Category: Random Thoughts

Hello all! Figured it was time for a “From the Desk….” post and catch everyone up on some happenings and share a few thoughts on the world today. First and foremost, we continue to prepare. Every day, the headlines across all news media seem more outrageous than those of the previous day. With limited funds… Continue reading From the Desk of John Rourke – July 3rd, 2025

We’re thrilled to share some exciting news with all of our loyal readers here at 1776PatriotUSA.com — the official launch of our new homesteading website, TheMainePrepper.com, is happening June 24th, 2025! This new site has been a labor of love for us (John and Kass), and we can’t wait to bring you along on our… Continue reading Big News! TheMainePrepper.com Launches June 24th, 2025

I recently finished listening to The Strain on Audible, and I have to say—it was an amazing book. The story grabbed my attention right away and kept me hooked all the way through. This isn’t your typical vampire story. It’s a dark, creepy, and intense take on the legend, where vampires aren’t just old myths—they’re… Continue reading Book Review: The Strain by Guillermo del Toro and Chuck Hogan

A high-action story of betrayal, revenge, and justice If you’re looking for a book that grabs you from the first page and doesn’t let go, The Terminal List by Jack Carr is the one to pick up. This is the first book in a series that follows Navy SEAL James Reece, a man who goes… Continue reading Book Review: The Terminal List by Jack Carr

From the Desk of John Rourke is a regular dispatch from the heart of 1776PatriotUSA.com—where news, preparedness, personal insights, and a touch of humor all come together. Whether it’s current events, self-reliance tips, or a meme to lighten the mood, this ongoing series offers thoughts on survival and the world today. ◊ ◊ ◊ ◊… Continue reading From the Desk of John Rourke – May 4th, 2025

Hello, friends! After over five years of sharing survival and preparedness insights on 1776PatriotUSA.com, we are thrilled to announce the beginning of an exciting new adventure. As many of you know, our mission has always been to equip and inspire others to be ready for anything life throws our way. But preparedness is just one… Continue reading The Maine Prepper: A New Chapter in Our Journey Towards Self-Sufficiency and Preparedness

I hope this finds everyone doing well. Winter appears to be largely over here in central Maine. This past Saturday, there were a few flurries, which quickly turned to light rain. We went out and transferred the material sitting in the compost bin into our new bin. If I hadn’t mentioned it, the new bin… Continue reading From the Desk of John Rourke – April 11th, 2025

As I was thinking about what to write for this post I couldn’t help but think, “The world just keeps getting crazy.” It’s the truth. Yeah, I know, I’ve said it many times before. I swear with each passing day I can’t help but shake my head in frustration as I see the insanity that… Continue reading From the Desk of John Rourke – March 27th, 2025

Thought I’d share a few pictures from a recent jaunt out towards the back of the property. We put on the snowshoes for this trek. It’s fun looking at the traffic of animals in the snow. We have not seen any sign of bear, moose, or the infamous Bigfoot – yet. Bear and moose are… Continue reading A Walk In The Woods in Maine……

Reminder – I’ll be updating product pricing in about a week. The US Postal Service has announced yet another rate increase, which will affect shipping costs across the board. While we’ve held prices in the 1776 Store and absorbed rising costs over the past year—including higher raw material expenses—this latest change leaves us with no… Continue reading REMINDER: New Product Added and Rising Shipping Costs

The US Postal Service has announced yet another rate increase, which will affect shipping costs across the board. While we’ve held prices in the 1776 Store and absorbed rising costs over the past year—including higher raw material expenses—this latest change leaves us with no choice but to make adjustments. Starting in mid-January, we will need… Continue reading New Product Added and Rising Shipping Costs

We have a lot of wildlife on the property which we love(for the most part). We’ve seen deer, raccoons, skunk, squirrels, turtles, and even a beaver nearby. There are bear and moose in the area, however, they have not swung by to say hello. Bigfoot also has ignored us so far, but, that may change.… Continue reading Video Footage From Security Camera’s – Turkeys!!

Hello all. Hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas! I’ll cut to the chase and am pleased to report I received word that my CT scan was good. There was no additional infection, fluid buildup, etc. Obviously I’m pretty happy about that. Whew!!!! Thank you for all the prayers and well wishes! More to come…. Take… Continue reading A Quick Health Update

Good morning all!! Thoughts I’d throw out an update or two along with some thoughts on a few topics. HEALTH: I still haven’t received the results from my CT scan. I’ve called radiology and the surgeon’s office, but nothing. Not knowing certainly doesn’t help me wonder about the possibilities and resulting plans. It also doesn’t… Continue reading From the Desk of John Rourke….UFO’s, 2025, Homesteading, Health…….1776PatriotUSA.com

As I typed the title of this post and entered, “December 19th, 2024” I suddenly realized we are only 6 days away from Christmas. Holy cow time flies!!! ◊ ◊ ◊ ◊ ◊ Quick Health Update: I have no results from my CT scan yet. Apparently, the hospital is short-staffed in Radiology and it can… Continue reading From the Desk of John Rourke – December 19th, 2024

Short video showing a few visitors on the homestead after a recent snowstorm…. We see deer on a regular basis as well as quite a few turkeys. I’ve been told that a few decades ago there were no turkeys in Maine. Now? They are everywhere! Have a good week everyone! Rourke  

As many of you know back in April I was diagnosed with an enlarged spleen. No doubt one of the scariest times of my life. I was in the hospital for about a week and left with a drain in my side. Fun. The drain stayed in for 2 months and after multiple CT scans… Continue reading Health Update

My favorite time of every year spans from Thanksgiving to Christmas and most of the time out to New Year’s. In years past this has been a time spent appreciating family and friends – and also planning for the next year. 2025 is fast approaching and I wonder what the year will hold for us… Continue reading From the Desk of John Rourke – December 7th, 2024

If you are visiting around November 19th you will see I’m doing some experimentation on the website. I’m playing around with how it looks, is organized, etc. Not sure if it will stick or not. As I mentioned recently there have been a few issues and looking at options. RELATED POST: The Future of 1776PatriotUSA.com… Continue reading A follow up……

Hope everyone had a great weekend. I spent a lot of time reflecting on the past few years and what’s next. The “what’s next” by far is occupying my limited cranial capacity and time. The election is behind us and, at least for me, what will happen over the coming years is anything but certain.… Continue reading From the Desk of John Rourke – November 10th, 2024

We are eight days away from the 2024 Presidential Selection. The outcome is all but certain. I may stir up a hornets next here, but, if Trump wins the actual impact on the United States may be far from what most think. The country is far from being able to be “turned around” or “saved.”… Continue reading From the Desk of John Rourke – October 28th, 2024

Here’s a preview for the last Rambo movie – Rambo: Last Blood. Wasn’t the movie I had hoped for, but, worth watching. There was another script idea for the last Rambo. I’ll see if I can find it. Kinda crazy but sounded really exciting. An Early Rambo 5 Script Had Sylvester Stallone Fighting A Monster… Continue reading Thoughts on Rambo: Last Blood

Bridges serve as critical infrastructure for transportation and supply chains, making them strategic targets for terrorists or guerrilla groups aiming to disrupt societal functions. By attacking bridges, these groups can effectively sever vital routes, obstructing the movement of goods and personnel. The destruction or incapacitation of a bridge can lead to significant delays in logistics,… Continue reading The Coming Struggle: Bridges

We recently lost power for well over 24 hours. In fact, as I type this the power is still out. No biggie. Cooking chicken and veggies on the grill. Genny running the freezer and fridge as well as a few other things. Starlink still providing internet so I’ll know if zombies 🧟‍♂️ start roaming the… Continue reading From the Desk of John Rourke – October 14th, 2024

Here are a few memes for your entertainment. Have a great week everyone!    

So many are struggling to make their dollars stretch as far as possible. The graphic below has several ideas to be frugal and reduce spending in these tough economic times. Have ideas of your own? Please share in the comment section.

Never again use margarine. I stopped about two years ago in an effort to try to eat more naturally with fewer processed foods. It’s not butter, nor actual food. 🌱 ◊ ◊ ◊ ◊ ◊ Back-up and redundant methods for heat are important here in Maine. Temps drop down well below zero frequently in Winter… Continue reading From the Desk of John Rourke – September 10th, 2024

There are many communication tools that preparedness-minded folks can get together and share their thoughts. One giant issue is the continuous censorship that occurs on most social media platforms and other communication tools. This website itself continues to get flagged for “security” issues, yet, I’ve installed the correct tools at a cost. I’ll be posting… Continue reading Rumors State Apple MIGHT Remove Telegram From Phones and Devices

Happy Labor Day all! Hope you are off from work and enjoying the day. Spending this afternoon with Maine Prepper Girl(Kass) over at her sister’s for a cookout. As usual, several projects have not been completed as I had planned. Will attend to those. Will plan and get ready for the week. Heading back to… Continue reading From the Desk of John Rourke – September 2nd, 2024