New battery on the side x side, now all my equipment is ready for winter. Have y’all been following the latest court rulings and subsequent BATF enforcement policy changes on short-barreled rifles, shotguns, and suppressors? I’ve been toying with the idea of building a short-barreled 10/22 using an old under folding stock I’ve had for years and a spare barrel I can cut down and re-crown….something compact to ride beside me in the side x side. Any thoughts?
Stand my Ground
1 day ago
NRP, how the heck you doing! Still a desert rat? I’m not the smartest turnip on the wagon, but there is NO way I’d try to get a coon out alive. That’s why Sam Colt made a 22lr wheel gun. Boar coon, now that’s a mean SOB, drowned my Dads German Shepherd, man did he hate coons, killed every one He saw His whole life. Hope life is treating you well and I’ll catch Y’all later. Get’re Done
Stand my Ground
3 days ago
Minerjim, I posted a comment on your raccoon post about a non lethal coon trap call a dog safe trap.
Stand my Ground
4 days ago
I got a new dog last year, miniature dashound. Her name is “Licks a Lot” She is a real HOOT! I still have Whiskers, but He’s 17 now, almost blind and deaf, doesn’t like the new puppy one bit, not at all! She is REALLY hard on chickens,Dog 5, chickens 0. Had to trim their wings to keep them in the coop.
Dennis
6 days ago
Well, I’ve finished up changing the oil in my generators, 4-wheeler atv, the side x side utv, and lawn tractor. In years past, this would have been a one afternoon task, but alas, now each had their own afternoon. Got my gasoline supply replenished, treated, and ready should the need arise such as the 10-day power outage we experienced in the past.
My mobility is more and more dependent on my atv and side x side. Not complaining, just sharing. I reckon we all come to the realization that time will take a toll on all of us. I still spend a little time every day on the range, even if I only fire one shot. Still battling the night-time chicken thieves and scavengers…got that armadillo that’s been digging up my yard the night before last.
Reckon that’s enough for now. Just catching y’all up on where I’m at now and…in case you’ve forgot…life is good on the mountain.
Stand my Ground
7 days ago
Stand my Ground Glad to see the open forum back. Thank you very much Ken
Minerjim
7 days ago
Something everyone needs to be thinking about, Tom touched on last week, and that is protecting your survival crops/ gardens from large pests. While deer do damage to my trees and vines, it’s the raccoons that do the most damage. Ive had whole fruit trees laden with ripe fruit stripped clean the night before harvest. There are more out there than you think. Figure for each one caught, there are 6 others left to carry on. In a survival situation, it’s you or them. Anyone got a good recipe for coon?
Dennis
10 days ago
Life is still good on the mountain. It’s good to read y’all’s comments again…it’s been a while. Thank’s Ken for bringing it back.
Old Chevy
14 days ago
Good news! I just found that the sardine market has rebounded in Morocco via internet search query: “Morocco sardine market”
Ken Jorgustin
Site Owner
16 days ago
Where are the sardines?
Old Chevy mentioned a sardine shortage, and I also noticed this many weeks ago. There are no more sardines on our grocery store shelves. I do enjoy King Oscar sardines once in a while (a healthy snack for sure). Does anyone else notice a shortage in your location? What happened? Going forward, will I need to plan road trips to the shore with a net to capture my own?
Tom
19 days ago
Hi all,
I seem to remember years ago folks talking about doing intense potato cultivation in a barrel/big container with straw?
Is that a thing? Does it work? I know soil or compost works but wanted to check on this method.
Cheers!
Old Chevy
19 days ago
Lots of talk about Diesel fuel costs restricting transportation of commodities, food and escalating prices. A garden isn’t much help during the winter and I can’t fish for tuna or sardines… I am dependent on the grocery store supply and prices. Interesting times.
Lauren
22 days ago
Garden was a near total loss. If I was trying to survive off this garden I would be panicking right now.
There will be a lot of changes to the garden next year. I’m learning, slowly.
Hydroponics is coming along. I restructured the system and now have minnows, ghost shrimp, and scuds. A number of aquatic plants as well. Should be ready for bluegill next spring.
DoubleTap
23 days ago
Well, it has been a long while. MinerJim I believe, asked about some older contributors. I’ve been following Ken for well over a decade. He even graciously let me post an article about canning and preserving chicken :-) Nice to see some of the old folks (Not age, but history :-) Since I’ve been active last I have really gotten into Freeze drying and being able to put food away using that method. Would love to share the knowledge I’ve learned. Darn shame that the kids don’t seem to want to learn anything about being self reliant and “putting things away for a rainy day” Anony Mee, wish I was in CDA next weekend. I’ll actually be in Boise for a freeze drying summit. Just feeling older lately and wondering why bother with all the preps since nobody else seems to care.
Old Chevy
1 month ago
Prepping podcasts:
Numerous prepping podcasts over the years have ceased or have migrated to You Tube videos. I still prefer the audio podcast as I do not sit and watch somebody talking. What audio podcasts do you find worthy to share?
USADR
1 month ago
I need some advice. I rotate out my heirloom “seed vaults” every two years from the fridge and try planting.
The only thing that comes up is the green beans. No tomatoes, carrots, beets, squash etc…Head scratcher for sure.
I’m in central cal. so weather is optimal, have plenty of water, great compost soil. By the way, great seeing y’all back on the open forum…i really missed your comments. Thanks Ken, I know its extra work for ya.
Farmgirl
1 month ago
Gardening/food
With this year’s harvest from our garden ongoing, I find myself thinking ahead already to next year. Seeds, fertilizer, growing conditions, water management, etc. Are any of you doing anything now to get ready for future garden efforts? I included food in the subject line, because it might be necessary to expand beyond traditional gardening to fill in food gaps. That could be foraging, livestock, hunting, fishing, covert gardening, etc…
Beavis
1 month ago
25 years since 9/11
New videos have emerged, new technology has been applied, the charged emotions have worn off, things have been learned, Boeing technical manuals have been studied. What really happened? We sure laid down and begged for the Patriot Act.
Minerjim
1 month ago
OK everyone. Open Forum is open again, for comments not tied to Ken’s articles. You want to comment on an article, do it at the end of that article. You got any other comments, queries, general suggestions- open forum is the place to put those. Ken has been good enough to put this all up again, let’s help him keep it sorted.
Also, I know some of you keep in touch with” the old crowd”, please invite them back. Damn I miss everyone’s comments and help, and at this age I’ve gotten to, I can use all the help I can get. Just an old miners $.02 lament.
Old Chevy
1 month ago
I find it confusing that the comments for articles are in a different place than the open forum. Why not have one single forum? I also think that the ‘tree’ format, or outline format, for comments makes it easier to follow a conversation.
007
1 month ago
Survival butane lighter, what is best for survival.
Anony Mee
1 month ago
CDA Meet-up
Am in Idaho for a few days. Anyone want to meet up at the Elmer’s in CDA Saturday at noon?
I’ll be the old gal in the red batik shirt.
Old Chevy
1 month ago
Topic: books scanned to train AI are being destroyed.
I made this inquiry to AI: “are books that are in the public domain that are scanned for AI training available to the public?” and the answer is yes. It then gives the websites where you can access them. If interested present the same question. As far as I understand this is making these books more available rather than being lost for good as is being portrayed in the media. Copyrighted books are not in the public domain and can be bought up, scanned, and cut up and trashed for AI training, but they can also be found in libraries and bookstores.
Beavis
1 month ago
It’s too quiet here. What does everyone think about all the Artificial Intelligence Data Centers, (AIDC’s) popping up across the fruited plain? Those suckers are enormous power hogs, most are not allowed to connect to the public grid. They aren’t for delivering your YouTube videos either. What’s going on?
Anony Mee
1 month ago
I’m following Ice Age Farmer – now goes by Unshadowed Show – on X at x (dot) com/UnshadowedShow
Old Chevy
1 month ago
Topic: the best self defense is to avoid conflict.
I just finished a gun safety class to apply for a concealed weapon license, which I previously had but let it lapse. This class was put on by the county sheriff department and was totally different from the first one I took that was taught by military veterans at a gun store. That one was all about getting the first draw. The latter was that using a lethal weapon is your last recourse and your best defense is to not be there and if you are there to get out of there. What was pointed out on a recent podcast called “Stakeholder Prepping” is that this is the most difficult thing to do. It runs up against the testosterone impulse to not back down. Remember in “Back to the Future” how his ears wiggled when he was called a chicken?
I got into a fight in high school from which I learned a life’s lesson; don’t get into a fight. As I was about to smash this guy’s head into the pavement I realized I was looking at a jail sentence, so I let him go. But after that I was taunted to get into fights for no other reason than to see who would win. I always backed down, and have done that ever since. I have found out that the best weapon I’ve got is the words that come out of my mouth. If however the last recourse is required, I am ready and willing to do that.
Old Chevy
1 month ago
I look forward to numerous instructive, fun and thoughtful conversations on this open forum.
For starters this blog has a vast variety of preparedness topics on almost any topic you can think of. I find myself going here daily with inquiries about freezers, water storage, vacuum sealers, batteries, gloves, home security alarms, and more…. a preparedness encyclopedia.
Lauren
1 month ago
Is the open forum actually active? This was what I missed most…
New battery on the side x side, now all my equipment is ready for winter. Have y’all been following the latest court rulings and subsequent BATF enforcement policy changes on short-barreled rifles, shotguns, and suppressors? I’ve been toying with the idea of building a short-barreled 10/22 using an old under folding stock I’ve had for years and a spare barrel I can cut down and re-crown….something compact to ride beside me in the side x side. Any thoughts?
NRP, how the heck you doing! Still a desert rat? I’m not the smartest turnip on the wagon, but there is NO way I’d try to get a coon out alive. That’s why Sam Colt made a 22lr wheel gun. Boar coon, now that’s a mean SOB, drowned my Dads German Shepherd, man did he hate coons, killed every one He saw His whole life. Hope life is treating you well and I’ll catch Y’all later. Get’re Done
Minerjim, I posted a comment on your raccoon post about a non lethal coon trap call a dog safe trap.
I got a new dog last year, miniature dashound. Her name is “Licks a Lot” She is a real HOOT! I still have Whiskers, but He’s 17 now, almost blind and deaf, doesn’t like the new puppy one bit, not at all! She is REALLY hard on chickens,Dog 5, chickens 0. Had to trim their wings to keep them in the coop.
Well, I’ve finished up changing the oil in my generators, 4-wheeler atv, the side x side utv, and lawn tractor. In years past, this would have been a one afternoon task, but alas, now each had their own afternoon. Got my gasoline supply replenished, treated, and ready should the need arise such as the 10-day power outage we experienced in the past.
My mobility is more and more dependent on my atv and side x side. Not complaining, just sharing. I reckon we all come to the realization that time will take a toll on all of us. I still spend a little time every day on the range, even if I only fire one shot. Still battling the night-time chicken thieves and scavengers…got that armadillo that’s been digging up my yard the night before last.
Reckon that’s enough for now. Just catching y’all up on where I’m at now and…in case you’ve forgot…life is good on the mountain.
Stand my Ground Glad to see the open forum back. Thank you very much Ken
Something everyone needs to be thinking about, Tom touched on last week, and that is protecting your survival crops/ gardens from large pests. While deer do damage to my trees and vines, it’s the raccoons that do the most damage. Ive had whole fruit trees laden with ripe fruit stripped clean the night before harvest. There are more out there than you think. Figure for each one caught, there are 6 others left to carry on. In a survival situation, it’s you or them. Anyone got a good recipe for coon?
Life is still good on the mountain. It’s good to read y’all’s comments again…it’s been a while. Thank’s Ken for bringing it back.
Good news! I just found that the sardine market has rebounded in Morocco via internet search query: “Morocco sardine market”
Where are the sardines?
Old Chevy mentioned a sardine shortage, and I also noticed this many weeks ago. There are no more sardines on our grocery store shelves. I do enjoy King Oscar sardines once in a while (a healthy snack for sure). Does anyone else notice a shortage in your location? What happened? Going forward, will I need to plan road trips to the shore with a net to capture my own?
Hi all,
I seem to remember years ago folks talking about doing intense potato cultivation in a barrel/big container with straw?
Is that a thing? Does it work? I know soil or compost works but wanted to check on this method.
Cheers!
Lots of talk about Diesel fuel costs restricting transportation of commodities, food and escalating prices. A garden isn’t much help during the winter and I can’t fish for tuna or sardines… I am dependent on the grocery store supply and prices. Interesting times.
Garden was a near total loss. If I was trying to survive off this garden I would be panicking right now.
There will be a lot of changes to the garden next year. I’m learning, slowly.
Hydroponics is coming along. I restructured the system and now have minnows, ghost shrimp, and scuds. A number of aquatic plants as well. Should be ready for bluegill next spring.
Well, it has been a long while. MinerJim I believe, asked about some older contributors. I’ve been following Ken for well over a decade. He even graciously let me post an article about canning and preserving chicken :-) Nice to see some of the old folks (Not age, but history :-) Since I’ve been active last I have really gotten into Freeze drying and being able to put food away using that method. Would love to share the knowledge I’ve learned. Darn shame that the kids don’t seem to want to learn anything about being self reliant and “putting things away for a rainy day” Anony Mee, wish I was in CDA next weekend. I’ll actually be in Boise for a freeze drying summit. Just feeling older lately and wondering why bother with all the preps since nobody else seems to care.
Prepping podcasts:
Numerous prepping podcasts over the years have ceased or have migrated to You Tube videos. I still prefer the audio podcast as I do not sit and watch somebody talking. What audio podcasts do you find worthy to share?
I need some advice. I rotate out my heirloom “seed vaults” every two years from the fridge and try planting.
The only thing that comes up is the green beans. No tomatoes, carrots, beets, squash etc…Head scratcher for sure.
I’m in central cal. so weather is optimal, have plenty of water, great compost soil. By the way, great seeing y’all back on the open forum…i really missed your comments. Thanks Ken, I know its extra work for ya.
Gardening/food
With this year’s harvest from our garden ongoing, I find myself thinking ahead already to next year. Seeds, fertilizer, growing conditions, water management, etc. Are any of you doing anything now to get ready for future garden efforts? I included food in the subject line, because it might be necessary to expand beyond traditional gardening to fill in food gaps. That could be foraging, livestock, hunting, fishing, covert gardening, etc…
25 years since 9/11
New videos have emerged, new technology has been applied, the charged emotions have worn off, things have been learned, Boeing technical manuals have been studied. What really happened? We sure laid down and begged for the Patriot Act.
OK everyone. Open Forum is open again, for comments not tied to Ken’s articles. You want to comment on an article, do it at the end of that article. You got any other comments, queries, general suggestions- open forum is the place to put those. Ken has been good enough to put this all up again, let’s help him keep it sorted.
Also, I know some of you keep in touch with” the old crowd”, please invite them back. Damn I miss everyone’s comments and help, and at this age I’ve gotten to, I can use all the help I can get. Just an old miners $.02 lament.
I find it confusing that the comments for articles are in a different place than the open forum. Why not have one single forum? I also think that the ‘tree’ format, or outline format, for comments makes it easier to follow a conversation.
Survival butane lighter, what is best for survival.
CDA Meet-up
Am in Idaho for a few days. Anyone want to meet up at the Elmer’s in CDA Saturday at noon?
I’ll be the old gal in the red batik shirt.
Topic: books scanned to train AI are being destroyed.
I made this inquiry to AI: “are books that are in the public domain that are scanned for AI training available to the public?” and the answer is yes. It then gives the websites where you can access them. If interested present the same question. As far as I understand this is making these books more available rather than being lost for good as is being portrayed in the media. Copyrighted books are not in the public domain and can be bought up, scanned, and cut up and trashed for AI training, but they can also be found in libraries and bookstores.
It’s too quiet here. What does everyone think about all the Artificial Intelligence Data Centers, (AIDC’s) popping up across the fruited plain? Those suckers are enormous power hogs, most are not allowed to connect to the public grid. They aren’t for delivering your YouTube videos either. What’s going on?
I’m following Ice Age Farmer – now goes by Unshadowed Show – on X at x (dot) com/UnshadowedShow
Topic: the best self defense is to avoid conflict.
I just finished a gun safety class to apply for a concealed weapon license, which I previously had but let it lapse. This class was put on by the county sheriff department and was totally different from the first one I took that was taught by military veterans at a gun store. That one was all about getting the first draw. The latter was that using a lethal weapon is your last recourse and your best defense is to not be there and if you are there to get out of there. What was pointed out on a recent podcast called “Stakeholder Prepping” is that this is the most difficult thing to do. It runs up against the testosterone impulse to not back down. Remember in “Back to the Future” how his ears wiggled when he was called a chicken?
I got into a fight in high school from which I learned a life’s lesson; don’t get into a fight. As I was about to smash this guy’s head into the pavement I realized I was looking at a jail sentence, so I let him go. But after that I was taunted to get into fights for no other reason than to see who would win. I always backed down, and have done that ever since. I have found out that the best weapon I’ve got is the words that come out of my mouth. If however the last recourse is required, I am ready and willing to do that.
I look forward to numerous instructive, fun and thoughtful conversations on this open forum.
For starters this blog has a vast variety of preparedness topics on almost any topic you can think of. I find myself going here daily with inquiries about freezers, water storage, vacuum sealers, batteries, gloves, home security alarms, and more…. a preparedness encyclopedia.
Is the open forum actually active? This was what I missed most…