Almost New Years

Trying to get in better shape is my first priority. I have to finish the cabin and move all the junk from the old cabin. This and avoid the hospital visits of this year. I also need to avoid further injuries so I can recover sooner from the surgeries I need on both shoulders and my left knee and hip. What is your number one priority glfor 2014??

New year approaching

My new year is going to include finishing my cabin next summer. I also desperately need a permanent BOL closer to my home here in Florida. I believe in haveing at least 2 back- up plans for each Primary plan.

So on that note I will be researching an earth sheltered structure made from sand bags do 2 reasons, cost and ease of propositioning . I do know that with my back I will have a hard time filling bags but my wife will not need to learn carpentry to complete or at least help with building.

Score

I was at a grocery store yesterday where a stocker was dropping the price of Spam with Jalapeños. $0.25 a can, I bought all six cans.

Stuff

What are the daily use items U don't want to be without???

My canteen and cup

My leatherman

My machete

Skillet ,3 quart Dutch oven , spatula and spoon. Bow saw, fire steels, soap and toothbrush.

Now what's in your Get out of Dodge bag??? 

For me all of the above.

Good morning

Since my father took two BOB's and a GHB when he left, ( I threw him out for swearing at my wife),  I have to build new ones. Time today to start planning the contents. This is going to be expensive. I have to replace 3 handguns and 2 break down rifles. 

Lesson learned ; never trust hot tempered people even when they are Family.

Hides

When you get to a new place to live how do you find an emergency place to hide . In cse of bad luck. EMP or other quick disaster.??? Do you try to get home or wait out for a time to asses your options??? Do you have emergency equipment in your vehicles??  Could you aquire new if need be?? These are preparedness questions , are you ready.

Yard sales

I have never been one to frequent yard sales; dumb ass. I have recently purchased a splitting maul for $2 and a box of candles for $1 and rolls and rollse of thread for $1. I have changed my mind .

When

A term I hear often is , when I get the time or when I get the money or when the kids grow up. 

Sheeesh; do it now , When never happens. When someone asks for a prayer do it Now. When you want to go fishing , do it now. When you want sex , chase the victim around the coffee table now !!

When may be to late.

Resting

Starting to feel a little rested but have constant chores so not to much rest. The empress has said she wants to retire in the northern panhandle region now instead of the east coast near her sister., I wish sh would make up my mind. Still planning the interior of the new cabin and playing with pencil and paper. Anyone suffering in the weird cold ; stay cuddled to someone it helps with the warmies.

At home

Daryl flew to Kansas and drove back with me. He was a major blessing. Getting home I found that my Father took all my tools when he left in mid August. Glad I had basic stuff in my truck. 

Now to re buy stuff. I am going to have to make my list of needs and wants and get after it. So far just unloading the truck and doing minor stuff around the house is keeping me busy.

Packing up

After 5 months this is a mess. I will be learning some new back roads on  the return trip and my Florida. Winter will be spent learning . I am hoping to build a small wind turbine and 2 nice Solar dehydrators. I am also going to learn about growing some medicinal herbs and mushrooms for my kitchen adventures.

Finishing up.

I am shutting things down. I will go to Florida Starting Wednesday. I believe I met my building and learning goals this summer. I am very glad for the help of a few friends that stopped by occasionally. The group at Wild Edible Foods andStephanie  Walker were a big help in teaching me some new foods and Meds. Stephanie's meds were a huge help when I needed them.

Folks this is at least 4 times more difficult than I expected. Think long and hard about your choices.

Apology

I have been super busy here at the end of this years trip, so I have disregarded this blog. Please forgive me.

I have finished closing in the cabin and have added 2 campers to the mess. One of the campers has the new over roof framed and will be roofed this weekend. The deer and turkey hunting has been successful . My buddy Daryl and his son and daughter-in-laws re coming to visit on Tuesday. Then Daryl and I hit the road on Wednesday.

Cold

Felt like 24 this morning, sissy me didn't get out of bed until the sun was up. Mud is still dominating my land and as its very hilly I don't get much done. I did divert a run- off problem and unload lumber from the sideways trailer . Steve can't park down hill in the mud. Amateur . Got the door  built and installed on the storage shed and practiced with the crossbow and a rifle. All together a very nice day. Stupid barbecued squirrel for dinner.

Rain rain rain

It finally quit raining so this morning I can get some chores done. Cleaning up some last days projects so I can get back to Florida in a couple of weeks. The  Empress says she misses me, which means, the floor needs mopping and the ceiling fans are dusty.

Relax

Spent the last. 5 days at Dawn's house , being amazed at how small the baby is. Back to doing stuff this week. Trying to get some minor things wrapped up before I leave. Has anyone tried foraging for mushrooms lately??? I just joined a group to help me learn more about them.

Rest

I'm resting the rest of the week. The injuries have gotten the best of me. How many of us have enough people to cover their chores. Can you survive if your chores don't get done for 6 months.??

How do your crops get planted if your legs are broke.

Darkness

I tried going 5 days with no manufactured lighting.

I made candles with deer fat; disgusting smell. Living in the woods and having no lights is way more challenging than I thought. I suggest everyone buy those crank up flashlights. I'm getting 15 hopefully they will last 15 years.

Trudging along

Tonight's hot showerWorked on inside of the windows today and got the door st . Still have to fill in above the door. Did more work on the little storage shed/deer stand. I may actually finish that task tomorrow. Got the giant tire moved to lot 1 and the 2 cans of composting pooh as well . I keep letting them get too full. The worms were added to them today so they will be compost next spring. Good for asparagus and tomatoes and basil.also did some clean up. Tomorrow is supposed to be nice like today. So it should be a good work day. Tonight's hot shower was well earned.

Ha ha

The first coat of paint is on the cabin. 2 coats of sealant on the porch and the stairs and n the outside table. Also one coat of sealant on what is known as the Texas stand. Checked the property markers today and got them marked so we can see them easier. Also tried to move stuff from the old cabin to the new cabin I was not successful. The giant tractor tire is way too heavy for this old man. Moved a few other things garden tools and such and did a little general cleanup. Still going to relax tomorrow and get back to work on Saturday.

Tired

Starting to wind down. Should have the first coat of barn red on the entire cabin today and a second coat of sealant on the porch. I still have to insulate the North Gable and put

the outer board on. That should be done next week I hope. Two windows and a door will be installed later this week or early next week depending on weather. I don't know if I will purchase the second door before the end of summer. I will be going home in mid-November and will then spend the winter trying to recuperate and plan for our cabin completion next summer. This has been quite an experience a lot more work than I expected and a lot harder than I ever imagined. I do not suggest anybody try this alone. If you are going to have a bug out location that includes buildings and not campers then get your act together get your gear together get your friends together and get it done. Have a great day.

&:@;"/:;)&?!!!-/Paint

Started the second coat today. Doing the East wall first because its the highest and hardest. Half done with it , I want some lunch.

Paint

Got the primer on in the sealant on the the deck and the table on the deck. Early in the afternoon on Sunday so I am going to change clothes and go fishing. Actually hate painting in the east wall is so high off the ground because of the hill it was very uncomfortable being on the ladder all day yesterday. Today I just had to do the sealant on the deck and the deck table framing and stairs. With all the work this is been so far painting is what I hate the most.

Gettin there

More painting

The cabin walls are now Primed. Will wait 48 hours before mor painting so the stuff has time to cure.again this was more work than I imagined because of the need for the Ladder. Everything so far has been tougher than I planned. I'm glad I cheated and used a chainsaw for the clearing work. 

Folks , if building a location is in your plans U really need help getting it done. I think a BOL is needed for many city/ suburb dwellers but if you've  got family that lives in the country; turn them into Prepping Allies. Because my way to do this sucks.

Learning

Can U guess what has been the most important lesson so far this summer ? 

Time. It takes a lot more time and energy to build without help and major powere tools than I could imagine.if U plan to seek a survival retreat or shelter-in-place be prepared to work 16 hours a day just to squire food and provide security and do repairs. That's in good weather. When winter comes and you need more firewood or U have to grind more grain, are U tough enough???

Working

Trying to frame the gables and start the painting. Also the never- ending tree clearing. Cutting trees down is easy, cleaning them up and cutting them up ; sucks. It's cold this morning 38 , and I am wearing boots and long pants . 

Muddy day.

To muddy and wet to get much done today. Cleaned up the porch. Built new workbench inside the cabin and hung up some tools. Cleared some brush this afternoon. Chopped up some downed trees with the saw.  Now I get to make wood piles with all the cut wood. Yay. I did frame for one AC unit and need to frame for the other one tomorrow. We will have AC. When we get to hot and have access to fuel.

Stupid paint

Started painting around windows and door spaces yesterday. When using water based paint and U only have 24 hours before it might rain; don't paint. 

I will work on the stairs and railings tomorrow if the rain quits. I am not going to try any more painting until I have 48 hours of dry in the near future. 

Babies

How to handle a baby in a BOL. Going to cloth diapers and breast feeding. How many cloth diapers do we need?? Should Mom breast feed for 1 or 2 years.? These are interesting/ challenging questions. 

I will get back to work on closing in the cabin next week. I think I'm pretty well recovered from the exhaustion and heart trouble. I have to close in the high and low eves. Then caulk and prime everything, Yay. Then windows and doors, more Yay.

Most would consider getting help to be great but on this project I have had to redo a lot of things the Help Did. Good intentions little skill. This slows me down and my inability to do some things like I used too has caused me to redo many of the things I've done.

My niece had a baby boy this afternoon.

That is great. She and he are doing well. I get to take care of my Great niece for a couple days . She is seven and tons of laughs.

May all of you have a say as nice as this .

Camping time

Boots

There was a redwing boot company van out here in the Tinytown today. I went down to the truck ,I bought three pairs of boots. How many pairs of boots is a good number one we're expecting long-term goof up in the world. I now have three pairs of high quality very cold weather boots three brand-new pairs of heavy leather workboots four pairs of summerweight boots that I got back in the Desert Storm three of those pairs are brand-new and have never been worn.. I have had trouble convincing the Empress that she too needs good workboots and good rubber boots besides sneakers. How do you convince women to buy shoes they don't want?. I never thought there was such a thing as shoes they don't want. I must be an idiot.

Pain management

Working out all the problems of being bugged out is brought to my attention pain management. I suffer from something called cluster headaches. They are very debilitating and the pain is just downright amazing .They normally only occur for a couple of months of year and I have meds for them. What do you do when the meds aren't available. Normally these headaches come between the months of January and June that has been the cycle for the last 18 years before that they would happen anytime they wanted ,well with a recent heart attack issue and my exhaustion level. I have seem to have activated them again. So now I am out here dealing with these headaches and no meds. What are you going to do for your chronic conditions or even acute conditions that may occur if you do not have access to a 24 hour pharmacy.

Resting again

If anyone has ideas on how to build a really nice stone fireplace that functions also as an oven I would appreciate them I do not want a big one. I am visiting my niece is here in Wichita and I am taking a rest helping with mowing the grass in little housecleaning as she is due to have the baby on the seventh which is next Monday. I am also processing the two deer that my nephew shot last weekend. Lots of cutting bagging and grinding. I'm having a good time in when I get back I have a camp out for our local prepping group at Fall River lake. That should be interesting as I will get to meet new people. I started the group in June and it has grown to 67 people so far. I'm hoping at least half come to the camp out. We will have Emergency shelter building demonstrations and fire making demonstrations.

Setback

A serious breakdown of the ATV will be kicking my butt. Commuting between the old and new cabins will sap much of the minuscule energy levels I have. I am In Wichita today and tomorrow and will buy a new coil and spark plug wire for the four wheeler. I am hoping that is the problem because it's a long ways between parts house and broken machine. If it's not the coil I will obviously reduce the amount of work I get done because of the commuting on foot. My 2 Wheel Dr. pickup truck does not travel up and down that hill or road because it's 2 Wheel Dr. and not four-wheel-drive. So wish me luck on repairing the little machine.

Deer

Have gotten 2 deer in the last 2 days. They have been soaking in ice water, and now it's time to process them. I will be making sausage and jerky along with the usual steaks and burger. I bought one of those Jerky Shooters a few years back and love it. It works like a caulking gun. Fill it with ground meat and squeeze the handle. It makes nice flat sticks. I need to consider storing the stuff for my jerky cures and sausage spices . Also need spare screws and springs for the guns. A good friend brought me some Starbucks Via

Still weak but getting better.

Got the south gabled end enclosed. Today. Then had to rest. Been resting. In a deer blind. Only 1 deer so far. I have wore out a deck of cards playing solitaire .my bible pages are getting more wear than my calluses.

What all will U folks do for entertainment when the Bijou is closed and the TV only carries the government channel.i am really needing to research and squire more herbal remedies for ailments . Especially pain. I did an experiment with a twin bed sheet. I placed it under an oak tree for 48 hours and collected 3 gallons of tree nuts. Not bad for a lazy fat man. How well would several sheets and days do??? 

Hunting !

Trying to deer hunt when the sky is clear and the moon is full is silly. We are controlled by the laws and the moon is not. The critters have been very active at night but we aren't allowed to shoot them then. If we ever have to live here we probably won't much care about Game Wardens. My hummingbird friends have kept me entertained and later I will get my laundry done. Then tomorrow is back to work on the cabin. I think a redtailedtreedwellingantlerlessdeer is about to become tonight's dinner.

Recovery is slow

I haven't really done much since the ambulance ride 2 weeks ago. Finances and health issues have me in super slow motion. I have gotten some lumberjack work done . The chainsaw is an eeeviiel mistress to play with. Even as light as mine is, I still spend to much time bent over. I have tried getting on my knees but that seems awkward . So tree cutting is slow and log hauling is even slower. I am cutting firewood in 12 inch lengths because of the weight. This should help with splitting as well.

It's only 50 degrees this morning so I 

actually am wearing a shirt, feels weird.

I think I will be shopping for a wood splitter. I want one bout 5 foot 6 , size 4 to 12 with strong arms and back. She needs to be cute and have a firm well curved body and give good massages.

Big chore

Moving The camper was a major chore it was down by the old cabin which is a very very steep hill will use a four-wheel-drive truck and a 2 Wheel Dr. truck cook together with the cable were able to pull it up and out and bring it to lot one today we had to clear some brush and put some things away but we got it done. Without a couple of beautiful days weatherwise and right now we have storms moving in. Probably gonna rain all  night. I still have to process my dear I got it cut up and off the carcass also it would fit in a giant cooler with lots of ice I like to soak them in ice water for a couple days to draw out the blood and stuff. I think this evening after I get done with this posting I will get to work again. It's going to rain all night so I got nothing Better to do.

Work today

Black powder season.

The first two days of black powder season have been steady rain no deer. I did promise everybody I would continue to rest after my short hospital stay so I have not had much trouble convincing myself to sit on the porch and wait for deer to come to me.. I did enjoy watching my hummingbirds and all of the butterflies that would popout every time the rain would quit for a moment. And probably spent way too much time on the Facebook. So when the sun comes out tomorrow morning I will be a little more aggressive in my hunting . I would like to shoot two deer this year to have some for my freezer. I would also like to get up and get out of this chair and do a little bit of walking anyway. I haven't done any work on the cabin all last week because of the hospital and so far this week because of the rain hopefully I'll get an hour at it tomorrow maybe two then maybe a little more next week everybody have a great day thank you for your prayers.

Yay back in the woods.

I came back out last evening. This morning I mowed the grass at the old cabin ended the weed eating. Love watching my butterflies hummingbirds and bunny rabbits. They are very excellent stress relievers. I do have a conundrum how do I replace my nitro glycerin after I can't yet do a pharmacy. Do any of you find people out there have any suggestions for me.? I am going to enjoy today I have some minor repairs to do on the old cabin before winter. And then I'm just going to clean guns and get ready for deer hunting tomorrow. I hope all of you have a blessed Sunday if like me you follow Christ and celebrate today because Sunday is the day he rose from the grave and conquered sin. And boy do I need all the conquering I can get

Recovery

I'm still at my nieces house recovering from exhaustion. I will head back out to the cabin tomorrow I believe. I've been ordered to slow down my progress for working which I could not believe I could get any slower. But my age my injuries and my health are against me. I have a question for for all of you and I hope to get a clear answer,  what kind of cooking oil can I store long-term or do I have to use something like Crisco.?

Recovery

My niece is due for her new baby the first of next month so she is obviously 9700  months pregnant. I am staying at her home to recover from terminal stupid. She and her husband went to work this morning and Alyssa went to school.

I in my wisdom decided I would do housework and laundry like I do at home. I lasted about 30 minutes then nearly passed out. I guess the doctors that said I am exhausted are right. 

I will get the kitchen and laundry. Done but it looks like it will take all day.

Picnic

Was supposed to have cookies at the picnic yesterday. Had chest pains. Instead. Spent the night in a. Cardiac unit instead. No fun. Hopefully will escape soon. No serious heart damage with this one I think. Forced vacation. This will put me further behind schedule. Yay!

Well pain mess are kicking in so no more typing.

Food

I think I have done well learning sow new wild edibles so far this summer. With hard wrk I could now easily survive a year or two without a Arden. This part of my adventure has been fun. New flavors and textures . I just was given a mushroom book, fantastic. 

I'm in the big city for a lunch date today a date for the State Fair tomorrow and a picnic on Sunday.

Tired today

I apologize for not updating lately. I have been in a lot of pain. This is led to very little getting done. My friend Larry came out he just had both knees replaced so his knees my back and shoulders we work a little slower than dead bugs on the windshield. The little 3 x 6 storage shed/deer stand is almost complete. So at least a little bit has gotten done this week. Tomorrow we hope to finish the storage shed and take break. I also have been dealing with problems with my elderly father if any of you are considering having elderly people live with you think again. My father was an asshole when I was a child an asshole when I was a young adult and he's still an asshole. I was forced because of his behavior to throw him out of my house. This was very tough because I have spent a lot of Sundayschool class time teaching the commandment Honor thy Father and Mother. I can't have him cussing at my wife and blaming us for his screwups. Tough week.

Holy stuff

Had silly foil hat wearing friends visit today. Bullets a flying and trees a falling. Got a little work done and had lots fun.

Drama queens / divas.

Holy crap did I goof. I got drawn into a couple different conflicts with a man hater. I allowed my pain and impatience to shine thru. She was smarter than I in the short run. This has been an excellent example , to my group, as to why we carefully screen anyone that may be considered for the group. Her and her " partner" thought the group was run by 2 ladies so they were very enthusiastic. Then upon discovering that we had 2 men and 2 ladies they got surely and tried to get me removed. This turned out to be their stupid moment. I own the land. My buddy jay stayed out of it except for his laughter. I am now more firm in my belief that Morals are just as if not more so important than skills. I must trust my Spidey sense on the future and avoid passive/ aggressive bullies. 

Lazy lazy boy

It may take all day to acquire enough game for one family Pain levels are high and I R a wimp maybe for a few more days. I did some chainsaw work, Until it ran out of gas. I also cleared up some brush sprayed some weeds and generally goofed off. I can't trust my left leg on the ladder so soffit work is at a standstill. Hopefully by Friday or Saturday my leg won't be numb. I did get 16 feet of soffit cut today and set up eight more feet to cut tomorrow.

Today I saw a question about hunting versus traffic. I called a couple friends and they agree that trapping is preferable. The reason is I could set to dozen traps in four hours then do some things trapping in a few more hours. Then I still have a few more hours to work in the garden. If I were hunting for several people It may take all day to acquire enough food for the group. Fish trapping animal trapping are skills that need to be honed with much practice. You can buy books and you need to buy books if you have never done this. I suggest setting snares for mice and rats Near  your home to start. Then you should move on to larger games such as rabbits , squirrels. Trapping is not glamorous the animals that you get are not glamorous but they are easier to handle learn to use the hides. Any animal caught in a trap is edible whether it's a skunk an armadillo a possum or Coon rabbits squirrels muskrats nutria beaver they are all edible Learn to eat what you trap. Ducks geese and other birds can also be trapped so learn those as well.  

Clean up time

Got the logs cut now I have to clean up the brush. I make sticks out of every branch that's as thick as my thumb. Then I am lining my perimeter with the brush to make a nice tripping hazard. I will also plant blackberries with Thorns to make it meaner.

Tedium

No heavy Work today. Taking a break until Monday afternoon. So today I am sharpening sawblades. Holy crap is that boring. Still have to learn the skill may need it someday. Hope not. Body is badly beaten up from way too much ladder work last two weeks. Still have to enclose soffits and put face boards on roof joists. So more ladder work but not until late next week. My leg blew out on the roof the other day. Do not want that to happen again anytime soon. I will be in the big city all weekend visiting two beautiful young ladies and then I get to have breakfast with another beautiful young lady on Monday morning it will be a nice three days. Will see the heart doctor also on Monday morning wish us luck.

Roof

Finishing the roof today. Then it's on to the gable ends and soffits and painting and windows and doors. Then we start the inside . YAY. This is an awfully big project for such a small building. I still have to redesign the latrines to prevent flys better and design and build a water collection system and a solar/wind powersystem next  summer. 

Working Wednesday

I am starting the roofing today. 16 foot metal is very heavy and U most likely will need help handling it. The advantage to the longer pieces is No Seams. I cut the starter strips with a plywood blade on my circular saw. Put the blade on backwards very very important to Wear Eye Protection. Ear plugs are always needed with. Power tools . Cutting sheet metal is the same as dragging your fingernails down a chalkboard. So make sure your Mother in Law is there. Torture is my specialty.

Tar paper and plywood done

Fancy modern appliance

Pain stop

I have to take a couple days off the ladder. My leg gave out twice on the roof yesterday. I will do clean up area stuff today and start making trim boards.tomorrow will be roofing day I think. I have been having fun with my learn a new edible plant each week. Ms Stephanie Walker has been a big help with the medicinal stuff and if anyone needs Herbal Meds just get with her. Her pain Meds and Dragon stuff are fantastic.

I have been trying to revitalize a group here in Kansas and not having much luck. 

Rain

I  in way to much pain to work today , but its supposed to rain later. Yay , I have to go put up tar paper on the roof Now instead of Wednesday . Which one of you are laughing right now??? I will find you and throw pooh at you.!!

Progress

More work got done today . It's funny because I worked extr hard on Friday because I thought I would have A break Saturday . Well my nephew showed up Friday night and worked me to death this weekend. I have now progressed from 4 weeks behind to only. 2 . I have tomorrow off because I have a short road trip and I can't walk anyway. I have I muscle that is not screaming and the swelling pin my spine area knees and shoulders is ridiculous.  I ain't going to move for a bit.   ; )

Nephew

Help today

Awake ye landlubbers

A friend had to download a resume print it an fax it. He went to Fall River then Severy. The libraries had no computers or faxes. Then we went to Eureka. So do all of U that believe the whole world runs off of computers; Beware, U R wrong.

The rain is back like a bad case of herpes, no work this afternoon.

Back pain

The ladder work of the last 2 days has taken its toll. I lost my balance and sat on my work bench this morning. It made a not funny noise when it collapsed (cheap plastic saw horses), or maybe it was just me screaming like a little girl. So I spent the day cleaning and rearranging the work area and hauling up the last 9 roof joists. Them 16 footers are heavy. I Am nearly out is Star Bucks via decaf. If U treasure your safety it's best I don't run out. 

Do not buy plastic sawhorses I don't give a shit how nice they fold up. Mine folded right to the floor.!!!!...

Remiss

I apologize for being behind in posts. The rain and my old decrepit body have really slowed my progress, add a grumpy 4 wheeler to the mix and life was not happy. I got some plywood hung Wednesday and will do so again today. My back and shoulders do not like carrying plywood. I have 2 tractor tires that will be used as mini gardens.1 will have my asparagus and sage and thyme and I haven't decided what to do with the other. Garlic basil and ginger may win the vote for that. I picked up a copy of Off-Grid and will read it over the next few days.

Finally a sunny day

Break time

In the big city this weekend. Going to buy some pellets for the old rabbit killing weapon and go to my great nieces birthday party. 

Just put a scope on the pellet gun and was able to keep my shots in a 1/2 inch bullseye at 25 yards. I also need to heal up after yesterday's fall. My left side hurts to much and I had to give in and take oxy for the back pain. Hopefully the mud will dry-up a bit so I can get some work done on Monday.i failed to learn a new edible plant this week so I need to learn 2 next week.

Rubber boots

I failed to have a good pair of rubber boots with serious grips on the bottom. That failure nearly cost me a hospital trip today. I was at the building site picked up some lumber took two steps hit the ground and could not move because of pain for over an hour. Please learn from my stupidity and make sure you haveweather  appropriate gear for the entire four seasons including monsoonal rains. I may be spending this weekend laid up in bed instead of going to the big city. My pain level is pretty high so I am actually going to take pain meds today. You all have a great weekend

Berky

I am now using a Berky water filter for the rainwater that God has so politely given me . I have been doing this for three weeks. And it has been absolutely fantastic in saving me money on bottled water. Because of the heat and humidity which is the humidity has been approximately 90% for the last couple of weeks. I have consumed mass quantities of water. Everyone needs to adjusttheir water expectations to cover heavy physical labor in heat and humidity. My previous 8 gallons per day for water consumption is now closer to nine.

Progress.

The latest picture shows the progress I made this week between raindrops today it is raining so hard I can't even see. No work today because even when it stops it will be way too muddy. Hopefully do some work tomorrow. This weekend I'm going to the big city because my great niece is having birthday party. I will not miss that. Hope you a have great weekend. The ladder work for the east wall has been a major challenge because of the rain and the height it has slowed me down much more than I expected but then I still think I'm 30. Instead of 60 oh my goodness. So another lesson learned do not overestimate your ability. The rain which normally does not exist in July and August has really set me back. Living outside as if it were the 1800s or early 1900s has been such a challenge that anyone who plans to bug out and does not have a hard shelter and plans to build one better think again. You may want to get the shelter built now. As a minimum get a complete materials list including nails and screws and have it in place so that you may complete your project in short order. Having help would be a big progress improver.

The rain has allowed me to get a little work done finally.

Adjustments

With my frequent breaks I have had time to look at my prepping status. I am no impressed! 

When this build out is complete I Really need to become much more familiar with edible plants.  I also need to build a small  (200 to 400 watt) wind mill. I have procrastinated on projects for way to long. I need a bigger sun oven and sun dehydrater. I also need to set up a bike powered meat and grain grinder because I'm to lazy to do it by hand. Looks like winter in Florida will be as busy as summer in Kansas. 

Work stoppages

Getting crazy with only 2 hour work days because of rain. 3 walls are nearly finished with framing and the sun should come out for a few hours today. Really hoping to finish the 3 walls and put up a few sheets of plywood to help with stability. 

Wish me luck.

Lumber and. Eggs

Bought the 12 footers for the east wall and decided wheat meal and oatmeal are getting old so stopped at Wally World for eggs.picked up some seeds for guerrilla garden to be planted tomorrow. End of season. Go to seed selling places and stock up. I buy even the cheap hybrids ( blasphemy I know) because at$00.10 I don't care if they are 1 season seeds.

Rainy day work

Giving up

The constant rain is making me nuts. Ian going to plant a little food plot in the rain tomorrow. Today I'm buying more lumber.this weather has my aches and pains on maximum. 

So what are U putting aside to prepare for pain and how much will be enough???

Framing start.! Yay!!!

More laziness

I haven't gotten anything done this week really. Because the rain monsters will not go away. Hopefully tomorrow the sun will come out and I will get to come out of the cave. Today I am doing laundry. Anyone who thinks they can bug out alone is Nuts, in my opinion. This being out here no TV no radio nobody to play with or talk to is very very lonely. I fully intend on having a minimum of three wives when I bug out so I am taking applications for three positions. My one and only wonderful daughter sent me some Starbucks via coffee. Thank you one and only wonderful daughter!!!!

Storms:

The most difficult thing so far is dealing with severe storms without modern warning systems an tv screens full of radar images.

More rain

The rain stopped for a short time today I went down to the new location. There I found that my tarp blew off all of my power tools that I just went and acquired two weeks ago are now soaking wet. So I spent the day taking the covers off of them and drying them and spraying them with oil. Of course it's raining again. Hopefully Wednesday might not rain here. We are supposed to get 2 to 4 more inches of rain between now and tomorrow night. Tomorrow is usual laundry day so maybe I will just stand outside and wash all my clothes in the rain. I am at least three weeks behind schedule so I will be using a powered chopsaw a power drill and battery screwdrivers for the remainder of the construction so that I may finish on time. I will still be running off of a generator and a very limited amount of fuel so I have to be very careful with how much I run that thing each day.

A little work

Setbacks

With all with all my setbacks lately from tearing up my left shoulder andback problems, lots of rain and afew days with company I am three weeks behind schedule. Yesterday late I got to work on stairs ,this morning I just finished pouring the little concrete pad at the bottom. Now I will work on the racking brackets for the porch and the stairs since I have my chopsaw. I will be a busy little fat man today.

Stairs

Rain

It finally quit raining around three so I was able to get some work done it's about eight now. The stairs are almost complete I need a railing and a concrete pad at the bottom. Tomorrow I will do the concrete pad and do some brace work on the porch uprights before I start using that as a workarea. Hopefully the next two days will be dry and I can prepare to start framing on Monday I believe I am three weeks behind schedule at this point. Between the weather and my health things have not gone well. If you are over the age of 30 and out of shape I suggest you render the out of shape part. With my health and injuries I allowed myself to get very overweight I am paying for that in spades at the moment. Be sure to learn edible plants for the area you plan to be in. today in this morning's rain, I went out and picked several different kinds of plants I also found 8 grub things I used them to catch three big fat Crappie. I am having wild green stuff and big fat crappie for dinner. Good night folks

Rain

Rain rain rain. The Ramsay shows clearing in a few hours maybe I can build the porch stairs today after all. I'm going to go pick some wild lettuce and sunflower roots. The roots I will dry and grind for my Asthma medicine.

Slow start.

Having trouble getting started this week and it's Thursday haven't done much .build worktable started the frames for the stairs made a little concrete for the stairs that's all. health problems slowing me down hopefully will get better motivated by weeks end or tomorrow maybe. I need to get the stairs built so that I can start framing framing is going to be a major problem solo.

B

Wanted To get started again today but after cleaning up worksite. Then getting all my tools ready. The clouds moved in so I put the tools away just in time to get very wet. Headed to town did my laundry now I'm back. Maybe today I will bug in. Rain 95° 90% humidity happy happy day. I have decided to take out my little picture book and find me something edible plants got nothing better to do.

My week of rest ends tonight.

I will be doing some light work tomorrow build some stairs maybe then try to build up to do a little more work on Tuesday. I have discovered that I have been trying to work too much with my medical problems so I have to cutback work schedule by half. This is going to protract the process but I am going to keep plugging along.

Lazy

Still hurting to much from last week. I mowed today and that was all. Preppers picnic here Saturday . I will get back on the cabin next week. 

New village firetruck

Color

The Martin Zimmerman fiasco saddens me after all these years we still concentrate on color and not character . sure wish that would change if you are a member of the Prepper  community please keep that change . Don't  look at color look at character that's all that truly counts. 

Tick menace

Contrary to what the experts will tell you and I mean anyone who considers themselves an expert, ticks do not crawl up your pants legs and bite your privates or the General. Ticks come from everywhere out here I am currently sitting on my porch. A tick fell off the ceiling onto my arm,  that is obviously not crawling up my leg. Please be Leary of anyone self proclaiming expertise on anything. Includes me.

Rocket powered Skateboard Ramp

Finally ready to start the porch decking and bracing on Monday . 

Paradise

If U start your day by having Homemade Brownies for breakfast it is going to be a Great day!!!!!!!

Friying again today

104 again.only worked a couple hours mostly cleanup and brush cutting , did get 1 coat of paint on the new floor section after finishing the screw down work on it.i broke the handle off the roller so will have to get another one. Always something . An angel sent me brownies by mail so desert was extra nice tonight. Thank U Mrs and Mr brownie making people. I kept your name secret to prevent beggars from bothering U.

Painted

Bust

Today was not very productive. I did get the flooring in place but still have to put in some screws. The rain kept threatening but never really showed. To bad. I hope to paint the new floor tomorrow. Working solo in 105 to 110 each day is very exhausting. I plan to only work a couple hours Saturday. I do have to go to the post office to pick up my care package Friday.

Experts

We have all read exerps by experts, more often than we like. So many of our brethren claim to be green beret or seals or rangers, it's hard to swallow it all. I don't go on youtube often because of all the crap that ends up on my computer. Some things I've tried and succeeded but most were complete flops. I suggest u look to everyday folk that have interesting ideas. Let the self proclaimed experts entertain themselves. There are some real honest good ones ., 1 in Maine 1 in Arizona teaching very valuable skills and. Probably dozens more. If the experts won't invite U to school or come speak to your or invite U into their home, I would be wary of their credentials.

Today I defeated the asphalt impregnated sheathing. I was using it to close up the underside of the floor to protect he insulation. Do not buy this stuff for that purpose unless U have at least 2 healthy helpers . I dedicated 3 hours yesterday and 5 more today for 6 lousy sheets. It is light sort of , but it is way to flexible , And U must use screws with washers or they rip thru the sheathing 

Hot

Two days heat is amazing. Didn't get anything done other than unloading the truck just too hot are going to have to get used to hot weather I guess just at my age is a little tough are you ready for the heat in your plans?????!!!!.

Ouch

Good morning folks well my fall off the ladder yesterday seems to have really aggravated my back my legs are not cooperating this morning. Therefore I have just done a few things around the old cabin I did go to town to get some ice because I was getting low. I will get started later on doing some real work. My friend Jay is coming up from Oklahoma. He is bringing a generator so I don't spend another night in the cabin with 85° and 85% humidity last night I drank four bottles of water to stay hydrated not fun the new cabin will have a series of small 12 V fans to keep the air moving the old cabin always has to primarily for winter heat. Keeping hydrated in hundred degree heat today is going to be a challenge if you're out and working or living in this heat I do not envy you, please stay hydrated have a good time and remember God likes watching us do the oh shit  it's a poisonous snake dance!!!

Fall off the ladder day

I started my morning falling off the third rung a ladder sliding downhill and wacking my elbow on a rock. That was no fun. Then I got to work in the heat that was no fun. Learned a few things about ladders. First thing I don't like them second thing I don't like them third thing get somebody else to get on the ladder. Just took a little hike to pick something called Beebalm for Ms. Stephanie she calls it beebalm ,She did not tell me about snakebalm.

Today

I got the floor frame extension completed today I need to get some tar paper before I lay the OSB on the floor so I guess I go to town tomorrow. If you are planning to build something when you bug out I suggest you have a lithium powered 18 V screwdriver three batteries spared and A solar panel to keep them charged because hammering nails sucks. Keep your lumber from warping by stacking it and weighing it down with concrete blocks. Twisted floor framing lumber or house framing lumber causes you five times the amount of work on twisted wood would. Don't ask me how I know. I believe it's all Steve's fault. Remember good people always blame somebody who is not there they cannot defend themselves.

Back to work sort of.

I made some progress today oh right now I'm staring at a deer and she is staring at me. She left I started framing the floor for the extension sense I am not going with a two-story , ran into some problems with framing nailer because I wasn't 2% smarter than the framing nailer.
I have that worked out and will make more progress tomorrow thank you all for reading. I seriously goofed on the APN site when I asked a simple question I wanted to know what people believed was the amount of space they needed for a bug out. And I was trying to get an idea of an average square foot per person so that I may design and give directions on how to build simple cabins . Yes we all like the tiny house.com website but most of us do not have the carpenter skills to do double angle and bevel cuts.

Board

Three days no work except I tried to set up post for the porch today I miss positioned the post support in the ground so tomorrow I will build a new one that's what I get for not paying enough attention whent it was too hot to pay attention. Tomorrow I will get to work on that post support and the second section of the cabin floor. Decided not to do a two-story because of the injury to my shoulder disappointing because I wanted a second floor Dear stand. Any of you know how many square feet per person is needed for a garden that produces 80% of your food needs. I am considering a 100' x 200' area for four people.

Bugging out

I read so many threads where people are worried about chokepoints and bridges being blocked roaming gangs of zombies why would you wait until it was really bad before leaving if you must bug out I suggest you set parameters that will trigger your move.

Oops

An ear infection got real bad and affected my shitty heart so the doctor has ordered a short break and therefore I'm taking a short break really sucks because I have nice weather this week birdwatching for me. Hey friend gave me some rain gutter and sheet metal roofing that help save a few dollars I always appreciate saving a few dollars I picked up some framing nails for my airgun to save work because was torn shoulders hammering nails not a good idea.

So much to do

More heat news

3 days of 106 plus heat and I have some serious muscle spasms all night. Get into the best physical shape that U can. If U live with AC then raise the temperature to 84 if. U live with a furnace turn it down to 60.  Get used to the out doors. I've been here nearly a month and I am not ready yet.

A little help

. I had a healthy 17-year-old come out for the last two days temperature just hundred and seven he was nearly useless. He has spent nearly his entire life endorse he lifts weights runs on the treadmill runs on an elliptical rides an exercise bike but he lives in climate controlled heaven how many of you could handle the heat the cold. Anyone who claims they plan to bug out to some remote location get out this summer for two weeks get out this winter for two weeks do a day's job every day for those two weeks. If you are over 30 you better check your health then check your plans I am much closer to 60 then 55 the heat is hard on my age.

End of week

A tough week with hundred 07° temperatures hard work and that at did my age something to be aware of getting enough water getting enough shade getting enough sleep the lake has been a reprieve but today even the lake seemed hot. Going to Wichita for the weekend need to give my shoulders and my back a break pick up some supplies

Heat

Trying to sleep at night in these temps has shown me a weakness for air conditioning.. We are weak people. What to do if U are using CPAP, lose a lot of weight sleep with jaw closed and body slightly elevated and hope for the best. No power means no microwave popcorn ohh the pain.

Landscaping

Took a day to clean some brush areas chop down some dead trees what a mess, I love chainsaws, if I were forced to use an ax  or bowsaw the same amount of work would have taken 2 to 3 weeks.

Keep this in mind if you plan to go to ground in a forest. 

I have to do laundry tomorrow  after I cut up 4 more trees that I dropped today, we will need firewood for the stove.

Water report

Drinking: 1.5 gl p

Laundry: 7 gl per week.

Hand and body washing 3.5 gl pd

Cooking/doing dishes: 2 gl pd

Total//:/::  8 gal per day this does not quite double when you add individuals, but close. 

Toilet paper usage: 1 roll per week, no I do not have the 47 ply super soft extra scrubby. I have RV/marine for my composting potty.

These water figures surprised me because all the so- called Prepper articles that I have read say U need from 50 to 100 gallons per person.

The moral of the story; always do your own research.

Day of rest!

We thought we would take it easy today we thought wrong .nick got a lot of the old site cleaned up.  I painted the floor installed  the central floor beam in and then we made concrete to fix  a ditchin the road, we also fixed mud for posts for the porch, good day we are now going fishing.

My old home

Saturday

Got the floor framed got the floor sheathed got the floor painted little helper got the east Deerstand cleaned up and some other things around the old cabin cleaned up he's learning, he even helped cook dinner.

Close up of floor frame

Lil helper

Today's work

Food

Tomorrow I go to town to get supplies and it will be 20 days since I had french fries tomorrow I will have french fries. Shame on me but I didn't get fat looking at french fries. Fat people starve to death last fat people are harder to kidnap skinny people taste better brazed.

Wednesday

Got my floor joists and ceiling joists painted today and I put up the short wall on the tiny storage unit that will have a Deerstand on top of it cutting boards by hand is not fun bending over to paint is not fun being the chief cook and bottle washer is not fun I don't think I'm having fun* darn

Lake

Bottle used for saving water

More on water

Bad weather yesterday so I did laundry we have a springfed pond nearby I washed two loads and rinsed them there then came back to the cabin and rinsed one more time I used 5 gallons of water for rinse . I will use the final rinse water in my spray bottle that I use prior to showering and when I wash my hands for hy gene purposes this way I don't waste water. It's only clean water with a trace maybe of soap. Basically laundry requires 5 gallons of my water weekly that will average 1 gallon per day in my figures.

Water

I've read 7 articles about water prepping lately and though I have learned a few things, I seriously disagree with the useage/ storage amounts. So this week I will keep track of all my water each day, temps will be in the high 80's To mid 90's so my water consumption should be in the average range and yes I will shower daily. If we R to believe the experts, we need 100 Galen's a day per person. Show me how to quire that at a Bugout location without electricity. I have a composting toilet and a rainwater system, I also have access to a river/lake.
http://kennyscommonsense.blogspot.comusage/storage numbers they use.

Thought

15 days without French fries. Withdrawel is setting in.

Visitors??!!.

If anyone wants to see my mess in person , I am near the intersection of US 400 and 99 about 75 miles. Dead east of Wichita just mapquest Climax Ks or Severy Ks if climax is to embarrassing for U.!!!!

Learned things

So far cached food is still palatable with fish and squirrels added, but getting fresh meat takes time. I will be getting some fresh veggies today. I am trading 4 hours of fence work at the dairy farm for some milk and veggies.

The footin and stem wall work was tuff on my back but the cement is curing now. Land clearing is more tedious than I remember, but needs doing to make the cabin area livable. Pruners rakes. Shovels bow saws and blades and an Axe or 2 if you can use them.

A long week

We got quite a lot of work done this week with nickst help and four tons of gravel to fix a muddyy driveway Lotsa cleanup lots of brushclearing maybe 80% more brush to clear. Anyone that thinks they can just up and do this without help is kidding themselves. Even with help for 4 days, I am exhausted. I am taking the next 3 days off to visit friends and get some groceries. I don't have time for a garden and I want some fresh veggies.

Capt. obvious

Lake picture number three

Lake picture number two

Lake number one

Old deer stand being turned into storage shed and Dear Stan

Tiny but breakfast

Gravel work today

Young Mr. Smith my little hunting and fishing buddy is out for four days to help with a little work so I am doing gravel work to help with the mudholes

L Little helper

Lazy today and maybe tomorrow as well. My first attempt at laundry with a 6 gallon bucket and a plunger kicked my butt. 4 hours for 3 loads. I didn't do anything at the new site. I may need 3 more days to heal.

Going fishing tonight to get some fresh dinner and. Soak in the creek.

Ticks and other Friends

Do any of U know of an effective Tick repellant???? I just removed a nasty little bastard from my who-who. Not fun because it's head was stuck in after the body came out. Trying to do tick removal on your own part is scary for us cowards.

South stem wall

Completed the south stemwall today and now out picking mulberries for dinner. Hauling water and mixing cement by hand ain't any fun for an old man but we get it done. It will take 16 more 80 lb bags of quick Crete for the north stem wall.

Storage shed

I got the shed in assembled and loaded on the trailer. I think I will finish the dirt work tomorrow. Anyone that thinks going it alone is a good thing, needs to come visit my project. I have considerable building experience, when I was healthy and younger.

Truck stuck

If you can afford four-wheel-drive get it this is the third time today that I've been stuck having fun

Rain today

Well I am finally going to rest because of the rain I think I will fix a big breakfast of oatmeal and spam good morning

There's going to be a lot of cleanup lot of dead trees are big trees it's going be a lot of work

Sunday Wakeup

After having my 3rd coffee and wheatmeal with pecans and blueberries I decided to spruice up. I took some burnables to the fire pit. Next to the pit is/was a big log, so I picked it up to add it to the pit. The 50 foot Copperhead that lived under the log was not pleased. Now I immediately did what every True Hillbilly would do: I Danced oh yes I Screamed like a little girl too. The now 3foot Copperhead has moved to Antarctica, he must not like my singing.

Long day

Finally got everything unloaded and put away. Batterie are installed and boy are they heavy. We have discussed having fewer batteries in a set to prevent this from happening again. The dead and dieting batteries were 7 to 9 years old. After all the heavy lifting and going up and down the porch stairs 100 times, I may take tomorrow off.

Whoopee way

.Got here early yesterday discovered four of the five batteries had dried so therefore dead cells. Now I have spent $300 on new batteries also discovered four wheeler had a dead battery. Went to Wichita bought all the batteries and a new charger and came back last night had to deal with more storms and slept late this morning to recover from trip and carrying big heavy batteries just took some pictures of the old site and will post them with this one good morning everybody