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 and time we do the best we can. I check out Facebook Marketplace on the regular and have found some great deals on things we could use for the property. I’m not a huge Facebook fan, but I try to take advantage of FB Marketplace. Food has been the main emphasis.

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We’ve been super busy on the property. We expanded our garden by approx 30%. So far, most everything is looking great. Strawberries are producing well, and the granddaughter devours them every time she comes over. A couple of new vegetables we are trying are spaghetti squash and a few variants of peppers. Canning some salsa is planned as well as some delicious spaghetti sauce.

We’ll be posting a homestead update over at TheMainePrepper.com very soon.

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The “Big, Beautiful Bill” got passed in Congress. I have extremely mixed thoughts on this. As far as I can tell. there are some excellent parts of the bill, and then a ton of bloated wasteful spending. This seems par for the course for government. I had hoped for something different. The anti-gun control measures that were originally included were removed. The RHINO’s in Congress continue to earn that nickname.

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We bought a shed several months ago. One of the main reasons was to have a place to store more supplies as the main cabin here is just short on space. It has been great. One thing Kass “demanded” was to keep all her holiday decorations in there – Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. It occupied a significant amount of space that could have been allocated to other essential supplies, such as food storage and daily or weekly necessities.

Well, I saw this giant tote at Home Depot that would be perfect to store a bunch of the holiday stuff, including our full-size Christmas tree. I bought the tote, and Kass packed it and away to the garage it went. With that free space opened in the shed I just put up some shelves and have begun to organize. With the uncertainty of the world today, I’m making a list of common daily/weekly items and making sure we have a year’s worth on hand. These shelves will be used for some of this.

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Recently, I had a long-time follower make a comparison of this website to another media entity called “Survival Dispatch.” There is no comparison. Survival Dispatch is a big-time multi-media organization backed with tons of money, along with an entire team of people running the show.

We are a simple blog trying to reach like-minded folks expressing concern for what is happening now in the world as well as what the future holds.

Yup – we have limitations. We do not make content full-time, nor do we have thousands of dollars monthly for advertising, social media marketing, and to pay content creators. Back just before 2016 preparedness became a big business. Numerous websites were bought by large media conglomerates, and things changed a lot. I came very close to just shutting things down, but, I enjoy it. I really do. We are a tiny fish in a world filled by corporate sharks that really could care less about preparedness….and you. They are in it for the money. We make nothing here and do it for the same reason I started back on May 29th, 2010 – my mother’s birthday – to connect with like-minded folks.

The comparison was disappointing, to say the least.

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I’m a big believer in raised beds and container gardening. We’ve grown all kinds of vegetables in buckets for years. I just built this:

I can see building a few more of these in the future and maybe a few different variants. Certainly helps the back not having to bend over….LOL.

Anyone else use something like this?

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Thought I’d share a picture of “Rosie” – our Bengal cat

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Stay safe all –

Rourke

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 journey of building a modern-day homestead in the great state of Maine. From growing our own food and raising chickens, to DIY projects, natural living, and good old-fashioned self-reliance — The Maine Prepper will be packed with real stories, lessons learned, tips, and inspiration for anyone seeking a more grounded, prepared, and meaningful lifestyle.

And don’t worry — 1776PatriotUSA.com isn’t going anywhere. We’ll continue covering preparedness, liberty-minded content, survival skills, and the reality of today’s world like always.

TheMainePrepper.com will simply be an additional way to connect — especially on the homesteading and natural living side of things.

Here’s where you can follow us:

• 🌱 Website: TheMainePrepper.com

• 📸 Instagram: @maineprepper (active and growing!)

• 📘 Facebook Page: In development – launching soon

• 🎥 YouTube Channel: Also in development – videos coming soon

We’re just getting started — and there’s so much more to come. Thank you for all your continued support. We hope you’ll follow us over to TheMainePrepper.com and see what’s going on behind the scenes as we live out the homestead life, one step at a time.

Stay prepared, stay grounded,
– John & Kass
1776PatriotUSA.com | TheMainePrepper.com

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 more like a dangerous virus that spreads fast and wipes out everything in its path.

What makes The Strain stand out is how real and terrifying it feels. The authors did a great job of mixing science and horror. The vampire outbreak is treated like a plague, and that gives the book a creepy, realistic edge. You can imagine something like this actually happening, which makes it even scarier. There are scenes that made me stop and think, “What would I do if this happened in real life?” and “What would I do to prepare for something like this?”

I also watched the first season of the TV series based on the book. It was really well done and followed the story closely. The show had a dark and gritty style that matched the book perfectly. I’m hoping to go back soon and watch the rest of the series—it deserves a full rewatch.

Another thing I loved about The Strain is that it fits perfectly into the “prepper fiction” genre. As the vampire virus spreads, society quickly starts to collapse. Power goes out, the government loses control, and regular people have to figure out how to survive. It reminded me a lot of other survival stories, where characters have to make hard choices and rely on their instincts and skills to stay alive. NOTE: This is a multi-part series, and much of the collapse happens in book two.

If you enjoy survival fiction, horror stories, or a fresh twist on classic monsters, I highly recommend The Strain. It’s a fast-paced, well-written, and chilling read that will keep you thinking long after it’s over. Whether you read it or listen to it like I did, you won’t regret diving into this thrilling story.

To check it out yourself, follow this link.

Rourke

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 through unbelievable loss and turns that pain into a mission for justice. I will cut to the chase right now and tell you this is my all-time favorite book!

A Story of Deep Betrayal

At the beginning of the book, James Reece is leading a Navy SEAL team on a mission overseas. But something goes wrong—very wrong. His team is ambushed in a way that seems too planned to be a coincidence. When he returns home, thinking the worst is over, his wife and daughter are brutally murdered. And soon, Reece finds out that it wasn’t just bad luck. People in high places wanted this to happen. They betrayed him. They killed his brothers-in-arms. And they destroyed his family.

This is where the story really takes off. Reece creates a list—the Terminal List—of everyone who had a hand in what happened. Then, one by one, he sets out to make them pay.

Realistic and Gritty

What makes this book stand out is how real it feels. Jack Carr is a former Navy SEAL himself, so he writes with real knowledge about weapons, tactics, and what it’s like to be in combat. You don’t just read about the action—you feel like you’re there. From shootouts and chases to careful planning and stealth operations, every moment is exciting and believable.

A Hero You Can Root For

James Reece isn’t your average action hero. He’s not perfect. He’s grieving. He’s angry. He makes mistakes. But that’s what makes him such a great character. You understand why he’s doing what he’s doing. He’s not after power or money—he’s after truth and justice for the people he loved.

Reece has a strong sense of right and wrong, even if it means breaking the law to do what he feels is right. He also has help from a few trusted friends, including a tough reporter and a fellow SEAL, which adds even more depth to the story.

Fast-Paced Writing

The writing is quick and sharp. Chapters are short, and each one ends with something that makes you want to keep going. The pacing is perfect for readers who enjoy non-stop action, but there are also quiet moments that show Reece’s emotions and pain.

Even if you’re not someone who usually reads military thrillers, The Terminal List is easy to follow and hard to forget. It’s more than just a story about revenge—it’s about standing up to evil, even when the odds are against you.

Final Thoughts

The Terminal List is a powerful beginning to what becomes an incredible series. It’s a story that mixes action, emotion, and real-world issues in a way that feels honest and intense. Whether you’re new to thrillers or a long-time fan, this book is worth reading.

Recommended for:

• Fans of military and action thrillers

• Readers who enjoy stories of justice and revenge

• Anyone looking for a fast-paced book with strong characters and deep emotions

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5 out of 5 stars)

Do yourself a favor – go get this book.

Rourke

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.

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“May the 4th be with you.”

Yeah – I had to do that.

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There have been several positive comments on recent blog posts, including the series on Preparing for the Coming Struggle. Just want to let everyone know “The Coming Struggle” series will continue starting May 12th.

Stay tuned!

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Garden Update: Living in Central Maine, the season to plant most vegetables is approaching. Having a garden in South Carolina for many years, I always started planting in April. As we are in May, we’ve only planted peas and carrots. We have started some seeds indoors, however, in a week or two most of the rest of the garden will be planted depending on forecasts.

Going from left to right: Two rows of carrots in one of the raised beds. More will be planted today and over the next week. Next, one raised bed of sugar snap peas. Again, more to be planted soon. Third pic – we had 8 cubic yards of cedar wood chips brought in for our garden expansion, both in our established garden as well as the new garden area being put in the back yard. Last pic – I found a rotating compost bin in great shape on FB Marketplace and grabbed it. A good addition to the garden system.

Going from left to right: The first two pics are of the new expanded area of our original garden. This area was seriously infected with the horrible horsetail weed. We added a very high-quality weeding fabric and some cardboard to keep the weeds to a minimum. The weeds had been hit with an herbicide last year. We hope they do not return. Third – our chicken run and coop are 80% complete. We need to reinforce with hardware cloth, add perimeter ground security, then I will reinforce the roof.  The fourth photo is of my grandson helping with seed starting. Teach them young!

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In the News: There is so much going on, it’s hard to cover everything. For sure, the tariff situation is of extreme importance. If an agreement is not reached soon with China, I fear we will experience severe economic hardship. Supply chain issues will most certainly be seen. Bare shelves at Walmart and price increases for many goods. Remember – just because it says, “Made in America,” does not exempt it from tariffs. Most Made-in-America items have components that came from other countries, including China.

I recently mentioned trying to stock up on 1 year’s worth of certain frequently used items. Toothpaste, shampoo, body wash, deodorant, etc.  I’m still highly recommending this approach and may expand on the idea in another post soon.

The political divide within the citizenship continues to grow. Regardless of the appearance of political winds shifting with the election of President Trump, the segment of the population against the Constitutional and more Conservative belief system is embedding even more deeply. The recent celebration of Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Bernie Sanders at recent rallies well outside their representative districts areas shows a trend on the Left towards far-left policies and NOT a movement towards centralism or middle-of-the-road America.

Time will tell.

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Appreciate everyone who stops by and visits. Appreciate to all those that comment and share posts with like-minded(or not like-minded).

Have a great week, everyone.

Rourke

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 piece of the puzzle.

Our passion for self-sufficiency and sustainability has grown over the years, and we believe it’s time to create a space dedicated to these ideals. That’s why we’re launching a brand-new website focused on homesteading—the day-to-day activities, challenges, and triumphs that come with building a more self-reliant life.

Enter: TheMainePrepper.com

This new site will allow us to dive deeper into the practical, hands-on aspects of homesteading. The site is still being developed, so please be patient if you look around and see things that may be a bit messed up. From gardening and preserving food to raising animals and DIY projects, we’ll share it all. You’ll see the ups and downs, the lessons learned, and maybe even some moments of comic relief as we navigate this journey.

But that’s not all! To reach and connect with even more people, we’re planning to expand into video content. A YouTube channel and Instagram page will soon follow, offering behind-the-scenes glimpses, tutorials, and real-time updates on our progress. Maine Prepper Girl is excited to share some of her home cooking, food preservation projects, and alternative health ideas.

Oh – by the way – 1776PatriotUSA.com isn’t going anywhere. We’ll continue to discuss preparedness and all the insanity that is going on in the world today.

We’re incredibly excited about this new chapter and the opportunity to share it with you. But we can’t do it alone. In today’s modern, fast-paced world, getting the word out can be challenging. That’s where you come in! If you believe in what we’re doing and want to support this vision, we’d greatly appreciate your help in spreading the word. Share our posts, talk about the new site with your friends, and engage with us on social media—every bit of support makes a difference.

Stay tuned for more details and official launch announcements. This is just the beginning, and we can’t wait to take you along on this journey. If you head over to TheMainePrepper.com, you can sign up with your email address to receive updates and notifications.

Here’s to building a life of resilience and purpose together. Thank you for being a part of our community. Your encouragement and support mean the world to us.

Oh – if you have any suggestions, comments, or concerns send me an email please – 1776PatriotUSA @ g mail.com

Take care all –

JR & The Maine Prepper Girl

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 spins and I think with our short “composting season” here will work much better.

We determined where the chicken run and coop is going to go. We laid down some lime in an attempt to slow the growth of a horrible weed we have in one area of the property – the “horsetail weed”.

We walked the property and discussed plans for the upcoming summer. We are clearing brush, have a ton of downed branches that need to be moved, and want to build a small greenhouse as well as a wood-house for firewood. Looking forward to getting things done.

Oh – we are going to rent a wood chipper as well and generate some mulch from the branches we have.

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These tariffs change daily like a baby’s diaper. Although most of the tariffs are currently suspended, I decided to publish the graphic below regardless.

Please take this graphic and share it on social media, share it with friends, and help spread it around.

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One of my favorite breakfast meals is the German Pancake. I’ll post a recipe shortly. Simple to make and add some powdered sugar and 100% real maple syrup – YUM!!

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Truth.

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Does anyone have some good plans for local trips or maybe vacations this summer?

It’s important to get out and enjoy life – especially experiencing nature.

 

Take care all –

Rourke

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 goes on. We are living in a battle. This battle is between good and evil. The devil is hard at work to continue to degrade society, create division within society and families.

Good versus evil.

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We ordered this mini-greenhouse/raised bed a couple weeks ago and put it together this past weekend. Reviews were not great as many said the wood cracked when putting screws in. I pre-drilled all holes and had no issues. It was pretty easy to assembly taking maybe an hour.

We paid just under $120, however, as with most things on Amazon the price changes from time to time. Build quality is decent but not great. I think we will get 3-4 years with minor repairs and reinforments needed. I would build my own, but, my time is being prioritized elsewhere.

We are going to add this to the new backyard garden once the weather warms.

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In addition to the  mini-greenhouse above we ordered another two galvanized raised beds. These are also for the new expanded backyard garden area. We are looking to add a total of 12-14 raised beds plus a small in-ground bed.

We’ve been picking up raspberry, blackberry, blueberry and elderberry plants as well. These are younger plants that are fairly inexpensive. No locations have been picked for them yet, but, we will spread them around the property.

Can’t wait to start growing our own food again!

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Opened one of these yesterday to get a chipmunk lured in a trap at work. Absolutely disgusting 😂

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Waterglassed another dozen eggs…

We’ve really expanded our food storage program over the past year. A lot of canning planned this summer.

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Take care all!

Rourke

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 certainly in the area, however, nothing yet.

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We had a warm-up right after these pictures were taken and most of the snow melted. Crazy weather. Now it is about 16 degrees out and will drop in single digits tonight. Hopefully we will get some snow in the next week or so.

What was it Ferris Bueller famously said?

“Life moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.”

I agree with that.

Take care all –

Rourke

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 choice but to make adjustments.

Starting in mid-January, we will need to increase our product prices to account for these changes. This decision was not made lightly. Our mission has always been to provide reliable, high-quality unique survival and preparedness products at fair prices, and we remain committed to serving you in the best way possible.

Exciting News: A New Product for Your Arsenal

On a brighter note, we’re thrilled to introduce a brand-new offering: the Ambidextrous Sling Adapter for the AR-Platform. We’ve managed to secure a shipment at an excellent price and are passing these savings on to you. This 2-pack adapter set is perfect for left- or right-handed users and is available now for just $10. It’s a small and versatile addition to your gear that you won’t want to miss.

 

A Special Thank You: Limited-Time Offer

To show our appreciation for your continued support, we’re offering an exclusive discount. Use coupon code 1776 at checkout to receive 17.76% off all orders over $17.76. This offer is available for a limited time, so don’t wait. And as always, shipping is completely free within the United States—that’s our way of making preparedness a little more affordable.

Thank you for being a part of our community. Together, we’re ready for whatever challenges lie ahead.

Visit the 1776 Preparedness Store here – – – – > LINK

Take care all –

Rourke

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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 to increase our product prices to account for these changes. This decision was not made lightly. Our mission has always been to provide reliable, high-quality unique survival and preparedness products at fair prices, and we remain committed to serving you in the best way possible.

Exciting News: A New Product for Your Arsenal

On a brighter note, we’re thrilled to introduce a brand-new offering: the Ambidextrous Sling Adapter for the AR-Platform. We’ve managed to secure a shipment at an excellent price and are passing these savings on to you. This 2-pack adapter set is perfect for left- or right-handed users and is available now for just $10. It’s a small and versatile addition to your gear that you won’t want to miss.

 

A Special Thank You: Limited-Time Offer

To show our appreciation for your continued support, we’re offering an exclusive discount. Use coupon code 1776 at checkout to receive 17.76% off all orders over $17.76. This offer is available for a limited time, so don’t wait. And as always, shipping is completely free within the United States—that’s our way of making preparedness a little more affordable.

Thank you for being a part of our community. Together, we’re ready for whatever challenges lie ahead.

Visit the 1776 Preparedness Store here – – – – > LINK

Take care all –

Rourke

[ecwid_product id=”717306861″ display=”picture title price options addtobag” version=”2″ show_border=”1″ show_price_on_button=”1″ center_align=”0″]

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. We’ll see.

The video below is from 2023 when a ton of turkeys came through. There are so many turkeys in the area it’s unreal. I often hear them out in the woods even when they are not seen.

I have not seen any coyotes at all, however, just the other night I was going out to the shed and heard them screaming off in the distance. I recently bought a shooting bench from a guy about 2 miles away from us. I talked to him for about 20 minutes about the area and he mentioned there is a group he is a member that keeps the coyote population down. He said that at one time the coyotes were killing livestock, pets, and the deer population was dwindling. The local residents and farms got organized and started targeting them.

If I get any footage of Bigfoot you’ll be the first to know.

Take care all –

Rourke

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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 care all –

Rourke

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 help me as I plan for 2025 not knowing what will be happening.

Just keep moving forward. Keep. Moving. Forward.

Always.

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UFOs: All the talk surrounding drones in New Jersey as well as other parts of the country have me pretty puzzled – and concerned. The way the government is blatantly not doing ANYTHING about the situation makes me believe that they know exactly what is going on and either CAN’T do anything about it or simply can’t tell the public. Either way – not good.

“Made this a few days ago on the New Jersey drones….”

Some of the footage coming in seems unreal – as in incredible. There are theories that they are searching for something. Nuclear material? Terrorists? Chemical/biological entity? Angels? 

One possibility is that the US government is sending drones up to investigate the other “drones” that have not been identified.

We shall see.

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2025/1776: I’ve started a post to be published before the 1st. Going to share some goals and objectives for Kass and I. I’ll also have an announcement regarding this website and efforts to expand the traffic and reach. I mentioned previously here – – – > https://1776patriotusa.com/a-follow-up/

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Homestead: Around Thanksgiving, we had totaled about 10″ of snow. Quite a bit for that early. We picked up additional wood for the woodstove and we’ve had temps as low as 5 degrees.

About a week ago a warm-up happened and temps got up to 60 degrees. Snow…..GONE. Past few days a few inches fell so it looks like a white Christmas will happen. I’m glad for that.

Take care all –

Rourke

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!!!

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Quick Health Update:

I have no results from my CT scan yet. Apparently, the hospital is short-staffed in Radiology and it can take up to 10-12 days top get the scans looked at.

Ugh!

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Saw this the other day. Found it strangely humorous.

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This movie looks promising. I checked and it is not playing in my area. Hopefully, I can stream in the not-to-distant future. Let me know if you go see it!

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Here in Maine, we have received around 10″ of total snowfall so far. A recent warmup has caused pretty much all of it to melt off. We have some frigid temps over the next few days along with a bit of snow. There’s a chance for a white Christmas which would be nice.

Here’s the current forecast:

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This situation with the drones – I am really pulled in a couple different directions.

First – I believe IF the drones are truly there in the quantity that is being reported they are ours and in search of something. What? Well – that is the scary part. Nuclear? Possibly.

Second – there’s a good possibility that it’s being blown out of proportion and the number of drones is actually much less and there really is no issue at all. Possible? Who knows? I just watched an interview with one of the New Jersey mayors. The mayor stated he saw 4 drones in the sky the previous night. 4? 4 drones is nothing.

We shall see. Maybe.

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I’ll be posting before Christmas, but, in case you miss it I hope everyone has a wonderful and safe Christmas. I’ll be posting some info about future plans. It should be fun!

Take care all –

Rourke

 

Best Christmas tree ever…….

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 it was finally removed. An additional CT scan showed some fluid(infection) present and a syringe was inserted to remove it.

Several weeks after having the drain removed and subsequent syringe I felt pretty good. Several weeks ago I started feeling some “pressure” and mild discomfort. I’ll admit I’m pretty paranoid that the infection will return. My surgeon told me that if it returns it could mean the spleen could have to be removed. Spleen removal has risks in itself.

I need to avoid spleen removal – obviously.

Thursday I have another CT scan scheduled. I requested the scan after I started feeling the pressure, which was several weeks ago. More recently I have felt very good. Considered canceling the scan, however, I’ll just continue to wonder.

So – Thursday.

Rourke

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 all. Great uncertainty for sure. Regardless – the process of setting goals and objectives is just beginning.

In years past I’ve posted my goals. I may start back.

Do you make yearly goals or resolutions?

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I recently came up with this short story about the origin of the infamous canned meat-like substance called SPAM. Yes – this is an effort in humor.

In case you are not aware of the true origin of SPAM:

In the heart of Northern Maine, nestled among towering pines and shimmering lakes, there existed a secret that only the creatures of the forest knew. The lush green canopy concealed the whimsical world of the Spam animals, small, adorable creatures resembling a cross between a piglet and a marshmallow. With their soft, gelatinous skin and tiny, twinkling eyes, they were the epitome of cuteness, frolicking through the underbrush and delighting the forest’s inhabitants.

Every five years, as winter melted into spring, the Spam animals would emerge from their hibernation. It was a time of joy and celebration among the forest dwellers. The Spam animals, having spent years sleeping in cozy burrows, would bounce about, filling the woods with laughter and cheer. The sun would shine brighter, and the flowers would bloom in vibrant colors, all in homage to the return of these delightful creatures.

However, not all was well in this enchanted forest. A dark shadow lurked among the trees—the evil hunters working for Hormel, a corporation with a nefarious plan to capture the Spam animals and turn them into the infamous canned meat that had become a staple in households across the nation. These hunters, clad in camouflage and armed with traps, were determined to exploit the Spam animals for profit, disregarding the joyous harmony of the forest.

As the day of awakening drew near, the forest buzzed with whispers of the hunters’ intentions. The wise old owl, perched high above in a gnarled oak, called a meeting of the woodland creatures. “We must protect our Spam friends,” he hooted solemnly. “Their cuteness is not just for our enjoyment; they are part of the magic that keeps our forest alive.”

The rabbits, deer, and even the shy squirrels gathered around, their hearts heavy with concern. They devised a plan to outsmart the hunters. The rabbits, known for their speed, would scout the edges of the forest, while the deer would stand guard at the trails leading to the Spam animals’ hibernation spots. The clever squirrels decided to create distractions, using acorns and pinecones to confuse the hunters.

As the sun rose on the fateful day, the Spam animals blinked awake, stretching their tiny limbs and shaking off their slumber. Unbeknownst to them, the hunters lay in wait, hungry for their catch. But the forest had other plans. The moment the hunters stepped into the realm of the Spam animals, the rabbits darted through the underbrush, leading the hunters on a wild chase. The deer stood resolute, blocking paths with their majestic presence, while the squirrels rained down acorns from above, creating chaos.

In the midst of this uproar, the Spam animals, sensing the commotion, began to scamper away, their tiny hearts pounding with the thrill of adventure. They dashed through the trees, giggling and squealing, not understanding the danger lurking behind them.

Finally, the hunters, bewildered and frustrated, gave up the chase, retreating into the shadows of the forest. The woodland creatures cheered, their hearts swelling with pride as they watched the Spam animals frolic freely in the sun-dappled glade. 

From that day forward, the forest was a safe haven for the Spam animals, who continued to emerge every five years, bringing joy and laughter to all. The hunters never dared return, haunted by the memory of the cunning forest creatures who had outsmarted them.

And so, the legend of the Spam animals lived on, a tale whispered among the trees—a reminder of the bond between the forest and its inhabitants, and a testament to the power of unity against greed. In cans across the country, the name SPAM would forever be associated with a delightful, albeit fictional, story of cuteness and courage.

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Cat owners will completely understand……

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Someone recently asked me how things were going. I guess my absence for 5-6 days had people thinking I may have met an untimely demise – or something. All is well. I’ll give a health update soon and also give some additional thoughts on the blog, web presence, social media, etc. Remember when I posted about THIS back in November? Well, my thoughts are finally coming together.

More to come.

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Playing around with mug designs…… 😉

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I think this map is very telling:

National map of counties and how they voted in the 2024 election

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As I write this we are a few weeks away from Christmas. How many of you out there buy “prep” gifts for people who are not preparedness-minded? We do for sure. We do this just to know that in a difficult situation, those loved-ones will just be slightly better off.

What kind of items do you pick up in this situation?

We often get power banks for charging cell phones.

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Take care all –

Rourke

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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

Another option is to create an entirely new website from scratch. As life changes  – sometimes BIG changes – it can be good to just startovver from scratch. If I did start another site I have the ability to direct ALL traffic that comes to 1776PatriotUSA.com to the new website automatically. Seems like this would make sense so folks would go to 1776 and arrive at the new site. IF – and it’s a big IF – I do this I would give lots of notice. ALso – a new site would emphasize the aspects of life that has changed for us. This means there would be more on homesteading, life in the Maine woods, cooking in the cabin, projects around the property – and of course preparedness.  I think Kass(aka Maine Prepper Girl) would also play a bigger role.

We shall see and please feel free to continue to voice your opinion.

Take care –

Rourke

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. I fear a lot of folks who have found their way into at least considering becoming preparedness-minded will relax back into their cloak of blissful ignorance. I’m very glad the election went the way that it did, however, we are far from out of the woods.

It’s nearing the end of the year, and I’ve always been one to look forward and plan. I’m considering what I want to accomplish in 2025, and I have to admit that the health issues I had earlier in 2024—and may return—have me feeling a sense of urgency to accomplish as much as possible.

Rourke and granddaughter recently……

Come February, Kass and I will have been at the cabin for two years. When we look back at pictures it’s amazing how much we have accomplished. There was so much to do when we moved in and the shortened Maine Spring/Summer months didn’t help. As I sit here watching college football – Go Dawgs! – there’s still a lot to do. Many people pick a word to describe what they hope for in a year. I’ve never done that, however, I’ll say 2024 was a year where “preparedness” was definitely a priority. 2025? Guess I’m trying to figure that out now.

A few photos from 2024…..

Right now we’re getting ready for winter. We actually saw the very first snowflakes fall on Saturday morning. Just a few, but, we know more is coming. We primarily heat with propane and have an additional tank being delivered. This will double our supply and I’m very happy about that. I recently picked up a load of seasoned firewood and will get at least two more over the coming weeks. Our new shed has a vented propane heater installed and a tank is being delivered soon. Supplies located there need to be kept above freezing. More on the “survival shed” soon.

Recent project: Fire Pit Area…..

I have a habit of trying to accomplish too much in too short of a time and end up not completing most of it. I know this about myself and also know I need to change. Looking at 2025 developing a more consistent routine and limiting my projects so I can be more efficient with time is a must. Maybe for 2025, I’ll have two words – “focus” and “productivity.” If I focus and limit my projects at any given time I’ll be more productive and get them done, then, I can move on to the next.

We’ll see.

Is anyone else looking at 2025 fast approaching? Thoughts? Please share!

Take care all –

Rourke

Yeah – I’m aware the Bulldogs lost. Ugh.

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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.” I am a HUGE Trump supporter and certainly hope he gets in office.

Here are a couple thoughts:

• Kamala wins. People go to work the next day and many of us not particularly happy about that will talk about stolen elections and the country continuing to go down the toilet.
• Trump wins. Cities will burn. Riots in the streets. The Left will talk about stolen elections, stacking the Supreme Court, abortion being banned, and bad orange man in the White House and how the country must unite against him.
• Either one wins. The National Debt will continue to streak skyward and the US Dollar will lose value.

We are screwed either way.

 

Don’t get me wrong. I want Trump to win. I want a change in the American political system to gravitate towards traditional values and governmental shrinkage – including repairing the corruption and financial strife we are experiencing. I just doubt it will happen.

We’ll see.

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I’m on Book 8 of the 299 Days series by Glen Tate, one of my all-time favorite book series. I “read” it using the Audible app. Audible books work well for me due to the amount of driving I do. I’ve read 299 Days several times previously, however, this time it reads differently. These times we live in and all the chaotic and frustrating events give the book a different feel.

The feel? Realistic and prophetic.

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This raspberry plant was pretty much dead and I chucked it in the woods. Kass grabbed it and was determined to save it – and planted it. I figured as bad as it was it was toast. As you can see a new growth came up. Maine Prepper Girl to the rescue and we have an “extra” fruit-producing raspberry plant!

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https://www.starlink.com/residential?referral=RC-928519-32536-20

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Silver continues to trend upwards as inflation robs the purchasing power of the USD the vast majority of us are paid with. I continue to work to increase investments in tangibles. I’m expecting a pullback in silver over the next few months that may provide a buying opportunity.

In the meantime funds are going to food storage, tools, fuel, and completing projects around the homestead.

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Take care all –

Rourke

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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 Back in 2009, just one year after Rambo’s release, Sylvester Stallone was already working on a fifth movie called Rambo V: The Savage Hunt, where John Rambo, a new companion named Beau Brady, and a team of soldiers faced a genetically engineered being designed to be a perfect killing machine in the Arctic circle (via Ain’t It Cool News). Logically, the only person who can stop the bioengineered abomination would be a similarly unstoppable force, John Rambo himself. With a monster villain and a more claustrophobic setting, Rambo V: The Savage Hunt would have leaned more into the slasher genre than the previous movies’ action extravaganza. Rambo V: The Savage Hunt would have been a modified adaptation of James Byron Huggins’ 1999 novel Hunter, which had the exact same premise, but was led by an expert tracker called Nathaniel Hunter and his wolf Ghost. The project progressed in the development stage with a script, an official title, and Sylvester Stallone attached, but it soon got scrapped in favor of an earlier concept, which dropped Rambo V: The Savage Hunt’s sci-fi inspirations and laid the foundations for the kidnapping storyline that would become Rambo: Last Blood. While Last Blood was certainly more in keeping with the wider Rambo franchise, the sci-fi spin remains a tantalizing missed opportunity.

I think this would have been better than what was actually made.

Who knows?

Rourke

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, affecting everything from emergency services to everyday commerce. Moreover, controlling access points, such as bridges, allows these groups to exert influence over local populations, creating a sense of fear and instability. This tactic not only showcases their capability to inflict damage but also serves as a psychological weapon, undermining public confidence in the government’s ability to maintain order and security.

Rourke – “Something to remember.”

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 streets.

The cause was a large windstorm blowing through. Thousands in the region lost power and with so many linemen helping with the hurricanes that caused so much destruction down South, repairs here in Maine are going slow.

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Esbit stove. Simple and effective. 👍

https://amzn.to/4eSm36d

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Came across this great deal on ammo cans at Tractor Supply. The construction looked excellent with great welds and a good seal. I’ve seen some in various stores that were horribly made.

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https://www.starlink.com/residential?referral=RC-928519-32536-20

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Blogging has certainly changed. Several years ago during the Sandy Hook event, I had over 4,000 visitors daily. Now? I have around 150. While I’ll admit I’m not posting at the same consistency as I did back then I will say we are at a critical time in our lives that preparation should be pivotal. Basically, we here at 1776 should be having several thousand visitors daily – reading, discussing, and planning together.

What has changed? Big business came into preparedness several years ago and has taken over with flashy websites and paid advertising that prioritizes search engines to send people to those paying the most money.

I have no paid advertising.

On top of that email providers(such as Microsoft and Google) will take emails on new posts to subscribers and put them in a “sales” or ” promotions” section rather than priority viewing. This basically makes it difficult for people to see the content that I create – even if the person who visits here wants to see it.

To summarize, the deck is stacked against small publishers like me who refuse to pay search engines and marketing companies.

The solution? 

I don’t know. I’m really impressed with Telegram and the functionality it offers. If you have any suggestions feel free to comment and offer it. I have a few things in the works.

My goal all along has been to reach as many like-minded folks as possible. That’s still my goal and in these trying times it’s even more important.

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I find myself really watching each penny I spend. With the economic hardships we are facing and what I believe is coming every penny of spending power is important. Whether it’s bags of ice or bags of rice I’ll shop around for the best deal possible. Deals such as Amazon Prime events I’ll watch for best prices and I’m finding Facebook Marketplace a great place to find bargains.

I’ve had goals to complete by the end of this year and it’s looking pretty good. Will be reevaluating goals soon and will set new ones to target next summer.

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Take care all –

Rourke

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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. 🌱

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Back-up and redundant methods for heat are important here in Maine. Temps drop down well below zero frequently in Winter and I’m often thinking about, “What if?” For the main living area, we have a wood stove and a large propane heater. If I want to work out in the garage I’ve had a kerosene heater for that as well as some smaller propane heaters. To add to the overall heating system picked up another kerosene heater for $25. Came with 3 gallons of fuel as well. Good deal!

 

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Time for an oil change.

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The 1st amendment was set up to allow speech and expression that people might hate. The way the left has expressed “dissatisfaction” with certain speech and spoke of legal options against those that promote what they don’t like is scary.

One quick example of the attack on free speech – Elon Musk was a hero of the left when he was just someone pushing electric cars. He buys Twitter and talks of free speech for all – and he has been relentlessly attacked. Old Lefty Robert Reich has called for his arrest and imprisonment.

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When many of us mention election interference some may think of totes of votes being pulled out at 1:00am to feed the machines. Yes….that may be part of it. An organized direct pursuit to influence an election and drive votes in one direction via manipulation of ANYTHING is election interference.

It goes beyond simply convincing citizens to vote one way or another. It’s corruption and manipulation at its core.

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Some preps don’t require a ton of money or research. A couple of extra manual can openers are critical if the food storage program contains a lot of canned food(mine does).  I have a good amount of P38 and P51 can openers as well. Think about if you put together a box of a few cans of food for a neighbor and they don’t have a manual can opener. Good to have extras.

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I’m not watching the debate tonight. My temper and anxiety won’t allow it. At another time I’ll get updates and maybe I’ll watch it when I feel ready. I know what’s going to happen. I’d rather go out in the chilly Maine night and work on food storage and other preps that I can control. I’ll do me and you do you.

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Take care all –

Rourke

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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 more about it shortly, but, Telegram is becoming extremely popular as a means for folks to get together and communicate. Telegram is safe and secure – and the group I created has finally started to grow. It truly is a unique and great way to communicate.

If you are interested in joining the group send me an email at: 1776PatriotUSA [at] gmail.com

Telegram may be removed from Apple devices automatically if it is removed from the App Store as part of court rulings. This can be prevented in your smartphone settings.

Share with others!

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 work tomorrow AM.

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Old fashion canning guide. Would be very good to print out for future reference. I don’t place any faith in guidelines established by the government. 📑

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Yes – this is actually happening in Scottland. We will see similar actions increase in America. This isn’t about flock safety of stopping people from getting sick. It’s about the government getting more control.

Period.

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We are rapidly approaching $36 trillion in National Debt. Insanity and unsustainable.

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Made another mini-wood holder for the Solo Stove and firepit. Cooler weather is coming and sitting outside by a fire is one of our favorite things to do.

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Hope everyone has a great week. We continue to head very quickly towards an uncertain future that seems to be lining up to be extremely challenging. Keep preparing folks.

Rourke

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