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.
Off-Grid® Compact Fire Starting Kit
2 PACK
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This portable fire starting kit comes in a compact rugged metal box. Perfect for a bugout bag, survival kit, thrown in a vehicle - or kept handy for getting the fire pit going.
INGREDIENTS INCLUDE:
Waterproof Matches(16) X 2
Char Cloth X 2
Ferrocerium Rod X 2
Carbon Steel Striker X 2
Cotton Balls Infused w/Petroleum Jelly X 2
Butane Lighter X 2
- The included waterproof matches can be completely submerged and will still ignite with no problem. Simply shake or blow the water off and then strike on the included striker piece. These matches burn at over 1,200 degrees.
- Char Cloth is a natural material made specifically to be easy to ignite even with a very small spark. This makes it an ideal fire starting material.
- The included butane lighter will strike a flame over 1,000 times. If you haven't made a fire by then, give up.
- The ferrocerium rod and included striker can throw thousands of sparks over and over again with each scrape. These sparks burn upwards of 3,000 degrees providing an excellent method to start a fire.
- Petroleum jelly cotton balls are one of the absolute best fire starters around. They light easy and burn time is measured in minutes.
Remember - two fire starting kits are included.
Multiple methods of fire starting.
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Could it get any better? Well, I'm working on it.