Destiny Survival

Archive for July, 2008

            Survival Sam and I are both firm believers in having plenty of rechargeable batteries on hand.  They ought to be an important part of everyone’s survival supplies.  Many electronic devices, such as cameras, radios, and CD players, still use AAA and AA size batteries, and some larger items require C or D cells.

            Rechargeable batteries have come a long way over the years.  The nickel metal hydride (NiMH) batteries are better than the NiCad batteries so many of us have used over the years, and they’re improving all the time with more storage capacity for powering devices longer.  In fact, they’re comparable to alkaline batteries these days, and that didn’t used to be the case with rechargeables.

            Real Goods has an excellent lineup of Gaiam Real Goods NiMH rechargeables in several sizes—AAA, AA, C, and D, even 9 volt batteries.  The prices are good, especially when you consider they can be used hundreds of times.  They cost a small fraction of what you’d spend on hundreds of sets of alkaline batteries.

            You can order from Real Goods by clicking on the Real Goods logo, then type Rechargeable Batteries in their search box.  You’ll see the size you need on the page that comes up.  Get plenty for your survival kits because you never know when you’ll need to have rechargeable batteries on hand.

            Get the Large Rechargeable Battery Kit from Real Goods, and you’ll have what you need for charging those different sizes of batteries.  Type key words Large Rechargeable Kit in the Real Good search box, and you’ll see a battery charger kit on the page that appears.

Severe storms knocked out our electricity the other night.  Fortunately it was back on in about 15 minutes, but a friend lost his power for seven hours, long enough for him to be concerned about things spoiling in the fridge.  More storms came through a short while later, and my wife pulled out a fluorescent camping lantern and put good batteries in it, just in case power went out for several hours at our place.  This is a familiar scenario this year, as many around the country have lost power due to crazy weather. 

I’m sure we all want to be prepared in case of a power outage, but maybe you want to go a step further.  Perhaps you live somewhere where it’s impractical to run power lines.  Perhaps you want to become independent of the utility company and get off the grid altogether.  If so, get a copy of How to live without electricity – and like it.  This 152 page book tells you how.  Discover what to do about lighting, heating, refrigeration, radio communications, solar power, water, and more.

            Here’s a listing of chapters in How to live without electricity – and like it.

Chapter One – Electricity Power And All That

Chapter Two – Let There Be Light!

Chapter Three – Water: How to Get It; How to Store It

Chapter Four – Cookin’ With Gas… And Wood… And More

Chapter Five – Heat For A Cold Winter

Chapter Six – Keeping Cool and Collected

Chapter Seven – Refrigeration and Frozen Goodies Minus Electricity

Chapter Eight – Keeping the Lines of Communication Open

Chapter Nine – Generating the Big P – Power and Batteries

Don’t wait for an emergency situation to test your survival skills.  Discover what you need to know now about living without electricity.  If you know someone who is without power because of inability to pay their electric bills, be a good neighbor and get them a copy as well.

To get your copy of How to live without electricity – and like it, click on the Lehman’s logo.  On their home page search box, type the phrase How to Live Without Electricity and a picture of the book will come up.  Click on that for more info and to order.

            John told you a while back about the Ball Blue Book for canning and preserving what you grow in your garden.  Well, I’m here to tell you about another book you should have.  I’m talking about The Big Book of Preserving the Harvest.

            This book is one of Lehman’s best sellers.  It’s an illustrated primer for the basic techniques of safe preserving: canning, freezing, drying, and pickling.  This 352 page updated edition has illustrations, charts, tips and over 150 recipes. Best Seller

            Here’s a listing of the chapters in The Big Book of Preserving the Harvest.

Chapter 1 – Choosing Ingredients

Chapter 2 – Canning

Chapter 3 – Drying

Chapter 4 – Freezing

Chapter 5 – Jams & Jellies

Chapter 6 – Pickles Relishes & Chutneys

Chapter 7 – Vinegars & Seasonings

Chapter 8 – Cold Storage

Chapter 9 – Gifts of Preserved Food

            Look at this group of appendices, too.

Appendix A – Glossary of Terms

Appendix B – Resources

Appendix C – Table of Equivalents

Appendix D – Converting U.S. Recipe Measurements to Metric

            I think it’s a good idea to have a book to refer to when you’re working in the kitchen because you can’t be running back and forth all the time to get on your computer.  Besides, what if computers and the Internet aren’t around forever?  My husband Survival Sam reminds me of that all the time.  Those web sites with all that great information just might not be there one of these days.  You’ll need to have dependable information handy.

Here’s what you need to do to order your copy of The Big Book of Preserving the Harvest.  Click on the Lehman’s logo.  On their home page search box, type the number 174582.  You’ll see a page with a picture of the book.  Click on it to get more information and to order.  This is one book you should have in your little kitchen library.  Put it right next to your cookbooks.  When you’re ready to can, freeze, pickle, or dry what you bring in from your survival garden, you’ll have the know-how right at your fingertips.

            “That idiot pulled out right in front of us!”  Duane put on the brakes to avoid the dark blue Toyota that had just come from the road on our right.  “If we crack up out here it would take a while before they came along to pick up the pieces.”

            “You’re the one who volunteered to make this trip to pick up farm fresh eggs for our wives,” I said as corn fields whizzed by.  “At least if something does happen out here, there won’t be people standing around gawking.”

            “Yeah.”  Duane’s tension eased a bit.  “Remember that big news story a while back about the guy who got hit by two cars and people just stood around?  It’s proof we’re a cold hearted lot.”

            “I don’t know,” I said.  “What if someone whipped out their cell phone to call 911?  Or maybe people didn’t want to move the guy and hurt his neck or back or something.”

            “Yeah, I suppose.”  Duane looked at a piece of paper on the dashboard.  “I think I take this next road up here, if I’m reading this right.  Do you remember what Diane said?”

            “No.  You’re the driver.  I’m just along for the ride,” I said.  “That takes me back to the scenario of people standing around after an accident.  They’re along for the ride, too, in a way.”

            Duane looked puzzled.  “What do you mean?”

            “I’ve been reading a book by Robert Cialdini called Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion, and one of the things he talks about  is why people don’t get involved when there’s an accident.”

            “Ha!  I don’t have to read a book to answer that.  They don’t want to get mixed up with lawyers in court who are suing each other’s butts off.”

            “Maybe,” I said, “but Cialdini says it has to do with something called the principle of social proof.  People do what they think is the correct thing to do based on what others are doing.  If they see other people not getting involved to help an accident or shooting victim, they won’t do it either.  They may assume people know what’s going on, or that somebody’s already done something.”

            “Stupid lemmings,” Duane growled as he slowed the car a bit.  He turned his head toward the dirt road going off to our left.  “I don’t think it’s this road, I think it’s the next one down a ways.  I didn’t see the old red barn we’re supposed to be looking for.”

            I shrugged.  “Cialdini gives a great survival tip though.”

            “Oh, really?”

            “He says to take charge.  Recognize what’s going on.  He mentioned that he was once in a car accident and knew enough to point specifically to a couple of people and ask them to call the police and an ambulance.  People were willing to comply, which triggered the responses of others on the scene who helped the other guy, too.  Studies show that such responses are pretty typical, but somebody has to show some initiative.”

            “So this social proof thing worked to his advantage I guess,” Duane said.

            “Right.  I think it’s a pretty important thing to keep in mind and try out in a tough spot.”

            “That reminds me of what Survival Sam is always telling us,” Duane said.  “Don’t be like everybody else.  Break away from the pack and take action.”

            “You’re right,” I said.  “He’d say it’s just part of the survival mindset.”

            Just as there are many new first time gardeners this year, I suspect there may be many would-be first time hunters this fall.  It’s not too early to start thinking about this because, if you’re one of those who have never hunted, but think you can shoot a squirrel or rabbit for dinner like Grandpa, you’ll want to take time to get proper training to do it safely and responsibly.  In addition to knowing firearms safety, there are laws and regulations about licenses and hunting seasons which vary from state to state.  Now is the time to start asking questions and getting the answers you need.

            Getting the proper training you need is easier than you might think.  First, keep in mind that 49 states have a mandatory hunter education program.  There Are generally two steps required to get a hunting license.   Obtain your safety certification, if your state requires it.  Then satisfy any other license requirements, such as application deadline dates, age limits for children, fees, etc., and apply for your license.  Check with your state conservation agency for the specific hunting license and hunter education requirements where you live.

Your state offers these classes to enable residents to become safe, responsible hunters.  One significant benefit of the training is that it helps reduce hunting accident rates.  This is an important consideration for you and your family.  Hunter education provides a foundation in hunting safety and ethics that helps hunters focus on more than just being successful in the pursuit of game.  Discover how to become a safe and ethical hunter who handles firearms safely, respects landowners and their properties, obeys the law, and recognizes the importance of hunting and the role hunters play in wildlife management. 

You will likely receive a few hours of classroom training in topics such as:  how firearms operate, safe hunting practices, hunting traditions and ethics, and hunter responsibilities.  Topics and depth of coverage may vary from one state to another.  A written exam may be required as well.  Your state may offer some online education.  You may have to attend some classes in the field to satisfy all the requirements.

            Hunter education classes are a good idea for the whole family.  If you’re a long time hunter, a little refresher course might be in order.  If you’re totally new to hunting, such classes will be of great benefit.

            Bass Pro has a wide variety of items for hunters, from clothing and gear to firearms and shooting accessories.  You might be pleasantly surprised to discover that a Bass Pro Shop in your area may be the site of hunting training classes sponsored by your state.  It couldn’t hurt to ask about it.

            Begin your acquaintance with the hunting world by seeing what Bass Pro has to offer you.  Click on their logo on this page, then click on their Catalog category.  Browse their online catalog.  If you’re looking for something specific, you’ll be amazed at Bass Pro’s large selection.

            When you join the ranks of hunters, you’re adding a valuable survival skill.  Enjoy yourself, but by all means be responsible and safe.

            Red worms can do more for you than improve the soil in your garden.  If you’re survival-conscious and looking for a possible business opportunity, but don’t have a lot to invest, consider redworm farming.  The article excerpt below is from the July/August ‘08 "Backwoods Home Magazine".

Redworm Farming

by Charles Sanders

If you are looking for a way to earn extra income, a retirement job, or even a new livelihood, then raising earthworms might just be the thing. This is one occupation that will certainly keep you close to the soil—sometimes up to your elbows in it. 

The primary market for your squirming livestock is the ever growing recreational fishing market. Most people who are heading out for an afternoon of fishing simply don’t have the time or place to dig up a can full of lively fishing worms. You can fill their need for live bait by having good, healthy bait worms available.

Read the whole article here: www.backwoodshome.com/articles2/sanders112.html

Excerpt used with permission of Backwoods Home Magazine. www.backwoodshome.com 1-800-835-2418 

             To read our previous post on the book, Worms Eat My Garbage, click here.