Did our final big stock up trip to Aldi's and Dollar General yesterday and it was definitely apparent that folks here in So.Mo are getting it...talked with several people while shopping. Most people would admit to "just getting a few things ahead in case". People with 20 boxes of oatmeal in their carts are,probably not, planning on making alot of cookies !! The Christmas items were out everywhere--more than we've ever seen this early, but no one seemed to be buying.

-- MUTTI (mutti66@hotmail.com), November 17, 1999

Answers

Hello Mutti, Just thought I would pass this on. You know them Karts of leftover Halloween goodies, that you see at Dollar Gen, and other stores, well you can buy this stuff cheap, cheap. If you store it in quart jars, and keep it at a low temp it will last forever. I bought $2,000 worth of Easter goodies for $40.00 last spring. It took 50 cases of jars to store them, but some day a kid will love them. Also you can re-use them old drink bottles. I fill them with water, beans, rice, and bury them for safe keep (make a map to remember by). I vacuum seal the dry goods in them, but if you put a Bay leaf in the bottom it is just as well. These things will last for a thousand years underground, plus they are free!. I have stored over forty tons so far. Get it while it is cheap, for the good times won't last forever. Good luck, Walter.

-- Walter Bright (relief@coastalnet.com), November 17, 1999.

Walter, you really crack me up! 40 tons????????

-- FOX (ardrinc@aol.com), November 17, 1999.

I have been buying those juice drinks that come in a small box..with its own straw... I really like them... the orange juice from minute maid is wonderful.. 100 percent orange juice.. I have been taking them to work.. don;t have to worry about plastic jugs or cans...I have stocked quite a few ... they also have some at the Dollar General Store.. they are not the "juice", they are the different drinks.. I paid a dollar for a pakage of four.. good item to replace the cola's we now drink.. expiration date is good to.. into the summer of 2000....

-- good stuff (now is@the time.com), November 17, 1999.

Hey Fox, I'm serious I started this gig back in 93. Got burned out in 96, and started over again. My idea was to start a Y2K foster home type shelter for kids, but couldn't find any finanical support. So now I'm left with five tractor trailer loads of food, clothing, and other supplies. I lost some to the flood, but the vacuum packed jars floated around in the building. I am rinsing the jars in a solution of bleach, and water to sterilize them. I lost about a ton of flour, and two tons of sugar. I asked the FEMA for help to clean up and relocate, but you know big brother. They can help the sworn enemies of democracy, but a nonprofit group: forget it. I also have 300 plastic barrels of clothing, and blankets. If you know of anyone whom would like to start a group let me know. Sincerely, Walter. Ps. I've invested over $150,000 of my personal funds in this project, and will have another $30,000 in a few days.

-- Walter Bright (relief@coastalnet.com), November 19, 1999.

That is beautiful, Walter, just beautiful. I certainly couldn't undertake something like this, but I do so admire you and your supporters.

I hope the net is able to stay up. Even with your adequate preparations you may need something post y2k.

*New things to think about*

Got crayons?

-- Lilly (homesteader145@yahoo.com), November 19, 1999.

Why thank you very much Lilly. If more people had your attitude, and compassion, then this world would be, well a much different place. Walter.

-- Walter Bright (relief@coastalnet.com), November 19, 1999.

Walter: What a wonderful idea. If anybody has read Bud MacFarlane's book, "House of Gold," they will be able to see the practicality of your preparations. God bless you, and I hope you are able to make this work.

-- Liz Pavek (lizpavek@hotmail.com), November 21, 1999.