Archive for May, 2008

            The human spirit seems inconquorable.  If you find yourself homeless, or if you know someone who is, you might find encouragement reading one man’s survival story here.  In whatever situation you find yourself, don’t give up hope.

            Everyone knows one day Southern California could experience “The Big One.”  What if they had a 7.8 or larger quake, such as the one that recently devastated China’s Sichuan Province?  The USGS has issued a 312 page report describing such a scenario.  While California might be better prepared than China, with its building codes and emergency response resources, that shouldn’t let anyone off the hook.  Individuals and their families must be prepared.  An earthquake equal to or greater than the 1994 Northridge quake is nothing to trifle with.

            Concern over quakes isn’t limited to California though.  With April’s 5.2 tremor in Eastern Illinois, those in the nation’s mid section are once again aware of the potential damage and dangers from a big quake in the New Madrid area.

            The advice of one search and rescue expert is that you don’t get under anything during an earthquake that could crush you.  Get beside that large object in what he calls the Triangle of Life.  Click here to read his vital earthquake tips.

            QuakeKare recommends having more than the standard three days worth of emergency supplies to survive a quake’s aftermath.  Being ready for two weeks without electricity and water would be best.  They recommend having lighting that doesn’t depend solely on batteries.  QuakeKare has such lighting and other supplies available.

            One of QuakeKare’s most popular emergency survival kits is their 4 Person Delux Emergency Survival Kit.  Its supplies will get you through 72 hours.  QuakeKare has plenty of additional supplies and kit accessories to meet your needs.  When you click on their logo below, you’ll see the Emergency Survival Kit category near the top of the home page.  When you click on that, you’ll see the 4 Person kit and several others at already discounted prices.

            You can’t see an earthquake coming like you can see storms or tornadoes.  Why take chances?  Be prepared.

            It’s pretty hard to overlook something that the mainstream media brings to light.  Just the other day I read that a growing number of people are homesteading and changing lifestyles in a big way.  It’s a new or rekindled survivalist movement brought on by concerns about higher energy prices, the general economic downturn, and perhaps the way the world seems to be going in general.  People are talking and thinking about things in a way I wouldn’t have expected just a few months ago when I started blogging.

            If you’re one of those making plans to go back to the land and learn homesteading and survival skills, you owe it to yourself to do some reading.  Of course, you’ll find plenty of books and DVDs from a number of the advertisers on this page.  However, you really should get at least one good reference book, such as the Encyclopedia of Country Living,.  This 864 page edition is a thoroughly comprehensive, step by step manual, covering everything from first aid and raising animals to growing, processing, and cooking and preserving virtually any kind of food.

            To order your copy of the Encyclopedia of Country Living, click on the picture of the book to go to the page where you can order through Amazon.com.  You’ll get a wealth of knowledge for a good price.  If you’re thinking about homesteading, this is a must for your survival library.  If you’ve been living the country life for a while and don’t yet have your copy, what are you waiting for?

            If you’re having a picnic today, or just grilling out in the backyard for friends or family, be sure you exercise proper food safety.  Be sure not to leave food sitting out too long, since it could pick up bacteria that makes you and your guests sick.   We wouldn’t want this to become a situation where someone has to go to the doctor or even the hospital.

            Here is some helpful information on taking care of leftovers.  Also, remember these tips when you bring those perishables home from the grocery store next time.

            “Duane, Sally tells me your kids are done with school for the year already.”  Survival Sam shook a little salt onto his Café 23 eggs and potatoes.

            “Yeah, Diane couldn’t have done it without Sally’s help.”  Duane slurped  a little hot tea.  “I’m thankful to both of you for helping us get started in home schooling.  The kids finished earlier than they would have in public school, and we can already see the difference in how they behave.”

            “That’s wonderful,” Sam said.  “We found home schooling our children to be a rewarding experience in many ways.”  He turned to me.  “John here is finished with home schooling, too, now that his son graduated a few days ago.”

            “Sorry I missed the ceremony,” Duane said.  “You know how busy things are this time of year.  One of Diane’s distant cousins got married.”

            “No problem,” I said.

            “So, what does it feel like to be finished?” asked Duane.  “We’re just starting our adventure.  What’s down the road?”

            Sam put down his fork with deliberation.  “Not only is home schooling a fulfilling experience for parents, but there are benefits in the response from others as well.  A good example is the reaction of the commencement speaker at last weekend’s home school graduation ceremony for our local home schoolers.  He’s a retired Marine Lieutenant Colonel who speaks to public school groups often.  He was truly impressed by the group of home school graduates after seeing their exhibit tables in the hall and brief biographies in the printed program.”

            “He came back to my son’s table because he said he was drawn to it for some reason,” I said.  “We don’t know what he saw in particular, but it was an honor to have gotten his attention.”

            Duane’s brows went up.  “You want the attention of a career military guy?”

            “That’s not the point,” Sam said.  “You never know who’s going to take notice.  The Lieutenant Colonel said in his address that he sees a lot that’s missing from public school students, and he saw things he thought were right in the group of home schoolers.  He expressed the wish to see more of that kind of character and achievement.”  Sam sipped his coffee and went on.  “This demonstrates a Scriptural principle.  Proverbs 18:16 says, ‘A man’s gift maketh room for him, and bringeth him before great men.’”

            “So, eventually our kids may get noticed in a favorable light by important people?” asked Duane.

            “Very possibly.  And this may be beneficial for their very survival as well.” Sam said.

            Duane grinned.  “I was wondering if you might bring survival into the discussion somehow.”

            “Think of what employers are looking for,” Sam began.  “They want people who are faithful and diligent, among other things, and if someone has a particular talent or skill, that’s so much the better.  Many home schoolers make their way by starting their own businesses.  One of the young ladies in the home school group of graduates bakes and sells bread.  She’s certainly putting her skills to work in a way thats useful."”

            “No kidding,” Duane said.  “I’d buy homemade bread in a heartbeat.”

            Sam continued.  “There are accounts throughout history of how an individual’s skill has saved the life of that person or those around him.  The Lieutenant Colonel who spoke at the graduation referred to the unique skill of the Navajo code talkers who broke Japanese code in World War II.  They proved their usefulness in a difficult situation.  Who else could have done what they did?”

            Duane put down his glass of orange juice.  “Yeah, I’ve heard of them.”

            “Having a specific skill or vocation, or developing one, could be a key to survival,” Sam said.  “I was speaking with someone the other day about the current job market and changes that have taken place in our country over the past couple of decades.  We agreed that, even as jobs are lost in many sectors, young people with good character may be able to find jobs at supermarkets or pharmacies.  Wages may not be the best, but consumers always need groceries and medications.”

            “Doesn’t sound very glamorous,” Duane said, “but I guess we’re talking about survival in tough times, not getting rich.  And I suppose these days anybody who can make change has an edge.”

            “One of the home school grads is becoming an emergency medical tech, so he’s finding a place for himself, too,” I said.  “I hope others in the audience at the home school graduation might be inspired to consider home schooling.  It’s not too late to make preparations for next school year.”

            “Diane wants to do some educational activities over the summer so the kids don’t go stale or lose interest.”

            “Good idea,” Sam said.  “John, your blog page has a resource for those interested in home schooling, if I recall, doesn’t it?”

            “Yes.  ChristianBook.com has all the big names in home school curricula.  Anybody who clicks on their logo will go right to the page with home schooling materials.”