Preparedness

What did you do to prep this past week?

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This past week had me thinking a lot about preparedness and goals to reach over the next 18 months. Feel pretty good where I’m at and where I need to go.

Over this past week:

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  • I managed to assemble the parts to attach a Sawyer Mini Water Filter to a bucket. This allows several gallons of water to be filtered at one time with the Sawyer. Works great! It was not easy to locate the necessary parts.

bucket

  •  Received notice that my Polymer80 Glock 80% Lower has shipped. I pre-ordered this a few months ago kinda on an impulse. It will make an interesting project gun.

 

  • Planted a few more things in the garden which is doing well. A few days of rain really helped the corn burst into the sky.

 

  • Delivered the bug out trailer to local fabrication shop to add an enclosed tailgate. Hope it will be done this week. Next up is building a wooden top hinged on one end.

 

  • Put back 3 pounds of salt and 2 jars of peanut butter(freezer).  Completed seed banks for all group members. Filled 2 propane tanks and one 5 gallon gas can.

 

So – what have you done this past week?

JR

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48 Comments

  1. Badger359 says:

    Not as much as I would like. Still cleaning up last weeks storm, we had 80 mph winds tear a couple of large branches from next door. Spent friday chainsawing debree to workable sizes. Built a DIY nesting for my rabbit this week, shes due to kindle today. Taught guy next door how to fix a lawn mower that wont start because yours truly forgot to pickle the engine last fall. Picked up a few lead inguts for casting bullets and such. Practice with the crossbow some. Planted scallop squash, green beans (bluelakes & providers), tomatos (earlygirls n cherokeepurples )

    Reply
  2. TXM1836 says:

    Ordered 500 55 gr .223 and 100 130 gr. .270 ballistic tip factory blems from Nosler’s web site. (Great prices if you’re not aware of them: http://www.shootersproshop.com). Then picked an extra pound of IMR 4831 powder at BassPro. My son and I loaded 3 boxes of shells for his .270. Went to the Self Reliance Expo in Irving, TX and picked up a .30 cal ammo box of seeds from Texas Ready. Had been wanting to put a supply of non-hybrids back in case things continue to go south. Got a metal roof put on my bug out location in west Texas. Ordered and received a dozen silver Eagles. Wow, guess I got more done than I realized – a good week!

    Reply
      1. TXM1836 says:

        Lots of vendors. Some of them were speakers who explained to groups how their product or service works. Dr Bones and Nurse Amy held a suturing class where attendees actually got to sew on a hog’s foot. About as close to working on a human as you can get. This is the third or fourth one I’ve attended in the Dallas/ Ft Worth area and I’d highly recommend going when possible.

        Reply
  3. CaptTurbo says:

    Love those Cherokee Purple tomatoes Badger! Coming into the heat down here and on the cusp of the rainy season. Can’t grow the larger tomatoes this time of year but can and do grow the Everglades current tomato which is the genetic parent of all other varieties. Sweet little favor bombs.
    At this point I’m buried in collard greens and Red Russian kale for producers and have eight okra seedlings coming along nicely. I ordered three tree collard cuttings a few weeks ago and it looks like they are taking. Tiny leaves are emerging. I would think this plant could be one of the better ones for survival minded people who live where they will grow.

    Reply
  4. oren says:

    Started work on my drip irrigation system for the garden. No more sprinklers. Bought a “grape hoe” from easydigging.com. It’s a 2# old fashion square hoe with a long hickory handle. May seem a heavy weight, but believe me, it does the work with minimal effort on your part. This goes along with the old fashion hand plow I purchased earlier this year.
    Reworked my “list” of things to do. Had it based on water, food, garden, house hold etc. Only problem with having a written list is that my wife keeps adding things to the list. Hope I live long enough to get everything done.

    Reply
  5. Oren says:

    By the way, I’ve also started looking into solar energy as a back up to critical systems. Being on a fixed income, this is going to be a challenge, but it may prove to be well worth it. Has anyone out there investigated this yet? I’d be interested in any input.

    Reply
    1. Lightning says:

      Oren- re solar panels. Several years ago we invested. At that time the Gov and NYS were both offering high tax deductions and it was worth it for us.We have three large panels that are on land ( too heavy for our old roof and our home wasnt facing the correct N to S face.) Electric bills used to be a couple of hundred dollars every bill for
      our farm and home. Now they are $ !6 to zero-summer and in winter when we run water animal heaters its maybe $80 tops. plus a “delivery charge of $16. – a fabricated fee by the electric comp.. Over he years it has paid off and we have reduced the use of carbon by over 600,000 lbs. We wish we could have been completely off grid but the batteries are extremely expensive and only last about 4 years.
      Now people can rent the panels which makes for a lower investment. Please look into it. Lightning

      Reply
    2. goingray58 says:

      Harbor freight has 45 watt panels for 129.00.. I’m about to pull the trigger in the 100 Watt windy nation panels. Before you buy .. do yourself a huge favor and lean up on all the parts and how much you need for sizing for the basics. Replacing all your power for total gridless operation is totally different than sizing for only emergency things like thermostats, DC lights .. well pumps, and critical stuff. In addition if you go totally off grid .. you need something to enable light discipline. Nothing says come see what I have more than lots of lights in a grid down… To effectively “play possom” you need good opsec and persec. Anyway start by listing the things you MUST have working and allow for spares.. “two is one and one is none”. On a few of the solar sites they have sizing calculators.. You can add all the run-time power needed and that tells you about the batteries .. (they are not cheap). You can use lead acid batteries but they are mean for high power low distance run-time. AGM batteries are low starting but longer running discharge. Think golf carts, computer backups in data centers .. 100 + ah batteries are $150.00 or greater.. so thin used, and get a chanrger/reconditioner to same a bunch of money .. and stay on the look out to upgrade as you cross them. Around here the Amateur radio ? Ham’s get in bunches of batteries like this for free .. donations and then sell them for $25.00. Thinks like that make a big difference in cost and getting running while you increase capacity gradually .. There are tons of nifty things to buy that are not totally necessary .. but mistakes are costly .. so read read read … outback is a great product and sites like their provides high quality information. Use the information and then try to understand the difference between sales pitch and good enough .. as in what level of quality and service you need and are willing to accept. all IMO .. I’m doing it now, and forever apparently and always in the hunt for the next most valuable tidbit.. so I ma interested in everyone’s feedback as well.

      Reply
  6. JBernDrApt says:

    This week received 20 silver eagles. Added some more heritage seeds and made some more hard tack. Made some more laundry detergent and a batch of soft soap. Wife and I are getting pretty smooth at turning them out. Trying to build up a little surplus. Added 120 5.56 and 350 .22 and 100 #4, #00, and slugs for the 12 gauge. Took the Saiga 223 and Glock 19 to the range. That’s about it. Keep Looking UP

    Reply
      1. TXM1836 says:

        I buy mine from J M Bullion in Dallas. As long as you purchase $100 or more per order they will ship for free. And the premium they charge above the spot price is one of the lowest I’ve found. I’ve been very pleased.

        Reply
      2. JBernDrApt says:

        Last batch from Govmint. They were offering an intro price plus no shipping over $100. Wife got 10 and I got 10. Also have done JM Bullion.

        Reply
      4. Panhandle Rancher says:

        Every gold bug uses kitco.com to check spot. Kitco also has great metals market summaries and is a point of sale for most metals including rhodium.
        PR

        Reply
  7. MacDaddy says:

    Unfortunately, I didn’t get a lot done this week. Though I have been researching a couple things, setting up a trust for the purpose of purchasing a suppressor and purchasing a Taser Pulse/Bolt gun, to serve as a less-than-lethal weapon which can be carried in many more states than my CCP allows.
    I’m thinking the Taser would be a good weapon for my girlfriend and loved ones to use because they are allowed to carry them where they live and are effective in stopping most attackers. They are also more willing to carry them over a gun (in the event they could), given they are less than lethal, and less likely to discharge accidentally (and won’t be lethal if they do); in their eyes they are safer to use than guns and can give them the time they need to escape. Aside from the several drawbacks (capacity, reload speed, battery driven, effective range,…), one definite benefit over a handgun is that hitting any body part will do the job.
    Does anyone have experience with trusts, suppressors or Taser guns? Your input is appreciated.

    Reply
    1. JR says:

      MacDaddy – a Taser would likely make a great personal defense tool especially for those who are fearful and unfamiliar with firearms. One issue with the Taser is it has to be used in the right situation. Taser versus Firearm not the best situation. Also Tasers may not be good in the wintertime if the attacker is wearing heavy clothing.

      Bear Spray is another option but has drawbacks as well. If they wind blows it back in your face could be bad.

      Reply
      1. MacDaddy says:

        Indeed! I’ve able to get my better half and her daughter to carry pepper gel (I’ve switched most of my sprays to gel-based because it’s just as effective and much safer than strict aerosol, especially when the wind is blowing), though I have to remind them to keep it easily accessible. I’ve also given them an easy to operate push button siren to keep on their keychains. Her daughter is in college, and she’s not “allowed” to carry pretty much anything that she could use to escape/deter an attacker, including pepper gel, but I told her that if she gets caught that I’ll stand by her and defend her rights with the college; her life is more precious than idiotic mentality – but I guess that’s for another discussion… My better half and I work on a military base, so carrying a firearm is a no no, and there are also strict rules regarding possessing most personal defense items, if your not active (which to me is also asinine, especially considering what’s been going on the last few years on DOD grounds). So, having personal protective tools handy can be tricky for us, especially when you and all your property are subject to searches at anytime, when on military grounds.

        Reply
  8. Ani OR says:

    Been awhile since I last commented here , tho been in and out checking up on things posted. Spring always gets me in the mood to pull out the preparedness gadgets out and I like to use some in my camping trips (see if I can truly use some of the small bug out like fold out camp stoves etc) I recently purchased a camper van. It has two batteries, two gas tanks…water tank with pump faucet/small sink. Electric set up, as well as 12v plugs and lights. Issue right now is its poorly set up…bed is too high for even my Chow/Samoan dog to jump up on and takes up the whole back of the van length wise. Wasted space on the sides that is just boards (tho major storage under neath) I think Id like to put the bed width wise and a small kitchen set up on one side and storage and possible toilet closet or pull out. It currently has a portable toilet that pulls out of a cabinet under the bed. Has there been a topic on converting vans or campers into a true bug out haven? Anyhoo ~ Im always preparing in the back of my day to day thoughts … 😀

    Reply
    1. JR says:

      Thanks for coming around Ani OR. I remember you commenting WAY back on my other site.

      I just bought a military trailer to convert to a bug out trailer but also considered a camper van. You should send in some pics to share with everyone! Good to hear from you.

      Reply
  9. Gunner says:

    JR ordered a Sawyer Mini Water Filter. Will see how it works out this week. Guess I’m not too smart. I’ve been ordering from JM Bullion, but 5 at at time. (5 grandkids) Guess if I ordered the 6th it would almost be free without the shipping fee. That’s why I come here. To get smarter. Played in the garden some more. Love the dirt.

    Reply
  10. Indiana Joe says:

    This week, we obtained a cool oilskin Aussie style hat for my Wife for 10 clams. I also scored a tanto knife built for the LA sheriff dept bomb squad by Chuck Stapel, which I have wanted for decades.
    A Tasmanian Tiger backpack also live here now, shipped from across the mighty ocean.
    We just finished repairing our Jeep Cherokee. New fuel pump. New tires. New water pump.
    Right now, The Mummy is on the scifi channel. Thought you should all know. Great film. I have it running in the background as I type this.

    Reply
    1. JR says:

      Thanks Indiana Joe – sounds like an interesting knife and hat. I was looking at a Jeep Cherokee recently – good vehicle with a reliable track record.

      Reply
  11. Lightning says:

    Prepping this week included planting trees ( maple, evergreen,aspen,) Good for firewood, maple syrup,wind blocks, privacy etc for the next generation. I use a heavy duty battery operated drill with a planting auger on it. Transplanted two year old
    trees from the tree nursery which is near the barn so I can water them} to their permanent places.Planted peas and carrots.Considering buying some chicks and maybe a pygmy goat for munching the lawn and future milk. Checking prices and the investment for a coop etc.
    Re stocked up on ant acids, and papaya tablets ( they help with acid indigestion)
    and ginger ale (helps with stomach upset) as my husband had a very serious stomach bug and we used up our emergency supply.
    Frost here tonight and snow in the Adirondack Mts ( 2 hours north of us )

    Quite from Gen George Patton : ” Your job is not to die for your country,its to make the other bastard die for his” Lightning

    Reply
    1. Panhandle Rancher says:

      Around these parts Home Depot is selling fruit trees at 1/2 price. I’ve added almost two dozen to the orchard.
      PR

      Reply
  12. Indiana Joe says:

    Update to my preps….
    Just ordered two sawyer mini water filters at Amazon! I also sent for a Case back pocket folder, as well. No self control here, where blades are concerned.

    Reply
  13. jh says:

    Currently waiting out the weekend frost (we actually had snow showers this morning along the great lakes!!!) so I can plant the gardens. This week alone replaced the Old Cherokees window motor, wiper motor & armature & found short in door speaker/power locks (saved myself at least $300 by getting parts off of ebay, U pick it junk yard & doing it myself), bought parts to replace shocks/sway bar bushings, valve cover gasket (next weekends project) and ordered a half dozen Emberlit stove knockoffs to give out as gifts.

    Reply
    1. JR says:

      Good stuff jh. It’s incredible how much money can be saved by doing things yourself even when you have no clue on how to do it. Youtube can be a great help.

      Reply
  14. goingray58 says:

    Continued on my Hot House project .. putting up 2x8x20ft rafters by yourself is a hoot .. (NOT!). Laid out my windows (used) for mounting.. almost ready for the tin roof .. yada.. Finally got a weather break and got mu sugar drip and honey drip sorghum in the ground. Firmed up my well drill design .. once done I’ll have a 6 inch cased well to the artisan layer.. (drinkable and never drys out).. Should cost around $500.00 excluding pump (as compared to $5000.00 if I have it done). Still working on my AR .. found another possibility .. testing it this comping week or next .. it’s a six hour trip .. if it’s what I want i’ll get two, basic with all good groups/parts.. then build up. Found and eotech for $220.00 in the box .. so maybe .. learned a simple way and produced some pretty good bricks of bees wax.. $6.00/lb here.. some I’ll keep some I’ll barter. Made some Honey Molasses.. jury is out yet .. unique flavor .. and if it makes good gingerbread men I’ll do more.
    I hit on an idea .. security is a big deal right ? so you can spend a tone on it and it will still be not enough.. I’ve been planting barriers for year that are good camo but not very secure (outa sight outa mind).. fine but not effective security really. Growing up we had something around the fence lines we called “cluster roses”. Very dense bushes of white to pinkish read bloom about this time of year. They are tough as iron and have “zillions” of small needle sharp thorns .. densely packed. Way worse than the big pretty hybrids. I found a patch out hiking around .. they are considered a nuisance. I am going to dig up some of the root clusters and plant them in clusters around entry and egress points .. anyone walking through will identify themselves, with high volume low quality noise .. Makes me chuckle just thinking about it … the most time passes the thinker and less passable it will be.. and it takes care of itself. Oh I found a decent deer trail with several large animals recently walking through including babies.. I made clear muddy sections and revisited to get a count over 5 days .. placing a salt lick I do believe. I may take one or not .. but keeping them on the trail will allow me to take them at need and WHEN i need it.. more like harvesting than hunting. I have the water .. they find the food .. no cost.. besides a salt block seasonally … and maybe some wild food I plant. Haying my fields this week, a guy cuts a bales . he takes part I keep part .. no $$ and no cost to me or time .. I end up with hay and a dollar value for “farm” definition. Everything I can do that doesn’t require either $$ or time directly by me toward preparedness leaves me $$ and time that I can use elsewhere..

    Reply
    1. JR says:

      Awesome stuff goingray58. Thanks for the info on barrier plants. My group has been in discussion about this very topic and will pass on the info.

      Reply
  15. goingray58 says:

    JR.. The Sawyers you attacked to the bucket sounds pretty good to me and they are not expensive with pretty high lifetime capacity. You did say it was not easy to assemble the parts..
    Would you mind providing a parts list here ? Or offline .. very interested.
    I’m sure i could figure it out .. but it’d save some time.. I’m thinking I’d run my rain catchment through it as a test.. then maybe some pond water .. and see what happens …
    Thanks
    GG58

    Reply
    1. JR says:

      goingray – I am going to write up a post soon on the Sawyer bucket kit. I am thinking of selling them as if I buy the parts in bulk I can get the price down to assemble, place in a bag, and provide instructions – cheaper than someone can order the parts themselves in small quantities. I will reach out to you with some info.

      I have also considered the flexibility these Sawyer bucket kits provide.

      I have some cool pictures I will try to upload shortly.

      Reply
  16. Jim says:

    I have been trying to collect Lodge cast iron cookware, without paying full price.
    Found an unusual piece at a flea market.
    Lodge 6CP2 Jalapeno muffin pan for $10.

    $20 Walmart Winchester Bowie knife clearanced at $10.
    Check your Walmart stores.

    Moved up to ‘all terrain’ tires on the F150.

    Reply
      2. Jim says:

        Yes, the factory outlet is best for a quick supply. In most cases, the defects are not even noticeable.
        My main source has been TJMaxx, when they have it.

        Reply

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