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
Build a Pantry You Can Rely On — Without the Overwhelm
- Pantry Inventory Sheets (printable)
- Pantry Gap Checklist (what most people forget)
- Pantry Shelf Life Reference Chart
- Bucket Food Storage Guide (Mylar + oxygen absorbers)
- Step-by-step Mylar packing instructions
- $5 / $10 budget food storage plan
- Pantry organization tips
- Food rotation basics
- Practical preparedness advice
- Want to build a pantry but don’t know where to start
- Are trying to prepare on a budget
- Want to keep your food storage organized
- Live in an area with storms, outages, or uncertainty
- Want to take better care of your household
- Peace of mind
- Flexibility during hard times
- One less thing to worry about
all of our immediate family are elderly and only a mile or so down the road so we can take them into our home if necessary, we prep for many, and family is first and foremost on our minds.
the power banks are great gifts if people remember to keep them charged, they do have a shelf life, hint, hint. check your rechargeables periodically and keep them topped off.
as for spam- It was introduced in 1937 and became popular during World War II due to its long shelf life and convenience. i’m told that they are going to make their second batch in a few months.
you and MPG take care, stay warm and stay safe.
You and Geezer are both funny with your Spam. I’ll never be able to open another can without thinking about little Spaminals running through the woods.
I avoid technology whenever possible, but for close relatives I have put together emergency bags from thrift store finds, and they were always a hit, even with those who won’t do it for themselves. When my daughter’s last roommate moved across the country by car, I asked if she’d left hers behind. I was thinking I could scavenge her leftovers. “Well, of course not, Mum! She took it with her!”
Great story! You might apply your unique insight to the plight of the poor Naugas that have been hunted almost to extinction for their beautiful Naugahydes!