I picked up a Poulan Pro brush cutter/ trimmer on closeout at wally world last week. It was a 2 stroke model with interchangeable heads. I also picked up the cultivator/mini-tiller head to go with it.
I need a brush cutter in my woods. Since the ash borer killed all the ash trees the light has reached the forest floor and the brush is close to impenetrable. I need to clear away the brambles and other brush for cutting firewood.
Since the Poulan Pro was on sale I figured I would check it out and see how well it did.
I got it home and found the instructions were as easy to follow as any others I have used to assemble equipment. The cutter went together quickly and the premix is the same as I use in my chainsaw so I fired it up to see how it worked.
It fired right up when I followed the instructions for starting, but I noticed I had to feather the throttle quite a bit to get it up to speed. I also noticed it seem to not be running quite right, I figured it may take a bit to warm up and get broken in.
So I walked over to a patch of weeds to see how the cutter blade would work...the mixed weeds and grass were difficult for the blade to get through, not because of lack of power but they were easily pushed out of the way and it didn't cut them well.
So then I walked down to the woods to see how it would work for the reason I bought it. I should at this point mention the kill switch wouldn't work. I had to pull the plug wire to kill it for my trek to the woods.
I got down there and started in on a mixture of brambles and 1/2" saplings. I easily cut a swath about 15' wide and 30' deep into the woods. At this point I had been running it for 15 minutes total and it still wouldn't smooth out or let me give it full throttle without feathering it open a bit at a time.
So I decided I was going to return it since it was a new machine and while it cut pretty good for what I wanted to use it for it, something was messed up with it.
I got back to the house and dumped the remaining gas back into the can and decided to start it to run the carb empty. When I pulled the starter rope it stayed out and I couldn't get it to go back in...so apart it came and back into the box and back to wally world it went. There were no hassles with the return.
The Poulan Pro brush cutter in my opinion worked well on actually cutting the brush I needed cut, even though it wasn't running right and I had to return it. I would give it 1 1/2 stars out of 5
I will be picking up a Stihl in the next week or so and I will give a review of that brush cutter.
Still clinging to my God and my guns,
Randy
Tuesday, October 22, 2013
Tuesday, October 15, 2013
Looking for a Bunker?
Came across a site called Bunker Network that attempts to match up people looking for bunkers or even space in a common share bunker.
I talked a bit to the owner and he asked me if I would mention it on my blog. I normally don't go in for paid subscription sites but in this case with it being such a specialized site, along with people looking for bunkers generally being able to afford a nominal fee like this one, I decided it might be of use to some of the folks who come around this blog.
How many of us would like to be able to afford a converted missile silo or have a custom bunker built in our back yard or at a remote property.
Bunker Network can hook you up with pre-made places or people who have room for others in their bunker.
It may or may not be for you but if you can afford it you should check it out.
Still clinging to my God and my guns,
Randy
I talked a bit to the owner and he asked me if I would mention it on my blog. I normally don't go in for paid subscription sites but in this case with it being such a specialized site, along with people looking for bunkers generally being able to afford a nominal fee like this one, I decided it might be of use to some of the folks who come around this blog.
How many of us would like to be able to afford a converted missile silo or have a custom bunker built in our back yard or at a remote property.
Bunker Network can hook you up with pre-made places or people who have room for others in their bunker.
It may or may not be for you but if you can afford it you should check it out.
Still clinging to my God and my guns,
Randy
Saturday, August 31, 2013
E. B. White I feel your pain
E. B. White author of Charlotte's' Web lived and wrote on a small farm in North Brooklin, Maine. While mainly a writer he liked to think of himself as a farmer also.
He lamented about his time spent writing as being detrimental to his farm and time spent farming as being time spent wasted while he should be writing.
As my writing picks up more and more I am spending less and less time doing anything on the homestead. I can't even keep ahead of the mowing at this point. I need to make enough writing to get a big mower for my tractor so it will get done quicker.
I haven't even gotten my chainsaw mill out of the package this summer. I had all these plans of cutting up the walnut and cherry logs I had saved from the wood furnace.
My 12 volt conversion for my Ford tractor is still in the box sitting by my chair...I do need to get that installed before winter.
I have several writing projects on the line at the moment...I have a couple articles coming out in a magazine (I'll let you know when it comes out) and just bid on writing an ebook this morning. I have ongoing commitments to a couple websites now. So as you can see I am getting busier, and I hope someday to do this for a living and be going back and forth just like E. B. White.
Still clinging to my God and my guns,
Randy
He lamented about his time spent writing as being detrimental to his farm and time spent farming as being time spent wasted while he should be writing.
As my writing picks up more and more I am spending less and less time doing anything on the homestead. I can't even keep ahead of the mowing at this point. I need to make enough writing to get a big mower for my tractor so it will get done quicker.
I haven't even gotten my chainsaw mill out of the package this summer. I had all these plans of cutting up the walnut and cherry logs I had saved from the wood furnace.
My 12 volt conversion for my Ford tractor is still in the box sitting by my chair...I do need to get that installed before winter.
I have several writing projects on the line at the moment...I have a couple articles coming out in a magazine (I'll let you know when it comes out) and just bid on writing an ebook this morning. I have ongoing commitments to a couple websites now. So as you can see I am getting busier, and I hope someday to do this for a living and be going back and forth just like E. B. White.
Still clinging to my God and my guns,
Randy
Monday, August 12, 2013
Busy Busy
It seems the more work I do on this blog the more writing work I get.
In case you hadn't noticed I put a lot of effort into the moth of June on this blog. I posted several posts and really made an effort to put helpful comments on any other survival related blog I could find. This led to a guest post on Survival mom ( Getting started Dumpster Diving). Which led to her asking me to submit something for here series on How will you know when the balloon goes up? (yes that is me right below James Rawles).
This led to a good bump in traffic for this site, which led me to make more helpful comments. Then folks started asking me to write stuff. If you don't know I dabble in freelancing on the website Elance. You can see my profile here.
I have written quite a bit for Off The Grid News, and now am getting more offers from other publishers.
In a three day period I got hit up for seven articles, all due within three weeks. As you can see it has been fun.
Hopefully I can work this into a full time thing and be freer to work the old homestead.
Still clinging to my God and my guns
Randy
In case you hadn't noticed I put a lot of effort into the moth of June on this blog. I posted several posts and really made an effort to put helpful comments on any other survival related blog I could find. This led to a guest post on Survival mom ( Getting started Dumpster Diving). Which led to her asking me to submit something for here series on How will you know when the balloon goes up? (yes that is me right below James Rawles).
This led to a good bump in traffic for this site, which led me to make more helpful comments. Then folks started asking me to write stuff. If you don't know I dabble in freelancing on the website Elance. You can see my profile here.
I have written quite a bit for Off The Grid News, and now am getting more offers from other publishers.
In a three day period I got hit up for seven articles, all due within three weeks. As you can see it has been fun.
Hopefully I can work this into a full time thing and be freer to work the old homestead.
Still clinging to my God and my guns
Randy
Thursday, June 20, 2013
30 Days of Survival - Day 14 - MRE's Buy or Make Some
Meals Ready to Eat or MRE's are field rations for our military. They are also what FEMA will drop off to civilians during a disaster to feed them.
They are high in protein and store for a relatively long time, but not as long as freeze dried food. I have some dated 1984. I would hesitate to eat an entree from them but the crackers, peanut butter (hard as a rock) drink mixes, desserts and snacks are all still good. The cheese has turned to green baby poop...ICK! But all in all it would still save my life if I was starving. I had a case and now am down to three left.
There are a wide variety of MRE's and MRE type meals available from dealers. You can check out ebay.com for good deals. But be careful of dates since this is where I got my case of old MRE's. My mistake can be your lesson.
Several companies have started manufacturing civilian MRE's you should shop around, and be aware of what is actually in them. Try to go for the most calories for the buck.
You can make your own if you have the desire. Any shelf stable prepackaged food can be assembled into a ziplock bag and stored away. Be sure to write a date on the bag and rotate them out every year or two.
When choosing foods to put in try to keep with the high protein of the military MRE. This is calorie dense and higher protein means you will be relieving yourself less often.
Start with a canned meat like Spam, canned ham, tuna or sardines. Then add some cheese or peanut butter crackers, some mixed nuts or trail mix or dried fruit. You can also look for a sale on prepared meals or closeout items from diet plans...as long as they are shelf stable they can go in your meal.
I like to add an energy bar to the mix..my personal favorite is a Power Bar...not necessarily the taste but they give me good long lasting energy...from a taste standpoint you can beat a Cliff bar. Toss in anything else shelf stable that you will eat and get energy from.
Accessory packs have gum, matches, toilet paper, salt, instant coffee sugar and creamer. Round up the ones you want in your MRE's and put them in.
Shoot for 2000+ calories in these meals and each one can last you a whole day.
MRE's can be a real stop gap food source to get you through a tough time.
Still clinging to my God and my guns,
Randy
They are high in protein and store for a relatively long time, but not as long as freeze dried food. I have some dated 1984. I would hesitate to eat an entree from them but the crackers, peanut butter (hard as a rock) drink mixes, desserts and snacks are all still good. The cheese has turned to green baby poop...ICK! But all in all it would still save my life if I was starving. I had a case and now am down to three left.
There are a wide variety of MRE's and MRE type meals available from dealers. You can check out ebay.com for good deals. But be careful of dates since this is where I got my case of old MRE's. My mistake can be your lesson.
Several companies have started manufacturing civilian MRE's you should shop around, and be aware of what is actually in them. Try to go for the most calories for the buck.
You can make your own if you have the desire. Any shelf stable prepackaged food can be assembled into a ziplock bag and stored away. Be sure to write a date on the bag and rotate them out every year or two.
When choosing foods to put in try to keep with the high protein of the military MRE. This is calorie dense and higher protein means you will be relieving yourself less often.
Start with a canned meat like Spam, canned ham, tuna or sardines. Then add some cheese or peanut butter crackers, some mixed nuts or trail mix or dried fruit. You can also look for a sale on prepared meals or closeout items from diet plans...as long as they are shelf stable they can go in your meal.
I like to add an energy bar to the mix..my personal favorite is a Power Bar...not necessarily the taste but they give me good long lasting energy...from a taste standpoint you can beat a Cliff bar. Toss in anything else shelf stable that you will eat and get energy from.
Accessory packs have gum, matches, toilet paper, salt, instant coffee sugar and creamer. Round up the ones you want in your MRE's and put them in.
Shoot for 2000+ calories in these meals and each one can last you a whole day.
MRE's can be a real stop gap food source to get you through a tough time.
Still clinging to my God and my guns,
Randy
Tuesday, June 18, 2013
30 Days of Survival - Day 13 - Get Serious about Self Defense
For day 13 of 30 days of survival I want you to review any self defense training you have had.
Have you had any? Read any books on self defense? Gone to a seminar? Learned anything? Or are you just planning on winging it if you are confronted in the parking lot after work some evening, or shopping with your kids, or out for a jog.
Personal defense is a very important basic to learn.
Most towns of any size will have a martial arts studio. While you are checking them out make sure they are more interested in teaching than with getting you to sign up for something. Don't go with the money grubbers.
While you are at it see what they can teach your kids.
If not martial arts check with your local sheriff or police department to see if they have any classes for self defense available.
If you can't get to classes see what you can find on youtube...I know, I know there are all kinds of experts espousing all sorts of drivel...no one ever said it would be easy...watch more than one video...find something you are interested in then search for that technique and watch it from multiple teachers....and PRACTICE!!
Not just any practice but correct practice...don't try to learn new things full speed...go slow...let your body learn what it is supposed to do. Go slow enough so you make no mistakes.
Then learn about situational awareness...situational awareness is paying attention to what is going on around you...many situations where you might need to defend yourself can be avoided altogether if you are aware of what is going on, and see potential threats at a distance, while they are still avoidable.
So get in a class and learn something...And most of all PAY ATTENTION to what is going on around you at all times.
You owe it to yourself and especially your family to be able to take care of yourself and them if the need should arise.
Still clinging to my God and my guns,
Randy
Have you had any? Read any books on self defense? Gone to a seminar? Learned anything? Or are you just planning on winging it if you are confronted in the parking lot after work some evening, or shopping with your kids, or out for a jog.
Personal defense is a very important basic to learn.
Most towns of any size will have a martial arts studio. While you are checking them out make sure they are more interested in teaching than with getting you to sign up for something. Don't go with the money grubbers.
While you are at it see what they can teach your kids.
If not martial arts check with your local sheriff or police department to see if they have any classes for self defense available.
If you can't get to classes see what you can find on youtube...I know, I know there are all kinds of experts espousing all sorts of drivel...no one ever said it would be easy...watch more than one video...find something you are interested in then search for that technique and watch it from multiple teachers....and PRACTICE!!
Not just any practice but correct practice...don't try to learn new things full speed...go slow...let your body learn what it is supposed to do. Go slow enough so you make no mistakes.
Then learn about situational awareness...situational awareness is paying attention to what is going on around you...many situations where you might need to defend yourself can be avoided altogether if you are aware of what is going on, and see potential threats at a distance, while they are still avoidable.
So get in a class and learn something...And most of all PAY ATTENTION to what is going on around you at all times.
You owe it to yourself and especially your family to be able to take care of yourself and them if the need should arise.
Still clinging to my God and my guns,
Randy
Sunday, June 16, 2013
30 Days of Survival - Day 12 - Learn about Bees
Bees?
Yes bees.
Like worms, bees are very handy for a prepper to have some knowledge of. No matter where you live you can have bees if you are resourceful.
Even downtown big city apartment dwellers can have bees. You just need to find a building owner who will let you put some hives on the roof.
Before you tune me out completely notice the title "learn about bees". I realize bees are not for everyone, but everyone can get to know a bee keeper. And that is your task for day 12.
There are bee keeping clubs everywhere. If you can't find one just call your county extension agent and they should be able to put you in contact with a local bee keeper.
Go to some club meetings, take a seminar (most clubs put one on every year), and find a keeper who will take you with them once in a while (even if you stand 50 yards away while they work the hives). Work your way into it slowly if you are interested.
So why bees?
Bees are pollinators, they will improve your garden. They also produce this wonderful thing called honey. Honey is and will be a wonderful barter item if there is ever a SHTF situation. There is also the wonderful bees wax that will be good for all sorts of things from candles to herbal salves.
Take some time and learn about these little insects, you won't bee sorry.
Still clinging to my God and my guns,
Randy
Yes bees.
Like worms, bees are very handy for a prepper to have some knowledge of. No matter where you live you can have bees if you are resourceful.
Even downtown big city apartment dwellers can have bees. You just need to find a building owner who will let you put some hives on the roof.
Before you tune me out completely notice the title "learn about bees". I realize bees are not for everyone, but everyone can get to know a bee keeper. And that is your task for day 12.
There are bee keeping clubs everywhere. If you can't find one just call your county extension agent and they should be able to put you in contact with a local bee keeper.
Go to some club meetings, take a seminar (most clubs put one on every year), and find a keeper who will take you with them once in a while (even if you stand 50 yards away while they work the hives). Work your way into it slowly if you are interested.
So why bees?
Bees are pollinators, they will improve your garden. They also produce this wonderful thing called honey. Honey is and will be a wonderful barter item if there is ever a SHTF situation. There is also the wonderful bees wax that will be good for all sorts of things from candles to herbal salves.
Take some time and learn about these little insects, you won't bee sorry.
Still clinging to my God and my guns,
Randy
Saturday, June 15, 2013
Gift ideas for your prepper dad
So what to get your prepper / survivalist dad....Hmmm...
What a hard question...
Here are some gift ideas for dad that you can get him anytime, not just fathers day.
-Kindle Fire
Oh how dad will enjoy downloading the latest survival manuals on his new Kindle fire. Amazon.com often gives away free downloads. Trust me dad will love watching Red Dawn on his Kindle as he shouts "WOVERINES"!
- Apple ipod touch 4g or newer
If your dad is into more than just reading. The ipod touch will let him take pictures and video to upload to his survival youtube channel. Costs a little more than a Kindle but it does a little more also. If you have lots of money go all out and get him an Apple ipad. (what a great kid you are)
-A gift card to Cabelas.com
Come on, what dad couldn't use a little dough to spend at everyone's favorite online hunting store?
If he isn't a Cabela's kind of guy try the sportsman's guide. They have something for everyone.
- A box of ammo
Get dad some cool ammo for his favorite gun. Make it something good like Hornady Zombie Max, your dad will thank you all the way through the zombie apocalypse.
- A Katadyn water filter
Dad can always use a good drink. Katadyn makes a plethora of different filters, you should be able to find one he likes.
- A Buck Knife
Come on who can't use a good Buck knife? If not a Buck how about one from DeadwoodKnives.com?
- A case of MRE's
All I can say is YUMMY!
- Night Vision
Help your dad to see better while he is out training, at night, in other people's back yards.
- A good book
Get him some real info on prepping/survival. Something intense like Ditch Medicine.
Think outside the box when it comes to buying gifts for dad. Look at some prepper blogs to see what kind of products they are reviewing. Then pick something your dad can use, and he will be forever greatful.
Still clinging to my God and my guns,
Randy
What a hard question...
Here are some gift ideas for dad that you can get him anytime, not just fathers day.
-Kindle Fire
Oh how dad will enjoy downloading the latest survival manuals on his new Kindle fire. Amazon.com often gives away free downloads. Trust me dad will love watching Red Dawn on his Kindle as he shouts "WOVERINES"!
- Apple ipod touch 4g or newer
If your dad is into more than just reading. The ipod touch will let him take pictures and video to upload to his survival youtube channel. Costs a little more than a Kindle but it does a little more also. If you have lots of money go all out and get him an Apple ipad. (what a great kid you are)
-A gift card to Cabelas.com
Come on, what dad couldn't use a little dough to spend at everyone's favorite online hunting store?
If he isn't a Cabela's kind of guy try the sportsman's guide. They have something for everyone.
- A box of ammo
Get dad some cool ammo for his favorite gun. Make it something good like Hornady Zombie Max, your dad will thank you all the way through the zombie apocalypse.
- A Katadyn water filter
Dad can always use a good drink. Katadyn makes a plethora of different filters, you should be able to find one he likes.
- A Buck Knife
Come on who can't use a good Buck knife? If not a Buck how about one from DeadwoodKnives.com?
- A case of MRE's
All I can say is YUMMY!
- Night Vision
Help your dad to see better while he is out training, at night, in other people's back yards.
- A good book
Get him some real info on prepping/survival. Something intense like Ditch Medicine.
Think outside the box when it comes to buying gifts for dad. Look at some prepper blogs to see what kind of products they are reviewing. Then pick something your dad can use, and he will be forever greatful.
Still clinging to my God and my guns,
Randy
Friday, June 14, 2013
Friday Night Light 6/14/13
God Delivers His People
Exodus 3:9-11
9)Now therefore, behold, the cry of the children of Israel has come to Me, and I have also seen the oppression with which the Egyptians oppress them. 10) Come now, therefore, and I will send you to Pharaoh that you may bring My people, the children of Israel, out of Egypt." 11) But Moses said to God, "Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh, and that I should bring the children of Israel out of Egypt?"
We have heard the story many times, the Israelites were in bondage in Egypt, God called Moses at the burning bush to go and deliver them, but Moses wanted nothing to do with it and offered excuses.
How many times has God called each of us to do something that we were afraid to do? We must remember when we are born again we have the power of Christ in us.Our tiny excuses are nothing compared to the power available to us through Him.
If we will answer the call God can do mighty works through us. When Moses said "Who am I" God said "I am"...When God calls you, He will equip you for the work at hand.
Still clinging to my God and my guns,
Randy
Exodus 3:9-11
9)Now therefore, behold, the cry of the children of Israel has come to Me, and I have also seen the oppression with which the Egyptians oppress them. 10) Come now, therefore, and I will send you to Pharaoh that you may bring My people, the children of Israel, out of Egypt." 11) But Moses said to God, "Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh, and that I should bring the children of Israel out of Egypt?"
We have heard the story many times, the Israelites were in bondage in Egypt, God called Moses at the burning bush to go and deliver them, but Moses wanted nothing to do with it and offered excuses.
How many times has God called each of us to do something that we were afraid to do? We must remember when we are born again we have the power of Christ in us.Our tiny excuses are nothing compared to the power available to us through Him.
If we will answer the call God can do mighty works through us. When Moses said "Who am I" God said "I am"...When God calls you, He will equip you for the work at hand.
Still clinging to my God and my guns,
Randy
30 Days of Survival - Day 11 - Start a Worm Farm
I can hear the questions already as I am typing this post. What does a worm farm have to do with survival and prepping?
All I can say is plenty.
Worms are the intestines of the earth. They improve soil and get rid of garbage.
So why a survivalist worm farm?
Like I said they get rid of garbage...you can toss most of your food scraps into the worm bin. Even apartment dwellers can raise worms.
Folks are working on worm based septic systems...they are taking hold in Australia.
They make great fishing bait...just think no digging for worms before you go catch your supper.
They are an awesome protein supplement for your chickens...if you are raising chickens worms are a good for them treat...if you scale it up they can be the major protein source.
They can be a source of income sold to others for the above reasons.
And for the hardcore they can be a protein supplement for you in a true emergency.
Here is a good post on making a worm bin composter
Another method uses a cheap Styrofoam cooler with holes punched in the bottom and a drip pan to catch all the good stuff that leaks out. Just fill it with a bunch of damp newspaper and add your worms.
Be sure and feed them only what they can clean up before it starts to get rotten. And be sure to avoid citrus, onions, garlic, meat and grease.
A worm bin is a handy skill for all preppers to get started with.
Still clinging to my God and my guns,
Randy
All I can say is plenty.
Worms are the intestines of the earth. They improve soil and get rid of garbage.
So why a survivalist worm farm?
Like I said they get rid of garbage...you can toss most of your food scraps into the worm bin. Even apartment dwellers can raise worms.
Folks are working on worm based septic systems...they are taking hold in Australia.
They make great fishing bait...just think no digging for worms before you go catch your supper.
They are an awesome protein supplement for your chickens...if you are raising chickens worms are a good for them treat...if you scale it up they can be the major protein source.
They can be a source of income sold to others for the above reasons.
And for the hardcore they can be a protein supplement for you in a true emergency.
Here is a good post on making a worm bin composter
Another method uses a cheap Styrofoam cooler with holes punched in the bottom and a drip pan to catch all the good stuff that leaks out. Just fill it with a bunch of damp newspaper and add your worms.
Be sure and feed them only what they can clean up before it starts to get rotten. And be sure to avoid citrus, onions, garlic, meat and grease.
A worm bin is a handy skill for all preppers to get started with.
Still clinging to my God and my guns,
Randy
Wednesday, June 12, 2013
30 Days of Survival - Day 10 - Eat a meal of wild plants
On day nine we learned to identify some local edible plants in your area.
What we are going to do for day 10 is go out, gather some of those plants and eat them for a meal.
Okay I will give you a break you can eat them with a meal instead.
A simple way to eat the salad greens is to wash them and mix them in a bowl and sprinkle some vinegar over them. If you want to cook them boil them in some water, change the water, then eat with some salt, pepper and butter on top.
I cooked a mix of wide and narrow plantain, clover and ground ivy. A little bitter but hey it's food. I then ate a few handfulls of mulberries.
A note on my "day 8" post...it accidentally got deleted...but I was able to recover it with the help of some internet searching...Remember what I said about looking for your own information...well it works
Still clinging to my God and my guns,
Randy
What we are going to do for day 10 is go out, gather some of those plants and eat them for a meal.
Okay I will give you a break you can eat them with a meal instead.
A simple way to eat the salad greens is to wash them and mix them in a bowl and sprinkle some vinegar over them. If you want to cook them boil them in some water, change the water, then eat with some salt, pepper and butter on top.
I cooked a mix of wide and narrow plantain, clover and ground ivy. A little bitter but hey it's food. I then ate a few handfulls of mulberries.
A note on my "day 8" post...it accidentally got deleted...but I was able to recover it with the help of some internet searching...Remember what I said about looking for your own information...well it works
Still clinging to my God and my guns,
Randy
Monday, June 10, 2013
30 Days of Survival Day - 9 - Identify Three Edible Wild plants In Your Area
Today on day nine I want you to do some research to see what kinds of wild edibles you have in your area. Everyone can do this even apartment dwellers in the big city.
I had toyed around with posting pictures of some of the most common things in my area but that would make it too easy for you. Do some research...do an internet search...look at pictures. Part of being a serious prepper is finding information when you need it.
I went out yesterday while I was mowing and looked for plants I knew I could eat here on the farm.
Here is a very superficial list...
Plantain - I have both wide leaf and narrow leaf. Eat raw in a salad or cooked like spinach.
Dandelion - leaves, flowers and roots. Leaves raw in salad or cooked like spinach. Flowers battered and fried. Roots roasted and brewed for coffee.
Chicory - Leaves and root. Leaves raw in salad or cooked like spinach. Root roast and brewed for coffee
Clover - Leaves. Raw in salad, cooked like spinach or dried and powdered added, to extend flour.
Goldenrod - Leaves make a tasty tea.
Ground Ivy - Leaves raw for salad.
Pine - Needles make a vitamin C rich tea.
Mulberry - Fruit eaten raw, cooked or made into a juice or wine. Two of the many trees are bearing right now, and several others are loaded with fruit that will ripen over the next couple weeks.
Wild Rose - Flowers in salad or cooked in a soup.
Lambs quarters - Leaves eaten in a salad or cooked like spinach
When cooking wild greens sometimes it is good to do it with a change of water. While this will remove some vitamins it will also remove some of the bitterness. It also helps to pick the small young leaves as they will be less bitter.
As you can see there is a large variety of greens available in my yard and weed patches.
You should be able to find similar foods where you live.
Take the time and learn the skill.
Still clinging to my God and my guns,
Randy
I had toyed around with posting pictures of some of the most common things in my area but that would make it too easy for you. Do some research...do an internet search...look at pictures. Part of being a serious prepper is finding information when you need it.
I went out yesterday while I was mowing and looked for plants I knew I could eat here on the farm.
Here is a very superficial list...
Plantain - I have both wide leaf and narrow leaf. Eat raw in a salad or cooked like spinach.
Dandelion - leaves, flowers and roots. Leaves raw in salad or cooked like spinach. Flowers battered and fried. Roots roasted and brewed for coffee.
Chicory - Leaves and root. Leaves raw in salad or cooked like spinach. Root roast and brewed for coffee
Clover - Leaves. Raw in salad, cooked like spinach or dried and powdered added, to extend flour.
Goldenrod - Leaves make a tasty tea.
Ground Ivy - Leaves raw for salad.
Pine - Needles make a vitamin C rich tea.
Mulberry - Fruit eaten raw, cooked or made into a juice or wine. Two of the many trees are bearing right now, and several others are loaded with fruit that will ripen over the next couple weeks.
Wild Rose - Flowers in salad or cooked in a soup.
Lambs quarters - Leaves eaten in a salad or cooked like spinach
When cooking wild greens sometimes it is good to do it with a change of water. While this will remove some vitamins it will also remove some of the bitterness. It also helps to pick the small young leaves as they will be less bitter.
As you can see there is a large variety of greens available in my yard and weed patches.
You should be able to find similar foods where you live.
Take the time and learn the skill.
Still clinging to my God and my guns,
Randy
Sunday, June 9, 2013
30 Days of Survival - Day 8 - Buy a Book on Prepping
30 Days of Survival – Day 8 – Buy a book on prepping
Being the bibliophile I am, I own a lot of books. I am a
firm believer of having information you might need at hand if possible. Do a
little shopping and get a book on prepping that you can refer to again and
again.
So prepping books teach skills or are good reads just for
learning one or two things. I think you should have plenty of both kinds, but
if you have none now, get an all around prepping book.
Here are some that I own(just a small sampling), with a
little commentary of my own after each.
The Art and Science of Dumpster Diving - by John Hoffman
Cool book giving you
lots of ideas for dumpster diving
The Self-Sufficient Life and How to Live It - by John Seymour
Very good book on homesteading and being self sufficient
Life after Doomsday – by Bruce D. Clayton
Detailed book on dealing with the after effects of nuclear war…excellent all around prepping book
Foxfire series – by George P. Reynolds, Eliot Wigginton and Foxfire Fund
Lots of first hand interviews of people who have been living self sufficient lifestyles for generations
The Encyclopedia of Country Living: An Old Fashion Recipe Book – by Carla Emery
This is the very first prepping type book I
ever bought. It has been through many editions even at least two since Carla
died…We were one of her “testers” for one of her editions
The Survival Retreat by Ragnar Benson
Very good background info but not a lot of detailed instruction
Back to Basics by Readers Digest
Lots of basic prepping info
You Can Farm by Joel Salatin
Not a prepper book but has lots of info to get you thinking on how to
be self sufficient
One Acre and Security by Bradford Angier
Details for living on an acre and feeding yourself
Living Well on Practically Nothing by Edward Romney
Good book and saving, making do and living on a lot less
Backwoods Home Magazine Anthologies by Backwoods Home Magazine
Years of articles on every aspect of prepping
Best of Backwoodsman by Backwoodsman Magazine
Several volumes out now. Another magazine that covers just about every
aspect of prepping. This is my personal favorite magazine…If you are throwing
any away I will take them!!!
Practical Skills by Gene Logsdon
Covers most basic homesteading skills
Small Scale Grain Raising by Gene Logsdon
Give detailed info for raising most small grains
The New Organic Grower by Eliot Coleman
How to grow most anything, anywhere, without chemical inputs
The Have More Plan By Ed and Carolyn Robinson
This is the book that launched the modern homesteading/prepper movement
Making the Best of Basics by James Talmage Stevens
The charts alone make this book worth buying…this would be a good one
to especially if you are just starting out
Do your best to find something
that speaks to you and study it well. Do a search on Amazon.com and read the reviews...you will find something.
Still clinging to my God and my
guns,
Randy
Friday, June 7, 2013
Friday Night Light 6/7/13
Friday Night light June
7, 2013
Genesis Chapter 12: 1-7
1) Now the Lord had said to Abram: "Get out of your
country, From
your family And from your father's house, To a land that I will show you. 2) I will make you a great nation; I will bless you And make your name
great; And you shall be a blessing. 3) I will bless those who bless
you, And I will curse him who curses you; And in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed."
4) So Abram departed as the Lord had spoken to him, and Lot went with him. And Abram was seventy-five years old when
he departed from Haran. 5) Then Abram took Sarai
his wife and Lot his brother's son, and all their possessions that they had
gathered, and the people whom they had acquired in Haran, and they departed to go to
the land of Canaan. So they came to the land of Canaan. 6) Abram passed through
the land to the place of Shechem, as far as the terebinth tree of Moreh. And
the Canaanites were
then in the land. 7) Then
the Lord appeared to Abram and said,
"To your descendants I will give this land." And there he built an
altar to the Lord, who had appeared to him.
Genesis Chapter 15:
5-8, 13-15
5) Then He brought him
outside and said, "Look now toward heaven, and count the stars if you are
able to number them." And He said to him, "So shall your descendants
be." 6) And he believed in
the Lord, and He accounted it to him
for righteousness. 7) Then
He said to him, "I am the Lord, who brought you out of Ur of the Chaldeans, to give
you this land to inherit it." 8) And he said, "Lord God, how shall I know that I
will inherit it?"
13) Then He said to
Abram: "Know certainly that your descendants will be strangers in a land that is not theirs, and will serve
them, and they will afflict them four hundred years. 14) And also the nation
whom they serve I will judge; afterward they shall come out with great
possessions. 15) Now
as for you, you shall go to your fathers in peace; you shall be buried at a
good old age.
The calling of Abram gives us an Old Testament glimpse into
the redemption of mankind.
God calls us unto Himself just as He call Abram in 12:1-3.
Abram was call to take a leap of faith and leave everything he knew and follow
God. We likewise are called to take a leap of faith and trust the redemptive power
of Christ’s sacrifice for our eternal salvation.
The response of Abram to God’s call showed the obedience of
Abram.
Abram did just what God called him to do by picking up and
traveling to a land he didn’t know. He followed God without question. Not to
say we are not allowed to question God, especially if His will is unclear. But
once we are certain of what we should do we must do it if we want to be truly
obedient.
Obedience started a relationship with the Father.
In chapter 15 God brings Abram outside and shows him the
stars. God made promises of further blessings to Abram as a result of his obedience.
And Abram believed what the Lord said and it was counted to him as righteousness.
Our righteousness comes from acceptance of the free gift of Christ’s
sacrifice on our behalf. That is our obedience and then we can continue
deepening our relationship with the Father.
Still clinging to my God and my guns,
Randy
Thursday, June 6, 2013
30 Days of Survival - Day 7 - A Look at Batteries
Batteries... The world runs on batteries, do you ever have enough?
Years ago just about everything ran on "D" or "C" size, now it is "AA" or "AAA". The really good thing about that is you can get great deals on bulk packs of them and really stock up. The only thing I have to store D batteries for is my MagLite...and if I would spend the money I could get a rechargeable one like the police use now.
As I wrote in my article for Off the Grid News "Six Things Preppers Can Overlook" "Batteries (alkaline) stored at room temperature or cooler lose less than 2 percent of their charge per year. When the temps get up to 85, the rate climbs to 5 percent, and at 100, the rate is 25 percent. So, as you can see, cooler is better for storing batteries. You may have heard to store your batteries in the freezer, but experts say the colder temps add very little to storage life. A cool, dry place seems to be the best idea."
Rechargables lose their energy much quicker in storage than do alklines but have the advantage of being recharged. To be truly sustainable you should pick up a few solar chargers for your batteries. I say a "few" because they take quite a while to actually recharge those batteries so you might have a few sets recharging at a time.
So your assignment for day seven is to figure out what equipment you have that requires batteries. Figure out what size batteries you will need to run it, and start shopping for good deals so you can stock up. You better shop for some rechargables also along with a couple solar chargers.
Still clinging to my God and my guns,
Ramdy
Years ago just about everything ran on "D" or "C" size, now it is "AA" or "AAA". The really good thing about that is you can get great deals on bulk packs of them and really stock up. The only thing I have to store D batteries for is my MagLite...and if I would spend the money I could get a rechargeable one like the police use now.
As I wrote in my article for Off the Grid News "Six Things Preppers Can Overlook" "Batteries (alkaline) stored at room temperature or cooler lose less than 2 percent of their charge per year. When the temps get up to 85, the rate climbs to 5 percent, and at 100, the rate is 25 percent. So, as you can see, cooler is better for storing batteries. You may have heard to store your batteries in the freezer, but experts say the colder temps add very little to storage life. A cool, dry place seems to be the best idea."
Rechargables lose their energy much quicker in storage than do alklines but have the advantage of being recharged. To be truly sustainable you should pick up a few solar chargers for your batteries. I say a "few" because they take quite a while to actually recharge those batteries so you might have a few sets recharging at a time.
So your assignment for day seven is to figure out what equipment you have that requires batteries. Figure out what size batteries you will need to run it, and start shopping for good deals so you can stock up. You better shop for some rechargables also along with a couple solar chargers.
Still clinging to my God and my guns,
Ramdy
Tuesday, June 4, 2013
30 Days of Survival - Day 6 - Three sources of light
For day Six of 30 Days of Survival we are going to look at your sources of light.
Most people in industrialized nations simply flip a switch when they need light...This holds true for some even in third world countries. The only difference is third world inhabitants know they can lose power at any time...sometimes for weeks on end.
I live in the corn belt of the Midwest between two small cities. I have lived here a little over ten years, and in that time we have lost power countless times. Twice we have lost power for a week at a time. True we are in a more rural area, but the last time was a year ago and someone I work with lives in the city (of 50k+) and was without power for two days longer than I. No matter where we live we may be without power for an extended period of time.
So let's look at a couple light sources...as the old saying goes "two is one and one is none"... Meaning if you need it one of something can get lost or broken and leave you without. It is better to have at least two of something just in case. That being said I recommend having at least three sources of light to fall back on in case of an extend emergency.
Candles
Candles are great for low light situations. They are cheap to stock up on if you watch for sales. (think after Christmas) And the open flame lends a calming effect to stressful situations. The drawback of course is the open flame which can be a fire hazard. Plus they are easily blown out with air movement.
Oil Lamps
Oil lamps are a really good source of light and even heat. They are decorative when not in use and if you watch dollar store sales and clearance sales you can pick up lamp oil cheap. Oil lamps will burn Lamp oil, kerosene, Tiki fuel, citronella oil. Vegetable oil can be used but will plug your wicks and be smoky. Wicks can be improvised from folded paper towels if necessary.
Lanterns
Lanterns that burn whitegas or coleman fuel put out a lot of light and heat. They are a little noisy and use special mantels that may or may not last a long time depending on how careful you are.
Kerosene lanterns are basically an oil lamp made of metal with a handle to carry it. They put out a usable amount of light and can burn the same fuel as the oil lamp.
An LED battery powered lantern will last quite a while on a set of batteries and put out useable light. They are cheap and handy.
Flashlights
Everyone should have flashlights (as in more than one) in their home. I have a big D cell mag lite and a couple others that use LED's to create a bright light that uses little battery. lots of preppers will have a weapon light on one of their guns also. You should have a flashlight stashed in several handy places in your home, so you can get to a light without too much trouble no matter what you are doing when the lights go out.
Glow Sticks
Glow sticks are a fast disposable light source. I really don't care for them but I admit they are handy in certain situations. You can pick up a few and stash them around along with your flashlights.
So your job for this day is to figure out how you will get three different light sources that do not depend on each other to work. Choose these to see you through your powerless times.
Still clinging to my God and my guns,
Randy
Most people in industrialized nations simply flip a switch when they need light...This holds true for some even in third world countries. The only difference is third world inhabitants know they can lose power at any time...sometimes for weeks on end.
I live in the corn belt of the Midwest between two small cities. I have lived here a little over ten years, and in that time we have lost power countless times. Twice we have lost power for a week at a time. True we are in a more rural area, but the last time was a year ago and someone I work with lives in the city (of 50k+) and was without power for two days longer than I. No matter where we live we may be without power for an extended period of time.
So let's look at a couple light sources...as the old saying goes "two is one and one is none"... Meaning if you need it one of something can get lost or broken and leave you without. It is better to have at least two of something just in case. That being said I recommend having at least three sources of light to fall back on in case of an extend emergency.
Candles
Candles are great for low light situations. They are cheap to stock up on if you watch for sales. (think after Christmas) And the open flame lends a calming effect to stressful situations. The drawback of course is the open flame which can be a fire hazard. Plus they are easily blown out with air movement.
Oil Lamps
Oil lamps are a really good source of light and even heat. They are decorative when not in use and if you watch dollar store sales and clearance sales you can pick up lamp oil cheap. Oil lamps will burn Lamp oil, kerosene, Tiki fuel, citronella oil. Vegetable oil can be used but will plug your wicks and be smoky. Wicks can be improvised from folded paper towels if necessary.
Lanterns
Lanterns that burn whitegas or coleman fuel put out a lot of light and heat. They are a little noisy and use special mantels that may or may not last a long time depending on how careful you are.
Kerosene lanterns are basically an oil lamp made of metal with a handle to carry it. They put out a usable amount of light and can burn the same fuel as the oil lamp.
An LED battery powered lantern will last quite a while on a set of batteries and put out useable light. They are cheap and handy.
Flashlights
Everyone should have flashlights (as in more than one) in their home. I have a big D cell mag lite and a couple others that use LED's to create a bright light that uses little battery. lots of preppers will have a weapon light on one of their guns also. You should have a flashlight stashed in several handy places in your home, so you can get to a light without too much trouble no matter what you are doing when the lights go out.
Glow Sticks
Glow sticks are a fast disposable light source. I really don't care for them but I admit they are handy in certain situations. You can pick up a few and stash them around along with your flashlights.
So your job for this day is to figure out how you will get three different light sources that do not depend on each other to work. Choose these to see you through your powerless times.
Still clinging to my God and my guns,
Randy
Sunday, June 2, 2013
30 Days of Survival - Day 5 One for me, One for a Friend
For day five of 30 days of survival we are going to start working on your pantry. Your pantry is your food supply. If you couldn't walk out your door for an undetermined amount of time this is what you have to live on.
How long would that be?
Your first pantry goal should be to have a 30 day supply of food for each person in your household on hand.
"But I can't afford that"! you say.
Trust me I understand.
So how do you start building up your pantry to a basic 30 day level?
You start with the one for me, one for a friend technique, every time you go grocery shopping. When you buy a canned good or some other food that won't spoil, you buy one extra (one for a friend). If you do this with one or two things every trip you will never notice the increase in cost and soon you will have a small stockpile of food in your pantry.
Extra cans of tuna, soup, veggies, poptarts, sardines, canned fruit or coffee...all this will store well. Just make sure you rotate your stock so the same can of tomatoes is not stuck in the back of your cupboard for five years and tastes metallic when you finally open it. (don't ask how I know) A good idea is to write the date on the top of the can when you put it away.
Boxed mixes need to be monitored closely, because sometimes they will get bugs even if unopened...I always tell my wife there is nothing in the buggy box that wasn't in there before the bugs hatched, but she still gets upset and throws it away or feeds it to the chickens.
You can do this with other things than food too. Ammo, toilet paper, toothpaste or even motor oil...anything you consume, and will store well.
After you have your 30 day supply of pantry food it is a good time to start buying small quantities of storage food. Freeze dried #10 cans, grain buckets, etc.
Most serious preppers strive for at least one year of storage food for each family member.
Start today and build up your pantry.
Still clinging to my God and my guns,
Randy
How long would that be?
Your first pantry goal should be to have a 30 day supply of food for each person in your household on hand.
"But I can't afford that"! you say.
Trust me I understand.
So how do you start building up your pantry to a basic 30 day level?
You start with the one for me, one for a friend technique, every time you go grocery shopping. When you buy a canned good or some other food that won't spoil, you buy one extra (one for a friend). If you do this with one or two things every trip you will never notice the increase in cost and soon you will have a small stockpile of food in your pantry.
Extra cans of tuna, soup, veggies, poptarts, sardines, canned fruit or coffee...all this will store well. Just make sure you rotate your stock so the same can of tomatoes is not stuck in the back of your cupboard for five years and tastes metallic when you finally open it. (don't ask how I know) A good idea is to write the date on the top of the can when you put it away.
Boxed mixes need to be monitored closely, because sometimes they will get bugs even if unopened...I always tell my wife there is nothing in the buggy box that wasn't in there before the bugs hatched, but she still gets upset and throws it away or feeds it to the chickens.
You can do this with other things than food too. Ammo, toilet paper, toothpaste or even motor oil...anything you consume, and will store well.
After you have your 30 day supply of pantry food it is a good time to start buying small quantities of storage food. Freeze dried #10 cans, grain buckets, etc.
Most serious preppers strive for at least one year of storage food for each family member.
Start today and build up your pantry.
Still clinging to my God and my guns,
Randy
Friday, May 31, 2013
Friday Night Light - 5/30/13
Gen. 1:6 Then God said, "Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness;
let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the
air, and over the cattle, over all [1] the earth and over every creeping
thing that creeps on the earth."
Gen 2:15 Then the LORD God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to tend and keep it
Gen 3:6 So when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree desirable to make one wise, she took of its fruit and ate. She also gave to her husband with her, and he ate.
Gen 3:17 Then to Adam He said, "Because you have heeded the voice of your wife, and have eaten from the tree of which I commanded you, saying, "You shall not eat of it': "Cursed is the ground for your sake; In toil you shall eat of it All the days of your life.
The creation and fall of man in four verses...
We are created in the image of God with the inherent capacity to do much good. We were created for fellowship with God. God seeks our company. When man sinned, that fellowship was broken and a gulf was placed between man and God.
You see in 3:17 that God actually cursed the earth because of our sin.
Some will try to placate the earth itself instead of turning to the creator. They think we evolved or were created by the spirits of the earth or some other such belief...they love the earth thinking that by loving it they are coming closer to their creator.
James 4:4 Adulterers and adulteresses! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Whoever therefore wants to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God.
Do not confuse world and earth as being the same...I merely point out this verse to show that if we do not follow His way, we will be considered enemies of God.
When Jesus said "blessed are the peacemakers" he was telling us that the peacemakers are the ones who show others how to reconcile with the Father. And how do you do that?
By realizing there is no way you can earn a place in heaven. Yes we were created in God's image but the gulf of sin separates us. To bridge that gulf God sent Christ to die as a sacrifice for everything we have ever done and will do wrong.
Man cannot reach God, but God can reach man through Christ Jesus.
Still clinging to my God and my guns,
Randy
Gen 2:15 Then the LORD God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to tend and keep it
Gen 3:6 So when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree desirable to make one wise, she took of its fruit and ate. She also gave to her husband with her, and he ate.
Gen 3:17 Then to Adam He said, "Because you have heeded the voice of your wife, and have eaten from the tree of which I commanded you, saying, "You shall not eat of it': "Cursed is the ground for your sake; In toil you shall eat of it All the days of your life.
The creation and fall of man in four verses...
We are created in the image of God with the inherent capacity to do much good. We were created for fellowship with God. God seeks our company. When man sinned, that fellowship was broken and a gulf was placed between man and God.
You see in 3:17 that God actually cursed the earth because of our sin.
Some will try to placate the earth itself instead of turning to the creator. They think we evolved or were created by the spirits of the earth or some other such belief...they love the earth thinking that by loving it they are coming closer to their creator.
James 4:4 Adulterers and adulteresses! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Whoever therefore wants to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God.
Do not confuse world and earth as being the same...I merely point out this verse to show that if we do not follow His way, we will be considered enemies of God.
When Jesus said "blessed are the peacemakers" he was telling us that the peacemakers are the ones who show others how to reconcile with the Father. And how do you do that?
By realizing there is no way you can earn a place in heaven. Yes we were created in God's image but the gulf of sin separates us. To bridge that gulf God sent Christ to die as a sacrifice for everything we have ever done and will do wrong.
Man cannot reach God, but God can reach man through Christ Jesus.
Still clinging to my God and my guns,
Randy
30 Days of Survival - Day 4 - Join a Prepper Online Forum
Hopefully by now you have found a prepper / survivalist / homesteading / etc. blog to follow (along with mine of course).
What I would like you to do for day 4 of 30 Days of Survival is to join an online forum that talks about prepping. There are hundreds out there and you will need to spend some time finding one (or more ) that is right for you.
Several other seemingly unrelated forums have prepper sections that are very active. If you find a forum like this it counts too.
Here are a couple Forums I recommend...( I have been or am a member of these forums if you join tell em Toad Sticker sent you)
Homesteading Today
Lots of homesteading and animal information. Also has lots of good prepper and survival areas.
Backwoods Home Forums
Sponsored by Backwoods Home magazine...the Magazine is very Libertarian but they have learned that people are not grown up and moderate their forum closely...lots of good info.
Frugal Squirrels
I was a member here for over 10 years before the owner saw fit to ban me. The worst I will say about him is he is a little eccentric. If you can fit in, this place is a great place to learn from.
The Minion Report
My replacement for Frugals...populated by lots of folks who have been similarly banned from that sight...More Patriot oriented but still lots of good prepper info.
The Gulch or The Gulch
This forum was started by castoff's of the Backwoods home forum...not as active but still nice people and good info available.
Zombie Squad
I hesitate to include this one but in reality it is just a decent prepper site that pretends it is prepping for a zombie outbreak instead of all the other things to worry about.
There are a whole bunch more and maybe better forums out there to explore. In 30 Days of Survival - day 3 I gave you a link to the top 50 survival blogs this is a good place to start looking for a forum if you don't want to check out any of my suggestions.
So after you find a forum, what next?
Become part of the community, start asking questions. Be sure and answer any questions you might know the answer to. Inject your opinion into discussions. But most of all read and learn.
Make sure you keep your personal information to yourself, and be careful about revealing where you live.
Now work on that and stay tuned for day 5
Still clinging to my God and my guns,
Randy
What I would like you to do for day 4 of 30 Days of Survival is to join an online forum that talks about prepping. There are hundreds out there and you will need to spend some time finding one (or more ) that is right for you.
Several other seemingly unrelated forums have prepper sections that are very active. If you find a forum like this it counts too.
Here are a couple Forums I recommend...( I have been or am a member of these forums if you join tell em Toad Sticker sent you)
Homesteading Today
Lots of homesteading and animal information. Also has lots of good prepper and survival areas.
Backwoods Home Forums
Sponsored by Backwoods Home magazine...the Magazine is very Libertarian but they have learned that people are not grown up and moderate their forum closely...lots of good info.
Frugal Squirrels
I was a member here for over 10 years before the owner saw fit to ban me. The worst I will say about him is he is a little eccentric. If you can fit in, this place is a great place to learn from.
The Minion Report
My replacement for Frugals...populated by lots of folks who have been similarly banned from that sight...More Patriot oriented but still lots of good prepper info.
The Gulch or The Gulch
This forum was started by castoff's of the Backwoods home forum...not as active but still nice people and good info available.
Zombie Squad
I hesitate to include this one but in reality it is just a decent prepper site that pretends it is prepping for a zombie outbreak instead of all the other things to worry about.
There are a whole bunch more and maybe better forums out there to explore. In 30 Days of Survival - day 3 I gave you a link to the top 50 survival blogs this is a good place to start looking for a forum if you don't want to check out any of my suggestions.
So after you find a forum, what next?
Become part of the community, start asking questions. Be sure and answer any questions you might know the answer to. Inject your opinion into discussions. But most of all read and learn.
Make sure you keep your personal information to yourself, and be careful about revealing where you live.
Now work on that and stay tuned for day 5
Still clinging to my God and my guns,
Randy
Wednesday, May 29, 2013
30 Days of survival - Day 3 - Follow a prepper blog
For day 3 of 30 Days of Survival your assignment is to search out and find a blog about prepping written by someone in a similar area as yourself.
If you live in a city find an urban prepper who is bogging about his or her preps. Or pick an urban homesteading blog to read and be inspired by.
If you live in the sticks find a rural blogger sharing information on how they do it.
Whatever you do spend some time looking and reading...and of course follow my blog :-).
Here is a good resource to get you started The Top 50 Survival Blogs! Be sure to check out the second page also and you will find me at #125.
Still clinging to my God and my guns,
Randy
If you live in a city find an urban prepper who is bogging about his or her preps. Or pick an urban homesteading blog to read and be inspired by.
If you live in the sticks find a rural blogger sharing information on how they do it.
Whatever you do spend some time looking and reading...and of course follow my blog :-).
Here is a good resource to get you started The Top 50 Survival Blogs! Be sure to check out the second page also and you will find me at #125.
Still clinging to my God and my guns,
Randy
Tuesday, May 28, 2013
Monday, May 27, 2013
30 Days of Survival - Day 2 - Water
A person can live quite some time without any food but only a few days without water. In most emergencies water quickly becomes a precious commodity.
So how long can you drink if your usual water supply is cut off?
Here are some tips on securing a water supply in an emergency.
Store it
Storing water is your first option when it comes to emergency preparedness.
You can go several routes on this depending on your available storage space.
You can get food grade drums and fill them with water and store them in your garage. A fellow in my church during the Y2K build up bought a 250 gallon poly stock tank and filled it up just in case.
You can by water by the gallon at the store. Be sure and by the heavy duty better grade plastic bottles as the cheap milkjug type will degrade and start leaking after a year or so.
You can also buy a couple cases of single serve bottles and stash them under your bed.
How much you store is up to you. You will need to decide how much you plan on using. I have seen recommendations from "experts" all over the place. Do some research and decide how much you want to store for each person. I would recommend One gallon per person per day.
Another storage device to consider is a water bob. A water bob is a plastic bladder that fits into your bathtub that you fill with water at the first sign of an emergency.
If all else fails fill your bathtubs before you lose water pressure.
Back it up
If you live in the country you can get hand pumps on line that will fit onto your well to work in an emergency.
Better yet Drill a second well somewhere on your property.
This old house we live in has an old cistern that collected rain water.
You can do the same thing with rain barrels hooked to your downspouts.
Filter it
Get a water filter.
There are tons of different kinds and types of filters that come in handy for preppers.
- Aquamira make an inexpensive straw type filter that every prepper should have on hand since they are so affordable.
- NDur make a canteen filter that will come in handy for people in the woods
- Big Berkey make gravity fed filters where you dump the water in the top and get clean water out the bottom.
- Katadyn makes a wide variety of filters to fit almost any need.
We use a berkey here on the farm and like it a lot. When we lost power for 10 days a few years ago in an ice storm I filtered roof run off with it with no problems.
You can make your own filter... Get a cartridge at your local hardware store and use PVC pipe to build a system where you pour the water in the top and clean water comes out the bottom.
A note on filters...They will last longer if you pre-filter dirty water through several layers of cloth to remove the bigger stuff that will plug the filter quickly.
Water is important to your survival, plan now where you will get it if you need it.
Still clinging to my God and my guns,
Randy
So how long can you drink if your usual water supply is cut off?
Here are some tips on securing a water supply in an emergency.
Store it
Storing water is your first option when it comes to emergency preparedness.
You can go several routes on this depending on your available storage space.
You can get food grade drums and fill them with water and store them in your garage. A fellow in my church during the Y2K build up bought a 250 gallon poly stock tank and filled it up just in case.
You can by water by the gallon at the store. Be sure and by the heavy duty better grade plastic bottles as the cheap milkjug type will degrade and start leaking after a year or so.
You can also buy a couple cases of single serve bottles and stash them under your bed.
How much you store is up to you. You will need to decide how much you plan on using. I have seen recommendations from "experts" all over the place. Do some research and decide how much you want to store for each person. I would recommend One gallon per person per day.
Another storage device to consider is a water bob. A water bob is a plastic bladder that fits into your bathtub that you fill with water at the first sign of an emergency.
If all else fails fill your bathtubs before you lose water pressure.
Back it up
If you live in the country you can get hand pumps on line that will fit onto your well to work in an emergency.
Better yet Drill a second well somewhere on your property.
This old house we live in has an old cistern that collected rain water.
You can do the same thing with rain barrels hooked to your downspouts.
Filter it
Get a water filter.
There are tons of different kinds and types of filters that come in handy for preppers.
- Aquamira make an inexpensive straw type filter that every prepper should have on hand since they are so affordable.
- NDur make a canteen filter that will come in handy for people in the woods
- Big Berkey make gravity fed filters where you dump the water in the top and get clean water out the bottom.
- Katadyn makes a wide variety of filters to fit almost any need.
We use a berkey here on the farm and like it a lot. When we lost power for 10 days a few years ago in an ice storm I filtered roof run off with it with no problems.
You can make your own filter... Get a cartridge at your local hardware store and use PVC pipe to build a system where you pour the water in the top and clean water comes out the bottom.
A note on filters...They will last longer if you pre-filter dirty water through several layers of cloth to remove the bigger stuff that will plug the filter quickly.
Water is important to your survival, plan now where you will get it if you need it.
Still clinging to my God and my guns,
Randy
Saturday, May 25, 2013
30 Days of Survival - Day 1 - Do You Want to Survive?
Do you want to survive if some catastrophe happens around you?
If you do, how do you plan on doing it? Luck?
If you live on a hurricane coast do you have a hurricane kit that will allow you to shelter in place for a couple days like FEMA advises?
If you live in a tornado alley do you have a shelter to get to in case of a warning?
All prepping and survival is, is looking at things that can go wrong and then planning accordingly what actions to take if they do. You have car insurance and home insurance why not take some time to make a plan.
Step 1
Play the "What if " game.
Writers do this all the time to come up with story ideas...you can use it to figure out what you are truly planning to survive.
The easy one is "What if we hear a tornado warning and it was headed right for our house"? Do you know what you would do? Do you have a plan?
No tornado's? How about " You get a reverse 911 call telling you there is an escaped murderer in your neighborhood and to lock your doors"? What do you do?
What if the new avian virus they are tracking turns into something like the 1918 spanish flu? Can you survive staying away from others? or is your plan to help all those you can? what will you do if you get sick? what about your family?
What if the new GMO crops fail in the field this year?
As you can see the list could be endless but it really breaks down into just a few categories
- sickness
- security
- food
- natural disaster
- etc.
Play what if's with things you think likely to happen in your area...prepping is an individual sport and I can't tell you what you need to prep for.
Step 2
Make a plan
Once you have identified what you think likely to affect you, make a plan to deal with it.
Can you deal with it in your home by staying put or will you need to flee to somewhere safe?
A note on leaving...never become a refugee... have plan for where you will go...and a backup to that.
Step 3
Work your plan
Buy any materials your plan requires...if you need to shelter in place for three days make sure you have three days worth of food and water for everyone who will be with you.
If your plan requires a tool or skill, buy or make the tool and have it available and learn the skill
Prepping is only insurance for an uncertain future, it is easy to do and might even allow you to help others in a time of need.
Stay tuned for more tips in "30 Days of Survival"
Still clinging to my God and my guns,
Randy
If you do, how do you plan on doing it? Luck?
If you live on a hurricane coast do you have a hurricane kit that will allow you to shelter in place for a couple days like FEMA advises?
If you live in a tornado alley do you have a shelter to get to in case of a warning?
All prepping and survival is, is looking at things that can go wrong and then planning accordingly what actions to take if they do. You have car insurance and home insurance why not take some time to make a plan.
Step 1
Play the "What if " game.
Writers do this all the time to come up with story ideas...you can use it to figure out what you are truly planning to survive.
The easy one is "What if we hear a tornado warning and it was headed right for our house"? Do you know what you would do? Do you have a plan?
No tornado's? How about " You get a reverse 911 call telling you there is an escaped murderer in your neighborhood and to lock your doors"? What do you do?
What if the new avian virus they are tracking turns into something like the 1918 spanish flu? Can you survive staying away from others? or is your plan to help all those you can? what will you do if you get sick? what about your family?
What if the new GMO crops fail in the field this year?
As you can see the list could be endless but it really breaks down into just a few categories
- sickness
- security
- food
- natural disaster
- etc.
Play what if's with things you think likely to happen in your area...prepping is an individual sport and I can't tell you what you need to prep for.
Step 2
Make a plan
Once you have identified what you think likely to affect you, make a plan to deal with it.
Can you deal with it in your home by staying put or will you need to flee to somewhere safe?
A note on leaving...never become a refugee... have plan for where you will go...and a backup to that.
Step 3
Work your plan
Buy any materials your plan requires...if you need to shelter in place for three days make sure you have three days worth of food and water for everyone who will be with you.
If your plan requires a tool or skill, buy or make the tool and have it available and learn the skill
Prepping is only insurance for an uncertain future, it is easy to do and might even allow you to help others in a time of need.
Stay tuned for more tips in "30 Days of Survival"
Still clinging to my God and my guns,
Randy
Friday, May 24, 2013
Friday Night Light 5/24/13
Proverbs 27:5-6
5)Open rebuke is better Than love carefully concealed.6) Faithful are the wounds of a friend, But the kisses of an enemy are deceitful.
No one can deny the importance of friends in our walk with Christ. They pick us up when we are down and cheer us on when we are up. As much as I would like to be otherwise, no man is an island.
Solomon gave us so much wisdom for living our lives. Here he tells us that even when a friend seems to be tearing us down it may not be the case.
Christ told us in Luke 17:3 "Be on your guard! If your brother sins, rebuke him; and if he repents, forgive him. " In this case "brother" is friend or fellow believer. It is our duty to watch out for one another.
If someone is always nice to you and agrees with everything you say, that doesn't make you friends...real friends will tell you when they think you are wrong...even if it means wounding you.
Still clinging to my God and my guns,
Randy
5)Open rebuke is better Than love carefully concealed.6) Faithful are the wounds of a friend, But the kisses of an enemy are deceitful.
No one can deny the importance of friends in our walk with Christ. They pick us up when we are down and cheer us on when we are up. As much as I would like to be otherwise, no man is an island.
Solomon gave us so much wisdom for living our lives. Here he tells us that even when a friend seems to be tearing us down it may not be the case.
Christ told us in Luke 17:3 "Be on your guard! If your brother sins, rebuke him; and if he repents, forgive him. " In this case "brother" is friend or fellow believer. It is our duty to watch out for one another.
If someone is always nice to you and agrees with everything you say, that doesn't make you friends...real friends will tell you when they think you are wrong...even if it means wounding you.
Still clinging to my God and my guns,
Randy
New content- coming soon!
Starting a new feature tonight called "Friday Night Light".
It will be a short devotional published Friday evenings.
I have a new series starting this weekend also..."Thirty Days of Prepping" will get kicked off and I plan on posting a new day every other day (confusing right? LOL). Have them all lined up and will be putting them on the schedule this weekend, so you have a couple months of content coming at you starting this evening at 6p.m.
Getting an ipod touch soon to help with photos and even have plans for a couple vids to put up.
I have been writing the last year and it has kept me a way from this neglected corner of the internet, but I feel I should put the effort into maintaining a helpful presence here.
So stop by often to see whats new!
Also notice I have a new Pin It Button up top left...If you are on Pinterest and find this stuff helpful don't forget to pin me...
Still clinging to my God and my guns,
Randy
It will be a short devotional published Friday evenings.
I have a new series starting this weekend also..."Thirty Days of Prepping" will get kicked off and I plan on posting a new day every other day (confusing right? LOL). Have them all lined up and will be putting them on the schedule this weekend, so you have a couple months of content coming at you starting this evening at 6p.m.
Getting an ipod touch soon to help with photos and even have plans for a couple vids to put up.
I have been writing the last year and it has kept me a way from this neglected corner of the internet, but I feel I should put the effort into maintaining a helpful presence here.
So stop by often to see whats new!
Also notice I have a new Pin It Button up top left...If you are on Pinterest and find this stuff helpful don't forget to pin me...
Still clinging to my God and my guns,
Randy
Thursday, April 18, 2013
Let them eat garbage...
The Senate vote yesterday showed that some senators actually have a few brain cells left.
But from the editorials in today's papers many big city editors don't.
Dana Milbank of the Washington post wrote "Courage was in short supply" of the Senators who voted against the attack on the second amendment. --True courage would be standing on founding principles when others want to attack freedom in the name of safety.
New York Times editors wrote "The Senate Fails Americans" --The senate actually stood up and protected American rights for once.
An OpEd in the LA Times said "That shameful failure is yet another powerful reminder of how difficult it is to make progress on gun control at the federal level."
-- Gun control is a shameful failure of liberal minds attempting to make people bow to their world view.
A Chicago Tribune editor wrote "A Vote for Violence" -- LOL give me a break...like someone in the murder capitol of the U.S. which by the way has the most restrictive gun laws already in place knows how to curb violence.
The Chicago Sun Times wrote "Outrageous Rejection" of Anti-Violence" -- See note above...
Rolling Stone Magazine wrote "45 Percent of the Senate Foils 90 Percent of America" --I wonder which 90% they are thinking of...maybe 90% of the liberal elite who couldn't think their way out of a wet paper bag.
And finally the editors of Bloomberg write "Rural America vs. Sensible Gun Control" --If they want to frame this as cities vs rural areas, they need to be reminded of where their food comes from. Cities are far from sustainable places to live. If we stopped sending our food to them soon the would be eating their garbage.
That sounds like a good rallying cry "Let Them Eat Garbage!"
Still clinging to my God and my (legal for now) Guns,
Randy
But from the editorials in today's papers many big city editors don't.
Dana Milbank of the Washington post wrote "Courage was in short supply" of the Senators who voted against the attack on the second amendment. --True courage would be standing on founding principles when others want to attack freedom in the name of safety.
New York Times editors wrote "The Senate Fails Americans" --The senate actually stood up and protected American rights for once.
An OpEd in the LA Times said "That shameful failure is yet another powerful reminder of how difficult it is to make progress on gun control at the federal level."
-- Gun control is a shameful failure of liberal minds attempting to make people bow to their world view.
A Chicago Tribune editor wrote "A Vote for Violence" -- LOL give me a break...like someone in the murder capitol of the U.S. which by the way has the most restrictive gun laws already in place knows how to curb violence.
The Chicago Sun Times wrote "Outrageous Rejection" of Anti-Violence" -- See note above...
Rolling Stone Magazine wrote "45 Percent of the Senate Foils 90 Percent of America" --I wonder which 90% they are thinking of...maybe 90% of the liberal elite who couldn't think their way out of a wet paper bag.
And finally the editors of Bloomberg write "Rural America vs. Sensible Gun Control" --If they want to frame this as cities vs rural areas, they need to be reminded of where their food comes from. Cities are far from sustainable places to live. If we stopped sending our food to them soon the would be eating their garbage.
That sounds like a good rallying cry "Let Them Eat Garbage!"
Still clinging to my God and my (legal for now) Guns,
Randy
Wednesday, January 23, 2013
Tragedy in the Ozarks
Wrote an article about the guy and two kids who died on the Ozark trail last week.
Read it Here
You may notice I have written a few articles there... That is where most of my writing energy is going these days. I hope to split it and start giving you some good content here also.
Still clinging to my God and my guns,
Randy
Read it Here
You may notice I have written a few articles there... That is where most of my writing energy is going these days. I hope to split it and start giving you some good content here also.
Still clinging to my God and my guns,
Randy
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