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Coronavirus

135

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  • Closed Accounts Posts: 1,049 ✭✭✭GinSoaked


    Looks good.

    One of my favourite jackets (I have too many) is an old Fjallraven, nearest one they still make is the No 8 Anorak https://www.bergfreunde.eu/fjaellraeven-anorak-no-8-casual-jacket/, couldn't afford to pay that but €5 in a charity shop was a steal. I like the G-1000 fabric, its tough, waterproof and you can still give it a really good hot wash in the washing machine but then you need to reproof it with their own brand wax, but its nothing like a Barbour wax. I think they have changed the G-1000 fabric over the years and there are various versions/weights but its still essentially a very good quality polycotton where the cotton will absorb the wax to make it waterproof.

    Off on a slightly different tack I've always fancied a Jerven https://www.jerven.com/jervenbag-export, apart from the price I'm put off a little by them all being dp camo.

    How we have got here from Coronavirus I don't know. Did some shopping today in and out of Lidl very quickly shop almost empty at 9am easy to keep a good distance from other people. Noticed new staff stocking shelves they also now have hand sanitiser on the way in but be nice to also have it on the way out.

    Doing a bit of gardening at the moment so after filling the car brim full with petrol (just in case) I filled up all my petrol cans (6gal total) so thats one more trip out I shouldn't need to make in a while. With lawn tractor, wood chipper, strimmer, chainsaw etc that should last me 2-3 months, its the lawn tractor that really drinks it and uses almost a gallon if I let the grass get long. The one thing I don't have is a generator, really don't need one but keep meaning to look into getting enough solar panels to charge batteries and USB devices.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 1,049 ✭✭✭GinSoaked


    So as of Midnight 27/03/2020 we really are in lock down and I was wondering what if any of your preps are helping you to "KEEP GOING sure IT'S GRAND".

    tbh apart from not socialising nothing much has changed here, we haven't eaten into any stored food supplies, I've rotated and replaced some of the older stuff and even built up stocks a little over that last few shops without any panic buying. Work in the garden is progressing well but a bit slower than hoped because I didn't realise quite how unfit I was.


  • Registered Users Posts: 3,088 ✭✭✭aaakev


    Like you we haven't touched the emergency supply of food and by chance I did a top up shop yesterday for some things we were running low on in the kitchen and stuff for the kids so no real need to leave the house for a week or so until we need some milk I'd say. That's the only thing really that we will run out of. If we went without that we could stay here a month or so with what we have

    I have a load of wood that needs cutting so that will keep me busy a few hours a day, this was planned for the summer months but may as well lash into it now and I'll get more after this thing is lifted for cutting in the summer so come September or October when when we start lighting the stove again I'll be way ahead of where I expected to be. also have a few projects around the house I could get working on.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 1,049 ✭✭✭GinSoaked


    One of the few things I did get was some UHT Milk, dated till sometime in August. Picked up a couple of cartons every time I've been out shopping over the last month so thats 8 stored so even milk is covered for a bit. I take milk in tea but not coffee and yes have plenty of tea and good coffee.


  • Registered Users Posts: 3,088 ✭✭✭aaakev


    Iv tried to get powdered milk but couldn't find it anywhere unfortunately.... I used to have it and used it when hiking, hunting and camping but never replaced it. We only moved into our house in September so getting all this stuff prepared was not even on my list of things to do until January when I saw things getting serious in china but I'm happy with where I am at now. I live in a small village in the country and the local shop is very well stocked all the time so not too worried about the every day essentials!


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  • Closed Accounts Posts: 1,049 ✭✭✭GinSoaked


    Dunnes used to do powdered milk but last time I looked was years ago. I know I can get "Marvel" easily enough in the UK but it seems rare here. I did have some stocks of it but when the date was well up (by about 3 years) I used it up and never replaced it. That would have been at a time when I was only drinking black coffee. Coffee compliment is handy for anyone that takes milk in coffee.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 22 u1navxomlkrjq7


    Soy Drink in Tesco is a good substitute for milk, doesn't need refrigeration till opened and usually dated about 9 months into the future


  • Registered Users Posts: 3,088 ✭✭✭aaakev


    The situation in Italy seems to be getting bad, this could easily happen over here in a few weeks. The snow in 2018 was a few days and that caused mayhem, this is shaping up to be a lot worse

    http://news.sky.com/story/coronavirus-italy-becoming-impatient-with-lockdown-and-social-unrest-is-brewing-11965122


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 1,049 ✭✭✭GinSoaked


    Soy Drink in Tesco is a good substitute for milk, doesn't need refrigeration till opened and usually dated about 9 months into the future

    I had some allergy or other so last year I went on a really restricted diet, I cut out milk and tried ALL those substitutes and they all tasted like crap. You'd need to be some sort of Martyr looking for Sainthood if you drank that stuff all the time. I think some of the old threads mentioned storing stuff that you actually like so that wouldn't be on my list. However if you do like the stuff then get a good store of it and rotate it. I not bothered one way or another about UHT milk I only use it in tea so it won't get wasted.

    Off on a couple of more divergent topics..........

    Hair - wtf am I going to look like in a couple or three months time if I don't get a hair cut soon? I'm lucky I'm old but still have loads of really thick hair on my head (just don't go looking for any on my chest) and I'm going to have to do something about it sooner rather than later. I was thinking of getting a good hair trimmer something like they use in a barbers anyone got a recommendation?

    Money - so the idea is to use a card to reduce the chance of transmission but should we still keep some extra cash on hand just in case.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 9,586 ✭✭✭ Clay Thundering Vanilla


    Soy Drink in Tesco is a good substitute for milk, doesn't need refrigeration till opened and usually dated about 9 months into the future
    Too much Soy drink may result in 'Soy Boy' syndrome. (messes with hormones), same goes for TeaTree oil and lavender in the hand sanatiser. Use Old Spice and Brut only for fragrance.

    Almond milk is a much better alternative, even better still is the dry powder UHT stuff for storage.


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  • Registered Users Posts: 3,088 ✭✭✭aaakev


    On the hair thing, I usually get the haircut max every 3 weeks because I have psoriasis and my head gets bad if my hair gets too long. Over 5 weeks since I got my haircut last so I got the clippers out last night and took it all off. I'll have a skin head until this is over


  • Registered Users Posts: 228 ✭✭jimmymal


    Hey all,
    Apologies if this has been a recently asked and answered topic but ...

    Are any of you aware of where I might pick up some gloves, masks and sanitizer online(most seem to come from china and theres generally a delay well into april or even early may)?
    Or if not locally(My locality is galway just in case you do)?
    Im a little on the lazy side of prepping so have some food stocks built up since the start of the February but thats about it, im hoping there'll be no need to worry too much about the supply lines but that may yet become an issue further down the line.
    Thanks in advance for any pointers.


  • Registered Users Posts: 6,574 ✭✭✭Feisar


    aaakev wrote: »
    On the hair thing, I usually get the haircut max every 3 weeks because I have psoriasis and my head gets bad if my hair gets too long. Over 5 weeks since I got my haircut last so I got the clippers out last night and took it all off. I'll have a skin head until this is over

    Samey same, herself skinned me last weekend, stuff grows like wildfire, due a trim again.

    First they came for the socialists...



  • Registered Users Posts: 3,088 ✭✭✭aaakev


    Had a productive day in lockdown today. Was going to buy a saw horse but decided to just make one today and got through some amount of wood in a few hours.

    Gonna build a chicken coop now that iv loads of free time, we go through a serious amount of eggs so chickens are a good idea! Kids will enjoy them too


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 1,049 ✭✭✭GinSoaked


    Chickens can be a mixed blessing saying that we have layers, fancy chicken, guinea fowl and quail. If you have the space like about 4 acres guinea fowl are good for a laugh.


  • Registered Users Posts: 3,088 ✭✭✭aaakev


    Na not that kind of space unfortunately but plenty for a coop down by the workshop and the chickens can have the run of the yard. The brother has about 15 chickens and as many ducks so said if I wanted a few he would we could take a few layers. Thinking I'll take him up on the offer for 2 reasons, free eggs and something to do!


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 1,049 ✭✭✭GinSoaked


    If you know a bit about chickens thats fine, people often take them on without realising what sort of work is needed and how much protection they need from foxes.


  • Registered Users Posts: 3,088 ✭✭✭aaakev


    GinSoaked wrote: »
    If you know a bit about chickens thats fine, people often take them on without realising what sort of work is needed and how much protection they need from foxes.
    Well covered on the protection side!

    Ah they will be a good addition here and as far as the work involved goes its just something else to keep me off the couch in the evening an on weekends


  • Registered Users Posts: 6,215 ✭✭✭khalessi




  • Moderators, Recreation & Hobbies Moderators, Sports Moderators Posts: 15,673 Mod ✭✭✭✭Tabnabs


    As you run short of branded cleaning products or don't want to venture, ordinary bleach (diluted) will work well as a replacement if the guidelines are followed.

    eg.
    https://www.info.gov.hk/info/sars/en/useofbleach.htm


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  • Registered Users Posts: 9,859 ✭✭✭tom1ie


    Hi all
    Just wondering what steps people are taking to be a bit more self sufficient and dare I say it “prepper” like?


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 9,586 ✭✭✭ Clay Thundering Vanilla


    tom1ie wrote: »
    Hi all
    Just wondering what steps people are taking to be a bit more self sufficient and dare I say it “prepper” like?
    There are SHTF threads, for quick soloutions https://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2056466228&page=71

    ...and other prepper type threads about the place (don't have the link), more of a full-time lifestlye thing

    ....also one on farming/growing: https://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2058061858

    Dec/Jan was the best time to get all neccessary items (did all the bulk shopping, and harder to source items back then).

    One of the real bargins was a few small coins for a single mixed packet of seeds, about 50 of each, and and a range of x12 items each, ranging from tomatoes, peppers, beans, kale, onion, raddish, bettroot, lettuce, carrots etc, all in the one pack. A small farm for less than the price of pint.

    If didn't have a huge dog and a cat about the place, a chicken run would be ideal, even just a singe eggs has a huge amount of nutrition in it.

    AFAIK some pet stores and possibly hardware/DIY places may still be open, but stock could be varied.


  • Registered Users Posts: 3,088 ✭✭✭aaakev


    tom1ie wrote: »
    Hi all
    Just wondering what steps people are taking to be a bit more self sufficient and dare I say it “prepper” like?
    Ever heard the saying "we're only 9 meals away from anarchy "?

    Food is a good place to start, store a little and go from there. Build up enough for your home for a week of stuff you use so if we had say another snow episode you wouldn't be panicking to get to the shop.

    How do you heat your house? Got a way to do it without power if we had a storm and the electric was gone a few days? Same with cooking and lighting. Have you a stove or fire? If so have you got some fuel stored or just go to the shop each time you run out?

    All this is "prepping" but its also just a good idea.

    As for being more self sufficient, you could grow your own vegetables, fruits, get some chickens, take up fishing or hunting as a hobby. All fun things.

    I'd say a lot of people are thinking about this at the moment


  • Registered Users Posts: 75 ✭✭GaryByrne


    GinSoaked wrote: »
    I had some allergy or other so last year I went on a really restricted diet, I cut out milk and tried ALL those substitutes and they all tasted like crap. You'd need to be some sort of Martyr looking for Sainthood if you drank that stuff all the time. I think some of the old threads mentioned storing stuff that you actually like so that wouldn't be on my list. However if you do like the stuff then get a good store of it and rotate it. I not bothered one way or another about UHT milk I only use it in tea so it won't get wasted.

    Off on a couple of more divergent topics..........

    Hair - wtf am I going to look like in a couple or three months time if I don't get a hair cut soon? I'm lucky I'm old but still have loads of really thick hair on my head (just don't go looking for any on my chest) and I'm going to have to do something about it sooner rather than later. I was thinking of getting a good hair trimmer something like they use in a barbers anyone got a recommendation?

    Money - so the idea is to use a card to reduce the chance of transmission but should we still keep some extra cash on hand just in case.

    I'm a barber myself I'd recommend a fairly standard clipper as you won't need one like in a shop, if it's just for yourself

    These are meant to be fairly decent for home cuts and they are far cheaper than forking out 100quid on a clipper.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 1,049 ✭✭✭GinSoaked


    tom1ie wrote: »
    Hi all
    Just wondering what steps people are taking to be a bit more self sufficient and dare I say it “prepper” like?

    tbh it looks like some of the posters here me included aren't doing anything much because thats the whole point of prepping.

    As I've mentioned before not much change here and we could live quite well without going to the shops for more than a month and didn't do any panic buying.

    Self sufficiency is one side of it. Very few people will be totally self sufficient. For me its more a case of having enough stocks to keep going until normality (whatever yours is) is restored. We've always had chickens (well it seems that way) and I've grown veg commercially but now only grow a few bits and pieces.

    I think this particular issue has had some of us thinking more deeply on how we'd survive if things got worse. I know for example that I don't have any really useful supplies of seed if the shops were shut and I really needed them so thats one area I might improve on. Some seeds keep quite well others are useless after a year. Running anything electrical would also be an issue (not being able to plug in power tools would be a pain) but we have plenty of sources of heat and light. Solar panels are now on a shorter finger. I'm also a heavy user of petrol in tools in the garden so I might increase my stock of Aspen fuel (expensive but it lasts about 5 years and longer if you are using it for heat and light - colman stoves/lamps) plus keep a larger amount and rotate the cans so I have about 3 months stock.

    But a lot of this stuff is stuff you need to learn, if you've never grown anything to eat in your life before this year would be a good time to start.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 1,049 ✭✭✭GinSoaked


    GaryByrne wrote: »
    I'm a barber myself I'd recommend a fairly standard clipper as you won't need one like in a shop, if it's just for yourself

    These are meant to be fairly decent for home cuts and they are far cheaper than forking out 100quid on a clipper.

    Thanks, I nearly bought these the other night Wahl Cordless Super Taper Pro Lithium 80 quid but by the time I checked if it was possible to replace the battery if and when it eventually failed they were sold out. Edit> I know I still need to fork out to by the combs.

    I've had several pairs of cheaper (£20-40) from Lidl's own brand (still using them) to Remington ones I use on my beard and I found them all terribly slow so thought I might treat myself.

    I like cordless for the beard because I can have a trim out in the yard and not bother to have to clear up :o


  • Registered Users Posts: 9,859 ✭✭✭tom1ie


    There are SHTF threads, for quick soloutions https://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2056466228&page=71

    ...and other prepper type threads about the place (don't have the link), more of a full-time lifestlye thing

    ....also one on farming/growing: https://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2058061858

    Dec/Jan was the best time to get all neccessary items (did all the bulk shopping, and harder to source items back then).

    One of the real bargins was a few small coins for a single mixed packet of seeds, about 50 of each, and and a range of x12 items each, ranging from tomatoes, peppers, beans, kale, onion, raddish, bettroot, lettuce, carrots etc, all in the one pack. A small farm for less than the price of pint.

    If didn't have a huge dog and a cat about the place, a chicken run would be ideal, even just a singe eggs has a huge amount of nutrition in it.

    AFAIK some pet stores and possibly hardware/DIY places may still be open, but stock could be varied.


    Yeah I bought a greenhouse from Lidl and a **** load of seeds. Gonna embark on the mittleider method of vegetable gardening.
    https://growfood.com/

    Next thing, but most importantly, is to build up a store of water. Thinking of getting stackable food grade 25L plastic cans for this, uv proof of course.

    I have a stove and a small supply of seasoned timber.

    Keeping Chickens are something we’ve been meaning to look into for a good while.

    Power storage/ generation is also on the list. Portable 100w panels plus something like the eco flow delta. I’d couple this up with an electric hot plate. I’ve got a 12v camping fridge I could use and run that off the eco flow.

    I’ve got a kelly kettle and a small propane camping stove also.
    I find YouTube channels like city prepper and LDS prepper are great sources of info.

    Thanks guys loving the advice and experience.


  • Registered Users Posts: 75 ✭✭GaryByrne


    GinSoaked wrote: »
    Thanks, I nearly bought these the other night Wahl Cordless Super Taper Pro Lithium 80 quid but by the time I checked if it was possible to replace the battery if and when it eventually failed they were sold out.

    I've had several pairs of cheaper (£20-40) from Lidl's own brand (still using them) to Remington ones I use on my beard and I found them all terribly slow so thought I might treat myself.

    I like cordless for the beard because I can have a trim out in the yard and not bother to have to clear up :o

    I would've thought those wahl super tapers came with a charger

    You don't need to replace batteries on any clipper I've ever used

    The above one I attached is a knock off version of the wahl magic clip which you'd see most barbers use

    Id recommend the wahl magic clip if money isn't an issue and you want a great clipper that'll last you


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 1,049 ✭✭✭GinSoaked


    GaryByrne wrote: »
    I would've thought those wahl super tapers came with a charger

    You don't need to replace batteries on any clipper I've ever used

    The above one I attached is a knock off version of the wahl magic clip which you'd see most barbers use

    Id recommend the wahl magic clip if money isn't an issue and you want a great clipper that'll last you

    The magic clip was top of my list but it was a shade to expensive think I was looking at 140 quid. I was looking at the batteries just in case as a couple of reviews said they only lasted the year.


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  • Registered Users Posts: 75 ✭✭GaryByrne


    GinSoaked wrote: »
    The magic clip was top of my list but it was a shade to expensive think I was looking at 140 quid. I was looking at the batteries just in case as a couple of reviews said they only lasted the year.

    I'd definitely go with the kemei then if I were you, cause they're meant to be ridiculously close to the magic clip

    And at 30quid that's the price of 2 haircuts

    I'm actually dreading the thought of having to cut my own hair ha so much for barbering being recession proof lol


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