Visiting family...

We've been to Alabama to visit our son and help him with a few things.  Glad to see he's alive and the house is still erect.  It is a nice little place.  We put 1800+ miles on the truck which cost us about $390.00 in gasoline.  That is about double what it used to cost us for real gas, i.e. without the ethanol scam gas. 

Had to clean up the camelia blooms...

We did a little yard work as the weather was pretty good towards the end of our visit.  But, mostly, we moved in some furniture we'd brought down from Virginia including my old desk.

I put the desk together myself in 1969 from a flatpack Mom ordered from a company that advertised in Yankee Magazine.  Given absolutely no help, I put the drawer pulls on upside down.  Even though I discovered the error afterwards, I didn't ever bother to change them.  Now, 43 years later, they are still there. 

We also got to spend a lot of time with sister-in-law Sue and her husband Mickey and Mickey showed me the cool planes he's working on.  This included a compeletely stripped down Pitt acrobatic home-built, a 1952 (if I remember this date correctly) Piper, and others. 

The desk in David's office...

We also got to visit with and serve chili at Mickey and Sue's church in Atmore, Alabama.  They actually thanked us for helping with their Valentine's Day/Chili dinner even though we had a great time. 

The actual travel to and from was blessedly trouble free.  Even though the truck now has north of 108,000 miles on it we had no problems there.  We didn't have any delays either although I think we narrowly missed a couple of possibilities on the way coming and going.  I guess we were due some good "luck" as we'd had all sorts of problems on last year's visits.  As usual, we stayed in La Quinta in Sevierville, TN as our midpoint.  Pet friendly, nice staff, clean rooms, good chow available relatively close by (well, we do know where to go) and a Bass Pro Shop store to visit.  Can't beat that. 

When we got home we found some projects nearing completion and a couple of neat things in the mail (which had been delivered rather than held by the post office).  More about that later!

Service...CUSTOMER Service, THE key to business success

Apparently there are still some people who do not realize that their jobs, i.e. their paychecks, depend on customer service and that THEY ARE THE ONES RESPONSIBLE FOR THAT.

We were recently in Atmore, AL and discovered that there was a terrible problem with some companies in providing customer service, particularly those in the fast food industry.  We repeatedly had problems with the service provided in that service was slow, staff was inattentive and orders were confused/incorrectly filled.  We also had problems with being charged incorrectly on original bills OR when using charge cards.

As noticeably bad as this was in Atmore we have seen this same trend in some other places and extending to possible/probable frauds involving restaurant gift cards, inattentive staff, and other noticeable omissions such as forgetting special requests or failing to serve all meal components.

When this happens, we seldom return to a business and we have even left in the middle of a meal after making management aware of our concerns.  But we know that others are unaware of the cheats and frauds or unwilling to make management or owners aware of the problems they encounter but they do not return either.  Businesses suffer and so do the good employees.

Alabama

Life is good. Family and friends in Alabama are good. I am always pleased with the great care and concern my in-laws show me. Family is the best. Tonight we learned that another iconic American entertainer has died. No matter what we may have thought of them their family loved them and every loved one dies too young to suit those of us left behind. But our time will come soon enough and we should hope that we will have so touched the people around us that they will mourn our passing and think it too soon.

Green County Examiner-Recorder, Feb 7, 1946

FEW ACCIDENTS WHILE HUNTING

Albany—Hunting is one of the safest of all sports in New York State, according to figures showing
the number of accidents in relation to the number of licensed hunters during 1945 just released
by the Conservation Department.

"It is very encouraging to note," Commissioner Perry B. Duryea said, "that, out of millions of mandays afield last year, we have records of only 117 accidents in the while State. Among nearly 600,000 licensed hunters, less than one in every 5,000 or 0.002 per cent was hurt. Also, only 23, or less than one in every 26,000, were killed—less than the average death rate had all the hunters stayed
home during the hunting season."

 The records showed that, out of 117 hunting accidents: 23 were fatal; 40 were self-inflicted; shotguns caused 78, rifles, 36 and pistols, 3. Careless gun handling and being in the line of fire led the list at 25 each. Tripping or falling came next with 11; eight were due to careless unloading and
seven each of mistaking humans for game and ricocheting bullets.  Careless fence crossing, "didn't
know it was loaded" and having loaded guns in cars, camp or home took their toll, also, but in lesser
numbers.

Boberg

I don't know how I missed this or even if I missed it (sometimes I think I'm headed down Mom's path) but it is intriguing as all get out.  I've seen some other gun that pulls the cartridge from the magazine, I think it was a MARS.  Anyway, I saw this on View from the Porch and had to know more.  I think it is fascinating and unlike the Merwin and Hulbert guns, this one is already in production.

The gun is the model XR9-S and is produced by Boberg Arms.  Designed by Arrne Boberg

It is smaller than a Ruger SR9C or Beretta Nano or Kel-Tec PF9 OR Glock G26 and lighter than a S&W 642 (I've got one of those for pocket carry).  That means it would be smaller and lighter than my Colt Officers' Lightweight ACP.  The design appears to offer more grip the lack of which concerns users of the competing pistols mentioned.  Capacity is 7+1 rounds (that is one round more than a comparably sized Kel-Tec P3AT or Ruger LCP) of 9x19mm Luger/Parabellum.

This is one neat design.  I might be moved to get one and am exploring the possibility.  There is a long lead time on this though.  We'll see.  The cost is $995.00 and production can not yet meet demand.

Politics is a part of living life...

Every once in a while I run into somebody who has written off politics for one reason or another.  Oh, they have opinions which they willingly share at the drop of a hat, they might be extremely competent and intelligent but... they have come to the conclusion that participation in politics is an exercise in futility.

I could point to our gun-politics experiences here in the Commonwealth of Virginia.  From the 1960s forward we began to see a slide to New York/Massachusetts style gun control.  We had a hodge podge or potpourri of laws and ordinances in our various counties, cities, and towns.  It was becoming impossible to know what was legal and what wasn't.  Holders of concealed handgun permits were few and far between.  Frankly, it didn't seem that the National Rifle Association or the Virginia Rifle and Pistol Association were doing much good on this front.  To many it seemed that these organizations had either given up or been compromised by "the establishment".  Then, in northern Virginia (NOVA) counties of Fairfax and Arlington, we had some activists coalesce an organization now known as the Virginia Citizens' Defense League.  Since that time that organization has grown by leaps and bounds based on the grass-roots efforts of its members.  We have "shall issue" concealed handgun permits, we have eliminated the hodgepodge of laws as one travels from one jurisdiction to another, and we have reversed the trend to state government control of our lives.  I could point to this, but I won't.  Such examples aren't really important.

What IS important is how you live your life.  Politics, or rather government, is a part of that life.  Why would you NOT want to be involved?  Let me put it another way.  When you go to your grandmothers' house for Thanksgiving dinner do you not talk to anyone at the table?  When you go to a Super Bowl party, do you not root for a team or express your opinions about the various players or even the advertising?  When you are working, are you a person who never expresses their opinion about the boss or, if you are the boss, do you let somebody else do your job?  When you are with children, would you sit  by while they drank drain cleaner?  No, when you're at dinner you talk.  When you watch a game with friends you have a give and take about plays, players, ads, and food.  When at work, you gripe about the boss, perhaps offer suggestions, make decisions and if you are the boss you do your job and make decisions.  If you're watching children you make certain that they are as whole and healthy as when you arrived and you give them direction to ensure this.  This is what people do, this is life.  

To put it simply, politics is life.  Politics is letting others know what you want from government.  In this country it includes the opportunity to express your view as to which person is best suited to do that for you and I think that it IS better to light a candle than to curse the darkness.

We're approaching an election that could change our country forever.  Choosing the wrong person could condemn us, our children, our grand-children, our GREAT-grand-children to lives of want and oppression we've never known.

Making a 60lb PVC longbow...

I think one should because one can.

Selling the "home" place...

Got word a couple of days ago that we finally have a buyer for Mom and Dad's place. It has been two years since Mom passed but I've been caretaker there since 2002. I've had access to it for hunting, shooting, and other things including family stuff since 1981. It is familiar and comfortable. It will soon be gone.

Before Mom passed we had already mostly cleared the house and auctioned off the contents. Sadly, Mom or her precious cats had damaged much of the furniture and with the economy taking a nose dive at the same time, we didn't see much in the way of money from it as we once thought we (i.e. the family) might realize from the sale of the things. Of that which was good, I gave my sister a shot at taking anything but she didn't take much. I did pass out to the interested daughters the spinning and weaving stuff. Oh well. So it goes. It was "just" stuff.

The house itself is no great shakes. I couldn't convince Nana to move out there and really, she's right. We'd have had to do a lot to the place to satisfy her as will the new owners.

The executrix has been really good in working with us. My parents were very smart to name the bank to administer the will (whomever went first) and it has saved me a lot of worry about whether or not my sister will be satisfied with how things are turning out. Above all, that is what I want.

Yesterday my wife and I went to get the sleeper sofa and chairs I was using when staying overnight (to maintain the insurance). Then, today, I went out there and collected almost all my tools and the last couple of pieces from inside the house and brought them home.

One of the things I brought back was a barometer that Mom had had as long as I can remember. Everywhere we lived, and we lived a lot of different places, that barometer was hung in a prominent place in the kitchen or dining room. I remember her tapping it to settle the needle and then turning the register needle to 'zero' the thing so that she could tell how much and how fast the atmospheric pressure was changing. Over the years she got pretty good and predicting weather by that and watching/listening to the weather 'experts'.

Bertha and Albert in the shop

I also brought home a plaster horse statuette. Back during the depression my great-grandfather, Albert Ellison Flint, ran a photo and gift shop in Braintree, Massachusetts. He and great-grandma Bertha bought it after he lost his job at Butler's department store in Boston. For his store, he'd bought three of these plaster horses to sell. One was smashed in transit. Over the winter he carefully glued it together (like a 3-D jigsaw puzzle) and it has been in our households ever since. The auction house thought it was nothing, and it is but for that story. He was about 67 when he did that and had to overcome the jumble of pieces, his eyesight and perhaps a bit of a shake and the adhesives of the time.  For these reasons the horse story was told as a tale of perseverance and 'pluck' in the face of adversity.

I still have a lawn mower and weed eater to bring back.  I have to go through the house and clean for the new owners (it is a matter of courtesy).  I have to move our RV out of there and find a new parking place.  Then, it will be done.

Notes from the gun shop...

Well, it was a busy day with somebody in the shop all the time.  ALL the time.  Not much in sales but 9 transfers of which only 3 were not delayed.  Delays?  They are running right out to the maximum on time.  People are getting really ticked.  I don't blame them.

What has apparently happened is that the State Police made a conscious decision to cut costs and meet their budget by way of abrogating civil rights (the right to keep and bear arms) rather than cut into their money-maker, the State Troopers.  Consequently the staff that vets those delayed by the computer has been cut in half while ticketing for speeding continues.  Some might think I over simplify the situation but, let's put it this way.  Would you be happy if the government closed churches because they didn't have enough people to review their true spirituality?  Would you be happy if your right to free speech was limited because there was nobody to observe you to make certain you spoke responsibly?  As it is, 1-2 THIRDS of applicants are delayed and those delays are now taking multiple days to resolve rather than a couple of hours.  Of those delayed, perhaps 1/10th of one percent are actually denied but I think that would be a high figure.  I don't think we had more than 3 people denied in all of last year (2011).

One interesting thing is that a regular reader of this journal/blog called the shop today because he was interested in a gun we had on Gunbroker.com and realized that I worked there.  First, I hope he enjoys the gun and second, I apologize for not getting back on the phone.  Sadly, my employment is for the benefit of my employer and not myself and, as noted above, we had customers all day.   I am not going to mention your name but if you want to, you are free to comment. 



 

Gun show...

Gun shows around here aren't what they used to be.  I suppose that's true most places.  It is especially true this time of year.  It seems that the junk knife & jewelry dealers, coin and watch guys come out more so this time of year.  I guess I shouldn't forget the food vendors...  It is sad.  The gun guys all want the beginning of hunting season prices for used rifles (which some bought to use at the beginning of hunting season and sell now) as well as best prices for some bubbafied milsurps.  One good thing, for some, not so much for me, is that the ammo dealers are out in force.  Lots of ammo, some hard to find stuff, on the tables.

To be honest, the best part of the show is that I met somebody I knew about every 30-40 feet of table space.  Unfortunately, even this being used to stretch out my time only kept me in the building for 1½ hours.  For me, that is no time at all.  The highlight was one fellow who had 4 Colt Pocket Positives.  I would have gotten a photo but...

This promoter doesn't want photos taken.  They also don't want CHP holders to carry in the show despite the fact that this is a public venue.  Both policies are their misguided reactions to "accidental" discharges at previous shows and the resulting scrutiny from news "reporters".  In one case I'd believe that the individual came into the show to cause an incident and deliberately loaded and fired the gun.  In another, I believe that the gun was deliberately loaded by somebody during the show before it was handed to the fellow who was holding the gun.  I understand the promoter's insurance underwriter expressly made the policy a condition of insurance and insurance is required by the venue.  Of course, the "reporter"s and his/her editor(s) don't know enough to correctly report the facts much less discern any nefarious activities.

Ok, enough digression.  The truth is that the show was very well attended.  I'm told that yesterday was extremely busy and I know that the Sunday morning crowd was well above the usual numbers, probably DOUBLE what is usually in there between 10 when they open and 12-12:30 when the church attendees start to show up.  I heard that this was also true at a recent show in Raleigh.  I suppose that with the election coming, a number of people are looking at the Republican candidates and starting to fear that Obama will be re-elected.  This is driving sales.

Stuff to Hoard

I was minding my own business and got an e-mail that urged me to watch a video that would tell me the 37 essential items I should hoard.  So, I watched, rather listened, to it and did a little searching on the internet as I listened.  Here's what I found.  A bit more than 37 items.  Let me tell you, you will need many of the things listed OR at least you will come to appreciate just how luxurious those things are if you don't have them. 

1. Toothpaste and Toothbrushes - clean teeth=good health

2. Gun Cleaning Supplies -cotton pads, Hoppe’s, Rem Oil, etc - clean guns work better

3. Duct Tape - you have to ask?

4. Cooking Oil - one of those things that might be impossible to get and hard to do without

5. Shampoo - cleanliness=good health

6. Deodorant - some might disagree

7. Laundry Detergent - clean clothing is healthier for you

8. Books or other reading for enjoyment materials - how to books are good

9. WD-40 - displaces water, limited lubrication, reduces squeaks (and silence can be golden)

10. Sewing Supplies - for repairing that which you can't replace

11. Bolts, Nails Screws - same for your house and equipment 

12. Games - to pass the time

13. Paper and Pencils - to record all sorts of things

14. Spare Parts for any and all gear -  if it is important enough to have it is important enough to take care of

15. Musical Instruments - to pass the time

16. Lantern Mantles - gotta have light

17. Hand Tools - the right tool makes the work better and easier

18. Broken window fix/replacement/cover (plywood or plastic panes) - you'll miss this if you don't have it

19. Bleach - not just for cleaning but also for water purification

20. Household Cleaning Supplies - clean house improves your health

21. Sponges - dittos

22. Towels and Wash clothes - have you lived without them?

23. Gold Bond or Baby Power - when you walk a lot you'll come to appreciate how they reduce friction and make life more bearable

24. Baby Supplies – diapers etc - if you've got kids 

25. Aloe - an old standby for treatment of burns

26. Sunscreen - because sun poisoning can be just as bad as anything

27. Bug Spray (wearing kind) - keep 'em off of you and stay healthy

28. Bug Spray (killing kind) - defense in depth

29. Comfort Foods – for morale

30. Chains and Locks - keep others from your stuff

31. Isoprophyl (rubbing) alcohol - disinfect

32. Mouse Traps - mice will destroy your stuff and carry disease into your home

33. Lamp Wicks – for Oil and Alcohol Lamps - need a wick to burn the oil

34. Lice Shampoo - HEALTH

35. Salt - you need it to preserve food

35. Liquor - might be a good anesthetic but will always be good trading material

37. Glasses – Prescription and OTC - you've got to be able to see

UPDATED:

38. Alcohol Wipes - disinfect and remove oil

39. Eyedrops - irrigate  eyes to remove debris OR protect your eyesight

40. Pet Food - got to feed man's best friend

41. Fertilizer - for your garden not your lawn

42. Coolers - keeps things the right temp and insects on the outside

43. Buckets - useful for carrying all sorts of things and all sorts of liquids

44. Clothes Pins - might have to dry the laundry on the line

45. Childrens clothes in sizes larger than they wear

46. Superglue - for fixing more things

47. Wash board - for washing clothes

48. Spray paint in black, white, green, brown and black.  

49. Zippers, buttons, snaps, knee patches, velcro - back to repairing what you can't replace

50. Patches for tents and tarps - keep the weather out of your stuff

51. Garbage bags

52. Lime - to break down wastes

53. Charcoal/lighter fluid - to start fires

54. Birth control - 

55. Vitamins - maintain your health

56. Razor blades - might have to trim hair before surgery

57. Saw blades - because nothing is ever the right size

58. Garden tools - grown that food

59. Spark plugs - keep those motors running

60. Motor oil - dittos

61. Manuel Air/Tire pump - be sure you can fill 

62. Bird seed to attract wild birds (food source)

63. Fire extinguishers

64. Wire

65. Q-tips

66. Cotton balls

67. Corn Starch

68. Thermal Wear

Another list:

1. Generators(Good ones cost dearly. Gas storage, risky. Noisy…target of thieves; maintenance etc.)

2. Water Filters/Purifiers

3. Portable Toilets

4. Seasoned Firewood. Wood takes about 6 – 12 months to become dried, for home uses.

5. Lamp Oil, Wicks, Oil Lamps (First Choice: Buy CLEAR oil. If scarce, stockpile ANY!)

6. Coleman Fuel. Impossible to stockpile too much.

7. Guns, Ammunition, Pepper Spray, Knives, Clubs, Bats & Slingshots.

8. Can openers, & hand egg beaters, whisks, kitchen utensils.

9. Honey/Syrups/white, brown sugar

10. Rice – Beans – Wheat

11. Vegetable Oil (for cooking) Without it food burns/must be boiled etc.,)

12. Charcoal, Lighter Fluid (Will become scarce suddenly)

13. Water Containers (Urgent Item to obtain.) Any size. Small: HARD CLEAR PLASTIC ONLY – note – food grade if for drinking.

16. Propane Cylinders(Urgent: Definite shortages will occur.)

17. Survival Guide Book.

18. Mantles: Aladdin, Coleman, etc. (Without this item, longer-term lighting is difficult.)

19. Baby Supplies: Diapers/formula. ointments/aspirin, etc.

20. Washboards, Mop Bucket w/wringer (for Laundry)

21. Cook Stoves(Propane, Coleman & Kerosene)

22. Vitamins

23. Propane Cylinders and Handle-Holders (Urgent: Small canister use is dangerous without this item)

24. Feminine Hygiene/Haircare/Skin products.

25. Thermal underwear (Tops & Bottoms)

26. Bow saws, axes and hatchets, Wedges (also, honing oil)

27. Aluminum Foil Reg. & Heavy Duty (Great Cooking and Barter Item)

28. Gasoline Containers (Plastic & Metal)

29. Garbage Bags (Impossible To Have Too Many).

30. Toilet Paper, Kleenex, Paper Towels

31. Milk – Powdered & Condensed (Shake Liquid every 3 to 4 months)

32. Garden Seeds (Non-Hybrid) (A MUST)

33. Clothes pins/line/hangers (A MUST)

34. Coleman’s Pump Repair Kit

35. Tuna Fish (in oil)

36. Fire Extinguishers(or..large box of Baking Soda in every room)

37. First aid kits

38. Batteries (all sizes…buy furthest-out for Expiration Dates)

39. Garlic, spices & vinegar, baking supplies

40. Big Dogs (and plenty of dog food)

41. Flour, yeast & salt

42. Matches. {“Strike Anywhere” preferred.) Boxed, wooden matches will go first

43. Writing paper/pads/pencils, solar calculators

44. Insulated ice chests (good for keeping items from freezing in Wintertime.)

45. Heavy Duty Work Boots, belts, Levis & durable shirts

46. Flashlights/LIGHTSTICKS & torches, “No. 76 Dietz” Lanterns

47. Journals, Diaries & Scrapbooks (jot down ideas, feelings, experience; Historic Times)

48. Garbage cans Plastic (great for storage, water, transporting – if with wheels)

49. Men’s Hygiene: Shampoo, Toothbrush/paste, Mouthwash/floss, nail clippers, etc

50. Cast iron cookware (sturdy, efficient)

51. Fishing supplies/tools

52. Mosquito coils/repellent, sprays/creams

53. Duct Tape

54. Tarps/stakes/twine/nails/rope/spikes

55. Candles

56. Laundry Detergent (liquid)

57. Backpacks, Duffel Bags

58. Garden tools & supplies

59. Scissors, fabrics & sewing supplies

60. Canned Fruits, Veggies, Soups, stews, etc.

61. Bleach (plain, NOT scented: 4 to 6% sodium hypochlorite)

62. Canning supplies, (Jars/lids/wax)

63. Knives & Sharpening tools: files, stones, steel

64. Bicycles…Tires/tubes/pumps/chains, etc

65. Sleeping Bags& blankets/pillows/mats

66. Carbon Monoxide Alarm (battery powered)

67. Board Games, Cards, Dice

68. d-con Rat poison, MOUSE PRUFE II, Roach Killer

69. Mousetraps, Ant traps & cockroach magnets

70. Paper plates/cups/utensils (stock up, folks)

71. Baby wipes, oils, waterless & Antibacterial soap (saves a lot of water)

72. Rain gear, rubberized boots, etc.

73. Shaving supplies (razors & creams, talc, after shave)

74. Hand pumps & siphons (for water and for fuels)

75. Soysauce, vinegar, bullions/gravy/soupbase

76. Reading glasses

77. Chocolate/Cocoa/Tang/Punch (water enhancers)

78. “Survival-in-a-Can”

79. Woolen clothing: socks, scarves/ear-muffs/mittens

80. Boy Scout Handbook, / also Leaders Catalog

81. Roll-on Window Insulation Kit (MANCO)

82. Graham crackers, saltines, pretzels, Trail mix/Jerky

83. Popcorn, Peanut Butter, Nuts

84. Socks, Underwear, T-shirts, etc. (extras)

85. Lumber (all types)

86. Wagons & utility carts (for transport to and from)

87. Cots & Inflatable mattress’s

88. Gloves: Work/warming/gardening, etc.

89. Lantern Hangers

90. Screen Patches, glue, nails, screws, nuts & bolts

91. Teas

92. Coffee

93. Cigarettes

94. Wine/Liquors (for bribes, medicinal, etc,)

95. Paraffin Wax

96. Chickens

97. Chewing gum/candies

98. Atomizers (for cooling/bathing)

99. Hats & cotton neckerchiefs

100. Livestock

Yet another list:

1. Toilet Paper, and other sanitation items such as feminine hygiene products, diapers for infants, etc. These are items that should be mass stored if possible.

2. Paper Towels. Too many uses to mention, store as many as you can.

3. Coffee Filters. For those drinkers of coffee of course, but these are excellent filters for many other purposes.

4. Trash Bags. All sizes. You can also store many free plastic grocery bags from the store every time you get them after shopping. Important for bagging up refuse and preventing disease.

5. Zip type Freezer Bags. Lot of uses.

6. Coolers, various sizes. If you have room, can be used to keep things cool or cold, but also used to keep items from freezing in very cold weather.

7. Shovels. All sizes from small garden type to those used for digging. Very important to have after a disaster.

8. Soaps and Cleansers. Sponges and other scratchy pads. You are likely not going to have a dishwasher after a disaster and you have to have some means of cleaning pots, pans, dishes.

9. Cotton Rounds. First aid uses, Excellent Fire-starter (mixed with Vaseline).

10. Paper to write on. This includes note pads, index cards.

11. Pens and Pencils, especially the click pencil type that don’t need a sharpener.

12. Rubber bands. This also includes hair bands. Used to keep items organized and from flying apart.

13. Tape. All kinds from duct, masking, electric, to scotch. Many uses.

14. Sewing Kits. Threads, needles, buttons, zippers, you are going to need them.

15. Matches. Keep them dry and store lots of them.

16. Salt. You won’t believe in certain areas how hard it is to get this necessary mineral for survival. Store as much as you can.

17. Aluminum Foil Wrap. Good for cooking and many other uses.

18. Candles. All sizes. Not only for light at night, but can be used to heat small items up in small cookware.

19. Can Opener. Without many of these you will have a bad time trying to get your canned food out.

20. Basic Tools. This includes hammers, screwdrivers, saws, axes, utility knives, scissors. Anything extra that you can store from your

tool chest.

21. Handyman’s Hardware Assortment. Assortment of screws, nuts and bolts, wire, nails, etc. Store in clear jars with lids or in original packages.

22. 5-Gallon Gas Can Containers. These can be used for gas or other fuels as well as for water that are durable. Obviously, never use for drinking water if they’ve ever been used for gas!

23. Round Magnifying Glass. Use to see small items (optical glass is best), or to start a fire if matches are wet or out of them.

24. Envelopes. All sizes for storage. Smaller for seeds you can get from the wild as one example. Tough postal envelopes are also good for storage after a disaster.

25. Boxes. You are really going to need this if you have to suddenly move somewhere quick for clothes and other items. Many grocery stores will give you free fruit boxes that are sturdy and have lids. Also large plastic boxes with lids.

26. Shoe Laces. Many people have shoes that are still wearable and need shoe laces. Shoe laces are also good for tying off material with other purposes.

27. Paper plates, plastic eating utensils, disposable drinking cups. IF you can store enough, excellent way to save your soap supplies by not having to wash the dishes.

28. Bedding. Blankets, sheets, pillows, pillow cases. Just because you are in emergency does not mean you have to live like a refuge.

29. Bathroom towels. All sizes from hand to bath. You will be very grateful to be able to dry yourself off with something you are use to.

30. Fishing line and string. Lots of uses.

31. Nylon rope, cord, clothes lines. Do not be without.

32. Dental needs. Toothbrushes, dental floss. Even without toothpaste you can still keep your teeth healthy.

33. Q-tips. Not only personal use, but uses for fine detailed work.

34. Honey. Lasts practically forever and a good sweetener for many foods.

35. Spray bottles. Use to disperse insect repellent as one of many uses.

36. First aid kit. Most items such as bandages, gauze, tweezers, nail clippers, scissors, wrapping tape, etc. can be stored without rotating.

37. Newspaper. Yes, newspaper for starting fires, wrapping delicate items, insulation. Keep dry and preferably in sealed boxes.

38. Safety pins. Fastening of almost anything that has broken. Bobby pins also good.

39. Cheap plastic sunglasses. You will really need to protect your eyes after an emergency, glare is something that people forget about

if they have to be outdoors for extended periods of time.

40. Hats. One size fits all baseball type caps, scarfs, ski caps. A lot of heat is lost through an uncovered head, also sunburn.

41. Gloves. So important from keeping hands warm to protection of your hands from hazards such as broken glass.

42. Extra clothes that you will not wear other than after a disaster. Don’t forget the extra comfortable shoes, socks, underwear, warm

jackets.

43. Small hand held mirrors. For signaling but also for personal grooming and seeing what your eyes can’t without a mirror.

44. Cloth grocery bags with handles. A very good way of collecting usable things such as food from the wild.

45. Stapler with plenty of staples. Also paper clips to seal off small items and fastening paper. Your package of survival seeds as for

example.

46. Electric extension cords. You may actually still have electricity from some source such as a generator. Can be used as a substitute for light duty style rope also.

47. Brushes. From nail, paint, to hair brushes. One good use for a hair brush is removal of ticks, fleas, burrs, from clothing.

48. Measurement devices. Tape measurers, rulers, very important to know distances, how big, how small something is rather than guessing.

49. Games. Boredom is awful, and a simple deck of cards, boardgames, something to take up time if confined after an emergency.

50. Books, Books. Anything that will give you information and instructions on survival, cooking, plant identification, map books. Your bookcase may not be around after a disaster, store information you will need someday.

51. Wind up clocks and watches. Your battery operate clocks and watches or other time telling instruments are someday not going to

work. Wind up clock better than using a sundial.

52. Snap top plastic containers. Ziploc, Tupperware, anything that can air seal something. All sizes.

53. Stick on notes. Use to label what you have after the disaster. Secure it better with scotch tape if you want.

54. Money. If you can store it somewhere and forget about it and not spend it other then in emergency. Cash money may be the only way to buy anything after a disaster that has not taken out the monetary system.

55. Plastic tarps. Many sizes and inexpensive. Cannot emphasize how many uses these have, and can be folded up and stored in smaller spaces.

FEMA's recommendations:

Recommended Items to Include in a Basic Survival Kit:

• Water, one gallon of water per person per day for at least three days, for drinking and sanitation
• Food, at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food
• Battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert and extra batteries for both
• Flashlight and extra batteries
• First aid kit
• Whistle to signal for help
• Dust mask, to help filter contaminated air and plastic sheeting and duct tape to shelter-in-place
• Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation
• Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities
• Can opener for food (if kit contains canned food)
• Local maps
• Cell phone with chargers

Additional Items to Consider Adding to a Survival Kit:

• Prescription medications and glasses
• Infant formula and diapers
• Pet food and extra water for your pet
• Important family documents such as copies of insurance policies, identification and bank account records in a waterproof, portable container
• Cash or traveler’s checks and change
• Emergency reference material such as a first aid book or information from www.ready.gov
• Sleeping bag or warm blanket for each person. Consider additional bedding if you live in a cold-weather climate.
• Complete change of clothing including a long sleeved shirt, long pants and sturdy shoes. Consider additional clothing if you live in a cold-weather climate.
• Household chlorine bleach and medicine dropper – When diluted nine parts water to one part bleach, bleach can be used as a disinfectant. Or in an emergency, you can use it to treat water by using 16 drops of regular household liquid bleach per gallon of water. Do not use scented, color safe or bleaches with added cleaners.
• Fire Extinguisher
• Matches in a waterproof container
• Feminine supplies and personal hygiene items
• Mess kits, paper cups, plates and plastic utensils, paper towels
• Paper and pencil
• Books, games, puzzles or other activities for children

And this:

100 Items to Disappear First

1. Generators (Good ones cost dearly. Gas storage, risky. Noisy...target of thieves; maintenance etc.)
2. Water Filters/Purifiers
3. Portable Toilets
4. Seasoned Firewood. Wood takes about 6 - 12 months to become dried, for home uses.
5. Lamp Oil, Wicks, Lamps (First Choice: Buy CLEAR oil. If scarce, stockpile ANY!)
6. Coleman Fuel. Impossible to stockpile too much.
7. Guns, Ammunition, Pepper Spray, Knives, Clubs, Bats & Slingshots.
8. Hand-can openers, & hand egg beaters, whisks.
9. Honey/Syrups/white, brown sugar
10. Rice - Beans - Wheat
11. Vegetable Oil (for cooking) Without it food burns/must be boiled etc.,)
12. Charcoal, Lighter Fluid (Will become scarce suddenly)
13. Water Containers (Urgent Item to obtain.) Any size. Small: HARD CLEAR PLASTIC ONLY - note - food grade if for drinking.
14. Mini Heater head (Propane) (Without this item, propane won't heat a room.)
15. Grain Grinder (Non-electric)
16. Propane Cylinders (Urgent: Definite shortages will occur.
17. Survival Guide Book.
18. Mantles: Aladdin, Coleman, etc. (Without this item, longer-term lighting is difficult.)
19. Baby Supplies: Diapers/formula. ointments/aspirin, etc.
20. Washboards, Mop Bucket w/wringer (for Laundry)
21. Cook stoves (Propane, Coleman & Kerosene)
22. Vitamins
23. Propane Cylinder Handle-Holder (Urgent: Small canister use is dangerous without this item)
24. Feminine Hygiene/Haircare/Skin products.
25. Thermal underwear (Tops & Bottoms)
26. Bow saws, axes and hatchets, Wedges (also, honing oil)
27. Aluminum Foil Reg. & Heavy Duty (Great Cooking and Barter Item)
28. Gasoline Containers (Plastic & Metal)
29. Garbage Bags (Impossible To Have Too Many).
30. Toilet Paper, Kleenex, Paper Towels
31. Milk - Powdered & Condensed (Shake Liquid every 3 to 4 months)
32. Garden Seeds (Non-Hybrid) (A MUST)
33. Clothes pins/line/hangers (A MUST)
34. Coleman's Pump Repair Kit
35. Tuna Fish (in oil)
36. Fire Extinguishers (or..large box of Baking Soda in every room)
37. First aid kits
38. Batteries (all sizes...buy furthest-out for Expiration Dates)
39. Garlic, spices & vinegar, baking supplies
40. Big Dogs (and plenty of dog food)
41. Flour, yeast & salt
42. Matches. {"Strike Anywhere" preferred.) Boxed, wooden matches will go first
43. Writing paper/pads/pencils, solar calculators
44. Insulated ice chests (good for keeping items from freezing in Wintertime.)
45. Work boots, belts, Levis & durable shirts
46. Flashlights/LIGHTSTICKS & torches, "No. 76 Dietz" Lanterns
47. Journals, Diaries & Scrapbooks (jot down ideas, feelings, experience; Historic Times)
48. Garbage cans Plastic (great for storage, water, transporting - if with wheels)
49. Men's Hygiene: Shampoo, Toothbrush/paste, Mouthwash/floss, nail clippers, etc
50. Cast iron cookware (sturdy, efficient)
51. Fishing supplies/tools
52. Mosquito coils/repellent, sprays/creams
53. Duct Tape
54. Tarps/stakes/twine/nails/rope/spikes
55. Candles
56. Laundry Detergent (liquid)
57. Backpacks, Duffel Bags
58. Garden tools & supplies
59. Scissors, fabrics & sewing supplies
60. Canned Fruits, Veggies, Soups, stews, etc.
61. Bleach (plain, NOT scented: 4 to 6% sodium hypochlorite)
62. Canning supplies, (Jars/lids/wax)
63. Knives & Sharpening tools: files, stones, steel
64. Bicycles...Tires/tubes/pumps/chains, etc
65. Sleeping Bags & blankets/pillows/mats
66. Carbon Monoxide Alarm (battery powered)
67. Board Games, Cards, Dice
68. d-con Rat poison, MOUSE PRUFE II, Roach Killer
69. Mousetraps, Ant traps & cockroach magnets
70. Paper plates/cups/utensils (stock up, folks)
71. Baby wipes, oils, waterless & Antibacterial soap (saves a lot of water)
72. Rain gear, rubberized boots, etc.
73. Shaving supplies (razors & creams, talc, after shave)
74. Hand pumps & siphons (for water and for fuels)
75. Soy sauce, vinegar, bullions/gravy/soup base
76. Reading glasses
77. Chocolate/Cocoa/Tang/Punch (water enhancers)
78. "Survival-in-a-Can"
79. Woolen clothing, scarves/ear-muffs/mittens
80. Boy Scout Handbook, / also Leaders Catalog
81. Roll-on Window Insulation Kit (MANCO)
82. Graham crackers, saltines, pretzels, Trail mix/Jerky
83. Popcorn, Peanut Butter, Nuts
84. Socks, Underwear, T-shirts, etc. (extras)
85. Lumber (all types)
86. Wagons & carts (for transport to and from)
87. Cots & Inflatable mattress's
88. Gloves: Work/warming/gardening, etc.
89. Lantern Hangers
90. Screen Patches, glue, nails, screws,, nuts & bolts
91. Teas
92. Coffee
93. Cigarettes
94. Wine/Liquors (for bribes, medicinal, etc,)
95. Paraffin wax
96. Glue, nails, nuts, bolts, screws, etc.
97. Chewing gum/candies
98. Atomizers (for cooling/bathing)
99. Hats & cotton neckerchiefs
100. Goats/chickens

From a Sarajevo War Survivor:
Experiencing horrible things that can happen in a war - death of parents and friends, hunger and malnutrition, endless freezing cold, fear, sniper attacks.

1. Stockpiling helps. but you never no how long trouble will last, so locate near renewable food sources.
2. Living near a well with a manual pump is like being in Eden.
3. After awhile, even gold can lose its luster. But there is no luxury in war quite like toilet paper. Its surplus value is greater than gold's.
4. If you had to go without one utility, lose electricity - it's the easiest to do without (unless you're in a very nice climate with no need for heat.)
5. Canned foods are awesome, especially if their contents are tasty without heating. One of the best things to stockpile is canned gravy - it makes a lot of the dry unappetizing things you find to eat in war somewhat edible. Only needs enough heat to "warm", not to cook. It's cheap too, especially if you buy it in bulk.
6. Bring some books - escapist ones like romance or mysteries become more valuable as the war continues. Sure, it's great to have a lot of survival guides, but you'll figure most of that out on your own anyway - trust me, you'll have a lot of time on your hands.
7. The feeling that you're human can fade pretty fast. I can't tell you how many people I knew who would have traded a much needed meal for just a little bit of toothpaste, rouge, soap or cologne. Not much point in fighting if you have to lose your humanity. These things are morale-builders like nothing else.
8. Slow burning candles and matches, matches, matches

So, why do the people think they need to make such lists?  Because we live in a world changing from what we know at a rate as well as in ways that cause us to sweat and periodically fall to our knees in fervent prayer for forgiveness.  We see the good world we know ending and we want to hold to it.  I'm sure the Britannic Romans felt much the same way.  We had such a good life.  It is going to crap and, apparently, there is nothing we can do about it.  But, we can make lists.  We can hoard our luxuries.  Maybe we can stave off the wolves another 4 years.