Preparing for troubled times ahead - Advice on what is needed.....

[Scottieoutdoors]

Keeping this short as I can so I won't make reference to your prior post.

Regarding knives however:
Expensive knives are overpriced for the materials obviously, as is everything in this world, they do however contain workmanship notoriety, tooling and time, they're limited in numbers and bring the owners joy in collecting... no different to an antique gun collector, a pokemon card collector or a vinyl record collector...

Your blacksmith friend is going to charge £10-£20 over the price of materials? So if he knocks a knife out in 1hr then he makes 10-20 quid? Does that cover running costs? Sounds like he's underselling his time.

But let's agree to disagree on the matter..




@Mods... maybe if its easy enough you guys could obliterate or create a new "ramblings thread" with the last 3 pages of this thread (including my ramblings) and it might get it back on track..

 

[Woody girl]

Oh, goodness boys!
Everyone just HAS to stop bickering and calm down.
I know knowledge gain has a different way of speaking to the longer term residents of this site, but he's learning about us. Jumping on people because you find them different or difficult is not good manners and no way to treat anyone. Let alone a new person. He will find his level given a chance. Or you will drive new members away, and stop others joining, as they won't want to be roasted for everything they say, that doesn't conform to the way most people are.
He is not having a go at anyone, just has a different perspective, which should be welcomed rather than bashed. Even if you don't agree.

Perhaps go away and have a nice cup of tea, chill a bit , have a think, and come back with something that relates to the origional question.
Preaching your own views without listening and just debunking others perspectives because they are not yours ..... and that goes for all of us, myself included, is not the way to go.
It can be difficult, and the urgency of our present world predicament and the hard times to come is making us all anxious, even if we don't or won't admit it, but its no excuse to bicker and fight.
Myself, I just try to say what I do, or don't do, I'm not saying people should follow me, and do the same, ...but I will be honest, and say I wish at least some would. Then we at least have a start and a chance to put things into a better frame. But many will disagree on minute details, and claim I ensue all modernity, usualy , though not exclusively those that have never lived anything but a tech filled life.
Even a hammer stone was tech once upon a time.
We just need to develop some discernment as to what is realy useful, and nessasary, such as medical equipment, and what is useless, such as nuclear bombs, or voip phones, automatic checkouts etc, all usefull, but eventualy have a detrimental effect on society with fear, inability to do a simple task we once could do easily, or job elimination as a consequence.
That's called discernment, something that in a society that bombards us all with so much, is difficult to see sometimes.

 

[knowledge=gain]

@knowledge=gain
If the purpose of your posts is to communicate, and why else would one post, your current posts could do a better job.

Are you using some kind of speak-to-text software? The length of your posts and their incredibly lack of grammar and readability makes it seem like you are getting "help" from some under-baked software. I don't recall your earlier posts being this way, but everything you have been posting recently looks this way.

It would HUGELY appreciated by everyone if you could post in a more condensed, well written manner and spend some of the time you are currently using to create length or volume in proof reading and editing.

Thank you.

Chris

Chris

i cannot help they way folk read or interpret my posts and neither can an artist with their paintings sculptures and-such

i am who i am and folk are who they are

i get picked on all the time just because i am different some tactful and some not so tactful that then comes down to discrimination

i have no need to follow any kind of style-guide implied or otherwise that is either invisible and non existent and non shown to all

you will see i do edit my posts accordingly by the greyed-out edited feature, which btw i can not see on this edited post it took a second edit to show up whether that be lag or some-thing else i do not know

i like conversations to be open honest with bona-fide on all sides

does one get treated different if they be in a wheel chair, well in my observations yes as they mostly get over looked and or ignored by most folk, but not by i as i will always say hi and ask how they are doing providing i do not encroach on what they are doing and need private space

are we going to tell southern folk they must speak northen...??

or

english to speak welsh

is this what this forum has come to for those that are different to the long term members

if i was to pay for upgrades [which i was contemplating until now] would i be guaranteed to be treated better and fairly or would it be a waste on my money...??

are new members really welcomed or will they really be pushed away thereby losing revenue for @Tony and others hard work to get this family orientated forum to where it is now minus the bitterness that seems rife towards new and different members

 

[TLM]

If electricity vanishes for longer period (maybe like months) it is going to be a major catastrophe for urban areas as most high rise buildings become uninhabitable in hours and the area in days. Rural areas would suffer but with relatively small adjustments quite a lot of it would remain habitable. The equation is very unbalanced though and the whole would be a total mess. A TEOTWAWKI event. Some people would survive, actually quite a lot unless a plague or something comparable is added. I am not certain that any practical level of prepping would work. There are so many things that can go wrong even if one has a years worth of food in storage.

One can prepare for "blody nuisance" level of events that would last for some weeks. I am personally preparing for something like that in my cottage. Technology downgrade is not much, certainly not back to pre-el levels. This is the level where solar panels still work and would be of great local help. Some hand tools would find a lot of use but they would not be the main movers.

 

[knowledge=gain]

Oh, goodness boys!
Everyone just HAS to stop bickering and calm down.
I know knowledge gain has a different way of speaking to the longer term residents of this site, but he's learning about us. Jumping on people because you find them different or difficult is not good manners and no way to treat anyone. Let alone a new person. He will find his level given a chance. Or you will drive new members away, and stop others joining, as they won't want to be roasted for everything they say, that doesn't conform to the way most people are.
He is not having a go at anyone, just has a different perspective, which should be welcomed rather than bashed. Even if you don't agree.

Perhaps go away and have a nice cup of tea, chill a bit , have a think, and come back with something that relates to the origional question.
Preaching your own views without listening and just debunking others perspectives because they are not yours ..... and that goes for all of us, myself included, is not the way to go.
It can be difficult, and the urgency of our present world predicament and the hard times to come is making us all anxious, even if we don't or won't admit it, but its no excuse to bicker and fight.
Myself, I just try to say what I do, or don't do, I'm not saying people should follow me, and do the same, ...but I will be honest, and say I wish at least some would. Then we at least have a start and a chance to put things into a better frame. But many will disagree on minute details, and claim I ensue all modernity, usualy , though not exclusively those that have never lived anything but a tech filled life.
Even a hammer stone was tech once upon a time.
We just need to develop some discernment as to what is realy useful, and nessasary, such as medical equipment, and what is useless, such as nuclear bombs, or voip phones, automatic checkouts etc, all usefull, but eventualy have a detrimental effect on society with fear, inability to do a simple task we once could do easily, or job elimination as a consequence.
That's called discernment, something that in a society that bombards us all with so much, is difficult to see sometimes.

some are failing to see the overall picture that all the bitterness towards new members are losing revenue for Tony and the crew that started this journey for us all to enjoy albeit family orientated [i am new here and can see what the pushing away new members are causing]

i was going to pay for upgrades yet members here have well and truly put pay to that idea as i cannot guarantee i would be treated any better tbh

discernment is all around us no matter where we look or which way we turn

we do however need to make the best of it as best we can

as Toddy said some of us have come thru much worse and better for it

i in no way tell folk what to do how to think or how to feel or how to communicate

i do however share my views experiences and guide folk where i can yet they are under no obligation to do or think or feel how i do

i tell it as it is and most folk even in rl cannot comprehend it, but that is who i am i am always in bona-fide which means good-faith with no ill-will or malice toward any-one no matter who they are

 

[Corso]

discernment is all around us no matter where we look or which way we turn

discernment, noun the ability to judge well


Now I'm truely lost...

 

[knowledge=gain]

Keeping this short as I can so I won't make reference to your prior post.

Regarding knives however:
Expensive knives are overpriced for the materials obviously, as is everything in this world, they do however contain workmanship notoriety, tooling and time, they're limited in numbers and bring the owners joy in collecting... no different to an antique gun collector, a pokemon card collector or a vinyl record collector...

Your blacksmith friend is going to charge £10-£20 over the price of materials? So if he knocks a knife out in 1hr then he makes 10-20 quid? Does that cover running costs? Sounds like he's underselling his time.

But let's agree to disagree on the matter..




@Mods... maybe if its easy enough you guys could obliterate or create a new "ramblings thread" with the last 3 pages of this thread (including my ramblings) and it might get it back on track..

that is just it we all value our time differently some think it can be under-valued while others over-valued and there be those in between

i think that it all comes down to an individual level and their consciousness and subconsciousness surroundings background and various other factors

when money runs out we have to face it as it will happen in time how are those higher-priced items not just knives but all products that are effectively so high-priced are show pieces only in general going to fair well with bartering or other such methods...??

i agree that this res-specific conversation seems to have run its course and it has been an interesting one shall we say

that said i still value your view-points tbh

i do agree that the thread be split if possible and suggested title by @Scottieoutdoors be used if practical

 

[Woody girl]

Small saving ideas from the 1970s
A note by each light switch saying ..turn it off.!
A torch by the bed for nightime visits to the throne room.
Learn leftovers cooking
Don't buy ready meals
Bath once a week, and strip wash the rest of the time, morning and evening. Cold water washes are for waking up, warm for sleeping.
Don't run the tap while brushing your teeth.use a mug of water.
Remember every little helps.
More modern ideas
Use a slow cooker , it can bake and roast too. Plenty of yt vids if you are not sure.
make and use a hay box, do it now, don't wait for emergencies. You need to learn cooking times.

Whoops! Electric just gone out, having an amazing thunderstorm right overhead!

Clothes don't need washing after just one use. Air and refresh on a hanger and wear again a day or so later. You can rotate several things this way. Only wash when actualy dirty . ie once a week.(I see shock and horror at that idea!)
Wear a vest when it's cold, yes, kids too. I know it's not cool for teens and they would rather freeze looking cool, but they will get over it. You will not scar them for life, and may even thank you once they grow up!
Learn to knit or sew...boys too!
If boys get funny about sewing, show them Simon in the woods yt vid on sewing a zip in a hammock,
make a bushcraft shirt out of a wool blanket offcut or, as I did for a youngster out of a charity shop wool skirt, as long as its not pink!(unless it's a girl)
Bubble wrap windows that are draughty or single glazed, particularly in low heat rooms like bathrooms and toilets.
Rugs on the floor add extra insulation underfoot.
Line your curtains with cheap fleece blankets or even adding another layer made from an old duvet will add warmth.
Go to bed early with a hot drink, hot water bottle, cosy socks and read.
An old hoodie makes a good bed jacket while reading.
Charity shop for books, build a blackout library for nights with no TV or computer.

Are we back on track yet?

 

[C_Claycomb]

I am wondering what the most useful thing to bury under the lawn in a small back garden. Coils of a ground source heat pump, of a rain cistern for laundry and loo flushing? My grandparents had a cistern that caught the roof runoff.

 

[Woody girl]

I am wondering what the most useful thing to bury under the lawn in a small back garden. Coils of a ground source heat pump, of a rain cistern for laundry and loo flushing? My grandparents had a cistern that caught the roof runoff.

Costings? Which costs you more to install, and where would most savings be made ?
air source heat pump , and a rain cistern under the lawn. You get the best of both then.

Don't Bury the wife or mother in law!

 

[Stew]

I am wondering what the most useful thing to bury under the lawn in a small back garden. Coils of a ground source heat pump, of a rain cistern for laundry and loo flushing? My grandparents had a cistern that caught the roof runoff.

I’m very interested in the stats on ground source.

 

[Broch]

I am wondering what the most useful thing to bury under the lawn in a small back garden. Coils of a ground source heat pump, of a rain cistern for laundry and loo flushing? My grandparents had a cistern that caught the roof runoff.

My grandfather had an underground water tank that was filled by rain water from the roof (he built the house so it was part of his planning). I never knew of it running dry, it was very deep, and the water was always cold and crystal clear. He only used it on his large veg garden and greenhouses which were always hugely productive. Sadly, the current owners have turned it into grass and patio

I have wondered about putting one in but I am told it needs planning permission - I'm not sure about that.

 

[British Red]

I am wondering what the most useful thing to bury under the lawn in a small back garden. Coils of a ground source heat pump, of a rain cistern for laundry and loo flushing? My grandparents had a cistern that caught the roof runoff.

You could do both Chris. It's possible to put a vertical shaft in for a heat pump that takes very little horizontal footprint. Cisterns are great - we have one. There are modern prefab plastic ones available now.

 

[TeeDee]

I am wondering what the most useful thing to bury under the lawn in a small back garden. Coils of a ground source heat pump, of a rain cistern for laundry and loo flushing? My grandparents had a cistern that caught the roof runoff.

I’m very interested in the stats on ground source.

How can I help? What are you looking to know?

 

[TeeDee]

You could do both Chris. It's possible to put a vertical shaft in for a heat pump that takes very little horizontal footprint. Cisterns are great - we have one. There are modern prefab plastic ones available now.

Boreholes with GSHP are a thing . Them being hideously expensive to install is another things. Think around the £10-£15k mark ( Average property )

Ground Source Heat Pump in either Vertical or Horizontal orientation is a very messy ground intrusive project.


ASHP - Air Source Heat Pump is an easy to install , small footprint project that along with the benefit of the B.U.S Boiler Upgrade Scheme can offer large capital grants to offset a majority of the expenditure.

 

[knowledge=gain]

Small saving ideas from the 1970s
A note by each light switch saying ..turn it off.!
A torch by the bed for nightime visits to the throne room.
Learn leftovers cooking
Don't buy ready meals
Bath once a week, and strip wash the rest of the time, morning and evening. Cold water washes are for waking up, warm for sleeping.
Don't run the tap while brushing your teeth.use a mug of water.
Remember every little helps.
More modern ideas
Use a slow cooker , it can bake and roast too. Plenty of yt vids if you are not sure.
make and use a hay box, do it now, don't wait for emergencies. You need to learn cooking times.

Whoops! Electric just gone out, having an amazing thunderstorm right overhead!

Clothes don't need washing after just one use. Air and refresh on a hanger and wear again a day or so later. You can rotate several things this way. Only wash when actualy dirty . ie once a week.(I see shock and horror at that idea!)
Wear a vest when it's cold, yes, kids too. I know it's not cool for teens and they would rather freeze looking cool, but they will get over it. You will not scar them for life, and may even thank you once they grow up!
Learn to knit or sew...boys too!
If boys get funny about sewing, show them Simon in the woods yt vid on sewing a zip in a hammock,
make a bushcraft shirt out of a wool blanket offcut or, as I did for a youngster out of a charity shop wool skirt, as long as its not pink!(unless it's a girl)
Bubble wrap windows that are draughty or single glazed, particularly in low heat rooms like bathrooms and toilets.
Rugs on the floor add extra insulation underfoot.
Line your curtains with cheap fleece blankets or even adding another layer made from an old duvet will add warmth.
Go to bed early with a hot drink, hot water bottle, cosy socks and read.
An old hoodie makes a good bed jacket while reading.
Charity shop for books, build a blackout library for nights with no TV or computer.

Are we back on track yet?

to add to this rather crazy list to some...

if you have radiators beneath your windows tuck the curtains behind the radiator

for all other radiators put tin-foil on the wall direct behind the radiator

if the central heating is dry atmospheres put a vessel with water on top of the radiator which will put moisture back in the air

place long floor to ceiling curtains over the main door to prevent draughts

make a cloth tube and fill with rags old nylons and-such to make draught excluders for doors

wrap old rags nylons etcetera around pipe to prevent pipes freezing

save all buttons zips etcetera from thread-borne clothing

as for sewing that get taught to our military men and woman

learn to cook meals from scratch, it is easier that some think possible

learn how to test an egg for freshness by if it sinks or floats

if you got land get some chickens or other small live-stock like ducks or goats for fresh supply of milk or eggs and-such

find you local farmer or farmers markets as these will be more valuable than the stores

learn the art of bartering, this will be a most valuable skill to have

what you have learned to date think how you can use those skill in the positive to help others or to barter with, this could be as simple as teaching some-one to cook from scratch or how to mend a broken item

learn the art of make do and mend this will be a valuable skill to have

forget the throw-away culture and put this behind you

modern word for what our forbears always used to do [recycle] what you can to re-purpose or use to fix and mend

by the scouts motto always be prepared

carry a cotton bandanna at all times or have one [1] always at hand they have a myriad of uses youtube and blogs will help you find many of those creative and purposeful ways

gross as this sounds to some but lets face reality

no need to flush for every number one [1]

get terry-towelling reusable nappies for babies

use square cotton rags for use in the throne-room

for ladies sanitary product look into reusable cotton or flannelette pads you could make your own or try them cup type things [i guess something similar to this can be adapted and made for those disabled with incontinence and-such]

learn how to hand wash clothes it is easier than most think

learn how to use your car motorcycle golf-cart childs-toy-electric car mobility-scooter or other battery for lighting powering-communications and much more

learn how fruit and vegetables produce enough electricity to make a light, great fun wit children and grandchildren [who said do not play with your food...??]

learn to ration food and supplies

learn how to make and use natural products for cleaning

learn how to dehydrate food

learn how to can food also called canning and bottling

have an evacuation [bug-out] action plan with a place to go [even if in the woods] and practice regularly both day and night

get multiple means of communication such as radios and make sure even the smallest of children that are able know how to use them in an emergency

make sure children learn their address parents or guardians full names and dates of birth as well as their own

make a paper copy of all the telephone numbers and contacts stored in your devices

make duplicate photo and electronic copies of all important documents

remove all plugs from their sockets when not in use with the exception of medical equipment, fridges freezers etcetera

fix leaky taps

learn to wear extra thin layers rather than thicker layers of clothing in winter

learn how to turn that junk mail into fire-bricks

learn how to turn sawdust into fire-bricks some wood-yards will be glad to give it away for free [you may have to take your own bags or containers with you

learn how to make compost

learn to grow the food you like and will eat

learn how to store food above and below ground or just buried slightly in the ground and with what materials best to use

no doubt others can add to these lists in due course

 

[Stew]

How can I help? What are you looking to know?

Probably just output that you’ll get.

 

[TeeDee]

Probably just output that you’ll get.

Depends on how much area is utilised - but to be honest you need to look at the whole thing holistically - the size of the property , the various U-values of the property build structure , the potential ventilation loss vs available land to install the GSHP loops.

We do a free quote service if you want to drop me a PM.

 

[Broch]

Probably just output that you’ll get.

Theoretically, you can get about 4 'units of energy' to every 1 unit of electrical energy used in the pump process (depending, of course, on the size and depth of the ground source). BUT, as TeeDee (our resident expert) says, that's not the whole equation.

 

[C_Claycomb]

I keep hearing bad things about air source heat pumps. Noise being the biggest issue and that older houses are not set up to work with the low temperature but continuous warm.