Pottery for Food Storage

I recently went to the LDS Church History Musuem in Salt Lake.  There is a new exhibit on pottery.  I'll have to tell you, it was not what I was expecting.  I was also VERY lucky to be there while they were setting it up b/c I was able to talk to the professor who was in charge of the exhibit and ask him a bunch of questions.
What drew my attention was a poster that said that the art of pottery for food storage was quickly becoming a lost art.  The food storage stuck out to me and grabbed my attention.
Apparently, once a glaze is put on the pots, they become air and water tight- just like glass.  The method to seal the opening was to melt wax over the food to seal it.  Other methods included storing meat packed in lard, which did not require the wax.  Once sealed, they would put fabric over the top and tie it off to help keep out the bugs.
An average family would have 50+ large pots and jars to preserve their food for the winter.  Without the food storage, they would starve.
Obviously, the pioneers could not transport these heavy clay pots across the plains, they made them after they settled.  In fact, potters were among the most important craftsmen in the community- next to blacksmiths, and wood workers.
Back in the 1800s, the method for creating the glaze was to make a lead-based glaze.  This method is not approved for food storage today- due to the lead content and FDA safety...  but, learning this method might prove very important in some future day.
Now, I've got a bizillion plastic buckets and a hundred or so mason jars.  I'm hoping that I'll never have to make my storage containers out of clay, but its a skill possibly worth looking into.  There's the clay collection, cleaning, mixing, the shaping, the drying and firing, the glazing and firing again.  Not an easy process, but one that served humanity for thousands of years.  I suspect this is not a skill we want to lose.
I looked at local colleges and community courses for pottery and it is all quite expensive.  Additionally, they don't use the traditional methods that I would be interested in, though I'm sure some of the techniques would carry over.  The kiln for the firing appears to be the most difficult to create and not a task completed in one day.  The kiln has to reach very hot temps, much hotter than a typical food oven.  Then, I still haven't found the recipe online for traditional lead-based glazes (If anyone finds one, let me know).

Anyhow, this piqued my interest and thought I would share my observations.

US consumer inflation up two percent

http://www.breitbart.com/article.php?id=CNG.f4ca4a183df2102e9ad9338f1c9b7c75.171&show_article=1

 

“Americans saw prices rise two percent in the year to March according to the Commerce Department's personal consumption expenditures index published on Monday.

The figure, which is closely watched by the Federal Reserve as a sign of broader inflation levels, is approaching the maximum the central bank normally considers sustainable.

Energy and food costs rose 18.7 percent against March 2009, up almost four percentage points compared with February. “ Emphasis added.

Here we go… buckle up.

 

 

 

 

Ariz. Deputy Shot; Illegal Immigrants Suspected

AP April 30: Emergency personnel wheel a Pinal County Sheriff's deputy into a hospital in Casa Grande, Ariz.

I haven't exactly been glued to the TV, but at least Fox is covering this.

17 Suspected Illegal Immigrants Caught in Search for Ariz. Deputy's Attackers

Associated Press

Authorities have captured 17 suspected illegal immigrants in southern Arizona as they continued their manhunt Saturday for smugglers who they say shot and wounded a sheriff's deputy in a remote desert area 50 miles south of Phoenix.

State and federal law enforcement agencies deployed helicopters and scores of officers to search a 100-square-mile zone for the suspects. The Arizona Republic reported that officials said more than one of the choppers came under fire during the manhunt on Friday.

This sounds like a war zone.  These fools are brazen enough to shoot at choppers.  When are the PTB going to wake up and defend our borders?  Obviously, the state of Arizona isn't going to wait around to find out.  Good for them. I support the State's sovereignty and their decision to defend it's borders.

I just checked over at CNN.  Their 7th headline is a sympathetic news story about 'peaceful' anti-Arizona protesters getting arrested (I wonder how peaceful they were if they were arrested).  The Arizona deputy story, is listed at the 13th article which is basically the AP article, but ends with a full 2 paragraphs that we shouldn't condemn the illegals for this- it was just drug dealers- and that, in case you forgot, "prominent entertainers, including Shakira and Linda Ronstadt, also have spoken against the law" and some support an Arizona boycott.  Thanks CNN.

FYI; Arizona state Sen. Russell Pearce accused President Barack Obama, a critic of the measure, of "aiding and abetting criminal activity, inciting criminal activity, inciting violence, and [violating his] oath of office to secure this border, enforce these laws and defend the American people."

Now if we can get a Republican majority and impeach him!  

Shooting Mirrors

Practice dry-firing in a mirror. Remember, FRONT SIGHT! Practicing in a mirror is a good idea b\c you are practicing with a full size target, who is moving, and is drawing a gun at YOU! I must admit that the first few times its a little freaky. Also remember to move so the guy in the mirror doesn't hit you. Try a hundred shots into a full length mirror this week.

Carriers Movie Review

***Spoiler Alert***I rented the movie “Carriers” from RedBox yesterday.  It’s very similar to the Discovery special “Armageddon” –except the language is quite bad for a PG-13 movie.  A group of four young adults attempt to travel to a remote beach to escape a deadly and highly infectious virus plaguing the world.  Along the way they encounter a road block by a desperate man trying to get gasoline- later, they employ the same technique to get gasoline themselves.  They come across a doctor who advocates euthanasia to ease the suffering, a prepper group who try to abduct the girls, and a man-eating dog.  Eventually, one of girls and her boyfriend catch the virus. The female is abandoned at a truck stop and latter, the infected male is killed by his brother when he refuses to hand over the car keys.  Interesting plot and points for discussion.

At the point where the movie starts, the plague is full blown and most of the population has already died off- those still alive have learned the tricks of survival and have developed the callousness to pull it off.  During the movie, the group mentions “rules” for survival.  They wear masks when they are around infected people; they bleach anything an infected person has touched.  The never travel on interstates.  Harshest of all, they state, “the sick are dead.”  Anyone who is sick is already considered dead- they cannot be helped or saved. The children suffering in the movie was the hardest to watch- handling that in real life would be beyond difficult. 

While I do not advocate the actions taken by the group; the situation they are in makes one ponder.  What would you do in the event of a major plague?  How would you care for the sick in your family?  Would you risk infection yourself to care for them in their last days, or abandon them to save yourself? Do you have the equipment (MOP gear, plastic sheeting, bleach, duct tape) to help increase your chances of not catching it? Could you walk away from your group if you became infected, to prevent exposure to them? What is your moral obligation to others?  Where do you draw the line? 

In the end, two of the four survive and make it to the isolated beach.  Where they go from there is left to the imagination of the audience.

Army to court-martial 'birther'

Army to court-martial 'birther' officer; Refuses to deploy, considers orders from Obama void...
Video...

The significance is this: A court martial will open the trial to discovery of evidence.  The judge will have to order the actual birth certificate (the issue at question) to be entered into evidence. Obama has spent lots of money preventing the documents from being discovered up to this point; I don't know what strings he may pull to stop them now.

Allowing the Birth Certificate into evidence hopefully will finally resolve the question of O's birthplace.

This is why the Lt. Col's case is so important.  All the other military folks have simply had their orders redacted- thus prohibiting the discovery of the birth certificate.

For all the "birthers" out there, this is a good thing.  It will end the debate.  For the non-birthers, this is a good thing; it will end the debate.

 

My opinion is that it will NOT go to trial; the big O (no not Oprah) will simply demand that the Pentagon change his orders and not hold a court martial.

American Values defined

Pull out a US coin.  Penny, dime nickel, quarter, whatever.  Look at it.

 

You will see the three American values printed right on it.

 

In God We Trust: The One who defines our values and gives us our rights as his children.  No one but God can justly take these rights away because God is the one who gave them.

Liberty: Possessing inalienable rights from God to act according to one’s will without coercion.

E Pluribis Unum: From many, one.  We all (regardless of your backgroud) can come together a form something greater than the sum of the parts. 

 

Notice you don’t see “equality” or “fairness” or “niceness” or “political correctness” printed on our coins.  Look at a French coin and you will see “Equality, Liberty, Fraternity.”  That’s not us.  They can’t have the same liberty we have b/c you have to take away liberty to make equality (I.e, the amount of money you can make, the car you drive, the house you live in, your education).

 

American values is about creating the circumstances where you have the ablility to achive greatness or suckiness, depending on your choices made through your God-given rights to liberty.  We trust that God has given you some talents where you can use your liberty to improve your circumstances in life and join the rest of society and make it a better place.

 

Try to teach your children these values.  They don’t teach them in public schools anymore.  They teach that everything should be fair and that the government will make it fair if you can’t improve your life on you own- all you have to do is give up your liberty, God, and your individualism…oh, and they want that dime with the words on it too.

 

Coon hunt report

Went coon huntin' last night and bagged two- a male and a female. (also killed a skunk) Both were tree'd and I killed em' with a 9mm Glock.  One was stuck in a tree and had to be shot again with bird shot to push it off the tree limb.  Surprisingly,  very few shots penetrated into the muscle- most was lodged just under the skin.  The holes are minor and can be repaired if need be.

This was my first time hunting coons and I was really surprised by their weight.  Each weighed at least 20lbs.  I put them on ice in a cooler and cleaned them this morning.  That was another first.  Much more difficult than the videos on youtube.  Coons have thick hide and lots of fat.  I am attempting to tan the hides.  I scraped them pretty clean and have them soaking in salt water at the moment.  I've collected a bunch of acorns which I will boil and use the tannic acid in the water to soak (tan)  the hides in for a week. (I think the word "tan" comes from the tannic acid in the acorns) After that,  I will stretch them and dry them, sandpapering and scrapping as needed and finally "paint" on some scrambled eggs and let that dry (several layers with time to dry between).  Finally, I will rinse the hide, dry it, and work it until supple.  I'm thinking of making mittens out of the fur.

The meat looked good when I was cutting it up. but after cooking them (bone-in) in the crockpot all day today our house smells terrible.  I will not be eating this meat-  it is very dark very oily and STINKY.  I did not cut out the glands immediately as apparently I should have.  I hate to waste meat  but this is beyond editable.  Even my dog turned her nose up at the meat.

Lessons learned- coons are not generally good eating- unless you know a recipe I don't.  Tanning a coon hide is not easy and takes a long time.  My kids on the other hand really enjoyed watching and, surprisingly, they were not grossed out as I expected.  All the girls wanted to touch the tail and see the skin.  They even looked in the gut bucket and laughed when they saw the tongue sticking out.  I reminded them to be respectful and explained that this was one of God's creatures that we were using and that we should remember that and be thankful.

Oh, and I used my new shotgun to kill a skunk.  It was a clean shot and the gun performed well.  Much less recoil than my grandaddy's Winchester.  The modified choke and longer barrel help me to concentrate the 00 buck on target from about 20 yards.  Kick was minimized by the nice rubber pad on the stock.  I only took one shot with it all night, but from what I could tell, it performed as designed.  I also really enjoyed the pistol grip as I was able to easily one hand the gun while driving the ATV a short distance through the cattle gates.  (I ride on the back while my friend drives, works the spotlight and does the gates).

Maverick 88 shotgun

I picked up a Maverick 88 yesterday at WallyWorld for $157 and added a new stock and barrel.  So I have both the 27" and the 18.5" barrel.  I've got a mini-reflex red dot sight on order.  (This is primarily for night hunting with the long barrel- as the shorter one shouldn't require too much aiming precision)

I disassembled the gun and wasn't overly happy to find that the trigger group is nearly all plastic (but it should be fine for my purposes).  The fore-grip is not interchangable with Mossberg 500series grips.  The stock is compatible though.  I want to add a sling and then I'll call it good.  I like the adjustable stock (from blackhawk) and the pistol grip.  The pistol grip enables me to hold it with one hand if need be when opening a door or something.  The slide action feels good.  I like the safety on the trigger guard.  I'm very pleased with my purchase overall.  I'll be trying it out tomorrow night on a skunk hunt.  Report to follow.

3 principles that you should keep in mind to prevent or mitigate the damages in an attack or catastrophe

I have to start out by saying that economic collapse will start a food shortage and/or civil and may eventually lead to societal and governmental collapse.  Kind of like a spider web with everything related to another- it may be hard to separate one catastrophe from another once it starts snowballing. 

 

I will identify three principles that you should keep in mind to prevent or mitigate the damages in an attack or catastrophe. First, you must prioritize the threats. Second, you must determine if your spending is proportional to the threats and finally, you must develop strategies to minimize the loss of life in the event of a catastrophe.

 

These are the major threats that that I believe could threaten my family, ranked in order from most likely to least likely to occur:

• Economic collapse
• hyperinflation
• collapse of the dollar
• hyper interest rate escalation
• hyper taxation
• hyper regulation
• Natural disaster (if it hit a major economic or production center it could cripple the entire country)
• Major earthquakes
• Hurricanes/tornados
• Food shortages
• oil prices skyrocket = increased food prices/unavailability
• wheat blight
• Civil war
• revolts against government (peaceful or not)
• Consider the threat of NATO or the UN sending in troops to "stabilize" our country
• Biological attack
• terrorist or from a foreign country
• Chemical attack
• terrorist or from a foreign country
• Nuclear attack
• terrorist or from a foreign country

Keeping these threats in mind, I asked myself what what I preparing for and where I have invested my money.  I am preparing (in order of the events above, and I have spent my money and time accordingly.

#1  physical security (guns & locomotion/location), #2 food, #3 gardening (including seeds), #4 medicine /first aid, #5 economic security, #6 WMD attacks.

 

My strategy may be different from yours, depending on your ranking of the threats, but others seem to prepare hap-hazardly.

 

To explain their reaction, consider prospect theory and decision theory, which asserts that the public generally puts weight on certain issues that are statistically unlikely versus making rational decisions based on logic. For example, most people are more worried about the risks of nuclear power plants than the risks of driving to work, and more alarmed by the prospect of terrorists with chemical weapons than by swimming in a pool.

 

Logical preppers should focus on probabilities and outcomes, and prepare chronologically and financially in that order- not spur of the moment decisions and emotional purchases.  i.e, don't prep on precious metals before you prep on guns and food.  Beans, Bullets and bandaids first, everything else after that.

Declare your independence from Obamacare

Now you can join nearly 15,000 Americans and 100 members of Congress in declaring your independence from Obamacare by signing Rep. Michele Bachmann's Declaration of Health Care Independence.

 

Compost bin

I built a compost bin the other day out of pallets.  I stained them to match my raised beds (I also stained the dehydrator the same color).  This is on the side of my house so it isn't such an eye-sore, but it gets easily 6+ hrs a day of sunshine.  I think it will be just fine.  If needed I will add boards on the front as the heap gets bigger.  I have a smaller plastic bin by the back yard that we throw vegetable and fruit scraps in until I get around to dumping them into the compost pile.

Photos of the backyard

Three of the raised beds with a view of the apple trees

This is the onion patch. 




























Not sure what kind of tree this is with the pinkish blossoms. They look nice though. You can see my solar dehydrator in the background.

Write your state congressmen

I just wrote a letter to my state congressman asking that he introduce legislation to require the Secretary of State to investigate all presidential candidates.  I urge you all to do the same.  We need to get this into law before 2012.

 

Here's what I wrote: (feel free to copy)  Also, you can go to www.congress.org to mail your congressmen.

 

March 30, 2010

[recipient address was inserted here]

[recipient name was inserted here],

I urge you to write and/or  support a bill requiring the Secretary of State to verify the eligibility of all presidential candidates.

This legislation should include verifying birth certificates and other such documentation as necessary to determine if the candidate is a natural-born citizen, among other requirements for eligibility.

If the Secretary finds that the candidate is not eligible, then the candidate's name should be removed from Texas ballots.

Thank you.

Apple Trees

I purchased three apple trees today.  I picked up a Gala, a Red Delicious, and a Fuji.  All three will cross-pollinate and should provide apples from early to mid-season.  These trees are about 2 years old and should start producing in a year or two.  I'll plant them 10 feet apart with the Red Delicious in the middle.  The red is my least favorite of the three, but it is a good pollinator and hopefully will encourage the other trees to produce.  I purchased the semi-dwarf varieties.  They will grow 10-20 feet tall.  I'm excited about the trees, but I'm worried that I won't be able to give away enough apples- each will supposedly produce 500 apples/season!  Good thing I have my solar dehydrator.

I also picked up another blueberry bush at the nursery-  my single bush didn't produce more than a handful last year, I'm hoping that with a friend they will pollinate each other and start producing.  I was looking at fertilizer for the blueberries, but the gardener told me that I could apply cedar mulch and that would impart the acidity required by the bushes.  I'm also going to plant them both in the ground (last year I kept the one in a five gallon planter.

My seedlings are doing so well and I'm excited to look at them everyday when I come home from work to see how much they've grown.  For some reason spinach is taking MUCH longer to sprout than any of the other plants.  This is my first time with spinach, so I hope this is normal.

Book Review "How to Survive TEOTWAWKI"

I finally finished Rawles's lastest book.  Pretty much if you have been reading his blog for the past year or more, you know what is in the book.  He has some original info in there, but most of it is re-posts from his blog.  Not that that's a bad thing.  I really enjoy http://www.survivalblog.com/ .  It's good info and it's nice to have it in book form, should the Internet ever go away.  He also has a good number of links in there to some of his advertisers.  It's a good primer for those just getting started and for those who may have hit a plateau as far as prepping goes.  It covers so much ground, it's sure to remind you of some areas you've neglected.  On the other hand, it covers so much ground that its almost useless because he can't get into specifics.

I am always suprized when I see his recomendations for night-vision gear.  Given the cost, I believe that the money could go to lots of other preparation areas instead.  Another suprize is his recommendation to store 10% of your networth in silver!  That's a lot of silver. 

I didn't enjoy the book nearly as much as his novel "Patriots."  But, that was a different type of book.  I bought this one with the intent of adding it to my collection of survival books on the shelf.  It will probably stay there or be loaned out to those looking to get started in prepping.

I did like the ideas about camp kitchen, food and shelter kits.  Right now, I have my BOBs and a big tote full of camp stuff.  These will all go into my truck should I have to G.O.O.D in a hurry.  On his advice I believe I will make a few more special totes with more stuff in them.  For instance, my BOBs have camping mess kits, but in a camp kitchen kit, I could have a cast iron skillet, more food supplies, cups and bowls, more soap, lighters, plates, spices....  The camping kit will have a tent, rope, tarps, hatchets...  Everything will be modular and each kit will have some food, knives and lighters should I lose one.

I also learned that water does not have to be boiled for a 10 min to kill bacteria.  It only has to reach 149 degrees F.  You can use a roasting thermometer or a dairy thermometer- but he warns that the roasting  variety are inaccurate and to add 10 degrees to be safe.

photo of the garden (from cell phone)

Better than nothing.  But as you can see they look pretty nice.  I'm hoping for a bumper crop!

Square foot Garden update

Okay... sorry no pics...still need to get another camera as the kiddos broke mine.

The frames were completed last weekend.  I filled them with a truck load of compost from the City of Mesquite recycling.  I got more than a cubic yard for $10 of really nice compost this past weekend.  Hint- use an empty trash can with wheels to transport your stuff to the backyard- WAY more efficient than a wheelbarrow.

Today, I stopped by Lowes (I am boycotting Home Depot cause they suck) and bought some peat moss @ $9/3.78 cubic feet minus my 10% military discount.  :) thanks Lowes.  I mixed that with the compost this afternoon with the kids.  I put in WAY more than I needed and now I have no room at all for vermiculite.  So, this year I will forgo that part of the mixture and see what compost and peat bring me.  I think the result will be tolerable. :)

The seedlings are doing awesome and will be ready to go into the garden just as soon as I finish marking off the grid pattern.  I'm pretty excited for the garden this year and hope to have a really good yield.  I have decided to do one 18 foot box by the fence instead of two smaller ones.  That gives me a total of 88 square feet this year!

Molle pack and more

I just receive a MOLLE II pack that I purchased new on E-bay today.  (pronounced MOLLY).  It didn't come assembled but there was a good youtube video on how to assemble it.  Took about 1.5 hrs though.  I'm impressed with the design and the simplicity of it.  I've done some extensive backpacking and I believe this pack will be as comfortable as any.  I especially like the modular design in that you can add or subtract compartments as needed.  I also picked up the Army sleep system.  I got the patrol bag and the bivy.  The bags were clean and looked to be used VERY little if any.

For anyone who is interested, here is a link to my square foot garden plans.  I did a lot of research to find out what plants are compatible with others and which are not.  Also, many are climbing plants and I decided to add some additional garden space along my fence so that they will have something to climb on.

Square Foot Gardening

I started building the frames for my raised-bed square foot garden.  www.squarefootgardening.com

I got the idea from Mel's website and what sets it apart from other raised beds is his particular formula for the soil.  1/3 parts compost, vermiculite, and peat moss.  He has experimented and claims that only 6 inches of soil are needed to grow most plants.

I made three 4x4 frames out of 2x10s.  I used untreated pine and stained them a nice brown color (the gallon pail was on sale at Lowes for $10 (normally $30).  No pics yet - the kiddos broke my camera- so it might be a while before I have photos on my site again. :)

I am getting the vermiculite and peat moss from a garden center, the compost (I don't have any) from the city compost.  I have 16 square feet per box and three boxes.  That's 48 plants!  If this goes well this summer, I'll add more frames next year.

Also, I purchased the mini-greenhouse peat moss kit from Lowes to start my seeds.  For most of Texas and the South, now is the time to get the seeds sprouted and the garden prepped.  Seedlings will be ready to go into the ground in about 3 weeks.  The little peat moss containers are handy.  I know I can make them myself out of newspaper too.

What you don't know about axes.

I grew up in the south and being a fairly warm climate, never had to chop wood or cut down trees.  So, my education on chopping tools is fairly new and I am by no means an expert, but I have learned a few things that I would like to share.

First off, an ax is is not a felling ax and it's definitely not a splitting maul.  "What's a splitting maul and why can't I use my utility ax to split wood or cut down a tree," you ask?  Well, for starters you can, but I don't recommend it.  An ax designed to cut down trees is designed to cut down trees, not split wood.  A splitting maul is designed to split wood, not cut down trees.  Your general purpose utility ax can do each of those, just very inefficiently.

Take a gander at this felling ax:

 

It has a very thin blade and weighs only about 3-4lbs.  This is so that it can be hefted sideways and cut deeply against the grain.  Some felling axes are double bladed and that's fine.  Blades dull and two blades will last twice as long as one.  The down side to the double bladed (double bit) ax is that the handle must be straight and may not be the most efficient swinger out there.  This fiberglass handle from Northern Tool is more durable than wood and easier on the hands in the event of a splinter.





Next, here's a splitting maul:

This maul is heavy at 8-12 lbs and is designed to deliver a lot of downward force.  The blade is fat and rounded to prevent the blade from sticking into the grain of a stubborn log.  Generally, you will spit logs much faster with one of these than any other ax-type hand tool.  You should never use the back of the maul as a sledge hammer or use it to drive in splitting wedges.  The type of metal used in this tool is very brittle and can send off shards of metal causing injury.




Splitting wedges:

Just when you thought you had it figured out, there are different types of wedges too.  Metal wedges are for splitting logs.  Don't use them for anything else.  Generally, if you are trying split some seasoned hardwood you will run into some that just won't split with the maul- that's when you use the wedge with a sledge.  Start the cut with the maul and finish it off with the wedge.

Plastic wedges are used for felling trees.  Never attempt to fell a tree with a metal wedge. Plastic ones are safer especially when you are dealing with a chain saw.  So for big trees, you run the risk of pinching your saw blade between the cut in the tree- that's when a plastic wedge comes into play.  you can use a hatchet or a splitting maul to drive one of these in- it really doesn't matter.  When you use it with a  chain saw it won't damage the chain if you accidently touch it. You could use them for splitting wood, but the metal ones are more durable.

Finally, my little stint here on explaining wood cutting tools is just the first chop at a 100yr old oak.  There are LOTs of different types of tools and many varieties in between for different applications.  Fireman's axes, hatchets, throwing hatchets, camping ones, killing ones... you get the idea.

So, the moral of the story is, if you only have one type of ax in your survival tool kit, you might want to check and see what kind it is and then go and get another one.

I recommend at least a felling ax and a splitting maul in addition to a camp hatchet for limbing.  Also, some advice:  when you buy an ax, it doesn't come sharp.  You will NEED to sharpen it either with a hand sharpener or a bench grinder.  Also, they don't stay sharp- be prepared to sharpen your tools (including shovels) with hand files and stones.

Charcoal cooking

Charcoal is the least expensive fuel per BTU that the average family can store. Remember that it must always be used out of doors because of the vast amounts of poisonous carbon monoxide it produces. Charcoal will store for extended period of time if it is stored in air tight containers. It readily absorbs moisture from the surrounding air so do not store it in the paper bags it comes in for more than a few months or it may be difficult to light. Transfer it to airtight metal or plastic containers and it will keep almost forever.

Fifty or sixty dollars worth of charcoal will provide all the cooking fuel a family will need for an entire year if used sparingly. The best time to buy briquettes inexpensively is at the end of the summer. Broken or torn bags of briquettes are usually sold at a big discount. You will also want to store a small amount of charcoal lighter

To light charcoal using newspapers use two or three sheets, crumpled up, and a #10 tin can. Cut both ends out of the can. Punch holes every two inches around the lower edge of the can with a punch-type can opener (for opening juice cans). Set the can down so the punches holes are on the bottom. Place the crumpled newspaper in the bottom of the can and place the charcoal briquettes on top of the newspaper. Lift the can slightly and light the newspaper. Prop a small rock under the bottom edge of the can to create a a good draft. The briquettes will be ready to use in about 20-30 minutes. When the coals are ready remove the chimney and place them in your cooker. Never place burning charcoal directly on concrete or cement because the heat will crack it. A wheelbarrow or old metal garbage can lid makes an excellent container for this type of fire.

One of the nice things about charcoal is that you can regulate the heat you will receive from them. Each briquette will produce about 40 degrees of heat. If you are baking bread, for example, and need 400 degrees of heat for your oven, simply use ten briquettes.

To conserve heat and thereby get the maximum heat value from your charcoal you must learn to funnel the heat where you want it rather than letting it dissipate into the air around you. One excellent way to do this is to cook inside a cardboard oven. Take a cardboard box, about the size of an orange crate, and cover it with aluminum foil inside and out. Be sure that the shiny side is visible so that maximum reflectivity is achieved. Turn the box on its side so that the opening is no longer on the top but is on the side. Place some small bricks or other noncombustible material inside upon which you can rest a cookie sheet about two or three inches above the bottom of the box. Place ten burning charcoal briquettes between the bricks (if you need 400 degrees), place the support for your cooking vessels, and then place your bread pans or whatever else you are using on top of the cookie sheet. Prop a foil-covered cardboard lid over the open side, leaving a large crack for air to get in (charcoal needs a lot of air to burn) and bake your bread, cake, cookies, etc. just like you would in your regular oven. Your results will amaze you.

To make your own charcoal, select twigs, limbs, and branches of fruit, nut and other hardwood trees; black walnuts and peach or apricot pits may also be used. Cut wood into desired size, place in a large can which has a few holes punched in it, put a lid on the can and place the can in a hot fire. When the flames from the holes in the can turn yellow-red, remove the can from the fire and allow it to cool. Store the briquettes in a moisture-proof container. Burn charcoal only in a well-ventilated area.

Last chance to prep before Iran does something

On the off chance that Iran decides to do something crazy- be it an EMP, conventional nuke, or oil denomination policy change, you have until about 10:30 tonight Central time before that window of opportunity starts to disappear.  In about 4 hrs Iranians will be waking up to start the 11th of Feb.  I have no idea when they plan to do what they are going to do... we will likely be sleeping when it happens (so they can be awake to enjoy it).

Hoping I'm wrong,

Jimmy

More on Feb 11th

"Supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said on Monday that Iran is set to deliver a "punch" that will stun world powers during this week's 31st anniversary of the Islamic revolution.
"The Iranian nation, with its unity and God's grace, will punch the arrogance (Western powers) on the 22nd of Bahman (February 11) in a way that will leave them stunned," Khamenei, who is also Iran's commander-in-chief, told a gathering of air force personnel."
Read entire article here.

We now have had two warnings from Iran that intends to deal "Western arrogant powers" a blow.

Couple this with the news that Syria withdrew their apology for killing civilian Jews last fall- immediately following the announcement, Israel announced they would be willing to enter peace talks.  Sounds like some political posturing.  How would it look to the world if Israel is waiving a white flag of peace and then are bombed by Iran?  Israel is hoping that the posturing will prevent an attack.

I'm not saying that Iran will strike us (America) or Israel, only that the chances of something bad happening on the 10th-11th of Feb (that's in 2 days) are increased.

I honestly DON'T think anything will happen, but on the off chance that it does, I encourage all of my readers to prepare today and tomorrow.  Gas, food, laundry, phone calls, water...  I hope I'm wrong and you can just chalk me up as a loony.

Prophets warn of coming danger

This is nothing new; but its refreshing to hear it from the prophets' mouths, both old and new.

For those who aren't familiar with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saint church, here's a link: www.mormon.org

Just one more reason to prepare- if you are Christian, and you know the scriptures and what the ancient prophets taught, you know what is coming and that what the current prophets are teaching coincides perfectly.

East Coast snow causes rush on food stores

The east coast is going to be up to their necks in snow this weekend.  People always freakout in the east whenever there is snow- but this time it looks like it's justified.  2 1/2 feet are predicted.  Hope you guys affected by the snow were prepared.

http://www.foxnews.com/weather/2010/02/05/snowstorm-mid-atlantic-scrambling-staples/

Here's an excerpt from the article:

Shoppers jammed aisles and emptied stores of milk, bread, shovels, driveway salt and other supplies. Many scrambling for food and supplies were too late.

"Our shelves are bare," said Food Lion front-end manager Darlene Baboo in Dover. "This is just unreal."

Airlines canceled flights, churches called off weekend services and people wondered if they would be stuck at home for several days in a region ill-equipped to deal with so much snow.

Several thousand people in West Virginia, Virginia and Pennsylvania had lost electricity and more outages were expected as the snow began to bring down power lines. A hospital fire in D.C. sent about three dozen patients scurrying from their rooms to safety in a basement. The blaze started when a snow plow truck caught fire near the building.

dead battery

I have a trickle charger on my jeep that sits in my garage.  It's been charging for about a year (or so I thought).  I went to crank it up today and the battery was dead.  I checked under the hood only to find that the negative battery jumper had come loose who knows how many months ago.  Lesson: check your stuff more often than once a year.

Iran launches "dirty" missile

This is a follow-up post to yesterday's. This morning, Iran reported launching a missile into space that contained a payload of turtles, worms and mice.


http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,584660,00.html?test=latestnews

Of note, turtles, worms and mice are ALL non-halal or non-kosher.

What does that mean?

Well, Iranian Shiites teach that if a believer was to touch one of these and die before repenting, it would damn him to hell.

Why would they choose to send these particular animals into space- why even handle them? This missile is supposed to represent the great achievement of the Islamic Revolution and the return to the true religion. Why then represent it with "unclean" animals?

If there was a warhead on this missile, it would be the equivalent of dipping bullets in pig's blood to damn the enemy to hell.

Food for thought. Now go and buy some food for storage.

Are you ready for Feb 11th? You'd better be...

First off, I need to warn you that what I'm about to write is pure speculation on my part.  I have no inside knowledge that leads me to the conclusion I'm about to share.  Secondly, I hope I'm wrong.

Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, declared yesterday in the commencement speech celebrating the 1979 Iranian Revolution that his nation will deliver a harsh blow to the "global arrogance" on this year's anniversary of the Islamic Revolution (11 Feb).

Let's rewind just a bit to put this in proper perspective. News flash- September 29, 2009: Iran Admits it has developed Uranium - a key ingredient for nuclear weapons.

Three months later on Dec 23rd, Iran's Minister of Defense announced that during the 10 Day Dawn (the first 10 days of Feb) it would launch a new breed of satellites with it's indigenous missiles.

This brings us to present day.  Let's just say that Iran has developed a few nuclear warheads.  It would not survive a symmetrical nuclear war.  To use the weapon effectively, they would likely use it as an EMP- al a "One Second After"

Suppose the "satellite launch" is only a cover for the missile that will "deliver a harsh blow" on 11 Feb.

But wait- suppose I'm wrong on the nukes.  How else could Iran deliver a harsh blow?  They could announce that they will no longer sell their oil in US dollars.  They will insist on the Euro instead.  This will bring an immediate  crash to the dollar, oil prices skyrocket.... you know the rest.

But am I the only one that thinks this threat is real?  Let's see what the US military is doing about it just this past week.
US raises stakes on Iran by sending in ships and missiles
Anti-Missile Systems Deployed to Middle East Against Iranian Threats

Iran has noticed the build-up too:  Iran Reports Naval Buildup In Gulf

So, like I said in the beginning, I hope I'm wrong.  I probably am.  But, this might be the only warning you get.
I did work for six years as an intelligence specialist and I do have a Master's degree in Strategic Intelligence- for what it's worth. I would say that the chances of an incident are much higher next week than usual.  Not that it is definitely going to happen.

What can you do about it?  Well, for starters finish any preparations you might need.  Fill your gas tanks and do all your shopping on the 9th. - might make it an extra large shopping trip.  Get that extra box of ammo you've been meaning to and call your family- just to make the final plans of what you will do if it does happen. Maybe an extra tank of propane...

I hope that I can look back on this a week and half from now and laugh- Best of luck to all of you.

re-seasoning my skillets

Some will tell you that, if properly cared for, a cast iron skillet never needs re-seasoning.  What that "proper care" actually is- I've yet to discover.  I know some don't use soap on their cast iron due to the soap breaking down the oil that keeps it stick-free.  As for me and mine, we use soap.  Unfortunately, that means that once a year or so, I need to re-season my cast iron.

I have two main 13" skillets that I use on a daily basis.  I love to cook with them.  I found one and bought the other.  One is a Lodge and the other a no-name.  Both are equally good, but I prefer the no-name one.  I re-season them when food starts sticking.

Anyhow, to re-season my pans, I get them hot on the stove with some water in them.  Then, I use steel wool (I use fine) and go to work on it, taking off a good bit of the black.  I rinse well with hot water and then repeat the process.

Next, I get it hot again on the stove (a good 5 min) to be sure there is no water left on the pan.  Then, I cut off the heat and put on a HEAVY coat of Crisco and put that in the oven at 250 for about 15 min.

After 15 min, I pull out the skillet (use a mitt) and pour the excess oil out of the pan into the sink.  Then it goes back in the oven at 280-300 for 2 hours.

This is a long process, and you can repeat the crisco and oven treatment 2 or more times if you want.  The more times, the longer and better the non-stick effect will be.  Let it cool down between each treatment.

Finally, everyone's grandmother has a different method for seasoning a pan.  I've tried a few, but find this to be the most sure fire way to make it happen without the risk of burning the oil.

After Armageddon

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UlcYpgfI564&feature=related

For those who were looking for it...  Comments welcome.

Air Rifles

Long time no write.  In case anyone was wondering, I'm still alive and kicking.  Enjoyed ourselves over Christmas and am back to the daily grind of life.

During the break, I had a chance to shoot a number of different firearms.  From several models of Glocks, to a revolver, to an AR-15 to an AK-47.  Despite all the fun I had doing that, I'd have to say that the most fun I had on vacation was shooting my nephew's Air Soft gun during a neighborhood grudge match of capture the flag.  He has a higher powered (400fps) AK look a like with full auto.  Man that is some fun- and good training.

So, anyhow it got me thinking about noise and of course, air guns are much more quiet- quiet enough to have a full on war in the neighborhood park without drawing anyone's attention.

The advantage of quietness, means I can practice shooting and using a scope in my back yard without alerting all the neighbors.

This can have advantage's in a less than total collapse situation.  For instance, you could hunt small game like rabbits, squirrels, and birds from a suburban back yard without having anyone be the wiser.

In a total SHTF situation, the air gun could be used for similar purposes when trying to conserve ammo, or don't want the entire surrounding population to know that you a) have a firearm and b)have fresh meat.  You would, of course need to carry a primary battle rifle in that situation- but the air rifle can help you stay hidden and undetected.

Additionally, if the government decides to confiscate all firearms, I may be able to hold onto this one- and use it undetected!

So, after considering the utility of a high powered air rifle in various situations, I've decided to add one to my inventory.  I am considering a Gamo Varmint Hunter.  Does anyone own one?  I've read good reviews and the price is about $200.  That's the most I want to pay for an air rifle.

Survival on the Road

I am heading out on the road to visit family tomorrow morning.  I'm sure many of you will also be out on the roads.  Everyone knows to drive safely and to watch for storms and ice- but, it bears repeating.  What else can you do to survive on the road this winter.  Well, here's what I did to prepare:

• Arrange for the neighbor (a hwy patrolman) to watch my house and also to collect the mail.  He also agreed to turn up our heat the day before we come home.  I have his phone number and he has mine in case of emergency.
• Prepare the truck.  I checked the tire pressure, filled the gas tank and checked the fluids (slightly low on antifreeze) and I also put in a piece of cardboard in front of half of the radiator to help the truck to stay warm.  
• Check the route (I know where I'm going, but I like to have alternates) and pack a road map and GPS.
• Pack preparedness items (this is my bugout tote)- complete with several firearms
• Pack tool set- I have several tool kits depending on the situation- this is an extended trip so I packed my big tool box including my 1/2"cordless impact wrench and volt-ohm meter.
• Check standard items (jumper cables, flashlights, flares, fire extinguisher, tire jack)
• Pack tire chains (for snow and ice) 
• Pack tow ropes/chains
• Pack extra food and water
• Remember to bring some cash in addition to credit cards
• Finally, with all that I loaded up our suit cases which have plenty of clothing

I'm sure I'm forgetting some stuff (I always do) but that's it for the next two weeks.

Have a Merry Christmas.  Remember to include Christ in your holiday celebrations (it's His birthday).

More White House Spending!!!

First Lady Michelle Obama's Servant List & Pay Scale

 First Lady Requires More Than Twenty Attendants

1. $172,2000 - Sher, Susan    (Chief Of Staff) 

2.. $140,000 - Frye, Jocelyn C ..    (Deputy Assistant to the President and Director of Policy And Projects For The First Lady)
3. $113,000 - Rogers, Desiree G    (Special Assistant to the President and White House Social Secretary) 

4. $102,000 - Johnston, Camille Y. (Special Assistant to the President and Director of Communications for the First Lady) 

5. $100,000 - Winter, Melissa E. (Special Assistant to the President and Deputy Chief Of Staff to the First Lady) 

6. $90,000 -  Medina , David S. (Deputy Chief Of Staff to the First Lady) 

7. $84,000 - Lelyveld, Catherine M. (Director and Press Secretary to the First Lady) 

8. $75,000 - Starkey, Frances M. (Director of Scheduling and Advance for the First Lady) 

9. $70,000 - Sanders, Trooper (Deputy Director of Policy and Projects for the First Lady) 

10. $65,000 - Burnough, Erinn J. (Deputy Director and Deputy Social Secretary) 

11. $64,000 - Reinstein, Joseph B. (Deputy Director and Deputy Social Secretary) 

12. $62,000 - Goodman, Jennifer R. (Deputy Director of Scheduling and Events Coordinator For The First Lady) 

13. $60,000 - Fitts, Alan O. (Deputy Dir ector of Advance and Trip Director for the First Lady) 

14. $57,500 - Lewis, Dana M. (Special Assistant and Personal Aide to the First Lady) 

15. $52,500 - Mustaphi, Semonti M. (Associate Director and Deputy Press Secretary To The First Lady) 

16. $50,000 - Jarvis, Kristen E. (Special=2 0Assistant for Scheduling and Traveling Aide To The First Lady) 

17. $45,000 - Lechtenberg, Tyler A. (Associate Director of Correspondence For The First Lady) 

18. $43,000 - Tubman, Samantha (Deputy Associate Director, Social Office) 

19. $40,000 - Boswell, Joseph J. (Executive Assistant to the Chief Of Staff to the First Lady) 

20. $36,000 - Armbruster, Sally M. (Staff Assistant to the Social Secretary) 

21. $35,000 - Bookey, Natalie (Staff Assistant) 

22. $35,000 - Jackson, Deilia A. (Deputy Associate Director of Correspondence for the First Lady)


Note: This does not include makeup artist Ingrid Grimes-Miles, 49, and "First Hairstylist" Johnny Wright, 31, both of whom traveled aboard Air
Force One to  Europe .

Copyright 2009 Canada Free Press.Com  canadafreepress.com/index.php/article/12652

Yes, I know, The Canadian Free Press has to publish this because the  USA media is too scared they might be considered racist.   Sorry  America !

Survival Seeds Review

I got my seeds in the mail today from http://hometownseeds.com

I haven't planted them yet- so I can't honestly comment on whether they will germinate and grow...but if the service and high quality packaging are any indication, they will be just fine.

The seeds came speedy fast via priority mail and came packaged in a vacuum sealed durable metallic bag.  There was also a thank you note as well as a good-sized information pamphlet that had details on each seed type included and information on soil preparation.  There were 16 different types of seeds included- they claim that there is enough to plant 3/4 of an acre.  That's a lot of seeds- the bag was quite hefty for the size.

I will likely plant some of these seeds this spring and will give you an update as that progresses.  They are all non hybrid seeds.  So, if you're looking for some survival seeds, but the $100 can is just too much, try out this company- with a survival package at $34.99 you really can't go wrong.  I always thought that growing from seeds was going to be tough- I found out that really isn't the case.  Also- it's WAY cheaper to do it from seeds than from buying the potted plant at Wally World.

Airline Travel with defensive weapons...

I travel quite a bit and this can be a little tricky when traveling with guns and knives.  However, it is very possible to travel with a pistol and knife (except for when you are actually in the airport).  Just lock your pistol in a hard case and pack the ammo in the original box and put your sheathed knife in your checked luggage. BE SURE to DECLARE it at the baggage check.  After you get to your destination, pull it out and stick it in your pocket.

There are some stipulations though- click here to read the special instructions from the government about bringing a firearm onboard. 

TWA says: Knives including sabers, swords, hunting knives, souvenir knives, martial arts devices with blades are accepted in checked baggage. NOTE: Any sharp objects in checked baggage should be sheathed or securely wrapped to prevent injury to baggage handlers and inspectors.

Just keep in mind that if you travel overseas, guns and some knives may be considered illegal- so, check first to avoid problems.