From Flu Wiki 2

Forum: Maine Preppers

25 March 2006

ricewiki – at 17:50

Anybody here from Maine? How are your preps going? Feel free to discuss planning, etc. with others in your area here…

bluetide – at 19:23

Hi, I’ve been reading the site for a couple of months.Haven’t posted before now, though. I’m unaware of anyone else making any sort of preparations in the area.(southern Maine)I did just read an article reporting the state has been given $50,000 by the USDA since we’re the first ‘landing’ for migratory birds from Europe. (comforting, no?)

Al – at 20:24

Where was the article?

ps: Renys has cut fusilli pasta at .99 per box, canned fruit at .99 and lots of chocolate.

Misssue – at 22:01

Hi there- i’m in Maine. Prepping isn’t so great as i’m in a small apartment and short on cash but we do ok. Glas to see other Mainers getting prepared!

bird-dog – at 22:24

Hi, I’m in the Mid-Coast area and have been mostly lurking on here for weeks. I have probably a couple(? of months worth of food, water, bleach, etc. and have ‘hit’ Reny’s many times! LOL! The chowders have been a favorite…and yes,the chocolate. Plus the plastic containers. I’m at the point now that I’ve relaxed a bit and am thinking ‘veg.garden’ thoughts. 15 to 20 wild turkeys are under my bird feeders (two families) every morning so I’m a bit concerned for and about them if/when the bf arrives as well as for all the small birds. It’s a heartbreaking possibility. I’ve encouraged friends and family to pick up extra food and water and to come ‘here’ but they are still not concerned (it seems). I think that I saw a returning osprey yesterday. Lets hope that it -bf- doesn’t make it across!!! Glad you guys are here!!!

bird-dog – at 22:43

The article is in: http://in.today.reuters.com/news etc….Fri Mar 24, 2006 8:54 AM IST ‘Maine steps up bird flu planning, monitoring’ I don’t know how to do the tinyurls yet and I didn’t want to stretch out the post horizonally. Do a google search. It’s a good article.

“With four million domestic birds, Maine is the nation’s leading producer of brown eggs, Hoenig said. In 2004, Maine’s brown eggs generated $61 million in sales.” I didn’t know that we are the leading producer of br. eggs.

26 March 2006

bluetide – at 10:02

Sorry I couldn’t locate the article I referenced above. I’m wondering if anyone has school age children and if you are aware of any preparations regarding the schools. I emailed the Portland School superintendent an article on the federal government urging schools to prepare a plan along with some polite inquiry but have never had a response.It’s nice to know there are other concerned folks here in Maine and reading this site, however.

bird-dog – at 11:06

Hi bluetide. I’m single, no kids, but I’ll keep my eyes open for you and will post if I hear anything about school prep in our area. Maybe the state website would have something about it.

24 April 2006

Adam in Portland – at 22:04

I am also in the Portland area and am beginning to prepare for this after having seen a special on ABC last night about this. I’d rather be safe than sorry. If we’re wrong, the worst thing is we have extra food in the house, but if right, it could save lives. I’m basically collecting water, canned food, batteries and I also ordered from www.nitro-pak.com a battery-less radio — all you have to do is hand crank it and it runs for an hour at a time. I’ll also get extra cold medicine and vitamins each time we go food shopping. Any other “must haves” you can think of? I wish we had the option of wood heat in our house — I hate the idea of this hitting during next winter and we have a power outage.

bird-dog – at 22:30

Hi Adam in Portland – at 22:04, I’m so gald that you’re here!

Check out the main page of fluwiki under the personal preparedness section. Then, if you have any questions, ask away. It’s great that you’re prepping and on board! I’m in the mid-coast area and have been running around like a nutcase prepping for a few months now. FYI, ABC is offering a major tv-movie next week and I’m going to try to get my ‘doubting’ friends to watch it! It seems that 99% of the people that I mention bf to just roll their eyes like I’m a wacko. I mentioned bf at The Whole Grocer and Wild Oats this weekend and the salespeople just shook their heads. LOL! Grrr.

As for heat, I bought a ‘Mister Heater’ which can be used indoors and runs off of propane cannisters. I do have a woodstove too so I’m feeling quite fortunate. Again, glad you’re taking care of your self and your family.

16 May 2006

MaMaat 13:11

Hi guys! Thought you might be interested…

link to

BANGOR - “An online registration site has been set up for a major collaborative summit on pandemic flu between Maine’s media, the health community, municipalities and businesses, set for June 6 at the Bangor Civic Center.

“Media and Community: Planning Together to Confront Crisis” will provide an opportunity for those involved to develop individual and community responses to a widespread emergency.

The summit has two goals: to educate the media as to its response role, and to encourage and integrate the media in the emergency planning process….”

…..”Conference topics include the role of media as emergency responder, a primer on the State’s Incident Command System, mental health response and staying safe.

The daylong event also will include a panel discussion with Dr. Don Hoenig, state veterinarian, reporter Mal Leary, and Suzanne Goucher, president and CEO of the Maine Association of Broadcasters.

The day’s moderator will be Dr. Erik Steele, vice president chief medical officer for EMHS and Bangor Daily News columnist.

The summit will take place from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Tuesday, June 6, and the cost for each attendee is $15.

Preregistration is required at www.mainedisasterplanning.com.”

bird-dog – at 13:41

Thanks MaMa, I’ll check it out and forward the notice to a semi-friend in the Maine media, a talk-show host.

Hey, fellow Mainers, how are you doing on ‘prepping’? No lack of water here today, eh? Lol.

MaMaat 14:05

bird-dog, you’re welcome!

Al – at 14:07

Thanks for the tip on the summit. Any Mainers planning to attend? I’m also in the mid-Coast area with school age children. From what I can see there is no planning being done around here-none. When I asked what plans were in place, my child’s elementary school principal replied that she never heard of the avian flu! I called the acting super. of the local SAD -they said they have no plans in place and “will look to the State for direction”. Local family practice health care workers seem equally unconcerned. A letter writing campaign directed at local papers (referencing fluwiki) would be an excellent idea for any fluwikians in Maine.

We recently adopted a Katrina puppy (or I should say a Katrina aftermath puppy) and I’m wondering how to protect him once H5N1 is detected in bird population. He’s used to getting lots of “off leash” exercise and, of course, he’s a bird dog type, loves retrieving dead rodents and bird carcasses. So far, I’ve been able to “preview” the field he runs in before I let him off leash. How are others planning to cope?

bird-dog – at 15:07

Hi Al, someone suggested creating a fenced-in area, if possible, to have more control over your pups’ wanderings and environment—away from compost piles, bird feeders, etc. Also a mild bleach/water solution to dip his feet in before he enters the house. As he is still a young dog, it should be less traumatic for him to cope with the change. That’s so great that you gave him a home.

I have also been asking around; doctors, newspaper reporters, nursing home workers, etc., you’d think I was asking about ‘foot ‘n mouth’ disease. Not a clue. It’s so frustrating. I’ve been nudging an excellent media guy who has quite a following and could bring much much help to the state. I’m hoping that he’ll appear on fluwiki soon and get the proper feedback.

I was happy to read about Hannafords plans. And I see an attempt in the markets to push beans, etc. Or maybe I’m just hypersensitive to the products now! Lol.

As far as the summit goes, I’m not of the designated roles listed. I will call or email them to find out more though.

Al – at 17:50

bird-dog, bleach footbaths seem like the way to go. For us humans as well! My puppy just has so much energy, he’ll likely become aggressive if he can’t run…I built him a little run off the back porch but as he gets older we’re discovering it’s not large enough for him. I’m also training him to go potty on those little dog pads that they sell at pet stores, in case he becomes confined indoors.

The media guy idea seems the way to go-hope he visits fluwiki.

I read the summit info and it looks like anyone can go. If you’re self-employed, you’re a businessperson and that’s good enough reason to attend. I think I’m going to attend.

Question-what Hannaford plans? Did I miss something?

bird-dog – at 19:32

Hi Al, Here’s an article with very ‘general’ plans for various food services in Maine. I did see another more-in-depth artcle and I’ll search more later this evening. …my scallops are burning! http://tinyurl.com/l4txg

15 June 2006

bird-dog – at 09:55

This is good news for us Mainiacs!

Bagor Daily News >>> http://tinyurl.com/kpp6l

Maine tests wild birds for avian flu

Maine wildlife biologists have begun testing migratory birds for avian influenza as part of a national program to detect the deadly virus as soon as it arrives on U.S. soil.

Meanwhile, state officials are once again asking residents to report dead birds for possible testing for West Nile Virus, Eastern Equine Encephalitis and, eventually, bird flu.

<skip>

To date, most of Maine’s bird flu monitoring has focused on the state’s sizeable commercial poultry flocks. But during the past week, biologists began testing wild Arctic terns, common eiders and black guillemots.

Canada geese and several other types of waterfowl will also be tested, said Michael Schummer, a wildlife biologist and game bird specialist with the state Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife.

<skip>

The species being tested in Maine were targeted for their migratory routes or because they often associate with other migratory birds.

The Arctic tern’s migration route, for example, takes it off the coasts of Africa and Europe - areas where H5N1 has been detected - before returning to Canada and northern New England to breed. Some populations of Canada geese, on the other hand, live in Maine year-round but often “collaborate” with many other migrating bird species, Schummer said.

<skip>

Maine has also re-opened its “Dead Bird Reporting Line” through which residents can alert authorities to birds that died from unexplained reasons.

The hot line (888–697–5846) was launched in 2000 to help the state track the spread of the West Nile virus. Last year, it helped detect Eastern equine encephalitis, a potentially deadly virus that like West Nile can be transmitted from birds to humans through mosquitoes, in a dozen Maine birds.

The Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention announced Wednesday that dead birds reported through the hot line may eventually be tested for avian flu.

<skip>

Dr. Don Hoenig, the state veterinarian, said Maine is operating a program for owners of smaller, backyard poultry flocks in which dead birds can be sent for testing at no cost to the resident.

<skip>

For more information, go online to:

www.pandemicflu.gov

www.mainepublichealth.gov

www.maineflu.gov

19 June 2006

Lisa in Southern Maine – at 18:40

Hi everybody. I’m Lisa, in York County. Have been lurking for a while…Started prepping a couple of months ago. Lots of energy put into prep and now have 220gals h2o and 50 gal water bucket. Discovered what a ‘bung wrench’ is. Have water purifier. LOTS of food…all the way to Waltons and Emerg. Essentials dehydrated. Single mom, two young adolescent boys…I am propelled by a strong sense of “must protect”. Lots of batteries, kerosene lanterns (Vermont Castings, highly recommend, shipped in one day and heavy brass base. Use regular lamp oil too.) Saving up for wood stove now. The installation in my chimneyless house will be pricey. So very glad to find other Maine folks here. PEI is pretty close. The flu comes closer. Glad we’re here to support each other, as the extended community negates BF as possible threat. Bluetide, my kids are 13and 15. Their schools have no organized protocol yet, but a school nurse did tell me that the state of ME sent memo asking all schools to read ME’s Avian Flu respose draft. I read it. It looks as if they’ll take every childs temp on entrance in event of outbreak if social isolation not yet implemented. This was worrisome to me because the draft talks about isolation of the sick…I won’t have my kids be “isolated” with possible BF-active people for a common cold. But this could happen. They could go to school, be found to have a 99.9 fever and deemed unsafe, and be ‘isolated’ with other symptomatic people. I may not be able to get to them. I know this sounds far fetched but anyone who reads Maine preparedness statement can deduce the potential for such scenario. We are staying in when this flu hits if the kill rate is 3% or above. In my estimation, 3% will be enough to wreak havoc. I’m voice of dooming it. Sorry. Obviously have lurked too long and have more concerns stored up than I was aware of. Please take care all! I promise to be less of a downer next time.

Average Concerned Mom – at 21:04

Lisa-

(I’m not in Maine actually but just checked in b/c I have relatives there.)

Good work on all your preps so far, I laugherd because you sound a lot like me in you rpriorities, etc. (water, the wood stove, orders from Waltons, etc.) (-:

Re: the school situation — a lot could change in their plans and your concenrs between now and a possible pandemic starting. But if it helps, you could have the boys take their temps at HOME before they go to school, that would give you a heads up if they were running a fever, no? Also, maybe you could plan on sending them to school with some N95 masks, just in case this “isolation trick” takes place and you aren’t able to get to them.

I’m just sharing these ideas because I know what it is like to worry about things that you can’t control that may happen in the future! (-:

In truth, I really do not think the schools will take everyone’s temps on entry. I can’t see them going through the effort if the flu’s CFR is fairly low, like a 1968-style pandemic. If the CFR is high, they will cancel school. (I’m a teacher — my gut is, if it gets bad enough that people are taking kids temperature, school will be cancelled within a few days at least.

Just my own opinion, take care

Lisa in Southern Maine – at 21:35

Avg. Mom, Your response does reassure me. I think you’re quite right, that schools will close early “if it gets bad enough that people are taking kids temperature”. Potentials and ‘what iffing’ can grow too large sometimes. Thanks for helping me to shrink this one. Lisa

Melanie – at 21:39

Remember, everyone, that we are in early days here, and, if TSHTF, everyone is going to be in disaster mode, which we haven’t really experienced collectively. We’re all rational right now. Don’t expect that to last.

Lisa in Southern Maine – at 22:00
Al – at 22:06

It may be a good idea to request that home schooling information be sent to your home now, so you can have it on hand, if needed. I did that recently, tucked the information away and forgot about it. I hope I won’t have to pull it out and use it—ever—due to a pandemic. But if a pandemic does start, I’m paying attention now and I sure won’t wait for the schools to close, I’ll use my own judgement to determine whether it’s time to pull my child from school. If it turns out I’ve jumped the gun or just called it wrong, I’ll advise the school the home schooling didn’t work out.

I’mm in mid-Coast Maine and nobody I know is prepping…

Lisa in Southern Maine – at 22:09

reset button by accident! Mel, My world will shrink to the confines of home and immediate family when TSHTF. Thought and action will be directed towards preservation of wellbeing of loved ones. That direction combined with the fact the we are of the few who will not be blindsided by the BF emergence will hopefully be supportive of rational behavior. But the threat of community/external irrationality can’t be ignored. We will need to be cautious.

Lisa in Southern Maine – at 22:12

AL - great suggestion that is now on my list. Thanks. No-one knows I’m prepping either, except one trusted retired detective and his wife who have a well and have helped me on security issues.

Lisa in Southern Maine – at 22:17

And I haven’t even had a drink tonight…nobody you know is prepping…Same here, though I am really pushing people to educate themselves and at least stock up on water. My sister is starting, thank goodness, she has 2 little children. And my friend the detective said “So…you really think this could happen, huh?”. I gave him my standard answer, which is :”it doesn’t matter what I think. The best virologists in the world, people who know a hell of a lot more than I do, think this is going to happen.”

Average Concerned Mom – at 22:48

Melanie — at 21:39

I’m not sure if your comment about not being rational was directed at my post (i.e. that schools would close if things got bad —)

But if so —

I actually think a decision to close schools would be more knee-jerk reflex than anything else. I.e. after a child or two died of the flu, anywhere in the area, I believe that schools would close. I’m not sure that is the correct decision from a societal/public health standpoint.

But right now at least, we as a society are not used to our children being in danger and our immediate reaction would be (I think) to close schools and send kids home, where they would be the responsibility/liability of their parents. Even if that hadn’t been the original plan; even if the plan called for close monitoring of children, for some staff member to use an ear thermometer on each child on entry to the school, a plan which I do not believe is a good one if children will be infectious before they have a fever.

I remember, here in the DC area, when we had that “Beltway Sniper” who killed several adults and one child, after the shooting of the child (in front of a school) and the threat by the sniper that “Your children are not safe” — all our areas schools rushed kids from busses to schools, cancelled outdoor recess, etc., for several weeks. There was a huge upheaval to everyone’s lives and routines — because of one shooting (I believe the child recovered). We are not accustomed to children being in danger.

Ofr course, all this is only my guesswork, and it only for the “first” wave, if there are indeed other waves to come — what we would do for them I have no idea!

20 June 2006

Lisa in Southern Maine – at 19:59

Hi Mainers! Anyone have advice on wood stove purchasing? I know basics, such as right size for space, safe set up and fire dept. safety inspection, etc…I’m looking for more personal advice from people who actually have and use one in a not for ambience or decoratice purpose only way. Thanks!

Melanie – at 20:03

Average concerned mom,

My comment wasn’t directed at you, just a general reminded: right now we are trying to work out all of the angles ahead of time, but if TSHTF, we are all going to be learning exercises in improvisation as things come up we hadn’t anticipated.

Al – at 20:54

I have a wood stove but don’t plan to use it since it’s a dead giveaway that someone’s around. For me, it’s also labor intensive to heat with wood and I would have to store an enormous amout of wood to get through our winters here and wood has become very expensive. I miss the romance of wood fires and wood stoves, they do smell wonderful though and I miss that.

I heat w/ several cast iron propane stoves instead. They look just like wood stoves, have flames but they run on LP—liquid propane. My old house is rambling so each section has a gas stove. My older models are non-vented but the house is antique, drafty and there is ample air circulation---brrrr. The flame and ceramic gas logs and fire is realistic looking and does have a nice “vibe”. Most gas stoves now are made to be direct vented on an outside wall or even up a masonry chimney. This is the safest way to install them. I think one here is made by Vermont castings. I also use another small one made by Empire. They are both made of mat black cast iron which holds the heat nicely for a long time afterwards. The Empire gas (LP) stoves are a lot less expensive than similar sized airtight wood stoves and most importantly they don’t require any electricity to run, which was a concern since we moved up here after the ice-storm of 1997. I also had inexpensive thermostats put on them which is handy. I use LP for cooking since a propane cooktop was already installed in the kitchen countertop when I bought the house. Alas, my oven is electric but I figure in an emergency with no utilities we can survive just fine with the cooktop.

We have several 100 lb tanks that the oil/propane company installed outside and filled for us. All we pay for is the propane-they own the tanks. If I’m extremely miserly about heat and careful about cooking I figure we might be able to get through a year to a year and a half with 400 lbs of propane. My plan is to order 2 more tanks and fill them when and if we were to isolate. If TSHTF and you plan on keeping a low profile, propane might be an option to consider. No one will see any smoke in a chimney. I’m wondering if I should get a backup cooking method as well. I also wonder how well a solar oven might work in Maine in the winter—yikes! Perhaps a charcoal grill with lots and lots of bags of charcoal might be a good, simple backup cooking plan if we run through 400 lbs of propane. But again, with charcoal, it’s a clear way to signal “somebody’s here and the food smells good!”.

bird-dog – at 21:03

Hi Lisa!

I’ve used a Jotul series 8 woodstove for 20 or so years and am very happy with it. Previous to the Jotul I had a steel stove as opposed to a cast iron and I don’t recommend it. I also have two small Rinnai gas heaters for backup and keeping my parrot warm in case the stove cools down … and no heat source on the 2nd floor. The w-s had a catalytic combuster which became unusable because some inner metal broke off. The stove has a glass door. Love it! I bought it in Brunswick. The Black Stove Shop used to carry Jotul and may still. They are located in Yarmouth, Lewiston, Augusta, Bangor, and maybe other towns. I’m sure you could find a used one somewhere. A friend of mine has a smaller version w/o the glass door and it heats her (small) house very well. Vermont Castings is a great company too.

BTW, I’ve been a hospice volunteer too off and on for 15 to 20 years. I was trained in Brunswick. It is such an honor to accompany someone out and offer a safe and warm space to the person and the family. I’ve been unable to do it recently due to my own health issues and I miss it.

I can’t be of help regarding school issues as I’m single and haven’t children. Sorry. Like Al, I live in the Mid-Coast area. We’re all so fortunate to be in Maine!!!

I’m glad that you’re here! Oh, and check out Reny’s for prepping if you haven’t done so already. Many various sized containers, food, camping equipment, etc. at low low prices!

bluetide – at 21:25

Lisa: It’s nice to read a post from someone nearby; We are also in Southern Maine with three boys, two of which are the same age as yours. Right now I am looking into two separate options for alternate heat. Vermont casting company offers a gas stove (looks like a ‘fireplace’ described above) that doesn’t require any outside venting. Vent-free and we already have natural gas, so we just need to add a line. I’m inclined to think that natural gas would be available longer than either electricity or safe public water, but who knows? The other option I’m looking into is a combination wood/ oil furnace. When heating oil is available it runs on that, when you want to use wood, you can flip over to that. I imagine it eventually saves money using the wood option as frequently as possible and it continues to work if the electricity is out during a snowstorm, etc. On another note, I never got a response from my email inquiries to the local school system, but I won’t have the children there anyway if this really does come about. Have you talked to your kids about your concerns / preparations? I have been hesitant, not only because I don’t want to worry them, but also don’t want their numerous friends, etc. to be aware of our supplies.(which won’t last long with three boys eating them, anyway)

21 June 2006

Lisa in Southern Maine – at 18:41

Al, Thanks for your response to my stove question. I had no idea that the LP stoves could run without electricity. Really sounds good, as I’ve been considering the complications of wood stove…storage, expense, etc…I wonder if the make propane stoves that can do cooking to, like the wood ones with burners and sandstone. Do you have your tanks below or above ground? Do you worry about security if they are above ground? I have read about preparers who are sinking 500gal propane tanks. Here’s a novice question…Do you fill a canister from your tank and carry it to your stove to fill the stove? I have been stocking up on lots of charcoal…Coleman fuel too, for camp stove…

Lisa in Southern Maine – at 18:49

Bird-dog, I love the Jotul line. They make the best one for cooking I’ve seen. I’ll keep you updated re my progress. I have a new consideration thanks to Al, and now I will be researching propane stoves more. A decision needs to be made soon as I’ll need to get wood in soon. Wood stove people are telling me it will be very hard to get wood that will be dry and aged enough for next winter if I wait much longer. Need to win megabucks or whatever those lottery games are called! What a great thing that you volunteered for hospice. I swear the volunteers mean more to the families than the medical people simply because the family/patient knows the person volunteering is there truly out of kindness and concern for another. I hope your own health issues resolve wholly. Thank you for saying that you’re glad I’m here. That is a meaningful welcome to me.

Lisa in Southern Maine – at 19:19

Bluetide, Please keep me updated on your decision-making regarding wood/oil furn vs.gas stove. I am in similar deciding process. A very close friend installed the dual wood/oil system last year. He is very pleased. Quite a contraption actually. I was impressed with it - but it is not an option for me at this time though it appears to be an excellent investment. I have talked to the kids about BF and our preparations. Quite the dance, these conversations…hmmm…how does one lead 2 young adolescants towards understanding the importance of safety and preparation without scaring the hell out of them? And how can the idea of secrecy in order to preserve our safety in the event of isolation/quarantine be understood by them? I have had them look at the WHO site and at the state and fed govs response plans. I have told them that since many researchers and experts believe this event is probable, it would be irresponsible for me to ignore the plentiful warnings and not prepare for our safety. I said that this may never happen, but my job is to keep them safe and therefore I am obligated to prepare for this eventuality. We have had a few discussions…some answers to questions have been…”you can just tell your friends that I love to buy bulk in BJs since you eat so much”…”no, we are not preparing for the end of the world. A flu might make a lot of people sick and the best way to protect you is to make sure you are able to stay away from people when the flu is active”….”because if the flu occurs, a lot of people will be unprepared. People can be dangerous when they’re desperate and we don’t want to attract desperate people who might be in dangerous moods”…”Mommy’s a nurse honey. I’ll make sure you’re fine”… I aim to get them to take our prep seriously, especially by not advertising it - and they really seem to get that..They don’t seem to be scared and I do pedal the ‘possibility spectrum’ way down…Their understanding seems to be centered around the fact that they might have to stay in for a while. The youngest has asked about the extended family who are not preparing. He is afraid for them. So am I, and I continue to ask them to consider prep. Well, that’s it for now. Take care, and I look forward to hearing from you.

Al – at 22:01

Lisa, tough stuff to have to talk to kids about. My child is 8 and i’s sad she has to have this kind of fear to contemplate. I haven’t dwelled much on the bf, and just told her we are pitting aside extra stuff for a rainy day. She’s a hoarder naturally so she’s delighted with all the food packed away.

I would check with Sears, Home Depot or your local appliance stores to find a cheap LP oven that also has 4 burners on the top that can replace your regular kitchen oven. Most kitchen ovens are either electric or LP up here in the mid-Coast area—and no one has natural gas up here. You would never need to get involved in those small tanks of propane unless you use them for your barbeque, and I don’t know if one can even use those things indoors. Any appliances using propane would get lines run to them by local heating oil or fuel dealers.

I just have an old 4 burner cooktop made by Jenn-aire, not an oven. The electric oven is elsewhere in my kitchen. In an emergency we’d make do with just the burners and do without an “oven”. I can do a lot with cast iron pots and pans I hope. I have two 100 lb tanks, the low wide ones, sitting under my deck, placed on concrete blocks by one of the local fuel companies. They charged me installation for running lines from the tank to the propane appliance. They also told me that if I wanted a really large tank like a 400 or 500 lb tank, it would have to be located well away from the house. As with the smaller tanks, they supply the huge tank but then I’d have to hire someone to excavate in order to run a line from it to the house. What an eyesore. They also said they don’t recommend burying these things anymore. Anyway, I’m just going to add 2 more tanks since it won’t cost me anything but the fuel to fill them with. And I don’t want a monster sized tank sitting off in my backyard.

Re: the heating appliance, find a good local propane dealer or oil comopany. Ask, some do sell LP heaters like the Vermont Castings or Empires at better prices than you see at the home and hearth-type woodstove shops here in Maine. Sometimes they clear out models for less than a good woodstove. They usually install them too. As I said they’ll put their own tanks in, usually next to your house and they’ll do the installation inside,run the lines for a LP cooking stove, gas dryer or even a gas wall sconse. There are propane fridges out there as well but those are very expensive.

898 Two more to go – at 23:15

Lisa, thanks for the good wishes.

As far as the stove goes, Al’s idea sounds ideal. I have a propane kitchen stove, a propane clothes drier, and the two Rinnai propane heaters. Unfortunately, the heaters require electricity to fire up. I bought a Mr. Buddy(?) indoor propane cannister heater several years ago as an emergency back-up (works well), and for my bird-flu preps/camping, etc. have a two burner Coleman propane stove, a cheap barbacue grill, and a tiny single burner propane cooking unit and a tiny propane light(both in my bug-out bag) + a really small sterno stove. Plus dozens and dozens and dozens of the reg. and small cannisters. I figure that if the situation becomes too hairy and I need to really hide my presence and can’t use my woodstove and grill, I’ll have these alternatives.

Lets only hope that the panflu and a brutal winter don’t occur simutaneously! I feel so badly for all on a fixed income or worse. Thank goodness bulk rice and beans are so inexpensive and with good planning, water can be saved. Anyway, good luck with the stove! Sounds good.

bird-dog – at 23:28

Lisa, oops—forgot to change my ‘name’! Also, I use R.W. Sewall & Co. for propane and have two large(?) containers out behind my barn. They come automatically once they’ve determined how fast I use it. They’re probably too local a company to service S. Portland. I just remembered too; I have a propane hot water heater and btw, I have never had a problem using this fuel for any of my appliances.

22 June 2006

anonymous – at 20:23

Al, So funny that your 8 year old is a hoarder. We certainly are born with many of our quirky traits!If I had been a known hoarder, I could have escaped from any stockpile explanation. Unfortunately, it was a behavior change for me and a structural change for the home, with lots of utility-shelves going up, etc…So, I provoked much curiosity in these boys…oh well! My remaining ‘things to do’ list has been clarified, with both your and bird-dogs help. Thank you so much. I think I’ve gained a lot of clarity on what would best serve us. I have started shopping for a cast iron propane stove. I can rent a couple of tanks and get lines hooked up to stove and generator (on this summers purchase list). I am much less confused since you have shared your information with me, and having more defined direction makes me calm too. So now we have our food, toiletries, water, medicines, lighting (battery, solar,oil lamps) cooking (stove, grill - no oven yet), and next is heat. Getting there…

Lisa in Southern Maine – at 20:35

bird-dog, please read Als note. Big thanks to you for your help here too! You also remind me that security is on my summer list too, as a very important part of planning. I am going about that very carefully, consulting with experienced people whom I know and trust. You give me gentle nudges when you say things like “if the situation becomes too hairy”. It just might. I’ve thought about the double-punch combo of brutal winter and flu. In our area, this combo would be so deadly - people on fixed incomes spending their money on scarce supplies and having nothing left over for heat, and then the possibility of no electricity and no money to obtain alternate source for warmth. And most are not planning. The cold would probably be more deadly than the flu. Oops! I’m voice-of-dooming it again, and I believe I made a promise to try not to. Sorry. Thank you. Take care.

Lisa in Southern Maine – at 20:36

Al, forgot to ID my 20:23 post. You know that was me, right?

23 June 2006

DemFromCTat 12:18

Anyone in the MDI area?

bird-dog – at 19:09

Hi Dem!

Wow, I racked my brain trying to fiqure out what MDI stood for, even ‘googled’ it. Then later, ah ha, Mount Desert Island. Is that it? No, I’m a bit DE of Bath but way below MDI. Sorry ;-) My nephew worked at the MDI bio lab for a few years. So beautiful there…but of course, that’s the case everywhere in Maine. Conn. ain’t bad either tho!

DemFromCTat 19:46

CT’s nice, but it ain’t Maine ;-)

Melanie – at 20:08

If I can get out of here this year, I’m heading for vacation in Machias.

bird-dog – at 20:23

Melanie, Oh, I hope that you can!!! Maine is a wonderful state for us of a certain persuation! Whoops, I didn’t say that on fluwiki, did I? It’s a great state for moderate conservatives too! Dem, did you see the segment tonight on the NewsHour re. Ct? Never mind, I’ll be good…. but I was looking for some dem to mention BF to cheer you on… in case it was you!

30 June 2006

Lisa in Southern Maine – at 00:09

Hey Mainers! So very quiet here. Down here in Southern Maine one little family is making quiet but consistent prep progress. How is everyone else doing?

30 July 2006

bird-dog – at 03:08

Hi Lisa,

That (in Winter Heat Part II) was so interesting and lovely about your family, the herbal remedies, the peat, etc.! Actually the peat/turf blocks more resemble dried cow or horse ‘pies’ than bricks and I sure was worried that one would fall out of my carry-on bag in front of everyone on the plane. Hey, on second thought..it also looks like a n enormous brick of something else. I wonder if anyone has ever smoked it? Never mind…

I met one of my nieces’ bachelor-farmer neighbors when I was visiting … average age is about 80, and his trusty border collie and I wish that I could have asked him about the flu. Unfortunately he’s now in a ‘home’ in the Dublin area. She’s even driven across country to visit him. She’s a sweetheart, she is. There are others she could ask though.

I spent several hours this evening searching for some juicy information about the Spanish Flu in Ireland and the herbal remedies used. I didn’t find much of anything significant (yet) although I certainly went off on some interesting tangents. (Secrets of the Dead: ‘Killer Flu’ on PBS for one >>> http://tinyurl.com/qfdov) The evening flew by!

I also talked to my niece for an hour or so this morning and she said that she’s feeling somewhat overwhelmed with her studies in Galway, etc. and still has not begun to prep or even really think about it. Oh, she said how wonderful it was that there is now a ‘vaccine’. Oh boy. There it is. Nothing to worry about! She’ll be visiting Maine toward the end of the summer and will see for herself how seriously I am concerned. She does have Barry’s book now. I made sure of that!<G> I’ll call her again in a few days and ask her to see what she can find about the herbal remedy literature held in Dublin. Hopefully she will have sorted out a few things and have some free time.

Oh and ‘thanks’ too for the concern about the pills. I do have several bookmarks somewhere in my med. folders addressing their safety and viability so don’t worry. When I get around to finding the links I’ll post them for others. The antibiotics that will be prescribed will be for ‘as needed’. I think that the “Antibiotic’ thread was where I first read a long discussion about the fish antibiotics. I’ll definitely use the ones that I bought if I haven’t another option.

ah-oh…another late one. And where are the other Mainers? Now i’m just jabbering. ok. off i go.

Al – at 11:29

Another Mainer here checking in! Dem, MDI is exquisite, Melody, Machias is unspoiled but let me throw my two cents in here for Penobscot Bay!

I’ve been busy w/ Court this month (I do child protective work representing children) and summer is always a bad time for kids in unsafe situations. I’ve been busy hitting the thrift stores in every town I have a case in looking for supplies, glass containers, etc. Does anyone have a source for metal containers (Christmas popcorn containers)? I’m looking and looking but no luck so far. As far as preps, I’ve been eating more of them than buying but with all this rainy weather, it’s too easy to reach for the pantry and save a trip to the store. I’ve been scouting garage sales looking for a used dehydrator and a dehumidifier. Last weekend we went to 16 yard sales, this week 5-but so far no luck. Does one really need a dehumidifier for a dampish 18th Century basement? I wonder…maybe the root vegetables and apples would survive anyway. What did people do a hundred years ago?

I’m in and out of people’s homes a lot for work and I’ve noticed that many (but not all) of the rural families have a cultural predisposition to “putting foodstores by”. I’ve been learning a lot from them about where to buy things in bulk from local farms and feedstores. I’m still searching for cheap containers which has been more of a challenge.

Bird-dog, as far as meds, I internet ordered more than several times over the last 8 years from several online pharmacies and did just fine. I got an assortment of broad spectrum antibiotics for humans (not fish…) and I also ordered generic ammoxy, zithro, bactrim, erithromycin and doxycycline. They came in handy in situations where I knew I needed to start something specific, had a pretty good idea what I was dealing with and couldn’t get through to the doctor’s office immediately. I’ve ordered from mastersmarketing.com on the internet which is located in the UK, I believe. I also ordered several times from inhousepharmacy.com—they had generic amantadine which I socked away as well. Inhouse was quite inexpensive, if I remember correctly. Although I haven’t used the amantadine, I’ve used the antibiotics from both companies which were quite legitimate and worked flawlessly. I also travelled around China right before the Sars scare with a sick infant in Hunan province, visited rural hospitals and have developed a level of comfort with “certain” off shore generics.

Summer tourist season is in full swing up here. This is the time of year Mainers live for and it’s so nice sharing it with the out-of-staters. (I used to be an out-of-stater!) I read in the newspaper they were fecal swabbing wild birds in Rockport several weeks ago. Many people say they have noticed many dead crows around, but I have not seen a thing. I also hear the state hotline (the dead bird hotline, that is) is inundated with calls. Does anyone know how it’s going?

Al – at 13:28

Lisa, I just read your post about the basement over in Flu Prep X, the dank mold, potential unknown mammal habitation and staple gun, etc. I’m in exactly the same mode with my basement. It looks like something from the middle ages down there. I’ve been looking around to find a staple gun to resecure the insulation some critter pushed aside. Note to self: add a staple gun to my preps, also an axe. I’ve also been plagued (no pun intended) with bats flying around my bedroom at night, twice this month, NOT FUN and I can’t figure out where they’re getting in!

bird-dog – at 16:27

Hi Al,

I think that it was *my* dank crawl-space with the still-yet-to-be-named creature that you were referring to. I went to Ames and looked at the staple guns but I almost need a battery powered one to be able to fire it. Then it would probably be too heavy to hold. It makes me mad as I’ve always been very strong in the past. My grip isn’t too strong either at the moment.

I think what I’m going to do is hire a local plumber to come in and show me how to drain my pipes under there and also to advise me on whether the insulation is too wet to put back up and maybe… even hire him or his referral to do it all properly. I also have a zillion flying insects—skeeters? down there. The area runs the length of my house and is as dark as night. I think that it’s too wet for use as a root cellar. Hopefully I’ll be able clean it up properly and eliminate the water. I still need an axe too!

Isn’t today wonderful after all the heat and humidity. A real crisp clear Maine summer day. I went swimming down at Reid St. Park yesterday and it helped for a moment. The water was cold but the beach was as hot as hell. There were plenty of healthy looking seagulls and I quietly warned a few of the (hopefully,not) impending threat. They just laughed, as they do…and then rolled their eyes and looked for a quick diversion, as do most other doubters. Oh well…

That’s so interesting about your observations in people’s homes. I did meals-on-wheels and worked in an adult shelter for many years. Those are the folks, the poor infirmed elderly on S.S. and the homeless ones with developmental and psycological disabilities that are really going to be left <more> out of the loop, IMO. Actually any person who won’t or can’t prepare is going to be in bad bad shape. Like Katrina. Ugh. I hope that it DOESN’T take off but I feel that it probably has already. Guess all we can do is keep <carefully> spreading the word.

I’ll try to find out more about the fecal swabbing. Poor birds! :o

Lisa in Southern Maine – at 20:01

Al -Hi. Yup, you mixed up my basement with birddog’s most fowl and evil crawlspace - a scary structure if there ever was one! My basement has metamorphisised (is that a word?) from a dark, damp, moldy, scary place to an organized, well-lighted, demolded work of art! Still too damp. Had dehumifier on preplist for this weekend but it has to wait. We have no blackbirds this year. They’re always here in good number and none came back this spring. It’s the first time in my life that I haven’t seen them. It’s weird. West Nile is likely culprit say the locals, but so many birds? And if west nile were that prevalent, wouldn’t we be hearing about it? And no carcasses either. If they’re dying, they’re dying someplace else.

Lisa in Southern Maine – at 20:13

bird-dog - My dad’s from Tipperary. His mother and some other healers in his town were interviewed. My dad asked the interviewer what purpose and scope of project were. Interviewer told him purpose as I converyed on other thread and described scope as huge. All individual interviews, all over the country. My mother, from Galway, has no such memory. Maybe they didn’t go to her area. My dad thinks it was a ‘too many people unemployed lets give them a mission’ government project. He never heard of any results. He believes that the information is sitting boxed in a basement in parliment house in London. Does a hatchet count as an axe? If so, I got myself a beauty. And a brand new staple gun too, but it’s a plug-in, not battery pack. The weight during repeated useage is a valid consideration with the battery operated model. Glad to hear you’re warning the birds. I was at Vaughn woods yesterday. Not many birds to warn… That bachelor-farmer with the border collie is probably one of my relatives! Lots of them in Galway, while all of the Tipperary crowd married.

Lisa in Southern Maine – at 20:16

conveyed. In dublin, NOT London. May my ancestors forgive me for this error! :)

bird-dog – at 20:54

Hi Lisa—

“It’s the first time in my life that I haven’t seen them” ---that is so disturbing to me. ugh. Of course I don’t like it when our species is hit but so many others too…makes me cry. In case you haven’t noticed, I’m definitely not ‘speciest’, but I’m sure that if I had two boys/girls/children, or one, FTM, I’d be more focused on humans than other mammals or species! I’d prep and ‘fight—like—hell’ for my kids. It must be so terrifying for all of you with young loved ones. As it is, I’ve always lived mostly with ‘other’ species so I’m hyper-sensative to their survival… as well as ours.

Anyway, who said that my crawlspace was evil!!!! LOL! Don’t get me thinking about the scraping back ‘n forth & low moaning sounds coming up from below me in the wee hours of the morning. I’ll just keep repeating to myself…’The animals are my friends, the animals are my friends.” <gulp>

It’s just V-E-R-Y dark, damp, inhabited by otherworldly things! Ayuh, you got it, evil. Thank goodness that I’m an optimist and thrive in the ‘grey’ zones.***

BTW…Hey, I’m alone here! I WILL deal even if that ‘thing’ pulls me down and slimes me to death.

to get back to bf… bought more water, coffee, rwfk, smoked fish ‘n oysters, 100# Blue Seal whole corn for deer and turkeys, 100# Blue Seal bird food, an extra niger seed feeder, no cigarettes <yet>, lots of spring dated goat cheese, etc.

ah, a cool evening.

  • (xcept for politics—I’m a mad-woman tearing her hair out! don’t ask!)
Lisa in Southern Maine – at 21:28

bird-dog - OMG! Stephen King’s muse has been found! And you’re much scarier!!! Good luck with the slime monster. Be brave bird-dog. You are not alone…well…actually you are. err, ahh, sorry about that. But I’ll think good thoughts your way from down here in York county as you fend off the underworld creatures…I mean, umm, animals. Yes, that’s right, the animals are our friends… The blue seal for deer and turkys - good reminder. I’ll put it on my preplist. Nicotine patches too. I would so much rather be smoking right now…Actually - if you promised me a cigarette I’d take on that slime monster fearlessly. I’m mean enough tonight to scare it away from your crawlspace permanently! I have politically-induced hair loss myself…

bird-dog – at 21:40

Lisa in Southern Maine – at 20:13

Hi Lisa—I was working on my post & then posted, before i saw that you had a new one. I’ll tell my niece about the old project and see what she can dig up. She is an archeologist after all. never mind…

Oh, it’s so beautiful there. She’s less than 1/2 m. from the beach outside of Louisburg, shares a house in Galway during the week as she finishes her degree, has dual citizenship, was married and living in England, and has struggled terribly to settle in there(Eire). She has a big heart…and her dads’ parents were from Ireland. She has little money and has been back and forth between home(Mayo) and school and work as she’s just finished her masters(2nd) and is on to her doctorate. I guess I’ll just keep sending her books and supplies through Amazon until she can come around on her own. Lots of bachelor-farmers in Louisburg.LOL If they weren’t all 80+, *I’d* consider taking a second look. Love those pink cheeks! Guess I’d eventually understand them… maybe after a few pints it wouldn’t make much difference! I loved the way everyone looked after each other.

I almost bought a nice Maine-made axe — there was a hatchet too at the local feed store. Very beautiful but expensive. I’m wondering how much they’d be at the Common Ground Fair. Probably pricey…

An electric staple-gun/nail-gun would be great *except* that I’d be working in all that dampness. I’ll see. thanks though.

Al – at 21:47

So do I (politically induced hair loss)! More about those blackbirds, my property has been crawling with crows this year. No shortage of crows here. My celler is scary in daylight, no slimy monsters, only happy ghosts. Any advice on the bats? They buzz me in my bedroom and I’m not amused. I can’t really keep them out or seal them up until fall, I’m told. I plugged up all tiny holes, yet they’re still getting in somehow. So I keep the lights on at night, all night, which seems to be helping a little. Is there any thing else I can do, like burning incense, or maybe citranella candles or maybe just playing AC DC really loudly?

Lisa in Southern Maine – at 21:51

bird-dog - an archeologist? She’ll find it, if she can carve out the time! She sounds smart and driven. How lucky she is to be living there. I hope she comes around. As an archeologist, she surely cannot minimize the impact viruses have had on humans. Whole cultures have disappeared… After a few pints, you’d understand the 80 year old bachelors and ancient armenian too!

bird-dog – at 21:57

Lisa…I’m this close to running out and buying some cigarettes as I ferociously chew my nic. gum trying to avoid my cracked tooth. Hey, my addicted brain is telling me that I could smoke until I get it fixed, naaa. But then again…

I’d better check the ‘news’ thread to take my mind off of the cigs. It’s been awhile since I’ve been there! Oh, and BTW, I did write to S.K. about the pandemic and fluwiki a few months ago. I should go back to his site and see if he responded! I’ll let you know if he has. Maybe he’ll give me some tips on how to make friends with « OR SLAY » the-evil-one-below! Is that a groan that I hear? Shhh.

bird-dog – at 22:18

hey Al, I’ll send my creature up (ie. down) to you to deal with the bats if you promise to prep for it.

No, but really, that is bizarre! Have you ‘googled’ for bat info? Maybe Tom DVD would know. Just try to frame it re. bf and you should get by w/o too much ridicule. Just kidding about the ridicule. I guess there isn’t anything like a have-a-heart trap for bats, is there? And I thought mosquitoes were annoying! Wow, good luck tonight. I’ve been sleeping downstairs ‘hospicing’ my old dog who can’t manuver steps lately and is on her way out. It works for us. Would you consider moving to another room or downstairs until you get it straightened out? I surely would! oh, that gives me the chills! <nervous grin>

Lisa in Southern Maine – at 22:23

Al -ACDC would work to keep me out! I’ll ask my really old and crusty maine faahhmmmaaa friend what to do. He saved my apple trees with oatmeal! Really, I hate to sound like I idolize him but he does know absolutely everything! He weighs about 80 lbs and is about 80 years old and he’s out for 12–14hr days working his fields. His 78 year old sister comes over each fall and spring and turns the soil with her tractor. She missed spring 05 because she was in a nursing home with a broken hip. When they told her she’d have to stay there she told them to shove that idea @*!#$@ and that she’d be leaving as soon as she could walk out their front door. Which she did. She was in a rush to get home to her cows.. Now, these people are prepared. They’ve never relied on a just in time system. They have their own milk/egg/meat/poultry/vegetable/fruit/corn supply. They dry and can and butcher. They are amazing. Quite a neighborhood! I’ve gone off on a tangent again! I’ll ask about the bats. How about an electric rodent repeller? I’m so glad to hear that your property has all of my blackbirds! I was so worried about them. Sounds like they just wanted to upgrade!

Newbies—please help – at 22:28

Lisa…LOL! That a great story too. Bless the old-timers!!!

bird-dog – at 22:31

whoops >>> that was me with in my ‘sequences’ hat. It’s getting a bit worn…ya think?

Lisa in Southern Maine – at 22:38

Bird-dog - you are a very busy person! Many hats! I’m glad you liked that story. I seem to launch into them without any warning! Are newbies cooperating and answering your request? Oh my god - tonight has been one really long bitchy nicotine fit…maybe I need to add those good ole american spirits to my prep…(I hate to be dramatic, but I think I’m gonna die, or maybe someone else is!!!ARGGHHH)

bird-dog – at 23:10

Lisa,

Do you have any of the nic. gum? I just chew one after the other and they do work for me most of the time. I smoked yesterday with an old (smoking) friend at the beach. We found another group of deviates nearby so we all just puffed away. I’m sure we looked like such losers! Ha! Her beau is returning from a month away(out of state work) so we gave each other permission to smoke ‘just’ for yesterday. And how old are we? 16? It was a fun time…then we ate seafood and ice cream at the dock at Five Islands. LOL I really do prefer the gum as I have trouble getting to sleep after a few(?) cigarettes. Last night it was 4am then I was up with my dog before 7. Hang in there if you’ve been off them for awhile. If not, smoke tonight then buy some cheapo gum at target or the ‘evil’ one that starts with a ‘W’. You can get them for free from the state nic. hotline. At least I did awhile ago—maybe a year ago. Having your boys must give you added incentive. I haven’t prepped for cigs, just the gum, but I thought about stopping in NH on wed. for a carton as a prep. Who am I fooling! I won’t… unless I get some really bad news. I can’t resist them if they’re in the house. I do hate them really. Be good to yourself. :)

mj – at 23:46

Al, if there is any chance said bats are roosting somewhere in you home during the day you need to know. Bat dung is very bad for you. It dries and gets in the air and causes diseases - a medico type can tell you what, but it’s nasty. Just saw the subject on a tv show about buying houses. Call your local agriculture extension office for help. They probably have a brochure on bats. Which tennis racket is best for hitting them, etc. Or check with the local hardware store (not a big chain type, but truly local) cause they always know who to talk to. Might also try a mosquito net over your bed, with it tucked in they can’t get ya. I speak from experience on that one.

Lisa in Southern Maine – at 23:58

bird-dog - I’m rabidly chewing at this very momment. Some days are just witchy hard and today was one of those days. Seemed like no matter how busy I got I couldn’t shake the craving. I do get a lot of physical work done on days like this though, because I feel like I’m jumping out of my skin if I slow down. I love cigarettes. Just hate the stale smell, the way my lungs feel in the mornings, etc…I’ve gone July well with gum. The boys give me reverse incentive. It’s easier to keep my cool when I can take a ritual 5 minutes and just smoke. Definitely an addict getting her fix. I hate that part too. Tomorrow will undoubtedly be much easier. Really, days this bad are rare. I’ll call the hotline and see if they have a gum supply. Thanks for the info. Gum, patches, lozenges - all will need to be prepped! What a great day you had yesterday! Sounds like such fun! It’s good for the soul to be 16 sometimes. Is your friend prepping? Does she know you’re prepping? Comfortable or uncomfortable conversations about prepping? What a hard day today must have been on 3 hours of sleep! My dogs patiently let me sleep in. Great bladder control! They’re 6 and 4. They’re an essential part of my sip security plan…the only part right now but truly they seem up for the task. Goodnight!

31 July 2006

Preppers—please help – at 10:40

Hi Lisa,

I wrote reply last night and then forgot to hit ‘post’. Just as well (smile)…

Unfortunately, the only serious preppers that I know of are you and others on fluwiki. I have three very good friends and maybe two of them have bought extra water…thats it! Possibly my sister in CT has bought extra food and water. I often send them news and have recomended FW over and over but I don’t ask any more. I’ll just teasingly say…”It’s coming…hope you’re preparing as I want you to be around in the future.” They know how I feel and what I’m doing but I must say, I did tell them in the beginning that I was so focused on bf as it was easier to think about than my health issues -MND (poss.ALS)& poss. an upcoming back surgery. It has been a helpful distraction but I quickly became convinced early on…many months ago…that this really was more pressing. I was active in an ALS support group in Portland and Augusta and very active on a website formally associated with MGH. I just suddenly dropped out of all of them. <LOL!?> After I feel fully prepped I’ll resume those connections if I get a definitive DX. This has been going on for several years (5 positive EMG’s for MND) w/o a DX! So darn exhausting. Anyway, I’m ok and doing well.

It feels good to have some control over something (as I know that you know) ie. prepping. So to make a long story short, my friends and family might think that my concern is simply due to my desire to distract myself. Oh well.

I hope that today is an easier one for you…that the semi-persevorating(sp?) has stopped over the you-know-what <G>. What a beautiful day! Please lat me know how you’re coming along with the generator prep. I need to order some mylar bags. I have not been very thorough in protecting my provisions. I do have a 15 y.o. bay plant and can use it’s leaves in the flour.

And I’m still undecided about the crawl-space. I’m going to go under there shortly with a bag of old towels and some sudden determination to make a dent! We’ll see how long that lasts… And hopefully the creature is sleeping after a long night of doing its deadly deeds. woowoo (Reminds me of a fav. Kafka story of the Odradek, from ‘Cares of a Family Man{?}) or of something out of an Edward Gorey story).

Enjoy the day!!!

bird-dog – at 10:41

dopey me again…

Al – at 13:30

mj, I appreciate what you say about the bat guano. I called the local agricultural extension office who told me to fill the holes, etc and they’re actually the ones who told me to wait until fall to completely seal the bats out of the house and until then, just deal with them! What about rabies, hanta virus, etc? Well, they didn’t offer much help. Next I called the local animal control officer who said he’d just had open heart surgery and couldn’t help. He told me to keep the lights on all night which did help avoid some future visitations. That mosquito net idea sounds pretty good, though. Thank you! I’ll get some netting. I already sleep with a butterfly net next to the bed! I’ve gotten pretty good at catching and releasing this (these?)bat(s) outside. The 1st night it took me 2 1/2 hours to get her out, but the second night maybe 10 minutes!

Al – at 13:57

Bird-dog, good luck with the health issues. I have an idea re: your crawl space-what about moth balls? Most animals I know avoid them because of the way they smell. And they can be thrown into a crawl space! The other thing is human urine. My daughter used a potty in her room and I used to empty it into an old bucket before cleaning it out. Well, I had scary problems with a racoon and a skunk visiting my second floor balcony (right outside my bedroom) at night and he (the racoon) kept tearing at the screen door finally got in several times, yikes! I started keeping that old bucket filled with pee outside on the balcony and the racoon and skunk moved on forever. Human urine keeps a variety of animal visitors away. Just not bats!

By the way, it must seem as though I live in a rough little cabin out in the woods somewhere with all of my animal travails. Actually, I don’t. But I do have lots of wildlife here, and some of whom believe they should live inside! I’m a tranplanted city girl and clearly out of my league here…but I’m learning.

Do you have any sources for mylar bags? Any links? Or local suppliers? I tried Agway but no luck. I need to order them myself, to store all that dog and cat food, kid food, and, of course the rice, beans, etc. Prepping makes me feel less afraid as well! And feel better you two—I’m a smoker…at least you haven’t given in completely!

Enjoy the beautiful weather today.

bird-dog – at 19:14

Hi Al,

Thanks so much for the tips on dealing with my creature. The moth balls would be my first choice, then several bowls of urine strategically placed and then perhaps some bowls of ammonia. I’ve also had enormous grey squirrels in my walls and attic so I tried the ammonia and it worked, albeit briefly. I’ve also used the rodent plug-ins that Lisa mentioned and I do believe that they helped with a mice problem. Apparently, some of those plug-ins (Sunbeam?) emit an annoying sound---mine didn’t (PestChasers by victorpest.com).

from Victor Pest >>> http://tinyurl.com/q7gza

“Can ultrasonic sound waves be effective in repelling bats from attics and other inside areas?”

“Sonic Technology Products makes no specific claims regarding the effectiveness of the PestChaser in repelling bats because the way bats respond to high frequency sound can vary significantly depending upon the time of year. Between December and June, bats are roosting and hibernating. They will not leave their nest, even if you introduce high frequency sound. They give birth to their young in mid-February and will absolutely not abandon them, no matter how noxious the sound is to them. The only time high frequency sound produces a repellent effect is from July through the end of October, after their young have flown off and before they roost again for the winter. In our view, bats are extremely beneficial and their habitat should be protected. Bats are the single best controller of the insect kingdom. Bats may eat as many as 600 mosquito-size insects in an hour. An average size bat colony may eat 1/2 million insects in one evening.”

Yes but not in Al’s bedroom!!!

I bought some oxygen absorbers, dried fruit—blueberries, raspberries, apples, bananas, etc. and frreze dried vegetable, and dried whole eggs from Honeyville Grains >>> http://tinyurl.com/rhqrc and they were very prompt. I think that Lisa bought her mylar bags at Emergency Essentials.

I’ll get back to you! The NewsHour is on and I want to check it out…

Oh and much thanks for the good wishes on my health dilemna. We all have hard ‘stuff’ that we’re dealing with. Your supportive comment means alot to me though. Really. :) it’s a boost.

Lisa in Southern Maine – at 20:46

bird-dog - I thought mnd was als. Just did a brush-up in wikipedia and see they’re separated according to (hemispheres)/extent of neuronal involvement. Here’s a twisted response for you - but I’m so glad to hear they’ve been testing to diagnose you for years. That means it’s slow spreading. Thank god/ess. I can easily see why your friends/fam would consider your prepping to be ‘a nice distraction’ for you. An easy out for them to keep their BF denial strong. Now your weak grip that you referred to makes sense. If you’ve been dealing with this for a few years, then your assessment that BF is the more pressing threat sounds accurate, yes? And…it’s lurking presence is distraction…hidden bonus. Today was much easier in regards to…those things…thank you! I got flour/sugar/bisquick packed in maylar bags with oxegen absorbers tonight. Felt so damned efficient. Vacuume-packed some meats. Started having ‘I’m turning into Donna Reed’ fantasies (or nightmares). Anychance you can hire an agile young handyman to writhe thru the crawl-space, wrestle the being from the underworld (and any minions that might have come thru to this side with it), clean it up and install some safe lighting? Had to leave to post on the feeling overwhelmed thread. Figure I’m making trouble over there but so be it. I’ll keep you up on generator progress. BJs had a 6000kw on sale for 580.00(est., don’t have add in front of me and memory kinda crappy)… Take care bird-dog! Lisa

Lisa in Southern Maine – at 20:48

mylar…oxygen…vaccum…

Lisa in Southern Maine – at 21:10

Al - I purchased my mylar bags at Sorbent Systems -http://www.sorbentsystems.com/mylar.html. Pd $116.50 for 350 O2 absorbers and 200 bags sizes 10″x14″ and 8″x10″. Larger bags hold 5lbs sugar/glour, 6lbs bisquick (can’t explain this anomaly!). Smaller bags hold about 3 lbs flour. In future, I’ll buy larger bags (more useful) in much larger quantity (cheaper). Smaller bags are great for dehyd. fruits/veggies. Using cheapo wal-mt (chills! ) foodsaver vaccum packer to seal the mylar bags. Takes about 5 seconds and I’m just way to impressed with myself!

Lisa in Southern Maine – at 21:13

Al - Sad that I’m glad to hear you’re a smoker and most envious of you use of present tense! For dog food storage - you’re probably going to need really big bags.

Lisa in Southern Maine – at 21:16

bird-dog - more creature-repellant ideas…holy water, sage, white birch, sea salt…just kidding!!!Your puppy would never let anything truly yucky stay near you!

Bird-dog – at 21:57

Thanks Lisa. Yes, whatever ‘it’ is, it has been progressing slowly. I take the rilutek, quinine, neurontin, my antioxidents, eat broccoli and wild salmon and drink BB’s rwfk and soy milk almost daily so I’m doing what I can. I’m extremly fortunate!!! And I admire my neuro. at MGH greatly. :) And yes, the MND is out of my control but my prepping and encouragement of others definitely isn’t. I’m doing well.

So you have a food-saver of sorts! I’m not going that far as I’ve always been content with beans and apples and rice and veggies, miso, tahini, and fish, etc.. My herb garden is doing well but the very small vegetable garden isn’t. If this bf can’t hold off much longer, I’ll plant kale, kale, and more kale. Love it! (Never was much of a cook,… in case you hadn’t noticed!)

Hummmm, I’d love to hire an older ‘handyman’{45–60} LOL, to tighten up the sails and batten the hatches. Do you know of any who are available? I mean, I mean …help me with my crawl-space. Ie.”wrestle the being from the underworld (and any minions that might have come thru to this side with it).” Hummmm again, how symbolic!

Ok, Yes… That’s an excellent idea, Lisa, re. “clean it up and install some safe lighting?” Lights would be nice. (G)

As far as a generator, I have a solar panel that will energize a tv, phone, maybe a small heater, etc. I’m a bit afraid/blocked regarding machinery like a generator. Plus, don’t they need alot of fuel(gas)? I have about 45 gal of treated gas for sip or escaping I but don’t think that I could handle having more—physically or safely. It’s GREAT that you are getting one though! I spent too much $ on preps today—batteries, another 7 gal water cont.,cans of organic(!) chicken-hadn’t seen those before at the regular supermarket, canned veggies, more fluff-not that I’ll have bread to put it on (have pb), 2 gal.s water, a fire-starter thingy,another fire extinguisher, more propane bottles, a good mystery, brown bread, etc etc. and NO ‘you-know-whats’. It’s neat that Al’s another ‘one’ too. Such interesting women, we are! Oh, and you were very appropriate in your responses on the ‘being overwhelmed’ thread. Very clear and helpful. I’d better stop yacking! The parrot/or is it the dog, calls. Have a good one!

Bird-dog – at 22:11

Whoops Lisa…I posted before reading your more current threads. I will order some mylar bags!!! They sound wonderful! Thankyou! My ‘puppy’ is practically deaf and blind so I doubt that she’d be much of a deterrent(sp?). I had a former shelter guy break into my house and come after me and she let it happen.(Fotunately I was well-trained in crisis intervention/deflecting him and I’d called the sheriff who came promptly!) My parrot on the other hand, would tear an evil-do-er to shreads! She’s a character!!! My sweet feathered one, Fiona.

01 August 2006

Al – at 11:02

That’s my greatest nightmare, having someone break in and come after me. Thank goodness you handled it like a pro and got the situation diffused. You must be very brave-and levelheaded. Your fierce parrot sounds like a potential heroine in the right circumstances. Animals are amazing, aren’t they? I’ve had death threats but, so far, been very lucky. Not surprisingly, the divorce cases I do are much more dangerous for me than the child protective cases. Sort of a like “War of the Roses” over the child or children, as it were. In my DHHS cases the caseworker usually attracts most of the fire, not the guardian.

bd, hang in there. Our thoughts and our support is with you. We’re all stronger than we’d ever guessed. If prepping isn’t strong or hopeful, I don’t know what is…

As far as smoking is concerned, I’m not putting any aside for SIP. If I haven’t quit before, I’ll not be continuing afterwards. Hopefully I’ll quit before the summers’ out. Nic gum, patches, etc only make my heart race, but I’ll see about laying in a supply of anti S meds. My daughter has a doctor’s appt today so I’ll ask him what’s available.

Lisa, is the Walmart brand foodsaver easy to use? Or did you get the foodsaver brand? Do you wind up with a mess from handling all that bulk food? Clouds of flour on the floor? I try not to shop at WM but I occasionally find a way to rationalize it when I need to pick something up there.

Thanks very much for the mylar link, I will order some large bags. Stupid question: How do I store multiple 40 lb bags of dog food in their original bags? I’m wondering if I can just place them in extra large Sterlite totes in their original bags…or if I need to seal them in mylar. It’s the “container” part of preparing that I am most confounded by.

bird-dog, it’s strange but my own garden (not the herbs-they’re really going gangbusters) is doing poorly as well. I have a bad back and lost the battle with weeds. Then I tried laying newspaper and paper bags between the plants and watering them down. Theoretically that could work but I also underestimated the amount of bending in even doing just that. Then when I do kneel down to weed or otherwise tend it, my young puppy goes ballistic and jumps in and rips all the plants out with his sharp little razer teeth. He is a handfull! He’s going through adolescence now and has conveniently forgotten everything he learned in obediance training so far. It turns out my little rescue puppy is part great dane and he is a force of nature, a formidable feat of engineering, all legs, big chest and muscle. I hope we never have to SIP, he’d mourn the contact with people even more than I would. Thankfully he’s shown no interest in birds so far, much more interested in chasing butterfies. So Lisa’s crows are safe here.

bird-dog – at 12:21

Thanks Al for your heart-felt wishes and I’m sorry to hear about your sore back. Don’t you just love your herb garden? I love mine. What a gift. And your puppy!!! What is his name? This will be a prep-free day today…

I have a very difficult decision to make this afternoon for my dog and me.

We’ve been together for fourteen years and she is my fourth dog that I’ve accompanied through this stage. I think that her time has arrived. We’ll be fine however the day ends, but it sure is painful either way. I’ve hung in there with her when others wanted me to have her euthanized. She’s part wolf, looks like an arctic blond shepherd and when I found her as a puppy, I wasn’t aware of her hybrid status. I’ve advised all who have oued and awed over her with intentions to find one for themselves to ABSOLUTELY not have one. She has been extremly unpredictable with anyone other than me and one other friend. I took her to puppy school, spoke with vets, behaviorists, natural practioners… but it’s just their (wonderful) wild nature. Years ago, the state even came to my house after an incident on my property with a neighbors’ cat (it survived). The state was going to demand that I have her put down but didn’t as they saw that I had her well under control. The state laws and insurance companies are very strict regarding hybrids. My neighbors on both sides of me understandably, have given us a wide berth physically and socially for all these years and I tell people wanting a hybrid that it is unfair for the dog and those around it. She and I have enjoyed each other immensely though. <smile> Again, we’ll be fine.

That’s the challenge this afternoon. :(

bird-dog – at 12:39

‘We’ll be fine however the day ends’ ---meaning she’ll no longer be in pain and I’ll be relieved that she isn’t, « or » the vet will advise me that it’s mostly the heat and humidity that’s causing her distress and will recommend that I give her more medication to make her comfortable and wait until she stops wanting to eat. If it’s the latter, I’ll try to find a small air conditioner for her for the brutally hot day forecasted for tomorrow. I’ll be away all day and she and fiona will be on their own.

I hope that it’s not terribly inappropriate that I’ve strayed from bf on our thread. Sorry, if it is! Thanks you guys.

bird-dog – at 19:40

well, at the moment, I’d take a million pandemics over the way I feel tonight… Tomorrow will be better.

‘We’ll be fine however the day ends’… so easy to say, impossible to feel. I miss my sweet one. C’est la vie. Sorry. I just know that you, Lisa and Al, understand. I promise that I’ll only address flu issues starting tomorrow. Thanks for giving me this space for this brief distraction.

Lisa in Southern Maine – at 22:32

Oh bird-dog - my heart is so heavy for you and my eyes are full. I am so very sorry that you had to say goodbye to your girl today. I wish so much to be able to help you with the hurt but grief is such a private process. No-one can really help us with it, can they? I hope you don’t feel too alone tonight. It’s obvious from the way you wrote about her that you loved her well, and she loved you well too. No need to stay on flu issues. You miss your girl. You talk about her to us if you want. I’d love to hear about her. She sounds beautiful, and is a part of you. I’ll check in tomorrow eve or night.

Lisa in Southern Maine – at 22:46

Al- I too hate the big WM, and actually never patronized it until this year when I had to watch prep pennies well. So, I got the ‘foodsaver’. The small one - the larger was double the price and the small one seals big bags too, so no need for the bigger size. I vacuum pack meats for three people in one gal size bag and the smaller foodsaver unit does just fine. Not much of a mess, and I am pretty famous for my mess-making ability. Very easy to use. The sterlite tote storage with the dogfood still in its original bag really sounds fine to me. Pests, rodents and moisture are the big concerns. I have mine in orig. bags in large metal trash cans in cool basement. Rodent free. Pest free. moisture needs decreasing in cellar but foor holding up well. So it will get stale in a few months because it’s not vacuumpacked or mylar bagged with o2 absorbers, but it’ll last a while this way and I rotate it so it never gets more than 4 months old. And, the dogs are not turned off by the older bags when they get rotated either, so the food appears fine. I’m stuck on your dogfood problem and just figured out why. Because bird-dog had to put her baby down today. Your pup is cutting teeth. Mine are 4 and 6. I never would have guessed before I got them how absolutely I would love them. A most deep connection. Impossible to think of it being severed.

02 August 2006

bird-dog – at 08:22

Dear Lisa, thank you so much. A hug for you. Sally

Al – at 10:00

bird-dog, I wish you and her the very best whatever happens. Lisa, the same. I’m hugging everyone extra today and hoping for the best.

bird-dog – at 10:55

Hi Al, She died yesterday. My sweet sweet girl. I feel like I’ve been hit by a truck, many times over. I’m supposed to be getting ready to leave for Boston at 12 and I’m having trouble getting it together. I’ll do it but there’s definitely a black hole following me around today. The good news is that it’s better than it was and it will continue to be so. A hug for you too. <smile>

MJ – at 11:51

Bangor Daily News has an article today: Garrett will give the John W. Boylan Memorial Lecture at 8 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 2, at Maren Auditorium at the Mount Desert Island Biological Laboratory. Call 288–3605 for information. BAR HARBOR - What Laurie Garrett knows about bird flu could give you the shivers.

The global health expert, who has won journalism’s Pulitzer, Peabody and Polk prizes, will speak tonight at the Mount Desert Island Biological Laboratory about the threat of pandemic influenza and how prepared - or unprepared - the country is for its arrival.

“There have been quite a lot of role playing scenarios for flu,” she said Tuesday in a phone interview. “By and large, the news is bad, the results are grim. We have a very limited tool kit for flu.” Good article. Anyone going? I don’t get back to Maine till Friday.

Lisa in Southern Maine – at 17:53

Thanks MJ. I wish I could go. If any Maine (or elsewhere) preppers do attend, could you give personal update here please?

Lisa in Southern Maine – at 17:54

Al -good hugs!

Lisa in Southern Maine – at 18:01

bird-dog - you may be sad, tired, sore, a little extra weak-feeling today…Must have been a hard day for you. I thought of you often today and sent tender thoughts your way. Do you have anyone around you today? Good time to pull a friend over, in case the house gets too quiet. Who the hell am I to give advice to you! Sorry. Just know this is so hard for you. Was today MGH? Did I tell you how much I love MGH? I’m a member of one of their academies, and the educational info and clinical support they give is beyond compare.

Al – at 19:52

good hugs all around. bird dog, I’m sorry for your loss and glad she’s in no pain. She’ll be part of you forever.

Melanie – at 19:55

Dem will be up to see all of you MDI’ers in a week or so.

Al – at 20:29

I don’t know that there are any MDI’ers on this wiki. How would we know he’s up here?

I have a meeting in Bar Harbor this friday, I’ll post my global warming weather and tourist traffic report when I get back from the meeting.

Perhaps you might suggest that while he’s up there, he check out Mardens and Reny’s in Ellsworth, also the Big Chicken Barn (enormous used and rare books barn) south of Ellsworth on Route 1. The Hancock Country Democrats are on the left hand corner as one pulls into Ellsworth on Route 1, just over the little bridge coming into town. They always enjoy meeting folks “from away”.

More insider tips-Youngs Lobster Pound on Route 1 in east Belfast. In fact, check out Belfast. Also Bayside village (hidden, just south of Belfast), to see if he can find the Norse ruins. And the Temple Heights spiritualist community (mediums) at the south end of Bayside.

03 August 2006

bird-dog – at 00:10

MJ – at 11:51 > Thanks for that great information. I wish that I could have gone. I’ll check the BDN tomorrow to see if they post a follow-up. Oh, and ‘Welcome back home’!

Al & Lisa & Anyone else, It would be fun to get together with Dem and set him straight about the election on Tuesday(in CT) between Ned and Joe. Calm down Melanie, just kidding. It ‘would’ be fun to meet Dem though and the rest of the crew.

Al, great suggestions. How about the Belfast Co-op for Dem? And thanks for your support in my damn human condition. Our companion animals/partners get some of us clear to the heart. Plus they just keep on giving to the end. I’m very grateful to her.

Lisa, smooth ride down and back. My good friend (ex-beau) usually accompanies me and he was sweet to take the day off to drive. He was also somewhat close to my dog so he really understood and was good company. MGH ‘is’ great, I agree! I see a Kwiatkowski and today, Coumans. Wonderful Docs. For once I didn’t ask the Doc about his thoughts on BF! LOL! Good appt. for the most part. Thanks

ps. Now ‘I’ want a food-saver! I’ll look at them tomorrow.

bird-dog – at 13:54

Hiya….I hope all are enjoying the grey cooler day. such a relief…

I haven’t found a report on last nights’ meeting in Hancock Co. in the Bangor Daily News — maybe the storms caused a cancellation. I did find this great bf site…you all probably already read it >> “Avian & Pandemic Flu Newsline”, with much info on upcoming preparedness meetings in Maine, etc. > http://tinyurl.com/mnk84-

Upcoming Events:

September 20, 2006 The Maine State Government (five agency) Avian and Pandemic Influenza Preparedness Steering Committee is planning an Avian and Pandemic Influenza Summit at the Augusta Civic Center on Wednesday, September 20th. Please mark your calendars! For more information contact Sue Dowdy at the Maine CDC at sue.dowdy@maine.gov. To register, contact Tammy McLaughlin at tmclaughlin@neias.org.

You are invited to a York County informational meeting on the “Pandemic”. This informational meeting is for fire departments, EMS, public officials, hospitals, industry, Law Enforcement and Health Officers in York County. This meeting will be held at Village by the Sea - Route 1 in Wells. Tuesday, August 8, 2006 from 8:30am −11:30am Registration – 8:00am. There is no cost. Continental breakfast will be provided. Please call Pam L’Heureux from the York County Emergency Management Agency at 324–1578 for more information and to register.

MUCH MORE…

Lisa in Southern Maine – at 16:47

Hi bird-dog - so glad to hear you were with caring company yesterday! And you gave your doc a bf break! I have developed a deep emotional attachement to my foodsaver. As I write this, there are many shiny filled and sealed mylar bags decorating my kitchen table. I look at them with pride! But, too tired to do prep-work today, so they’ll sit there till tomorrow. Thanks for the site info. I didn’t have it. I wonder if they’d let me into the York county meeting? I’m a bit afraid to register for such a thing, afraid if pandemic and martial law they might be able to draft me into hospital which as single parent is no can do. Getting sick not option with boys still dependent…

04 August 2006

Lisa in Southern Maine – at 13:30

Al - FYI from todays news thread. I have not heard any alerts here re bats and rabies here but I will see my neighbor this weekend to ask him what you might do about your uninvited visitors. MrWhite 42 – at 10:57

Worry Increases As Amount of Rabies Vaccine Shrinks in India

Indian officials are rounding up stray dogs due to rabies concerns In an attempt to put a stop to the spreading of the rabies virus officials in India’s West Bengal state are rounding up as many stray dogs as they can. Concern is rising due to the fact that there is becoming a shortage of the rabies vaccine meaning that not all dogs can be vaccinated that need to be.

http://tinyurl.com/gxx49

Rabies tests prompt bat warning By The Associated Press from the Billings Gazette CHEYENNE - People need to be cautious around bats because of possible exposure to rabies, the Wyoming Department of Health says.

Five bats have tested positive for rabies in Ft. Collins, Colo., the Health Department revealed in a news release Thursday. The department also reports that bats have been discovered recently in a public building in the Cowley area and inside a Cheyenne church.

“Bats are a major reservoirs of rabies in Wyoming and can lead to infection of humans and animals,” said Dr. Richard Luce, a Centers for Disease Control field officer with the Wyoming Department of Health.

http://tinyurl.com/p4qu8

Al – at 22:07

Thanks, Lisa, interesting stuff on rabies! That, of course, is my concern. We do have rabies in my area but it’s not widespread-yet. I’ve learned that people can get bitten by bats and not know it-usually when they’re asleep. And they don’t leave little puncture marks on the neck, like they do in Dracula movies. I wish I afford to hire a handyman…

I’ve been sitting at the back of my house tonight in the dark hoping to see if I could figure out where they’re roosting. I saw a few, but couldn’t tell where they were coming from.

Now, tell me, are bats really good luck for the Chinese? I’d really like to know…

Al – at 22:14

Somebody alert Dem:

I’m back from MDI today. The weather report-awesome. Chilly in the morning, beautiful blue skies, a few clouds, sunny and mid 70s all day. Tourist traffic-not too bad. Modest raffic going, heavy traffic leaving. Actually most of the traffic I ran into leaving MDI was quittin’ time traffic from Jackson Labs and Hinckley.

05 August 2006

bird-dog – at 19:33

AL, Good News for Dem even if he hasn’t seen your report! Wonder if he saw the article in the NYT today on finding lobster rolls in Me.. It made even ‘me’ want to go out and have one.

Beautiful day today --- can’t enjoy anything much yet. I dashed into “W” in Brunswick. Mr. Buddy indoor/outdoor propane heaters on sale in the mark-down area for ~ $45. That is an excellent deal. Two or three on the shelf. I alreasdy have one that I bought at Tru Value years ago for maybe $90! I didn’t buy a Food-Saver. I’m feeling too too wasted to attempt much of anything. I really am feeling devastated. I loved loved loved her. Found some overlooked cans of d.f. in the closet today. That old pain to the heart. She had such an incredibly beautiful body, mind, and spirit. Last night I attended my last Bowdoin classical music concert of the summer… having missed half of them to stay at home with her, and the tenderness of the music just about did me in. For once, I’m glad that it’s over.

bird-dog – at 19:37

‘For once, I’m glad that it’s over.’

The series, that is.

Lisa in Southern Maine – at 19:51

bird-dog - thanks for the sale info, I’ll go to that most dreaded of places and see if they have any left tomorrow. Figured you were exhausted. Still so sorry about your pain and hope it starts ebbing soon.

Melanie – at 19:55

Music speaks the words we can’t. Even when your heart breaks.

Al – at 20:16

I’m so sad for you, bird-dog. When my dog died, it took me 6 years to be able to bring myself to be guardian to another dog. I finally did and got adopted by our puppy. What I didn’t know then and wish I did was that I realized that, for me, I should’ve taken the plunge a lot sooner than I did. All those wasted years til this new love. Didn’t make the loss go away though, just deepened my heart.

I’ll check the article out in the NYT. No preps today, unless you count washing and storing glass bottles out for grain storage. Note to self, must get pet meds for all hazards.

Al – at 20:49

Ooo, just read the article about lobster rolls, makes me want one too. It’s a pity only the tourists can afford them…

bird-dog – at 21:08

Thanks Lisa, Melanie, and Al. Thanks so much. I know that you know that special connection. I hope that your furred ones are gently on the mend, Melanie. They are so dear. <smile>

06 August 2006

NauticalManat 22:47

Just read the NYT article on lobster rolls. While I occasionaly have one here at home, don’t really consider it an official first one of Summer unless it is consumed in Maine! Today we went with friends to celebrate a ladies birthday, which one I shall refrain from saying! We had lunch at the Stage Neck Inn in York, absolutely one of the most beautiful perfect days, sky and ocean blue, swimmers, sailboats in profusion, and the lobster roll was superb. Now, I can say that I have tried almost all the places mentioned in the Times article, not to mention many others in Maine, and have yet to find a bad lobster roll, and many that are superb. No doubt Red’s Eats is one of the best I have ever eaten, try to do that at least twice every time in that area. And while this may be blasphemy to lobster roll afficianados, always try to have lunch overlooking the water in Boothbay Harbor, eating what I consider one of life’s finest creations, the lobster club sandwich at the Fisherman’s Wharf.. As an old friend might say there in Maine, “That is Some Good”! As I mentioned to Lisa a while back, hope to be there in a couple of weeks to gain back our sanity is this out of control world!

bird-dog – at 23:50

Hi NauticalMan. I must admit that I also had a L.R. today …my first one this year, but mine was at Fat Boy Drive-In in Brunswick. Less than $5.00! Tastes just as good and you can’t beat the price. Hope you have some great weather.

Lisa, did you find the propane heater today?

Al, how’s it coming with your ‘lucky’ bats?

I didn’t do much prepping today other than buy and store corn kernals for popcorn, five more gal. of gas, cleaned three seven gal. water containers with baking soda, and got quilts and a sleeping bag togther to take to the laundramat tomorrow. My friend came over and cut 2 weeks worth of grass while I restaked some tomato plants and weeded. I stopped at the feed store where there was an old orange cat waiting to be adopted. I think what I’ll do is wait until after I have some back surgery then put my name in at the humane soc. shelter. If they have two or three dogs come in who have lived together but were given up due to an owners’ illness, death, or move and/or cats in the same boat, I’ll go in and see if they’re a good fit. Then, of course…if I can afford it. I only worry about the birds outside though. All 4 of my thisle feeders were hopping with yellow and immature finches all day. And the hummingbirds were out in full force too on the bee balm and echinacea. It’s a tough choice. Love cats & love birds. Maybe I’ll be found by an old dog and an old cat. That would be nice…

Also, I doubt that Dem will be up here before Wed….BIG election on Tuesday in CT!!!! Very exciting!

07 August 2006

Al – at 08:26

I found an olive container, one of those 3 1/2 foot high deep orange barrels that I’ve admired that cost $70 new at the Green Store, at the dump! So exciting…

I’m told it used to hold bait but I couldn’t smell a thing. Either it had been completely and expertly washed out or it was never used. I finally have a small water barrel, what a nice surprise.

I saw two more bats last night but they were outside and not in my bedroom, which is an improvement.

Bird-dog, orange tabbies are the best! Will you be having your back surgery soon?

bird-dog – at 09:24

Hi Al, I’m not sure when it will be. I have a CT on Thurs. and another MRI next Mon.. Then I go back to MGH fmi later in the week. He said that it looks like two processes are going on but he wouldn’t know until the spinal cord is freed. It’s a common disorder(I’m 57); (CSM) several bone spurs impinging and stenosis. I’ve known about this for a few years and the ALS neuro. saw my earlier MRI’s but I guess there’s calcification that’s causing the compression to increase. He said that possibly the back problems could be causing the weakness, atrophy, fasciculations, and hyper-reflexes. Trouble is is that there’s also much denervation, etc. on the EMG. It would be SO GREAT if it wasn’t MND/ALS. So it’s good news/bad news. :-)

I had a brother(enormous double toed black and white named Johnny Cash Cat) and sister (a calico named June Carter Cash Cat) who lived for 22 and 23 years. June died last year, Johnny the year before. They came to me as kittens. I asked about the yellow cat yesterday and the store people said that he was temporarilly ‘on hold’ and had been found as a stray. Big talker!

Great find re. your water barrel. I love it when that happens!

NauticalManat 11:15

bird-dog best of luck on your tests, yeah, MGH is a great hospital, not to mention all the other wonderful Boston hospitals. Great aging isn’t it?! I am pushing 64 and recently did the CT scan and various other tests with so far happy, negative results. Do you know why God let’s people retire? So they will have plenty of time to get all the tests and see all the doctors they need as they age!

While I do not have any cats now, always did for years and how nice that yours were with you for so long. Will be in Brunswick during my week in Harpswell later this month, had forgotten about the Fat Boy, been years since I was there. Read that Brunswick NAS was to close in a couple of years, hope that is not too much of a blow to the Brunswick area. Hopefully they will manage to transition well as did the former Pease AFB in NH. Planning will make all the difference.

Melanie – at 11:19

bird dog,

Dem will be up after the BIG election.

bird-dog – at 11:34

Thanks NauticalMan! Harpswell *is* beautiful. Be sure to check out Reny’s in Bath for prep food and supplies. I live across the bridge from Bath so not far from where you’all will be. Also the Scottish Festival/Games will be at Thomas Point Beach on the 19th.

I’m glad your tests were ok! I’m feeling very positive/hopeful about the chance to have the surgery and start feeling better. I do worry every time I go to MGH though that someone could be walking around with BF. And of course I hope that I can get these things squared away before the Fall and the flu season. I really respect TomDVM’s hunch about a Sept. start. Yikes!

bird-dog – at 11:37

Melanie, Oh boy…it’s looking good!!!

NauticalManat 14:20

Thanks Bird Dog, but will not have preps on my mind or tongue while on vacation as my DW will divorce me! Although she supports what I am doing, think I will leave it at home! Will get there too late for the Scottish Games, perhaps another year. Hmmm, Reny’s you say?!

Lisa in Southern Maine – at 17:56

NauticalMan - you were in my neighborhood when you were eating lobster rolls - what a beautiful day you had too! Well done! I hope your time in Boothbay Harbor is restorative.

Al - Nice Find with the barrel! I must confess to you that I saw my neighbor yesterday and completely and totally forgot to ask him about the bats! So sorry…I will do better next time.

Bird-dog - Good luck at MGH. You must be way too good at dealing with uncertainty by now. I was outside all day yesterday with the kids as they swam in the pool. Saw robins, finches, a bluejay, and not one single blackbird. I was scanning. In past years they were bending branches of my trees with their congregating. It’s so strange. I heard Mass is doing statewide aerial pesticide spray for eastern equine enceph - the organic farmers are (understandably) irate. I wonder if the increased spraying in our area has anything to do with my lack of birds. They meant more to me than I knew. I absorbed some Navajo beliefs (from friend who holds to traditional ways of his community) about their role without even knowing it until now, when I can’t see them. Anyway - I never made it to the eveele beeg W for the heater. Forgot about that too, got lost in the beauty of the day. I wonder if there’ll be any left if I remember to go tomorrow?

bird-dog – at 18:32

Lisa, call them re.the Mr. Buddy( the eveele empire). Apparently they’re making some attempt to be sensitive to their employees and global warming. Not the children in sweat-shops yet though. It may be just PR and it probably is… but I hope not. I definitely do try to find deals at Ames, Tru Value, Reney’s, Target, etc. but I have bought my Reliance water containers and propane bottles there. I am duely(sp?) ashamed. I’d be happy to pick a heater up for you if that would help as I know where they are and I’d imagine that you are busy with your boys.

I’ve had many many crows but haven’t seen red winged blackbirds in the marsh all summer. And I do look for them. There’s a nest of eagles by the bridge that I cross daily if that makes you feel any better. Too bad they’ve been taken off(I think?) the endangered species list. <sigh> I haven’t seen any robins but the nuthatches, titmice, and chickadees are back!

Lisa in Southern Maine – at 18:58

bird-dog - Thank you so much for the Mr.B. pick-up offer. I’m smiling as I write this. Kindness is such a great thing! Thank you. I will call and see if they are still in stock and I will pick one up tomorrow on the way home from work if, (and here’s the tricky part!)if if if I remember!!! Sometimes, my mind seems completely full with home/boys/my practice. I’m proud I’ve been able to prep at all given the fact that I’m working with a sieve instead of a brain half the time. And I have not seen any redwinged blackbirds either. I usually do. None this summer. Usually the caucaphony of birdsing in my yard each sunrise is loud enough to wake up the boys ( a very meaningful description if you knew them as those boys can sleep thru thunderstorms when they’re right on top of us). This summer, we’re all sleeping until my 7am alarm. Unheard of…Lots of chickadees though and they do make me smile. And yes, the eagle’s nest does make me feel better. :) You’ve done much more prepping than me lately. I’ll get back on it as soon as my poor brain returns from wherever it went vacationing!

Lisa in Southern Maine – at 19:28

bird-dog - Good show on NPR today regarding Conn senate race - did you hear it? You can go to NPR.org online for replay if you’re interested and have the time.

bird-dog – at 19:38

They will be on the NewsHour in minutes… I missed the NPR segment. Thanks…I’ll look it up!!!

08 August 2006

Lisa in Southern Maine – at 19:04

Hi everyone! Completed most important prep last night. 8lbs maple cream, 5lbs maple sugar candy, 3 gallons medium amber syrup. Would not fare well in sip without my tree syrup products! Hope all are well!

Melanie – at 19:46

Dem will be up to join you all shortly. Most important prep: lobstah rolls.

Lisa in Southern Maine – at 20:50

Meluhnee - tha lobstah rolls aahhh difficult to vaccum seyul though!

anonymous for this one – at 22:16

Melanie - you know, the Fall is Maine’s *most* beautiful season IMO and you would love The Common Ground Fair…the 3rd weekend in Sept. >>> http://tinyurl.com/lnzuy. It’s a very people-friendly, child-friendly, animal-friendly, and progressive-friendly fair. Much info on ‘putting foods by’ and other prep possibilities. …just in case we’re still out of harm’s way, and you have a chance for a brief escape northward, and you’re still dreaming of those lob. rolls ‘n steemahs.

Hey guys…guess who’s winning you-know-where! Y-E-S! <SMILE> …yikes, too darn close though for comfort. Guess there are alot of unAmerican/unPatriotic folks in that state who dare to vote against business as usual….if you catch my drift. Hey, I didn’t say who, what, where, or when.

2beans – at 22:54

Bird-dog:

My heart goes out to you. I had a hybrid of extremely high wolf % about 20 years ago. He developed pemphygus and had to be put down at around 18 mos. If only I had known beforehand. When a family member was absent overnight he would howl every time the phone rang. He wouldn’t allow rearrangement of the furniture. He ate into aluminum cans. I kept the metal collander he chewed up for years. He was so unpredictable I couldn’t leave the room when a stranger (to him) was present. And he hated seeing people wearing hats. Although I cherish the memories I’d prefer not to have had the experiences that made them - for both our sakes.

09 August 2006

bird-dog – at 00:13

Thanks 2beans. I do miss her. She wasn’t destructive but was fearful/aggressive toward strangers young and old. We (the dog and I) were always scanning and on edge if there was a possibility of a human or non-human encounter that wasn’t familiar. We’d take a brisk walk —often more than an hour every day, through woods and fields to the water where she’d swim…then she’d tear around in cicles, leaping and pouncing with joy and run in a wolf-lope with her tail straight out as wolves do. Oh, she was pretty and always held a serene wildness deep in her eyes.

She was terrifying though for others, and she and I gave up alot for her to be ‘A dog’. She was definitely ‘A stranger in a strange land’.

anonymous – at 01:00

Hey guys…guess who’s winning you-know-where! Y-E-S! <SMILE> …yikes, too darn close though for comfort. Guess there are alot of unAmerican/unPatriotic folks in that state who dare to vote against business as usual….if you catch my drift. Hey, I didn’t say who, what, where, or when

um….. this thread is getting a little political (and offense taken at the “unamerican/unpatriotic” comment)

2beans – at 06:38

Bird-dog:

What an absolutely perfect description. Stranger in a strange land. I still keep his picture on the mantle.

Lisa in Southern Maine – at 17:16

bird-dog - did you hear that ‘someone’ is coming back in his 2nd life and an Independent? What do you think about flu news? Do you feel any increased heat? Her land was where you were. She was no stranger there. My Lilly hates everybody. no-one, including 3 vets, can figure out what kind of dog she is. Accepting that she’ll never be like other dogs has enriched our relationship immensely too. And wierdly, I have learned to self-accept more thoroughly in the process of our relationship. Kind of like…if I can’t compare her to other dogs in the area of expectaions…how can I compare myself to other people…this is who she is and that’s what has to be understood…this is who I am…etc… Got an e-mail from the Vermont farm today, the maple cream is on it’s way. Should have made it myself, but it is so much better when the maple tree farmers make it in a huge vat…can’t wait! Take care!

Closed and Continued - Bronco Bill – at 18:25

Closed due to length, but more Maine Preppers here

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