Been awhile!

Guess it's old news that our next president will be Mr Obama. I won't go into ranting or raving about this as it would only raise my blood pressure and serve no practical purpose. So lets change the subject. Everyone talks about stocking up on guns and ammunition but what about simple day-to-day items that are going up every day we take for granted? I recommend that you make a list of indispensable items with a loooong shelf life and start stocking up now. What items, you say?

Here's a list of what I would start with:
1) Toilet Paper
2) Dish Detergent or Dishwasher Detergent
3) Other toiletries such as shampoo, conditioner, body wash, razors, ladies sanitary products and whatever else you use on a daily basis for hygiene.
4) Either extra light bulbs or switch to the fluroesent ones. Will save you money in the long run anyway.
5) Oil, oil & air filters for your vehicle. You don't change your own oil? Shame on you!
6) An emergency fuel and a way to heat your home if you life in a cold climate. I keep extra kerosene and propane. Why? Propane has an indefinite shelf life and kerosene will also keep several years and will heat a rather large sized structure depending on the type of heater you use. If you have wood, pellet or coal heat, lucky you! Just watch the ventilation!
7) Aluminum Foil
8) Several bags of charcoal and a Charcoal barbecue pit. (Just fired mine up last night as we has a several hour power outage here) Good time to put the lights out gear to work. You do have a box or container in a closet or other area of your home for you and family members in case of such an emergency. Flashlights, extra batteries, radios, board games, maybe a battery powered tv.
9) Batteries for all your little gadgets. Rechargables are even better. I've got solar charger that works great!
10) Laundry Detergent, Drier Sheets and/or fabric softener.


I can keep going but just use your imagination. Anything that can be purchased now keeps you from paying two or three time that price for it next month or next year. You may need that money for food if you don't already have some put away. If not, it's never to late to start!


Steve

BOB (Bugout Bag)

I found a good thing to put in a bugout bag after using it over the weekend. Chapstick. I'll bet your saying to yourself, Chapstick, probably good for chapped lips but what else? 

1.) Zipper Lubricant

2.) Firestarter

3.) Protective coating for Carbon Steel-Based items such as knifes, etc.

4.) Stop bleeding from a nick or cut from shaving.

5.) Use a improvised sunscreen as most chapstick is SPF15 or SPF30.

Good stuff to have in a kit for a buck or under!

Steve

Been Lost...

Haven't had a chance to post anything for a few days. Busy with work, the house, life in general. Been watching my 401K plummit, Democratic and Republican conventions and the overall downward spiral our country is in. Hoping something changes for the better and I say that without refering to either candidate. I will say I don't agree with Barack Obama on his liberal views and believing poor people cling to guns and religion. Was probably the straw that broke the camel's back but selecting Biden as a running mate was his worst mistake. As the author of the 1994 Assault weapons bill, I cannot or will not support ANYTHING that has Joe Biden attached to it!

So I guess I should put on here, go McCain/Palin! As if I have a choice....

That's it for now. Did go to a good wilderness survival class taught by a fellow East Ky Neighbor, Shawn Conn. He's young, but knows his stuff and really seems dedicated to the cause. That's good enough for me. He'll go far as a teacher if he decides that's his calling. Till next time...

Cheap Food for Bugging In.

Just some thoughts on cheap bugging-in food where weight isn't an issue.

1) Armor Potted Meat 3-4 years
2) Armor Treat Meat 3 years
3) Ramen Noodles 5 years or ?
4) Ravioli and Spagettio's 2-3 years
5) Peanut Butter 12-18 months
6) Tuna 5 yrs or longer
7) Matzo Crackers 4 years-?
8) Powdered Instant Mashed Potatoes 2-3 years
9) Lucks Pintos Beans 2-3 years
10) Armor Chili 2-3 years
11) Campbell's Soup (Any Variety) 2-3 years
12) Keebler and most other boxed crackers 1-2 years
13) Instant Sugar Free Iced Tea ???
14) Sugar Free or Regular Kool Aid


I'll add to this list later. Post any you can think of.

Steve

My Favorite 22's

Just thought I'd list my favorite 22's and why I prefer them. First and foremost is my Ruger MKII Bull Barrel Stainless. Had it for several years and it has been utterly reliable with anything I feed it. Winchester's, Wally-World Federals, Remingtons , you get the idea. I've took several squirrels and a rabbit with it over the years. Can't get a rabbit to set still long enough for a pistol shot. I like the stainless model for added corrosion resistance on extended outings. Second is my Springfield Armory M-6 Scout. What can you say about this simplistic but accurate and reliable weapon. It's not just a 22, it also has a 410 gauge shotgun for the lower barrel making it a double barrel weapon. It even has a compartment to keep your rounds in located at the top of the buttstock. I can go on and on about this gun but bottom line is, if you don't have one and see one cheap, snap it up quick! When I got mine several years ago, they were going for $200 or less. When I checked Gunbroker.Com tonight, they're going for anywhere from $400 to $700 dollars. Holy Smoke! Don't know if I'd give that for one, but I'd certainly give $200 or $300 for one in a second! I'll add some other favorites in part 2 of this post.

Thoughts on Prepping

Just picked up some more 5-gallon buckets from the local Wal-Mart bakery. $1 each is a good deal! Gets me up to around 30 or so. Trying to stock the stuff we currently eat. Some guys go out and buy MRE's, freeze-dried and other "survival" foods. My thought is buy what you eat a nd keep it rotated into your everyday menu's. Been working great for us for over 5 years. My kids don't have a clue of which brand of cereal they eat, other than I keep it in 1-gallon rubbermaid and 5-gallon buckets. So I figure, I can keep them eating what they're used to for at least a couple of months rather than the 72 hours the State and Federal government recommend you keep on hand. They like instant mashed potatoes but will take them awhile getting used to powdered eggs and butter. Maybe better to invest in some cows and chickens. Thats it for tonight.

Steve

Not much going on today. Sharpened a few knifes. Cleaned a few guns. Cut the grass. Changed the oil in my Jeep. Typical Sunday for me. My daughter got the bark stripped from her walking stick. I took a propane torch to the exterior and then we varnished it. She thinks it's cool! Thats it for today...

No luck on the morels. Probably all dried up by now. Did cut my daughter a nice walking stick out of American Hornbeam. She stripped the bark and sanded it. Looks great! Thats if for today.

Steve

Going on a mushroom hunt tomorrow. Morels have been up for a couple of weeks but due to work and other commitments, Saturday is the first chance I've had this year to forage. Also hope to find some Fiddleback Ferns and Poke. Mmm! I'll post how it goes tomorrow.

First Post

Just a post to get this started. We'll see where it goes.

Steve