Weekly Roundup - Living On Nothing Edition [Survival Today - an On going Thread #3]

Frugal Dad .com ^ | July 23, 2009 | Frugal Dad

[nw_arizona_granny]

Weekly Roundup - Living On Nothing Edition Category: Roundups | Comments(15)

Did you hear about the guy that lives on nothing? No seriously, he lives on zero dollars a day. Meet Daniel Suelo, who lives in a cave outside Moab, Utah. Suelo has no mortgage, no car payment, no debt of any kind. He also has no home, no car, no television, and absolutely no “creature comforts.” But he does have a lot of creatures, as in the mice and bugs that scurry about the cave floor he’s called home for the last three years.

To us, Suelo probably sounds a little extreme. Actually, he probably sounds very extreme. After all, I suspect most of you reading this are doing so under the protection of some sort of man-made shelter, and with some amount of money on your person, and probably a few needs for money, too. And who doesn’t need money unless they have completely unplugged from the grid? Still, it’s an amusing story about a guy who rejects all forms of consumerism as we know it.

The Frugal Roundup

How to Brew Your Own Beer and Maybe Save Some Money. A fantastic introduction to home brewing, something I’ve never done myself, but always been interested in trying. (@Generation X Finance)

Contentment: A Great Financial Principle. If I had to name one required emotion for living a frugal lifestyle it would be contentment. Once you are content with your belongings and your lot in life you can ignore forces attempting to separate you from your money. (@Personal Finance by the Book)

Use Energy Star Appliances to Save On Utility Costs. I enjoyed this post because it included actual numbers, and actual total savings, from someone who upgraded to new, energy star appliances. (@The Digerati Life)

Over-Saving for Retirement? Is it possible to “over-save” for retirement? Yes, I think so. At some point I like the idea of putting some money aside in taxable investments outside of retirement funds, to be accessed prior to traditional retirement age. (@The Simple Dollar)

40 Things to Teach My Kids Before They Leave Home. A great list of both practical and philosophical lessons to teach your kids before they reach the age where they know everything. I think that now happens around 13 years-old. (@My Supercharged Life)

Index Fund Investing Overview. If you are looking for a place to invest with high diversification and relatively low fees (for broader index funds with low turnover), index funds are a great place to start. (@Money Smart Life)

5 Reasons To Line Dry Your Laundry. My wife and I may soon be installing a clothesline in our backyard. In many neighborhoods they are frowned upon - one of the reasons I don’t like living in a neighborhood. I digress. One of our neighbors recently put up a clothesline, and we might just follow his lead. (@Simple Mom)

A Few Others I Enjoyed

* 4 Quick Tips for Getting Out of a Rut * Young and Cash Rich * Embracing Simple Style * First Trading Experience With OptionsHouse * The Exponential Power of Delayed Consumption * How Much Emergency Fund is Enough? * 50 Questions that Will Free Your Mind * Save Money On Car Insurance

[nw_arizona_granny]

http://www.survivalistboards.com/showthread.php?t=1103&page=4

2008 list:

Survival Blogs

http://www.survivalblog.com

http://www.survival-spot.com/survival-gear-equipment/

http://bisonsurvivalblog.blogspot.com

http://tslrf.blogspot.com

http://www.thesurvivalpodcast.com

http://www.shtfblog.com

http://beasurvivor.blogspot.com

http://selousscouts.blogspot.com/

http://thesurvivalistblog.blogspot.com

http://theurbansurvivalist.blogspot.com

http://survivalstrategies.blogspot.com

Outdoor Survival

http://www.wilderness-survival.net

http://www.survivaltopics.com

http://www.hikercentral.com/survival

http://www.survival.com

http://www.survival-center.com

http://www.survivaliq.com

http://www.survivalmonkey.com

http://wildwoodsurvival.com

Emergency Preparedness

http://www.72hours.org

http://beprepared.com/article.asp_Q_...nsightArticles

Nuclear

http://www.aussurvivalist.com/nuclear/empprotection.htm

http://www.oism.org/nwss

http://www.ki4u.com/guide.htm

Homesteading Gardening

http://www.motherearthnews.com

http://www.backwoodshome.com

http://www.burpee.com

http://www.freewebs.com/clarkshomestead

http://www.homesteadingtoday.com

http://www.hillbillyhousewife.com

http://www.themodernhomestead.com

http://www.verdant.net/food.htm

[nw_arizona_granny]

Survival links, not checked by granny, contains several that I have visited in the past:

2008 list:

http://www.survivalistboards.com/showthread.php?t=1103

Here are numerious links to online websites on survival planning.

Planning is critical to the success of ones preparedness.

http://standeyo.com/News_Files/Hollys.html

http://www.theoutdoorlodge.com/survi...areas_one.html

http://www.theoutdoorlodge.com/survi..._kits_one.html

http://www.survival-center.com/guide/intro.htm

http://www.captaindaves.com/guide/

http://www.survival-center.com/

http://www.survivaliq.com/survival/s...al-kits_s1.htm

http://www.survival-center.com/guide/intro.htm

http://members.tripod.com/lookout_7/planning.html

http://www.aircav.com/survival/asurtoc.html

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Also add any links you have have to the links directory - http://www.survivalistboards.com/links/index.php

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My website is http://prometheuscouncil.com The forum location is http://prometheuscouncil.com/phpBB2
Because of spammers, Admin has to approve registration, so shoot me a PM or email if you want to register. We discuss survival skills, ancient knowledge and skills, and thoughts about how to rebuild society when it falls.

Another great informational website I have found is http://www.rogueturtle.com He has great how-to articles.

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Here is a website with a huge number of survival website links.

http://www.codenameinsight.com/

You have got to see this list to believe it.

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Another source.

http://www.endtimesreport.com/

http://www.endtimesreport.com/Site_Index.htm

http://www.endtimesreport.com/you_must_plan_now.htm

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Has auyone seen this link before!
http://cbsnews.com/digitaldan/disaster/disasters.shtml

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http://www.hourofthetime.com

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Kurt Saxon, father of survivalism, offers a huge volume of practical knowledge, he’s the author of ‘The Poor Man’s James Bond’ and other works.
http://www.survivalplus.com/

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you can also check out this website tons of useful information:
http://www.backwoodshome.com

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Here’s another one.
http://www.survivalist.info/

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If already mentioned please disregard: SurvivalBlog.com

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I just found a really good resource for all kinds of survival products:

http://www.readymaderesources.com/

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I hope this helps

http://www.wilderness-survival.net/Appb.php

http://www.wholesale-direct-first-ai...y=244&idaff=10

http://www.contaminationradio.com/se.../1175342059165
/category/BOOKS_AND_MEDIA/sub_cat/Bug_Out/row/0

http://www.earthmountainview.com/An_...ioned_Farm.htm

http://www.actiongear.com/cgi-bin/ta...mailcall=ppjsy

http://www.survivalunlimited.com/index.htm

http://beprepared.com/Default.asp?bhcd2=1209440948

http://www.rolsafe.com/

http://www.alpineco.com/index.php

links to everything about survival and more
http://www.greatdreams.com/survival.htm

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This site will keep you reading for months, This was on of the only survival sites I was on before this one. :D

http://www.alpharubicon.com/index2.html

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I like this supplier http://www.majorsurplus.com

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Some links:
http://www.codenameinsight.blogspot.com/
http://www.survivaltopics.com/
http://www.codenameinsight.com/resources.htm

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Ok, well here are a couple of sites:
http://www.fema.gov/plan/index.shtm
http://www.ready.gov/ Both are goverment preparedness info sites (weird no one has posted them yet...)

www.wildsurvive.com A group from the Les Stroud (Survivorman) forum when it closed for a while. Great information.

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we are a site that is community based and we post survival how tos and reviews and anything about the outdoors . we post anyone’s survival or outdoor articles and how tos so everyone can share the info if you have anything for the site please contact us on the contact page . www.canadianwildernesssurvival.com

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Check this out:

http://www.justpeace.org/nuggetsindex.htm

A lot of useful information, recipes...

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minionreport.com is another site i really like just tossing in my 2 cents

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Here is a link to our survival website. We have a little bit of everything so you can mae it out alive from just about anything.

http://www.survivalebooks.com

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And to everyone else? you can always get a general idea of what to do or of what will happen by reading others but your first line of defence is YOU.

Play the game of “what if” and then do something about it.

View your everyday life (metally) and then decide your everyday need which should include your food......

“Buy today at what ever the cost because tomorrow you will not be able to buy it......at what ever the cost”... Ponce

A good example of the above is SILVER ROUNDS......very very hard to find or buy now days.

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I highly recommend this site:

http://www.m4040.com/Survival/Survival.htm

He has the most complete list for a survival kit that can fit in an ammo pouch.

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http://paleoplanet69529.yuku.com/
has some great primitive information it also.

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The structure of this site is a bit simple... but the download section is really good.

http://www.nobull****survival.com/local_links.php

and the **** is another word for crap (the word was understandably censored)

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If nobody has covered the below sites, they are holistic (all-emcompassing) survival resources:

Survival360.net: My number one site.
Survivalblog.com: My number two site.

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Here is an excellent site. Delete if already posted.

http://www.aaoobfoods.com/welcome.html

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http://www.cross-current.com/index/links

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For the SUPER basic stuff..

http://www.fema.gov/plan/index.shtm

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At the link below,you can download free pdf books and documents related to survival and emergency preparedness/responses.
They also sell everything from gas masks to foodstuffs on the site.

http://www.ahrimangate.com/freePDFpage.htm

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Check this out - www.Worldinfocd.com - good disaster survival, emergency preparedness and weapons information products.

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FYI, in compressed files, these are about 13 GB,

Good practical stuff

http://sleekfreak.ath.cx:81/3wdev/INDEX.HTM

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Check out
http://www.goingroguesurvival.com/20...omic-collapse/
Lots of topics

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[nw_arizona_granny]

Links to links for every survival and homestead subject:

http://www.survivalistboards.com/links/index.php

[nw_arizona_granny]

http://www.survivalistboards.com/showthread.php?t=95562

IMPORTANCE OF PLANNING

Planning is one of the most important things you can do for any SHTF situation, in fact for everyday life. Planning will increase your chances of survival if and when any emergency happens. Keeping your car or truck ready at all times should be on top of the list. That is as simple as preventative work on the vehicle and keeping the gas tank at least ¾ at all times. When it reaches ¾ of a tank then fill it back up. It won’ t cost that much at any fill up then and also if you need to “move out” in a hurry you will not have to worry about stopping and fighting to get gas and or even finding gas.

Always make sure you have good tires that are properly filled with air and a spare or two if possible. Keeping a basic tool bag and some simple extra parts is always helpful also. Then once the vehicle is ready make sure you have you BOB in the ready also.

Making sure your equipment is ready you have to make sure YOU are ready. Make sure you have all the shots needed and any meds you need. Have your dental work done and visit the dentist twice a year. Nothing will stop you in your tracks as fast as any tooth & mouth pain. Keeping checkups on that will prevent most problems, in a SHTF scenario dental work may be hard to come by and if you find it, I really doubt it will be painless… Seeing the dentist now will help out later on and be one less thing you will have to worry about. Now if you crack a tooth that is unplanned and nothing you can plan ahead for. So talk to your dentist and tell him, “Hey I am going camping for some time and IF this happens while I am gone, what can I do and do you have anything you can write a script for that I can get filled to take with me?“ You never know until you ask, he or she may be able to help you out more then you ever thought possible.

This leads into survival kits, a good survival kit will be worth its weight in gold in a SHTF event. First considerations most people make is size, with the thought, bigger will be harder to carry. That is true so you have to decide how much you want to carry, how much room to take up in your pack. I have had people tell me only going to use one that is ”X” amount of size. I then ask them, is that all your life is worth? A little box or bag? To me, I am willing to carry a little more weight to make sure I have everything I need or at least as much as I can.

One thing to consider when putting you kit together is items that can be used for more then just one thing. I know that seems a no-brainer but you would be surprised if you talk to people and see they did not think about it. They are too concerned about or you might say, tunnel vision for making sure they get this or that that they had their eye on for some time. Then say you end up with two items that serve the same function, pick the one you can use for another function. Do not duplicate items, as this will add to your kit’s overall size and weight. You should make sure the kit is weather/water proof and be able to take a beating, more or less.

Some items that should be in survival kits are as follows:

* First aid supplies (Basic)
* Water purification tablets / drops.
* Fire starting (matches – magnesium striker – etc)
* Food procurement (Snare – hooks – line – etc)
* Signal tools (aluminum foil – mirror – etc)

A little explanation of these items:

* Lighter, metal match, waterproof matches.
* Compass / GPS
* Candle
* Small hand lens (pinpoint sunlight)
* Oxytetracycline tablets (helps with diarrhea & infection).
* Solar blanket(s)
* Surgical blades
* Butterfly sutures.
* Condoms (water storage)
* Chap Stick
* Needle and thread
* Good quality Knife

Basic Medicine to survive

One person with basic medical knowledge can make a difference in saving the lives of many. If no trained medical personnel are available, you must know what to do to stay alive. Ability to treat yourself or others can and will increase your chances of staying at least somewhat healthy.

It’s the New Year and many people have already made their New Year resolutions, how about making another one? Take a first aid class, or any FORMAL training you can to help you help yourself and others. This is something that can be one of the most important things you can do. In a worst case scenario, say post SHTF… You get “caught” while out looking for food, anything really… Instead of getting striped of everything you have on you, if you know first aid, you have a bargaining chip to use in your favor… Not EVERY group of roaming people scavenging the country will have medical people in their group. So the need for medical help might be something they are willing to “use you for” that may save you instead of leaving you for dead… Just something to think about…

Minimum what every first aid kit should have:

1. Band-Aids – various sizes
2. Butterfly strips
3. Sanitizer
4. Tape
5. Scissors
6. Tweezers
7. Long Pointed Tweezers
8. Needles
9. Antibiotic cream
10. Burn Cream
11. Gauze
12. Magnifying Glass
13. Gloves latex
14. Instant ice packs
15. Ace bandage
16. Rubber Hose
17. Iodine
18. Smelling salts packets
19. Alcohol prep pads
20. Splinter Out packets
21. Self adhesive wrap
22. Blistex packets
23. Hand Clean towelettes
24. First Aid cream
25. IB Pro
26. Aspirin
27. Sting pen
28. Steri-Strip
29. Forceps
30. Eye patch
31. Anbesol
32. Good knife

Now keep in mind this is a minimum of what should be in there. There is always room for more and even location specific.

Some hints to help you out:

The common signs for dehydration:

1. Dark urine / strong odor
2. Urine level low
3. Skin stays up when pinched
4. Dark sunken eyes
5. Extreme tiredness
6. Confusion and emotional problems
7. Delayed color return in fingernails after pressed

Cold exposure, heat exposure, intense activity and higher altitudes along with illness and or burns will make your body use/lose more water then normal. Water as we know is the one thing you must have. So make sure you have a supply available and water filter systems with you in your pack and in you vehicles. Now I know everyone has their own idea of the “perfect” water system, but after years of different types I have found the Katadyn “Pocket” to be the best out there in a portable unit.

We can go longer without food then we can without water. Also remember to drink water every time you eat… That will help you maintain your health in any extreme situation heat or cold.
Also remember that the loss of water includes body salts (electrolytes) so you may need to include a substitute method to replenish levels. The normal way is to mix .25 teaspoon of salt into 1 liter of water. Do this at least once a day, if it is extreme heat you may want to do this twice a day.

Feet, one area you need to pay attention to:

Clean along with massage daily that helps with circulation. Do not open a small blister, one that remains sealed will not be opened to infection. To make it more bearable, you can pack material that will reduce friction and pressure which in turn will make it easier to keep moving.

If a big blister happens you may not be able to stop it from busting which at that time will need treated immediately to prevent infections and problems down the road. While in the service we were shown a way to keep a big blister from busting open.

This is a simple procedure and with a few items from a first-aid kit you can do this in less then 2 minutes. With a needle and thread, run the needle through pulling the thread all the way across the blister leaving tag ends out on both sides then remove the needle. Do NOT press the blister to remove fluid. The thread will soak the fluid and drain it out both ends hanging outside of the blister. Doing this makes the blister smaller and tolerable. Keep the area padded around the blister.

Bleeding:

Can be from many different causes but no matter how it happened, it needs to be stop ASAP. Three simple rules to help stop and or control bleeding.

1. Direct Pressure . Enough to stop and long enough to let the wound to coagulate.
2. Tourniquet – Must be maintained 100% of the time to ensure safety and prevent loss of limb
3. Elevation – If at all possible, area should be above the heart

This post is basic info, something to get you started, always talk to a Dr. and get advice for YOU, even take this post to your Dr to make sure I am not giving you wrong information (Since I am not a Doctor, I would feel better if you did that).

Remember your Dr knows your history, and if you tell them at every visit everything that is wrong or hurting, the Dr can help you out. I know people that don’t always tell the doc this or that, thinking oh it will pass, remember one day it may pass, pass you on…

Thank you everyone
Gunner
__________________
Standing… for the arsenal of Democracy…

[nw_arizona_granny]

http://www.survivalistboards.com/showthread.php?t=65735

My husband and I were on vacation this past week. We played the tourist thoughout several towns on the coast of Oregon. We had a wonderful time while picking up useful information.

One book I did pick up was “The Joy Of Pickling” by Linda Ziedrich. What a great find!

There are so many meats, fruits and vegetables that can be pickeled, relished, chutneyed and sauerkrauted and over 200 recipies are here, in this book.

I have already planned to revise some of these recipies to fit my garden fruits and produce.

The reason I am excited about pickling is that it makes way for a large variety of flavors added to the normal staples in our food supply. Plus, the intake for vinigar in the body has many healthy benefits.

I am giving out one of the recipies in the book that really got me interested in purchasing this book.

SWEET PICKLED PUMPKIN OR SQUASH

2 1/4 pounds skinned and seeded pumpkin or winter squash
2 cups white wine vinegar or distilled white vinegar
2 cups water
3 cups sugar
Shredded zest of 1 small orange
8 whole cloves
1/4 teaspoon whole allspice berries
1/4 teaspoon whole black peppercorns
two 3-inch cinnamon sticks, broken
one 2-inch piece fresh ginger, thinly sliced

Cut the pumpkin or squash in 1/4 to 1-inch cubes, scraping off any stringy inner flesh. Put the cubes into a nonreactive bowl. Combine the vinegar and water and pour the liquid over the cubes. Turn the cubes in the liquid a few times and then drain off the liquid into a saucepan. Bring the liquid to a boil. Pour it over the pumpkin, cover the bowl with a cloth, and let it stand at room temperature for 8 to 12 hours.

Drain off the liquid into a nonreactive pot and add the sugar and orange zest to that pot. Add the dry spices and ginger (tied in a spice bag or scrap of sheesecloth). Bring the contents to a boil, stirring to dissolve the sugar, and reduce the heat. Simmer the syrup for 5 minutes.

Add the pumpkin cubes to the syrup. Simmer them until they become translucent around the edges, about 1 hour. Remove the pot from the heat and let it stand at room temperature for 8 to 12 hours.

Remove the spice bag from the syrup. With a slotted spoon, pack the pumpkin cubes into pint or half-pint mason jars. Bring the syrup slowly to a boil and then pour it over the pumpkin cubes, leaving 1/2 inch headspace. Close the jars with two-piece lids and process them for 10 minutes in a boiling-water bath.

Store the cooled jars in a cool, dry, dark place.

Now this is a great squash recipy. You can take these pickels and mash them up into a pumpkin butter to spread in a peanutbutter sandwich. Or mash them up into a pumpkin catchup and dip fried vegies in. I even had thoughts of using the smashed pumpkin on thumb print cookies.

Like I said before, this is a great book for a survival situation. It has several was to pickle fruits and vegies and meats bring variety into the food cubards of our American Survivalists.

---

Grandmas’ Dilly Beans

INGREDIENTS

* 6 cups water
* 1 cup pickling salt
* 6 cups distilled white vinegar
* 8 heads fresh dill weed
* 1/2 cup pickling spice
* 1/2 cup mustard seed
* 8 dried red chili peppers
* 16 cloves garlic, peeled
* 1 teaspoon alum
* 5 pounds fresh green beans, rinsed and trimmed

DIRECTIONS

1. Sterilize 8 (1 pint) jars in boiling water for at least 5 minutes.
2. Combine the water, pickling salt and vinegar in a large pot, and bring to a boil. When it begins to boil, reduce heat to low, and keep at a simmer while you pack the jars.
3. In each jar place the following: 1 head of dill, 1 tablespoon of pickling spice, 1 tablespoon of mustard seed, 1 dried chile pepper, 2 cloves of garlic, and 1/8 teaspoon of alum. Pack beans into the spiced jars in a standing position.
4. Ladle the hot brine into jars, leaving 1/2 inch of space at the top. Screw the lids onto the jars, and process in a hot water bath for 6 minutes to seal. Store for at least 2 weeks before eating.
ENJOY!

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One of the problems when making wine is that it can turn into vinegar instead if you don’t keep out the air with an air-lock cap. This is the way vinegar was made in the past.
Here’s a link for making vinegar. You have to test it to make sure it is the right acidity before canning with it, though.
http://www.vinegarman.com/VinegarMaking.shtml

Sauerkraut is not just for cabbage! I have never tried other vegetables but I have heard it done, and here’s one source of information:
http://www.wildfermentation.com/reso...age=sauerkraut

“Add other vegetables. Grate carrots for a coleslaw-like kraut. Other vegetables include onions, garlic, seaweed, greens, Brussels sprouts, small whole heads of cabbage, turnips, beets, and burdock roots. You can also add fruits (apples, whole or sliced, are classic), and herbs and spices (caraway seeds, dill seeds, celery seeds, and juniper berries are classic, but anything you like will work). Experiment.”

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Website about brining and the correct plastic containers to use:

www.virtualweberbullet.com/plastics.html

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Here’s what one web site said:
Q: Can I reuse the Brine in another batch?
A: Using the entire pickling brine from a prior batch of pickles makes the next batch too sour. However, you can add 1/4 cup or so to re-seed your next batch. Some Old World recipes even call for floating a slice of sourdough rye bread on top! I have done so in the past, but it does not seem to increase the natural pickling action that occurs without any boosters.
http://www.simply-natural.biz/perfectpickler.php

I’d use the vinegar in another recipe, such as vinegar and oil salad dressing.

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[nw_arizona_granny]

http://www.survivalistboards.com/forumdisplay.php?f=13

Garden, Food, Livestock and Poultry threads.

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http://www.survivalistboards.com/showthread.php?t=66452

Sourdough thread.

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http://www.survivalistboards.com/showthread.php?t=93626

Dehydrator recipes.

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http://www.survivalistboards.com/forumdisplay.php?f=120

Interesting do it yourself ideas.

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http://www.survivalistboards.com/index.php?s=33763bd8eb482d6dd96ef3d86bc27259

Index.

[upcountry miss]

Very little snow here. Fields bare for the most part. Putting in another seed order. Ordered my corn seed from Vesseys. A little pricier than some stores but they raise most of their seed farther north than I am situated so I feel good about using their seed here.

Any suggestions for tomato seeds? Haven’t been happy with my choices for a couple of years. As always I am ordering the bulk of seeds from Fedco as their prices are the best I have seen for many years.

[DelaWhere]

>>>Very little snow here. Fields bare for the most part.<<<

LOL, I know where you could get a great deal on some snow to put on those fields..... No real hurry though, as the weather forecast for the rest of February seems to indicate that it will be around for a while.

So far this winter we have had an official 64” of that white stuff, and our normal would only be less than 12.

Last year I had three varieties of tomatoes - Amish Paste, Thessaloniki and Beefsteak. All three did very well, but I think my favorites were the Amish Paste. Very heavy production over a long season, and they held on the plant very well till I had time to do a big batch at a time. The Thessaloniki tomatoes were very good flavored large ones that canned very well and were big enough for slicing too. They were a new addition to catalog here and are an old open pollinated Greek tomato.

I am planning to plant the same ones again and maybe try adding a fourth. I will probably stick with the red ones as I never got enthralled with some of the special colorations. Like the watermelons - I think they should be red - yellow and orange melons don’t tempt my palate, so I will probably steer clear of the yellow, black, pink, etc. tomatoes.

Come on spring!

[nw_arizona_granny]

This message consists of the following:

1. Boy’s Three-Piece Santa Sets Recalled by Macy’s Due to Choking Hazard,
http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml10/10119.html

2. Horse Toy Figures Recalled by Blip Toys Due to Violation of Lead Paint Standard,
http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml10/10120.html

3. RadioShack Recalls Knight Hawk Toy Helicopters Due to Fire Hazard,
http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml10/10121.html

[nw_arizona_granny]

Living off-grid is not hard!
Posted by: “solarman” lamar5292

I have been off-grid over 15 years and I get a lot of questions from people that think living off-grid means going without common comforts and would be too hard of a life for them.

I would like to dispel the myth that living off-grid requires giving up all the stuff you have on grid- it just ain’t so!

I live in a house- not an rv, van, hut, or tree. I designed and built my cabin and it is very comfortable at about 400 sqft. It has all the rooms most homes have. I have a living area, dining area, kitchen and bathroom downstairs and a large bedroom and office upstairs.

I have power but my power comes from a small 470 watt solar and 125 watt wind system. That power runs my water pump, lights, two HD flat screen tvs, stereo, dvd, game system, laptop and misc. gadgets just like most people have.

I use propane for my furnace, fridge, stove, and OD water heater and have all the major appliances including a microwave and washing machine which I run off a small generator.

I have my own water supply from a free flowing well I drilled myself and I harvest rain water and recycle gray water for my garden.

About the only thing I use that may seem different than grid living would be my solar composting toilet which has to be emptied once a week into an outside composter.

What are the benefits of living off-grid ?

I own two small businesses and work just like most people but because I have no house payments and no utility bills I get to keep more of the money I make and I do not need much money so I can work when I want as I want.

I can also have a garden and raise animals to reduce my food costs and eat healthier fresh foods instead of the toxic food sold in stores.

I also have the freedom and time to enjoy my life and without the stress of bills I can spend time learning and being creative. After going off-grid I wrote two books and over 100 songs that I never would have finished before.

So, being off-grid does not mean roughing it and going without and if you do it like I did it will mean no house payments, no utility bills, more money in your pocket, more time for yourself, and freedom to enjoy life.

Living off-grid also does not have to be expensive. My cabin cost less that $2000 to build. My solar and wind system was under $3000. My property under $1000. So for about $6000 you can have a sustainable life.

If you would like to see my cabin and learn more about off-grid living I have videos on youtube:

http://www.youtube.com/user/solarcabin#p/c/34F7ECFEEB05659B

LaMar
www.simplesolarhomesteading.com

[Joya]

Excellent, thanks so much.

[DelaWhere]

Despite having to deal with the inconveniences of more snow than we ever had before, even the wildlife are trying to learn to deal with it...

Well, Monday forecast was 1-2" more snow, now 3-4" - Hmmm this is starting to sound familiar...

Well, construction should pick up in a few weeks (could this be 0bama's jobs plan? Did he have Al Gore plan it for him?) - 50+ of the big 550' long chicken houses collapsed, a school cafeteria, a school gym, a new car shop, Big Lots (where I buy my canning lids), several trailers, many patio roofs, a couple of warehouses, several barns, and untold others I haven't even heard of have all given way under the weight of the heavy wet snow.

Bet the 4X4 vehicles sell pretty well after this.

I'm ready for spring!

[nw_arizona_granny]

[I have not ordered from this company, but I do follow Donna on a couple Yahoo groups and admire her postings, she is a nice Christian Lady, is my guess....granny]

As we are expanding and moving inventory, we are still a bit over loaded ... We don’t wish to damage any inventory as we expand - so we want to let you have it at a fifty percent (50%) discount!!

Hurry while we still have some in stock. It may be until May before we are fully stocked again, so shop now to save!!

http://millersgrainhouse.com/store/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=39_40&sort=20a&page=1

Don’t forget - there are two pages of per pound items...

http://millersgrainhouse.com/store/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=39_40&sort=20a&page=2
Hope you enjoy the savings!
Sale ends Thursday, Feb. 18th at mid-night!

Best Blessings!

Millers Grain House

Donna Miller, Owner

Thank you for allowing us to serve you. It is our pleasure!

Feel free to contact our office via email or call during business hours.

Business hours: M-Thurs 9-5, Fri 9-4 Eastern Time

1.800.824.4655

Deut 28:5 - “A blessing upon your grain-basket and kneading-bowl.”

Millers Grain House Store

[nw_arizona_granny]

The Winter Olympics begins today in Vancouver!

Maria planted this garlic last fall and it’s come up in the shape of the Olympic
rings - ‘surprisingly’. Beneath the rings are some baby carrots pulled from the
garden this week - they’ve overwintered. The vegetables are growing in City compost
made from residents’ yard waste.

---

My Empire of Dirt: How One Man Turned His Big-City Backyard into a Farm

“With My Empire of Dirt, Manny Howard has created a new job category, gonzo agriculturalist.

The squeamish and the vegan-hearted shall enter at their own risk, for this is no
gentle Farmer’s Almanac. It’s more like war reportage-on one side, angry rabbits,
crazed chickens, and a patch of backyard clay so dry it makes concrete seem loamy;
on the other, a Brooklyn-raised City Boy, who won’t take crop failure for an answer.

Howard takes living off the land to an urban extreme that will make people think
even harder about where their food comes from. Ultimately, though, as tornadoes
come and fig trees nearly go, he discovers a marriage that needs tending to, proving
that when it comes to love, at least, you shall definitely reap what you sow.”

-Robert Sullivan, author of Rats and Cross Country

---

Growing in the community: a good practice guide for the management of allotments

The LGA has revised this best-selling resource for allotment officers and associations,
to provide an update on the policy framework, legislation and practice affecting
allotment gardening.

1 The second edition of this guide was commissioned by the LGA in September 2006,
and substantially updates the original which was published in June 2001. The preparation
of the guide has been managed by the Federation of City Farms and Community Gardens.

---

Urban farming and media interactive networks

“My project tried to push the boundaries of the hybrid building by combining an
urban farm with a television studio as an attempt at broadcasting the need for sustainability
both physically and in the media.”

---

re:farm the city - a low tech living project

Refarm the city are tools of open software and hardware for urban farmers. is a
mix of a good meal (the crop, the friends, the seeds, ...) , hardware (the urban
farm, the composter, the electronics, the sensors, recycled materials, ...), software
(built a farm according to: your personal needs, local vegetables, local gastronomy,
farm location, ...) that will give you the tools to design, control and manage your
farm during her life. We have divided this wiki on the steps you need to take to
start a refarm.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

More on these stories here:
City Farmer News [http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?et=1103034363296&s=1304&e=001TT9jKwvwfITAg4qRRSnP3daAgQNDWkPXLzz6zD60zcKIxUteMaN3WxefGa3IB1WbBDBsGdOtBnP0Ouiek-qu1MW6ukYzFHXPHhnf3O4oOHKqZKi8bAQh4A==]
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Michael Levenston
City Farmer - Canada’s Office of Urban Agriculture

[betsyross60]

mountainroseherbs.com has the plastic lipstick/balm tubes for thirty cents each. Thanks for everyone’s help.

[nw_arizona_granny]

http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/UCM200250

Trader Joe’s Company Voluntarily Recalls Chocolate Chip Chewy Coated Granola Bars

Company Contact:
Trader Joes Customer Relations
626-599-3817

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – February 10, 2010 - Monrovia CA – Trader Joe’s Company of Monrovia, California is voluntarily recalling Trader Joe’s Chocolate Chip Chewy Coated Granola Bars, UPC 82818, Use by Dates/Lot Codes 16JUL10H2 and 17JUL10H1, manufactured by Bloomfield Bakery, a subsidiary of Ralcorp Holdings, Inc. because it has the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella, an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Healthy persons infected with Salmonella often experience fever, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain. In rare circumstances, infection with Salmonella can result in the organism getting into the bloodstream and producing more severe illnesses such as arterial infections (i.e., infected aneurysms), endocarditis and arthritis.

The product involved in this recall was distributed at Trader Joe’s stores nationally and comes in a 7.4 oz box marked with Use by/Lot Codes 16JUL10H2 and 17JUL10H1 on the top of the box and stamped individually on the side of each granola bar. Production of the product has been suspended while FDA and Bloomfield Bakery continue their investigation.

No illnesses have been reported to date in connection with this product.

At Trader Joe’s we take the safety of our customers and the integrity of our products very seriously. Customers who have purchased Trader Joe’s Chocolate Chip Chewy Coated Granola Bars, Use by/Lot Codes 16JUL10H2 and 17JUL10H1 are urged to return them to any Trader Joe’s for a full refund. Customers with questions may contact Trader Joe’s Customer Relations Monday through Friday, 6am to 6pm PST at (626) 599-3817.

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[nw_arizona_granny]

http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/UCM200248

Nature’s Variety Issues Nationwide Voluntary Recall On Raw Frozen Chicken Diets With A “Best If Used By” Date Of 11/10/10

Company Contact:
Jeff Dezen/JDPR
864-233-3376

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – February 11, 2010 – Nature’s Variety has initiated a voluntary recall of their Chicken Formula Raw Frozen Diet for dogs and cats with a “Best If Used By” date of 11/10/10 because these products may be contaminated with Salmonella. The only products affected are limited to chicken medallions, patties, and chubs with a “Best If Used By” date of 11/10/10. No other Nature’s Variety products are affected.

The affected products are limited to the Nature’s Variety Chicken Formula Raw Frozen Diet packaged in the following forms:

* 3 lb chicken medallions (UPC# 7 69949 60130 2) with a “Best If Used By” date of 11/10/10
* 6 lb chicken patties (UPC# 7 69949 60120 3) with a “Best If Used By” date of 11/10/10
* 2 lb chicken chubs (UPC# 7 69949 60121 0) with a “Best If Used By” date of 11/10/10

The “Best If Used By” date is located on the back of the package above the safe handling instructions. The affected product was distributed through retail stores and internet sales in the United States, and in limited distribution in Canada.

If you are a consumer and have purchased one of the affected products, please return the unopened product to your retailer for a full refund or replacement. If your package has been opened, please dispose of the raw food in a safe manner by securing it in a covered trash receptacle. Then, bring your receipt (or the empty package in a sealed bag) to your local retailer for a full refund or replacement.

Nature’s Variety became aware of a potential problem after receiving a consumer complaint. Subsequent testing indicated that the lot code related to the consumer complaint tested negative for Salmonella. However, additional subsequent testing found the “Best If Used By” date of 11/10/10 to be contaminated with Salmonella.

No pet or human illnesses have been reported to date in connection with this lot code.

Reed Howlett, Nature’s Variety CEO, stated, “Because pet health and safety are our top priority, Nature’s Variety takes every step necessary to ensure the quality and safety of our products. In addition to our industry best manufacturing practices, and in an abundance of caution, all Nature’s Variety raw frozen products now will undergo a ‘test and hold’ period before being released for sale.”

Salmonella can affect both humans and animals. Even though no illnesses have been reported, consumers should follow the Safe Handling Guidelines published on the Nature’s Variety package when disposing of the affected product. People handling raw frozen pet foods may become infected with Salmonella, especially if they have not followed the safe handling guidelines set forth by the company.

Healthy people infected with Salmonella may experience some or all of the following symptoms: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramping, or fever. Although rare, Salmonella can result in more serious ailments including arterial infections, endocarditis (inflammation of the lining of the heart), arthritis, muscle pain, eye irritation, or urinary tract symptoms. Consumers exhibiting these signs after having contact with the affected product should contact their health care provider.

Pets with Salmonella infections may become lethargic and have diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, fever, or vomiting. Some pets may experience only a decreased appetite, fever, or abdominal pain. Infected, but otherwise healthy pets can be carriers and infect other animals or humans. If your pet has consumed any of the affected products and is experiencing any of these symptoms, please contact your veterinarian.

Consumers with additional questions can call our dedicated Customer Care line 24 hours a day,
7 days a week at 800-374-3142. Or, consumers can email Nature’s Variety directly by visiting naturesvariety.com1.

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[nw_arizona_granny]

US-CERT Current Activity

Adobe Releases Security Bulletins for Acrobat, Reader, and Flash Player

Original release date: February 12, 2010 at 10:36 am
Last revised: February 12, 2010 at 10:36 am

Adobe has released two security bulletins to address vulnerabilities
in Adobe Acrobat, Reader, and Flash Player.

The first bulletin, APSB10-06, is a security update for Adobe Flash
Player and Adobe AIR that addresses a critical vulnerability.
Exploitation of these vulnerabilities may allow an attacker to make
unauthorized cross-domain requests. The bulletin indicates that the
update also addresses a potential denial-of-service issue.

The second bulletin, APSB10-07, is a security advisory for Adobe
Reader and Acrobat. This advisory indicates that Adobe is planning to
release updates for Adobe Reader and Acrobat on February 16, 2010 to
address critical security issues.

US-CERT encourages users and administrators to review Adobe Bulletins
APSB10-06 and APSB10-07 and apply any necessary updates to help
mitigate the risks.

US-CERT will provide additional information as it becomes available.

Relevant Url(s):
http://www.adobe.com/support/security/bulletins/apsb10-06.html

http://www.adobe.com/support/security/bulletins/apsb10-07.html

---

This entry is available at
http://www.us-cert.gov/current/index.html#adobe_releases_security_bulletins_fo

[nw_arizona_granny]

http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/UCM200215

Estrella Family Creamery Recalls Red Darla Cheese Due to Possible Health Risks

Contact:
Kelli Estrella
Co-Owner
360.249.6541

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE — February 11, 2010 - The Estrella Family Creamery of Montesano, Washington, is recalling its Red Darla cheese because it has the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes, an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Although healthy individuals may suffer only short-term symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea, Listeria infections can cause miscarriages and stillbirths among pregnant women.

Red Darla cheese was sold in January 2010 through February 11, 2010 at the Ballard and Seattle’s U-District farmer’s markets, two Seattle restaurants, retail stores in the Seattle-Tacoma area, and the firm’s retail store in Montesano, Washington; a retail market in San Francisco, California; and a cheese shop in Springfield, New Jersey.

The recalled cheese is a soft cheese, 3/4 lb wheel, made of cow milk and washed in red wine while aging. The product does not contain a lot code.

No illnesses in connection with this product have been reported to date.

The recall is the result of a routine sampling program by the state of Washington Department of Agriculture, which revealed that one wheel of the finished product contained the Listeria monocytogenes bacteria. Estrella Family Creamery has ceased production and distribution of the product as the FDA, WSDA, and the company continue investigating the cause of the problem.

Consumers who have any Red Darla should return the cheese to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions may contact the company at 360.249.6541 between 6:00am – 8:00pm PST.

#

Photo: Product Labe1l

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[nw_arizona_granny]

http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/UCM200210

Stop & Shop Removes from Sale 24oz. Party Platter Cookies
Products Recalled Due to an Undeclared Allergen

Contact:
Faith Weiner
The Stop & Shop Supermarket Company
(617) 770-6025
fweiner@stopandshop.com

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE — February 10, 2010 – Quincy, MA… The Stop & Shop Supermarket Company has announced a voluntary recall of 24oz. Party Platter Cookies because they contain almonds and almond paste, undeclared allergens that pose a serious and potential life-threatening health risk to allergic individuals. Stop & Shop has removed from sale the following product:

• Party Platter Cookies
UPC# 200055639, 24 oz. all codes

The product is packaged on a platter in a box and sold through the Stop & Shop In-Store Bakery. To date, Stop & Shop has received no reports of illnesses associated with consumption of this product. Customers who have purchased the product should discard any unused portions and bring their purchase receipt to any Stop & Shop supermarket for a full refund. Customers looking for additional information are encouraged to call Stop & Shop’s corporate brands consumer line at 1-877-846-9949, Monday through Friday from 9am – 4pm.

About Stop & Shop
The Stop & Shop Supermarket Company employs more than 59,000 associates and operates stores throughout Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island, New Hampshire, New York, and New Jersey. The company is a member of the US Green Building Council and has been awarded LEED (EB) certifications for 50 of its existing stores. Stop & Shop has been recognized by the EPA for the superior energy management of its stores and is also a member of the EPA’s Smart Way program.

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Ingredients (PDF - 8.64KB)1

Photo: Product Label2

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