Do hens Crow!

We have been working hard trying to get the ranch up and ranching.  One of the fist things we did is start some chickens.  Last weekend when I was taking care of the adolescent chickens, while my son was off visiting some friends, one of the chickens crowed at me!

I had no clue that chickens would crow, but I looked it up on the interwebz and what do you know, sometimes the dominant chicken will crow if there are no roosters.  We learn stuff every day.

Long time

It has been a long time since I posted.  The reason for this is that we moved from the East Coast (Washington DC Area) to Dallas Texas.  My wife and I were planning our retirement so we purchased a very nice condo that was cozy and fit our needs.  We kept prepping and were of the mindset of urban preppers and were hoping for a mild TEOTWAWKI.

Unfortunately life is what happens when you are making other plans.  Our plan was to live just the two of us. It looked like our oldest son had become a hero and was serving in the USMC, he currently is in Afghanistan and will be back early next month thank god.  Our daughter had 5 or 6 jobs on the east coast and was doing awesome we had no worries about her and her career, although we worried about her location and how far she was from us, I often imagined heading from Dallas to DC and back in a post apocalyptic adventure to bring her home!  My middle son had found a girl and move back to Phoenix with his mother and we hoped for grandchildren.  And my youngest son was struggling to finish high school also with his mother in Phoenix.

So a quiet condo in the suburbs seemed like the way to go.  I stopped blogging mostly due to laziness.  But then tragedy struck, my first wife in Phoenix suddenly died.  Unlike many ex-wifes my ex and I had buried the hatchet several years back and not only was she one of my best friends she was pretty good friends with my current wife and her sister who lives very close to us was our best friend in Texas.  My middle son who had decided not to pursue his relationship with his girlfriend had at this time moved back out with us and was studding with me to do my profession.  I happened to be in DC at the time of my first wives death and had drove back to Dallas to be with my wife and my first wives sister to help decide what to do.  As soon as I arrived my middle son said, "we have to go out there and handle the situation no one else will!"

We all carpooled out to Phoenix and my ex-mother in law and I took care of all the issues that go with a death with no life insurance.  We gathered up the boys and headed back to our tiny condo to make a new life for ourselves.

The condo was just too small to handle our new family.  My wife told me this time we should get a new home, but it should be one that I choose, in the past I have let my wife choose what sort of home we live in.  Maybe due to the death of my first wife or because of the news around the world or maybe because I have always wanted land to call my own, but my idea of a place to live is a ranch or farm, not to large but large enough where you don't have worry if your music is to loud, or in our case our beagles.

We now have a 10 acre ranch (although my wife prefers we don't call it that she says ranch sounds pretentious).  And all the issues and trouble that go with homesteading and living rural!

Short Term Emergency Check List

From Texas Preppers Network blog

Short Term Emergency Check List

ESSENTIALS:

Flashlight

Battery-operated radio

2-way radio or other form of communication

Extra Batteries

First Aid Kit (one for your home and one for each car)

Note: As a precaution, do not include candles. Candles cause more fires after a disaster.

WATER:

3 gallons of water per person, minimum, in a food-grade, plastic container

Water purification tablets

Additional water for sanitation

FOOD:

Minimum 5-day supply of non-perishable food that requires no refrigeration or preparation and little or no water

Dry cereal

Peanut butter

Canned fruits

Canned vegetables

Canned juice

Ready-to-eat canned meats

Ready-to-eat soups (not concentrated)

Quick energy snacks

SANITATION:

Disinfectant

Household chlorine bleach

Soap, liquid detergent

Toilet paper, towelettes, paper towels

Personal hygiene items

Cloth towels (at least 3)

Feminine supplies

Plastic bucket with tight lid

Plastic garbage bags, ties (for personal sanitation use)

CLOTHING:

Plastic garbage bags, ties

Sunglasses

Rain gear

Sturdy shoes or work boots

Blankets or sleeping bags

Complete change of clothing and footwear per person

TOOLS & SUPPLIES:

Whistle

Aluminum foil

Crowbar

Compass

Paper, pencil

Plastic sheeting

Medicine dropper

Needles, thread

Signal flare

Matches in a waterproof container

Assorted nails, wood screws

Pliers, screwdriver, hammer

Plastic storage containers

Heavy cotton or hemp rope

Cash, traveler’s checks, change

Map of the area

Non-electric can opener, utility knife

Cell phone with charger

Mess kits, or paper cups, plates and plastic utensils

Tape, duct tape and plumber’s tape or strap iron

Patch kit and can of seal-in-air for tires

Shut off wrench, to turn off household gas and water

FOR BABY:

Formula

Diapers

Bottles

Medication

Powdered milk

Baby food

PETS:

Food, water

Non-tippable food and water containers

Leash, harness, carrier

Records of vaccinations

Pet medications

IMPORTANT DOCUMENTS:

Important telephone numbers

Record of bank account numbers

Family records (birth, marriage, death certificates)

Inventory of household valuables

Copy of will, insurance policies, contracts, deeds, stock and bonds

Records of credit card account numbers and companies

Copy of passport, social security cards and immunization records

FAMILY MEDICAL NEEDS:

Insulin

Prescription drugs in original containers

Heart and high blood pressure needs

Denture needs

Extra eye glasses

Contact lenses and supplies

ADDITIONAL ITEMS:

Family photos

Jewelry

Irreplaceable personal items

Thanks to Tess Pennington at www.readynutrition.com for putting this short term emergency checklist together.

Rural Revolutions Bug out bag

From Rural Revolution
http://www.rural-revolution.com/2010/12/bug-out-bags.html
Here's what our Bug-Out Bags contain (click to enlarge photo):

1. Sleeping bag.

2. Standard military hard foam pad. Good for a dry spot in wet conditions and as a fairly good "door" in an improvised shelter. Marginal for actually sleeping on, but hey, better than nothing.

3. 8 x 10 nylon camo tarp. A waterproof wrap for the sleeping bag/ground cloth/improvised tent or a camo cover. Has grommets but can be "up-graded” with item #18.

4. Ziplock bag containing copies of birth certificates, plasticized maps, immunization records, insurance records, title insurances, contact info for friends and relatives, etc. Each pack contains a complete set for the entire family.

5. New Testament. We will all need support in trying times.

6. Wash cloth/utility cloth.

7. Two bandanas (earth-tone). Nothing is more useful than a bandana. It can be used as a tourniquet, pot holder, sun block, sling, sweat band, extra pocket, gun swab, head cover, dust mask, and of course blowing one’s nose. The list is huge. Ask a cowboy.

8. Duct tape. As the saying goes, duct tape is like The Force. It has a light side, a dark side, and it binds the universe together. With duct tape and two bandanas, the world is your oyster.

9. Mosquito netting. Good for bugs, filtration, camo (make sure to get an earth-tone color).

10. Gloves leather or synthetic working gloves with Thinsulite lining.

11. Light shoes (in this case, moccasins with rubberized soles). Wet feet suck. You can wear these while your boots are drying.

12. Medium ALICE pack with frame.

13. Knit watch cap (preferably with knit face mask)

14. Poncho Good also as a quick tent/shelter. Don't pack a rain coat. You want something that can easily cover the pack on your back.

15. 100 feet of paracord. Make sure you get the kind with either a five or seven strand interior. The strands can be separated and used for hundreds of things. (One time, while part of a group of pretty savvy survival types, I was asked to name the one thing I would have with me if dropped in the middle of nowhere. My answer was rope. Think about it.)

16. Spare ALICE pouch for things that should be close at hand.

17. Two canteens and ALICE attach-covers. Don't forget to fill (and change often) these with water the moment you have your kit done. It won't do you a bit of good to run out of the burning house with empty canteens.

18. Plastic snap together grommets. Excellent and easy ways to re-enforce a tarp, fabric, or blanket. Not as strong as metal grommets to be sure, but a lot easier to install in troubled times.

19. Food. Since food is usually one of the bulkiest items in a backpack, we purchased a 3600 calorie ration bar with a five-year shelf life. Supposedly this is a three day supply. Perhaps not, but it’s better than nothing and only weighs two pounds. You'll still be alive after three days but probably pretty hungry. (This ain't Lembas, folks.)

20. Toilet paper. (Hey, I’ve got three females in the family.)

21. Dental floss. This has many uses and is very tough.

22. Cash. This will also include some coinage. Might still be working phone booths somewhere.

23. First aid kit. The best compact first-aid kit I could find was $14 from the Red Cross. I upgraded it with Tylenol, Imodium, and Benadryl. A more extensive kit will travel with me.

24. Space blanket bag. This is like your standard space blanket, but formed into a bag suitable as a bivvy sack for outside your sleeping bag (a big multiplier for heat retention as long as you recognize its limitations).

25. Bar soap. Good for washing everything as well as finding water leaks in pipes, unsticking zippers, and lubricating saw blades and screws.

26. Two space blankets. Good for signaling, ground clothes, heat retention, etc. These can be duct-taped together for a tent, grommeted, used as a sun-shade, game-wrap, or (of course) a blanket.

27. Sewing kit.

28. Flashlight. This is an LED flood and single-point light with a strong rare-earth magnet and a hanging hook. (Spare batteries are not shown but we have them packed.)

29. Four ratchet type tarp holders. These make great clamps and tie-downs.

30. Clothing. One shirt, pants, two pairs of underwear, three pair of socks. The outerwear is in dark earth-tones or camo.

31. Matches, match cases, and a Bic lighter.

32. Florescent plastic survey tape. Each family member gets a different color.

33. Comb

34. Sun-block SPF 50

35. Sharpie, two pens and pad of paper.

36. A Leatherman-style tool: pliers, knife, awl, etc. with case.

37. Toothbrush and toothpaste. Sure you can make it three days without brushing. But why? I can tell you that a good tooth brushing will make you feel better no matter how bad a night you've had.

[It is mentioned to add Safty Sun Glasses] -Viscount

(Not shown: small mirror, compass, AM/FM radio, long johns, water treatment pills and hexamine fire starters.)

"The Gun Is Civilization" by Maj. L. Caudill USMC (Ret)

"The Gun Is Civilization" by Maj. L. Caudill USMC (Ret)

Human beings only have two ways to deal with one another: reason and force. If you want me to do something for you, you have a choice of either convincing me via argument, or force me to do your bidding under threat of force. Every human interaction falls into one of those two categories, without exception. Reason or force, that's it.

In a truly moral and civilized society, people exclusively interact through persuasion. Force has no place as a valid method of social interaction, and the only thing that removes force from the menu is the personal firearm, as paradoxical as it may sound to some.

When I carry a gun, you cannot deal with me by force. You have to use reason and try to persuade me, because I have a way to negate your threat or employment of force.

The gun is the only personal weapon that puts a 100-pound woman on equal footing with a 220-pound mugger, a 75-year old retiree on equal footing with a 19-year old gang banger, and a single guy on equal footing with a carload of drunk guys with baseball bats. The gun removes the disparity in physical strength, size, or numbers between a potential attacker and a defender.

There are plenty of people who consider the gun as the source of bad force equations. These are the people who think that we'd be more civilized if all guns were removed from society, because a firearm makes it easier for a [armed] mugger to do his job. That, of course, is only true if the mugger's potential victims are mostly disarmed either by choice or by legislative fiat--it has no validity when most of a mugger's potential marks are armed.

People who argue for the banning of arms ask for automatic rule by the young, the strong, and the many, and that's the exact opposite of a civilized society. A mugger, even an armed one, can only make a successful living in a society where the state has granted him a force monopoly.

Then there's the argument that the gun makes confrontations lethal that otherwise would only result in injury. This argument is fallacious in several ways. Without guns involved, confrontations are won by the physically superior party inflicting overwhelming injury on the loser.

People who think that fists, bats, sticks, or stones don't constitute lethal force watch too much TV, where people take beatings and come out of it with a bloody lip at worst. The fact that the gun makes lethal force easier works solely in favor of the weaker defender, not the stronger attacker. If both are armed, the field is level.

The gun is the only weapon that's as lethal in the hands of an octogenarian as it is in the hands of a weight lifter. It simply wouldn't work as well as a force equalizer if it wasn't both lethal and easily employable.

When I carry a gun, I don't do so because I am looking for a fight, but because I'm looking to be left alone. The gun at my side means that I cannot be forced, only persuaded. I don't carry it because I'm afraid, but because it enables me to be unafraid. It doesn't limit the actions of those who would interact with me through reason, only the actions of those who would do so by force. It removes force from the equation... and that's why carrying a gun is a civilized act.

By Maj. L. Caudill USMC (Ret.)

5 - 8 -1 Homemade Gatoraid or electrolytes solution

Hydration is important,
Home made electrolyte solution for hard physical activity or illness....

5 cups clean water
8 teaspoons of sugar (or less)
1 teaspoon of salt

Multi Use items

Ideas from:
http://offgridsurvival.com/backpackinggear/

■Bandana - cooling head or neck wrap, sunscreen, water filter, bandages.
■Candles - lighting, fire starter, waterproofing.
■Compass with mirror – emergency signal, personal mirror, finding your way.
■Dental Floss – fishing line, sewing thread, etc…
■Duct Tape – Use to prevent blisters, repair gear, bandage wrap….
■Metal Canteen with Cup- Boiling Water, cooking food, bowl for eating.
■Multitool – Knife, tools, scissors, nail cutters, saws,…..
■Paracord – For traps, cloth line, fishing, clothesline, food bag line.
■Plastic Baggies–carry items, emergency water carrier, storing food.
■Safety Pins – fishing hooks, hanging items, securing bandages
■Socks – warming hands, filtering water
■Tarp - Can be used for shelter rain gear, ground cover, rain catch, etc…

Working hard to get ready for the trip...

Current list with what I have packed
Packing List

Located     Packed      in the Car
79.2%          54.2%        43.8%
38                 26              21             Total Items 48

Food Water and Shelter
Sleeping bag fleece
Pillow
Blanket
Tent 2 man
Case of Vitamin Water
Gallon of water
Coffee
Diet Mt Dew

Hygiene
Tooth Brush
Tooth Paste
Shampoo / Soap
Floss
Towel

Clothing
2 Pair of pants
4 Shirts Polo
1 Suit and Tie
1 Dress Pair shoes
2 Tshirts
1 trunks
1 Sandals
Underwear and Socks

Tools
Tool Bag
Crowbar
Folding Shovel

SCA Gear (Hobby)
2 Costumes
Armor
Sword
Shield
Mug
Belt
Chain
Boots
Cane

Arms
9mm
Ammo

Entertainment, Communication & Documents
Laptop
Work Laptop
Install Skype for Wife
Extension Cord
Power charger for Phone
GPS
Vehicle Charger for phone
Power inverter
Generator
2 gal Gas Can
Birth Cert
SS Card
Drivers Licence
Voters Registration

Some stuff to take and set up that is a bit out of the norm

2kw portable generator

Skype on the boss' PC and mine

Folding Shovel in the car.

Small tent

Packing mostly this weekend I think.
The boss and I are still in negotiations about what firearms stay and go

I also have to look up all the transport laws in all the states I will be in.

Travel List for driving trip and basic need

Road Trip in the Zombie Apocalypse or just heading west

Food and Water
Water 3 gallons in small bottles (Zero Vitamin Water and one gal jug)
Cash for food and standard 3 day food supply

Shelter
Sleeping bag LW
Sleeping bag fleece
Pillow
Blanket

Hygiene
Tooth Brush
Tooth Paste
Shampoo
Towel

Clothing
2 pants
4 Shirts
1 Suit and Tie
1 Dress shoes
2 Tshirts
1 trunks
1 Sandals
Underwear and Socks

Tools
Tool Bag
Power Tools

SCA Gear (Hobby)
2 Costumes
Armor
Sword
Shield
Mug
Belt
Chain
Boots

Arms
9mm
AK
Ammo

Entertainment and Communication
Laptop
Extension Cord
Power charger for Phone
GPS
Vehicle Charger for phone
Power inverter

Cooking over fire and a Long drive

(not my spit)

This memorial day we cooked over fire.  My wife got me a meat spit for cooking over fire for fathers day.  This Monday was the first day we tried it out.  The polish sausage went very well.  The tenderloin was not cooked after two sets of coals so we finished it in the broiler for 20 min.  To roast a multi pound chunk of meat would take several hours or a hotter fire.  More fuel than I expected.

In a couple weeks I will be making a long drive, I am planning on doing it in one shot.  Although I may break it in two depending on further planning.  I thought this would be a great opportunity to plan for a trip across the country after the zombie appoc.  So I will be planning my real and imaginary gear for the trip.

Real things to do to save the planet...

Mercury filled lightbulbs, electric cars, windmills and solar panels... all are bunk and silly.  But while bumbling around in my life I found some smart people in Denmark (amazingly enough) had actually put together a list of things to do that would improve the planet.  Of course being the anti green guy I am since most of it is snake oil and alarmists trying to buy nice 9 million dollar beachouses, I wanted to read it for the laugh factor I get from reading greenie stuff. 

Imagine my frustration when it made sense and it was not at all funny but a great list.... check it out yourselves and see if you agree.

Copenhagen Consensus

Change is scary...

My wife and I are planning some major changes that will happen in the next couple weeks.  They are big changes for us but minor in comparison with any type of emergency.  We hope that we are making the right choices but at least we control if and when we make the choice and it is not forced upon us against our will, by events or persons.

In some ways I like change its an adventure.  If everything works out perfect we will be in a better position, if everything does not work out we will be in a better location.  So all in all the pros are bigger than the cons.

Bread and yeast

My wife tends to make bread often, its wonderfull.  She can and has made it all by hand from time to time but we have a cool bread machine that does most of the hard work.  The other day she ran out of yeast (well we found some and so we got to have some nice warm bread)

I was a bit worried that we would not have nice fluffy bread to eat if we ran out of Yeast for a long period of time.

So I found the following and we will soon be trying it.

Step 1: Capture the Yeast

 

This method is dependent on how much wild yeast is circulating in the air in your kitchen at any given time. Baking frequently adds yeast to the air, so trying to capture the yeast soon after baking bread will help ensure success.

 

 

 

1.Combine in a bowl:

• 2 cups of warm water
• 1 tablespoon of sugar
• 2 cups of flour 

2.Cover the bowl with cheesecloth and place in a warm area in your kitchen.

3.Stir the mixture once a day.

4.It will begin to bubble when you have captured yeast.

 5.Allow the mixture to continue to sit for 3-4 days after you first notice the bubbles.

 

Step 2: Dry the Yeast

 

1.Spread the liquid mixture out on plastic wrap or waxed paper to dry.

2.Break the dried yeast into chunks.

3.Grind it into small particles in the food processor.

4.Freeze the yeast in an airtight container for long term storage

Rolling with the punches

In the Marine Corps there is a saying "improvise, adapt and overcome".  This applies to so many things in life and makes you a much more happy person.  This weekend was my 12th wedding anniversary.  My wife and I had some nice plans that included driving over four hours to see a show.  The show was canceled but we had not been informed, as you can imagine there were dozens of people there, we were about two hours early to the box office, who were very angry, and I am talking screaming at the poor box office employees who had done nothing to cancel the show and get paid almost nothing to sit there and be assaulted by angry patrons.

My wife and I went to the beach and had a fantastic time looking at the huge navy ships and did some nice shopping.  We also found a very nice restaurant to have a wonderful dinner.  We were disappointed and I think my wife will start becoming pretty angry at the correct people today if we do not yet have a refund.  But all in all it was a fantastic trip and I got to spend more than 8 hours alone with my best friend in the whole world.

What I am trying to say is life is what happens when you are making other plans.  Starting over is an adventure and I for one love an adventure.  The websters definition of adventure is

ad·ven·ture (ad-ven-chur)
noun.
1. Being cold wet and exhausted normally in an extreme amount of pain.

Ok that is my definition, but cold wet and exhausted can be a ton of fun.  You have to roll with the punches and those who make the best of a situation are the ones who come out of the situation with the least amount of scars.  Learning to deal with the little issues like your show being canceled helps when it comes to the big things.

BOB (Draft always in progress)

Today is bug out bag.  I have been working on this list/kit for days now trying to get it to my liking.  No luck yet but I have gotten my Daily Carry and my Go Bag to something I like.  This all came from the weekend project of trying to put together my boys BOB's.  Now I know that I am putting together a mishmash of Daily Carry and Go bags for them.  Everyone should go over their lists and dump out what they do have in their bags and practice at least verbally an emergency and what you would need.  Better yet go on a camping trip with just your kit. 

I have settled on the idea that the BOB will be several kits some that are repeated for each member of the family and some that are not.  So far I have only cobbled together a mish mash of kits and tried to order them.  I of course will keep working on the lists and kits and hopefully sometimes soon will have something I like put together.

All lists are in PDF format on a link at the upper part of the blog
For now here is my current BOB list:
Bug Out Bag (BOB a list of kits)

BOB Hydro Kit
 Water Filter
 Bleach or Water purification tablets
 2 1 liter water bottles
 2 5 gal watter bladder
 7 to 14 gal of water

Sleep System
 Sleeping Bag Multi System
 Sleeping Pad
 1 Wool Blanket
 2 10 X 10 Tarps or Larger

BOB Shelter Kit
 2 or 4 Man Tent
 2 Tarps 20' X 20 or larger
 300' 550 paracord
 20 Tent Stakes

BOB Light Kit
 Flashlight
 Lantern
 Head Lamp
 AA and AAA Battery Charger
 Rechargable Batteries AA and AAA
 Pack of Candles

4 to 11 days of food
Basic 2000 Calories Food Pack (Sample)

 1 1gal Ziplock bag
 2 cups of rice (2.4 lbs)
 4 tbsp of powdered butter
 2 packets of oatmeal
 2 pouches of tuna
 2 protein bars
 2 single serving instant coffee
 4 packets of salt
 Hard Candy
 Seasonings

Basic Long Term Clothing
 2 pr Socks Cotton
 2 pr Socks Wool
 2 pr Underwear
 2 pr Tactical Pants
 1 pr Shorts / swim suit
 2 T-Shirts
 1 lightweight long sleeve shirt
 1 Full Brim Hat
 1 Wind breaker
 Walking Shoes
 Boots Hiking
 Shower Sandals

Winter Weather Clothing
 1 pr thermal underwear Bottoms
 1 pr thermal underwear shirt
 1 flanel shirt
 1 warm wool sweater
 1 pr Winter Boots
 1 pr wool glove liners
 1 pr water proof gloves/Mittens
 1 poly scarf
 1 wool cap
 1 pr winter tactical pants
 1 winter jacket-Parka /w hood

Mess Kit
 Plate
 Bowl
 Spork
 Cup
 Small Cooking Pot
 Small Frying Pan

Large Hygene kit
 Large tube of toothpaste
 Extra toothbrush
 1 Roll of TP
 2 Bars of Soap
 Deoderant
 Wash Cloth
 Beach Towel
 Camp Shower / Pump
 5 gal bucket
 Hygene Seat

BOB Basic Tool Kit
 Hatchet
 Machette
 Small Shovel
 Small Saw
 Claw Hammer
 Screwdriver set
 Open End Wrench Set
 Hack Saw
 Measuring Tape 25'

Repair Supply Kit
 Rubber bands
 Safety Pins
 Duct Tape
 Wire
 Epoxy
 Collection of various fasteners
 Box of 1gal Ziplock bags
 Box of ziplock sandwich bags
 Box of Garbage Bags
 Bungie Cords

Navigation Kit
 Quality Compass
 Area Maps
 Portable GPS

Comunications and Information Kit
 usb or DVD Disk with Books and info
 Laptop
 Portable Emergency Radio
 Portable Emergency Scanner
 Portable Ham Radio
 Portable CB /w SSB

Camp Kitchen kit
 Portable Stove
 Package of lighters
 Magnisium Fire Starter
 Box of strike anywhere matches
 2 Weeks Fuel for Stove

Utensils
 Cooking Fork Long Handle
 Cooking Spoon Long Handle
 Cooking Spoon Sloted Long Handle
 Ladle
 Long Tongs
 Spatula Long Handle
 Wire Whip
 Basting Brush
 Cutting Board
 Measuring Cups
 Measuring Spoons
 Mixing Bowl
 Can opener
 Pot holders

Cookware
 Dutch Oven
 Iron Griddle
 Iron Frying Pan
 Iron Griddle
 Large Pot
 Sauce Pan
 Coffee Pot

Knifes
 Butcher Knife
 Pairing Knife
 Bread Knife
 Peeler

Comprehensive Medical kit
 1 Medic Pack
 mirror with handle
 10 Tongue blades
 10 Gloves (sterile)
Sutures (1 of each)
 4-0 Dexon
 5-0 Dexon
 4-0 Nylon
 5-0 Nylon
 6-0 Nylon
 3-0 Silk ties
 4-0 Chromic
(Needles)
 2 18 g (2)
 2 20 g (2)
 4 Syringe: 3 cc
 1 Razor handle
 5 Razor blades for handle
 Safety pins (25 in assorted sizes)
 Insect repellent (REI Jungle Juice)
 Sun Screen
 Aloe Sunburn Ointment
 Oil of clove
Instruments
 Needle holder
 3 Hemostat (straight)
 3 Hemostat (angled)
 1 Scissors Straight Mayo
 1 Scissors Paramedic
 2 Pickups without teeth
 1 Scalpel handle
Scalpel blades
 5 #15
 5 #11
 5 #10
Prep
 Alcohol Rubbing 8oz
 H2O2 8oz
 Betadine solution (4 oz)
 4 Betadine wipes
 6 Betadine ointment
 10 Neosporin ointment
 4 Alcohol wipes
 Liquid soap (Campsuds) (2 oz)
Dressings
 100 Assorted Band-Aids
 100 Butterfly Closures
 Field dressing (4) (battle dressings, Carlyle pressure dressings)
 Grease gauze
 1 Vaseline
 1 Adaptic
 4 Medical Sponges
 Tape Roll 1"
 Triangle bandage (54" hypotenuse)
Drugs
 1 Benadryl 50 mg/cc Antihistamine
 2 Epinephrine 1:1000 Adrenaline (RX only)
 5 Atropine 0.4 mg/cc Anti Chemical (RX only)
 100 Tylenol (adult)
 50 Electrolyte tablets
 100 Excedrin Migraine
 50 Imodium
 100 Antacid

The Survialist Blog by M.D. Contest

M.D. Creekmore over at the The Survivalist Blog – a survival blog dedicated to helping others prepare for and survive disaster – with articles on bug out bag contents, survival knife choices and a wealth of other survival information is giving away a Go Berkey Water Filter System (a $139.00 value)! To enter, you just have to post about it on your blog. This is my entry. Visit The Survivalist Blog for the details.

Buying junk silver

I am not sure if buying junk silver is a good idea or a bad idea.  My track record with investments is worse than my gambling record and I fail at gambling.  I have a friend who is pretty savvy with investments, and he says that metals are perfectly set for bubble and then like all bubbles it will pop.  Add that view to hyperinflation and metals do not seem like such a great idea.

But silver, gold, copper and other metals will still be worth what they are worth so as far as keeping value you can not do better than metal.  So here is some info for buying junk silver.

http://www.2-clicks-coins.com/article/junk-silver-coins.html


Determining Junk Silver Prices
If you have a junk silver piece at hand, here’s a quick guide to determine your junk silver coin’s price.

Take note that all silver values are pegged at $10 per ounce of silver. So to determine the actual value, the silver weight is multiplied by the current spot price of silver.

Coin Silver                             Content Silver Weight    Face Value Silver Value
1942-1945     War Nickels                 35%   0.05626 oz. $0.05      $0.56
1916-1945     Mercury Dimes            90%   0.07234 oz.  $0.10      $0.72
1946-1964     Roosevelt Dimes          90%   0.07234 oz   $0.10       $0.72
1932-1964     Washington Quarters   90%   0.18084 oz.   $0.25       $1.81
1916-1947     Walking Liberty Half   90%    0.36169 oz.   $0.50       $3.62
1948-1963     Franklin Half               90%    0.36169 oz.   $0.50       $3.62
1964              Kennedy Half              90%    0.36169 oz.   $0.50       $3.62
1965-1970     Kennedy Half             40%     0.1479 oz      $0.50      $1.48
1878-1921     Morgan Dollar            90%     0.77344 oz.   $1.00      $7.73
1921-1935     Peace Dollar               90%     0.77344 oz.   $1.00      $7.73
1971-1976-S Eisenhower Dollar       40%     0.3161 oz.     $1.00      $3.16

So when the price of silver goes up by ten cents, a bag of 90% junk silver coins will rise by at least $70.

The Go Bag

I agree with many that the BOB is too limiting.  The multi tiered system is easier to manage.  Yesterday I went over my keyring kit and my Daily Carry, today I will go over what I have put together for my Go Bag. 

 

Each system builds on the other.  Adding the ability to go longer and do more things with each addition to the system.  Keys and Daily Carry should always be with you or within reach (such as in your car).  One day of food in the Daily Carry helps you if you need a quick snack and allows more room in your GO BAG, where only two days of food are stored.  This leaves only 10 days of food needed in the BOB.  I have left firearms out of the system since this is a personal choice and also depends on your abilities such as having a CCW or not.  If you own firearms you will know what and where they belong in the system.

 

PREP SYSTEM Concept:

KEY RING KIT (On your keyring)

 

The very basic of tools should always be on you.

 

DAILY CARRY (Small pouch, purse, Lumbar Pack, and in your pockets)

These items should be on you at all times and should get you to your car or safety, or protect you in a dire emergency.

 

GO BAG (Day Pack)

This should allow you to stay in most places away from home for 3 days when combined with the previous kits suffering only minor discomfort, unless conditions are very extreme, and even in that situation you should come out pretty much intact.

 

BUG OUT BAG (Backpack or Duffle Bags)

Allows for 2 weeks when combined with the previous kits of semi comfortable living away from home in almost all conditions. And allow for at least 1 week of multi person food and indefinite shelter.  Very much like planning for an extended camping trip that you can carry on your back.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The GO BAG should be near you at all times such as in your car.  This bag allows you to reach your home or BOB.  It is made from several kits that may change during the seasons.

 

Here are what I have come up with for my GO BAG:

 GO BAG

• Water Bladder (3 Liter)
• Water Filter or Water purification tablets
• Flashlight
• Head Lamp
• Radio
• Small Binoculars
• 1 Deck of Cards
• 1 Pair of dice
• Pen and Notepad
• Sun glasses (safety glasses)
• 1 Saw
• 2 Large Garbage Bags
• 2 1 Gal ziplock bags
• 4 Ziplock sandwich bags
• 50' Steel Cable encased in plastic
• 50' Snare wire
• 1 Roll of duct tape
• 1 Roll of electrical Tape
• Lighter
• Matches
• Fire Steel

• 24 to 72 hours of food 6000 calories in 1 to 3 1 gal ziplock bags
• 1 1gal Ziplock bag
• 2 cups of rice (2.4 lbs)
• 4 tbsp of powdered butter
• 2 packets of oatmeal
• 2 pouches of tuna
• 2 protein bars
• 2 single serving instant coffee
• 4 packets of salt
• Hard Candy
• Seasonings
• Basic Outdoors Kit
• 1 Sleeping bag liner Fleece
• Emergency Bivvy Space Blanket
• 1 Tarp
• 10 heaters
• 1 Hammock
• Basic Mess Kit
• Spork
• Metal Cup
• Thermos 16oz
• Folding Stove
• 9 Fuel pellets
• Sewing Kit
• 10 Safety Pins
• 100' unbreakable thread
• 3 needles
• 1 Mini seam ripper
• 10 pins
• Hygiene Kit
• Sleeping bag liner
• Toothbrush
• Toothpaste
• Washcloth
• Towel
• Soap
• Razor
• Mirror
• TP in Small Ziplock Bag
• Fishing Kit
• 5 hooks
• 100' black nylon line
• Snap Swivels
• Lures
• Lead Weights
• Water Balloons (for bobbers)
• Fishing Knot instructions
• Base Clothing
• 1 Poncho
• 1 Full brim foldable Hat (boonie)
• 1 Pair Cotton Socks
• 1 Pair Wool Socks
• 1 Pair Underwear
• 2 Bandannas
• Clothing
• 1 lightweight sweater poly
• 1 windbreaker lightweight
• 1 pr tactical pants
• 1 Tshirt
• Warm Weather Clothing
• 1 Tshirt
• 1 pr Shorts (swim trunks)
• 1 Pr Underwear
• 1 Pr Cotton Socks
• Cold Weather Clothing
• 1 pr Wool Socks
• 1 pr thermal pants
• 1 thermal shirt
• 1 wool watch cap
• 1 poly scarf
• 1 pr wool gloves
• 1 hvy poncho
• Personal First Aid kit
• 1 TRIAGE/EMERGENCY CARE HANDBOOK 191 pages 7" x 9"
• 10 Cotton swabs
• 1 Fever Thermometer
• 1 "Kling" rolled gauze 4" X 5 yards
• 20 assorted strip and spot band-aids
• 10 Butterfly closures
• 2 pr. disposable gloves
• 1 Wet-proof adhesive tape 1/2" X 10 yards
• 1 Paper adhesive tape 1/2" 5 yards
• 3 2" X 3" pads
• 4 2" X 3" adhesive pads
• 5 4" X 4" pads
• 1 Mole Skin
• 1 Ace Bandage
• 5 Cotton Balls
• 2 1 gal. zip-loc bags
• 4 Sandwich zip-loc bags
• 1 Cold compress, crush to activate type
• 1 Pump style snake venom remover
• 1 small tweezers
• 1 EMT Scissors
• 1 small Disposable Scalpel
• 1 Tube of Sunscreen
• 1 Tube of insect Repellent
• 1 30ml dropper bottle of Alcohol
• 1 30ml dropper bottle of Hydrogen Peroxide
• 1 30ml dropper bottle of Witch Hazel
• 1 Neosporin (antibiotic cream)
• 1 small petroleum jelly
• 1 Coagulant Pack
• 10 Electrolyte tablets
• 1 Iodine
• 10 Excedrin
• 10 Advil
• 10 Benadryl
• 10 Caffeine
• 10 Antacid
• 10 Imodium
• 1 Lip Balm
• 1 Oil of clove 1 dram