Up and Coming

As I continue my research for many more things to bring to this page I continue to debate what would interest my viewers the most and look forward to more insight from you to tell me where your focal points may be at this point in time, to better provide some insight, and aid you in your own endeavors at home. So many things are going on right now in the world, I don't know where to start to bring what would apply to you at home because I hope to be an asset and an aid to your own goals. For those of you that have a Kindle Fire at home or are looking to get one I cannot praise this thing enough! I have found not only the internet cababilities to be more than useful, but the downloadable books including many, many Military issue books and instruction manuals! Guides for building Bug Out Bags as well as some lists that may aid you in obtainable items and "Do not forget" items. I cannot emphasize enough the value of having one of these, the capabilities, storage, portability, the list goes on and on! I have a link to one of these wonderful tools if you look to the top left  you can go straight to buy one for your own use. I know it does have a micro USB to not only link it straight to you computer but to charge it giving you the option and availability to hook it up to a solar Cell phone charger to keep it charged and powered up wherever you may be! I have found it to be a wonderful and invaluable tool to use all of the time and even catch wireless internet on the go!

'til next time
  Be Safe and Happy Prepping!

The vintage RV I am rebuilding and will be featuring here!

My little travel trailer is of unknown year/make and model but I have figured out it is from the mid to late 60's, as I have originally found that I had to rebuild it due to water leakage and wood rot because of its age and lack of care in the years before it was in my possession. I have in the process discovered many small hidden cubby holes of unused extra space that I can integrate and convert into hidden storage compartments, I will also add some of my own . Some of which I will share with my viewers and some that only I will know about for future security. I will show you how to build a type of discreet "combination lock" out of typical assembly hardware that will appear to the unknowing eyes to be nothing more than assembly hardware! I will also setup and fabricate ways to provide it's  power, clean water, and all that I need to be completely independent of "the grid" so I can park it in an area far from any provided resources and be self-sustaining. a usable feature to save money, and in case of economic collapse it will also be able to provide what is needed when none is available anywhere else.  I have tons of pictures that may take several posts to include, the before, during and after process of the build. This is a time in which any and all income from this blog will make this build possible as it will allow me to buy components for the build and some of the secret and added goodies that will benefit all of my readers at home. I wil show you step by step my attempts failures and successes so you can reap the rewards of my successes and learn from my mistakes so you you have to bear the financial burden of an "OOPS!" at home on your own attempts!

Now on to some starter pictures!

Small and light enough to be pulled by a mid size car!

Factory storage trunk

Dining table seats with built in storage to be converted to a 12 VDC battery bank!

 Homemade 2-battery rack for tongue

Fully functional vintage Coleman propane lantern

Trav'ler Duette 3 in 1 propane heater, stove, and oven!

     

Ok so it has been a considerable amount of time since my last post... well I haven't been feeling the best and am trying to multi-task in spite of the MS tearing me down most days. I will try to post whenever possible but cannot guarantee that it will be daily. I have considered and am looking to work with other Survivalist blogs and websites to feature some of what they have done and allowing them to feature some of my posts and link to those and my videos. All in all my future on all of this and to bring more to this site relies on my funds and donations, as I am getting nothing my hands are tied for the most part. I am trying to rebuild my vintage canned ham travel trailer and am planning on making it a suitable "Bug Out" ready to go, emergency home to sustain you in what ever conditions. I am going to convert all of it from AC power to DC So not only will your vehicle provide and power it but it will be able to "Boondock" by living without having to be plugged into an outlet, hooked to city water and etc. I am going to build a self-sustaining battery rack to  provide all of the power you need along with Solar panels to recharge them and a few other back-up ways to recharge them as well. You will need to be able to setup anywhere  and quickly and easily set it up and be able to provide your own power, water, and other necessities to survive in some of the worst and unexpected conditions. What I can do and provide to you depends 100% on any and all income from this blog... and not only your donations but interacting with the my sponsors as I get a very small percentage of what you purchase, ads, and more. everything here is setup to help you as much as it does me. Do you really want to scour the internet hoping you can find a company that sells something you need or are looking for to prepare? Or come here and find it with a click of your mouse? I will not host shady or dishonest companies and encourage your feedback and experiences with any reference you get here, not only for my knowledge on regular practices, but for others as well. Think of it this way, If someone had a bad experience from a company you are considering sending your money to, wouldn't it be nice for you if they informed you about it                 before you get taken as well? ALl you have to do is submit it to me and I WILL post it for everyone if you want it to be posted. Your privacy will ALWAYS be respected and if you contact me with something you don't want posted. I will always respect you and your privacy.  If you have questions Please email me and I will answer you the best I can, as soon as I can. Please don't forget to tell everyone that will benefit from this page about it or link to it. You never know, someone may be looking for survival info and you don't know it!


To Donate click Here or Click the Donate Button on the right side of this page

Don't forget to Be Safe and Happy Prepping!

Please Help the fundraiser

My name is Bret Hager and I desperately need your help today to make a life-changing event happen. I have been diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis am now Disabled and cannot work anymore. I still lack the funds to cover all our expenses. Unfortunately I don't have much to offer but some personal time teaching what many things I have hard learned in many different trades and survival Time is ticking - please help our dream come true by donating by December 16th!
This is incredibly important as it will immediately impact the future of our well being and safety. My MS causes me to be unable to do a lot of things that I used to to do. My speech and ability to walk are noticeably impaired, my legs are weak, shaky and I can collapse at any time, feel like they are being burned and electrocuted at random all day, every day. and I have no transportation to my now frequent Dr Appts, My meds for the MS are $4300 for a 30 day supply of daily injections which I will be on for lifs. I am now waiting at least a year for the disability application to go through and find out if I have even been approved. I have been weeks without my meds and need them and a vehicle for transportation as soon as possible. I have always done and been used to manual labor jobs and refused welfare. I can no longer provide for myself and family anymore. I have no choice anymore but to go this route in desperation. The money raised here will go towards a vehicle to my many, many, frequent Dr appts, towards a home for my family and I, and some will go towards finding a cure for Multiple Sclerosis. My daily symptoms consist of tremors and shaking, painful muscle spasms, my legs feel frequently at random like someone is burning them with a lighter or a cigarette and electrocuting me at the same time. When I try to walk even with a cane my legs try to collapse underneath me. My MRI showed many lesions and my Dr.s put in my report I easily have 20 lesions on each hemisphere of my brain. I cannot expose myself to extreme temps (Hot or Cold) anymore or it will cause more lesions and re-hospitalize me.

I currently rent and never know one month from the next how long I can keep it up.
Please help us give us a stable home and a way to keep up my very important medical needs..”



I have a survival/storm preparation blog at preparingtolive.blogspot.com

You can donate at fundrazr
Please help..

The upcoming Hurricane (Isaac)

  If you are in the path of the hurricanes planned route,The best I can suggest at this point in time is to remember to check your stocked supplies. Remember you need at least 2 gallons of water per person per day, this includes what may be needed for cooking. If you have a grill stock up on wood and keep it dry in case you need it if the power goes out and you need to cook, boil water etc... Hopefully you have stocked up enough food an supplies to get through and it's better to over-prepare than under-prepare.  Anticipate and prepare for at least two weeks without power, water, or food.  don't wait until the last minute it will be crazier than Black Friday at the stores.. Shelves will be drained, and people will be fighting over last minute basics. Make sure you have enough coolers and ice in case you lose power and your Fridge is full. Remember flashlights, batteries, Emergency radios for news updates, lighters, matches, zip bags in case you are in an area likely to flood, instant "just add water" hot foods, ponchos, tarps and so much more.. You can never over prepare! I would rather have it and not need it, than need it and not have it! and most of all make sure you have somewhere secure and safe to buckle down if needed. Keep supplies and stay as high as you can in case of flooding. Please comment on anything you have prepared in case you remembered something someone else may be forgetting. I hope everybody is safe and is ok when this is over.

Be Safe and Happy Prepping!

Fundraiser

http://www.indiegogo.com/bretMultipleSclerosisfund?a=1078567

I have a new link to add for my viewers to benefit from

After some research I can proudly add another link for my viewers to benefit from here!

http://stpaulmercantile.com/index.php?ref=FB&action=store&page=FamilyPreparedness">Family
Preparedness Products

 - Everything you need to cook, bake, light your home,make fresh water, and hear the news.

I also want to mention that I was in the hospital for a short time and I still try but, haven't been able to care for the blog as I was due to medical issues and frequent Dr appointments. I was recently diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis, although I have had days where I cannot even move and I am worried about the future of finances and have set up a fundraiser. My meds for MS are priced at $4300.00 for a 30 day supply and I have been told it will take at least a year for my disability application to go through even though I am now legally disabled at 34. I have no transportation to my now frequent Dr appointments and cannot work now to pay bills. All I ask is that anyone who can to get the word out and tell a couple friends about the site and forward this message and hopefully I can get somewhere with this fundraiser. I do plan on contributing some funds raised to the MS Society as well to aid in research and hopefully find a cure and relief to the hundreds of thousands of people diagnosed with this same lifetime disease.

https://www.facebook.com/bretsmsfund?ref=hl 

or

http://fnd.us/c/5LmE9 

         Thank you,
  Bret Hager  aka "Survivor"

I haven't been on due to a recent hospital stay and diagnosis

I haven't been on in a while due to a recent hospital stay and diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis, I am now trying to learn a new way of living with the disease and started a fundraiser for transportation to my now common Dr appointments..


I was just diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis and dream of taking my son camping/fishing and do not have a running truck to make it to my Dr appointments..

http://fnd.us/c/9Lks1

My facebook, please send me a message when adding so I know where you found me

https://www.facebook.com/bret.hager

https://www.facebook.com/bret.hager/posts/457648360933809?notif_t=share_comment

News for all of my viewers..

I have been offline for a while because I was in the hospital for a short term stay. I couldn't walk, talk or hardly function. After an MRI and a lumbar puncture I have just been diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis after an attack of sorts and have been classified legally disabled. Although I will have more time to write and give the blog more attention, funds have gotten even more restricted than they were before and physical capabilities have gotten more limited and restricted as well. Please bear with me and my limited capabilities, I will continue on here as much as I can..

Back to the basics of temporary shelters

  There are many ways to build a short term shelter and I will cover only a few to start with..
Imagine things all of a sudden go down to emergency status and you come home from work to find out you have nothing left. As horrifying of a scenario this is, it can happen.
you have nothing left but what you managed to successfully stockpile, and now you have to live on the items you prepared for this situation. What have you managed to accumulate? How long will it last?
   
Most importantly, what scenarios have you prepared for? Fire, Flood, Hurricane, Tornado, or Earthquake.. you will need to prepare the best you can think of for your region. There is always a risk of losing your primary location choice for your preps, if you only have one spot to stock and store it all, you can lose it all in one shot. How many places can you scatter your storage, in case of a disaster, or someone strong-arming and taking over your primary prep and safety zone and taking all of your preparations in one shot? We have all seen the way people act in a dire emergency, most people go back to animal-like  roots for survival and  there is no reasoning with a scared, and starving desperate mob. Only the people who know when to turn tail and retreat to back-up preparations and disappear in silence will have the best chances to see tomorrow.

Today's overdue Installment

Good morning all!
  I know this installment has been long overdue, and in all actuality, I have been looking for new things to cover and post to keep all of my viewers not only informed, but good things to add to keep the interests alive and well.

  I have become aware of new interests including building shelters, and I will address this beginning with a cheaper standpoint. and progressing to more advanced in successions.

 What you may need to cover in point first, is not only how secure your choice of placement will be in the concealment of view from potential vandals, viewers, and even limited local wildlife.. but other points like surrounding usable ground in size use and fertility for gardening, occupied growth and expansion while keeping the concealment as a benefiting factor. If you choose trees for concealment and day shade, how old are the trees, are they showing signs of rot, or insect in-habitability? Proving possible future collapse? Before you select a ground for long or short term occupancy,.. is there any surrounding brush to aid in natural camouflaging, and concealment or protection from view? What is the option for the ground for future garden or plant life fertilization, and what is your optional usable ground expanse or expansions in the future? There are many points to cover in the selection of location, or ground to establish a potential anchor or temporary point. We will dwell on that thought until I can get more into detail on establishing and starting your growth upon that location..

Until next time,
Be safe, and Happy Prepping!

More thoughts on disaster preparation

One thing we all need to realize in a disaster is not only the key food, water , and shelter aspects but, th unfortunate reality of others who may have not decided to prepare and those who ran through their small amount and have become desperate.                                                                                                              


 Desperation is a volatile situation, and can cause even the most unlikely people to desperate acts in involving robbery/theft vandalism and even sometimes murder. We all need to keep this in mind in order to keep and regulate our consumption, and protect what we have. Their are simple things we can do to keep our base point in hiding. One key thing is tell no one that we are preparing and where to find our final destination and primary point of final settling, it may seem harsh but all boils down to the "you or me" scenarios. Learning and practicing stealth methods will be a key point to this way of living. There are several ways to invest in stealth settling.. the cheapest would be to buy a green tarp for whatever size of the items and areas you may need to hide. Do you want to keep your final ingredients to survival close to you or far enough away  in case of someone finding it to raid, and possibly finding you and your loved ones? There are pros and cons on keeping it close, one will be to keep a better ability to see and keep a closer eye on it, and to better protect it. The cons of it include the larger space it takes and the event of someone being able to find it and in turn finding you. These are things you have to think about and consider, can you handle the problems that might come about from either side?

   You can use the different sizes of tarp with the green facing out but remember that "Camo" is designed with many things and experiences in practice. No matter where you are, a large solid color can be picked out in an environment of a variety of colors. If you do choose a large green tarp for shelter and hiding, look over your surroundings. What is available to break up the solid green? Leaves, branches, dirt, and a variety of things may be available to you in your area to break up the solid color and blend in more but don't forget the weights of different things combined. and do you have sturdy enough bracing underneath to support it?can you go out at a distance and see how well it blends in and if not, is there any thing you need to add, remove, or even move around to better blend it in? How has nature accomplished this in your final area? Sometimes you need to access your primal instincts or "follow your gut" to know what and how to accomplish this successfully. What types of designs are adapted and incorporated into the area wildlife? there are so many things to look at and understand in this type of situation and apply to your own needs.

All you need to do is watch and study your local area to see how the environment, and it's residents have adapted and continue to change in the seasons, then try to duplicate and keep up with it.



As always,
Be Safe, and Happy prepping!

Rebuilding the water filter

I am in the process of tearing down the water filter and will get video of rebuilding it better. I had sand all the way through the rocks and will add a couple pieces of cloth and screen to stop the sand from infiltrating the rocks territory, the rocks are complaining that the sand isn't in it's own turf.. So I have to put up barriers to keep the sand and different rocks in it's own territory. The complaining and fighting is getting annoying. The big rocks are beating up the little rocks, and the sand is getting into unwanted crevices, as it likes to do. So it's time to control and mediate...

Rebuild videos coming soon,

Until next time,
 Be Safe and Happy Prepping!

New Projects in the works..

I have noticed that a few of my garden plants like my tomatoes, after growing very well initially, have been a little stagnant in their growth  and production. After looking more at them I have determined that their roots have out grown some of their buckets and need to be transferred to larger containers. I recently purchased a few larger  containers that a after a few modifications may suit them well. hopefully for good but, we'll see.

    I just got a couple black (solar heat for the roots) "Rope Tubs" from Walmart that have a 21.5" diameter and a 16.5" depth/height for about $12 each. I looked at a couple of their larger pots for plants but they were smaller in diameter for $28,.. over twice as much for what seemed to be a smaller pot. The ones I have are a larger diameter and my plants are like kids in the fact that they are small, but like to spread their roots over a large area including migrating towards the surface of the dirt. When I plant these they will have a bigger area to expand out, and up. I'm going to plant them deeper with less dirt in the pot.  As the roots want to grow up I will have room to add dirt as needed. As usual I will take video of the process and as soon as I find the memory card to our camera, I will get pictures as well.

We are getting a little much needed rain today so I took a short video of the rain and a couple temporary things I have to catch it. They are basic and simple until I have a better system put together..
Here

Keep checking in as I will post as soon as I get it all done and ready for you to see.

Until next time,
  Be Safe and Happy Prepping!

One of many ways to catch water for filter.

 Rain is great and clean enough for plants when you get it, but whether you have frequent rain, or have a drier rainy season you may want to catch and store what you can for filtering to drink or as is for watering your garden plants when you don't get as much. One way to catch it is to route your gutters (with an overflow bypass) to run straight to rain catch containers. Depending on how clean your roof and gutters are (rocks, dirt, etc) you may want to start off with something cleaner. A large tarp is good to cover a large area, and funnel it down to designated storage container. The tarp will start out clean and you can hang it up in, or tie it to trees to keep it up from the ground. You will however, want to  make your lowest point come to a "V" for channeling it where you want it. by stringing up a tarp for catching rainwater. It is a good start for cleaning, or water you plants as it is. I do plan on getting one hung for that reason and showing you a couple ways to get it to work for you. I am working on a few things for you here,

Until next time, 

 Be safe and Happy Prepping!

It's a new week and a new day!

I know I haven't been updating as much as I normally do and when life and my family calls I have to answer.
I plan on rebuilding the water filter with a new suggested addition as well as a repair to the leak and doing a better job than I did on the last video. I'm not happy with the last video and I need to add a few things like a tripod, better lighting and better video editing software... which cost money I don't have right now but, all in due time. Once finances and opportunity improve, I will be able to present more and better quality things that will help you at home for daily and emergency use.I can and will present to you things that you can use on a regular basis and some things for off-the-grid/emergency uses as well as necessities for emergency only. I want to bring to you more things you will find useful and of a beneficial to you nature. I can't read everyone's mind which is why I need feedback, opinions,  and questions. My sponsors not only look at traffic here but purchases as well which by going to purchase from some of my ads will reflect upon me vs. going to the address later and removing me from the equasion. Believe it or not it all has an effect on me here and how this site affects their business. If you don't  want to or can't post a comment on this site keep in mind you can email it to me at survivor.links@gmail.com and I can respond directly to it or if you choose I can post it as a third party comment here with, or without a username and respect your anonymity and privacy as you request.I really do like and want the feedback, opinions on project and questions. because it will help everyone here as well as you.  If you want to ask a random question to me via email to see how it ends up here, you can do that as well. I want to build your trust in me here. In due time I promise with interaction, things will only improve here! If you know of a supply or reference that will benefit this site and viewers, you can email me and I will review it, and may feature it here as ads or reviews for all. Please I know my viewers are not idiots or they wouldn't be here, we all need to learn new things, and can do it together. Let me crash so you don't have to!

Until next time
  Be Safe and Happy Prepping!

Any input on the new video?

I know it really wasn't up to what I had hoped because I had someone here that agreed to help by holding the camera so I could focus on building the filter. Twice in a row when it came time to do it and follow through with a promise... surprise, surprise,  it fell through. I guess sleeping and slacking is much more important.. Needless to say that no matter what apologies are offered the respect and faith in a promise is still gone.

Now on to more important things. Other than the fact that I had to keep stopping to move and adjust the camera, I could use some constructive and enlightening feedback on the video. Was it helpful? Did it show any needed points for construction? Please comment here or there and help me help you. Remember to keep it clean as there are going to be some of the younger eyes watching, and reading it. I want to keep all of it family friendly.  I know I still feel awkward in front of a camera, and it shows. Plus I am used to going straight to business and not much of an entertainer. Any points you can give to help make the videos more helpful or pleasing to watch will be appreciated.
 
  Thank you and remember,

  Be Safe and Happy Prepping!

The water filter video is up!

After hours of editing and uploading the water filter build video is up, the only thing I have noted since assembly and addition of water is a minor leak where the pipe comes through the can. I am going to have to take it all back apart and re-seal it from leaks. it has a drip that I am uncomfortable with.

Keep in mind water weighs about 8 pounds per gallon, plus the weight of the rocks and sand in this can will bring you up to a few hundred lbs. you not only want to make sure the can will be able to handle the weight, but the surface you put it on should be able to handle it it as well. I don't want to think about not making the investment for wheels to it, it's hard enough to move it around with them. It is for sure, a justifiable and worthwhile investment!
I did make a mistake by not testing it for leaks with water before putting in the rocks and sand, although I was in a hurry to get it done for the blog.. taking the time to check it for leaks first would be a good idea!
It will definitely be a good fail-safe to have for your disaster preparations in the event of the primary water supplies being interrupted. A back up is always a good idea!


  The video address for 1 of 5 is Here
Please don't forget to rate it,subscribe here and on youtube, and comment..

I have finally gotten the water filter finished!

I got the water filter put together now, minus water and waiting on the pvc glue to set and dry. I did get video of it while I put it together. It didn't come out to great in my opinion because I didn't have anyone to hold the camera while I put the filter together, so I had to keep stopping the assembly of it to re-position the camera. But it's finally done, and I am just trying to piece it together now for youtube. I will update here as soon as I get it uploaded for view!

Good news!

I have good news for my viewers and for the site. I have just been able to purchase the parts for a  small (44 Gal) bio sand filter and materials to make a fire piston! I will finally be cleaning, and building it over the next couple days while taking pictures and video of it's construction! I do have a list of parts for the materials I bought and a cost of all combined materials.

Parts lists-

( * = looking for receipt)

Filter-
Arm & Hammer Baking soda 13.5 LB bag to clean new can                                        $ *
44 Gal Rubbermaid trash can w/lid                                                                               $42
Dolly (wheels) for trash can                                                                                         $34
2 -  .5 Cu Ft bags of small pea gravel                                                                           $*
10-  50 lb bags of all purpose sand                                                                              $33
  - 3/4"  plumbing parts-
all in CPVC
 10' pipe                                                                                                                      $6
 CPVC threaded brass adapter                                                                                    $6
3 x 90* elbow                                                                                                              $4
Threaded to Glue CPVC adapter                                                                                 $1
6x6x1/8 Rubber packing (for making gasket to seal thru-pipe in can)                            $1.38
Pro CPVC/PVC Pre- glue Cleaner                                                                              $7
PVC/CPVC Glue                                                                                                        $6   
                                                                                                                  Approx  $190
                                                                                                                       +    7% sales tax
                                                                                                                Approx     $203


Th initial parts prices may seem high, but how much will you save from buying bottled water for constant free drinking water?            

Fire Piston Parts:
3/8 x 3'  round weld steel                                                                                            $5
1/2"x 3' tube weld steel                                                                                               $7
10 pack of #5 O-rings                                                                                                $2.27
3M 5 pk  of fine grit 220 sand paper                                                                           $3.47
2 YDS 120 grit sanding cloth                                                                                      $4
                                                                                                                     Approx $22
You can make several out of $20 in materials when they cost about $100 for ONE pre-made!

As I said before... the initial investment may seem big but, the $ savings will go several times over that!

New random ideas

I get random ideas from time to time, and my latest is a 12 volt water pump powered by a car battery to consistently pump water from  my rain catches, to a Bio sand filter. On a good rain with a good setup you can catch  hundreds of gallons of free water yo run through you filter. My plants don't respond well to city treated water so the catches benefit me frequently. the main dilemma for them is all of the leaves and other unwanted materials in my freshly caught rainwater. I am thinking over and will build a cheap as possible system to filter enough to water my plants leaving the needed minerals in it for my plant and in the same pre-filtering my water for the drinking filter. My thought is to initially run a common screen that is removable for annual cleaning when full from the initial water pickup point, then a another finer small sand filter ( 1 gallon sized) for anything that would damage the pump, and a vertical pipe straight up about 3 feet to the pump. I still have to work on the final details and could use some additional ideas and possible problems I may not be thinking about, but this is definitely something I think would be very beneficial to a home built water system with different accessible steps of level of filtration for a variety of uses.  I will start building these filters and systems with video as soon as funds allow me to (hopefully in only a few days).

Please feel free to contribute thoughts and questions in the comment box below..

Don't forget to visit my sponsors, subscribe and support the future of this blog, and to help me help you. 

        Be Safe and Happy Prepping!

More about Water

I am going to revisit water again because in order to better prepare ourselves, we need to understand it and it's potential the best we can. We all know that water is the base for life on our planet, plants need it to grow, we need it to live as well as every other form of life on this planet, We can go out and buy a ready made filter for any water we might encounter while hiking, camping, or just taking a walk... Without it we will only last a short time before becoming incapable of even going to get any. We need it for our gardens, cooking, and drinking, as well as our homes.


     We can go on the route of self-sufficiency  and re-route our homes plumbing by a simple addition to our homes plumbing intake from city to primarily what we can catch in the rainy seasons, or just add a valve from city to our supply and back again when needed and it isn't even that difficult to do. It just requires a base plumbing knowledge and a little common sense does't hurt either.  You want to keep the main valv the utility company added so you can shut off the main line when cutting the one to your house and this will not affect the water company's ability to meter your use of their treated water with all of the added fluoride and chemicals too! shut off the main supply at the company's shutoff valve, and find the house side of the valve. Make sure you don't cut the water company side or you will have water everywhere and you will have a bill for repairs in the thousands of $$! You can also call the company to come out and establish the post valve/house side. Once you have established the house side of the shut off valve or post-valve you can find an easily (to you) accessible area to place your valve and obtain the galvanized steel area threaded  area to add your "T"  and your own shut off valve to control the water flow from the city water to your filtered water supply or  from the city water supply to back-flush and ruin your new bio-sand filter.  after the valve you can run the rest of the plumbing to your filter. Make sure you have your water filter and reserve tanks elevated as high as you can get them for gravity to give you water pressure! If you don't know what your cities water tower is for here is a quick lesson. the city pumps the cleaned water 100 = + Ft up to the top of that tower and your pressure in your home is compliments of gravity pulling it back down to keep equal and good pressure to all of the customers! You need to duplicate that on your own system as much as you can because a pump or just a filter can't do it on it's own. you need all of the post-filter reserves you can get and remember you need to keep it cool and dark where it is all stored. Otherwise you will have bacteria and algae growing in your fresh, clean water which will cause sickness you don't want to experience. All I can say on that is research, research, and more research before building the entire system. Don't just do what I say is possible before looking up all of the details for your family's and your health. Once you have successfully accomplished tying in your own water supply you can shut off the city water and then turn on your own supply. I can't stress this enough: One HAS to be shut off for the other to be turned on.  This is not suggested for normal use unless you have a steady supply of treatable water and remember to treat your own water after the filter,  average safe zone is  one drop of bleach per-gallon of water.

This is necessary due to people who want to blame others for their mistakes, and want an easy way to get money, I don't have any.-

Disclaimer and liability waiver:
What you build is on your own account and your own responsibility and I will not be held responsible if you don't do the proper research before construction of this system. I am not one for you to think of suing if you don't research it first and build this on your own liability. I am broke and do not own a house or anything of value, I rent and have no bank account! Just remember you can't get blood out of a Turnip.
*Remember, if you build this it is at your own risk and I will not be held responsible or liable in any way. Research will be your best friend in this matter I am just uncovering what is possible.

Until next time, Be Safe and Happy Prepping!

More on currencies and possibilities.

Good morning,
 There is a lot to be said about any aspect of preparing, and I have only scratched the surface on any part of it.
We need to start from the bottom at understanding, and work our way up. but things will progress, I promise.
I think I am going to fill a little more in on the currencies and possibilities today.  We all know that gold and silver have been progressing in value and a small investment in them is just a start. We have to look at the basis of it, as well as the possible future of that basis. How much longer will we build on the foundation of "Precious Metals" (PM's) only to see the foundation built on another element? Gold and silver has been used for centuries, even Millennia because of it's difficulty to obtain, and rarity as a result. Right now both "PM's" are still used and are only increasing which makes an investment in them a likely choice but, what if the FG decides to start building the values on something we seem to have more access to in order to save the value of the US Dollar (USD) and  was to stockpile and build the value of other metals like Tungsten, Titanium, Platinum, or even Iridium ? How much of those do we have at home, and what is the possibility of our basis changing to save our economy? How do we know they aren't already stocking up on one of these and we won't know until they have increased the value so much we won't be able to find, or get it? I'm not saying we should go out and buy it up, but I am saying to watch the monetary values and if you think one may be potentially a good candidate for such a change, you may choose to jump on the chance to obtain some of one or even all..
Just my thoughts on possibilities..

Going back to topic of gold and silver, I know I bought a small silver necklace 11 years ago for $20 and now it's worth over $50-$60! we can buy it in small or even huge quantities, and all it seems to be doing is increasing in value. Who knows if it will fall to a fraction of what it is now, or increase 100 fold? We don't and take our chances on anticipation... What we know now is what we see, and that is where gold and silver are now, and where the value has been fluctuating. As I said before old coins have either PM in their content and
for the most part we know where to find them. Pawn shops, thrift stores, garage sales, and etc... Relatives may have some they forgot about and be willing to get rid of, or may want to keep them because they know what's going on with it. Our Elders have been through the moments in history we only read about and because of that they had to learn ways to survive and make it, we don't even consider now. We have to face the fact that even though some Elders may seem "Nuts" but what happened in their lives to cause a stiffened or closed mentality? If they will allow it do some digging and picking of their brains and memories, and see if 1+1= 2 or 25, and when you have boiled away the constructs of the end result, does it make sense?  You never know what  a little QA might uncover!


Until next time
    Be Safe and Happy Prepping!

What if the currency we know fails?

Something a lot of us don't think of, or even like to think, of is the stability of our current form of  currency. They show lots of things on the "Prepper" shows on TV, and some people don't know enough to decipher what is real and what is only for TV. The possibility of our current form of currency failing is a real possibility. Silver and Gold have held their values for years, and Gold only seems to be getting stronger. Today we are going to cover Gold and Silver, and where to get it, sometimes free. Most real Prepper's won't let  some little pieces of valuable info out for the world because they don't want the easy supplies to start drying up. Silver can be found in older dimes and quarters.

coinsite.com

                                                 U.S. Silver Coins:

When They Ended and What They're Worth
In the early 1960's, the silver supply for the nation's coinage was dwindling rapidly. As Congress and the Administration debated over silver's future role in coinage, the silver market jumped 10% immediately, and another 30% by 1962. This set the stage for the complete elimination of silver from our coinage by the end of 1964.


Any United States dime, quarter, half dollar or dollar that is dated 1964 or earlier is made of 90% silver. In the dime series, all coins dated 1965 or later are clad coins and contain no silver at all. Quarters dated 1965 or later are all copper-nickel clad coins except for the dual-dated Bicentennial Quarters that were sold by the Mint in special Mint Sets and Proof Sets. These quarters contain 40% fine silver and have an "S" mint mark. They are different from the Bicentennial quarters you can find in circulation and were sold by the Mint at a premium to collectors.


In the Kennedy Half Dollar series, the 1964 of course is 90% silver. Halves dated 1965 through 1970 contain 40% silver. Halves dated 1971 or later are copper-nickel clad coins with the exception again of the special Bicentennial halves sold in the Mint Sets and Proof Sets with the "S" mint mark, which are 40% silver. Among Eisenhower dollars, coins dated from 1971 through 1974 with the S mintmark are 40% silver. In addition, the special Bicentennial Sets contained 40% silver coins. All other Eisenhower dollars are copper-nickel clad coins.


The value of these coins is tied directly to the price of silver. At $35 per ounce, 90% silver coins are worth about twenty times their face value. A dime would be worth about $2, a quarter about $5, and a half dollar, about $10. At the same silver price of $35, 40% silver half dollars are worth approximately $4.00 each.


In fast moving markets, the prices for 90% and 40% silver coins can vary widely from the actual melt value of silver contained in the coins. Occasionally, even the retail price will be less than the melt value. In 1980, as silver approached $50 per ounce for the first time, and the public rushed to sell, $1000 face value bags of silver coins had a melt value well over $35,000, but were selling between dealers at about $30-32,000 a bag - reportedly due to a backlog at smelters. Conversely, as the Y2K scare heated up in 1998-99, the premiums on bags reached nearly 50%, even though silver's price remained essentially flat throughout 1999. More recently, as silver had its second run at the $50 per ounce mark, the premium on silver coin bags quickly rose once again, only falling to historical norms as silver's price retreated.


Obviously the older pre-1965 coins are getting harder and harder to find, but they still can be found. I have received a few myself in the most unlikely places for face value! They may be hard to find but they can be found with a small bit of attention. Every time you get change at the store or restaurant look check the years produced on all of your coins, you may have one or two and not even know it! You can also tell the distinctly different "clank" the silver coins have. That Quarter you just got for 25 cents may actual be worth $5.00! Keeping these older coins is a good start because of their silver content, not how "pretty" they may be. if the current currency we have fails and Silver/Gold holds value, it may be the only accepted currency. If not keep in mind that saving it won't be a waste even if the dollar doesn't fail. Silver and gold are going up in value and just think, those 90% silver coins were worth 25 cents in 1964, in 2012 they are now worth about $5.50.... What will they be worth in 2060? Most pawn shops have a small stockpile of silver coins, and not many people come in looking for them so their investment just sits, and as the value of silver goes up they are only making interest on them. Go see what they have and obtain what you can. Wouldn't you rather the coins be gaining value in your home than a shop? If you can't find any in pawn or thrift shops. there are websites to find raw silver and gold for current values and are only a productive investment.

 Places like:

https://store.nwtmint.com/Bullion_Gold_Silver_Platinum_Palladium/

http://www.apmex.com/

And many more just by a small Google search!

Until next time,

Be Safe and Happy Prepping!

I see things getting harder and wonder how much worse it's going to get. I just came across some new publishing's and want you to keep your eye out for more to add to the page  "Media and Publications" I just added, things are getting more to where you will need to hide something as simple as a garden!
http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.treehugger.com%2Fgreen-food%2Fmichigan-woman-faces-93-days-in-jail-for-planting-a-vegetable-garden.html&h=oAQEDzFjcAQFzx0SHZ2q75WtD7L9WNn5NUhGnpQ02aYqZjg

http://www.treehugger.com/green-food/michigan-woman-faces-93-days-in-jail-for-planting-a-vegetable-garden.html

Don't get me wrong, I'm not a "Tree Hugger" but I do care about the well being of our small planet and it's future for us and our kids.. The portable garden is getting more and more useful, and I might look into building a concealed garden house for it like a greenhouse that looks like nothing more than a basic tool shed. I think a good addition to this might be awareness of what's going on all over, to add what's going on around the country for others to see.

My post yesterday doesn't mean that I have given up on this site, It's my baby and I will fight for it. I just ask for everyone else to spread the word as much as they can. I am looking at having vinyl rub on stickers made or other things  to sell and hopefully add some publicity and funds for the future of this site. Would anyone be interested in a 5 or 10 dollar sticker for your car, house or whatever that may start out as just the web address for this site? Please comment below on opinions and/or suggestions for the sites future.

Days may be numbered here

Things have been pretty hectic lately and I  have been unable to get on and have time to make any posts. Things for this blog have been looking very grim, and I have been looking for means for another way of income since this site hasn't netted me one dime. I'm doubting my efforts here and the 12 hour days I have spent here researching and trying to bring the best info possible and cutting time from my family to bring up a blog to have some sort of income coming in. Not one dime has come in from this site and I don't know how I can bring more here without something coming in. I can't buy the stuff to build and my efforts for progress here are costing too much. So unless I can make this blog bring enough to help pay my bills and some goodies to bring to it. I will be forced to shut it down and keep my info to myself. My family comes first. I have begged my  friends and family to spread the word about this blog to hopefully bring some new viewers and funds and it seems to be failing anyway. with only about a handful of viewers. Unless something starts happening here, the death of this site is coming. If things start to pick up and come together, I will have tons more to bring and looking forward to a very progressive future. To put things bluntly, my ads are 1/3, the Donate Button is 1/3, and the youtube is 1/3 of my anticipated income from this site. I gotten nothing from anything. It's like working a job for  month and you never get paid. Bills are stacking up and somethings gotta give and I really don't want to shut this down.  It's up to my traffic and income.
We'll see how things go...

Shopping list and prequal to water filter

My entry is a little late today so while I have time in the middle of the days chaos. I wanted to bring up a couple things.

When we got to build a few items like the bio sand water filter you will nee a  55 Gal or larger water container with a lid to hold the filter water to be processed through it, about 6-8 ft of 3/4" PVC pipe, 3 90* PVC elbows, Plumbers PVC glue and cleaner, the primer is an optional thing as far as I'm concerned. It wasn't used or around when I was training to be, and was a plumber and a threaded PVC end to glue on the end into and through the container. For inside the filter you will need some clean sand, peagravel, and regular gravel.

As I said before I am still learning, and am showing you as I learn some things. Some of it I already know, and in the combination of the two can show you a lot of thing most seem to just dance around



Wikipedia says-
"Most biosand filters consist of similar components. At the top of the filter there is a tightly fitted lid, which prevents contamination and unwanted pests from entering the filter. Below is the diffuser plate, which prevents disturbance of the filtration sand layer and protects the biolayer when water is poured into the filter. Next, is the filtration sand layer. It removes pathogens and suspended solids. Below the sand is a layer of smaller gravels called the separating gravel layer. This prevents filtration sand from entering the drainage gravel layer and clogging the outlet tube. Right below this separating layer is the drainage gravel layer, which supports the separating gravel layer and helps water flow by preventing clogging near the base of the outlet tube.

Filtration process


Pathogens and suspended solids are removed through a combination of biological and physical processes that take place in the biolayer and within the sand layer. These processes include:
Mechanical trapping. Suspended solids and pathogens are physically trapped in the spaces between the sand grains.
Predation. Pathogens are consumed by other microorganisms in the biolayer.
Adsorption. Pathogens become attached to each other, suspended solids in the water and the sand grains.
Natural death. Pathogens finish their life cycle or die because there is not enough food or oxygen for them to survive.
As was referenced earlier, different processes occur during different points in the filter running process. These can be broken down into segments of the filter running process: the pause period (idle time) and actual run of the filter.
During the Run
The high water level (hydraulic head) in the inlet reservoir zone pushes the water through the diffuser and filter. The water level in the reservoir decreases as it flows evenly through the sand. The flow rate will slow down over time because there is less pressure to force the water through the filter. The inlet water contains dissolved oxygen, nutrients and contaminants. It provides the oxygen required by the microorganisms in the biofilm. Larger suspended particles and pathogens are trapped in the top of the sand and they partially plug the pore spaces between the sand grains. This also causes the flow rate to slow down.

Pause Period (Idle Time)
Idle time typically accounts for greater than 80% of the daily cycle whereupon carious microbial attenuation processes are likely to be significant. In other words, most removal occurs during the point where water is in contact with the biofilm (also referred to as schmutzdecke). Unfortunately the exact processes that occur in the biofilm have not been identified and require further study.
When the standing water layer reaches the same height as the outlet tube, the flow stops. Ideally, this should be at a level that is high enough to keep the biofilm in the sand layer wet, but also allow oxygen from the air to diffuse through the standing water to the biolayer.
The pause period allows time for microorganisms in the biolayer to consume the pathogens and nutrients in the water. The flow rate through the filter is restored as they are consumed. If the pause period is too long, the biolayer will eventually consume all of the pathogens and nutrients and die off. This will reduce the removal efficiency of the filter when it is used again. The pause period should be a minimum of 1 hour after the water has stopped flowing up to a maximum of 48 hours.
Pathogens in the non-biological zone die off due to the lack of nutrients and oxygen.
Maintenance

Over time, particles will accumulate between the sand grains in the filter. Also, as more water is poured a biofilm will form along the top of the diffuser plate. Both of these occurrences cause a decrease in flow rate. Although slower flow rates generally improve water filtration due to idle time[APS1] , it may become too slow for the users’ convenience. If flow rate goes below 0.1 litre/minute, it is recommended by CAWST to perform maintenance.
The cleaning method known as the “swirl and dump” or wet harrowing, is used to restore flow rate. To do this, about one gallon of water is added into the filter before cleaning (assuming the filter is empty). The upper layer of sand is then swirled in a circular motion. Dirty water from the swirling is dumped out and the sand is smoothed out at the top. This process is repeated until flow rate is restored.
It is also recommended to clean the diffuser plate, outlet tube, lid, and outside surfaces of the filters regularly.
Removal of Contaminants

Turbidity
Results for turbidity reductions vary depending on the turbidity of the influent water. Water with high turbidity looks dirty due to sand, silt and clay floating in the water. Feed turbidity in one study ranged from 1.86 to 3.9 NTU. In a study water was obtained from sample taps of water treatment plants from three local reservoirs. It poured through a slow sand filter and results showed that turbidity decreased to a mean of 1.45 NTU . In another study using surface water a 93% reduction in turbidity was observed . As the biofilm above the sand ripens turbidity removal increases . Although biosand filters do exhibit a high reduction in turbidity, slow sand filters show higher removals due to a slower filtration rate .
Heavy Metals
There is limited research on removal of heavy metals by biosand filters. In a study conducted in South Africa, the filter was found to have about 64% removal of iron and 5% removal of magnesium.
Bacteria
In laboratory studies, the biosand filter has been found to have about a 98-99% removal of bacteria . Over a time period of about two months it was found that the biosand filter may increase in the removal for E. coli due to biofilm formation. The removal after this time period ranged from 97-99.99% removal depending on the daily charge volume and percent feed water amended with primary effluent to the filter daily. The addition of primary effluent or waste water facilitates the growth of the biofilm which aids bacterial die-off . Research in the field shows that implemented biosand filters reduce fewer bacteria than ones in a controlled environment. In research conducted in 55 households of Bonao, Dominican Republic, the average E. coli reduction was found to be about 93 percent.
Viruses
Lab tests have shown that while the reduction of E. coli from these filters is quite significant, the attenuation in viruses is significantly less due to their small size. In a study using to bacteriophage the removal ranged between 85% and 95% after 45 days of usage . A recent study has suggested that virus removal increases significantly over time, reaching 99.99% after a period of approximately 150 days.
Protozoa
In one lab test the biosand filter also got greater than a 99.9% removal of protozoa. In tests for one type of protozoa, Giardia lambia had a 100% removal for 29 days of usage. Another protozoa, Criptosporidium oocysts, showed to have a slightly lower reduction (99.98%) possibly due to their smaller size. This removal showed to be comparable to that of the slow sand filter.
Health Benefits

Studies in the Dominican Republic and Cambodia conducted by the University of North Carolina and the University of Nevada shows that BSF use reduced occurrence of diarrheal diseases in all age groups by 47% .
Field Use
In a study conducted by CAW-ST in Haiti 95% of 187 households reported that they believed their water had improved since using biosand filters to clean household water. 80% of users stated that their families’ health had improved since implementation. Health perceptions of the biosand filter use has shown to be more positive in long term users .
Types of Bio-sand Filters

Concrete
Concrete filters are the most widespread type of biosand filter, consisting of a durable outer core structure of concrete. Concrete is generally preferable to other materials because of the low cost, wide availability, and possibility to be completely constructed on-site. Concrete filter production further allows for entrepreneurship amongst the local community. The plans for the concrete filter are distributed openly by CAWST. Several versions have been developed. The CAWST Version 9 biosand filter is constructed with a higher maximum loading rate and although the filtered water passes EPA water quality standards it is not optimal  . Recent research establishes that contact time between the water and the granular material is the leading determinant in purifying water. The CAWST Version 10 biosand filter takes this into account as the volume of the water reservoir is equal to the pore space volume of the sand layer, with a maximum loading rate decreased by 33% to ensure stagnant water in constant contact with granular material.
Plastic
Plastic filters are constructed of plastic barrels, usually formed offsite. Plastic filters are easily transportable and come in a variety of sizes. Hydraid is the leading producer in biosand filter technology and is constructed of medical grade plastic with UV resistance .


I will build the filter soon and take video and show you the whole process..

Until next time Be Safe and Happy prepping!

What do you think?

Good Morning to another day!

As you already noticed I have played with the colors a little bit on this blog. The point to all of the changes were to not only have a peaceful and calming background that was less of a toll on the eyes. Also a more contrasting color on the text to make it easier to see and read! I hope it is more inviting to you, and makes it easier for you to read and enjoy.



  Today's segment has got me thinking of and considering a few outside suggestions for the site. One of them being possible "Interviews" to conduct, and post here of true Survivors who have been through, and survived historic hardships like economic, viral, times of war, and more. I would like the input of my readers as well when I do decide to try this route. In example, How and what they had to do to survive those times and how it may have changed their lives for the better or worse. At the very least I would like you to comment and post some questions you would like to see me ask, and post here for everyone to read. Or even if you have someone you would like me to contact and interview, email me info for me to call someone to interview and please include their name, age, phone #, and what they went through to survive, as well as your name and # in case I have any pre-interview questions on what to ask and not to ask. I want to show as much respect to your referred contact as possible.

  Now on to some more things to hopefully give you some more to work with or create ideas for something new you might have thought of or already accomplished. I love the positive input and comments.
  For all of us to make it in whatever scenario we might encounter, we need to realize what we have, and what we need. What do you already have towards tomorrow? Is it food, water, guns, ammo, First Aid kit, or something else? What have you found to keep for long term storage? Foods that will keep quite well for long term are rice, sugar, salt, pasta, and some grains to name a few. If you want to keep foods you can store and not have to think much about about. A few you can look into are MREs or freeze dried foods like Mountain House. These are good quality foods that have up to a 30 year shelf life and taste as good as the foods you cook at home! Remember to keep a high calorie intake to provide fuel for your body in times where you need to be highly active and to check the calories per serving so you know that you can gt enough to stay active.



Until next time, I have more research and digging to do so I can provide for you...and

Don't forget to visit my sponsors, subscribe and support the future of this blog, and to help me help you. 

        Be Safe and happy Prepping!

What will tomorrow bring for us all?

Good Morning all.                                                                                                                                    

Where will the Road to Tomorrow take you....?

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     
    I hope everyone was able to see and recover some valuable info from the food list, and was able to get some ideas for foods to look into storage. Remember an Heirloom garden whether small, or large can produce some food and reproducing seeds for tomorrow. It will always return to you, what you put into it. Just remember to water each plant daily, and not to over-water.Once you and I get a better hold on canning we can keep more of our gardens output for future, and less plentiful production periods. You can build a small portable greenhouse pretty easily, and in really small locations and availability I myself have used a clear smaller plastic Tub/Tote for household goods as a makeshift early start greenhouse for seed starter and early smaller plant periods just by flipping it upside down over the pots. It will keep in the moisture and give the plants more of a temp they like.

To build a larger portable and fixed greenhouse, all you need is a  few 2" x 12" boards for the structural and supportive base laid on the edges in a rectangle or square pattern, some wire cattle fencing, and some roll plastic. You can put together any size that fits you needs and still keep it small enough for a few guys to pick up and place on a truck or trailer, to move it when needed! I do plan on building the things I suggest to you and giving you a detailed "How-To" and where to get all the parts so you can do it at home on your own. Doing it on your own can be rewarding in it self, you will feel an amazing sense of pride and accomplishment, and save the money you would normally pay someone else to do it for you, and be able to invest more in your own needs and Preps! I also plan on showing you how to build an in-dirt and an overhead watering system for your plants that will be activated and controlled just by turning on a water faucet from your rain catch system! It is so rewarding to see all of your hard work paying several times over, in home canning jars, and on the dinner table. You can grow at home more things than you would think you could and save money on gas going to the grocery store, old veggies and fruits rotting in the fridge, and ending up in the trash. Wouldn't you rather be able to go out and pick fresh foods, and never have them rotting when you are ready to use them? Plus, the industrial pesticides sprayed on large farm plants and getting in the soil for yourself and family to  consume. I can go on forever on how great it is to grow it at home, and to know what went into the plants, soil, and canning from start to finish. If you can't find heirloom seeds, you can order so many online from homegrown seed companies that have been around for generations, like Baker Creek Seed Company or Seed Savers Exchange that will have many, many varieties of heirloom seeds that will produce seeds from the crop that will grow new plants! If you want a good investment return, this is the way to go! Don't for get to look into nutritional plants as well as herbs such as Basil, Mints, Parsley, and Sage as well as "treats" like watermelons and cantaloupes ! There are so many things you can have fresh and safer at home you will wonder how you went so long without it! Don't forget carrots, potatoes, and even small fruit producing trees like apple, pear and so many more! You will be so much more independent of the stores and save so much money for more important things. We all can live a little better for less money!

Just think of a little math here, the money you will save when you can provide your own power, water, and veggies. The water and power aspect speaks for itself, how many more hard earned and hard gained dollars do you want to giving to multi-million dollar utility companies for basic things you can provide on your own for a fraction of the money you are spending on paying utility companies? Wouldn't you like to drop the money hungry million dollar companies, and have more for our own tight budgets? It's common sense dilemma here that you can easily solve, so shove that money you are shelling out for bills back into your pockets, and at the same time start living a lot "greener"!

  Invest in a small chainsaw and hatchet, ditch the propane and charcoal for your grills, and start gathering up wood from trees you see around you that are being cut down, the flavor is so much better and it's free! Propane is only food for RVs. True BBQ from wood is so much better from the flavor it provides, you can try so many different woods for different flavors until you find one that suits your tastes. There are more ways to save money than most people realize, you can cut off the ball and chain from "Big" utility companies and stop feeding the beasts.. It's all up to you...

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Until next time, 

 Be Safe and Happy Prepping!

More on Food Storage

Good morning all!
 I hope you all had an enjoyable and productive weekend and haven't forgotten to subscribe to this blog!
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   I think we will progress into covering more on food storage today. With all of the storage and preparation roads and processes, there is so much to say and cover on any given route. I hope you can find one that is suited best for you. Unfortunately I cannot tell you what that may be, because each individual is different  and knows what suits them best. I can however give suggestions for you to contemplate, for you to get started and progress no matter what stage you are in.

Food storage and preparation requires knowledge of your family's and your own requirements. In a disaster situation Diets and most other weight management systems are out the window, and you will need to be on a high protein, and calorie intake to provide you with the most energy and capability, for possible relocation, and rebuilding.Most of us will have to go back to  the basics of laborious activities because the comforts of machines and such may be limited or non-existent. The best thing for everyone (including me) is to get improve your physical condition and keep improving your physical abilities so you are more capable  of taking on whatever challenges may be ahead of you. the last thing we all need is to only be able to run 10 feet and fall over! Our luxuries are taking a toll on our physical conditions causing unwanted results. Remember, in order to accomplish more, we not only need the will to survive, but the capability! Your food stocks need to reflect that. Make sure that what you put away will be the most beneficial to your bodies and will provide not only the vitamins your body will need for activity, but for your immune system strength as well because disease likes to run rampant in a mess. Good foods to provide protein are:







Proteins

Almonds
Beef
Black Beans
Cashews
Chicken
Chickpeas
Egg Whites
Eggs
Fish, Unbreaded
Flaxseed
Garbanzo beans
Hemp Seeds
Hummus
Kidney Beans
Lima Beans
Lentils
Miso
Navy Beans
Nuts
Peanut Butter
Peanuts
Pinto Beans
Pork
Pumpkin Seeds
Salmon
Seafood
Sesame Seeds
Soybeans
Sunflower Seeds
Tahiini
Tempeh
Tofu
Tuna
Turkey
Veggie Burgers
Walnuts
Wild Game

This is an all inclusive list, but some foods may not be right for your tastes, or preferences. Remember that no single food can provide  everything you need to be healthy. That's why it's important to choose a variety of foods from each category to meet your daily nutritional needs..

Veggies,
Asparagus
Avacados
Beets
Bell Peppers
Broccoli
Brussels Sprouts
Cabbage
Carrots
Cauliflower
Collard Greens
Crimini Mushrooms
Cucumbers
Eggplant
Garlic, (Eat plenty daily to help keep mosquitoes away!)
Green Beans
Kale
Mustard Greens
Onions (eat plenty to keep everyone away!)
Peas
Portobello Mushrooms
Potatoes
Rainbow Chard
Romaine Lettuce
Shiitake Mushrooms
Spinach
Summer Squash
Sweet Potatoes
Swiss Chard
Tomatoes
Turnip Greens
Winter Squash
Yams


Calcium Rich Foods


Almond milk
Cheese
Cottage Cheese
Milk
Orange juice with Calcium
Rice Milk
Soy Milk
Yogurt with active cultures

Fruits

Apples
Apricots
Bananas
Black olives
Blackberries
Blueberries
Cantaloupe
Cherries
Cranberries
Figs
Grapefruit
Grapes
Honeydew melon
Kiwifruit
Lemons
Limes
Nectarines
Oranges
Papaya
Peaches
Pears
Pineapple
Plums
Prunes
Raisins
Raspberries
Strawberries
Watermelon


Grains

Amaranth
Arborio rice
Barley
Brown rice
Buckwheat
Bulgur
Corn
Jasmine rice
Millet
Oats
Quinoa
Rye
Spelt
Triticale
Wheat berries
Whole grain breads, cereal, pasta
Whole wheat breads, cereal, pasta
Wild Rice


Miscellaneous

Canola oil
Dark chocolate
Green tea
Olive oil

This is a good list for everything your body may need, and some may not be available for LTS . Make sure you research everything for your particular needs and it's LTS capability. Starting a small garden would be in your best interests now, while avoiding the "hybrids". The seeds they produce will be worthless for continuation. Look for "Heirlooms" at your stores, and keep in mind if you have reached a "hardship and have had to get onto state food assistance, they wil let you buy food bearing plants AND some nutritional supplements on the assistance dollar. They cover it in hopes that you can be more self-sufficient and less of a demand on the FG dollar. Take advantage of it and at the same time, be less of a demand on the FG dollar. If you are like me, you are stubborn, and want to provide for yourself and go without assistance as much as you possibly can.

Until next installment,

Be Safe. and Happy Prepping!