The Prepared Christian

Are YOU prepared to defy the United States government?

2012-02-08T10:51:00.001-05:00

Today while driving to work I was listening to Chuck Colson on Breakpoint. He was talking about the Obama regime's Contraception mandate and how it affects all Christians not just Catholics.
You can read his commentary HERE. I like what Chuck has to say most of the time, and this time he is spot on.

The Obama regime is trying to force its will down the throat of religious organizations by claiming the first amendment only applies to churches. If you have been following Obamas attack on religion you are aware of the use of the term "freedom of worship" replacing " freedom of religion". Freedom of worship is a personal and private thing done out of the public sphere...Hitler was big on freedom of worship. Freedom of religion on the other hand is lived out in all aspects of your life including the public sphere.

This systematic attack seems very deliberate and could eventually lead to blood in the streets. (but then that is what many in the occupy movement want) Blood in the street just in time for the election. I have heard before every election since Clinton that the sitting president will declare martial law so they don't have to give up power. I have always thought this was a bunch of hooey. This time I can see it happening.

Why?

Because the Catholics won't back down from this...and we as Evangelicals should be right there with them.
Chuck mentioned in his article Yesterdays OP-ED by Michael Gerson in the Washington post....The poor pay the price for Obama's policies This outstanding piece points out how much people depend on religious organizations.

If the Obama regime forces them out of business there will be a huge price to pay, both in dollars for the government trying to fill the gigantic gap left behind, and morally/socially for the lack of humanity inherently present when someone serves out of love instead of a paycheck.

Again why should we stand together...?

Read the Manhattan Declaration...The Key point... We will fully and ungrudgingly render to Caesar what is Caesar's. But under no circumstances will we render to Caesar what is God's.

They also have a petition to sign about the contraception mandate HERE 19,206 people have signed when I posted this.

One more time WHY should we stand together...

Because those who fail to learn from history are doomed to repeat it...
I will leave you with the words of Martin Niemoller (1892-1984)

First they came for the communists,
and I didn't speak out because I wasn't a communist.
Then they came for the trade unionists,
and I didn't speak out because I wasn't a trade unionist.
Then they came for the Jews,
and I didn't speak out because I wasn't a Jew.
Then they came for the Catholics,
and I didn't speak out because I was Protestant.
Then they came for me
and there was no one left to speak out for me.

Still clinging to my God and my guns,
Randy

A good coat will keep you warm

2012-01-03T13:35:00.001-05:00

Finding a good coat you can be happy with, is a good thing.

Helly Hansen makes top quality ski jackets that will keep you warm in all your outdoor activities.

I like the fact that they carry a lot of darker colors so you don't stand out in the woods so much.

Check this LINK for Outwood Sports in the UK.

Still clinging to my God and my guns,
Randy

Scout popcorn was an online bust

2011-11-01T10:04:00.002-04:00

Hundreds of folks looked at my post on popcorn but the boys got no orders from it.
Even selling door to door was very slow this year.
I hope our experience wasn't wide spread since scouts count on popcorn sales for activity money.

BTW if you did order from my link let me know....

Back to our irregularly unscheduled blogging...

Still clinging to my God and my guns,
Randy

Help Support Scouting

2011-10-14T09:45:00.003-04:00

Scouts sell popcorn each year to help pay for their activities.
We have two sons in scouting and they are selling Trails End popcorn for the month of October.

The really cool thing about scouting popcorn is that even if you don't like popcorn there is an option to send some to troops overseas. That is a welcome gift to our soldiers.

So please help support our scouts.

Son #1 Webelo

Son #2 Bear Scout

Trails end popcorn helps boys be able to continue to grow up with values in a world that is increasingly hostile to our Christian way of life. Even if you don't buy from us consider purchasing some locally.

Thank You!

Still clinging to my God and my guns,
Randy

Death of the small town

2011-08-28T08:17:00.002-04:00

Here is a guest post by The Impulsive Texan.
You can see the original post HERE

Still clinging to my God and my guns,
Randy

Death of the Small Town

I grew up in a small Texas town just on the outskirts of the middle of nowhere. Although I didn't realize it at the time, being isolated there was a blessing that is daily oh-so-obvious as an adult.

As a young boy, I thought my hometown would eventually die a slow, painful death because of its unwillingness to move forward. Now I look back and realize just how great a town it really was and how fortunate I was to begin life blanketed with its simple style.

I was aware of another world just past the county line because of the 6 o'clock news and the fuzzy and static-laden voices that verified its existence on my transistor radio. Those broadcasts and fleeting receptions helped my mind’s eye create the vision of what I thought life might be like in the big cities of Dallas and Fort Worth.

Riding bicycles unaccompanied by an adult from sunup until sundown all over the county was quite normal back then. My mother's only requirement as I pedaled out of the yard and pretended not to hear, was the stern and non-negotiable command of "you had better be in this house when that street light goes on." And that came out of her concern more for my getting into bed at a decent hour and not so much for my safety.

My friends and I would spend hours scouring ditches through the neck-high Johnson Grass beyond the shoulders of the road and behind restaurants and gas stations, searching for the glistening glass drink bottles that we would redeem at the local grocery store for a pocket full of shiny nickels. That was a dependable source of income for an eleven year-old boy not satisfied with the fifty cents allowance I received each Saturday morning.

Kick the can, riding bicycles without helmets and cooling off in a friends tank, never dwelling on the snapping turtles and snakes that swarmed just below the surface of the muddy water, were all rights of passage for young boys chasing down manhood along those dusty back roads.

With only a single movie available playing for the fifth Saturday night in a row at the local theater, endlessly cruising the mile-and-a-half, well-worn main drag was the weekends entertainment.

We were on a first-name basis with the local policemen who would creep slowly behind us in their cruisers while we parked on the square under cover of night. It was almost like an episode of Mayberry, RFD — Andy Griffith and Barney Fife tending their civic duties by ensuring the children of local residents weren’t involved in something that would get them hurt or in trouble.

But now the hometown I once knew has now become unrecognizable to me and, ironically, it’s from the very thing I once thought would be its salvation from a plain, ordinary existence. I don’t know how to explain the different “feel” it now has. No longer does the naïveté hang on the breeze like the sheets on mama’s clothesline. It’s no longer a refuge or a place where I can run and hide when I get disenchanted by the world and all of its problems.

Now every country in this world is a neighbor. The small town is now a faded memory from another time just like ice-picks, typewriters or those bottles I spent the better part of my youth searching for. Even remote corners of this fragment of dust we call Earth are just a keyboard or mouse-click away. I'm not so sure that I like that or if I will ever be able to embrace it. So call me old fashioned and I'll just say, thank you.

I find myself, like many other people around this globe, mired in the age of Facebook, texting, high speed Internet, and cable television and firmly planted in the electronic age.

But everything good and necessary comes with a price. Technology can be a good thing and the majority of our worldly "neighbors" would say it is necessary, but the by-product of technology has become a double-edged sword.

On the one edge the ability to do things bigger, faster and better has evolved at an incredible pace, freeing up even more time to cram something else into our time-starved lives. On the other edge, the innocence of the small town has been shattered and compromised because now, the entire world and all of its glories and its darkness is at the fingertips of unsuspecting youth from Hico to Hiroshima. Those outside activities I spent a childhood enjoying have now disappeared, long-gone with the small town. Now if it isn’t gigged, wi-fied, joy-sticked or hi-speed, it’s not an activity or an interest for kids.

Yes, the little map dot where I grew up has fully embraced the technological age, too. I don't even recognize it during the visits I take there now. The buildings are the same but just a bit more rundown than I remember and the school I attended is still home to the Fighting Indians and the kids still drive up and down the main drag, only now with a curfew. There seems to be a well-defined appetite for all things worldly, present and around every corner. Cell phone towers seem oddly out of place in once productive peanut fields that are now, empty, overgrown pastures.

Gang signs deface historic buildings and landmarks, young boys walk around with their “pants on the ground" and booming car stereos shatter the silence of once peaceful mornings. Like a favorite uncle I thought would never die, the town I came to love has succumbed to worldly influence.

Those timeless, enduring words of Thomas Wolfe — You Can't Go Home Again —make more sense to me now than they ever have.

But I often take time out of what has become a busy life and close my eyes. I pull an image from a dusty summer day in the past and pause to reflect on the simple tranquility of that place I once knew. Though faded through years and age, the images I recall helps me remember that deep in the heart of Texas, miles away from anywhere, but just a click away from everywhere, is that little place I once knew as home.

The Impulsive Texan

guest posts

2011-08-21T08:21:00.002-04:00

I am in search of guest posts.

I would really like to be more consistent in my posting, and I believe a couple guest posts now and then would be just the ticket.

I know other places offer contests to get you to send in articles but I really don't have anything to offer at this time.

So if you would like to see your name and info here just drop me an email
longhunter64@yahoo.com

please don't include anything against Christian beliefs.

Still clinging to my God and my guns,
Randy

Hey you dang woodchucks!

2011-07-17T07:20:00.002-04:00

Quit chuckin' my wood!

We have woodchucks (ground hogs) around here.
The farmer who rents our field planted soybeans this year and the buggers like to eat bean when they are small and taste good.

I usually get to shoot three or four every year as I see them out in the bean field.

This year I shot five and was still seeing them! Plus they were getting really skittish. The beans have been eaten in a large semi-circle around my farm barn about 20 yards deep!

After shooting five I figured I had one left. I shot at him twice and missed (those are the only two misses this year) so he is being real spooky to get a shot at.

So I decided to set the live trap out and see if I could round up this last straggler. So what to use for bait??
I decided to try celery with a little peanut butter. Next morning I had a coon. Well great at least he wouldn't be after the chickens.
So I shot him and dumped him and reset the trap without bait. Next morning another coon, great again.

Next morning the trap was rolled over like a coon was on top and it tipped. So I took the trap and mashed down some tall weeds and stuck it there with the weeds on each side. It looks like a tunnel now running into the weeds.

I caught three more ground hogs since I have done that a little over a week ago.

So the score is Randy 8 - ground hogs ?

We'll just have to see how many more there actually are out there.

I am becoming a big believer in live traps. If I were fur trapping this one would of paid for itself in coon pelts quickly. I bought it a couple years ago when we had meat chickens out in a chicken tractor and the coons were getting them. It really does a number on the coons.

Still clinging to my God and my guns,
Randy

How to make balm of Gilead salve

2011-07-07T07:22:00.003-04:00

If you ever wondered how to make black salve also call balm of Gilead.

I ran across this post from "freedom of the hills" that tells how to make it.

You can view it here; Balm of Gilead Salve

This is a great skill to have and a handy salve to keep on hand.

Still clinging to my God and my guns,
Randy

Knee High by the Fourth of July...

2011-07-06T18:43:00.002-04:00

So goes the old saying to tell if you will get a decent yield of corn.

I was surprised with our wet spring the local farmers seemed to have gotten to that benchmark.
I even read that with all the advancements in technology they expect to get a good average year.

For me ... not so well,
My hybrid sweetcorn is about knee high but my saved Indian corn is lagging behind.
Everything was just too wet to plant on time, and then we were out of state for a funeral the first week it was dry enough to plant. I'll let you know this fall how the corn ends up.

Thinking of getting some buckwheat to put in the rest of my tinkering area.'

Still clinging to my God and my guns,
Randy

Be careful how you store your water.

2011-07-01T07:16:00.002-04:00

We learned an important lesson yesterday about water storage.
We had bought a couple of those milk jugs of drinking water at the grocery and had put them in the closet.

The Mrs. had been smelling mold for a few weeks but couldn't figure out where it was coming from.

Well it seems those jugs start biodegrading and one of them leaked all over and soaked some cardboard containers and turned to mold.

Seems it was quite a mess (she had most of it cleaned before I got home(great wife I know)).

Never trust those flimsy milk carton type jugs for long term storage.

Still clinging to my God and my guns,
Randy

I wish we'd all been ready

2011-06-29T19:08:00.001-04:00

A powerful message and one of my favorite songs

Still clinging to my God and my guns,
Randy

The Manhattan Declaration

2011-06-24T21:12:00.005-04:00

Christian or not if you value your freedom this is a document that you will want to read.

It is a statement by Christians but it invites all those who are moral to read and sign it.

I won't urge you to sign but I do urge you to read it. (READ IT HERE)Then if you feel compelled to sign that is good.

One of the last lines is the most powerful of all to me...

"We will fully and ungrudgingly render to Caesar what is Caesar's. But under no circumstances will we render to Caesar what is God's. "

I have cut and pasted a couple paragraphs here and there so you can get an idea of what is said.

We are Christians who have joined together across historic lines of ecclesial differences to affirm our right—and, more importantly, to embrace our obligation—to speak and act in defense of these truths. We pledge to each other, and to our fellow believers, that no power on earth, be it cultural or political, will intimidate us into silence or acquiescence. It is our duty to proclaim the Gospel of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ in its fullness, both in season and out of season. May God help us not to fail in that duty.

Christians confess that God alone is Lord of the conscience. Immunity from religious coercion is the cornerstone of an unconstrained conscience. No one should be compelled to embrace any religion against his will, nor should persons of faith be forbidden to worship God according to the dictates of conscience or to express freely and publicly their deeply held religious convictions. What is true for individuals applies to religious communities as well.

It is ironic that those who today assert a right to kill the unborn, aged and disabled and also a right to engage in immoral sexual practices, and even a right to have relationships integrated around these practices be recognized and blessed by law—such persons claiming these "rights" are very often in the vanguard of those who would trample upon the freedom of others to express their religious and moral commitments to the sanctity of life and to the dignity of marriage as the conjugal union of husband and wife.

Because we honor justice and the common good, we will not comply with any edict that purports to compel our institutions to participate in abortions, embryo-destructive research, assisted suicide and euthanasia, or any other anti-life act; nor will we bend to any rule purporting to force us to bless immoral sexual partnerships, treat them as marriages or the equivalent, or refrain from proclaiming the truth, as we know it, about morality and immorality and marriage and the family. We will fully and ungrudgingly render to Caesar what is Caesar's. But under no circumstances will we render to Caesar what is God's.

It really is a powerful statement and should be shared with all people who value their freedom.

Once again please read the statement HERE

Then check out the home page HERE

Still clinging to my God and my guns,
Randy

1899 home

2011-06-09T06:28:00.003-04:00

Yes I started another blog.

1899 home

Like I have nothing better to do, plus I don't write content here like I should.
But anyway....

I came across my great-great grandmothers cookbook in this old house.
It was published in 1894 and is full of wisdom for the home (which is common in those old cookbooks).

Plus there are several newspaper clippings and hand written recipes to go along with the book.
Being the bibliophile that I am I also have a couple other books from the same era that have wisdom of the age to share.

So... I find all that info just too cool to not pass on.

Still clinging to my God and my guns,
Randy

Ayn Rand...Atlas Shrugged... Not a Christian value

2011-05-16T06:57:00.003-04:00

I have seen reference to Atlas Shrugged my whole time on the net as a prepper. So many times that I finally checked it out of the library and started reading it.
I didn't get very far.
Maybe my mistake was reading the for word where Ms. Rand lays out her militant anti Christian beliefs.
That kind of ruined the rest of the book for me.

Time .com has a great article by Amy Sullivan, called

"An Atheist Icon? Social Conservatives Worried About GOP Ayn Rand Resurgence"

In this article she tells us about what our GOP leaders think of this prominent atheist.
"

- Paul Ryan says Ayn Rand is the reason he entered politics and he requires all staff and interns to read her books. Says Ryan: "Ayn Rand more than anyone else did a fantastic job of explaining the morality of capitalism, the morality of individualism."
- Clarence Thomas requires his law clerks to watch The Fountainhead, and has said "I tend really to be partial to Ayn Rand."
- Sen. Ron Johnson, Ryan's GOP colleague from Wisconsin, calls Atlas Shrugged his "foundational book."
- Rush Limbaugh calls Ayn Rand "the brilliant writer and novelist."
- Fox News repeatedly promoted the recently released movie version of Atlas Shrugged, airing the trailer on several shows and interviewing cast members.

"
Chuck Colson has a little to say also. Here is his two minute warning video warning.
Then here is his Break Point commentary. Called "Shrug it off"

We have to be diligent to study what our leaders are actually saying when they come to power.
We can't get caught up in backing a party candidate blindly just because he or she has declared themselves red or blue.

Please read the links (they are short)

Still clinging to my God and my guns,
Randy

A wet spring

2011-05-13T20:24:00.003-04:00

SO much rain...

One field by our lane has been planted and the farmers in the area are scrambling around between thunderstorms trying to get a crop in.

Our garden and field are both way too wet to work yet. I did a couple passes with the till a couple weeks ago but had to stop because it was too wet then. It has rained all but a couple widely spaced days since. The till broke something when I was doing a run on Saturday. It is stuck in gear and the tines spin freely without power.

I have been able to mow part of the yard but some of it is closing in on a foot tall. I bagged alot of it and started mulching the garden. Maybe we will have to try Ruth Stouts "no work garden" method this year. If we can't get it tilled I will just mulch the whole thing and pull back the mulch to plant.

Haven't figured out what to do about the field garden yet. If it doesn't dry out soon we may just have to forget it.

Still clinging to my God and my guns,
Randy

New Layout

2011-04-30T17:39:00.002-04:00

Welcome to my new (and much more versatile) layout.
I hope you like it...

Been examining new ways to bring in traffic and build good content so expect a few new things in the weeks to come.

If you have a blog I would be willing to exchange guest posts!!!

It has been a wet wet wet spring and we still haven't gotten the garden tilled.
Today was the first day I could mow this spring, but there is still lots of water standing so I only did a little. (I have about 3 acres to mow)
It is going to be a bummer this summer with gas at $4.15 here right now.

All the fruit seems to have made over the winter except for maybe one blueberry bush. (they hate it here)
Still no bees for the top bar hive I built 2 years ago.

We bought a Liberty and a freedom apple last year so that we could get fruit without spraying and they made it as well.

Still clinging to my God and my guns,
Randy

How to make and use sun rendered fish oil for the trapline.

2011-04-17T19:56:00.002-04:00

How to make sun rendered fish oil

Sun rendered fish oil usually called just plain “fish oil” is one of the simplest and easy to make trapping lures there is. All you need to make it is a clean jar with a lid and fish.

- Making the fish oil

Take your jar and make sure it is clean. Get the biggest jar you can find since you want to get as much fish oil as you can from your effort. Cut the fish up into chunks to fit into the jar. If they fit without cutting that is fine, you don’t really need to cut them up. Fill the jar about ¾ full.

Take the lid and poke a few small holes in the top to let out the gasses that will form while the fish is rotting down. Put a layer of thin cloth over the top of the jar and screw the lid down over it. (The cloth keeps out the flies) Then place the jar in full sun and let it set. You will want to protect it from animals because they will want to get into the rotting fish.

After several weeks the fish should have turned to liquid. Floating on top should be a layer of oil. The liquid beneath it is also sold as “fish oil” by many and “fish juice” by some. You can use either or both for attracting animals to your sets.

- Using the fish oil

Now that you have your fish oil what do you do with it?

Fish oil is very attractive to most animals, even those who usually don’t eat meat.

It can be combines with many different ingredients to increase its attractiveness to a specific animal, as in adding skunk essence to make it into a call lure for canines.

Fish oil is something every trapper should make and use.

Companion planting guides

2011-04-12T22:09:00.004-04:00

LINK Link2

I found these while stumbling around stumble upon...
BTW like me on Stumble if you like this sight

Still clinging to my God and my guns,
Randy

Engaging your World (Walking your walk)

2011-04-12T20:54:00.003-04:00

As a Christian dare I say survivalist it seems sometimes as if by preparing for an uncertain future we are at the same time disengaging ourselves from the world around us. Many times I would like nothing better than to build a 30' wall around our property and sit contentedly behind it waiting for whatever the world seeks to push over the top of it.

But as bible believing Christians we are to be in the world but not of the world. I need reminded of this almost daily, and so I am very grateful to Chuck Colson and Breakpoint . I listen to Chuck just about every morning on the radio on my way to work.

Chuck is all about living our lives while embracing our Christian worldview. So what is a "Christian Worldview"?

It is how we SHOULD view the world and interact with, it in light of our faith.

Many times professing Christians are really no different that secular Humanists when it comes to everyday issues. Many Christians leave their "faith" at the church door when they walk out on Sunday. It's so easy to fall into old comfortable habits. I'm not talking about sin here, I am talking about the thought process we use when we think about things in general.

From the evening news to the sports or sitcoms we watch we think about the entertainment value, but what about the God value? How did that newscast effect the kingdom of God? Did that sitcom just make an off color joke about God and we thought it was funny? How about misinformation? Did we fall into the trap of "well I can't do anything about it"?

Faith is THE foundation on which we SHOULD build our lives. We say we believe what the bible teaches but do we really live that way?

Not that we can do anything at all about lots of things but everything we see and I mean everything should be evaluated in light of our faith and how it affects our walk and our witness.

Back to Chuck...
He sponsors a program called the" Centurions".
Read his commentary from a couple day ago.

Centurions are believers trains to specifically engage their world with a Christian world view.
If we all could learn to recognize our world view, and align it closer to Christs, we would have an untold impact on the world we live in.

Still clinging to my God and my guns,
Randy

The Merchant of Info

2011-04-08T06:29:00.002-04:00

My foray into affiliate marketing.

The merchant of info is a blog with DIY and preparedness e-books.

I don't set the prices I just list the ones that look interesting to someone who is thinking about preparing for an uncertain future. Others I list just because I feel like it :-) lol.

My source has over 10,000 available so bookmark the page since I will be adding new ones all the time.

To check out The Merchant of Info Click Here!!

Still clinging to my God and my guns,
Randy

How to create your own heirloom vegetables

2011-03-29T19:16:00.005-04:00

How to create your own heirloom vegetables

Growing your own food is a big part of your family’s security. Producing your own food can keep the proverbial wolf away from the door.

One thing you should consider is the security of the seeds you buy. I’m sure you have heard by now about “terminator genes” that some companies are trying to put into the food supply. These genes make it so any plants grown from them are sterile and won’t produce viable seeds. The only way to be sure of what you are getting is to produce it yourself.

Heirlooms are very important because they are adapted to a specific area and type of management system. If you develop your own you will have a plant that grows well in your area and grows well how you plan on growing it. A cool thing about them is they can be adapted for how you manage your garden also.(low input, raised bed, container, heavy mulch, etc.)

My corn has been selected for low input organic growth. I have also had to add resistance to cucumber beetles that eat the silk while the plant is putting on ears. When I started out I got very little corn because of the “harsh” way I grow it. I have tried a few times to grow “Bloody Butcher” corn, but it has always failed because the cucumber beetles keep it from pollinating almost completely by eating the silk. I usually end up 10 or so kernels on an ear. The corn I started with was Mandan Bride. The first year it put out two foot plants with small 6 inch ears. This last year (10 years later) I had 6-12 foot plants with 10-12 inch ears. I still get nubbins because of my limited addition of fertilizer (chicken manure, wood ashes, compost and homemade liquid fertilizer).

So how do we go about making our own heirlooms?

-Save your seed

First you need to learn about saving your seeds. This year when you grow your garden, save some seed for the next year. Even if you plant hybrids you can save that seed and plant some of it next year (don’t use it for your whole planting because you might not get anything edible the first couple years). You will get plants that revert back to what they were before they were hybridized, but you will then have plants you can select and improve upon. Of course the best way is to start with an heirloom of some sort to begin with.

-Look for differences in your plants

During the growing season watch your plants closely. Did some of them grow faster than others? Do some put out bigger or tastier fruit? Did the bugs leave one plant unharmed? Is there a color difference? Does one put out fruit much later than the others? One or all of these things can be selected for. Or you can combine traits you want.

Last summer we grew a Burgundy Okra.(it was very good) I put in six or seven plants in a row. Out of that row I had two green okras from the same seed with the rest burgundy like they were supposed to be. Of the two green ones one the bugs just destroyed, I mean they were all over it, but the others were not touched. So I save two kinds of seed for the okra, “burgundy okra” and “green okra”. I tossed the buggy one into the compost pile when harvest was done. You might ask why I didn’t pull it earlier; I used it for a bug trap. The bugs all went there and left my other stuff alone.

-Plant for improvement and selection

The example I am going to use is my corn but it can be used for any improvement in your garden. If this is your first year select your best ears (fruits) according to the traits you want to pass on. I use three criteria for my corn.

-full ear- This means that the bugs didn’t get any silk when the kernels were forming so they didn’t like it and avoided it for some reason, pass that trait on always.

-size- Bigger is better in this game unless you are trying to create a specialty crop of baby sized veggies. On corn you need to look at length of the ear as well as how dense the kernels pack together.

-color- Since my corn is Indian corn I select for color also, but it is my third criteria and I will plant ears that are mostly yellow if they are large and dense. You should sort your veggies in the same way. Be sure and keep the seeds separate. How I plant my corn is to take one ear of corn and start planting hills in a strait row. Only kernels from that ear go into any hill in that row. After I get that row planted I pick up my next ear and repeat the process of one ear per row until you have your plot or field planted. As the plot grows pay attention to the things I mentioned before. Watch to see which rows get a head start in germination, which rows grow fastest are easiest to weed or whatever you decide is important. Then repeat the process over from the beginning next year.

The first picture is looking West at my row of hills. The next picture is looking South, and this picture is looking diagonally SouthEast. If you look close you can see the high wheel cultivator at the end of the row. These types of plantings can be cultivated in three directions just as the pictures were taken.

Other fruits and veggies will not cross pollinate as well as corn but keeping them in the rows will make keeping track of what you are trying to accomplish so much easier. So a couple years down the road you have a tomato that no one else has or you have bell peppers the size of footballs or just corn that grows without much fertilizer and it is a brand new heirloom that you have created.

Still clinging to my God and my guns,

Randy

Went to Lehmans

2011-03-26T13:09:00.004-04:00

We went to Lehmans last weekend.
This is an annual spring event for us, but this year was different.

They had a flood a few weeks ago and had all the flood damaged merchandise marked 50% off.
They had no flood insurance so they are needing to make even more sales to make up for all the damage. they have a pretty large area devoted to flood damaged stuff. But still at 50% off some of it is pricey.

We had a get together at our place last year for some folks I know from online. It has become an annual event also...4 years now. One of the guys that comes is from over in that area and told us about their regular markdown area. (we had never found it before) It is in the upstairs portion of the toy department. (where the train runs around)

Found lots of good stuff up there, if you make it to Lehmans be sure and hit the upstairs.

While I was picking up a few more spiles for next years maple syrup I got into a nice conversation with a couple from the Cleveland area. They ended up getting a few also so they could tap their yard trees next year.

I also spied the old guy from all the cardboard cutouts with the white beard and hair. I was so tempted to walk up to him and shake him and say "just trying to see if you're the real one" LOL

Still clinging to my God and my guns,
Randy

Constitution Party News

2011-03-14T19:40:00.001-04:00

Constitution Party

News and Information

Virgil Goode Speaks Out

For America's Working People!

In new "American Conservative" article Goode

takes GOP to task on Trade, Sovereignty issues

[Note: In the following article, former Virginia Congressman, Virgil Goode, a member of the Constitution

Party National Executive Committee, stands up and speaks out for the great majority of middle class working Americans whose standard of living is under daily attack from a variety of special interests. You may find the original article at: www.amconmag.com/blog/trading-away-sovereignty/]

Trading Away Sovereignty By Virgil Goode

Last week, the New York Times reported that Obama received received "rare bipartisan praise" from Republicans when he signed the South Korean Free Trade agreement, known as KORUS, last December. However Republicans stalled congressional approval of the agreement, largely because of "partisan feuding," in part because Republicans want even more free trade agreements with Columbia and Panama.

While I am glad that KORUS is stalled, Republicans should oppose it on principle because it creates a globalist bureaucracy that will cost hundreds of thousands of American jobs, not because of partisan bickering over how quickly we expand these globalist agreements.

Republican supporters of KORUS claim that the agreement is about promoting capitalism, free markets, and free trade. The truth is that this agreement does not promote free markets. On the contrary, it will make American businesses more regulated.

KORUS is not even about free trade. If we wanted free trade, we would simply reduce our tariffs with Korea. Such a bill would be a few pages. KORUS is 1,000 pages long. My former colleagues Ron Paul (R-TX) and Walter Jones (R-NC) wrote that "Free trade theorists such as Adam Smith and David Ricardo must be rolling in their graves to see pacts like [KORUS] called `free trade.'"

Instead KORUS is about managed trade, which puts partial control of our economy in the hands of international bureaucrats.

Like other managed-trade agreements, KORUS gives special benefits to certain corporate and labor interests. For example, to get the support of the United Auto Workers Union, the agreement specifically requires Korea to change their internal environmental and safety regulations to fit these cars.

The flipside is that our own policies and sovereignty will be affected. KORUS sets up foreign tribunals under the jurisdiction of the World Bank and the United Nations where Korean companies operating in the United States can sue Americans outside of our jurisdiction.

Additionally, the treaty gives Obama unconstitutional authority to impose regulations under the treaty on state government. The National Council of State Legislators warned against the "effect that investor-state dispute resolution chapters have on American principles of federalism, state sovereignty, and state lawmakers' ability to address the localized concerns of their constituents."

Although ostensibly just a deal with Korea, KORUS will allow other countries to usurp our sovereignty by proxy. Chinese and other foreign companies could simply set up front corporations with up to a 65 percent of the ownership in South Korea and they too would be able to sue Americans in foreign tribunals.

This is not the first time we've proposed a managed-trade agreement. In the last two decades America has ratified the North American Free Trade Agreement, the Dominican Republic/Central American Free Trade Agreement, and the Singapore Free Trade Agreement.

Based on these past experiences, we also have reason to worry about increases in immigration from KORUS. Because the negotiations are hidden from the public, we will not know until the last minute, but all the previous FTAs have included increases in guest workers. With nearly 25 million Americans out of work, we do not need any more foreign workers.

The combination of mass immigration and globalist free trade was summed up by Pat Buchanan as "Exporting Jobs, Importing Workers." The results are disastrous for the American worker.

NAFTA, CAFTA, and the other FTAs have led to the loss of hundreds of thousands of American jobs and the erosion of sovereignty has led to a slippery slope with the globalists trying to go a step further with the NAFTA Superhighway. We should remember that the European Union began as a free trade agreement.

A quote commonly misattributed to both Ben Franklin or Albert Einstein, but insightful nonetheless, defines insanity as "doing the same thing over and over again expecting different results." After the disastrous results of NAFTA, it would be literally insane for Republicans to side with the Obama administration in surrendering our sovereignty.

Virgil Goode Represented Virginia's 5th Congressional District from
1997 through 2009.

Americans are fortunate to have a man like Virgil Goode speaking out for their jobs, their freedom and their nation. Don't miss the opportunity to meet Virgil Goode and hear him speak at the upcoming Constitution Party Spring National Committee Meeting and Conference, April 29 and 30 in Harrisburg, PA. Details concerning this exciting event are available at:

www.constitutionparty.com/view_events.php

my 2 tablespoons of maple syrup

2011-03-12T10:08:00.004-05:00

Boiled down about 1/2 gallon of sap Thursday night. Ended up with a small amount of syrup.Boy is it good!!
I think I got ripped off a couple years ago when I traded some writing for some "real homemade Vermont maple syrup".
It was sweet and tasted good but was very light in color and had almost no maple flavor. Could of been corn syrup for all I know.
Mine is nice and brown and has a strong maple taste. I didn't boil it long enough to get real thick because it is so sweet.
I'm going to invest in some "sugaring" equipment before next year. I have a very large cast Iron pot they used for butchering that should double for boiling down sap, since we are poor and can't afford a new or used pan.

Still clinging to my God and my guns,
Randy

Maple Syrup

2011-02-19T15:40:00.003-05:00

I put in two syrup taps today. They are in two small maples that are growing in the drip line of my shop. I have a huge sugar ample in the yard but have tried three years now to get sap but nothing comes out no matter where I drill.
The little ones are dripping well into the gallon jugs and I will update on what we get.
I was going to walk down to the woods and put some taps in but My cordless drill batteries are on their last legs and I don't have the correct bit for my brace.

Still clinging to my God and my guns,
Randy

Product review - Cobra big bore derringer

2011-01-28T14:03:00.005-05:00

The Cobra “Big Bore” derringer is designed to provide personal protection in a package that is affordable, is easily concealed and has ample stopping power.

This derringer is called “Big Bore” for a reason. Available in five calibers from .22 mag. up to the 38 special it packs more punch than standard small caliber derringers. This example is the .38 special.

It is quite a hand full shooting regular PMC 132 grn FMJ. THIS GUN IS NOT RATED FOR +P AMMO

Derringers are designed to be shot at close range, and with an eleven-pound trigger pull accuracy beyond a few feet is iffy at best, unsupported with this hard trigger pull I was lucky to hit the backstop. These six shots were shot at six feet from a solid rest. The front sight was placed at the bottom of the green square. As you can see it was a six inch spread, with the two barrels grouping differently.

The only mechanical problems has been the screw on the locking lever loosening up. It needs a shot of loc-tight.

A couple positives...

-Affordable
Coming in under $150 the “Big Bore” is affordable by most people on a budget. According to Cobra’s website you can get options of a standard black powder coat or several custom finishes. You can also get four different grip colors.

-Easily Concealed
The “Big Bore” is a small package that weighs in at 14oz. empty. At just over four and one-half inches it can be carried all day without even noticing you have it with you unless you need it.

Overall it does what it is supposed to do. Namely deliver two .38 special rounds at point blank range.

Food security

2010-12-24T09:50:00.003-05:00

Can the government keep you from growing food to feed your family?
No?
Think again!!!
Link

Be wary of what big brother finds out about you. Nothing is really safe if they want to take it.

Still clinging to my God and my guns,
Randy

Don't ask don't tell repealed

2010-12-22T11:25:00.003-05:00

Once again the regime in Washington proves itself hostile to Christian values.
Don't ask don't tell was repealed today.
This regime continues to distance itself from family values, along with military men and women who feel they should hold themselves to a higher standard.

Maybe our military should take the advice of one of the joint chiefs who while testifing before congress said something to the effect that if they don't like it maybe they should resign from the military. Now that would be something to see... 75% of our military deciding not to re-enlist.

Still clinging to my God and my guns,
Randy

How safe is your food supply?

2010-12-21T08:21:00.004-05:00

With the new of terrorists wanting to hit us in our stomachs, so to speak, how careful are you of what you put in your mouth?
Link

They are hitting real close to home now because my favorite food is buffet. LOL

Once more it brings back how safe are we truly and what are we individually going to do about it?

"God shall supply all my needs" not China buffet or Golden corral.
Get some food security, plant your garden, can, dry, freeze.
Egypt was prepared by God for seven years of famine, do you think it would behove us to at least have seven days of supplies on hand? (try 30 or even 365)

I'll try to weigh in a little more often, when I get my laptop back.

Still clinging to my God and my guns,
Randy

Constitution party national meeting

2010-10-22T13:32:00.001-04:00

News and Information
-National Meeting News-

Oklahoma State Representative, Charles Key, Will
Address 2010 Fall Constitution Party National
Committee Meeting Banquet In Fort Worth, TX
On Friday, November 12th!

Charles Key, State Representative from Oklahoma's 90th District, will be the featured banquet speaker at the Fall 2010 National Committee Meeting and Conference which will take place November 12 and 13 in Fort Worth, Texas. The meeting will be held at the Sheraton Fort Worth Hotel, 1701 Commerce Street, Fort Worth, TX 76102. The banquet is scheduled for Friday evening, November 12 at 6:30 PM.

Representative Key has authored the bill in the Oklahoma legislature to reduce the state ballot access requirement to 5000 signatures. Currently Oklahoma has the most restrictive ballot access laws in the nation. Should Key's measure be enacted it would almost ensure the Constitution Party a place on the ballot in Oklahoma for the first time ever. The Constitution Party is appreciative of his efforts for the cause of electoral freedom in Oklahoma.

Key has been a speaker across the country on numerous issues like Illegal Immigration, Real ID, the NAFTA Super Highway and many other issues of shared importance with the Constitution Party and its members. He is very well known and respected for his strong stand on the issue State Sovereignty. In 2009 Rep Key was the author of the first State Sovereignty resolution passed by a State Legislature on the 10th Amendment. That resoluti0n became the model for similar resolutions in other states. The following is a link showing Rep. Key's appearance on the Mike Huckabee Fox TV show in May 2009:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0zK859AFE7s&feature=player_embedded

According to an March 2009 article in New American Magazine, Key was largely prompted to act by two unconstitutional federal steps — the pending Real ID Act, which would compel Americans to have a national ID card (threatening our privacy and moving us closer to a surveillance state), and the No Child Left Behind Act, a completely unconstitutional intrusion of the federal government into education. Key has said, “The more we stand by and watch the federal government get involved in areas where it has no legal authority, we kill the Constitution a little at a time. The last few decades, the Constitution has been hanging by a thread.” He told The New American: “All of us have taken an oath to uphold the Constitution. And the Constitution either means what it says or it means nothing.”

Admission to the Friday Night banquet, featuring Representative Key, is included in the registration fee for those attending the 2010 Fall National Committtee Meeting and Conference. Those not registered for the meeting who wish to attend the banquet only may do so for only $50.00.

For all information concerning registration and other details of the upcoming 2010 Fall Constitution Party National Committee Meeting and Conference please visit:

http://www.constitutionparty.com/view_events.php

This just in

2010-08-28T18:57:00.002-04:00

LINK

EPA Rejects Calls to Ban Lead in Ammo

The EPA can ban your bullets?

2010-08-28T09:16:00.003-04:00

LINK

Looks like more back door banning of our rights to me.

I would think if it did go through there would be a grandfather clause for home casters but who knows.

I can't even imagine what they are thinking...this is nothing like lead pellets getting eaten by waterfowl.

Also just think of all the cheap practice our LEO's do with lead bullets. Now all of a sudden they have to use

expensive premium ammo. I think that will equal a lot less practice by those who have an obligation to

improve their skills.

LINK FOR COMMENT this is for commenting on the proposal...It appears to me that they are seeking .GOV

agency input so if you can get this in the hands of your local law enforcement that would be a good thing.

Still clinging to my God and my guns,
Randy

Are you prepared finacially? The what if question...

2010-08-24T16:14:00.004-04:00

The news about the economy lately is all about gloom and doom.

LINK This article from the Wall Street Journal talks about the creator of the "Hindenburg Omen" getting out of the market completely.

LINK Here is one from CNBC talking about economic factors being very similar to those the beginning of the great depression. Could history be repeating itself?

LINK Another CNBC article telling how the Dow could conceivably drop to the 5000 level in the next couple years.

What are you preparing for?
If debt is a burden in your life have you lined up a place to live should you be foreclosed on?

Are you prepared to provide food to your family if you lose your job?

I don't have the answers...

I just provide some questions you should be asking yourself.

The best preparation after your soul is your mind...If you can work through possible scenarios it won't take you by surprise when something bad happens.

The best way to prepare your mind is by asking what if all the time...

What if I lost my job today?

What if someone walks through the door during church services and starts shooting?

What if Hyper inflation takes hold of our economy?

What if we get deflation?

What if I find a great deal on a bunch of traps at an auction? (is it worth changing the budget to get them?)

What if I spent the money I was saving for a car to upgrade the fence so we can get more food animals?

You see the what if questions can be anything you can imagine. They will be different for every family since we all face unique living situations.

Just remember...His eye is on the sparrow and He watches over you...

Still clinging to my God and my guns,
Randy

Gods Chisel

2010-05-24T10:08:00.002-04:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UXut0HxncvY

This is a great video and I'm too much of a computer idiot to embed it so here is a link.

Still clinging to my God and my guns,
Randy

10 CANNOTS !

2010-05-16T21:13:00.002-04:00

Thanks to Maha at the campfire for bringing this to our attention...

The quotes were published in 1916 by William J. H. Boetcker, a Presbyterian minister.

1. You cannot bring about prosperity by discouraging thrift.
2. You cannot strengthen the weak by weakening the strong
3. You cannot help the poor man by destroying the rich.
4. You cannot further the brotherhood of man by inciting class hatred.
5. You cannot build character and courage by taking away man's initiative and independence.
6. You cannot help small men by tearing down big men.
7. You cannot lift the wage earner by pulling down the wage payer.
8. You cannot keep out of trouble by spending more than your income.
9. You cannot establish security on borrowed money.
10 You cannot help men permanently by doing for them what they will not do for themselves.

Still clinging to my God and my guns,
Randy

CP update

2010-05-05T06:59:00.001-04:00

Former Congressman Virgil Goode Applauds Arizona Resolution,

Joins Constitution Party

LANCASTER, PA: Virgil Goode, a 12 year Congressman from Virginia’s 5th district, attended the Constitution Party’s 2010 Spring National Committee meeting in Minneapolis where he was the keynote speaker at the Friday evening banquet. Goode applauded the resolution passed unanimously by the Party’s National Committee expressing support for Arizona’s recently enacted legislation cracking down on illegal immigration.

“I hope that the Republican National Committee and the Democratic National Committee follow the lead of the Constitution Party National Committee by adopting a resolution in strong support of the state of Arizona as they fight against the invasion by illegal aliens,” said Goode after the meeting. [The resolution is included at the end of this release]

Goode showed his solidarity with the Constitution Party by joining the party as a supporting member.

Jim Clymer, Constitution Party National Chairman welcomed Congressman Goode with this statement:

Congressman Goode has proven he has the mettle to stand true to the Constitution and the principles that serve as its foundation by withstanding the pressures of the establishment party bosses during his twelve years in Congress. I am thrilled that he recognizes the superiority of the Constitution Party platform and has allied himself with us. His understanding and wisdom, gained by his experience in the “belly of the beast,” will be a great asset to the party as we move forward in our effort to restore the liberties and rights secured by the Constitution. Rights and liberties which the leftists, the neo-cons and various other statists of the two major parties have taken from us. I know I speak for all in the Constitution Party in giving Congressman Goode a hearty “Welcome aboard!”

###

Resolution adopted by the Constitution Party National Committee on May 1, 2010, in Minneapolis, in support of the new

Arizona illegal immigration law:

Whereas, The Constitution Party platform affirms the integrity of the international borders of these united States and the Constitutional authority and duty of the federal government to guard and to protect those borders, including the regulation of the numbers and of the qualifications of immigrants into the country; and

Whereas, the Federal Government has wrongfully neglected its role to guard and protect our borders, and thus all Americans, from an unprecedented invasion of illegal aliens;

Whereas, the State of Arizona, in the dire straits of enduring the brunt of most of the illegal crossings of the national border, has passed Arizona Senate Bill 1070 which was signed by Governor Jan Brewer on April 23, 2010; and

Whereas, this Arizona law enables its Law Enforcement officers to enforce federal immigration law using federal standards protecting the rights of all citizens, and are required to do so without violating civil rights and without resorting to racial profiling;

Whereas, the Arizona law does not require new documentation such as a national ID card, but uses existing identification documentation to establish a presumption of legal status;

Therefore be it Resolved, that the Constitution Party National Committee stands with the people of Arizona and applauds the State of Arizona and its Governor Jan Brewer for its recent action to protect and defend it citizens, our country, and the sovereignty of both the State of Arizona and the United States of America.

CP class of 2010

2010-04-22T08:51:00.003-04:00

"The Class of 2010"
The Constitution Party's Future Is Now!

Pictured above are just two of the outstanding "Class of 2010" candidates that the Constitution Party is offering the voters this year. The top is California's CP endorsed candidate for Governor, Chelene Nightingale, and on the bottom is the Constitution Party of Ohio’s candidate for Attorney General, Robert Owens. Both are running full-time, high energy campaigns in their respective states.
Chelene and Robert are only two of the many candidates running on the Constitution Party ticket across the Country who make up the phenomenal "Class of 2010." From coast to coast, the Constitution Party is represented by first class candidates who are ready and able to change the direction in which our country is headed.
The "Class of 2010" includes hundreds of Constitution Party candidates who are ready to serve...NOW! It is OUR job to make sure that the American voting public is aware that these great candidates are running on the Constitution Party ticket. That's right! It is up to you and me!
Without your financial support we will not be able to let an American public that is hungry for an alternative to the two party monopoly know there is a Constitution Party alternative. Please help by donating HERE now.
The big monied special interest groups, from big business to big labor, who are bent on feathering their own nests while at the same time increasing the size and scope of government, at the expense of liberty and prosperityof the American people, are subsidizing the Democrat and Republican Parties.
The question is whether we--you and I--will do what it takes to allow the Constitution Party and its candidates to be heard in 2010. What are we willing to do to restore principled, Constitutional government of, by and for the people..."we the people?"
If everyone on this email list sent just $10 to the Constitution Party there would be hundreds of thousands of dollars available to promote the Constitution Party and make Americans familiar with our candidates. If everyone gave $100 there would be millions of dollars available to promote our candidates, get them on the ballot and get the publicity they need to win!
Statistics tell us that not everyone will donate. Are you a statistic? No, of course, you aren't! If you will help us NOW with any amount you can afford, we can help change the course of American history!
Please CLICK HERE to donate now!
We don't need the hundreds of millions of dollars that the Democrats and Republicans are taking from special interests to do their bidding. We just need enough to let the American voters know that our candidates exist and are out there running for office and speaking for them.
Will you help the "Class of 2010" change the course of history??
If you want to make a difference NOW please donate HERE right away.
Sincerely,
James N. ClymerNational Chairman

Constitution party news and Info

2010-04-08T13:04:00.001-04:00

News and Information

Meetings!
Constitution Party National Committee Meeting in Minnesota
and several State Conventions are coming up in April!

2010 Spring Constitution Party
National Committee Meeting/
Candidate Training Seminar!

The Spring 2010 National meeting of the Constitution Party will be held Friday, April 30th and Saturday, May 1st at the Embassy Suites Minneapolis Airport Hotel, 7901 – 34th Avenue South, Bloomington, MN 55425. There is a free airport shuttle and a free shuttle to the Mall of The Americas, so bring the family.

Important Reminders!!

1) Time is running short to take advantage of the fabled "early bird discount!" The "early bird" rate for this meeting is the ridiculously low amount of $165 for those registrations postmarked on or before April 7th. (See link below for children and other special rates)

2) The cut-off date for making hotel reservations at the special CP meeting price is also April 7th, 2010. We are informed by the hotel that they will NOT be able to accommodate this special rate beyond April 7th, so make your hotel reservations NOW! Please call the hotel directly to make your sleeping room reservations. There are two ways to make your room reservations – by calling – 1-800-EMBASSY or online https://secure.giftwrapplus.org/cpnc/new/util/getlink.ashx?lid=1940&eaid=2072 with the group code TCP. If calling, be sure to say that you are with the Constitution Party in order to get our special rate of $109 plus tax for singles and $129 plus tax for doubles. All rooms are suites so even singles have a fold-out couch in the living room area. If you have previously had any difficulty with the hotel in making these reservations please try again now. Should you continue to have problems in making these reservations, please contact our Constitution Party National Meeting Coordinator, Joan Castle at: https://secure.giftwrapplus.org/cpnc/new/util/getlink.ashx?lid=1941&eaid=2072.
3) If you're a Constitution Party candidate or are thinking about running for office or are planning to work in support of a Constitution Party candidate or slate of candidates in 2010 this campaign training seminar is an absolute MUST. The time has come for Constitution Party candidates and their campaigns to learn how to become competitive and learn what it takes to win. This intensive full day training session will provide important information and practical tips about how to do just that. Also the fundraising portion of the seminar will be very valuable not only for candidates and their campaigns but for those charged with the leadership of local and state organizations who will benefit greatly from these valuable lessons on how to raise money.

For meeting details and a registration form click this link: https://secure.giftwrapplus.org/cpnc/new/util/getlink.ashx?lid=1942&eaid=2072

-----------------------------------------------------------------

April Constitution Party State Conventions!

Constitution Party of Wisconsin2010 State Convention

April 24 -- Olympia Resort in Oconomowoc
1st Vice Chairman Nigel Brown wishes to announce that a date and location for the CPoW State Convention has been confirmed. Brown chaired a meeting of the Convention and Meetings Committee held in Pewaukee on Jan. 16th where committee members hammered out details for the outing, including potential speakers, convention times, theme and agenda and. The business agenda is yet to be set by the State Committee membership. The meeting will be held in the Olympia Resort's Westlake Room. We wish to thank Rick Eckert for his enthusiasm for and assistance with this venue, including the use of his outstanding, grand resort.More details on speakers to follow. Check back for updates at https://secure.giftwrapplus.org/cpnc/new/util/getlink.ashx?lid=1944&eaid=2072 and check our online calendar for times.Confirmed speakers are Robert Taylor, candidate for US Senate and two-time elected alderman for the City of Cumberland. Art Herschberger, the CPoW State Committee's 6th Congressional District Party Representative, a well-versed, well-read constitutional champion.

---------------------------------------------------
West Virginia Constitution Party
State Convention
April 24 in Morgantown, WV

The next state meeting of the Constitution Party of West Virginia will be held at the Golden Corral restaurant in Morgantown on Saturday, April 24, 2010 from 12:00 noon to approximately 5pm. Directions are listed below. The various committees of the CPWV have been busy since our January meeting working on numerous state specific platform proposals, resolutions, literature, civics and public relations ideas. Also up for discussion will be our website, membership, county Constitution Clubs, fundraising, and petitioning for ballot access for this year's candidates.

If you haven't already seen his campaign website, check out https://secure.giftwrapplus.org/cpnc/new/util/getlink.ashx?lid=1945&eaid=2072 for Phil Hudok's run at U.S. Congress this year.

For further information on the Mountain State CP State Convention, contact:
Jeff BeckerChairman, CPWV(304) 581-4962

Directions to GOLDEN CORRAL: Take: I-79, Exit 155 - Star City (University Town Center); turn right at the light (right past Sheets gas station) on to Monongahela Blvd.(19), towards Morgantown. Go about 1/4 mile, Golden Corral is on the right at the main Star City intersection light. (Editor's note: If you have to ask how to get to I-79, you probably aren't going anyway)

-------------------------------------------------------

Constitution Party of Kentucky
2010 ConventionApril 30th to May 2nd
The Inn on Broadway, Lexington KY859-519-2060
For further information about the Constitution Party of Kentucky State Convention, please contact:
State Chairman: Robert Thornsberry3505 Adoric CourtLexington, KY 40517(859) 797-7401 https://secure.giftwrapplus.org/cpnc/new/util/getlink.ashx?lid=1946&eaid=2072
The Constitution Party of Kentucky meets on the 2nd Sunday of each month at 2pm at Perkins Family Restaurant, 2401 Richmond Road, Lexington, KY 40502. You are also welcome to come and meet us at our regular monthly meeting.

Bee and pesticides don't mix

2010-03-24T17:14:00.003-04:00

Another reason to try to be as organic as possible. LINK
I was temped to spray my fruit this year to see if we could get a better crop but after reading this article I will plan on buying Liberty and Freedom apples so I can avoid extra chemicals.
Our garden and small field have been without chemical fertilizers, weed control or pesticides for 7 years now. But the rest of our farm that is rented by a local farmer gets soaked with whatever Monsanto tells him he needs to dump on it.
One of these days when I can find some small equipment that works and I can afford we won't need to rent out the land and will get it back to being safe crop land.

Still clinging to my God and my guns,
Randy

Socialized Health care passes

2010-03-22T06:56:00.004-04:00

Obama said "This is change, change you can believe in"

I say... you want to see change?

Wait till this fall.

Still clinging to my God and my guns,
Randy

here is who voted how...

House Vote 887 - H.R.3962: On Passage Affordable Health Care for America Act

On Passage

To provide affordable, quality health care for all Americans and reduce the growth in health care spending, and for other purposes.
Full text of the bill »

Sponsor:	John D. Dingell
Introduced:	October 29, 2009
Passed House:	November 7, 2009
Passed Senate:	–
Considered by President:	–
Became Law:	–

Other Recent Votes

Result: Passed by 5 votes
Date of Vote: November 7, 2009
Roll Call Number: 887

Geography of the Vote

Complete Roll Call

Yes Votes (220)

Member	Party	Dist.
Neil Abercrombie	D	Hawaii-1
Gary L. Ackerman	D	N.Y.-5
Robert E. Andrews	D	N.J.-1
Michael Arcuri	D	N.Y.-24
Joe Baca	D	Calif.-43
Tammy Baldwin	D	Wis.-2
Melissa Bean	D	Ill.-8
Xavier Becerra	D	Calif.-31
Shelley Berkley	D	Nev.-1
Howard L. Berman	D	Calif.-28
Marion Berry	D	Ark.-1
Timothy H. Bishop	D	N.Y.-1
Sanford D. Bishop Jr.	D	Ga.-2
Earl Blumenauer	D	Ore.-3
Leonard L. Boswell	D	Iowa-3
Robert A. Brady	D	Pa.-1
Bruce Braley	D	Iowa-1
Corrine Brown	D	Fla.-3
G. K. Butterfield	D	N.C.-1
Anh Cao	R	La.-2
Lois Capps	D	Calif.-23
Michael E. Capuano	D	Mass.-8
Dennis Cardoza	D	Calif.-18
Russ Carnahan	D	Mo.-3
Christopher Carney	D	Pa.-10
André Carson	D	Ind.-7
Kathy Castor	D	Fla.-11
Judy Chu	D	Calif.-32
Yvette Clarke	D	N.Y.-11
William Lacy Clay	D	Mo.-1
Emanuel Cleaver II	D	Mo.-5
James E. Clyburn	D	S.C.-6
Steve Cohen	D	Tenn.-9
Gerald E. Connolly	D	Va.-11
John Conyers Jr.	D	Mich.-14
Jim Cooper	D	Tenn.-5
Jim Costa	D	Calif.-20
Jerry F. Costello	D	Ill.-12
Joe Courtney	D	Conn.-2
Joseph Crowley	D	N.Y.-7
Henry Cuellar	D	Tex.-28
Elijah E. Cummings	D	Md.-7
Kathy Dahlkemper	D	Pa.-3
Danny K. Davis	D	Ill.-7
Susan A. Davis	D	Calif.-53
Peter A. DeFazio	D	Ore.-4
Diana DeGette	D	Colo.-1
Bill Delahunt	D	Mass.-10
Rosa DeLauro	D	Conn.-3
Norman D. Dicks	D	Wash.-6
John D. Dingell	D	Mich.-15
Lloyd Doggett	D	Tex.-25
Joe Donnelly	D	Ind.-2
Mike Doyle	D	Pa.-14
Steve Driehaus	D	Ohio-1
Donna Edwards	D	Md.-4
Keith Ellison	D	Minn.-5
Brad Ellsworth	D	Ind.-8
Eliot L. Engel	D	N.Y.-17
Anna G. Eshoo	D	Calif.-14
Bob Etheridge	D	N.C.-2
Sam Farr	D	Calif.-17
Chaka Fattah	D	Pa.-2
Bob Filner	D	Calif.-51
Bill Foster	D	Ill.-14
Barney Frank	D	Mass.-4
Marcia L. Fudge	D	Ohio-11
John Garamendi	D	Calif.-10
Gabrielle Giffords	D	Ariz.-8
Charlie Gonzalez	D	Tex.-20
Alan Grayson	D	Fla.-8
Al Green	D	Tex.-9
Gene Green	D	Tex.-29
Raúl M. Grijalva	D	Ariz.-7
Luis V. Gutierrez	D	Ill.-4
John Hall	D	N.Y.-19
Debbie Halvorson	D	Ill.-11
Phil Hare	D	Ill.-17
Jane Harman	D	Calif.-36
Alcee L. Hastings	D	Fla.-23
Martin Heinrich	D	N.M.-1
Brian Higgins	D	N.Y.-27
Baron P. Hill	D	Ind.-9
Jim Himes	D	Conn.-4
Maurice D. Hinchey	D	N.Y.-22
Rubén Hinojosa	D	Tex.-15
Mazie K. Hirono	D	Hawaii-2
Paul W. Hodes	D	N.H.-2
Rush Holt	D	N.J.-12
Michael M. Honda	D	Calif.-15
Steny H. Hoyer	D	Md.-5
Jay Inslee	D	Wash.-1
Steve Israel	D	N.Y.-2
Jesse L. Jackson Jr.	D	Ill.-2
Sheila Jackson-Lee	D	Tex.-18
Eddie Bernice Johnson	D	Tex.-30
Hank Johnson	D	Ga.-4
Steve Kagen	D	Wis.-8
Paul E. Kanjorski	D	Pa.-11
Marcy Kaptur	D	Ohio-9
Patrick J. Kennedy	D	R.I.-1
Dale E. Kildee	D	Mich.-5
Carolyn Cheeks Kilpatrick	D	Mich.-13
Mary Jo Kilroy	D	Ohio-15
Ron Kind	D	Wis.-3
Ann Kirkpatrick	D	Ariz.-1
Ron Klein	D	Fla.-22
Jim Langevin	D	R.I.-2
Rick Larsen	D	Wash.-2
John B. Larson	D	Conn.-1
Barbara Lee	D	Calif.-9
Sander M. Levin	D	Mich.-12
John Lewis	D	Ga.-5
Daniel Lipinski	D	Ill.-3
Dave Loebsack	D	Iowa-2
Zoe Lofgren	D	Calif.-16
Nita M. Lowey	D	N.Y.-18
Ben Ray Lujan	D	N.M.-3
Stephen F. Lynch	D	Mass.-9
Dan Maffei	D	N.Y.-25
Carolyn B. Maloney	D	N.Y.-14
Edward J. Markey	D	Mass.-7
Doris Matsui	D	Calif.-5
Carolyn McCarthy	D	N.Y.-4
Betty McCollum	D	Minn.-4
Jim McDermott	D	Wash.-7
Jim McGovern	D	Mass.-3
Jerry McNerney	D	Calif.-11
Kendrick B. Meek	D	Fla.-17
Gregory W. Meeks	D	N.Y.-6
Michael H. Michaud	D	Me.-2
Brad Miller	D	N.C.-13
George Miller	D	Calif.-7
Harry E. Mitchell	D	Ariz.-5
Alan B. Mollohan	D	W.Va.-1
Dennis Moore	D	Kan.-3
Gwen Moore	D	Wis.-4
James P. Moran	D	Va.-8
Christopher S. Murphy	D	Conn.-5
Patrick J. Murphy	D	Pa.-8
John P. Murtha	D	Pa.-12
Jerrold Nadler	D	N.Y.-8
Grace F. Napolitano	D	Calif.-38
Richard E. Neal	D	Mass.-2
James L. Oberstar	D	Minn.-8
David R. Obey	D	Wis.-7
John W. Olver	D	Mass.-1
Solomon P. Ortiz	D	Tex.-27
Bill Owens	D	N.Y.-23
Frank Pallone	D	N.J.-6
Bill Pascrell Jr.	D	N.J.-8
Ed Pastor	D	Ariz.-4
Donald M. Payne	D	N.J.-10
Nancy Pelosi	D	Calif.-8
Ed Perlmutter	D	Colo.-7
Tom Perriello	D	Va.-5
Gary Peters	D	Mich.-9
Chellie Pingree	D	Me.-1
Jared Polis	D	Colo.-2
Earl Pomeroy	D	N.D.-1
David E. Price	D	N.C.-4
Mike Quigley	D	Ill.-5
Nick J. Rahall II	D	W.Va.-3
Charles B. Rangel	D	N.Y.-15
Silvestre Reyes	D	Tex.-16
Laura Richardson	D	Calif.-37
Ciro D. Rodriguez	D	Tex.-23
Steven R. Rothman	D	N.J.-9
Lucille Roybal-Allard	D	Calif.-34
C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger	D	Md.-2
Bobby L. Rush	D	Ill.-1
Tim Ryan	D	Ohio-17
John Salazar	D	Colo.-3
Linda T. Sanchez	D	Calif.-39
Loretta Sanchez	D	Calif.-47
John Sarbanes	D	Md.-3
Jan Schakowsky	D	Ill.-9
Mark Schauer	D	Mich.-7
Adam B. Schiff	D	Calif.-29
Kurt Schrader	D	Ore.-5
Allyson Y. Schwartz	D	Pa.-13
David Scott	D	Ga.-13
Robert C. Scott	D	Va.-3
José E. Serrano	D	N.Y.-16
Joe Sestak	D	Pa.-7
Carol Shea-Porter	D	N.H.-1
Brad Sherman	D	Calif.-27
Albio Sires	D	N.J.-13
Louise M. Slaughter	D	N.Y.-28
Adam Smith	D	Wash.-9
Vic Snyder	D	Ark.-2
Zack Space	D	Ohio-18
Jackie Speier	D	Calif.-12
John M. Spratt Jr.	D	S.C.-5
Pete Stark	D	Calif.-13
Bart Stupak	D	Mich.-1
Betty Sutton	D	Ohio-13
Bennie Thompson	D	Miss.-2
Mike Thompson	D	Calif.-1
John F. Tierney	D	Mass.-6
Dina Titus	D	Nev.-3
Paul Tonko	D	N.Y.-21
Edolphus Towns	D	N.Y.-10
Niki Tsongas	D	Mass.-5
Chris Van Hollen	D	Md.-8
Nydia M. Velázquez	D	N.Y.-12
Peter J. Visclosky	D	Ind.-1
Tim Walz	D	Minn.-1
Debbie Wasserman Schultz	D	Fla.-20
Maxine Waters	D	Calif.-35
Diane Watson	D	Calif.-33
Melvin Watt	D	N.C.-12
Henry A. Waxman	D	Calif.-30
Anthony Weiner	D	N.Y.-9
Peter Welch	D	Vt.-1
Robert Wexler	D	Fla.-19
Charlie Wilson	D	Ohio-6
Lynn Woolsey	D	Calif.-6
David Wu	D	Ore.-1
John Yarmuth	D	Ky.-3

No Votes (215)

Member	Party	Dist.
Robert B. Aderholt	R	Ala.-4
John Adler	D	N.J.-3
Todd Akin	R	Mo.-2
Rodney Alexander	R	La.-5
Jason Altmire	D	Pa.-4
Steve Austria	R	Ohio-7
Michele Bachmann	R	Minn.-6
Spencer Bachus	R	Ala.-6
Brian Baird	D	Wash.-3
J. Gresham Barrett	R	S.C.-3
John Barrow	D	Ga.-12
Roscoe G. Bartlett	R	Md.-6
Joe L. Barton	R	Tex.-6
Judy Biggert	R	Ill.-13
Brian P. Bilbray	R	Calif.-50
Gus Bilirakis	R	Fla.-9
Rob Bishop	R	Utah-1
Marsha Blackburn	R	Tenn.-7
Roy Blunt	R	Mo.-7
John Boccieri	D	Ohio-16
John A. Boehner	R	Ohio-8
Jo Bonner	R	Ala.-1
Mary Bono Mack	R	Calif.-45
John Boozman	R	Ark.-3
Dan Boren	D	Okla.-2
Rick Boucher	D	Va.-9
Charles Boustany Jr.	R	La.-7
Allen Boyd	D	Fla.-2
Kevin Brady	R	Tex.-8
Bobby Bright	D	Ala.-2
Paul Broun	R	Ga.-10
Henry E. Brown Jr.	R	S.C.-1
Ginny Brown-Waite	R	Fla.-5
Vern Buchanan	R	Fla.-13
Michael C. Burgess	R	Tex.-26
Dan Burton	R	Ind.-5
Steve Buyer	R	Ind.-4
Ken Calvert	R	Calif.-44
Dave Camp	R	Mich.-4
John Campbell	R	Calif.-48
Eric Cantor	R	Va.-7
Shelley Moore Capito	R	W.Va.-2
John Carter	R	Tex.-31
Bill Cassidy	R	La.-6
Michael N. Castle	R	Del.-1
Jason Chaffetz	R	Utah-3
Ben Chandler	D	Ky.-6
Travis Childers	D	Miss.-1
Howard Coble	R	N.C.-6
Mike Coffman	R	Colo.-6
Tom Cole	R	Okla.-4
K. Michael Conaway	R	Tex.-11
Ander Crenshaw	R	Fla.-4
John Culberson	R	Tex.-7
Artur Davis	D	Ala.-7
Geoff Davis	R	Ky.-4
Lincoln Davis	D	Tenn.-4
Nathan Deal	R	Ga.-9
Charlie Dent	R	Pa.-15
Lincoln Diaz-Balart	R	Fla.-21
Mario Diaz-Balart	R	Fla.-25
David Dreier	R	Calif.-26
John J. Duncan Jr.	R	Tenn.-2
Chet Edwards	D	Tex.-17
Vernon J. Ehlers	R	Mich.-3
Jo Ann Emerson	R	Mo.-8
Mary Fallin	R	Okla.-5
Jeff Flake	R	Ariz.-6
John Fleming	R	La.-4
J. Randy Forbes	R	Va.-4
Jeff Fortenberry	R	Neb.-1
Virginia Foxx	R	N.C.-5
Trent Franks	R	Ariz.-2
Rodney Frelinghuysen	R	N.J.-11
Elton Gallegly	R	Calif.-24
Scott Garrett	R	N.J.-5
Jim Gerlach	R	Pa.-6
Phil Gingrey	R	Ga.-11
Louie Gohmert	R	Tex.-1
Robert W. Goodlatte	R	Va.-6
Bart Gordon	D	Tenn.-6
Kay Granger	R	Tex.-12
Sam Graves	R	Mo.-6
Parker Griffith	D	Ala.-5
Brett Guthrie	R	Ky.-2
Ralph M. Hall	R	Tex.-4
Gregg Harper	R	Miss.-3
Doc Hastings	R	Wash.-4
Dean Heller	R	Nev.-2
Jeb Hensarling	R	Tex.-5
Wally Herger	R	Calif.-2
Stephanie Herseth Sandlin	D	S.D.-1
Peter Hoekstra	R	Mich.-2
Tim Holden	D	Pa.-17
Duncan D. Hunter	R	Calif.-52
Bob Inglis	R	S.C.-4
Darrell Issa	R	Calif.-49
Lynn Jenkins	R	Kan.-2
Sam Johnson	R	Tex.-3
Timothy V. Johnson	R	Ill.-15
Walter B. Jones	R	N.C.-3
Jim Jordan	R	Ohio-4
Peter T. King	R	N.Y.-3
Steve King	R	Iowa-5
Jack Kingston	R	Ga.-1
Mark Steven Kirk	R	Ill.-10
Larry Kissell	D	N.C.-8
John Kline	R	Minn.-2
Suzanne Kosmas	D	Fla.-24
Frank Kratovil Jr.	D	Md.-1
Dennis J. Kucinich	D	Ohio-10
Doug Lamborn	R	Colo.-5
Leonard Lance	R	N.J.-7
Tom Latham	R	Iowa-4
Steven C. LaTourette	R	Ohio-14
Robert E. Latta	R	Ohio-5
Christopher Lee	R	N.Y.-26
Jerry Lewis	R	Calif.-41
John Linder	R	Ga.-7
Frank A. LoBiondo	R	N.J.-2
Frank D. Lucas	R	Okla.-3
Blaine Luetkemeyer	R	Mo.-9
Cynthia M. Lummis	R	Wyo.-1
Dan Lungren	R	Calif.-3
Connie Mack	R	Fla.-14
Donald Manzullo	R	Ill.-16
Kenny Marchant	R	Tex.-24
Betsy Markey	D	Colo.-4
Jim Marshall	D	Ga.-8
Eric Massa	D	N.Y.-29
Jim Matheson	D	Utah-2
Kevin McCarthy	R	Calif.-22
Michael McCaul	R	Tex.-10
Tom McClintock	R	Calif.-4
Thaddeus McCotter	R	Mich.-11
Patrick T. McHenry	R	N.C.-10
Mike McIntyre	D	N.C.-7
Howard P. McKeon	R	Calif.-25
Michael E. McMahon	D	N.Y.-13
Cathy McMorris Rodgers	R	Wash.-5
Charlie Melancon	D	La.-3
John L. Mica	R	Fla.-7
Candice S. Miller	R	Mich.-10
Gary G. Miller	R	Calif.-42
Jeff Miller	R	Fla.-1
Walt Minnick	D	Idaho-1
Jerry Moran	R	Kan.-1
Scott Murphy	D	N.Y.-20
Tim Murphy	R	Pa.-18
Sue Myrick	R	N.C.-9
Randy Neugebauer	R	Tex.-19
Devin Nunes	R	Calif.-21
Glenn Nye	D	Va.-2
Pete Olson	R	Tex.-22
Ron Paul	R	Tex.-14
Erik Paulsen	R	Minn.-3
Mike Pence	R	Ind.-6
Collin C. Peterson	D	Minn.-7
Tom Petri	R	Wis.-6
Joe Pitts	R	Pa.-16
Todd R. Platts	R	Pa.-19
Ted Poe	R	Tex.-2
Bill Posey	R	Fla.-15
Tom Price	R	Ga.-6
Adam H. Putnam	R	Fla.-12
George P. Radanovich	R	Calif.-19
Denny Rehberg	R	Mont.-1
Dave Reichert	R	Wash.-8
Phil Roe	R	Tenn.-1
Harold Rogers	R	Ky.-5
Mike Rogers	R	Mich.-8
Mike D. Rogers	R	Ala.-3
Dana Rohrabacher	R	Calif.-46
Tom Rooney	R	Fla.-16
Ileana Ros-Lehtinen	R	Fla.-18
Peter Roskam	R	Ill.-6
Mike Ross	D	Ark.-4
Ed Royce	R	Calif.-40
Paul D. Ryan	R	Wis.-1
Steve Scalise	R	La.-1
Jean Schmidt	R	Ohio-2
Aaron Schock	R	Ill.-18
F. James Sensenbrenner	R	Wis.-5
Pete Sessions	R	Tex.-32
John Shadegg	R	Ariz.-3
John Shimkus	R	Ill.-19
Heath Shuler	D	N.C.-11
Bill Shuster	R	Pa.-9
Mike Simpson	R	Idaho-2
Ike Skelton	D	Mo.-4
Adrian Smith	R	Neb.-3
Christopher H. Smith	R	N.J.-4
Lamar Smith	R	Tex.-21
Mark Souder	R	Ind.-3
Cliff Stearns	R	Fla.-6
John Sullivan	R	Okla.-1
John Tanner	D	Tenn.-8
Gene Taylor	D	Miss.-4
Harry Teague	D	N.M.-2
Lee Terry	R	Neb.-2
Glenn Thompson	R	Pa.-5
William M. Thornberry	R	Tex.-13
Todd Tiahrt	R	Kan.-4
Pat Tiberi	R	Ohio-12
Michael R. Turner	R	Ohio-3
Fred Upton	R	Mich.-6
Greg Walden	R	Ore.-2
Zach Wamp	R	Tenn.-3
Lynn Westmoreland	R	Ga.-3
Edward Whitfield	R	Ky.-1
Joe Wilson	R	S.C.-2
Robert J. Wittman	R	Va.-1
Frank R. Wolf	R	Va.-10
C. W. Bill Young	R	Fla.-10
Don Young	R	Alaska-1

Did Not Vote (0)

Member	Party	Dist.

Present (0)

Member	Party	Dist.

CP candidate update

2010-03-17T06:57:00.001-04:00

News and Information
-March 16, 2010-

Constitution Party Nominee, Randall Hinton, Offers Major Challenge in Utah's

2nd Congressional District Race!

Randall Hinton Announces Candidacy in State Capitol

Randall Hinton, who makes the compelling campaign argument, "We must stop consuming our children's future!" is one of a growing number of excellent candidates who are stepping forward to run for office all across the nation on the Constitution Party ticket in 2010. To watch Randall Hinton announce his campaign, as covered by the local media, please go to www.randallhinton.com/media/. For complete Hinton campaign coverage you are encouraged to visit the homepage of his excellent campaign website at: www.randallhinton.com.

The fact that candidates of the quality and energy of Randall Hinton are representing the Constitution Party across America in 2010 is just more evidence that, after years of sacrifice and development, the Constitution Party is ready for prime time!

Good luck to Randall Hinton in his campaign in Utah's 2nd District! He deserves your financial support no matter where in this great land you live!

-----------------------------------------------------

Alabama Constitution Party Slates Major

Meeting In Birmingham; Public Invited!

Alabama CP State Chairman, Joshua Cassity, announces the Constitution Party of Alabama’s 2010 Winter Meeting to be held at Lloyd’s Restaurant 5301 Highway 280 in Birmingham, AL 35242 on March 20, 2010. This a major Constitution Party event in Alabama. It is scheduled to commence at 11AM and conclude at 2PM so try not to be late. This meeting is open to the state party members, friends and the general public. EVERYONE who lives in or has family, friends, associates or acquaintances who live in Alabama are urged to let them know about this critical CP event in the Heart of Dixie.

The state party organization will be organizing several subcommittees that will manage and oversee different strategic areas of importance to the state party. Please consider attending this important meeting and volunteering your skills and knowledge. If you wish to participate in the Constitution Party of Alabama and help us continue to grow, this is a meeting you do not want to miss. If you have any questions or comments don’t hesitant to ask.

The restaurant staff has requested to be provided a rough estimate of the number of guests we are expecting. It is very important that you call or email us to let us know you are coming. Please RSVP with John Bailey at jbailey@cpalabama.org or call Joshua Cassity. The only requirement from the restaurant is that everyone who attends purchases a meal or drink. No other charge.

The Alabama Constitution Party isn't just "talking the talk," it is "walking the walk," meaning that it is giving Alabamians a real choice by running candidates for office. Pictured below (I hope) is David Walter, http://walterforcongress.com, the Constitution Party's candidate for Congress in Alabama's 1st District.

David Walter pictured (above) in car at recent parade on the campaign trail, reports "We had a great time in the Gulf Shores and Orange Beach Mardi Gras parades." Good luck to David and the entire Alabama CP on their upcoming meeting and 2010 ballot access petition drive.

---------------------------------------------------

Darrell Castle To Address Pennsylvania
Constitution Party State Convention,
March 27th, in Carlisle!

Darrell Castle campaigningto "END THE FED" in 2008

Darrell Castle, the Constitution Party's most recent Vice-Presidential nominee was an indefatigable campaigner 2008 and he hasn't shown any signs of slowing down since the election. He has taken his "solution- oriented" message on monetary policy (he often speaks at END THE FED rallies), health care, foreign policy and other key issues to groups all across the country on behalf of the Constitution Party. One of the most sought after speakers in the Constitution Party, Castle will be in Carlisle, PA on March 27, 2010 to speak at the banquet of Constitution Party of Pennsylvania State Convention which will start at 5:30PM at the location listed below.

Castle, who has a very successful law practice in Memphis, Tennessee and serves as Vice-Chairman of the Constitution Party's National Committee, will be joining the party's National Chairman, Jim Clymer, of Lancaster, at the event. Clymer will give a briefing on the Constitution party’s activities and development across the country. (Hint: It looks to be the most active and exciting election year in the 18 year history of the party!)

Also addressing the PA state Convention, at the end of the business session, will be Tim Cox, the nationally known founder of the Get Out Of Our House organization. Mr. Cox has appeared on a number of national news programs including Lou Dobbs, Fox and Friends and others. The following link is an interview video wherein Mr. Cox explains the purpose and goals of his organization: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8JqMlXz2-Oc.

The location for the convention will be the Hotel Carlisle & Embers Convention Center located at 1700 Harrisburg Pike, Carlisle PA 17015. The phone number for the hotel is (800) 692-7315. Registration for the meeting, which includes the banquet, is $35 per person and $50 per couple.

To make arrangements to attend, please call Danielle Warren at 717-390-1993. All are welcome to attend, although only paid up members of the Constitution Party of Pennsylvania will have voting privileges at the State Convention.

The State Convention proceedings will commence at 2:00 P.M. and will be preceded by a State Executive Committee Meeting at 12:00 Noon. As noted above, the banquet will begin at 5:30PM

The primary business of the State Convention will be to nominate statewide candidates (this year being Governor, Lt. Governor and US Senator) and congressional and state legislative candidates and to make plans for the petition campaign to put the party's nominees on the ballot. Also on the agenda will be the election of national committee members and officers of the party's state committee for the next two years.
http://www.constitutionpartypa.com

----------------------------------------------------

Tennessee's CP Entry In The 1st Congressional

District Race, Kermit Steck, Speaks Eloquently

For The Rights Of the Unborn!

"It never ceases to amaze me, declared Tennessee Constitution Party Congressional 1st District hopeful, Kermit Steck, in statement assessing health care arguments, how all those who scream for rights of people are the same ones that want to deny the right of life to the yet-to-be born with detectable brain activity at 30 days after conception...what about all the associated after abortion health care costs considering the abortion-breast-cancer link. How come nobody is talking about the costs associated with the higher drug and alcohol addiction rates, increased suicide rates and post traumatic stress disorders resulting from abortions?"

"We always hear about the 'right to choose' for the mother. What about the baby in the womb? What about his or her right under the US Constitution to due process under the law and protection of his or her right to life? We have become a nation of irresponsible, legalists who murder babies by the tens of millions. God have mercy on those innocent souls of the yet-to-be-born. And God have mercy on those who stand by and do nothing.

Note: Mr. Steck is also the chairman of the Bristol Area Constitution Party Committee,

www.bristolareaconstitutionparty.com, which is unique, because it serves the Constitution Party in two states, with outreach and activities in northeast Tennessee and southwest Virginia.

-----------------------------------------------------

"Der Lussenheide" Reports A Bumper Crop

Of Candidates in California For The

American Independent Party in 2010!

Bill Lussenheide shown with Darrell Castle at a campaign event in California in 2008

"We will have with our 19 candidates the most candidates SINCE 1978, when the AIP ran 25 candidates. This is the best showing for the AIP in THIRTY TWO YEARS," reports a very enthused Bill Lussenheide from California.

Bill, who serves on the Constitution Party's National Executive Committee; the CP's new national finance committee and who is an American Independent candidate in California's 45th Congressional District, running against neo-con GOP incumbent Mary Bono Mack, is given deserved credit for recruiting most of the candidates who are running for office in California in 2010. Not only did Bill recruit most of our great California candidates, he also provided a great deal of information, logistical assistance and motivation to assist the great group of candidates who are now representing the American Independent Party and the Constitution Party in California in 2010. Bill Lussenheide is the poster child for hard work and dedicated service to our party and the cause freedom. They simply do not come any better!

But they sure are trying! Tom Fredriksen, of Eureka, CA has announced the formation of the "Redwoods Chapter" of the California Constitution Party in the north coast area of the Golden State. As a former state chairman of the AIP and party member since 1971 your editor can serve as witness to the fact that we never were able to develop (but always wanted to) an organization in this area. Now it's happened and we couldn't be more pleased. Please check out the great new website at www.redwoodcp.wordpress.com.

For more exciting news about California's great Constitution Party endorsed AIP candidates, including the incomparable Chelene Nightingale, our gubernatorial candidate, go to: www.AIPCALIF.blogspot.com.

Chelene's campaignis almost moving too fast to keep up with. There is something new everyday! For example she will be the headline speaker in a bay area Campaign for Liberty event tomorrow, Friday, March 12, which takes place at the Sunnyvale Community Center, 550 E. Remington Dr. in Sunnyvale from 10AM to 8PM.

Below, Chelene is seen at a campaign appearance before a Law Enforcement Group. For more great photos of Chelene Nightingale out on the campaign trail go to: http://www.flickr.com/photos/nightingaleforgovernor/

For the latest information on the Nightingale Campaign please visit the campaign website at: www.nightingaleforgovernor.com.

Finally, sad news from California as we must announce the passing of an old friend, Paul Meeuwenberg. Paul was an original member of the AIP in 1967 and was active in service to the party right up to this year with Los Angeles County Central Committee. Paul served as a state chairman of the AIP from 1998-2000 and previously ran for US Senate in 1992 and 1994. Paul was a high school classmate, in San Diego County with the founder of the American Independent Party, William K. Shearer, who also served as a chairman of the Constitution Party from 1996-1999, when it was known as the US Taxpayers Party. The American Indepdendent Party, over the years, particularly in its early years was the political home to many wonderful patriotic people who could each easily be described as "one of a kind." Paul Meeuwenberg was one of them. Your editor is honored to have worked with him in the AIP vineyard for 39 years. He was a most dedicated servant for our cause. He will be missed.

-----------------------------------------------------

Mayor Frank Gilbert for Governor On The

Constitution Party Ticket in Arkansas!

Recently we mentioned Mayor Gilbert's campaign. Here is his campaign

website: http://www.gilbert4governor.org/ There will be more news

from our Arkansas affiliate toward the end of the month.

------------------------------------------------------

Jan Johnson Shifts Campaign To Race

For Governor in New York

Jan Johnson

Jan Johnson of the New York State Constitution Party originally targeted one of the US Senate races in 2010 in New York as her 2010 campaign objective. However, she decided that the real reason she was running for office was to "clean up New York" and that she could better do that in Albany than in Washington D.C. and therefore has decided to seek the Constitution Party nomination for Governor in New York.

Jan has an extensive background in media and in the commercial business world in New York City.

Jan is a strong supporter of State Sovereignty and has signed the Tenth Amendment Pledge. She is also New York's We the People candidate: "The politicians five us lip service and no accountability. The have looked the other way without listening to their constituents, paying homage to corporations and special interest groups, who push their own agendas. I know that our state and country needs to get back to basics and with the help of New Yorkers and, indeed, all Americans we can see this state and our great nation become physically and spiritually strong once again," declared Jan Johnson in a recent campaign statement.

Recent developments indicate that there will be a strong united Constitution Party effort in New York in 2010 and it will be necessary to achieve the desired goals in New York. The Constitution Party nominee for Governor will play a very key role for the prospects of the national Constitution Party in 2012, in that it is the Governor's race in New York which is critical in the party remaining on the ballot for the next four years. The candidate for Governormust receive 50,000 votes in the General Election in November for the party to maintain it's ballot access for the next four years. Of course, before that the NYSCP will need to mobilize to get on the ballot so that it's candidate for Governor will have the opportunity to maintain that ballot access.

Jan will be speaking on Saturday, March 13, 2010 at the 11 A.M. morning service at ATLAH Ministries, Pastor James David Manning residing, 38 West 123rd Street (123rd & Lenox Avenue), ATLAH, New York 10027 regarding her candidacy for Governor of New York.

--------------------------------------------

Update: Independent American Party, Nevada's CP affiliate is now running 55 Candidates For Office!

Meet Tim Fasano, the IAP US Senate nominee:

-Excerpt from the Tim Fasano for US Senate website…(Courtesy Independent Political Report

“…I believe each and every citizen has a right to know what a candidate for public office stands for and how he would represent them. Please make no mistake about one subject. I am NOT a politician. Instead, I consider myself as a patriot, no different from any one of you. I am an American who is concerned and disgusted when I consider the state of our nation’s affairs and how we got to this point. In addition, I am equally concerned that the two major parties have consistently said many times over, and over many years, that a third party would be counter productive. On this topic I say, “look at the status of our nation’s affairs and who was/is responsible for getting us to this point?”

“Please, I encourage you to take the time and browse and explore my website https://secure.giftwrapplus.org/cpnc/new/util/getlink.ashx?lid=1908&eaid=2072 .. I promise, you will know what I stand for and how I would represent you as Nevada’s next U.S. Senator. We have a great deal of work ahead of us across a broad range of issues. With God’s blessing and help, we will return our Republic to the principles of our Founding Fathers that have been proven over time to be the foundation to the greatest nation to ever exist on this Earth.”

------------------------------------------------------------

And Last But Not Least:

Have You Made Your Plans To Attend the Spring Constitution Party National Conference To Get Your Campaign Training? With All These Great Candidates, We Need To Be Prepared Run Some Great Campaigns!

Get the details and registration form here:

http://www.constitutionparty.com/view_events.php

------------------------------------------------------

Next issue: The Real Truth About The Constitution Party Of Missouri ...and the truth is that they are smokin' hot! The CP on fire in the Show Me State!

Constitution Party: Our Moment Of Truth Has Arrived...What Will You do?

2010-03-12T06:52:00.003-05:00

The reality of politics is that it costs a lot of money. That being said I hope you will understand why it seems every party update I put here is asking for $$$. I pass this along for your information and do not want you to feel pressured into giving.

Randy

Dear Fellow Constitutionalist,

In the 18 years since we began our political journey at the Constitution Party’s first National Convention in New Orleans, we have come far! What was only a dream in 1992-- a brand new national political party that would offer average Americans principled, constitutionalist candidates for whom to vote, candidates who would provide honest, representation, free from the strings of special interests - is now an emerging reality.

There is much good news! In Pennsylvania, two Constitution Party candidates were elected to local partisan office in 2009. In 2010 many Constitution Party state affiliates will be offering first class candidates for office. The dynamic Chelene Nightingale of California, the incumbent mayor of Tull, Arkansas Frank Gilbert, and the charismatic Randy Stufflebeam in Illinois are just three of our terrific and dedicated candidates for Governor. Likewise, outstanding Constitution Party candidates like Rob Taylor in Wisconsin, Eric Deaton in Ohio, Bernie De Castro in Florida and Jan Johnson in New York are among the many who are stepping forward to offer a real choice for U.S. Senate.

In states such as Nevada, Utah, Michigan and Missouri, the Constitution Party will be running large slates of candidates; most of our states will be offering more Constitution Party candidates than ever before; and some states, like Delaware, Maryland, Iowa and Alabama (to name just a few) will be offering CP Congressional candidates for the very first time.

More Americans are fed up with the two big-box parties than ever before and are looking at what the Constitution Party has to offer.

The prospects for the Constitution Party have never been greater than they are today! After years of dedicated effort and struggle, we are very, very close to our goal of providing America with a viable Constitutionalist political alternative. Yet, as we approach that goal and the fulfillment of our dreams, there is Danger... A Very Grave Danger, that threatens to destroy all that we have worked for and turn these dreams to ashes!

In fact, the Constitution Party’s current situation could well be described by quoting Charles Dickens famous line: "It was the best of times, it was the worst of times." I have described above why recent months have been the "best of times" for the Constitution Party. Unfortunately, we now face a financial crisis so severe that it threatens the very ability of the Constitution Party to continue operations, and that would, indeed, constitute the "worst of times" not only for the party, but for our nation.

Unlike the Democrat and Republican Parties, who draw their hundreds of millions of dollars of financial support from big money special interests and multinational corporate PACS, the Constitution Party depends entirely upon the people across America who share its principles for financial support. In other words, it depends on you and me.

So I must ask, what is your liberty worth to you? Moreover, what is the liberty of your children and your grandchildren worth to you?

If it's worth enough to help support the Constitution Party please click here.

Will we stand aside and leave our country, the land that we love, to the mercy of special interest controlled Democrat and Republican politicians who have brought us ever larger and more powerful government? Will we continue to suffer the moral derelictions of the likes of Elliott Spitzer, Mark Sanford and John Edwards; and to follow the Clinton, Bush and Obama administrations into the jaws of a Global New World Order OR will we stand up now and declare our faith in God and our commitment to the U.S. Constitution and resolve to do whatever it takes to restore, preserve and protect the liberty to the people of these United States of America envisioned by the framers?

You will notice that I said "we." We... all of us... are in this together and this is our "moment of truth." After years of struggle and sacrifice, will we reach our mutual　goal or will we falter and fail, just when victory is within our grasp?

The Constitution Party urgently needs your financial support now. Please donate here.

WE really have no choice, do we? You know it and I know it. We must continue! We must not allow our efforts to fail now that we are so very close to our goal.

The Question Is: What Will You Do? Will you help now -- at this most critical stage of our mutual journey -- to help us complete this journey and attain our goal of victory by making a generous contribution to the Constitution Party?

Can we count on you to do it TODAY?

Please click here to make a donation now.

Without a doubt, anything that any of us can give today will be considered a bargain if it will assist in restoring and preserving for our children and their children a free republic in which to live.

So, I ask again: What Will You Do?

I hope you will click here and support your Constitution Party now.

Yours For Liberty,

James N. Clymer
National Chairman
Constitution Party

Smokeless Muzzleloaders??

2010-03-05T07:22:00.003-05:00

Here is an important link I got at the campfire showing what can happen even with a professionally built gun.

Warning Graphic Link

As someone said on the campfire..."I thought the next advancement in muzzleloading was the metallic cartridge".

Still clinging to my God and my guns,
Randy

New CP video

2010-01-28T06:46:00.002-05:00

LINK

The video will be on the right side with a picture of Washington crossing the Delaware.

How to use drags on your traps

2009-11-14T09:56:00.006-05:00

Sometimes it may not be possible to stake a trap or tie it off solid.

These are the times that drags cans save your bacon.

If you set your trap in the open a drag will allow your critter to get out of sight from someone who may take it.

If you set your trap in a rocky area you may not be able to stake or have anything to tie it to. A drag will allow you to set your trap in these places.

When I was a youngster, a person could still trap in Colorado. The Colorado trappers association put on a rendezvous every year. They would always have workshops so everyone could learn new things. I went to every one I could.

At one of these an old trapper (I forget his name) gave a demo on drags.

Up to this point I hadn’t used a drag, but after I went I started using them often and have continued to do so for over 20 years.

The premise of a drag is to allow the animal to move and usually they will head for cover and get tangled up.

It will also allow you to hold a much larger critter than if the trap is staked solid since there is some give when the chain is pulled.

The tools of the trade.

Two logs. The one on the left is 6 ½’ for larger animals, and the one on the right is about 4' for smaller animals.

Two traps. Both are #3 coyote traps but really you can catch about anything in them.

Plain old hardware store wire and a pair of side cutters or lineman’s pliers.

Two snares, a rock and two horseshoes

Two types of snare swivels.

The one on the left is a McGregor (my favorite type of snare).

I think they are no longer in business; they were out of Roundup, MT.

The one on the right is a 72 Thompson coyote snare.
Since I don’t use store bought drags I came up with this reasonable facsimile.

It is two old horseshoes. One still had nails and I put them thru two holes on the other and bent them over.

Wired together well with a single wire.

Then a double strand wrapped around and thru the chain loop.

The loop is passing thru four strands of wire.
When using a drag like this be sure to use a longer than normal trap chain.

This is a newhouse trap with a three foot chain. I would consider that a minimum length for good performance. You want the drag to lag behind when the critter turns so it has a better chance of hanging up and the longer the chain the better. In the first photo you see the trap on the left has a five foot chain and was set up for a store bought hook drag.

I hope you don’t plan on getting your trap back wired like this!!

Double wire thru the chain loop.

This is a very common way to wire your trap to a drag.

It will work but in my opinion is not the best way.

Same double wire around the log.

But now I have added another double wire from the chain loop to the log wire.

This gives you a very good pivot point and allows the log more movement while being drug around.

Here is another very good set up.

If there is a chance your wire could slip off the end of the log, this is the way to go.

A long length of double wire is wrapped around the log, twisted tight, then laid down the log a few inches and wrapped around again.

Then it is tied off.

Then take the short double wire and put it thru the horizontal wire and tie it off.

The next picture shows this hooked to a snare.

Please note that in most if not all places, it is illegal to use a drag with a snare. I include this so you can see how to hold big animals in a survival situation.

This set up with a 72 Thompson snare tied to a 6' pole about 3 dia. held a mountain lion thru 3 hangups.

In each of the hangups the lion cleared a 10-15 foot circle in sage brush.The cable finally gave way.

It was set for coyotes on a trail beside some beaver ponds where we had some sets.

At that time there wasn’t a mandatory check time using killer type traps (connibares, snares and drowning setups) so we checked them once a week. From the tracks it looked like it held for quite a while. I’m more responsible today and in a TSHTF situation checking sets will be a daily exercise.

I used romex to mark the best place to tie off.

Usually you will want to tie off between 1/4 and 1/3 down the length of the drag . This way the drag runs semi- parallel to the direction of travel and when it catches it will absorb some of the shock as the log springs out sideways.

To use a rock....

I picked a round rock to show a worse case. Try to pick one with flatter sides if possible.

First make a cradle by taking a long single strand of wire and placing the rock in the middle of it then wrap the wire around to meet on the other side and twist the two together one or two times.

Then go back around in two different places and twist the wire where it meets on the original side then again back around again in a third place and tie off.

It should look something like the picture....
Then take a double wire and tie your chain be sure and go under all 3 wires.

Still clinging to my God and my guns,
Randy

Article on how to butcher a deer

2009-11-11T12:41:00.003-05:00

I wrote an article for Helium on how to butcher a deer.
I think it is a good companion piece to the deer butchering how to's I put up here last year.

How to butcher a deer -Article

How to butcher a deer Pictoral-

Part 1
Part 2
Part 3

I have gotten more comments about these than anything else I have written.
I hope you enjoy.

Still clinging to my God and my guns,
Randy

"We are not at war with Islam"

2009-11-07T22:25:00.003-05:00

PSSST
Someone forgot to tell them.

Still clinging to my God and my guns,
Randy

Take a Constitution party Survey

2009-11-06T19:49:00.001-05:00

Dear Friend of the Constitution Party,

I have recently returned from the Constitution Party national meeting in Phoenix, Arizona. It was a rewarding and memorable experience for all involved.

Former Congressman Tom Tancredo delivered the keynote address and his speech on throwing the incumbents out of DC was wildly cheered by those in attendance.

Americans are absolutely fed up with so many Democrats and Republicans who have too much personal gain at stake to care about returning our country to Constitutional government, holding what amount to lifetime positions in DC.

This is a window of opportunity that we in the Constitution Party simply cannot allow to pass. We may never again have such a chance to restore our Constitutional Republic.

As we renew our efforts here at National Party Headquarters, it would be very helpful to me if you would take the time to CLICK HERE and answer a few questions so we may better serve you and our mutual cause.

My staff and I are working hard to take advantage of this unique time in our country’s history when so many people – Democrats, Republicans and independents – are completely fed-up with both major parties. The people are searching for a political ‘guiding light’ which can and should be provided by the Constitution Party.

And there is a lot to be hopeful about. Maine voters have just repealed the law allowing gay marriage. In upstate New York, conservatives turned out to back the Conservative Party congressional candidate rather than the liberal Republican. The number of people registering their protest through "tea parties" and town hall meetings is remarkably high.

Our own high turn-out for the national meeting in Phoenix was encouraging. Representatives were there from all over the country and at no small personal sacrifice of time and expense to themselves.

We heard progress reports from working committees, and tutorials on building state party organizations and how to gain more media attention. Chelene Nightingale, California’s dynamic 2010 gubernatorial candidate, gave an inspiring speech on our loss of freedom and the role of the Constitution Party.

There were excellent speeches from health journalist and author Bill Sardi, investigative journalist and best-selling author Jerome Corsi, Constitutional scholar Joel Skousen and Constitution Party 2008 presidential and vice-presidential candidates Chuck Baldwin and Darrell Castle. Former Arizona State Senator Karen Johnson spoke on how state legislators tackle big government tyranny.

My staff and I feel a renewed sense of urgency about our work to build the Constitution Party. We came home with an updated operational plan and are now evaluating how best to meet our goals.

Would you please CLICK HERE here and answer a few questions to let us know whether we’re on track on the issues?

Your past interest and support have helped bring the Constitution Party to a point where it is positioned to provide leadership at this most critical time.

We thank you for being a co-worker for freedom.

Yours for Liberty,

James N. Clymer
Constitution Party National Chairman

Stupid should hurt...real bad

2009-11-05T20:11:00.002-05:00

So you're a Christian and a survivalist? Really?!

2009-10-29T15:23:00.004-04:00

This is a guest post I put on Scoutinlife's blog...Since he deleted his blog I will put it up here.

So you’re a Christian and a survivalist? Really?!

When I speak of my preparedness beliefs to other Christians this is the typical reaction. The inevitable next question is “survive what?” My typical answer is “what can kill you?” Then the conversation usually degrades into mumbling about me not having faith.

I have found two common arguments that many Christians use as an excuse to not prepare.

They are:

- I am going to be raptured so I don’t have to prepare.

- God said don’t worry about tomorrow.

Lets look at them separately.

- I am going to be raptured so I don’t have to prepare.Obviously they are talking about surviving the great tribulation. Regardless of whether you believe in pre-trib, mid- trib, post-trib or no trib the great tribulation is not something you will want to live through. In Rev.9:6 the bible says men will seek death and not find it. Over half the earths population will be killed and the rest tormented.

If I’m not preparing for the tribulation then what? Look at Luke 21:9-12 (there are parallel passages in Matt. 24 And Mark 13) Some of the highlights: Wars, great earthquakes, famines, pestilences, fearful sights and great signs in heaven.This is a pretty good list of things that can kill you.

- God said don’t worry about tomorrow
“Ok maybe there is stuff to prepare for but didn’t God say not to worry? ”Who’s worried? A person that sees possible threats and prepares for them is one of the least worried kind of people I know of. Proverbs 27:12 “A prudent man foreseeth the evil and hideth himself..

”When Christ talked about giving no care for tomorrow it was all about worry not preparation. Look at the parable of the ten virgins in Matthew 25:1-13 You have five wise virgins and five foolish virgins. What made the wise virgins wise? They were prepared. What made the foolish virgins foolish? They failed to think ahead and prepare.

I think one of the greatest Christian teachings on how we should approach our preparedness is I Thessalonians 4:11-12“ And that ye study to be quiet, and to do your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you; That ye may walk honestly toward them that are without, and that ye may have lack of nothing.” I will leave the application of these verses to your own study.

Still clinging to my God and my guns,Randy

Being prepared is a way of life

2009-10-21T08:59:00.003-04:00

It's not just a thing you do.
Part of that is making choices.
Chuck Colson has a great commentary on making financial and personal choices that I wanted to share. LINK
Everything about our faith needs to be implemented in our daily lives.
Too many leave God at church on Sunday, or they fail to allow Him to take charge.
The famous bumper sticker "God is my co-pilot" is so wrong... If God is your co-pilot you need to switch seats.
Still clinging to my God and my guns,
Randy

Avoiding Genetically Modified Food

2009-10-12T15:35:00.004-04:00

Tanya wrote a pretty good article on the subject and posted it on Helium.
You can view it here: LINK
Had a gathering of like minds at the farm Saturday.
A good time was had by all.
Still clinging to my God and my guns,
Randy

Constitution party: time is running out

2009-10-07T08:53:00.002-04:00

News and Information
-Urgent National Conference Update-

Yes, Time IS Running Short...
But...It Hasn't Quite Run Out Yet!

The Fall 2009 Constitution Party National Conference In
Beautiful Phoenix, Arizona Is Fast Approaching!

GREAT NEWS! Friday, October 2nd, WAS the scheduled cut-off date for the special discount offered by the Embassy Suites Phoenix Airport at 44th Street. That cut-off date has now been extended to FRIDAY, October 9!!! Please call the hotel directly ASAP to make your sleeping room reservations at (602)-358-0917. Be sure to say that you are with the Constitution Party in order to get our special rate of $99 for singles and doubles, $109 for triples, and $119 for quads.

The "Early Bird Discount" Registration rate of $195 is also STILL available, and has likewise been extended to the same date. Your registration must be made (by phone) or post-marked (by mail) on or before next Friday, October 9! How often do you get a second chance like this? Why pay an extra $30???

Act now, because you really do not want to miss this outstanding group of speakers...

Chuck Darrell
Baldwin and Castle
(Constitution Party 2008 Presidential and Vice-Presidential Candidates)

Former Congressman Tom Tancredo,
Author and Investigavive Journalist Dr. Jerome Corsi
Former Arizona State Senator Karen Johnson
Constitutional Scholar and Lecturer Joel Skousen
Health Issues Expert and Author Bill Sardi
CA American Indepent Party Gubernatorial Candidate Chelene Nelson
Tim Baldwin, Attorney & Author

Nor can you afford to miss...

A most important practical workshop on
STATE PARTY DEVELOPMENT
presented by the dynamic state chairman of
the Constitution Party of Missouri and winner of the
2007 Joan Johnson Award for Constitution Party Service...

Donna Ivanovich

All masterfully presented and presided over by...
Constitution Party National Chairman, Jim Clymer

So, what in the world are you waiting for?

Don't delay! Make your hotel reservations and register for this historic
first Constitution Party National Meeting in Phoenix, Arizona!

Find all of the necessary meeting details right HERE
https://secure.giftwrapplus.org/cpnc/new/util/getlink.ashx?lid=1677&eaid=2072

Constitution party poll

2009-10-06T11:27:00.003-04:00

Please hit the new poll in the right colum so I know if you would like me to post updates when I get them.

Still clinging to my God and my guns,
Randy

Modern farming and me

2009-10-03T09:56:00.003-04:00

Had a long day at work on Thursday.
When I got home I was tired and grumpy.
Tanya met me as I got out of the car and told me the guy who farms our 17 1/2 tillable acres needed a couple trees cut down since they were combining soybeans and couldn't fit the combine in the other field.

We have a 2 1/2 acre field that is separated from the rest by an old fence row.
Usually it is farmed by the farmer on that side of our property who is the father of the guy who farms the other 15. But this year the father couldn't find any government program to help him on a 2 1/2 acre plot so the son added it to the other 15.
(Rolls eyes)
I guess you can't farm unless you are part of a government program of some sort. (rolls eyes even more)
Don't get me wrong, these guys are great people. I just don't hold with the agribusiness mindset.

Anyway I had to grab the Stihl and go make a 40' hole. Yes you read that right a 40' hole. They got the planter through the existing hole in the fence row but the super duper John Deere mega combine wouldn't fit.

Now I hate dropping trees, I much prefer to cut up stuff already down. Since if you are stupid or unlucky a tree can kill you.(see my last post to see I am stupid sometimes) I really hate cutting in an old fence row since the chance of hitting wire with the saw is almost certain.

Something real handy to have is a small set of bolt cutters. Mine cost $16 and they are much better at fence cutting than the old fence pliers I have in the workshop.

I was able to get the wire off the trees I needed to cut without any problems. I was really surprised that it wasn't grown in at all. Only problem turned out to be missing a couple pieces laying in the grass that I hit when I was cutting the stump lower.

The tractor flooded when I tried to start it(more roll eyes) so I had to use the truck to drag the two trees up to the house. This was all going on as it was getting dark and the combine was running and getting closer all the time. I finally got it cleaned up and he was able to get through just at dark. So the beans are off. Lots of stress after a long day.

Newer equipment needs lots of space. I like closed in places that offer cover for small game. Some day we will be able to afford to do our own farming with smaller equipment. Right now the rent we get pays the taxes and insurance on the farm. So we will keep it up for the time being since I have almost no equipment. Although I did see this morning an older small AC combine on craigslist for $800. Anyone want to buy it for me?

Still clinging to my God and my guns,
Randy

I admit that sometimes I'm not the brightest person...

2009-09-28T14:46:00.003-04:00

But this was almost plain stupid.
(note: I share some of my stupid mistakes so others can learn from them)
I was down in the woods on Saturday scoping out what logs to cut.
We have (had) a large 4 foot diameter hollow red oak standing right by the trail I drive in on.
I thought I would burn some leaves in it and see if I could smoke a coon out.
After a bit nothing showed so I stomped out the leaves.
Later Saturday I was down there again and noticed it was smoldering so I stomped it some more and buried the coals.
Sunday afternoon a friend calls and says "Where are you?" I said "at home" and he said "well your fence row in on fire."
OOPPS!!!
I took the truck and some shovels plus some jugs of watter and we got it out for good this time.
And where the mighty 40 foot tall by 4 feet around oak once stood is only a pile of ash.
I guess they teach you all that stuff about putting out your fire when you are a kid for a reason.
My kids got to learn that dad makes mistakes sometimes too.

Oh did I mention the fence row was bordering acres and acres of dry unharvested soybeans.
Thank You God for watching over fools.
Randy

Constitution party update

2009-09-23T06:53:00.001-04:00

National Meeting News

Famed Author and Investigative Journalist Dr. Jerome Corsi and Constitutionalist Author and preparedness expert, Joel Skousen, To Speak At the October 23- 24, 2009 Constitution Party National Committee Meeting in Phoenix, AZ!

Dr. Corsi, the author of Unfit for Command, The Late Great USA and Obamanation, just to name a few, is a great favorite with the Constitution Party and was scheduled to speak at the Spring CP meeting in Newark. Due to circumstances beyond his control, however, he was unable to return from overseas in time to appear at that meeting. Dr. Corsi is one of the most well-informed and articulate political writers in America and his personal speaking engagements are all anticipated with great eagerness. He was the first in the media to highlight the plight of Border Agents Ramos and Compean as well as the Obama Birth Certificate (or lack thereof) issue. He is consistently bringing new and important stories to the attention of the American People!

Joel Skousen is a political scientist specializing in Constitutional theory, and is also a designer of high security residences. For years Joel has been helping people prepare for the coming unrest in America. Joel was raised in Oregon and later served as a fighter pilot for the US Marine Corps during the Vietnam era after which he served as the Chairman of the Conservative National Committee in Washington DC and as the Executive Editor of Conservative Digest. For two years he published a newsletter entitled, the World Affairs Brief, and served as a Senior Editor of "Cogitations" a quarterly journal on law and government. Joel gained attention when he gave his support to Ron Paul in the 2008 US presidential campaign. He later endorsed our own Chuck Baldwin .

The 2009 National Committee meeting of the Constitution Party will be held October 23rd and 24th at the Embassy Suites Phoenix – Airport at 44th Street (1515 North 44th Street, Phoenix, AZ 85008). More information is available HERE.

Make plans to attend now!

www.constitutionparty.com

They don't make 'em like they used to

2009-09-12T10:21:00.004-04:00

Digging through the old workshop here on the homestead I came across a couple hatchet heads.
I showed you a while back the handles I made from some firewood.

If you are like me you have seen endless amounts of the head on the left at garage sales and auctions.
I have come to think of it a the top of the line hatchet just because it is so common.

100 years ago Horace Kephart wrote "The Book of Camping and Woodcraft".
In the "personal kit" section he has this to say about hatchets.

"A woodsman should carry a hatchet, and he should be as critical in selecting it as in buying a gun. The notion that a heavy hunting knife can do the work of a hatchet is a delusion. When it comes to cleaving carcasses, chopping kindling, blazing thick-barked trees, driving tent pegs or trap stakes, and keeping up a bivouac fire, the knife never was made that will compare with a good tomahawk. The common hatchets of the hardware store are unfit for a woodsmans use. They have broad, thin blades with a beveled edge, and they are generally made of poor, brittle stuff."

Seems my great grandpa didn't read Kephart. I found these broken heads in the shop also. They still had handles and my grandpa was still using them for light hammers. If you are planning on using a hatchet as a tool it would be good to avoid the example above since it appears that Kephart was right when he said they were made of poor brittle stuff.

The one on the right (in the first picture) is also brittle but of a thick design so it will be harder to break the steel.
A tomahawk is better for woods running than either of these but beggars can't be choosers.
At least now you and I know the limitations of this type of hatchet.

Still clinging to my God and my guns,
Randy

California you have a choice

2009-09-09T13:23:00.002-04:00

The Following is an email update I got from my Constitution party membership.
I put it here for informational purposes.

Still clinging to my God and my guns,
Randy

Special Report
-September 8, 2009-

Thousands Cheer Chelene Nightingale During Her Electrifying Appearance At The"Stop Taxing Us" Rally Thursday In Oceanside, California!

California's newest political sensation, Chelene Nightingale, who brought thousands of Southern Californians to their feet cheering last Thursday evening at a "Stop Taxing Us" outdoor townhall meeting in Oceanside, CA, called for "'we the people' to stop voting for the lesser of two evils and to take our government back." Nightingale, a candidate for the American Independent Party nomination for Governor of California in next year's June Primary Election, is endorsed by a number of Constitution Party leaders across the country, including 2008 Presidential nominee, Chuck Baldwin; a very long list of veteran leaders and activists of California's American Independent Party, (a charter state affiliate of the Constitution Party); as well as California voters from all up and down the Golden State who, regardless of political affiliation, are jumping onto her 'we the people' bandwagon.

Reporting on Thursday's "Stop Taxing Us" rally Examiner.com said that, "Chelene Nightingale... revved up the crowd with Patriot red-meat topics like; the President’s address to the school kids, Second Amendment rights, the White House using the National Endowment of the Arts for propaganda and illegal immigration. “It’s up to us to take our government back. 'We the people’ need to run for office. We can’t keep voting the lesser of two evils,”she said. “We need to be country loyal.”

The phenomenon of Chelene Nightingale's sudden impact on California politics is even being likened, by some, to the impact of The Beatles on Rock 'n Roll music in the early 60's, in the sense that she is arriving on the political scene at just the right time with just the right message. As voter discontent reaches the boiling point, evidenced by the proliferation of "Tea Parties" and angry "Town hall eetings,"

Nightingale's energy, personal charisma and popular "we the people" message is capturing the imagination of California voters of all ages and demographic groups. As a result, she is finding herself increasingly in demand for speaking engagements (such as the upcoming national home school conference in Anaheim, CA) and as a media guest. For example, earlier today Chelene appeared on Scott Bradley's popular "To Preserve The Nation" radio show. To listen to her appearance on that show please click on the following link: https://secure.giftwrapplus.org/cpnc/new/util/getlink.ashx?lid=1577&eaid=2072 and then choose audio hour #2).

Constitution Party leaders, members and supporters from all across the nation will have an exciting opportunity to see and hear Chelene Nightingale at the upcoming Fall 2009 Constitution Party National Committee Meeting in Phoenix, Arizona October 22-24. For further information concerning this event and for a guest registration form please visit: https://secure.giftwrapplus.org/cpnc/new/util/getlink.ashx?lid=1578&eaid=2072. YOU DO NOT WANT TO MISS THIS!

To find out more about Chelene Nightingale's campaign and/or help her to be elected the next Governor of California by making a financial contribution, please go now to her campaign website: https://secure.giftwrapplus.org/cpnc/new/util/getlink.ashx?lid=1579&eaid=2072

Please tell every Californian you know about Chelene Nightingale's
'We the People' Campaign for Governor of California and remind them to register to vote American Independent, if they are not already registered AIP, in order to be able vote for Chelene in the 2010 Primary Election next June!

Swine Flu and you ? Are you prepared for a quarantine?

2009-09-02T12:41:00.004-04:00

The .Gov says we will be facing a serious return of the swine flu this fall.
If you have been reading the news you have seen that some people have been quarantined already.
So what will you do if someone in your family (or even kids school) gets sick and the health department parks a police car in front of your house and says "don't go out for two weeks"?
If you are quarantined by the .Gov most likely they will have food on hand to give you if you don't have enough of your own. But why take that chance?

I put together a list of last minute preps you can make in case this fall is your time behind closed doors.

Simple basic foods for when you are sick.

- Ramen- so easy just put some water in your coffee pot and throw the seasoning and noodles in the pot and a few minute later you have hot soup.

- Lemon Jello- A guy I work with swears by hot liquid lemon jello when he is sick. It will keep you hydrated.

-Hot Toddie- If you drink alcohol hot cinnamon tea with honey and a shot of whiskey can make you feel lots better.

-Pedialite- Whoever is sick this stuff will hydrate you when you can't keep anything down. Similar to Gatorade or Powerade.

-Chicken noodle soup- Classic sicky meal

Quick storage foods for non-sick people.

-Peanut butter and crackers - will fill you up and goes a long ways

- MRE's - .Gov may be giving these to you to eat. Designed for soldiers in the field a person under quarantine could stretch one meal for the whole day ( I have done it camping) Coffee and dessert for breakfast/cracker and spread for lunch and entree for supper.

-energy bars - like power bar / clif bar etc. can replace meals

-Sardines and a chocolate bar- old in the field hunters meal.

- canned tuna and veggies- easy and can be eaten without cooking.

-pop tarts- easy meal or snack

These are some ideas that you can pick up at the store tonight.
Just use your imagination and pick up about two weeks worth of simple to prepare food.

One more thing,
Don't forget recreation.
Cards/ books/ videos and games, Being cooped up in your house for two weeks without anything to do can drive you crazy especially if you are not sick.

Most importantly realize it CAN happen to you and think your way through a what if situation.

Still clinging to my God and my guns,
Randy

2009-08-28T14:29:00.001-04:00

Pine Marten trapping basics
Trapping Pine Marten in the high Rockies is one of the most challenging and rewarding trapping experiences. Pine Marten have beautiful fur that is always in demand and they are easy to catch if you follow a few simple principals.
-Location
As in business the three most important aspects of Marten trapping are location, location and location. Pine Marten like high conifer forests, and rarely will you find them elsewhere. Although they will eat any small prey species the marten's main food source is the pine squirrel. So when scouting possible trapping areas look for pine squirrels. You will want to look for areas deep with shredded pine cones; these areas will have cone refuse several inches deep where squirrels are abundant.

Another way to locate Pine Marten is to look for tracks in the winter. This is the technique I personally use most. I have found that Marten tend to use roughly the same routes when traveling their hunting area. When you come across a set of tracks that look like someone set two fifty cent pieces side by side in the snow you know there are Marten about. What I do then is go up trail and make a set and then go down trail and make a set maybe 50 yards apart.
If all else fails, look for steep cuts or ravines going into the north slope of a hill. I know a trapper that catches a lot of Marten who only sets these areas.
-Sets
Pine Marten are far from trap shy, this is why they are so easily caught by those who are in their range.
The cubby set on the ground seems to be real popular with writers, and I have seen others use them. But they have a couple of disadvantages you should know about. First if it is set on the ground it is easily covered with snow and put out of commission. This is a real concern in Marten country as most of it gets very much snow. Second is if the Marten is on the ground when caught it is vulnerable to other animals like foxes who will kill it or even voles who will chew the fur if it is dead.
The best set for Marten is some form of the leaning pole set. This puts the Marten up off of the ground above the snow and keeps the fur safe from destruction. To make a leaning pole set all you need is find an old tree branch to lean against an evergreen tree. This makes a ramp for the Marten to run up. (This set is also called the running pole set) Put the bait on the tree just above where the pole touches it, and then add your trap. You can put many kinds of traps on this pole. I just drive a finish nail into the pole and hang the trap on that using the little hole in the trap frame. You can also wire a wooden cubby onto the pole with a 110 or 120 conibear in it, or just set a conibear at the top of the pole with some bait on the trigger. All of these will catch plenty of Marten.
-Bait and Lure
After finding and then setting a trap for them you need to get the Marten to step in it. This is where your choice of bait is important. Beaver meat has been the absolute hands down winner for me. I have tried others but nothing works near as well. Beaver meat has a lot fat in it, so it resists freezing. (Very important in Marten country) It also has a musky smell to it that adds to its mouth watering appeal. A chunk the size of your fist is about right. (A leg, tail, head or just a chunk of meat scraps) When it comes to lure something skunky is the best. Marten can smell it from a long ways off and they will drop by your set to investigate.
Trapping Pine Marten in the high country is trapping at its finest.

Or Read it here:
http://www.helium.com/items/1568068-trapping-pine-marten

Still clinging to my God and my guns,
Randy

Stihl MS 310 Product review

2009-08-25T20:53:00.006-04:00

Stihl MS 310 Chainsaw

The Stihl MS 310 is a Mid-range chainsaw combining power, quality and state of the art design features that make it a truly powerful firewood saw.

The MS 310 sports a powerful 59cc (3.6 cu. In) engine that puts out a respectable 4.0 BHP. With the power head weighing in at 13.0 lbs. it has a good power to weight ratio. The manufacturer recommends a bar length of 16" to 20" but many people have put on larger bars with some success.

I have the 20" bar on the saw I purchased and can attest to the power it possesses. This past winter I had three 20' lengths of dried Ash logs. I used my Poulan Pro 20" saw to try to cut these. I was able to make three and one half cuts on a tank of gas. (These were very hard logs) I purchased the Stihl MS 310 and the first thing I did was cut up the remaining logs with less than half a tank of gas. This is a very powerful saw. Logs in the picture were the next load pulled up. The ash logs were much bigger.

Stihl is an industry leader in quality. They are ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 certified. "This means they meet rigid international manufacturing, environmental and quality standards". Stihl has been the number one selling brand of chainsaw for many years, and quality is the reason. The quality of service is also outstanding. Stihl sells its chainsaws through independent dealers, not big box retailers. This means you can rest assured you are buying a chainsaw from the people who will actually be servicing it. They also have hands on experience with their product and can guide you in deciding which chainsaw is right for you.

The Stihl Ms 310 has state of the art features that will increase your firewood cutting efficiency.

First are the toolless fuel and oil caps. They have a flip-up top that makes them easy to grasp to open and close. The caps are also bayonet type without having to screw then on and off, just a push and twist and you are done. The flip tops felt a little flimsy to me and I can envision myself breaking one off. It took me a few times of filling the saw to get used to the bayonet caps. Twice I thought I had the oil cap secured but it popped off dumping the oil.

The next feature is the side-adjust chain tensioner. This is a screw slot between the two chain nuts that gives a quick, easy way to adjust the chain. Some of the other models have a Quick chain adjuster that is even easier to use, but it is not offered on the MS310. (yes I lost one of the bar nuts right away LOL but they gave me a new one free)

The last feature is the Intellicarb compensating carburetor." Measures air on clean side of air filter and adjusts metering diaphragm in carburetor". What this does is changes your air mixture as your air filter begins to plug up and allows the saw to continue to run on the same air fuel mixture for even power output. The air intake also has a setting for warm and cold weather to keep it running in top shape no matter your conditions.

The power, quality and features available on the Stihl MS 310 make it a top choice for the firewood cutter who wants to get the most for his money.

All quotes are from Stihl power tools and accessories booklet.

Still clinging to my God and my guns,

Randy

http://www.helium.com/items/1565588-stihl-chainsaw

An easy quick target stand

2009-08-15T15:51:00.005-04:00

I bought a new varmit rifle (more on that in the future) and needed to sight it in.
I have a great pistol range here at the homestead, but am lacking for a long range place to shoot.
I can use my pistol range once the soybeans are harvested, but for now I had to improvise.
I have a large patch of weeds 95 yards downrange from my car in the driveway.

So I took two scrap 2x6's and two nails and made a passable target stand.

One nail goes in the middle of the back.
It holds the prop in place.
The other nail goes near the top on the front and holds the target.
If you look real hard you can see the nails in the left board, one just above the paper on the left side and one at the bottom of the paper on the right.

Next stand the nailed board up and lay the prop on top of the back nail like the picture, and there you have it.
It takes 3 seconds to set it up.

Now just poke the nail through the target and fire away.
One drawback is the target tends to tear but it is still functional and you can't beat the price or convenience.
It's also not too good in the wind but hey what do you expect for free.
It got the job done and is still waiting for the next time.

Still clinging to my God and my guns,
Randy

Yes I haven't died

2009-06-10T10:54:00.004-04:00

Been away from the blog world for too long I see.

The raspberries I tried to root all died but I did dig some up from the woods and started a patch at the house and it is doing well. Hopefully they will make through this coming winter.

Last year we bought about $250 worth of trees and fruits to plant.

Out of all that we have 2-dwarf apples, one dwarf pear, one blueberry, 3-Nanking cherries, one pine tree, and 3 black berries. Everything else died.

I built a top-bar bee hive last month and have it set up out by an old apple tree, we will see if a swarm finds it or I will buy some bees one of these years when we have enough money.

Speaking of money we just spent $1100 on our septic system. Wonderful things these 100+ year old homes.

Was out walking last night and picked some cherries and some mulberries...very yummy. We will have to get them picked for freezing.

We got our Cornish cross chickens last week. We have had one or two die every day, they sure are a fragile breed. We are down to 43 from 52 that were shipped. Our Delawares will ship next week. We plan on breeding and improving this heritage breed for broilers as was done 50 years ago.

I planted several rows of oilseed sunflowers, will see how they do for deer forage and chicken feed.

That's about it for not, I promise to keep up on this for a while.

Still clinging to my God and my guns,
Randy

Trimming and experimenting along with chicken plans

2009-04-18T11:02:00.004-04:00

I got out the trimmers on Thursday and did some trimming around the place.
I have been wanting to propagate some wild Black Raspberries so I went to a plant I needed to cut down growing wild by the garage and cut it into sections about 10" long. The ones in the left jar are dipped in rooting hormone and placed in the sunny window the ones on the right are in the jar with three weeping willow sprouts I cut off the tree.
I have read somewhere that willows excrete a hormone that makes them root easily and that if you put them in a jar like this with other things it will cause them to root also. So here is my experiment.

After I had done that I went for a little walk down to our fire ring where we build little fires to relax by. It is in a rough overgrown area that I was able to mow a grassy spot into a couple years ago. Anyway three years ago there was a wild apple tree that started putting out apples. They were amazingly good for a tree that received no care whatsoever. That fall while it still had apples a storm blew it over so we only ever got a couple apples from it. So I walked by where it was and low and behold there was a whole bunch of apple trees growing from the root system of this wild tree. I went back to the house and got the pruning shears and went to work cutting it into a nice apple bush. We will see what becomes of it now that the good tree has come back to life.

This would not work with an old orchard tree because they are all grafted onto different rootstock. But this was a wild tree growing in an old fence row. So the root is the same as what was growing before. Maybe I will get a new standard apple out of the deal.
I also read somewhere that the red delicious was originally found on a burnt up tree with only one live branch that someone took and grafted to orchard stock, so all red delicious apples are from this one branch.

Tanya and I are kicking around the idea of making a business plan and turning the homestead into a sustainable agriculture pick your own homestead. We feel we could make a pretty decent living with me here full time, but jumping in with both feet is kind of scary with three kids to feed. (If you feel like investing drop me a line at longhunter64@yahoo.com) and it would be three years before the berry plantings start paying a decent return.

We are getting Delaware chickens this year. They were that standard broilers before the ConishX became the standard. They are fast growing dual purpose heritage breads that are fairly rare. This fits our criteria exactly for what we want in a chicken. We are planning on getting 100 striaght run and putting them in a couple chicken tractors and then 25 hens to keep for eggs and breeding stock . We will pull one or two of the biggest straight run roosters to go with them. We have a friend who will share expenses with us and then we will split the meat bird so that we each get 50 or 1 chicken per week for a year.

I get real busy this time of year with all the little projects I've thought up over the winter.

Still clinging to my God and my guns,
Randy

Mainstream America catching on

2009-04-16T13:17:00.003-04:00

LINK

Although not from a Christian stewardship slant.
Things like this are happening more and more.
Looks like I picked a good time to start this blog.
Hopefully I can get more homesteading info posted and make this a good resource.

Still clinging to my God and my guns
Randy

Way to go Texas!!!

2009-04-14T13:02:00.003-04:00

Texas stands up for states rights.
Link

text of the tenth amendment to the constitution.

Amendment X
The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States respectively, or to the people.

Many wonder when and where "someone" will stand up to this thing that has taken over our lives in Washington.
Maybe this is when and where.

Still clinging to my God and my guns,
Randy

Omnivores Dilemma

2009-04-13T07:05:00.004-04:00

Tanya did a review of this book on her blog and I think it is worth your time to read it.
you can find a link in the right hand column or use THIS ONE.

Hope you all had a blessed Easter.
Still clinging to my God and my guns
Randy

Big government can't keep your food safe

2009-04-10T16:25:00.003-04:00

The media has finally discovered this fact.
Here's the story from Fox news

I can't figure out why anyone would want the government to be in charge of their food safety.
It only makes sense to buy local if at all possible and to eat seasonally. Eating seasonally is eating what is growing at the current time in your area. If it's winter you eat your stored apple's and dried fruit for example.

When you buy locally grown food you can get to know the producer and in some cases even help out in the production of your foodstuffs. It also keeps your money local and builds community.

We do buy packaged goods here on the homestead but we do try to incorporate as much of the above as possible. Plus every year we try to provide more of our own food.

All this is a good goal and the less we depend on our government in our everyday lives the better off we are.

Still clinging to my God and my guns,
Randy

Ruminations on the Homestead

2009-04-08T19:08:00.006-04:00

I wrote this last winter for Helium and I thought I would share it for the benefit of folks who are just finding their way here. I have been writing a lot of firearm and shooting related posts lately but that is really a very small part of the Frugal prepared Christian's lifestyle.

"Reflections of living everyday with a passion"

I watched a wintry sun rise on a clear, crisp morning. As I drank a cup of coffee, I looked back on the circle I have traveled. Having been born seven miles from where I sit. To enjoying all the Rockies have to offer in the west for 25 years.

Now I have returned to my passion, my homestead. This plot of ground has been in the family since 1866. My great-great grandfather built the house I live in. The wood furnace will need to be stoked, the chickens fed and watered. Fresh eggs, white or maybe brown or even green, with bright yellow yokes that really stand up in the pan will be for breakfast, along with homemade bread for toast with butter and homemade jam to top it off. This is real food. They say a city egg is no different from a country egg. I beg to differ, and invite anyone who believes it to come over for breakfast sometime.

The garden is organic and no chemicals have touched it since we returned five years ago. Tomatoes and salsa are canned. Jam is put up if we can keep ourselves from eating all the blackberries and raspberries. We will dry some apples this year from our 100-year-old Grimes Golden apple tree. Put up some pears from an equally old pear tree that no one seems to know the variety of. Maybe we can save enough Green Gage plums from the trees my great grandpa planted to can some this year or maybe make some of my mothers famous plum jam.

We will plant rows of Roma tomatoes for canning. Lots of bell and banana peppers for eating, and put in a large plot of Indian corn for ourselves and the chickens. Rhubarb and elderberries will go in the freezer for cobblers, and just maybe we will find time to put in the large patch of potatoes this year that we always seem to talk about. Cucumbers, peppers and zucchini will go in the little vegetable stand at the end of our lane.
We don't have prices just a donation can. The herb garden will supply our chives, garlic and dill for the pickles. Lemon Balm and Peppermint iced tea will cool us off this summer.

Cutting wood and mowing will keep me in shape. Grass clippings from two acres will go on the garden for mulch, as will the litter from the chicken house. Fall will bring the Hickory nuts from the woods and leaves for the garden. The wood chipper will shred the branches into mulch or litter for the chicken coop. Seeing the fruits of our own hands brings a pleasure that goes beyond mere words.

Still clinging to my God and my guns,
Randy

Some Mosin Nagant Humor

2009-04-05T18:55:00.003-04:00

In preparation for my homestead rifles post coming up, I ran across a very humorous link to another site and just had to share.
I like my Nagants very much and this link is only a slight exaggeration.
I hope you enjoy.

Still clinging to my God and my guns,
Randy

homestead working guns Part 2 Shotguns

2009-04-03T21:10:00.005-04:00

For most of his life my Grandpa used one gun on this homestead for everything. It was a single shot 12 Ga. shotgun. He was not a hunter but used it for groundhogs. It sat in the garage on a shelf with a box of shells.
He killed untold numbers of groundhogs with it. I still have his shotgun on the farm. It no longer sits in a garage but in the house. I would shoot it but it shoots high and left for me so I use some of my other shotguns.

A shotgun is probably the most versatile working gun you can have. If you have been on forums where they talk about guns I'm sure you have seen the famous "if you can only have one gun" thread. Asking what gun to get if you could only have one. There are many arguments back and forth but in reality there is no one gun that is best for every thing but a shotgun will do just about everything you need a firearm for.

The only thing I can think of that it would not work well for is a slaughter gun. This is a gun used to put down an animal for slaughter. Usually a .22 pistol or short rifle (see part 3 when I write it).

There are three main types of shotguns you will use for your homestead. These are break action, pump or semi-auto. Here I think personally I would not get a semi-auto just for homestead work. They tend to be more expensive and dirt sensitive. (you need to keep them clean) I have nothing against them and I used to own one I competed with it years ago when I shot IPSC all the time. For the homestead I would recommend a break action or a pump.

The bottom gun is my granpa's old single shot break action gun. The top one is my old Winchester 97 pump.
Both are 12 Ga. and will get the job done be it killing groundhogs or hunting turkey,deer or rabbits. I recommend a 12 gauge since it is very common and ammo is still somewhat cheap. Also you can get a wide variety loads for a 12 Ga. from slugs to birdshot and everything in between. If you are going to use your shotgun for strictly pest control I would suggest #4 shot sometimes called pheasant loads. This is a good size shot and a powerful groundhog killer. Normally I would say get a good variety of loads in all shapes and sizes.
#6 is used for the widest range of small game hunting but it tends small for pheasants and large for doves but is usable for both. Slugs for big game and buckshot for defense or deer if your area allows it.

A quick story as to why to use #4 instead of buckshot for varmint control. As I said my grandpa used his 12Ga. for groundhogs and being a thoughtful son my dad got him some 00 buckshot so he could be sure and get good kills. One day my grandpa saw a groundhog out by the barn and he snuck out with the shotgun and the new ammo. He snuck out through the barn and lined up a good shot and killed the groundhog. A few days later my grandma was cleaning the house and she noticed some plaster on the floor by and outside wall. There were 3 holes in the wall from where the buckhot had traveled 100 yards hit the house and gone through the outside wall and lath plaster inside wall hit a chair and ended up on the floor. Normally with a shotgun your backstop isn't as important as with a rifle or pistol but in the case of larger projectiles like Buckshot or slugs you need to be safe.

Here is a 12 ga. between two extremes a 10ga. turkey load on the left and a .410 bird load on the right. A .410 is a very handy gun to have on your homestead and if you have kids it is a great way to get them shooting. My kids started on it when they were 5 and could handle the recoil fine, even though I have to hold the barrel up for them. I used it for a while for groundhogs but it just doesn't have the punch to put them down at any kind of range. Plus .410 ammo is very expensive compared to what you can get for your 12 Ga.
If you feel like feeding you own try this.

Reload your own. Top is my .410 reloader and bottom is a Lee Loader for my 10 Ga. this way you can formulate whatever type of load you want for your guns. I will write a post about playing with .410 loads one of these days.

In the first picture you will see a bandoleer between the guns. I have loaded in this in order slugs, birdshot, #4, #4 buck and 00 buck top to bottom. This is my grab and go ammo I keep on hand if I hear something getting into the chickens I grab it and throw it over my shoulder and start loading buckshot as I go out the door in case it is something big. Then I have the option of putting in something else if I need another type of load. This is not to be confused with a survivalists grab and go kit. This is merely a way I can have all types of ammo available for pest control when I am in a hurry as when something is in the chickens.

A shotgun is so versatile I can't say it enough how it should be included in your homestead plans.

Still clinging to my God and my guns,
Randy

Bee Hive and a hatchet

2009-03-29T18:14:00.004-04:00

Like I said yesterday was going to round up some wood for a top bar bee hive.
I found some 1"X12" in my scrap pile and got two sides 45" long and a bottom 50" long.
I cut some 1"X4" trim 45" long to go around and gathered up some more one inch boards to make the bars.
I hit a snag as one of my sides had a piece splitting out of it so I pried it open and put in some glue and clamped it tight. So that's as far as I got on that project yesterday.

As I was working on the bee hive I saw a hatchet head hanging on a nail by the door in my shop. It's been hanging there my whole life as far as I know and I notice it almost every time I'm in my shop. ( In case you don't know my shop was built by my great great grandpa around 1890) So I decided it finally needed a handle. I should of gone in the house and got the camera so I could of shown you the steps I took to create it but you'll just have to suffer through my description instead.

I went out to my wood pile and dug through my pile of slabwood. I bought a dumptruck load a couple weeks ago to burn in the furnace. I got a nice piece of white oak that was slightly larger and longer than I needed.
It was only about 1/4" thicker than it needed to be and about 1/2" wider. First and most important in my opinion I took a pencil and marked the center line on the narrow side of the wood. This is where the narrow side of the hole will go. Then I held the head up to the blank and marked how deep the head would sit on the handle.

When I did this I saw I could cut about 3/8" off the back of the blank so I ripped it down with the hand saw.(that was some work) Then I put the blank in the vise and starting with a rasp I worked the head into a rough shape to approximate the shape it needed to be. Then I put the head up to the blank and looked into the top of the hole and could see when I was getting close in size. After a little bit of work I could slip the head on the tip of the blank. After a tap I could see the marks where the wood was too tight and rasp that part off. soon I had it fairly close and I used a wooden block and a hammer and was able to drive the head the rest of the way on.

I then smoothed out the rest of the handle with the rasp and made a slightly smaller grip area near the bottom, rasping it down until it felt good in my hand. Next I drilled a hole near the bottom for a leather thong if I feel like putting one in. I then took it out and split a small pile of kindling with it. You will notice I didn't put a wedge in, and I think I really don't need one since the inside of the head was pitted with rust and when I drove it on it compressed the wood somewhat and it expanded into these pits inside the head. I made one like this years ago and it lasted a long time. If it loosens up I can drive a finish nail into the head to expand it.

I am quite please with what I ended up with.

Still clinging to my God and my guns,
Randy

This week on the homestead

2009-03-28T10:27:00.004-04:00

Worked on a couple projects this last week.

Last Saturday dad brought two tons of stone over in his trailer and we filled holes in the driveway.
Our driveway if you don't remember is 1/3 of a mile long. If I order enough stone to cover it and spread by the quarry it costs almost $800. This way it was just a few dollars and then walking along behind the trailer with a shovel filling in holes. I have a grader blade for the old ford 9n and have kept the lane in fairly good repair since the last time we had stone delivered about 5 years ago. the important thing to remember with a gravel lane is to make sure and keep a crown on it. You should grade it so the center is higher than the sides that way the water runs off instead of puddling. No matter what I do, I eventually need stone. This driveway has been eating stone for 150 years and I don't think it will ever stop. There are a couple soft spots that just seem to sink and make big puddles. When I use the grader I bring all the loose material to these places and leave it there. But I had about run out of loose material so we got the two tons of new stone.

After we were done with the driveway I started tinkering with the rototiller. I got it running for the first time this year and made a pass through the garden. It turned out the garden was too wet to till on Saturday, But I ended up being able to do it on Tuesday after it had dried just a bit and before we got our rain on Wednesday.

Since the garden was too wet I went over to a patch of ground where the old bank barn had stood. About 5 years ago we had it torn down. They dug a big pit and burned it and then covered it back up. So now I have a big patch of subsoil. Anyway I mowed it last year and tilled up about a 15X40 patch Saturday. I hauled three wheel barrows of wood ashes and spread them on the east half of the patch. I only did half the patch because I'm not sure how wheat will react to wood ashes. (I killed all our squash a couple years ago by putting wood ashes on them to see if it would kill squash bugs... Well it killed the squash. I shouldn't of tried it on all of them at once) Then I raked everything semi smooth and let the wood ashes mellow until Monday night then I went out and scattered wheat all over the patch and raked it in. I know wheat will grow if planted in the spring it will just be ready a little later and won't have the jump start on weeds. It then rained off and on the rest of the week.

I have been having a reaction to my BP meds. I am extremely drowsy off and on. Thursday was awful. I also did something to my hand at work last night while we were moveing equipment. It feels like I have really bad arthritis ,we'll just have to see if that gets better as the day goes on.

The kids have wanted a fort for a couple years and my sister came over this morning to build it finally. She came in just a bit ago with a flat finger form hitting it whit a hammer. She smashed it real good.

Plans for today include running the grader up and down the lane to even it out just a bit and then I will try to disk the old orchard field. I am planning on putting in sunflowers, beans,corn and annual rye(for weeds).

Added:
I graded the lane but the field was way to wet to disk. I watched my sister work on the kids fort and I will try to get some wood together to make a top bar bee hive this afternoon.

Still clinging to my God and my guns,
Randy

Militia member/domestic terrorist, is this you? Probably

2009-03-23T13:33:00.004-04:00

A report links anti abortionists and third party supporters to being militia members and domestic terrorists. LINK
This is the information law enforcement is going to be using when they decide who is worth watching for whatever reason.
If you are reading this site you are probably already on a list somewhere. It looks like the conspiracy theorists are finally right.
Big brother is watching you.

Still clinging to my God and my guns
Randy

Working Guns Part 1 Handguns

2009-03-22T19:35:00.005-04:00

Working on the homestead I am rarely unarmed.
Any sort of situation could come up that a firearm may be required.

For an example read this post.
Another example was a couple years ago my sister and I were cutting wood in my woods when her cell phone rang and it was my dad asking where she was. Seems the police had a running gun fight for about 30 miles down the interstate that ended in our town where my sister usually buys gas. My woods is 100 yards from a main road with an exit on that interstate. The bad guy could easily of ditched his car there and headed into our woods. When dad was a cop many years ago he drove the 4x4 blazer when they pulled an escaped convict out of a woods that he had fled into. Also believe it or not there was a bear killed in my woods in the 1960's here in NW Ohio. Really I have pictures!! (ok it was an escaped pet but it was a bear none the less)

Quit a few times I have dispatched a 4 legged varmint with my handgun when otherwise I would of had to return to the house for a long gun and probably given it time to escape.

I have three main uses for handguns on my homestead, hunting, varmints and self defense . Some of the guns fall into more than just one category.

At the top is a center fire magnum I use for big game hunting. This one happens to be a .44magnum but you should use what you can shoot well. I have been shooting magnums since I was about 10 years old so recoil up to a .44 mag. doesn't bother me. (I've never shot anything bigger) Stainless makes this gun a great durable weapon on the homestead. It can also double as a personal protection gun. I had a 4" .44 mag. that I carried a whole lot, but here in Ohio you need a 5" barrel to be legal for hunting so I sold it and bought this one.

Right below that is my .22 rimfire. This little Ruger has ridden on my hip more that any other gun I own. (I've had it nearly 30 years) It is my trapping pistol and has killed more fur and put more food on my table that any other gun also. (well my elk rifle has put more pounds) When I was a teen hunting rabbits in Colorado, I started out using a 12ga. shotgun just like we used here in Ohio when I was a kid. When that was too easy I went to a .22 rifle, that was also too easy so I got this handgun and have used it for small game ever since. It is still the first gun I think of strapping on to work.

Below that is my Colt 1911 .45 ACP. This is mainly a self defense handgun but I have hunted small game and dispatched varmints with it. This was my competition gun when I competed in IPSC, I have well over 30,000 rounds through this gun and it's a toss up between it and the .22 on which I can shoot most accurately. (It's cool being able to shoot the head off rabbits and squirrels.) The one problem I have had with this gun is once while cutting wood I somehow hit the magazine release and walked around with an unloaded gun until I saw the magazine laying in the trail. (OOOPS!)

On the bottom are three concealed carry handguns that can be hidden on your person or even put into your pocket when you don't want to show that you are carrying a weapon. I tried shooting a grouse with the auto one time many years ago. After two magazines of misses I figure this category doesn't translate into hunting or varmint guns very well.

Top right is my old .44 cap and ball revolver. I included this one because it is the only one I have with a flap holster. A flap holster will keep your gun a whole lot cleaner than any other kind. Sure it is slower to draw from but in real life we aren't in quickdraw gunfights. A flap holster would of kept me from dumping the magazine out of my .45 and it sure would keep out the sawdust that gets in the nooks and crannies of whatever gun I am wearing while cutting wood.

Speaking of holsters the holster lying between the .44 and the .22 works for both. I have one for each but the other one is a different brand and I use this one because it keeps the gun out of the way better. I just switch out guns when I feel like carrying the other one.

On to feeding the working handgun:

Here are the main types of ammo I use from the left:

- .357 magnum hydroshok - self defense

- .357 magnum 158 grn softpoint - Hunting (hollow points tend to explode near the surface of big game since they are designed for self defense)

- .38 special hydroshok reduced recoil - self defense

- .32 ACP hydroshock - self defense

- .45 ACP Aguila IQ 117 grn alloy - 1500 fps - self defense- I have used this to dispatch a groundhog that had been hit by a car and was crawling across the road. I shot it in the head and the round penetrated and bounced off the pavement and I could hear it ricocheting off into my woods. This is some zippy ammo.

- .45 ACP 230 grain fmj - self defense /varmints good even for defense against large critters as it penetrates well to reach vitals.

- .45 ACP CCI Lawman 230 grn. hollow point (flying ashtrays) - self defense

- .45 ACP 200 grn lead semi wadcutter - varmints/small game

For my .22 I use whatever is cheapest. I have CCI stingers for varmints if I have time to load them, but don't carry them too much since they shred meat if you hit a rabbit or squirrel wrong with them.

That about wraps up the different kinds of handguns and what they are used for on the homestead.
Stay tuned for part two shotguns and part three rifles, coming soon to a blog near me. (LOL)

Still clinging to my God and my guns,
Randy

Even healthy shopping can be bad for you

2009-03-20T07:05:00.002-04:00

LINK

Picked this story up this morning.
Worlds deadliest spider was in some banana's at a health food grocery.
As my wife would say "EEEEEKKK!"

Randy

Tanya's New Blog

2009-03-18T11:36:00.003-04:00

Check out My wife Tanya's new blog.
Living Healthy in the Modern World
Our homesteading life from her point of view.
It will be on the bottom right of my blog under "My favorite blogs"

Still clinging to my God and my guns
Randy

A saner view of HR 875 ? plus burning the fields

2009-03-17T12:31:00.003-04:00

Here is a more optimistic view of HR875. LINK
I think the best part is hardly anyone thinks it will actually pass, which is good news.

I spent the last two evenings burning my plots in preparation of spring tilling.
I know everyone says don't burn because it kills soil life,worms etc.
The soil right now is cold and wet, nothing was harmed by me burning my weeds and crop residue. I do make sure and walk through the area first and pick out all the praying mantis egg sacs. Then I keep an eye out while I am watching the fire because I seem to miss 75% of them the first time. I picked up about 20 of them this time. I usually take them and spread them out evenly around where my new crop will go in .

Last year I had the bright idea of selling them on ebay.(they bring a pretty good price) so I gathered up about 30 of them, put them on my enclosed porch and promptly forgot about the whole thing until I got an email at work from Tanya one day telling me we had a million tiny mantis's crawling around our porch eating each other. I made sure and left them outside this year.

Still clinging to my God and my guns,
Randy

A simple wire snare support

2009-03-13T22:41:00.004-04:00

I originally posted this on Frugals.

This is an easy way to hang a snare almost anywhere.

Simple tools Gregerson coyote snare.
Needle nose pliers
and a piece of wire.

Use the pliers to bend the end of the wire as shown.

Insert the snare cable in the notch and use the pliers to squeeze it tight.
Don't squeeze tight enough to crush the cable, you just want a good friction fit. When caught the animal will pull it out easily while struggling.

Here is the finished product hung on my garage door. The full weight of the snare is held by the notch.
You can wire this snare anywhere now.
If you use stiff enough wire you can even poke it in the ground and hold a snare where there is nothing to hang it from.

Still clinging to my God and my guns
Randy

Guest posting...

2009-03-12T06:52:00.003-04:00

Wanted everyone to know I am open to a guest post now and again.
I don't know everything, as you no doubt have discovered by now so others information would be helpful to all the readers. I am willing to trade posts also on your blog. The only rule I have is it can't go against the Christian faith. Feel free to email me longhunter64@yahoo.com and put blog somewhere in the subject line.

Still clinging to my God and my guns
Randy

Get your torch and pitchfork!!! HR 875

2009-03-11T06:42:00.004-04:00

Link

This link is to another blog that describes very well what HR 875 is all about.
This bill would seriously impact any of us who grow gardens and put our produce out for sale.
Our current regime is trying to stifle every last bit of freedom that is left in this once great country.
This is the change so many voted for. Monsanto is sure happy about it.

Still clinging to my God and my guns
Randy

David Wilkerson has something to say

2009-03-08T20:34:00.003-04:00

David Wilkerson of “The Cross and the Switchblade” fame has made a dire prediction, and I felt it worth sharing.

Read it HERE

Are you prepared?

I do not get caught up in predictions of doom and gloom but I feel a wake up call to some believers might be needed. We get carried away with the status quo and don’t live with a sense of urgency the we as believers in a risen Savior should feel.

If this comes to pass is not the issue. The issue is what will you do to warn your neighbor that someday he or she will kneel before Christ.

Found this while reading...

2009-03-01T21:36:00.003-05:00

Supreme court justice William O. Douglas said...

"We need exercise as individuals. We need to keep physically fit and alert as a people. ... History is the sound of heavy boots going upstairs and the rustle of satin slippers coming down. Nations that are soft and slack--people who get all their exercise and athletics vicariously--will not survive when the competition is severe and adversity is at hand. It is imperative that America stay fit. For today we face great danger, as fearsome a risk, as any people in History."

Hard to believe those words were written four decades ago.
History truly repeats itself over and over. Lets learn from it one of these times.

Still clinging to my God and my guns
Randy

They just needed encouragment

2009-02-28T08:31:00.004-05:00

After telling you yesterday about the chickens who have yet to lay, here's what we got.

I wrote my post while I was at work and soon after it was up, Tanya emailed this picture to me.
Who knew I had wireless in the chicken house?
It came from the silver laced wyandotte sine the other two hens will lay green eggs.

Randy

This winter on the homestead

2009-02-27T12:55:00.004-05:00

It sure has been slow here as far as homesteading projects go.
Wood, wood and wood have been the projects.

We have 4 chickens left of the six we bought in October. We have yet to get an egg and they were supposedly ready to lay. We got spoiled with our first chickens. They were red sex links and you could count on an average of 20 eggs every day from 24 chickens day in and day out all through the winter.

We tried black sex links and did not like them near as much since they were much more flighty and didn't lay as well for us. The Red's were the only chickens who ever paid for themselves by selling of the eggs. One of these days I will sit down and post a detailed rundown of our chicken experience with our 4 or 5 different batches.

Spring is in the air.
Tanya found some radischio that wintered over and is growing. She is going to put in spinach lettuce and maybe peas soon, into the herb garden.

Working on a new/old ministry .
I have felt lead for years to do a pastors retreat. I figured I might start a new blog dedicated to looking for the right person to finance the whole thing. Tanya and I are kicking around calling it "A Quite Place Pastoral Ministry".
We would have a homestead with cabins and small lodge where pastor could come and recharge in a Pastoral setting. We would focus on Stewardship and natural living with what God provides us.

Randy

Article on probiotics and catch up

2009-02-18T09:40:00.005-05:00

Yes it's been a tough winter.
I have finally started writing again.
Here is my latest, an article on probiotics.

The human body is full of countless bacteria, some harmful and many beneficial. Probiotics are microorganisms (mainly bacteria) that are the same or very similar to the good bacteria that lives in the human digestive tract or gut. They are available as supplements or can be found in foods you eat or can add to your diet.
Probiotics work in your gut to break down various substances in your food so that your body can absorb them better. They also compete with harmful bacteria and are especially useful during and following a round of antibiotics, because antibiotics tend to kill both good and bad bacteria. In many cases probiotics work like a mulch in your garden by preventing the weeds (bad bacteria) from growing while your vegetables (good bacteria) get a head start....

You can read more HERE

I went and spent some of our tax return and bought a Stihl ms 310 chainsaw.
There is a review coming.
I have to teach at church tonight, then preach Sunday night and then teach again next Wed.

I had a trip to the ER last week.
I was having chest, shoulder and arm pain. Turns out it was just a perfect storm of the little things that are wrong with me. My acid reflux, ulnar nerve problems and pulled muscle in my back from cutting wood. So things are ok health wise.
Tanya on the other hand is not getting any better with her allergies. It might be this old farm house with its damp basement and probable mold.
Dad said if it turns out to be the house to not feel like we have to keep the farm. I told him if we sell the farm we are going back to Colorado, and he said he knew that.
So if that happens we will work on homesteading and survival there, which was my original plan before my grandparents farm became available.
Tanya has started seeing an alternative treatment doctor that people on the allergy forum she is on have had good luck with. The really good thing is he's only 10 miles away and there are people driving 6 hours just to see him. So we will see what happens with that.

We are out of wood.
I had a delivery of 2 1/2 cords of sawmill slab-wood scheduled for Feb. 2nd but we got snowed in that week. I could get the 4x4 truck out but Tanya was stuck at the house all week and the dumptruck wouldn't come down our lane to deliver. We are burning propane now and had to have the service guy come to fix it before it would work right. ( I guess thats what we get for not using it for 3 years) I have another load of wood coming March 3rd so hopefully we will be back on the wood furnace then. The fields and woods are too muddy to cut in right now, maybe if we stay cold I can cut this weekend.

I think that about catches up.
Sorry I was so remiss in my posting.
I see we past 5000 visitors while I was gone, and lots of cool flags in the flag counter.

Randy

Still kicking

2009-01-21T06:22:00.005-05:00

Sorry It has been so long since my last post.
Been fighting health and weather here on the home place.

Firewood is my life in the winter this year. Any chance I get when it's daylight I go cut wood (if I'm not sick)
Everyone needs to remember that your best laid plans usually don't take into consideration being down sick, and once that happens the plan goes out the window. Even just a sinus infection like I had/have where my endurance dropped to almost nothing will mess things up. I wasn't what I would call sick since I still could function pretty good, but I sure couldn't do any physical labor for very long.

I am going to buy a Stihl 310 with our tax money.
The Poulan is an ok saw but it just can't handle the workload I need it to. I have a couple large logs I drug up to the house with the tractor. I tried to cut them up with my poulan and it used one tank of gas for every 5 cuts. The saw will cut it in an emergency but not something I want to do every day. So I shopped around online and I'm pretty sure the Stihl 310 is what I want. Echo doesn't make one the size I want and husky is slightly smaller and only $40 less so I decided why not get the best.

We got the van stuck in the driveway Sunday after church. Our 1/3 mile long lane was drifted shut so I walked up the the house in my cowboy boots and light coat and got the truck. I busted through the drifts and run up and down the lane twice. Then my sister went up and down it twice with her little 4x4 nissan. By then I figured the van would make it through if I went fast enough. LOL Well I didn't go fast enough I guess. I had to drive the truck to work on Monday because the van was plugging the lane.

We have great neighbors that come and use their behemoth tractors with snowblowers on them and clean out the lane. One of them came Monday and cleaned out up to the van on both sides. Tanya and my sister got it out before I got home from work.

It was below zero here for about 3 days with heavy winds. I decided if we were going to have Gunnison weather I at least wanted to live there. In case you didn't know we are from Gunnison Colorado and moved onto this farm when my grandparents went into the nursing home. And we are very homesick this winter.
We were planning on building a homestead in the mountains and we still may do just that someday when we can afford to live there again.

That about catches up for now.
Still clinging to my God and my guns,
Randy

Little bit of excitement

2009-01-08T19:33:00.003-05:00

We are on lockdown right now at the homestead.
Armed robber bailed out of his car 1 mile from the farm.
Cops have dogs out but we still haven't heard the all clear yet.
The neighborhood was great...
Lots of cross calling of neighbors to get the word out.
I'll let you know how things turn out.
Still clinging to my God and my guns,
Randy

Still sick

2009-01-08T06:16:00.003-05:00

I've been struggling to get wood.
I got an antibiotic from the doctor for a sinus infection Monday.
Monday night and Tuesday were horrible I was in so much pain.
Kinda weird headache and joint and muscle pain.
So I have been neglecting the blogs until I am healthier.
I have no stamina to cut wood.
In November I could cut three loads a day by myself and still felt like I could do more.
You know the old saying about a team of horses "leave one good pull in them" so I did three and called it good.
New Years eve I was able to cut about 2/3 of a load, New Years day almost a full load.
Since then I have pulled up three logs with the tractor and that wore me out.
I have to go out here in a couple minutes and cut enough off of them to last until I get home tonight and repeat the process for overnight. Using a chainsaw in the dark is an accident waiting to happen especially while I am sick but no one else will do it.
I have a dumptruck load off slab wood being delivered Feb. 3rd so I just have to hold on till then.
I ordered three all together spaced a month apart.

I really hate writing this because it seems like I'm doing a lot of whining, but if someone learns something from it.(like whatever you do keep a winters supply of wood on hand) I guess it's worth some thinking less of me.

Still clinging to my God and my guns
Randy

Happy New year!!!

2009-01-01T07:11:00.002-05:00

No I didn't stay up and watch the ball drop.
Things were kind of hectic here yesterday.
We had 5 Adults 1 teen and 3 munchkins in the house trying to work on the bathroom.
I got off work at noon came home and was going to help but it was a real circus.
So I ended up going to the woods and cutting some firewood.
Dad had been here a day or so ago and cut up the big stuff we had hauled up to the house.
My poulan is just not powerful enough to cut the bigger stuff, it takes way too much energy on my part to try to cut it, then I am totally wasted to do anything else.

My BP was 136/70 when I stopped by the doctor on Tues, so that's better.
I am looking into a more natural method of controlling it. I don't want to be dependent on drugs.
I know it's my own fault from my diet and lack of systematic exercise... although cutting firewood for three or four hours a weekend meets the requirements the doctor gave me for exercise, it hasn't been enough.
As I said in an earlier post middle age has snuck up on me and I now have to take my lifestyle seriously.

I have a co-worker who lost his job yesterday so please keep him in your prayers. He is taking it very hard.
Felt really strange wishing him a happy new year when we both new he was unemployed.

I hope you and yours will take today and reflect on where you have come from up to this point and where you are headed in the new year.

Still clinging to my God and my guns,
Randy

Plumbing the vacation away...

2008-12-27T17:40:00.003-05:00

Spent the day today replumbing the house.
My sister is remodeling our upstairs bathroom as a Christmas gift.
She tore out lots of lathwork and the toilet and sink yesterday and hauled it all to our dumpster.
(We have a nice roll-off dumpster sitting in the front yard)
Gonna bust up the cast iron tub in place with a sledge hammer.
Anyway, we had to cut out the old Iron pipes and run new plastic everywhere.
I kind of like it because it's like playing with tinker toys, but I'm also stressed hoping it won't leak all over.
So we now have the water back on with shut off valves up to the upstairs run.
Lots of fun cutting the old Iron pipe out with a sawzall. (not really)
When we had done stuff in the past we had just run plastic off of the old iron near where we were working.
We had all kinds of black iron coming out of the faucets, I think it was a result of hooking the softener up to the old iron pipe and the salt eating away at the build up and finally sending it out the faucets. (it was getting to be a real mess up in the bathroom we are re-doing)
Now the only Iron is about three feet of our plumbing tree where our softener is hooked in.(only 5 years old)
I have copper where the hot water systems are tied together.(2 years)
Doesn't seem to any problems so far.

Still clinging to my God and my guns,
Randy

Not happy holidays

2008-12-25T05:45:00.001-05:00

Merry Christmas!!!
We celebrate the birth of a savior today!!
May you and yours have a blessed Christmas.

Randy

Middle age has snuck up on me

2008-12-23T19:00:00.003-05:00

I was in Walmart on Saturday and decided to test my blood pressure in the machine.
It read 186/104 !!!!!
I was like wow!!!!!!
So I made a doctors appointment and got it tested today.
190/110 doctor sent me home with some pills to take and an order for blood work and another appointment for two weeks down the road.
I didn't worry about this kind of stuff when I was younger but I guess I have officially arrived at middle age.

Still clinging to my God and my guns,
Randy

Yes I'm a failure...

2008-12-22T16:01:00.002-05:00

We are out of wood!!.
It was -1 last night the house got down to 58.
My last sharp chain was messed up and would not hardly cut the big logs we have drug up to the house.
I asked dad if he would come and cut them with his big Jonsered saw.
He came and cut 3 or 4 pieces and his saw quit running.
So we will be on propane by the morning.
Just can't keep up with the wood demand of this furnace doing it all by myself.
I do have five or six 10-20 inch x 10-12 feet long logs up at the house but no way to cut them until tomorrow.
So much for being prepared..... But I guess I do have 400 gallons of propane sitting there so it's not too bad.

Still clinging to my God and my guns
Randy

How do you see Jesus?

2008-12-21T07:30:00.003-05:00

This time of year many people forget what the season is about.
Yes Jesus probably wasn't born on December 25 but it is the day we celebrate it.
Many will try to say it is just a pagan holiday the Christians took over. This may or may not be true, but Jesus Christ is why we celebrate it today. You will hear constant reminders that "He is the reason for the season" and these are well and good. The problem starts when the baby Jesus is all that people see. Jesus Christ was much more than a cute little baby born of a virgin all those years ago. You can't leave Him in that manger.

Lets look at someone else who tried to fit Jesus into a category. Look at John chapter 4 it tells the story of Jesus' encounter with the Samaritan woman at the well.

1The Pharisees heard that Jesus was gaining and baptizing more disciples than John, 2although in fact it was not Jesus who baptized, but his disciples. 3When the Lord learned of this, he left Judea and went back once more to Galilee.

4Now he had to go through Samaria. 5So he came to a town in Samaria called Sychar, near the plot of ground Jacob had given to his son Joseph. 6Jacob's well was there, and Jesus, tired as he was from the journey, sat down by the well. It was about the sixth hour.

7When a Samaritan woman came to draw water, Jesus said to her, "Will you give me a drink?" 8(His disciples had gone into the town to buy food.)

Samaritans were half breeds, they were the result of intermarriage of Jews and Babylonian conquers. It was the sixth hour meaning noon, the heat of the day this woman was an outcast herself since the other women would come to draw water when it was cool.

The first impression this woman has of Jesus is A Jewish man sitting by the well, then he speaks the her! This just didn't happen, Men did not speak to women in public let alone a Jewish man speak to a Samaritan woman. She even states her surprise.

9The Samaritan woman said to him, "You are a Jew and I am a Samaritan woman. How can you ask me for a drink?" (For Jews do not associate with Samaritans)

Then Jesus really piqued her curiosity.
10Jesus answered her, "If you knew the gift of God and who it is that asks you for a drink, you would have asked him and he would have given you living water."

11"Sir," the woman said, "you have nothing to draw with and the well is deep. Where can you get this living water? 12Are you greater than our father Jacob, who gave us the well and drank from it himself, as did also his sons and his flocks and herds?"

13Jesus answered, "Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, 14but whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life."

15The woman said to him, "Sir, give me this water so that I won't get thirsty and have to keep coming here to draw water."

Jesus obviously was speaking of the Holy Spirit when he mentioned living water, but the woman thought he was talking about regular water and thought....This guy is an INTERESTING MAN

Many people today see Jesus as a sort of fist century Will Rodgers.... -A good story teller, never met a man he didn't like, a good teacher running around telling jokes and doing tricks with bread and fish. Without the living water of the Holy Spirit many will not see.

16He told her, "Go, call your husband and come back."

17"I have no husband," she replied.

Jesus said to her, "You are right when you say you have no husband. 18The fact is, you have had five husbands, and the man you now have is not your husband. What you have just said is quite true."

19"Sir," the woman said, "I can see that you are a prophet. 20Our fathers worshiped on this mountain, but you Jews claim that the place where we must worship is in Jerusalem."

Here the woman gets a different view she never met him but he knows her thoughts so she puts on a religious face. She sees him as a Prophet A religious person so she asks a religious question to prove she is religious too.

Many today see Jesus as a religious leader, and they act religious around him while they are in church but they leave it at the door. Others will take him saying he taught good religious stuff but he was only a man.

21Jesus declared, "Believe me, woman, a time is coming when you will worship the Father neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem. 22You Samaritans worship what you do not know; we worship what we do know, for salvation is from the Jews. 23Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks. 24God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in spirit and in truth."

25The woman said, "I know that Messiah" (called Christ) "is coming. When he comes, he will explain everything to us."

26Then Jesus declared, "I who speak to you am he."

Here we see Jesus as He truly is Messiah

Some will say Christ never claimed to be the messiah but here we see the falicy of that belief.

God became a man and for 33 years he walked the earth showing us the way. Our sins nailed him to a cross and shed his blood. Hebrews 9:22b "without the shedding of blood there is no remission" He arose on the third day and waits to return.

So how do you see Jesus?

A baby in a manger?

An interesting man?

A religious man?

Or the Messiah, King of kings and Lord of lords?

Still clinging to my God and my guns,

Randy

The Prepared Christian

Are YOU prepared to defy the United States government?

A good coat will keep you warm

Scout popcorn was an online bust

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Death of the small town

Death of the Small Town

guest posts

Hey you dang woodchucks!

How to make balm of Gilead salve

Knee High by the Fourth of July...

Be careful how you store your water.

I wish we'd all been ready

The Manhattan Declaration

1899 home

Ayn Rand...Atlas Shrugged... Not a Christian value

"An Atheist Icon? Social Conservatives Worried About GOP Ayn Rand Resurgence"

A wet spring

New Layout

How to make and use sun rendered fish oil for the trapline.

Companion planting guides

Engaging your World (Walking your walk)

The Merchant of Info

How to create your own heirloom vegetables

Went to Lehmans

Constitution Party News

my 2 tablespoons of maple syrup

Maple Syrup

Product review - Cobra big bore derringer

Food security

Don't ask don't tell repealed

How safe is your food supply?

Constitution party national meeting

This just in

EPA Rejects Calls to Ban Lead in Ammo

The EPA can ban your bullets?

Are you prepared finacially? The what if question...

Gods Chisel

10 CANNOTS !

CP update

CP class of 2010

Constitution party news and Info

Bee and pesticides don't mix

Socialized Health care passes

House Vote 887 - H.R.3962: On Passage Affordable Health Care for America Act

Other Recent Votes

H.RES.1119: On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Agree, as Amended Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that all people in the ...

H.RES.1099: On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Agree, as Amended Recognizing the 65th anniversary of the Battle of Iwo Jima

H.R.4872: On Passage Reconciliation Act of 2010

H.R.4872: On Motion to Recommit with Instructions Reconciliation Act of 2010

H.R.3590: On Motion to Concur in Senate Amendments Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act

Geography of the Vote

Complete Roll Call

Yes Votes (220)

No Votes (215)

Did Not Vote (0)

Present (0)

CP candidate update

Constitution Party: Our Moment Of Truth Has Arrived...What Will You do?

Smokeless Muzzleloaders??

New CP video

How to use drags on your traps

Article on how to butcher a deer

"We are not at war with Islam"

Take a Constitution party Survey

Stupid should hurt...real bad

So you're a Christian and a survivalist? Really?!

Being prepared is a way of life

Avoiding Genetically Modified Food

Constitution party: time is running out

Constitution party poll

Modern farming and me

I admit that sometimes I'm not the brightest person...

Constitution party update

They don't make 'em like they used to

California you have a choice

Swine Flu and you ? Are you prepared for a quarantine?

Stihl MS 310 Product review

An easy quick target stand

Yes I haven't died