Destiny Survival

Archive for June, 2009

            Whether you have cast iron skillets, a waffle iron, or a Dutch oven, you may have questions on properly caring for cast iron cookware.  It has a reputation for lasting many decades and can be passed down from generation to generation.  But what do you do to keep cast iron clean?  Should you use regular dish soap and water?  How do you “season” cast iron?  What do you do if your skillet rusts?

            In the July/August 2009 “Backwoods Home Magazine,” Jackie Clay shares a primer on caring for cast iron cookware.  It’s not difficult.  Jackie has a great deal to share from her personal experience cooking with cast iron.  There are advantages to using cast iron, and you should have some of it in your survival kitchen.  Below is an excerpt of Jackie Clay’s article.

Cast iron

By Jackie Clay

My very favorite cookware is old—some of it very old. It’s nonstick, is equally at home in the kitchen or wilderness camp, is the ultimate slow-cooker, and you can whop a mountain lion on the head with it and kill it. (Okay…maybe that last is a bit of a stretch.) Of course, it’s my cast ironware.

I love it so much that I have a real wide assortment: two small 6-inch fry pans (great for an egg or two), an 8-inch fry pan, a 10-inch fry pan, and a huge 18-inch frying pan that you could certainly frighten a mountain lion with. I also own a Dutch oven, waffle iron, cornbread stick pan, muffin pan, two griddles, and a roaster.

 
Read the whole article here: www.backwoodshome.com/articles2/clay118.html

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

            An excellent source for skillets, several Dutch ovens, waffle irons, and more, is Lehman’s.  If there’s something you’re looking for in particular, type it in their home page search box to go to a page showing their selection.

If you’ve already got cast iron cookware but could use more info and recipes, get the Cast Iron Cookbook, featuring dozens of old, rare recipes.    You get recipes for an amazing array of meats, biscuits and breads, stews, breakfasts, and more.  There’s plenty of information on cooking with more than just a skillet.  Discover cooking with cast iron Dutch ovens, pie irons, griddles, muffin pans, kettles, deep fryers, woks, and more.  All the secrets of cast iron use and care are revealed in this cookbook.

To order your copy of the Cast Iron Cookbook, click on the Lehman’s logo and type item 211152 in the home page search box.  A picture of the book appears on the page that comes up.  Click on the picture of the book for more info and to add the book to your cart.

            Cast iron skillets and other cookware made it through the days of the American pioneers, and some of it is still being used.  Why shouldn’t you have some in your survival kitchen?  The Cast Iron Cookbook will help you make best use of it.

            When was the last time you gave any consideration to the importance of knots?  Most of us don’t think about it beyond tying our shoes each morning.  Did you know that a certain knot holds a prominent place in history?  If not, you should get acquainted with the story of Alexander the Great and the Gordian knot.

            As for survival applications, anyone who does any rock climbing will tell you a properly tied knot means the difference between life and death.  Anyone who has done any sailing knows the significance of knots as well.  If you’re going camping, you’ll want to tie down your tent securely.  The fact is knots serve purposes we don’t think of readily, and there are numerous kinds of knots for various applications.

            There are a number of books on knots, but two have been recommended to me with the idea that you could make good use of them.  They are The Morrow Guide to Knots, by Mario Bigon and Guido Regazzoni and The Outdoor Knots Book (Mountaineers Outdoor Basics), by Clyde Soles.  Both are paperbacks available from Amazon.com, and both rate high with reviewers.

            The Morrow guide to Knots is written with clear instructions and hundreds of colorful photographs.  It’s described on Amazon.com as follows:

“Here is an entirely different kind of knot book! For the first time, here are step-by-step instructions that take full advantage of color photography to teach the art of tying knots. Unlike illustrations in other books, these pictures show every step looking over the shoulder of the tier — the way you see the knot as you make it. And when two or more ropes are involved, they are color coded so you can clearly tell them apart. Included in addition are a section on decorative knots, a cross-reference list of the many applications of knots, and a detailed glossary. The Morrow Guide to Knots is a reliable and essential reference tool for all sportsmen and campers, homeowners, and youngsters as well.”

The Outdoor Knots Book is a thorough guide to knots.  Amazon.com describes it as follows:

“A guide to the ropes and knots used in the outdoors by hikers, campers, paddlers, and climbers.

*Guidelines for selecting the best rope and the best knot for the activity at hand

*Knot-tying directions clearly illustrated with photos…

 “It’s fair to say that climber Clyde Soles is obsessed with ropes and knots and their absolute performance–since he regularly entrusts his life to ropes on sheer rock faces. His unique book explains how to select and use ropes, cordage, and webbing for the outdoors. Invaluable information is provided on rope handling techniques (how to avoid dreaded tangles) and the best methods for rope care and maintenance. Step-by-step directions for tying over 40 knots are clearly illustrated with photographs. Other useful features include a glossary and a knot comparison chart activity. This is the definitive text on ropes and knots for anyone who plays in the outdoors!”

            Get one or both of these books by clicking on the picture of each book below.  A new window will open, taking you to the Amazon.com page featuring the book you’ve clicked on.  Place your order from there.

            Don’t let knots mystify you.  You don’t have to be a Boy Scout to be an expert with knots.  Kids know knots can be fun.  Of course, you want these books because you know knots are useful for survival.

            This weekend is the annual Field Day for amateur (ham) radio operators all over the country.  It’s when amateur radio clubs and individuals operate in survival mode, off the grid, as they would in the event of emergencies.  A post I wrote last year explains Field Day more.  You can also see a press release from the Amateur Radio Relay League (ARRL) here.

            If you’re not familiar with amateur radio, Field Day is a good place to get acquainted with its possibilities for survival communications.  Find a local Field Day event here.

            As with last year, ham radio operator Ted Randall will be broadcasting on WBCQ shortwave Saturday afternoon and evening.  Listen in if you can.

            While we’re on the subject of ham and shortwave radio, you may want to check out the amazing, practical and simple antennas offered by DWM Communications at http://www.hamradiofun.com .  Mention DestinySurvival when you contact them.  It would be wise to put a couple of yo-yo antennas or a Tiny Tenna with your survival communications supplies.

            There are many times when I hate the slightest nod to conformity.  This is one of those times.  A billion other bloggers are writing about Michael Jackson today, and I was determined I wasn’t going to be one of them.  Let me tell you why I’m writing this today.  This is more about state of mind than about Michael Jackson.

            First, the disclaimer.  I’ve never been a Michael Jackson fan.  Sure, he was incredibly talented at what he did.  It just didn’t appeal to me.  Let’s not forget he likely molested young boys.

            When “Thriller” came out I was working at a small town country music radio station.  I was in my early twenties and my boss was in his early forties.  When he came into the studio excitedly one day with his copy of the album, my first thought was, “Haven’t you outgrown this stuff yet?"  Of course, I didn’t say what I was thinking.

            My decision to write this post started while perusing one of my favorite Internet news sites this morning.  I saw a commentary blurb stating that the death of Michael Jackson and Farrah Fawcett would keep the media buzzing for the next week.  As a result according to the commentator, the New World Order types would be overlooked and have free reign.  Of course, that’s true regarding what passes for news in the mainstream media anyway.  I guarantee you Rush Limbaugh isn’t going to fill you in on the NWO, the truth about 9/11, dangers of GMO foods, and on and on.  Jackson and Fawcett provide just one more diversion, only it’s more sensational than most.

            I would beg to differ with the snippet of commentary I read in this way.  Let’s go one more step.  While we should be aware of what the NWO elites are doing, prepping for survival will trump even any news about them and their statements and actions.  Never mind Michael Jackson.  One day we may be making such an effort to get by day to day that it won’t matter what happens in Washington, London, or Belgium.

            Here’s my perspective from recent personal experience.  This week I’ve been without central air conditioning in our home during a time of excessive heat and humidity.  While friends lent us a room air conditioner, it’s been downright hard to keep cool.  It’s physically tiring and makes one irritable.  I believe I can tolerate heat better than extreme cold, but both are unpleasant.  Furthermore, my wife has asthma and can’t breathe well in this heat and has been staying overnight with friends from church just to keep cool.

Though we’re hoping to get the air conditioning issue resolved in a few days, it’s been stressful, and it’s not over yet.  How much do you think I care about Michael Jackson?

            I’ve been endeavoring to stay hydrated and function with only a modest degree of normality.  People die in this kind of heat, and I don’t want to be one of them.  I’ve kept the computer off during the heat of the day and haven’t done a lot of the behind the scenes things I usually do related to this blog.  I’ll be glad when things get as normal as possible again.

I’ve done considerable reflecting, as one is prone to do when the routine is disrupted.  What would I do if we had no electricity at all for the portable AC and fans?  How many gadgets and audio devices do I own with odd batteries that I wouldn’t be able to charge?  What would we do without a refrigerator or freezer?  People lived without these things in decades and centuries past.  Am I ready for it if the clock is turned back 200 years?  How ready are you?  Even with survival gear and supplies, are we psychologically ready?

            How will we survive the many storm clouds threatening life as we’ve known it?  I’m referring to such things as the collapse of California’s economy and swine flu.  Not all of us will be touched by these problems directly, but we may feel the ripple effect in ways we hadn’t anticipated.

            Sure, Michael Jackson’s death reaches a lot of people, but they’re people I can’t connect with.  They’re from a different planet than I am.  I think it’s safe to say they’re not preparing for survival.  That’s no doubt good news to the Power Elites of the world.

            While it can be argued that it’s the actions of those Power Elites who are bringing about the calamities we face, when the chips are down and we’re struggling to prepare our next meal or are seeking to maintain decent shelter from the elements, I won’t care about them any more than I care about Michael Jackson today.  Will You?  We’ll see soon enough.

            As you know, it’s the time of year when people take vacations.  Whether you’re vacationing near or far from home, you may want to know about a web site recommended earlier this week in Mary Hunt’s “Everyday Cheapskate” newsletter.  It’s http://www.discoveramerica.com and is the official travel and tourism site of the U.S.    

DiscoverAmerica.com was launched to help Americans explore their own country.  It contains links to tourism information for all 50 states.  There’s an activity finder which lists museums, festivals, parks and many other attractions for all budgets.  As you might expect from such a site, you’ll find beautiful photography and glowing descriptions.

            I suggest thinking of this as more than a resource for vacation spots and tourist attractions.  Is there somewhere you’d like to take the family camping while sharpening survival skills?  Is there somewhere you’d like to relocate to?  Perhaps you need a better climate or want to get out of the city.  Whatever the case, consider DiscoverAmerica.com one of your information gathering resources.

Click here for Camping 101.

            A number of years ago when I was speaking with a university professor about hydroponics greenhouse operations, the conversation drifted toward renewable energy.  When I asked what he thought could be done to encourage greater use of renewable energy sources, he said, “Don’t vote Republican.”

            Regardless of which political party is in office, the trend today is toward a greater interest in things like solar and wind energy for homes and businesses.  Motivations vary, too.  Some are concerned about the environment and climate change, while others want to break away from dependence on oil, particularly from foreign countries.  Of course, higher prices for oil in the past couple of years has fostered new interest in alternative energy sources as well.

            You no doubt know already that getting off the grid is an important topic for many who are into prepping and survival.  If you’re interested in exploring renewable energy and its possible applications for you, there’s a book and a DVD you should get.

            The book is The Renewable Energy Handbook: A Guide to Rural Energy Independence, Off-Grid and Sustainable Living, by William H. Kemp.  It’s a 592 page paperback with a 4.1 out of 5 star rating on Amazon.com.  Here’s part of what Amazon.com says about this book.

“As oil prices continue to rise, many people are starting to think about how to unhook from the electricity grid. The Renewable Energy Handbook focuses completely on off-grid, sustainable living and rural energy independence. Author/engineer William H. Kemp, who is a leading expert in small- and mid-scale renewable energy technologies, designed and built his own off-grid home. The result is a house that has all the standard “middle-class” creature comforts while using less than five times the total fossil-fuel energy of the average North American house.

“The Renewable Energy Handbook focuses on the unique requirements of off-grid living and contains chapters on energy conservation; heating and cooling; backup power; domestic water heating; wireless communications; photovoltaic, wind, and microhydro energy generation; battery selection; and inverters.

“Since its release in 2003, The Renewable Energy Handbook  has been a top-selling technology book and is recognized as the best book in its field. The book is augmented with hundreds of illustrations, line drawings, photographs, and appendices.”

The DVD I referred to above is called Living with Renewable Energy and is a tour of two off-grid homes.  One of them belongs to William Kemp, author of The Renewable Energy Handbook. This 2 hour DVD shows you that you don’t need to live a Spartan lifestyle to live off the electrical grid!

            You can get both the book and DVD from Amazon.com by clicking on each of the pictures below.  You’ll be taken to the Amazon.com page featuring the item you’re interested in.  Since a new window opens on your computer when you click on one of these items here, when you’ve completed investigating or ordering one, such as the book, you can close out the window, and you’ll be back on this page.  Then you can click on the DVD image and place your order for it without having to search further on Amazon.com.

            If you’ve seen the TV ads for renewable energy, sponsored by oil companies, you know it’s being taken seriously as more of a mainstream part of our lives.  Thanks to The Renewable Energy Handbook and Living with Renewable Energy, you can take a closer look into renewable energy possibilities for yourself.

Click here for another alternative energy resource.