Now that we are coming down to the wire, how many here are, for all intents and purposes, "done" preparing? (I don't mean that you AREN'T going to get anything else, but rather that you are pretty well able to go "as is")

The reason i ask is because it seems that many here and elsewhere,seem to be just "waiting" now to see what comes our way.

As for myself, I have done what i can, and all that is left is filling up those little "holes" in my supplies that i have been waiting to go on sale. (Like THAT'S gonna happen!!!) :)

So, fess up! Who here is just "biding their time"?

-- DavePrime (the_tv_guy@hotmail.com), October 28, 1999

Answers

I'm done. I've gone about as far as my spouse will allow me. Maybe a few more items from the grocery each week until the roll-over, but nothing significant. I might be prepped for a 2-4 scenario. The preps give me some security from winter storms, etc. Sure hope the pollys are right this time!

-- Jeff (jeff@hungry.soon), October 28, 1999.

The Hungarian and I are off to Big Lots this morning. BL has flannel sheet sets at a good price! Even without concerns about Y2K I would buy these sheets--nothing like snuggling into cosy flannel on a chilly night. Domestications (on the Web somewhere) also has flannel stuff on sale--and their good Egyptian cotton flannel is an excellent buy--just got delivery on a set, good value.

Mostly what I have left to buy are short shelf-life items, like mayo, long-life (shelf-stable) milk, things of that sort. And more cat litter. You can never have enough.

I've got plenty of the crucial stuff--coffee, tea, cat food, toilet paper, the usual. It's a comforting feeling, looking at this stuff and knowing we're set for anything from a "bad winter storm" to several months of disruptions. I'd like to have a little more, but then wouldn't we all?

-- Old Git (anon@spamproblems.com), October 28, 1999.

We are done. (No one is ever REALLY done, are they?)

We have no more MAJOR expences, have done the solar thing, have a small farm, plenty of food, well, meat on hoof, meds, seeds, tools, and books/knowlage. Some of these things we already had, but some were y2k related.

We will be OK, I hope.

-- bulldog (sniffin@around.com), October 28, 1999.

Done. Well, except for those last minute items and more cat food and litter! Time to fill the water containers!!!

-- Libby Alexander (libbyalex@aol.com), October 28, 1999.

I'll keep piling it up until the lines form. I don't care for all that bickering,pushing,shoving,cheating in line,etc.......

-- kevin (innxxs@mailexcite.com), October 28, 1999.

Finished as much as possible (read: as much as I can afford). And so far as I can see, all my "excessive stockpiling/hoarding" (ha!) didn't even put a DENT in the supply lines, the local bank didn't close, DROOY is still open, and there's still LOTS of ammunition available at Wally World. I feel relieved that I apparently didn't cause the collapse of civilization.

-- I'm Here, I'm There (I'm Everywhere@so.beware), October 28, 1999.

Basically done. Will continue the 'extras' on regular shopping trips. Got a line on some more 'free' firewood this weekend. If it checks out, this will be for my parents, in-laws and if I can swing it, maybe some for Old Git (no promises, but I'll see what I can do).

Bought dog and cat food this past weekend, need chicken feed and straw. Want to replace H20 supply and have the oldest stored H2O tested.

-- BH (silentvoice@pobox.com), October 28, 1999.

I'm with Kevin in that I'm done but I still continue to pick up items and will do so until the lines are to long. Then I'll just kick back and watch the madness. I keep finding high caloric low priced items that I just cannot resist.

OG, I have flannel sheets but my girlfriend insists on putting them on for the winter. Perhaps the flannel will come in handy this year or next..

-- y2k dave (xsdaa111@hotmail.com), October 28, 1999.

Done.

At the same time, what is considered "done" by one might not be so as considered by another. In my own case, I could not really begin my preparations until I had a suitable place to do so, thus my re-location from around Washington, D.C. to Northwest Arkansas earlier this year. Someone else may consider themselves Y2K-OK if they have two large jars of peanut butter stored in their New York City highrise.

64 days.

-- Jack (jsprat@eld.~net), October 28, 1999.

pretty much. just gotta get some kerosene and put up my solar lights. for you folks putting away dry pet food--freeze it first to kill those crawly things, then store it in good containers to prevent further infestation by bugs. i had just set some aside in the original containers from the store and got bugs. ish.

-- tt (cuddluppy@yahoo.com), October 28, 1999.

You can only be "done" relative to the intensity number for which you prepair.If you expect an "8-10" preps can't be "finished".I won't have enough prepped for the doom scenario I expect.

-- zoobie (!zoobiezoob@yahoo.com), October 28, 1999.

Done. Waiting. Filling the water containers--tons of 2 liter bottles, four 55 gallon drums and three huge water bags. Not bad for a small lot in the suburbs. We still pick up anywhere from $100 to $350 worth of extra food and supplies every paycheck (2 a month from hubby, 1 a month from me). If things get icky-looking, we will back off and watch. We are probably prepared for up to an 8. Possibly a 10, but haven't figured out long-term employment/food source issue in that scenario (I think that is one that would have to be figured out as it unfolded.)

Have been prepping since January of 1998. Went through MAJOR Y2K fatigue from April to August of this year and bought nothing, stopped all preparations and bought things like pretty curtains, movies on videotape, home decor stuff, nice clothes. Came back to our senses in September and did full inventory.

-- preparing (preparing@home.com), October 28, 1999.

Ready (I think!) for a three month disruption. Beyond that, I'll be just as dead as most everyone else.

-- Pearlie Sweetcake (storestuff@home.now), October 28, 1999.

I heard on the weather channel last night that this winter could be the worst in decades. I live in California and can remember the flooding a couple years back and the Loma Prieta earthquake. With my preps, I am ready for anything except a nuclear attack. Don't care to live anyway if that's the scenario. I have spent money only on food, fuel, soap, and TP. I don't have anything fancy like a generator, solar panels, etc. Most of my supplies have been bought very cheaply so I'm not into it for very much, maybe $800.00 max. As for being done, if I see TP on sale, I buy it.

-- bardou (bardou@baloney.com), October 28, 1999.

bardou, Couple nights ago on TV they said this would be the mildest winter in years here in North Texas. Due to La Nina...

Go figure... Guess they just can't make up their minds... Plus, last year we did not really have a winter here.... Lot's of Mosquitos this year....

-- STFrancis (STFrancis@heaven.com), October 28, 1999.

Yes, it's starting to come to the end of the wire. Just been collecting water, food, and preps since May 1998, sometimes on a daily basis during my lunch hour. I'm no longer stressed that we don't have enough provisions set a side, it's just holding onto this stuff when a DGT finally GI and your thinking in your head how is this 80 year old who spent months in denial wants you to provide for them as well, you say very little, like let me help you in your survivial plan, sorry but I just don't have the energy, time to start all over and doit in 2 months, so I start offering the canned sternos w/the holderthat took me 4 months to order, throw in the peaches, hash,beef, chicken, tuna, corn, peas because I can easily replace this stuff right now, no problem. It's the phone call the next day saying how am I going to keep warm? Wear plenty of warm clothes is my answer, well that's not going to be good enough for an 80 year old who didn't want me to bother w/all of this a year ago, and who wanted to stay in S.F., becuase they are set in their way, all I can say is OH WELL! My husband, 6 and 8 year olds come first now in my mind, the last items to get are shoes, under clothes 2-3 times their now size, is the last item of concern on my list right now.

-- Judy (dodgeball@done.com), October 28, 1999.

We are are basically done. All priority 1 items complete. Most priority 2 items done. Priority 3 items (the 'wouldn't it be nice if...') have remained on the back burner. A few of these may get done. If not, so be it.

We feel we are prepared to do well in any outcome ranging from a 0 to a 5-6. Beyond that, things become much more questionable.

While we acknowledge the possibility for things to become worse than what we've prepared for, we have not 'bet the farm' on a more severe outcome. Why? Two reasons: First and foremost we think that a full- blown meltdown scenario is unlikely, though we anticipate a great many inconveniences and at least a few more serious incidents. Second, there simply was not time for us to adequetly prepared for anything more serious without 'betting the farm'.

In the event that Y2K gets no worse than it already has, (i.e. primarily an economic impact), we will be fine. We feel that our approach to preparing has covered the broadest possible spread of the most likely outcomes.

In short, we have prepared for moderate event and will be fine if it is anything less. On the other hand, should events take us beyond a "6", we will have a much tougher time.

The fact the majority of our population has decided to ignore the potential risk of Y2K is not very encouraging - but I'm willing to admit that they could be right. I just don't want to bet my family's safety on what I percieve to be a lack of willingness by most to look at this issue seriously.

-- Arnie Rimmer (Arnie_Rimmer@usa.net), October 28, 1999.

Folks, I think the proper term is "on track" since we seem to be "basically, almost, 95%" there. I consider myself done (with "exceptions"), like those things I intended to put off closer to the rollover - filling the water and gas containers; stocking tomato and milk products.

The biggest part of my preps in both time and $ wouldn't immediately appear to be Y2K-related, and included replacing my roof and other home repairs and selling of my parents home and moving them in with me. Since these are now behind me and I have a full pantry of supplies, I feel the most important preps have been accomplished.

I suspect there will be things I will do between now and rollover which I had decided to forego but change my mind because sometimes that is so therapeutic. Like just one more trip to the wholesale club. Ordered KI yesterday; hadn't intended to but it was cheap (stocking stuffers, perhaps?).

I'm also using y2k as an excuse to get my paperwork in order, including estate planning. Might as well take advantage of a relatively non-procrastinating frame of mind. I'll feel better if I wrap all of that up by the end of the year, but I don't see it as being critical.

Also, my XMAS shopping is virtually complete ("except" for anything else I might pick up).

There is still equipment or work-arounds I need to test, so I hope I don't bide too much time.

-- Brooks (brooksbie@hotmail.com), October 28, 1999.

Done ? Anybody's guess. We've paid off the credit cards,pantrys stocked for 6mos. plus, seeds gathered for next years garden and the freezers full. Will top off the fuel storage tanks and propane befor the holidays. We just got our first taste of winter, here in South Central Alaska,2 1/2 ft. of fresh snow. Last minute things include filling the water barrels and buying the last minute things, like potatoes, eggs , etc..... Still need to sort out the barter items we've stashed away, but thats a good stormy-day project..Good luck to all...

-- Capt. Dennis (capden@hotmail.com), October 28, 1999.

All I'm missing is a 50lb bag of coffee beans. and kerosene and propane.

-- lisa (lisa@work.now), October 28, 1999.

Got Ed's book on 5/31, so got late start, but have been running like crazy ever since to prep. Not done because it takes money to prep, and can only do it as I get a paycheck, due to circumstances. So...have yet to do some vital things and keep hoping I can make it at least somewhat more before rollover.

-- Elaine Seavey (Gods1sheep@aol.com), October 28, 1999.

Pretty much done, except for a few odds & ends like buying some new winter clothes, filling up the water and gas tanks, etc.

Like "prepared", I went through major burnout/depression from May through September (I didn't catch it quite so soon). I'm finally coming out of it and trying to get back on track with work, exercise, etc.

Lately, I've been feeling really glad I prepared, and haven't been too stressed about Y2K anymore, even when I hear or read potentially bad news.

-- Clyde (clydeblalock@hotmail.com), October 28, 1999.

Got four pair of shoes yesterday and a new pillow. There's plenty we could use. My sister is not moving on what she should be. I have said plainly, every day, that I will not supply her with cash come the new year, she has to set her own cash aside. She is waiting. For what? I will say it again today. I tell her that and to get the cat his food and litter. She hears me...but she doesn't move... I have paid for all the food, water filters, house rent... No cash on 1/1. Sorry. No will do.

-- Mara (MaraWayne@aol.com), October 28, 1999.

Done with spending any significant $$$$. Ran into a snag (thank God it was now and not later!), have prepped the bug out camper and was filling with water yesterday when I discovered a leak in the water tank or line (not sure which). Went to the local RV repair shop immediately, and they were going to take me in a MONTH! noooooo. I contacted a friend who is buddies with the RV guy and got repairs moved up to this Saturday (whew!). So I suppose you could say I am in the major testing phase now.

-- Sammie (sammiex0@hotmail.com), October 28, 1999.

Every day I think I am done I find something else I just buy for the heck of it. Today I went to Home Depot and they had the usual bunch of Kerosene heaters and I walked by them but just off to the side was a bunch of heater wicks in plastic bags. I went through all of them and none of them were for the actual heater they had (Kero-Sun 105) and I was about to walk away and saw a wick on the floor in between two items and VOILA, it was the correct wick for the heater (220 or something like that).

I just buy things that catch my eye and get me thinking it would be good to have in a emergency.

-- hamster (hamster@mycage.com), October 28, 1999.

92% done, just like the government... I am pretty much done, but have a list of what to do by when in terms of car service, dentist appointments, filling water containers, and giving the house a really good cleaning on the last week of the month. The prep forum (I just found it--some of us are slow), has some great ideas I had not thought of, so I will continue to do drips and drabs more as the budget allows.

One thing I am going to do this weekened is buy some colored dots and go through my pantry inventory and mark food. If preparation is going to become a way of life for me and it should, it makes sense to have an idea how long something has been on the shelf. Five-year old canned pineapple is edible, but leaves something to be desired in terms of taste and color.

-- Nancy (wellsnl@hotmail.com), October 28, 1999.

I'll never be done in one sense because I will never go back to JIT shopping for anything major like food. shopping is now something I have a lot more control over, because I buy when and where I want to, hit the sales, no pressure.

We thought we were done until we decided tomove to Alaska next month. We are taking all our preps ( will refill water) and have a short list of things to do at that end. Our friends up there will help us out from that end.

What the heck, here goes another adventure!

-- seraphima (seraphima@aol.com), October 28, 1999.

Ready to Go AS-IS for 2 households for at least 3 months. probably 6 by the time I'm done. Food is good for at least a Year for the 2 Houses though.

Big Iron went in last year and has been tested (Trace Inverter and Batteries and NG/LPG generator to recharge the batteries)

50 buckets of stuff argon-packed.

Non-perishable items purchased, as much as could reasonably store, plus spares for all cars, like spare plugs, filters, 12 cases of oil, brake pads, lamps etc. They'll all get used. Plus I bought a lot of spares for normal things we run out of, just so I don't have to go to the store to get it if its a gradual meltdown, like vacuum bags and belts, carpet cleaner, lots of xtra crayons and paper and stickers and stuff to make and do for the grandkids.

got the wife used to my buying a lot of bulk items by starting last year. Now she doesn't really notice when I come home with a PILE of stuff.

Have alternate sources of electricity, can heat with NG, LPG, kerosene (sorry, no wood stove).

have alternate sources of cooking and ready to eat out of the can foods for a lot of people.

Giveaways, like lanterns, candy, firewood (!), more giveaways to buy, but they are sorta last on my list.

Given my situation, the best I can do is help soften the blows. Help ease the bad times. I don't have the cure.

-- plonk! (realaddress@hotmail.com), October 28, 1999.

Done? Was done three years ago. Don't have a damn thing really but what is stored in my head. Either I can make it, or I can't on that and that alone. Had my weapons when I was thirty, I am now 48. Still smoke, still drink. Still hate to believe it is coming.

The more I think about it the more I am a 6+. I figure as have said elsewhere. "Go primative early." Get there, be there, be done with it.

Take compass, topo, snares, .410, and other little nicetys like matches, clorox, canteens, sleeping bags, and couple pair boots. Hoof it to where you want to be and then pray.

The idea that we will be able to weather the "slippery slope" for two maybe three years is not reasonable. It just isn't.

-- (...@.......), October 28, 1999.

Let me be more concise. You are prepping for a sudden down turn. The nebulous "they" will not allow a sudden downturn to happen. What I submit for your consideration is that during the coming year, you will still be working at your jobs. You will still be a part of the system, you will have to endure a "gradual" slippery slope. At some point you may decide that the line has been crossed and it is time to "hunker down" but "they" don't intend to let you do that. They will keep the system alive just enough to give you hope. You neighbors will be going to work, earning a living, and you will be burning precious supplies. Since that is not reasonable, most will continue on as if nothing happened. Working and trying to figure when to just dump the system and go into "fortress" mode. "Fortress" mode won't buy you anything because "they" (whomever that is) are not going to allow "fortress mode" to work. They will surround your castle (in a manner of speaking and not actually) and draw you out into the work place because your resources are finite, while time is on their side. At some point you will be worn down and unable to continue the fight, then absorbtion.....

-- (...@.......), October 28, 1999.

Done, I'm never done. Still we're in pretty good shape if the hammer fell tomorrow....

I'll be prepping as long as I can. Have most food stocks in now (need more yeast, soy flour, spagetti and lentils). Will take advantage of any furthur sales. Have good medical stocks but still need a bit more bandages and a few litres of saline solution (for wound cleaning) and a few more packs of suture material. Getting new tires tomorrow (no interest or need to "bug out" I think but....). Putting in another 100 gallons of gas and looking to buy a small motorcycle (fuel conservation). Am buying books (Where there is no Doctor, no Dentist), just bought the 99 PDR and just placed an order for antibiotics. Should have all my NBC gear in within the week so we're pretty much set. Getting my windplant up next week and buying a couple more L-16 batts for the solar system.

Lots of other "refinements" on the list, I'll be at it for a while. Done? no...guess not.....DCK

-- Don Kulha (dkulha@vom.com), October 29, 1999.