[UselessEater]

$this->bbcode_second_pass_quote('Heineken', 'I')t's good that you are so honest, but it's frightening to see what the honesty consists of.

None of us is any better than you are, and eventually we'll all be in the same battered boat, one way or another, if we aren't there already.

No matter how terrible things get, I believe that there are some people who will always be there to hold out a helping hand, when it is asked for.

[Zel]

I think any practical skill would be useful. Cooking, sewing, weaving, canning and gardening are simple to learn and I'm amazed that so many people don't have a clue how to do any of them.

You seem to have handyman-type skills already. If you can repair bicycles and furniture or learn to make/fix shoes, that would be something to barter with. Maybe you could learn to make wine or beer. I haven't tried that (yet), but I know someone who makes her own mead without any trouble.

Ham radios may be the only form of communication at some point. You may be the only person in your area who can communicate with the outside world. That would make you a very valuable member of the community.

I think the best thing to do is try to hook up with as many peak oilers in your neighborhood as possible before the S HTF. There's safety in numbers and our personal relationships will be the most important things we have after we've lost so much of our current lifestyles. No one can do everything, but it sounds to me like you've already got quite a few marketable skills.

*Don't underestimate the importance of entertainment. Without iPods, YouTube, radio and TV, you and your guitar may be in high demand.

[vetusfirma]

There’s lots of ‘us’ around it seems. I think, and least for me, the physical disability has given me an edge. I don’t worry about myself, I concentrate on preps for my wife and my brother and sons, if they have to fall back on us.

One thing I would recommend for others who don’t have family available, get involved in community activities. If you volunteer at the hospital or senior center or church or any kind of civic organization, you will establish a circle of people who see the value in you and have a shared commitment to whatever projects you work on together. These then can become the people who could provide support for you in a special situation.

Everybody dies, so its just a matter of doing the best you can for people you care for, in the time you have. If you don’t have people you care for, you probably won’t have people caring about you.

[Ayoob]

$this->bbcode_second_pass_quote('UselessEater', '
')I know it's horseshit.

No one has ever replied.

[Heineken]

$this->bbcode_second_pass_quote('UselessEater', '')$this->bbcode_second_pass_quote('Heineken', 'I')t's good that you are so honest, but it's frightening to see what the honesty consists of.

None of us is any better than you are, and eventually we'll all be in the same battered boat, one way or another, if we aren't there already.

No matter how terrible things get, I believe that there are some people who will always be there to hold out a helping hand, when it is asked for.

[vision-master]

It may happen to you!
$this->bbcode_second_pass_quote('', '[')b]How many Americans become disabled?

According to U.S. census data, eighteen percent of the American population (at this point in time, that comes to 51 million citizens) has some form of disability with 12% having a severe disability.

I've probably seen similar figures before, but, still, the statistics are sobering. And, of course, not surprising. Aside from the fact that many accidents and impairments just happen, humans, like machines, wear out. And as we age, we become more susceptible to all sorts of illnesses and more susceptible to injury (due to bone thinning, slowed reflexes, and the chance factor: the longer you live the more likely it is that "something" will happen to you).

Disability, to some extent, and in one form or another, may be something that many of us have to look forward to. Literally. According to an article published on foxnews.com, "One in seven workers will be disabled for more than five years."

[Ludi]

$this->bbcode_second_pass_quote('n6xf', ' ')For example, one person mentioned building ramps. That's something I am going to have to do myself. Anyone got some tips on building ramps?

[patience]

n6xf,

My wife was partially disabled with Multiple Sclerosis for some years, until we found effective nutritional therapies. I know what's involved. Her sister had a much worse time of it and was totally disabled, where we learned about ramps, electric scooters, and other things.

That said, My wife is fully functional, but limited in her ability to do physical work. We own a small farm repair shop that my daughter and I operate, and my wife does the accounting and office functions part time after her day job at the Census Bureau, where she found many employees that are disabled to various degrees. We have worked out who does what the best, and get along admirably. Her mind is worth far more than physical labor, and makes us money.

I would suggest you first look at the opportunities for govt employment, as a current income thing, if you think that applies to you. If not, then with your background, it sounds like there is a vast amount of knowledge of electrical systems you have to teach. There is a current dearth of qualified people to consult about solar electric systems, where you may find application for your abilities.

In any scenario, you will, like ALL THE REST OF US, need other people to get along. Choose the people carefully, use what you have, and exploit what you know, as others have said here.

Any good carpenter can build wooden ramps. More expensive, but worth it, are poured concrete ramps, which are particularly good for entrances to garage, patios, and sidewalks. Determine the % slope you can deal with, and some math tells you how long it has to be for a given situation. Handrails of metal pipe are most durable, and are often done using chain link fence components at reasonable cost.

I'm not disabled, but I'm getting old. I share some concern about the future. But it will be over when I'm damned well ready for it to be, okay? And not before.

[n6xf]

Lupi, thanks for the ramp info. I have a garden idea for you. It is called the KEYHOLE GARDEN, and I think the design is very good for folks with limited mobility and strength to build and use.

It includes an outer curb or wall that retains soil to an elivated level making it easier for folks that are sitting down to have easier access to the growing area.

The basic concept is pretty neat. The garden has a compost bin at the center that provides most of the nurishment for the plants. The soil slopes down from the center around the compost bin so that water and the nutrients from the compost bin uses gravity to distribute nutrients.

There is a pathway leading into the circle to the compost bin to make adding fresh compost materials easier.. When viewed from above, it resembles a drawing of a keyhole. The outer perimiter is buit up about 18 inches or so with stone to hold the soil. The ones I saw were about 10 to 12 foot in diameter.

Everyday food garbage and animal waste were some of the things that went into the centeral compost pile along with grass clippings. I think some ashes are thrown in as well.

A google search will probably lead you right to the same articals I saw. I hope you enjoy the idea, I will follow up with a link if anyone has a problem finding the information.

Don't be surprised if you find something like "invite a cow to lunch" I think that was a program name used in Africa that was set up to demonstrate the consept to school age children who were given assistance in building these gardens in their villages. chuck

[Ludi]

$this->bbcode_second_pass_quote('n6xf', ' ')I have a garden idea for you. It is called the KEYHOLE GARDEN, and I think the design is very good for folks with limited mobility and strength to build and use.

[n6xf]

Hi Patience, great post. I have recently started thinking about the value of natural plant medicines. My joint pain for example is probably treated with something better than the drugs the VA tried to give me. I never took the medicine they prescribed for the pain as I don't like pain pills of any kind.

Well, I have to say that I started this post as much to offer help as well as ask for it. I guess that's because I wonder where I would be if I hadn't been so courious about things. I have spent years expirementing with low-cost hydroponic systems, and recently some non hydro growers. www.hydroprojects.homestead.com

I also managed to get a decent shallow water skiff for fishing, and managed to complete a US Coast guard licensing course (OUPV). But I am living in a high density area where things are already rough on the streets. I just applied for my concealed carry permit because I am a target when ever I am limping around while out on the streets. For example, lots of attacks here in the parking lots of stores and malls.

So, if I can help with information about things related to communications, emergency power, growing food (on a small scale), or even how to play a guitar or a harmonica, I'm ready to share.

The problems I am facing and will need some support include things like weather. I live in a trailer. Hurricane season is here already. Any ideas? One thing that I have already done is to rent a storage facility where I can stash my music equipment when it comes time to evacuate. If I could find a safer place to live, I would. Weight control is another. I am working on it, but I am still 50 pounds overweight.

I may be breaking some rules here, I don't know. But I found a free forum site and set up a disabled folks place to meet and chat about anything related to improving survival conditions during a rough period. http://www.disabledfolksinachangingworld.lefora.com/

If you get a chance, drop by and help give the idea a chance to develope. I see it as a way for me and others to form some support networks. As they say, two heads are better than one.

Thanks to all of the responders to this topic. chuck

[Jenab6]

This is a very important subject, since disabilities could happen to any of us. I doubt that there's a good plan for any disabled person who does not have relatives, or very good friends, willing to care for him or her. If I fell off my roof and broke my back, I'd probably die before any help arrived. I live alone in a very secluded cabin.

So probably the nearest thing to a solution to the problem of disability, far post-peak, is stoicism. Remember that an ancient Roman once observed that the goal of each man should not be to live as long as he can, but only as long as he should. We all gotta go sometime, and if the future seems bleak enough, the prospects dim enough, today might indeed be a good day to die. There's a poem by Rudyard Kipling on this very subject.

When you're wounded and left on Afghanistan's plains
And the women come out to cut up what remains
Just roll to your rifle and blow out your brains
And go to your God like a soldier

(Note to moderators: I'm not advocating murder here, so tell whichever whiny complainer had a problem with my last post to keep himself continent, or at least reasonably clean.)

I hope that I don't have to take this advice, but I personally will save my last 00 buck shell for myself, just in case.

[vision-master]

What if one has a physiological disability? One that's maybe goes into remission at times?

[n6xf]

Now you have it vision master. A person who is subject to bouts of parinoia, or depression should reach out to establish a support plan to help during the dark times. While I am not very expirenced with emotional support techniques, there are most likely folks around here that have knowledge and expirence with respect to positive and successful support options. The hard part is getting a forum to begin the work. I must confess that I am getting a bit tired of the " just go away and die" or the "I'd just kill myself if I'm ever disabled" posts. That's why folks with disabilities should have a special place to communicate needs and concerns. Who needs to hear all of that negitive crap when we are all here for positive reasons? People used to think more before they offered up their wisdom. I still beleive that a lot of positive things can be discussed regarding issues unique to folks with all kinds of disabilities including emotional issues. I have heard that there are herbal remedys for some emotional problems. What you going to do if reading glasses become hard to get? Did you know that "in the old days", folks could wear something with very tiny holes over their eyes to correct vision? If you have ever seen a pair of glasses for the blind to cover their eyes, they are usualy painted black. Now immagine the black lens shaped metal plates are covered with tiny holes. I saw these a long time ago and if I ever have to, I could make them. Maybe you can to now. I'm not real great with spelling or descriptions, but I try. So, if you are disabled and have some concerns on how to get ready for tough times, don't let the selfish whiney mad at everybody boobs get you down. Being disabled doesn't mean you don't have just as much right to go for it as anyone. Let's keep it going. The ranters will go away after a while when their petty platitudes have no effect. chuck

[coyote]

Chronic tendonitis, here. Anyplace the motions get too repetitive for too long, but especially wrists, shoulders, hamstrings, feet. Difficult to describe just what this is like; but I had to give up my earlier (much loved) career because of it. It's been a dominant factor in my adult life.

I've gone on an unusual prep route because of it. I can garden, but I know I can't be a farmer or take care of any large homestead property. I'd last about four days. So yes, I'm casting my lot with suburbia/small city. It's the only place I can make it.

For those with physical difficulties, think a lot longer and harder about possibilities for yourselves for the future. It took me about two years to figure out my path. Ultimately we're in the same boat as everyone else. Prep as one can, then cast it to the winds and see what happens!

[n6xf]

Nice post coyote. That's exacactly what happened to me. I was making a good living but had to retire at 62 because of the problem. I have a lot of containers that I garden in. They are self-watering and simular to the earth box except that it is a lot cheaper to make than buy. Someone once told me that bee stings releive the joint pain for a while. I haven't tried it yet. This was passed on to me by a bee keeper who had people come to him on a regular basis for the stings. I too am sticking with the city for as long as possible. I do pay $50 bucks a month to store an old motor home as an ace in the hole in case my trailer gets blown away. Nice thing about florida is that I can grow year round. Here's a link to the growers. chuck
http://www.emergencyfoodgrowing.homestead.com

[Ludi]

My favorite book for natural (plant based) medicines and healing foods is "The Green Pharmacy" by Jim Duke.

Here is Duke's database:

http://www.ars-grin.gov/duke/

It takes much more discipline to use foods and plants to treat illness than just to take a pill. I have not been successful at it so far. But it is worthwhile I think to learn about them and to grow as many as possible, on the chance one will need to rely on them.

[vision-master]

$this->bbcode_second_pass_quote('Ludi', 'M')y favorite book for natural (plant based) medicines and healing foods is "The Green Pharmacy" by Jim Duke.

Here is Duke's database:

http://www.ars-grin.gov/duke/

It takes much more discipline to use foods and plants to treat illness than just to take a pill. I have not been successful at it so far. But it is worthwhile I think to learn about them and to grow as many as possible, on the chance one will need to rely on them.

[Ludi]

$this->bbcode_second_pass_quote('vision-master', '
')Wrong herbs!

[n6xf]

Thank you so much Ludi. I am going to make a place for medicinal plants and herbs. I don't know how well I'll do either employing the information. But I am in the process of building a small hydro system. I picked up the parts today. Very inexpensive. It is a waist high trough made by cutting a pvc coragated panel in two length wise to make two 8ft foot X 13 inch wide peices. These are tacked to a wood frame that has two parallel runs spaced 8 inches from each other. When the PVC material is tacked into place, it forms a trough 8 inches wide, and about 6 inches deep. Actualy it will be trimed to 12 foot long. One end is lowered so that the neutrients will flow down hill to the nutrient tank where a small pond pump sends the nutrients back to the high end for another cycle. The growing medium is gravel. I made one simular some years ago and it worked very well. Its cheap as well. I will be posting pictures of the construction and operation soon on www.hydroprojects.homestead.com. It is especially nice for wheelchair folks because you can roll the chair to the point where your legs are under it, and it is not too wide to make reaching everything difficult. The previous model was much wider, 5 foot or so, but now that I'm in a trailer court, I expect the CAM manager to make me take it down if it's too large. Unfortunatly I live right next door to the president of the board who hates people with hair. She's gone now for the summer, but unfortunatly they come back every winter. Sorry for the long winded reply, but I want to take every opportunity to share things that I have developed especially for folks like me who have to be off their feet most of the time. chuck