Pennsylvania Man Dies–Unnecessarily–This is the Purpose of the Survival Nut!

Our purpose at thesurvivalnut.com is to save lives.  Bottom line.  We want people to live another day, in spite of their desperate circumstances.

The headline reads:

This man and his girlfriend called 911 over the course of 30 hours in order to get emergency help.  Because of the massive snow pile up and closed roads, they never reached him. He died. Unnecessarily. There will be an investigation.  There will be a lawsuit. None of that will bring him back. One thing could have saved his life–an emergency plan.

Do you have an emergency plan?  What if someone that you love is stranded because of a power outage, bizarre weather events, or the ravages of war?

Think it can’t happen?

Think again.

If you live in the United States of America, you should be prepared for, and expecting the impending crisis.

America has entered a time when its people expect more from its government than ever before, while America has a government that is less able to deliver than ever before.

The system is breaking.

If you expect to survive, YOU will have to take ownership and responsibility for yourself and your loved ones.

Start now–put together your emergency plan.

Here are some great places to start:  

The Red Cross

Preparedness Checklist

Don’t wait for others to help you–forget 911–prepare ahead of time so that you can help yourself–and others!

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Surviving Cold Winters–Prepare First!

By Patricia Shelton

Hiking in a Michigan Forest...

Taking the ½ mile hike to our woods and back is a real workout in the snow, especially when the wind is biting into your face.  It’s a good lesson in preparing to survive the winter.  Grousing about the weather only makes it more unbearable.  Better to find something that you can do to make it more interesting.  It sure isn’t going to go away any time soon.

So…what did I do to prepare? And what do I do to prepare for emergencies?  For the walk, I put on longjohns and jeans.  Insulated snowpants or something similar would be better if I was really thinking about spending a lot of time outside but this was a short walk.  I had a sweatshirt and fleece shirt under my down filled jacket.  That was almost too warm!  The jacket has a hood so I put that on also.  Under the hood I had a knit hat.  A scarf tied around my neck kept the hood in place and protected part of my face and neck.  My insulated gloves kept my hands very warm and my insulated, waterproof boots kept my feet toasty warm.  Well…having heavy socks on helped too.

Grandma and Scooby take a break...

I put two bottles of water in a backpack.  Normally I would also pack some crackers and/or trail mix but I knew we had to get back quickly so I didn’t pack those this time.

The walk out was almost too warm.  I thought I’d be sweating before we got there–and sweating is a no-no!  The wind was at our back so I knew the walk back would be more challenging. 

I was right…the walk back was harder because we were walking into the wind.  My eyes had started to water and the wind made my right eye feel like ice was in it.  It was quite painful.  I walked backward for a while and tried to close my eye and get it to stop watering.  I wear glasses and even that did not help keep the wind out of my eyes.  By the way, my eyes were the only part of me that got cold.

My glasses darken in sunlight, so they reduce glare from snow.  That is good because  I do not need to get snowblindness (who will feed the chickens?), which can be a real hazard when I am a long way from shelter. 

I’ll have to research goggles that fit over my glasses if I’m going to be out in the weather for any length of time, especially in the wind!

–Grandma, Grandma’s Thought for the Day

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The Men Who Stare and Goats (and Feed Them, and Water Them, Too!)

Anyway you write it, we’re now (sort of) in the goat business.  We started with chickens.  Small enough, not much trouble, easy to take care of, and they produce eggs and meat.  Not a bad deal.

“Leveled up” in the farming venue to ducks, geese and guineas.  Still not too much trouble.  Then along came the goats.  The first one was Snickers.  We didn’t name him; he came with a name.  He had been de-horned so he couldn’t do too much damage.  He was good with the kids (which I liked), but the previous owners called him “Houdini” because he could always escape any enclosure.

We thought we’d cured him of his wandering when we got him.  Sure!  The first month that we had him we had to chase him down and bring him back at least a dozen times.  He wanted to go ‘home,’ which he believed to be elsewhere.  After he figured out that ‘our ranch was his ranch,’ he decided to roam all over the yard.  He enjoyed antagonizing the dog, eating the grass (we didn’t mind; it saved on mowing), and knocking things over.  We finally got the pasture fence fixed up enough so that he could no longer get over or under it.

Then, during the brutal Michigan winter last year, we lost him.  He was old, and we knew that he would die some day, but it was still sad to find him frozen in the pasture one winter morning.  Just before he died we had been given two small goats, were also good with the kids.  So, we were still in the goat business.  The problem is, I had never raised goats before.  Chickens, ducks, and geese are small and not much trouble.  I’m not so sure about goats.

Goats need a little more tending.  Now we’ve got four. Thankfully, these girls are friendly with the kids.  The ladies have horns, so I’m a bit wary. So far they’ve been good and have not given us any trouble.  I keep thinking I really should read up on how to raise goats, or at least how to properly take care of them.  Maybe this winter when the snow is knee deep and I have some time,I’ll go outside and become one of “the men who stare at goats.”

Hey, that movie opens up soon.  Maybe I’ll go see it and get some ideas!

Internet Movie Database Website link for “THE MEN WHO STARE AT GOATS…”

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Bow Hunting Equipment: The Essentials You Need For a Successful Hunt  

by KG Walsh

If you are new to the sport of bow hunting, you may be wondering what hunting gear you need to carry with you. Here are five key items to consider:

1. Hunting Crossbow or Compound Bow: It seems pretty obvious, but the first place to start is the bow. You have two options when it comes to picking your primary piece of hunting equipment.

A compound bow is a vertical bow that will use a cam or elliptical system on the ends of the bow to help bend the limbs. The levering mechanism on a compound bow helps reduce the amount of force required to hold the string at full draw. As a result, it gives a hunter more time to focus on the shot.

Another option is the crossbow.

A crossbow is a horizontal, mechanical bow that has a bow mounted on a stock (or stick). A crossbow is not limited by the strength of the hunter and therefore can be a good choice for hunters of varying age, size and strength.

2. Arrows/Bolts: You will need some arrows, or projectiles, to use with your bow. Arrows can be made of different materials, typically aluminum, carbon or a combination of the two. The arrows are also available in varying lengths and stiffness. To pick which arrow is best for you, you’ll want to look at the draw weight and draw length for your particular bow.

The arrow-like projectiles that are used with a crossbow are referred to as bolts. These will also come in varying styles so it’s good to test a few to see what type works best for you.

3. Crossbow Scope: If your bow of choice is a crossbow, you will typically need a crossbow scope to accompany it. There are different types of scopes available, including red dot and laser scopes. The benefit of the scope is that it can help compensate for the affect of gravity on your shot.

4. Camouflage: Staying out of sight from your prey is critical to success as a bow hunter. After all, if the animal catches just a glimpse of you, you will minimize your chances of success. So pick a good camo jacket, camouflage pants or bibs and apply some face paint. These will all help you to stay hidden from the deer, and the camo jacket and pants will give you the added benefit of being comfortable when sitting outside in the elements all day.

5. Scent Killer: In addition to camouflage gear, you will also want to invest a few dollars in a scent-killer spray. This one item will probably give you the greatest return on your investment. You can spend hundreds of dollars on the best bow hunting equipment, but if you can’t get within close proximity to your target you’ll have no success as a hunter.

There are several additional items that you may wish to bring on your next hunting trip, but these five essentials are a good start for bow hunting basics.

A great location and well-planned hunting strategy will be the perfect complement to your equipment and will ultimately be the secret to your success.

 About the Author:
KG Walsh provides tips & info on bow hunting equipment. Learn more at our website, http://www.huntingbowequipment.com/. We are a leading provider of hunting crossbows, compound bows, crossbow scopes, camo clothes & hunting backpacks. Check out our Daily Deals and Free Shipping on orders over $100!

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Wilderness Survival at Indian Springs Metropark

Southeast Michigan contains a hidden treasure–the Huron-Clinton Metro Park system.

The Metroparks host several instructional events throughout the year. 

On October 17th & 18th, 2009, Indian Springs Metropark’s Environmental Discovery Center will be offering a “Wilderness Survival” program geared for scouting groups or other interested persons.

Call 248-625-6640.  Indians Springs is west of Pontiac, Michigan.  More information is available by viewing the Metroparks Fall 2009 Calendar of Events or Indian Springs’ Interpretive Program Page.

Huron-Clinton Metroparks: Delhi, Dexter Huron, Hudson Mills, Huron Meadows, Indian Springs, Kensington, Lake Erie, Lower Huron, Metro Beach, Oakwoods, Stony Creek (Note: sometimes spelled Stoney Creek), Willow, Wolcott Mill.

The Observer & Eccentric News also publishes the Metropark Calendar here.

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PICKLES  

by Lara Velez

The true history of the pickle is somewhat of a mystery.

Some believe that the pickle dates back to India–4030 years ago! 

(Recipes below!) 

 The pickle was mentioned in the Bible by Jesus, and also in the Old Testament books of Numbers and Isaiah.

Napoleon valued its health benefits for his army.

George Washington had a collection of 476 different kinds of pickles.

In 850 B.C.,  Aristotle praised the healing benefits of the pickle.  

[Regarding this preserved curcurbit], Thomas Jefferson wrote: “On a hot day in Virginia, I know nothing more comforting than a fine spiced pickle, brought up like trout, from the sparkling depths of the aromatic jar below the stairs of Aunt Sally’s cellar.”

So, what is all the fuss over a pickled cucumber you ask?  Who knows?

I do know that even today the popular pickle is everywhere!

The crunchy, tangy pickle is eaten out of jars, on burgers, and served with [deli] sandwiches. It is sliced, speared, whole, diced for relish, spicy, sour, and sweet. We just love the amazing, multi-talented pickle!

The health benefits of the pickle are incredible:

Raw, lacto-fermented vegetables (pickles) have good bacteria that inhibit the growth of harmful microbes in the intestines.

Pickles have a high concentration of vitamin C.

They help you absorb iron better.

Research shows that vinegar can help with weigh loss.

PICKLE FACTS:

* Americans consume 26-billion pickles a year. That’s about nine pounds of pickles per person  

* More than half the cucumbers grown in the U.S. are made into pickles

* Amerigo Vespucci, for whom America is named, was a pickle merchant before becoming an explorer

* Pickling has been used to preserve food for almost 5,000 years

* The pickle is both a fruit and a vegetable

No matter how you feel about pickles…they aren’t going anywhere.

So, grab a dill, sit down, and get crunching.

How to Make Dill Pickles:

4 dozen fresh, crisp, pickling cucumbers – DO NOT use the commercial, waxed kind!

Fresh dill, to taste (approx. 1- bundle)

 1 qt. Apple cider vinegar

8 c water

1 c salt

10 whole garlic cloves, peeled

2-4 garlic cloves, peeled, and crushed

Several Jars

Wash cukes and cover with cold water. Refrigerate overnight. Pack cukes into jars, tightly. Stuff equal amounts of dill into each jar. Meanwhile, bring remaining ingredients to a boil. Boil for 2 min. Evenly divide whole garlic cloves into jars. Pour hot brine into the jars. Seal. Makes 12 pints. After processing and cooling, jars should be stored 4 to 5 weeks to develop ideal flavor.

How to Make Bread-and-Butter Pickles:

6 lbs of 4- to 5-inch pickling cucumbers

8 cups thinly sliced onions (about 3 pounds)

l/2 cup canning or pickling salt

4 cups vinegar (5 percent)

4-l/2 cups sugar

2 tbsp mustard seed

l-l/2 tbsp celery seed

l tbsp ground tumeric

Wash cucumbers. Cut l/l6-inch off blossom end and discard. Cut into 3/l6-inch slices. Combine cucumbers and onions in a large bowl. Add salt. Cover with 2 inches crushed or cubed ice. Refrigerate 3 to 4 hours, adding more ice as needed. Combine remaining ingredients in a large pot. Boil 10 minutes. Drain and add cucumbers and onions and slowly reheat to boiling. Fill jars with slices and cooking syrup, leaving l/2-inch headspace. Adjust lids and process pints or quarts 10 minutes in a boiling water canner. After processing and cooling, jars should be stored 4 to 5 weeks to develop ideal flavor.  

How to Make Quick Sweet Pickles:

8 lbs of 3- to 4-inch pickling cucumbers (may be canned as strips or slices)

l/3 cup canning or pickling salt

4-l/2 cups sugar

3-l/2 cups vinegar (5 percent)

2 tsp celery seed

l tbsp whole allspice

2 tbsp mustard seed

Yield: About 7 to 9 pints

Wash cucumbers. Cut l/l6-inch off blossom end and discard, but leave l/4 inch of stem attached. Slice or cut in strips, if desired. Place in bowl and sprinkle with l/3 cup salt. Cover with 2 inches of crushed or cubed ice. Refrigerate 3 to 4 hours. Add more ice as needed. Drain well. Combine sugar, vinegar, celery seed, allspice, and mustard seed in 6-quart kettle. Heat to boiling. Hot Pack: Add cucumbers and heat slowly until vinegar solution returns to boil. Stir occasionally to make sure mixture heats evenly. Fill sterile jars, leaving l/2-inch headspace. Adjust lids. Process 5 minutes in a boiling water canner. Raw Pack: Fill jars, leaving l/2-inch headspace. Add hot pickling syrup, leaving l/2-inch headspace. Adjust lids and process pints l0 minutes and quarts 15 minutes in boiling water canner or use the low temperature pasteurization treatment. After processing and cooling, jars should be stored 4 to 5 weeks to develop ideal flavor.

  

About the Author
Lara Velez is Editor-in-Chief of The Recipe Finder’s online cooking magazine. Visit today: http://www.therecipefinder.com If you need a recipe: http://www.therecipefinder.com/findarecipe.html Or receive our FREE newsletter: http://www.therecipefinder.com/newsletter.html

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WorldNetDaily (www.wnd.com) had this YouTube video posted today:

The video isn’t terribly shocking–the security officer won’t allow the protester to have an anti-Barack Obama poster on the school property.

The problem isn’t the law–the security officer doesn’t really have the power to make law, or to make formal arrest.

My concern is that he THINKS he has the power to make and enforce the law.

YIKES!  Yes, I’m going to say it: The Nazis of 1930s and 1940s Germany did the same thing.  Is security officer Wesley Cheeks, Jr. a card carrying member of the National Socialist Party?  No, of course not.

But Officer Cheeks (in this instance) is trying to infringe upon the right to free speech for a citizen of the United States of America.

WorldNetDaily has an excellent up-to-date list of protests and happenings that have taken place. (Click here for the list! )

Make no mistake: The issue isn’t health care.  It isn’t specifically socialism.  It isn’t even Nancy Pelosi. 

The issue is a feeling that the voice of the people is not being heard.

People are fed up with feeling that they don’t control what is happening.

The nation is unraveling!

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A special thanks to Matt Savinar of LATOC (www.lifeaftertheoilcrash.net) for turning us on to these fantastic resources:

Mountains of Military Manuals (they cover EVERYTHING–Thank you, Steve!)

Also, more links for everything that you can think of related to homesteading, surviving, living off of the land, and much more!

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Is Gerald Celente Right?  Is Revolution Coming?

Gerald Celente, of the Trends Research Institute (www.trendsresearch.com), was a guest on The Frank Beckmann Show on Detroit’s WJR-AM (www.wjr.com) radio just this morning.

Mr. Celente believes that America is in the midst of its second revolution.  He said that the first shot of the Second American Revolution was fired on April 15th, 2009, when media figures began to use disparaging sexual remarks in describing the tea party protests (Video following):

‘Teabagging’ is a term used to describe sexual activities, and had absolutely nothing to do with the concerns of the average American.  The condescending and arrogant attitude of  the press is difficult to understand. 

Do they view these incidents as minor squabbles that should be laughed at?

Do they purposefully insult large numbers of people to distract us from the important aspects of the protest? 

Are they really so out of touch that they can’t see what is happening?

Ha, ha. 

The joke gets old pretty quickly. 

Juvenile antics, language and innuendo cannot distract us from what is important: retaining the constitutional freedoms set forward by the Founding Fathers.

People aren’t sending teabags to be cute.  People started with teabags as a peaceful protest against government largesse.  The anger and frustration levels are rising, and teabags might be the least of anyone’s concern in the near future.

Congress and the governing authorities should be thankful that teabags were sent, not threats or actual items of a dangerous nature.

For Rachel Maddow, Anderson Cooper, and others: Here is a refresher.  The Boston Tea Party was not about lewd sexual innuendo.  It was about taxation without representation and the ability to have a say in government.  

Get your mind out of the gutter, and give real journalism a try!

The undercurrent of discontent is stirring.  The sleeping giant of America’s patriotism and a desire to return to conservative principles (NOT party affiliation) will cause a groundswell that will be difficult to contain.

What will come of the revolution?  It is difficult to predict, but there may be no clear winners.

Did you know that the movement even has its own flag?  Check it out at www.usrevolution2.com!

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Collapsing into Political Chaos

The Disintegration of Belief in America’s Politicians

Comments are not necessary, but a few words describing the mayhem will follow the videos:

Healthcare, wars, taxes, stimulus, government encroachment, resentment and 24 hour news coverage are feeding a fire that won’t be put out easily.  

The USA is in a precarious position: rebellion is afoot.  The reaction of the government in the coming days will determine if the rebellion is merely political, or if it becomes open and armed rebellion. Dangerous days are ahead! Personal survival is of utmost importance…

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