Happy New Year and Keep Right On Prepping - K
Monday, December 31, 2012
New Year's Eve Dinner
Just a post to have your mouth watering....
Happy New Year and Keep Right On Prepping - K
Happy New Year and Keep Right On Prepping - K
New Year's Challenge 2013
I usually don't do New Year's Resolution's because generally a goal set to start on Jan 1st fails 99% of the time. A good time to start any personal betterment is now, but in the tradition of the New Year, I will describe some of the challenges that I'd like to conquer. So, without further ado:
Anyone else have grandiose plans for the new year? What would you like to have accomplished this year?
Keep Right On Prepping and Contact Your Senator about the Gun Control Legislation - K
Quote about Gun Control:
" Cries for 'Compromise' have gone up- a word to which there is more than one meaning. When we look at the compromises offered, it seems more that are asking us to do so in the manner of a compromised bridge structure, or having compromised one's morals. What we want are more freedoms, what they want are less- yet we are expected to compromise, and get slightly less. And, for what in return? Isn't that how compromise works? Pardon, but us giving up what we want and they getting what they want isn't compromise on my part. Its concession to a tantrum" - Den of the Wolfman.
- Increase our families preparedness food supply to 6 months of long term storage.
- Get into better physical shape - diet and exercise. ( 182.2 )
- Get better organized in the home.
- Complete some long standing projects - Kitchen and downstairs bathroom.
- Reorganize our food storage into a better logical format.
- Get better grades in school ( 3 A's 3 B's last semester ).
- Go to the range more often with Sweetheart.
- Teach the kids new practical survival skills : outdoors skills, common sense camping
- Learn to bake better bread.
- Pick three skills to work on with wife.
- Be more consistent with the MRE Monday reviews.
- Improve our family's water plan.
- Do a monthly review of each for the blog to hold myself accountable.
Keep Right On Prepping and Contact Your Senator about the Gun Control Legislation - K
Quote about Gun Control:
" Cries for 'Compromise' have gone up- a word to which there is more than one meaning. When we look at the compromises offered, it seems more that are asking us to do so in the manner of a compromised bridge structure, or having compromised one's morals. What we want are more freedoms, what they want are less- yet we are expected to compromise, and get slightly less. And, for what in return? Isn't that how compromise works? Pardon, but us giving up what we want and they getting what they want isn't compromise on my part. Its concession to a tantrum" - Den of the Wolfman.
Sunday, December 30, 2012
16 Minute Video on Assault Weapon Ban 2013
Bloggers-
This is a great video that I found on James' site. It is worth your time to watch and more importantly to act.
Look at my older posts to contact your representative in Congress.
Keep Right On Prepping - K
This is a great video that I found on James' site. It is worth your time to watch and more importantly to act.
Look at my older posts to contact your representative in Congress.
Keep Right On Prepping - K
Friday, December 28, 2012
Let Our Voices Be Heard - Fill Their Mailbox - Gun Control Leg.
Dear bloggers-
I invite all of you to email or write a letter to your Senator and let your voice be heard about the current gun control legislation. Linking, Cutting and pasting onto your site is greatly appreciated to reach as many people as possible during this time. January 3rd is the reconvening of Congress.
UPDATED: I've added a new paragraph to the letter as noted by LindaG. Thanks
Immediately cease all congressional actions to ban any current legally owned firearm.
We feel that ANY legislation against citizen firearms violates a well regulated militia being necessary to the security of a free State that shall not be infringed. Banning any legal current firearms will substantially weaken the citizen army’s ability to defend the United States against foreign invasion, should the U.S. armed forces be unable to perform this duty. We believe that any law prohibiting any currently legal firearm puts the freedom and very survival of the United States of America at risk.
The federal government has enough paper work to currently take care of any legal issues concerning weapons. The "Grandfather Clause" and fingerprinting is just another hurdle in the gun purchasing process that is ineffective against any kind of real crime prevention. Plus, most gun owners eventually get a concealed weapons permit which already collects fingerprints and does a background check at the applicant's expense.
Let’s look at the logistical ramifications of another magazine ban. Over the ten years of the ban, we never ran out. Not even close. Magazines are cheap and basic. Most of them are pieces of sheet metal with some wire. That’s it. Magazines are considered disposable so most gun people accumulate a ton of them. All it did was make magazines more expensive, ticked off law abiding citizens, and didn’t so much as inconvenience a single criminal.
Criminals and psychopaths do not care about laws and regulations. The only people that this legislation will hurt is the law abiding voter.
Would you feel safer having a weapon to defend yourself or a new law that takes away that possibility?
As my Honorable Senator, please consider this a request to vote NO for ANY type of gun control legislation.
Sincerely -
COPY AND PASTE ABOVE-----
This can be a grass roots campaign to make your voice heard. Feel free to add or edit this letter as you see fit.
Keep Right On Prepping - K
The paragraph about magazines was taken from: http://larrycorreia.wordpress.com/2012/12/20/an-opinion-on-gun-control/
I invite all of you to email or write a letter to your Senator and let your voice be heard about the current gun control legislation. Linking, Cutting and pasting onto your site is greatly appreciated to reach as many people as possible during this time. January 3rd is the reconvening of Congress.
UPDATED: I've added a new paragraph to the letter as noted by LindaG. Thanks
http://www.senate.gov/general/contact_information/senators_cfm.cfm
COPY AND PASTE BELOW-----
We feel that ANY legislation against citizen firearms violates a well regulated militia being necessary to the security of a free State that shall not be infringed. Banning any legal current firearms will substantially weaken the citizen army’s ability to defend the United States against foreign invasion, should the U.S. armed forces be unable to perform this duty. We believe that any law prohibiting any currently legal firearm puts the freedom and very survival of the United States of America at risk.
The federal government has enough paper work to currently take care of any legal issues concerning weapons. The "Grandfather Clause" and fingerprinting is just another hurdle in the gun purchasing process that is ineffective against any kind of real crime prevention. Plus, most gun owners eventually get a concealed weapons permit which already collects fingerprints and does a background check at the applicant's expense.
Let’s look at the logistical ramifications of another magazine ban. Over the ten years of the ban, we never ran out. Not even close. Magazines are cheap and basic. Most of them are pieces of sheet metal with some wire. That’s it. Magazines are considered disposable so most gun people accumulate a ton of them. All it did was make magazines more expensive, ticked off law abiding citizens, and didn’t so much as inconvenience a single criminal.
Criminals and psychopaths do not care about laws and regulations. The only people that this legislation will hurt is the law abiding voter.
Would you feel safer having a weapon to defend yourself or a new law that takes away that possibility?
As my Honorable Senator, please consider this a request to vote NO for ANY type of gun control legislation.
Sincerely -
COPY AND PASTE ABOVE-----
This can be a grass roots campaign to make your voice heard. Feel free to add or edit this letter as you see fit.
Keep Right On Prepping - K
The paragraph about magazines was taken from: http://larrycorreia.wordpress.com/2012/12/20/an-opinion-on-gun-control/
Thursday, December 27, 2012
Mail Campaign to stop gun control legislation
Dear bloggers-
I invite all of you to email or write a letter to your Senator and let your voice be heard about the current gun control legislation. Linking, Cutting and pasting onto your site is greatly appreciated to reach as many people as possible during this time. January 3rd is the reconvening of Congress.
COPY AND PASTE BELOW-----
Immediately cease all congressional actions to ban any current legally owned firearm.
We feel that ANY legislation against citizen firearms violates a well regulated militia being necessary to the security of a free State that shall not be infringed. Banning any legal current firearms will substantially weaken the citizen army’s ability to defend the United States against foreign invasion, should the U.S. armed forces be unable to perform this duty. We believe that any law prohibiting any currently legal firearm puts the freedom and very survival of the United States of America at risk.
The federal government has enough paper work to currently take care of any legal issues concerning weapons. The "Grandfather Clause" and fingerprinting is just another hurdle in the gun purchasing process that is ineffective against any kind of real crime prevention. Plus, most gun owners eventually get a concealed weapons permit which already collects fingerprints and does a background check at the applicant's expense.
Let’s look at the logistical ramifications of another magazine ban. Over the ten years of the ban, we never ran out. Not even close. Magazines are cheap and basic. Most of them are pieces of sheet metal with some wire. That’s it. Magazines are considered disposable so most gun people accumulate a ton of them. All it did was make magazines more expensive, ticked off law abiding citizens, and didn’t so much as inconvenience a single criminal.
Criminals and psychopaths do not care about laws and regulations. The only people that this legislation will hurt is the law abiding voter.
Would you feel safer having a weapon to defend yourself or a new law that takes away that possibility?
As my Honorable Senator, please consider this a request to vote NO for ANY type of gun control legislation.
Sincerely -
COPY AND PASTE ABOVE-----
This can be a grass roots campaign to make your voice heard. Feel free to add or edit this letter as you see fit.
Keep Right On Prepping - K
The middle paragraph was taken from: http://larrycorreia.wordpress.com/2012/12/20/an-opinion-on-gun-control/
I invite all of you to email or write a letter to your Senator and let your voice be heard about the current gun control legislation. Linking, Cutting and pasting onto your site is greatly appreciated to reach as many people as possible during this time. January 3rd is the reconvening of Congress.
COPY AND PASTE BELOW-----
http://www.senate.gov/general/contact_information/senators_cfm.cfm
We feel that ANY legislation against citizen firearms violates a well regulated militia being necessary to the security of a free State that shall not be infringed. Banning any legal current firearms will substantially weaken the citizen army’s ability to defend the United States against foreign invasion, should the U.S. armed forces be unable to perform this duty. We believe that any law prohibiting any currently legal firearm puts the freedom and very survival of the United States of America at risk.
The federal government has enough paper work to currently take care of any legal issues concerning weapons. The "Grandfather Clause" and fingerprinting is just another hurdle in the gun purchasing process that is ineffective against any kind of real crime prevention. Plus, most gun owners eventually get a concealed weapons permit which already collects fingerprints and does a background check at the applicant's expense.
Let’s look at the logistical ramifications of another magazine ban. Over the ten years of the ban, we never ran out. Not even close. Magazines are cheap and basic. Most of them are pieces of sheet metal with some wire. That’s it. Magazines are considered disposable so most gun people accumulate a ton of them. All it did was make magazines more expensive, ticked off law abiding citizens, and didn’t so much as inconvenience a single criminal.
Criminals and psychopaths do not care about laws and regulations. The only people that this legislation will hurt is the law abiding voter.
Would you feel safer having a weapon to defend yourself or a new law that takes away that possibility?
As my Honorable Senator, please consider this a request to vote NO for ANY type of gun control legislation.
Sincerely -
COPY AND PASTE ABOVE-----
This can be a grass roots campaign to make your voice heard. Feel free to add or edit this letter as you see fit.
Keep Right On Prepping - K
The middle paragraph was taken from: http://larrycorreia.wordpress.com/2012/12/20/an-opinion-on-gun-control/
Wednesday, December 26, 2012
Preparations Pay Off
We got home around 3:00pm after spending some time at my parents for Christmas dinner. The Christmas dinner included a roasted turkey, sweet potatoes, mashed potatoes, oyster stuffing, homemade bread, cranberries,and giblet gravy. I do love the holidays!
The weather had been raining most of the day and the temperature was near freezing, and the sun hadn't set yet. The forecast had called for snow, and we were well stocked with food, and all of the new entertainment that Santa brought. I was napping in my recliner when Sweetheart mentioned that the lights were flickering, and we might lose power. I nodded back off to sleep, and an hour later the lights went out.
No problem, we had a generator set up on the second story balcony, next to the living room. I had had an all weather outlet installed and directly wired into a new outlet inside the house. That way, I could run the generator and have power into the house without letting heat in or out. In theory, a good plan. In reality, I hadn't run the generator and tested the circuit. I added the oil into the generator, as this was the first time to use it. I pulled the gas cans from under the house, of which we have two 5 gallon all metal military Jerry cans and a 3 gallon Jerry can. I also had another 8 gallons in fuel set aside for lawn mowers and emergency car refills. They were filled last winter, this blend stores better, and I had planned on refilling the cars with them soon. The rotation of the backup gasoline was on my to-do list.
I got the generator started and plugged it into the outdoor outlet. Inside, I had a power strip with a 20-25 foot extension cord to power the entertainment system. The entertainment system power was "cleaned up" by using a backup battery power supply pack. This helps to massage,or smooth out the power spikes, and help protect my delicate electronics.
A problem quickly came up, when the lights inside the house didn't light up. I had let the generator run for a few minutes to get up to speed before putting a load on it. I rechecked the extension cords and the GFC on the outlet. Still no power to the house. I started from the generator and bypassed the outlet, running the extension cord in through the side door. The lights came on, so it was the outlet that was interrupting the circuit.
I threw the extension cord over the balcony and ran into the doggy door and up the stairway. The generator was louder than expected and slightly shook the living room. I had Sweetheart help me move the genny onto the carport next to the baclony, and was able to plug it into the extension cord that ran downstairs in through the doggy door. It only took about 20 minutes to get things situated, but I am still thankful that the sun was still shining.
Around 6:30pm, my next door neighbor had just gotten home and he asked about the how long the power had been out. I asked if he was able to keep his saltwater fish okay with the power being out, and he said that they were good for a few hours without power. I offered for him to bring an extension cord and power strip over and he could plug into the generator. He did.
We watched new DVDs from Santa, while Sweetheart and I read new books. A battery powered lantern was positioned in the bathroom, and flashlights were readily accessible if the generator ran out of fuel. We snacked for dinner, and made it a pleasant time for ourselves.
The power came back on around 10:00pm, and I let the generator run for another 15 minutes before shutting it down for the night.
I have added a few items onto my to-do list.
The weather had been raining most of the day and the temperature was near freezing, and the sun hadn't set yet. The forecast had called for snow, and we were well stocked with food, and all of the new entertainment that Santa brought. I was napping in my recliner when Sweetheart mentioned that the lights were flickering, and we might lose power. I nodded back off to sleep, and an hour later the lights went out.
No problem, we had a generator set up on the second story balcony, next to the living room. I had had an all weather outlet installed and directly wired into a new outlet inside the house. That way, I could run the generator and have power into the house without letting heat in or out. In theory, a good plan. In reality, I hadn't run the generator and tested the circuit. I added the oil into the generator, as this was the first time to use it. I pulled the gas cans from under the house, of which we have two 5 gallon all metal military Jerry cans and a 3 gallon Jerry can. I also had another 8 gallons in fuel set aside for lawn mowers and emergency car refills. They were filled last winter, this blend stores better, and I had planned on refilling the cars with them soon. The rotation of the backup gasoline was on my to-do list.
I got the generator started and plugged it into the outdoor outlet. Inside, I had a power strip with a 20-25 foot extension cord to power the entertainment system. The entertainment system power was "cleaned up" by using a backup battery power supply pack. This helps to massage,or smooth out the power spikes, and help protect my delicate electronics.
A problem quickly came up, when the lights inside the house didn't light up. I had let the generator run for a few minutes to get up to speed before putting a load on it. I rechecked the extension cords and the GFC on the outlet. Still no power to the house. I started from the generator and bypassed the outlet, running the extension cord in through the side door. The lights came on, so it was the outlet that was interrupting the circuit.
I threw the extension cord over the balcony and ran into the doggy door and up the stairway. The generator was louder than expected and slightly shook the living room. I had Sweetheart help me move the genny onto the carport next to the baclony, and was able to plug it into the extension cord that ran downstairs in through the doggy door. It only took about 20 minutes to get things situated, but I am still thankful that the sun was still shining.
Around 6:30pm, my next door neighbor had just gotten home and he asked about the how long the power had been out. I asked if he was able to keep his saltwater fish okay with the power being out, and he said that they were good for a few hours without power. I offered for him to bring an extension cord and power strip over and he could plug into the generator. He did.
We watched new DVDs from Santa, while Sweetheart and I read new books. A battery powered lantern was positioned in the bathroom, and flashlights were readily accessible if the generator ran out of fuel. We snacked for dinner, and made it a pleasant time for ourselves.
The power came back on around 10:00pm, and I let the generator run for another 15 minutes before shutting it down for the night.
I have added a few items onto my to-do list.
- Making a concrete platform under the balcony for the generator. The generator can be stored under the house, and hauled out when needed. It will be more secure from neighbors, and reduce the noise towards the street. The generator will need to be wrapped up to prevent dirt and dust from accumulating on it.
- We need to purchase a few more extension cords. The refrigerator needs to be plugged into a power strip where the cord is easily accessible for prolonged outages. It makes more sense to have it prepped for an extension cord than trying to move the refrigerator while the power is out.
- Another power strip to run the router would have been nice to find out information about weather or natural disaster. We don't have cable, and our main means of information is the internet.
- Rotate the fuel reserves.
Monday, December 24, 2012
Our tree...
Merry Christmas from the all of us here at The Compound - K, Sweetheart, Row, & Red Ant with Pincers.
Sunday, December 23, 2012
Friday, December 21, 2012
My Gun Control Slogan
For all the ADHD people that like their sound bites...
Keep Right On Prepping - K
Mayan Update
Well, I'm still here. I've not taken any pain medication today which is a good sign on the oral surgery. The prescription will be set back into our medical kit.
Sweetheart and the kids are home, and we are headed out to my parents for a nice dinner and some wine. Pictures will be uploaded when we get back home.
We are also celebrating my Mom's birthday ( it's on the 22nd ) and Christmas since Super RN Sister has to work on Christmas day.
Gotta Go & Take Care - K
And another good tune to be humming today...
Sweetheart and the kids are home, and we are headed out to my parents for a nice dinner and some wine. Pictures will be uploaded when we get back home.
We are also celebrating my Mom's birthday ( it's on the 22nd ) and Christmas since Super RN Sister has to work on Christmas day.
Gotta Go & Take Care - K
And another good tune to be humming today...
12-21-2012 - Wake Up!
Well, Today is the end of the Mayan Calendar. I'm going to (mostly) live like it is the end of the world. I got up early made coffee and I'll be adding this:
Sweetheart's mug is the James Dean, just in case you were wondering. I'll add a little bit of flavor, since I'm still on pain meds. The kids have to go to school, otherwise they'd be with me. I'll send them off on their way, and head back home for some soup for breakfast. I'll also be headed back out to do some Christmas shopping for stocking stuffers, and ammo hunting.
I'll also be humming this song all day:
Tell your loved ones that you love them and stay aware - there is gonna be one wack-o out there.
Keep Right On Prepping - K
I'll also be humming this song all day:
"And I feel fine"
Keep Right On Prepping - K
Thursday, December 20, 2012
3 Less Teeth, Painpills, and A Couch
I survived the oral surgery. I had two wisdom teeth gone and one on the opposite side, I had the upper left moral removed that was turning black and dying. I just don't understand insurance companies because they said it was salvageable. Really? Not without a root canal, crowns, drilling, and about $2500. Mind you, we are on one income, and I don't like people poking into my mouth. I told them to pull it.
Sweetheart is taking great care of me as I lay on the couch and try to listen to Pandora. In between nap sessions, she repacks my gauze, and allots me more pain meds. I'm hoping to get a body massage out of the deal. Surgery was at nine am, but going from six until nine without coffee, water, or anything by mouth really sucked. The twilight anesthesia hasn't hit me as hard this time, I'm actually able to have moments of activity.
I also found this:
Hell, I might have some Bailey's in tomorrow's lukewarm coffee to start the day off right. Later on at my Dad and Mom's house, we are celebrating my Mom's birthday, Christmas, and The End Of the World As We know It (TEOTWAWKI). I'm hoping the Tenderloin is soft enough for me to eat, but we are also bringing a couple of bottles of wine.
I think the guy in the middle is sticking his tongue out at us. The Mayans must have won the Longest punch line delivery in all of history. I'm calling Guinness World Records and check it out.
Stay Tuned, more random thoughts to follow....
-K
Sweetheart is taking great care of me as I lay on the couch and try to listen to Pandora. In between nap sessions, she repacks my gauze, and allots me more pain meds. I'm hoping to get a body massage out of the deal. Surgery was at nine am, but going from six until nine without coffee, water, or anything by mouth really sucked. The twilight anesthesia hasn't hit me as hard this time, I'm actually able to have moments of activity.
I also found this:
Hell, I might have some Bailey's in tomorrow's lukewarm coffee to start the day off right. Later on at my Dad and Mom's house, we are celebrating my Mom's birthday, Christmas, and The End Of the World As We know It (TEOTWAWKI). I'm hoping the Tenderloin is soft enough for me to eat, but we are also bringing a couple of bottles of wine.
 |
| I think the guy in the middle is sticking his tongue out at us. |
I think the guy in the middle is sticking his tongue out at us. The Mayans must have won the Longest punch line delivery in all of history. I'm calling Guinness World Records and check it out.
Stay Tuned, more random thoughts to follow....
-K
Wednesday, December 19, 2012
Picture Collection # something?
Time for some humor...
Politically incorrect, but funny...
For my Brother...
 |
| Remember Pie day is March 14th! |
 | |
| Something I might do... |
If this is your Bug Out Bag...good luck!
Another screensaver....
From my newest follower, Scott Way , thanks and I'll be doing a proper intro soon.
Tis the season....
On a serious note, order your high capacity magazines soon, they will soon be banned. I prefer the P-Mags. Buy ammo every time your go to the store, accumulate slowly and consistently. I think that you might be too late to buy your AR15 type rifle, buy from a private sale if possible. Times are interesting, take care and take note.
Keep Right On Prepping - K
Tuesday, December 18, 2012
Meat For The Pantry & A Trip to China-mart
I made a trip to China-mart to do some Christmas shopping and to check out the ammo/gun supply. I had heard that ammo was getting hard to find, so I swung by the sports department, and sure enough, all of the .223 was gone. A lot of the other calibers were also empty, except for the higher priced stuff. The AR15 style weapons were also pulled, I don't know if they were sold out, or voluntarily pulled from the shelves.
I'm always on the look out for new products, especially in the canned meat department. Cheese is also another long term storage problem, but that's another post. If my long time readers recall, I did a MRE Monday on Sloppy Joes (link provided) and it was an 8 oz pouch for $2.75. I found this new product from Hormel called Sandwich makers and it was a 7.5 oz. sloppy joe barbecue sauce with beef tray. They also had two other new products, one was pulled pork, and the other was meatballs in a marina sauce.
.JPG)
I'll be doing a review soon, but it may be after my oral surgery. I'm having oral surgery on Thursday, so I might be blogging on pain meds...beware. These wisdom teeth need to be taken care of before the end of the year. I don't think things are going to get better, and any elective surgery for the long haul is a good preparation.
Anyone tried these Hormel Sandwich Makers? What do you think of them? The comment line is open...you know what to do.
Keep Right On Prepping - K
I'm always on the look out for new products, especially in the canned meat department. Cheese is also another long term storage problem, but that's another post. If my long time readers recall, I did a MRE Monday on Sloppy Joes (link provided) and it was an 8 oz pouch for $2.75. I found this new product from Hormel called Sandwich makers and it was a 7.5 oz. sloppy joe barbecue sauce with beef tray. They also had two other new products, one was pulled pork, and the other was meatballs in a marina sauce.
It recommends the best buy date of 3-14-14 which is around 15 months. I am really excited to do a review on this entree and to be able to compare it to the MRE. It also costs $1.98, which is a good sized savings compared to the MRE.
.JPG)
I'll be doing a review soon, but it may be after my oral surgery. I'm having oral surgery on Thursday, so I might be blogging on pain meds...beware. These wisdom teeth need to be taken care of before the end of the year. I don't think things are going to get better, and any elective surgery for the long haul is a good preparation.
Anyone tried these Hormel Sandwich Makers? What do you think of them? The comment line is open...you know what to do.
Keep Right On Prepping - K
Monday, December 17, 2012
MRE Monday Update// FD Green Peas
I am still going to do the MRE Monday's, but I will be mixing in other Mid to long term food storage solutions. Today, I am going to introduce Freeze-Dried Green Peas from Provident Pantry. It is available through Emergency Essentials for :
The MyChoice size can (#2.5) is a little larger than a soup can (#300) and roughly a quarter of the size of the institutional size cans (#10). They also come with a pop top lid which requires no can opener. These cans will provide long term storage for the same length of time as the standard sized cans, which is 25 years under ideal conditions.
.JPG)
Nutritional Information:
Serving Size: 1/2 cup or 28 grams
Calories: 100
Calories from fat: 5
Total Fat: .5g or 1% DV
Cholesterol: 0mg or 0% DV
Sodium: 5mg or 0% DV
Total Carbohydrates: 18g or 6% DV
Dietary Fiber: 6g or 26% DV
Sugars: 7g
Protein: 7g or 14% DV
Vitamin A: 15% DV
Vitamin C: 80% DV
Calcium: 4% DV
Iron: 10%
.JPG)
Review:
I love the size of these cans ( #2.5 MyChoice Cans) , because they take up less space in the kitchen, and they are the right size for a small family. They also make using the product before going bad very easy. We have only done green peas as a side dish only on a few occasions, and they didn't go over very well.
So, why would I order these?
I am not that big of a fan of green peas, but will even occasionally snack on them freeze-dried. The green peas also retain their freeze dried qualities for a long time after the can has been opened, unlike the freeze-dried strawberries. We have been pleased with this product, and once we establish our homestead, we will be ordering a lot more.
Comments?
Keep Right On Prepping - K
| IN FH P230 - MyChoice™ Green Peas - 6 oz | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1-5 | 6+ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| $6.50 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
 Quantity: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| IN FN P130 - PROVIDENT PANTRY® Freeze Dried Green Peas - 18 oz | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1-5 | 6+ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| $17.95 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Quantity: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
The MyChoice size can (#2.5) is a little larger than a soup can (#300) and roughly a quarter of the size of the institutional size cans (#10). They also come with a pop top lid which requires no can opener. These cans will provide long term storage for the same length of time as the standard sized cans, which is 25 years under ideal conditions.
.JPG)
Nutritional Information:
Serving Size: 1/2 cup or 28 grams
Calories: 100
Calories from fat: 5
Total Fat: .5g or 1% DV
Cholesterol: 0mg or 0% DV
Sodium: 5mg or 0% DV
Total Carbohydrates: 18g or 6% DV
Dietary Fiber: 6g or 26% DV
Sugars: 7g
Protein: 7g or 14% DV
Vitamin A: 15% DV
Vitamin C: 80% DV
Calcium: 4% DV
Iron: 10%
.JPG)
Review:
I love the size of these cans ( #2.5 MyChoice Cans) , because they take up less space in the kitchen, and they are the right size for a small family. They also make using the product before going bad very easy. We have only done green peas as a side dish only on a few occasions, and they didn't go over very well.
So, why would I order these?
- The nutritional value of these are very good, and the can packs around 600 calories.
- We mainly sprinkle them onto salads as a salad topping.
- They can also be added into stir fry dishes or homemade potpies when a small #300 can would be too much.
- They can also be ground up and added to spaghetti sauce to hide some veggies from the kids.
- It eliminates wasted food when doing some recipes. The added cost of the freeze-dried green peas makes up for cost savings versus the canned green peas.
- Plus, the can is a great size to sample new products without committing a large sum of money.
I am not that big of a fan of green peas, but will even occasionally snack on them freeze-dried. The green peas also retain their freeze dried qualities for a long time after the can has been opened, unlike the freeze-dried strawberries. We have been pleased with this product, and once we establish our homestead, we will be ordering a lot more.
Comments?
Keep Right On Prepping - K
Friday, December 14, 2012
How To Make A Heavy Duty Bathtub Cleaner
Okay, I'm going to expose some dirty laundry today. I absolutely hate cleaning the bathtub, but I like clean bathtubs. So, there is always an internal conflict or some kind of Zen Ying Yang balance between the two extremes.
Recently, I have also been exploring natural homemade cleaners. Not so much for the "green" or environmentally friendly stuff, but more the effective frugal type of household cleaners. I ran across this recipe and gave it a shot.
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The above picture is the actual bathtub being tested. It is the original bathtub from the 1950's and solid. I'm hoping that the grime is visible ( don't think less of me ). You can click to enlarge if you like.
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This second photo is taken after the mixture was applied onto the dry surface and allowed to sit for 10 minutes. A light scrubbing was applied with a bar towel or terry cloth. I really hate cleaning the bathtub, so the less elbow grease the better. You'll also notice the recipe on the spray bottle, and it is clearly marked.
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I reapplied another coat of the bathtub cleaner, and let it sit for another 5 minutes. Another light scrubbing was applied, and hopefully you can see the difference. I am very impressed with the cleaning ability of this cleaner.
Final Thoughts:
I was hoping that the cleaner recipe was a little cheaper, but I'm going to use a 100% vinegar spray as maintenance, and for mold/mildew control on the bathtub. In the past, I have used all sorts of bathtub cleaners: Comet, Scrubbing Bubbles, Tilex, Limeaway, etc. I've also tried them in various combinations, one after another. This cleaner has outperformed all of them in less than 20 minutes.
Keep Right On Prepping ( and saving money ) - K
Before and After pictures to compare.
Recently, I have also been exploring natural homemade cleaners. Not so much for the "green" or environmentally friendly stuff, but more the effective frugal type of household cleaners. I ran across this recipe and gave it a shot.
RECIPE:
8 oz ( 1 cup ) Dawn dish soap
8 oz ( 1 cup) white vinegar
- I actually used 9 oz of the Dawn because that is the size that I had on hand, and it's a one-to-one ratio, so it's easy to figure out.
- Heat the vinegar in the microwave until hot ( about 123 seconds ).
- Pour into an empty spray bottle, then slowly add the Dawn into the spray bottle too.
- TIP: Let the mixture get to room temperature before tightening it down.
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The above picture is the actual bathtub being tested. It is the original bathtub from the 1950's and solid. I'm hoping that the grime is visible ( don't think less of me ). You can click to enlarge if you like.
.JPG)
This second photo is taken after the mixture was applied onto the dry surface and allowed to sit for 10 minutes. A light scrubbing was applied with a bar towel or terry cloth. I really hate cleaning the bathtub, so the less elbow grease the better. You'll also notice the recipe on the spray bottle, and it is clearly marked.
.JPG)
I reapplied another coat of the bathtub cleaner, and let it sit for another 5 minutes. Another light scrubbing was applied, and hopefully you can see the difference. I am very impressed with the cleaning ability of this cleaner.
Final Thoughts:
I was hoping that the cleaner recipe was a little cheaper, but I'm going to use a 100% vinegar spray as maintenance, and for mold/mildew control on the bathtub. In the past, I have used all sorts of bathtub cleaners: Comet, Scrubbing Bubbles, Tilex, Limeaway, etc. I've also tried them in various combinations, one after another. This cleaner has outperformed all of them in less than 20 minutes.
Keep Right On Prepping ( and saving money ) - K
Friday, December 7, 2012
Infamy
December 7th, 1941 -- a date which will live in infamy --
Granddad,
For serving America during it's time of need, without reservation, without remorse, without fear, You were "The Greatest Generation".
- K
Wednesday, December 5, 2012
Tuesday, December 4, 2012
I thought I'd share...
My Procedures I class had an assignment to post a discussion thread about geriatric patients, this was my post:
In The Zone
"My most recent experience with an older patient involved a chest x-ray while they were seated in a wheelchair. While I was trying to remove the armrests he was saying "Help Me", so I thought maybe he needed help. I tried to move his arm, which he was having trouble doing, and he then tried to punch me in the privates. The first time I was a little stunned and thought he was joking until he improved his aim on the next punch. Luckily, there wasn't much force behind it, but as a result, I increased my distance while still trying to get the x-ray. I'm not sure if he was suffering from dementia, but it was a memorable morning in a combat zone."
I'll be posting less frequently, since it is getting very close to the end of the semester, and I have a few grades that are "on the bubble". Three tests this Friday to end the semester, then Finals start on Monday the 10th to Wednesday the 12th.
Keep on Prepping - K
In The Zone
"My most recent experience with an older patient involved a chest x-ray while they were seated in a wheelchair. While I was trying to remove the armrests he was saying "Help Me", so I thought maybe he needed help. I tried to move his arm, which he was having trouble doing, and he then tried to punch me in the privates. The first time I was a little stunned and thought he was joking until he improved his aim on the next punch. Luckily, there wasn't much force behind it, but as a result, I increased my distance while still trying to get the x-ray. I'm not sure if he was suffering from dementia, but it was a memorable morning in a combat zone."
I'll be posting less frequently, since it is getting very close to the end of the semester, and I have a few grades that are "on the bubble". Three tests this Friday to end the semester, then Finals start on Monday the 10th to Wednesday the 12th.
Keep on Prepping - K
Monday, December 3, 2012
MRE Monday - Au Gratin Potatoes
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Nutritional Information:
Serving Size: 5 oz.
Calories: 170
Calories from fat: 80
Total Fat: 9g or 14% DV
Cholesterol: 25mg or 8% DV
Sodium: 630mg or 26% DV
Total Carbohydrates: 18g or 6% DV
Dietary Fiber: 1g or 4% DV
Sugars: 1g
Protein: 4g
Vitamin A: 6% DV
Vitamin C: 40% DV
Calcium: 6% DV
Iron: 2%
Expectations:
I was thinking that those Au Gratin Potatoes that come in a box would a good expectation.
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| Very small sampling tonight for everyone. |
Realities:
Tonight we had a total of six people sampling this MRE, so it was literally just a bite or two per person.
Row, the six year old, took his usual cautious bite, then decided that he didn't like it. I would have guessed that he would have liked this one. Looks like I was wrong.
Red Ant, the vocal three year old, doesn't like potatoes in any form except for french fries. I was rather surprised when he said, "Yeah, I like cheese soup. I like the cheese soup." Okay, so it has potatoes in the cheese soup, but he ate it! He finished the bowl without any further prodding.
Mother-in-law was rather blunt and said that she would eat it anytime. Oh, and there was an "Mmmmmm" before the announcement.
Mimi, or second mother, simply said that "They're good". I asked her if I could quote her and she said yes. I'll take this as a nod of approval. She did ask about why we were reviewing MREs, and I told her it was for backpacking. She also asked about a lot of the food stored downstairs, and I explained stocking up at the grocery store when the price hits a low point in the cycle.
"One of the best", was the high praise that came from my wife. Another star was earned for this side dish.
I only got a small bite, and wished I had had more to sample. The potatoes were firm, and the au gratin potatoes had a full body. The sauce was creamy, with a hint of onion or some other subtle flavor. After looking at the ingredients, garlic powder and onion powder were further down the list, so my taste buds were correct.
Final Thoughts:
I would probably go nuts, if both my boys liked the same dish, but since they are individual pouches it is really a non-issue. That's the beauty of the MREs, we could all have different meals without the fuss.
I'm a meat and potatoes guy, and these really satisfy my taste buds. I was a little surprised that my wife liked them so much, as she usually balks at canned potatoes. I'd say this was high praise. They are on the A list for reorders.
Stars: * * * ( 3 )
Thursday, November 29, 2012
Using Contrails To Predict The Weather
Mohave Rat recently had a post dealing with contrails, and I offered an explanation for them, hence this new post. I first learned how to read them from Larry Williams, an extraordinary outdoors man.
First, we need to define contrails. Contrails is short for condensation trails. They are those long or short lines behind the jet airplanes that appear in the sky. The condensation trails are formed by water vapor that condenses or turns into ice crystals depending on the air temperature of the jet's altitude. Armed with this knowledge, you can mostly predict the weather. It isn't 100% accurate, but reliable enough when backpacking on extended trips.
Air can contain no more than a certain maximum amount of water vapor at any given temperature. The higher the temperature of the air, the more water vapor it can hold. When it is cold enough and there is moisture in the air, the exhaust of a jet engine "seeds" the water vapor making contrails. Snow and raindrops are also formed around a speck of dirt, which explains why the car gets so dirty after a rainstorm. If the temperature of the air at which condensation takes place is above freezing, water droplets form. If it is below freezing, ice crystals form.
Some contrails are short and some are long. On days when the contrails are short there is little moisture (cold) in the air at high altitudes. When the contrails are long, there is more moisture in the air (warm) at that altitude. You can take note and notice the rate at which the contrail disappears to determine the amount of moisture in the atmosphere.
You can predict the weather by taking advantage of this information in the sky. If the contrails are short, and there are few or no clouds in the sky, then there is little moisture in the upper atmosphere. The chances are very good that the next twelve to twenty-four hours will be clear. If the contrails are long, the moisture content of the upper atmosphere sky is high and more clouds or even a storm is on the way.
You can take two viewing of the contrails in the day and extrapolate a more accurate weather prediction. Short contrails and a clear day in the morning, then long contrails and clear in the afternoon most likely means that it will be clouding up tomorrow. You get the idea.
You can also get an idea of the direction and speed of the upper atmosphere winds by watching the contrails.
The planes most likely crossed from right to left, and the winds are blowing from bottom to top of the picture. I say most likely because the contrails are thicker on the left side, and it dissipates on the right side. The upper atmosphere winds are pushing the contrails towards the top of the picture as the bowing of the contrails suggest. The winds don't move in nice fronts like the weather maps show on tv.
Have fun with this knowledge, make some notes, predictions, and observe the results.
Oh, and that sprained ankle from a few years back is an excellent barometer too!
Keep Right On Prepping - K
Monday, November 26, 2012
MRE Monday - Pears
Nutritional Information:
Serving Size: 128 grams or about 4.5 ounces
Calories: 110
Calories from fat: 0
Total Fat: 0g or 0% DV
Cholesterol: 0mg or 0% DV
Sodium: 10mg or 0% DV
Total Carbohydrates: 27g or 9% DV
Dietary Fiber: 2g or 8% DV
Sugars: 26g
Protein: 1g
Vitamin A: 2% DV
Vitamin C: 130% DV
Calcium: 0% DV
Iron: 4%
Expectations:
My expectations were canned type pears diced into small cubes.
Realities:
Red Ant with Pincers, the soon to be four year old, took a small bite and said, " I don't like them." No further amount of persuasion could make him eat another bite. He is usually the better eater of the two boys too.
Row, the soon to be seven year old, was really excited after the first bite and said, " Yes, i do like them. These are just like the ones at daycare!" He did finish the same sampler bowl, which I consider a thumbs up. He usually doesn't go for the fruits and veggies like his younger brother.
Mother-in-law really liked them, and said that they were better than the canned variety.
Sweetheart, wasn't impressed with the pears. She did think that it might be good mixed into some oatmeal or baked into some bread.
I grew up on canned pears, and it would often be topped with mayonnaise and grated cheese. This being said, I thought that these were excellent. Very rarely, would I describe an MRE with these words, but it definitely got my approval. I think that the pears in the MRE were a little sweeter than the canned variety, which could account for my high marks.
Final Thoughts:
Yet again, the cost of $1.80 is quite high for 4.5 ounces of pears. The high cost is a trade off for long shelf life and portability. The pears will be going on the A-list of reorders just because my number one son likes them, and eats them. Anytime I can get one of my kids to eat a veggie/fruit, much less an MRE it will get my money.
Stars: * * ( 2 )
Saturday, November 24, 2012
How to Make Your Own Powder Laundry Detergent 2
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| The four cup batch before it got mixed. The paint bucket from Lowe's has been a great place to keep the detergent. |
The results have been very good, and the only noticeable difference has been the savings. The last batch ( 11 cups ) was made on May 11th, and cost us $7.99. So a little over a dollar a month for laundry, and we need to do at least one load a day to keep up. I made another 4 cup batch today, the only change has been that the Fels-Naptha has been grated to a fine consistency.
I have also been using a little white vinegar on occasion as a fabric softener, whiten the whites, and remove the sweat stains from my undershirts.
I prefer the scent of the homemade detergent over some of the store bought brands. The scent is best described as a lack of artificial scents.
The last six months has included clothes from yard work,restaurant level dirty, and workouts. I haven't seen any difference between Tide and our homemade detergent. Sweetheart would like a occasional scented version, perhaps a little oil concentrate could be added to the recipe? She does a vast majority of the laundry and has been rather indifferent to the change in detergents.
Our six month experiment has been a success. We will continue using our homemade version, and save some serious money for other preps. I ran the numbers and $32.00 will provide enough laundry detergent to last two years, with a load being done everyday. Not too bad.
In a long term situation, the ingredients do need to be safe guarded against moisture, since I had some minor clumping of the Borax and Super Soda. Clean clothes would be a huge morale booster and a possible way to barter services for goods in an economic collapse. Any thoughts?
Keep Right On Prepping - K
UPDATED:
On the first batch, I ran out of Fels-Naptha and used Ivory soap to get the right ratio. Here is a little trick to save some time instead of grating it. The ivory soap scent is rather strong after it is microwaved, just as a warning.
MM - If you could comment on the acceptability of using Ivory soap for allergies, it would be greatly appreciated.
Friday, November 23, 2012
Thank You
I want to extend my humble thanks to G.K. for the generous donation. I do have my eyes on a few new reference books on Amazon. My wife and I are reading Where There Is No Doctor , and should have a joint book review due after the new year. By the way, Sweetheart does medical coding, and she is one of my greatest resources for medical advice/diagnosis. We both want to extend our knowledge in the health care skill set.
I have also volunteered to be a
I hope everyone had a good Thanksgiving, but remember our troops overseas during this time of year. You know that it has to be hard to be away from family during war time. I'll be organizing another care package for my friend's son that is over in Afghanistan. I'm hoping to send enough that he can share with his Army buddies. Send a note or a care package to our armed forces, and remember them in your prayers.
Keep Right On Prepping - K
Wednesday, November 21, 2012
Picture Collection
Happy Thanksgiving to Everyone. The lack of blogging is because I have been extremely busy with school. Since my last post, I've had a nasty test in Physics over the electrical schematics of an x-ray machine. Yeah, sounds like loads of fun doesn't it?
I've also had two x-ray evaluations on a foot ( right & weight bearing ) and a KUB x-ray. The KUB stands for Kidney, Ureter, and Bladder. The evaluations consist of detailed information about any and all anatomy show in the radiograph. Diseases and abnormalities that could be seen in that particular image. I passed both of these so I currently have a 'C' in the class, which means continue. This has been a recurring inside joke within our class. I was venting to my sister (The super Neonatal ICU RN) and she helped changed my perspective about my lack of A's, thus the meaning of "C means continue" grew within the program. BTW - currently 3 A's and 2 B's. w/ the C. One of those B's is an 92%, and the other is 88%. 93% is the lowest A. I can forget my 4.0 GPA, but do employers really ask about your GPA in college? The various clinical sites are basically two year job interviews and a good work ethic will go a long way.
Now, on to the show......
Keep Right On Prepping - K
I've also had two x-ray evaluations on a foot ( right & weight bearing ) and a KUB x-ray. The KUB stands for Kidney, Ureter, and Bladder. The evaluations consist of detailed information about any and all anatomy show in the radiograph. Diseases and abnormalities that could be seen in that particular image. I passed both of these so I currently have a 'C' in the class, which means continue. This has been a recurring inside joke within our class. I was venting to my sister (The super Neonatal ICU RN) and she helped changed my perspective about my lack of A's, thus the meaning of "C means continue" grew within the program. BTW - currently 3 A's and 2 B's. w/ the C. One of those B's is an 92%, and the other is 88%. 93% is the lowest A. I can forget my 4.0 GPA, but do employers really ask about your GPA in college? The various clinical sites are basically two year job interviews and a good work ethic will go a long way.
Now, on to the show......
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| 15 out of 19 isn't too bad. |
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| For my Bro...Carbon Fiber Stormtroopers |
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| #5, 6, 8,& 10 YES! |
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| My newest screensaver |
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