Couple things on my mind this morning…(8/26/2022)

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I really just wanted to talk with you this morning…just share a couple of things that have been rolling around in my head. Basically just do a brain dump of some issues that I see as important and what/how I feel about them.

The things I want to talk about are:

  • New SitRep
  • DOJ/FBI
  • CDC
  • 2020 Election
  • Fear Porn and Sensationalism

Then there is a summary where I want you to consider a solution…or at least part of the solution. You know…end the week, and start the weekend, on a high note.

I hope this isn’t too much for you to read today. But, you know how I get when I start writing…

New SitRep –

I haven’t put out a SitRep for a while, actually since May. Why? Coz you can see what is happening…happening all around you. Here are just some of the observations we’ve seen lately:

  • Personal debt hit another new historic high…coming up on $17trillion.
  • Housing market is in its early stages of another crash…similar to 2008 only worse. A new record was hit in the number of home sales contracts where buyers backed out of the contract.
  • Housing costs are at a historic high.
  • People have the lowest savings rate since they began tracking it.
  • Peoples’ income raises are running at 1/2 of the inflation rate and those receiving the highest income raises are those in the top income earner brackets.
  • Actual inflation is running between 15 – 20%.
  • The Inflation Reduction Act…and oxymoron if there ever was one… will pump $300 – $700billion into the economy adding to an already horrible inflation situation.

I mean we could go on and on and on about the situation in the US. And I mean every and all angles of the situation in the US. But, it is not just the US…it is the entire world! Look at the UK, their inflation is running double what it is in the US. Europe is crumbling apart; their energy issues alone could crush them. Europe has no idea how they are going to have enough natural gas for heating this winter. Their electric grid is already overtaxed and when the winter hits and there isn’t enough gas for heat…what happens to their electric grid when the electric heaters get turned on? And remember who controls/produces most of the natural gas for Europe…Russia.

Then there is the looming farm/food crisis and add to that the on-going supply chain issues. And then let’s not forget the immense problems in China. Their factory shutdown rate alone could trigger a disaster there…which would be not be a ripple to us…it would be a tsunami.

Back to the “why”…I did about 30 hours of research in the last four weeks on issues that I thought were significant enough to topple the US and the world further into the abyss. But as I started to formulate all of that into a SitRep I realized that you are seeing all of these events as well. Anyone who has been coming to my website knows I have laid out what is happening in clear and concise terms for years…including the reasons behind it all. So why should I write a SitRep that simply reinforces what I have already told you about things you too are seeing?

DOJ/FBI –

This is the most significant thing I have investigated and researched…ever!

We know beyond a shadow of a doubt that:

  • The DOJ has singled out Trump to persecute/prosecute more than any other President in the history of the USA.
  • The FBI injected “spies”…actual spies into the Trump campaign. We know that the FBI was behind the fake Russian Trump Dossier scandal. We know that the DOJ and FBI lied to a secret FISA court to forward their scheme (i.e. coup) against Trump. Did you ever ask yourself why we would have a “secret court system” to begin with?
  • The FBI decided not to pursue a criminal investigation into Hillary Clinton’s 13 felony violations of national security laws…actual crimes. The FBI even returned a laptop to a Clinton staffer who had not “wiped” incrementing information off the hard drive.
  • The FBI, under James Comey, was the lead agency in the coup to overthrow President Trump.

And the list goes on and on and on! But to me the most damning is not any of that…it is the FBI’s and DOJ’s leadership appearances before Congress and the testimony they give…or didn’t give. As you know Congress has oversight authority over Executive Branch agencies. This is the “check & balance” laid out in our government. It helps ensure that no single branch, or Department, of government gets too much authority or power.

So there I am watching hours and hours of video testimony by DOJ and FBI leadership personnel before a Congressional oversight committee. It was sickening beyond imagination. So our elected officials ask questions of the unelected leadership of the most powerful department of the US government…and the most powerful law enforcement agency in the US government…and it is amazing what takes place.

These DOJ & FBI scumbag goons mocked, avoid answering, and subtly threatened these Congressmen!!!

All of these sessions, under any other circumstances, would be considered a ridiculous slapstick circus act. But related to our Constitutional Republic it is nothing less that tragic and horrific. It leads me to only a single solitary and appalling conclusion…The DOJ is the lead Department in the US government in transforming the USA into a fascist autocratic ruled nation. And the DOJ uses the FBI as its “muscle” toward that goal. And the FBI is formidable to say the least…they are an army 35,000 strong with virtually unaccountable and unbridled power.

As I listened to the exchanges between Congressmen and DOJ & FBI officials it was clear that the DOJ/FBI hold elected officials in utter contempt. The DOJ/FBI officials can’t believe that mere Congressmen would dare challenge the power and authority of the DOJ & FBI. It was both disgusting and alarming to watch. But, it clearly and unmistakably demonstrates where this country is headed. You need to be aware of this and plan/prepare accordingly…especially pray.

CDC –

It was interesting when I first heard about the CDC internal review of itself in regards to its response to COVID. I thought to myself this ought to be interesting in what they come up with. Thinking they might actually do a solid after action report and list failures/successes and most importantly how they could improve. I let my guard down for just a minute…shame on me!

So their massive report was filled with essentially boredom, self-aggrandizement, self-justification of their mistakes, etc. Pretty much standard fare for a government entity to let itself off the hook for their considerable missteps and incompetence. But, I should have known…and like I said I let my guard down.

The CDC concluded, among other things, that they; 1) needed more funding from Congress, 2) would take unto themselves additional legal power and authority without the approval of anyone, 3) ask Congress for sweeping additional legal authority to control US citizens in the future. Imagine that!

2020 Election –

Regardless of election fraud claims…that are mostly a dead horse at this point…we have proof that the US federal government came to the aid of the Biden campaign to defeat Trump.

In 2019 the FBI had procession of Hunter Biden’s laptop. The FBI knew of the extensive criminal activity documentation/evidence contained on the laptop.  And that information clearly implicated not just Hunter Biden but Joe Biden as well in extensive criminal activity. An internal FBI memo leaked to a Republican Congressman shows that FBI leadership told FBI investigators to suppress the investigation.

In September and early October 2020 the FBI suspected that some of that incriminating criminal information was about to be leaked/released publicly through sources.

Shortly after the FBI became aware of the potential leak of information approximately 3 weeks before election the FBI met with, and informed, social media companies that the Hunter Biden laptop story was a “Russian disinformation campaign” and to “suppress it”! This was revealed by Facebook CEO Zuckerberg himself.

How’s that for a Constitutional Republic? How’s that for America’s top law enforcement agency? How’s that for your respect of the FBI? How’s that for collusion between social media and the US government? Does this remind you of Nazi Germany, maybe the old Soviet Union…how about a banana republic dictatorship?

Fear Porn and Sensationalism –

I am growing sick and tired of, disappointed in, and contemptuous of, many (if not most) so-called prepper websites and YouTubers. A couple months ago I got the sense of growing panic and despair in the prepper community. I kinda had an idea of why but I wanted to make sure I was on point. So my research started. That research has been intense but off and on since June…but not consistent due to responsibilities here at the glamstead and in our community. But the results of that research is pretty dang consistent…and disheartening.

Let me address the YouTubers first…most of the videos are pure unadulterated junk and trash. Most of the “information” is opinion only…and really, really bad opinion…not based in facts. Most of these videos have sensationalistic titles (yes, clickbait) that masks trash content. There all kinds of war is imminent, food gone, cattle killed, burning down of, and all manner of stuff that simply isn’t true.

OK, in their defense…some of the information is true…such as food shortages. BUT, it is a particular food item that is in short supply at a particular location. But the vast bulk of the content of these prepper videos is simply not true…or blown WAY out of proportion.

So you ask, “Why would they produce such content?”

Valid question…the answer is money. See, these so-called prepper experts on YouTube make money from YouTube for each view of their videos. And it can be huge, HUGE money! Some of these folks are make $30,000 – $180,000 per month from this stank filled crap. I would strongly urge you to stop watching these garbage sensationalism videos. You are feeding the beast, you are filling your head with septic tank sludge, and you are potentially making decisions based on utterly false and fake information…stop!

Watching that junk is a recipe for disaster…a disaster for you and your family.

Now, prepper websites…a touchy subject for some of you. Most prepper websites are run by people who are not well-versed in preparing for emergencies, disasters, or larger grid-down incidents. Some are self-taught, some have learned their knowledge from others who are not well trained or educated in preparedness, some are only qualified in a single aspect of preparedness such as tactical skills, and most are outright frauds (whether they know it or not). But, unfortunately…they look nice, talk nice, act nice, sound nice, and appear as experts…and they are leading you to disaster…maybe even destruction.

The worst of these websites are the social media prepper websites. Why are they the worst? Because they suck you into an endless stream of static and bullshit information. They hook you into countless hours of reading and responding to a never ending amount of crap that is mostly worthless. And all those hours of spending on those sites wastes your time when you could be doing something productive like improving your preps…or helping your neighbor…or spending time with actual real people doing actual real things. But worst of all…it is filling your head with garbage…mostly useless trash information that has little to no value…and it negatively impacts your Situational Awareness.

Why do those sites exist? Here we go…some will say, “to create an online community of like-minded preppers”…bullshit! Those prepper social media websites, and most all prepper websites, exist for a single reason…MONEY!!!! And that is especially true for paid websites…they want money, lots of money…and they can make lots of money. Let’s say a social media prepper website has 15,000 paid members and a subscription costs $60 per year. The website owner makes $900,000 just off the membership fees. Then add on book sales, trinkets and such they sell, and they might even sell precious metals at a high premium. And then there are “added” or “premium” content fees. You could easily see one of these sites making millions off of preppers.

Think about it for a minute…if someone was so concerned about what is happening in the world, if they cared so much for preppers’ well-being, if they were so dedicated and committed to helping/teaching preppers…then why are they charging people to do so? Why wouldn’t they simply get that information out there for people to use and benefit from to save their family’s lives? But…they like their millions of dollars!

Even the non-paid websites…look at the sheer volume of their website ads. Look at all the stuff they sell. Now you get it…hopefully.

Please, please, I beg you…stop filling your head with crap, stop falling for fear-porn, ignore the sensationalism, stop feeding the beast with your time and money. It is taking your precious time and hard-earned money away from doing the right and needful things for your family. There are plenty of websites out there that are not “pay” sites and not filled with junk advertising where you can learn skills and gather all the information that you need. Please stop feeding the beast!

Summary –

We are on the verge of this country being ripped apart. The very fabric of our society, our founding principles, everything that makes the USA great is being destroyed thread by thread. And it is all intentional. But, it doesn’t have to be fatal (theoretical or actual) to you and your family, or your congregation or your community. But you have to fight it!

No, not fight it in terms of pick up your gun and attack the capital. We already saw the results of those morons and idiots (and yes, some well-intentioned but misguided folks as well) who did just that on January 6th. I am talking about fighting what is happening in an entirely different way.

Think of each thread being ripped from the fabric of America’s greatness. Now, look at each thread that either affects you or that you could affect. OK, go with that…think about the ways you can counter those threads being ripped out. Then simple…go accomplish those things…or at the very least work at it.

Who are ripping those threads out? Primarily it is the US federal government pulling and tearing those threads as fast as they can. Everything from the USDA working with the US Marshals attacking farmers, the President attacking the oil & gas industry, the ATF attacking the 2nd Amendment and law-abiding US citizens, the FBI and DOJ attacking a former President, the Fed attacking the US economy, DOI/BLM attacking ranchers, FDA attacking individuals and churches, EPA attacking manufactures, social media attacking anything non-Progressive, mainstream media attacking anything non-Democrat, FBI and DHS attacking conservatives and patriots, public education system attacking everything historic and promoting everything socialistic…you get the idea.

Simply figure out how you can resist those threads from being ripped out of your life…in a peaceful, non-violent way.

 

Examples:

  • Get out of the mainstream economy the most you can; buy at farmer’s markets, buy at garage sales, buy meat direct from a cattle rancher, barter some of your excess garden vegetables with your neighbors. Trade your skills for other folks’ skills.
  • Don’t buy into the FBI propaganda and public relations; see them for who they are.
  • Don’t believe a single thing the DOJ says.
  • Don’t let law enforcement on you property, especially in your house, without a warrant.
  • Never talk with a federal agent without a lawyer present.
  • Stay away from 90% of all mainstream media outlets.
  • Garden, can, dehydrate, ferment, and freeze as much of your own fruit and produce as possible.
  • Learn about and understand the ATF is the most unconstitutional federal law enforcement agency ever created. It exists specifically and solely to destroy the 2nd Amendment and imprison US citizens.
  • If you belong to a political party…leave it.
  • Develop strong principles, morals, and ethics…don’t compromise them.
  • If you belong to a church that supports abortion…leave it and find a Christ-centered church to join.
  • If you have children in public schools…try your best to homeschool…or at least provide education to your children that counters the anti-American, pro-Socialist/Communist crap they learn in public schools.
  • Learn and teach history.
  • Figure out how to make a great living without going to college. Professions such as electricians, plumbers, builders, mechanics, computer programmers and technicians, and a wide range of other occupations that pay as good or better than college educated jobs…and without the 10’s of thousands of $’s of debt that college requires.
  • Become as independent of the government, utilities, media, school systems, and the economy as possible.

Yes, some of those are easier said than done, some may be impossible for you…but not everything. Do whatever you can, the best you can. Come up with your own ideas and solutions. Do something!

When you listen to real folks talk about their lives…then what is important to them…and then the little things that make a difference to them…you quickly see how you can make subtle but meaningful differences each and every day in peoples’ lives.

The single, difference making, most often talked about thing in a person’s life…is knowing that someone else understands and cares.

So what does that mean to you? That is a no brainer…be nice to people. Yup, that’s it. Listen to someone, have empathy for them, maybe even sympathy for them, SHOW them that in some act of yours. Maybe just a smile, maybe buy them lunch and talk, maybe just take a walk with them and listen, let them merge into traffic in front of you, avoid road rage towards another, and some more:

  • Cut a neighbor’s grass for them.
  • Open a door for someone.
  • Change a tire for an elderly couple or mom with kids on the side of the road.
  • Take a meal to a needy family.
  • Take a not-so-close friend shooting for a morning.
  • Join a Neighborhood Watch group.
  • Form a Neighborhood Watch group.
  • Take some garden vegetables to your neighbor.
  • Weed a neighbor’s garden for them.
  • Ask someone to go to church with you.
  • Go to church every Sunday yourself…and listen to the Spirit while you are there.
  • Live your religion.
  • Invite a family that you know to come over for a lunch.
  • Attend a class or seminar on the Constitution.
  • Start a Constitution study group.

There are thousands of ways to help keep America from being ripped apart. You folks are smart, some of the brightest on the Internet…figure it out…look for ways to rebuild the fabric of goodness that is America.

I promise that as you perform these acts of selflessness, these acts of kindness and service…you will find yourself:

  • In a better state of mind.
  • Physically and spiritually healthier.
  • Smiling more and being smiled at more.
  • Happier in your family life in many ways.
  • And better prepared to face what is happening and the darkness that is rapidly approaching.

If you read Ecclesiastes 3 it says there is a time for everything. In verse 8 it says there is a time to love, a time hate (translation means “abhor”), a time of war and a time for peace. For me, I see this as true today as ever! I see this time as a time to love God, love all that is good…abhor all that is evil. I also see this as a time for peace that goes along with that “time for love” and it is NOT a time for war. That time may very well come (I believe it will)…but it is NOT now.

Don’t get caught up in all this talk of war…it won’t get you anywhere but in trouble. Think of the ways you can positively affect your world and those around you. Don’t get sucked into war, violence, etc. It is NOT the time to do so!

I will tell you point blank…the DOJ/FBI and every other federal law enforcement agency are just looking for ways to trap, prosecute, and even kill preppers, patriots, conservatives and anyone else who resists this insidious transformation of America. Don’t give them a reason to come after you.

Be a light…be a light to others…don’t hide it…let it shine so you can bring others to a better understanding of what is happening…and what can be done to solve it.

You can help others, you can help their families, you can help this country and even the world. But right now…that help comes in the form of love of, and service to, others. Be that person.

 

 

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(__XXX__) Fatigue

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Fatigue is a major concern for folks when in the middle of an emergency, disaster, or during a grid-down event. And the longer duration of the incident, the more fatigue and the worse the impact on a person from that fatigue.

But there are different kinds of fatigue. There is; 1) Food Fatigue, 2) Cognitive Fatigue, 3) Decision Fatigue. In this article I will just touch briefly on each…no need for lots of details, you can easily figure it out.

Food Fatigue –

This is a simple one, and you may have already suffered from it. Let’s say the grid went down…and Food Fatigue during emergencies and disasters food storageyou are in day 204. For breakfast you are again eating oatmeal. The eggs, bacon, sausage, pancakes, etc. are long gone…so oatmeal it is! Oh wait, the sugar is gone, the honey is gone, the raisins are gone, the fruit is gone… so it is just plain oatmeal…for the 90th straight morning.

Do you think that might get a little boring?

So for lunch you have soup…containing; dried carrots, wheat berries, and pinto beans…for the 92nd straight lunch.

Then for dinner you have stew…containing; dried carrots, dried onions, wheat berries, and black beans…for the 103rd straight dinner.

Yeah, all the salt, pepper, garlic, and other seasonings ran out 3 months ago. No chocolate, no Pepsi, no sugar, no honey, no candy, no cookies…not much of anything that makes meals and snacks great.

So do you think food and eating gets a little boring? Yeah, I think I do.

Long-term Food Storage to prevent food fatigue, freeze dried foodNow…another couple months later…how you doing? Yeah, that is food fatigue…eating the same boring food day after day. Sure, you are grateful for the food, at least it is something in your belly. But it is drudgery…boredom…and fatigue.

Food Fatigue is easily avoided…store and grow foods/herbs that keep meals interesting, tasty and enjoyable. Keep the ingredients around, or grow/acquire them, to make cookies once in a while. Hideaway some candy for long winter nights. Keep some Spam hidden for that morning you actually have real eggs to cook.

Cognitive Fatigue –

This is a condition that you can probably readily identify with…and more than likely you have already experienced it. Officially it is essentially the process of acquiring knowledge, thinking about it, processing it, coming to conclusions about the knowledge acquired. You could look at it as Situational Awareness overload. Many folks suffer from it at work due to an overload of information and/or tasking…or a very long day working with dummy folks in a stressful situation.

Cognitive fatigue can result in a person shutting down mentally and/or physically. Yup, it can get that bad. It comes from the brain being overloaded with information and its circuit breaker just flips off and a person goes into self-preservation mode mentally.

A good way to help fight cognitive fatigue, and fatigue in general, is to stay hydrated and eat right such as:

  • Foods that are high in omega-3 fatty acids and polyphenols
  • Berries with vitamin C and anthocyanins (blueberries are great)
  • Foods that are high in antioxidants
  • Foods with lots of vitamin B12 (eggs are great)

And you try and get decent rest if at all possible. Allow for some “down time” where sensory input is nonexistent or at least kept to a minimum.

Decision Fatigue –

This is the worst fatigue of all! And so designated for several reasons; 1) it disproportionately affects leaders, 2) it can lead to poor, even fatal, decision making, 3) can ultimately affect a whole group or family.

Decision fatigue is basically a condition where a person has to make too many decisions consistently over too long period of time. It can be a little hard to explain but it is easy to see when it is in front of you.

Say you are dealing with a protracted incident…example…two-weeks. And the leader of the group is constantly making decisions all day…every day…decisions, one after another. It is multiplied by a factor when the situation is, or could be, life-threatening. They have very short nights of sleep because people are constantly coming to them asking for decisions to be made and advice given. Pop! Their head explodes.

The results can be everything from poor decisions to angry outbursts to violence against people. Of course they could also simply shutdown entirely; virtually becoming uncommunicative. And how would any of that work out for the harmony of the group?

One of the reasons why wildland fire personnel are limited to 2-week deployments on fires is this very problem…especially among leadership. A special process is required to extend a deployment to 3-weeks…and it ain’t all that easy to get approved. Why? Because a wildland fire leader (i.e. Division Supervisor, Ops Chief, Type 3 Incident Commander, etc.) has a whole lot of responsibility, works 16 – 18 hours days, and gets asked a ton of questions all day long…not to mention the potential for loss of life and property.

Now imagine food/water shortage, no power, looting, bad weather, no stores open, potential for violence against your family, etc. See the potential for problems when it comes to making hundreds of decisions, great and small, all day long?

Ask anyone who has to, or has been, in a high state of readiness or has to maintain high Situational Awareness for days or weeks straight. It can wear you out. Ever hear the term “1000-yard stare”?

To avoid it you can:

  • Delegate responsibility to qualified people and empower them to make decisions in their area of responsibility.
  • Set aside time where you can be alone, quiet, and contemplative about other things than the situation.
  • Maintain a “larger picture” or maintain an attitude of “the future” and how much better it is going to be.
  • Get as much adequate sleep as possible.
  • Stay hydrated and intake something along the lines of Gatorade (but not more than 1 Gatorade to 2 waters).
  • Eat foods that are high in omega-3 fatty acids and polyphenols.
  • Eat berries with vitamin C and anthocyanins (blueberries are great).
  • Eat foods that are high in antioxidants.
  • Eat foods with lots of vitamin B12 (eggs are great).
Summary –

Cognitive and decision fatigue can kill you…and/or those around you. You have to be able to recognize it, obviously. And from the very start you have to be able to combat it.

Generally speaking:

  • Stay hydrated.
  • Eat as well as possible.
  • Get quality rest if at all possible.
  • Have some down time to yourself. It doesn’t have to be long, just something.
  • Spread the load around to those who are qualified…or can learn quickly.
  • Have a good plan in-place before the incident.
  • Ask others to monitor you for signs of fatigue…and listen to them.

Please don’t ignore food fatigue to keep people happy.

Please don’t ignore cognitive fatigue and decision fatigue to keep people alive.

 

 

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Non-Supportive Wife & Stay Balanced !

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  • I read your “Brand new to prepping…where do I start?” article and I wish I had read something like that before I started prepping. My wife isn’t exactly on the same page as I am when it comes to buying and storing preps. What should I do?

Firsts off…a marriage is far, far more important than prepping…any prepping…period! Second…I am really glad you enjoyed and found value in the brand new article. It’s great to hear folks feedback when they find useful info.

Couple thoughts from personal experience…stay balanced. Don’t become a prepper fanatic or obsessed with any single aspect of prepping. An abrupt change of behavior, and especially fanaticism, can scare any spouse…and children.

Also, I found it helpful to share an idea with my wife…I told her that food storage can help reduce household expenses come retirement time. And during one conversation my wife shared the following, “At least you aren’t spending money on booze, cigarettes, or gambling.” I took it as kind of a compliment.

Another strategy I found helpful was using the layering method. Buying only what I needed in an organized fashion kinda kept it all under control while still prepping. <click here to learn more about layering>

After a couple of years my wife started seeing the value in prepping based on current events at the time. She has become more and more sold ever since.She is 100% onboard now. But I had to be patient, understanding, cautious, and remember that my marriage to her was far more important than prepping. There is a lot to be said for, “Happy wife, happy life.”

The key was communication and not getting her mad at me or frustrated with what I was doing…and being balanced.

So how do you handle “balance” in a prepper life?

The concept comes from a class I took many decades ago. The speaker talked about wagon wheels and how each spoke had to be the same diameter, length, and strength. And the spokes had to be contained within a rim to hold it all together. I think the same concept can be applied to prepping.

I also think that there is a good case for the spoked wheel approach after an event occurs…be it an emergency, disaster, or a grid-down incident.

Yes, I included a lot of religious focus because I am a believer. If your not…then modify the wheel accordingly…or consider becoming a believer.

Related Articles –

 

 

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Top 3 Apocalypse Vegetables

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This article came from a question asked of me: What would the top 3 vegetables be in your garden during the apocalypse?

Valid question…although the first time I have been asked that. And it is not an easy question to answer if you are looking for advice from me.

Why’s that? Because you might live in Alaska or Florida or the deserts of New Mexico…and, on top of that, I am no gardening expert.

I’ve lived in and learned to garden in the mid-west, the south-east, and the desert south-west; I am learning to garden in a really nice area of Arizona. Each area was/is different in terms of soil, weather, rain, humidity, sun intensity, etc. Each of those factors control how you garden. So I will answer it differently than you might have expected. I will give you my top vegetables, in priority order, but leave it up to you to decide which is best in your area based on your growing conditions and your health needs.

  1. Beans – great source for protein, amino acids, folate, antioxidant, and fiber.
  2. Potatoes – calories/fat/protein, Vitamin C, Vitamin B6, Potassium, Manganese, Phosphorus, Niacin, Folate, and fiber. Probably a genetic thing as well for me.
  3. Squash – vitamins A/C/B, potassium, magnesium, manganese, antioxidant, and fiber. Banana squash has been used to control blood glucose in diabetic patients and greatly assists hypoglycemics. Yellow squash is rich in anti-inflammatory compounds.
  4. Beats – Manganese, Copper, Potassium, Magnesium, Iron, Sodium, Vitamins C/B, folate, and fiber. May reduce blood pressure and blood sugar. May improve athletic ability. Really awesome when pickled.
  5. Cabbage – vitamins K/C/B6, folate, protein, calcium, potassium, antioxidant, and fiber. Helps regulate blood sugar and metabolized cholesterol. Anti-inflammatory that may reduce chronic inflammation.
  6. Tomatoes – calcium and vitamin A/B/C/E/K, and fiber. Beta-carotene, coumaric acid, and chlorogenic acid, and antioxidants. May be a protective food for people with type 2 diabetes.
  7. Peas – contains the carotenoids lutein and zeaxanthin. Vitimins A/B/C/E, iron, zinc, magnesium, potassium, catechin, epicatechin, coumestrol, and fiber. Rich in antioxidants and phytochemicals. May help as an anti-inflammatory, fight diabetes, control blood sugar, as well as preventing anemia. May assist the body’s immune system, and helps prevent scurvy.
  8. Peppers – vitamin A/B/C/E/K, potassium, folate, antioxidants, fiber, carbs
  9. Garlic – vitamins B/C, manganese, selenium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus and fiber. Commonly associated with protection against or helps cure colds, infections, and flu; as well as reducing blood pressure, and reducing total and LDL cholesterol. May improve athletic ability. At high doses, the sulfur compounds in garlic have been shown to protect against organ damage from heavy metal toxicity. Garlic is an antibiotic herb and is marketed as a natural antibiotic supplement. And I have heard the term “poor man’s antibiotic” more than once when talking about the benefits of garlic.
  10. Carrots – contains beta carotene, fiber, vitamins B/K, potassium, sugar, carbs, and antioxidants. Also, Beta carotene, Alpha-carotene, Lutein, Lycopene, Polyacetylenes, and Anthocyanins.

Note: Antioxidants help fight the negative effects of stress.

For me…I would try to grow each of the “10” as much as possible. Each one of these garden beauties plays a part in overall health. And this is especially true while dealing with the stress during the apocalypse, TEOTWAWKI, SHFT, or grid-down.

Don’t neglect the idea/concept of having a fall or winter garden…and you can start your plants indoors to get a jump-start on your summer garden. Especially important if you have a short growing season.

Don’t forget to plant heirloom seeds whenever possible…and then seed save! Planting seeds from hybrid plants may result in some very strange plants with or without producing anything edible.

Yes, I know some of these are actually “fruit”…deal with it…I am talking about finding it in a garden which makes it a vegetable to me 😉

 

 

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Heads Up!

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I guess today is food, garden, & farmer day (another article coming later today).

I became aware of this horrible situation a couple of months ago and I have been following it waiting to see how it developed and wanting to verify some facts and sources.

Here are some key points to this situation:

  1. This is a a deeply religious family and they are farming according to their religious beliefs.
  2. This is a gasoline & diesel-free, fertilizer-free organic farmer.
  3. This is a family farm and family farmer.
  4. The farmer started a members-only food club for his customers, the food is not for sale to the public. The farm’s customers made the choice, with full understanding, that the food was organic and in pure holistic form.

Amos Miller and his family have been farming this way for generations. His farm has been selling direct to customers (cutting out all the commercial middle men) for years. When the US Department of Agriculture found out about it they began an investigation about 2 years ago. Then last year a judge stepped in and assigned a government “expert” to monitor his farm and ensure he was no longer feeding people and providing for his family.

When the federal government expert felt he didn’t have unimpeded and unrestricted access to the farm day or night he complained and asked the judge for armed assistance from US federal law enforcement. The federal bureaucrat wanted his unfettered access and wanted to enforce that at the point of a gun.

A judge then ordered the US Marshall Service (USMS) to provide heavily armed tactical teams, “..then ordered that the USMS was authorized to use whatever reasonable force was necessary to gain entry…”

This is an Amish family farm for God’s sake!!!

Amish are pacifists and they don’t serve in the military and this is well-known and well-documented.

The judge also laid $250,000 of fines against the family farmer and ordered the farmer to pay the salaries of the federal inspectors, employees, and agents assigned to his case. And to top it off…the judge said the farmer had to pay a $50,000 fee up-front as a show of good faith. A family farmer!!  But, to make sure this holistic farmer complied with government demands…they also threatened him with lengthy jail time. Prison for a family farmer!!

JAIL TIME for farming…organically farming and providing wholesome food to private customers who want his style of food products. Think about that for a second. Does that even remotely sound anything like justice.

As the farmer continued to object to and resist the tyranny being forced upon him, the federal government figured it was time to take him out. This summer heavily armed tactical teams from the US Marshalls service raided his farm.

Fortunately for the farmer he is a pacifist and wasn’t outright killed by the US Marshalls for “resisting”.

Now the farmer has been ordered to cease all farming operations. Which simply put, means he can no longer practice all of his religious beliefs, can no longer provide for his family, and can no longer provide organic and wholesome food for families that rely on his farm. And here is the key…he has no income to pay the US federal fines. Which means…he will lose his farm. Isn’t that interesting…think about that point for a minute.

So here are some additional points to ponder:

  1. The US government is attacking a farmer for operating outside of the control of huge multi-national agriculture chemical manufacturers.
  2. The US government is attacking a farmer for operating outside of the control of huge multi-national agriculture seed providers.
  3. The US government is attacking a farmer for operating outside of the control of huge multi-national oil & gas companies.
  4. The US government is attacking a farmer for operating outside of the control of huge national food supply chains.
  5. The US government is attacking a farmer for operating outside of the control of US Department of Agriculture facilities.
  6. The US government is willing to send heavily armed federal law enforcement tactical teams in a military-style operation to enforce its will on a pacifist, highly-religious farmer and his family…for farming.
  7. The US Marshalls that took place in the raid, highly armed and organized in military style tactical teams, had absolutely no problem rushing onto his farm, rounding up his family, holding them at gun point, and putting the farmer out of business.

All the farm related issues are bad enough…and I mean really bad. Your US Government Department of Agriculture at work. But here is the part that is most concerning to me…and should be of utmost concern to all freedom loving citizens.

Why did the US Marshalls participate in this at all? Why did these individuals, these Constitution oath-taking federal law enforcement officers, conduct a military-style raid against a religious family’s farm…for farming?

Is the answer something as simple as…these federal law enforcement officer love playing as badge toting tacti-cool thugs? Or maybe as fundamental as…they love their paycheck more than the US Constitution and Bill of Rights? Hell, maybe the thugs just hate vegetables!

My point…these federal law enforcement agents did it and love it!

I have personally talked to federal agents. I have heard at least one say that no person, other than law enforcement, should own any kind of gun, ever. Others are so trigger happy and gun-ho that they chomp at the bit to go full-tactical against any citizen that resists the government at all. During the Bundy/BLM issue I talked with a federal agent who told me there were lots of federal agents that wanted to be involved…and to open fire on those civilians involved in the peaceful resistance, especially the Bundy’s…to teach them a lesson.

I have been warning you for over a decade of the unbelievable danger from US federal law enforcement agents and agencies. They do not understand, nor support, basic Constitutional and founding principles of rights, freedoms, and liberties. Their interests and intents are not the same as our Founding Fathers…they want only one thing…for you and I to comply. They are the tip of the spear for implementing total compliance with an all powerful federal government.

And that my friend is dangerous…maybe far more dangerous than most people can even imagine.

This isn’t going to end well. And in the meantime…it will be an increasing demonic hell.

* I added this in at the last minute to answer a question…

I have been asked more than once, “Isn’t this just some agents, most are good guys aren’t they?”

Well, I know the answer, but let’s test this concept to be fair:

  1. Did you hear of any US Marshall who refused to go on this family farm raid or speak out against it?
  2. Did you ever hear of any ATF or FBI agent refuse to participate in the murders of Weaver’s wife and child at Ruby Ridge or speak out against it?
  3. Did you ever hear of any ATF or FBI agent refuse to participate in the Waco Massacre or speak out against it?
  4. Did you ever hear of any FBI agent refuse to participate in the murder of Lavoy Finicum or speak out against it?
  5. Did you ever hear of any Secret Service or FBI agent refuse to participate in the Trump home raid or speak out against it?
  6. Did you ever hear of any federal law enforcement agent who refused to participate in or speak out against the coup against President Trump that started before he was even inaugurated or speak out against it?
  7. Have you ever heard of any federal law enforcement agent/officer refuse to participate in or speak out against any federal law enforcement action ever?

Think very, very seriously about that.

Let me share this with you…post 9/11 the federal law enforcement agencies began programs of unrestrained, unrestricted, extra-Constitutional actions in the USA. This has been well documented as factual through investigative journalism, reports to Congress, and actual court documents. As part of these actions they also began a “purge” of any federal law enforcement agent/officer or employee that was deemed a conservative or who outwardly espoused support for rights, freedoms, and liberties. I have had that confirmed to me personally.

So why?

Before you answer that, go back and answer the original question, “Isn’t this just some agents, most are good guys aren’t they?”

Describe “good” to me in this context of federal agents and their actions? For me:

  1. It is only those those agents/officers who 100% support the Constitution, the Bill of Rights, and the rights, liberties, and freedoms contained therein.
  2. It is only agents/officers who respect the true rule of law…not the phony Department of Justice crap.
  3. It is NOT an agent who attends church.
  4. It is NOT an agent who appears to be a family man with a nice spouse and great children.
  5. It is NOT an agent who is a parent, child, sibling, or friend to someone.
  6. It is NOT an agent who is a veteran.

What matters is only that which the agent/officer does in relation to the Constitution and the Bill of Rights (meaning rights, liberties, and freedoms). Basically it’s their morals, ethics, and principles related to the job. And only how those morals, ethics, and principles relate to their actions on the job through the action of those agents/officers.

And right now…morals, ethics, and principles appear to be an oxymoron when referring to federal law enforcement agencies and their people.

Let’s go back to the question in relation to the purge, “So why?”

The answer should be clear to you at this point. If not…what other evidence and facts do you need? It has been right in front of your face for over 30 years!

So you can decide for yourself who these agencies are…and who the agents and officers are. And that should tell you everything.

Just for the heck of it:

  • Why does the Department of Treasury IRS have SWAT teams?
  • Why does the Department of Agriculture have SWAT teams?
  • Why does the Department of Interior have SWAT teams?
  • Why the hell does the Department of Education have SWAT teams?
  • Why would those SWAT team members want to be on those SWAT teams?
  • Why is the IRS now recruiting armed IRS agents who are willing to use deadly force?
  • What kind of person would want to be an armed IRS agent ready/willing/able to kill?

I just can’t resist this…

Why are the combined federal law enforcement agencies, total number of armed federal law enforcement agents/officers, equal the 7th largest army in the world!?!?!?!?!!?!?

Have you got it yet? Does your family get it yet? Do your friends get it yet? Do the people at your church get it? Do the other people on your social media sites get it?

Everyone in Washington DC gets it…they are behind it!

It’s coming folks…it’s coming.

The only action right now that I think will save our country and our Constitution is prayer.

 

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#1 Rule !

Posted on by

  • What would you say is the #1 rule for a complete collapse of the entire system?

Same as it would be for any emergency, disaster, or grid-down (i.e. complete collapse)…Rule #1 Don’t be stupid!

Meaning, think about you are doing and don’t do stupid stuff. Pretty freaking simple, eh?

Examples: 1) don’t try to hold off a mob of 100 people, 2) don’t get into a gun fight over a 5gal can of gas, 3) don’t let your neighbor’s kids starve to death, 4) don’t run your generator when the entire neighborhood is quiet and dark, 5) don’t tell everyone about your preps, especially your food, 6) don’t brag about or show off all your guns & ammo, 7) don’t prepare for a Walking Dead scenario, 8) don’t vote/act like a Democrat…or most Republicans.

If you want to know more specifically how not to be stupid…read L.I.P.S. <click here>

If you want to be aware of issues coming at you so you can avoid being stupid you could read about Situational Awareness. <click here>

Send me your thoughts, ideas, comments, questions, and concerns…

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Feedback & Comments : 8/19/2022

Posted on by

AH Trimble Feedback and Comments

  • Hello A.H.!

I am so inundated with emails every day, hundreds literally – there’s no way I have time to read them all, even the ones (like Forward Observer for example) that I have paid for, and generally do nothing more than quickly skim.

But, I always read your posts. And whether or not I comment, although I have not agreed 100% with you on everything all the time, I have great respect for your opinions, your perspective, and your thought process. You are a kindred spirit, and I appreciate all the time and thought you put into your research, your reasoning, and your site.

Keep up the good work! Thank you for all you do! Hope to cross paths again one day, sometime when we’re up in the old mountain home. Don’t get up there much, have turned the house into a VRBO – much as had believed otherwise, the Spirit told me that here, where we are, is where we are needed and need to focus our energy – at least for now. So….we keep on keeping on !! God bless!! (jiatingzhufu)

Well son-of-a-gun! Nice to hear from you. I am so happy to hear the value you place on the website and my articles. I don’t fish for compliments but it is good to hear every once in a while that I am making a positive difference…keeps me motivated and smiling.

I will keep up the work as long as I am able and the Internet stays up and running…and the government & big tech censors don’t shut me down 🙂

I am going to go back to focusing more on prepper articles vs current event articles. We all see what is happening in the world, who is behind it, and where it is all headed. That is pretty dang crystal clear. And just as clear is our need to be ready for it. So I will do what I can to help folks be ready.

Hope you do well with the VRBO…and remember the door is always open.

Hey, anything in particular that you want me to write about?

Send me your thoughts, ideas, comments, questions, and concerns…

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Our Solar Well Pump System

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OK, let’s talk water, solar power, splicing, planning, plan changes, and gasoline prices…

Back when we bought our place in 2016 we were lucky enough to buy a piece of property that already had a well on it. After we bought the place we had the well tested…all was good. We also had them pull the pump at the same time, we wanted to put in a new pump, pipe, etc. Little did I know how much we would eventually change it.

I knew a guy who owned a plumping supply house that specialized in wells, pumps, etc. so I thought he was the logical choice to talk to. After a few minutes of discussion I found out he lived kinda off-grid and knew a lot about off-grid well systems and such. I explained our situation to him, including our usage projections, budget, my skills/experience, and asked him for his recommendation.

He laid it out in very economical terms; 1) 120v AC 1/2hp pump, 2) 10/3 w/ground submersible wire, 3) QB control box, 4) circuit breaker box, 5) connection box with outlet, 6) 3000watt generator, 7) 1” Yellow Bimodal MDPE (Medium Density Polyethylene) Gas Pipe. That was the pump set-up, still had to get it from the wellhead to the house.

The system to move the water from the wellhead to the house was a separate operation and I was a little unclear how it would work out. I had to clarify the house side first and figure out how much storage capacity, redundancy, and reserve would be adequate. I wanted a 2500gal storage tank and choked at the price tag. While on multiple visits to a local plumbing supply house I kept seeing a storage tank sitting in their yard. It was 1100gal and really high quality (Snyder Industries). I eventually bought it for $500 out the door…a real steal. Today you would pay nearly $1,400 for the tank…then shipping charges on top of that.

Next I designed our utility room (100sqft addition on the rear of the house) which would contain the filter system. I also decided I wanted a 330gal reserve tank in the utility room as well.

I measured it out and it was almost 900’ from the wellhead to the house…at the same altitude/elevation. My pump guy said the well pump he recommended would have no issues moving the water from the wellhead to the house since there was no gain in head (no additional height to pump water above the wellhead). But, he did recommend that I use 1-1/4” – 1-1/2” pipe to move the water from the wellhead to the house (lowers the pressure and increases the GPM flow rate). I bought 750’ of 1-1/4” Yellow Bimodal MDPE (Medium Density Polyethylene) gas pipe that had been marked way down due to some minor nicks. The nicks meant any government agency would no longer purchase the pipe…it was considered “damaged” but perfectly suitable for moving water.

I found a good location for the storage tank that sits about 15’ above the house, and that gives me about 7.5psi going into the house…helps prime the house pressure pump. I ran just about 725’ of the 1-1/4” MDPE pipe underground from the wellhead to the storage tank. From the tank I ran 1-1/2” PVC underground into the utility room that houses the house system.

Our water usage required me to fill our storage tank meant I ran the generator every week during the summer and about every 2 weeks during the winter. That was about 2 gals of gasoline each time. At the old gas price it meant about $2.50 – $5 each week.

Then we changed it up a bit. Our largish backyard was nothing more than dirt, dust, or mud depending on the weather. So I wanted to plant some dry pasture grass to hold the soil in place and make it a bit more human-friendly…but not a lawn. Then my neighbor heard about my “yard project” and offered a bunch of grass seed he had in his barn that he was never going to use. Then I found about 5# of grass seed in my garage/barn. A new, more complicated project was born!

See, to get grass seed to germinate you have to keep it wet for two weeks…that means watering 2 – 3 times a day for two weeks. That is about 500 – 600 gals each watering. I was running the generator up to 4 hours a day. We were now spending about $12 – $15 per day and hauling more gas home than I wanted to. Yeah, I am a bit lazy. But it got worse…the grass started looking really good. So now it went from soil retention pasture project to a suburban backyard project requiring regular watering. Yeah, our water usage went through the roof…along with the gasoline bill.

So we have no issues with water supply…it is the largest aquifer in the country…meaning trillions and trillions of gallons…probably more. Moving it from the aquifer to the yard was a whole other story.

From the beginning I had a plan in the back of my mind to build a stand-alone solar system in the well house located at the wellhead to power the well pump. I had the solar panels, charge controller, and most of the little bits & pieces. I had a modified sine wave 3000watt inverter lined up. I just needed the batteries to put it all together. I was going to purchase 4 used 6v lead acid solar batteries from a buddy of mine that owns a solar shop/store.

I invited him to lunch and 1-1/2 hours later he had convinced me that a solar pump system was the right way to go. Easier to maintain, longer lifespan, no manual effort, etc. $3,000 later I had the pump and controller. My solar panels on hand would be plenty of power. Another $900 in wire, bits and pieces I was ready to go.

Total time to install was:

  • 1/2 day to run signal wire from the tank to the wellhead.
  • 1-1/2 days to build the array rack, paint it, and install the PVs onto the rack and wire them together in series.
  • Another 1/2 day to wire the PVs to the combiner, install ground rods, wire it all, and test everything.
  • 1 day to pull the old pump, install, wire splice the new pump into the system, and putting the pump back down the well.
  • 1/4 day testing the new pump and it failed…bad wire splice at the pump.
  • 1 day to pull the new pump, resplice the wire connection, run the pump back down the well, and test…it was a success.
  • 1/2 to install the storage tank float switch, wire it in the controller, and test the entire system…success.

Now we have an automated system that refills the storage tank when it hits 50% capacity (500gal). We don’t have to do anything manually. The old well house gets torn down. The concrete wellhead structure is 24” tall with a berm of dirt that protects it and conceals it. It is amazing!!!

The problem we had was the splice that we did at the well pump. We used a standard submersible splice kit. It didn’t work right but we thought we had compensated for it. We didn’t, and it failed.

When I did the splice again the next day I used Ace Hardware 30986 Self-Fusing Splicing Tape and then Scotch 2242 electric tape to protect from abrasion. When I did the splice I used a standard 10g yellow butt connector. Then I wrapped a layer of the 30986 tape covering the butt connector ends really well by about 2”. Then going the opposite direction I used another layer of the 30986 ensuring that I covered the ends of the first layer by 2”. Once that was done I used the 2242 in a heavy layer (2” overlap on the ends) to protect the first layers from any abrasion issues going up or down the casing. It worked just fine.

If I was to do it again I would:

  • Use a 10g butt connector.
  • Using Gardner Bender LTB-400 I would force it into the ends of the butt connector until they were full. Then I would cover the entire butt connector with LTB-400 to ensure that no part of the connector was exposed. But I would also make sure it was smooth. Let it dry and cure completely for 24 hours.
  • Then I would spray two coats of Gardner Bender LTS-400 allowing 30 minutes between coats, and then allow 24 hours for it to cure.
  • Then I would wrap two layers of Ace 30986, each going in a different direction (wrap direction). The first layer would cover the butt connector and extend 2” past the ends. The second layer would go in the opposite wrap direction and extend 2” past the ends of the first layer.
  • Finally I would use a single layer of Scotch 2242 wrapped over the entire splice, covering the ends of the splice by 2” for abrasion protection.

I absolutely love the pump and controller made by Sun Pumps!!! At their tech support was nothing short of amazing!!!  I highly suggest you look at them if you are embarking on such a product.

Next comes a schematic of my water system from ground to storage tank.

General Overview
( click to enlarge )

Wellhead Plumbing
( click to enlarge )

Power & Wiring
( click to enlarge )

Water Tank Plumbing & Wiring
( click to enlarge )

You can download a PDF of my water system by <clicking here>

Equipment –

You can download Pump Installation and Operations Information PDF file

You can download Control Module Installation and Operations PDF file

Sun Pumps website <click here>

Sun Pump Dealer locator <click here>

If you have any questions please ask. And of course, as always, I would love to hear your thoughts, comments, and recommendations.

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TIP: Prepping for Electrical Issues

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This is actually a sub-article to a larger project article and it includes some items from previous articles. However, I think there is a solid case for writing this article as a stand-alone. Wow…mouthful of word salad!

So there I was…time to finally upgrade my water well system to a solar pump water well system. You can read more about it here <click here to read about it>. It came time to do my wire splicing…and that is where this article came from.

During an emergency, disaster, or grid-down event you may find yourself having to do some electrical work. And if you find yourself having to do some splicing it would be nice to have the needed supplies on hand. Here are a couple of things that I feel could be invaluable in those situations.

Let’s start with the basics…Electrical Tape –

Not all electrical tape is created equal. And let’s start this off with a general statement…you get what you pay for. That means I buy Scotch brand electrical tape, or private label electrical tape made by Scotch. I don’t buy the knock-offs or the cheap stuff. Why? Because I am entrusting personal safety and/or my house and/or my equipment to this electrical tape…I don’t want cheap-junk vs expensive-quality. Nice thing is…the quality stuff isn’t really that much more expensive.

I keep three basic types of electrical tape on hand; 1) Scotch 700, 2) Scotch 2242, 3) Ace 30986.

Scotch 700: A high quality, vinyl insulating tape. Resists a wide range of chemicals and abrasive materials. Can be used indoor/outdoor and even below ground. And a roll has about 66’ on it. It is good down to about 15 degrees or so. Pretty much a general purpose electrical tape that I would use where the tape is not exposed directly to the weather and not exposed to moisture…so basically dry indoors. Don’t over stretch this tape when using.

 

Scotch 2242: A high quality general purpose rubber tape. Used correctly it provides an immediate moisture resistant seal as well as insulation. This is a great weather resistant electrical tape. Stretching doesn’t really affect this tape. Since it is made out of rubber it is pretty dang resistant to abrasion. It is good down to about 0 degrees. A bit more expensive and only 15’ on the roll. This what I would use when the job was exposed to the weather or on my equipment (i.e. tractor) used outside.

 

Ace 30986: Self-fusing, water-tight, rubber based electrical tape. It seals based on a rubber resin, “vulcanized” as my electrician buddy explained it to me. It is pricey but well worth the money when a water-tight seal is needed. This is the tape I used to protect the splices on my well pump installation. Yes, that means the splice was submerged in water…and will be for years to come. I used multiple layers, medium stretch, pressed together hard.

 

I also keep two types of Gardner Bender Liquid Tape on hand; 1) the brush on variety, 2) spray on version.

Brush on version (GB LTB-400): It’s a rubber based brush on electrical sealant. It can be sued indoors/outdoors and creates a waterproof seal when used correctly. It’s also very UV resistant which is nice here in Arizona. It is resistant to chemicals, solvents, and saltwater. It is dry in 5 minutes, fully cured in 24 hours. Can be used in harsh temperature conditions…30 degrees below zero to 200 degrees above zero. And it stays pretty dang flexible. I like it when I use butt connectors and want to make a water tight seal around them.  If I wanted a really good, virtually fool-proof water tight seal I would use the Ace 30986, then use two coats of GB LTB-400 allowing 24 hours between coats. First coat of GB LTB-400 would overlap the Ace 30986 tape ends. Then the second coat of GB LTB-400 would overlap the first coat of GB LTB-400. WARNING: don’t think an opened container of the GB LTB-400 will be acceptable for storing! Once opened it tends to dry out. Store a brand new, unopened container.

Spray on version (GB LTS-400): This is kinda like the brush on version, but not entirely. This stuff is vinyl based vs rubber based and is much thinner obviously since it is sprayed on. Yes, you can spray on multiple coats to build up the thickness. It dries quickly (5 minutes) and is fully cured in 24 hours. It is very protective and insulating but I would not count on it being water-tight with a single application, more like water-resistant. Water-tight if you build up multiple, correctly applied layers, each of which is allowed to properly cure. Can be sued indoors/outdoors and a temperature range of 30 degrees below zero to 200 degrees above zero and resistant to chemicals, solvents, and saltwater.

So there you go…there is my electrical prepper kit for electrical work.

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Brand new to prepping…where do I start?

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  • I found your site and love it. I am brand new to prepping and have basically nothing ready for anything. Where do I start? (Tim)

First off…Welcome! Glad to have you aboard even if you are a little late to the party 😉

OK, now…”Where to start?”

I will believe you when you say you are “brand new”…so let me start you at the very beginning.

Full disclosure: some folks have different opinions than I do…but most of them don’t have the training, skills, or experience that I do and they don’t have an organized approach to learning the necessary and required prepping knowledge. So, I am methodical, organized, and deliberate in my approach learned over the better part of 4 decades of professional emergency management Prepper Geek with equipment and gearexperience and nearly 50 years of prepping.

First four steps are learning steps, learning the principles of preparedness. This prevents a haphazard, disorganized approach to prepping. It also ensures you more fully avoid HUGE mistakes that many folks make as they prepare. Each step, except the first, will have articles…read them all before moving on. Watch for the “next” button at the bottom of articles. Also, it might be a good idea with you read the “Related Articles” in each posting as well before coming back to the next step.

#1 – Who are you? That is a purely rhetorical question. Do you know yourself, do you have principles, ethics, morals, and do you have foundational beliefs? Why and how do you want to survive emergencies, disasters, and grid-down events? If not, solidify those first. I suggest you write them down.

#2 – Learn Risk Identification and Mitigation.

# 3 – Learn the 7 Common Risks/Threats to all emergencies, disasters, and grid-down. Then learn how to “layer” to mitigate those threats.

#4 – Make a plan to start prepping.

This is your plan! It needs to be singular to you and your family. Lay it out any way you want…but I suggest you write it down. And I insist that it be based on “layering”…or you won’t be a successful as you could have been. You will have wasted your time, money, and resources if you don’t layer.

Next comes the actual prepping Step #5…

Now start accomplishing your plan. You can multi-task as you go. Meaning, you can buy a pistol at the same time you are buying food, OTC medicines, and ammo…while you identify a potential bugout location and start storing water correctly.

Layering is vitally important. Example: You start storing water before you have a way to filter/purify it. A problem develops and water shuts off. You may have 100’s of gallons of water stored but not be 100% sure if it is safe to drink and no way to filter/purify it. But, if you have correctly layered then you have a filter/purifier and can make virtually any water safe to drink.

Let me be more clear…each of the 7 Common Risks/Threats have specific layers to them. Each layer is unambiguous in what needs to be done. Work from the inside out using each layer as a “step to take”.

IMPORTANT – while carrying out the practical aspects of prepping (i.e. acquisition of resources) you also need to learn how to set priorities and also learn what Situational Awareness is. You do that by reading and studying SA & LIPS while carrying out your new plan.

Once you have read those articles and you are working your plan of acquiring and organizing your 7 Common Risks/Threats mitigation resources you could start testing yourself…and learning more along the way by reading through the series “Days of September – 9/1/2019 Opening” <click here>

To help you out…while you get started on learning the “principles” why don’t you go to your pantry, find the 10 foods that you use the most, then go buy 2 cans of each, continue to do so for the next 3 weeks. That will be some immediate gratification and get/keep you motivated to keep going.

So why do I have you learn the “principles” first? Why do all that reading? Why not just get started and do stuff?

Well, that would make you like many, maybe most, other preppers that are inexperienced, unorganized, untrained, unskilled, and chaotically going about preparing…or rather, thinking they are preparing. To be truly successful at prepping it is vitally important that you understand the big picture, then important bit and pieces of that big picture before you start spending your hard earned money and time.

I will send you my personal email, let me know how you are doing…or if you have any questions. I would love to hear from you and lend a hand if I can.

Now, a serious message from me to you…You are late to the party, meaning you are behind the curve on preparing. But, you are not too late…not too late at all. But you have to get moving and get stuff done…don’t delay or procrastinate. As I said in my article “Intensify” we have fallen as a country…it’s over. I lay out the case clearly in my article “The Fall of the U.S. Empire“. Don’t get me wrong…our country has not ceased to exist…and our people won’t…and the Constitution will continue to be a guiding document for those dedicated to the principle of a Constitutional Republic.

The Roman Empire didn’t simply vanish after its fall…it degraded and then over the course of some 1600 years it morphed into present day Italy, the socialist democracy it is today. Same with the British Empire…it too didn’t simply vanish…it shrank to a fraction of the size it once was and then became the socialist democracy it is today (i.e. Britain, England).

The USA will follow, is following, the same path as all empires…unless the globalists make their final move. So you have time to do a lot of prepping…probably more time than you think…so no need to panic. But time is of the essence. There are two major resources at your disposal; 1) time, 2) money. If you have enough money you can go do everything you need to do in a short period of time. If you are not wealthy then you will have to use your time wisely in acquiring that which you decide you need…and it will take longer to adequately prepare.

A final thought for now…Do you plan to shelter in-place or bug-out? The answer to that question will really make a difference on how you prepare and for what. Answer that question soon, very soon. Here are some articles that might help you decide that answer:

Try to avoid stupid mistakes…

For anyone that can’t or doesn’t want to make a “comment”…use the form below to send me questions, thoughts, concerns, issues, or ask for help. If you would like me to respond to you directly and confidentially just tell me when you send the form.

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