tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7003348645601520194.post439066317178530966..comments2023-10-21T16:38:35.007-05:00Comments on Thoughts from Frank and Fern: When There Is No Toilet PaperFrank and Fernhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15570058990887565563noreply@blogger.comBlogger45125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7003348645601520194.post-90895138758305079602015-01-16T08:53:51.621-06:002015-01-16T08:53:51.621-06:00It sits in my ATTIC. Oh, why do we post before our...It sits in my ATTIC. Oh, why do we post before our first gallon of coffee?!!!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7003348645601520194.post-88276245169684318482015-01-16T07:24:12.716-06:002015-01-16T07:24:12.716-06:00Hello, all! Pat R here. Just joining the conversa...Hello, all! Pat R here. Just joining the conversation. A friend (a GOOD friend!) shared your site with me. You can get these "potty chairs" fairly inexpensively at second hand shops, yard sales, and flea markets; they're not that hard to come by. I got one for $2.00! That's all they wanted for it. It sits in my attack, awaiting the day it is needed. <br /><br />About those antique chamber pots...as an antique dealer, that is probably NOT your best solution. Porcelain, like glass (and most things) DOES deteriorate over time. It may not last long when you try to press it into service. Even a newer one, which you can find, will be subject to breakage - and, then what? The porcelain chamber pots are still available if you keep an eye out - your local hardware store, perhaps? It is my opinion that these are probably a better option. Better still? Just get the plastic buckets and the seat made for them from your favorite online supplier. I know Emergency Essentials sells them (beprepared.com), but probably so do a lot of other sellers.<br /><br />And, then, there's the mountain system. Yes, you can just put in a standard outhouse, and most people will probably need to do that. But, you can also be ready to install a mountain septic system. Get 3-4 of the 55-gallon heavy plastic drums; they're available from craigslist sellers just about everywhere, it seems; Use a round drill bit to drill holes, 2 in each, directly across from each other, near the top. I'm talking about a circle big enough to accommodate your PVC pipe. But you also need a couple of small hole at bottom of each, and place screening over them. This is to drain liquids, so only solids collect. Have the plumbing/PVC pipe you need ready in advance, and the right kind of plumbers adhesive. Post-IHTF, dig a large rectangular hole in your ground, place these, connect your pvc pipes with plumbers adhesive, and connect it to your sewer system. Should provide sufficient septic collection for some time. DO NOT PLACE ANYWHERE NEAR YOUR WATER SUPPLY. If your water supply runs "down" before collecting, make it sure it doesn't run close to the septic system.<br /><br />Or, just use an outhouse. Yes, it will stink sometimes, unlike the septic system, but it is definitely "easier" and cheaper.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7003348645601520194.post-6934505986152794792015-01-10T09:32:22.502-06:002015-01-10T09:32:22.502-06:00I have been looking at that site, Tewshooz. Thanks...I have been looking at that site, Tewshooz. Thanks for the tips on storage, I am new to the world of lye. <br /><br />Interesting thought about squatting in the middle of the night. I'm going to have to think on that one.<br /><br />Fern<br />Frank and Fernhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15570058990887565563noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7003348645601520194.post-38165989823404607942015-01-10T09:10:58.720-06:002015-01-10T09:10:58.720-06:00I didn't know this was a practice anywhere, so...I didn't know this was a practice anywhere, so thank you for sharing. The more alternative methods we can learn about now, even if we don't practice them, the better off we will be in the long run. Good sanitation can make all the difference in our long-term health. Thank you for the comment.<br /><br />Fern<br />Frank and Fernhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15570058990887565563noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7003348645601520194.post-56313989070887499342015-01-10T09:08:05.950-06:002015-01-10T09:08:05.950-06:00It sounds like you have a variety of different opt...It sounds like you have a variety of different options available to you now, Mare. Good for you. Your old wringer washers sound like a great find, even if only for the wringers and the tubs. I guess when the water supply shuts down and we have to provide our own, one less worry will be busted water lines. But, in the grand scheme of things, I think I would rather try to deal with keeping the water dripping, or fixing busted water lines than having to haul water. Thank you for sharing your experiences.<br /><br />Fern<br />Frank and Fernhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15570058990887565563noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7003348645601520194.post-58452494702086846662015-01-10T09:03:06.164-06:002015-01-10T09:03:06.164-06:00Thank you for pointing out the need to compost hum...Thank you for pointing out the need to compost human manure before it is safe to use, Steve, and for sharing the resource of the book you used to learn about it. <br /><br />There are many people that haven't come to grips with the small details of their lives that will change in a collapsed society and world. Learning and putting things into practice ahead of time, like you are, will make a big difference in being able to deal with a life of survival and hard work. Thank you again for sharing.<br /><br />Fern<br />Frank and Fernhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15570058990887565563noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7003348645601520194.post-27366202160570647452015-01-10T08:51:38.027-06:002015-01-10T08:51:38.027-06:00Your spray bottle idea is a very good one, Just Me...Your spray bottle idea is a very good one, Just Me. Instead of shampoo, try mixing a quart of water with 2 teaspoons of baking powder in your spray bottle, then rinse. If you want a conditioner/rinse use a quart of water with 2 tablespoons of cider vinegar (in another spray bottle), then rinse. That's all I've used on my hair in the shower for about 10 months now and it works great. (There are some posts about it.) If you only use the baking soda, after a while your hair will get dry, but if it's only temporary, it shouldn't be a problem.<br /><br />I think using the spray bottles to assist with toileting clean up would work as well. Thank you very much for sharing.<br /><br />Fern<br />Frank and Fernhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15570058990887565563noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7003348645601520194.post-76782059585271534012015-01-10T08:45:45.159-06:002015-01-10T08:45:45.159-06:00It's amazing what there is out there to learn,...It's amazing what there is out there to learn, Tewshooz. Thank you for broadening our horizons.<br /><br />FernFrank and Fernhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15570058990887565563noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7003348645601520194.post-24474616245759092312015-01-09T08:27:31.825-06:002015-01-09T08:27:31.825-06:00Yes, many countries do use their hand, but not by ...Yes, many countries do use their hand, but not by itself. They use a jug of water as well, and basically wash every time. If you wash your hands thoroughly afterward, there are no other clean up issues. As distasteful as this method sounds, you are actually much cleaner than mere dry wiping, which those cultures find disgusting as not really clean.<br /><br />I figure if you wash your hands twice, with a thorough rise both times, you will be quite clean.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7003348645601520194.post-3117529903800424972015-01-08T22:29:50.970-06:002015-01-08T22:29:50.970-06:00We have an outhouse (although it would be quite a ...We have an outhouse (although it would be quite a trip in this morning's -6 temp). We've also purchased a bedside commode when my father was ill. It will work quite well when needed. We've saved our old wash clothes for years. When they get kind of thin and very soft, we put them back for possible use as a toilet paper substitute. We've also collected multiple 5 & 7 gallon buckets and lids from our local grocery store deli's. One of these could be used to collect the daily cloths in a bleach or other antiseptic solution.<br /><br />Not sure whether we'll be able to use a bucket of water to flush our toilets if things get bad but we have about the same plan as you used in Alaska. We also have 2 old wringer washers on the property that we need to evaluate to see if they are still are useful and whether they can be used without electricity. <br /><br />We've been thinking for a long time but have only had our property for 2 years. Though we had water freezing issues solved last summer but with our -6 temps this morning, we had more frozen & busted pipes (although in a different area than last year). We're learning as we go and are better prepared every month. <br /><br />Thanks for all your good insights and help. God Bless.Maryhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08415998363451373907noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7003348645601520194.post-22708748413533229822015-01-08T17:21:55.764-06:002015-01-08T17:21:55.764-06:00Ah yes, sanitation. A couple years ago, my brother...Ah yes, sanitation. A couple years ago, my brothers and I were talking about what we would miss if TSHTF truly happened. They mentioned things like internet, favorite shows, or even things like chocolate, but when I said toilet paper, I think it kind of brought things home about how far down things could go.<br /><br />To add to the others that have mentioned the Humanure handbook. I've built and been using the lovable loo for three years now, and while I am still using toilet paper, have definitely thought about the need for alternatives. Any stocking up strategy is too short term. right now, I plan to try inner corn shucks, as I've heard they aren't too bad. ( even cotton cloth won't last as you look even further down the road)<br /><br />I recommend reading the humanure handbook, because he goes in to great detail about how to do it safely, and the added point is that composted human manure is excellent fertilizer for the garden. I have three compost bins, set up on a three year rotation, which along with the steps he describes,makes the resultant compost safe to use. Steve Carrowhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11706114439618856525noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7003348645601520194.post-12060894880992180752015-01-08T17:04:36.579-06:002015-01-08T17:04:36.579-06:00I'm a little confused by the comment thing, to...I'm a little confused by the comment thing, too...hope this works this time...<br /><br />I have a number of spray bottles to use as "mini-showers" when there is no power. Several years ago we lost our power for 2-3 days - a long time in these parts. We're very lucky so far. <br /><br />I used a spray bottle full of soapy water to bathe, and one full of plain water to rinse. Worked like a charm and didn't use a ton of water. I felt fresh and clean to crawl into bed. <br /><br />The power came back on before I had to wash my hair - but I would have done the same thing with shampoo.<br /><br />In a grid-down, I'm planning on using yet another spray bottle as a make-shift bidet. It might at least cut down on what has to be washed off the cloths....<br /><br />Just Me<br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7003348645601520194.post-11027957797938079232015-01-08T14:24:41.930-06:002015-01-08T14:24:41.930-06:00You can make laundry soap by the 5 gallon bucket f...You can make laundry soap by the 5 gallon bucket for only 4 or 5 dollars. Just use a bar of Naptha soap, Borax and washing soda. Lots of instructions on you tube. I go to Linda's Pantry....Tewshoozhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02564577459982968771noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7003348645601520194.post-50954404600408489252015-01-08T14:22:36.648-06:002015-01-08T14:22:36.648-06:00I happened upon a website called The history of t...I happened upon a website called The history of toilet paper. Boy, that was a real eye opener. The Romans used a sponge tied to a stick and stored in a bucket of salt water. Europeans and Middle Eastern peoples (to this day) use their hand. AmazingTewshoozhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02564577459982968771noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7003348645601520194.post-65490369558884157702015-01-08T11:56:34.518-06:002015-01-08T11:56:34.518-06:00Check out Bulkapothecary.com for lye purchases. R...Check out Bulkapothecary.com for lye purchases. Remember that lye will attract water so must be sealed up for long term storage. I have been thinking about those little chair chamber pots that are used in hospitals. They are light weight and have a little plastic bowels. Easy to clean and sanitize. Lightweight, too. Sure beats squatting in the middle of the night when half asleep. Am going to check out medical supply places online. Tewshoozhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02564577459982968771noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7003348645601520194.post-75165499866137715892015-01-08T11:01:21.468-06:002015-01-08T11:01:21.468-06:00Listerine and Odoban sound like good options, M.E....Listerine and Odoban sound like good options, M.E., as long as they last. I would recommend having another option in place or in mind for when they run out. I do have a stash of rubber gloves, but eventually, they would run out as well.<br /><br />We have many pine cones around here, but using them never even crossed my mind! Thanks for the comment and the humor. Remember, humor is the essence of survival.<br /><br />Fern<br />Frank and Fernhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15570058990887565563noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7003348645601520194.post-6137141054799409782015-01-08T10:57:43.355-06:002015-01-08T10:57:43.355-06:00Alcohol would be a good way to sanitize, Deb. Good...Alcohol would be a good way to sanitize, Deb. Good idea, thank you.<br /><br />FernFrank and Fernhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15570058990887565563noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7003348645601520194.post-69653422852220047212015-01-08T10:56:22.010-06:002015-01-08T10:56:22.010-06:00Thank you for providing another resource. The Loo ...Thank you for providing another resource. The Loo sounds more comfortable than just a bucket with the toilet seat. It would probably add some stability as well. Thank you for sharing.<br /><br />Fern<br />Frank and Fernhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15570058990887565563noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7003348645601520194.post-38372337338593578942015-01-08T08:18:54.356-06:002015-01-08T08:18:54.356-06:00Mtn Man and I have discussed this very issue. Some...Mtn Man and I have discussed this very issue. Some dont know but Listerine works as a great clean up agent for the nether region. use a little on a cloth, will sting for 30 secs but you will not be getting diseased. Another cleaner to keep around is Odoban. Kills all nastiness and can be used in laundry. Another mention I would recommend is Rubber Gloves for washing soiled items , cuts down on disease! Great post!<br />Mtn Man says one recommendation do not use pine cones!!M.E. Mastersonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00430739166948213915noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7003348645601520194.post-27565485130107899332015-01-08T05:37:21.832-06:002015-01-08T05:37:21.832-06:00The Humanure Handbook: A Guide to Composting Human...The Humanure Handbook: A Guide to Composting Human Manure led me to make the Lovable Loo which is a wooden box with a 5 gal bucket and toilet seat attached. There is a whole composting system proposed in the book along with the plans for the loo. Well worth the read.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7003348645601520194.post-53804695731306537452015-01-08T03:08:18.525-06:002015-01-08T03:08:18.525-06:00humanure handbook.
used thunderjug on farm in can...humanure handbook.<br /><br />used thunderjug on farm in canada but knees worked without pain 40 years ago.<br />got two potty chairs at med supply store.<br />got one at walmart- quality not so good.<br /> i advise extra buckets for them as they will break around the edges.<br />if you want a nifty potty chair that is a piece of real furniture that can be used as a chair get an amish carpenter to make one for you. expensive but worth it, although heavier to move than a med supply potty chair.just rrem3ember cholera and its buddies.deb harveyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05110992898072146282noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7003348645601520194.post-82696493546637841492015-01-08T02:42:33.827-06:002015-01-08T02:42:33.827-06:00i don't know how to work this. my comments are...i don't know how to work this. my comments are oftern lost. learn to make alcohiol for csanitizing. hope this goes thru.<br />deb h.deb harveyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05110992898072146282noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7003348645601520194.post-5633120565551850792015-01-07T21:58:02.194-06:002015-01-07T21:58:02.194-06:00Thank you for sharing chamber pot resources, C.M. ...Thank you for sharing chamber pot resources, C.M. You know, that sounds funny. I never thought I would be saying something like that! But, really, I do appreciate it.<br /><br />There are just some gross things in life that in our cushy, spoiled lives we haven't had to deal with. And if it comes down to using and washing out toileting cloths, then I would rather have to deal with them than not. <br /><br />I'm sorry to hear about your medication problems, C.M. I'm sure you have looked into herbal or any other alternatives there may be out there. That has to be a tough thing to face. I wish you all the best. May the Lord bless and keep you.<br /><br />Fern<br />Frank and Fernhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15570058990887565563noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7003348645601520194.post-35862563059250979542015-01-07T21:41:58.355-06:002015-01-07T21:41:58.355-06:00Fern, I hope you don't mind me answering one o...Fern, I hope you don't mind me answering one of your questions. I bought an old, if not antique, porcelain chamber pot with lid a couple of years ago on Ebay. It was very pretty and I bought it for decorative purposes, but it could certainly be pressed into service if the SHTF happens. It wasn't very expensive. Also, I've seen vintage enamel chamber pots with lids on Ebay. They were just simple white pots with enamel like the water bath pots for canning. I guess any old pot with a lid that fits would work. If you could find a chair you didn't mind altering, I think it wouldn't be too hard to remove the chair seat, cut a square of plywood or something similar to replace the original seat, cut a hole in the middle, nail the plywood to the chair, and prop the pot under the chair at the appropriate height. I'd much rather do that than go to an outhouse at night. I'd also think it would be nice for everyone in the house to have their own chamber pot.<br /><br />The idea of using "family cloths" really grosses me out, rather, the thought of laundering them does. That's one reason we've been really stocking up on toilet paper. We figure we won't last long after our medications run out, so it's not like we have to have a seven year supply. I have thought that it would probably be good to buy some used sheets and towels at a thrift store or Good Will type store to cut up and use for "family cloths" if the time comes.<br /><br />Hope to be raptured before it comes to this, but it's always good to be prepared.<br />CentennielMagnoliahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04256656771993531467noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7003348645601520194.post-66793374866315314182015-01-07T21:35:56.903-06:002015-01-07T21:35:56.903-06:00When I thought about the slick paper in today'...When I thought about the slick paper in today's catalogs, I came up with, "That won't work." I hadn't thought of phone books or newspapers, though. But I still prefer cloth.<br /><br />I use old washcloths or rags for washing udders, and right now I am still using a commercial udder wash concentrate that we dilute with water. <br /><br />We hope to start making soap before long, but like you, we have also stocked up on laundry detergent since it can be used anywhere we may need soap.<br /><br />It decreases concern, and increases a sense of security and readiness when we feel there are some areas of our preparations that are in order. Thank you for sharing how you have prepared to take care of your family.<br /><br />Fern<br />Frank and Fernhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15570058990887565563noreply@blogger.com