not only his health scare but now not working at something he’d been doing for 30 years?? It’s got to be hard on both of you, but I guess he has some personal concerns & saddnesses because of that “loss” too.

I know your life has changed dramatically & so has your perspective on a lot of things, and you’ll never feel exactly the same way again - you’ve turned a corner in your life’s path, but I’m really glad that you haven’t forgotten about us here. You’ll find most of the people on the new forum, and it’s a LOT different from here, it’s taken on a different slant & not as “cozy” here, but we’ll be here for as long as the powers that be let us remain, & you can count on us being sure to listen to anything you want to say or get off your chest. You’re among friends, so when you get time, try to stay in touch with us.

Prayers for you and your husband both, to regain your strength and confidence & get your balance financially, without fear.

Bump - Bronco Bill?04 January 2007, 08:56

.

The Quiet one?04 January 2007, 11:00

Thank you so much for your kind words I’m-workin’-on-it. Yes I have always prided myself on my shopping techniques hehe. Always looking for deals and sales.

My husband is bored out of his mind and that has me losing mine.

My wish for the new year was to be able to think like a regular person(meaning one that doesnt even know bird flu exists) Because where I am I think 90% of the population hasnt got a clue. I live in upstate NY and people do shop for the snow and ice storms we get but your talking maybe a weeks worth of food extra on hand! I want to be like them!! Not looking at my pantry and seeing doom and glooom…

I think I will stay with this old forum its what I am used to and can understand. The new one is a little to much work and yes I do agree with you it is cozy and an old friend to me. I will not desert it :)

diana?04 January 2007, 11:18

The Quiet One. One thing I have noticed about men who have had heart attacks. (My husband had three) is that they are cranky. If yours is, don’t blame yourself. My husband was impossible for the first one. He tended to be very indulgent with me and my ways, but developed a hair trigger temper and a lack of empathy for a while.. I never said a word, and I am not a doormat. Other men I have known who have had heart attacks also seemed to develop short tempers and irritability for a time. It fades away. This might not be the case with your husband. My brother had his bypass in his eighties, and became paralyzed with a stroke because they cleared his caratoid artery at the same time. I don’t know how his family coped, but he never became short tempered with me. He recovered fully, but is frailer.He has always been a devoted brother to us all. A truly good man ,as was my husband and the other men I’ve known with that problem.They seem to have, more heart and soul , so when they are faced with their own mortality they begin to focus on themselves, and take their anger at fate out on others.Just my personal observation, not always, for everyone.

I’m-workin’-on-it04 January 2007, 11:37

Quiet one, referencing what you said above, you know, you have to be careful what you wish for….you’re in a phase of life, since your husband’s health trouble, where you DON’T think constantly about bird flu now! Not the distraction you were looking for I’m sure.

I have family in Mass & they are preparing on a small scale…he’s a specialized doctor & she’s a retired nurse. During one of our conversations on email I said something about their needing to decide what they would be doing to keep neighbors, who know their medical background, from piling up on their porch to get help from the doctor & she wrote back that she had not thought of that….tells you what level of prepping she’s at doesn’t it?? Scary. BUT it got her to thinking and preparing for that possibility.

We’re all going to have to get used to the new forum eventually I guess, the longer away that deadline is the better, especially while not much is going on…..I don’t get up tight about each and every new BF case like some do, but I realize that it only takes one person to transport the illness anywhere in the world.

The new forum has a different focus & I’m lurking around at friendlier sites about once a week, just to get a feel for what’s out there. Most formats suck format-wise, like parts of the new wiki forum do, but I like seeing old names at our new site so I try harder to learn that format. But I doubt I’ll ever feel about it the way I do about this site here because 1) it’s too impersonal and 2) it’s focus is not the same as here where we talked equally about individual prepping & I could learn something almost every day.

I’m just not up there on the “global” platform where I’m concerned about people in a country whose control we have no effect on at all. I’d rather concentrate at least on what we’re doing in our own nation (if not concentrating on a local level) to get ready at least as much as we do on other countries who are already dealing with the issue.

I just don’t care for the global aspect as much as others do. Maybe I just have a little mind or small perspective or something, I don’t know.

Fortunately, I AM rather prepared, I’ve learned a lot (mostly from my Y2k reading & preparation years ago) and my learning here has balanced my knowledge by including medical aspects of preparation as well as building on the knowledge I gained years ago, and fine-tuning it in areas like solar, or nutrition.

There’s so much to ‘worry’ about that might happen, & it tests our faith every day to not get dragged down into the doom and gloom aspects of any emergency so I can appreciate your wish to break free of that and feel like a ‘regular’ person.

I think that for me, that freedom came with making a conscious decision to have and maintain a “living” pantry and you’re most likely at that point too, now, so whether you realize it or not, you’ve moved closer to being “regular”, “normal” or whatever you want to call it, because of your crisis. You’ve seen the practical aspects of “having and maintaining” rather than depending on being able to get in line and get what you need once a crisis happens.

Once I made up my mind to keep an active pantry, not just piles of stuff I “might” have to use some day, it became fun balancing out my long term storage with my daily storage. It’s like feeding and raising a child I guess — maintaining the right nutrition, replacing what you use up, learning ways to cook and stretch what you store, etc.

Maybe it was because I have such a small kitchen and very little ‘normal’ storage, or because I’m sort of creative in thinking outside the box when it comes to making storage space where there wasn’t any before, but now I feel more like those ‘normal’ women who have big homes & lots of storage space so they’re not running to the grocery store every day. My groceries may be a little more ingeniously stored, but in the end I’m no different in ‘filling my pantry’ than they are, except I’ll bet I know more about my food, more about alternative ways to get it from the box to my tummy without power, more about how much it costs and how long it keeps! :-)

diana?04 January 2007, 12:00

Unless we have a SIP I’ll live day to day as I always have since my husband died. It’s my nature to enjoy spontaneous things, and day to day some fresh things to enjoy. I have prepped with water and some supplies(nowhere near what others here have.) As long as we are free I will jump into each new experience with relish and enthusiasm. I glance at the new wiki, just don’t feel enthusiastic, so am vearing off into personal growth types of wikis. Don’t need more flu sites. The world is a wonderful place, and we here on the internet have the world at our fingertips. We aren’t locked into a culture which inhibits our growth, or our participation in the world outside our doors. So also we aren’t locked into a survivalistic mode of living quite yet. I hope never will be locked into such a time. But if we do get h-to-h transfer of H5N1, and a few years of turmoil and trouble, I think we here do have the smarts , spirit and courage to overcome any odds.

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