Oh, now I remember what I was going to write about.
The BIGGEST goal of 2009 will be to lose weight, stay healthy and need fewer medications. If it is the end of the world as we know it, the start of hard financial times, and a time when we'll have to do more things for ourselves, it might be a good idea to be in the best shape we can be in. That is something major any suburban "survivalist" can do for their own good. Get off the processed foods as much as possible. Get healthier so there's less need for medicine.
If there's one goal I can accomplish this year to make me and my family more ready to handle difficult times, it's to lose some weight and get fit.
Friday, January 2, 2009
Fresh Start
New Year... time for new focus on this subject. It was easy to fall away after a delightful vacation, then the hubbub of school, lowering gas prices, an election that went "our" way (as in, the only chance we have for now of improving the economy and environment and international relations), and then the hubbub of the holidays... after all that, this blog fell by the wayside.
New Year, new resolutions... and new concerns about the future.
In 2008, we greatly increased our food supply at home. We acquired knives, a dutch oven, batteries, charcoal, and other items that may help if life in America changes. We attempted to decrease our electrical usage with very little results. We gained appreciation for the things we have and that we can do that do not require electricity. We saved money and stayed out of debt. I learned a lot more about gardening through classes and books. Outfitted our bikes to be more useful. I tried my hand at some sewing. The house is more organized. However, I never did follow through on rolling over investment accounts, and the garden still is not in. We got a rain barrel... still haven't installed it! And we got two sling shots -- the cheap goofy one actually being easier to use than the fancy one. Har.
In 2009, we're going to be researching a solar water heater. We're continuing to educate ourselves about gardening through actual experience. We're going to try to live on less money to save even more. Make more of our own (healthier) cleansers and not purchase the chemical-based ones. Continue to use the bikes (and upgrade) as much as possible. Possibly move the children to a closer school so less fuel is used for that endeavor. Get those retirement accounts into our hands (via IRAs). Do a lot more sewing.
I had something else to say... but I was interrupted by hungry children!
New Year, new resolutions... and new concerns about the future.
In 2008, we greatly increased our food supply at home. We acquired knives, a dutch oven, batteries, charcoal, and other items that may help if life in America changes. We attempted to decrease our electrical usage with very little results. We gained appreciation for the things we have and that we can do that do not require electricity. We saved money and stayed out of debt. I learned a lot more about gardening through classes and books. Outfitted our bikes to be more useful. I tried my hand at some sewing. The house is more organized. However, I never did follow through on rolling over investment accounts, and the garden still is not in. We got a rain barrel... still haven't installed it! And we got two sling shots -- the cheap goofy one actually being easier to use than the fancy one. Har.
In 2009, we're going to be researching a solar water heater. We're continuing to educate ourselves about gardening through actual experience. We're going to try to live on less money to save even more. Make more of our own (healthier) cleansers and not purchase the chemical-based ones. Continue to use the bikes (and upgrade) as much as possible. Possibly move the children to a closer school so less fuel is used for that endeavor. Get those retirement accounts into our hands (via IRAs). Do a lot more sewing.
I had something else to say... but I was interrupted by hungry children!
Thursday, January 1, 2009
Back to Basics and Fertilizer
Here's a link to a pdf about fertilizer on Back-to-Basics.net
http://www.back-to-basics.net/agronomic/pdffiles/fertilizer_quality.pdf
http://www.back-to-basics.net/agronomic/pdffiles/fertilizer_quality.pdf
Other things to think about ...
Land would not increase in value. Without money, property owners could not pay property tax. Counties would seize the land to collect back taxes and flood the market with real estate for sale to whom ever has something the government wants in exchange. Price would plummet. It would be a massive real estate swindle benefiting wealthy businessmen leaving the middle class homeless and small farmers without farms. Possessions that could not be carried would become burdens soon to be abandoned.
Fresh air and sunlight would be worthless in a city, deemed immensely less significant that survival. People would burn everything in sight to stay warm filling the air with choking smoke blocking sunlight.
What to have on-hand if it all goes bad
With 2009 upon us, I want to start posting to this blog again.
Purchase a dozen Frost brand blue handled fishing knives. Lovely Swedish stainless. Cost $11 to $14. Great tool and everyone can use them.
Purchase a dozen Frost brand blue handled fishing knives. Lovely Swedish stainless. Cost $11 to $14. Great tool and everyone can use them.
Purchase fishing rod and tackle and lures. $100 fresh water. $200 salt water
Purchase a handful of silver quarters. Each should buy a loaf of bread. Cost about $2.50 each.
Purchase a dozen Mars energy bars at $1.25 each. Well rated and taste fine
OK now you can feed yourself for 3 days and will find a body of water with an edible and saleable food source.
Longer term you need to provide a useful service or food. Fishing works well and you're already there. Sharpening tools will be useful. From scissors to saws, shovels. Become a tinker. Since communication will be toast, everyone will want it. Get a used ham rig and solar panel and become the new AT&T with bicycle messengers for final delivery. Ham licenses are now only written questions and in an ' emergency ' anybody can use a ham radio. Think what you will need. Everyone else will also need those services. $1.00 haircuts anyone?
Sure to appear for the less than fastidious are the categories of : faith healer, ' protection ' services, black marketeers, push cart food vendors, alcohol distillers, drug providers, abortionist , arsonists and butchers for pets.
Dress down and try to keep as low a profile as possible. Don't try to get ahead, just get by. Remember; " The tall poppy gets cut."
Longer term, you'll need to organize a co-op for mutual protection and reliable providing. Work by suggesting rather than leading. Avoid political organizing and arguments. Always try to help others. At the very least the Tribunal may allow you to go to re education camp.
Happy New Year . Heath and prosperity to all
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