Greetings from South Wales

[Merms]

Hello All

Thought i'd start with a quick hello, to all the sane folk in Britain!
I'm a married mother of 3 young children, Self Employed and a stay at home mother and home schooler, life is hectic!

We live near Swansea, and are keen to start prepping,we just can't decide where to start. We just want to meet like minded people and make new friends and grow in a self sufficient independent lifestyle. Though living in a council estate has it's limit's!

Our family think we are bonkers, to even question anything and how safe we would be if 'SHTF'. And seem to think Tesco would save the day, and the government have it all under control :/

Anyway that's enough rambling, you'll notice I do it a lot! Hopefully Husband will join up as well.

Again hello, and look forward to speaking with you and exchanging ideas.

Merms x

[Oody]

Hello Merms,

Sorry you haven't had anyone comment/reply to your post yet. I guess it slipped by without anyone noticing I'm sure it wasn't intentional.

Congratulations first of all on the home education bit! I've been trying to tell my wife to get the girls out of mainstream school for some time now, but she's far more 'conventional' than me and not comfortable about anything that isn't familiar (as in 'what everyone else does' kind of thing). However, that said, she does respect my opinion and what I've long been saying, as it's all slowly coming true - albeit slower than expected. However, things WILL eventually crumble big time; and as things build momentum, it'll happen at an ever-increasing rate (like a roller coaster.

I had to laugh - that 'knowing' laugh - when you said your parents think Tesco will help them out WTSHTF. I sympathise ENTIRELY, as I've already been branded a weird dude by a few neighbours. I used to speak about how badly things economy were to them, but they just looked incredulously at me, and even would argue about it. I gave up in the end. But I know what'll happen when things to fall: they'll come cap in hand, tail between legs, saying 'how right you were; what do we do now?' kind of thing. I'll have to be careful I don't speak in 'I told you so' tones, without appearing smug. But hell, there is no way I'm going to spend too much time and effort on them, though I don't want to be too anti, as we'll all need each other sooner or later. But they'll have to EARN their respect and help, having poo-pooed me to date. Boy, I shall be spending much time and effort scavenging and foraging, with less time to spare when things DO get worse, so they can't expect me to drop everything and attend to their needs. Honestly, MOST people are, well 'sheeple', as they say. Idiots!

Anyway, welcome to the forum, and nice to make your acquaintance

[pseudonym]

Hello and welcome to the Forum.

[Panther]

Hi Merms,

Welcome to the forum.

In a time of relative calm and normality preppers are bound to be regarded as oddballs and eccentrics. If (or is that when?) things change and normal life is interrupted preppers will probably be regarded as wise visionaries.

I for one don't discuss my thoughts or especially my plans with either family or friends. It's not that I mind being ridiculed and laughed at, I just fear that word will spread to other people that I have stores of food and provisions. In a time of crisis I could then end up with a queue at my door begging for handouts, which would jeopardize my own survival prospects. Having said that, my OH obviously knows but doesn't mention it to anyone and also a like minded friend knows and is of the same mentality.

As to where you should start; well, just putting a couple of extra items into your shopping basket every week would be good, you'll be amazed how quickly it soon builds up. Bottles of water, tins of soup, meat, veg etc., are all useful things to have in reserve. Also, when you have a few quiet minutes, (with three young children?!!) sit and try to make a list of useful items that you might want to eventually collect.

Good luck. Don't worry, you've already taken the biggest and most important step by realizing you can't depend on the government (or Tesco!) in a crisis.

Regards, Panther

[tigs]

hello and welcome to the forum merms

[Welsh_Guy]

Hi and welcome

Lucky my wifes on board, hope your hubby understands why you do what you do, and gets on board.

Keep prepping and smiling

[bettersafethansorry]

My wife thinks i'm insane.... (could be right)

Never the less she supports every scheme and crackpot idea i come up with.

anyone else's spouse let them dig and build an 8ft bomb shelter in back garden.....

[Merms]

Thanks for the greetings folk's! Hope everyone is okay. Since the post we have made a little progress with water and food, which on a night like tonight makes me feel extra prepared. Hope your all safe and well x