First off let me stress that if you have a new car under warrenty you must follow the manufactures requirements for oil changes to keep your warrenty. With that said lets save tons of money.
If you are like so many people in this country you drive an older car and you do not need to worry about all that warranty crap. There is absolutely no reason you need to change your oil every 3,000 miles. Why is that you ask? The true reason 3,000 miles is recommended is because your oil filter needs changing. The filter has a life of about 3,000 not your oil.
First off you need to spend a few extra bucks and buy a good synthetic oil. Many of these oils will last anywhere from 10,000 to 25,000 miles. Read the bottles, do some research. Get a good oil filter, look for sales of course and you are set. Keep track of what oil you bought so you can always use the same and around 3 or 4 thousand miles change the filter and top off the oil level after you run the motor for a couple minutes.
Lets see your savings, an oil change at one of the lube places will cost you somewhere between $30 to $60. You have the oil changed by them 4 times a year, that is $120 to $240. In that year if you do the change yourself and do it my way, after your initial oil change, it will cost you one filter and a quart of oil for that year. That would be about $10 or so. Quite a damn good savings!
As I said do the research yourself and make up your own mind. If I really have to tell anyone this that is into surviving, learn everything about your car or truck that you can. Why would you pay someone else to check your power steering or add washer fluid. Do it all yourself and save a hell of a lot of money!
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
Monday, October 18, 2010
Practice Makes Perfect
That is the one saying that was always drummed into us when I served in the Army. Practice, practice and practice some more. I read many blogs and sites about survival and the one thing I seem to never see is practicing. You may have all the best expensive stuff money can buy, but do you know how to use it?
When was the last time you made dinner using some of those nice freezed dried dinners you have stashed away? The directions say to use 2 cups water, are you sure that is the right amount for you? Maybe 2 cups is too thin for your tastes or too thick. How about using your sterno stove, how long does it take you to boil water?
How about all those nice medical supplies you have? Have you ever made a splint? How about a turniquite? Can you do it on yourself if there was no one around?
When was the last time you practiced putting on your gas mask? Did you know according to military regs the filters and rubber disks are to be replaced at regular intervals? Have you ever tried to put on a NBC suit? Have you ever used your rad meters?
When was the last time you went out in the woods and actually built a shelter? How about building a good fire pit? Every once in a while set a weekend where you will spend 2 nights out in the woods. Take your b.o.b with you and truely survive. Go to different areas and get use to how everything works. Do not cheat! Pretend it actually happened and you NEED to survive! Personally I do this this when I go for weekend fishing trips, deer hunting, trapping season and I always try to find rough areas to set-up camp to test my knowledge.
If you have children, involve them. Kids love to play doctor, so to speak. Teach them how to use the bandages, splints and stuff on you, they will love it! Make a game of it as long as they are learning. When the shtf your child might be the only one around to save your life.
When was the last time you made dinner using some of those nice freezed dried dinners you have stashed away? The directions say to use 2 cups water, are you sure that is the right amount for you? Maybe 2 cups is too thin for your tastes or too thick. How about using your sterno stove, how long does it take you to boil water?
How about all those nice medical supplies you have? Have you ever made a splint? How about a turniquite? Can you do it on yourself if there was no one around?
When was the last time you practiced putting on your gas mask? Did you know according to military regs the filters and rubber disks are to be replaced at regular intervals? Have you ever tried to put on a NBC suit? Have you ever used your rad meters?
When was the last time you went out in the woods and actually built a shelter? How about building a good fire pit? Every once in a while set a weekend where you will spend 2 nights out in the woods. Take your b.o.b with you and truely survive. Go to different areas and get use to how everything works. Do not cheat! Pretend it actually happened and you NEED to survive! Personally I do this this when I go for weekend fishing trips, deer hunting, trapping season and I always try to find rough areas to set-up camp to test my knowledge.
If you have children, involve them. Kids love to play doctor, so to speak. Teach them how to use the bandages, splints and stuff on you, they will love it! Make a game of it as long as they are learning. When the shtf your child might be the only one around to save your life.
Thursday, October 7, 2010
Political Ads On TV
First off I am just sick and tired of all this crap on tv. I realize they have the right to advertise and let the voters know about the campain but enough is enough! Almost every ad I see on tv is an ad that is trying to destroy the oponent.
First, if you are running for an office then let me know what the hell you can do, not what the other person can't do! Slander ads should be outlawed.
Second, all these slander ads are counter-productive. Are politicians and thier campain people that stupid?
Here is a run down of the ads from my area:
The whole ad has a huge picture of the oponant they are trying to slander. Most times it includes his party and his name also. The whole ad talks about how bad this person is. It is not until the very end of the ad that the person running for office is mentioned and in small print (compared to all the other print in the ad) is the "good guys" name.
Here is how the average voter will see this ad. Most americans care more about "Idol" than real voting. The only thing they will remember from this ad is the "bad guys" name and THAT will be the person they will vote for. They will walk into the voting booth and look over all the names of the people running and they will remember the biggest face, the biggest name and the ad they see the most. They will vote for the person the ad was not for only because of a minimal attention span when it comes to politics.
First, if you are running for an office then let me know what the hell you can do, not what the other person can't do! Slander ads should be outlawed.
Second, all these slander ads are counter-productive. Are politicians and thier campain people that stupid?
Here is a run down of the ads from my area:
The whole ad has a huge picture of the oponant they are trying to slander. Most times it includes his party and his name also. The whole ad talks about how bad this person is. It is not until the very end of the ad that the person running for office is mentioned and in small print (compared to all the other print in the ad) is the "good guys" name.
Here is how the average voter will see this ad. Most americans care more about "Idol" than real voting. The only thing they will remember from this ad is the "bad guys" name and THAT will be the person they will vote for. They will walk into the voting booth and look over all the names of the people running and they will remember the biggest face, the biggest name and the ad they see the most. They will vote for the person the ad was not for only because of a minimal attention span when it comes to politics.
Sunday, September 19, 2010
Our Town Wide Garage Sale
Last weekend the town I live in had their annual town wide garage sale. A few years back it seemed like all literal junk for sale but this year was much different. As I walked around I wished I had a lot more money to spend, there were many good items I wish I could have bought. I still think lawn/garage (or whatever you want to call them) are the best places to go shopping and save a hell of a lot of money.
Rule one is you have to be ready to be disappointed if the item you got for one or two dollars ends up being no good. But, if it is good you just won the lottery! My first great buy was a 16 jar spinning spice rack with all the jars and half of those jars still had the seals inside them. That cost me a whole $3. I did pick up a few tapes (Godzilla) just for me. The next 2 buys I smiled so much over. At I walked down the street my eyes widened when I could see hunting stuff at a house I was approaching. For less than $10 I picked up an ALICE pack, a range finder, a stealth cam and a scope. NOW! That's a deal!
Since I do not drive I hooked up with one of the local bus drivers who just happens to enjoy garage sales also and since the bus in normally empty on Saturday mornings, him and I stop by a lot of them as he makes his route. I have door to door service and a way to haul bigger items, can't beat that!
Rule one is you have to be ready to be disappointed if the item you got for one or two dollars ends up being no good. But, if it is good you just won the lottery! My first great buy was a 16 jar spinning spice rack with all the jars and half of those jars still had the seals inside them. That cost me a whole $3. I did pick up a few tapes (Godzilla) just for me. The next 2 buys I smiled so much over. At I walked down the street my eyes widened when I could see hunting stuff at a house I was approaching. For less than $10 I picked up an ALICE pack, a range finder, a stealth cam and a scope. NOW! That's a deal!
Since I do not drive I hooked up with one of the local bus drivers who just happens to enjoy garage sales also and since the bus in normally empty on Saturday mornings, him and I stop by a lot of them as he makes his route. I have door to door service and a way to haul bigger items, can't beat that!
Thursday, September 16, 2010
A New Storage Spot
Being in an apartment it is always a chalange to locate places to store items. As I was sitting watching tv the other night it dawned on me, my dvd shelves! A while back I purchased some of those nice Walmart 3 shelf bookshelves for books, dvd's and such. I have 2 of them stacked for 6 shelves of dvd storage and realized there was a lot of space there not used.
I got up and looked and the shelves are deep enough you could put other dvd's behind the ones already there. Well, that would be stupid, right? But, all that space was just perfect for storing all my extra medical supplies. After moving everything around it cleared up 2 shelves in one of the closets which gave me room for larger items to store.
My next quest is all that space setting under my bed, but I am not spending all the money these stores want for those storage units for that area. I will figure something a lot cheaper out. One thing I am looking at at those huge vacuum storage bags, I already found a few used and a lot cheaper than new.
I got up and looked and the shelves are deep enough you could put other dvd's behind the ones already there. Well, that would be stupid, right? But, all that space was just perfect for storing all my extra medical supplies. After moving everything around it cleared up 2 shelves in one of the closets which gave me room for larger items to store.
My next quest is all that space setting under my bed, but I am not spending all the money these stores want for those storage units for that area. I will figure something a lot cheaper out. One thing I am looking at at those huge vacuum storage bags, I already found a few used and a lot cheaper than new.
Monday, August 23, 2010
What a rain we had!
Yesterday was quite a day around here. It rained for about 36 hours, sunday night into monday night. The nice thing about it, the rain was a slow soaking rain. The bad thing was power outages around and being stuck inside. Since I was stuck in the apartment all day I decided to look around and change things around. It might sound weird but I am making my bedroom into my living room and visa-versa. Why you ask. My bedroom window is in direct sunlight first thing in the morning, I like sleeping in now and then. The biggest reason was storage. Off my living room is a small closet, small enough for all my hanging clothes and some storage. In the bedroom is a huge closet that is way too big for my clothes. Why not use that closet for my pantry and have about 2 1/2 times the storage space. The bedroom is the same size as the living room and will be easier to cool on the hot summer days.
I just think it will all work out a lot better. I know visitors will see it as weird but I never said I was normal. I think it will work well for me. Around here at night it is very quiet, daytime having the living room in the bedroom there will be hardly any noise. Right now in the living room I hear every person talking outside, every car driving by, ect, ect.
Just a note, using a website I found for calculating food storage I now have 4 months of survival food saved up. I am waiting on the landlord to let me know about putting in a small garden here next year. I am already planning it out.
The website, if your interested is: http://www.foodstorageanalyzer.com it goes by calories so remember that as you figure out your food supply.
I just think it will all work out a lot better. I know visitors will see it as weird but I never said I was normal. I think it will work well for me. Around here at night it is very quiet, daytime having the living room in the bedroom there will be hardly any noise. Right now in the living room I hear every person talking outside, every car driving by, ect, ect.
Just a note, using a website I found for calculating food storage I now have 4 months of survival food saved up. I am waiting on the landlord to let me know about putting in a small garden here next year. I am already planning it out.
The website, if your interested is: http://www.foodstorageanalyzer.com it goes by calories so remember that as you figure out your food supply.
Saturday, August 14, 2010
Trapping, an overlooked part of survival
It was a perfect Saturday, hardly any humidity, a cool breeze, just a great day. So, I decided to begin my exploration of spots to trap out some coon. I had a couple areas in mind and went out to the first one to look for signs and get a good idea of the area. I packed up my small ALICE pack with plenty of water, food, map, small hatchet, plastic ribbon for markers, ect. It took my about 6 hours to complete the course I laid out by map and I found some nice spots to set up traps later this year.
People might ask, why trapping? I say why not! I do not trap full time like some trappers do, I mainly trap to add to my food supply. Now don't say YUCK COON! Coon is some very tasty, nutritious meat. You just need to learn how to prepare and cook it right. The biggest thing is coons are fatty, de-fat as much as possible and slow cook it in water. Every once in a while change out the water, this helps remove most of all the fat and you are left with some good tender eatin'.
I also take my 22 cal with me and do some squirrel hunting while I am out checking traps. Why let a good opportunity go by. As the price of meat keeps going up and up in the markets, we all should do what we can to save money.
During trapping season I usually shoot for trapping 2 or 3 coons a week. that does not sound like much but for a single person that is alot of meals. If I get a few squirrels along the way, great! More meat for the freezer. Here is how I also supplement my costs, I found someone near me who traps for meat and furs and I give my furs to him to sell and we split the profits. You could do it all yourself but I found this is alot easier especially since I live in an apartment complex and it would be hard to flesh and dry pelts here.
I know many survivalists live out in the country and have the room to do it all and I recommend that you all should look into trapping. It takes alot of reading, learning and most important of all, find someone near you who would be willing to teach you. Look for a trapping association, lots of help there.
People might ask, why trapping? I say why not! I do not trap full time like some trappers do, I mainly trap to add to my food supply. Now don't say YUCK COON! Coon is some very tasty, nutritious meat. You just need to learn how to prepare and cook it right. The biggest thing is coons are fatty, de-fat as much as possible and slow cook it in water. Every once in a while change out the water, this helps remove most of all the fat and you are left with some good tender eatin'.
I also take my 22 cal with me and do some squirrel hunting while I am out checking traps. Why let a good opportunity go by. As the price of meat keeps going up and up in the markets, we all should do what we can to save money.
During trapping season I usually shoot for trapping 2 or 3 coons a week. that does not sound like much but for a single person that is alot of meals. If I get a few squirrels along the way, great! More meat for the freezer. Here is how I also supplement my costs, I found someone near me who traps for meat and furs and I give my furs to him to sell and we split the profits. You could do it all yourself but I found this is alot easier especially since I live in an apartment complex and it would be hard to flesh and dry pelts here.
I know many survivalists live out in the country and have the room to do it all and I recommend that you all should look into trapping. It takes alot of reading, learning and most important of all, find someone near you who would be willing to teach you. Look for a trapping association, lots of help there.
Sunday, July 25, 2010
Lessons From Jericho, pt 1
I have always loved the show Jerrico. I believe it was one of the best shows about surviving that has ever been produced. Here is the first instalment of some leasons I have learned from the show.
1. DO NOT trust everything the government says.
2. Have a geiger counter.
3. Have a good local area map.
4. Have back-up power, generator, solor, batteries.
5. Learn first aid/ major medical and minor surgery technigues.
6. Know your neighbors well.
7. Learn NBC (nuclear, biological,chemical) Army FM's are the best.
8. Check for local fallout shelter & when it was last maintained.
9. Know by site and name your local police and fireman.
10. Learn to shoot properly.
11. Stock up big time on food and water.
12. Stock up on medical supplies and medications.
13. If power comes back quickly recharge all batteries and replenish water stock.
14. Have many fire extinquishers.
15. Know all pharmacies and hospital layouts in your area.
1. DO NOT trust everything the government says.
2. Have a geiger counter.
3. Have a good local area map.
4. Have back-up power, generator, solor, batteries.
5. Learn first aid/ major medical and minor surgery technigues.
6. Know your neighbors well.
7. Learn NBC (nuclear, biological,chemical) Army FM's are the best.
8. Check for local fallout shelter & when it was last maintained.
9. Know by site and name your local police and fireman.
10. Learn to shoot properly.
11. Stock up big time on food and water.
12. Stock up on medical supplies and medications.
13. If power comes back quickly recharge all batteries and replenish water stock.
14. Have many fire extinquishers.
15. Know all pharmacies and hospital layouts in your area.
Friday, July 23, 2010
Time Warners New Commercial
Yesterday I had the joy of seeing Time Warners latest commercial. It basically was to let us know that our kids need better education and training in the high tech fields. I will agree with that to a point, but lets be realistic.
Our society has gotten way to technical and way to corporate and there are not enough jobs to cover all the people that are looking for them.What our education system needs to start focusing on is what this country needs to survive. We need farmers, homemakers, small business owners, ect. Our society needs to get away from making these big corporations even richer and focus back on helping our neighborhoods. We do not need a giant plasma tv, we don't need 4 computers in the house, we don't need a cell phone for every child, we need to make our lives simpler.
I know some will say their kids need a cell phone, "oh how will I know where they are?" "what if they get kidnapped?" Bullshit!! I was once a child and I lied about where I was all the time, you think your kid is special? As far as kidnapping, the first thing a kidnapper will do is check a kid for a phone and dispose of it.
Our school system needs to get back to teaching the basics, 99% of the kids in school DO NOT need to know a foreign language, they do not need to know calculus. The government has forced our kids into trying to learn way to much in a short period of time and it is actually making them dumb. School hours have not changed since I went to school back in the 70's yet they are taught twice as much. A person can not learn anything well if they are flooded with too much info on many subjects.
Lets all get back to basics and make this country great again.
Our society has gotten way to technical and way to corporate and there are not enough jobs to cover all the people that are looking for them.What our education system needs to start focusing on is what this country needs to survive. We need farmers, homemakers, small business owners, ect. Our society needs to get away from making these big corporations even richer and focus back on helping our neighborhoods. We do not need a giant plasma tv, we don't need 4 computers in the house, we don't need a cell phone for every child, we need to make our lives simpler.
I know some will say their kids need a cell phone, "oh how will I know where they are?" "what if they get kidnapped?" Bullshit!! I was once a child and I lied about where I was all the time, you think your kid is special? As far as kidnapping, the first thing a kidnapper will do is check a kid for a phone and dispose of it.
Our school system needs to get back to teaching the basics, 99% of the kids in school DO NOT need to know a foreign language, they do not need to know calculus. The government has forced our kids into trying to learn way to much in a short period of time and it is actually making them dumb. School hours have not changed since I went to school back in the 70's yet they are taught twice as much. A person can not learn anything well if they are flooded with too much info on many subjects.
Lets all get back to basics and make this country great again.
Monday, July 19, 2010
Local Government at Work
I just had a very interesting conversation with a guy I know who finally got a job. Our local county workers (DSS) kept bugging him and bugging him to look for work and go to all these job fairs. He went to one and was hired, yeah! It is for part time work, the only jobs this place offers, and makes $7.25 an hour. Since they made him get the job and he is on social services they pay for a taxi so he can get to work and back home.
Now for the real kicker! His gross pay is $29 a day and the taxi is costing the county $30 a day to transport him. How stupid can our government officials be? They forced him to take this job and spend more a day than he makes.
So, it isn't just the federal government that is real stupid, it is every branch from the feds down to the county. We wonder why we are in such bad shape, this is just a small example of why.
Now for the real kicker! His gross pay is $29 a day and the taxi is costing the county $30 a day to transport him. How stupid can our government officials be? They forced him to take this job and spend more a day than he makes.
So, it isn't just the federal government that is real stupid, it is every branch from the feds down to the county. We wonder why we are in such bad shape, this is just a small example of why.
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Finding Room in the Kitchen
Now that I have decided to stay here in my apartment I started looking at where all my room is going to come from for storage. If you do not get frustrated and just relax you will be surprised at how much room you can find. My first area was in my kitchen which is a basic apartment kitchen 7 1/2' X 15' with 6' of the 15' being a dining area.
The first place I looked at were the cabinets which do not go all the way to the ceiling. WOW! all kinds of space. 2 sets of cabinets each 8' long and you have a lot of space up there. On one side I have stored paper towels, there is enough space to stash 24 rolls of paper towels there. The other side I have not figured out what to put there yet. Remember one thing with this area of storage, it is against the ceiling and heat rises! Make sure you do not put anything up there that is sensitive to heat.
Next I looked at the cabinets themselves, lots of space but how can I use them best? Storing food? NO. Except for a few items I use constantly like spices my cabinets contain cooking items, tupperware type items and foodsaver stuff. The bottom cabinets contain items I rarely use (items kept for power outages and such) and larger cooking items. The upper cabinets are dishes, pyrex, small pots, ect.
One big thing I did was something many people don't like to do. I went through and got rid of unneeded items. You really have to stand there and decide what you do want to keep and what you want to get rid of. Don't throw the stuff away, remember someone somewhere can use it.
Look around with open eyes and you can find a lot of space.
The first place I looked at were the cabinets which do not go all the way to the ceiling. WOW! all kinds of space. 2 sets of cabinets each 8' long and you have a lot of space up there. On one side I have stored paper towels, there is enough space to stash 24 rolls of paper towels there. The other side I have not figured out what to put there yet. Remember one thing with this area of storage, it is against the ceiling and heat rises! Make sure you do not put anything up there that is sensitive to heat.
Next I looked at the cabinets themselves, lots of space but how can I use them best? Storing food? NO. Except for a few items I use constantly like spices my cabinets contain cooking items, tupperware type items and foodsaver stuff. The bottom cabinets contain items I rarely use (items kept for power outages and such) and larger cooking items. The upper cabinets are dishes, pyrex, small pots, ect.
One big thing I did was something many people don't like to do. I went through and got rid of unneeded items. You really have to stand there and decide what you do want to keep and what you want to get rid of. Don't throw the stuff away, remember someone somewhere can use it.
Look around with open eyes and you can find a lot of space.
Monday, June 21, 2010
My Big Change
After over 2 years of rebuilding my mobile home on my own I finally came to a decision to cut my loses. I really hated to do it but I had to look at things from a realistic standpoint. After the 4 foot of snow we got back in Feburary took down half the roof and the prices of building materials going way up, I had to stop.
With my bad heart and low ass disability pay I came to the conclusion it was not worth it. I do not know how my health will be in the coming years and more and more work kept piling up on me in fixing up the place. I plan on slowly selling everything I can, including all the power tools that I can't keep in my apartment and in a couple years I will try selling off the property.
So I will be living out the rest of my life in my apartment and surviving from here. From now on I will be posting tips and ideas on preparing and surviving from an apartment approach.
With my bad heart and low ass disability pay I came to the conclusion it was not worth it. I do not know how my health will be in the coming years and more and more work kept piling up on me in fixing up the place. I plan on slowly selling everything I can, including all the power tools that I can't keep in my apartment and in a couple years I will try selling off the property.
So I will be living out the rest of my life in my apartment and surviving from here. From now on I will be posting tips and ideas on preparing and surviving from an apartment approach.
Sunday, June 20, 2010
What Happened To TV?
I really don't watch a lot of tv but I have noticed something lately, tv sucks!!! What happened to it? Cable companies every year raise the prices because the stations want more money but, what I see they should be getting paid less. I have noticed some channels show the same movie over and over or they show it everyday for a week or two. What happened to seasons, it use to be summertime was when you saw reruns and the tv season lasted fall thru spring. Now they have new shows for a month, maybe two then it is the end of the season, BS!
Hollywood is paying these so called stars so much we now have more commercials than we have a show to watch. Personally, I don't concider about 90% of the actors on tv any good. And, they damn sure are not worth the millions they are paid per show.
You want to know why kids act the way they do now, watch these so called kids shows. Most of them show parents as dumbass people and the kids as the smart, save the day ones. They show kids controlling everything, running thier own lives, maybe in hollyweird but no place else.
These so called reality shows are also getting out of hand. No one cares about a mom with 19 kids or midgits running a farm. today I saw an ad for a new one about some 400lb limo driver, give me a break!!!!!
TV/Hollywood needs to come back down to earth.
Hollywood is paying these so called stars so much we now have more commercials than we have a show to watch. Personally, I don't concider about 90% of the actors on tv any good. And, they damn sure are not worth the millions they are paid per show.
You want to know why kids act the way they do now, watch these so called kids shows. Most of them show parents as dumbass people and the kids as the smart, save the day ones. They show kids controlling everything, running thier own lives, maybe in hollyweird but no place else.
These so called reality shows are also getting out of hand. No one cares about a mom with 19 kids or midgits running a farm. today I saw an ad for a new one about some 400lb limo driver, give me a break!!!!!
TV/Hollywood needs to come back down to earth.
Monday, June 14, 2010
Goodbye New York!
Well, today is the day we all find out if there will be a New York. The great government officials are 2 months late on a budget and we are so far in debt that if they don't pass the budget or contingency budget today, NY will be closed Tuesday. It gives a good sence on why everyone should have been stocking up on supplies. I know NY is not the only state in such a bad economic state and everyone should be worried.
If the budget here does not pass today there will be no food stamps, no welfare, no unemployment, no state agencies working, no state courts, ect, ect, ect. Many always blame the govenor but it is the legislators that are screwing everything up. I tell everyone I meet to make sure they vote this November and to vote every single one of them out of office. That goes for federal voting also, we need to send a message and get rid of all this old dead wood that is running this country.
I do have a curious question about the whole government process. With the state closing down because of the budget problems does the govenor or someone else have the power to declare marshall law or something even worst? Lets hope not!
If the budget here does not pass today there will be no food stamps, no welfare, no unemployment, no state agencies working, no state courts, ect, ect, ect. Many always blame the govenor but it is the legislators that are screwing everything up. I tell everyone I meet to make sure they vote this November and to vote every single one of them out of office. That goes for federal voting also, we need to send a message and get rid of all this old dead wood that is running this country.
I do have a curious question about the whole government process. With the state closing down because of the budget problems does the govenor or someone else have the power to declare marshall law or something even worst? Lets hope not!
Saturday, June 12, 2010
Crossing The Border
The other day I had a nice conversation with a gentleman who firmly believed that all the illegal people in our country should stay. So, of course I had to point out a few things to him.
If you cross into North Korea illegally you will get 12 years hard labor
If you cross into Iran illegally you will be detained indefinately
If you cross into Afganastan illegally you will be shot
If you cross into Saudi Arabia illegally you will be jailed
If you cross into China illegally you will never be heard from again
If you cross into Venezuelia illegally you will be branded a spy
If you cross into Cuba illegally you will be thrown into political prison to rot
If you cross into the USA illegally you will have a new life handed to you at the taxpayers expense
We need to close our borders to everyone and start taking care of just ourselves.
We need to reopen Operation Wetback (google it!)
Just so no one complains, I have no problem with someone coming to this country legally to make a better life for themselves. It is ALL the illegal ones that need to be removed.
If you cross into North Korea illegally you will get 12 years hard labor
If you cross into Iran illegally you will be detained indefinately
If you cross into Afganastan illegally you will be shot
If you cross into Saudi Arabia illegally you will be jailed
If you cross into China illegally you will never be heard from again
If you cross into Venezuelia illegally you will be branded a spy
If you cross into Cuba illegally you will be thrown into political prison to rot
If you cross into the USA illegally you will have a new life handed to you at the taxpayers expense
We need to close our borders to everyone and start taking care of just ourselves.
We need to reopen Operation Wetback (google it!)
Just so no one complains, I have no problem with someone coming to this country legally to make a better life for themselves. It is ALL the illegal ones that need to be removed.
Monday, May 31, 2010
Happy Memorial Day
I would like to take this time to wish every veteren of the US Armed Forces a Happy Veterens Day and say THANK YOU! It is one day of the year that our country should be honoring all of us veterens, many do but many do not unfortunately. I am 3rd generation Army and very proud of my service and that of my father and grandfather. I have been doing some geneology research and it actually looks like there has been military in my family since 1700 ad.
I would also like to take this time to tell people to have real heroes in their lives. Heroes that did something, not these so called heroes that many people honor from Hollywood and the music industry. I like Black Sabbath but in no way would I concider Ozzy a hero, I like many movies but would never concider Bruse Willis a hero. And for god's sake stop idolizing all these dumbass reality shows, they are all fake hollywood crap.
On this day I would like to give one more thanks to all my heroes:
1. My father
2. My grandfather
3. General Omar Bradley, I worked with him back in the 70's
4. Mr, Kimball, a teacher that made learning fun
5. All the Men and Woman that has served, do serve and will serve in the Armed Forces.
I would also like to take this time to tell people to have real heroes in their lives. Heroes that did something, not these so called heroes that many people honor from Hollywood and the music industry. I like Black Sabbath but in no way would I concider Ozzy a hero, I like many movies but would never concider Bruse Willis a hero. And for god's sake stop idolizing all these dumbass reality shows, they are all fake hollywood crap.
On this day I would like to give one more thanks to all my heroes:
1. My father
2. My grandfather
3. General Omar Bradley, I worked with him back in the 70's
4. Mr, Kimball, a teacher that made learning fun
5. All the Men and Woman that has served, do serve and will serve in the Armed Forces.
Thursday, May 27, 2010
Give A Man A Fish
Hopefully everyone has heard this saying, "give a man a fish and you feed him for a day, teach him to fish and he will eat for life." Over my life I have always tried to follow that kind of idealism. The other day, since it was 95 outside and I stayed home in the apartment, I noticed a nieghbor starting a garden. They had never had a garden before so I watched for a while. The plot she made was about 10x20 with about 80% sunlight for a day. I thought, not a bad location.
What came next disturbed me and I knew I had to teach her to fish. The dirt within the plot looked terrible even after she had dug up the area twice, going deep and breaking clumps up. I dug out a couple magazines and a gardening book all that emphisized on garden start-up and took them over to her. We did not know each other personnally, it was more of a hey how you doing kind of relationship, but she was interested in talking about what she was doing.
We sat at her picnic table and talked for quite some time and she was very receptive. I explained to her about dirt, compost, sun, watering and all else I could think about. I drew up a quick plan so she could build a drum composter and since her house was small apartments I told her to ask her tenents to save her all their compostable items.
When all was done she was very happy and I could see the wheels turning in her head. I told her this year mainly dress the surface of the garden with compost and compost tea but in the fall and next spring dig it in deep and her garden will be much better next year. I gave her my number and left making a new friend and a new gardener. If we all did this with one person we could have food that is so much better to eat and more people being friends.
What came next disturbed me and I knew I had to teach her to fish. The dirt within the plot looked terrible even after she had dug up the area twice, going deep and breaking clumps up. I dug out a couple magazines and a gardening book all that emphisized on garden start-up and took them over to her. We did not know each other personnally, it was more of a hey how you doing kind of relationship, but she was interested in talking about what she was doing.
We sat at her picnic table and talked for quite some time and she was very receptive. I explained to her about dirt, compost, sun, watering and all else I could think about. I drew up a quick plan so she could build a drum composter and since her house was small apartments I told her to ask her tenents to save her all their compostable items.
When all was done she was very happy and I could see the wheels turning in her head. I told her this year mainly dress the surface of the garden with compost and compost tea but in the fall and next spring dig it in deep and her garden will be much better next year. I gave her my number and left making a new friend and a new gardener. If we all did this with one person we could have food that is so much better to eat and more people being friends.
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
I Don't Have Enough Money!
That's what I hear from people as an excuse why they don't start stocking up for survival. I read it a lot on different blogs and all over. I have one thing to say to all these people, BULLSHIT!
I would bet the people without enough money are sitting at home watching some giant tv that cost them a grand or two. They probably have 2 or 3 cars in the driveway, their kids have every damn electronic game imaginable and they pay someone else to cook their food for them almost everyday. Can you see why these people don't have money?
Here is a little more about me, I am a service connected disabled vet and i have not been able to work for years. At the present time I get less than $1100 a month disability and for at least 2 years our favorite government will not be giving me a cost of living increase, even though prices are rising everyday. I own my homestead, I have land and school taxes plus the normal bills. Right now I am rebuilding my house and I am living in an apartment while I do it. The only thing I do not have to pay for is medical, thank you US Army!
I eat very well, I do not eat out or stop at some damn fast food place everyday, I cook. I have cable, 2 electric bills, home phone and 2 cell phones. I know how to save money and I have enough to rebuild my house and when I say rebuild I mean I have torn it apart, new floor joists, new sub-floor, outside walls torn out and rebuilt, new inner walls, new electrical, new insulation, new plumbing, new windows, ect. It has taken me 3 years to do all I have done because I shop around, I do not believe in spending more than I need to. For instance, the windows were used, they were about 3 years old vynel insulated, tilt in and I got 8 of them all the same size and style for $200. THAT'S SHOPPING AROUND!
When they kept advertising the switch to digital everyone ran out and bought new expensive tv's because they were led to believe that's what they needed for the new digital setup. I researched it and found out that I needed nothing, that is the key research and research, unless something is livesaving you do not need to buy it today, do your research, check ads, read some more then ask yourself, do I really need it.
I would bet the people without enough money are sitting at home watching some giant tv that cost them a grand or two. They probably have 2 or 3 cars in the driveway, their kids have every damn electronic game imaginable and they pay someone else to cook their food for them almost everyday. Can you see why these people don't have money?
Here is a little more about me, I am a service connected disabled vet and i have not been able to work for years. At the present time I get less than $1100 a month disability and for at least 2 years our favorite government will not be giving me a cost of living increase, even though prices are rising everyday. I own my homestead, I have land and school taxes plus the normal bills. Right now I am rebuilding my house and I am living in an apartment while I do it. The only thing I do not have to pay for is medical, thank you US Army!
I eat very well, I do not eat out or stop at some damn fast food place everyday, I cook. I have cable, 2 electric bills, home phone and 2 cell phones. I know how to save money and I have enough to rebuild my house and when I say rebuild I mean I have torn it apart, new floor joists, new sub-floor, outside walls torn out and rebuilt, new inner walls, new electrical, new insulation, new plumbing, new windows, ect. It has taken me 3 years to do all I have done because I shop around, I do not believe in spending more than I need to. For instance, the windows were used, they were about 3 years old vynel insulated, tilt in and I got 8 of them all the same size and style for $200. THAT'S SHOPPING AROUND!
When they kept advertising the switch to digital everyone ran out and bought new expensive tv's because they were led to believe that's what they needed for the new digital setup. I researched it and found out that I needed nothing, that is the key research and research, unless something is livesaving you do not need to buy it today, do your research, check ads, read some more then ask yourself, do I really need it.
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
I'm Moving To Mexico
This morning a friend sent me this letter and I thought it was pretty good, and oh so true. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.
Dear President Obama,
I'm planning to move my family and extended family into Mexico for health reasons and I would like to ask you to assist me. We are planning on just walking across the border, skipping all the legal stuff like passports, Visa's immigration quotas and laws. I am sure they handle those things the same way you do here so, would you mind telling your buddy president Calderon that I am on my way over. Please let him know that once we are all there we will be expecting the following:
1. Free medical care for my whole family.
2. English speaking government bureaucrats for all services I might need, whether we use those services or not.
3. All Mexican government forms printed in english.
4. I will need my children taught spanish by an english speaking teacher.
5. Tell their schools they will need to include classes on American culture and history.
6. My children should see an American flag on at least one flag pole outside the school.
7. The schools need to plan on feeding my children breakfast and lunch for free.
8. My wife and I will need Mexican driver's license so we can get easy access to the government services.
9. Let them know I do plan on getting a car but I do not plan on getting any insurance and I probably will not make any attempt to learn the traffic laws there.
10. In case one of the Mexican police officers did not get the memo about my family, please have at least one officer in each car that can speak english.
11. I plan on putting the flag on my house, my car and have a huge celebration on the 4th of July. I do not want any complaints or harassment from the locals.
12. I also will need a good job but I do not want to pay taxes.
13. Please have their president tell all the Mexican people to be nice to us and never say critical things about us.
14. My family will also need free food stamps.
15. Naturally we expect free rent subsidies.
16. I'll need income tax credits although I do not plan on paying any Mexican taxes.
17. Please arrange so the Mexican government pays us $4500 to help me buy a new car.
18. Oh yes! I almost forgot, please enroll me free into the Mexican Social Security program so I will get a monthly income when I retire, even though I will never pay into their system.
I know this will be an easy request because you already do all this and more for all his people that walk over to the US from Mexico. I am sure President Calderon won't mind returning the favor if you ask him nicely.
Dear President Obama,
I'm planning to move my family and extended family into Mexico for health reasons and I would like to ask you to assist me. We are planning on just walking across the border, skipping all the legal stuff like passports, Visa's immigration quotas and laws. I am sure they handle those things the same way you do here so, would you mind telling your buddy president Calderon that I am on my way over. Please let him know that once we are all there we will be expecting the following:
1. Free medical care for my whole family.
2. English speaking government bureaucrats for all services I might need, whether we use those services or not.
3. All Mexican government forms printed in english.
4. I will need my children taught spanish by an english speaking teacher.
5. Tell their schools they will need to include classes on American culture and history.
6. My children should see an American flag on at least one flag pole outside the school.
7. The schools need to plan on feeding my children breakfast and lunch for free.
8. My wife and I will need Mexican driver's license so we can get easy access to the government services.
9. Let them know I do plan on getting a car but I do not plan on getting any insurance and I probably will not make any attempt to learn the traffic laws there.
10. In case one of the Mexican police officers did not get the memo about my family, please have at least one officer in each car that can speak english.
11. I plan on putting the flag on my house, my car and have a huge celebration on the 4th of July. I do not want any complaints or harassment from the locals.
12. I also will need a good job but I do not want to pay taxes.
13. Please have their president tell all the Mexican people to be nice to us and never say critical things about us.
14. My family will also need free food stamps.
15. Naturally we expect free rent subsidies.
16. I'll need income tax credits although I do not plan on paying any Mexican taxes.
17. Please arrange so the Mexican government pays us $4500 to help me buy a new car.
18. Oh yes! I almost forgot, please enroll me free into the Mexican Social Security program so I will get a monthly income when I retire, even though I will never pay into their system.
I know this will be an easy request because you already do all this and more for all his people that walk over to the US from Mexico. I am sure President Calderon won't mind returning the favor if you ask him nicely.
Friday, May 21, 2010
What A Buy!
I love Walmarts. More and more I read different blogs and such where people keep talking about how bad Walmart is, but you can get some great buys there. Unlike Target, which is French owned and they hate Americans, Walmart Is american. Have you ever been to Target and seen people outside collecting for Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, cheerleaders or Veterans? I bet the answer is no! Target is quick to want to come to this country and make money off us but they will not let anyone on their property to collect for charity. Even the men and woman who fought for this country and there country, so to me they suck!
Well, back to Walmart today. I had to pick up a few things and no matter what I go after I always walk the whole store looking for deals. I recommend you do also. As I went through the meat section something caught my eye, ground beef on sale! Those nice 1 pound packages that look like giant sausages for just $1 each. That's right $1 a pound for ground beef (87%), so of course I started grabbing them. I now have enough ground beef to last me about 4 months at around 60% off the normal price.
One time last year I found these same packages for only .50 a pound, you have to look around! Whenever your in any store you must look around, especially on the end caps, it seems stores are putting many big sale items there now. One last thing about Walmart, always check at the end of a season, they mark things down drastically just to get rid of it. Just remember your end of season does not always match a stores end of season, they usually change the seasonal stuff out earlier. HAPPY SHOPPING!
Well, back to Walmart today. I had to pick up a few things and no matter what I go after I always walk the whole store looking for deals. I recommend you do also. As I went through the meat section something caught my eye, ground beef on sale! Those nice 1 pound packages that look like giant sausages for just $1 each. That's right $1 a pound for ground beef (87%), so of course I started grabbing them. I now have enough ground beef to last me about 4 months at around 60% off the normal price.
One time last year I found these same packages for only .50 a pound, you have to look around! Whenever your in any store you must look around, especially on the end caps, it seems stores are putting many big sale items there now. One last thing about Walmart, always check at the end of a season, they mark things down drastically just to get rid of it. Just remember your end of season does not always match a stores end of season, they usually change the seasonal stuff out earlier. HAPPY SHOPPING!
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
Goodbye Government
This morning I was actually happy to watch the news on tv. Most times I hate it because of all the problems going on in the world. This morning was so nice when they talked about the primary elections on how all across the country the voters are finally saying NO! to all this government BS. As I have told people for years, stop complaining and go vote. To be more precise, we need to vote EVERY single person that is in a state or federal office out of office this November. then in 2 years if nothing is changed, vote them out again till we get an elected government that is for the people.
The other news that made my day was all the voting on school budgets around where I live. Many, many voters voted no on their perspective budgets. Good for them! These school budgets are getting way out of hand also. One school district near me actually had a budget that they put forth that would have raised the residents taxes up 25%. THAT! is ridicules. This district had so many voters turn out that they actually had to wait hours to vote.
I also believe our schools/government is trying to teach way too much to our children. When I graduated school the requirements for a diploma was simple, 4 yrs english, 3 yrs social studies/history, 1 yr math, 2 yrs science and 1 elective. Now they have so much they can not learn it. The schools are teaching our children twice as much but the time in school has not changed. In short, students do not have the time to learn everything that is thrown at them. Maybe it is part of the plan to dumb up America, who knows.
I know some will say our children need all that extra learning to make it now-a-days. Yes they do need more, but why should all the taxpayers pay for it? If you want your child to learn latin, french, ect, buy a book for them or buy that rosetta stone they advertise on tv. The same goes for many of the once called elective courses that are now mandatory.
There are thousands of colleges and business schools out there now that your child can go to. I know! maybe they should all join the military, free schools, free travel, free insurance, free health care, and they get paid well for it. Just think if every child went into the military upon graduating high school in 2 generations almost no one would be without health care.
That's my opinion and I am sticking to it!
The other news that made my day was all the voting on school budgets around where I live. Many, many voters voted no on their perspective budgets. Good for them! These school budgets are getting way out of hand also. One school district near me actually had a budget that they put forth that would have raised the residents taxes up 25%. THAT! is ridicules. This district had so many voters turn out that they actually had to wait hours to vote.
I also believe our schools/government is trying to teach way too much to our children. When I graduated school the requirements for a diploma was simple, 4 yrs english, 3 yrs social studies/history, 1 yr math, 2 yrs science and 1 elective. Now they have so much they can not learn it. The schools are teaching our children twice as much but the time in school has not changed. In short, students do not have the time to learn everything that is thrown at them. Maybe it is part of the plan to dumb up America, who knows.
I know some will say our children need all that extra learning to make it now-a-days. Yes they do need more, but why should all the taxpayers pay for it? If you want your child to learn latin, french, ect, buy a book for them or buy that rosetta stone they advertise on tv. The same goes for many of the once called elective courses that are now mandatory.
There are thousands of colleges and business schools out there now that your child can go to. I know! maybe they should all join the military, free schools, free travel, free insurance, free health care, and they get paid well for it. Just think if every child went into the military upon graduating high school in 2 generations almost no one would be without health care.
That's my opinion and I am sticking to it!
Thursday, May 13, 2010
CYA
While serving in the army during the cold war era I learned many acronyms. One of the most important ones was CYA! It stands for Cover Your Ass! I am writing this to let you all know you need to heed the warning of CYA. As everyone knows or federal government is broke, our state governments are broke and so is our city and town governments. Where will they get the money to rebuild?
About 6 or 7 months ago and old friend of mine sent me an interesting letter that was sent out to most law enforcement agencies. The letter was not an order but more of a recommendation to these agencies. In short it suggested that all police agencies, in order to produce more revenve, start writing many more tickets.
I live way out in the country and it is easy to keep track of daily chatter on the scanner since there is not a large city police force. I do not listen to it all day but within the last month I have noticed a very large increase in the number of licence plates being run by the police. To me this indicates they are pulling more and more vehicles over, trying to find problems maybe.
What really caught my attention was just 2 days ago, there was one officer that literally was running plate after plate. In my mind all I could picture was the officer was walking down a line of cars, such as in a parking lot, and running every plate trying to find infractions on the vehicles.
I beleive this is going to get worst and suggest you watch your backs. Watching your backs means making sure you and your vehicle are totally legal. Before you take off in your vehicle walk around it, check lights, check plates, check turn signals. When you drive drive like you were a saint. Make sure your licence, registration and insurance paperwork are current and very accesable. Personnaly I do not recommend you keep your licence in one of those tight plastic holders in your wallet. Reason being, they are hard to get out and that is one sign an officer will look for to determine if you might have been drinking.
My biggest recommendation if you do get pulled over, be very damn polite to the officer. Even if he/she is wrong be nice, you piss that officer off they can make your day real crappy!
About 6 or 7 months ago and old friend of mine sent me an interesting letter that was sent out to most law enforcement agencies. The letter was not an order but more of a recommendation to these agencies. In short it suggested that all police agencies, in order to produce more revenve, start writing many more tickets.
I live way out in the country and it is easy to keep track of daily chatter on the scanner since there is not a large city police force. I do not listen to it all day but within the last month I have noticed a very large increase in the number of licence plates being run by the police. To me this indicates they are pulling more and more vehicles over, trying to find problems maybe.
What really caught my attention was just 2 days ago, there was one officer that literally was running plate after plate. In my mind all I could picture was the officer was walking down a line of cars, such as in a parking lot, and running every plate trying to find infractions on the vehicles.
I beleive this is going to get worst and suggest you watch your backs. Watching your backs means making sure you and your vehicle are totally legal. Before you take off in your vehicle walk around it, check lights, check plates, check turn signals. When you drive drive like you were a saint. Make sure your licence, registration and insurance paperwork are current and very accesable. Personnaly I do not recommend you keep your licence in one of those tight plastic holders in your wallet. Reason being, they are hard to get out and that is one sign an officer will look for to determine if you might have been drinking.
My biggest recommendation if you do get pulled over, be very damn polite to the officer. Even if he/she is wrong be nice, you piss that officer off they can make your day real crappy!
Monday, May 10, 2010
Prices Are Up and Up and UP!!!
If you have not figured it out yet, you are paying more and more each time you shop. It is not just food either, everything is going up making the rich richer while we struggle. In the latest consumer report food prices are up 2.4% this last month, that is the 6 th consecutive month of increase and the largest increase in the last 26 years. Now 2.4% does not sound like a lot but that is an overall increase, some items have risen a hell of a lot more than that. You know the kind of items I am referring to, the ones everyone buys, eggs, meat, ect. Some of them have increased up to 15% or more! That is just insane! What better reason does anyone need to start their own homestead and take up hunting.
The increase that I just discovered was building materials. Back in February we had a nice little snowfall of 4 feet and it did some damage to many roofs, mine included. Back then I did some figuring on what I needed to buy so I could save up when I could do the fixing. You see, home insurance does not cover damage by snow storms, who would have thought. Insurance that does not insure! Anyhow I check Home Depot and Lowe's (prices where the exact same) and got my figures. Now that the snow is gone and the rain lets up a day here and there, I again checked on the prices, you ready?
Here we go!
A 2x6x12' Was $7.06, is now $9.72 each an increase of $2.66
A 2x4x8' Was $2.58, is now $2.38 each a decrease of a whole .20
A sheet of 7/16" x 4'x8' OSB was $8.47 a sheet and is now $14.97 each a damn increase of $6.50 a sheet!!!!!
So to buy one of each item it now costs me over 50% more, what a rip-off!
guess I am saying you need to start feeding yourself for costs and health and other items buy as soon as you can and look hard for every sale be it in a store or a lawn sale.
The increase that I just discovered was building materials. Back in February we had a nice little snowfall of 4 feet and it did some damage to many roofs, mine included. Back then I did some figuring on what I needed to buy so I could save up when I could do the fixing. You see, home insurance does not cover damage by snow storms, who would have thought. Insurance that does not insure! Anyhow I check Home Depot and Lowe's (prices where the exact same) and got my figures. Now that the snow is gone and the rain lets up a day here and there, I again checked on the prices, you ready?
Here we go!
A 2x6x12' Was $7.06, is now $9.72 each an increase of $2.66
A 2x4x8' Was $2.58, is now $2.38 each a decrease of a whole .20
A sheet of 7/16" x 4'x8' OSB was $8.47 a sheet and is now $14.97 each a damn increase of $6.50 a sheet!!!!!
So to buy one of each item it now costs me over 50% more, what a rip-off!
guess I am saying you need to start feeding yourself for costs and health and other items buy as soon as you can and look hard for every sale be it in a store or a lawn sale.
Sunday, May 9, 2010
My Daily Backpack
You see them all over the place, many kids carry backpacks where ever they go. These kids have all their junk in them, all the electronic games, phones, books and who knows what else. I may be 50ish but I also carry a backpack around with me about 80% of the time. The only difference is my backpack has items in it that I need. First and foremost is a medium sized first aid kit, homemade with items I want in it like forceps, scalpel, medications, hydrogen peroxide, alcohol, bandages, ect. I of course have my cell phone in there, a knife, all kinds of things for survival.
There is one item that I have that makes some people ask why. The item (actually 4 items) are garbage bags. Yep, you heard me garbage bags. I carry 4 of the heavy duty (4 mil) black garbage bags in my backpack. Why, you ask. These bags can be used for many reasons, lets look at a few of them.
1. It is raining or snowing, a small hole in the end of one bag and I have a quick poncho.
2. I am freezing and it is daylight out, same bag over me will warm me up a lot with the sunshine on it.
3. I am out in the woods and it is becoming night, 2 bags stuffed with leaves and/or pine needles will make a great bed between you and the ground. The other 2 bags filled the same way will make blankets.
4. I can use the bags to cover up firewood to keep it dry. Put my gear in one to keep that dry.
5. Winter time I can shove snow in one and let the heat from the sun melt it so I can have water. Or, scoop the bag into a stream to have more than one quart at a time.
There are many uses for a garbage bag during a survival situation. Make sure you get the heavy duty ones and have at least 4 in every location you can think of. Your BOB, the trunk of your car, your backpack, at your hideaway. Where ever you think you will be have a few bags at the ready.
There is one item that I have that makes some people ask why. The item (actually 4 items) are garbage bags. Yep, you heard me garbage bags. I carry 4 of the heavy duty (4 mil) black garbage bags in my backpack. Why, you ask. These bags can be used for many reasons, lets look at a few of them.
1. It is raining or snowing, a small hole in the end of one bag and I have a quick poncho.
2. I am freezing and it is daylight out, same bag over me will warm me up a lot with the sunshine on it.
3. I am out in the woods and it is becoming night, 2 bags stuffed with leaves and/or pine needles will make a great bed between you and the ground. The other 2 bags filled the same way will make blankets.
4. I can use the bags to cover up firewood to keep it dry. Put my gear in one to keep that dry.
5. Winter time I can shove snow in one and let the heat from the sun melt it so I can have water. Or, scoop the bag into a stream to have more than one quart at a time.
There are many uses for a garbage bag during a survival situation. Make sure you get the heavy duty ones and have at least 4 in every location you can think of. Your BOB, the trunk of your car, your backpack, at your hideaway. Where ever you think you will be have a few bags at the ready.
Sunday, May 2, 2010
I Love Knives
Oh yes, I loves knives probably more than the average person. At any given time I have at least 3 knives on me. Most people just think of a knife as a weapon or something to cut with, that is so far from the truth. A knife is the most versital tool you can have in your survival kit. You should have more than one, btw.
Lets look at a knife's function. A knife can kill, cut, whittle, save a life, make a weapon, feed you and build things. The simple one is of course killing that one is plain and straight forward. It can be the one thing that changes an outcome from your dead to your alive. Cutting is basic too, from cutting a rope you need to put up your tent to cutting an animal apart to feed you and your family. Whittling can go many ways, as something to pass the time of day to whittling out a spear. Saving a life you may ask. Protecting yourself from attackers to cutting an ambilical cord a knife can save a life. So many types of thiings can be made with a knife to make weapons. A spear is the simplist all the way to traps for small animals. Feeding you can go from using a knife to actually kill your food to skinning it, to cutting it apart. You may need that knife to dig your food out of the ground or some honey out of a tree. Building things is covered by many things I have already mentioned, with a good set of knives you could build a survival camp. Yep, just with the knives! From the kindling for the fire to the larger branches for the fire. With the knives you can build the whole shelter, get food, cut up the food and eat it with a knife. If one of your knives is shiny you can even signal with it.
As you can see a few good knives are a must have for anyone who wants to survive. Personally I have a pocket knife, a lockblade, a bowie knife and a multi-function tool. Of course I have more than one of each of these because I may not be right where one set of them may be. Do some reasearch and find out which ones you like and start stocking up. You do not have to spend a fortune on a good knife but I do not recommend buying any cheap knives, they are useless after their first use. Last but not least make sure you pick up a couple of good sharpening stones.
Lets look at a knife's function. A knife can kill, cut, whittle, save a life, make a weapon, feed you and build things. The simple one is of course killing that one is plain and straight forward. It can be the one thing that changes an outcome from your dead to your alive. Cutting is basic too, from cutting a rope you need to put up your tent to cutting an animal apart to feed you and your family. Whittling can go many ways, as something to pass the time of day to whittling out a spear. Saving a life you may ask. Protecting yourself from attackers to cutting an ambilical cord a knife can save a life. So many types of thiings can be made with a knife to make weapons. A spear is the simplist all the way to traps for small animals. Feeding you can go from using a knife to actually kill your food to skinning it, to cutting it apart. You may need that knife to dig your food out of the ground or some honey out of a tree. Building things is covered by many things I have already mentioned, with a good set of knives you could build a survival camp. Yep, just with the knives! From the kindling for the fire to the larger branches for the fire. With the knives you can build the whole shelter, get food, cut up the food and eat it with a knife. If one of your knives is shiny you can even signal with it.
As you can see a few good knives are a must have for anyone who wants to survive. Personally I have a pocket knife, a lockblade, a bowie knife and a multi-function tool. Of course I have more than one of each of these because I may not be right where one set of them may be. Do some reasearch and find out which ones you like and start stocking up. You do not have to spend a fortune on a good knife but I do not recommend buying any cheap knives, they are useless after their first use. Last but not least make sure you pick up a couple of good sharpening stones.
Friday, April 30, 2010
Free Stuff Is Best
Over all the years I have enjoyed always getting free stuff, just like most people do. I am not a picky person and I need new, even if it does not work I might take it because I can fix it. The last ten years I have slowly made some nice connections to acquire items I need. I am sure if you take a little time and look around you too can find some of the same places near you. As long as you are willing to do all the work you too can save a lot of money.
First lets talk compost since that is on the top of everyones lists. My compost is totally free except for the work. I have a neighbor who has raised goats and a few horses most of their lives and they have HUGE piles of manure out back of the barn. I have known them all my life and I know it is all organic and since it has been there so long it is ready for use. In return I give them excess garden goodies and some eggs now and then.
Another item I get for free is mulch. The mulch I get is in the form of wood chips which I use as mulch and in the compost pile also. You might find it weird but I get truck loads of mulch from a town dump nearby. That's right a dump, they have a huge industrial wood chipper and all the tree limbs, christmas trees, ect that is brought in is chipped up into a pile anyone can come and take away.
Firewood is another item I get at this dump. Many times they have a pile of chuncks of trees that free for the taking. Since I am from a very small country town I know everyone, especially those on the local highway departments. These departments yearly go around and clean up trees around the roads and I get to go there and pick up any wood I want or depending on where they are working they will drive by and just dump all the wood right at my home. Since I do not have access to my own acres of woods, getting all this firewood for free saves a lot of money.
Another find is at the dumps also and that is all the stuff people throw away. You would not believe all the good stuff that is thrown away, good as in perfectly good. I have picked up an air conditioner, rugs, carpeting, cabinets, computers and bicycles. As a matter of fact the first computer I ever had I built from a few bad computers I picked up at my local dump. If you are close enough to a larger town dump there can also be tons of free building materials, many contractors will throw out all their leftovers. Apartment complexs will throw away all the appliences when they renovate apartments. A dump can be a gold mind.
So you see you can get so much for free, just look around and ask permission. The large dump I talk about was all too glad to let me go and pick up anything I wanted, it was less they had to pay to get rid of. BTW I don't live in that town, don't be afraid to ask.
First lets talk compost since that is on the top of everyones lists. My compost is totally free except for the work. I have a neighbor who has raised goats and a few horses most of their lives and they have HUGE piles of manure out back of the barn. I have known them all my life and I know it is all organic and since it has been there so long it is ready for use. In return I give them excess garden goodies and some eggs now and then.
Another item I get for free is mulch. The mulch I get is in the form of wood chips which I use as mulch and in the compost pile also. You might find it weird but I get truck loads of mulch from a town dump nearby. That's right a dump, they have a huge industrial wood chipper and all the tree limbs, christmas trees, ect that is brought in is chipped up into a pile anyone can come and take away.
Firewood is another item I get at this dump. Many times they have a pile of chuncks of trees that free for the taking. Since I am from a very small country town I know everyone, especially those on the local highway departments. These departments yearly go around and clean up trees around the roads and I get to go there and pick up any wood I want or depending on where they are working they will drive by and just dump all the wood right at my home. Since I do not have access to my own acres of woods, getting all this firewood for free saves a lot of money.
Another find is at the dumps also and that is all the stuff people throw away. You would not believe all the good stuff that is thrown away, good as in perfectly good. I have picked up an air conditioner, rugs, carpeting, cabinets, computers and bicycles. As a matter of fact the first computer I ever had I built from a few bad computers I picked up at my local dump. If you are close enough to a larger town dump there can also be tons of free building materials, many contractors will throw out all their leftovers. Apartment complexs will throw away all the appliences when they renovate apartments. A dump can be a gold mind.
So you see you can get so much for free, just look around and ask permission. The large dump I talk about was all too glad to let me go and pick up anything I wanted, it was less they had to pay to get rid of. BTW I don't live in that town, don't be afraid to ask.
Thursday, April 29, 2010
Computer Safety
As most everyone knows being on the Internet can be a dangerous place for your personal information. So many virus's and hackers and scam emails out there always trying to get your info. I have always had a few rules for being careful online:
1. I do not open any email that I do not know who it comes from
2. I have always used Norton Anti-virus and have never had a virus
3. I use one email for personal, one for all other junk
4. If something asks for more than my name, I research them before I go further
5. #4 also includes regular mail I get
Last night I learned of a new scam though. I was watching the show "Southern Stings" and they were checking on why this girls naked pics had showed up online. Their checking finally led them to the computer store that had recently worked on her computer and guess what! The store not only were the ones that got her pics from her computer but they were also involved in a large scam by taking ALL personnel information off every computer brought into their store.
In short you have to be very,very careful when dealing with anything involved with your computer now-a-days.
1. I do not open any email that I do not know who it comes from
2. I have always used Norton Anti-virus and have never had a virus
3. I use one email for personal, one for all other junk
4. If something asks for more than my name, I research them before I go further
5. #4 also includes regular mail I get
Last night I learned of a new scam though. I was watching the show "Southern Stings" and they were checking on why this girls naked pics had showed up online. Their checking finally led them to the computer store that had recently worked on her computer and guess what! The store not only were the ones that got her pics from her computer but they were also involved in a large scam by taking ALL personnel information off every computer brought into their store.
In short you have to be very,very careful when dealing with anything involved with your computer now-a-days.
Free Breakfast!!!
I just wanted everyone know about this great giveaway on another survival site. The giveaway is for a breakfast pack, 6 #10 cans of breakfast goodies. The pack includes scambled eggs, imitation bacon bits, potato shreds,pancake mix, strawberries and creamy wheat cereal. There is enough for 200+ servings, what a great way to cover breakfast in your survival plans. If you are interested please go to http://selfrelianceadventures.blogspot.com/ and check it out. This is a great site so once there look around and enjoy all of her site.
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Best TV Show on Surviving
If you really want to see what the possibilities are when the system fails there is one great show that can really help you. The show only ran for 2 seasons because of bad ratings, people don't want to really see how there lives could be. The show which is on tv now and then and also on dvd is Jericho. The show is set in a small mid-west town after 23 cities were destroyed by nuclear bombs.
What I love about this series is how it shows all the little problems associated with surviving. It goes from electrical problems, to food shortages, to raiders from other towns, to a new government trying to take over. I have watched all the shows and am currently watching the dvd's of the show and setting with pad and pencil taking notes. Some may say it is tv and isn't real but there is a lot of good knowledge within the show.
If you have a chance watch all the shows. Currently I am getting the dvd's from Netflix. Netflix also has a small library of survival dvd's available, well worth the few bucks it costs per month. Enjoy Jericho and I hope it helps you out.
What I love about this series is how it shows all the little problems associated with surviving. It goes from electrical problems, to food shortages, to raiders from other towns, to a new government trying to take over. I have watched all the shows and am currently watching the dvd's of the show and setting with pad and pencil taking notes. Some may say it is tv and isn't real but there is a lot of good knowledge within the show.
If you have a chance watch all the shows. Currently I am getting the dvd's from Netflix. Netflix also has a small library of survival dvd's available, well worth the few bucks it costs per month. Enjoy Jericho and I hope it helps you out.
Sunday, April 25, 2010
Single and Spicy
Being a single guy and a survivalist I have always had to think of ways that will make my life a little easier when everything around me has taken a turn for the worst. One of those categories is with my cooking, I'm a guy! I don't mind cooking and I think I am ok at it but, I am not Bobby Flay. That is where the spicy part come into the picture. At first you may be able to do some good cooking with all those supplies you have stocked up on. Sooner or later you are going to end up eating things that you just would not classify as even good.
I can remember back when I was a kid and mom would bake Spam with a sprinkle of brown sugar on each slice to make them taste just a little better for us kids. She never had to do it, I always enjoyed Spam anyway, but it made me realize how you could make something taste so much better. Every time I go shopping for my pantry I always pick up a few spices and throw them in the cart. I have tried baking many times over the years and have failed every time, I think it has something to do with everything having to be so precise in the measurements. Anyway, without baking I can limit my spices down to just a needed few.
First and foremost stock up on salt and pepper! These two are the most important ones ever. After those two I prefer to stock up on Lowry's season salt. I probably have more season salt than anything other seasoning and that is because it is so universal. I tried many different season salts till I found Lowry's I love the taste it gives foods. After these three comes the rest of my simple seasoning to help make all your survival cooking taste better.
Onion and garlic powder, make sure it is powder, why add more salt when not needed. Italian seasoning needed for any pasta stuff you make. Chicken seasoning and roast beef seasoning great for your meat dishes. Paprika and chili powder for those who want a little hot to the spice. Crushed red pepper for my Italian dishes, soups and stews. Last but not least is lemon pepper seasoning, I love the flavor of this on almost all fish dishes. I almost forgot, sugars, white and brown. I got to have my sweets.
That's it, 14 different spices that will perk up anything you can whip up in an emergency. I can not forget about cost when I talk about anything since I hate to spend money. Most of my spices I buy from various dollar stores, why should I pay the big grocery store $2.50 for a bottle of spice when I can get the exact same bottle at the dollar store. I may go overboard here but when I get home I use my foodsaver and seal every bottle in an airtight bag with a silica gel pack thrown in. Better safe than sorry, I always say. When I do this I use one of the bags I have already used for something else and have cleaned out well, save a couple cents!
So, go out and start sampling different spices and find out what you like and stock up on them, it will make that squirrel stew or grilled woodchuck taste so much better.
I can remember back when I was a kid and mom would bake Spam with a sprinkle of brown sugar on each slice to make them taste just a little better for us kids. She never had to do it, I always enjoyed Spam anyway, but it made me realize how you could make something taste so much better. Every time I go shopping for my pantry I always pick up a few spices and throw them in the cart. I have tried baking many times over the years and have failed every time, I think it has something to do with everything having to be so precise in the measurements. Anyway, without baking I can limit my spices down to just a needed few.
First and foremost stock up on salt and pepper! These two are the most important ones ever. After those two I prefer to stock up on Lowry's season salt. I probably have more season salt than anything other seasoning and that is because it is so universal. I tried many different season salts till I found Lowry's I love the taste it gives foods. After these three comes the rest of my simple seasoning to help make all your survival cooking taste better.
Onion and garlic powder, make sure it is powder, why add more salt when not needed. Italian seasoning needed for any pasta stuff you make. Chicken seasoning and roast beef seasoning great for your meat dishes. Paprika and chili powder for those who want a little hot to the spice. Crushed red pepper for my Italian dishes, soups and stews. Last but not least is lemon pepper seasoning, I love the flavor of this on almost all fish dishes. I almost forgot, sugars, white and brown. I got to have my sweets.
That's it, 14 different spices that will perk up anything you can whip up in an emergency. I can not forget about cost when I talk about anything since I hate to spend money. Most of my spices I buy from various dollar stores, why should I pay the big grocery store $2.50 for a bottle of spice when I can get the exact same bottle at the dollar store. I may go overboard here but when I get home I use my foodsaver and seal every bottle in an airtight bag with a silica gel pack thrown in. Better safe than sorry, I always say. When I do this I use one of the bags I have already used for something else and have cleaned out well, save a couple cents!
So, go out and start sampling different spices and find out what you like and stock up on them, it will make that squirrel stew or grilled woodchuck taste so much better.
Friday, April 23, 2010
The First Garage Sale
Well, it wasn't as good as I thought it was going to be. The garage sale was kind of small, at least it was nice out and I took in about a 1 1/2 mile walk when I was done. I did pick up 3 things while I was there. The first was a nice almost new portable Sanyo am/fm cassette player. I bought this so I could have some music while outside working, can't beat it for $5. Next was a small Bissell hand vac, this one plugs in the wall with a long cord and has great suction, I got it mainly because I just didn't have a small vac and again, for $2 you can't beat it. The last item was a set of chrome fixtures for the bathroom. This included the tp roll holder, a towel holder ring and two soap/toothbrush/cup holders. These were brand new and are the type that have rounded backs (recessed)that go into the wall. Since I am rebuilding my homestead they will work perfectly, only $5.
Not a lot of stuff but I enjoyed the morning and saved money. What else can anyone ask for.
Not a lot of stuff but I enjoyed the morning and saved money. What else can anyone ask for.
Thursday, April 22, 2010
It's Spring, Time for Garage Sales!
I love springtime for many, many reasons but one of the best is the beginning of garage and lawn sales. I go to auctions now and then but a good garage sale beats an auction hands down. Tomorrow is the first large garage sale in my area that I have found and I can't wait. The ad lists items from books to furniture and everything in between. Being a person who loves to save money it is my little heaven. When I go to these sales I normally do not have anything in mind of what I want but I always look for books and DVD's. I could not begin to list all the great bargains I have gotten over the years, from an old movie that I love to a almost new recliner.
I know most people who are homesteaders and survivors do not have the problem of buying used but some people do. Those people need to get over that and save, save and save. Use that money you save to put up more in your food pantry or something else important for survival. My father use to say something that stuck with me all my life, "why pay someone else for something you can do yourself." I expanded that to, why pay for new when I can buy used. I do not consider myself as going green but I do believe in reusing good items. My best purchase was a 5kw generator for $100, it didn't look pretty but works perfect, I didn't buy it to impress my friends.
When you go to garage/lawn sales keep an open mind and enjoy shopping. Around where I live almost every small town has a town wide garage sale over the summer months, look for them and you can pick up a lot of good items in just a day. I will update everyone on my purchases tomorrow and why I picked up what I did.
Get out and enjoy some garage sales this year!
I know most people who are homesteaders and survivors do not have the problem of buying used but some people do. Those people need to get over that and save, save and save. Use that money you save to put up more in your food pantry or something else important for survival. My father use to say something that stuck with me all my life, "why pay someone else for something you can do yourself." I expanded that to, why pay for new when I can buy used. I do not consider myself as going green but I do believe in reusing good items. My best purchase was a 5kw generator for $100, it didn't look pretty but works perfect, I didn't buy it to impress my friends.
When you go to garage/lawn sales keep an open mind and enjoy shopping. Around where I live almost every small town has a town wide garage sale over the summer months, look for them and you can pick up a lot of good items in just a day. I will update everyone on my purchases tomorrow and why I picked up what I did.
Get out and enjoy some garage sales this year!
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Firefighting On The Homestead
Many people plan and plan for survival at their homestead, storing food, water, tools, all kinds of things. One thing I believe many overlook is firefighting items. Look around your homestead and picture a small fire starting right now. Quick! Can you put it out? What if you where sleeping and a fire started? Are you prepared?
Fire was the one thing I had never really thought about as I built my homestead until my best friend mentioned it. It woke my eyes up and now I am much more prepared than before.
Here is my basic set-up and I think you will agree each of you should have something like this. First off I have 5 extinquishers in my house and 1 in each out building. Why 5 you ask, back-ups or a bigger fire. I also have 3 smoke detectors in the house and 1 in each out building and those are hard wired into the house detectors. I also have 2 55 gallon barrels that are designated for fire use that are always full thanks to rain water. One of them is near the house, the other centered between the out buildings. I have a small pump set-up on top of the barrel by the house that is battery powered and solar charged and can pump water thru the hose hooked to it. This set-up is light enough to move to the other barrel if I need it there, it the future I want to build one just for that barrel also. The solar charger I used is just one of the trickle chargers that you buy for your car battery, small and light weight.
I know these steps will not stop every fire but it will give me a better chance than someone who just has one fire extinquisher or none at all. Take a look around your homestead and think fire, then think about how you can prepare yourself a lot better.
Fire was the one thing I had never really thought about as I built my homestead until my best friend mentioned it. It woke my eyes up and now I am much more prepared than before.
Here is my basic set-up and I think you will agree each of you should have something like this. First off I have 5 extinquishers in my house and 1 in each out building. Why 5 you ask, back-ups or a bigger fire. I also have 3 smoke detectors in the house and 1 in each out building and those are hard wired into the house detectors. I also have 2 55 gallon barrels that are designated for fire use that are always full thanks to rain water. One of them is near the house, the other centered between the out buildings. I have a small pump set-up on top of the barrel by the house that is battery powered and solar charged and can pump water thru the hose hooked to it. This set-up is light enough to move to the other barrel if I need it there, it the future I want to build one just for that barrel also. The solar charger I used is just one of the trickle chargers that you buy for your car battery, small and light weight.
I know these steps will not stop every fire but it will give me a better chance than someone who just has one fire extinquisher or none at all. Take a look around your homestead and think fire, then think about how you can prepare yourself a lot better.
Monday, April 19, 2010
Easy Personal Protection at Home
Before I go into the blog on this subject you should check with local law enforcement about this tactic and it's legalities. OK enough of that, you are sitting at home and you hear someone outside your home, sounds like the person is checking your windows and doors. You hear glass break,what do you do? Gun, baseball bat, pepper spray, knife? All good, depending on if shooting the guy is legal where you are, but with almost everything you have to be close to the intruder/attacker. That's not good! I want to be far away from any attacker. Well, here is what you need.
Wasp spray!!!! Yep, that simple can of wasp spray you can buy for a couple bucks at Walmart. It is poison!! That is why you should check the laws around you. Wasp spray will knock someone on their ass, stop them in their tracks and make them scream. What I love about this stuff is that I can be 15 or 20 feet from the idiot that just broke in my house. Look at the can, most of them will spray around 20 feet which gives you some space between you and the intruder.
This space, along with what the insecticides will do to the persons face, will give you time to run and call the police. Even if this criminal does get away before the police show up, they will catch him. Basically once wasp spray is spayed into someones face they HAVE to go to a hospital for treatment.
Personally I have a few cans laying around the house and the sheds just in case. Just check out the legalities before you go spraying some crook in the face.
Wasp spray!!!! Yep, that simple can of wasp spray you can buy for a couple bucks at Walmart. It is poison!! That is why you should check the laws around you. Wasp spray will knock someone on their ass, stop them in their tracks and make them scream. What I love about this stuff is that I can be 15 or 20 feet from the idiot that just broke in my house. Look at the can, most of them will spray around 20 feet which gives you some space between you and the intruder.
This space, along with what the insecticides will do to the persons face, will give you time to run and call the police. Even if this criminal does get away before the police show up, they will catch him. Basically once wasp spray is spayed into someones face they HAVE to go to a hospital for treatment.
Personally I have a few cans laying around the house and the sheds just in case. Just check out the legalities before you go spraying some crook in the face.
Sunday, April 18, 2010
Wearing Glasses
There are many people out there that wear glasses, including me. I was just sitting here and it popped into my mind that I have been wearing glasses for 43 years now. I won't say I am blind without them but they are a very necessary part of my life as I am sure they are for many of you out there. Have any of you considered them when you plan for survival? Something so simple and so necessary for you but something to easily forget.
At any time I have the pair of glasses that I wear daily but, I also have 2 backup pairs. Over all the decades that I have worn glasses and I have never understood why people pay so much for glasses. I am talking hundreds of dollars for a single pair, to me that is such a waste of money. Why, because they have someone else's name on them? So you can look cool? Not good reasons to spend money you don't have to.
Except for my time in the Army I have always went to America's Best for my glasses. There, you get 2 pair of glasses for less than $100. Since I do wear glasses, there is one thing that I almost overlooked and that was my glasses inside my M17A2 gas mask. Over the years my eyes, like others, have gotten a little worst every year. I asked them at America's Best about getting glasses for frames that I already owned, I almost fainted with their answer. If you bring in your own frames you have to pay for the eye exam and stuff. In other words it would cost a lot more.
So, I had to rethink how I would get new glasses for my gas mask. Then it came to me, and you can do this for any pair of glasses. I took one lens out of my inserts and took it with me to the store. It took a lot longer to find the frames I wanted but it was worth it. I finally found frames the same shape and size as my inserts in a female pair of frames they offered. Once they were ready I went in and they adjusted my real glasses for my face and I told them not to worry about the other pair. I went home and with my eye glass kit from my bug out bag I took the lenses out of the new "spare" glasses and put them into my frames for my gas mask.
Those lenses should be good for years so next time I buy from them I will do as I always do, one pair with the transitions and one pair normal. I save the normal ones and my old pair as back-ups for emergencies. Within 2 years I have good inserts for my gas mask, new glasses to wear and back-ups, not a bad deal for less than $200.
So, next time all you that have to wear glasses should think about back-ups. One last note, if you don't really need glasses, maybe your eyes are just a hair off, check out the reading glasses at a dollar store and pick up a few pair.
At any time I have the pair of glasses that I wear daily but, I also have 2 backup pairs. Over all the decades that I have worn glasses and I have never understood why people pay so much for glasses. I am talking hundreds of dollars for a single pair, to me that is such a waste of money. Why, because they have someone else's name on them? So you can look cool? Not good reasons to spend money you don't have to.
Except for my time in the Army I have always went to America's Best for my glasses. There, you get 2 pair of glasses for less than $100. Since I do wear glasses, there is one thing that I almost overlooked and that was my glasses inside my M17A2 gas mask. Over the years my eyes, like others, have gotten a little worst every year. I asked them at America's Best about getting glasses for frames that I already owned, I almost fainted with their answer. If you bring in your own frames you have to pay for the eye exam and stuff. In other words it would cost a lot more.
So, I had to rethink how I would get new glasses for my gas mask. Then it came to me, and you can do this for any pair of glasses. I took one lens out of my inserts and took it with me to the store. It took a lot longer to find the frames I wanted but it was worth it. I finally found frames the same shape and size as my inserts in a female pair of frames they offered. Once they were ready I went in and they adjusted my real glasses for my face and I told them not to worry about the other pair. I went home and with my eye glass kit from my bug out bag I took the lenses out of the new "spare" glasses and put them into my frames for my gas mask.
Those lenses should be good for years so next time I buy from them I will do as I always do, one pair with the transitions and one pair normal. I save the normal ones and my old pair as back-ups for emergencies. Within 2 years I have good inserts for my gas mask, new glasses to wear and back-ups, not a bad deal for less than $200.
So, next time all you that have to wear glasses should think about back-ups. One last note, if you don't really need glasses, maybe your eyes are just a hair off, check out the reading glasses at a dollar store and pick up a few pair.
Friday, April 16, 2010
The Most Important Survival Item
The Most important survival item you will ever need in any type of survival senerio is good ol' plain water. That's right, water. I don't care who you are your body needs water to survive above any other items. The average person can only last from 3 to 5 days without water. There is no set amount of time, each person is different and each senerio is different. The 3 to 5 days is kind of set for a person in normal health is a nice environment. But, lets say you are in the northern US in winter, it is 10 degrees and your freezing, your days are cut down. What if your in the desert, you all have seen the old cowboy movies when the cowboy is lost in the desert and starts to see halucinations, maybe a dried up skeleten, well that is you if you don't have water.
There are as many ways to get water as there are ways to tie a knot. My first reference book that comes to mind is Army FM 21-76, Survival. You can also do searches online for many different ways, I recommend you print them out so you always have the references, remember you may not have electricity to run that computer.
As far as at home storage, that too has many different ways. The easiest is to have containers of water stashed around the house. You can use your empty 2 liter soda bottle, gallon jugs, 5 gallon jugs, anything. Make sure whatever you use is a food grade container. I personally recycle my gallon jugs that my Lipton tea comes in. One trick many do not think about and this is a last minute type of thing is your bathtub. If you know something is coming fill that tub up! While I am rebuilding my homestead roof I opted for something a little different than the normal shingle roof. I used a product by Ondura, a corrugated roof panel made of some kind of plastic/fiberglass I think. These are just like the metal roofing you see on barns, it comes in colors, is low maintance and can withstand 165mph winds. Why I used it was the simplicity of instalation and how easy rainwater comes off it. With gutters installed I have rainwater going into storage barrels with no shigle materials mixed into it. I still use a filter cloth and screen on the barrels but personnaly I love this type of roof material.
All in all there are so many ways to have water for your survival. it does not matter if you are home, on the road or in the woods, you MUST have water. If you are not sure, always boil your water, why get sick for no reason. Remember water is always your number one need.
There are as many ways to get water as there are ways to tie a knot. My first reference book that comes to mind is Army FM 21-76, Survival. You can also do searches online for many different ways, I recommend you print them out so you always have the references, remember you may not have electricity to run that computer.
As far as at home storage, that too has many different ways. The easiest is to have containers of water stashed around the house. You can use your empty 2 liter soda bottle, gallon jugs, 5 gallon jugs, anything. Make sure whatever you use is a food grade container. I personally recycle my gallon jugs that my Lipton tea comes in. One trick many do not think about and this is a last minute type of thing is your bathtub. If you know something is coming fill that tub up! While I am rebuilding my homestead roof I opted for something a little different than the normal shingle roof. I used a product by Ondura, a corrugated roof panel made of some kind of plastic/fiberglass I think. These are just like the metal roofing you see on barns, it comes in colors, is low maintance and can withstand 165mph winds. Why I used it was the simplicity of instalation and how easy rainwater comes off it. With gutters installed I have rainwater going into storage barrels with no shigle materials mixed into it. I still use a filter cloth and screen on the barrels but personnaly I love this type of roof material.
All in all there are so many ways to have water for your survival. it does not matter if you are home, on the road or in the woods, you MUST have water. If you are not sure, always boil your water, why get sick for no reason. Remember water is always your number one need.
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
My Favorite Kitchen Item For Survival
I think out of all the gadgets I have my Foodsaver Vacuum system is my favorite. The Foodsaver system is great for a single survivor or a family but, especially the single survivor. I have to admit, my sister gave me this system so I really saved money. Unless you are a person who needs everything brand new I recommend you check out garage sales, want ads and Ebay before you buy a new one, you will save a fortune. The newer ones do have some nicer features but why spend when you don't have to.
What I love with this system is that as a prepper I can buy large and break down a food item into 1 or 2 servings per package. For instance, I will buy a 64oz box of powdered milk and break it down into amounts so I only have to make a qt at a time without having a whole box open all the time. I do not know if it is truely needed but whenever I vacuum seal a dry item I always throw in a silica gel pack, better safe than sorry. You can do this with so many items, powdered milk, mashed potato flakes, oatmeal, seasonings, ect.
I also enjoy a few of the pasta side dishes that come in packets that are in every grocery store. What I do with these is I make a small slice at the top of the package, put the whole thing into a foodsaver bag along with a silica pack and I vacuum seal it. This way I can always tell with ease what is in the bag and the instructions are right there. So far I have used some that are 2 years old with no problem.
Last but not least, do not go with the hype of you have to buy the bags or cantainers that are the same brand, almost all of them work with each other. I purchase all my bags in quanity from a seller on Ebay, saving money.
What I love with this system is that as a prepper I can buy large and break down a food item into 1 or 2 servings per package. For instance, I will buy a 64oz box of powdered milk and break it down into amounts so I only have to make a qt at a time without having a whole box open all the time. I do not know if it is truely needed but whenever I vacuum seal a dry item I always throw in a silica gel pack, better safe than sorry. You can do this with so many items, powdered milk, mashed potato flakes, oatmeal, seasonings, ect.
I also enjoy a few of the pasta side dishes that come in packets that are in every grocery store. What I do with these is I make a small slice at the top of the package, put the whole thing into a foodsaver bag along with a silica pack and I vacuum seal it. This way I can always tell with ease what is in the bag and the instructions are right there. So far I have used some that are 2 years old with no problem.
Last but not least, do not go with the hype of you have to buy the bags or cantainers that are the same brand, almost all of them work with each other. I purchase all my bags in quanity from a seller on Ebay, saving money.
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Helping Your Neighborhood Thief
Here are some tricks you might not think of that burglars use:
1. Of course I look familiar, I was here cleaning your house/painting/delivering your new refridgerator, ect.
2. Thanks for letting me use your bathroom while I was working in your yard, I unlocked one of your back windows while I was inside.
3. All those nice kids toys outside makes me wonder what or how many gaming systems you have inside.
4. Love all the newspapers outside or maybe I will leave a pizza flyer on your door and see how long it takes you to remove it.
5. It snowed 3 days ago and your driveway/sidewalk is still not cleaned, you must not be home.
6. You have a nice decorative glass front door, it makes it so easy to see your alarm control pad.
7. Many alarm companies won't alarm the window over your sink or the upstairs windows, THANKS, also make sure you have motion detectors installed, the good ones can be set even if you have pets inside.
8. It is raining outside, your fumbling with keys and groceries as you go in and you forget to lock the door behind you, Thanks!
9. Do you really think I don't know all the hiding places (sock drawers, cabinets, ect) think again I will check them all.
10. I might not break into your safe because I am in a hurry but if it is not bolted down I will take it with me.
11. A dead quiet, unlit house is a giveaway, set some timers on lights, radios and such.
12. Two things I hate the most, loud dogs and nosey neighbors.
13. I don't mind breaking a window if someone hears it, they will usually wait to hear another noise, if they don't they will normally go back to what they were doing.
14. You have to love all the people that spend so much money on an alarm system then never set it.
15. Windows are the outlet to your home, I can walk by at night and see everything you have in your house, CLOSE YOUR BLINDS!
16. Many crooks will use the internet, STOP advertising your vacation on facebook, myspace, ect. Tell your kids the same thing, your personnal life is not to be advertised on the internet.
17. When you buy a new flat sceen, computer, gaming system, ect stop putting all the boxes out for the garbage man. It is a beacon that will draw a burglar right to your house for that brand new gift you just bought him. Break the boxes down and put them in bags or if you can, burn them or take them to work to dispose of them, just don't leave them out for every thief in the city to see
The I in these does not refer to me, these were writen as if the thief was speaking to you.
1. Of course I look familiar, I was here cleaning your house/painting/delivering your new refridgerator, ect.
2. Thanks for letting me use your bathroom while I was working in your yard, I unlocked one of your back windows while I was inside.
3. All those nice kids toys outside makes me wonder what or how many gaming systems you have inside.
4. Love all the newspapers outside or maybe I will leave a pizza flyer on your door and see how long it takes you to remove it.
5. It snowed 3 days ago and your driveway/sidewalk is still not cleaned, you must not be home.
6. You have a nice decorative glass front door, it makes it so easy to see your alarm control pad.
7. Many alarm companies won't alarm the window over your sink or the upstairs windows, THANKS, also make sure you have motion detectors installed, the good ones can be set even if you have pets inside.
8. It is raining outside, your fumbling with keys and groceries as you go in and you forget to lock the door behind you, Thanks!
9. Do you really think I don't know all the hiding places (sock drawers, cabinets, ect) think again I will check them all.
10. I might not break into your safe because I am in a hurry but if it is not bolted down I will take it with me.
11. A dead quiet, unlit house is a giveaway, set some timers on lights, radios and such.
12. Two things I hate the most, loud dogs and nosey neighbors.
13. I don't mind breaking a window if someone hears it, they will usually wait to hear another noise, if they don't they will normally go back to what they were doing.
14. You have to love all the people that spend so much money on an alarm system then never set it.
15. Windows are the outlet to your home, I can walk by at night and see everything you have in your house, CLOSE YOUR BLINDS!
16. Many crooks will use the internet, STOP advertising your vacation on facebook, myspace, ect. Tell your kids the same thing, your personnal life is not to be advertised on the internet.
17. When you buy a new flat sceen, computer, gaming system, ect stop putting all the boxes out for the garbage man. It is a beacon that will draw a burglar right to your house for that brand new gift you just bought him. Break the boxes down and put them in bags or if you can, burn them or take them to work to dispose of them, just don't leave them out for every thief in the city to see
The I in these does not refer to me, these were writen as if the thief was speaking to you.
Firearms At Your Homestead
Firearms are probably the most controversial subject when it comes to surviving. It is definitely the one subject everyone has an opinion on, and of course I have mine. I believe you should definitely have some in your homestead. be it for hunting or protection you need a couple good firearms. Many, many sites always talk about firearms such as the AR15 and other military style firearms, I personally am a simple man with simpler needs.
You have to take stock in what you need these firearms for, are you going to mainly hunt for your food or are you going to sit around waiting for some bad guy to come and try to rob you? Mostly I think you will be hunting with them. In that case you can narrow down your list by thousands. A good shotgun, a good 22 and a good rifle is all you need. For personal protection if you so choose you may want to look into a handgun also. I will not go into many specifics on which caliber is best and what firearm is best but you do want ones that are of normal caliber.
For a shotgun either a 12 or 20 gauge, mainly because ammo is easier to come by in good and bad times. With the 12 gauge you have the option of using buckshot for the protection aspect if you need it. What brand and if it is semi or bolt action or pump is all up to you and what you can afford and is available.
There are many good 22 calibers on the market right now and many people love the 10/22's that are out there. They have many options you can pic up to enhance them for weight and fire rates. I like the older model Marlins semi auto, they are small and lightweight and very accurate for hunting.
With a rifle there are So many choices here it is mind boggling. Again choose one with a caliber that is readily available. I say that as I own one that is not and my rounds cost $1 each, but that is my choice. The rifle is sentimental to me, it is a 7.7 that my father took of a dead jap in the pacific theater. If I had to go out and buy a new rifle today I probably would look toward the 30-06 or 30-30.
Handguns are like rifles, many, many calibers but if you need to buy one go with a 45 or 9mm. Ammo is easy to come by, almost all police and military carry one or the other. Don't get into the Dirty Harry syndrome and run out and get a 44 mag, it is just a waste of money for an all around handgun.
Last but not least, something we do need to think about if the conspiracy types are correct. Who knows you have these firearms? Many states just to buy a handgun you have to have a permit, and most states when you buy any firearm you have to register it. That means the government knows you have them. Always try and stay under the radar, there is no need for anyone but yourself to know what you have or are doing. When you buy ammo, always pay cash and don't buy a ton of it at once, it raises eyebrows. If you need to purchase a shotgun, rifle or whatever try and buy off a person, check it out, ask to fire it too. With the Internet you can read up on the model, see how it performs, see what others say about it. But just don't buy it because the price is good, make sure the weapon is good!
You have to take stock in what you need these firearms for, are you going to mainly hunt for your food or are you going to sit around waiting for some bad guy to come and try to rob you? Mostly I think you will be hunting with them. In that case you can narrow down your list by thousands. A good shotgun, a good 22 and a good rifle is all you need. For personal protection if you so choose you may want to look into a handgun also. I will not go into many specifics on which caliber is best and what firearm is best but you do want ones that are of normal caliber.
For a shotgun either a 12 or 20 gauge, mainly because ammo is easier to come by in good and bad times. With the 12 gauge you have the option of using buckshot for the protection aspect if you need it. What brand and if it is semi or bolt action or pump is all up to you and what you can afford and is available.
There are many good 22 calibers on the market right now and many people love the 10/22's that are out there. They have many options you can pic up to enhance them for weight and fire rates. I like the older model Marlins semi auto, they are small and lightweight and very accurate for hunting.
With a rifle there are So many choices here it is mind boggling. Again choose one with a caliber that is readily available. I say that as I own one that is not and my rounds cost $1 each, but that is my choice. The rifle is sentimental to me, it is a 7.7 that my father took of a dead jap in the pacific theater. If I had to go out and buy a new rifle today I probably would look toward the 30-06 or 30-30.
Handguns are like rifles, many, many calibers but if you need to buy one go with a 45 or 9mm. Ammo is easy to come by, almost all police and military carry one or the other. Don't get into the Dirty Harry syndrome and run out and get a 44 mag, it is just a waste of money for an all around handgun.
Last but not least, something we do need to think about if the conspiracy types are correct. Who knows you have these firearms? Many states just to buy a handgun you have to have a permit, and most states when you buy any firearm you have to register it. That means the government knows you have them. Always try and stay under the radar, there is no need for anyone but yourself to know what you have or are doing. When you buy ammo, always pay cash and don't buy a ton of it at once, it raises eyebrows. If you need to purchase a shotgun, rifle or whatever try and buy off a person, check it out, ask to fire it too. With the Internet you can read up on the model, see how it performs, see what others say about it. But just don't buy it because the price is good, make sure the weapon is good!
Monday, April 12, 2010
Food Storage for the single guy
Being single it is sometimes hard to find good posts about what to stash away. Most sites talk about families and for me the items they tell you to stock up on just does not work for me. I do enjoy cooking but can't bake worth beans, to me baking is just to precise. So, for me all the baking items fall to the bottom of any list I have. First and foremost is animals, I raise chickens and rabbits along with hunting, fishing and trapping. Being born and raised on a farm I grew up eating deer, rabbit, woodchuck, squirrel and raccoon. My meat is all set as long as all wildlife does not die. I know most preople will cringe when they think about eating some of these meats but you should try them. Find someone that knows how to cook them and follow their instructions. Raccoon is a meat that takes a special hand to cook properly since it is so fatty.
For vegetables I of course have my gardens and being single I do not need huge gardens. I only plant items that I enjoy eating and can be preserved easily by either canning or dehydrating. Here is a hint with vegetables that produce more than expected, or if you want, plant more than you need, give them each fall to your neighbors. Do not charge, just give them to them. When TSHTF a friendly neighbor is better to have than someone you don't even know. I also let my rabbits and chickens enjoy the leftovers or over ripe items, they love it.
I also have stocked up on a large supply of canned goods. Some may not think this is a good idea but as long as you rotate your stocks you should never have a problem. Almost all can goods have a best buy date on them, remember best buy is not an expiration date and an expiration date is not stamped in gold that it is no good after that date. One of the best items I have found is canned fish items such as salmon and tuna. Check them out, they are very good for your health and the best by dates are usually 2 to 3 years from your date of purchase.
My best find has to be made by B&M. For a guy that can't bake this item is god sent. the item is canned baked bread and has a 2 year best by date. It comes in 2 styles that I have found so far, brown bread and brown bread with raisins. I feel this is perfect for the single survivor who can't bake.
Take a day or three and give yourself time to just walk around your local markets and look at everything in cans. You will be surprised at what you will find. Buy one of something that peaks your interest and give it a try. I also recommend you make a list of items you want to buy and go to the different stores and price check, you will be surprised at the difference in prices from one store to another.
For vegetables I of course have my gardens and being single I do not need huge gardens. I only plant items that I enjoy eating and can be preserved easily by either canning or dehydrating. Here is a hint with vegetables that produce more than expected, or if you want, plant more than you need, give them each fall to your neighbors. Do not charge, just give them to them. When TSHTF a friendly neighbor is better to have than someone you don't even know. I also let my rabbits and chickens enjoy the leftovers or over ripe items, they love it.
I also have stocked up on a large supply of canned goods. Some may not think this is a good idea but as long as you rotate your stocks you should never have a problem. Almost all can goods have a best buy date on them, remember best buy is not an expiration date and an expiration date is not stamped in gold that it is no good after that date. One of the best items I have found is canned fish items such as salmon and tuna. Check them out, they are very good for your health and the best by dates are usually 2 to 3 years from your date of purchase.
My best find has to be made by B&M. For a guy that can't bake this item is god sent. the item is canned baked bread and has a 2 year best by date. It comes in 2 styles that I have found so far, brown bread and brown bread with raisins. I feel this is perfect for the single survivor who can't bake.
Take a day or three and give yourself time to just walk around your local markets and look at everything in cans. You will be surprised at what you will find. Buy one of something that peaks your interest and give it a try. I also recommend you make a list of items you want to buy and go to the different stores and price check, you will be surprised at the difference in prices from one store to another.
Start With A List
Once you have decided to prepare for the worst, be it getting fired all the way to our government going to hell, you should sit down and create a list of items you will need. Personally, my list is a group of lists broken down into different catagories. Each person is different and you need to make your own list but for help looking at others lists will help you get started. My list is 20 different list, each having it's own designation. My lists took along time to make and I am always changing items on them. It is best to sit when all is quiet and think about what you will need, picture in your mind each problem and what can help you. Lets just say you loose power, How many flashights do you have? How many batteries? How long will a battery last you, can you recharge it? How are you going to recharge it? Do you have extra bulbs for the flashlight? See, lots of things to think about on something so simple as a flashlight. The following is a list of my lists and in future posts I will break each one down so you may better understand each one.
1.Water List 2.Firefighting List 3.Food List 4.Clothing List 5.Food Prep List 6.Security List 7.Personal Items List 8.Communications List 9.First Aid List 10.Tools List 11.NBC List 12.Books List 13.Personnal Hygiene List 14.Barter List 15.Hunting/Fishing/Trapping List 16.Bug Out Bag List 17.Power List 18.Bug Out Medical Bag List 19.Fuels List 20.Heating List
1.Water List 2.Firefighting List 3.Food List 4.Clothing List 5.Food Prep List 6.Security List 7.Personal Items List 8.Communications List 9.First Aid List 10.Tools List 11.NBC List 12.Books List 13.Personnal Hygiene List 14.Barter List 15.Hunting/Fishing/Trapping List 16.Bug Out Bag List 17.Power List 18.Bug Out Medical Bag List 19.Fuels List 20.Heating List
My Homestead
I am still working on the ol' homestead, but who among us isn't. I live far out in the country in a town of about 100. That's right about 100 people to the whole town which is nice and quiet and you truely know your neighbors. My homestead is set back off the road and is one acre of fertile soil. My mobile home is being totally rebuilt by myself (saves ALOT of money that way) with survival in mind. There is a combination greenhouse/rabbit/chicken house and many small gardens spread around the land. Over in the far side there are apple trees with strawberry/blackberry and raspberry patches scattered around. Once the house is complete all rain water will be saved in storage for my use and for the garden. I also plan on having food pantries scattered around and a root cellar so nothing is in only one place. As the days/months go by I will be updating on what I have done with the homestead and why I have done it.
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