I dont do resolutions - mostly I just rock along and do or dont do something depending on how I feel. Its not that I lack willpower or strong character - I am just a "half full" kind of gal and like the way I am....
I did give up all carbonated drinks last February and it made me feel great - still does. No upset stomach in the evenings, more money in the wallet when I come home from the grocery store, less of a tab when I eat out and less of a fluctuation in regards to weight during the month (you know what I am talking about girls....) And no, I havent slipped even once - which is real hard as I was raised in Texas and Dr. Pepper is put in our baby bottles....
Anyway, the carbonation thing has me thinking about what I would like to accomplish this year....
Nothing to terribly hard...
* I will eat my own tomatoes and beans (starting with something easy)
* I will can something
* I will eat my own eggs
* I will get my conceal to carry permit by March 1
* I will buy some gold
* I will be like Job and bear up well
* I will choose to be happy and keep the spirits up of those around me
* I will take a class - culinary or gardening or something....
* I will not get on a scale - jeans tell you all you need to know....
* I will not buy one single loaf of bread....at least I will try, really really hard not to....
* I will Pray - Praise and continue to Prepare
I hope everyone has a safe and happy New Year. I pray that you remain safe, fed, sheltered and with those that love you and that you love.
God bless....
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
This Russian is right....almost
If you havent seen this: WSJ Link its an interesting read....
The part I agree with is that this is the way the country will split. This Russian obviously doesnt know us very well....
First - I dont see Tennessee, WV, and Kentucky joining the same union as New York - PULEESE...
The "South" will definitely need to nab at least WV as we could become Saudi Arabia if we generate our own coal to oil program as well as all our own power and sell it to the other snooty unions (those in Red and Green.)
Second - I dont see Idaho and Utah staying with California and those nuts in Seattle - I see them sticking with Montana, Wyoming, South Dakota and North Dakota.
Third - I dont see the independent minded AMERICANS going either with Mexico as he states the Texas Republic would - Mexico has their hands full right now with their own problems. The Texas Republic (all the blue area) would have TONS of resources and could pretty much stand on their own. They have oil, coal, shipping channels and access to port. They also have long growing seasons and know how to feed themselves. They farm and ranch.... Thanks to non-union states, they have manufacturing...
OR I dont see the independent minded AMERICANS going with Canada. If anything, I see many of those states poised to remain with the Texas Republic and we would basically loose some of the edges.
And he is absolutely NUTS if he thinks Alaska will go to Russia without a HUGE fight.... That fight for the oil will be ugly....
The little Russian is right that there are no miracles and Obama cant work them.... And I will give him the June 2010 date - quite a bit of what I have read talks about 2010. BO will DO something mostly because doing NOTHING doesnt look good even though that is what he should do - LEAVE THINGS ALONE and let the FREE MARKET get us back on track.
All this to say - stock up - prepare - know what you are going to do when - set yourself up to stay safe, stay in shelter, stay fed, stay alive...
And as always - Pray, Praise and Prepare....
The part I agree with is that this is the way the country will split. This Russian obviously doesnt know us very well....
First - I dont see Tennessee, WV, and Kentucky joining the same union as New York - PULEESE...
The "South" will definitely need to nab at least WV as we could become Saudi Arabia if we generate our own coal to oil program as well as all our own power and sell it to the other snooty unions (those in Red and Green.)
Second - I dont see Idaho and Utah staying with California and those nuts in Seattle - I see them sticking with Montana, Wyoming, South Dakota and North Dakota.
Third - I dont see the independent minded AMERICANS going either with Mexico as he states the Texas Republic would - Mexico has their hands full right now with their own problems. The Texas Republic (all the blue area) would have TONS of resources and could pretty much stand on their own. They have oil, coal, shipping channels and access to port. They also have long growing seasons and know how to feed themselves. They farm and ranch.... Thanks to non-union states, they have manufacturing...
OR I dont see the independent minded AMERICANS going with Canada. If anything, I see many of those states poised to remain with the Texas Republic and we would basically loose some of the edges.
And he is absolutely NUTS if he thinks Alaska will go to Russia without a HUGE fight.... That fight for the oil will be ugly....
The little Russian is right that there are no miracles and Obama cant work them.... And I will give him the June 2010 date - quite a bit of what I have read talks about 2010. BO will DO something mostly because doing NOTHING doesnt look good even though that is what he should do - LEAVE THINGS ALONE and let the FREE MARKET get us back on track.
All this to say - stock up - prepare - know what you are going to do when - set yourself up to stay safe, stay in shelter, stay fed, stay alive...
And as always - Pray, Praise and Prepare....
10 years....
I have been surfing trying to find the article I vaguely remember....It basically stated that it could take 10 years for this country to get back on the right track financially....
10 years sounds like a long time, but it goes by so fast. In 10 years I will be in my 40's (still young in my book), I will have kids still in school, my parents will still be young.... 10 years....
If it does take 10 years to get this country back to some kind of order financially, that means it could be a long haul for some over that time. You are starting to read more people coming out of the woodwork calling what is coming a Depression (I do wonder if calling it such will make people behave in such a way to basically guarantee it becomes a Depression, but that is another post). So, I will be raising kids during harsh financial times.
I wish my Grandmother was still alive. She used to talk about growing up in a tiny town in Texas - missing school for the first 2 months because it was harvest time - picking cotton until her hands bled - being so poor.... And she would laugh and tell stories and make it seem like the best of times and the worst of times...
This time could be the best thing for the iPod generation. This trial by fire could make this idyllic, naive generation who wants world peace, kindness and all things good really capable of such things.
They could learn that money does not solve all problems and most of the time, throwing money at the problem only makes it worse.
They could learn that work is good - no matter the work - that work is its own reward and that it is good for the soul. Side note - I remember growing up, no matter how well my dad's career was going, if I commented on his success, his comment back was always "I would did ditches to feed yall." He said it with such pride that if he did dig ditches to feed us, I would have been just as proud.
They could learn that poverty isnt shameful - wallowing in victimness is.....
They could learn that a board game is just as much fun as an iPod.....
They could learn that the colors outside are much more exquisite than HDTV.....
That food tastes sweeter, blankets (quilts) are warmer and a fire is better when you make them yourself....
They could understand a "Penny saved is a penny earned" - that compound interest can do amazing things and that its NOT too much trouble to bend over and pick up Lincoln.
They could look back on this time as the best of times and the worst of times and laugh and tell the best stories....
10 years sounds like a long time, but it goes by so fast. In 10 years I will be in my 40's (still young in my book), I will have kids still in school, my parents will still be young.... 10 years....
If it does take 10 years to get this country back to some kind of order financially, that means it could be a long haul for some over that time. You are starting to read more people coming out of the woodwork calling what is coming a Depression (I do wonder if calling it such will make people behave in such a way to basically guarantee it becomes a Depression, but that is another post). So, I will be raising kids during harsh financial times.
I wish my Grandmother was still alive. She used to talk about growing up in a tiny town in Texas - missing school for the first 2 months because it was harvest time - picking cotton until her hands bled - being so poor.... And she would laugh and tell stories and make it seem like the best of times and the worst of times...
This time could be the best thing for the iPod generation. This trial by fire could make this idyllic, naive generation who wants world peace, kindness and all things good really capable of such things.
They could learn that money does not solve all problems and most of the time, throwing money at the problem only makes it worse.
They could learn that work is good - no matter the work - that work is its own reward and that it is good for the soul. Side note - I remember growing up, no matter how well my dad's career was going, if I commented on his success, his comment back was always "I would did ditches to feed yall." He said it with such pride that if he did dig ditches to feed us, I would have been just as proud.
They could learn that poverty isnt shameful - wallowing in victimness is.....
They could learn that a board game is just as much fun as an iPod.....
They could learn that the colors outside are much more exquisite than HDTV.....
That food tastes sweeter, blankets (quilts) are warmer and a fire is better when you make them yourself....
They could understand a "Penny saved is a penny earned" - that compound interest can do amazing things and that its NOT too much trouble to bend over and pick up Lincoln.
They could look back on this time as the best of times and the worst of times and laugh and tell the best stories....
Dry campers have a leg up....
We went camping this weekend in Branson to our favorite campground. I had called ahead, but didnt get anyone and left a message....no one called me back. My husband asked about it on the way up, but it didnt bother me. When I do call, he has the information and just says thanks and dont worry - so I figured he was busy, noted the name and just reserved our "favorite" site. No prob....
Well, our favorite campground was closed, actually the front office said it was closed, but we didnt realize it meant the whole campground..... We didnt care. We pulled in, grabbed a flier next to the door and went to our favorite spot. Campers are like that.... After unhooking and getting set up, a guy walked over and said that they were closed, but it wasnt a big deal. Campers are like that.... He came back over a little later and asked us to unhook our hose so their pipes wont freeze over night....No problem.... We gave the guy $20 bucks a night on our way out cash and of course, no problem....campers are like that.....
But it got me thinking - dry campers are going to be ahead of the game in regards to a grid down situation. Dry campers are amazing. They can take 50 gallons of water and a deep cycle marine battery and make it last forever....or at least make it seem like it. They know EXACTLY how many watts each of their items uses, how long to leave it on and how to recharge that battery. They know exactly how much gas it will take to run the generator to recharge or how much sunlight they will need for the solar panels to charge (and these solar panels are small compared to house panels) their battery.
They are experts on conserving water, cooking outside and making do or doing without. It is almost like a game. If you surf the RV forum sites, there is a peeing contest to see how long campers go without recharging, refilling or dumping tanks (black water or grey). It becomes addictive almost...
We are not dry campers - trying to get 3 kids, including a teenage girl, to conserve water would be laughable. I admire from afar and read all I can. I also intend to check out their solar panels - they are supposedly not too terribly expensive. If you have an RV, trailer, 5th wheel, I would suggest doing the same. If worse came to worse (which is what we are preparing for) moving the fam into the trailer would be entirely doable. I could feed and house my family with a semblance of order without being entirely back to nature.... But man, those full-hookup sites are really, really nice....
Well, our favorite campground was closed, actually the front office said it was closed, but we didnt realize it meant the whole campground..... We didnt care. We pulled in, grabbed a flier next to the door and went to our favorite spot. Campers are like that.... After unhooking and getting set up, a guy walked over and said that they were closed, but it wasnt a big deal. Campers are like that.... He came back over a little later and asked us to unhook our hose so their pipes wont freeze over night....No problem.... We gave the guy $20 bucks a night on our way out cash and of course, no problem....campers are like that.....
But it got me thinking - dry campers are going to be ahead of the game in regards to a grid down situation. Dry campers are amazing. They can take 50 gallons of water and a deep cycle marine battery and make it last forever....or at least make it seem like it. They know EXACTLY how many watts each of their items uses, how long to leave it on and how to recharge that battery. They know exactly how much gas it will take to run the generator to recharge or how much sunlight they will need for the solar panels to charge (and these solar panels are small compared to house panels) their battery.
They are experts on conserving water, cooking outside and making do or doing without. It is almost like a game. If you surf the RV forum sites, there is a peeing contest to see how long campers go without recharging, refilling or dumping tanks (black water or grey). It becomes addictive almost...
We are not dry campers - trying to get 3 kids, including a teenage girl, to conserve water would be laughable. I admire from afar and read all I can. I also intend to check out their solar panels - they are supposedly not too terribly expensive. If you have an RV, trailer, 5th wheel, I would suggest doing the same. If worse came to worse (which is what we are preparing for) moving the fam into the trailer would be entirely doable. I could feed and house my family with a semblance of order without being entirely back to nature.... But man, those full-hookup sites are really, really nice....
Monday, December 29, 2008
Suck it up and Toughen up....
This is what I told myself today driving home from Branson....
I am reading in the car, thinking about what I am reading and looking out the window. Pasture after pasture is flying by....Then there is this one black "spot" that catches my eye. Funny that things moved slowly then as I realized it was a tiny black calf. No other cows were near - they were across the pasture - acres away.... I figured the little guy was dead and it had been that way a bit as his mom was no longer near, crying or trying to get him up. I couldnt imagine him being alive and not being close to his mom, so I figured he was gone. See what I did there - "gone"....
I felt sad after that for a bit - mostly sad for the mom who will start produce milk and knows that something is wrong, but not really the loss of the baby. "Baby" - see I did it again....
Something that has been lost from people these days is the sense of life, things happen, inevitability, being able to throw off loss and hardship. There is a callousness even in raising a garden - some seeds dont make it, some you thin and some are eaten by birds. Raise baby chicks and your heart can break when a fuzzy little guy just doesnt thrive. Just having a dog in the backyard does not prepare people for the potential coming loss.
We (and by we, I mean ME) need to toughen up. Spending valuable time, energy, foods, funds trying to nurse animals and plants back to health just cant be done in hard times. Spending valuable emotional energy regretting these choices also cannot be spent. To allow something to struggle for life that will not be quality or ultimately just will not survive is not kind, its cruel.
Mentally walking through "what ifs" - reading how to butcher humanely - learning what can and cant (or shouldnt) be cured - telling myself that I can and will do some unpleasant things is my job today.
Later, I will make myself do some of the unpleasant stuff and not leave it all to the Bug Killer - that just not fair - not fair to him or to me....
I will suck it up and toughen up....
I am reading in the car, thinking about what I am reading and looking out the window. Pasture after pasture is flying by....Then there is this one black "spot" that catches my eye. Funny that things moved slowly then as I realized it was a tiny black calf. No other cows were near - they were across the pasture - acres away.... I figured the little guy was dead and it had been that way a bit as his mom was no longer near, crying or trying to get him up. I couldnt imagine him being alive and not being close to his mom, so I figured he was gone. See what I did there - "gone"....
I felt sad after that for a bit - mostly sad for the mom who will start produce milk and knows that something is wrong, but not really the loss of the baby. "Baby" - see I did it again....
Something that has been lost from people these days is the sense of life, things happen, inevitability, being able to throw off loss and hardship. There is a callousness even in raising a garden - some seeds dont make it, some you thin and some are eaten by birds. Raise baby chicks and your heart can break when a fuzzy little guy just doesnt thrive. Just having a dog in the backyard does not prepare people for the potential coming loss.
We (and by we, I mean ME) need to toughen up. Spending valuable time, energy, foods, funds trying to nurse animals and plants back to health just cant be done in hard times. Spending valuable emotional energy regretting these choices also cannot be spent. To allow something to struggle for life that will not be quality or ultimately just will not survive is not kind, its cruel.
Mentally walking through "what ifs" - reading how to butcher humanely - learning what can and cant (or shouldnt) be cured - telling myself that I can and will do some unpleasant things is my job today.
Later, I will make myself do some of the unpleasant stuff and not leave it all to the Bug Killer - that just not fair - not fair to him or to me....
I will suck it up and toughen up....
Saturday, December 27, 2008
Its all in the eye of the beholder....
Christmas was just a blessed day. The boys just got 1 REAL toy from us this year - Star Wars Legos. There were Ariat boots for the big boy, a knockoff Carhart Coat and overalls for the little one, school clothes that were needed and each got a game we can play as a family. Santa brought paintball guns and although I think the littlest is too little, I kept my opinion quiet (but dont be fooled for one minute, the "I told you so" wont pop out if something happens - it will be impossible to suppress ;) The girlie got socks and a couple gift cards and a game and Santa brought a camera....
I worried about this Christmas. Not because I couldnt afford anything, but because I knew I wasnt going to rain toys.... I wondered if my kids would feel let down.... I shouldnt have worried. The littlest thought his "Carhart" items were the best. So excited he would look like his brother and his dad - not to mention, he just looked so cute in them. The Legos were plenty, the boots a big surprise and hit.....
There was a lot of talk about the reason for the day - there were very little squabbles that seem to erupt over kids protecting their turf and their stuff. The kids played together, helped each other and just had a ball - It was a blessing to watch.
It is also nice to know that many things wont soon get broken and tossed or the kids just bored. We have some amazing Christmas' in my family - but all things considered - I think this was one of the best. Of course, I say that every year!
I hope your day was blessed and I hope your New Year keeps you safe, warm, fed, and loved.
Pray, Praise, Prepare
I worried about this Christmas. Not because I couldnt afford anything, but because I knew I wasnt going to rain toys.... I wondered if my kids would feel let down.... I shouldnt have worried. The littlest thought his "Carhart" items were the best. So excited he would look like his brother and his dad - not to mention, he just looked so cute in them. The Legos were plenty, the boots a big surprise and hit.....
There was a lot of talk about the reason for the day - there were very little squabbles that seem to erupt over kids protecting their turf and their stuff. The kids played together, helped each other and just had a ball - It was a blessing to watch.
It is also nice to know that many things wont soon get broken and tossed or the kids just bored. We have some amazing Christmas' in my family - but all things considered - I think this was one of the best. Of course, I say that every year!
I hope your day was blessed and I hope your New Year keeps you safe, warm, fed, and loved.
Pray, Praise, Prepare
Thursday, December 25, 2008
Merry Christmas
Merry Christmas
Enjoy this day we celebrate The Birth of the Baby - Celebrate the Life of the Man - Celebrate the Reign of the Savior
Enjoy this day we celebrate The Birth of the Baby - Celebrate the Life of the Man - Celebrate the Reign of the Savior
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
Not all Higher Education makes me want to barf...
Due to the age of one of our munchkins, we talk about colleges in our house...its a few years down the road, but no time like the present to put in my 2 cents.
This is one school I would gladly send my child - Hillsdale College. This institution preaches, yes, PREACHES, liberty - independence - Constitutional Law - America....EVERY student HAS to take Western Civilization, The Constitution and American History.
This school also DOES NOT TAKE ANY - ANY ANY ANY - FEDERAL or STATE TAXPAYER BACKED MONIES.... NOTHING.
If you do not get this publication - CLICK HERE - You need to! Its Free, Its Fabulous, Its about Freedom.
I have no affiliation with this school - I take no money from them - They dont even know I exist :) I am giving them props because I believe in them.
This is one school I would gladly send my child - Hillsdale College. This institution preaches, yes, PREACHES, liberty - independence - Constitutional Law - America....EVERY student HAS to take Western Civilization, The Constitution and American History.
This school also DOES NOT TAKE ANY - ANY ANY ANY - FEDERAL or STATE TAXPAYER BACKED MONIES.... NOTHING.
If you do not get this publication - CLICK HERE - You need to! Its Free, Its Fabulous, Its about Freedom.
I have no affiliation with this school - I take no money from them - They dont even know I exist :) I am giving them props because I believe in them.
Mary and Baby Jesus are great, but Joseph is MY kind of MAN....
This time of year, Mary and the precious Baby Jesus get all the spotlight. But I have been thinking about Joseph....
He was probably older than Mary - I have always had a thing for older guys.... He worked with his hands; he was probably physically fit - so far, this man is batting a 1000 with me....
But this is the Man that God chose to raise His Son, to care for His Son, to protect His Son. He was the kind of man that when his fiance came to him to tell him she was pregnant, he didnt want to embarrass her, but was going to "divorce" her quietly. And after a dream, believes the dream and his fiance and takes her and this baby as his. He knew what was right despite contrary evidence or outward pressures.
He was the kind of man that when the King tries to kill his Son, he took his family, left, and managed to make a life for them for over 2 years in another country. The original Bug Out...He knew what was coming and took proactive action.
He knew a trade but also knew the value of education, letting Jesus study at the temple.
He raised a good family. He was a good husband. He survived. I just think its time to give Joseph the props he deserves....
He was probably older than Mary - I have always had a thing for older guys.... He worked with his hands; he was probably physically fit - so far, this man is batting a 1000 with me....
But this is the Man that God chose to raise His Son, to care for His Son, to protect His Son. He was the kind of man that when his fiance came to him to tell him she was pregnant, he didnt want to embarrass her, but was going to "divorce" her quietly. And after a dream, believes the dream and his fiance and takes her and this baby as his. He knew what was right despite contrary evidence or outward pressures.
He was the kind of man that when the King tries to kill his Son, he took his family, left, and managed to make a life for them for over 2 years in another country. The original Bug Out...He knew what was coming and took proactive action.
He knew a trade but also knew the value of education, letting Jesus study at the temple.
He raised a good family. He was a good husband. He survived. I just think its time to give Joseph the props he deserves....
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Give an Extra LONG Hug this Christmas....
My family traveled this weekend to visit my husband's family. Not far - less than a 100 miles - but depending on how things shake out, it might have been across the world.
This time next year, I pray that I look back on these posts with a chuckle....with a little embarrassment as to how urgently I preached a new "change" was coming....I dont think I will - but I pray I do. If things continue on their course, many Americans will find it difficult to visit family not far away.
If things continue on an even worse path, we may be back to loading up the entire family with their belongings into the car and heading to "start fresh" with family that happened to hold onto land. Families today are spread out - stretched thin. Things were doable during the 1930's because families had land and they had each other - extended generations to help with "know how" and with the physical labor provided by youth. The "many hands make light work" philosophy....
We have done a good job separating ourselves from the land. Farming isnt a noble profession in some small towns - they ship off the best and the brightest to the cities....or so they think.
We have done a good job separating ourselves from family. Visiting via planes, trains and automobiles was just fine when prices were low and jobs were plenty.
Things may change so much that being in close proximity is necessary for survival. Generations under 1 roof....the Waltons....Cousins that might as well be brother and sister....
If this is the way things shake out, this could be one of the blessed gifts. Families coming together, multiple houses on family land, grandparents close to grandkids, siblings raising their families close, cousins playing...
If your extended family is of the same mindset, you are ahead of the game - you have probably discussed future plans, travel, taking care of each other....
If your family thinks you are nuts, the preparation is left to you. Your planning will need to include housing, feeding, working, living with your extended family, assuming you are willing and wanting to take them :) This does not mean that you are the sole provider for everyone, but you will need to be the one that has the answers.... Your family will come along quickly to your mindset if TSHTF, but right now, its up to you. Your plans may look overwhelming, but remember, there will be many more hands to work. Just make sure they understand WORK and are willing to work to live.
Stay safe in your travels this season - Talk to your family if needed - Give an extra long hug this Christmas...
As always, Pray - Praise - Prepare - Family could be a hidden blessing....
This time next year, I pray that I look back on these posts with a chuckle....with a little embarrassment as to how urgently I preached a new "change" was coming....I dont think I will - but I pray I do. If things continue on their course, many Americans will find it difficult to visit family not far away.
If things continue on an even worse path, we may be back to loading up the entire family with their belongings into the car and heading to "start fresh" with family that happened to hold onto land. Families today are spread out - stretched thin. Things were doable during the 1930's because families had land and they had each other - extended generations to help with "know how" and with the physical labor provided by youth. The "many hands make light work" philosophy....
We have done a good job separating ourselves from the land. Farming isnt a noble profession in some small towns - they ship off the best and the brightest to the cities....or so they think.
We have done a good job separating ourselves from family. Visiting via planes, trains and automobiles was just fine when prices were low and jobs were plenty.
Things may change so much that being in close proximity is necessary for survival. Generations under 1 roof....the Waltons....Cousins that might as well be brother and sister....
If this is the way things shake out, this could be one of the blessed gifts. Families coming together, multiple houses on family land, grandparents close to grandkids, siblings raising their families close, cousins playing...
If your extended family is of the same mindset, you are ahead of the game - you have probably discussed future plans, travel, taking care of each other....
If your family thinks you are nuts, the preparation is left to you. Your planning will need to include housing, feeding, working, living with your extended family, assuming you are willing and wanting to take them :) This does not mean that you are the sole provider for everyone, but you will need to be the one that has the answers.... Your family will come along quickly to your mindset if TSHTF, but right now, its up to you. Your plans may look overwhelming, but remember, there will be many more hands to work. Just make sure they understand WORK and are willing to work to live.
Stay safe in your travels this season - Talk to your family if needed - Give an extra long hug this Christmas...
As always, Pray - Praise - Prepare - Family could be a hidden blessing....
Monday, December 22, 2008
NEW NAIS SIDEBAR
There is now a permanent sidebar on the right side of the blog designated for NAIS links. They are alpha by state with the first 2 letters for the state and then the title of the article.
I do not intend to be the end-all / be-all information site for the anti-NAIS crowd - there are those that are more vested than I and more capable in disseminating information and resources... I will do what I can from my kitchen ;)
I do not intend to be the end-all / be-all information site for the anti-NAIS crowd - there are those that are more vested than I and more capable in disseminating information and resources... I will do what I can from my kitchen ;)
Mr. Amish saves America - PART 2
There was general outrage regarding the previous post - not really surprise, because we are a pretty calloused group in regards to the Govt - but the post generally hacked people off. There was also a request for any further information....I put my fingers to work and here is what I found...
This LINK is the court information currently available. You will see that Mr. Miller is expected back in court in March, 2009. The type of case that is being pursued against Mr. Miller is what is called a Complex Forfeiture - which means that if the State wins, they get to fine Mr. Miller. When Mr. Miller cant pay, the state takes his land as I previously discussed in the previous article.
The despicable thing about this case as stated HERE is that this is a test case to check on the Constitutionality of Wisconsin's law. So....the big, bad state of Wisconsin takes an Amish man to court - a man who because of his RELIGION will not put up much of a fight. They dont go after a big land owner - one that has the money to fight them, but Mr. Miller.
Please note that if you live in TEXAS and WISCONSIN, the NAIS is NOT VOLUNTARY. The Federal NAIS is voluntary, but they have passed laws in these 2 states (probably more and more to come) that on the STATE LEVEL it IS NOT VOLUNTARY.
I can see Wisconsin passing something like this, but I have a hard time believing that Texas has done this - my beloved Texas. I cant imagine Texas ranchers going along with this....especially when it results in a land grab -I shudder to think the revolt that WILL erupt if the NAIS goes after Texas ranches, farms, property.
People - hunt down the NAIS activity in your state. Learn what is going on - KNOW where your reps stand on the issue and make yourself heard. It is abundantly clear that the Feds have turned over the implementation as well as the enforcement to the States which is good for us. We have a better chance stopping this where we live and not in Washington. This is the "good news" in this fiasco of Government socialism.
I would also welcome any State information from yall out there - We are a pretty savvy group, we write, we email and we call. I would like to pass on any information to help us make ourselves heard....
If someone has a link as to the properties already listed as "premises" it would be welcome. From what I understand, the Govt/States call farmers and try to sign them up on the phone without the owners realizing what is going on. Also, if someone knows if there is a way to get your name OFF the list, that would be helpful too....
UPDATE: Its a good thing my kids can fix their own lunch, because I have been totally worthless today - Have been on an NAIS hunt....It seems that Oklahoma submitted a bill - HB1842 - that would not require NAIS Pin Number on any "Premise" that sells less than $10,000. While this bill was in subcommittee, it was reworked, of course.
The bill now is the MOST RESTRICTIVE NAIS bill out there - it basically KICKS OUT THE NAIS from the State of Oklahoma. My prayer is that this does not die in committee. If you live here, there are some FABULOUS talking points WHEN you call your reps... TALKING POINTS
GET THIS LAW PASSED....
This LINK is the court information currently available. You will see that Mr. Miller is expected back in court in March, 2009. The type of case that is being pursued against Mr. Miller is what is called a Complex Forfeiture - which means that if the State wins, they get to fine Mr. Miller. When Mr. Miller cant pay, the state takes his land as I previously discussed in the previous article.
The despicable thing about this case as stated HERE is that this is a test case to check on the Constitutionality of Wisconsin's law. So....the big, bad state of Wisconsin takes an Amish man to court - a man who because of his RELIGION will not put up much of a fight. They dont go after a big land owner - one that has the money to fight them, but Mr. Miller.
Please note that if you live in TEXAS and WISCONSIN, the NAIS is NOT VOLUNTARY. The Federal NAIS is voluntary, but they have passed laws in these 2 states (probably more and more to come) that on the STATE LEVEL it IS NOT VOLUNTARY.
I can see Wisconsin passing something like this, but I have a hard time believing that Texas has done this - my beloved Texas. I cant imagine Texas ranchers going along with this....especially when it results in a land grab -I shudder to think the revolt that WILL erupt if the NAIS goes after Texas ranches, farms, property.
People - hunt down the NAIS activity in your state. Learn what is going on - KNOW where your reps stand on the issue and make yourself heard. It is abundantly clear that the Feds have turned over the implementation as well as the enforcement to the States which is good for us. We have a better chance stopping this where we live and not in Washington. This is the "good news" in this fiasco of Government socialism.
I would also welcome any State information from yall out there - We are a pretty savvy group, we write, we email and we call. I would like to pass on any information to help us make ourselves heard....
If someone has a link as to the properties already listed as "premises" it would be welcome. From what I understand, the Govt/States call farmers and try to sign them up on the phone without the owners realizing what is going on. Also, if someone knows if there is a way to get your name OFF the list, that would be helpful too....
UPDATE: Its a good thing my kids can fix their own lunch, because I have been totally worthless today - Have been on an NAIS hunt....It seems that Oklahoma submitted a bill - HB1842 - that would not require NAIS Pin Number on any "Premise" that sells less than $10,000. While this bill was in subcommittee, it was reworked, of course.
The bill now is the MOST RESTRICTIVE NAIS bill out there - it basically KICKS OUT THE NAIS from the State of Oklahoma. My prayer is that this does not die in committee. If you live here, there are some FABULOUS talking points WHEN you call your reps... TALKING POINTS
GET THIS LAW PASSED....
Friday, December 19, 2008
This Amish Man may save America....
NAIS and the AMISH Man in the fight of OUR lives
The right to our own property - YES OUR PROPERTY - as well as the right to raise animals for fun, profit or just our own survival, may come down to an Amish Man being sued by the USDA for NOT registering with the NAIS.
For those of you for some reason not understanding the NAIS - its supposed to track all animals to identify sick ones....Its SUPPOSED to be voluntary and if so, how can the USDA sue Mr. Miller? If the USDA wins - they get the precedent on the books - They fine Mr. Miller - Mr. Miller cant pay and they foreclose on his farm - Land grab #1....More to come....
When you read the rules of the NAIS, they never refer to YOUR LAND as "Property" - its always "Premise". These are NOT interchangeable and if you allow YOUR LAND to be labeled as PREMISE, you may have just given your land away. The Constitution does not protect Premises, but PROPERTY. These are not interchangeable.
The NAIS Number if someone registers stays with the LAND - not the Farmer/Rancher. If the Farmer sells and buys more land somewhere else, the Number STAYS with the original Farm and the NEW OWNER has to comply....SNEAKY....If the Farmer that SOLD the land and bought new Land wants to register with the NAIS, the NEW LAND gets a NEW NUMBER, now they have more land to grab...
I was a US History major, emphasis on 1776 to the Civil War (surprised? didnt think so) anyway, my fave Prof, Dr. Wilson - had to give credit - used to say "The Land, Oh, Oh, The Land" - meaning that it always came down to land - whatever the conflict, it was all over the land - what made a man a man was the land, for a while if a man could vote was because of the land, what a man would die for was his land.
Read the article - scare the hell out of yourself - the difference between FREE MAN and SERF / SLAVE may rest with a man who wanted nothing to do with American life....I am starting to see his point....
The right to our own property - YES OUR PROPERTY - as well as the right to raise animals for fun, profit or just our own survival, may come down to an Amish Man being sued by the USDA for NOT registering with the NAIS.
For those of you for some reason not understanding the NAIS - its supposed to track all animals to identify sick ones....Its SUPPOSED to be voluntary and if so, how can the USDA sue Mr. Miller? If the USDA wins - they get the precedent on the books - They fine Mr. Miller - Mr. Miller cant pay and they foreclose on his farm - Land grab #1....More to come....
When you read the rules of the NAIS, they never refer to YOUR LAND as "Property" - its always "Premise". These are NOT interchangeable and if you allow YOUR LAND to be labeled as PREMISE, you may have just given your land away. The Constitution does not protect Premises, but PROPERTY. These are not interchangeable.
The NAIS Number if someone registers stays with the LAND - not the Farmer/Rancher. If the Farmer sells and buys more land somewhere else, the Number STAYS with the original Farm and the NEW OWNER has to comply....SNEAKY....If the Farmer that SOLD the land and bought new Land wants to register with the NAIS, the NEW LAND gets a NEW NUMBER, now they have more land to grab...
I was a US History major, emphasis on 1776 to the Civil War (surprised? didnt think so) anyway, my fave Prof, Dr. Wilson - had to give credit - used to say "The Land, Oh, Oh, The Land" - meaning that it always came down to land - whatever the conflict, it was all over the land - what made a man a man was the land, for a while if a man could vote was because of the land, what a man would die for was his land.
Read the article - scare the hell out of yourself - the difference between FREE MAN and SERF / SLAVE may rest with a man who wanted nothing to do with American life....I am starting to see his point....
Thursday, December 18, 2008
Hey Frenchie, here we come....
Several years ago when we only had 2 kids and the dollar was strong, my husband surprised me with a trip to Paris. I was teaching French to preschoolers at the time, so it was a perfect surprise....I know, I know, I did marry a great guy.
Anyway, while there, we were zipping through town on the Metro when a lady in front of us got her stroller caught in one of the "turnstyles". Alarms went off and out comes a combat unit - kid you not - dressed in all black, running in formation with automatic rifles strapped across their chests. It was then I felt the full realization that we werent in Kansas anymore. No nice blue uniforms, no "Excuse me, ma'am", but full military black.....
This little walk down memory lane came flooding back today when I read these articles:
AND
Marine Road Blocks
AND
Arizona Police
These articles recite the 20,000 troops....and then the Marines setting up roadblocks in California.....and the Homeland Security News feed talking about civil unrest and how the Arizona police have been practicing playing war....
There is a part of me that thinks that the expectation of civil unrest will bring us civil unrest. If people believe that civil unrest is expected, they will act accordingly.
We are being led down a road setting us up to be totally controlled - martial law. We are being shown OUR OWN MILITARY on our own streets, doing basic things. It will be a shock the first time we see them - they will be kind, they will be helpful - they are OUR military and we LOVE our military. The next time, it wont be such a big deal and eventually, we wont even see them at all.
This article outlines what could cause civil unrest:
Civil Unrest
There is a line that lists one of the reasons as "purposeful domestic resistance or insurgency". I dont like how they link "resistance" - American, Constitutional, Jeffersonian RESISTANCE with the word we usually see linked with radical Muslims - "Insurgency."
Why would there be a resistance? What are we resisting? What are they planning to change/do that they think would result in resistance?
I dont have these answers although I bet we all feel we "know"....
Keep vigilant - Keep prepared - decide where YOUR line in the sand lies....
Anyway, while there, we were zipping through town on the Metro when a lady in front of us got her stroller caught in one of the "turnstyles". Alarms went off and out comes a combat unit - kid you not - dressed in all black, running in formation with automatic rifles strapped across their chests. It was then I felt the full realization that we werent in Kansas anymore. No nice blue uniforms, no "Excuse me, ma'am", but full military black.....
This little walk down memory lane came flooding back today when I read these articles:
AND
Marine Road Blocks
AND
Arizona Police
These articles recite the 20,000 troops....and then the Marines setting up roadblocks in California.....and the Homeland Security News feed talking about civil unrest and how the Arizona police have been practicing playing war....
There is a part of me that thinks that the expectation of civil unrest will bring us civil unrest. If people believe that civil unrest is expected, they will act accordingly.
We are being led down a road setting us up to be totally controlled - martial law. We are being shown OUR OWN MILITARY on our own streets, doing basic things. It will be a shock the first time we see them - they will be kind, they will be helpful - they are OUR military and we LOVE our military. The next time, it wont be such a big deal and eventually, we wont even see them at all.
This article outlines what could cause civil unrest:
Civil Unrest
There is a line that lists one of the reasons as "purposeful domestic resistance or insurgency". I dont like how they link "resistance" - American, Constitutional, Jeffersonian RESISTANCE with the word we usually see linked with radical Muslims - "Insurgency."
Why would there be a resistance? What are we resisting? What are they planning to change/do that they think would result in resistance?
I dont have these answers although I bet we all feel we "know"....
Keep vigilant - Keep prepared - decide where YOUR line in the sand lies....
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
My own personal "I HAVE A DREAM" speech...
This is the speech I wish the President, Government, anyone would give....
"Americans - United States of America Citizens....we are in the midst of a world-wide crisis. Countries, companies, banks, families are on the brink of absolute financial failure. We have spent funds, your funds, trying to correct our grievous errors, to slow and stop a collapse. We are unable and UNWILLING to continue to spend your children's inheritance.
Immediately we are ceasing any future bailouts. We are also cutting what the Government spends by an initial 25% across the board - ALL budgets will be immediately cut by 25%. There are also departments, programs, jobs that will cease to exist after a further examination of our expenditures.
We realize that it was the Governments involvement in private enterprises that precipitated and exacerbated this crisis. For this, we are truly sorry and regret these decisions.
We realize this course of action will be very difficult for many people - for many Americans. Americans are going to need to be more responsible for their own well being as well as the well being of those around them. They will be called to make personal sacrifices and give to those that they deem to be worthy. Charities that help the most vulnerable, women and children, the aged and the invalid, will be in dire need of help. I have full faith that the private person will continue as they have in the past, giving to those charities in such generosity, that they have given more than any other government on the face of the earth. The United States Government realizes that private service has done more and will do more than Government will ever be able to do. Families, people, if you are in need, please seek out your local church - your local charity - your local parish - your local temple.
What the Government will do is cut taxes. The income tax will immediately be revoked, never to return. Corporate tax rates will now equal the lowest rate of the industrialized countries. The United States will now implement a flat tax - a consumption tax - meaning that if you do not spend your monies, you will not pay tax. The consumption tax will be 15%. The consumption tax will not apply to items such as milk, bread, eggs - basic groceries. Those nearest the poverty level - those most at danger will in essence pay no tax. Basic necessities are exempt.
The Government will also cease their own expenditures. The taxpayer will no longer provide Congress with free travel, free money, free everything. Our wages will be cut and we will be expected to provide our own transportation and lodging. When we say we are in Public Service - our words will have meaning. We will also no longer see "Public Service" as a free life pass. States will be asked to limit terms of their Congressmen and women.
Entitlements will also taper off. We will not cease immediately due to the dependence, but will gradually end this program as well. We are Americans - we take care of our own and we provide for ourselves as well. We are a country that provides for 1/2 of the wealth of this world - we are capable - we are strong - we are smart - we are survivors - We are Americans.
States will start to play a more important roll - They will become more and more responsible to you. The Federal Government will be responsible for the Nation's protection - for interstate Commerce - for International Treaties. We will protect our borders. We will NOT cease welcoming those that would come here to join with Americas in her work, but you will not break our laws. You will enter respectfully and with the moral character we are expecting of our own Citizens. You will be able to work a trade, have higher education, immediately join our workforce.
We will be suspending our membership in the United Nations. We will also cease all payments. Our concern presently are Americans. We will also be suspending the Fed - private banks should never have had such control over our Government, the Treasury and our monetary system.
The United States Government has made errors - some willingly and some not and for those errors we beg the Citizen's forgiveness. May we find satisfaction in work, in a job well done, in integrity. There is no job beneath an American - work is its own reward for body, mind and especially spirit. May we live the noble standards on which this country was built. May we pursue life, liberty and happiness and may God once again bless America and those that love her."
Now - is that too much to ask?
"Americans - United States of America Citizens....we are in the midst of a world-wide crisis. Countries, companies, banks, families are on the brink of absolute financial failure. We have spent funds, your funds, trying to correct our grievous errors, to slow and stop a collapse. We are unable and UNWILLING to continue to spend your children's inheritance.
Immediately we are ceasing any future bailouts. We are also cutting what the Government spends by an initial 25% across the board - ALL budgets will be immediately cut by 25%. There are also departments, programs, jobs that will cease to exist after a further examination of our expenditures.
We realize that it was the Governments involvement in private enterprises that precipitated and exacerbated this crisis. For this, we are truly sorry and regret these decisions.
We realize this course of action will be very difficult for many people - for many Americans. Americans are going to need to be more responsible for their own well being as well as the well being of those around them. They will be called to make personal sacrifices and give to those that they deem to be worthy. Charities that help the most vulnerable, women and children, the aged and the invalid, will be in dire need of help. I have full faith that the private person will continue as they have in the past, giving to those charities in such generosity, that they have given more than any other government on the face of the earth. The United States Government realizes that private service has done more and will do more than Government will ever be able to do. Families, people, if you are in need, please seek out your local church - your local charity - your local parish - your local temple.
What the Government will do is cut taxes. The income tax will immediately be revoked, never to return. Corporate tax rates will now equal the lowest rate of the industrialized countries. The United States will now implement a flat tax - a consumption tax - meaning that if you do not spend your monies, you will not pay tax. The consumption tax will be 15%. The consumption tax will not apply to items such as milk, bread, eggs - basic groceries. Those nearest the poverty level - those most at danger will in essence pay no tax. Basic necessities are exempt.
The Government will also cease their own expenditures. The taxpayer will no longer provide Congress with free travel, free money, free everything. Our wages will be cut and we will be expected to provide our own transportation and lodging. When we say we are in Public Service - our words will have meaning. We will also no longer see "Public Service" as a free life pass. States will be asked to limit terms of their Congressmen and women.
Entitlements will also taper off. We will not cease immediately due to the dependence, but will gradually end this program as well. We are Americans - we take care of our own and we provide for ourselves as well. We are a country that provides for 1/2 of the wealth of this world - we are capable - we are strong - we are smart - we are survivors - We are Americans.
States will start to play a more important roll - They will become more and more responsible to you. The Federal Government will be responsible for the Nation's protection - for interstate Commerce - for International Treaties. We will protect our borders. We will NOT cease welcoming those that would come here to join with Americas in her work, but you will not break our laws. You will enter respectfully and with the moral character we are expecting of our own Citizens. You will be able to work a trade, have higher education, immediately join our workforce.
We will be suspending our membership in the United Nations. We will also cease all payments. Our concern presently are Americans. We will also be suspending the Fed - private banks should never have had such control over our Government, the Treasury and our monetary system.
The United States Government has made errors - some willingly and some not and for those errors we beg the Citizen's forgiveness. May we find satisfaction in work, in a job well done, in integrity. There is no job beneath an American - work is its own reward for body, mind and especially spirit. May we live the noble standards on which this country was built. May we pursue life, liberty and happiness and may God once again bless America and those that love her."
Now - is that too much to ask?
Chrysler down for the count....
So....Chrysler has closed ALL manufacturing for 1 month beginning the 19th of December...
I have 2 thoughts:
1 - They are calling the bluff of the President. They are in effect saying "See what you are causing without a bailout?" They are yelling the same thing at the incoming President who gets sworn the last day of the closing....Interesting....
and
2 - They are calling the bluff of the UAW. Personally, I wouldnt call their bluff as much as give them the finger on the way to Bankruptcy Court. Chrysler is letting the union see what it would be like without them on the map....
My question is - who will blink first? Who will be right back at the table to make concessions or throw money?
I have 2 thoughts:
1 - They are calling the bluff of the President. They are in effect saying "See what you are causing without a bailout?" They are yelling the same thing at the incoming President who gets sworn the last day of the closing....Interesting....
and
2 - They are calling the bluff of the UAW. Personally, I wouldnt call their bluff as much as give them the finger on the way to Bankruptcy Court. Chrysler is letting the union see what it would be like without them on the map....
My question is - who will blink first? Who will be right back at the table to make concessions or throw money?
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Katrina or Mad Max
There doesnt seem to be a debate IF there will be some kind of event....just what kind. Will the event that sends you home to your stash be like Katrina or more like Mad Max (This is a reference to the movies Mad Max, Mad Max 2 and Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome).
Now - looking at the 2, Katrina would be the "easy" scenario - but was it really?
Electricity - GONE
Water - GONE / Contaminated
Food - Grocery stores GONE
Shelter - if you have it still standing - ISOLATED / On your own / In shelters
Emergency Help - GONE
Looting - CHECK
Confiscating Firearms - CHECK
Life/Death Situations - CHECK
So what was "easy" about Katrina?
Katrina offered us the opportunity to see in one area what WILL happen just about nationwide when people become desperate. When they are cold....when they are scared....when there isnt clean water....when there isnt enough food.....when local law enforcement fears their armed citizens.... when people are faced with choices they didnt prepare for or see coming.
Again...YOU NEED TO PREPARE...more than just food, clean water, sanitation, protection - you need to mentally walk yourself through some of the situations people in New Orleans faced. What would you do about neighbors who are hungry? What would you do if people try to loot? What would you do if the Police knocked on your door and DEMANDED you turn over all firearms?
What if you have to flee? Does each of your family members have a bug out bag - 72 hour kit? A bag filled with what keep your family member alive, fed, warm, for 72 hours? What about your car? How prepared is your car? How full is your gas tank? What if it stalls in this freezing weather? What if highways are gridlocked and this is where you find yourself? What if you have to stay in your car during this time? What if you are having to move out of the city immediately?
Not only do you need to prepare your home and your car to take care of your family, you need to prepare your family for certain situations. Mentally prepare....mentally prepare for hard decisions....mentally prepare for feeling isolated....mentally prepare to keep your faith up that you will get through this situation.
Survival is not just about keeping the body fed, its about keeping the SPIRIT FILLED....
**Please also know the laws of your city and state. At the time of the event, it may seem like law and order are on vacation, but it will COME BACK. When you make decisions, remember you may/will answer for those decisions at a later time. Know the rules - know the consequences of your actions.
Now - looking at the 2, Katrina would be the "easy" scenario - but was it really?
Electricity - GONE
Water - GONE / Contaminated
Food - Grocery stores GONE
Shelter - if you have it still standing - ISOLATED / On your own / In shelters
Emergency Help - GONE
Looting - CHECK
Confiscating Firearms - CHECK
Life/Death Situations - CHECK
So what was "easy" about Katrina?
Katrina offered us the opportunity to see in one area what WILL happen just about nationwide when people become desperate. When they are cold....when they are scared....when there isnt clean water....when there isnt enough food.....when local law enforcement fears their armed citizens.... when people are faced with choices they didnt prepare for or see coming.
Again...YOU NEED TO PREPARE...more than just food, clean water, sanitation, protection - you need to mentally walk yourself through some of the situations people in New Orleans faced. What would you do about neighbors who are hungry? What would you do if people try to loot? What would you do if the Police knocked on your door and DEMANDED you turn over all firearms?
What if you have to flee? Does each of your family members have a bug out bag - 72 hour kit? A bag filled with what keep your family member alive, fed, warm, for 72 hours? What about your car? How prepared is your car? How full is your gas tank? What if it stalls in this freezing weather? What if highways are gridlocked and this is where you find yourself? What if you have to stay in your car during this time? What if you are having to move out of the city immediately?
Not only do you need to prepare your home and your car to take care of your family, you need to prepare your family for certain situations. Mentally prepare....mentally prepare for hard decisions....mentally prepare for feeling isolated....mentally prepare to keep your faith up that you will get through this situation.
Survival is not just about keeping the body fed, its about keeping the SPIRIT FILLED....
**Please also know the laws of your city and state. At the time of the event, it may seem like law and order are on vacation, but it will COME BACK. When you make decisions, remember you may/will answer for those decisions at a later time. Know the rules - know the consequences of your actions.
A Sharpie is a preppers best friend....
LOVE my Sharpie...not so fond of the new "click" Sharpie as they tend to dry out - but my classic Black Sharpie ROCKS.
It tells me how long it takes me to go through deodorant....If I really am getting 48 loads with my laundry detergent....How long something has been sitting on the cabinet shelf.
If you had to buy enough deodorant for a year for you or your husband do you know how many you need? I do - its not magic, but just a little black Sharpie with the date that I first used it on the outside. I know that when my laundry soap says it is good for 48 loads, its really good for 36 at my house (I put a little slash mark each time I do a load of laundry). I know we need WAY more shampoo than the average Internet list advises....
Get a Sharpie - they now come in all these fabulous colors - keep them everywhere - near your storage, in your bathroom, in your kitchen, in your laundry room. Just put the date on anything you pull out. In short time you will be able to know how many items you need in a year. Internet lists are great, but KNOWING how many you need and having them, is better.
**This concludes the prepper quick tip of the day :)
It tells me how long it takes me to go through deodorant....If I really am getting 48 loads with my laundry detergent....How long something has been sitting on the cabinet shelf.
If you had to buy enough deodorant for a year for you or your husband do you know how many you need? I do - its not magic, but just a little black Sharpie with the date that I first used it on the outside. I know that when my laundry soap says it is good for 48 loads, its really good for 36 at my house (I put a little slash mark each time I do a load of laundry). I know we need WAY more shampoo than the average Internet list advises....
Get a Sharpie - they now come in all these fabulous colors - keep them everywhere - near your storage, in your bathroom, in your kitchen, in your laundry room. Just put the date on anything you pull out. In short time you will be able to know how many items you need in a year. Internet lists are great, but KNOWING how many you need and having them, is better.
**This concludes the prepper quick tip of the day :)
Monday, December 15, 2008
So now where do I put it?
Now you have your food - you have deepened your pantry so that you have several weeks of food on hand. It is sitting on your kitchen island, your kitchen table, in the dining room, on the counters...It cant stay there - its driving you nuts....
The most important rule to food storage is that you do not have 2 pantries - your "regular" one and the "food storage" pantry. You have 1 pantry - ONLY ONE PANTRY. This does not mean that you keep everything together - if you have the room, fabulous, but most of us do not.
Personally, I have a pantry in my kitchen. Its a good size, but does not hold everything. This is the one I cook out of - the one I go to daily. The rest of our food storage is in our laundry room. This is where I stock my kitchen pantry from - my personal grocery stash.
When I buy groceries, I DO NOT TAKE THEM TO THE KITCHEN....the items would end up in my pantry that is in my kitchen. I put the items in my laundry room. When my kitchen pantry runs out or low, I stock from my Laundry room. This way, all items are rotated - first in, first out - in order to keep items from going bad - food spoilage is a waste - a waste of your time, your money, your efforts.
This was a long story to illustrate that you will need to work out your own system. If there are places in your home that are packed full, you may have to clean something out. Linen closets, laundry room shelves, hall closets, fill suitcases under beds, under bathroom sinks, top shelves of kids closets, trunk used as a coffee table....You can get creative. You can also have shelves installed, adjusted, added to....
Before you just put things someplace, think about your system. Walk through it in your head - unloading groceries, grabbing a can quickly, restocking your cooking stash, does the temperature stay pretty constant, kids messing with it....think about how you would walk through cooking a meal. If it flows in your head, you have a plan. If you think you can "work through it" or "get over" something, keep working on your system. If its a pain, you could be in danger of letting food just sit and ignoring the rule of "First in, first out."
This step requires a little effort - ok, it may require a lot of effort. But your satisfaction of seeing space filled with items you will feed your family, knowing you have provided a safe place will more than be worth it.
Warning....Once you have one month of food, you will want to strive for three months.....then six months....and then a year. Imagine the peace of being able to feed your family for one year and NEVER step foot inside a grocery store.... Dont worry - just use the above steps to rationally go through your needs of food and space. Research this subject online as well as check books out of the library or buy online. You can do this, look how much you have done already.
The most important rule to food storage is that you do not have 2 pantries - your "regular" one and the "food storage" pantry. You have 1 pantry - ONLY ONE PANTRY. This does not mean that you keep everything together - if you have the room, fabulous, but most of us do not.
Personally, I have a pantry in my kitchen. Its a good size, but does not hold everything. This is the one I cook out of - the one I go to daily. The rest of our food storage is in our laundry room. This is where I stock my kitchen pantry from - my personal grocery stash.
When I buy groceries, I DO NOT TAKE THEM TO THE KITCHEN....the items would end up in my pantry that is in my kitchen. I put the items in my laundry room. When my kitchen pantry runs out or low, I stock from my Laundry room. This way, all items are rotated - first in, first out - in order to keep items from going bad - food spoilage is a waste - a waste of your time, your money, your efforts.
This was a long story to illustrate that you will need to work out your own system. If there are places in your home that are packed full, you may have to clean something out. Linen closets, laundry room shelves, hall closets, fill suitcases under beds, under bathroom sinks, top shelves of kids closets, trunk used as a coffee table....You can get creative. You can also have shelves installed, adjusted, added to....
Before you just put things someplace, think about your system. Walk through it in your head - unloading groceries, grabbing a can quickly, restocking your cooking stash, does the temperature stay pretty constant, kids messing with it....think about how you would walk through cooking a meal. If it flows in your head, you have a plan. If you think you can "work through it" or "get over" something, keep working on your system. If its a pain, you could be in danger of letting food just sit and ignoring the rule of "First in, first out."
This step requires a little effort - ok, it may require a lot of effort. But your satisfaction of seeing space filled with items you will feed your family, knowing you have provided a safe place will more than be worth it.
Warning....Once you have one month of food, you will want to strive for three months.....then six months....and then a year. Imagine the peace of being able to feed your family for one year and NEVER step foot inside a grocery store.... Dont worry - just use the above steps to rationally go through your needs of food and space. Research this subject online as well as check books out of the library or buy online. You can do this, look how much you have done already.
Where to even start....
This is the most frequently asked question I get. It is usually accompanied by "I feel I need to do something...." Our internal alarms are such a God given gift.
You dont need to rush out and buy everything. This week when you do your grocery shopping, buy 1 extra of what is on your list. Pick up a couple extra cans of veggies, some extra peanut butter, bottled water, a bag of beans and a bag of rice.
If you buy your groceries after carefully planning meals for the upcoming week, then plan on 2 or 3 extra meals and buy the fixins (Southern word) for those meals. In a month's time you will have more than an entire extra week's worth of food,almost 2 weeks.
Do not forget to add dry milk to your list. Although most of us do not reconstitute and drink dry milk, it would be excellent for cooking and if mixed, chilled and add chocolate, most kids will drink it. Think about being in your home for several weeks and not leaving - what would you need from the store - milk, bread, eggs - we have covered milk, make your bread and buy powdered eggs.
If money is not a problem visit this site:
http://simplylivingsmart.com/tools/food-storage-spreadsheet.html
Download the spreadsheet and start buying and filling it in... It would also be EXTREMELY HELPFUL to go through the videos where they walk you through beginning and maintaining a food storage system.
Your internal alarm is sounding for a reason. Dont panic, but begin to prepare, make your lists, begin to deepen your pantry - being proactive is the best way to turn down the volume on your alarm. It will replace that heavy fear feeling with a peace and a courage that you will be able to face whatever your alarm is announcing.
You dont need to rush out and buy everything. This week when you do your grocery shopping, buy 1 extra of what is on your list. Pick up a couple extra cans of veggies, some extra peanut butter, bottled water, a bag of beans and a bag of rice.
If you buy your groceries after carefully planning meals for the upcoming week, then plan on 2 or 3 extra meals and buy the fixins (Southern word) for those meals. In a month's time you will have more than an entire extra week's worth of food,almost 2 weeks.
Do not forget to add dry milk to your list. Although most of us do not reconstitute and drink dry milk, it would be excellent for cooking and if mixed, chilled and add chocolate, most kids will drink it. Think about being in your home for several weeks and not leaving - what would you need from the store - milk, bread, eggs - we have covered milk, make your bread and buy powdered eggs.
If money is not a problem visit this site:
http://simplylivingsmart.com/tools/food-storage-spreadsheet.html
Download the spreadsheet and start buying and filling it in... It would also be EXTREMELY HELPFUL to go through the videos where they walk you through beginning and maintaining a food storage system.
Your internal alarm is sounding for a reason. Dont panic, but begin to prepare, make your lists, begin to deepen your pantry - being proactive is the best way to turn down the volume on your alarm. It will replace that heavy fear feeling with a peace and a courage that you will be able to face whatever your alarm is announcing.
Sunday, December 14, 2008
Legally speaking....
The headline I just read was that the Illinois Governor was "weighing his legal options." His ONLY option would be to apologize and resign. Thats it. Its pathetic that "legal options" are different from right and wrong. What has happened to good, old fashioned shame? Embarrassment that would send normal people clamoring for the door?
When I listen to our knew President, I cringe at his legal speak....Its so easy to hear what you want from his words, but you need to listen to the words he uses - not the meaning he wants you to assume he means.
I think it started with the missing minutes of the Watergate tape. It moved to the definition of "is" and "I did not have sexual relations with that woman" to Elliot Spitzer, to Alaska Senator Ted Stevens, to Barney Frank and his live in lover running Fannie Mae... The list doesnt end.
These men continue on, proclaiming their innocence or at the very least, blaming someone else for their troubles.
We must reject the idea that every time a law's broken, society is guilty rather than the lawbreaker. It is time to restore the American precept that each individual is accountable for his actions. -- Ronald Reagan
Pearls, you say as you shake your head, what did you expect? I know it sounds naive and overly optimistic, but I expected character. No, not past tense - I EXPECT Character. I demand it.
I have come to the conclusion that one useless man is a disgrace, two men are called a Law Firm, and three or more are called a Congress. -- John Adams
I will continue to demand it because to do less is to permit this abhorrent behavior. When I call or email my Congressmen(women) I convey to them the behavior that I expect - the Character their position requires. I let them know the standard to which they are called. I let them know that in difficult decisions, I will back them up with my vote and with my voice.
My Vote and my Voice - Your Vote and Your Voice - And Yours - And Yours - And Yours....
I contend we could get pretty loud, and now more than ever, with our children's children being saddled with unfathomable debt, we need to be shouting....
Pray, Praise, Prepare
When I listen to our knew President, I cringe at his legal speak....Its so easy to hear what you want from his words, but you need to listen to the words he uses - not the meaning he wants you to assume he means.
I think it started with the missing minutes of the Watergate tape. It moved to the definition of "is" and "I did not have sexual relations with that woman" to Elliot Spitzer, to Alaska Senator Ted Stevens, to Barney Frank and his live in lover running Fannie Mae... The list doesnt end.
These men continue on, proclaiming their innocence or at the very least, blaming someone else for their troubles.
We must reject the idea that every time a law's broken, society is guilty rather than the lawbreaker. It is time to restore the American precept that each individual is accountable for his actions. -- Ronald Reagan
Pearls, you say as you shake your head, what did you expect? I know it sounds naive and overly optimistic, but I expected character. No, not past tense - I EXPECT Character. I demand it.
I have come to the conclusion that one useless man is a disgrace, two men are called a Law Firm, and three or more are called a Congress. -- John Adams
I will continue to demand it because to do less is to permit this abhorrent behavior. When I call or email my Congressmen(women) I convey to them the behavior that I expect - the Character their position requires. I let them know the standard to which they are called. I let them know that in difficult decisions, I will back them up with my vote and with my voice.
My Vote and my Voice - Your Vote and Your Voice - And Yours - And Yours - And Yours....
I contend we could get pretty loud, and now more than ever, with our children's children being saddled with unfathomable debt, we need to be shouting....
Pray, Praise, Prepare
Winter is for READING....
I have not been through all of the "Survivalist" books I currently own, so those recommendations will come in a few weeks after reading over the holidays curled up on my couch, doing nothing but eating, reading and the sporadic "knock it off" to the kids.
Todays books are COOKbooks - I love them - really I do. I read them like a novel, starting at page 1 and going page by page until the end. I may flag a couple pages for recipes I want to try, but mostly I read every single word. This trait came from my mother who does the same thing....weird.
The following are books that would go with me if for some reason I had to evacuate, but had enough time to pick through my belongings...as if... :)
(These are in no particular order, mostly I am looking at my shelf or one pops into my head)
1 - Better Homes and Garden Cookbook - you know the one - red/white checkered. I dont think you are allowed to get married (at least in the South) without one. It is a basic cookbook that will let you get your feet wet without scaring you to death. I also like the "substitution list" in case you dont have the exact item, you can throw something else in instead.
2 - Time Life Books - Foods of the World. This set is from the 60's or the 70's and includes many volumes from cuisines all over the world. I like them because they are "real" recipes. The book that covers the South actually uses things that I think would kill you - real bacon fat in large quantities. Lets just say, eating out of these IS GOOD FOOD! The Foods of the World is also a good read. Its filled with information, stories, as well as recipes.
3 - Alice Waters' The Art of Simple Food is WONDERFUL - this might be my favorite. Its an excellent read and the food she details - using basic ingredients that most preppers would have on hand - is exquisite. She believes that food is a gift, a precious gift. As a prepper, I can appreciate this basic concept.
Ms. Waters also believes in using fresh ingredients - she would be an excellent resource during the growing season using your garden bounty.
4 - The New Making of a Cook by Madeline Kamman. This is culinary school in a book. Seriously... She starts with the basics and works you through all processes. She is entertaining, insightful and gives great commentary and stories. But best of all, she makes it easy. She is not snotty, commenting that the best wine to go with a meal is the wine you like. Amen.
5 - Last but not least, is Peggy Layton's book Emergency Food Storage & Survival Handbook . I am sure many have this and her creative use of your storage pantry is a no-brainer. If times are stressful, she will be an easy resource to just open and follow directions.
Todays books are COOKbooks - I love them - really I do. I read them like a novel, starting at page 1 and going page by page until the end. I may flag a couple pages for recipes I want to try, but mostly I read every single word. This trait came from my mother who does the same thing....weird.
The following are books that would go with me if for some reason I had to evacuate, but had enough time to pick through my belongings...as if... :)
(These are in no particular order, mostly I am looking at my shelf or one pops into my head)
1 - Better Homes and Garden Cookbook - you know the one - red/white checkered. I dont think you are allowed to get married (at least in the South) without one. It is a basic cookbook that will let you get your feet wet without scaring you to death. I also like the "substitution list" in case you dont have the exact item, you can throw something else in instead.
2 - Time Life Books - Foods of the World. This set is from the 60's or the 70's and includes many volumes from cuisines all over the world. I like them because they are "real" recipes. The book that covers the South actually uses things that I think would kill you - real bacon fat in large quantities. Lets just say, eating out of these IS GOOD FOOD! The Foods of the World is also a good read. Its filled with information, stories, as well as recipes.
3 - Alice Waters' The Art of Simple Food is WONDERFUL - this might be my favorite. Its an excellent read and the food she details - using basic ingredients that most preppers would have on hand - is exquisite. She believes that food is a gift, a precious gift. As a prepper, I can appreciate this basic concept.
Ms. Waters also believes in using fresh ingredients - she would be an excellent resource during the growing season using your garden bounty.
4 - The New Making of a Cook by Madeline Kamman. This is culinary school in a book. Seriously... She starts with the basics and works you through all processes. She is entertaining, insightful and gives great commentary and stories. But best of all, she makes it easy. She is not snotty, commenting that the best wine to go with a meal is the wine you like. Amen.
5 - Last but not least, is Peggy Layton's book Emergency Food Storage & Survival Handbook . I am sure many have this and her creative use of your storage pantry is a no-brainer. If times are stressful, she will be an easy resource to just open and follow directions.
Saturday, December 13, 2008
Stealth Prepping - prep those around you without them knowing...
How to convince those around us that we arent Nuts?
I know I am not alone - All of us have people around us that we love, but think we are absolutely nuts! And not the cute, eccentric Nuts, but the "Im worried about you" Nuts.
If something monumental happens, we have 2 choices - provide for them or not....but if we can convince them to prepare, we have won such a precious battle.
I have tried different approaches and amazingly enough, the one that gets the LEAST enthusiastic response is the one where I explain the Apocalypse is coming ;) Heck, even I think I am nuts using this line. The one that generates the GREATEST discussion is the one where we start talking about the price of food - the price of all things really.
Its a discussion where we talk about how much milk has gone up, how much eggs have gone up, did you know you can make your own bread dirt cheap with your bread maker, have you seen how cheaply I can buy wheat and on and on. Its getting them to realize the FISCAL PRUDENCE of buying now, doing a few things yourself and saving quite a bit of money. Its easy for them to see the prudence of having a little extra on hand "just in case." You dont even have mention the word "Apocalypse."
You can encourage their saving by emailing or phoning them when you find a good deal. Let them know that certain cans are on sale - that one of the providers in your co-op just dropped their price on wheat berries - splitting the cost of a whole cow.
Get several friends together for a "savings club." Women (and men) all over the country save serious cash cutting coupons and using websites like The Grocery Game - http://www.thegrocerygame.com/ - there are a bunch of others....Just Google for info. You could save yourself serious funds as well as increase your pantry while helping your friends to prepare themselves.
Share recipes - share storage tips - share with them how much your grocery bill has gone down.
This isnt getting them entirely prepared. If something catastrophic does happen, they will need your expertise in many ways, but they will not be in such a total panic - you have prepared them without them even knowing it...
The more people that are prepared, the safer everyone will be....
Pray, Praise, Prepare
I know I am not alone - All of us have people around us that we love, but think we are absolutely nuts! And not the cute, eccentric Nuts, but the "Im worried about you" Nuts.
If something monumental happens, we have 2 choices - provide for them or not....but if we can convince them to prepare, we have won such a precious battle.
I have tried different approaches and amazingly enough, the one that gets the LEAST enthusiastic response is the one where I explain the Apocalypse is coming ;) Heck, even I think I am nuts using this line. The one that generates the GREATEST discussion is the one where we start talking about the price of food - the price of all things really.
Its a discussion where we talk about how much milk has gone up, how much eggs have gone up, did you know you can make your own bread dirt cheap with your bread maker, have you seen how cheaply I can buy wheat and on and on. Its getting them to realize the FISCAL PRUDENCE of buying now, doing a few things yourself and saving quite a bit of money. Its easy for them to see the prudence of having a little extra on hand "just in case." You dont even have mention the word "Apocalypse."
You can encourage their saving by emailing or phoning them when you find a good deal. Let them know that certain cans are on sale - that one of the providers in your co-op just dropped their price on wheat berries - splitting the cost of a whole cow.
Get several friends together for a "savings club." Women (and men) all over the country save serious cash cutting coupons and using websites like The Grocery Game - http://www.thegrocerygame.com/ - there are a bunch of others....Just Google for info. You could save yourself serious funds as well as increase your pantry while helping your friends to prepare themselves.
Share recipes - share storage tips - share with them how much your grocery bill has gone down.
This isnt getting them entirely prepared. If something catastrophic does happen, they will need your expertise in many ways, but they will not be in such a total panic - you have prepared them without them even knowing it...
The more people that are prepared, the safer everyone will be....
Pray, Praise, Prepare
Friday, December 12, 2008
US Households cut back on DEBT...
Its about freaking time...
We have known for a long time that the "typical" American family are just a bunch of big old babies who do not deny themselves anything, much less their children, saddling themselves with debt with no thought of future repayment of what they owe. They want it and that is all that matters.
Well, it seems that a good side product of the current financial fiasco that this country finds itself is that FOR THE FIRST TIME EVER, US Households cut back on debt. In previous "hard times" the debt rate slowed, but it never went backwards.
This recession seems to have done what Susie Ormond, Dave Ramsey, even Dr. Phil have been unable to do - make Americans live WITHIN or {gasp} BELOW their means.
Could it be that the ME generation could possibly learn a valuable lesson and be the generation that our grandparents were that lived through the Depression? Could they be what became the "Greatest Generation" or something close?
Could the spoiled child really be growing up?
Entire article here:
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20081211/ap_on_bi_go_ec_fi/economy_consumer_debt;_ylt=AhzCeCEuZPmrSxTtkHQYkZAEtbAF
We have known for a long time that the "typical" American family are just a bunch of big old babies who do not deny themselves anything, much less their children, saddling themselves with debt with no thought of future repayment of what they owe. They want it and that is all that matters.
Well, it seems that a good side product of the current financial fiasco that this country finds itself is that FOR THE FIRST TIME EVER, US Households cut back on debt. In previous "hard times" the debt rate slowed, but it never went backwards.
This recession seems to have done what Susie Ormond, Dave Ramsey, even Dr. Phil have been unable to do - make Americans live WITHIN or {gasp} BELOW their means.
Could it be that the ME generation could possibly learn a valuable lesson and be the generation that our grandparents were that lived through the Depression? Could they be what became the "Greatest Generation" or something close?
Could the spoiled child really be growing up?
Entire article here:
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20081211/ap_on_bi_go_ec_fi/economy_consumer_debt;_ylt=AhzCeCEuZPmrSxTtkHQYkZAEtbAF
Thursday, December 11, 2008
Could Neal Boortz be a fan?
I listen to talk radio, but not the "Republican" ones - the more independent ones like Glenn Beck and Neal Boortz. I was sitting in the carpool line waiting for my munchkins - actually, I had gotten there about an hour early so I could have some "my" time doing paperwork in the car.
Anyway, I wasnt really listening until I heard "Constitutional Convention" and my ears perked up. Neal was calling for a grassroots campaign to call for a Constitutional Convention.... He suggested we repeal the 16th and 17th Amendments and institute term limits on those dorks in Washington.
I couldnt believe it....
HALLELUJAH - how amazing would that be?
Congrats Nels, you are ahead of the curve!!
Anyway, I wasnt really listening until I heard "Constitutional Convention" and my ears perked up. Neal was calling for a grassroots campaign to call for a Constitutional Convention.... He suggested we repeal the 16th and 17th Amendments and institute term limits on those dorks in Washington.
I couldnt believe it....
HALLELUJAH - how amazing would that be?
Congrats Nels, you are ahead of the curve!!
Survivalist vs. Prepper
Is there a difference? Are they the same? I think there is a difference and therefore a different approach to both. I believe that it depends on what you think is coming that determines if you are a Survivalist or a Prepper. I also think you can be both...
Below, here are my definitions... CAVEAT - these may not be your definitions, and that is A OK with me - get your own blog and have at it...
Survivalist - Generally (see how I hedged my bet) view whats coming as a total collapse of society where you will more than likely have to defend your property and your family from mobs, hoards, thieves who roam taking what they can; pretty much fend for yourself people.... There will probably be a cessation of electricity, which means all water on electric pump, and a disruption of the food delivery system to major cities. It can be precipitated by a flu pandemic, terrorist act, natural disaster or general uprising/rioting brought on by fear/panic. They focus on a retreats, bugging out, guns, armed positions and food. They expect this to be a long term situation.
Prepper - Generally view there will be disruption to daily life that will mandate a family having to hunker down and live at home for an extended period of time off of what they have saved at their home. They may or may not have electricity/water but generally do not see it as a long term situation - think weeks/months and not years. They generally focus on food and items that will let them cook and live at home, away from everyone else.
I bet more men are Survivalists and more women are Preppers. This is based ENTIRELY on my own sexist views :)
I tend to lean towards prepping, but I LOVE MY GUNS.... I think something is coming that will throw this country into a fear induced panic. I think it will be an Islamic attack and with the weak economy, we are ripe for just such a mob scene. I just dont know how long it will last. The panic and chaos could be regional but depending on the region, it could affect delivery routes, port access, fuel availability for the entire country.
As everyone else, I believe the rural areas will fair better than urban areas - but these need to be the rural areas that are used to providing food - farmers, ranchers, vintners - not rural areas that depend mostly on Govt aide. Those that depend on Govt aide wont make it...
On a side note - there was a lady on the news recently that is still living out of tents in her front yard 3 months after the hurricane hit in Houston - 3 MONTHS - her kids were doing their homework on a patio table outside in their coats. She is waiting on the Govt to bring her a trailer.... As a mom, this pissed me off royally - first, if she had a church, they would have helped her....second, if that had been me, after I had a day or 2 for the shock to wear off, I would have found a job at my local Target or Walmart in order to feed my family and start drawing a paycheck. At 3 months we would have been in an apartment at least until issues with the house could have been settled. These children should not still be in TEMPORARY housing.
This above example is why people rural or urban, who depend on the Govt, will not make it thru a protracted, intense crisis.Both Survivalists AND Preppers think that in a time of crisis, the Govt will be a hindrance and not a help. I fear that the 20,000 troops now deployed in the US will not be used for a natural disaster relief like the bull we were given, but will be asked to defend the Govt against We The People. Defend may not be the right word, but if push comes to shove, the Govt may need defense.
Whichever way you tend to lean, find someone that leans the other way...If a family has a head of the household that was in the military, they would PROBABLY lean towards Survivalist....find a like minded family that gardens, or lives a little bit out or is more of a prepper. Together, with many hands, you can ensure a good survival for all of you.
This discussion is pretty much academic - the point being, if a crisis lasts 1 month, 3 months, 12 months, you need to be ready. The average family has 1 week worth of food in the house... And we all know, Survivalist and Preppers are WAY above Average ;)
Below, here are my definitions... CAVEAT - these may not be your definitions, and that is A OK with me - get your own blog and have at it...
Survivalist - Generally (see how I hedged my bet) view whats coming as a total collapse of society where you will more than likely have to defend your property and your family from mobs, hoards, thieves who roam taking what they can; pretty much fend for yourself people.... There will probably be a cessation of electricity, which means all water on electric pump, and a disruption of the food delivery system to major cities. It can be precipitated by a flu pandemic, terrorist act, natural disaster or general uprising/rioting brought on by fear/panic. They focus on a retreats, bugging out, guns, armed positions and food. They expect this to be a long term situation.
Prepper - Generally view there will be disruption to daily life that will mandate a family having to hunker down and live at home for an extended period of time off of what they have saved at their home. They may or may not have electricity/water but generally do not see it as a long term situation - think weeks/months and not years. They generally focus on food and items that will let them cook and live at home, away from everyone else.
I bet more men are Survivalists and more women are Preppers. This is based ENTIRELY on my own sexist views :)
I tend to lean towards prepping, but I LOVE MY GUNS.... I think something is coming that will throw this country into a fear induced panic. I think it will be an Islamic attack and with the weak economy, we are ripe for just such a mob scene. I just dont know how long it will last. The panic and chaos could be regional but depending on the region, it could affect delivery routes, port access, fuel availability for the entire country.
As everyone else, I believe the rural areas will fair better than urban areas - but these need to be the rural areas that are used to providing food - farmers, ranchers, vintners - not rural areas that depend mostly on Govt aide. Those that depend on Govt aide wont make it...
On a side note - there was a lady on the news recently that is still living out of tents in her front yard 3 months after the hurricane hit in Houston - 3 MONTHS - her kids were doing their homework on a patio table outside in their coats. She is waiting on the Govt to bring her a trailer.... As a mom, this pissed me off royally - first, if she had a church, they would have helped her....second, if that had been me, after I had a day or 2 for the shock to wear off, I would have found a job at my local Target or Walmart in order to feed my family and start drawing a paycheck. At 3 months we would have been in an apartment at least until issues with the house could have been settled. These children should not still be in TEMPORARY housing.
This above example is why people rural or urban, who depend on the Govt, will not make it thru a protracted, intense crisis.Both Survivalists AND Preppers think that in a time of crisis, the Govt will be a hindrance and not a help. I fear that the 20,000 troops now deployed in the US will not be used for a natural disaster relief like the bull we were given, but will be asked to defend the Govt against We The People. Defend may not be the right word, but if push comes to shove, the Govt may need defense.
Whichever way you tend to lean, find someone that leans the other way...If a family has a head of the household that was in the military, they would PROBABLY lean towards Survivalist....find a like minded family that gardens, or lives a little bit out or is more of a prepper. Together, with many hands, you can ensure a good survival for all of you.
This discussion is pretty much academic - the point being, if a crisis lasts 1 month, 3 months, 12 months, you need to be ready. The average family has 1 week worth of food in the house... And we all know, Survivalist and Preppers are WAY above Average ;)
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
A Way to take the Union WITH Us
This was absolutely inspired by a comment by a brilliant reader, Nels. Her comment to the post about Patriots saying SHOVE IT, was the following:
If 34 states want to leave the union, then it isn't secession, it's a constitutional convention. Thirty four states can leave, and take the union with them. It's in the constitution.
She is right - of course she is...I am also assuming its a "she" and if "she" is a "he" I am so sorry...
Anyway - it was the attitude adjustment / focus adjustment I needed. Why did I feel hopeful, inspired, embolden, empowered by just reading the comment?
I shouted YES because there is a sense of "giving up" with Secession - we would no longer be part of the USA. And I LOVE the USA - there would be a sense of loss, being adrift, true sorrow, thinking I was no longer an American. Thats not to say that I dont think I could get over this feeling rather quickly by wrapping myself in Liberty and Freedom, but still....
A CONSTITUTIONAL CONVENTION is keeping MY American - actually it would be keeping Jefferson, Washington, Franklin, Adams, Payne - it would be keeping THEIR America and I want THEIR America. I would trade MY America for theirs ANY DAY OF THE WEEK.
It would be kicking out those that have defiled Liberty by just using the phrase "common sense gun laws", by mixing Public and Private enterprises, by "licensing" everything to death, by establishing the current tax system.... It would kick out those that have tried to turn the Free Market into a dirty word....
It would put the Federal Govt in their place - let them know they get to be in charge of treaties, military and interstate commerce... Imagine telling the FEDS and the UN, not just get out, but take a flying, flailing leap?
The difference between Convention and Secession is the difference between empowered and defeated - it IS OUR Country. My focus now should be working on my local Govt officials - to prepare them to act when another state starts their rumblings. To build a brotherhood, a kinship, with other likeminded states.
34 - its all we need - Off the top of my head here are the ones I think would attend:
Thats 24....We need just 10 more - just 10....I also think you would be able to appeal those states that have voted "blue" for so long, I cant remember EVER seeing them "red". But this isnt a "Conservative" thing - its a FREEDOM thing... I believe that there are states out there that would LOVE to be FREE...
I think you could add:
Oregon, Washington, Maine, Vermont
We only need 6 more....Just 6....
Maybe Pennsylvania....Maybe Minnesota.....Maybe YOUR state....
Dont think that all these states will get together and decide to hold one...I dont see all their "Public Servants" in DC offering to do this. There WILL be a catalyst. There will be the straw that breaks the back of Freedom and She Cries ENOUGH.
I bolded IDAHO for a reason previously. I think this will be the first state to say ENOUGH. It will then be our OBLIGATION to rally our states around IDAHO and demand our Convention. But we need to be ready to act - We need to be talking casually with our friends, acquaintances, planting the seeds to start to germinate. Why Idaho? I have no idea - maybe its reverence tip to the great JWR and www.SurvivalBlog.com - but its a gut thing - and I listen to my gut and it has a pretty accurate success rate.
Make no mistake, I continue to prep my survival lists, my pantry, my supplies. I will prepare my home and my family/friends and my mind for a situation that requires us to take care of ourselves. But I will NO LONGER do it out of FEAR, I will act out of PURPOSE, HOPE, STRENGTH because we are right. Thats it - WE ARE RIGHT - we are WE THE PEOPLE....
Pray, Praise, Prepare
If 34 states want to leave the union, then it isn't secession, it's a constitutional convention. Thirty four states can leave, and take the union with them. It's in the constitution.
She is right - of course she is...I am also assuming its a "she" and if "she" is a "he" I am so sorry...
Anyway - it was the attitude adjustment / focus adjustment I needed. Why did I feel hopeful, inspired, embolden, empowered by just reading the comment?
I shouted YES because there is a sense of "giving up" with Secession - we would no longer be part of the USA. And I LOVE the USA - there would be a sense of loss, being adrift, true sorrow, thinking I was no longer an American. Thats not to say that I dont think I could get over this feeling rather quickly by wrapping myself in Liberty and Freedom, but still....
A CONSTITUTIONAL CONVENTION is keeping MY American - actually it would be keeping Jefferson, Washington, Franklin, Adams, Payne - it would be keeping THEIR America and I want THEIR America. I would trade MY America for theirs ANY DAY OF THE WEEK.
It would be kicking out those that have defiled Liberty by just using the phrase "common sense gun laws", by mixing Public and Private enterprises, by "licensing" everything to death, by establishing the current tax system.... It would kick out those that have tried to turn the Free Market into a dirty word....
It would put the Federal Govt in their place - let them know they get to be in charge of treaties, military and interstate commerce... Imagine telling the FEDS and the UN, not just get out, but take a flying, flailing leap?
The difference between Convention and Secession is the difference between empowered and defeated - it IS OUR Country. My focus now should be working on my local Govt officials - to prepare them to act when another state starts their rumblings. To build a brotherhood, a kinship, with other likeminded states.
34 - its all we need - Off the top of my head here are the ones I think would attend:
Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana, Arkansas, Mississippi, Alabama, South/North Carolinas, Kentucky, Tennessee, West Virginia, Georgia, Kansas, South/North Dakota, IDAHO, Montana, Wyoming, Colorado, Utah, Alaska, Missouri, Indiana, Iowa
Thats 24....We need just 10 more - just 10....I also think you would be able to appeal those states that have voted "blue" for so long, I cant remember EVER seeing them "red". But this isnt a "Conservative" thing - its a FREEDOM thing... I believe that there are states out there that would LOVE to be FREE...
I think you could add:
Oregon, Washington, Maine, Vermont
We only need 6 more....Just 6....
Maybe Pennsylvania....Maybe Minnesota.....Maybe YOUR state....
Dont think that all these states will get together and decide to hold one...I dont see all their "Public Servants" in DC offering to do this. There WILL be a catalyst. There will be the straw that breaks the back of Freedom and She Cries ENOUGH.
I bolded IDAHO for a reason previously. I think this will be the first state to say ENOUGH. It will then be our OBLIGATION to rally our states around IDAHO and demand our Convention. But we need to be ready to act - We need to be talking casually with our friends, acquaintances, planting the seeds to start to germinate. Why Idaho? I have no idea - maybe its reverence tip to the great JWR and www.SurvivalBlog.com - but its a gut thing - and I listen to my gut and it has a pretty accurate success rate.
Make no mistake, I continue to prep my survival lists, my pantry, my supplies. I will prepare my home and my family/friends and my mind for a situation that requires us to take care of ourselves. But I will NO LONGER do it out of FEAR, I will act out of PURPOSE, HOPE, STRENGTH because we are right. Thats it - WE ARE RIGHT - we are WE THE PEOPLE....
Pray, Praise, Prepare
The first PET blog....
Warning - this is about to be TMI (too much information)....
We have 3 kids - spaced about 4 years apart ;) It seems like when I have one munchkin breathing down Kindergarten's neck, we have another. So, when last little munchkin was about to turn 5, I was going through baby fever. Dont laugh, its real and it can get real mean or real sad.... I went real sad....weepy, burst into tears, crying sad which scared the husband to death because I am not a weepy crier EVER.
Now, the husband loves me, but he was not going to reverse what has already been permanently altered if you know what I mean. So, guess his love only goes so far ;) Anyway, he said he would do whatever I needed besides that - so he mentioned a puppy.
We previously owned a Basset Hound, but we rescued him so he was never a pup. Thought about another one of those, but as precious as they are, they are pretty much worthless out on the land. They follow their noses and then are gone. This was going to take some research.....
I love research - it was almost as much finding out which puppy I wanted as getting the puppy - it was definitely more fun researching than the first few nights with the puppy - but I am jumping ahead of myself.
I found this great site: http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/ It even had a feature that asked me a bunch of questions and spit out a list of possible winner breeds. How great was that?
This was on my list of perfect dog attributes:
* Short hair and if it didnt shed, PERFECT...
* Good size - didnt want a coyote carrying it off as a snack
* Wouldnt follow its nose and just disappear
* Gun dog
* Loyal but not overly protective or aggressive
* Not really a herder - dont want it nipping all the kids we have around here
* A pleaser
* Smart (nothing worse or more frustrating than a stupid dog)
This is a Southern hunting, working dog. The rumor is that the dog that played Old Yeller was played by a Black Mouth Cur (heretofore referred to as a BMC). Their traits are a perfect match and the one little bit of information that kicked me over was a line in the description that said if you got a male dog and there was a female person in the house, he would probably attach himself to her - BINGO - this was MY dog breed!
Now, off to find a breeder. There wasnt one within about 200 miles of me so we were going to have to drive. It seemed a lot of people crossed this breed with other things and some things I really didnt want in my house or had traits that gave me pause. The only option seemed to be to contact Mr. Ladner whose family has been breeding this dog since 1800. Mr. Ladner was going to have puppies in the middle of the summer - perfect for us, but a while to wait as it was April/May.
The one catch was that Mr. Ladner was in Mississippi....RURAL Mississippi.... We took the boys and drove all day to get close. There wasnt a motel, much less a hotel anywhere close, so we stayed about an hour and 1/2 away. The next morning we headed South....WAAAAYYYY south...down a dirt road where for miles, the only names on the mailboxes was Ladner. Not kidding. We found the right Ladner and heard dogs - LOTS of dogs.
He had a pen with the cutest little yellow puppies...a couple red puppies, but all with the black mouth. The pen also had a crazy scared looking squirrel at the top of the pen running around on a man made tree. Ladner believed in getting these dogs started early....
I had read many a book on puppies - my favorite was by some monks in New York called The Art of Raising a Puppy. It let us "read" the puppies and found a perfect little guy that was eager to get to us, happy to be loved and when we put him down, he crawled under where I was sitting and went to sleep. We had a winner. A little red fellow whose grandad was on the cover of a Gun Dog Magazine. Ladner was proud of our choice or he was proud of our cash ;)
Basil was his name - after a sweet man we met the month before that was the caretaker of a camp right outside of Yellowstone. We had been throwing around names until we met this sweet man. I also plan on going to culinary school, so the name Basil fit on so many levels. He needed a middle name, so the kids got to contribute. Since we only had the boys with us, his middle name is Zorgon. For those of you not in the know, Zorgons are meat eating aliens in the movie Zathura.
Basil Zorgon is a great member of our family. Seeing him on the land is just beautiful, but he never lets me out of his sight - he circles back to check on me and is the fastest thing I have seen. I can get a 4wheeler hitting 25+ and he can catch me. The dog can move.
I wouldnt hesitate to get another and we may make another trip to Mississippi in another year or so. I am not sure our experience would have been so wonderful (except those first few nights getting him on a schedule) if we had the wrong dog. We knew what to expect, we were prepared and we were committed.
Sometimes I almost feel guilty when I see such a wonderful gun dog, hunting dog curled up in my husband's lap on the couch like a big old baby.....almost......JPG)
.JPG)
We have 3 kids - spaced about 4 years apart ;) It seems like when I have one munchkin breathing down Kindergarten's neck, we have another. So, when last little munchkin was about to turn 5, I was going through baby fever. Dont laugh, its real and it can get real mean or real sad.... I went real sad....weepy, burst into tears, crying sad which scared the husband to death because I am not a weepy crier EVER.
Now, the husband loves me, but he was not going to reverse what has already been permanently altered if you know what I mean. So, guess his love only goes so far ;) Anyway, he said he would do whatever I needed besides that - so he mentioned a puppy.
We previously owned a Basset Hound, but we rescued him so he was never a pup. Thought about another one of those, but as precious as they are, they are pretty much worthless out on the land. They follow their noses and then are gone. This was going to take some research.....
I love research - it was almost as much finding out which puppy I wanted as getting the puppy - it was definitely more fun researching than the first few nights with the puppy - but I am jumping ahead of myself.
I found this great site: http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/ It even had a feature that asked me a bunch of questions and spit out a list of possible winner breeds. How great was that?
This was on my list of perfect dog attributes:
* Short hair and if it didnt shed, PERFECT...
* Good size - didnt want a coyote carrying it off as a snack
* Wouldnt follow its nose and just disappear
* Gun dog
* Loyal but not overly protective or aggressive
* Not really a herder - dont want it nipping all the kids we have around here
* A pleaser
* Smart (nothing worse or more frustrating than a stupid dog)
So...after answering the questions, and going through the close, but no cigar breeds, I settled on a Ladner Black Mouth Cur.
This is a Southern hunting, working dog. The rumor is that the dog that played Old Yeller was played by a Black Mouth Cur (heretofore referred to as a BMC). Their traits are a perfect match and the one little bit of information that kicked me over was a line in the description that said if you got a male dog and there was a female person in the house, he would probably attach himself to her - BINGO - this was MY dog breed!
Now, off to find a breeder. There wasnt one within about 200 miles of me so we were going to have to drive. It seemed a lot of people crossed this breed with other things and some things I really didnt want in my house or had traits that gave me pause. The only option seemed to be to contact Mr. Ladner whose family has been breeding this dog since 1800. Mr. Ladner was going to have puppies in the middle of the summer - perfect for us, but a while to wait as it was April/May.
The one catch was that Mr. Ladner was in Mississippi....RURAL Mississippi.... We took the boys and drove all day to get close. There wasnt a motel, much less a hotel anywhere close, so we stayed about an hour and 1/2 away. The next morning we headed South....WAAAAYYYY south...down a dirt road where for miles, the only names on the mailboxes was Ladner. Not kidding. We found the right Ladner and heard dogs - LOTS of dogs.
He had a pen with the cutest little yellow puppies...a couple red puppies, but all with the black mouth. The pen also had a crazy scared looking squirrel at the top of the pen running around on a man made tree. Ladner believed in getting these dogs started early....
I had read many a book on puppies - my favorite was by some monks in New York called The Art of Raising a Puppy. It let us "read" the puppies and found a perfect little guy that was eager to get to us, happy to be loved and when we put him down, he crawled under where I was sitting and went to sleep. We had a winner. A little red fellow whose grandad was on the cover of a Gun Dog Magazine. Ladner was proud of our choice or he was proud of our cash ;)
Basil was his name - after a sweet man we met the month before that was the caretaker of a camp right outside of Yellowstone. We had been throwing around names until we met this sweet man. I also plan on going to culinary school, so the name Basil fit on so many levels. He needed a middle name, so the kids got to contribute. Since we only had the boys with us, his middle name is Zorgon. For those of you not in the know, Zorgons are meat eating aliens in the movie Zathura.
Basil Zorgon is a great member of our family. Seeing him on the land is just beautiful, but he never lets me out of his sight - he circles back to check on me and is the fastest thing I have seen. I can get a 4wheeler hitting 25+ and he can catch me. The dog can move.
I wouldnt hesitate to get another and we may make another trip to Mississippi in another year or so. I am not sure our experience would have been so wonderful (except those first few nights getting him on a schedule) if we had the wrong dog. We knew what to expect, we were prepared and we were committed.
Sometimes I almost feel guilty when I see such a wonderful gun dog, hunting dog curled up in my husband's lap on the couch like a big old baby.....almost.....
He is a smart dog and will be a great advantage in chaos. He stays close, reads me and knows if someone is friend or if I have never seen them before. He puts himself between me and other dogs or people. He loves our kids and plays like they are all from the same litter. Prepping with him means making sure I have food for him, his favorite pig skin chewies and various remedies/tick meds.
He is a great member of our family, a great asset in our prepping and the cutest thing, which should count just as much :)
Basil on one of the MANY stops on our way home from Mississippi:
Basil after being home a few weeks:
Basil at 5 1/2 months:
Basil today, full grown male:
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
Put your EMAIL where your MOUTH is...
AUTO BAILOUT VOTE is likely to happen tomorrow unless they try to sneak it in this evening under the cover of night and primetime TV....
If you have not AT LEAST emailed your SENATORS - thats right, plural, EACH AND EVERYONE HAS 2 - then you dont get to gripe....That means you dont get to gripe about Senate, how they spend your money, how high your taxes are or who they pay your money to, including Union workers for NOT working....
Its not hard....Go to your Google bar - type in "Senator" and just the first letter and it pops up. Not hard...
If you dont know your Senators' names - shame on you and just go to the US Senate website here:
http://www.senate.gov/general/contact_information/senators_cfm.cfm
And find your state, memorize your Senators' names...
My Senators were 1 and 1 in regards to the disgusting $700,000,000,000,000 bailout - I again thanked one and told the other to take a lesson from his other Senator.
I will be calling in a bit after lunch - it would be rude to eat and talk to my Senator at the same time. If you want the phone number, its also on the link above...
Now - off to do your AMERICAN DUTY....GO GO GO
Pray, Praise, Prepare
If you have not AT LEAST emailed your SENATORS - thats right, plural, EACH AND EVERYONE HAS 2 - then you dont get to gripe....That means you dont get to gripe about Senate, how they spend your money, how high your taxes are or who they pay your money to, including Union workers for NOT working....
Its not hard....Go to your Google bar - type in "Senator" and just the first letter and it pops up. Not hard...
If you dont know your Senators' names - shame on you and just go to the US Senate website here:
http://www.senate.gov/general/contact_information/senators_cfm.cfm
And find your state, memorize your Senators' names...
My Senators were 1 and 1 in regards to the disgusting $700,000,000,000,000 bailout - I again thanked one and told the other to take a lesson from his other Senator.
I will be calling in a bit after lunch - it would be rude to eat and talk to my Senator at the same time. If you want the phone number, its also on the link above...
Now - off to do your AMERICAN DUTY....GO GO GO
Pray, Praise, Prepare
Part 2 - Mistakes...
Just a couple more ways people mess up their food storage...
1. EVEN IT OUT....Dont buy a years worth of wheat and then save a little bit more money to then go buy a years worth of salt only to start the process over again saving for a years worth of canned green beans.... CHILL PEOPLE....
Instead of buying such large quantities, buy smaller quantities of more items. You build your pantry faster and its safer as well as user friendly. Honestly, which would you rather have? A pantry fully stocked, ready to eat out of for 3 months or a years worth of salt and wheat? No brainer here...
and lastly....
2. USE YOUR PANTRY. It would be a total waste of money to buy your food, prepare it for storage and then just let it sit. Part of prepping your pantry is to set up a system of "first in, first out." This means that the first can of something you bought needs to be the first can you use. This is your pantry ladies (and cooking guys). It isnt a storage pantry and then you have your every day pantry. YOU HAVE 1 PANTRY - its just a great, big, deep, fully stocked, pantry.
Personally, I have a pantry in my kitchen and then I have food storage in my laundry room. When I buy groceries, the extra items go into the laundry room. When there is something missing out of my kitchen pantry, I restock it with the laundry room pantry. This way the first food bought is the first food I use. If I stocked the kitchen pantry with the food I just purchased from the grocery store, the food in the laundry room would just sit and potentially rot which wastes time, money and would just generally hack me off.
You also need to know how to cook what is in your pantry. You need to practice now. You need to get your kids used to eating some things that may be new to them, you may need to do the same for yourself and your spouse - kids are the only ones that can be picky. You need to be comfortable with your routine so that when times of stress come, it is automatic and not something else that you need to learn or get used to.
Honestly, I do believe we are headed for hard times - but if we arent, you will have times of stress in your family's life. Life just is like that, it can just suck sometimes....job loss, sickness, over extended, taking care of friends or family, an older family member moving in....you name it.....having a pantry that you can turn to without thinking - without having to make a list and go to the store, having this food PAID FOR will be a respite for your soul during these times. Learn it now, so that you may have its full value later.
Start now....I feel we are prepping on borrowed time....
Pray, Praise, Prepare
1. EVEN IT OUT....Dont buy a years worth of wheat and then save a little bit more money to then go buy a years worth of salt only to start the process over again saving for a years worth of canned green beans.... CHILL PEOPLE....
Instead of buying such large quantities, buy smaller quantities of more items. You build your pantry faster and its safer as well as user friendly. Honestly, which would you rather have? A pantry fully stocked, ready to eat out of for 3 months or a years worth of salt and wheat? No brainer here...
and lastly....
2. USE YOUR PANTRY. It would be a total waste of money to buy your food, prepare it for storage and then just let it sit. Part of prepping your pantry is to set up a system of "first in, first out." This means that the first can of something you bought needs to be the first can you use. This is your pantry ladies (and cooking guys). It isnt a storage pantry and then you have your every day pantry. YOU HAVE 1 PANTRY - its just a great, big, deep, fully stocked, pantry.
Personally, I have a pantry in my kitchen and then I have food storage in my laundry room. When I buy groceries, the extra items go into the laundry room. When there is something missing out of my kitchen pantry, I restock it with the laundry room pantry. This way the first food bought is the first food I use. If I stocked the kitchen pantry with the food I just purchased from the grocery store, the food in the laundry room would just sit and potentially rot which wastes time, money and would just generally hack me off.
You also need to know how to cook what is in your pantry. You need to practice now. You need to get your kids used to eating some things that may be new to them, you may need to do the same for yourself and your spouse - kids are the only ones that can be picky. You need to be comfortable with your routine so that when times of stress come, it is automatic and not something else that you need to learn or get used to.
Honestly, I do believe we are headed for hard times - but if we arent, you will have times of stress in your family's life. Life just is like that, it can just suck sometimes....job loss, sickness, over extended, taking care of friends or family, an older family member moving in....you name it.....having a pantry that you can turn to without thinking - without having to make a list and go to the store, having this food PAID FOR will be a respite for your soul during these times. Learn it now, so that you may have its full value later.
Start now....I feel we are prepping on borrowed time....
Pray, Praise, Prepare
Monday, December 8, 2008
Maybe all the Patriots have to say is "SHOVE IT!"
Tin foil hat firmly affixed - CHECK
Been turning something over and over in my head which is always a sure sign that either what comes out will be brilliant (blessed Divine inspiration) or absolutely insane....I fear this time its the later, but here I go anyway....
Let me preface this by saying that I was a US History major in college with an emphasis on the times from the beginning of our Country to the Civil War.
Ok - here it is....The Civil War was NOT about slavery. The Civil War was about State's rights. If the Union could have waited just a bit, Eli Whitney's cotton gin would have peacefully ended slavery without the War. Slavery was going down, and RIGHTLY SO, but hindsight is 20/20. Lincoln also would have kept slavery if he could have figured out how to do so AND preserve the Union. It wasnt going to be possible. Slavery had to go and again, RIGHTLY SO....
But what happened was that the Federal Govt OUTRANKED the States after the Civil War. This IS NOT HOW THIS COUNTRY WAS FORMED - the Federal Govt was created just for protection,treaties, international Commerce (read your Constitution, its in there)... and everything else was supposed to come from the States and to be decided by the States. Your state is supposed to be MORE IMPORTANT than the Feds....that is what our Founders wanted, what they designed, what they warned to be vigilant about....
The South fought on the side of the ANGELS - yes, you read that right, BUT they fought with the DEVIL'S REASON....
Before I go on - let me say it again, I DO NOT BELIEVE IN SLAVERY. I DO NOT CONDONE SLAVERY. I DO NOT WANT SLAVERY OR ANYTHING OF THE LIKE....Slavery was an evil practice with an absolutely no defensible position.
So here we are so many decades later....whats coming? Well, we can all pretty much agree it isnt pleasant. Job loss, inflation, Recession - DEPRESSION, hunger......but what about loss of control over our lives, taxation, loss of Rights like the 2nd Amendment, loss of property rights, loss of privacy rights....What about Martial Law? What about Succession?
We have 20,000 troops being deployed WITHIN the US....Katrina should have taught us that "they" will GO HOUSE TO HOUSE AND CONFISCATE FIREARMS....How much will Citizens, Patriots take?
What to do? When pressures reach a boiling point what happens? We have the most control over those that govern us locally. They are our neighbors, our "brethren". They will be feeling the same pressures....We will be able to act locally to affect change Nationally...
There are states that are in a better position in regards to resources, economy, independence....do these states have the RIGHT to tell the Feds - TAKE A HIKE?
Did the Civil War settle the issue of State's rights OR was it only about Slavery?
Public Schools have taught from a position that it was about Slavery - they did a HUGE disservice - and if that is what you believe, then you need to do some study and realize it was about so much more. BUT, if the majority of people believe that the Civil War was ONLY about Slavery, does that mean that the SECESSION QUESTION is still open for debate? Open for discussion?
If so, how long before a State that is feeling drained dry by the Feds, a state with an abundance of natural resources, a State only mildly affected by the economic downturn, a State who loves their Guns and their Constitution, decides to take on the question of Succession by calling their Senators home, by telling DC to shove it? ( I am sure there is a more diplomatic term they would use, but its my story in my head, and I like "shove it".)
There are Secessionist groups all over this country - some VERY liberal and some VERY conservative - both want Succession for polar opposite reasons - these groups are starting to talk...
Rumblings of these groups as well as their membership is growing. Secessionists arent the nuts you would think they are - heck,the nuts I thought they were. They are people who have read their Constitution, realized that the Govt is acting WAY out of bounds and they are feeling squeezed.
I am also willing to bet they are Southerners, Midwesterners, Westerners (ignoring the coast), Southwesterners and a few in the North. People from Texas, Tennessee, Georgia, Montana, South Dakota, Idaho (just about everyone from Idaho), Kansas, Iowa, Ohio (rural)....You name it. we are everywhere - places where the opening day of Deer Season is a holiday....
Look, right about now I can see an utter look of horror on my mother's face as she realizes I wrote this and its out there for all to see....I know how I sound. I am not advocating Seceding. I also dont think if it happens that it will be bloody like the last go round, I really dont. I see it as a wakeup call to other states and the rest of this Country that we will not continue on this present path. I think it could be a kick in the pants that DC needs to realize that THEY arent in charge, WE are, THE PEOPLE are.... I also dont see it right around the corner....I am throwing out a guess that the rumblings wouldnt get loud until maybe 2010 or 2011 when we realize that this crisis is deep and our Govt has sold us out really hits home.
Maybe this time, the blood of patriots wont have to be spilled to refresh the tree of Liberty (Thomas Jefferson reference....) Maybe all the Patriots have to say is SHOVE IT....
Pray, Praise, Prepare
Been turning something over and over in my head which is always a sure sign that either what comes out will be brilliant (blessed Divine inspiration) or absolutely insane....I fear this time its the later, but here I go anyway....
Let me preface this by saying that I was a US History major in college with an emphasis on the times from the beginning of our Country to the Civil War.
Ok - here it is....The Civil War was NOT about slavery. The Civil War was about State's rights. If the Union could have waited just a bit, Eli Whitney's cotton gin would have peacefully ended slavery without the War. Slavery was going down, and RIGHTLY SO, but hindsight is 20/20. Lincoln also would have kept slavery if he could have figured out how to do so AND preserve the Union. It wasnt going to be possible. Slavery had to go and again, RIGHTLY SO....
But what happened was that the Federal Govt OUTRANKED the States after the Civil War. This IS NOT HOW THIS COUNTRY WAS FORMED - the Federal Govt was created just for protection,treaties, international Commerce (read your Constitution, its in there)... and everything else was supposed to come from the States and to be decided by the States. Your state is supposed to be MORE IMPORTANT than the Feds....that is what our Founders wanted, what they designed, what they warned to be vigilant about....
The South fought on the side of the ANGELS - yes, you read that right, BUT they fought with the DEVIL'S REASON....
Before I go on - let me say it again, I DO NOT BELIEVE IN SLAVERY. I DO NOT CONDONE SLAVERY. I DO NOT WANT SLAVERY OR ANYTHING OF THE LIKE....Slavery was an evil practice with an absolutely no defensible position.
So here we are so many decades later....whats coming? Well, we can all pretty much agree it isnt pleasant. Job loss, inflation, Recession - DEPRESSION, hunger......but what about loss of control over our lives, taxation, loss of Rights like the 2nd Amendment, loss of property rights, loss of privacy rights....What about Martial Law? What about Succession?
We have 20,000 troops being deployed WITHIN the US....Katrina should have taught us that "they" will GO HOUSE TO HOUSE AND CONFISCATE FIREARMS....How much will Citizens, Patriots take?
What to do? When pressures reach a boiling point what happens? We have the most control over those that govern us locally. They are our neighbors, our "brethren". They will be feeling the same pressures....We will be able to act locally to affect change Nationally...
There are states that are in a better position in regards to resources, economy, independence....do these states have the RIGHT to tell the Feds - TAKE A HIKE?
Did the Civil War settle the issue of State's rights OR was it only about Slavery?
Public Schools have taught from a position that it was about Slavery - they did a HUGE disservice - and if that is what you believe, then you need to do some study and realize it was about so much more. BUT, if the majority of people believe that the Civil War was ONLY about Slavery, does that mean that the SECESSION QUESTION is still open for debate? Open for discussion?
If so, how long before a State that is feeling drained dry by the Feds, a state with an abundance of natural resources, a State only mildly affected by the economic downturn, a State who loves their Guns and their Constitution, decides to take on the question of Succession by calling their Senators home, by telling DC to shove it? ( I am sure there is a more diplomatic term they would use, but its my story in my head, and I like "shove it".)
There are Secessionist groups all over this country - some VERY liberal and some VERY conservative - both want Succession for polar opposite reasons - these groups are starting to talk...
Rumblings of these groups as well as their membership is growing. Secessionists arent the nuts you would think they are - heck,the nuts I thought they were. They are people who have read their Constitution, realized that the Govt is acting WAY out of bounds and they are feeling squeezed.
I am also willing to bet they are Southerners, Midwesterners, Westerners (ignoring the coast), Southwesterners and a few in the North. People from Texas, Tennessee, Georgia, Montana, South Dakota, Idaho (just about everyone from Idaho), Kansas, Iowa, Ohio (rural)....You name it. we are everywhere - places where the opening day of Deer Season is a holiday....
Look, right about now I can see an utter look of horror on my mother's face as she realizes I wrote this and its out there for all to see....I know how I sound. I am not advocating Seceding. I also dont think if it happens that it will be bloody like the last go round, I really dont. I see it as a wakeup call to other states and the rest of this Country that we will not continue on this present path. I think it could be a kick in the pants that DC needs to realize that THEY arent in charge, WE are, THE PEOPLE are.... I also dont see it right around the corner....I am throwing out a guess that the rumblings wouldnt get loud until maybe 2010 or 2011 when we realize that this crisis is deep and our Govt has sold us out really hits home.
Maybe this time, the blood of patriots wont have to be spilled to refresh the tree of Liberty (Thomas Jefferson reference....) Maybe all the Patriots have to say is SHOVE IT....
Pray, Praise, Prepare
#1 Prepping Mistake - CHEAP TOILET PAPER
Seriously - in an effort to stock up, I bought something that would be best used in our trailer (read thin and cheap).
Dont buy cheap toilet paper....in times of stress tummies get upset and do you really want to be using what basically amounts to notebook paper on your rear?
I contend that good toilet paper isnt a splurge, but a NECESSITY.
When SHTF, may it be the only place it hits since you have GOOD TOILET PAPER!!!!
Dont fret, Husband took this mistake to his office....sorry boys....
This concludes the PSA against Cheap Toilet Paper....
Dont buy cheap toilet paper....in times of stress tummies get upset and do you really want to be using what basically amounts to notebook paper on your rear?
I contend that good toilet paper isnt a splurge, but a NECESSITY.
When SHTF, may it be the only place it hits since you have GOOD TOILET PAPER!!!!
Dont fret, Husband took this mistake to his office....sorry boys....
This concludes the PSA against Cheap Toilet Paper....
Part 1 - Food Storage Mistakes - Editorial
**Editorial means I make observations and my snide comments....
Mostly this means I am reading just about everything I can get my hands on... My computer and printer are about to go on strike and I fear for a big jolt just about each time I decide to let my fingers surf. The lady at the library is looking at me funny - I can tell she is trying to reconcile the sweet stay at home mom in pearls with the books I check out on guns, gardening, storage, survivalism. Even my Paypal debit card shakes when I pick it up and walk towards the computer - online book stores fear me....
ALL THIS TO SAY, there are a few mistakes people prepping make in regards to Food Storage.
1. Storing your food - You buy all this stuff - spend hard earned money and then you leave it in original containers/wrappers/bags or put your food in containers that do not extend the life of your food at the least or could make you sick at the worst....
Nasty things can get into your food if left in original containers - N.A.S.T.Y. things...bugs, mice, even water.
Random story, but when I was a kid, my mom kept perfect house, so this is no reflection on her...ABSOLUTELY NONE - anyway, I found this box of cereal in the back of pantry and proceeded to pour me a bowl and then pour milk on top. What floated wasnt cereal but little brown bugs. N.A.S.T.Y. This is what you DO NOT WANT to happen when you are depending on your food storage for survival.
Put your food in FOOD SAFE containers, air tight lids. Do not stack things that could break when they fall and never put items in trash bags or plastic buckets that have not been designated as food safe. Just FYI - trash bags have pesticides and other nasties to help things decompose when in a landfill - not something you want happening when your foods are inside.
Research long term storage options for foods - do you need to get all oxygen out? Do you need just a sealed lid? Do you need to absorb moisture? I could answer all of these questions, but then I would be writing a book and not a blog....
In regards to storage, count on many types of keeping items...canned, frozen, dried - dont put all your eggs in 1 basket so to speak.
2. VARIETY.... Look, I have seen all the sites that claim you can live on wheat, salt, honey and milk - not to mention water...but would you really want to? How many days do you think you would go before you just couldnt do another day? How long before your kids would complain?
Appetite Fatigue is getting tired of the same old thing to the point that you dont eat instead of eating the same old thing. It is more common in munchkins and old people. But to be honest, I dont fall into either one of these categories and I think I could "catch" it.
VARIETY is the spice of life and no more so than in prepping your food storage. Speaking of spices, YOU NEED THEM and A LOT OF THEM. This allows you to make the same old thing taste like many different things.
Store different kinds of beans. I love pintos probably more than the next person, but.... Just changing the color or the texture of the beans would suffice.
HAVE GOOD RECIPES...print them out, buy a cookbook or 2, write them down. PRACTICE NOW - get your kids used to eating this way now while stresses are low. You dont have to do this every day, but try at least once a week to cook a meatless meal.
Make sure you have basic baking items - oils, yeast, baking powder/soda, cocoa powder, different sugars, powdered eggs - these will deepen your pantry and allow you to make some "fun" items.
3. VITAMINS - you may be the best prepared nutritionally speaking, but stress does awful things to bodies, even little bodies and so just give them a little boost with a daily vitamin. Dont forget Vitamin C and the B's.
4. COMFORT FOOD - I am Southern and in researching, this "mistake" was funny to me. Comfort food to us is a GIVEN. Southern women go to food to make people smile, to make people feel welcome, to lift spirits, to soothe, to heal, to say "Im sorry", to say "I love you"....heck, even when we just break a nail....you name it.
When I started to make my initial lists - I bought my comfort foods before some of the more "important" items. Personally, I made sure I had all the items to make cherry cobbler, everyones favorite cookie, icing, breads, ice cream, as well as several of our favorite dishes.
Having these items will be even more important in times of huge stress - it is emotionally healing more so than physically healing.
This means all the more if you are prepping with CHILDREN.
For an activity - add a few items to your list that would make you feel better during crisis. Dont see it as a luxury, see these food items as a NEED...
Tomorrow PART 2 of mistakes....
Mostly this means I am reading just about everything I can get my hands on... My computer and printer are about to go on strike and I fear for a big jolt just about each time I decide to let my fingers surf. The lady at the library is looking at me funny - I can tell she is trying to reconcile the sweet stay at home mom in pearls with the books I check out on guns, gardening, storage, survivalism. Even my Paypal debit card shakes when I pick it up and walk towards the computer - online book stores fear me....
ALL THIS TO SAY, there are a few mistakes people prepping make in regards to Food Storage.
1. Storing your food - You buy all this stuff - spend hard earned money and then you leave it in original containers/wrappers/bags or put your food in containers that do not extend the life of your food at the least or could make you sick at the worst....
Nasty things can get into your food if left in original containers - N.A.S.T.Y. things...bugs, mice, even water.
Random story, but when I was a kid, my mom kept perfect house, so this is no reflection on her...ABSOLUTELY NONE - anyway, I found this box of cereal in the back of pantry and proceeded to pour me a bowl and then pour milk on top. What floated wasnt cereal but little brown bugs. N.A.S.T.Y. This is what you DO NOT WANT to happen when you are depending on your food storage for survival.
Put your food in FOOD SAFE containers, air tight lids. Do not stack things that could break when they fall and never put items in trash bags or plastic buckets that have not been designated as food safe. Just FYI - trash bags have pesticides and other nasties to help things decompose when in a landfill - not something you want happening when your foods are inside.
Research long term storage options for foods - do you need to get all oxygen out? Do you need just a sealed lid? Do you need to absorb moisture? I could answer all of these questions, but then I would be writing a book and not a blog....
In regards to storage, count on many types of keeping items...canned, frozen, dried - dont put all your eggs in 1 basket so to speak.
2. VARIETY.... Look, I have seen all the sites that claim you can live on wheat, salt, honey and milk - not to mention water...but would you really want to? How many days do you think you would go before you just couldnt do another day? How long before your kids would complain?
Appetite Fatigue is getting tired of the same old thing to the point that you dont eat instead of eating the same old thing. It is more common in munchkins and old people. But to be honest, I dont fall into either one of these categories and I think I could "catch" it.
VARIETY is the spice of life and no more so than in prepping your food storage. Speaking of spices, YOU NEED THEM and A LOT OF THEM. This allows you to make the same old thing taste like many different things.
Store different kinds of beans. I love pintos probably more than the next person, but.... Just changing the color or the texture of the beans would suffice.
HAVE GOOD RECIPES...print them out, buy a cookbook or 2, write them down. PRACTICE NOW - get your kids used to eating this way now while stresses are low. You dont have to do this every day, but try at least once a week to cook a meatless meal.
Make sure you have basic baking items - oils, yeast, baking powder/soda, cocoa powder, different sugars, powdered eggs - these will deepen your pantry and allow you to make some "fun" items.
3. VITAMINS - you may be the best prepared nutritionally speaking, but stress does awful things to bodies, even little bodies and so just give them a little boost with a daily vitamin. Dont forget Vitamin C and the B's.
4. COMFORT FOOD - I am Southern and in researching, this "mistake" was funny to me. Comfort food to us is a GIVEN. Southern women go to food to make people smile, to make people feel welcome, to lift spirits, to soothe, to heal, to say "Im sorry", to say "I love you"....heck, even when we just break a nail....you name it.
When I started to make my initial lists - I bought my comfort foods before some of the more "important" items. Personally, I made sure I had all the items to make cherry cobbler, everyones favorite cookie, icing, breads, ice cream, as well as several of our favorite dishes.
Having these items will be even more important in times of huge stress - it is emotionally healing more so than physically healing.
This means all the more if you are prepping with CHILDREN.
For an activity - add a few items to your list that would make you feel better during crisis. Dont see it as a luxury, see these food items as a NEED...
Tomorrow PART 2 of mistakes....
Sunday, December 7, 2008
What EVERY Survivalist man needs OR Survivalist matchmaking
I know what every survivalist man needs....
Wait for it..... A good woman ;)
Dont roll your eyes, you know you do and if you have one, you know I am right. Here is where I got this...
The other night I was going through the 200+ pages that I printed out that made my printer give me the bird. Its that PDF from one of the LDS sites - here if you must know: http://www.abysmal.com/LDS/Preparedness/Preparedness.pdf
Well, its filled with a lot of great information and I am just enjoying myself, nestled in beneath a quilt with my paper, binder and highlighter. I have read the food portion and now am in the "prepper" section when I get to the chapter on Money. He is making some great points and then I read this under the section Storing Cash:
"Now you need to find a safe place to hide your cash. First, tell no one that you have a load of cash, except possibly your spouse, and dont tell your spouse unless you are absolutely certain of the strength of your marriage. Im not kidding."
OH MY WORD....I about fell off the couch and I was damn sure spoiling for a fight after reading this. The author was telling someone prepping to hide funds from their spouse. First, the author is assuming that it is the prepper's money. If you want to get technical, if the prepper lives in a community property state, 1/2 of that money belongs to the spouse. Second, I am sure the prepper is also stocking guns and if the spouse found out that the prepper was hoarding money and not telling, I would be concerned with all those guns around....Im just saying....
Obviously tough times are coming....money will break up a marriage faster than anything but I dont think starting your prepping keeping secrets is that smart....
Men, you need an ally. You need someone who thinks more of you than you think of you sometimes. Someone to be your cheerleader. If you are like my husband, he can tend towards 1/2 empty, while I am a 1/2 full kind of gal. You need the balance....
Married men also live longer and are supposedly happier. I attribute this to the balance previously mentioned.
Married men also earn more....This one always fascinated me, but I bet its because they have obligations at home. They have something they are working for and not just for the buck. This added "reason" might just keep everyone alive in tough times - the added "umph" to give all for the family that we might not be willing to give if it was just the one of us.
Women have a tendency to make a home - to nest - to offer those in her home a safe place to fall, so to speak. They can replenish the body and the soul - meet physical and emotional needs.
Guys, if your perfect survivalist companion is still out there keep looking. Dont ignore this prep while you are checking everything else off your list. I honestly recommend eHarmony.com. This site has you fill out about 45 minutes of questions - 100's of questions.... A friend of mine commented that if a guy is going to do all that work, he is serious - this realization already raises a girl's expectation of you. This site will also match you with a like minded individual....
Guys, if you have a great lady, give her a big kiss and involve her in your prepping. Tough times can also bring you closer together like nothing else. Also, add a couple of items to your prepping for her. Something nice to pull out when things are tough, when she is feeling run down, unappreciated, just dog tired - a favorite snack, chocolate, perfume. Trust me, if she preps, she has already thought of making your favorite dish or dessert and has the items.
One side note to chicks - if your guy is a prepper, realize he is doing it for you, for your safety, for your kids and family. Tell him thank you and help. Help with the food preps, get your own gun and learn how to use it, stock family items, personal items, clothing....You probably know more what it would take to keep the family running than he does, so help.
As always - Pray, Praise, Prepare and Procreate ;)
Wait for it..... A good woman ;)
Dont roll your eyes, you know you do and if you have one, you know I am right. Here is where I got this...
The other night I was going through the 200+ pages that I printed out that made my printer give me the bird. Its that PDF from one of the LDS sites - here if you must know: http://www.abysmal.com/LDS/Preparedness/Preparedness.pdf
Well, its filled with a lot of great information and I am just enjoying myself, nestled in beneath a quilt with my paper, binder and highlighter. I have read the food portion and now am in the "prepper" section when I get to the chapter on Money. He is making some great points and then I read this under the section Storing Cash:
"Now you need to find a safe place to hide your cash. First, tell no one that you have a load of cash, except possibly your spouse, and dont tell your spouse unless you are absolutely certain of the strength of your marriage. Im not kidding."
OH MY WORD....I about fell off the couch and I was damn sure spoiling for a fight after reading this. The author was telling someone prepping to hide funds from their spouse. First, the author is assuming that it is the prepper's money. If you want to get technical, if the prepper lives in a community property state, 1/2 of that money belongs to the spouse. Second, I am sure the prepper is also stocking guns and if the spouse found out that the prepper was hoarding money and not telling, I would be concerned with all those guns around....Im just saying....
Obviously tough times are coming....money will break up a marriage faster than anything but I dont think starting your prepping keeping secrets is that smart....
Men, you need an ally. You need someone who thinks more of you than you think of you sometimes. Someone to be your cheerleader. If you are like my husband, he can tend towards 1/2 empty, while I am a 1/2 full kind of gal. You need the balance....
Married men also live longer and are supposedly happier. I attribute this to the balance previously mentioned.
Married men also earn more....This one always fascinated me, but I bet its because they have obligations at home. They have something they are working for and not just for the buck. This added "reason" might just keep everyone alive in tough times - the added "umph" to give all for the family that we might not be willing to give if it was just the one of us.
Women have a tendency to make a home - to nest - to offer those in her home a safe place to fall, so to speak. They can replenish the body and the soul - meet physical and emotional needs.
Guys, if your perfect survivalist companion is still out there keep looking. Dont ignore this prep while you are checking everything else off your list. I honestly recommend eHarmony.com. This site has you fill out about 45 minutes of questions - 100's of questions.... A friend of mine commented that if a guy is going to do all that work, he is serious - this realization already raises a girl's expectation of you. This site will also match you with a like minded individual....
Guys, if you have a great lady, give her a big kiss and involve her in your prepping. Tough times can also bring you closer together like nothing else. Also, add a couple of items to your prepping for her. Something nice to pull out when things are tough, when she is feeling run down, unappreciated, just dog tired - a favorite snack, chocolate, perfume. Trust me, if she preps, she has already thought of making your favorite dish or dessert and has the items.
One side note to chicks - if your guy is a prepper, realize he is doing it for you, for your safety, for your kids and family. Tell him thank you and help. Help with the food preps, get your own gun and learn how to use it, stock family items, personal items, clothing....You probably know more what it would take to keep the family running than he does, so help.
As always - Pray, Praise, Prepare and Procreate ;)
Saturday, December 6, 2008
Its not like I LIKED paying $200.00 to fill up my truck...
But the falling price of a barrel of oil does concern me.
I was raised in Texas by an Oil and Gas man...It was a great life and that counts going through the 1980's when the price of a barrel of oil bottomed out. I remember friends' dads loosing their jobs and royalty checks on oil derricks that use to be in the thousands dropping to just pennies. It was a tough time, but oil and gas people are tough and Texans are even tougher....
This drop is different. There are countries out there now that NEED the price of oil to stay high - DANGEROUS countries. Countries that have shown they have no problem marching their armies onto someone else's soil. Russia.....Iran.....Venezuela. These are the big 3, but there are some smaller countries that would back these bad boys up - and bad boy not in a good way...
Oil is oil once you get it out of the ground, but is very different while its in the ground. Depending on the locale, it is EXPENSIVE to get it out of the ground - this is where Iran and Venezuela finds itself. In order to make money, they need a higher barrel price. Russia has based its entire economy on oil and we know how greedy they are - they want more - more money, more oil, more land, more control, more power.
It is not a good time in our economy to have a high gas price, but its not a good time in our National Security to have low oil prices.
What we as a country needs to do is no longer rely on foreign oil. We could do this within the next 5 years - less I bet if we were in a bind and the government backed off. Did you know that the US Military produces its own oil? How? Coal to oil. This country - the USA - has the largest coal deposits that if we turned it into oil would make our oil reserves larger than Saudi Arabia.
Imagine being able to tell OPEC to shove it....Imagine being able to fill the USA coffers with money from countries that are "friendlies". We would be able to take care of ourselves as well as offer a bit of security to Europe who fears Russia and the control they are trying to wield by threatening to turn off the spigot, so to speak.
Joe Biden has flat out said we will never use Coal for energy - making an electric coal fire plant - FINE you wiener, turn our coal to oil.... I am not a hard woman, I can compromise.
This is where I continue my harping on contacting your representatives. Tell them that producing our own oil from our own resources helps the economy by producing jobs and revenue, keeping prices low as well as protecting us a little in regards to National Security.
If gas breaks a buck, I fear for our safety....
Pray, Praise, Prepare
I was raised in Texas by an Oil and Gas man...It was a great life and that counts going through the 1980's when the price of a barrel of oil bottomed out. I remember friends' dads loosing their jobs and royalty checks on oil derricks that use to be in the thousands dropping to just pennies. It was a tough time, but oil and gas people are tough and Texans are even tougher....
This drop is different. There are countries out there now that NEED the price of oil to stay high - DANGEROUS countries. Countries that have shown they have no problem marching their armies onto someone else's soil. Russia.....Iran.....Venezuela. These are the big 3, but there are some smaller countries that would back these bad boys up - and bad boy not in a good way...
Oil is oil once you get it out of the ground, but is very different while its in the ground. Depending on the locale, it is EXPENSIVE to get it out of the ground - this is where Iran and Venezuela finds itself. In order to make money, they need a higher barrel price. Russia has based its entire economy on oil and we know how greedy they are - they want more - more money, more oil, more land, more control, more power.
It is not a good time in our economy to have a high gas price, but its not a good time in our National Security to have low oil prices.
What we as a country needs to do is no longer rely on foreign oil. We could do this within the next 5 years - less I bet if we were in a bind and the government backed off. Did you know that the US Military produces its own oil? How? Coal to oil. This country - the USA - has the largest coal deposits that if we turned it into oil would make our oil reserves larger than Saudi Arabia.
Imagine being able to tell OPEC to shove it....Imagine being able to fill the USA coffers with money from countries that are "friendlies". We would be able to take care of ourselves as well as offer a bit of security to Europe who fears Russia and the control they are trying to wield by threatening to turn off the spigot, so to speak.
Joe Biden has flat out said we will never use Coal for energy - making an electric coal fire plant - FINE you wiener, turn our coal to oil.... I am not a hard woman, I can compromise.
This is where I continue my harping on contacting your representatives. Tell them that producing our own oil from our own resources helps the economy by producing jobs and revenue, keeping prices low as well as protecting us a little in regards to National Security.
If gas breaks a buck, I fear for our safety....
Pray, Praise, Prepare
Friday, December 5, 2008
Call me a Foodie, Locavore, Food Snob...I just like good eats!!!
We have all heard the words - 100 mile diet (only eating things grown or raised within 100 miles of where you live), Locavore, Foodie, Slow Food, Farmers Markets.....Every single one absolutely a FABULOUS resource in eating seasonally, locally, sustainably....
But when push comes to shove, I just want GOOD FOOD. I want roasts that I have to use a couple utensils to get out of the pan because its just fall apart great....I want ground beef that smells like steak and I dont even drain because there is no fat. I want to know that the chicken had a happy life and that her eggs are so ORANGE and firm, I cant use a fork to beat, but need a whisk. I want my co-op.
Everyone needs a co-op. I know, a lot of states / areas dont have them.....at least not yet, but check anyway. Its a great place to find really good food and with the rising grocery prices, it may even be cheaper.
For example - I buy my whole white wheat berries from our local coop. They come in 25# buckets, ready for long term storage. There is also a co-op lady who grinds for those that do not have their own grain mill.
I also buy my cheese from a local member. His cheese is AMAZING. Its also cheaper per pound than the cheapest store brand at the grocery store. The thing about his cheese is that he can make "flavors"....Horseradish Cheddar, Garlic Cheddar, Basil, Cowboy (this is my favorite)....You name it. The cows are grass fed with no antibiotics or growth hormones.
There are items that arent the "usual" - Buffalo - Lamb - Artisan Breads - Venison - Goat - Rabbit - Duck
There is a personal integrity in the producers - an accountability, that is lacking when you purchase from a box store. Some farmer in China does not care if what he sprays on his crops makes me sick. My local producer cares a great deal.
The best part about buying from the co-op is.....I know these people - have talked to them on the phone - asked questions about their products and their farming practices. I have cooked with their recipes.
I have their names and numbers. It may be a small thing, but it also might be a lifeline in the event that delivery routes nationwide are disrupted. Large cities are just days from disintegrating into chaos without regular deliveries of groceries.
They are people I would ask questions of if my own livestock are having issues or trying to make sure something would grow in our local environment.
Our local co-op is so much more than good food. They are an invaluable resource on how to produce, to sustain crops and animals.....they are mentors. They are generous with information, advice, and hard learned lessons. They do not want others to make the same mistakes and will gladly listen to an easier, better, safer, kinder way of pasturing, growing, husbandry, farming.
But its not all perfectly wonderful and easy. Our co-op only delivers once a month. And "deliver" is misleading - I have to go pick it up where the producers delivered it. So, its a little inconvenient. I also have to plan ahead. I have to budget to have funds to purchase a month of what I want. I have to have a place to store it (freezer). I have to keep a list of what I want, what I used, what I still have and have to pay attention to what season it is so I know what will be available or what to buy quite a bit of to put back until the next growing season.
But its SO WORTH IT....I have found that those things, big or little, that require a little effort are those things with which I am most pleased. If our co-op had a store, it wouldnt be the same, it would be Whole Foods. And even as great as Whole Foods is, I dont know my producers and I dont like my organic asparagus coming from 1/2 way around the world....
Now - you dont have to have a co-op to eat fabulous local fare. But it does make life easier. Find local farmers' markets, do an Internet search, ask around, find a CSA....maybe you are the one being led to start a local co-op.
Remember food is precious - thank you Alice Waters....
But when push comes to shove, I just want GOOD FOOD. I want roasts that I have to use a couple utensils to get out of the pan because its just fall apart great....I want ground beef that smells like steak and I dont even drain because there is no fat. I want to know that the chicken had a happy life and that her eggs are so ORANGE and firm, I cant use a fork to beat, but need a whisk. I want my co-op.
Everyone needs a co-op. I know, a lot of states / areas dont have them.....at least not yet, but check anyway. Its a great place to find really good food and with the rising grocery prices, it may even be cheaper.
For example - I buy my whole white wheat berries from our local coop. They come in 25# buckets, ready for long term storage. There is also a co-op lady who grinds for those that do not have their own grain mill.
I also buy my cheese from a local member. His cheese is AMAZING. Its also cheaper per pound than the cheapest store brand at the grocery store. The thing about his cheese is that he can make "flavors"....Horseradish Cheddar, Garlic Cheddar, Basil, Cowboy (this is my favorite)....You name it. The cows are grass fed with no antibiotics or growth hormones.
There are items that arent the "usual" - Buffalo - Lamb - Artisan Breads - Venison - Goat - Rabbit - Duck
There is a personal integrity in the producers - an accountability, that is lacking when you purchase from a box store. Some farmer in China does not care if what he sprays on his crops makes me sick. My local producer cares a great deal.
The best part about buying from the co-op is.....I know these people - have talked to them on the phone - asked questions about their products and their farming practices. I have cooked with their recipes.
I have their names and numbers. It may be a small thing, but it also might be a lifeline in the event that delivery routes nationwide are disrupted. Large cities are just days from disintegrating into chaos without regular deliveries of groceries.
They are people I would ask questions of if my own livestock are having issues or trying to make sure something would grow in our local environment.
Our local co-op is so much more than good food. They are an invaluable resource on how to produce, to sustain crops and animals.....they are mentors. They are generous with information, advice, and hard learned lessons. They do not want others to make the same mistakes and will gladly listen to an easier, better, safer, kinder way of pasturing, growing, husbandry, farming.
But its not all perfectly wonderful and easy. Our co-op only delivers once a month. And "deliver" is misleading - I have to go pick it up where the producers delivered it. So, its a little inconvenient. I also have to plan ahead. I have to budget to have funds to purchase a month of what I want. I have to have a place to store it (freezer). I have to keep a list of what I want, what I used, what I still have and have to pay attention to what season it is so I know what will be available or what to buy quite a bit of to put back until the next growing season.
But its SO WORTH IT....I have found that those things, big or little, that require a little effort are those things with which I am most pleased. If our co-op had a store, it wouldnt be the same, it would be Whole Foods. And even as great as Whole Foods is, I dont know my producers and I dont like my organic asparagus coming from 1/2 way around the world....
Now - you dont have to have a co-op to eat fabulous local fare. But it does make life easier. Find local farmers' markets, do an Internet search, ask around, find a CSA....maybe you are the one being led to start a local co-op.
Remember food is precious - thank you Alice Waters....
Thursday, December 4, 2008
I pulled something patting myself on the back...
OH MY WORD - I am starting to think that the Big 3 are just out of their minds....Actually, let me rephrase, I am starting to think GM is out of their minds. And that should be obvious because a betting man would bet that its GM that goes down out of the 3.
As quoted from the AP: Fritz Henderson, president and chief operating officer of GM, said that choosing the bankruptcy route would further erode consumer confidence in the automaker and "we want them to be confident in their ability to buy our cars and trucks."
Guy obviously does not talk to REAL people and he certainly doesnt listen to talk radio and he most certainly doesnt surf blogs ;) He also doesnt look at his latest sales figures. Because, if he did, he would know that we are calling for, NO, BEGGING for Bankruptcy and we arent buying his cars now...
I have a theory - I think GM is delirious from the lack of oxygen brought on by the union's stranglehold. Its the only explanation.
SIR - YOUR HOUSE IS ON FIRE....QUIT SHOWING ME YOUR NEW CURTAINS AND GET OUT....
All the window dressing in the world wont save our US Automakers. Good, sound business practice will and it STARTS with NOT paying people who dont work... How 101 is that? And I bet some of these CEO people went to Wharton....GOOD GRIEF.
And on a slightly related note, open letter to Nancy "Pinched Face" Pelosi:
Lady - How about you not make comments about the Big 3 and their corporate jets when you fly around in YOUR OWN jet....let me rephrase that, you fly around in OUR jet, because the jet you think is yours, ISNT...ITS THE PEOPLE'S JET....and tell your pal Harry that the People dont stink, what he smells is the crap that has filled the Peoples House and Senate, namely him....
Just another little fact, the UAW FLEW union bosses in from all over the country, but CEOS drove...
This officially concludes the AUTO rant today. I reserve the right to pick it back at the end of the day if they say something that really just hacks me off ;)
As quoted from the AP: Fritz Henderson, president and chief operating officer of GM, said that choosing the bankruptcy route would further erode consumer confidence in the automaker and "we want them to be confident in their ability to buy our cars and trucks."
Guy obviously does not talk to REAL people and he certainly doesnt listen to talk radio and he most certainly doesnt surf blogs ;) He also doesnt look at his latest sales figures. Because, if he did, he would know that we are calling for, NO, BEGGING for Bankruptcy and we arent buying his cars now...
I have a theory - I think GM is delirious from the lack of oxygen brought on by the union's stranglehold. Its the only explanation.
SIR - YOUR HOUSE IS ON FIRE....QUIT SHOWING ME YOUR NEW CURTAINS AND GET OUT....
All the window dressing in the world wont save our US Automakers. Good, sound business practice will and it STARTS with NOT paying people who dont work... How 101 is that? And I bet some of these CEO people went to Wharton....GOOD GRIEF.
And on a slightly related note, open letter to Nancy "Pinched Face" Pelosi:
Lady - How about you not make comments about the Big 3 and their corporate jets when you fly around in YOUR OWN jet....let me rephrase that, you fly around in OUR jet, because the jet you think is yours, ISNT...ITS THE PEOPLE'S JET....and tell your pal Harry that the People dont stink, what he smells is the crap that has filled the Peoples House and Senate, namely him....
Just another little fact, the UAW FLEW union bosses in from all over the country, but CEOS drove...
This officially concludes the AUTO rant today. I reserve the right to pick it back at the end of the day if they say something that really just hacks me off ;)
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
Dont forget to add PAPER to your pantry...
Umm....Prepared Woman (PW), paper isnt edible, you say....
You can save EVERYTHING you could possibly need or use, but unless you know HOW to use it, fix it, repair it, make it, grow it, cook it, preserve it, you are doomed. You need to add paper to your storage lists....more importantly, you need to add INFORMATION.
I know that Google is amazing and you can just about find anything out down to how many nose hairs you have, but if the grid goes down, if the Internet goes down, you are stuck. You need to have a hard copy of information you think you might need.
I LOVE BOOKS. Again, with Jefferson, but I so agree with him in this:
I cannot live without books.
Books were so important to him that he wanted to pass on this love to his grandkids. When he got a new book, he would have the kids draw straws. The longest straw got to read the book first, the shortest straw read the book last, but got to keep it. Thomas Jefferson's personal library was donated to our United States as the 1st Library of Congress.
You need to have manuals on your cars, on basic home repairs, on gardening, on preserving food, saving seeds, basic medical and home remedies, cookbooks, building, carpentry, animal husbandry, HISTORY (U.S. History), anything you think you could possibly need.
You also need fiction books, books to let you escape; books to entertain and educate your children; books that are just beautiful to look at (sorry for ending this in a preposition).
But PW, books are expensive.
They are....or more accurately, they can be... Even the big box bookstores have a cheap section where you could pick up at least 3 NEW books for less than $20. Books A Million has a library section where the books are $3.00 a piece. Speaking of the library, they regularly have sales of old books to raise monies and lets not forget our local used book dealer, Goodwill or thrift shop. I would even be willing to bet that you could find books in the dumpsters at the end of semesters at local universities.
To save money, check the book out of the local library that you are considering purchasing. If it stinks, no harm/no foul. If its great, you know that its a wise investment.
A really, really cheap option is to just print the information you want to keep and keep an organized binder. A ream of paper is $2.89 around here and you can go to town printing everything you want... I would suggest recipes using this method, but its your binder!
One more option is to buy CD's from magazines. Mother Earth News as well as Backwoods Home magazines offer entire collections of all issues on CD at a substantial reduction in cost. Not to mention you dont have to save all those magazines!
A list of books I LOVE to follow....but many preparedness blogs have lists as well as reviews...
As always, Pray, Praise, Prepare - JWE
You can save EVERYTHING you could possibly need or use, but unless you know HOW to use it, fix it, repair it, make it, grow it, cook it, preserve it, you are doomed. You need to add paper to your storage lists....more importantly, you need to add INFORMATION.
I know that Google is amazing and you can just about find anything out down to how many nose hairs you have, but if the grid goes down, if the Internet goes down, you are stuck. You need to have a hard copy of information you think you might need.
I LOVE BOOKS. Again, with Jefferson, but I so agree with him in this:
I cannot live without books.
Books were so important to him that he wanted to pass on this love to his grandkids. When he got a new book, he would have the kids draw straws. The longest straw got to read the book first, the shortest straw read the book last, but got to keep it. Thomas Jefferson's personal library was donated to our United States as the 1st Library of Congress.
You need to have manuals on your cars, on basic home repairs, on gardening, on preserving food, saving seeds, basic medical and home remedies, cookbooks, building, carpentry, animal husbandry, HISTORY (U.S. History), anything you think you could possibly need.
You also need fiction books, books to let you escape; books to entertain and educate your children; books that are just beautiful to look at (sorry for ending this in a preposition).
But PW, books are expensive.
They are....or more accurately, they can be... Even the big box bookstores have a cheap section where you could pick up at least 3 NEW books for less than $20. Books A Million has a library section where the books are $3.00 a piece. Speaking of the library, they regularly have sales of old books to raise monies and lets not forget our local used book dealer, Goodwill or thrift shop. I would even be willing to bet that you could find books in the dumpsters at the end of semesters at local universities.
To save money, check the book out of the local library that you are considering purchasing. If it stinks, no harm/no foul. If its great, you know that its a wise investment.
A really, really cheap option is to just print the information you want to keep and keep an organized binder. A ream of paper is $2.89 around here and you can go to town printing everything you want... I would suggest recipes using this method, but its your binder!
One more option is to buy CD's from magazines. Mother Earth News as well as Backwoods Home magazines offer entire collections of all issues on CD at a substantial reduction in cost. Not to mention you dont have to save all those magazines!
A list of books I LOVE to follow....but many preparedness blogs have lists as well as reviews...
As always, Pray, Praise, Prepare - JWE
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