A Zeer Pot - Off Grid Refrigeration

An interesting way to keep food or medications (such as insulin) cool.  This method is in use today in North Africa where power is not an option.

 

How To Prepare For Power Outage

BEING PREPARED IF THE POWER GOES OUT

There are basic things any house needs to be prepared if the power goes out - both winter and summer.

• First, know where your circuit breakers are located and how to check to see if a breaker switch is tripped or a fuse blown. Have space fuses of various amp sizes if you don't have breakers.
• Have a number of flash lights with fresh batteries in your home, and know where they are located. Also consider having a plug-in flashlight that remains charged until you need it - use, for example, in a dark hallway socket. Or consider one of the "shake it" flashlights that does not need batteries.
• Have spare batteries to replace ones that run out. (Make sure you dispose of the old batteries properly - don't just toss them in the trash.)
• Have a battery-powered (or one with a built-in, hand-crank generator) radio or television set to listen to news and weather announcements. If you don't have those, a quick trip to your car will give you a radio to listen to. Don't start up your car with garage door closed, and don't run your car for long periods of time inside your garage.
• Have candles and or oil lamps (don't forget matches) for light. Make sure you keep them away from flammable materials such as drapes. Have additional candles, lamp oil and wicks available.
• Post the emergency number for your electric utility so it's handy in case you need to call.
• Have an ice chest available to store needed medications that must remain cold. Have "blue Ice" freezer packs ready for the ice chest to keep your medication cold.
• Have a regular, hard-wired telephone, not just a cordless model. A cordless phone needs electricity in its base to operate the transmitter. Unless the telephone lines are down, you should have telephones. Cell phones may or may not work depending on whether there is power to the cell towers system.
• If you use electricity for your water, such as a well with an electric pump, have enough water available to last a couple of days. You should have at least a gallon of drinking water a day for each person in your house for drinking and cooking.
• If you want to have a backup generator, make sure it is installed by a licensed electrician. Check with your local building department to see if a permit is needed. Make sure the system has an automatic breaker that disconnects the house from the power company's regular electricity lines when it is running. This prevents electricity from leaking back into the grid and making it dangerous for utility workers.
• Have a household first aid kit and a disaster preparedness backpack kit (the American Red Cross offers this kit for sale) in case something happens.
• Have a household disaster plan that you and your family can follow if something occurs.

Source:
http://www.consumerenergycenter.org/tips/beprepared.html

Sam Eliot's Take On Slow Governmental Response

Revolution 2012: It's Time To Rise

Interesting video.  Well edited and true:

Black Snakes are your friends around the homestead

Black snakes are non-poisonous.  I often find the occasional one around my farm and in my outbuildings. Black snakes are great for hunting mice, rats and moles.  They also discourage poisonous snakes from coming around.  Keep in mind they can get pretty agressive and will bite if provoked.  Here's a great article I found concerning this snake:
http://weblogs.dailypress.com/features/gardening/diggin-in/2010/09/black_snakes_are_good_for_the_1.html

Obamacare Tax Hikes

Full List of Obamacare Tax Hikes

Obamacare law contains 20 new or higher taxes on American families and small businesses

Taxpayers are reminded that the President’s healthcare law is one of the largest tax increases in American history.
Obamacare contains 20 new or higher taxes on American families and small businesses.
Arranged by their respective effective dates, below is the total list of all $500 billion-plus in tax hikes (over the next ten years) in Obamacare, where to find them in the bill, and how much your taxes are scheduled to go up as of today....Read more: http://www.atr.org/full-list-obamacare-tax-hikes-a6996#ixzz1zxhOK5nu

http://www.foxvalleyinitiative.com/

Derecho Storm

Many are still without power and are in need of water, ice and other supplies.  If you were in the path of the storm and can help someone in need, please do so.

Here's a link showing satellite images of the recent Derecho storm on the East Coast.  The link also includes a photo comparison of before and after power outages....

No Power

Days after the storm, still no power.  We are in survival mode at the WV homestead.  We had food and water stored away for preparation for times like this.  Also have the 550 gallon rain water storage tank in use.  We normally utilize it for watering the garden but it is also useful in a survival situation.  Who knows how long the power will be out so bare with me friends.  No matter how much you prepare, it seems you can never prepare enough.  Remember your neighbors and elderly in a time of need especially when the heat index is so high and no a/c.   I had this chance to give you an update so stay tuned...