Our 2018 Prep Goals

And on we go to the new list :)

There are a couple reasons we are pushing our revamping and preps along quickly. One, is that I work 4 jobs, I have a full time job that pays fairly well, and then the 3 Etsy shops. The B&M Mom & Pop store I work for has been around for almost 90 years. It has seen 3 generations, but their grandkids are not interested in taking it over. So, the shop will be closing most likely within the year. They are really amazing people, and while I will be sad to see it close, the owner lost his wife last year and is himself in his mid 70s. He should not have to work so much forever.

So that gives me a deadline, at which point my income will drop drastically and I would like to be sure we are all set for the things to come before then. I would like to focus more on the Etsy shops and not take a random job somewhere if I can avoid it.

The second reason, is that no matter what happens to the world economy, our jobs, grand solar minimum, natural disasters etc...we would like to be set so these things don't have much effect on us...or as little as possible.

Anyways, on to The 2018 Goals

• First we need a new-er truck, because the little trooper we have may not make it until spring.
• We are hoping to replace all of the old and dying appliances, fridge, water heater, oven, sink
• Adding some solar
• Adding a Cubic Grizzly wood stove
• Some oil lamps
• We Need to make candles this year
• A small roof mounted weather station would be nice (possibly should be in the dream on list, but I like to dream :)
• We need to finish the flooring and revamp the bathroom and the rest of the kitchen

That would pretty much finish up everything that Needs to be done for the RV...anything beyond would really be extras.

Food Prep and Storage

• I would really like to get our grains up to a 5 or 10 year rotation (I am concerned about crop loss and damage with the grand solar minimum)
• Adding to our other food and seed storage as well
• Our goal is to reach the point where even living in an RV, we do not need to go to a grocery store, or rely on them being there
• Finding a way/place indoors here to grow herbs and some greens, and maybe more. I am thinking some soil pots and some mini hydro gardening
• Setting up a sprouting space
• Adding more canning jars, and at least a 2 year supply of lids (I do cheat and reuse lids that still have good seals)
• Adding a new Berkey (our youngest has the old one)
• Adding to the medical and hygiene storage

Things to learn

• I need to update my first aid/CPR card, but would like to take an EMT course as well, if I have time
• Soap making...I know the basics, but would like to learn it well
• Weaving, Spinning...two things I never did learn
• Making wool hooked rugs. I used to help some of the grandmothers, but need to figure out a folding loom, collect wool fabric to cut into strips, and get plenty of burlap. These rugs are beautiful and can last for 100 years.
• Knife making for Nyai

I am not sure how many of the new things to learn we will get to in 2018, but I hope at least the soap making, and getting set up for rug hooking. It would be nice to be able to make a rug if the floors are cold...and a good trade item.

We may add on to the list as the year moves along, but I think this along with saving for a bit of land will keep us busy as is ;) I will do progress updates along the way.

Thanks for reading, I hope you enjoyed, and maybe found it helpful...

This is a Steemit original, all words and photos by Elew