What would you really miss? Obviously we love all sorts now but could do without it find ways around but, honestly, in tricky situation, what would you miss?

[bellinisurge]

Maybe we can share ideas or just have a moan - god knows what kind of dipping in and out if the thread we might get (if any).

Me? A pointlessly long, pointlessly hot shower. I have a solar shower but I know it's no the same.

P.S. I love wine and chocolate and a good box set same as anyone. But I can do without.

[Knitjob]

A cup of tea in the cafe by the beach. It's so peaceful there.
I suppose it's the peace I would miss though, the feeling that for this half hour all I have to think about is sitting here reading my book and drinking my tea. I imagine I will have a whole lot more to think about and do if/when the time comes.

[bellinisurge]

That sounds lovely . All I can suggest is that you factor in downtime for your preps. Which kind of defeats the purpose of chilling out in cafe with a book and a cuppa by the sea.

[Snugglepumpkin]

Milk & milk products like cream & butter.
I'd be fine for yoghurts & butter for at least 6 months but I only have a months worth of actual milk in the freezer if I rationed it & the substitutes just aren't the same.
I hate the idea of no more milk & I definitely don't have enough land for a cow.
No more proper hot chocolate with cream on the top which is a December tradition in my house (every day the tree is up)
No more pancakes, toad in the hole, Yorkshire puddings, Weetabix... the list just goes on & on.

[Dyrne]

Washing my hair! If I go more than 2 days my scalp gets really itchy and I get terrible dandruff. I know eventually the natural oils are supposed to sort themselves out and I do have bars of soap etc; but those first few weeks once I run out of Head & Shoulders will be hellish!

On a less shallow note - I live thousands of miles away from some members of my family - it’s likely that in the event of a catastrophe i’d never be able to see or speak to them again, which makes me sad to think about.

[bellinisurge]

@Snugglepumpkin - look at making or buying ghee - clarified butter - it's shelf stable. Not perfect but might be worth considering.

[Whatthefoxgoingon]

If it all goes to pot, I’d miss the opportunities my kids may never have. I had a wonderful, peaceful childhood and I dread the future for them.

On a more personal note: eating brunch on a Sunday at our local restaurant, with the papers.

[ElyElyOy]

McDonalds Apple Pies and watching films at the cinema.

We also like having walks in the countryside to the pub and sitting on the back yard in the sun with half a lager and a packet of crisps while the baby sleeps in his pram. I can’t see that happening if the SHTF!

[GoneWishing]

I'm a creature of comfort and habit, so there's a lot I'd miss, even with minor disruptions without the SHTF. My daily hot showers, my warm house (no alternative heating), water on tap, medications when I need them, the feeling of safety and calm...

I'd miss the internet a lot, if for whatever reason I couldn't have access to that, too, and not just for the entertainment. It's become second nature to google whatever it is I don't know or can't do. I'd have to dust off all those old non-fiction books on the shelf and hope to find what I'm looking for, I suppose.

[Nikephorus]

Washing my hair! If I go more than 2 days my scalp gets really itchy and I get terrible dandruff. I know eventually the natural oils are supposed to sort themselves out and I do have bars of soap etc; but those first few weeks once I run out of Head & Shoulders will be hellish!
Just do what I do and wash it with just water - exactly the same as normal but without the shampoo element. Nice clean hair same as usual, no shampoo needed. I only bother with shampoo about once a week now and wash my hair in the shower every day - you can't tell.

[BreakWindandFire]

Wine!

[cloudtree]

For me cheese and energy drinks. I struggle without a high dose of caffeine first thing.I am buying some cheese wax to store some cheese.

I'd also miss make up but apart from foundation I have loads so it could probably do me for the next 10 years or so.

I'd be fine for yoghurts & butter for at least 6 months but I only have a months worth of actual milk in the freezer if I rationed it & the substitutes just aren't the same.

Yoghurt you can do using an easiyo. All you need is water and the packets (or some dried milk powder and a starter). I bought one a couple of weeks ago in the lakeland sale. It was less than a tenner for a starter set including two sachets and so effectively the easiyo itself was about £3 (if you factor the equivalent cost of buying the yoghurt made by the two sachets)

[beenandgoneandbackagain]

Avocado. I often think about what life would be like without them. I know it seems such a First World worry, and the courgette shortage last year made me understand how fragile the supply chains are, so even a non-catastrophic event might take them off the menu.

[AdoraBell]

Proper coffee from Peru. Good chocolate and Chilean wine.

[bellinisurge]

@AdoraBell - all three are shelf stable. Sounds like a treat stash to me

[AdoraBell]

Oh yes, but once my stash runs out I’ll have to trek/swim to re-stock 😁

[MiddlingMum]

My running kit. There's nothing like a run though the countryside to clear the mind and rejuvenate yourself.

But as another poster said, I have had a happy and settled life, no real stresses (not involved in war, famine, forced migration, natural disaster etc) and I worry about what it will be like for future generations.

[Easilyflattered]

Diet coke and boxed hair dye.

I would also feel a sadness that my children might not have the same security that I have become used to in this country.

[HeronLanyon]

Garlic olives capers Parmesan. I have my b box started.

[BarbarianMum]

The freedom to choose. And a lack of choice.