I’ve been using Backblaze. No cap on how much data to backup from a single PC. Good pricing for the industry. Excellent documentation and tech support. A backup agent that runs the way I like it — defaults work great for most users, but I am able to dig deep into settings and change them, easily. From my perspective, the backup agent’s bugs have been ironed out and it’s been darn near bulletproof. The biggest con is that initial upload of your files is likely to take A Very Long Time Indeed.

They do end-to-end encryption. If I chose to, I could retain the encryption keys and then they would not be able to decrypt my data, a tradeoff I’ve chosen not to make.

There are a few individual things that are stored encrypted but the bulk of my data is important to me, and to my family, and not to any potential identity thieves and so on. I’m choosing greater availability of my data over greater confidentiality.

Thanks for the info. I'll look into Backblaze. We stopped cloud back-ups a while back as the cost went into the stratosphere.

I used the help of my fellow congregation members to retrieve three plastic storage bins that had been in the attic for the past two years. I could organize my latest preparations with those three bins and the one I already had in my bedroom.

I started by organizing the bin in my bedroom, filled with a jumble of stuff. I sorted the items into health and tools categories. Then, I used the other two bins to store pillows, washcloths, socks, and watch caps.

Getting organized might not seem like a preparation, but it is. When you are organized, it becomes much easier to find what you need, and you can see how much you have.

Jeanette Isabelle

Yesterday, I dropped off a bottle of Caladry, which will expire next month, at the local pantry. I also donated Ibuprofen that I don't use, as well as excess bottles of hand sanitizer. I plan to replace the donated bottle of Caladry and create more space on my shelves.

Jeanette Isabelle

Today at Ollie's, I purchased three shirts, an additional umbrella, and more stationery supplies, two of which targeted the female demographic.

Jeanette Isabelle

Today was my regular monthly checklist.
1. Since Garmin discontinued their (user) API I'll request a data download once a month and download, extract, and store it in my archive. I like to have my own backup of my data, a small tool called jq lets me extract the json data into simple text or csv that I can pull into a spreadsheet.
2. My old GPS is now a backup since I got a GPS watch last year so once a month I pull it out and turn it on sitting in the window. Part of the GPS protocol is when new satellites are added and old ones removed they all send a packet letting receivers know, sort of a 'hint' of what and where to look. So letting it run a bit keep it up to date. Then I charge the batteries and put it back in my big backpack.
3. My GPS watch has a "health snapshot" activity so I run it at the month change to store those longer term metrics.
4. Charge flashlight and headlamp batteries. Even though I run Eneloops in most stuff, modern electronics with a 'soft' power switch always have a small draw so I just top off the batteries each month. Others are USB so I plug them to top off.
5. January I usually renew my fishing license from my compensation but this year my employer decided profit was more of a priority than employees compensation so I had to wait until payday. I renew online and save the pdf and print copies of it and keep the copies with fishing gear. This year they have a new app so I downloaded it to see if its useful.
6. I check over my most used gear. Late last year I had a coupe places where stitching was getting loose on my Camelbak. I know they have a warranty but its a model that was discontinued along time ago so sometimes manufacturers will offer a replacement but there is none like it so I choose to just sew on a couple reinforcements myself. Usually a couple times a year I will pull everything out and clean and check it so today was a good day for that.

Got a replacement for the little knife I lost last year.

This is worth a bump. I'm not a kid any more, but a decade at least from decrepitude.

I live in winter country, and I need sand and small gravel to spread on our steep driveway so we can get in and out.

Yeah, I could have this delivered but instead I hauled my ass out and scraped last year's grit/sand out, on the driveway where it would dry out. And it will be scooped into barrels, by my very own hand.

I think that covers quite a few layers of "prep."

I am preparing to upgrade my cold storage room to make it more effective. Food is the foundation.

I grow a lot of gourmet (and chemical free) root vegetables. Our potatoes are unlike anything you can buy in a (just-in-time supply chain dependent) supermarket.

I also have some century old varieties that you can't buy anywhere. One is a "keeper" that will last for eight months in proper storage; since this family varietal it should not be lost to history, I plant a dozen plants each year. My sister is doing the same.

Also, all of these are viable seed -- they have not been chemically stunted -- and the leftovers will grow vigorously next year. I watch the potato farmers in my area, and the spray truck is in constant operation.

My old house had a perfect cold store in the well room.

My current house is generally too modern (read: useless). But there is a corner, under a basement stairwell, with two sides of concrete against the ground. I'm going to crib in a frame that I can cover with foam, plywood, blankets, whatever, to keep the hot out and the cold in.

What are you doing to ensure you have food for the long winter?

Having your own heirloom tater is pretty cool!