The-Atlantic-thefemalesurvivalist

Written by Bradford Angier in 1956, this 283 paper back is a substantial work for the serious survivalist.
Survivalists come from such a wide range of political and cultural, not to mention financial backgrounds its a word often misunderstood.

My meaning, for this blog, is someone who wants to make it out alive, regardless of the circumstances. Whether its government shit hitting the fan, or falling into a ravine, or becoming stranded for whatever reason, a survivalist in my book will figure out what to do and do it.

We don't expect grandma to hold our hands, a bailout or group hug.
Ok, back to this book.

The author's writing style is the old fashioned, Last of the Mohicans James Fenimore Cooper stuff. Not as plain and down to earth as modern times requires.

But its very much worth the read. I'm on chapter 4. He really makes a case for wild foods as soon as you think things are not going too good. Don't wait til your out of canned goods and dried beans before you start living off the land. He talks a lot about our taste and social preferences. For instance, I didnt't know that it took 10 eggs to fullfil a man's daily requirements for iron. Four Tablespoons of blood will do the same.

Some religions have a thing about blood. I remember a friend who got "saved" had to quit making Blood Soup. I've never had blood soup, but apparently real cow's blood went into the pot along with other delectable things.
According to Angier, blood is like milk, a product so valuable it should never be completely drained from the wild meat. I saw an article about tribes in Africa which often bled their cows, one quart at a time and used it for sustenance. This did not harm the cow who immediately replaced the blood draw  through its normal body functions.

There are a few things that strike me wrong, things I personally would be hard pressed to do. According to Angier, one may rob a scavenger of his kill, even a bear, especially if there are small trees in the vicinity. Never, never never would I attempt to deprive a bear of his kill. Black bears can climb trees, while griz can knock it completely over. No go.

Another place, page 22 talks about firing a field to collect the cooked bugs and grubs. I would not try that either because a wild fire is hard to control. Back in 2009 a nearly blind guy tried to hike a portion of the Appalachian Trail alone. He got lost on a side trail not far from a town. He set the grass on fire as a signal. He got found alright. I hope he paid all the firefighters, too. Thankfully, no homes were lost, no lives taken.

I remembered this story because the guy worked with an outfitter and could have carried a host of electronic devices to overcome his poor eyesight. I'm not saying we need to go with a partner every time, but if you have a handicap, solve it before you head out to the trail, not after words.

I'm still working on the Never Say Die book. I finished the chapter on shelters. The diagrams for igloo building was interesting. It looks like an astounding amount of work for one person. The lean to was promoted for good reason.

While researching some survival stuff I washed then placed three raw Idaho potatoes in a tin coffee can. Once I had a nice bed of coals in my little wood stove, I put the stood the can up in them,shut the dampers and waited one hour.
The potatoes came out perfectly. The bottom one was a little charred, but totally edible.

I love this process because it didn't cost me anything and is fool proof. No aluminum foil, no garbage.
I'm saving the tin can. Has anyone else noticed that coffee cans, among other things are becoming mainly cardboard?

Some of the coffee containers have a metal bottom and top ring with the middle section being cardboard. This is no longer recyclable.
And, us hobos can't cook in them!

Back on the book reports. The Never Say Die has a whole chapter devoted to first aid, most of which is straightforward common sense. I studied the sketches detailing how to bandage with a large triangle, which seems to be the Canadian Air Force, circa 1979 preference. A large bandanna could be folded in half to create this triangle. I found it very useful just thinking through the support system the special wrap provided.

Ok, back to 2011. We're heading into the election year with complaints from the GOP candidates that Life Isn't Fair. They did not get their 10,000 registered voter signatures to qualify them for various ballots. Well, go shake some hands. What are you crying about?

How's it going in your neighborhood?

I finished Iron John, by Robert Bly.

At first I felt somewhat pissed on. Women got a bad rap, especially moms. Like we emasculate our boys or something.

But I continued reading and keeping my cool, calm non judgemental self (!) in tow. I realized its more an indictment of modern society and liberalism. The pacifist mentality of avoiding conflict, giving in to demands for civility when none is called for works against women as well.

The author takes us on a step by step analysis of the fable and all its secret meanings. In the end, the wild woman, the Princess marries the guy who became a full man by killing the enemies.

The alternate religions and mythology may leave bible believing church goers unhappy with this book, so I can't say I recommend it.

Now working on the Canadian book, Never Say Die.

I talked about Chapter 1, the Psychological Aspects, a couple days ago. Never giving up, feeling you have some control, at whatever level.

Chapter 2 is about general Canadian geography. All regions have food, no deserts

In Chapter 3 I learned about parachutes and falling properly.  The main thing about falling properly, keep your feet together! I guess that should be self explanatory, I just never thought much about the dire consequences of not following this rule. Of course all of us have jumped off garage roofs in our youth know to bend the knees slightly and roll when landing. Parachutes are a science. The rate of decent is astounding. A body can fall 65,000 feet in 4 minutes, with a parachute it can take 32 minutes. Pulling the rip cord should not be done til about 10,000 feet or you could die freezing or without oxygen.

The feet together thing is my takeaway here. I don't plan on parachuting any time soon. As a survivalist, all knowledge is good knowledge. Ya never know.

Chapter 4 is about first aid. That should be good.

According to Men's Health, October 11th,  if I don't swear more than 10 times a day, when I really need it, let er fly.

That's right, British researchers have found that swearing can enhance pain tolerance. People who said nasty words could withstand icy water twice as long as those who didn't and just held their tongues. I figure they tested both men and women. The article didn't say.

As an aside, they said, "If you regularly swear more than 10 times per day, the pain relieving power of your cursing may be reduced."

The final conclusion: for  maximum pain relief, blurt out the word you find most offensive.

I got a feeling this was widely known for many of you out there. However! Now that we've been alerted to the actual facts, I'm cleaning up my verbage for a rainy day.
This is good news! If the SHTF and we run out of aspirin, there could be an endless supply of  affordable pain reliever for the survivalist.

I'm not scrooge, but the black Friday, Internet Monday, green Monday, buyer's remorse and all that crap is getting old.

Then, on top of it our congress people can't get their act together and want a two month extension on whatever economics ail this economy.

All I want for Christmas is an honest politician. Well, I'd take a shitload of gold, but get real, neither is gonna happen.

So, with the holidays around the corner, and that means nearly over, Thank God! we'll get back to what passes for normal in this  country. Wild market swings, celebrity scandal, election coverage, Lordy have mercy.

Naw, I'm good here, just cabin fever, and its only mid December. Where does the time go when your having fun in the back 40?

Happy New Year.

Didn't the Mayans warn us about 2012?

Reading my way through this "men's book" is beginning to feel like work.  I find myself scanning. Robert Bly makes a great case for the Wild Man, not to be confused with the savage man.

Wild Men are not softened by the overpowering feminist influences. I read a posting on a survivalist blog bemoaning the "rampant feminism". I guess this is what they mean.

I will read this entire book because it does make sense. I think its belaboring the issue, hence I scan. This is a sign to put the book down and take it in smaller doses. Wild Men are my type. If I wanted a weak man, I'd get a soft woman.

I really can't see the Wild Man reading this work. It seems to speak more to the man who wants to free himself, to venture out and trust his instincts, to chuck away the confines of cultural demands for "the whole man",  a nurturing, household chore splitting, diaper changing spouse.

To each their own. Not saying what anyone should do except find their own Nirvana.

So, to cut the mythology and get some practical applications, I began Never Say Die. This survival manual was published in 1979 for the Canadian Air Force. Its no nonsense first chapter totally makes the case for proper psychology over any other possible advantage gear might give.

The right attitude means accepting and dealing with fear, recognizing the emergency immediately, and coping with the 7 enemies of survival, being Pain, cold, thirst, hunger, fatigue and boredom-loneliness.

The chapter ends with a detailed description of good group dynamics, including believing in your leader, having confidence you are a valuable part of that group.

I think these two books provide a balance and will continue to read each one daily until finished, reporting here regularly.

Found on one of the book shelves here at home:
Never Say Die, The Survival Book, The Death of Albert Johnson, How to Stay Alive in the Woods, Being Your Own Wilderness Dcotor,Iron John and Non- Flowering Plants.

As I read and practice the skills here in, I'll give reports, along with the authors etc.

Right now I'm doing Iron John by Robert Bly. Its a book about Men, and was number one National Bestseller. This book is sort of a Women Who Run with Wolves type thing, but much more readable. The author is using some parables and fairy tales to expound on the Wild Man. He bemoans the emergence of the Soft Man, a man in touch with his feminine side.

I agree.
A Wild Man is hot, interesting, sexy. Soft touchy feely men are too much like women, and we need two sexes to make life interesting. The author talks about initiation in ancient societies, leading to Strong, capable, protector types.

I'm only on page 20 of this 259 page book. I'll report more after I finish it. I really like the writing style of Robert Bly, and it won't take long to devour this book.

I'm writing a lot of survival stuff in novel format. Learning this way is fun. We have a ton of how to books on survival, from military to woodscraft.

Sorta dry, but necessary reading.

As I encorporate these skills into my work, I'm struck by the need for diversity. So many apocalypse scripts build upon the grid collapsing, or going down. Without electic power, internet and communications, life would degrade rapidly.

Some themes begin with mega viruses getting loose. It seems theres already plenty on the planet to kill many of us at once. If that happens to a co dependent world system, we all suffer when things can not continue. The British series, Survivors, takes that premise in their 12 episodes.

I was researching cholera and found out that left untreated it can wipe out 50-60 percent of those contaminated. Contamination comes via water, shell food, poor sanitation where people are exposed to bodily waste from others infected. Research uncovered the fact that people can die within hours of showing symptoms during pandemics. Simple bleach and boiling kills the bacteria. Eating and drinking clean food is important for recovery.

My take away in all this is how important diversity is. If one thing fails, have a back up plan not dependent on the government. World wide is not the best. Local self sustaining eco systems would insure survivalabity.

In other words, in all apocalpse scenarios, the people bail themselves out of trouble, not the government.

Diversity of power sources, food and water, diversity in knowledge. That's what I'm stiving for.

Yesterday morning I did a flying trip to town. Not by plane, or broom, by Geo! Yes, a flying trip whereby no time is wasted thrifting around, just get in and get er done. Ok, I found these camo pants. Youth, size 14/16. I took the time to try them on. Women, have you ever thought something would fit, for sure, only to be embarrassed, what the Hell happened?

Well, yesterday was good. These pants fit perfect, the color and camo is awsome. Bad, very bad. That means good now days.

I found this 6.5 quart pot amoungst some junk in a back room of the Habitat for Humanity. Only one buck they said. I did not tell Them how perfect it was.
Its actually very heavy. The lid and handles show it can withstand a great camp fire. I love the way a person can remove the lid without reaching for a knob thing. Get a long handle and slide it into the slot on top the lid.


Next, I love the handles aren't plastic, or flameable. Ever get the perfect pot but the handles melt off. Yeah, what I'm talking about!



I've been watching alot of Breaking Bad lately. Listening to the dialogue, especially Jesse, has me thinking more about my latest installment in my series. Dialogue is important. It has to sound real.

My friend has finished his first novel. He's also written a great page with more details on this work, includ ing a sample for your enjoyment. I helped edit, and provide encouragement.

David Mauldin is a long distance backpacker, Viet Nam Vet, expert survivalist and mentor. He's also a world travelor and owner of Trailquest.net website.
We both have been watching the unfolding events in the world. Anything could happen and we could wake up to find ourselves in:

Second Layer of Hell

I'll admit, sometimes I get damn impatient. But, I put up with a lot of shit from this stove. At first it worked perfectly and my studio was all snug and toasty, hot water ready for the taking.

Little by little it quit drawing. I blamed the down draft, the warm temperatures, my over use of glossies as starter paper.

Finally after a nice layer of ash covered all, I decided to take the outside pipe apart and remove whatever blockage that was hindering it, or throw the damn thing out.

Well, I calmed down, drank several stout cups of black coffee and took the bottom elbow apart. The tiny chunks of creosote fell loose, I scraped the elbow clean. Glancing up at the screen-spark arrester, Voila, a Duh moment hit me like a ton of bricks. I climbed a ladder, removed the screening. All was totally blocked. It amazing any smoke could get through the sludge.

Now, happily all is back in order, me and my stove are great friends again. I kissed it and promised to be a better mommy.

Seriously, I must have the screen cause we're surrounded by dense forest, but the screen must be maintained.
And, no more unseasoned pine is seeing the inside of my baby.

Just saying, thanks for listening.

I'm watching the British series Survivors, a two year, 6 episode production about the EOTWAWKI mega virus thing.
Pharmaceuticals get a good well deserved bashing, but the thing I'm struck with is the one firearm one of the "good people" has is constantly under issue, the women folk and even the black dude, Greg being angry that the guy used it to off an enemy.

In America, every last one of them would be cheering him on, asking how can the get a rifle, pistol, hell, even a BB gun.

I read our local free paper, and here's an quarter page ad:

Turkey Shoot.
Win your Christmas Turkey
10: am Saturday, Dec 3
Black Mountain Baptist Church

Family Event
Kids Shoot, 14 and under, and Adult Shoots
Chance to Win Turkeys and Prizes
Lunch Available

then two numbers of guys with first names are listed if a person wants to call for more information

Yeah, Guns for regular normal citizens! And, its obvious the kids like it too, and get a chance for their own competition.

Self Defense is Normal Stuff!

Located at Coon Hunter's Club.

I cooked my first real food in the tiny wood stove on Thanksgiving. It was cold enough to get a good fire going, then I let it burn down to coals.

I always wash potatoes before wrapping them in foil even though I won't eat the skin, just to prevent any organic material (like dirt) from contaminating my meal.  Once wrapped, I placed the sweet potato in the coals and put the "eye" or lid back on the stove. After about an hour I removed the product.

The potato came out soft and tender. After scraping the delicious flesh into a serving bowl, I added a pinch of, a teaspoon of brown sugar and a dash of cinnamon and voila', served. There's only two of us, so one potato, with all the other vegetarian trimmings was enough.

Its nice to test ideas while you're working, sorta kill two birds with one stone.

We get a lot of hunters through these woods and walking the trails daily I'm prepared.
My orange rain jacket, red hat, orange Possibles bag, all tell others in the woods I'm not game.

I continue to bring my bear spray (pepper spray) because they are on the move. Some bears have gotten pretty big, and there are also quite a few cubs.

I ties orange and red streamers onto my hiking poles. They are in constant motion so that is another safety feature.
All the hollers and ridges make sighting a little tricky. I want to give every hunter a chance to see me well ahead of time.

I had this idea for a "trailer" for my End of Days Trilogy which has just been completed. My friend helped me out. I uploaded it to Youtube.




The entire trilogy is now available. It includes Measured Response, Journey North, Calendar Keeper, and bonus material. Here's the bookcover I created. Its a self portrait, sorta Women who run with the wolves, don't ya think?



Writing this end time novel has been an experience. I've become more determined than ever to learn and own lots of self defence.

Thanks for all your comments and support.

I absolutely avoid town on Black Fridays. There's just no way I can deal with the kinds of crowds and consumerism I see on the news. My family loves it, they go and get the kids all kinds of goodies.

Now, I was thinking, IF I went to such an event, what would I hope to see on sale, at such a great price I would be willing to wait in line, camp out, hustle through the doors and rub shoulders with a million people coming down with the killer virus.

Just kidding about the virus.

My List would look something like this:

Food- dry and canned good, on sale, in bulk, and seriously reasonable. I would stand in line for a chance to buy that.

Ammunition- big boxes of stuff that fits a variety of weapons. My man would love that under the tree.

A Baby Glock- a steal of a deal, and an easy way to verify its just for my self protection, I'm just interested in home defense

Gift Cards- one where I'd pay 50 bucks, but it would be worth 100 to the receiver. Gift cards at face value, even up, aren't worth it. I'll just give cash.

I have to admit, if economists interviewed me, they'd say consumer confidence is down. Maybe that's not the real picture, maybe we just don't need a bigger flat screen, and our laptops still work fine. Maybe I have enough shoes and purses, and my closet is full.

So, how about some real deals on stuff we need?

Ok, I loved it. In spite of all the commercials, this two hour production kept my attention and I even took notes.

Our explorer, Ed, is a british dude who undertook this enormous project on April 2, 2008. No doubt years of planning and dreaming came first, but that's not my point.

He had vision, grit, and the absolute honesty to record painstakingly accuate travelogue. After only 90 days, his original partner Luke, leaves the expedition. He has a fiance, and as they both freely admit, makes it much harder to go on such a trip. They expected it to take 18 months, it took 30 months.

Along the way, our man hires guides. The first one quits once they head into the Red Zone of Peru, dangerous drug infested country. The 10,000 foot canyons didn't drive him off, it was human predators.

Our explorers give insight into the human equation. Anyone who's share a long trail knows how a partner can get on your nerves, 24-7 of most anyone is too much to bear.

I was amazed at the great footage of foods and wild provisions, flesh eating bugs, alligators, turtle eggs, native coming of age ceremonies, plodding days in waist deep amazon river. All of it was incredible, more so because of one man's perseverance. Fortunately he met and hired his guide, Chao, a marvelous young man from Peru who saw him through to the end.

This 4,500 mile journey is well worth watching. I found the human spirit the key to all great accomplishments.

We've heard about enduring a broken heart ever sence puberty. Now, there are real statistics to back this up, especially concerning women. Turns out we are 7.5 times more likely than men to experience this, and although not always fatal, it sure feels like it when you're going through it.

http://news.yahoo.com/women-more-likely-broken-heart-syndrome-184939504.html


They figure men could have more adrenalin receptors, or many women have more hormones exacerbating the situation. Even after smoking and diet were accounted for, women still have a greater risk.

I guess one preventative measure is to stay single? Not a good option. I'll take my chances. Not that I'm getting married any time soon.

Life isn't much fun without someone to live it with, love abundantly, and share secrets.

I figured it out! By god, I did.

The vast array of republican candidates holding enumerable public debates are just choosing the first string for the upcoming battles with Obama.

A person must admit, regardless of your politics, that Obama is a gifted speaker, able to come up with catchy phrases, move people, raise millions of dollars utilizing social media.

He has put New Organizing Techniques on the map, written the manual for no drama.

So, all these republicans are using each other, running the gamut (is that spelled right) and taking the hits now while its just a preseason game.

We can chuckle at Rick Perry, or groan at Ron Paul, watch Michelle whats her name smile and come up with interesting takes, and enjoy the show. Cain's little misfortunes can be analyzed and dealt with, Mick Romney can get his stories straight. Sort of like the kids fighting in the back yard, no one really wants to hurt the family.

Come 2012, when things heat up, the preseason debaters will be honed to perfection, the skeletons will have been found, kicking and screaming hauled out of the closets.

Yeah, finally got this figured out. And, its cheaper than hiring a cast or paying a writer to produce a reality show.
go get em, repubs!

My life partner's brother came up for a few days and spent the weekend with us. He's quite savvy about guns and such. My man and his brother went way back to the secret firing range and had fun.

Wished I been there. They brought back several paper plates shot to hell and a story nearly incredible of an old pine, long dead yet standing, which served as the firing range post. Well, one thing led to another until the 40 foot pine came crashing down.

No damage to anything, I guess. At some point in time this dead tree would have fallen anyways, but talk about being in the right place at the right time.

I got to handle a Baby Glock. It felt pretty good in my small hand. I like the fact it takes the same as the full size Glock. Interchangeable is always good in my book.

My brother-in-law-sorta also brought me two knives as gifts. The are just right, not too big and razor sharp. Both men laughed while I tried to learn the fine art of opening them one handed. Of course they both can open a full sized knife one handed in the blink of an eye.

Having written about a grid down cannibalistic society, I feel so totally duty bound to learn some serious self defense. Bottom line, I know these woods. If I can get out of the house alive, I'll survive, I call it the Path of the Rabbit.

I'm looking at arming the rabbit, though!

I finished the third book of my trilogy: End of Days.

Whew, now I can get back to blogging and playing in the woods, surviving.

No, wait, I just found out (don't ask where I've been)I can make my books available through Barnes and Nobles Nook reader. I hear there's all sorts of mobile applications for downloading e-books.

Its a new world out there. Remember when we carted around the boom box, then a CD player and cases of CDs.
Then the Ipod came out, and digital music put minimalism on a whole new track. In the tiniest of contraptions we can have our thousands of songs. It fits in a chest pocket.

Calendar Keeper-Book Three of End of Days

So now, with the digital revolution in literature, newspapers, magazines, and books, entire volumes and bookshelves of material, can be accessed on a tiny tablet. You choose. What size would I like to take on the airplane, car trip, or into town.

I'm trying to stay in both worlds. I know for sure we need the skills from two centuries ago to survive a SHTF scenario. There is no such thing as too many skills.

I also know we must stay current with the digital capabilities. One of my favorite examples is the Arab Spring. With mobile technology we can hook up with friends regardless.
I love the raw journalism the people produce.
Up front and in your face.
One of the best out comes is Netflix and Bank of America receiving the People's Vote...try that crap on us, we vote not only with our pocket books, but with our feet.

All this to say, my last book is now available at kindle, called the Calendar Keeper.

Critics say my writing style has become more relaxed, fluid, better.

I hope you agree.
Thanks to all my supporters, and wonderful friends.

It means a lot.

Restaurants are disappearing in my corner of heaven, in North East Georgia Mountains.

Seems no one goes out to eat in sit down, leave a tip please, restaurants.

We have a McDonalds which seems to be thriving, a Burger King, Dairy Queen, a couple chicken places, and oh yeah, a Wendy's.

You can grab a bite to eat at the Subway, or the local RaceTrac.
But nice steak places are having trouble.

Funny, though, there's been a proliferation of consignment shops, thrift stores and various flea markets.

I didn't think there was that much stuff in the whole county. I asked my partner. We talked about people downsizing cause maybe a relative has lost their job and is moving in. Sharing housing.

Or maybe they are selling stuff to pay the rent. Maybe selling the second vacation home and all the paraphernalia that goes with it.

At any rate, I find the whole situation interesting, another sign that people are getting by any way they can.

I located the link listing all the chapters of the online book Absolved. I just finished the first chapter. Men, this is a book you'll get into. Lots of action, details of firearms and tactical stuff. 

At the end of the chapter, the author says to feel free to send out the link, to get the word out of the dire warning.


http://waronguns.blogspot.com/2008/07/absolved-banner-connector.html

"Note: Feel free to post this anywhere you like and distribute as far and wide as you can. After all, everybody likes a good story."Mike Vanderboegh

If you're going to come over to the female survivalist and try to sell a crappy book by posting shit like this, you can forget wasting your time.

Its obvious the poster of this spam has problems, besides women.



 I am an American man, and I have decided to boycott American women. In a nutshell, American women are the most likely to cheat on you, to divorce you, to get fat, to steal half of your money in the divorce courts, don’t know how to cook or clean, don’t want to have children, etc. Therefore, what intelligent man would want to get involved with American women? American women are generally immature, selfish, extremely arrogant and self-centered, mentally unstable, irresponsible, and highly unchaste. The behavior of most American women is utterly disgusting, to say the least. show you how to no longer be subject to the fem-nazi ‘legislation’ that claims you are a slave with no rights at all.


The guy then had the nerve to attempt to direct traffic to his hateful blog, and sell some bullshit book to unsuspecting men.

So if you decide to post on this blog at the comment level, rest assured I will edit and use it any way I like.

Go cry about it.

I can't believe the rates on savings and certificate of deposits.

And things aren't looking any better for a long time to come. Those of us who elected to rent or share expenses living with someone instead of buying a house, thereby saving a little for the future are being punished by the housing crisis with insanely low rates.

Of course I know I'm losing money because of inflation, but where would a gal park it? Stocks or bonds?
The fluctuation is scary, too high risk for a woman like me.

Real estate? I'm told a person can get a hellva deal right now. But wait, that's what I want to avoid. Owning means dealing with things that break, roofs that leak, insurances against flood, flame and famine. Well, flood, and flame.

Ok, then, does a person invest in overseas shit. I think not. When they go under, who's gonna guarantee the investment.?

No, I'm not gonna go buy a couple sticks of gold, for one reason, I think its the next bubble to burst.

The best investment is actual food. The price is going up way faster than anything else, and a person will always need it. Just rotate it, and don't let it spoil. That would be money down the toilet.

So, I guess I'll stick with my home town bank, the FDIC insured stuff, and hope to see better days.

I'm really glad for free speach and free press. We can get a lot of information just with a little internet surfing.

http://sipseystreetirregulars.blogspot.com/

I'm also so glad Fox News gave us the link to this website. I never knew it existed until the authors book, Absolved, got so much attention in the breaking story of four elderly men who started discussing it, in depth.

Check out the link. The Background to the investigation is posted there, including round the table discussions by the conspirators in question.

I'm of the opinion that the wives know more about the men than anyone else, they wouldn't hurt anyone and they are good American citizens.

I never met any of them, so I'm just going by what I've read.

Comments?

A friend posted this on facebook. The thief was getting his way until he crossed a Marine, then he stepped off a curb and sustained significant injuries. Everyone loved this story.

http://freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2800536/posts

Sources and another site to verify this:


http://www.snopes.com/politics/military/stabbedmarine.asp

I loved one readers review: that curb showed remarkable restraint.

I love this concept:
http://www.treehugger.com/solar-technology/eliodomestico-solar-house-still.html

An affordable, portable, no moving parts, none electric water still.

There are so many brainy people who take on these projects that I am encouraged about long term survival of the species on a basic level.

The large picture is not too bright, with Greece in collapse, Europe near disaster and the United States still crying "wolf"...well, maybe I should say, still saying The Emperor's Clothes are Awesome!

The Emperor is naked.

With the world population now over 7 billion, solutions of the future will be all about down sizing our carbon footprint. We'll need smaller houses, fewer possessions, and the ability to adapt to limited power options.

I have my facebook settings to private and like sites that I want to stay updated on, such as Treehugger. Every once in awhile something like this solar still, with the concept explained thoroughly, will be posted. A person could probably replicate something on this order if needed.

I don't know about you all, but this "growth" of the economy we've seen in the last few years which gives rise to the theory we are not in a recession is BS. I did some research and came up with this link

http://www.quickmba.com/econ/macro/gdp/

If you're like me and not an economist or lawmaker, you might also conclude these terms are thrown around in ridiculous fashion hoping no one takes the time to think about it. Lying to us.

Inflation is raising the total cost of goods and services which makes it look like the economy is growing by 2.5 percent. Yeah Right. Somehow it balances the value of homes which are in record foreclosure. Our local paper had pages, yes whole pages devoted to properties being sold "by public outcry" on the courthouse steps come Novemeber 1st. My heart goes out to the folks. Taxes deliquency, mortgage payments, whatever. I got a lesson in economics from my savy partner about home purchases, properties and tax collections.

Here in N. E. Georgia we still struggle. Leaf season is about over, no one is making any money. Tourists are heading home to lick their economic wounds.

Ok, I'm just saying. Enough bullshit. And anyone wanting to add a federal sales tax to goods, please say it isn't so. We who are not required to pay federal taxes because of low income (whether by choice or circumstance) do not want or need an extra 9% added to everything we buy from aspirin to apples to dish soap.

Just saying. Go trick or treating on Wall Street Today. Maybe they can hand out money.

With frost predicted, I harvested the remaining tomatoes from my garden. It has been very successful. Measuring only 15  x 12  feet, it's located in the only open area on the top of this mountain.

Pain is a very subjective thing. Pain thresholds vary, with some folks being sensitive to the littlest thing, and others refusing medication unless its truly serious. Pain is depressing and changes a person, long term.

Its occurred to me that when or if the SHTF, ibuprofen, Tylenol, and aspirin are going to be pretty good commodities to have in stock. Each over the counter pain relief has its warnings, too much Tylenol can wreck your liver very quickly. Too much ibuprofen can eat out your stomach. Too much aspirin can thin your blood making even a small cut bleed profusely.  I like to keep all three on hand, and alternate which one is used, taking as little as possible to minimize risk.

Of course, the old fashioned remedy of alcoholic beverages, which you could brew at home, would help too.
I'm thinking most trade will be done at the end of a gun barrel, so having your own stash neatly stored in a cool dry place will be important. Keeping a low profile will be important so I won't have to defend it.
I have a girlfriend whose father committed suicide when his pain became overwhelming. I can see that. If a person had no hope of feeling better, and the pain became the sum of their existence, suicide could be tempting.

In the meantime, building up my immune system with plenty of rest, reducing stress, lots of sunshine and good food is part of a long term survival plan.

One blog offered the question: what is the biggest threat to your survival? There were hundreds of answers, all well written and thought provoking. The one I remember most is "Old Age".  I like that.

I love this story so much I posted the link here about the wrangler in Montana who chases a griz who is dead set on a meal. A little boy and several tourists witnessed it. Dave Letterman does an outstanding job in the interview. The hero horse is shown on stage at the end.

http://www.spokesman.com/blogs/outdoors/2011/oct/11/erin-bolster-and-tonk-late-show-david-letterman/

The new raincap, tomatoes still growing, and a beautiful shot of our driveway. Life is good.

Its such a beautiful time of year. One of my favorite past times is walking through the crunchy leaves watching the leaves fall gracefully from above.

Of course, if you were a kid, you'd try to catch them. I caught them on video.

The tomatoes still haven't suffered frost. Looks like they will not need covering this week either.

Getting to know my little stove here has been a journey. The cutest stove in the world, still I know my installation isn't the idea set up. I was able to configure it by myself, without any permanent changes to this studio. It works perfectly, most days.

We had some torrential rains, and the rain cap was switched out from the original one shown below. That turned out to be too scanty. I now have one from Ace hardware, your standard rain cap.




We live on top a mountain, surrounded by trees. On rare days, the down draft caused some challenging lessons. The smoke normally turns this corner without any problems. But, a down draft turned it into a nightmare.

Solution! Make a smokeless fire. This has been achieved by clearing the ashes from the grate. Place one small piece of cardboard on grate, a homemade fuel tablet and small dry twigs. Gradually warm the stove by adding more twigs until it naturally rises through the pipe. This has proved successful twice, and I believe my problem is solved.

I did a youtube video on how to make these fuel cubes with wood chips and old candle wax
http://youtube.com/user/brawny03

So far no frost on our mountain. Color is peak, and life is great!

Some nights are made for surfing. Tonight I found this article about a guy who was married for 12 years, then his wife left him. She also left the wedding dress which inspired a website and book for the newly single man.

He has since remarried, and is an inspiration to fellow sufferers of failed relationships. Check it out at:
http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/44951001/ns/today-relationships/t/he-turned-exs-wedding-dress-book-success/

I thought it was cool that he has a photo of him in the dress holding a rifle.

The creator of a great series of SHTF videos, making a bike for bugging out, and information on generators can be found by heading over to youtube. Here's a short one to get you started.



cernunnos5 is the channel. You can subscribe, too.

The second book in End of Days series is finished and available at Kindle. It was good to have the second book completed. The last book is in progress.

There are so many things in survival situations that are harder when a person is on their own. In this second book, I looked at what a woman might go through, and how decisive she would need to be. If she let emotions rule, or offered compassion, a woman would soon loose her freedom, and eventually her life.

I thought about families and spiritual needs, the loneliness and regrets a person would suffer. Its been quite a personal journey.

I'm thinking its time to improve my hunting skills.

Has anyone yet put two and two together?

Or is it just me who sees a crazy contridiction in this candidates plan.

Somehow, with our economy being 70% consumer driven, installing a 9% federal sales tax is supposed to help?

I know what I'd do, quit buying stuff in the stores. Maybe we'd do some trading, garage sales, share and swap, but that 9% is not going to make my consumer confidence rise anytime soon.

Does this apply to Internet sales as well, which at this time are increasing as consumers elect to forgo their own state sales tax?

I see a huge cluster f...k coming with this candidate. But, the harder he pushes this nonsense, the sooner he'll be history and the Republicans will find someone serious.

Many of us who struggle now do not pay 9% income tax, we actually get refunds. Tell me the rich are going to contribute more by the 999 plan. I don't see it.

How strange Michelle Bauchman told us to turn the number upside down, the dreaded 666 is scaring her off.

Can we dispense with religion and get some common sense?

This channel bears watching. A new friend sent me this short clip from his channel and I favorited it for future reference. Tents are easy to come by or construct. Having a way to install a venting pipe is useful information.

With the Occupy Wall Street Movement going global today, it will be interesting to see just what our politicians will do about it. Already democrats and republicans alike are making statements to the effect, "they understand the frustration".

Could the movement be too large to ignore, too big to be allowed to fail.

Does that ring a bell? Yeah, me too. Those banks which manipulated the markets, lied to investors, created paper wealth, loaned without normal protocol, and nearly destroyed the US economic stability, bailed out in the end. The Feds continue to manipulate interest rates, maintaining insanely low returns on savings, while encouraging long term loans at teaser rates. Let the market right itself, that's how capitalism works.

Not that all banks are bailed. The small hometown banks which made stupid loans without sufficient collateral are being taken over by larger banks. They had way too much debt compared to assets.  Hey, if you can't run the ship, get a better captain so we all don't sink. I got my stuff in that boat!

Ok, so if http://news.yahoo.com/wall-street-sit-goes-global-saturday-105459242.html
 this Protest Movement truly gets a foothold, and the message becomes clear,  we can hope, yes that nebulous state of optimism, for real reform.

I just haven't sat down long enough, or dreamt large enough, to come up with real solutions myself.

For those of us who are self employed, but not broke (yet) this new health care thing is a looming threat to freedom.
In just a few years, we will be forced to buy a product regardless of our personal beliefs. I've heard people say that you have to buy insurance to drive a car. Not so. You have to have a valid licence, and use a car that is insured. You could drive someone else's car, or rent one.

Unless we're stone broke, and qualify for medicare, or lucky enough to have a good job which provides health coverage, some how we'll need to come up with whatever premiums are required.
And if we all have coverage, where will all the health care professionals come from to handle the preventative care visits.

I saw this and wondered if the general public will be able to say, Sorry, it just isn't sustainable, long term, so we'll just over look that part of the bill.


http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2011/10/14/8325174-obama-administration-halts-part-of-health-care-law

I don't hear the insurance companies complaining about the new law. Instead, we're being told its no longer necessary for men to get prostate exams, women to get mamograms as often, and vitamins are not necessary. I think alot of this is so they won't have to cover the cost once we are forced to buy the insurance.

Medical costs are rising faster than anything except gold. It doesn't need to be that way. I checked into a full CAT scan down in Mexico. It was only 1/4 the cost here, including the reading.

Keeping our health care affordable should be a priority, not requiring us to prop up insurance companies.

I'm finishing up the last proofing of my second book in the End of Days series (trilogy).

Is it me, or does every novelist discover themselves in the story?  Maybe because the main character in Journey North is a woman and she is dealing with the Post Grid Down situation on her own, I'm feeling the personal need for more gun practice.

A survivalist would need to be strong, decisive, and not give into emotions. That can be challenging!

But, back in the real world, we are already inundated with Republican candidates for the presidency bid next year. Each candidate takes his / her turn leading in the poles, whereby the media has enough time to trash them out, uncovering plenty of stuff to raise eyebrows. Little things, stupid things, but enough that someone else emerges as front runner. Sort of like a pack of bikers in a road race, each taking their turn  to lead so others can draft and regain their strength.

Anyways, my mountain garden is nearly done for the year. A few volunteer onions and the over achieving tomato plants are making their last stand. So far no frost, lots of good drenching rain.

Gas prices have dropped to $3.16. This seems like a bargain. But wait, thats just the mind game these oil potentates have played with us for years. Reduce consumption, that's my moto.

Things are good at the homestead, hope all is well at your's.

This is exactly what I had in mind when I posted my blog on August 19, 2011. I wrote about using the same frame work to enable wind and solar collection at every location.

http://www.treehugger.com/files/2011/10/hybrid-wind-solar-power.php#ch01

Combining wind-solar capturing devices and funneling them into the same power station makes sense.

I love it!

This creates tons of jobs for Americans and gets us off the oil tit.

Every morning I take a good walk in the woods. The colors are beautiful, changing a bit earlier this year. I find myself thinking all sorts of random stuff, analogies for the current world mess.

My last post about the tunnel may have raised eyebrows, What the hell is she talking about?
No doubt you've heard of that proverbial tunnel, that there is a light at the end of it? All the troubles we go through, but there's hope just around the bend? That sort of thing.

Well, economists are now forecasting years into the future of the same old mess, maybe worse than what we are now experiencing. All these federal programs to create jobs are turning out to be flops. Flops, absolute debt raising, false hope-dependency creating, flops.
Of course there are also major scandals, but as one Harvard professor put it, nothing illegal. Immoral, certainly, but all legal maneuvers by top corporations and banks to enrich themselves.


So I thought about the analogy of a solar panel when all you have is rain. Not going to work. The solar panel will work once the rain is gone.
Just like all this national debt from gluttony of wars, dependence on foreign oil, roller coaster stock market, regulations for mandatory health care, and out of control consumerism without resources to pay for it. Its holding back the light. We have to get these things solved.

The people Occupying Wall Street, camping out in Atlanta, and all across the country? Before you start a protest, figure out what you're protesting. Protesting Greed? How is banging a bunch of bongo drums, dancing with balloons on your head,  and marching with signs asking "Where's the Love" going to make any CEO do anything? Greed is not illegal. Neither is not hiring your ass.

So, get you a torch, make something happen, start a business, prepare like  survivalists are doing. Get a realistic list of goals, a mission statement. Are we wanting socialism? Firing every congress person and revamping the entire thing?

I don't have the answers. Not sure I even have the right questions.
 
My bottom line is there is no functioning light at the end of this economic world wide mess. No one knows when things will turn around. There are jobs for those willing or able to relocate, to learn new skills, become self employed. Its hard, but while we're under a capitalistic system, business owners and CEOs have the right to not create any jobs.

Anyways, that's my excuse for yesterday's post and I'm sticking to it.

" U.S. government securities are revered in the financial world as the risk free asset. They are the modern equivalent of gold; they are the safe haven in times of trouble.  Indeed, when Lehman imploded, capital flooded out of privte debt markets and into Treasuries, similarly after the 9/11 attacks. Treasuries rallied briskly. But if China were to engineer an inverse crisis, in which the customary life boat became the source of the storm, a different order of panic might ensue. There would be nowhere to hide, nobody would trust anybody. When you hear that sober Wall Street types have stockpiled food and ammunition in hideouts in the deep woods, this is the Armageddon they imagine."-- Time Magazine, May 11, 2011 written by Sebastian Mallaby  

Mallaby directs the Maurice R. Greenberg Center for Geoeconomics Studies at the Council on Foreign Relations. The fact Time printed this article gives it some mainstream credibility.

I read this paragraph four times, then read it aloud to my life partner. He thought it was revealing as well, and notable to the long term survivalist who now see "sober" wall street types making preparations.

The name of the article, which begins on page 34 is, You Are What You Owe: Why power built on debt is no power at all.

We all know of faux multi-millionaires, who carry on in a huge pretense of wealth, yet underneath are one tiny step from total bankruptcy. Hell, the "banks too large to fail" did just that.

This 3 page article details the historical precedent of the rise and fall of several nations. Is ours next? Its no secret that China holds a vast amount of our debt. A calculated sell off of Treasuries would put our country in economic Armageddon.

The characteristic downplay of such a scenario is that we are such an important force in their economy we are safe from such an objective. Yet, as the author so aptly puts it: ... states inevitably inflict losses on themselves when they get into fights, if they calculate that the losses suffered by their adversaries will be more severe...

It is good to remember that we are only as strong as our independence. Why would we imagine a benevolent creditor on an international level when that doesn't even happen on the local level.

A very good article which spells out the disaster of this ever growing debt-cancer in our midst.

Let me go buy some more food and ammunition.

Its obvious some folks will do anything to be on T-V. I could have slapped Manu, a female bounty hunter who whined and complained how cold she was. Her feet got wet and she refused to sit by the fire.
I know mountains cool off at night, but there was not a sign of fall weather, it looks like mid July. Please.

She could have removed the wet foot gear, and propped her feet by the fire. A guy would probably have massaged them if she hadn't been such a bitch. I could have slapped her several times.
See I don't get it. Didn't they screen these 10 people to eliminate the cry babies? I guess that keeps it interesting.

The Discovery Channel new series involves 9 men and women with a dude named Morgan Spinlock who take on 10 days of survival in a lush verdant valley, mountains in the distance, elk roaming in herds, stream filled with trout and frogs. They trade all clothing for skins and hides replicated to be exactly as stone age people would have had. They must work together, fashioning a shelter, creating fire via spindle and block, and get food and water.
After a while, some guys get tired of feeding some laying around women, and they whined and complained about a tribal vote to move 3 miles. Picking and choosing among the bountiful stack of hides and weapons they've created, they carry all on their backs.
See, I don't get it. Have they never heard of travois, where these hides are tied between two lodge poles, laden with goods and drug those three easy miles. They weren't crossing through any forests that I could see.
So, I'm sorry, but between all the commercials for beer, cars and what more (I use the time to surf channels) and all the complaining, its hard to watch. I love learning new things. Watching them fish in the cold stream, using hands to slip around the trout bodies and fling onto the banks was nice. Creating the sling spear and launching practice was cool.

Can the directors give us more substance and less emotional crisis? We who watch such shows know about short tempers and illogical decisions due to physical stress. It shouldn't comprise 90% of the content. The question posed by the creator of the series: does modern man have what it takes to survive with as cavemen did. Number one, cavemen were raised with the knowledge, not snatched off New York streets, from lunch at Applebees.

Thats enough rant for one day, And here's my vote for better substantive programing.

Lets have more like Dual Survival, I love those guys.

A good friend mentioned he wants to read kindle books available at Amazon.com but the $200 he needs to drop on a kindle book reader is a lot of money. Hell yes. I agree.

I downloaded the free software and can read any kindle book I want. Its easy, fast, reliable.

I love having the application on this laptop. As a minimalist, one digital machine is enough for me to deal with, keep updated, dry, clean, safely stored, yeah, like that.

I have my music, movies, WiFi, word programs, online banking, and more all on this one ultra portable computer. Then, I went whole hog and bought a two year subscription to Norton anti virus because I like things to last and minimize my required attention to mundane things. I do use DVD writeable disks to back up all my photos, documents and music, just in case this one major piece of equipment bites the dust.

The link is at the right hand at the top of this blog for the free download:
says:
The Kindle application which makes this possible is free and found at Amazon.com.
Download for PC There are no shipping or handling fees, and it doesn't matter which country you live in. Within minutes you can be reading e-books.

My guy and I love a good series, like Breaking Bad, Dexter, Six Feet Under, Gold Rush Alaska.

Netflix allows you to surf around reading descriptions and put them in your "instant queue" which means if you're like us, you have way more waiting to see than you will ever be able to see in your lifetime.

Today I took a break from my marathon of writing to watch Survivors, a 12 episode series about a super bug virus getting loose in England, killing off 90% of the population and being exported to USA and China.
The scenario is frighteningly possible. They take pains to show us how easily we contaminate each other in our daily interactions. A believable false reassurance is broadcast to the population and the grid finally goes down as the workers die off.

It made me want to stock up on more food, just so we wouldnt have to go to town and catch something.
The genre you find this series in is called TV Sci-Fi Fantacy. We've been hearing about super bugs so long I don't think this should be called fantacy any longer. More like, Self-Quarantine Promotion.

There are a few survivors, one who has recovered from a near death infection, several who just were immune. We see them leave the metropolis, knowing no good can come of urban competion for the few goods that remain.
A school teacher trys to convince one of the necesity of relearning the basic skills.

I'm looking forward to the rest of this series produced in 2008. Sometimes the british accents are hard to understand (I thought the lady was asking her husband for a pizza, she was asking for her son, Peter!) and they use a few words we Americans don't. But, its worth taking a look at if you get a chance.

We all know that normal people are being hurt by the actions of the Wall St firms. Speculation creates bubbles, bubbles burst and we are the ones who suffer. 1.3 trillion dollars worth of speculative transactions are done each day, that is more than 50 times the amount of commericial transactions. The mainstream media won't touch this because they are owned by Wall St firms. This is an effort to raise awareness, to direct people, and give people a voice. On October 6 there will be another March on Washington. I honestly believe that if we do not affect some form of positive change that we are headed for a violent outbreak in this country.--T.W.

I'm a member of an online community which is all about seasonal workers, at National Parks, Resorts, Beaches, Private Ranches, etc. A member posted a blog stating that during the off time, perhaps we should become part of this  campout.
http://my.coolworks.com/forum/topics/wondering-what-to-do-with-your-off-season?xg_source=activity
I asked specifically :
Hi T,
The news media is sure keeping quiet on this one. What are their goals? I caught a short glimpse of people being arrested yesterday for blocking sidewalks. What is the objective here, just publicity, Wall Street CEOs fired, spread the bonus money around?


He posted the above response. I thought it was well written, politicians take note!
Sorta what I was talking about earlier today!

I watched In the Money yesterday, a news program on CNN, and Bill Maher. I know! Both liberal leaning stations.

But the same thread was evident in both broadcasts. We're in the midst of a new reality, a "generational reset" of expectations that began and still continues, sence 2008. Michael Moore was part of Bill's panel. I like him if for no other reason the guy will say what he thinks, passionately.

At the end of Maher's show, most of the people present agreed a turning point, a peaceful revolution was building. People have had enough, yet the momentum has not reached the tipping point.

Knowing CEOs get paid ungodly bonuses while 14 million are unemployed and 17 million are underemployed (like Dad working for McDonald's, part time, that kind of thing) and the government paid 16 bucks for one lousy muffin and 8 bucks for a single dam cup of coffee....that's a $24 dollar breakfast http://news.yahoo.com/16-muffins-8-coffee-served-justice-audit-023623142.html .

Sort of makes the common person pissed.

All kinds of theories fly about how and when the people will reclaim their power. It sure won't be with any of the GOP candidates we currently see debating.

Just my two cents, anyways.

Two perfect presents from my man, a coffee pot for the wood burning stove, and an oil lantern.
I love them both, indispensable in an survival situation. A woman's got to have coffee, and percolated beats the hell out of instant. Candles are nice, but the amount of light, and safety of a good lamp is incredible.


Thank you sweetheart. You know me like an eagle soars the sky. Beautiful.

I'm sorta of the opinion that a person on a book cover makes a statement. This is a recent photo of me, taken by the driveway security camera about a month ago. I used it for the cover of my new book. I thought it said it all. Camo, weapon, prepared for all hell to break loose.

A friend asked if my profile photo was recent. Its actually several years old. Should I swap them out?

The man won the dumpling eating contest. A wonderful jar of sour cream was the prize.
But, he lost because he became ill directly afterward and died.

http://news.yahoo.com/man-wins-dumpling-eating-contest-then-dies-150830490.html

My man is a great strategic thinker. Many times he helps me figure out the best strategy. It's not always about the present situation, the current Battle at hand. Long term thinking, the entire War at hand, now that's strategy.

I heard about a water drinking contest which took place in a radio station. The woman died from too much water. Yeah, that can happen.

That same thought applies to other ridiculous contests, Binge Drinking, Night races on back country roads, crazy stunts.
I know a person has to live life on the edge. I prefer it to be at least with a measure of sanity.

I should talk. Once I downed a lot of salt in soy sauce on a bet. I didn't know any better, and started coughing like crazy. Later, I found out it could have been fatal.

Hope the gods continue to protect the foolish.

Problems can't be solved at the same level of awareness that created them--Albert Einstein.

http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/authors/a/albert_einstein.html

Human beings must have action; and they will make it if they cannot find it.
Albert Einstein


The man is a widely acclaimed genius, who specialized in physics and mathematics. He was instrumental in the US developing the nuclear bomb in World War II

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Albert_Einstein

The above quote took some digesting, until my friend offered the analogy. It took 75% of the brain to create that problem, its going to take 100% of same brain to fix it. In other words, a person, country, governorship has got to wake up.

We have got to be more aware of what the hell we're doing to get out of this economic /moral mess we're in.
For too long people have wanted the easy solutions. Spending our way out of depression, creating a false demand for consumer goods, tax cuts and tax incentives, now calling for tax increases for the wealthy. The wealthy know loopholes and they can hire good tax lawyers to find more.

Lets get some 100% brain power awareness and fix the tax thing once and for all. How about that flat tax. No more of this insane beginning of year tax preparation and IRS follow up fear stuff. Of course, it would cost America in jobs.

Think of all the IRS agents and tax accountants that would be out of a job.
I don't even pretend to have the answers. All I'm saying its time to quit bumbling around, adding more tax code on top of tax code like a stack of matches about to crumble.

Its time for 100% awareness to solve this world wide problem.

And quit punishing savers with this pittance being offered. I saw a 1% "High Yield" Savings account being offered by American Express. I nearly spit my coffee out, laughing at that oxymoron.

Credit card companies offer stuff for those with good credit. Things like air miles, cash back, points for getting free stuff. They will wave the first year's fee to get you on their program.

You got to play the game right, though. If you carry a balance, you can loose your shirt. A tiny carry over charge will net you near 20% interest. If a person goes on a spending spree, they might never catch up. But, if a person gets their finances in order, using credit and paying it off each month, its a better gig than using cash. Every card offers different benifits, like buyers insurance, and rental car insurance, so its worth reading offers carefully. I never pay a yearly fee.

One thing experts say, never use checks. No protection using checks, no bonus points, no contesting charges, no insurance against theft. Bottom line, checks are has been, ancient instruments on par with the post office.

Not all of us do online stuff. So maybe none of this applies to you. I'm making my resources work for me. God knows in this economy a person has to make the most of every available resourse.

Its that time of year, and I love it. The fall colors really haven't arrived, but the morning chills have. It was 49 last night, and time to swap out the cotton sheets on the bed for fleece. I also switched out the summer comforter for the new quilt I made to match the new curtains. The quilt is wider than the summer comforter, hence no loosing my side of the blankey ( he claims I hog them ) during the middle of a winter's sleep.

All is well. Washing everything before packing away for the winter, the domestic chores are under control.

Muscadines are ripening. This morning I found several on my old road bed. I didn't know there was a vine nearby, probably the bears have scarfed them to keep me from discovering this good piece of news. A true southern delight, I hope to harvest some more.

Speaking of bears! While checking the draw of my wood stove, I was startled by a large black glossy coated bear running away from our home. He was on the path that connects the yard to the road. No damage to the garden.
I saw a deer munching away in the closet neighbors garden, 1/4 mile away, while walking past this morning.

The stove is great. I gained 18 degrees inside the studio in less than 2 hours, and using small branches. Its going to be easy keeping it toasty, just gotta remember no longer than 15 inches for the firewood.

Not much else happening. Saturday of tying up loose ends.

Hope you enjoy yours.